Little dragon's knitting den

Let's come togheter, right now, oh yeah...

2011-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Started out with a skein of yarn in a really nice colorway. Green, dreamy, fairytale like. Ordered it online and the moment I had it in my hands I knew this yarn would be on my feet one day. I had no idea however what pattern would be good for this yarn so it marinated in the stash for a couple of years...

Yarn: Araucunia Ranco Multi

The yarn has a nice sturdy feeling to it. It's variegated, but not too variegated to obscure a cable. A textured pattern would actually emphisize the nice colorjob. So, when I stumbled upon The Eclectic Sole I knew I had 'hit the jackpot'.

Rivendell

Simple knitted bodice?

2011-02-04T03:47:00.000-08:00

Way back in 2006 I was a new knitter with big plans. I went to a crafting market and bought Noro Silk Garden. It was like holding the holy grale of knitting. I'd never spend this much money on yarn - I did on a later date - and I spend a lot of time to pick out the right pattern. This was pre-ravelry, you know.

So, I picked up the pattern for the Simple Knitted Bodice and started knitting fall 2006.

What went wrong?

1. I didn't have the right needles. Well, I did have the right size, but they were cheap and not very comfortable. I struggled with stiff cables and too pointy needles.

2. I can't count. So I had to rip back several times because I didn't have the right number of stitches cast on.

3. I can't count. So I forgot to increase in the right places. Stitchmarkers helped a great deal after I realised I can't count.

4. I didn't pick the right size.

5. The sleeves were too flary for me, so I had to improvise and rip back. Improvise and rip back.

But, 5 years later, here she is:

Grandma would be proud

2010-11-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hubby got some pretty socks out of Kureyon Sockyarn last year. They were a present for him when he moved in with me. I was pretty pleased with the way they turned out, Nice colorway, great fit. I knew the yarn is not as sturdy as Opal or Regia, so I took some black Regia for the heels and toes and I handwashed them. It wasn't enough for these socks to be as durable as other socks.

I had darned them before, but the ball of the foot was totally worn out. What to do now? Throw them away after sparsely a year of wear? And the legs and heel were fine, wouldn't it be a waste of work?

So, I took a pair of scissors.

And with some carefull picking up stitches again with some very bright and colorfull left-overs...

I worked up new toes.

Grandma, darner extraordinair, would be proud.

Echo Flowers

2010-10-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

Many many moons ago I was hooked on Etsy and bought a lot of yarn. This is one of them:

Brand: Chewy Spaghetti Bucatini (discontinued)
440m/100grams
Colorway: Pragmatic
100% merino

Last year I created a little basket of sockyarn from the stash and put this skein in it too. Because the yarn is pretty thin, I didn't want to make socks out of it. So I wandered all year how to use this nice yarn wisely. One day I was surfing on ravelry and found it: The Echo Flower Shawl

Socktober

2010-10-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Slowly the leaves are turning golden, red and brown. The door to garden gets closed again. Outside it's getting colder, but inside it's still nice. I'm on the couch with a blanket, waiting for the coffee to get ready.

I've cast on a new pair of socks last week. You know, together with rain and wind Socktober has come. Time to grab some nice yarn for the mystery socks of 'Through the loops".

Socks that rock light weight, colorway: Knitty Rocks

So far it's going great with two socks on one needle. I was a bit worried about getting the yarn getting tangled, but it's going allright. Friday the next clue is going to be released.

Coming Around Again

2010-09-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Carly Simon, you know :)

What happened since last time I blogged? Long story involving a lot of knitting, strangely.

First, I got into
a big fight with my parents about my new Manfriend. Not going to get into detail there, but parents and I needed a break. So, I worked a lot and did a lot of voluntering for scouting to keep my mind off some personal things. Didn't sleep, drank too much and worked hard. I was right on course to crazy ville.

Then I broke a backbone in a motorcycle accident.

I can say that I got off really good. After a couple of months I was back on my feet with a lot of new socks, shawls, hats and a sweater :)

Another sad thing happened. My dear dear Nebbus died. After nine years of taking care of this little creature, I was devastated.

After a couple of months had passed Little Dragon, my other cat, declared me her new lifepartner. Every second I was home, she was within arms reach. Terribly cute at first, but after a while I got a bit tired of her cries behind the bathroom door. So, for her benefit and my pleasure I introduced a new man of the house:

Mighty Man, Here I Come To Save The Day

How that turned out, I'll tell you next time I come around. Soon, I hope, 'cause I have a lot to tell.

2009-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Apparently I've been living under a rock. Thank you Turtlegirl for making me aware of the mystcal circustances. Never knew that the company called "Mystical Creations Yarns" got itself in big trouble. Stories of bleeding yarn, orders being late or not filled at all, felting and tangling.... Just check out this thread on ravelry.

I'm taking the MCY out of the drawing, but I do have something in it's place:

Opal Hagebutte. I got two by mistake :)

a brighter note

2009-06-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

After a couple of busy days, I have a promiss to keep. I'd like to give some yarn away.

Regia 4-fädig Nordic Color nr. 5510. Bought it with my dad in my mind years ago (ahum) and forgot all about it. My dad likes blue better.

These two balls were purchased on Etsy. They are of a brand called Mystical Creations Yarns, colorway Golden Sierra. I've tried many differfent kinds of socks, but they were not meant to be my socks. Maybe you could make a nice shawl out of them?

Leave a comment and tell me which one you'd like. I'll draw a winner on... next Tuesday

burden

2009-06-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

I had my birthday Tuesday. Couldn't blog about it untill now - too much to do, too little time - but it wasn't really something to brag about either. On the one hand my friends - the ones who actually showed up - were great. Didn't get a yarny gift, but hey, I have plenty-o-yarn at home.

On the other hand - or other side of the room - my mother sat moping and groping, ignoring a particular person in the room. The one I've been sleeping with. The one with three (lovely) kids. The one with the divorce. The one who's 12 years older.

My mother was a 10 year old Tuesday. I can't really blame her for her behavior, but I do blame her for the burden she has put on my shoulders. I can't make her happy.

Tomorrow a more cheerfull post and a yarn giveaway....

Nice things

2009-06-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Done.

specs:
- Noro Kureyon Sock yarn and Regia Solid Black
- Spey Valley by Nancy Bush (but with a twist cause I casted on too many stitches for the third time)
- 2.00 mm needles
- 72 stitches for size EU 44 feet

The start of this project was a bit of a pain ( check this post) but was soon forgotten. It took a while to finish these socks - there were many time-limited-projects in between - but since there's no rush to finish them I took my time.

The Yarn
The reviews I read on ravelry rave about the colors of this yarn and I agree. The shifting colors are so well picked and put in a sequence. And the rural look is something that appeals to me. I hope these socks will last long, eventhough there are uneven spun parts and it doesn't seem very strong (you can pull it appart without using a lot off force). I can recommend 2mm needles. Making these socks took some persistance as the yarn is rough on the hands (but really softens up after washing!) and has little give. Hope that the ribbed pattern will keep the socks up nicely. Tried elastic thread on the cuff but I HATE KNITTING WITH ELASTIC THREAD.

The Needles
Knitpicks metal needles.... a dream for this yarn! Smooth, but not slippery. Good hold, but bendy however. I squeeze needles.

The Pattern
I just used half of the pattern and it was okay. I do tend to be cautious with the sizing of Nancy Bushes socks. Either her models have big legs, or mine are thin. They are usually too big for me so I choose a smaller needle size.

These socks will be given on a special, very special occasion. They have a lot of love in them and I know that the recepient knows their significance.

We're having a baby!

2009-05-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Me and my appletree, that is :)

My dad got this tree from a befriended fruittree-cultivator (really don't know the right word for 'person who grows trees for a living', boomkweker). It's an offspring of Newton's gravity theory tree and this is it's first apple. A little miracle considering there isn't another fruittree in the area and bees are just not interested in this area considering the current trent in gardening.

Meanwhile, I've chosen to knit on the Spey Valley 'with a twist' socks. Getting closer to the toe of the second sock...

2009-05-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

After finishing the last two pairs of socks I really felt divided between two urges. Casting on a new pair or go on and finish some other things lingering in the WIP-bin. In my 2009 stash basket there's a pair of Rivendell socks waiting to be cast on in Aracunia yarn. There's a pair of Cookie's Ornette socks in Lang Jawoll. Just needs to be knit. My fingers were itching, but...

No. I'm going to clean up the project in progress pile a little first.

There are four pairs of socks in my stash that need attention. First I grabbed the pair of flickering flames socks in Mystical creations yarn. Knit a row. Knit another row. No. I don't like it. Not even a bit. So I ripped it. I'll either give away the skein or try something not-sock with it. Maybe try to get the colors to pool on scarf? It's just not ment to be socks.

Then, I picked up Lorna's Laces in Flames. Yes, this is going to be just perfect for working fair isle with black yarn on the leg. (The Flame colorway on it's own is just not my thing) But where's that skein of black regia gone to? Ow.... that's right. I'm using this for the heels and toes on the Noro socks.

Wat is wijsheid? How to proceed now? Should I finish the Noro socks first (they are for a friend, thought he won't get them untill fall this year) or have a go at the fair isle socks first? Why did I stop knitting on these socks after casting them on, giving them my time for a while?

Men, and the socks we make them

2009-05-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

After a long period of not finishing anything, I finally got around to finishing two projects I was working on. Both of them are presents for men that had their birthday weeks ago, but they will be well received anyway.

The socks on the left are for a dear friend who's been nagging about getting a pair of pink socks for his bigfoot feet for ages.

Yarn: Scheepjes Noorse sokkenwol and Bravo acryllic by ????

Needles: 4mm Size: EU46

Then, the next finished pair of socks is a really simple pair of stockinettes for a smaller footed boyfriend of a best friend. A simple knit, but so satisfying. I did break 4 bamboo needles on these, though. I sat on the project once (and broke 2 needles) and two snapped in my hands.

Trekking Ombre in a Dark Blue colorway. 72 stitches on 2mm needles (I actually thought I was doing them on 2.25mm needles until the first two snapped :).

What to do next? I still have 4 pairs of socks on the needles, a pair of fingerless gloves and two sweaters. Hmm. Maybe cast-on a new pair of socks?

Indulge, a little

2009-05-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Knitting as fast as I can, but really, making no progress at all, it seems.

Trekking XXL Ombre, 2mm, size EU43

Second sock is 35% done. Love knitting with this yarn and this colorway (discontinued, unfortunately) is just perfect for men.

I'm also working on another pair of men socks EU46. Huge, but on big needles. Allmost done. In the end things do get done:)

Some of the seeming non-progress has something to do with me going to Amsterdam to visit The Afstap for the new book of Kim Hardgreaves. I saw it visiting a friend and just had to get it. Breeze Or check out ravelry.

I also went to Eggmercantile, the cutest little store in Amsterdam. They have all kinds of really nice, funny and beautifull stuff and... Manos del Uruguay.

I got the silk blend (left) in Winterberry. Really expensive, but mine. All mine!

And I got a skein of regular Manos in a beautifull dark brown and black blend. One skein is enough for a hat. This skein will make a really nice gift one day.

2009-05-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

I've had some busy days, eventhough I had a week off from work. I finished the applegreen stairs (though I still need to do the white sideboards. Ugh. Not yet. Please) Then I packed my bags and went off for a lovely week in Enschede, the city where my brother lives. I had a great time, knit a little, fell from a bycicle, hurt my wrist, but I'm okay now.

I knit some, frog some and cast some on. Clearly I had a case of startitis again - or I could just be not-finishing things. Last week I casted on two pairs of socks (both gifts form men), but finished nothing. So I have six pairs of socks on the needles, two sweaters (or UFO's) for me and one pair of fingerless gloves.

I really should finish like 3 pairs of socks and a sweater before I should even begin to dream my next project. But alas, too late, I've allready started thinking about..... (Ravelry links) Autumn rose pullover and Inishmore.

sigh

Stairway to...

2009-04-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

Quick update from painting central

I finished the bed.

First coat of paint is on the stairs. After I'm finished with this cup of coffee I'll get my but off the chair and go back to my applegreen hell. I'll be so proud when I'm finished.

And I do knit. In my sleep, that is.

Warning! Picture may blind you!

2009-04-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

On the first nice day of the year I rarely take pictures of myself. I regularly have friends asking me to 'turn of the light'. My skin is really white and delicate, so I keep out of the sun a lot and use sunblock. I do get a sunny glow eventually, but it takes a whole summer to grow. Living in Holland doesn't really help either.

But, anyway, I finished Odessa and I've given it to the recipient. She's very happy with it and it fits her really well. Gives me a little comfort in times I don't think I can make anyone happy. I feel miserable and a failure, at times. Not allways, though. I'm working in my home a lot, lately. Trying to make it my place. I painted two closets (nightstands that don't fit in my bedroom) for the bathroom and I'm really happy with the result. Now, I'm painting my bed in a raspberry colorway.Contemplating on striking words to put on it. Maybe 'WTF?!

I have a camera!

2009-04-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

And... it works!

2009-04-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy. So so happy. I have an internet connection and it appears to be good. Squee! I've been downloading podcasts, cd's, been going through ravelry....

So satisfying.

Just miss the camera right now, but there's one on it's way to me. It should arrive tomorrow, but I won't be home. So either I can pick it up monday or get it from the neighbours and have it tomorrow...

No Internet..

2009-03-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

Arg. Bareuh.

Since dear ex-hubby has left the building saturday a week ago I've been cut off from internet at home. A month ago I contacted Ziggo to get a new account on my name. They told me that I was going to get a thingie in two weeks and all would be great.

Not.

The next best estimation is that Ziggo will have the thingies again in two weeks. So I'm cut off from civilisation for another two weeks. Argh. In the mean time I'm painting two little closets for the bathroom (GREEN) and my new old bed (raspberry), I'm planning to start working on the stairs (apple green) and the livingroom. Not much on the knitting front, but a lot gets done around the house :)\

Ex-hubby also took the camera (but I got the WII)...

2009-03-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing much new to show you on the knitting front but the progress I made. I finished another Spring forward sock, this time in a yarn by Phildar called Hobby. Can't really say that knitting with this yarn is a hobby of mine. It's thin, splitty and a bit fuzzy. The result is okay, I guess. Will have to see how long the socks will last, but the colors are nice and cheerfull and the yarn is really quite soft.

To preven SSS I've casted on the second one right after kitcheneering the toe. Not that I've been hit by SSS a lot, but just to be on the safe side. I need to get them done by the end of this month so I need to knit on though I'd really like to be knitting on this other project I have laying around...

And I just ripped back to the ribbing. Too small on 3.25mm needles so I switched to 3.5mm hoping it will be just a tad more spacy. Love love love the yarn.

Oh, talking about yarn, I indulged. Malabrigo sock, Malabrigo Lace and Allhemp6...

Odessy

2009-03-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked me to knit her a hat to go with a handwoven scarf for her birthday. Well, her birthday came and went and I finally got a peek at the scarf. I took it with me to match with either yarn I had in my stash or to get matching yarn.

I dove in the stash and dug out three beautifull color options. All three pretty, all three with particular qualities, all three matching with the scarf and with eatchother as you can see in the picture below.

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On the left there's a skein of Socks that rock heavyweight colorway ms larock. A very pretty muted colorway. The people at Bluemoonfiberarts really know how to make a girl happy. Both popping colorways as more subtle ones like this.I could go over to their site and order 10 colorways if I had the money :). Maybe just one or two.

The next skein is one of Colinette Jitterbug colorway Ischia. I am so in love with this skein. Vibrant, flashing colors. Impossible to resist... and I know Marion will love it. However, this skein is so pretty and vibrant, it will take away the attention from the scarf.

The third option is a combination of two skeins of alpaca/merino from the Natural Dye Studio. Ssssssoft. Buttah. But not quite bright enough for a blue-eyed blond.

I showed my friend the color options and she was heavily divided between the colinette and the Socks that rock. She also liked the color of the Jitterbug more than the STR, but agreed that the Jitterbug is just too loud for the scarf.

And so Ms Larock will turn into Odessa..

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Spring spring spring

2009-03-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

Now that spring is in the air, Spring Forward is done! Absolutely love this pattern and the fit is great. A bit snug, 2.25 mm needles would have been good too, but my feet aren't very big. In the end I really like the result. The yarn is nice to work with and feels very nice on my feet. Now I'm off cast on another pair of Spring Forward socks for a friend who also really liked the pattern. I'm going to use the Phildar Hobby I have in my stash basket.

And the rollercoaster goes....

2009-02-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

Himmelhoch jauchzend,
Zum Tode betrübt –
Glücklich allein
Ist die Seele, die liebt.

(Goethe)

Don't know what or how to feel, nowadays. I know I will be fine one day, I know I will be happy again in a nice not-so-up-and-down reliable way. It's so scary to be on my own.

'Don't even think that you'll win this staring contest.'

Dude, I'm screwed

2009-02-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

Some songs just 'get the gist'. Like this one. The Connels, '74-'75

Got no reason for coming to me and the rain running down.
There's no reason.
And the same voice coming to me like it's all slowin down.
And believe me -

I was the one who let you know
I was just sorry-ever-after. '74-'75.

It's not easy, nothing to say 'cause it's already said.
It's never easy.
When I look on in your eyes then I find that I'll do fine.
When I look on in your eyes then I'll do better.

I was the one who let you know
I was just sorry-ever-after. '74-'75.
Giving me more and I'll defy
'Cause you're really only after '74-'75.

Got no reason for coming to me and the rain running down.
There's no reason.
When I look on in your eyes then I find that I'll do fine.
When I look on in your eyes then I'll do better

I know I'll do fine, I'll do better. I'm not sorry-ever-after 2008-2009. I did the right thing. The rain is running down and there's no reason.

A spring fling?

2009-02-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Still flinging, though the sock doesn't really look like spring. It's more like a fall forest with specks of light coming through the leaves... I'm affraid these socks are no longer a fling for me. Love love love the pattern and the yarn is really nice to work with. Sock one is allmost done.

The other sock project I'm working on - when I'm not working on my spring fling - has one finished sock, but I might frogg the toe and rework it because it looks funny.

Spring Fling

2009-02-08T01:01:00.000-08:00

I'm having a spring fling.

I wasn't sure I liked it at first. The colors and the pattern, well, I'm not sure if I really liked it. Especially in the beginning, it really looked like barf in a forest. The pictures I had seen of this colorway on ravelry and blogs had more yellow in it. This one is just dark green and brown with a couple of yellow blobs.

But since this is not the first time I tried knitting a pair of socks with this skein of yarn, I refused to frog it again. If I don't like it, well, someone will.

Trying it on however, really made the colors live. The pattern I've chosen is just great to knit. Interesting, but not too interesting. Easy to remember but entertaining. I think I'm starting to like these socks... but there's a problem. They are a bit too big for my legs. Guess either the yarn is too heavy, my legs are too thin or the pattern was written for bigger legs. Oh well, I'm just going to knit them and see who it will fit.

Yarn: Socks that Rock lightweight in Rocktober
Needles: 2mm
Pattern: Knitty's Spring forward

Norsok

2009-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Yep, finished the Norsoks. Piece of cake. In less than 7 days of occasional knits I knit a pair of EU 45 socks. (man's US12?) and they fit like a glove. Just hope they won't shrink :). Next time I might use bigger needles or more stitches. The recepient is very happy.

Pattern: Thuja from knitty
Yarn: Norsok
needles: 3.25 mm

Now, on to the next gift pair:

I'm using simple black regia for heels and toes. Partly because I'm not sure I'll make it with the yarn (large men, big feet)and partly because I'm affraid the Kureyon won't last long...

2009-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

Still knitting. Don't have loads of time, but every now and then I steel a couple of minutes to pick up my knitting. I've got the leg done of the sock I showed last time I blogged. I'm really not sure about the yarn, Noro Kureyon Sock. It doesn't have a lot of bounce and I think it isn't really though enoug for the wear socks get. Thus I picked some black Regia from my stash for the heels and toes. Doesn't even look that bad.

In the meantime, I just cast on for a pair of worsted weight socks. Just for the thrill of a fast finish and for the friend in need that desperately needs love, care and attention despite being a grown-up and father of three boys. Everybody needs love, needs to feel loved. Everyone needs warm socks.

In other things in life, my pretty little oldtimer had some problems lately... There was quite a bit of rust in the tank so my engine stopped was not really reliable lately so dad took the petrol tank off and cleaned it...

Maybe just not meant to be...

2009-01-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

Looks nice, doesn't it? This sock has been testing my nerves last week. I made some poor choices and the pattern hasn't worked in my favour either. Let's see what's been going wrong...

I started out really good. This sock was not cast on lightly. I did quite some background research on the yarn on ravelry and on blogs. Some people say it's a little rough on the hands, but it will soften up after washing. The yarn is sticky and has little bounce. All not great qualities for a high priced sock yarn, but the colors... And I'm in love with the rural luke of the yarn. So, I bougth a couple of skeins and this one got into 'the basket of 2009'.

Bad choice one:
Casting on the wrong number of stitches - gauge, eh - and trying to frog when you've just knit 15 rounds using elastic thread.

Bad choice two:
Using elastic thread. Eventhough it's called 'mee-brei-elastiek' it is not made to knit with. It's a pain. It WILL make me cry.

Bad choice three:
Casting on too many stitches for the second time - dude, was I drinking? - and finding out after knitting for about an inch. I'm not going to frog.

Good choice one: to make up for the extra stitches add a cable between the two rings.

Bad choice four:
Loose the pattern

Good choice two:
Make up my own pattern based on the Spey Valley pattern I had in mind.

Let's knit.

The hands of...

2009-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Way back when I got a couple of skeins of Manos del Uruguay 100% wool. I made a hat for a good friend and a scarf for my brothers girlfriend, but forgot about the other three skeins in my stash.A blue/green, red and red/yellow/green skein marinated in my stash for a while untill last sunday when I got the idea of making my co-worker a hat. So I got knitting. Gauge? Dude, I don't do gauge... Needles to say that this hat is too small for a normal grown up - my head's pretty small and it's pretty tight on me.

So I'm making another one with more stitches (88 instead of 72) and in a different colorway. I just love working with this yarn so it doesn't feel like punishment at all. And this one? I might just keep it or give it to a child.

Note to self: don't buy any new manos till you've used it all up....

In other knitting news, I frogged one sock in progress because it was going to be too big even for a man with size 12 feet so I'll have to think about this yarn. I did cast-on another pair for another man with big feet. I grabbed the Noro Kureyon from the basket and got started. Not sure how I like it... but I'll get to that topic next time.

The Plan

2008-12-26T03:32:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling of having January around the corner and feeling that changes should be made and will be eventually. I'm going through the stash and I find lots of treasures there. Yarns that yearn to be put into something nice. Projects that have been in hibernation since... I don't know when. Old stash. New stash. I have enough lying around to keep me busy and to keep the house and my family warm until Christmas 2098.

I present to you: The basket for 2009

In order of appearance (upper left to bottom right);

Phildar Hobby, Meilenweit Mega Boot Stretch, Fortissima Socka, Trekking, Noro, Lang Jawoll, Fleece Artist, Dream in Color Smooshy, Aracunaio (?), Tiny Toes, All things Heather and Sunshine Yarns

These skeins WILL be turned into socks by the end of 2009 (or else!).

Thereby, there are 6 pairs of socks in my WIP/hybernation pile and they need to go. Not sure if I'll frog one or more - fast sollution - or finish them, but I want to end 2009 with no more than two socks in progress - maybe three :)These projects have been in progress for a bit too long:

Check out my ravelry page for more info, but I'm sure you'll hear more about these socks.

Winter

2008-12-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

The nights have grown to their longest time, the days can not get shorter... The perfect time for dark thoughts... the worst time to break up. Yet I did. Right before Christmas my mind decided it was made up and needed to spill some guts on my relationship with hubby. We broke up.

(a litte piece of Christmas spirit to distract feeling sorry for me. I made a mess and I will fix it)

Since there hasn't been a real fight or anything, we're still living together in our house till I've found a way to be able to pay for it myself. Fortunately, my parents will do their best to help me and I might just be able to afford it all.

Meanwhile, knitting to keep me sane:

Socks for my dad. Trekking XXL in a mossy shade from my stash pile. 2.25mm needles, my favourite size it seems and I've been knitting with a lot of tension lately. 68stitches. One is finished and fits like a glove. The other one will follow soon.

So many projects, so little time...

2008-11-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, I still knit socks. Lately it seems I've been taken by the 'hat-and-scarf' virus, but there are still a couple of socks on the needles. This one left my Addi 2.25mm needles lately:

Yarn: Opal Rodeo
Pattern: Plain, simple, 72stitches for a reasonable man's foot.

These socks are for the man that revised a 'new' engine for my 1953 Morris Minor - the new engine is origionally from a 1956 Austin A35.

2008-11-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Love this hat. I made it for one of my dear friends who asked for a hat for his birthday. Casted on during a show by Slayer, it was a fast and easy knit. Used just a little over one skein so I might make another hat for me with the yarn left.

Noro Silk Garden 270; 4,5 mm needles; this pattern

2008-10-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Berlin and sleep well, Kiri!

2008-10-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a while - haven't had any time to blog at all - but about the holidya... Berlin Berlin.. The verdict is out. Loved the (yarn)stores there, but the city was just not my cup of tea. I missed a warm heard. I missed the cozyness ('gezelligheid') of cities like Amsterdam and London. I even had a hard time finding nice places to eat or sit and have coffee. Anyway, I did have a really nice time knitting in the car on the way to and from Berlin (7 hours) and allmost finished two shawls. Just needed to cast them off... And between now and then, I did. Kiri is, unphotographed still, done and worn on several occasions - including a wedding. I've received lots of compliments and well, I'm quite proud of my little Kiri.

Now, about the Berlin Yarn...

The first store I went to was La Laine, located near the Kürfurstendam.

Here I got these two skeins of silk garden. Think I'll make a hat out of them.

I also found some nice sockyarn:

Then I went to Handmade Berlin. A shop that had just openend and carried a really nice variety of yarns. Go visit them, they have great stuff! Very expensive cashmere, Fleece artist, Debby Bliss .... I had to restrain and 'only' got these beauties:

Two skeins of each of the "fleur de lis" colors. I've never heard about the brand before and the label is not quite specefic. No yardage, just that it's a nylon-mohair blend. Really nice blue and green, though. Then some milk-based yarn. Feels like cotton, but made out of milk fiber. And, last but not least... Two skeins of Blue Skye Alpaca silk.... The best stuff I've ever felt.

Well, I have tons more to tell, but no more time so I'm wrapping it up for now :)

going on holiday

2008-09-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I get in the car and move to Berlin for a couple of days. Just chilling in the city, maybe finding a yarnstore, knitting a little in the car (it's 700 km, so I'll have some time to knit!)

The question arising every journey, long or short, is what shall I take with me to knit? I 'm not going for a trip around the world so one project should suffice... however...

I want/need to knit on Kiri. I have just finished ball nr. two. I've decided to just knit one more repeat of the pattern before starting on the border. It needs to be finished and blocked by October 10th...That's soon. But, it's not the kind of project to take with me and knit just everywhere. Especially when I'll start on the border and not have the pattern memorized any more. I need to focus on this project and I won't have that focus all the time. I'm taking Kiri with me and knit on it whenever I can.

Then I'll take H's shawl with me. It also needs to be finished before October 10th, but is very easy and I can knit on it everywhere.

Kiri

2008-09-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Knitting on this project seems to go slower and slower.

Rows are getting longer and longer... And I still have onewhole ball of yarn whilst the shawl allready looks so big. I must not let myself stop this one early. I must persist.

Nebbus appears to be getting bored with the project (too), but really, he's just tired after playing with it. I can't leave mohair on the couch unattended.

Hello again

2008-09-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

Oh dear, it's been way too long since my last post here. Shame on me. I've been a busy girl, as usual, but I was also struck by a sudden lack of inspiration to write. Did have enough inspiration to knit, though. Let's see what I've been upto in the last month...

I finished the first 'wedding shawl'

Used Zitron's fabulous yarn Gobi (5 skeins), 4,5 mm needles (knitpicks interchangeables... Ssssmoooth), and a nice simple pattern (Campus scarf scarf style. It was a fabulous simple knit, great for evenings with a glass of wine in front of the tv. The yarn, though, might be a little itchy. We'll see what the groom thinks of it.

Well, after finishing the first wedding shawl, I had to start number two instantly. After carefull deliberations I chose Lisa Souza's Sock! yarn, colorway Pacific and a pattern and started knitting... Pattern didn't feel right. Different pattern. No. Other kind of yarn... No. Ended up with the Lisa Souza yarn and the falling water lace pattern. Think I'm happy with it so far:

Then: a pair of Regia socks

Just quick and simple stockinette for a friend.

After these relatively routine jobs, I thought about starting a lace project. But then I remembered a scarf I started a while ago:

and thought that this would be lovely to wear to a wedding... So I'm doing a couple of rows a day of this lovely pattern. The rows are getting bigger and bigger though. Don't seem to be making a lot of progress, but the skein of yarn tells me otherwise. I'm past halfway now. Not sure if I'm getting it done before the wedding, but still a nice project to work on and good to have it out of the UFO pile.

So, that's what I've been upto. Hope I'll get into the writing spirit again soon and will frequent this part of the blog rather sooner than later.

An ode to handknit socks (and armwarmers)

2008-08-19T03:52:00.000-07:00

So I was at the Lowlands festival this weekend. A weekend of great bands, lots of fun, booze and walking. Usually my feet, legs and back are killing me by Saturday and are only performing out of habit on Sunday. This year, for the first time, I only brought handknit socks to the festival and I am thrilled to say that I'm very happy I did. My feet were a bit warm in the daytime - but would have been so with regular socks as well - but they stayed warm overnight when the cold would set in. My feet were not tired, no blisters, no fungus (ugh). Perfect.

Another ode to knitting: the armwarmers I made last month were also very succesfull at the festival. It was quite chilly at night and they kept me nice and warm.

In other words: I was very happy with my knitting this Lowlands. Now, for some eyecandy, check out this pattern: Wisteria

Legs

2008-08-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

Working on these seemingly for-e-ver... but finished at last!
These socks started out as regular straight socks, but turned out too big. So I decided not frog, but to make kneehighs out of them.

Pattern: improvised (64 stitches - 60 stitches)
Yarn: Trekking XXL Fruit & Trekking XXL ProNatura grey leftovers
Needles: 2,5 mm (or was it 2,25?)
They feel great!

a hat!

2008-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

So I love to give away knitted stuff. I don't make a lot of stuff for myself and if I do, I usually end up giving it away anyway. So when I went to Den Haag to meet up with a knitting friend I did not expect a gift for my birthday (2 months ago) let alone a handknit gift! I just love this hat! It's got cables, it's green and it's soft and cozy! Thank you Karin!

Getting through July

2008-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

I'm allmost done with the socks for my friend. Just a couple of more repeats of the pattern and the toe. Piece of cake to get them done before Friday. It might sound funny, but I've knitted a strand of my hair in each sock to really give him a part of me and added some good feelings to the stitches. You know, I know he loves me and I love him. We're siblings with different parents. He's on vacation now and I really miss the conversations we have and the common feeling we have for scouting. Actually, I think I miss scouting in general now. July is a slow month. No meetings. I miss my friends. The socks I'm knitting, I'm knitting them with string and the love I feel for my scouting family. I'm so lucky to have such good friends. Now, I'm off to go knit some more on these socks so I can finish them soon.

sunday afternoon

2008-07-19T08:59:00.001-07:00

I've been a busy girl again. Love my life right now, eventhough it's way to intensive to hold on to for a long time. I'll just have to wait and see where I'll end up. Anyway, had my scouting camp last week - allmost drowned because it rained ALL THE TIME. And now I a couple of low weeks so I can concentrate on work and my home again.

Have I been knitting? Not so much. Did finish a pair of socks for a friend (but forgot to take a picture) and finished the arm/legwarmers you can see in the picture above. Love this really electric green and I'm sure I'll enjoy wearing them.

Now, the new project. I'm making some socks for a special friend of mine. I've grown to appreciate him a lot in the last couple of months. He's proven to be a good friend and companion. And he has his birthday next week, but since he's on vacation till august, I have some time to compleet this pair.

Trekking XXL Pro Natura Spar (1542)
2.25 mm knitpicks metal needles (totally love them!)
Pattern: Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey socks

minor problems

2008-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Guess what, I bought a car :) It's a 1953 Morris Minor and I can pick it up this week. So exciting! My first car!

And the winner is...

2008-06-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Lucie!

It's my birthday....

2008-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

And I'm giving some yarn away!

It's 100grams of 50/50 alpaca/merino dyed by "The natural dye studio". I believe about 350 yards, enough for a regular pair of socks on 2.75 mm needles, or a nice lacy scarf maybe. It's a red/purplish colorway, a bit softer that the picture shows (the sun was overtly present today).

So, just leave me a comment before... June 15th and maybe you'll be the lucky one.

Scouts have more fun

2008-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

You know, I have just the greatest life ever. I have so much great things to do, I'm part of a fabulous scouting community, have a great home, a nice joy, great co-workers and fabulous yarn around me. I'm just a little bit way too busy from time to time. I hardly get any knitting done. I do have some things to show, though.

The rowcounter was given to me by Darcy as a thank you for some sock yarn I had send her. She needed just a couple of yards to finish a pair and I had some lying around. Isn't that the nicest thing?

The yarn was purchased at Storm op Zolder. It's BFL laceweight. I dyed it myself. Don't know what I'll make with it. Maybe a nice pattern from Victorian Lace today?

I also started a little project for myself. Legwarmers.

The was purchased on Etsy about a year ago. I think the dyer was named VieuxRouet. It's 100% merino, so it's not really washable. Didn't think it would be good for socks but legwarmers don't need to be washed very often (not as much as socks). The first one's allmost done! I did get a lot done last weekend when my S'nB had a day out. We had a nice High Tea on a little 'poldereiland' and knitted and knitted and knitted.

Gotta go again. Hope to be back soon or sooner at least

April's end

2008-05-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

I must have had a finishing mood last week.

Started these months ago. They got delayed because they were and are destined to be put on my own two feet. Done at last on 2,25 mm needles, 60sts, a beautifull fit.

and then:

I found this pattern in a book I got at the supermarket 'Knuffels om the haken en te breien' and it really called to me. Simple and lovely. It actually ended up quite good. The seems are a bit sloppy, maybe, but who cares? I like it when people can see that I made something and perfect things can be bought in stores.

I also finished my grandmother's socks but didn't make a picture of them (yet). The colorway is really not my thing but hey, as long as my grandma likes it it's okay. See you soon. Internet is back on track again. New modem, new chances.

Austin A35

2008-04-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm one lucky girl. My brother's gone for a month and I have the keys to this cute little vehicle. It's an Austin A35, build in 1958. The driving is't very hard, just have to get used to some of the features. Like the turning light (a switch on the dashboard), the fact that you can close the door on the left (driver) side from the inside so you have to switch seats when you want to close the car, the noise it makes when you drive over 40 km/h. It's just such a cool car to drive in.

watercolors

2008-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just some projects

2008-04-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

No I haven't fallen off the earth (yet). I haven't stopped knitting either. In the last couple of weeks I've just been extremely busy with work and privat stuff Scouting is very busy as well and my internet provider is giving me the hives. I need to reset my modem every 5 minutes because the internet connection has disappeared again. Ugh. Anyway, what have I been up to the last couple of weeks...

I've been working on a toy for the newborn girl in our scouting family. I found a book on knitted and crocheted stuffed toys in the supermarket and the first toy really appealed to me. I'll get some pictures when it's finished.

Then, I've been working on some socks for my grandma in Lorna's Laces Watercolours. My grandma has very wide feet and would love some socks that actually fit her. I'm not really fond of the colors, though, but I guess my grandma will like them anyway. I've got one finished so far.

Well, that's it for now.

A hat, a hat, my kingdom for a hat

2008-03-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

This was a nice knit. The yarn was just fabulous to knit with, both kinds. I first started with Rowan's Cashsoft Aran in a colorway that's called Thunder. A lovely light dark grey that would be perfect for a nice light but warm men's sweater. Terribly expensive though. The other yarn I grabbed for this project is Artyarns Supermerino in a beautifull purple-black colorway. Way too busy to use for an entire men's hat, but in co-ordination with the gentle cashsoft aran just perfect.

This hat is so soft and pretty... The recepient will be very happy, I'm sure.

just a quick update

2008-03-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

I finished two socks recently. Both are for a friend who has her birthday this weekend. This one is for her:

A basic stockinette sock with Regia's Kaffe Fasset line of yarn. Very nice to knit.

And this one is for her little girl:

A basic child's sock size EU 22. I used the last 30 grams of Opal petticoat I had left from my very first pair of socks ever - when was that? Like 1,5 years ago!

These two pairs are the last pairs I'll knit for the 52pair plunge. They are nr. 33 and 34, so I won't make it to 52 before april 1st. Oh well, there are more important things in life, I guess, and I'm knitting some awsome socks for another friend. But more about them soon :)

Relief

2008-03-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thank heavens my mom got a call today that the CT-scan showed that the mass on the x-ray was infact a bloodvessel! No cancer! I feel relieved and happy again as you can imagine.

Thanks for your support. Things could have been so different.

scared and confused

2008-03-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Got some very scary news today. My mom might have cancer. She has an pneumonia that doesn't go away and had x-rays taken... there was a spot on the picture that allarmed the radiologist. There will be tests this week, Wednesday she'll have results. I'm very scared and I'm not sure I can handle this. Am I in some kind of movie? I feel so unreal.

You blink once...

2008-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that life get's in the way of my bloglife on a regular basis. I still knit a lot, well, try to knit a lot. Time is precious and I try to enjoy every moment of it. Here's my last finished pair of socks, though the picture shows them in an unfinished state:) I made them for my dear BF, but finished them two days after his birthday.

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill supersock merino, colorway Java
Pattern: My own 64st, toe up design
Needles: 2.5 mm Addi Turbo's circs
Gauge: 8spi

They fit him wonderfully. They are soft, warm and comfortable and were a pleasure to knit. Cherry tree hill rocks.

The stockinettes, part 1

2008-02-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

I didn't quite make it on wednesday, but I got them done on thursday though:

Trekking XXL yarn, 2.25 mm needles and a standard 64 stitches sock.

I've allready casted on another pair of stockinettes with Regia Kaffe Fasset yarn and another pair with Cherry Tree Hill for BF. I just keep knitting and knitting and knitting :)

Dude, where did the weekend go?

2008-02-18T13:38:00.001-08:00

Working full time has serious consequences for your e-life. I was meaning to post a little something this weekend, like a picture of the sock I completed in the awsome sunny sunday. Or, maybe show the two grungy skeins I dyed. You blink once and sunday eve has come and gone. You blink twice and it's monday evening, time to go to bed. A couple of minutes for the blog won't hurt me.

Stockinette sock 1 for my mom's best friend. This one flyes off the needles. I've allready passed heel turn two; just 20 cm's of stockinette to go. Piece of cake, I'll have them finished on Wednesday. And then I can proceed on BF's socks...

Pink!

2008-02-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Not the most blue socks I've ever made :)

Tofutsies ankle socks, figured the 'pattern' out myself. I used knitting-in elastic in the cuff and seriously disliked working with it. But I think it will prove worth the trouble as it will keep the cuffs where they are supposed to.

Selma, they'll be yours soon!

Rock their socks off

2008-02-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Imagine two people who are not really crazy in love, but are just happy together. Two people who are fed up with being alone and need eachother's warmth. Two people who want to spend their last years together.

I have a new aunt-in-law. BF's uncle (68) got married wednesday to his beautifull bride (74). They are a lovely couple and it was such a special occasion. I don't know how they feel about their socks yet, but I'm sure they'll love them. I don't have a better picture, unfortunately, but it's a simple pattern. Google it and you'll find nice examples.

A jacobean weddinggift

2008-02-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

Last week I finished this pair of socks. Well in time for the wedding Wednesday, I might say. I'm good with deadlines. It's pair nr. 29 of the 52-pair plunge.

specs
Pattern: Jacobean by Julie Persinger
Yarn: Meilenweit Mega Boot Stretch softcolor
Needles: 2,5 mm Addi Turbo's

I'm fairly happy with these socks. The yarn is not how I like it. It's too loosely plied, very splitty and tangles a lot. It's not very stretchy, in my opinion, and just not that nice to work with. The color is great, though. Perfect for a bride.

Junky

2008-01-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

Since I like to have things planned - OCD-thing-, I thought it would be nice to make a schedule for the socks I have planned. I 've been planning a lot of socks lately.

- Pair for grandma (need to measure her feet because they are huge!)in Lorna's Laces sport, Watercolour, needs to be done as soon as possible

- Pair in stockinette for DF in Regia, Kaffe Fasset blue-ish, need to be done by the end of March.

- Pair of Kilt-hoses for DF in natural white Fortissima Socka. Need to be done by April 1st (Men size 12)

- Pair of socks for DF in ... Opal Tiger? Whatever I have in my hands. Need to be done in march.

- Pair of socks for BF in Cherry Tree Hill brown. Need to be done at the beginning of March.

- A table-cloth for my MIL to be done in may...

Dude, I foresee a lot of stockinette in my near future. I'm a gift junky.

basketweaving

2008-01-27T01:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the complements on the scarf. It was really fun to knit and it was received really well. I love making gifts, especially since my knitting skills are improving. Here's another one:

Pattern: Basketweave rib (I heart Ravelry!)
Needles: 2,25 mm Knitpicks Harmony
Yarn: Fortissima Socka about 80 grams

These are for my BF's uncle, who's getting married on February 6th. I've got the second sock for his bride on the needles. I'll get it done easily.

Wanna go to the seaside?

2008-01-20T02:43:00.000-08:00

I think I can say that I make a lot of nice things. Most of them I give away as presents, knowing that the recipient appreciates a handmade gift. And so this one will go to a worthy home.

My godmother loves handmade stuff. She's very creative herself; painting, working with leaves and flowers and stems. I had to make her something extra special. I found this pattern on Ravelry. It's pretty easy yet it looks complicated (isn't that just the greatest thing?).

The yarn... I dyed up this skein of twined wool last spring and fell in love with the colors. I didn't intend to dye with this yarn that instant, but I had some dye left and well, I just tossed it in. It took up the dye in a totally different way than the other skeins I had dyed. Perfect for this job.

The needles... I love the knitpicks interchangeables I got. They are smooth, pointy and the cables are flexible. I used 5mm needles and the smallest cable and it was like waking up on holliday.

Now, back to the socks. I haven't finished the Kaffe Fasset ones yet. I'm knitting on two pairs of wedding socks that need to be finshed by februari 6th. I'll probably finish them on Februari 5th, 2 o'clock in the morning.

Stagnation?

2008-01-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

I've been on the needles quite a bit in the last week, just not a lot on the net. Thank you all for the nice comments on the Regia socks. It's not that I don't like them - I love the vibrant colors - I'm just puzzeled to find that the two 50grams balls were wound in a different direction.

The socks for BF's uncle are close to done and I've started the socks for his aunt. They are going to be so lovely! I chose this pattern and a cream colored yarn. Perfect for a 71-year old bride right? It's a lovely story, those two oldies getting married.

Rather awkward

2008-01-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

Am I imagining this or is something not quite right in the picture down here?

I could have sworn that I started from the middle of the ball in for both socks. No, forget that, I did start from the middle of the ball in both cases.

They were wound in a different direction, however. Not sure what to think of this. I like unmatching socks, but this is different, somehow.

There's that

2008-01-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

'Why don't you make me a hat?' He asked. 'You've made one for some friends but not for me, your dear dear boyfriend.' Puppy eyes. Forgot that way back when he got a hat and lost it. He promissed to be really carefull with this one.

Pattern: Coronet from Knitty With some random adjustments for the size of J's head and the yarn I've been using.
Yarn: Silke-Alpaca from Drops Design, two skeins of 60 meters
4mm needles

I really like this pattern. It's easy to make it just the size you want it to be without making a gauge swatch because you first knit a flat border and then pick up stitches for the body of the hat. If I'd knit it again, I'd probably make the border a bit wider.

The yarn was really nice to work with and is just fabulous to wear. It's so soft!

2008

2008-01-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I had some bad bad bad cheap champagne - like every year - causing some clouds in my head. No serious hangover, just a little headache. The clouds will open up again tomorrow.

2008

This will be the year of finishing the things I have on the needles. I don't have some kind of 'finishing anxiety', there were just too many obligation knits making it impossible for me to work on some of the big projects. I don't want to carry the same projects into 2009.

* 6 or 7 pairs of socks
* a lace shawl
* two sweaters
* a clapotis
* a hat

I'd also like to finish a needlework project. I a couple of really nice designs either in progress (UFO) or ready to start. Sigh. Finishing things makes me happy and this year I'm going to do things that make me happy. So I'll finish.

New ends and old beginnings

2007-12-31T01:34:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering about what to say today. On the one hand it's been a great year. I found a job and I really developed as a knitter. On the other hand, I've felt pretty lousy the first six months because no one seemed to want to employ me. My selfesteem is still pretty low and I constantly worry if I'm doing things the right way or not. 2007 wasn't all that great.

2008 will have to be the year of positive re-inforcement, a growing selfesteem and a little bit of weight loss (maybe).

On the knitty side of things: I've managed to complete the socks for BIL and they'll be given to him today. (I'll post pictures later) This means that I managed to give everyone in my close family a pair of socks this year. That's 13 out of a total of 31 pairs of socks for grown ups. Well, I got to go now. See you next year.

Time is on my side

2007-12-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just did a little experiment. In one hour of pure knitting time (and some tv watching) I knitted up 5 grams of sock yarn. The first sock of my Last Pair for 2007 weighs 41 grams and I have about 15 grams knitted up on the second sock. So I need to knit up about 25 grams more... 5 hours. Piece of cake.

(yes it is)

Smells like...

2007-12-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

I was at my parents' place last weekend and my mother, who's cleaning out the cluttered house of a 50-something creative person (herself), dumped a bag of "all sorts of old but perhaps still useable craft stuff". At the bottom of the bag there was a little treasure, but it sure smelled like... my parents' attick. Ugh.

So I washed it and treated it with some hair conditioner. A real treasure from the 70's or 80's emerged. What shall I make of it? Surely I could just make a scarf. Great colors, a little scratchy maybe... Or maybe pillow covers for my father's old campervan from the 70's. I just love fantasizing about all the possibilities of a yarn, a color, a texture. The girls of the Stash and Burn podcast (fabulous podcast!) talk about their fantasy knitting life. About the things they would like to make, or fantasize about making. It's not good for the stash, since it appears to be growing faster ;)

Geen sinecure (No sinecure?)

2007-12-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

It was no piece of cake. I've had my share of humps on the way, but I've finished them! I master the waving lace socks. I've had to rip and knit no less than three times because silly old me didn't pay enough attention and forgot one or more pattern repeats...

Yarn: Lorna's laces in Cool (about 1.6 skeins)
Pattern: Waving Lace from IK favourite socks book

They look awsome and even better on feet. My SIL's feet are really slim (as slim as the rest of my 45 kilo's SIL) so these slim socks are going to be just perfect for her.

And this is pair.... 27 ! (Sorry, no pics of 26. Forgot to take them and they are allready given to their recepient)I'm past the half way point!

2007-12-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

Still working on the second wave.

I wish...

2007-12-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

... I could knit faster. I'm working on the foot of the second Waving Lace sock I'm making for my Second SIL and I just don't seem to make any progress at all. Just 1.5 more pattern repeats before I can start on the toe. And after finishing this second toe... I can start a new sock on my new Knitpicks needles! Yeah, they're here!

I have to focus and finish the Waving laces.

Now, Pron

This is one of the Rowan Tapestry skeins I bought last week. The colors are just amazing! Dark blue, light blue and a hint of beige. Just perfect.

Yarny goodness 1 & 2

2007-12-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Let's start out with a thank you. Thank you for commenting on my blog. I really appreciate the effort you taken. I get such lovely comments. They really lift up my spirits.

Now: Yarny Goodness nr. 1 & 2

Frabjous yarns Banana Silk. The green one's for me. It's an apple green that's just perfect for me. The lilac one (a lot more lilac than is shown on the photo. Winter daylight sucks) was chosen for my grandma. One of the reasons I picked up this yarn was because I'm really curious how this will turn out to be. It's really soft, but not very stretchy. I guess it'll be perfect for a nice shawly thing like a clapotis :) I might even start tonight...It would be a lovely Christmas gift for granny...

Oh, and I finished one of the four pairs. I'll probably have pictures this weekend. Can you imagine that I don't get to see the sun this season? It's still dark when I leave the house at 7.30 and it's getting dark when I go home at 17.00. A little depressing.

Coronet

2007-12-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

So much knitting news, so little time. Where shall I start? Lets start with the knitting progress I've made, 'cause I've made a lot of it.
Pattern: Coronet with some adjustments for the particular yarn I chose
Yarn: Katia Nepal 5007 (?), about 65 grams
Needles 8mm

The hat is a little tight, but in my experience, hats tend to stretch after a couple of wears. Wednesday night I was really tired and well, my brain just jumped from one thing to another. I figured I could make a hat for my friend P. who's having his birthday last friday. I guess I was right.

Another showcase of my ADD lately. Four completed first socks. The second ones are all in various stages of completion. The second kid sock in DK Merino, is allmost finished. It will probably be done tonight, especially since I have the magic loop thing under controle. The second raspberry kneehigh, on the other hand, is barely even started.

Other news: I got some Yarn yesterday, but I'm not showing yet for I have no more time... Well, I'll have something to talk about this week.

I've been a bad bad girl

2007-12-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

I must confess to something... But first things first. Sundag was just awsome. Carla M and Hilly really gave a splendid workshop. I learned how to cast on for a moebius scarf and a couple of interesting ways of casting on for socks and mittens. I had to rip out the moebius though. Dropped some stitches and could not repair the damage. Have to start again soon (and maybe with some not so sticky yarn). I casted on for a pair of kid's socks on the way home. Toe-up! I also bought a couple of really nice balls of rowan Tapestry in a blue colorway to good to be true. Perfect for a shawl for my mom.

Then, some other damage I have to confess to. I placed some yarny orders and I'm waiting anxiously to get them. First of all, there's an order from Storm op Zolder coming my way with some awsome new needles... Shall I tell? I ordered knit picks interchangeable needles and harmony double points! So exiting!

As if that wasn't enough... I also placed an order at Tommies Wol for some interesting yarn. You'll just have to wait and see what I've ordered. They'll be pretty, though :)

Next time I hope to have some photo's of knits in progress and new stash.

Remember...

2007-12-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Ariel's lost socks? They haven't been found again, but I did send her some new socks and they arrived this week. Check them out at Ariel's blog.

Pair nr. 25 is in the pocket!

Tomorrow I'm going to a workshop in De Afstap in Amsterdam again. This time I'm going to learn how to cast on for a moebius scarf and how to magic loop. And I'll grab some yarn :)

the mad hatter

2007-12-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

Pair nr. 24

They are small, but they are a pair and will look so cute on a little baby. They only took like 15 grams of yarn.

Now another project I've been contemplating: Coronet

This Silke-Alpaca from Drops is just to die for. Www.hobbydoos.nl has it on sale... and I'm longing for another order. A blanket with this stuff would be soooo nice. BF will be happy with his hat. It's going to be knit quite tight around his ears so he won't loose it.

the cutest little bag

2007-11-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the cutest little bag? My mom's friend makes fabulous felted jewelry and bags. I really like the shape and colors. Perfect for transporting projects.

Scarred

2007-11-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

I slayed the dragon. Pair nr. 23 for the 52 pair plunge is done and drying in the bathroom.

specs:
Trekking XXL ProNatura Jeans
Needles: 2.25mm Lantern Moon ebony
Sockwars Scar pattern (adapted for fingering weight)

What will I knit next? I still have SIL's socks to finish and another gift pair is in progress. It should be wise to proceed on one of those pairs... or should I just pick up one of these:

2007-11-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Still working on the Trekking socks, but I'm getting closer and closer every day. I would go faster if this little grey kitty beside me wouldn't be asking so much of my attention. He's a great kitty.

Fall's entry

2007-11-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Fall's arrived here in Holland. The weather is changing. Rain is falling down like a cold shower. On and off. On and off. It's time for some cool socks and warm coco.

And I'm plowing through the Trekking XXL socks for my brother in law. I love the yarn. It is soft and stretchy like wool, but still light and strong like cotton. I just can't seem to make any good progress on the second sock. I'm allmost done with the leg. Allmost. If I don't sleep tonight I might get them done... next week.

2007-11-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

I know, it feels like ages ago... Last Saturday was the second Dutch national S'nB day and it was again so much fun! My mouth was moving from the minute I got there till the moment I got home. There was yarn everywhere and so many people to talk with! I felt like I was on a cloud, a yarny one. And I bought some lovely balls of Drops Alpaca (the dark green one), and I found some lovely Drops Silke Alpaca, and I found some awsome hand dyed angora, and I got some Estonian wool... the colors are just amazing! Sigh. I'm still tyred, and busy, and I love my new job, and I really need to sleep more. Thanks for the support.

I got it!

2007-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I'm a bit tired right now, but very happy indeed. Not only because I am on the couch with a kitty, my yarn and my laptop, but also because... I GOT THE JOB!!! 36 hours a week, excellent benefits and great co-workers! I do have to get up a little early - 06.45, not too early really - but I get off really early too. Working for the community is a great thing. My former co-worker got laid off. She was just not going to make it in the jungle. Any jungle really. Too bad for her, but I get to start my new job tomorrow and I'm happy about it. I hope she'll join me to the S'nB day saturday, though. She was a nice person after all.

I also got a great project going on. I can't show the whole sock since it's a gift for someone who might read this, but I've been experimenting with the twined knitting technique I learned two weeks ago. These socks are being made with a really nice, soft but 100% natural fiber yarn. Since it's not really durable, I thought of re-enforcing at least the heel with some regular Fortissima sock yarn and twining seemed a good new approach to me. I think it looks really good so far and the yarn is just a dream to work with.

Just three more nights till the second S'nB day. I am really looking forward to it eventhough I wasn't able to subscribe to any courses. I was able to volunteer though and I'm going to take (excellent) care of a guest. Get them coffee, show them around, you know, be a host. And I will be able to buy me some yarn.

I want his job

2007-10-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

A simple thing...

2007-10-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the simple things are just what we need:

Pairs nr. 21 and 22. The blue one's one of a pair of stockinette socks. The grey one is a pair of Thuja socks. Both were knit with Scheepjes Neveda noorse supersock extra (or something like that)on size 3,5mm needles. Just splendid. Fast and simple. Just what I need at the moment. My job is highly stressfull with officials breathing down my neck every day... And still no certainty about wether I will stay there after November 1st or not. I'm dead tired. I need stockinette. Badly.

Sockwars, a little victory

2007-10-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Check out Bridget's mom's blog. She finished the sockwars socks I started!

Still no certainty from my employer. Arg.

Gloeiende gloeiende/ darn

2007-10-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

I tried, I really tried, but alas, i got killed before I could get sock two to a finish. They landed on my doorstep this morning.

They were made by Bridget's mom A gentle death, I may say.

Oh well, the good news is that I can work on my new lace project. I present to you the lovely, wonderfull Kiri in a yarn that's also known as Crack Silk Haze:

(Offcourse I bought more stuff, but this will a suffice for now. Don't want to get you into a yarncoma :)

I casted it on during the workshop 'lace knitting' at the fabulous shop De Afstap. It was given by Carla M and was a great incentive to finally start a lace shawl.

The other workshop I did, also by Carla M, was a workshop twined knitting. It was a really good workshop. The technique of twined knitting is fabulous.I am determined to use this technique for some mittens or slippers. It really makes a great thick and firm fabric.

Needles of doom

2007-10-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've finished my first sock of doom! Sockwars victim, be ware, my needles are smoking whoo ha ha!

btw. I'm going to Amsterdam tomorrow to follow two courses at De afstap. I'm so looking forward to it!

They like me! They really like me!

2007-10-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing's final yet, but I'm closer to getting the job after today's meeting. It's a weird feeling, knowing that some hotshots are discussing your future. No contract yet, but I'm confident that I will get it soon. If all goes well, I'll be working less (36 hours), making more money and doing a better job. And they are paying for my education. Not bad, right?

Anyway, it's a great compliment. And I'm gratefull for the confidence they have in me.

Have i told you yet that I love Ravelry? I think I'm an addict.

18, 19 pairs so far

2007-10-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

One last thing about the missing socks, if the package were just lost and never to be seen again I wouldn't be really upset about it. Things get lost. The fact that someone who we don't know but all trust with our messages took the liberty of violating my privacy is just appaling. It's like someone breaking into your computer and reading your e-mails or stealing a wallet from a bag when you've hung your coat in a (guarded) wardobe.

Okay, enough about that. I have ordered some new nice sockyarn for you, Stariel, and I'm going to knit you even nicer socks.

So, that stolen pair was pair nr... 17 for the 52pair plunge? I think so. In Barcelona, where I had a wonderfull stay, I finished another pair. Here's nr. 18:

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, colorway River Run
Needles: 2,5 mm Inox
Pattern: Monkeys with all the purls knit.

and this is nr. 19:

Yarn: Trekking XXL Pro Natura Antraciet
Pattern: Garter Rib from Sensational knitted socks
Needles: 2,5 mm bamboo

Seriously, working with this yarn was great and the pattern was awsome too. So far I can really recommend this yarn, but I'll have to wait and see how these will go through wash and wear.

A sad tale

2007-10-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

A while ago I participated in a nice knittyboard swap. I got some great socks from Stariel. Remember the socks in Lorna's Laces Camouflage colorway? I chose a love yarn for her socks, one that Stariel herself did not have in her stash and I knit her some nice socks. (It's merino-cashmere from The knittery in moonlight)

About 5-6 weeks ago I asked my hubby to take the package with the socks and two sets of yarn from the natural dye studio to the postoffice and I was patiently stalking Stariel's blog... Nothing.

Last week the package arrived, finally, but no socks were to be found and one of the sets of yarn was gone. So unfair. This never happened to me before and it has seriously damaged my faith in the postal system. :(

they like me, they really like me

2007-10-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

I kind of feel like "Yabbadabba doo!!!" I am a good person and good things happen to good people. This is my break, my luck, my moment to grab. Regardless what will be the outcome of next Tuesday's negotiations between employer and future employer - I hope - I feel great.

This is the situation I'm in. I'm working for this agency at a city's archive together with another girl. We're preparing a FREAKING load of old files for scanning and it is BORING. The only thing making this project worth taking it to the finishing line is the possibility of getting a great job.

You remember me buying yarn not so long ago because I was feeling awfull about a job I wouldn't get? They want someone with the right diploma's (I just started my training) and some experience. My co-worker does have the papers they need and would actually be the perfect candidate if only... she would be me. I'm getting the job if the negotiations will be good. They want me! And you know why? Because I'm a weirdo. Because I have given them the impression that I have the potential of making this job my own. Because they like me.

I'm crying now and I'm going to sleep, happy. But what to tell my co-worker?

developments

2007-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Littledragon's on ravelry and I freaking LOVE it. I'll have more time to blog this weekend, I hope, to tell you about what's happening in my life. I'm so excited. I feel good, I feel appreciated. I have a chance at getting where I want to be because I am who I am. A weirdo who's not affraid to show people what my greatest power is: to be a fresh, energetic, quirky person. This is my chance.

Barcelona!

2007-09-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you blink and time has flown by. Tomorrow I'm going to Barcelona for a short holiday and next Tuesday I'll be back again. I'll look for yarnshops when I'm there ;) and knit in weird places.

From the bright side of life: I might get the job after all. Nothing is sure, though, so I'll just be a little bit optimistic for now.

Yarn!

2007-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you the new additions to 'Le Stash'- collection:

From left to right: 1. Lana Grossa Cotton stretch 2. Trekking Fruit 3. Online Bambou 4.Regia Kaffe Fasset (drewl) 5. Colinette Jitterbug Monet.

I was feeling particularly sad and lonely last monday night. BF was not home and I had just heard at my job that I'll probably won't be working there any more after november 1st. There's just not enough money to keep me eventhough they really like me. So I wondered off around the internet and found myself at wolhalla ordering some things I really wanted. And some needles too. Squee!

CTH Monkeys

2007-09-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ever since I bought my first two skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Supersocke - they popped in my basket at last years Stitch 'n Bitch day - I've been longing to cast on and try out this delicious soft stoff. The cool colours are to me like honey to a bee. I hoarded more but had not tried this yarn out untill I casted on the third pair for my mom, the pair that just has to be right. Why I waited so long to try out this yarn? No idea. It's a dream to knit with.

One of the great plusses of 100% wool yarn is definetely the butter like softness. CTH is certainly not an exception to this rule. It is soft yet reasonably tightly spun - though not as tight as Jitterbug or STR - and therefore the yarn has a natural negative ease. For my US 7.5 feet I'd need only 56 to 60 stitches on 2,5mm needles and they would fit beautifully with a nice firm fabric.

There are a couple of things that bother me, though. First of all, is the yarn durable or will they wear out relatively fast? Second, I've read about CTH's colors bleeding. Will the colors last? And third, do I really need to handwash them? Or in this case, will it be a big disaster if one of my parents (I'm not going to name one in particular) would accidentally throw them in the washing machine?

Time will tell. In the meantime, I love working with CTH and I love the pattern I've chose. I chose to make Cookie A's Monkey socks but not regular monkeys. I saw these socks and liked them much better than the regular monkeys. Well, I'm going to knit on now and maybe fondle my new stash a little more.

NEW STASH?