Let's Knit!

Love Portuguese Style Knitting!

2009-06-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

My knitting is coming along. I work on Elizabeth here and there and am looking at finishing my unfinished projects as well!

Some time ago, I blogged about frogging my grandson's raglan sweater as I felt it would be too small. Well, I decided to go ahead and finish it. I pulled it out Sunday and finished the body on Monday. It's been a great way to continue practicing Portuguese style knitting.

Knitting in this style, my yarn tension is much better and I can get into a very smooth rhythm. It is also easier on my hands and wrists.

Today is also my grandson's 3rd birthday! Amazing! I wish time would slow down just a bit!

I'll post pictures of the sweater soon.

Slowing Down

2009-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

I did not knit at all this weekend. I bought paint in February to paint my living room and kitchen. Saturday I decided to prime the wall in the living room and today I will put the new color on the wall. The grandson is at school today so I have a short window to get things done. The kitchen is slated for fresh paint in a couple of weeks.

I will not abandon my knitting like I usually do. I just need to get other things done!

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day!

Portuguese Style Knitting

2009-05-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I received Andrea Wong's Learn How to Knit Portuguese Style DVD in the mail today. I also bought two of her knitting pins.

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon practicing the knit and purl stitch. It is very easy to pick up; the knit stitch is a little tricky and the purl stitch is super easy. Using the knitting pin really helps keep even tension.

I read about this style of knitting on Ravelry quite a while ago. I watched a video demonstrating this technique on You Tube and practiced a bit but quickly gave up on it since I don't care to have the yarn around the back of my neck. Andrea's DVD is easy to understand and to follow.

The DVD covers the knit and purl stitch, increasing and decreasing, three different cast-on and three different bind-off methods. (There may be a little more, but this is what I can remember after watching it once). She has a DVD covering knitting socks and will be publishing a book on this style of knitting. I'm going to keep practicing this style before buying the other offerings.

My progress on Elizabeth has slowed a bit. I have completed 2 inches of the body and have 18 inches to go. Endless knitting in garter stitch isn't too interesting but it is looking nice.

Different Needle = Much Better

2009-04-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I decided to go down to a size 8 needle. Since I'm knitting Continental style, the knitting is loose and the rowing is a lot less and not as noticeable. I'm pleased...

I returned home from my trip and have only worked on the shawl a couple of times. Need to pick up the pace!

I ordered Andrea Wong's DVD and a couple of yarn pins. I'm excited to learn to knit Portuguese style!

When will it feel like Spring around here? Sheesh, it was warmer in January!!

I decided....

2009-04-20T23:56:00.000-07:00

to go ahead and buy an inexpensive circular needle in size 8 and continue working on Elizabeth.

I have a favorite yarn store, that is hard to stay out of, when I visit with my son. I picked up all those stitches and started knitting continental. I knit loose when I knit continental and felt a size 8 would be a good choice. No rowing or at least it's minimal.

The yarn store was having a big sale; I browsed and walked away with only the needles. I was pretty proud of myself as I saw some lovely yarns (not on sale) and did not bite. Hard to do but I have vowed to work through a lot of my stash before buying too much new yarn. My purchase of the Comfort yarn has been all I have bought in a long time.

Also, I have worked on my socks a little, too. Today I thought I would try a short row heel. I have some experience with heel flaps and gussets and since these socks are toe up and I was not happy with the Eye of Partridge heel, I ripped back to do a short row heel. Well, it was not turning out quite right, so ripped it out again. I'll try again tomorrow. :)

Decision Time

2009-04-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

I picked up all 264 stitches for the garter stitch body on Elizabeth. The pattern calls for size 10-1/2 circs. I have knit a few rows and not sure I like the garter stitch rows. Using a larger needle than the yarn calls for and getting this rowing effect just doesn't look right.

I went to Berroco to see if there was any corrections for this pattern. The only correction was in the amount of yarn needed for the project. The pattern originally stated 10 hanks of Ultra Alpaca, which I bought, and the correction is 4 hanks. Whoa! Big difference!

So far, I have used about 1-3/4 hanks so I can make a big decision here (I don't want a lot of yarn left over). Rip out and use 2 strands of yarn with the size needle I'm using now or use one strand and use a smaller needle? Using two strands of yarn might make the body too bulky. Going down to a size 8 or 9 might be a better option. I'm sure I will still have 4 hanks left over that I could use for something else.

I have put in way too much work on the neckband and certainly want to be satisfied with the end result. Since I'm away from home at the moment and don't have access to my needles, I will have to let her sit until I get home.

Good thing I brought some sock yarn with me. ;)

Elizabeth Update!

2009-04-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

I finished the neckband!!! Picking up 264 stitches and on to the garter stitch body.

I have really enjoyed knitting this. I do have to admit, the last 46 rows was starting to get a little monotonous. Feels good to progress.

I am enjoying my little vacation. Getting a lot of knitting time in; I may need to put it down tomorrow and give myself a little break!

My son doesn't understand how I can sit and knit as much I have the past couple of days. Of course, he's a non-knitter. ;)

Be well!

So Many Great Patterns!

2009-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, not so sure I'm going to be able to refrain from casting on some socks! I just came across a free pattern from Ravelry for Leyburn Socks in the Quitled Lattice pattern. Since I have a blank canvas for the socks that are unfinished, I may use this pattern for the leg. But then again, there are some great patterns in Cookie's book.

I was able to work on Elizabeth yesterday and will get some work done on her today. I'm in the process of packing for a two week trip to my son's. I will be taking some extra sock yarn and my book just in case I get a good amount of work done on Elizabeth. Once I'm done with the neckband, the body of the shawl will go pretty fast. I am determined not to abandon her and to see the project to the end! Here's an updated picture:

I hope everyone has a great Easter with lots of sunshine and warm weather.

Books Arrived!

2009-04-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

I picked up my books from the post office this morning! I so want to pull out some sock yarn and dive in, but I'm going to be good and get a lot more done on Elizabeth and get the Geometta done for my granddaughter.

I have to stick to my guns and not let my "knitting plate" get too full. I'm having such a good time knitting I don't want to jinx it by over-loading with too many WIPs. ;)

I was able to get a lot done on Elizabeth yesterday. Nice, relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Books and What-Not

2009-04-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have been hooked on a book, "Death By Cashmere", lately. It started out a little slow; introducing characters, etc. It's a murder mystery set in Massachusetts around a knitting store and the loyal knitters of the community. So far, I'm enjoying it.

I'm waiting for Cookie A.'s new book "Sock Innovation" and "Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns" by Carol Sulcoski. I have a ridiculous stash of variegated yarns and hope to get some insight on the best way to use it for knitting socks. My goal is to get the WIPs finished before diving into any more projects.

I received two skeins of Berroco Comfort yarn and Berroco pattern booklet #269 "The Family Comfort Zone". I'm going to knit Geometta for my granddaughter. The yarn is a nylon/acrylic blend, easy care, and quite soft. I knit a swatch today and like how the yarn knits up.

I'm still working on Elizabeth just not getting to work on her as much as I'd like, so not much progress.

Mojo is Good!

2009-03-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

When I was lacking any motivation to knit, I would think about it; a lot! Now that I have been doing some knitting almost every day, it feels so good!

Perhaps in the future, instead of complete abandon, I should take mini knitting breaks. These months and months breaks are just too long.

I was able to knit a few rows of Elizabeth this morning. The grandson is home with me today and wanted to get something done before he woke up.

I decided to pull out those Shadow Rib socks that I blogged about last year; I forgot that I had changed my mind on the pattern. Anyway, I'm doing the leg in Charlene's Shadow Rib pattern from her Little Box of Socks.

I did some work on those this weekend. I thought I could rip back the one sock that was complete, but was too small around the top, pick up the stitches and add ribbing. Not so....I went ahead and ripped it back to just above the heel and will do the whole pattern section over. I do, afterall, want the socks to look nice...;)

Elizabeth Shawl Update

2009-03-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

The shawl is coming along nicely. The neckband measures 42" long; only 30" to go!

I have been having a great time working this pattern. There is enough variety to ease boredom and enough variety that I haven't been able to memorize it. Good stuff.

Once I am done with the neckband, I will pick up 264 stitches and knit in garter stitch for the body.

I received my Signature Arts Needles...wow!...they are nice! I bought a pair of size 7, 7" straights. I love my Addi Lace Needles, which I was using when I started Elizabeth. The Signature Arts are fantastic! I am generally not a straight needle knitter. I don't like how straight needles are always catching on my sleeves. When I saw they were offering needles in shorter lengths, I wanted to try them. I also bought a pair of size 6 in 10" length. I wanted the 7" length but failed to change the length when I ordered them as part of a scarf kit (with a skein of cashmere yarn, yum). I am going to contact them to see if I can exchange the 10" for the shorter length.

I may, in the future, order a set of their double points. I love the stiletto point. A bit finer point than the Addi Lace Needles. I will never abandon my Addi's and can't see myself ordering too many of the Signature Arts; it is nice for a change and they are finely tuned needles!

Elizabeth Shawl

2009-03-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting and I'm having a blast!!!!

March 8th, I cast on for the Elizabeth Shawl which is Berroco Patterns #263 (Family Tree Knitting Collection). I'm using Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Brown Rice. I bought this pattern and yarn 2 years ago. I tried my hand at the pattern and kept making mistakes. Ripped it out, put it away until the time came that I felt I could successfully complete the project.

It really is quite simple once I converted the written pattern to a chart. So much easier on the eyes and keeping my place. I also found I would consistently make a mistake in the same area. That's where lifelines are coming in handy. I think having the chart to read and the lifelines, I'm knitting with confidence and relaxed.

Here's a picture I took this morning to visually explain the lifeline to a friend:

I'm not too happy with the k2tog on the inside of the garter stitch border. Hopefully it will all work itself out once I block it.

At any rate, I'm going to keep going and enjoying the process.

How does one ever explain to a non-knitter the sheer joy of sitting down with needles and yarn?

I ordered a set of needles from Signature Art Needles as well as a kit with cashmere yarn, pattern and another set of needles. They look beautiful and they come in sizes as short as 7" for straights. They are making double point needles now, too. I always use my Addi Turbo's for everything and thought it would be cool to have a pair of short straights for lacy scarves. I'll blog about them when I receive them!

Until then, happy knitting and Happy Spring, well almost....

Oh yeah, the temperature here tomorrow will be in the high 70's!!! ;)

Some "Me" Time is Coming

2009-02-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

My little grandson will start back to preschool on Monday! We moved at the first of the year and my daughter removed him from the preschool that was near the apartment. She found a smaller, really nice preschool just down the street.

All of the teachers are actually accredited teachers; the last center had the feel of young kids there to "babysit". He picked up some bad habits, that have since been rectified, that won't be tolerated in the new center. It's quite impressive.

He will go 3-days a week being with me Tuesday and Thursday. Perfect.

I have a long list of things I want to do with the time I will have to myself:

Knit
Focus on nutrition and exercise
Paint the kitchen and living room
Spend some time meandering on the beach
Knit
Knit
Knit

That about sums it up! I miss my knitting and need to hear the clicking of needles. Once the weather warms up, I can even take some knitting out and sit at the beach. Awww, sounds like a great combination!

Where's My Mojo?

2009-01-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well, knitting is not happening. The grandson is back with me during the day and by evening, I'm exhausted and don't feel like knitting. His mom is going to be looking into part-time pre-school. There are programs on M-W-F which would be perfect. I love having him with me all day and I do need some time to myself. I'm tired of feeling tired all the time.

We had some glorious weather here on the coast for about a week and a half. Temperatures in the low 80's with a lot of sunshine. Unusual for this time of year and was extremely enjoyable. It rained yesterday and has been quite cool and cloudy today.

I'm sticking to my knitting resolution and finishing up those projects. The grandson's sweater will have to be frogged since he's growing like a weed and it's already a bit too small. Oh well......one less project to finish. ;)

A New Year!

2009-01-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

My blog is now a year old. Where did 2008 go? We always ask that question, right?

We moved out of our apartment on Monday and have been trying to get the new digs unpacked and squared away. We're making progress and should have the kitchen completely functional tomorrow.

I have been on a "less is more" kick for over a year and really started looking at things I'm unpacking in the kitchen and realizing I have things I haven't used therefore I don't need. I'm sure somebody else will get more use out of this stuff than I do. Purging "stuff" is so freeing.

My knitting resolutions are: get the socks finished for the grandson; finish the scarf; finish the sweater and the hat that I cast on the other day. Whew! I need to get busy!

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and wish all a happy and healthy 2009 with lots of knitting. :) !!

Knitting

2008-12-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

Yep, knitting has been happening; I am a slow but steady knitter.

This morning I cast on for a Seaman's Cap to match his new winter coat my daughter bought for him. I would like to think I could have these two pieces finished by the end of the year; that is if I worked on them everyday!

It's the last two days of shopping left. I hope everyone is finished and ready to sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas Day.

As for me, we'll be shopping at the last minute. We decided to just keep it simple and for the grandchildren. Should be quick and easy. We'll see......

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday and have recovered from all the good food. No shopping for me on Black Friday! I stay as far away from a store as possible.

It has actually started to feel a little like winter around here. We had rain a couple of days last week which I loved. I wish we had rain a little more often.

I have been working on the sweater for my grandson and it's going to turn out really nice. I'm hoping to have it finished in a couple of weeks.

Fun and Easy

2008-11-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

I clicked a link from another blog and found these fun blog backgrounds! I had been trying to change the look of my blog with free templates. That wasn't working for me since I'm not too code savvy. The backgrounds don't require changing the template (start off with bloggers Minima template). A simple copy of the code, add html/java in customizing, copy the code, save and voila! Love these backgrounds and the look. Easy to change with the seasons, too.

Follow the link in the upper left hand corner and check it out!

Good to be Knitting!

2008-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

Days are shorter, nights are cooler and the knitting needles are clinking once again!

I haven't touched the scarf I last blogged about. I did, however, cast-on another top-down raglan sweater for my grandson. I had so much fun with the last one, I couldn't resist another!

Awww, feels so good to be knitting again!

Happy Fall!

Good Knitting Day!

2008-10-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fabulous knitting day! I worked on the Mead Scarf and am enjoyed every minute!

November 3rd, my grandson will start pre-school!!! This is very exciting as he will love and thrive in the learning and social enviornment. And, grandma can get some much needed exercising and knitting done!!!

Is it Fall Yet?

2008-10-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

Geesh, it turned hot around here again! According to the weather, it's going to cool off and possibly rain! Just the right kind of weather to knit.

I cast-on the Mead Scarf by Elizabeth Morrison using Blue Sky Alpaca dk yarn from the stash. It's a simple pattern and the yarn is so soft!

In May I started babysitting my two year old grandson, which is both tiring and completely wonderful. By evening, when I would usually get in some knitting, I'm tired. That, and hot weather made knitting less appealing.

Here's to cool weather, Winter and some knitting!

Losing my Mind? No Just Not Paying Attention!

2008-09-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Didn't I post about a scarf I was working on using the broomstick stitch? I thought I did, but it's not here. ETA: It's in my last post. ;) Sheesh, I think I need to get some sleep!

At any rate, I ripped it out. I bought 3 balls of Rowen's Tapestry in blue/tan tones. I really like the color but it's heck to work with. It seems I have cast-on 2 or 3 different projects just to rip it out. It's rather strange to work with and feels like it could be a bit itchy. I don't know what I'm going to do with it. ;)

With the days getting shorter, evening temperature cooling, I feel myself getting ready to nest for the winter and knit! Maybe I'm a winter knitter only. We shall see!

Take care all!

On To the Next Season

2008-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day is the holiday ringing in summer, though not officially, but as a kid we always knew that school was about to end and summer vacation was about to begin. Same with Labor Day; the end of summer and winter was right around the corner. I dreaded Labor Day as we always started the new school year the very next day! I wish I would have been one of those kids that loved school and couldn't wait to go back. I'm looking forward to Fall/Winter. The older I get, the more I dislike warm/hot weather. I think I'm becoming a fair weather person; must be the hot flashes. :)

I'm about to cast-on a scarf for my oldest daughter and it's going to be in the broomstick stitch. I watched a YouTube video the other day from Stitch Diva and it looks easy and interesting. And no, the little guys socks are still on the needle. :(

Hope everyone had a great summer and holiday weekend!

Jethro Tull

2008-08-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! We went to see Jethro Tull perform tonight! Whatta show! This was their last stop of their 40th year tour. Awesome performance; Ian Anderson is such a great performer, musician, commentator, etc. The old guys can still rock n' roll!

Funny, we saw Elton John in April. That was the 2nd time for us, the first in 1992 (which was really good). I didn't even mention it as it was just ok. Tonight's concert was much more energetic and fun!

I pulled out some cotton last night, cast on and knit a few rounds of a wash cloth. Felt so good to play with some yarn. ;)

More later, time for bed!