ElfKnits

Lots of Stuff!

2009-06-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I am officially done with my Firmaments Lace Shawl! YAAAAYY!! I did mess up in section C of the lace, but seeing how long it took to bind off (and I was about 80% done with the binding off when I noticed it), I wasn't about to rip back. I'll live with it. I must say I enjoyed lace knitting.

Speaking of lace... I've cast on for the Hemlock Ring blanket. In June??!! Yes, in June. XD I'm one crazy mofo! It's been really easy and enjoyable so far. I'll probably take it to knit night at Nina's house.

I've also decided to rip back that bag. I just don't like it. It looks nice in the picture, but it's a little too weird for me. I'll rip and start knitting it in a different pattern.

I'm also going to NYC for my bday. I'm planning to go to the Lion Brand Studios, but I would also like to hit a few more yarn stores. I've been reading on Ravelry that quite a few stores in the NYC area are closed. Maybe I'll just hit Kinokuniya and look at their magazines for J-knits... I also want to go to Alice's Tea Cup. =D

To Frog or Not to Frog...

2009-05-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

I got a free pattern from Michaels and it was for a crochet market bag. I thought it was quite pretty in the picture, but it seems no one on Ravelry has made it yet (or has bothered to post it). But the further along I get on this bag, the more I'm not sure I like it. I don't like sewing stuff up (I mean, something like a bag can easily be done in the round. Especially in crochet!), so why is this pattern done flat? Even the bottom doesn't really make sense.

I'm wondering if I should just frog it and start either on a different bag pattern or even remaking this so I can just crochet it in the round.

On the other hand, I am about halfway done (and put in a lot of time on it). I'm not really looking forward to putting this cotton back onto the mega huge ball it once was.

Guess I'll work on my shawl for a bit while I mull this over. =(

New Wheel Adventures

2009-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well... as much as I love my Mach 1, it is a HEAVY HEAVY wheel. Yes, I know, it has wheels, but really! You have to lift it in and out of the car, and heaven forbid it should be raining/snowing/sleeting/going upstairs to Nina's place, you're gonna have to carry into wherever it is you're going.

So I bought a new wheel. It is a Fidelis from Heavenly Handspinning. It's a single treadle made from the wheel of a bicycle! Now, I've heard both bad and good things about the Heavenly Handspinning wheel, but the weight and price sold me. After all, it couldn't be any worse than the Hitchhiker. ^_^;;

The Good: It is light, fast, and cheap. The bobbins are DIRT CHEAP. I got 3 of them for $25 and it also comes with 3. It's very easy to assemble and the packaging it was shipped in kept it very safe. It's also cute and it's better looking than the PVC wheels out there. You can also customize it by staining it however you prefer.

The Bad: It's not like any other wheel I've ever spun on before and it takes a bit of getting used to. The bobbin spins and the flier stays still. Now you're probably thinking "Well... how different can that be?". Very. It takes a bit of experimentation to figure out how to spin on it. I found that I do long draw very well on it.

The bobbins are kinda.... cheap. Both to the touch and sight. They look like a fine plywood and are a bit rough.

The noise... Well, generally, it's fairly quiet. However, if the bobbin gets too close to the orifice, it does make a click, click, click noise slightly louder than keyboard strokes (at least my keyboard!). It's still a much quieter wheel than the Hitchhiker's direct drive.

Is it worth it? I think it is. Some people find that you need to push hard on the treadle to get it to spin. I don't find that to be true. I use very little tension and it sucks up the fiber fairly quickly with not much effort on the treadling. And it takes less concentration and effort in the treadling than the Hitchhiker. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it as a first wheel, but if you're on a tight budget, it's a fairly decent wheel. I'd love to try out a double treadle one. XD

My friends are talking about getting me those little doodads that you used to stick on your bicycle spokes when you were 7. You know... they make a cute clink clink clink as your bicycle wheel turns. Does anyone remember those? I think they should get me a reflector. Hmm.. maybe a bike chain. I could chain up my wheel when I go to the ladies room. Oh the humor possibilities! XD

YAAAYY!! SOCKS!

2009-03-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

I finally got to the last lace repeat (and bind off edge) of the Lace Firmaments Shawl. However, I know I'm gonna need a lot of quiet time to concentrate on this. I really really really don't want to rip back on this part, so it's gonna stay at home where I can tink, swear, and concentrate on the shawl without any distractions.

In the meantime, I need something to take to knitting with me! Sooooooo.... SOCKS!!!! I'm casting on the Chevy Socks from Knitting with Handpainted Yarn book. This is some yummy yummy green yarn by Knitpicks. Now, I've got PLENTY of prettier yarn to knit with, but I've been wanting to knit with this yarn since I got it.

SOCKS!!!!!! =D

SOCKS!!!

2009-02-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

When I started my lace shawl, I was 100% burned out on socks. I didn't want to look at another pair of socks. So I decided to either knit a shawl or the tilted duster (sweater) to just get out of the monotony of socks. It's a good thing I did. I needed it.

However, I just bought Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol J. Sulcoski and I am dying to knit up a pair of socks. There are so many seriously good patterns in it! Bad bad bad news. I know if I start a pair, my shawl will just sit on the needles for the next 3 years. ARGH! I even got some yummy yummy sock yarn in the mail, too! D=

I'm doomed. ;_;

Lace and Twilight

2009-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on my Lace Firmaments Shawl and fortunately, I'm not tired of it yet. There was one HUUUUGGEE set back when I started the 3rd lace chart, but I put double the effort in and made it back to where I frogged back after a day and a half. I have to do the current chart 9 times over and I'm only 3 repeats in (6 more to go). I haven't bothered to put in any more lifelines (maybe I should, I just don't seem to be that far... at least in my eyes).

My friends Vanessa and Nina have gotten me into the Twilight series. I'm enjoying it so far, but because this lace is rather complicated (too complicated to read and knit at the same time), so I've been listening to it on audiobook. I'm about halfway thru the 2nd book and it's slow going. Mostly because I've been neglecting my podcast subscriptions and listening to those also. I had about 42 un-listened to podcast and now I'm down to 28!

Well, back to knitting. This shawl ain't gonna knit itself! XD

(I honestly can't tell how far along I am since this is a round shawl. I don't think I'm halfway yet, tho.)

Almost a year??!! D=

2009-01-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've updated my blog! To be honest, I kinda forgot about it! So... what's happened?

I got a new spinning wheel. It's a Mach 1 by Spinnolution and it spins like a DREAM. It can even do fat art yarns.

I also sold my Hitchhiker. I just couldn't get used to it. It's a very nice portable spinning wheel, but I just couldn't get the knack of it.

I can't tell you how many pairs of socks I've knit. SOOOO many! I've kept less than half the pairs I've knit up, tho. My friend Vanessa got a pair for xmas. =D

What's on my needles now? I'm starting the Firmaments Lace Shawl... and it's the FIRST lace project I've ever done. I know I'm supposed to put in lifelines, but I just don't like doing it! However, as soon as I complained about them, I really did have to use it. XD So I've learned not to complain too much because it just saved me from losing EVERYTHING. I've almost reknit everything I lost, so it's not too bad.

I hope I can update my blog before NEXT year. Uguuu~ I'm a bad blogger. ;_;

Mystical Creation Yarns

2008-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

*sigh* Such a huge hubbub over on Ravelry concerning this dyer. To be honest, I also purchased some MCY yarn a while ago, but my experience wasn't nearly as bad as everyone else's it seems. My yarn, while thinner than I expected, was exactly what it looked like on Etsy. There were no felted spots, no undyed spots, no breaks, no bleeding and it arrived quickly. The yarn is... I hate to say... perfect. I was lucky.

I've heard such horror stories of what I could have gotten. I consider myself extremely fortunate. But like I said, it was thinner than I expected... and this is my own fault. ^_^;; I should've read the stitches per inch. But what to do with this thin yarn with not much yardage? I sure as heck am not ordering more from her. No sir, I can learn from others mistakes. So no lace stoles for me. =( I did consider knitting up a pair of Mrs. Beatons (lacy cuffs), but I dress up so very rarely, it would seem a waste. But the Ice Queen pattern in the Winter 07 Knitty was perfect! It would use up a large amount of this yarn, I wouldn't be short, it's elegant, and I'm allergic to the recommended Kid Silk Haze. I'm about 30% thru the Ice Queen pattern and it already so pretty and soft. It's truly a shame that MCY had to go downhill in such a terrible manner. I totally would've ordered from her again... if she wasn't such a person of questionable morals.

Better

2008-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'm really glad to see improvement in my dad's condition. I remember when he first went in and could barely speak coherently. Now, I can understand what he says and he's completed therapy with his hand. His leg is still weak, but that he can get up, walk a few steps with minimal assistance... it makes me happy. I hope he comes home soon. =)

On the knitting front, I'm completely burnt out by the completion of the 1 snowflake sock. I've put that on hold and am knitting my brother a pair of mindless Thuja with Ewe-Phoria Sock Yarn. OMG... that sock yarn is SOOO soft and yummy. I'm glad I'll have enough left over after his are done for a pair of anklets for myself. SO SOFT! Working with this yarn has been a joy. He better like these! D< If he doesn't, I'll kidnap them back, rip back the toes and reknit 'em to fit me! ~_^

Snowflake Socks

2008-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

I'm.... unhappy. I get to a VERY nice spot in my knitting... almost being done... and I have to rip them back. It's happened 3 times so far. These socks are taking FOR-EV-ER. I just want them to be done.

Rip 1: Gauge is too tight. I have to rip back to before the heel turn. I can't get them on.
Rip 2: I made a big very noticeable boo boo after the heel turn and have to rip 10 rows back. RIP!
Rip 3: It doesn't fit over my calf. Time to rip back 20 rows and move up to a larger needle. I'm gonna have to go up ANOTHER needle size soon. I just know it.

*whine* Are we there yet? D=

Procrastination

2008-02-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a horrible procrastinator. Sort of. ^_^;; Anyways, I told many of my friends, I'd knit them something for xmas... which I did and fairly on time as well.

Well... their gifts are still sitting in my house. I haven't found the time nor energy to mail them out. I should do that soon. ;_;

In other news, I'm working on a pair of Snowflake Socks from Magknits. I'm using the new Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. It's a little.... fiddly, but I like the colors. I have NEVER knit socks that long. O_o But at least I have something to knit while visiting my dad. (Dad had a stroke the day before New Years. He's ok! He just needs some rehab for his leg.) Sometimes I wonder if he gets annoyed that I turn his room into a knitting meeting (since my mom knits too). ^_^ Well... he hasn't complained yet, so I guess it's ok.

Sock Swap Swag

2007-11-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

I got my package from my Hogwarts Sock Swap partner in the mail. I was quite impressed with the stuff she sent me! The socks (which were beautiful) fit perfectly, while the books she got were fun to look through. She got me a nice set of size 3 bamboo needles (which the timing for couldn't be more perfect) and yummy yummy candies. Even the packaging was cute (a little halloween themed chinese take-out box). XD

I had so much fun doing this swap. I would happily (and eagerly) do another. Thanks so much to my Swap pal Daisy Boomslang (as I know her by) for being a wonderful partner. =D

Vintage patterns

2007-09-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

One of the local libraries had a book sale and I decided to sift through the craft section. I came upon quite a few vintage knitting magazines, but only a couple actually caught my eye. One is a 1963 copy of Spinnerin. It's really quite amazing. A LOT of the patterns in it could be knit and be very trendy today. I'll probably have to look up some of the weights/sizes of the yarn, but I think I might knit some of these up. They're quite pretty. There's even a pattern for a coat/skirt set that looks very Jackie O.

The other is a 1974 knitting mag called "For the Family" by Annis Holmes and has a few hat, mitten, sock, and scarf patterns. I'm a sucker for socks and mittens, so I had to grab it.

All in all, it cost me $1. XD

Edit: I stopped by A.C. Moore's knitting demo today and got a free pair of size 17 needles. SWEET! Going to go back on Monday and try to get some 40% off Paton's Classic Wool for a pair of felted clogs.

Size... what? D=

2007-09-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

My brother asked me a while ago if I would knit socks for him. So... upon completing the socks for my Hogwarts Sock Swap Pal, I thought it was time. I got 2 skeins of Moda Dea's Bamboo Wool (since I wanted Panda Wool, but alas, I couldn't find any in "manly" colors at my LYS). Well... I really should've thought twice about it. My brother wears size 15 shoes. ^^;;

Well, I decided the fastest and easiest way would be to just knit a very basic sock. No patterns. Just straight stockinette feet with a 4x2 ribbing at the ankle. It took me 3 days, but I'm halfway done. Yep... 1 sock down and 1 to go.

I'm really kinda happy. He likes how thick it is, how short it is (he wanted socks that went shortly past his ankle and 1 skein did exactly that), and the shape and color. Hopefully, these socks will be good for NY winters and will last him a while.

I'll just pray that if they don't last a week... he won't tell me. I swear I'll cry.

New Aquisitions

2007-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I didn't post this before now. To be honest, I was a tad lazy. ^^; Anyhoos... I went to the Fingerlakes Fiber Arts Festival this weekend. I managed to talk my mom into going with me (after Maryland S&W, I no longer like going far places by myself). She grumbled for a bit, but quickly enough slipped into the "ooh! soft! must buy!" mode. XD She bought a wooden DPN holder and one of those Rakestraw Spinners, then complained that she spent more than me. Well... not to be outdone, I bought a spinning wheel. My first spinning wheel. It's a Hitchhiker from The Merlin Tree. It's really cute and I like the design.

The only problem is... I have NO idea how to spin on a spinning wheel! XD

It's ok, tho. I know of a place not too far from where I live where they give spinning lessons on a wheel. I'll probably pack up my teeny wheel and head out there sometime for a lesson. I think I've gotten the hang of working the treadle on my own. Well... it's something! XD

Yarn Dieting

2007-09-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well... I went to upload my new yarn (TOFUtsies) to Ravelry and it said "Hello Nabschan! You are uploading your 20th stash item".

D=!!!!!!

I do believe it's time to go on a stash diet. Most of the yarn in my stash is sock yarn, so I'm going to be trying to knit up some socks before I buy more. I also got my first pair of Addie Turbos. They're teeny tiny for socks. I wonder how they'll work. This might be one rather expensive experiment. I love the cable that holds the needles together already. I have Boye Interchangables and the cables aren't nearly so nice. I hear that Knit Picks interchangables cables are similar. If so, I might bug people to buy me that for xmas. <_<;;

Since there's a sale at Mission Rose Quiltery on Thursday (30% off), I'll probably hit them up and get those 2 skeins of Claudia I need. I got 2 skeins from my mom for my b-day, but they were only enough for 1 sock each. XD

HSS2 Q&A

2007-09-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Since I've been poked to do this....

What type of pet do you choose as your companion at Hogwarts? An angora rabbit. Come on... really, what do you expect a spinner to say? XD
While shopping in Hogsmeade you stop by Honeydukes for some sweets. What treats do you purchase for yourself? A sugar quill. I used to carry Red Hots in my pocket during high school for class snacking.
A potion you are preparing needs an ingredient available only at muggle shops. You don't want to stand out in your wizards robes, so you resort to traditional muggle clothing. Describe your outfit in detail. A sundress, a large floppy hat with flowers on it, and mismatched flip flops.
What is your favorite subject to study at Hogwarts and why? Probably Charms. It seems like the most useful for day to day life.
Likewise, what subject is your least favorite and why? History of Magic. I hate HATE boring teachers.
Back to the potion you were shopping for ingredients for, what type of potion are you making, what color is it, what are the ingredients, and precisely what does the potion do? Nightowl eyes Potion. It's glow stick green (as in it glows). It requires whole lightbulbs from the backsides of lightning bugs. And it increases your ability to see in the dark.. however, the side effects are that you'll end up wearing sunglasses for the next 2 days. ^^;

Ravelry! Finally....

2007-08-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note that I am now on Ravelry! You can find me there under "Nabschan". Friend me!! =D

Firenze the Centaur Socks

2007-08-25T13:56:00.001-07:00

We were asked (as part of the Hogwarts Sock Swap 2) to make a Harry Potter themed pattern for extra credit to win House Points. Well... I have never written a pattern before, much less tried to design something, so it was quite the challenge. I wish I could've done this better. The pattern I wanted to use was in the Favorite Socks book from Interweave Press, but when I finally went to buy the book, it sold out! D= Thus, I had to improvise my own arrow pattern.
Before I get to the pattern, there are somethings you should know. This sock knits up a bit tight pulling it over the heel, so I really suggest blocking it. I've also written that you need 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces. I have, as of this writing, only knit one sock, and there is a lot left. You may need only one skein, but I do suggest buying 2... and keeping the receipt. ^^; If you find any errata, please let me know immediately. I have not had any test knitters beta this pattern. Luckily, I'm an airhead, so I had to rely on my own pattern quite a bit. XD

Edit: Pictures have been fixed. YAAAYY!!
Edit 2: Many thanks to Kismatt for making my pattern into a PDF file for download!
Edit 3: On 11/08/07, I found one errata. I can't correct the PDF file, so I've noted the correction here in green. It's after you turn the heel. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have cause you.
Edit 4: The PDF file is no longer available for download. I decided not to renew with my webhost, so there's now nowhere to post it. If I can figure out how to upload it to Ravelry, I will. =)
Edit 5: You can now download the PDF for free on Ravelry!

Firenze the Centaur Socks
By Nabs-chan

I've been a huge fan of Harry Potter for a few years now. And when I had to choose who to base a pattern around, I knew it had to be Firenze the Centaur. I have always loved astronomy even when I was a child, so I did my best to incorporate the stars that Firenze (and all centaurs in the HP-verse) adore. I also incorporated an arrow pattern for the cross-bows that they carry.

This simple pattern is easy to memorize, but just interesting enough that you won't get bored. I chose the Lakeview colorway because it looked like a forest at dusk just as the stars start to come out.
Difficulty: Intermediate

Materials: 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces (80% superwash wool, 20% nylon; 215 yd [196m] per 50g skein) in color Lakeview

US Size 3 needles (either DPN or circular needles)

Tapestry Needle

Gauge:

32 sts and 44 rows = 4" [10cm] in stockinette

Leg

CO 58 sts and work 10 rounds of 1x1 ribbing.

Rnd 1: *p2 sl 5 sts purlwise keeping yarn in front of work p2 k20; repeat from *
Rnd 2: *p2 k5 p2 k2 yo ssk k8 yo ssk k6; repeat from *
Rnd 3: *p2 k5 p2 k20; repeat from *
Rnd 4: *p2 k2 lift yarn from Rnd 1 onto left hand needle behind next st on needle and k into next st, drop the yarn that was lifted so that it lies trapped behind st just k, k2 p2 k2tog yo k yo ssk k5 k2tog yo k yo ssk k5; repeat from *
Rnd 5: *p2 sl 5 sts purlwise keeping yarn in front of work p2 k20; *repeat from *
Rnd 6: *p2 k5 p2 k2 yo ssk k8 yo ssk k6; repeat from *
Rnd 7: *p2 k5 p2 k7 yo ssk k8 yo ssk k; repeat from *
Rnd 8: *p2 k2 lift yarn from Rnd 5 onto left hand needle behind next st on needle and k into next st, drop the yarn that was lifted so that it lies trapped behind st just k, k2 p2 k20; repeat from *
Rnd 9: *p2 sl 5 sts purlwise keeping yarn in front of work p2 k5 k2tog yo k yo ssk k5 k2tog yo k yo ssk; repeat from *
Rnd 10: *p2 k5 p2 k20; repeat from *
Rnd 11: *p2 k5 p2 k7 yo ssk k8 yo ssk k; repeat from *
Rnd 12: *p2 k2 lift yarn from Rnd 9 onto left hand needle behind next st on needle and k into next st, drop the yarn that was lifted so that it lies trapped behind st just k, k2 p2 k20; repeat from *

Repeat rounds 1-12 six times or until desired length. End with Rnd1.

Heel

You'll want to re-arrange the stitches so that half of the arrow row on each side will be part of your heel (30 sts on heel flap side, 28 on non-working side). You won't work the pattern on these stitches, but you will work the heel shaping on them. It may be easier to put your knitting on waste yarn to re-arrange them. The arrows are easier to make while they're all on one needle, but if you continue knitting without re-arranging, the arrows will be off center.

Once you've re-arranged your stitches (30 sts), begin knitting the heel flap.

Heel Flap

WS: sl first st purlwise and p to end. Turn.
RS: sl first st purlwise and k to end. Turn

Work these 2 rows for 27 rows. You'll end at the beginning of a RS row.

Turn Heel

Row 1: (RS) sl1 k15 ssk k1
Row 2: (WS) sl1 p3 p2tog p1 [27sts]
Row 3: (RS) sl1 k4 ssk k1
Row 4: (WS) sl1 p5 p2tog p1 [25sts]
Row 5: (RS) sl1 k6 ssk k1
Row 6: (WS) sl1 p7 p2tog p1 [23sts]
Row 7: (RS) sl1 k8 ssk k1
Row 8: (WS) sl1 p9 p2tog p1 [21 sts]
Row 9: (RS) sl1 k10 ssk k1
Row 10: (WS) sl1 p11 p2tog p1 [19 sts]
Row 11: (RS) sl1 k12 ssk k1
Row 12: (WS) sl1 p13 p2tog p1 [17 sts]
Row 13: (RS) sl1 k 14 ssk
Row 14: (WS) sl1 p 15 p2tog [15 sts]

Turn and work 15 sts.

Gusset and Foot

Rnd 1: Pick up 13 sts from the side of the heel flap and 1 extra from the corner near the instep stitches so no hole appears. Continue following the lace pattern above starting with Rnd 2. However, replace the first 2 p sts with k stitches. When you get to the 2nd arrow pattern, replace the last 2 p sts with k sts. Pick up 1 stitch from the corner near the instep, then 13 more along the side.

Rnd 2: k12, k2tog, k. Then work the lace pattern Rnd 3 across the top of the sock making the proper substitutions (replace last 2 p sts in the 2nd arrow pattern with 2 k sts). k ssk k to end of rnd.

Work the rest of the lace pattern for the top of the sock while decreasing (as in Rnd 2 of the Gusset) every other row. You will decrease a total of 14 times over 28 Rnds to end with 58 sts total.

Continue working the lace pattern on the top of the sock only (still replacing the first 2 p sts of the first arrow pattern with k sts as well as the last 2 p sts of the 2nd arrow pattern). Work until the foot measures 1 1/2 inches less than desired finished length.

Toes

Rnd 1: k all sts. Place a marker after the 5th k st (the exact middle of the arrow pattern) on each side.
Rnd 2: (k to 3 sts before marker k2tog k2 ssk) twice k to end of Rnd
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until a total of 22 sts remain.
If you're knitting on DPNs, re-arrange sts so that the top sts are on one needle, and the bottom stitches are on another (2 needles)
Cut yarn leaving a 12" [30 cm] tail. Graft (Kitchener st) toe closed.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Special thanks to Skizzors and Hilaroma.

Designing

2007-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've written. To be honest, there hasn't been much to report. My sock for my Hogwarts Swap Pal is coming along nicely. One of the things that's been bothering me is that I am never in time to answer any of the trivia. I am always horribly horribly late. I wonder if people stalk that thread just to answer. =/

Anyways, one of the things I can do to earn some house points is to write a pattern for something Harry Potter. I do have an idea for a sock pattern, but I have never ever written a pattern for something in my life! D= I'm a little (ok, a lot) daunted by the prospect. I'm also not the fastest knitter in the world, so I'm wondering if I'll be able to get it out by the deadline. =(

Something else... it seems like I'll have a sizable amount of sock yarn left over from my Sock Swap making. I'm wondering if I should keep it or send it on to my sock buddy to play with.

Kool-aid Dyeing

2007-07-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Oh man... that went a whole lot worse than I thought it was going to go. I kept adding packet after packet after packet... In the end, it didn't really get past deep red. D= I kinda gave up in the end. I said "Well... it's a solid shade, it's kinda dark.... good enough." I guess I'm just going to have to give in and buy some professional acid dyes next time. XP

And then because of the way I wound it before dyeing.. I had some horrible tangles in the middle of it. That was my own fault. It should be easier next time because I know now what not to do!

If my sock pal should read this... I'm sorry it's not superwash! I had one skein of superwash... and it's only 200yards. I thought you'd much prefer 2 socks to 1. ^^;;; It's actually a bit darker than in this picture. For some reason, my camera doesn't seem to like reds. =/

I'm... dyeing!

2007-07-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dyeing... not dying. XD

A couple of days ago, I got some packets of Kool-aid out and tried my hand at dyeing. It seemed to come out pretty well. The yellow/gold is absolutely perfect. The red needs a bit more dyeing. I'm afraid it'll come out too dark. I wonder if I should just do one packet at a time? D=

This is some nerve wracking stuff! O_o;

Edit: I've used 6 packets and it's still not there. I'm wondering how many I'm gonna have to use. D=

Hogwarts Sock Swap Year 2!!

2007-07-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've decided to join the Hogwarts Sock Swap (Year 2, since I missed Year 1). As such, I'm going to try to earn my House a few points by filling out this questionnaire. Hopefully Slytherin will win the House Cup. OH! Sign up for the Hogwarts Sock Swap begin July 14th. Sign up with me! If year 1 is any indicator, it should be loads of fun. =D

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Slytherin

Shoe size? Size 8.5 ladies

Foot Length? 22.5 cm

Foot Circumference? 22cm

List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.

a. Clover Takumi Bamboo DPNs Size 2
b. Susan Bates DPNs Size 2
c. Clover Takumi Bamboo DPNs Size 3

Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? I would seriously love to have a set of KnitPicks 6'' size 2 DPNs. Seriously.

If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? Doesn't apply to me. I'm a Slytherin. ^^;

Allergies? Do you have any? Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? Leather. So don't knit me leather socks, ok? D= My knitting will be from a smoke-free, pet-friendly home.

Are you an international participant (outside US)? Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? I live in the continental US. As for an international sock swap partner, I can do it if needs be.

Harry Potter... again.

2007-07-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish my Harry Potter Socks before the movie release. Unfortunately, I didn't realize I was knitting with the wrong size needles until I was finished. So I had to rip back almost half the sock and knit it up again. (The foot part was fine. Better than fine actually, but the ankle was way out of proportion) Now it seems that my new sock fits a lot better than my first sock. XD

I did enjoy the movie. It was great. The Weasley Twins weren't nearly as bad as in the book. I think I prefer them a bit naughtier.

I also started on my 2nd Slinky sock. Hopefully, this one will be the same size as the first. *crosses fingers*

Time for a Journal ^^;

2007-07-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

As I cast on for my sock, I realized....

... I'd forgotten which needles I'd used to make them. I figured it was the bamboo ones, but now that I'm more than half done, I definitely didn't use the bamboo ones. D= So I finally did it. I thought I'd do fine without one, but it's time to start a knitting journal. And I wrote how I did my last sock while it was still fresh in my mind.

Oh, old age... how you sneak up on me. ;_;