Posted in January 2009 …

Jan 31 2009
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Knitting

FO: Bright Spiral Scarf

I wanted something, anything to get rid of this yarn. I got it as part of a swap and had every intention of making it into a blanket for Izzy. Well, no pattern could keep my attention and she received about 50 blankets before she was born. Instead, I started this pattern with no intended recipient (far too bright for me). When Maegan came over, she indicated that she loves bright colors so, well, it’ll soon be hers. There’s no good FO photo because it’s crappy out and I’m not one for standing in the freezing rain just for an FO shot (and getting one without someone wearing it is impossible as it’s HUGE). I’m going to make myself one soon out of *something* and probably one out of the still remaining Peaches & Cream for someone more pint sized. Anyone know an obnoxious 10 year-old who likes bright colors?

Day 19 (January 19) - Zoomin' Along

Project Ratings
Yarn: 5
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 9
Execution: 9
Pattern – Overall: 10
- Instructions: 10
- Finishing: N/A – none is required
- Stitch pattern(s): N/A
- Interestingness: 9
- Desire to remake: 10

All the dirty details are over here. Feel free to pretend you’re surprised at their location.

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Jan 30 2009
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Knitting

FO: Pebble

When I first started this project, it was to get this blasted skein of Amity out of my house. I’m too cheap to throw it away or send it to a friend located in another state or country. After at least ten failed attempts at other projects, it finally worked (somewhat okay) with this one. I started it having little to no idea who it would be for. I thought Izzy was too big, Nevaeh is WAY too big, and no one else in the family I knew well was pregnant. Thankfully, it does fit Izzy, though barely. I hope she’ll get to wear it at least once before it’s way too small though I fear her wardrobe doesn’t need a thin-ish vest in the middle of winter. Oh well. Maegan (her mom) really appreciated it and that’s good enough for me.

My favorite part has to be the ducky buttons. Sure, blue is for boys but, whatever, a little girl can wear blue, too! I didn’t think the red and light blue would look so good together though, well, they do. (Steph, can you give me an Idiot’s Guide to Color Theory, please?) I’ll probably make another couple of these to use up the other acrylic I have lying around – well, the acrylic that doesn’t become more Amanda hats for random friends and relatives.

Cobblestone-Inspired Baby Vest

Project Ratings
Yarn: 6 (just not a fan, can’t explain why ’cause it is super soft and great knit up)
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 7
Execution: 8
Pattern – Overall: 9
- Instructions: 9
- Finishing: 8 (hate sewing on buttons)
- Stitch pattern(s): N/A – garter and stockinette aren’t true stitch patterns to me
- Interestingness: 5
- Desire to remake: 8

(More specifics here, as usual.)

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Jan 29 2009
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Knitting

FO: Organik Hand Warmers

Another project made with my selfishly-purchased Organik. These were made while Matt skiied in Vermont. I sat in the nice, warm lodge and knit while he paid to be freezing cold and participate in a controlled fall down the side of a mountain. Who do you think had more fun?

I wanted these to match my Amanda hat so I subbed in the stitch pattern from the Amanda hat for the daisy stitch. I also did them in only two colors because 1. I’m too cheap to buy five skeins of yarn for one pair of gloves 2. I think the stripes in the original are Ugly (capital u on purpose). I’m not sure if I’ll make these again though it’s likely. Mine aren’t the warmest ever though they’ve only ever been worn in temperatures hovering over 20. Probably more suited to mid-40′s temperatures which will hopefully arrive in March.

Organik Mitts

Project Ratings
Yarn: 10
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 9
Execution: 8
Pattern – Overall: 10
- Instructions: 10
- Finishing: N/A – none is required
- Stitch pattern(s): N/A – used a different one
- Interestingness: 9
- Desire to remake: 10

All the other details are on Ravelry here.

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Jan 28 2009
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Knitting

FO: Amanda Hats

I could be sneaky and have these as two separate posts but, well, I’m not evil like that. I made two of the same hat pattern, almost immediately after one another. The first, because I’m selfish, will remain with me and the other will eventually wing it’s way to my cousin, Nicole. As soon as I can make her semi-matching fingerless gloves, that is. But that’s another story which may end with me simply sending her the hat by itself and, out of guilt, knitting her a matching winter trio of hat, gloves, and scarf later.

I knit the first Amanda hat with an excellent yarn I wish I could regularly afford, Fibre Company Organik. It’s an amazing blend of silk, merino, and Alpaca that is a single, luscious ply. I bought three skeins (two brown, one blue) as a Christmas gift to myself just before the holidays and am soooo glad I did. The one downside to the hat is that it has dramatically grown since I first made it. Great that it covers my ears far better now, bad that the lace is now much more open and I, therefore, am more susceptible to drafts. But it’s a great hat and Matt is already joking that I’ll be wearing it this summer in 90-degree weather, I love it so much.

First Amanda hat

The other hat is made from some leftover Cascade 220 Superwash which I thought I would never use but, apparently, did. It’s not the full pattern, as I left out at least a few rows of garter stitch if not also some lace (didn’t take notes – oops), but it still fits my head rather well. Like I said, I chose my cousin, Nicole, as its recipient, though I’m certain to re-make this hat again and again for others. Get in line now if you want one.

Second Amanda hat

Project Ratings – Hat 1 (Organik)
Yarn: 10
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 8
Execution: 8
Pattern – Overall: 10
- Instructions: 10
- Finishing: N/A – none is required
- Stitch pattern(s): 9
- Interestingness: 9
- Desire to remake: 10

Project Ratings – Hat 2 (Orange Cascade)
Yarn: 8 (hate the superwash yarn smell)
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 8
Execution: 9 (easier the second time)
Pattern ratings (obviously) same as above

Pattern: Amanda Hat
Source: Sleep Eyes Knitting (Free Ravelry download – link)
Designer: Gina House

(Ravelry has the deets -here and here)

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Jan 28 2009
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Knitting

FO: Brea Bag

Totally forgot my FO post yesterday so, well, you get two today. At least I remembered early on Wednesday and not at 5pm on Friday, right?

Back to the topic at hand: Ever since I started knitting, I wanted to make something for my Mom. Problem is, she lives in Florida. No need for many hand-knits, I don’t care who thinks a light cotton shawl is always useful. I made her one of those already. She doesn’t wear it but is looking into getting it framed. Oh, how I hope I’m the only knitter to see it on display – it’s full of mistakes.

And there I go getting off topic, yet again. It’s 7:30 in the morning and I’m still working on my first unit of caffeine. So there.

I have purchased sock yarn to make my mom some nice, squishy socks she can wear. The poor woman is now required to wear “real” shoes on the time and, hey, I will take that excuse and run with it. But I wanted to make her something better, larger, useful yet decorative. She actually picked out her own hand knit, the Brea bag from Berroco (and the yarn, Cascade 220 Quatro which I really love working with). It may have taken me three months to start it and another two to finish it but, hey, she received it for Christmas.

Finished Brea Bag

107/365 Not a hat

Project Ratings
Yarn: 8
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 7 (the four different color plies = not the best stitch definition)
Execution: 7
Pattern – Overall: 8
- Instructions: 9
- Finishing: 7 (I personally suck at finishing but the pattern had decent directions)
- Stitch pattern(s): 10
- Interestingness: 9
- Desire to remake: 9

Pattern Alterations: Did not bother to line it, at my mom’s suggestion. I’m happy she didn’t want/need the lining because, well, I am terrified at the thought of having to do one. Also, didn’t buy a strap but used a great tutorial for making a twisted I-cord braid into the handle (link).

(As usual, the knitty details are elsewhere, specifically, here.)

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Jan 26 2009
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Knitting

FO: Linen Stitch Scarflette

Once I made the Sunray, I instantly wanted to make another little scarf. While at my LYS, I came across this great yarn (Misti Alpaca Chunky) and knew it’d be perfect. I picked up one skein and a size 10 needle and was in business. This is yet another item which doesn’t have a home because, sadly, it makes my skein itch. As per usual, leave a comment if you want it and I’ll send it your way.

Linen Stitch Scarflette

Project Ratings
Yarn: 8
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 8
Execution: 10
Pattern – Overall: 10
- Instructions: 10
- Finishing: N/A – none is required
- Stitch pattern(s): 10
- Interestingness: 6
- Desire to remake: 8

(See all the dorky details in my Rav projects here.)

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Jan 26 2009
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Musical Interlude: Code Monkey

I feel the need to share this song that I cannot get out of my head. I blame the Cast On podcast and the fact I was coding in MatLAB when the song came on. It’s from the wonderful Jonathan Coulton who’s CD I should really break down and purchase.

Code Monkey get up get coffee
Code Monkey go to job
Code Monkey have boring meeting
With boring manager Rob
Rob say Code Monkey very diligent
But his output stink
His code not “functional” or “elegant”
What do Code Monkey think?
Code Monkey think maybe manager want to write god damned login page himself
Code Monkey not say it out loud
Code Monkey not crazy, just proud

Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
With big warm fuzzy secret heart:
Code Monkey like you(2X)

Code Monkey hang around at front desk
Tell you sweater look nice
Code Monkey offer buy you soda
Bring you cup, bring you ice
You say no thank you for the soda cause
Soda make you fat
Anyway you busy with the telephone
No time for chat
Code Monkey have long walk back to cubicle he sit down pretend to work
Code Monkey not thinking so straight
Code Monkey not feeling so great

Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
With big warm fuzzy secret heart:
Code Monkey like you
Code Monkey like you a lot

Code Monkey have every reason
To get out this place
Code Monkey just keep on working
See your soft pretty face
Much rather wake up, eat a coffee cake
Take bath, take nap
This job “fulfilling in creative way”
Such a load of crap
Code Monkey think someday he have everything even pretty girl like you
Code Monkey just waiting for now
Code Monkey say someday, somehow

Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
With big warm fuzzy secret heart:
Code Monkey like you(2X)

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Jan 25 2009
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Knitting

FO: Sunray

In June, I fell in love (as did many others) with the Februay Lady Sweater pattern. Less than 48 hours after I saw the pattern, I ran out and bought 10 skeins of Berroco Comfort to make myself one. The sweater was doomed from the start (which I whined about here upon frogging it). So what could I do with 10 skeins of it lying around, taunting me? It’s not the greatest yarn ever but I didn’t want it to go to waste. After an attempt at a purse, a cabled scarf, and Wysteria, I decided the last thing it should be used to make was cabled anything. Eventually I settled on a few projects, my favorite so far being this Sunray.

The Sunray is a great short scarf, perfect for people like me who hate the ends of my scarf making me look all poofy when stuck into my jacket. The pattern went very fast and while somewhat simple, kept me quite entertained. While I enjoy the scarf, it’s up for grabs if you would like it for yourself. Keep in mind you’ll need some sort of shawl pin to keep it, well, on (though I like using a DPN for this purpose, myself). Just leave a comment and it’s yours.

Sunray

Project Ratings: These are a new thing I’m going to be doing. Sometime soon I’ll take the time to explain what they each mean, though I hope they’re somewhat obvious to the casual observer. All ratings out of 10, with 10 being the most positive rating.

Yarn: 6
Yarn/Pattern Combination: 8
Execution: 9 (due to my suckage at blocking)
Pattern – Overall: 10
- Instructions: 10
- Finishing: N/A – none is required
- Stitch pattern(s): 10
- Interestingness: 9
- Desire to remake: 10
(All the details for my fellow knit nerds are posted here.)

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Jan 21 2009
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Knitting

Week of FOs – Round 2

I did not intend to put off blogging a ton of FOs until I had a week’s worth but, well, I did. We moved into the townhouse, my parents came to visit, we went to Vermont, and before I knew it, school re-started today. Life’s been a blur since the last Week of FOs, to put it mildly. The week will officially begin on Sunday (sometime between the morning church service and evening young adult church activities). Here’s a quick run-down of what will be comin’.

Sunday: Sunray – proof a great pattern can combat a terrible yarn

Monday: Linen stitch scarflette – first time ever knitting w/Alpaca

Tuesday: Brea bag – gift for my Mama

Wednesday: Amanda Hat(s) – made one in Organik, another in leftover 220 Superwash, have plans to make at least two more

Thursday: Daisy Stitch mitts – actually Amanda-stitch mitts but that sounds silly

Friday: Pebble – cute baby vest for baby Izzy (complete with duck-shaped buttons)

Saturday: There may not be an FO to mention Saturday though I’m hoping the bright scarf I’m making for Meag will be done by then. Worst case, you’ll get an almost an FO post then.

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Jan 19 2009
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Knitting

2008 Finished Objects

2008 FOs

Not bad, eh?

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