Now Its Calmer

Over the weekend I went ahead and cast on for a summer cardigan...CeCe from Chicknits.  I was itching to cast on something other than a sock.  At least it has my attention right from the cast on...must keep track of rows, increases, etc.  The pattern doesn't look too bad, but it's enough to keep my mind from wandering.  So far I've left out a few yarn overs, but at least at this point in my knitting I can actually fix it quickly.  Not too long ago I would have had to knit back in order to figure out my problem.  It's good to know that I can now "read" my knitting, fix it and move on. 

I decided to use my stash of Rowan Calmer in tangerine for the cardi.  Love the color...very summery.  I hope to finish in a week or so.  At that point it will once again time to cast on my May Sock...which will be a secret project so I will be have a news black out until their unveiling.

My Cabletini Socks

My April socks are done.  I was slightly worried about finishing these when I didn't start 'on time'.  No worries necessary...even got them done a few days early.  The pattern was another toe up version using two circular needles.  I've quickly become a fan of the toe up sock.  Easily memorized pattern that was a fairly quick knit.  Overall a very nice looking simple cable sock.  I was really glad I knew how to cable without a cable needle.  It was very helpful on this sock once you get to the leg...lots of cabling on a 4 stitch pattern.  The technique I use can be found here...simple once you practice a bit.

I used Koigu KPPPM for these socks.  First time using something from my Koigu stash...not sure why.  The skeins are a bit small at 175 yards, but I did have plenty of yarn to do these socks.  No need for the contrasting heels. 

I didn't find this particular yarn as soft as some other 100% merino yarns.  Not sure what others think...although lots of people swoon over it.  I do love the hand paint colors.  These two skeins have a few of my favorites...oranges, yellow, hits of blue and green.  This colorway seems more subtle in its variation than some of the other ones...very much reminds me of the desert.  The pattern shows itself very well.  One problem I found between the two skeins...one seems to have more orange and is much 'brighter'.  Ah, the joy of hand-painted yarns!

Details:
Pattern:  Cabletini Socks by Wendy Johnson

Yarn:  Koigu KPPPM; 100% Merino Wool; 175 yards/50 gram; colorway P625 a hand-painted blend of yellows, oranges, with hits of blues and greens.  I used 2 skeins with about 8 grams of each left in each skein.  I could have added more length, but was a bit sick of the cable.

Needles:  2 US 1.5, 24" circulars


Gauge:  8 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches of stockinette stitch

Fleegle Heel- no holes

Modifications:  I changed a few things on these socks.  Rather than doing the traditional short row heel I decided to try a Fleegle Heel.  A really nice looking heel that is done in such a way that adjustments can be made to better fit my narrow heel.   Another benefit...no holes at the gussets.  I could really get used to not picking up gusset stitches too.  One more thing I love about the Fleegle Heel...the cool name.

Cuff 3 x 3 Rib

The last modification I made was to add about 1 1/2 inches of 3 x 3 ribbed cuff.   The pattern did not call for any type of cuff, but I thought it ended abruptly without the cuff.

One question for next month's 'sock'...can I use sock yarn and knit a wrap?  I may do that..although that kind of changes the parameters of my Self Imposed Sock Club mission...12 months, 12+ skeins...resulting in 12 pairs of socks.  Will have to see what pattern is up next because I'm itching to do this particular lace wrap.  From past experience if I start a lace project I become obsessed with lace project...to the point that nothing else gets done.  Stay tuned!

The Stump...Picture Edition

Worm holes

Thought I'd post a few pictures of the stump now that it's made it's way inside.  This is a massive piece of wood...could not pick it up to carry so we used the dolly and heavy lifting to get it up the steps.  I'm betting it weighs 100 pounds. 

Today I ordered a custom piece of glass to protect the top.  Looked at a couple of styles of leg (4 inches versus 1 3/4) possibilities...unsure if I need to add anything other than some felt.  I think we'll live with it a few days more before deciding.  In my head it has some legs or maybe feet would be the better description.

Got to say that I love this stump!

25 inches across

17 inches tall

Yet More Wood

Before

I've found yet another wood project to spend time with the last few days.  My youngest recently moved into a new apartment...or is it a town home?  Depends on who you ask I suppose.  Anyway he was in need of a coffee table which has become my newest not yarn project.  T wanted a simple plank or 2 x 4 table...he sent me a couple of links to those he liked.

He liked the design of this one or maybe this one.  Who wouldn't...look at them, but the price for either one was crazy.  I started stalking the local Goodwill for a coffee table that I could re-purpose to suit my youngest.  Nothing was found the first week, but we scored on Monday...2 x 6 crate style.  A whopping $15 table.  Pictures were taken and sent to the youngest for his approval.  He liked it. 

After

Pretty pleased I immediately started the refinishing process...even before I had actually finished my stump project.  In no time the top was sanded and the old layers were cleared away.  It looks much better already.  If it stops raining I hope to get the final sanding done, the wood conditioned and stained tomorrow.

If he's lucky he'll have a brand new coffee table for his new pad very soon...complete with drink coasters.  Oops, forgot to mention the coasters...I'll share those in a later post.

Another Side Adventure...Wood

A few years ago we had to cut down a few pine trees that were crowding the oaks causing them to lean.   One particularly beautiful old oak tree was leaning heavily towards the house.  It was 10 feet or so from the actual house and just 2 feet off our deck...so it was close.  Unfortunately removing the pines did not stop the oak's problem so we had to have it cut down this past fall.  A sad day for me.  To make it somewhat better I asked the guys to leave the stump which they happily said 'no problem'.  We left it out all winter to dry out which wasn't such a bright idea, but figured it wasn't going to be too much of a problem.  Who wants to play "move the stump" around the garage all winter.

This project wasn't an original idea that I dreamed up.  No, I "stole" it from The Art of Doing Stuff...Karen really has a fun, informative blog.  A month or so ago I took off the outer bark layer in order to prep the stump for a table.  Of course I forgot to take pictures as I went so you'll have to visualize the dark black stump with it's loose rotting bark.  Ugly.  I really didn't have to do much other than use a flat chisel and a few shots with a hammer to get it all off.  We moved it into the garage to dry out for a few days then the fun began.

It was a bit uneven so my husband took a chain saw to it to make it "better".  He gave me a 'gift'...a belt sander...romantic isn't he?  After what seems like weeks I finally have a more or less even top which actually started out as the bottom...much more interesting looking.  The sides, top and bottom have all been hand-sanded smooth.  Maybe smooth isn't quite the right word...still have lots of worm holes and runs.  One problem with the stump sitting outside so long was parts had started to rot.  It's a shame, but it does create a certain "design element" to the wood.  At least that's what I tell myself.  My dear husband proposed getting another stump...less rotten...to which I said "not happening."  I wanted a reminder of the tree not something from just anywhere. 

Today I stained the stump using a combination of 3 stains...natural, dark walnut and golden oak.  The lighter sections where the rot was the worst I hit with the dark walnut a bit to help darken it.  After drying overnight the process of sealing it begins.  I have no idea how many coats of poly will be applied...could be five or it may end up many more.  The rotted spots soaked up the wood conditioner and the stains so you know the final step is going to take FOREVER.   Once it's dry the plan is to add some legs and a custom glass top. 

I hope that sometime next week we will manhandle the finished product into the house.  That will be one heck of a feat since this thing weighs more than the dog...a 85 pound yellow Lab.

Not Again

Last night I broke a needle just before I finished my sock.  These needles must be jinked or something.  The first order arrived broke.  When I used these last month I noticed the yarn catching...smoothed it and kept on knitting.  Tonight it started catching again and I used a bit of finishing wax to buff the needle smoother.  I continued knitting since I was so close to finishing.  My needle broke at the spot that felt rough...right where it had been laminated.

Good news...Webs is sending another needle replacement.  Yeah!  Bad news...still have a sock to go and not much time left in April to finish my Self Imposed Sock Club sock.  Boo!

Olde Liberty Faire

A few days ago a friend and I took off on a road trip to a fiber festival.  A beautiful spring day to be outside petting all kinds of fiber.  Not to mention a pretty good diversion from our normal weekend routine.  It was my first time attending the Olde Liberty Faire...not for lack of trying just other "events" always interfered.  As we got to the Faire and parked we hatched 'The Plan'...wander through the booths browsing as we go, then score the 'best fiber deal'.  My first mission was to scout out a few spinning wheels...that went bust pretty quick since no one bought wheels to sell.  Why? 

I could have bought a ticket for a Kromski Minstrel wheel that was being raffled, but decided against it.  Hopefully on our summer trip I'll be able...or allowed...to stop in Frankfort, KY and try a few wheels at the Woolery.

Lemonwood & Rosewood

Twisty sock with spindles

We had a good time visiting with a few friends...both old and new.  Cash was spent on a few items...all fiber related.   I scored from Unplanned Peacock a gorgeous skein of burgundy Twisty sock yarn to go with the leftovers from the Spot Check Sock a few months ago.  Natasha also had some handmade spindles by Joshua Lynch that really created some serious indecision on my part.  I could not decide between two of these beauties so I decided that I should just get them both.

BFL Top "Lichen"

I couldn't leave the festival without getting some kind of roving.  I ended up going with Blue Faced Leicester Top in Lichen from Misty Mountain Farm, but man was it hard to narrow down to one.  Many vendors had some of the most beautiful rovings, tops, etc...natural as well as dyed.  There were bagged fleeces and one unbelievable bag of natural locks in shades of cream and gold.  All very tempting.  But.  Seriously I'm new to spinning.  I don't own a wheel.  I use a drop spindle & decided to stay away from anything I would have to process myself or alpaca and anything with silk.  Just a bit too slippery for me to do them justice.  One day I promise...after the wheel.

Superfine Prime Alpaca DK

Wolle's Blue Honey 4

Owl Project Bag

The last few items included a skein of natural 100% superfine prime alpaca in DK weight...it's 665 yards and yummy soft!  My one weird (for me) item was a ball of 100% cotton yarn.  I'm not a lover of knitting cotton, but this yarn is softer than most.  It's 480 yards of color changing cotton from Wolle's.   I must admit I had not known of this yarn until the Faire...I found it intriguing and the patterns knit using it were stunning.  One ball called "Blue Honey 4" came home with me.  My last item was a medium sized project bag from Lawre Laine in the cutest owl fabric that makes me smile.  Loved it the moment I saw it.  I have a number of her knitting bags and handbags...all well used. 

My friend managed more self control, but she did enhance her yarn stash...blaming me for it in the process.  She loved a vest that was on display at Misty Mountain's booth got the yarn and 'free' pattern.  Unfortunately, she didn't notice that there wasn't a mention of size except for "medium"...no measurements, nada!  She's emailed the designer and if she doesn't get an answer I promised to take a look to see if I can upsize it for her.  "Lesson learned" she said and promised she'll look over the pattern from now on before she plunks down the cash.  We've all said that haven't we?

Koigu Cabletini's Progress Report

Side View

It's working out rather well using the Koigu for my Cabletini Socks.  I was a bit worried that the cable pattern would not show up too well given the variations of color in the yarn.  As it turns out there was no need for the excess worry...the colors are subtle and the pattern is very noticeable.  Yeah, no changes in yarn or pattern!

Instep

Since the Koigu has a mere 175 yards per skein I think that these socks are going to be somewhat short...unless I use something left over in the stash for the cuffs.

I wonder why I didn't decide to do this before I knit the toe and heel?

Memorial for the 32*

Five years ago today the Virginia Tech Community was horrified by the actions of one individual.  Words cannot express the sadness that remains for the sudden loss of so many.  

I continue to hope that those left behind have found peace and know that the entire Hokie Nation grieves with them and will never forget the 32.

Please take a moment today to remember the 32 lives lost on April 16, 2007.

"Take time to remember the legacies, remember the dreams and remember the talent that our community has lost.  I hope you  are inspired to work harder to honor the 32.  Share your talents with the world for the 32.  Achieve your dreams for the 32.  Be more compassionate, friendly and thoughtful for the 32.  Be better, for the 32."

Adeel Khan, SGA President at the dedication of the permanent Memorial for the 32

 Never Forget

Ross A. Alameddine

Christopher James Bishop

Brian R. Bluhm

Ryan Christopher Clark

Austin Michelle Cloyd

Jocelyne Couture-Nowak

Daniel Alejandro Perez Cueva

Kevin P. Granata

Matthew Gregory Gwaltney

Caitlin Millar Hammaren

Jeremy Michael Herbstritt

Rachael Elizabeth Hill

Emily Jane Hilcher

Jarrett Lee Lane

Matthew Joseph La Porte

Henry J. Lee

Liviu Librescu

G. V. Loganathan

Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan

Lauren Ashley McCain

Daniel Patrick O'Neil

Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz

Minal Hiralal Panchal

Erin Nichole Peterson

Michael Steven Pohle, Jr.

Julia Kathleen Pryde

Mary Karen Read

Reema Joseph Samaha

Waleed Mohamed Shaalan

Leslie Geraldine Sherman

Maxine Shelly Turner

Nicole Regina White

  Virginian Tech

We Will Prevail

*photo from http://www.weremember.vt.edu/index.html

My Sock Break Project

Mondo Cable Shell- Back View

A few false starts or more precisely false cast offs and my non-sock project is complete.  I ended up doing 3 cast offs...complete with the ends woven in...before I was pleased.  Why so many?  The first cast off was done according to the pattern.  I didn't like the fit.  At all.  It was too short and I'm not the type that wants to wear an exposed midriff.  The edge rolled enough that my husband even asked "why."  You know it's trouble when he notices.  Why indeed...so on my second attempt I did an inch or so more ribbing and switched to garter for a few rows. The thought was that the garter ridges would prevent the rolling of the stockinette. I cast off and was not happy.  Still to short.  Still too wonky.  Frogged the garter rows back go the ribbed section.

Extra cable cross

On my third attempt I measured the amount of yarn left...26 grams and figured I would continue the ribbing and add another cable cross.  By the time I was down to a couple of grams I decided to try an i-cord bind off.  Problem solved.  I like the fit.  The edge looks so much better and actually looks similar to the arm and neck edging.  No more exposed midriff and it fits rather well. 

Mondo Cable Shell/Vest

Details:

Pattern:  Mondo Cable Shell/Vest by Bonnie Marie Burns (aka Chicknits)

Yarn: Roslea Organic Merino by Three Irish Girls; 100% organic merino wool; 8 oz/480 yards; Colorway:  Sea Nymph.  I used all but the 7 grams of yarn from my gauge swatch.

Needles:  Addi Clicks US 7 and US 8

Gauge:  18 stitches /24 rows over 4 inches of stockinette stitch

I-cord bind off

Modifications:  I added length to the vest by continuing the ribbing for a total of 3 inches.  I also did an i-cord bind off rather than the pattern's ribbed bind off.  The overall effect looks more clean and the overall effect mimics the neck and arm hole edges.  Another benefit of the i-cord is that it helps prevent the edge rolling up.   I really dislike hems that roll and find myself constantly pulling on it.

After blocking the vest is now 23 inches long which better fits my torso rather than the pattern's called for 20.5 inches.  No other modifications were made to the vest. 

A few words about the yarn...Roslea Organic Merino.  Once again I chose a yarn from Three Irish Girls Stash Menagerie Club.   I so enjoyed the feel of knitting with this yarn.  The merino was soft to the touch and I really think it will feel nice against the bare skin.  Three Irish Girls once again did a terrific job dying the yarn...lots of subtle variations of color and no harsh pooling of color on the finished garment.  I wish I had a few more skeins in my stash to knit a sweater.  I may have to remedy that unfortunate state of the stash.

Decided

After pulling out most of my sock yarn I made a decision...Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino.  One long mouth full of a name or more commonly referred to as KPPPM.  Each skein is 'hand-painted' and the dye lot is referred to as an 'original painting'.   The skeins are fairly small at 175 yards...the price of originality I suppose.

The yarn doesn't have a colorway name only a number...P625.  It is various shades of yellows and oranges with small flecks of brown and green.  The colorway could prove interesting knit up using the cable pattern I'm planning.  I have 2 skeins and the pattern is written toe up so I can knit until I run out of yarn. 

Another yarn that been in the stash forever and I have never ever knit.  I may have a sickness...

Five Days In

It's already five days into the new month and I have yet to cast on my sock. I've got the pattern all set to go...Cabletini by Wendy Johnson.  Still trying to decide which yarn is best for the pattern.  I originally planned to use the Austermann Step this month, but I'm thinking that the pattern may be lost in the variegation. 

I guess it doesn't really matter all that much since I'm still finishing up the floor of a bathroom.  I really enjoy the process of laying tile...it's therapeutic in a way much like knitting.   The one problem I now have is it makes my hands and wrists ache from all the scrubbing, mudding, & scraping.

So I've put off a yarn decision until the weekend...hands need a few days to recover and I need to look through the sock yarn stash. 

No April Fool's

Mondo Cable is done.  I think it is anyway.  It may need to be tweaked a bit more.  No Fooling.  I changed a few things and it still doesn't look quite right.  It's taking a soak and after it's blocked I'll see how it looks.  When your husband says it 'something looks off' you just know more ripping and knitting is in your future.   All the blocking in the world probably won't change anything, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

At the moment still no April sock started...after spending the day playing with tile my hands wanted a break tonight.  Hopefully tomorrow will be good news on the knitting front and new socks will be started.