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.

Progressing Quickly

One cable &  joined in the round

I've got to say that this shell is progressing pretty quickly.  Really enjoying knitting this top.  For a number of reasons...first it's not a sock.  It's pretty clever construction that moves top down.  That's a good thing because you can try it on as you go.  I have yet to do so...probably should too.  I don't want any surprises when it's done.

After some knitting magic I've joined the right to the left sides and started knitting in the round.  One cable is done...5 more to go till I'm done.  Pretty sweet.  Better stop the bragging now...remember what happens when one gets too cocky with one's knitting.  Hope to finish by the end of the week so I can cast on April's sock...still no pattern or yarn chosen.  I should get on that soon, but now I'm possessed...knitting the shell and watching eaglets. 

I haven't mentioned watching baby eagles have I?  I've been following two nests...one more local and another out in the wilds of the Midwest.  It has been fascinating watching these birds and equally interesting how some people react to watching nature. 

A Brief Break in the Sock Action

Back view

Since I finished my March socks a week ahead of schedule I decided to take a break from sock knitting.  I managed to cast on the Mondo Cable Shell  by Bonnie Marie Burns of Chicknits last night.  I have had the pattern for ages.  I had thought the computer 'ate' it when it crashed awhile back.  Thankfully it was merely 'lost' in a file I don't remember creating...does that ever happen to anyone else?

Color Variation

I'm using another skein from Three Irish Girls.  It's called Rosea Organic Merino which is 100% merino...oops, organic merino.   The colorway is a semi solid collection of purples called Sea Nymph .  I love the name although when you see the color it doesn't scream either the Sea or for that matter Nymph to me...not that I know what a nymph looks like, ha.  I got lucky and it's knitting up at the correct gauge and the variations of color are looking splendid so far.

Only one concern...is there enough yarn?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I have a double skein that's says it is 480 yards at 8 ounces.  After weighing it I have a wee bit more at 8 5/8 ounces...pattern calls for 475 yards.  So if the Knitting Gods are kind I'll have enough...if I get cocky you know what will happen.  I'll get  smacked down with at least an inch left to knit.  The plan...not to get too full of myself.

Forgot to Mention the Yarn

My March socks are done.  I meant to add a few words about the yarn I used for my Kellswater Socks.  It's called Adorn...a lovely merino with a nice amount of nylon added.  The yarn should be fairly durable given the amount of nylon at 20%.  Even with the nylon it still feels very soft to the touch and has enough bounce to make the cables pop.  The skein is BIG at 430 yards...still have 37 grams left after finishing the socks.  It was hand dyed in various shades of blues by Sharon and her gang of merry dyers at Three Irish Girls in Duluth, Minnesota.

This was my first time using anything from my stash of Three Irish Girl yarn.  I have several skeins of various weights and fibers thanks to my 'membership' in their Stash Menagerie.  It was a really good way to get a wide variety of special yarns.  It also made it difficult to stop participating in the club after several months...it seems as if you can't stop with just one.  In my stash I have aquired: Adorn, Springvale Bulky, Elenya Alpaca, Springvale DK, Roslea Organic Merino, Springvale Super Merino, Glenhaven Cashmerino in all kinds of special exclusive colorways.  I have a few patterns in mind for each one...just need to relocate my notebook.  I can't seem to put my hands on the darn thing.

Of course anytime Sharon posts a new colorway I drool on the keyboard...so far I have resisted a few.  Others were not ignored quite as well and are spending time amongst the stash.  A few will be participating in my Self Imposed Sock Club.  I'd best get cracking on choosing next month's yarn and pattern...

My March Socks

I finished early once again.  I'm not sure how it happened since I was sidetracked a few times by the white stuff...otherwise known as snow.   Along with a few days spent snow boarding and the last several days outdoors working in the yard I didn't think it possible to finish so quickly.

This month's Self Imposed Sock Club pattern was Kellswater by Sara Morris in the Spring 2012 Issue of Interweave Knitting.  I truly enjoyed knitting this sock.   Not only was it my first toe up pattern it was also the first time using 2 circular needles to knit a sock.  I always thought I would be one of those knitters that used DPN's (double point needles) for my sock knitting...not anymore.  Now it would seem I have crossed to the dark side...can't wait for that discussion with my knitting buddies.  

That's what I love about knitting there always seems to be something new...could be yarn, technique or pattern it doesn't really matter.  I love learning new stuff...it keeps it fresh.  I feel pretty certain that I will continue using the circular needles to knit my socks.  The other thing that surprised me was the ease of doing the sock 'toe up' rather than the conventional 'cuff down'.  I even learned another cast on technique...the Turkish or Eastern method.  A bit fiddly starting out, but once a couple of rows were complete it moved smoothly. 

rope cable

Back of sock...anchor and tree

The only problem encountered was with the needles.  My brand new wooden circular needle developed a rough spot that kept snagging my yarn.  I broke out some 220 grit sandpaper and some wax paste to fix the spot.   It got me through the sock although I'm not too pleased that the wooden needle seems to be splitting apart.   Of course these may be jinxed...remember the first set arrived broken.




Details:
Pattern:  Kellswater Socks by Sara Morris

Yarn:  Adorn by Three Irish Girls, 80% merino, 20% nylon, 3.5 oz./430 yards, colorway: Rhys

Needles:  2- US 1 24" circular needles

Gauge:  32 sts x 48 rnds

Short row heel

Modifications:  I changed the pattern slightly when I reached the heel.  I ended up doing a traditional short row heel rather than the combination of knits and purls.  The sock didn't need all the fuss at the heel...and I didn't like the instructions written out row by row. 

I think I need to cast on something other than a sock...I'm craving something different.  Tomorrow I need to investigate the possibilities...between stash and patterns.  Oh and I need to decide on my next pattern for Sock Club.  All that plus I need to finish the yard work we've started a few days ago...so close to being done.  One load of mulch left to go and the destruction of one more bed.  What fun!

Can I just Say

I love knitting toe up socks.  When I decided to do something totally new this month I had no idea that it would be this much fun.   I'm not sure if it's the toe up pattern or if it's using the 2 circular needles to do it.  Whatever it is I'm enjoying the experience.

That is all...

Finally Some Spinning

Louet "Northern Lights"

After posting yesterday I actually pulled out the spindles and spun for about an hour...maybe more, maybe less.  I lost track.  I love that it's so calming and time just disappears.  I decided to try my hand at spinning a bag of Louet Northern Lights that I had squirreled away a while back.  I thought at the time that I would hold onto it until I had a wheel.  It is a whopping 1/2 pound bag of pencil roving in the colorway "Picasso".  Due to the large amount and a definite color pattern I wanted to wait until I had a wheel to spin it all at the same time.  You know what they say about 'the best laid plans' right?  No wheel yet, but I do have a  couple of empty spindles to fill and a need to practice on something.

Plied Yarn

I went ahead and spun a small amount, plied and washed it...looks pretty decent.  I seem to still have some consistency to my spinning even though it's been a few months.  I'm pleased about that...my dear husband thought the "yellow looked too thick" until I had it washed and had it hanging to dry.   He now says that "the yellow doesn't stand out".  I'll take it.

Time Marches On and It's March Already

BFL

I have a confession to make...I have not spun any fiber since Thanksgiving.  I was actually spinning everyday until I ran out of fiber.  Christmas was fast approaching and I was told "not to run out and buy anything " so I was stuck with nothing.  Time marches on and I was gifted some roving or 'combed wool top'... from Woolgatherings and Webs.  Actually quite a bit of new fiber found its way into the stash over the Holidays.

Polwarth

My oldest and his lovely wife who also happens to be a knitter surprised me with 4 ounces of BFL* (Blue Faced Leicester) in the most lovely spring colors of greens, yellows and blues.  They also sprang for 4 ounces of Polwarth** Wool Top in woodsy colors...blues, greens and browns.   Both tops are from Woolgatherings and are really beautiful...so soft.

BFL- Gaston

Targhee- Bandon

Targhee- Deep Lake

The other fiber bundles came from Webs...from my husband.   I have a couple of bundles of Targhee*** in greens and blues in a colorway called "deep lake'.  Some really scrumptious BFL in blues and purples in the colorway 'gaston'.  The last bundle is also Targhee in reds and oranges in a colorway known as 'bandon.'

I now have lots of roving, but still haven't spun a darn thing.  Why?  My problem is that I'm afraid of messing these up.  What to do about that is where I find myself today.  I need to practice, but I don't want to mess up. I'm thinking I need to assign a day to the task...maybe then I'll throw myself back into spinning.  Weekends may just be for spinning since both days start with 'S'...yeah, I'm stalling.  I think I'll just go spin now before March is suddenly gone.


*BFL (Blue Faced Leicester)
**Polwarth
***Targhee

Progress is Being Made

Powder Day!

Packed Powder & Blue Bird Skies

My March sock is moving along quite well.  I have managed to knit the entire foot and complete the short row heel.  Pretty good considering I was sidetracked by 8 inches of powder at Snowshoe on Monday.  The one and only thing that can put an end to my knitting faster is the mention of snow.  Snow means skiing or boarding, not sitting indoors and knitting...some may find that a very strange thing for a knitter.  Stranger still is if I wake up to a Powder Day then all knitting will be abandoned for the entire day...and maybe the night depending upon the level of tiredness one feels after a soak in the hot tub. 

Let's just say that sock knitting did not occur while some mindless knitting on Winged moved forward long enough to finish one more triangle.

Wing

As for my socks I had been using 2 different sets of needles which were slightly different in size yet there's no appreciable difference in gauge that I can measure.  My only complaint with this arrangement has been that one of the cables was only 16 inches long and the accompanying needle was too short.  I could knit the pattern just fine, but my hands would start to cramp after a few hours of knitting. 

New circulars in place

Happily when we returned from our winter side trip my needles were waiting for me.  Last night I switched out the old mismatched circulars for my new ones...I'm moving along quite nicely. 

      I leave you with one final picture of Winter...I love snow!

Morning Wakup

Where There's a Will

I decided tonight that I really wanted to cast on my March socks.  It didn't matter that my needles were in pieces...March 1st means cast on.  I decided that I would pull out the US 1 24" circular set I bought from Holly Spring Homespun and match it up with my 16 inch long circular.

I used my husband's micrometer to measure the two sets diameters and see how large a difference I would be working.  Turns out not too much...only 0.18 mm.  I figured I could at least get the toe cast on and work it until the different lengths drove me nuts. 

So far I'm enjoying the heck out of this new technique...who knew.  I measured the gauge and so far I'm right where I need to be at 32 stitches over 4 inches.  The only problem is the discrepancy in the lengths of the 2 sets of needles.  The 16 inch long circular feels too short...the actual needles are shorter, but it feel tight as I knit.  On the other hand the 2 sets are different so I pick up the right needle every time.

Behind and It's Only March 1st

Looks like I'm already starting from behind on my March sock and it's not my fault.  I ordered new needles last week to use for the pattern I chose for March.  I was pretty excited to get the package the day BEFORE I needed to cast on the socks.  I was less than thrilled to find the contents of the packages damaged. 

Both needles are broken, therefore, no casting on will be happening today.  I guess I should have gone for metal rather than wooden ones.  A call was made and thankfully 2 more needles are heading my way...just won't be here to cast on new socks on March 1st.  That's unfortunate...behind before I've even gotten the chance to begin. 

Winged

While I'm waiting for my new needles to arrive I cast on something mindless...wingspan.  A few weeks ago I frogged my baktus scarf because I just didn't like it.  The Zauberball yarn wasn't really looking as good  as I thought it would so I ripped it. I didn't even get the chance to wash the kinks out of the yarn before I found something else to cast on.

As luck would have it I happened to see the pattern list for Ravelry...on that particular day wingspan was Number 2 out of 20.  One click later and another project was cast on using the zauberball.  The yarn is perfect with this pattern...the long color runs are being shown in all their glory.  My husband even made the comment 'that looks really pretty'...wow.  It appears that I've struck a homerun.