Back to socks...

I've been on a kick with sock yarn again and decided to bring these socks out of hibernation and try to finish them. I completed one and am on to the second. The yarn is from Pagewood Farms and at first I wasn't sure if I liked it, the colors didn't knit quite like I expected. But, now that I'm done with one I do like it and the yarn feels OK on my foot, I'm hoping it will soften a bit with washing. I like the pattern, Spring Forward Socks at http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTspringforward.html, it was really easy to memorize and moves pretty quick. I always use the magic loop technique so sometimes it takes me a little longer to get going on a pattern but this one was pretty easy. Now it's on to the second one!

It's raining... again...

Our spring came and our spring went... the rain is back and here for a few days. The last 3 days were a teaser I guess, full of sunshine and warmth. We had such a bad winter I wonder what summer will bring. At least I'll get some knitting done since I'll be stuck indoors. I am really liking the cable sweater I'm making and I love the yarn (see post below for all the information). I love how it is turing out and I can't wait to finish it. I was so proud of myself last night... I found an error in one of my cables and instead of ripping back 200+ stitches for 2 rows (which is harder for me to do when cables are involved) I was able to fix 4 cable stitches smack in the middle of the sweater. Aren't you impressed? Guess that is what I get for knitting at 12:30 in the morning, my eyes were getting heavy. Well... I'm off to my knitting group today. Have a great day!

Spring is here... at least for a few days!

Spring decided to show up the last few days and it has been wonderful. The sun is out, the air is warm and we all got outside to enjoy it. Even though the weather was beautiful this weekend I still decided to start a new project. This one is a big one for me because it involves tons of cables. It may take me forever to finish but it will be worth it. I have been wanting a cream color everyday sweater (as well as a black one) for some time now. I stumbled on this pattern a while ago and couldn't decide if I wanted to put the time and effort into making it. One day I went to my LYS and there the pattern sat, staring up at me at 50% off. So, the decision was made and after months of sitting in my craft room I finally bought the yarn to start. I went with the O-Wool Organic Classic yarn in a natural color and so far I am really liking it. It took me a while to get the cables down but now it is smooth sailing, at least until I get to the shoulders and arms. The only problem I am having is with my needles. I didn't have Addi's in the size I needed so I went with my Bryspun pair and, I have to say, I don't like them. They are killing my hands and arms, I can't knit for long with them. The yarn seems to be really tight on the cable. Yes, I am a tight knitter but I'm finding this to be a problem only when I use the Bryspun. I may have to switch to a pair of Addi's, if it doesn't throw off my gauge that is. Otherwise I feel it may take me much longer to finish.

Anyway, the pattern is from FigHeadh Yarnworks, more information can be found at http://www.figheadh.com/. She is a local designer from Tacoma, she has some wonderful patterns. I did find one error in the size I'm making, in row 1 on the back, but it was easy to fix. So far I am enjoying the pattern. Information for the O-Wool yarn can be found at http://www.vermontyarnco.com/.

It's raining, it's pouring...

Once again we have a lovely Washington Easter, rain, rain and more rain. Kids are playing, husband is snoring on the couch, guess I'll jump in and start cleaning out my craft room. The only way I'm going to get some things done for the Stitch-n-Pitch is to clean out my room so I can work in there again. Wish me luck... it's a mess. Maybe I'll post pictures once I get it done. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Finally Finished...

I finally finished Hailey's latest sweater. I love the feel of this yarn, Natually Apsire and I'm OK with the colors and how it turned out. The yarn did pool in a few spots but for most of it it didn't. I decided not to add any buttons because she never wears them closed anyway but I may still add a zipper. I wasn't sure it was going to fit but it does and after I block it it should be good to go. The pattern was one of Knitting Pure & Simple's neckdown patterns, my new favorite. I love the fact that there is no seaming and they are fun to make. The pattern can be here, http://www.knittingpureandsimple.com/kids.html. I would have made it with a hood but I didn't have enough yarn so I went with a collar. The yarn was purchased during a Bev Galeskas trunk show and can be found at http://www.fibertrends.com/product/149467/ADK/_/Aspire_DK.

Take me out to the ball game...

Baseball season is upon us which means Stitch-N-Pitch... Yah! The Tacoma Rainiers is holding a stitch-n-pitch for us south enders similar to what the Mariner's have in Seattle. And, GUESS WHAT? I'm going to have my very own booth... Surprise! My sister and I will have our own booth full of fun and creative, hand made knitting accessories. I'm so excited about this and I can't wait. Keep watch on my blog and I may give you a little preview.

For anyone who is interested I will have tickets available soon. The tickets are $29 and include entrance to the game, a game program and all you can eat AND drink on a private party deck. Please email me at sherrihaz@aol.com if you would like to purchase a ticket or call me at 253-514-1078. Come join the fun... knit or crochet, shop, eat, drink and enjoy a good ball game all in one day! Can't get any better than that. Reserve your ticket today before they are all gone!

Tacoma Rainiers First Ever Stitch-N-Pitch Event 7/22/09

Time – Gates Open: 6:00pm. Game time: 7:00 pm vs. Sacramento River Cats.

Party Deck Style
$29 for tickets

• Private party deck
• Hour and a half buffet
• Free game program
• In-game group recognition

Event – Come support our honorary guest Kristeen Griffin-Grimes as she throws out
the Ceremonial 1st pitch and signs her latest book French Girl Knits on your Terrace.
Enjoy the game from your exclusive area on our Party Deck Terrace with plenty of room
to shop, eat, mingle, knit, crochet, and watch baseball.

Spring is in the air...

Whoo hoo... spring is finally here and what a beautiful day it is here in Washington. No knitting for me today, it's time for spring cleaning and I'm working on the garage. We have a great play area in the garage for the kids but during the winter it got overrun with everything you can think of. Now it's time to reclaim that space and kick the kids outside. Plus, I may finally be able to get to my knitting bins and see what I have. A new spring project might be waiting for me in one of those things. I'm so excited to have some sunshine today, can you tell? Even the dog is laying outside soaking up some rays. Well... back to cleaning. Have a great day!

Blocking...

Whoever says they like blocking is CRAZY... blocking is my knitting downfall and I hate it. Yes, I LOVE the outcome but hate the process. I'm slowly getting to my stack of projects that need blocking and this scarf was the first one. It turned out really pretty, so much so that I bought more yarn to make another one, considering I gave this one away to one of my best friends for her birthday. The details for this scarf are listed below in another post. Now onto blocking the next masterpiece (lol).

Gator Update: I'm now on my 4th gator for our wonderful military and bought yarn to make about 3 more. Can't wait to turn them in to Yorkshire Yarns.