Holiday sock kits

Here is a new item I will be putting up in the shop this weekend. A little gift bag for the sock knitters! The kit includes a skein of BunkyBobo's Superwash Merino sock yarn. Colorway shown is Jangle

A set of 2.25mm dpn's, a sock blocker key chain, darning needle, a split ring marker, a tube of Bunky Girl Lip Balm and a little surprise. All in a cute little canvas bag. What do you think? cute eh? And the price is right at $28.00.

In other shop news, every skein you order in October comes with a free Bunky Girl Lip Balm!

I will have more fun shop news later today! Stay tuned.

In knitting news: MG took the Squared Mitts I finished the other day. She grabbed them the minute they came off the needles and has had them on since so I guess they are a hit. I need to make myself a pair. The new neck warmer pattern is coming along. This one will fit an adult human and not get bunched up under a coat. I am not crazy about the color though so I may try to over dye it when its finished. I hope to get it done today. The December bride muff had to be frogged. The gauge was way off so that one is back to the drawing board. There are new socks in the works too but that will have to wait. I have a play date with Monster Boy.

Knitting

I have in fact done some:

Here we have the neck warmer I knit for my God Daughter. Yarn is BMFA Socks That Rock lightweight in the Hard Rock colorway. It flares at the bottom so as to fit under her ski jacket. Keep the draft out without adding any bulk. I wrote up the pattern for this. I just have to type it up and have it tested. I love how the pattern is always changing. Anyone want to test knit this for me? I will send you the pattern and a skein of BunkyBoBo's to knit it with. Leave a comment with your e-mail.

Below are my boot socks. I finished the one you see here and have just started the 2nd. Yarn is Cherry Tree Hill supersock thin. Cosmic Night colorway (I think) I have had this yarn wound forever. I really like the colors, it is darker than it appears. This is also a pattern I just made up. Nothing fancy. I wanted a tight fitting leg but a flat foot to wear with my boots. I find a bumpy foot bugs me with all of my boots. I am not a girlie girl but I do love me the boots. I wear them almost year round. Short ones, tall ones, high heels, and low. Short red leather with spike heels and pointy toes... you get the idea. So I call these Short Boot Socks. I am knitting these on a 2.25mm. Tight for me. I am hoping they will wear well.

I have posted some more yarns and roving in the shop. With more coming later today. Remember free shipping on 2 or more skeins in July!

Estes Scarf

I got this yarn at the Estes Wool Market. Plain and Fancy Sheep Co Sport wt lambs wool colorway Autumn Leaves. I found the pattern on Ravelry it is called The Sweeney Todd Scarf. The knitting is really simple but the look is great. It is soft and cozy. . I think the pattern would be great in almost any yarn. This will be a long scarf. I plan on knitting till the 400 yards is gone.

Along with the scarf I am working on a new sock. No pattern just making it up as I go. I put the lace shawl away for a while. I found a big mistake about 35 rows back and have to rip. I am also not sure I like the color.

In shop news I got some roving to dye up(64 ct Merino) and more yarn ready to go. (thanks to Miss V's skein winder). I will be having a "free gift with every order" special in July.
I am slowly listing the new yarns so check back and see what you like. I won't be doing much with the shop this weekend because my Mom and Dad will be here for the next 4 days. Yeah! The MK's are very excited. We are all going to the zoo on Sunday. If you have never been to the Henry Dorrley Zoo here in Omaha you should check it out. We have the best zoo I have ever been to here with new things opening every year.

FO knee socks

The knee socks are done! In retrospect I would have added another 15 rounds of ribbing to the top. Other than that I love them. If it is not to hot I will wear them to EPWM. The color is really wonderful. The colorway is Brombeere. (Wollmeise 100% superwash merino) This yarn comes with a put up of 575 yards. I have a little bit left over. Do you like my pj's? they say Bite it Sideways. I love Happy Bunny.

After finishing the socks I cast on this shawl. I must be nuts. It is knit top down starting with 5 sts. The whole top part is stockinette so I have a while before I get to the charts. I have never knit from lace charts before. This should be fun. Right?

Updates and stuff

Miss V gave me this hank of yarn with no tag. I think she said it was from hipknits but I did not write it down. Anyway I am knitting it up into a simple shawl for my MIL. She is coming to visit right before our trip so I hope to have it done by then. The yarn is super soft (I think cashmere) and the pattern is super easy.

I finished the first knee sock. The second is cast on but not much else. I have been busy with Toph. She chews on everything. She is outside right now chewing on a rope toy, well it used to be a rope. I think.

Monster Girl has this week and next. Then she is out of school for the summer. She is ready for 2nd grade even though she will have a new teacher. MG was lucky enough to have the same teacher for K and 1st. We will miss Mr. B. She is a great teacher. I hope MB gets her at least once.

We have a busy June planned. I am hoping to spend the rest of the summer just enjoying being a Mom and get started on my optical course.
Gotta run MB wants to play on the computer

Knee Socks

Here's my newest pair of socks. The yarn is Wollmeise 100% superwash merino. I love them. The Wollmeise colorways are so pretty I really wanted to show it off. I am making up the pattern as I go and taking lots of notes so the 2 nd sock will be the same as the first. I hope to get these done before Estes so I can wear them to the wool market. It is still pretty cool in Colorado in June.

The yarn comes in a 575 yard skein so I should have enough yarn. If I run out I will be in trouble. This yarn sells out so fast I may never get more.

Went to S&B last night at Miss V's house and she had just gotten some of the new Socks That Rock colors. omg people! I must get KawKaw! It will have to wait though as I have decided not to buy any yarn until I go to the wool market in June. I am pretty sure I have enough in stash to last me till then.

One of my favorite cousins is getting married the weekend after Christmas this year and I would like to get something knit for her and her Hubby to be. I am thinking of another Pi blanket. I am in need of another mindless project and it just doesn't get anymore mindless than the Pi blanket. Maybe I will try to add a little lace detail this time. This means I will have to shop for some yarn but I have lots of time on this one too so I can wait.

Weekend Round Up

With all the bad weather last week this weekend was a blessing. Sunny and warm both days. The dogs got some much needed play time outside and so did the MK's. MB got a new bike. He is doing pretty well. He needs practice. I have the body of the red sweater done. This baby is not going to be for me. It is too big. I do know who it will fit though so no worries. hehehehe.

My tax $$ splurge was 2 skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. I am knitting the Rainforest Jasper now. I am getting stripes. I love that. The black is Rauen. It is hard to get the color of this one. Black with reds and rusts. I want to make that one into a scarf to go with my leather jacket.

oh and I had my hair cut. Just up to my chin.

Wound up

As you can see I have over spun my single just a little. I have not gotten the tension quite right again. It has to be reset every time I move the wheel. I gave the whole thing a good oiling so maybe he will settle down now. I am having great fun with it when I can keep Toph from trying to attack it. The fiber I'm using came from Miss V's stash sale. I believe it to be bfl but I could be wrong. There are a good many dog hairs spun in to but I have been told this reinforces the yarn.

As for knitting... Well I started another pair of socks. The Dream in Color was just screaming to be knit. I am doing Embossed St from More SKS. Very pretty. I am also working on a cowl in sock yarn. Another KISS project, eye of partridge stitch in the round with a little rolled edge. Very pretty in the Fire colorway. (yarn is Jitterbug) The slipped stitches keep the color from pooling too much. I will be nice and warm for someone next winter. I saw a shawl in this pattern online some where that was knit flat but I am lazy so I'm doing mine in the round. Pretty no?

Keep It Simple Stupid

When I was running shows I would say this to everybody all the time. Keep is simple less to go wrong... Well the Wollmeise scarf that I was knitting got pretty messed up about 10 inches in and I ended up frogging it. The yarn is so pretty I wanted to really show it off so I went with Keep It Simple Stupid.

Just ss on the bias with a garter border. Easy and so pretty. I want to wear this to EWM in June. Should be easy as I'm pretty far along now.

Pattern:

Cast on 32 Sts

Knit 8 rows

next row(row1) K4,kf&b, k21,SSK,K4

(row2) K4,p24,K4

Repeat these 2 rows till you think you are done. Knit 8 rows bind off, Block. Want it wider? cast on more st. Skinny scarf? cast on less. See Simple.

Snarky Red Monkey

So I got this lovely red Artyarn Ultra Merino (color 115)from Beth my SP10. I have been waiting for the right sock to knit with it. Lorena is hosting a Monkey Sock KAL in March so I went ahead and cast them on. I have 1 repeat done. I'll show you when there is something to show.. I do think it fitting that I took this picture last year when I the yarn... Maybe I was trying to tell myself something? This yarn is just beautiful. No pooling or stripes to speak of just waves of color. I can't wait to see how these turn out.

The str socks are coming along. Mindless foot knitting now.

Well I am off to bake a cake with Monster boy. He loves to run the mixer.

Feeling Fine

Today's roving came out perfect. Drying now. Dry Faster!

My slipper soles came out great too. I want to get the felted clogs pattern from fiber trends and try them out on some of those. I think A pair for my Dad...

The rest of this week I am going to work on making things from my store of craft supplies to put up in the shop. I want to raise some $$ for the trip to Colorado this summer. We will be spending a day at the wool festival. I am hoping to have some $$ to spend. I want to get a bunch of bag tags made to hand out to people I meet there. I want my shop to work out so I figure why not take advantage of the huge pile of knitters in one of my favorite places? Anybody else going?

My knitting goes on. I have knit the first dozen squares of a new blanket. These are just garter st so I can work on it whenever. My socks are also coming along.

There is now a heel and gusset. Yarn is Socks That Rock light in Lapis. I don't love it really. Maybe I would like the Medium better. It twists up a lot when knitting. They are pretty though. Jade scarf is as done as it will be for now. I am going to make a hat from the other skein and then add whats left to the scarf. It sure is pretty. Too bad I don't have anything to wear it with. The Wollmeise scarf is on hold for now. I just don't love the feel of the knitted fabric. maybe blocking will help...That's all for today. Watch the shop tomorrow for more roving.

Jade

Here is the Dream in Color scarf. I wanted a simple pattern to let the color show.In the end I just made it up as I went along. It is just beautiful. It knits up quick too. I will write up the pattern when I finish it.

Just keep casting on...

I have knitting add these days. I want to knit everything. I cast on a new pair of socks yesterday while MB and I watched Diego. Just my basic sock. These will go into the gift pile for next Christmas.

This morning I looked through my knitting books and picked out a stitch pattern for a scarf. I am using the Dream in Color Classy. It will be soft and snuggly I think.

I knit 2 repeats on the Agrosy scarf.

I have one mitt done that needs a mate

half a stuffed monster

and squares for 2 different blankets

and the first 3 sections of a baby blanket.

I need to finish something...

Update

So I can spin a little on my wheel but I am having a problem getting the yarn to wind onto the bobbin which is causing me to over twist (I think). I have looked up my wheel on line and mine looks different from the one in the picture. Hubby bought what I think is a restored wheel. It does not have a spring thingie like the newer ones do. I am going to send an e-mail and see what I can do. I wonder if I can get that part? I am sure there is a why to make it work I just can't seem to find it yet. I need to work on drafting too.

In knitting news: I have been playing around with a lot of projects but not really finishing anything. The round blanket is coming along. I think about 75 more rounds should do it. I try to knit on it here and there.

The green hand warmers are coming along. I should finish the first today. I need to go feed the Monsters now.

New wip's

I have started 2 new projects over the last week. Well 3 if you count the spinning. First is a pair of socks for a Knit Along I am doing on Raverly. It is called Hands Off Its Mine! The idea is to knit something for yourself. Fun!

The second is a blanket for MG. I am using the Pi Shawl pattern from EZ's knitters almanac. I am knitting it up in worsted leftovers from stash. I think this might just finish off the bag of odd balls I have. Should be pretty colorful. So far: hot pink, dark purple, natural,black, and red. The pattern is easy only 5 increase rounds in the whole thing. The first 2 rounds were no fun but now that is on the circs it is as mindless as it gets. Should be warm too. MG has been upset lately when ever I leave the house without her, so this will be a warm Mommy blankie.

I am happy to report the Cobblestone is nearly done. I finished the last of the short rows at the neck and just have to finish up the neck and graft the armpits. I have decided I am not a huge fan of garter in the round. I am a slow purler.

The spinning? Well I have spun something that is kind of like yarn. I have a lot to learn. I enjoy it I just need to practice.

Hey look a finished object!

Here it is! In all it's glory! Hubby's WCEP hat.(sorry for the bad picture) The yarn is Knit Picks Telemark (I don't remember the color names) 1 ball each color and part of 1 ball of Knit Picks Shine Sport in cream for the lining. The liner turned out very soft and comfy. I used a Knit Picks 16" circ size 4. I need to get a bamboo or wood one for color work. The KP ones are a little slick for this. I love the way it came out. This is the most advanced color work thing I have knit. I can't wait to try more! Have you seen the Autumn Rose Sweater? so beautiful. Don't think I'm up for that just yet.

Now that this is off the WIP pile I can add to it! I need to get at the gift knitting or it will never get done. My supervisor at work VP#2 is pretty good for me and has asked me for a very warm hat with ear flaps. I need to look at some patterns for that. I also want to order the yarn for the Cobblestone Pullover from Fall Interweave Knits. I love the simple design of this sweater and Hubby seems to like the idea. I am thinking it will be a great sweater to take to the Rockies. I hope to have it under the tree. He is bound to see me knitting it but oh well. I can't wait to get started.

MB Tomten is coming along. The hood is a bit short so I will have to add some to it but so far the fit seems good for this fall. I am working on the first sleeve.

Hubby is in a new play at one of the Local theatres. It is a dark and creepy Halloween show The Duchess of Malfie (sp?) Hubby is very good at the creepy roles. Scary good. Can't take the MK's to this one. The show opens the first week in October so if I get the yarn soon enough, maybe he won't see the sweater after all

Update

So the camera needs batteries and its pouring outside so you will just have to take my word for it but there has been progress on the Tomten sweater. I should finish the hood tonight and maybe pick up for the first sleeve. I am very excited. I have yet to cast on for the second bubble wrap sock. I have been working away on the Tomten. I am right now pondering buttons for this sweater. I have looked a tons but can not seem to find what I am looking for. Truth be told I have no idea what I am looking for as I can't seem to make up my mind... Oh well I still have time
I should be getting my match for HSKS3 anytime now. Yeah! This should be a fun way to celebrate the end of the series. Hello swap pal!
I am dyeing some yarn for my SP11 pal tonight. I hope she likes it! Hello SP11 pals! I love doing the swaps. It is really cool to meet new knitters. It reminds me of the swaps we did in Girl Scout's at National Center West in WY. ( anyone else get the chance to go there?) There were girls there from all over the country and we all brought patches and little things we had made to trade with the other scouts. I still have one of the swaps I got in the summer of '87... a little lump of coal with gogglie eyes and foam feet. On the bottom it says NCW '87.

Tomten

So the little tweed jacket I am working on is the Tomten by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The yarn I am using is Jo Sharp DK Tweed in a nice earthy brown color. I am loving this yarn. It is wool with a touch of silk and a wee little bit of chasm ere. I love the feel of the fabric soft but not too soft. all I have so far is 30 rows of garter stitch so no pic today. I do feel like I picked the right yarn for the pattern. The Tomten is a Swedish gnome type guy who does good deeds. When I read this I remembered the Brownie story from Girl Scouts. How could I not knit one?
The whole thing is garter so it should knit up pretty fast. In her pattern EZ tells us that the garter stitch stretches, so the sweater will grow with the wearer. I hope this is true as MB is growing like a weed! I think I will knit on button bands instead of a zipper. I may have to try to knit one of these for myself someday. Did you see Brooklyn Tweeds version? So cool! I like EZ's patterns I am not always sure how it will come out but so far if I just keep plugging away it turns out all right in the end.
MG has asked me for a poncho. I am not a big fan of the poncho but if that is what she wants I guess I will knit one for Christmas. I have looked at tons of patterns but I am not really feeling it. After Tomten is done we will see. I kind of want to make her a Tomten too. I am sure when she sees MB's she will want one, never fails.

Jaywalker

Here is the Jaywalker socks (link to pattern in the side bar)

They are coming along. I am working on the heel flap of sock #1. Not that fast of a knit but I love the way they look.

I also added links to the blogs I read in the side bar. Check them out when you get a chance.

Update

Here is a progress shot of Tubey. As you can see I messed up the ribbing a ways back, I did not notice it until I looked at this picture. Well Shit. Now what? I could Rip out 6" of body and knit again or I could leave it and finish the thing. I am thinking of just leaving it and calling it a lesson learned.I am a lazy person after all. Also I am starting to think this sweater is going to be very warm. The Wool of the Andes has a nice woolly texture but is not very soft.I don't know if I will get much wear out of it. If I ever knit this pattern again I would choose a different yarn. WotA is only $1.99 per ball So this is a $20.00 learning experience. I tend to be on the thrifty side with yarn if I am knitting something I have never tried before. I have a fear of creating something awful out of beautiful yarn. I am getting more and more confidante with my knitting with each project. I have ordered some silk blend yarn for my next project. I can't wait to try it. As I knit more I want better yarn.

The Waving Lace Sock is slow going. For some reason I just can't do SSK right. Stupid left hand. I need to get that one down. I have looked at pictures but I just don't get it. I think I will ask the nice lady at the LYS to show me. I have one pretty mangled repeat done. I think I will practice with one more repeat and then frog and start over. I don't want one messed up sock and one nice sock. I am using Knit Picks Memories yarn. it is variegated. I think it is a little busy for this pattern. I think I might dye some yarn for when I start over. A solid perhaps.

Speaking of dyeing yarn I have a green skein in the pot right now. See I got the Favorite Sock book because I want to knit the Embossed Leaves socks. I think green is the perfect color for this pattern. Gotta get that SSK first but I will have the yarn all ready. I will show it off when it is dry.

I am still waiting to hear form my HSKP pal again. I have not heard from her in a week or so. My kit was received. I will post a link later.