Denise Knits!

One post, Two posts.

I do realize that it's been a little while since I've posted. The lovely SP7 participants have kept me very busy with the stitch markers!

Had a bit of an annoying delay with supplies coming in and my printer is on the fritz again. Those two things have held up production a bit. All seems to be in order now, and everything should be out by tomorrow.

I do have knitting news to report, finally.

Picovoli

Casted on 1/21 with the help of Brooke and made a slow start. That was Ya-Ya day, and also the day of the Nexgamerz Halo 2 Tournament. I have photographic evidence that I did continue to knit while watching the tourney.

This is the spectator room of Nexgamerz. My knitting was accidently captured in the photo. I hastily swiped it from the website the night it was posted. I think they'll eventually crop out my knitting. Knitting isn't really all that cool in terms of gaming.

But, all the guys were very interested in what I was knitting and how I was doing it. Of course, they all asked me seperately when their boys weren't looking. Guys are so...guys.

I also learned why my career as a professional gambler has ended before it even started.

I bet Tom (right) that he would beat his buddy Sean (left) in the tourney. These kids usually play together on a four man team, but Saturdays tourney was a 2 v 2.

As the picture shows, Sean lost in the last game. So, I lost $1.00. How very sad. He will be ridiculed incessantly.

Why I only need one gift for SP7

In today's real post I will state my case of "Why I only need one gift for SP7".  Somehow, in the last 5 months or so, I have acquired something close to 20 pairs of circular needles. This is a semi-edcuated guess, because I can't find all of my circular needles. They are all over my house. Places I can recall seeing them today: on my computer desk, under the guest bed, in my "craft closet" (that's really an armoire with some baskets shoved in it, used for yarn storage and fabric...amongst the yarn are several circs tangled with the yarn), in the bathroom, on the coffee table, undert he coffee table, junk drawer, kitchen table, buffet, computer desk drawer, knitting bags 1, 2, and 3. Sounds like I spent my day wandering all over the house aimlessly, doesn't it? Nope, I spent the day looking for my 16" Bamboo size 6 circular needles! I still haven't found them. But, I found lots of OTHER size circs.

Here's my proposed solution, Pal. I really need a circular needle case. Something that I can carry with me, with lots of pockets. Most of my circs are of a small gauge, so I can double up needles in each pocket. I know that this case is over budget. I'll gladly pay you the difference, or swap you a set of stitch markers. Heck, I'll give you the stitch markers either way...Just release me from this madness!

Until next time,

Circular Jerk, Kingsland Georgia...

Sometimes, knitting can be boring.

Shortly, I'm headed out to the coffee shop to knit. I'm knitting that swatch on the size 5's. I casted on 108 stitches. Miles of endless stockinette. I usually don't mind doing just plain stocking stitch, but since I have some things I want to try out after I finish this, I'm very anxious to finish it.

The other things? Well, those are taking another whack at the crochet version of provisional cast on that I just learned.  Maybe after I do that I'll post a mini-tutorial here on the blog. Maybe. After that, I'm going to try out the picot edging as written in the Picovoli pattern, and after the new Addi's arrive, just MAYBE I'll get to do an accurate swatch. Just in case you didn't know, airmail takes a long time to arrive from Hong Kong to the US.

Other new things going on... working on a few stitch marker orders. Today might be the day for chain maille. Maybe not! Have you noticed how indecisive I am today?

Good thing I'm not paid to make important decisions...

She likes to swatch it up on me...

Have finished a mostly responsible swatch for the KP Shine. I've used size 4 12" plastic circs. The gauge comes to about 5.5 spi, but mostly 6 spi. In the intrests of being fair, I'm going to knit up another on Addi Turbos to see how the size (5) and different type of needle (a very freaking slick metal) affects my gauge.

Am I really that dedicated? Fuckin' A, I am.

Not so much...the truth is, I am in postal hell waiting on my Addi's to arrive, and I will use any plausible excuse to knit with this KP Shine & Addi Turbos.

I also heard from my SP7 mystery buddy today! Woot! I am so very excited to hear from her. I did finally put up the questionarre.

Hmm, I need to come up with a groovy set of stitch markers for the pal that I'll be spoiling. Sumthin' Special.

SP7 Questiona

I ripped this from Mel's blog, because I'm lazy and our answers are very similar!

SP7 Questionnaire

I'll post a link to this on the side bar too!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Yes, I despise RH and Lion Brand. That sounds nasty, but it just is.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Nope, neither.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I made a needle case long ago, but I got rid of all my straights. So, now all of my needles reside in a basket, in the couch, under the bed, and every other place I tend to lose them. A solution would be most welcomed. I'd kill somene for a case from theorganizedknitter.com
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting since Winter o4 and I'm intermediate or advanced at most things. I'm willing to learn anything, and try to teach myself new tricks all the time. --Ditto

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, under Denise Hunley

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love anything from Bath & Body works new Memoirs of a Geisha line.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Here's where Melanie and I differ tremendously. She's gonna eat sweets ANYWAY. I like dark chocolate, esp. ghearadeli (sp?). I love green nerds, green peanut butter M&M's, sour apple candy, "old-fashioned" candy, like those caramel things with the white stuff in the middle, black licorice jelly bellys, FUN DIP, starburst jelly beans, candy necklaces, skittles, jolly ranchers (fav is cherry) tootise roll pops, TRUFFLES are amazing works of art, and my new love: Chocolate Covered Espresso beans.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I dabble in lots of things off and on, but nothing seriously. --Ditto.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I usually just listen to the radio. I'm tempted to buy an MP3 player just for knit cast, but then I realize how much yarn $200 can buy.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Blue, purple, and pink are my favorites, any shades. But I like just about anything except orange, and yellow makes me look like hell. --Ditto here, too. I intentionally have not put anything up as far as specific color requests so I will stop buying blue anything. I also love earthtones & coffee colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets, 3 kids, and that's all I'm going to tell :)
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Hats yes, don't own a scarf, would love some gauntlets.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Hmm...that's hard. Just about anything that's soft. I'm really liking Debbie Bliss's Baby Cashmerino right now. Me too. Soft is a must. I don't understand the point of itchy yarn? Brillo pads are a buck.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I think Noro is scratchy, too. Don't want it. Don't really get in to fun fur or those kind of craft store novelty yarns. I don't do rainbow brite, either. Send amazing technicolor yarn to Renee.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Picovoli is occupying most of my brain at the moment. Same here! I also dig cables of any sort.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like things that I can finish quickly, but that are challenging. Therefore, I have absolutely no desire to knit lace!
17. What are you knitting right now?
Loopy Socks from knitpicks.com with Regia Cotton color and a swatch for Picovoli.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Oh absolutely! Especially socks, since I can't seem to get the hang of knitting them myself. I love cabled patterns and sock yarns that don't pill. Hmm...actually I've never gotten a hand-knit item, so that would be pretty cool! I'd love to get a pair of socks. My foot measures 9" from heel to toe, in case you're interested. I have attempted several times to knit a pair of socks for myself, but as of yet have not finished a pair. Life and knitted gifts/chemo caps seem to get in the way. If I had to choose between a knitted gift or knitting supplies, I'd choose supplies. I have very little loot budgeted for supplies.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
CIRCULAR all the way. I have converted.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like metal needles, but only good ones like Addi, Inox Express, etc. I don't use Boye needles. My second pick would be Bamboo or Birch. I like to have a slick finish on my needles to I can knit quickly. Nothing ticks me off more than needles that snag or tug...eeeyuuuwww!
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nope.

22. How did you learn to knit?
KNITTINGHELP.COM, baby! I owe my knitting life to Amy.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Do I really have to answer this???

And I gave my Trellis (UFO) to Denise actually, and she might finish it for me since I am having little patience with cables right now.
I will finish Trellis, it's fun to knit. Just have a couple things going on, ya know?

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Gromit, because he knits. Don't own any Gromit stuff yet. :(

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Independence Day

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Other than yarn?!? No, I don't think so. --Ditto.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None. Though I'd love a subscription to IK or Vogue Knitting.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
All books are on my Amazon Wish List. I'd love some Lamb's pride, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, More Lorna's Laces, and CASHMERE! And Angora. And Merino Wool. Um, this list isn't going to end, so I'm moving on.

Also really need 40" circular needles sizes 2-10, any, and a 40" Denise cable.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
2 Socks on 2 circular needles, Intarsia, fair isle, and the supplies for those.
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
9" heel to toe, shoe size 71/2 to 8. I like snug fits. I do knit socks, but as I said before, ahven't finished any for me.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
10/08

Make Lemonade!

That's what I've done with the lemons I've been given with the Inox needles.  Right after I realized that not only did I have the wrong size needles, and that Inox has their own version of what a US size 2 and 3 are, I talked to Mel on the phone. Her Inox measure up the same strange way...how odd.

In the long run, this whole mix-up turned out to be a happy accident. I'm actually loving the way the yarn knits up at 8 spi. The stitches are much more uniform, the yarn feels more luxiurious and soft. I've casted on for sock 2, and it looks like I have about 2" of the cuff done so far. Knitting magic loop vs. dpns in the round feels much more comfortable to me at this point, and as I'm easing into the "zone", faster as well.

Mel, Caro, and I got together for an impromtu gathering at the coffee shop today. I met Mel at the door demanding my KP Shine that she's been holding hostage since yesterday. You just won't believe how *evil* she is. She left a message on my phone machine, taunting me, telling me that I must show up to recieve my prize.

So, we have our yarn for Picovoli, we have our patterns. Now, we await our needles. We have no patience at all when it comes to waiting for Addi Turbos...

Meeting was a blast. Lots of knitting, gossip, and even a little learning time. I showed Mel magic loop, she did really great. I'm so proud. I have a great picture of her first attempt. Of course, it's still on my camera. There really should be more hours in the day!

Back to Picovoli... I'm just a bit terrified of the pattern. Love the picot edging. Not so good at provisional cast on. Tomorrow sounds like a day for sitting down with Amy's videos and practice.

It's just glorious to have 7 new balls of KP Shine in my house. It's hard to stop fondling.

Magic Loop Swatch, Part 2.

Good news:

The swatch is done. Gauge has been measured.

Bad news: I noticed earlier today, that the needles have 2.5 engraved in very small print. Couldn't remember off the top of my head what 2.5mm is in US size, so I disregarded it. Well, folks, 2.5mm is size 1.5 needles. Not size 2. I have the wrong size needles, but the package clearly states size 2. There must have been a mix-up with the packager.

Of course, the gauge is off. 8sts/1 inch.

Good news: I have 3mm needles.

Weird news: I'm getting mixed messages from my gauge and needle conversion charts on the web. Especially on this page. http://yarn-store.com/circular-knitting-needles.html

Now I'm really interested to know what size 2 and 3 "really" are. On my package of Inox Express needles, it says that size 3 is 3mm. I'm SO CONFUSED!

Knitting Will Humble Even the Great Ones

Just now, I was sitting at my computer following Amy's video for magic loop knitting. In between stitches, I'm chatting via AOL with Melanie. I've been telling her that magic loop is so easy, and all she has to do is sit down with the video and give it a shot. Little did I know, while I was giving her shit about it, I was knitting a whole row with the tail. Once I realized my mistake, I told Melanie and she said "knitting can humble even the great ones". What a smart one she is, eh?

For my magic loop swatch, I've casted on 40 sts with size 2 needles, 40" long. I'm very glad that I bought the full 40" length for magic loop knitting, it gives me lots of room to work with. Before I started this swatch, I was pretty worried about how much my gauge would change, if I would be knitting looser than I did with the double pointed needles. I was also worried about having a jog or loose bar on either side of the needles, but it seems to have tightened up quite a bit. I haven't measured gauge, since I'm only a few rounds in, but it looks lovely so far. The stitches are nice and tight.

Now, I just need to figure out where to put in some kind of marker...I suppose I should have done that from the get go, but I was so excited to get started, I didn't think of it.

On the prowl...

Today I headed to Fuzzy Mabel, my LYS. If I haven't told you about it already, it's the lovely brick & mortar version of the popular website. All of the Ya-Yas shop there for its fine yarn, wide variety of supplies, and kick ass sale room in the back!

You will not BELIEVE the deals I got today.

2 pairs of Inox Express circular needles sizes 2 and 3 40", $5.85 each

Regia Cotton Color, 2 skeins for $5.00 each. These are for Joshua's socks. He's drawn me a blue print with color choices that says "For my Socks and Two Sock". He's determined to own a knitted item from Mom. Poor kid, I haven't knit one stitch for him yet. He also drew up a blue print for a collar for his stuffed puppy pet. He even included a schematic to let me know how big it is. I will try to hunt down a scanner so you all can see this, it's very very cute. I think I have a knitwear designer in the making!

The Regia Cotton Color has a weird gauge that I don't quite understand. Cynthia explained it to me, but I've already forgotten. I think it might be 7.5sts/1 inch on size 2 needles. Waiting on e-mail back from Cynthia! Yarn is the only thing that has ever made me want to speak German, by the way.

I also picked up three skeins of Heirloom easycare, a lovely100% pure wool. It's *very* soft. And, machine washable folks. What can be better than that? Gauge is 16.55 sts over 10 cm on size 10 needles. This yarn is destined to be Karen Baumers Sock-It-To-Me socks for me. I hope to try them on circular needles. Did I mention that it was only $3.50 a skein? Score!

I am so proud of myself that I managed to only spend $35. I think I deserve a round of applause for that one, folks!!!

Melanie and Renee met me at FM, but I hardly got a chance to talk to them, I was so busy. I feel bad for that, but I will make it up to them.

Tonight I hope to cast on my second sock in magic loop. Wish me luck, folks! I'm going to need it in the worst  way!

Regia sock one is DONE!

The toe has been grafted, ends woven in, and it's been tried on. It fits. Only a couple visible holes.

Truth be told, I made quite a few errors in this sock. The heel flap is too long, and the foot part of the sock is too short. I some how got the heel off center, too. When it's not worn, it looks really disproportionate, so much so that it's comical to look at. But when I wear it, it looks okay. I'm not so fond of the way the ribbed cuff stretches out so much I can see spaces between the purl stitches. The toe shaping looked REALLY funky when it was time to graft the toe and weave in ends, but worn it looks great. I'm very impressed with myself on my kitchener technique.

Will any of these mistakes make me want to rip back and fix them? God no. Will I bury this sock in my basket of knitted shame? Nope. It's wearable. It fits. It's comfortable. And... it's MINE! The very first knitted project for myself since I made my water bottle cover. I think that was in April.

Another thing... my feet are STILL cold!

Pictures tomorrow.