FO: Shrug, New WIP

I finished. Finally.

Details:
Two Toned Ribbed Shrug, by Stefanie Japel
Paton's Classic Wool Merino in leaf green-1.5 skeins, Berocco Touche in dark blue-2.2 hanks
Size 8 Knit Picks Options circular, Size 4 KP Options circular
2 months
Made for me

As I've described in detail in previous blog entries, this was difficult for me, but mostly due to overconfidence with correcting a mistake. I learned a lot with this shrug, and it's my first large FO. I'm really proud of it, and I think the color combination is pretty rockin'. I cut the pattern a bit short, mainly because I liked the length of the ribbing, and didn't know how crazy I would be about the way it folded over around the neck. I haven't blocked it, but I might, as the ribbing looks a bit uneven in these pictures. We'll see.

Also, in search of an instant gratification fix, I cast on this afternoon for Stella's Hat in my Malabrigo Worsted. I wasn't sure about the colorway (it was a gift), but I'm loving it. It's so me.

Progress on Shrug

Here's what happened with my two-toned shrug: not only did I have an incorrect number of stitches when I started the ribbing, but I also have never used a circular needle before, so I didn't really join the yarn. So I had flat ribbing. I knew I could have joined it later with seaming, and it probably would have been fine, but I wanted to do it the correct way, and to fix the number of stitches I picked up. For whatever reason, the day I noticed the mistake, I was feeling particularly brave stupid, and I just pulled the needle out of the live stitches. COMPLETELY. Um, I'm no expert knitter. Where did that confidence idiocy come from?
Hence, the freakout I had. After pulling out the needle, I started frogging, and I stopped myself before I ripped the band-aid off completely. I put the shrug out of sight until I could calmly decide how to fix my problem.
That time finally came last weekend. I ripped back all the ribbing, including the stitches I picked up. Last night, I picked up my stitches again, and got 3 rounds of the ribbing complete. I joined properly this time, and all is right with the world. I'm so glad that this road block is gone.
I think I can finish the shrug over the weekend, and then I've got to finish seaming Jill's purse, and sewing the lining. So, two FOs are just around the corner!

It's not you, it's me

Look, Two-toned ribbed shrug, I love you. I want to make this work. You and I, we are on the same team. I'm sorry I yelled at you, cursed at you, and threw you across the room. It doesn't mean I stopped loving you. You just frustrated me so much that I had to walk away and regroup. It's perfectly natural to fight once in a while, but please, let's get through this last little bit. I know it's the hardest part, but I need you to work with me, not against me. I'm going to focus on a birthday gift, Twiggy Tweed, until the wounds heal, but I'll be back for you. Don't give up on me.

This past weekend, I needed a break from the shrug, so I knit up a quick FO, Le Slouch (pdf). It was just the remedy I needed for my stress over the shrug. I finished it Sunday while watching ridiculously stressful football. I have an "in progress photo" but no FO pic, because it's been rainy and overcast. This will have to do for now.
I used the specified yarn, Classic Elite City Lights, which I purchased for $1.99 a ball at Webs a few months ago. I liked the thick and thin texture of the yarn, and it knit up nicely. The tiny amount of nylon in the yarn gives it a good amount of stretch. I only used a little of the second skein, so I still have about 1.7 skeins left-maybe I'll make another slouch, or maybe a bag. I used size 8 dpns, and didn't switch to size 9 as the pattern recommends, mainly because I don't have any size 9 dpns.
I also cast on today at lunch for Jill's Twiggy Tweed.

On a non-knitting note, we got a bird feeder for the back porch, and the pets were very mesmerized by the birdies. We even saw a cardinal!

I can see it now

The finish line is close on my shrug. I'm nearly done with the second sleeve, and I will finish it tonight, as well as seaming of both sleeves. Now, all that's left, is the daunting picking up of many stitches. :\

Me? No, I ain't scared. Not at all. Okay. Maybe a little. I just don't want to botch my knitting this late in the game. It's one thing if, right out of the gate, you mess up. But now? Nope. Not gonna happen. I will again, turn to the internets for assistance, as well as my go-to knitting queen, Sarah, to make sure I don't eff it up.

Unfortunately, I'm not home right now, so I'll have to post pictures this evening. Maybe the pictures will contain sleeved completion!
Of course, my mind is already wandering about what the next project will be. I haven't touched any other knitting since I started the shrug, which is kind of a neat feeling. Don't get used to it though.

Favorite things

My sister gave me these cool sock monkey slippers for Christmas. They rock, and I wear them all the time when I'm home. I wore them last night while I worked on my shrug, and drank some:

Now, I know, blueberry beer sounds a little odd, but trust me. It's not too sweet or artificial, and it has a great flavor. The boy and I are hooked on it, and have been snagging a six pack every time we see it. The site is here and they have lots of other beers, but down here in Texas, I think it's hit or miss. Either way, if you see it, you should try it.
As for my shrug, I'm only 6 rows away from breaking off the sleeves.
The WIP so far.
Now, granted, these are looooong rows, but I can finish them quickly. I'm motivated to move through it. :)

A close-up of my stitchery. It's getting better.

A good start

Monday, after I got home from work, I plucked myself down on the couch with one of my Christmas presents, Fitted Knits, by Stefanie Japel, some worsted weight yarn (Paton's Classic Wool Merino), and my new KnitPicks Options set for some New Years' Eve fun. I watched several episodes of the Law and Order marathon, had some blueberry beer (sounds weird, but it's lovely), and got through rows and rows of the Two-Toned Shrug. Since this picture, I've made some more progress, and hope to be starting on the sleeves before the weekend. I was a little apprehensive about KFB and PFB, but I feel pretty good about both now, and am currently fearing picking up stitches, but I'm hoping, it too, can be conquered!
I'm not too sure what my second tone will be,or if I'll knit it all in this snuggly green.