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Saturday, January 31, 2009

January KAL: GOAL!!

As I mentioned here, I joined a January Puck This! KAL on Ravelry, in which you make three hats before the end of the month. Hat #1 was previously posted, so here are details on #2 and #3!

Koi in Spring

Details: Spring Cap by Wooly Wormhead
Yarn: Handspun, purchased on Ravelry, from TheKnitrix, approx. 141 yards
Needle: Size 7 circular
Time: 8 days
Recipient: maybe me
Thoughts: The pattern was a bit tedious at times, what with all the yos and k2tog, in combination with the handspun yarn. On the other hand, I think this yarn was a perfect choice for the pattern. I love the way it looks, and although I was trying to use up all of it with this hat, I'm rather pleased that I have enough left to make another small project.

Wesley
Details:
Wesley, by Kate Gagnon
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino, white (approx. 90 yds) and red (approx 40 yds), KnitPicks Wool of the Andes, Amber Heather (approx 40 yds), total: approx 170 yds

Needles: Size 6, 8 and 10
Time: 1 week
Recipient: definitely me.
Thoughts: I love this hat. It was an incredibly fun pattern. The colors work well together, and it makes for a very impressive FO, in my opinion. It has a decent amount of slouch. I used a bigger needle for the majority of the hat, and it's very roomy. Love, love, love.

My January goal is complete!

Monday, January 26, 2009

The herd

The pets were all enjoying the sun last weekend, so I obliged and captured their lovely peace (it doesn't happen that often, so you know, I've got proof).

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sunday Stash #8


Fat quarters, purchased from Joann's

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Another pouch

I sewed another pouch a few weeks ago.
I had trouble deciding on a zipper color, but I eventually went with the yellow. I made this one a bit taller than my last few, and I like it.

It seems like a good size for makeup, so I think that will be it's purpose. I really like making these; I enjoy getting a zipper just right. I've got fabric cut out and ready for several more of these, so hopefully, I can find some time to sew them up. I think the interior fabric is just perfect:

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Fantastic photobooth phenomenon

That fun title that just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? My birthday was a few weeks ago, and to celebrate, a few friends and I went to Joystix, an arcade/bar near downtown Houston. It was fun and they had a ton of arcade games. You pay a cover, and can then play unlimited games all night. Honestly, the best part was the photobooth (which wasn't even included in the cover charge). I took no less than four sets of pictures throughout the evening.

Here are two of my favorites (the quality is a bit lacking):
My friend Adam. His birthday was also being celebrated (his is the day after mine).

Ceci and I.

I love that both of these people have been in my life for almost 20 years, and I still like them. That's pretty awesome.

Taking ridiculous pictures is one of my favorite things.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sunday Stash #7


Who doesn't need a little Owly felt? I know I do. Purchased on etsy.

Friday, January 16, 2009

What I can't control

I was thinking about a situation that occurred a few weeks ago. I was on my lunch break, just before Christmas, and when I got back to my car in the parking lot, I was blocked in by a tow truck. I was just a few spots away from the car needing a tow, which appeared to have just been in a wreck. It took the tow truck a while to get the car situated, and I was the only one to be affected by this. Instead of waiting patiently, and maybe even eating my lunch that I just picked up, I pulled a passive agressive act, and harumphed by my car.

Seriously, Jacey? What will you gain from this? I don't know why it upset me so much. Perhaps because the guy didn't say a word or acknowledge me. That would have been polite, but the family getting their car towed were inconvenienced a lot more than my 15 minute waiting period. I don't know why I let it affect me so much, but I did. Enough that I'm thinking about several weeks later, and regretting how I handled it.

I need to let go. I need to stand up for myself when it's important and just let the rest roll off. It's incredibly shameful that I get so bent out of shape about something so insignificant and out of my hands. I guess being aware of it is at least a small portion of the battle, but I'm going to try to be consciously aware of when I'm starting to freak and find a way to NOT.

Life is too short.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Major FO: Heathery Back-to-School Vest

May I present to you, the first wearable garment I've completed:

I don't mean to be dramatic, but the other two garments I've made, the Two-Toned Shrug and Something Red, while they're certainly accomplishments, I really don't wear either one, because there are things I would like to change about them. But this vest, oh, how I adore it! It fits me well, it's cozy without being too ridiculous for Houston winter weather, and the heathery yarn is divine.

Details:



Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, by Stefanie Japel, from Fitted Knits
Yarn: Cascade 220, just under 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7 circular, size 5 circular for neckline
Time: 3 months
Recipient: ME!
Thoughts: I love it. The following is a list of my modifications.
I lengthened the ribbing section. I made the neckline lower, and only purled four rows of neckline trim. I didn't pick up any stitches around the armholes, and I was a little concerned that the armholes would roll, but I love the way they turned out. I decreased more for the arm straps. I didn't increase the bust very much; frankly, I don't really need the room, and the waffle stitch is pretty stretchy. Speaking of waffle stitch, I love it!! It's so fun, knits up quickly, and really makes a lovely fabric.

This is my second pattern to complete from Fitted Knits. I love the book, and find myself returning to it regularly when I think about new projects. I wouldn't mind having another of these vesties in another color. It's just my style for work.

Monday, January 12, 2009

FO: Vermillion Slouch

Hat trick #1 is complete (see post below for details on the KAL I've joined)

Details:

A Slouch for All Seasons, by Melissa Lynn
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Vermillion approx. 190 yards
Needle: Size 4 dpns, size 5 circular
Time: 5 days
Recipient: unsure


Thoughts: I actually botched the pattern a bit, but luckily, I knew how to modify the reminder to match my mistake, so it's not at all noticeable. You are supposed to have two sets of k2tog, yo in each repeat, but I only did one per repeat. So when I got to the decreases, I only did one set there as well. It turned out nicely, and I'm pleased that it used up almost an entire ball of Malabrigo. I would definitely recommend this pattern, and I'll probably make it again at some point, maybe the right way!

I've already started hat trick #2, in some purchased handspun.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sunday Stash #6

Purchased on etsy, and destined to become curtains for the second bedroom. I love this, and it works perfectly with my purple(ish) walls.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Hat Trick KAL

Although I don't watch much hockey (nothing against it, but come on, I live in Houston), I found a knit-along I think I can actually complete. Over on Lolly's blog, one I enjoy reading thoroughly, I found mention of a Puck This! KAL for the month of January, in which you knit three hats.
I can knit hats like there's no tomorrow. I haven't officially signed up, especially since, like I said, I'm not at all knowledgeable about hockey. But unofficially, I'm in.

My first hat is the Slouch for All Seasons, by Knitting School Dropout. I printed this pattern as soon as it came out last summer, and I've been trying to figure out what yarn to use.

I had this gorgeous, vibrant skein of Malabrigo in Vermillion staring at me, and you don't really have to twist my arm to get me to use Malabrigo. I worked on it a bit more last night at my knitting group (which actually only consisted of me and Amanda!), so I imagine I can have it finished this weekend. Then, on to hat #2!

Monday, January 5, 2009

FO: Purple waffles

A new pair of fingerless gloves for me, which is a good thing, since my mischievous little cat has ruined my Fetchings (the green ones). After finishing my mom's mitts last month, I had more than half a ball of the Malabrigo in Purple Mystery left.


Details:

Waffe Stitch Fingerless Gloves by Jil Toporkiewicz
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Purple Mystery, approx. 108 yards
Needle: Size 6 straights
Time: 5 days
Recipient: ME!
Thoughts: The pattern is incredibly easy, and works up so fast, since you knit them straight and then seam. I sewed a little button on one of the wrists, just for a little extra something. Also, I don't know if you can tell, but they're actually upside down as compared to the pattern. I like them the way they came out, and I will definitely come back to this pattern when I need a quick and lovely gift.

I finished these on the first, so they are definitely my first FO of 2009. I have second finished object to share, but I'd like to wait until I have some lovely modeled photos to show you. I'll give you a hint, though: it's one of the three WIPs I listed as goals to complete this year!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sunday Stash #5


Red, yellow and black. I love this. I only have a fat quarter of it (I purchased it at Joann's), and I haven't figured out what I'll use it for, but that's half the fun.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Knitting priority list for oh nine

Instead of resolutions this year, I'm creating a knitting priority list for myself. I did fairly well with last year's list, but a priorities list seems more realistic and concrete to me, and that's what I need.

1) Finish what you start.
I have a very bad habit of starting projects. I know I'm not alone in this. Starting a project is so much fun; finishing is less so. My three top finishing priorities are: Not Pink (which has only been on the needles for a month!),
my CPH

(which has been on the needles for six months!),
and my Back-to-School Vest

(Three months on the needles).

2) Once I've finished, THEN I will start.
A few of the projects I aim to work on this year (and yarn is already acquired): -Ms. Marigold in Knit Picks Elegance

-Wendy Bernard's Slinky Ribs in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool

-Indigo Ripples in Elann Denim

-Mary Jane in Hempathy

-Little Birds in Knit Picks Palette

-Little Blue Sweater in Sheffield

Ambitious, but hopefully, not too unrealistic.

Cheers to a great 2009!

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