Knitin Chick

Knit-In

Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of hanging with the fabulous

Heather & Eilene.

We went to Mannings for their annual Knit-In. Surprisingly enough, the weather was beautiful, low humidity, low 80's which was a great change from the 100 degrees we saw earlier in the week.

Did some knitting.....

And managed to increase the stash supply ; )

Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed for

Demi from Rowan Vintage Knits.

I also bought a few pair of the Addi Lace needles...which I love. I now have the full range of sizes available. They have been great to use on my Birch shawl and I am also using them for my Fay Sweater.

Where has summer gone?

I cannot even believe how quickly this summer has flown by. I've managed to do some knitting. Not as much as I'd planned though. I also thought that I'd be blogging a lot...not! I've had a great time...lots of pool & boat time with the kids. Just not a lot of time by myself! There are only two weeks left until school starts, for ME & the kids. I'm getting anxious about that, as I know it will be crazy. I will be in the nursing program full time and will not have any time for myself! Enough of that.....

Finished Object

I've finished "Kelly" with the exception of the zipper. Have a look.

Pattern: Olive - Laines du Nord

Yarn: Cashmerino Aran Knock Off

Started: Can't remember exactly...sometime this spring

Finished: July 2007

From the Past

I've picked up Birch again...Oh, how I love this...

I'm almost at the end of the second skein and it only takes about 2 1/2 skeins. Yeah..Progress!!

New Project

I've started my beautiful Fay sweater. I bought the kit online from Kim Hargreaves. I am using Rowan 4ply wool and size 2 & 3 needles.

Have a great day!

On the needles

I have 2 projects that I'm working on right now.

The first is a sock, I'll call Cocoa with pink marshmallows.

Ok...hold the laughs....I know that I am known for starting socks and not finishing them, but that is going to change....I'm really really gonna finish these, while lounging poolside ....I hope ; )

Pattern: On Your Toes Socks by Ann Budd  - Interweave Summer 2007

Yarn: Koigu-KPPPM

I am using Koigu color P30350, browns, pinks, lavender and grey. I purchased this yarn at Mannings last summer when I attended their annual Knit Day with Ei. It was a lot of fun, and I plan on going again this year! I have to say that my first experience with Koigu...I wasn't that crazy about it and didn't understand why everyone raved about it. Now, I'm sold. Maybe it was the pattern that I used before...not sure, but I am really liking it now! Love the colors & the feel of the yarn is fabulous, so soft!

Second in progress is  Olive...

Well, maybe this should be called Kelly?!

Pattern: Olive from Laines du Nord Simple Knits

Yarn: Cashmerino (Debbie Bliss type knock-off...bought at AC Moore...I hate even saying that, I usually remain loyal to the LYS, but found this on sale & loved the color)

I started this sweater in the spring & despite being overwhelmed by school, I managed to finish the back & fronts. I'm currently working on both sleeves together. I hope to have this one wrapped up in a week or so!

What's next......stay tuned!

Birthday present added to the FO's!

Of course I intended on having this sweater completed last week so that I wasn't knitting frantically at the 11th hour....but that didn't happen! I was up late Wednesday night finishing just in time for the party last night. Tada..........
.

The birthday girl was very surprised and loves it! That makes it all worth while!
I am very happy with how it turned out. It is a very fitted sweater. I knitted the second size, 34" and it actually ended up being probably closer to a 33". I didn't use their recommended yarn, I used Knit One Crochet Too Italian Ice which is a narrow ribbon. I forgot how much I do not like knitting with flat yarns. They just twist up and drive me crazy! The only change I made to the pattern was the shaping in the bust. The pattern called for a yarn over which leaves a hole in a place where a hole may not be wanted : ) So I replaced the yarnover with an increase.

I would like to knit this sweater again for myself!

Have a great weekend : )

New Obsession

I am obsessed with this new book!

There are so many fabulous designs in it I can't stand it!

I decided to knit this for my dear friend Mary, who has a birthday coming up in 2 weeks.

The pattern calls for Classic Elite Interlude which is a silk/linen blend. This yarn is very hard to find & very pricey. I may splurge when I make it for myself : ) I don't have a lot of time though, so I hit one of my favorite LYS', Cloverhill Yarns to find a substitute.
I purchased a yarn called Italian Ice, it is from Knit One Crochet Too Color #611. Have a look.

It is a cotton/linen/viscose blend. I just love the color, it will look great on Mary who has blonde hair & blue eyes! Just cross your fingers that the fit is good!
This sweater is knit in different pieces. You start with the back, then do the fronts, join together and then do the lace & trim last.
I have finished the back & just started the right front. So far, I've made one modification. I didn't like the look of the yarnovers on the bust dart/shaping. It leaves a hole, where I think you wouldn't want one! So, I substituted an increase in place of the YO, and am very happy with the look of it. I'll post another pic soon to show the details of that.

I am so excited to see how this turns out. I want to make one for myself too : )

Have a great day!

And p.s.......someone emailed me about my KSH sweater, with questions and I accidentally deleted the email...so sorry! Please email me back!

Finally free from the books!

I just finished my final exams and feel a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders! This semester, I took the last 2 classes that I need to apply to the nursing program for the fall... Anatomy & Physiology II and Microbiology!

Needless to say, this is the reason for my lack of posting, knitting, cooking, taking care of my house, etc.! A lot has gone by the wayside for the last few months. I have lots to catch up on at home, most importantly knitting : )

I do have a finished object to show you all!

Amidst the chaos, I managed to finish my Kidsilk haze sweater this spring. I made a modification to the collar. When I first cast on for the collar, I thought it was way to wide. So I started over and decreased the width by 9 stitches.  The sweater still needs to be blocked, but have a look...

A few other changes I would make are to add more shaping in the upper back/waist area and add about an inch to the length. Aside from that I do like the sweater...unfortunately I don't love it! I hate when that happens. But I still absolutely love  Kidsilk haze, it is definitely a favorite of mine.

More fun stuff....

I was lucky enough to make it to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I met Heather, Eilene, and Tanya Sunday a.m., braved the cold & winds and managed to make a few purchases.

First stop...Hunt Valley Cashmere (I love this place..they have fabulous cashmere, duh, and beautiful kits for shawls, scarves, sweaters & socks. )

I got this cashmere sock kit! Can't wait to wear these : ) 

Hit Cloverhill Yarns (a favorite local shop...they have great customer service : )

I picked up these 2 sock books. 

First time purchase from Shelridge Farms.  I bought this kit for a fitted cable mock neck sweater. It is knit in their own 4-ply yarn. I just fell in love with the sample.

A needle case for my double pointed needles.

OK...don't ask when it is that I am going to accomplish even 1/100 of what I have in my stash or new purchases. I just can't help myself!!! It's food for the spirit : )

Off the Needles

Finished

I had completed my Jo Sharp Cardi back in November, but neglected to post about it! I was in a frenzy trying to finish it for Stitches and I swear that was the last cold weekend until now! I have barely had an opportunity to wear it.
Have a look.

Here is a close-up.
I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of this sweater. The fit is great. I made a few adjustments to the pattern. As usual, I knitted it down a bit. I used size 5 & 7 needles and also added a little shaping in the waist. It needs some belt loops too, which I will add in the near future.

The specifics:

Pattern: Jo Sharp Wrap Cardigan

Book: Jo Sharp Contemporary Knitting

Yarn: Silkroad Aran Tweed, Color #124, Jewel

Needles Used: Inox sz 5 & 7

In Progress

I've been working on my Kidsilk Haze Sweater. The pattern is Paisley from Rowans' book, A Season's Tale. I am making the scooped neck version.

I just casted on for the second sleeve last night. Then on to the neckband and collar. Can't wait to finish this one. The feel of the fabric is fabulous. The sweater is knitted with the KSH doubled throughout and it is heavenly!

As you all know, my blogging has gone by the wayside over the last 6 months. This is due to school, which will be starting up again next week! So, in the mean time, I'll be doing more lurking than blogging, but will definitely be thinking about you all!

I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2007!

Stitches Extravaganza

I was lucky enough to attend Stitches East Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yep, that's right, 3 days of knit shopping bliss!  Ei and I stayed at the Baltimore Hyatt, which was right around the corner from the Convention center. The hotel had just been remodeled and I was very impressed. The rooms were very modern, nice comfy beds and a cool flat screen tv. Eilene and I went out to dinner Friday night at Kali's Court (great food...awful service...won't go back...you've been forwarned) in Fells Point and Saturday night to The Bicycle in Federal Hill (great food and service!). We thought we would go shop around the Inner Harbor and at The Galleria, but believe it or not we managed to spend all 3 days at the show.
Speaking of which, upon entering the show, we were greeted by this sign.

How do ya like that.... No Photos?! Don't these people know that bloggers are present?!
And speaking of bloggers, on Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Cara and Kay who were in town for the day. I also got to see Lolly (who I am sure was in a state of shock not being able to take picures...I don't think I've ever seen her without a camera!). On Saturday I met Jane a.k.a. Knitting Sister and her friend Donna.  And on Sunday I got to see my girl Heather! It was so fun to meet up with old knit friends and meet new ones! I feel so lucky to have met so many wonderful people through blogging. Truly.

Now on to the Stash.

My first stop was Dreamweavers. I had been eyeing up this Tilli Tomas pattern and yarn. I just couldn't resist. The color is Ruby Wine. Trust me, the photo doesn't do it justice!

I tried not to buy this....

But, it didn't work. Somehow it ended up in my hands and then I couldn't say no! It is the Offhand Designs, Weekender bag. I just love it. If you "need" one, definitely check out Dreamweavers they are super friendly and they have a fabulous selection.

Next stop was Rosie's Yarn Cellar. They are one of my favorites..they have great yarns and very knowledgable and friendly knitters ; )

I got 8 skeins of Kid Silk Haze in Hurricane. This color is to die for! The pattern is from this book.  It is called Paisley, the low, v-neck like cowl is so cool.

There were lace shawls all over the place....so many beautiful designs...so many beautiful fibers! It was a tough choice.

I picked up this lace weight yarn to make The Concert in the Park Shawl. The pattern is from Two Old Bags. And the yarn is called Fino, can't remember where I got it.

Have you all seen this book?

Seaport Yarns had this book, Victorian Lace Today. It is just amazing. There are so many beautiful patterns and the photography is just breathtaking. I love it! I also had it autographed by the author, Ms. Jane Sowerby. She was very lovely! I hope to actually find the time, to knit one of her incredible designs.

On to the socks.

Friday afternoon I stopped by the Blue Moon booth to pick up some Socks that Rock. Yep, it's my first skein! Lets see if I actually knit them. I am seriously a sock drop out! Please help ; )

Alrighty, believe it or not there is more, but I'll share that later! And I also will share with you my most recently finished project, and a few photos from the ball. I promise, soon!

I had the most fabulous time this past weekend. I am just sorry that it's over! Now the countdown to MS&W.  It's a sickness, I know.

The Knitting Gods Have Smiled Upon Me

And I am sooo happy.
I managed to finish the last sleeve with my original dye lot.
Here it is.

I just need to seam it to the rest of the sweater.

Next on the list are the front bands/collar and the belt. I found another dye lot to use for these, which is very close to the original.

Can't wait to wear this...I'd love to have it done in time for Stitches!

Countdown to Stitches: 7 days!

Forgot to show you all last week the bag I got in NYC.

I got it at the Sigrid Olsen store in SoHo. My husband actually picked it out. I love it!

Have a Great Weekend.

NYC Stash

We had a fabulous time in New York last weekend.
When we got into the city, we right to Soho. I was lucky enough to go here:

Yep, its Purl....isn't it sooo cute!
They have an amazing selection, Rowan, Lornas Laces, Blue Sky,Alchemy, Koigu and more. Of course the shop was small, yes it is NYC, but very well organized and extremely friendly staff. My husband patiently waited on the bench outside : ) It was funny..the women shopped while the men lingered out front until it was time to pay!
I managed to pick up a few items. Check it out.

2 skeins of Lorna's Laces worsted weight, probably to be used for fingerless gloves, for ME! Last year I gifted all of the fingerless that I made. And 2 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk. Yummy...not sure what I'll make but had to have it!
I tried to restrain myself, after all, Stitches is right around the corner!
In preparation for Stitches, I also purchased 2 books.
This is the Louisa Harding Winters Muse Portraits. I ordered it from Ramwools online. Here is the pattern that I like:

I really love this design. I've been wanting to make a fair isle sweater and I think this is the one. They use the Louisa Harding angora, but I can't do Angora, it bothers my contacts. I was thinking maybe the Blue sky alpaca? Any suggestions?
I'll be on the lookout for some yarn at Stitches East.

Here is the other book I got,

It is the Vittadini Fall 2006. I ordered it online from Handworks Gallery. Here is the design that I like.

Gosh, if I only had the time to do both of these. With my classes, I'll be lucky to finish what I've got on the needles now!

Well, I am off to drive the kids dance & soccer and then I'm headed to the ball!
Yes, a ball I say.
We have our Commodore's Ball tonight for our Yacht Club. It is in Annapolis and the weather is just beautiful today. I cannot wait. It is a formal event which is fun. And there is sure to be lots of dancing, martinis and crabcakes of course, it is Annapolis!
Have a Great Weekend!