Knitting In The North

Roses and Galway Plans

Autumn is coming. The mornings are cool and crisp, and the light has changed. Here is my very last rose of the season. I love fall, and am generally so excited to see the start of it, but this year I'm so busy with work and school starting, that I haven't had a chance to enjoy the early signs of the change in seasons. In my own garden the leaves are still green, but down by the river there is a large amount of yellow. My favourite thing to do at this time of year is pick up a chai tea, and go sit on the riverbank, listening to the trees say goodnight, and watching the water. Perhaps next week, when the big kids are back in school, I'll have a chance. I'd hate to miss tucking in the river trees for the winter.

The Galway is lovely, I'm very pleased with it. When I ordered it, I had chosen a different colour, and then found out there was not enough, and had to go with a second choice. I closed my eyes and picked from three different colours, and this one looked quite raspberry-ish on the monitor. I was delighted to open up the box and see this soft, purpley, heatherey sort of yarn. What I am longing for is a cozy sweater to wear with jeans on a chilly morning. Nothing too fitting, but not hanging like a sack, either. Nothing too complicated, but also not boring to knit. I am undecided between a pullover and a cardigan. Sometimes I hate pulling things on and off over my head - a cardigan you can take on and off depending on what you (or the mucky baby) are doing. I think I prefer the idea of a pullover, but in stores while shopping, I am always drawn to the cabled cardigans. My mind is wandering all over the place, trying to make a decision. I can't start it until my Christmas Knitting is finished, so I have time to make a choice, but I'm a planner, and can't rest until a pattern has been designated for this yarn. It's sitting there in limbo at the moment, and that just can't be. I have 6 balls, so about 1300 yards, which should be enough for a small/medium sweater. At this point I have three basic ideas.

1. The Not Your Standard Issue Sweatshirt, from Yarn Girl's Guide to Simple Knits. I have really liked this pattern for a long time, and it's description seems to fit what I want this sweater to be. The gauge is slightly off, though, the pattern calls for 4 sts/1", and the Galway is 4.5 sts/1". Also, it's a very simple pattern. Will I get bored and put it off?

2. The Woman's Cardigan, from KnitSimple, Fall 2006. This is a cabled cardigan, and doesn't seem too difficult. The interest is definitely there, since there's so much going on. It calls for the same gauge as option #1. It's a bit short in the length for me, but I suppose I could lengthen it a titch.

3. The Hourglass Sweater, from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Very pretty. I love the neckline. The sweater is simple, which I like, but still looks flattering. Will it be comfy enough to pull on over a T-shirt? I don't know. It has shaping, which I like, but is basically all stocking stitch. I know some of you out there have made this pattern. Any advice? Will I get frustrated with all the stocking stitch and throw in in a bag somewhere?

Please, dear readers. I am open to any and all suggestions, thoughts and advice. Do share!

Also, am I the only one out there who sounds out the verification letters when posting a comment to a blog? I catch myself doing it every single time - my family most likely thinks I'm inventing my own language. I sit and mutter my strange new word under my breath over and over. Until I catch myself, shake my head and have a sip of tea, that is.

Birthday Bounty

How's that for some yarn porn? My heartbeat still hasn't slowed down! This treasure was all waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday. A week or so ago, Stuart suggested I place myself a big fat yarn order, since he hadn't given me a birthday gift. I went a little crazy, ordering a few back issues of magazines, Fibre Trends patterns for the Baltic Lace Stole and both adult and children's sized Felted Clogs. A few balls of Mission Falls cotton got thrown in, as well as several different colours of wool (for the slippers). Last but not least, the Galway Wool on the far left is for a sweater. For me, me, me! I am determined to make something for myself, and that it will fit, and that I will finish it! Big dreams, eh?

My big surprise, though, when I opened up the package, was that Stuart had been sneaky. He went online after I placed my order, and ordered me a set of Denise interchangeable needles. I've been longing for them for a long time, but could never justify the purchase. What a great treat! I haven't tried them out yet, although they're not in the picture because I had everything out all over the place when I snapped the photo.

If you've never heard of them, I ordered from Busy Hands Yarn, which is sadly going out of business. If you're a bargain hound, there are bargains to be had! Once I knew I was going to be working for a bit, and more hours than I was planning, I allowed myself a second order of a few things I passed over the first time. It should be here the end of this week or early next (Canada Post is a flighty bunch at times), so I'll show you my next set of goodies then. Boy, do I feel spoiled!

Finished Footies

Here is a photo of Katie modeling the completed socks! She is very pleased to have them before school starts, and I am very pleased to have completed a pair of socks! Now that I'm working, I'm finding I have much, much less knitting time, and it's a bit frustrating. Here are the particulars:

Pattern: Fruit-Flavored Striped Footies, from the July 2006 Creative Knitting
Yarn: Patons Kroy, in Krazy Stripes
Started: August 12, 2006
Finished: August 28, 2006
Modifications: I sized this pattern up a bit, since it only goes up to size 12, and Katie's feet are larger. Other than that, I followed it to the letter, and even managed to Kitchener the toes. It seems like a good pattern, and I've had a really tough time locating sock patterns for these sizes of feet. It seems like all the ones I run across are sized for adults, or toddlers. I've cast on for a second pair of these, but since they're for Brian, I plan to make the top longer (he's not such a footie kind of guy).

I was sitting and knitting this morning, while the kids were watching Lilo & Stitch (the weekly show, not the movie). They had a little alien running around zapping people, who all started behaving instantly as though they were on holiday. Every person only did what was fun for them. I wondered: if I got zapped, would I stop knitting? I don't think so.

Cables and Lace

I've been making progress on my next project from The List. This is a scarf for my mother-in-law, knit from Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk. Oh my, the yarn is sooooo soft! I've never before worked with a "luxury" yarn, and it feels so nice in my hands, I just love working with it.

This is my first attempt at cables, and I must say, you were all correct! I have been told time and again how easy cables were, and I was amazed at how simple this really was. I know there are more complex cables out there, but this is very encouraging for a beginner like me. The pattern is by Jen Appleby , who also designed the cable sweater with pockets in the current Interweave Knits. I recently subscribed, so am eagerly waiting my first copy in the mail. Jen had a booth at a Quilt Exhibition here in the spring. I purchased the yarn from her, and she included the pattern.

The sock is coming along nicely. I'm on my way down the foot now, so it's close to the end. Brian has already put his name in for a pair, and I think I have some brightly coloured sock yarn in the stash that will do the job. I think each child is going to need a pair before I have permission to make myself some socks. Unfair though it may seem, at least they get basic old sock yarn. I'm waiting to get myself something really beautiful, like Lorna's Laces, or even better, some of that sweet Fleece Artist Merino. (In keeping with my new "responsibility" ideas, I have decided to at least make an effort to purchase independently made, or Canadian made yarn. With some of the amazing Canadian manufacturers out there, I'm sure I'll have no difficulty at all. Can anyone say Koigu?)

Jobwise, I've really been thrown into the deep end. I worked a half shift last night, and go back tonight again. I'm going to have extra money for yarn, but no time to knit with it, apparently. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at the friendly, positive management and staff I've come into contact with so far. And I was pleased to read, in the introduction booklet, that Wal-Mart does have a "Buy Canadian" policy. I don't know how far that goes, but it does warrant some looking into, at least! Thanks so much for the positivity sent my way - it was sooo appreciated!

Sock Yarn

I had planned a lovely post, with pictures of my completed sock (Yay!) and my progress on the second (just finished the heel). When I sat down to photograph and post, however, I realized my camera batteries had died, and had to go back on the charger. Sigh.

The yarn I am using is Patons Kroy Stripes, in the Krazy Stripes colourway. I have quite a few balls of this yarn in this colour and (I think) Kool Stripes. It is a 75% wool, 25% nylon blend. It's not terribly soft, but seems to knit up pretty well, although I'm not an expert in the sock department. I bought all this yarn when Lewiscraft was going out of business and everything is on sale.

The reason I didn't spray my hair on Wacky Hair day (because I have always secretly yearned for Navy Blue hair) is that I was called for a job interview! I have applied to a couple of places that are open evenings/weekends, to see if I could pick up a few hours a week at times when Stuart is at home with the kiddies. Last Friday, when off to Wal-Mart to do our weekly shop there, I took a resume and dropped it off. They called later that afternoon to set up an interview, and today I go for a 6 hour orientation. SIX HOURS! I'm sure I'll be thoroughly brainwashed by then. ;-)

Now, I'm pleased that it has all happened so smoothly, and quickly, but I can not make myself get really excited about this job. It's good, it's just what I was looking for, and I have no problem with the actual work, but I have been struggling with the idea of "social responsibility" lately. I am not sure how working for Wal-Mart fits in with my new ideas of how I should be spending my time and money. I haven't got it all worked out in my head yet, but I've been thinking lately about the consequences of our consumerism as a whole, and wondering if I should be shopping and accumulating less, while spending a little more for quality, or independently produced goods.

Sorry to sound so vague and unclear, but I guess that's just how I'm feeling today. I'm also a tad blue for other reasons I won't go into right now, so if you can, think happy, positive thoughts for me today, please! I could use all the help I can get!

Red and Black

Here is my beautiful boy modeling my lastest Finished Object. Although it is for Christmas, I can not yet cross a number off the list, as I need to do another scarf and two hats out of this yarn for my step-dad and mum, and silly me included that all as one item on The List. It is knit in a K3, P3 pattern on one side, and K all on the other, which gives alternating bands of stocking stitch and garter stitch . The pattern was on the ball band of the yarn, which is Bernat Solo, and acrylic/polyester blend, which is machine washable and dryable. It took me 2 days to knit it up, which bodes well for my List. I am, however, getting redded and blacked out, and I think it's time to switch to something else for a bit. I will come back to this project after I finish something else. Note: Brian's hair is not always this peculiar colour. We declared today Wacky Hair Day, which has so far only involved spraying both big kids with that wash-out hair spray. There is talk of more, but they are now distracted with some art work, so perhaps they'll leave it at that, and not notice that I didn't spray my own hair.

Here is Katie's sock that I've been working on. I'm almost to the toe on sock #1. I've been picking it up here and there throughout my day, and working on it when I needed a break from the fluffy synthetic-ness of the scarf. I am in love with the colours, and fascinated with how they change as I knit along. Very soothing, especially since there is no red or black to be found.

Am I Getting Cocky?

I spent yesterday morning basking in the glow of the finished mittens, and knitting up a pair of Fingerless Mitts for my mum with the left over yarn. There is still lots left, even enough for another pair of these. I couldn't believe how fast these knit up - I sat around my living room watching The Age of Innocence, and these were done by the time Mr. Archer staggered off at the end. I must confess, I've always wanted to read this book, and never have, so was pleased to see the movie on the TV. I loved the story, and was irritated by the ending.

The pattern is from Weekend Knitting, and what I love most about it is that the pattern is more of a "recipe", modified for 3 different sizes, and 3 different weights of yarn. Please excuse the sorry photograph - I had a reluctant, cranky-pants photographer. (But do admire the chalk artwork on my drive - the little ones almost hope for rainfall, to give them a fresh canvas.) These mitts are comfortable to wear, and I can see myself this winter with a few pairs, just to wear around the house on the cold mornings. (Who am I kidding? That's every morning.)

I fear, however, that I'm getting a bit cocky. The four months until Christmas is lulling me into a false sense of security. I say to myself, "I've finished two projects already, and it's only the end of August. I'll have no problem getting my list done in time. I can work on something else for a bit." We all know how untrue this is. If I buy into this kind of argument, the next thing you know it will be December 24th, and I'll be frantically knitting up a little pirate sweater, or seaming and stuffing a dolly. So. OK. Must focus. Back to work.

Edited to add: I was at the library this morning when I realized that I had said the pattern came from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Apparently I have it on the brain, since that's completely wrong. The pattern came from Weekend Knitting.

They're Done, They're Done, They're Done!

All right, all, join me in celebration at the happy moment of another Finished Object! I finished these last night, and ran around the living room, waving these mittens around and singing Ta-Da! Stuart and Jeannie just watched me in bemusement, and waited to start the movie until I'd sat down. I suppose I should be grateful for their patience. They could have just pressed Play, and looked around me!

I am very pleased with how these turned out (obviously). They just feel so... advanced, professional, like a grown-up knitter kind of thing to do. This could be because my Mother in law is a pretty expert knitter, and has kept my children in mittens for years. Or, it could be that I am simply easily impressed. Either way, I'm good. I'm good.

Particulars:

Pattern: Flap Top Mittens, from Handknit Holidays

Yarn: Galway Irish Worsted Knitting Wool, colours #620 and #09. You still can't see very well in the photo, but they're solid black, with a heathery red trim. One 100g skein of each, although there is naturally a significant amount of the red left. I think I may knit up some fingerless gloves for my mum with it.

Started: August 08, 2006

Finished: August 19, 2006

Modifications: I followed the pattern pretty much exactly, except for one small thing. When setting up the flap, you are instructed to knit, wrapping the yarn twice, and then next round you slip all those wraps onto a separate DPN. I used M1 instead, it just felt stronger somehow, and was easier for me to work with, and see what I was doing.

My Review: Definitely a good pattern. Fun, easy to knit, full of gratification. I will likely knit this again. In fact, family members and friends are already lining up. They just don't understand the idea of planning ahead for Christmas. Actually, these mittens are not a Christmas gift, they're a birthday gift for my step-father, who has his special day in October.

Sky and Stuff

A clear, blue sky for a lovely Saturday, although it's not nearly as warm as the sky would make you thing. I believe the temperature went down to about 4 degrees C last night, which is just a little scary. This is my favourite tree. It may not look like anything special, but I can see it out my bedroom window, and I love to watch it move in the breeze, and hear the wind ruffle the leaves. Very soothing. It's not actually my tree, it belongs to my neighbors, and I am in perpetual slight fear that they will suddenly decide its an eyesore, or they need space, and chop it down. The evergreen next to it is looking healthy, a small miracle in a place where every evergreen in sight is being decimated by the Mountain Pine Beetle.

The mittens are almost done. I'm so close I can taste it. All that's still to do is the left thumb. I thought I would finish last night, but we were watching RV, and I stopped working on the mitten once I finished the flap, and switched to Katie's sock. The movie was cute. All three big kids enjoyed it (babe was in bed), and I liked it except for the one thing that bothers me about almost every single movie and TV show out there today. The lack of respect show to the "father". It completely drives me crazy how rude the entire family can always be to the stupid dad who can't do anything right, and can't possibly function without his wife, who tolerates his idiocy because she loves him, or he's the father of her children, or simply because he brings home the bacon. I know, as a wife and mother, that I've felt these feelings, and had this reaction myself a time or two, but I'm not proud of them, and don't think they should be encouraged. I especially don't think they should be fed into the minds of children who mimic every single thing they see on the big black box. All right. Sorry. That's my rant of the day.

Next topic: Reading. I've always been a voracious reader. I grew up reading the encyclopedia, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and anything else I could get my hands on. I am thoroughly enjoying the CraftLit podcast, in which we hear a few chapters of Pride and Prejudice. This summer, however, I have indulged in completely mindless reading. I am a sucker for any cheesy murder mystery, but have discovered two new authors I particularly enjoy. Joanne Fluke writes about a woman returned to her hometown to open a cookie shop. This one is particularly cheesy, which I love in that "I'm so superior, I could do better than that" way, and included some really wonderful cookie recipes. At my last visit to the library, I also found Monica Ferris (just a shelf or two up from Fluke), and am currently reading Crewel World, which is set in a needlework shop, and even includes some knitting and yarn content. What could be better than that?

Back to School Baking

Since the back to school bells are calling, I have dusted off my recipe book, and started trying out lunch-box recipes. I attempted a home made granola bar earlier this week. The flavour is wonderful, but the finished product is too soft to actually send in a lunch. Really good mixed with some vanilla yogurt, though! If you know of one that works well, please share!

I came across this recipe a little while ago, and have been trying it out with different variations. Today's experiment: blueberry and raspberry, since that's what I have spoiling rapidly in my kitchen. I've been making these every day, trying to get back in the groove of things before school starts. I managed today without following the recipe, although I gave it a double check at the end, and realized I had forgotten the salt. The last few days, I've replaced half the oil with applesauce, and that seems to be working really well. I am always looking for ways to cut out the fat, and since I have two apple trees, applesauce (and any other apple recipe I can find) is in abundance. My next experiment is to try these with whole wheat flour.

My theory is this: if I can get really comfortable with the muffin making, I could stagger into the kitchen in the morning, mix up a batch, and then they can bake while I have my shower and get ready for the day. Then the kiddies can have a warm breakfast, or take fresh ones in their lunch.

Not much on the knitting front - I was about to bind off the second mitten last night, and realized I had made two rights. Sheesh! I know I know better than that - this is what happens when I don't pay attention to what I'm doing. Next task of the day (after I hang out the laundry, that is) - rip back to the beginning of the flap, and have a re-do.