Yarn Pr0n Friday and other stuff

Oh, I have not foresaken thee dear readers. I've been so fragging busy at work this week I haven't had time to do my regular job duties never mind blog. But I have been thinking of you all, and gathering photos. I'm going to try and start posting larger pics - I think most of you view at a higher pixelage than I used to - as now that my computer at work has been rebuilt I can see I could fit much better sized photos in the center panel here. (I'm viewing in 1024x768) So please, tell me if it frags up the whole page for you or if it's better. I only blog because you read. So, feedback - please! First up - some loverly sock yarn I ordered from Carole at Go Knit in Your Hat - she's got an etsy shop called Black Bunny Fibers with wonderous yarnrs in it, roving too for you spinners! Go check her out. And the specs: Beautimous huh? And then some Arucania Nature Wool I scored at A.C. Moore on Sunday with Stephy. And some Magic Stripes in Regatta Blue I found as well: I tell ya, sock yarn shouldn't be as hard to find in these chain stores as it is. I feel bad for the folks that live in small towns where their only source of yarn is Joanne, Michaels, and places like A.C. Moore and Ben Franklin Crafts. Yesterday I received the yarn I ordered from cmtigger's etsy shop Cavy Shops. It's a cool rainbow colored sock yarn. Smells a wee bit funny, probably from the hand painting - I think it's the vinegar I smell. And that's it for yarn pr0n Friday. I may just try to make this a regular thing. I love taking pics of my yarn, and y'all seem to like it. So why not? Oh, I also found some awesome bamboo handles for the Chinese Charm bag I want to make in a larger version than the pattern specifies (that's from Stitch 'n Bitch y'all) They were like $8 each, but I've been searching for these for ever, the $3 version they have at Hobby Lobby is never in stock, so what's a girl to do? Now, I've turned the heel on my second Sixth Sense Sock (from the yahoo 6 Sox KAL) - withOUT holes this time. I had to rip out my first run at it. The first sock will just have to suck it up and deal with it's holes. Who knew the wraps were different on garter stitch short rows than stockinette? Huh. Ya learn something new every day. But I was restless. I wanted to start some new socks. I wanted to take another shot at 2 on 2 - but I didn't want to get discouraged again. So I cheated. I started one sock, did it's K1P1 ribbing - transferred it to some DPNs - started the other sock and finished it's ribbing, then returned the first to the needles. So now I have this: It's not twisted, I can see what I'm doing, and don't think I'll have the problems I had the first time I tried. Call me a cheater if you want, but this is the way it's going to have to be. Hmmph. Thank you for your patience, and please, remember - feedback!

Yet another cloth

Ah, but not just any old cloth. Behold. This was the Mid-Month KAL from my Monthly Dishcloth KAL group on yahoo. I treated myself to some Plymouth Fantasy Naturale for this one. I'd tried knitting it up in a few other stitch patterns but ended up frogging them all. When I saw the stitch pattern that the mid-month cloth was - I knew. I'd had my Stitch pattern a day calendar set to the butterfly lace stitch for some time. I've been wanting to try it. It turned out beautifully. Ahh....see, cloths aren't always dishcloths you know. It's all in the yarn. And this stuff is so soft and silky. It shall be a face cloth. I love it.

Yarn Splurge - Oh No!

I was bad. Or good. Or, I dunno - indulgent? Eh, I was high off my Missing Tee success. What can I say? I splurged. Oh my. I stopped by my LYS after work, and was introduced to Blue Heron Yarns. Look at this pr0n: Oh my. It's a Rayon/Metallic blend but oh, so - so - soft! It will be a shawl, I just don't know what pattern yet. And of course more sock yarn: And some Brown Sheep Wildfoote in Rhapsody and Ragtime. But I simply could not come close to reality when taking their pic. I'll try in daylight. I promise. And I also hit the sale shelves: This is Cascade Bollicine Dolly. I got their last 6 skeins for 40% off. It's soft otthe touch, superwash 100% Merino. I shall have much fun with this I predict. I also picked up a little something for my SPs final package. I know, I gotta get that sent. I've been in contact with her, but I've been keeping an eye peeled for more stuff and just couldn't be satisfied until I hit Charlotte Yarn one last time for her. She has no idea who I am, but perhaps a little turtle enclosed in the package will help clue her in?

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Tee

Hey, Ripple. Are you comfortable? I had some help seaming up the "Missing Tee" last night. And after much trial and tribulation, some false starts and whatnot, I finally got it seamed up and the neck ribbing done! Pattern: "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Tee" from "The Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics" Yarn: Berroco Touche (Blue - 7906 Green - 7930 White - 7900) Needles: Ribbing US 6 Body 8 (pattern called for 5's and 7's but I subbed the yarn and it knits at 5 stitches to the inch on 8's so screw the pattern) Here's a more detailed pic: And the neck. The neck is a wee tight. But I can get my head through it. I blame the pattern for that. I even skipped a row of ribbing. Bah. I was going to lengthen the pattern, as you saw in my original post about it - the pic leads you to believe it's going to be a belly shirt. But no, it all was fine the way it was patterned out. I think that model is a medium and they stuck her in a small. Yay! My first fitted thing with arms! For me! Yay!

G is for Green

I've been trying to figure out for a couple weeks now what I was going to post for the "G" in the Knitty ABC-along. In a visit to my best friend's house on friday night, I found it. G is for Green. This is the little sweetheart that stole my Odessa and conned me into making the pinwheel baby blanket: She's a natural model isn't she? The beautiful Malabrigo yarn that my SP Jochibi sent me. This is a much smaller image than the one I took. Mmm...macro high res. Please, click on the pic for macroey goodness. Zib, this pr0n's for you.

They Do Exist!

Solid white chocolate Easter bunnies DO still exist! How do I know this? 'Cus the best SP Jochibi sent me one. She is the best! Lookit all this! Malabrigo Yarn! (In Saphire Green) KP Dancing Yarn (quiet Zonda, I know I have a drawer full, I can always use more), a Katcha-Katcha (I've been eyeing one), Size G Crochet hook (for the inner prostiturtle) yummy candles, a kitty bookmark (I think I can insert my own pic of Ripple and Morris in there) and seeds! But the Chocolate, oh the chocolate. I was talking to my photographer friend just last night about how you just can't find solid white chocolate Easter bunnies anymore. Boy was I wrong! And glad of it! Yay! Thank you so much, Jo!

You Make the Rockin' World Go 'Round

(Rain - Skip the next paragraph until after you watch American Idol) Ah, poor, poor Bucky. I thought he did a really good job (considering his country flavor) the other night. But at least Ace was in the bottom three. I'm still pissed he's not gone though. Gah! Get offa mah screen! Anywho, finished the back last night: And I cast on for the front. I WILL have this done for Monday. I managed to destash a bit last night. We have a brand new knitter in our knitting group, so I took the opportunity to offload some yarn onto her. Homespun in Hepplewhite (4 skeins or something equally horrifying) gone - 2 skeins of the rest of that green yarn from the baby blanket and Odessa - gone - and entirely too much Paton's Bohemian - gone. Phew. That felt good. More room for the good stuff!

No! Not Azkaban!

Sirius Black 85% Hermione Granger 85% Albus Dumbledore 80% Remus Lupin 70% Ron Weasley 65% Draco Malfoy 65% Harry Potter 60% Severus Snape 55% Ginny Weasley 50% Lord Voldemort 35% Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...? created with QuizFarm.com

Smell that?

Smells like *sniff sniff* second sock syndrome. It might be creeping into chez turtle. Only because I so want to finish the Mystery Tee. I want to wear it Monday! I do! I'm going to finish the back tonight, and cast on for the front. If all goes well, I'll have nothing left to do on Sunday beyond seaming it all up. I nearly finished off the back last night, but I didn't make as much progress at knitting group as I could have. Tuesday's are further away than my other knitting nights, so I lost time on the To and From. *sigh* 2 more stripes and it's done though. Now, a bit of a review. Some of you might know that I'm a bit of a reality show nut. I watch Survivor, Big Brother, Amazing Race, Blow Out (Jonathan is such an ass) and yes - American Idol. My favorite band of all time is Queen. And last night, the two joined in perfect harmony. Well, not so perfect as far as the harmony goes, but you know what I mean. Chris Daughtry really impressed me. I was so peeved that Simon was all disappointed that he didn't choose one of their "bigger" songs. Frankly, I was so proud that he had chosen a more obscure song ("Innuendo") than the rest! He did an absolutely fantabulous job! And Taylor too! "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was such a perfect song for him. Paris Bennet, wow, "The Show Must Go On" was a great song for her as well, and I don't categorize it with all their "big" songs either. So I give her props for that. Now, please, somebody get Ace Young off my screen. What he "tried" to do with "We Will Rock You" was just flat out wrong. At least get the damn words right if you're going to change up the arrangement. Ass. You can't do that to a song like that. It's bigger than you, Ace. Kelly Pickler did an ok job. But really, if another amateur singer tries to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" again (and Constantine didn't do such a great job, IMHO) I'm gonna scream. Just - don't. There were so many other songs she could have done. And whatsherface. Catherine McPhee - SUCKED ASS. She was off key, futzing up words, and just - gah! Bucky actually did a good job with "Fat Bottomed Girls" and I don't even like Bucky. But I did last night. Who else, oh, Elliot. Meh. He lost my support when he mentioned it was the first time he'd heard the song. It's freaking "Somebody to Love". If you were around in 1992 you heard the George Michael verision for the tribute concert most of that year on the radio, if not on MTV. I don't buy it. I missed Mandisa. I wonder what she would have chosen to sing. I'm sure she would have knocked it out of the park.

The Mysterious Tee

I knit up my first proper swatch yesterday. I washed it and everything. I ended up getting gauge (well, a good 90-95% of that 5th stitch is inside the inch mark - I'll call it gauge) and I cast on for my very first proper garment last night. This thing will have arms and everything! The last time I made a garment, was way back in October. I'm gonna make you find it in the flickr badge or the archives 'cus it's a bad picture and the garment wasn't much better. But it was a sleeveless sweater vest. It turned out well, got gauge (even though I didn't come close to using similar yarn) and I screwed up picking up the stitches for the ribbed edging, but all in all, it was a successful garment. But it wasn't for me. The only thing I've made for myself that was fitted has been socks so far. So I finally decided to take a step forward and make myself something to wear. I think I'll be lengthening the torso a bit, but beyond that, I'm sticking to the pattern. Wish me luck.

Mmm....Short Rows.

I finished my first of the Sixth Sense Socks (a yahoo group pattern) which feature a garter stitch short row heel and toe. This was my first time knitting a short row heel, as well as a toe, and I love the heel! The toe? Not so much. I mean, it feels fine, but I think it looks a bit funny. It kinda screams "HEY! I'M THE TOE!" Whereas the toes I've done in the past were more subtle. Click on the pic for a nice close up. That yarn is Trekking XXL Color #77 and lemme tell ya, everytime i look at it I see something new. I love this yarn! So cool. In other news, I'm about to start an actual garment. For me! I'll be knitting "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Tee" from "The Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics" (it's on page 95 if you have the book). What's that? A pattern? From a book? Yes. It's high time I did something out of the dozens (yes, dozens) of books I own. Something other than the Reverse bloom washcloth from Weekend Knitting. I've chosen Berroco Touche (A 50% Cotton 50% Rayon blend) in Colors 7906, 7930, and 7900. Or, in human speak - Light blue, mossy green and white. I know I could wait for the new knitty tomorrow, but I seriously need to start using these books I have. I'm sure there'll be something in the new knitty I'll want to knit, but it'll have to wait. I'm putting my foot down. In handknitted sock.

Socks - for me!

What a concept huh? Knit a pair of socks that'll fit me. So, last week I joined a new yahoo group (like I need another) with the support of DonnaSC. It's a "Six Sox Knit a Long" group. The patterns are only available through the group(to the right is a joining link, to the left, the code to join it's ring) and designed by members of it. It's over 2,000 members strong. The idea is to knit 6 pairs of socks a year. Every two months a new pattern is put out. Sounds good to me. So these socks are called the "Sixth Sense Socks" (and do click for a closer image - that's some hot yarnography up close. I scanned it) The yarn is Trekking XXL Color #77. I LOVE that yarn. Every time I look at it I see a new color, I swear. I have a question for you. Mother's day is coming. Now, my mother is appreciative of the things I knit her, but remember the hat I made her? She thought it was too loose, so she sewed some of the ribs together. Then the fugly scarf (that she picked the yarn for) was apparently "too nice" to wear. I had to tell her no, I wouldn't be making her things only to have them not be worn. And the dishcloths, she hates to use them. I dunno. She's hard to knit for. The woman is picky. And she's so hard to please when it comes to shoes and they way they fit her size 7 1/2 Narrow feet. Do I even bother attempting socks? I know I could do a plain ribbed sock with ribbing all the way down the instep, but that's boring. And I want them to be special. Any advice? Or screw it, knit up 2 more reverse bloom washcloths and call it a day? Help!

Just Call Me Prostiturtle

'Cus I'm a happy hooker. Look what Jeanmarie taught me at my Stitch 'n Bitch meeting the other night: I tried to con her into doing the whole thing, but being that she's nice, not stupid - she didn't fall for it. She did start me off, and patiently kept reminding what the heck a double crochet was, and I still screwed it up. But in a good way. You see, this edging is on the Pinwheel Baby Blanket. Sweet, huh? S'done. So, how did I screw it up in a good way? Well, you see, Jeanmarie taught me the shell stitch (and the Happy Hooker helped us both out) and when I took over, I promptly started doing 4 double crochets into 1 stitch rather than 5. So on the second round, I fixed it and did 5, then on the 3rd and final round I decided to do 6. This helped the border increase in size along with the pattern of the blanket, so it worked out perfectly and lays flat. Yay! Ripple approves. So as I'm taking the pics this morning, I see this out of the corner of my eye: Morris is in play mode. You have to be sneaky when he plays though. If he sees you watching him be kitten-like. All fun stops. So I casually looked away, and he pounced: And proceded to give that pasta-sauce jar ring thing what-for. Those things are way better than the classic milk lid. They're bigger, and can be caught in mid-air. And they're just as cheap. Heh.

As if I didn't have enough...

I got more. I ordered from Sue at Little Knits last week when I stupidly checked the yarn sale thread of the coffeeshop. She was selling Noro Big Kureyon for 50% off! How could I resist? So I got a couple hanks. That's color #18. And then I spied some Lorna's Laces sock yarn that I've been dying to try. But I just never saw it around and could never bring myself to actually buy it before. So, I broke down. Purple Club Iris Garden All I can say is - wow. I can see why people drool over this stuff. It's so soft! I don't know what would happen to my bank account if I ever came across this stuff locally. Wow. In other news, see that progress bar over there? The pinwheel baby blanket? Yup. It's almost done. I'm working on the crochet edging. Yup, I'm a hooker now. Just call me prostiturtle. Pics when its all officially finished.

Meet Soapy the Soap Turtle

Soapy the Soap Turtle came from Amie at the Rosebyany blog. I was over there reporting the finished Jaywalkers, when lo and behold, I saw Soapy. So I had to immediately make him of course. Took about 3 hours. Remember how I said Sunday was a day for finishing? Well, apparently it's a day for starting too. So long as you finish. Heh. Step One: Insert Soap Step Two: Push Soap In Isn't he cute? (Pardon the gratuitous linkage, can you tell I love this pattern? I want everyone to find it! HERE!

Front, Knit, Slip...

Front, Purl, don't. Back, purl, slip, back, knit, don't. That's my kitchner rhyme, y'all. And it worked. Wanna know how I practiced it? I know, you've seen those before here in the bloggy thing, but never before have you seen them as a completed pair! It was a beautiful day in Charlotte. I sat outside in my rocking chair and knit. I was nearly finished anyway, and Sunday just seemed like a good day for finishing. So I did. But Sunday didn't start out so well. How many times do I have to tell him that plant stand is not a scratching post? Geez. So I got to start off my day, not by brushing my teeth or taking a shower or drinking a cup of coffee, but by vacuuming. Thanks, Ripple. But otherwise, it was a gorgeous day. Ripple sat on the ledge and enjoyed the flowers. Morris sat in a sunbeam - under the grill. Geez. That's safe. (No, it was not in use.) Oh, and see those flowers? Yesterday I tidied up the porch. Now it's my haven. I sat and read the sunday paper, drank my coffee, then knit. I had a good day.

Flash Your Stash Day!

Screw April Fool's Day. Happy Annual International Flash Your Stash Day of 2006! To view the photo set in it's entirety, please go To My Flickr Set as this post alone will not do it justice. And please, oh, please, if you view no other stash's today, you must view Bezzie's. I swear, she makes me laugh on a daily basis, but this, this I must share with the world. Don't miss out. (Not for children - FYI) OK, now, please note that there is a new flickr badge on the sidebar there under my FO's badge. So, for all the pics, please, please, please check it out! My Yarn Shelf. Needles on top, books down below.

You've Met Agent Bagsmith already. He holds nearly all my notions. My Wool shelf. That Noro on top (silk garden, Kureyon, Cash Iroha) and KP Shadow, and Lamb's Pride. On the bottom, my Cascade 220 Collection. Here we have my yarn closet. On either side we have my acrylic collection, mostly gifted from my mom, the bright fun colors on the left are my own fault. The middle, that's my sock yarn. Take a closer look. Top drawer is my "nicer" stuff. A ball of Trekking XXL, a couple skeins of Sockotta, and in the back of the drawer my Magic Stripes. The middle and bottom drawer are mainly Knit Picks sock yarns. Who didn't stock up on the Dancing when they heard it was being discontinued? Heh.

Please, do go to my To My Flickr Set to view my stash in it's yarnographic entirety.