Monday, October 25, 2010

Back Done

Got the back done on the new sweater. It's taking a bit longer than I'd like - had too many other things to do pop up, like work, family, etc. Y'know, I'd get sooo much more knitting done if I didn't have to do all that stuff. Oh, well - maybe I can convince my employer and family to let me knit instead of taking care of things. (Done laughing yet? I know - I'm funny.)

If the back piece is any indication, this pattern should come along nicely. The cable pattern repeat is easy - almost monotonous - but the shaping keeps things interesting. (Shaping with a bulky yarn - who knew?) This is going to a tighter fit that I was expecting. Yes, I DID measure myself and used the correct size, and yes, I DID do a gauge swatch. The pattern just has less ease than I'm used to in the fit. Worst case, I just mail the thing off to m'daughter, who likes such types of things.

It's always good to have a plan.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

New Sewater

It's finally started to get cooler here - its' currently 53F and supposed to have a high of 58F. I ended the weight loss part of my diet a few days early because I came down with a cold, so the cooler temperatures combined with the weight loss part of my diet being over means it's now sweater knitting time!!! Who knew getting a cold would make me so happy?

I had a moratorium on knitting any sweaters until I'd stabilized in weight. I'm now down 46 pounds and will stay there for at least 6 months until I go for more loss, so it's time. Very few clothes fit now, and that's both good and bad. Good because I can get new stuff and bad because that costs money. But I'm in better health with fewer pounds (overall, cold not withstanding), so I think I can deal with it.

I picked up a sweater pattern a few months ago that I've been wanting to try - the cabled cardigan #1791 from Plymouth Yarn Company . I then found the yarn on sale AND had a coupon and got it for about $3.00 a skein. The pattern calls for bulky alpaca but I substituted Cascade 128 in a lovely cranberry color. I got the exact same gauge and the alpaca was about $14.00 a skein with less yardage. The determining factor was that I would have heat stroke wearing a bulky alpaca sweater (alpaca is SOOOOO much warmer than wool), so even if the softness and drape is not as nice, I had to go with the Cascade.

I generally don't like working with bulky yarn, but I really liked this pattern. The carti should work as kind of a light jacket for this area of the country. It's a bit too warm for indoors but should be nice for going from the car to somewhere. Got about 8 inches done on the back yesterday. Size 10.5 needles makes the work go fast!

Also on the needles is an EZ Ribwarmer Vest using all my bit & pieces left-over Encore yarn. A friend from work and I are doing a KAL with this - I can't wait to see what she's done with hers!

So, cold or no cold, life is good. I'm working on a nice, meaty sweater and a vest, my radio station is playing good music again with little talking, and the weather is getting cooler. Hope you all have good knitting, too!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Radio Rant

My radio station - well, not mine, but the one I like to listen to night - has been doing their Fall Donation Campaign, which is where they continuously beg for money instead of playing music.

Now I'm all for public radio and television, but when they start the begging I change the station. I do not donate to them - I did that once and they sold my name to EVERYONE and then upped their begging levels towards me ("Hey, she donated once - that means she's good for more!"). I will not do that again.

If they didn't call me or write or sell my information to anyone and everyone I would probably continue to donate. I like the programs. But I HATE the begging. Get some dignity, please.

End of rant. Got to go change the station now...

Monday, October 11, 2010

What to Do Next?

I've done hats, scarves, and socks so very many times these past few months. I'm tired of them. Don't want to do them anymore. I WANT TO MAKE A SWEATER!!! Or a shrug, or a vest - something meaty and with nice, chunky or worsted weight yarn. The answer is no, of course. Not yet. And throwing a temper tantrum doesn't help. :)

The weight-loss part of the diet ends October 27 (and then it's just maintenance for 6 weeks). After October 27, THEN I can start a sweater. Not before. Almost there.

So what do I make in the meantime? Just not another hat or scarf or socks...

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Blocking

The first time I made a hat it was supposed to be a beret. After working very hard to get it done, I looked at it and just didn't see the beret shape. So I put the hat on, thinking that maybe it looks different on the head. It didn't and I was very disappointed. What I didn't know is that you get that shape by blocking the item.


What a difference blocking makes! Here's before and after blocking pictures of the same hat.





I blocked the hat by getting it wet (although I washed it to get all the dirt and any extra dye out) and put it on a dinner plate to dry overnight. Not that much effort, but what a difference!

The hat was made with Cascade 220 Superwash, pattern is from the new Knitty issue (Deep Fall 2010), Brambles.

Blocking really shows your work. And gives a hat that jaunty look that puts a spring in your step!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Almost Went to Lambtown

Almost went to Lambtown today, but changed my mind at the last minute to stay home and paint my son's new room. (Big brother moved out & the oldest remaining child at home gets the big room. It's his turn now.) I'm glad I stayed home - I wouldn't have been able to do this if I'd have gone. It's a shame, but I'll go next year for sure.

So I've painted. And moved out furniture & stuff, prepped & taped, and washed down shelves. New electrical outlets have been installed along with a new light switch (been wanting to do that for a while now. Old house.). Still need to do the trim on one side and we're putting up a photo wall mural on the last wall, but that's for tomorrow. If I can move, that is. Right now I'm too tired to even knit.

A few years ago I would have been able to get this done during the week after work and still been able to bounce up and move the next day without a second thought. Funny how that changes as you get older. I'll probably be in bed by 8:00 tonight. It sucks getting old.

Party on. I'll join you in my dreams.