Why is it important to do a gauge swatch?

ANSWER:


So, about 2 years ago, I decided to knit myself a sweater. I had similar weight yarn...used the needle size in the pattern and away I went. It was knit from the bottom to top, on circulars, so I didn't notice how big this really was. Hit a snag at the separation of the arms and took it to a LYS for help...she explained that this was huge and recommended I frog and start over. It has been sitting in a bag since. I will be frogging soon and I have a pattern in mind. BUT I WILL DO A GAUGE SWATCH first. :-)

I learned to sew!

So, after some practice with scraps, I sat down last night with Gnat (BarknKnit) to sew up a box bag for my Mom's birthday. She was very patient as I had a lot of doubt that I could make it work.

Surprisingly, it turned out good! Here is a picture. The color is bad because I took it on my cell phone. It is bright green, pink and blue flowers with a pink interior.




I think more will be on the way, as I really enjoyed making it!!!

Dyeing Fun

So, yesterday Gnat (BarknKnit) and I spent part of the afternoon dyeing some fiber. We had so much fun. It was a learning experience using different colors, techniques and fibers.

This was my favorite...our kettle dye.



I am still working on the Lady February Sweater. I won't have it finished before my Mom's birthday on Monday. Bummer. I have knit up 4 dishcloths that she asked for, so at least she will have a knitted items for her present. Will have the sweater done in time for xmas. hehehehe

Participating in the Dish Rag Tag and I am last on the list. Also signed up for Hat Attack which starts in September. Should be fun. These ***Should*** be the only swaps I do for the rest of the year. Trying to stay on a yarn budget.

Did finally get my beautiful pink and brown yarn from WA. It is SO pretty...I need to find the perfect project for it now.

Feeling Creative

So, I was feeling creative last night so I decided to dye some yarn. I had 5 skeins of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes and thought I would play around. Here is what I came up with:

Blue -- Creativity stopped before I could come up with cute names


2 packets of berry blue Jell-O, 1 cup vinegar, 5 cups water. Microwaved until water was clear.

I have been wanting pink and brown sock yarn FOREVER. So, thought maybe I could come up with a color option for myself. Not the best picture, the brown is actually more brown than it shows here.

Brown: 1 packet each of orange, grape, black cherry Kool Aid
Pink: half packet of cherry watered down
Microwaved until clear.

The "Italia" as my hubby calls it.

Pink: 1 packet of Strawberry Kiwi and Strawberry Jell-O
Green: 1 packet of lime Jell-O
Yellow: 1 packet of lemon Jell-O
Microwaved until mostly clear

It was fun and I managed to keep most of my kitchen clean and stain free except for a small patch of green on the kitchen rug. Oh well. As this was only the 2nd time I tried to dye, I think I am doing A-Ok.

Creativity stopped before I could come up with cute names, so can you help me name them?

Such a Joiner

So, it has been a month since I blogged. I need to start doing it more often. Thought I would give you a run down of all the things I have JOINED in the last month.

First off, Sean talked me into HAT ATTACK. Not really hard seeing that I LOVE to knit hats.

Second, I had been checking out the Dish Rag Tag since she posted about it, and finally joined earlier this week.

Both races should be fun and not that labor intensive.

KNITTING:
Started the Lady February Sweater for my Mom. Hoping to have it done for her birthday (September). I have almost half the body done on it, and still have 3 weeks to go. Trying to get a few repeats a day done. I will keep you posted.

I am Blessed!

Yesterday I came home to a package sent by my dear friend Gary. The package is amazing. Here is a blury for a reason picture of just some of the goodness:


He sent me a very lovely letter as well. I wish we lived closer to each other. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Socks on Vacation

My socks are back from vacation. Here is a picture:



They are the Classic Sock from 2-at-a-time Socks, done 1 at a time. With Lorna Laces in Daffodil.

Location: Cayman Brac

1 Word Answers

For Natalie:

Answer the following questions using one word only:
1. Where is your cell phone? ………….. Desk
2. Your significant other?………………….. Mike
3. Your hair? …………………………………….. Short
4. Your mother? ………………………………..Determined
5. Your father?……………………………………..Lost
6. Your favorite thing?……………………….. Knitting
7. Your dream last night?…………………..None
8. Your favorite drink? ………………………..soda
9. Your dream/goal?………………………….. Security
10. The room you’re in?……………..………..Cubicle
11. Your ex?…………………………….………….Ass
12. Your fear?……………………………………..Abandonment
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? ..Vacationing
14. Where were you last night?………….......Home
15. What you’re not?………………………....…..Thin
16. Muffins?…………………………………..…….. Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items?……...……..Swift
18. Where you grew up?…………………..….. Florida
19. The last thing you did?……………..…….. Ate
20. What are you wearing?………………….. Jeans
21. Your TV?……………………………………….. Off
r22. Your pets?…………………………………….. Spoiled
23. Your computer? …………………………….. PC
24. Your life?……………………………………….. Wonderful
25. Your mood?………………………………...….. Excited
26. Missing someone?………………………...... Mike
27. Your car?………………………………………..White
28. Something you’re not wearing?…….......Watch
29. Favorite Store?……………………………….. Publix
30. Your summer?……………………………….. Busy
31. Like(love) someone?………………………..Mike
32. Your favorite color?………………..……….. Pink
33. Last time you laughed?………….....…….. Today
34. Last time you cried?……………………….. Recently
35. Who will re-post this?…………………….. ?

Called Upon

Ok, I have been called upon to participate by Kristen and Gary

The rules of the game: each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Living in Tallahassee working at Florida State Univeristy.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order)?
Work on my swirl socks
Work last shift at part time job
Make a hair appointment
Balance checkbook
Do some web stuff

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Just about everything

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Pay off my house and build my dream house in the mountains.
Travel the world. Take a week long cruise with all my favorite friends!
Open a yarn shop.

5. Places I have lived:
Chicago, IL.
Florida: Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, New Smyrna Beach just to name the major
ones.

6. Jobs I’ve had:
My favorite: "Sheryl in the Band Office" while at FSU.
Current: Administrative Assistant...with some down time to knit or read.

7. Peeps I want to know more about: ok I don't have a larger following, so play along if you want to!

Socks, Socks, and more Socks!

Ok. So I have been knitting my fingers off on SOCKS. I have finished 1 of the Swirls and love it.

I was suckered into Sock Wars III, so I have been knitting that stupid thing. I had the yarn and hate the pattern. Can't I just get killed already?!

I have been searching high and low for a sock to work on when I am in the Caymans. I am going to knit Shimmer in Lorna Laces Daffodil colorway. I am very excited but a tad intimidated by the pattern. Was going to try and do 2 at once, but maybe next time.

I have also fallen in love with the Windowpane Socks and plan on doing them in July with the Windowpane Sock-Along on Ravelry. Come join us!

My Mom's birthday is in September, so I am thinking about a pair of socks....lets see if I have time!

And lastly, I am still working on a few smaller projects that keep getting put off because of my sock yarn addiction. I just wish I could knit socks faster!

Finally....VACATION!

Booked our tickets today! Can't wait!

Contests & Such

I have added a listing of contests on the side of my page. I find they are easier to find that way. Please check them out when you have time and join. Don't forget to mention where you found the contest.
Thanks.

33rd Birthday

Well, I have to say that I had a wonderful birthday. Thanks to all of my fabulous friends that called, texted, and emailed their birthday wishes!

My birthday consisted of the following:
Lunch at Maggiano's, which is my favorite place to eat. Then, Mike surprised me with a tour at the Big Cat Rescue. It was so great. It was so nice to see the cats and hear the big guys purr!(picture probably Monday) They had yarn in their gift shop!!! I couldn't believe it...it is Camel Wool and the proceeds go to the White Leopard Rescue in Mongolia, so of course, I bought some. My birthday present is a gift certificate to a spa day anytime I want. Isn't that the best?

It was a wonderful birthday! I am truly blessed!

FO's!

Ok,so I FINALLY finished the monkeys!!!

Cast on: February 3, 2008
Finished: March 7, 2008
Yarn: KnitPicks Memories in Yukon

Second project:
Calorimetry! What fun! Super quick and you can make 2 out of 1 skein.

Cast on: March 7, 2008
Finished: March 9, 2008
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Geranium

SIDE NOTE:
My dear friend Natalie recently interviewed me for her fabulous podcast BarknKnit... CHECK IT OUT!

Life & Stash Updates

I finished my first half marathon on Sunday! Did it in 04:05:24!! Very happy but sore!




Bought some new yarn last night at Uncommon Threads. A very yummy green Malabrigo. And some blue/green sock yarns. Have a thing for the greens. Also some redish-purple roving that I fell in love with....even though I do not spin. I think it is ok to buy yarn just to pet...right? Here is the picture with all the yarn still in the bag -- I have already put it into ziplocks!



Mike and I are still trying to figure out what we are doing for our honeymoon this year. Too many decisions and we are trying to be responsible with our savings account. Not too sure these work well together.

Looking forward to Knit Club tonight! Still working on the 2nd DAMN MONKEY!!!

Hey, Hey...it's a Monkey!

Ok, so the 1st Monkey is done. The bind off was a bit too tight which makes getting it on and off very interesting. Will start the other sock tomorrow...giving myself a day off from the crazy monkeys.

Made My Day Award

So, I have a few ppl in my life that do seem to make my days and some major knitting inspiration!
And they are:
Sean
Natalie
Gary
Kristen
Manda
Christine
highflyinsm
Kate


And, even though the "rules" state blogs only, I have to include:
My husband, Mike
Lindsay

The rules of the award are : Give the award to 10 people (or more) whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times.

Finished!!!! Finally!!!

So, I finished the Mock Crocs on Saturday! Only 2 days past the original due date! Here is the skinny:
Cast on: January 11.
Finished: February 2.
Pattern: Mock Croc (Knit Picks website)
Yarn: Knit Picks Essential in Petunia
Needles: Size 1 on DP
Used about 1.5 skeins, so I have a little left over. Thinking about using it to make black and pink pirate socks.




I cast on TOE UP with the help of Natalie for the next sock adventure. Crazy Monkeys!

Socks+Stash=Stupendous

Ok, so finally pictures of my first COMPLETED sock, the Mock Croc. I am halfway done with the 2nd and have promised Natalie that I will cast on a new pair on Wednesday....so I have some mad knitting to do!

And then my stash for the shopping spree at Yarn Gallery. I think I have enough yarn to cover 98% of the projects in my Ravelry Queue!

And lastly, I am so thankful to my Wednesday night group -- they make my week! I love meeting new people and making new friends!

Another contest & such

Check out:
http://shutupimcounting.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/444-contest/#comment-3260

for another contest. Looks fun. I like these contests....addicting.

My first sock IS DONE!!! YIPPEEE!!! I have cast on for the 2nd this morning. The Addi's I ordered came yesterday and will be trying magic loop on the NEXT pair of socks. Thinking about casting on for a sweater this week as well. Or I could knit more cat toys. The handful I made for my little monsters are completely slobber infested and the yarn is disgusting. Not sure why they want to lick the toys to death. Oh well.

Tonight is knit club and that makes me very happy. I look forward to it all week. I so enjoy every one's company...man I sound like an old lady now. But anyway.

Got pictures of the wedding celebration from Lindsay the other day with captions....I love her so much. I am so glad that she came for the day. I still can't believe that she came down just for a day to be with me. Her friendship is amazing.

Contest

Thanks Nat!

Check out this site for a really cool contest:

http://stitchbitch23.blogspot.com/

Socks and Kool Aid

Ok, so my first pair of socks is going super slow.

On the upside, I FINALLY dyed with Kool Aid!! I used a blue and a green and it turned out pretty decent. Took forever to dry though.

I think I have an idea for this yarn.....

101 in 1,001

Got this idea from Kristen. Such a great plan. I don't have the full 101, so I will add as I think of more stuff.

START: Friday, January 11, 2008 ENDS: Friday, October 9, 2010


Knitting/Crochet

1. Knit 3 sweaters (0/3)
2. Knit 6 pairs of socks (0/6)
3. Learn entrelac
4. Learn fair isle – take a class
5. Crochet 4 items (0/4)
6. Knit at least 15 things from my Ravelry queue (0/15)
7. Attend knit club at least 3x a month (0/96)
8. Organize all yarn and needles
9. Buy yarn from alpaca farm trip

Travel

10. Go camping 3x (0/3)
11. Hot-air balloon ride
12. Take romantic horse drawn carriage ride
13. Take honeymoon
14. Take a cruise
15. Visit Lindsay
16. Visit 5 new states (0/5) overall (13/50)
17. Get passport
18. Visit alpaca farm
19. Take 4 day trips (0/4)
20. Visit 5 state parks (0/5)

Health

21. Get diabetes under control so I don’t have to take insulin
22. Eat more vegetables daily
23. Cut down diet soda intake to no more than 32 ounces a day
24. Take my daily vitamins
25. Do 2 half marathons (0/2)
26. Do 2 marathons (0/2)
27. Do 2 century rides (0/2)
28. Lose 25#s (0/25)
29. Then another 25#s (0/25)
30. And 25#s more (0/25)
31. Maintain this new weight
32. Try new recipes at least 2x a month (0/64)

Beauty/Pampering/Girlie Stuff

33. Get wedding tattoo
34. Find and purchase the perfect pair of jeans
35. Find and purchase proper fitting “foundation” garments
36. Get a least 2 massages a year (0/4)
37. Get a professional facial
38. Stop biting nails

Personal Development

Soul

39. Perform 1 act of random kindness each month (0/32)
40. Make list of “1,001 things to do before I die”
41. Complete list of 100 things that make me happy (take pictures of items?) (0/100)
42. Find religion that fits by beliefs
43. Go to Buddhist chanting
44. Start practicing meditation
45. Be more confident
46. Stop negative thinking
47. Figure out what I want to do with my life (career)
48. Find my passion
49. Figure out the school thing and do it or not depending on decision

Reading

50. Read “War and Peace”
51. Read 5 books on Spirituality/Religion (0/5)
52. Read 12 Pulitzer Prize winners in fiction (0/12)
53. Read 12 books from the Most Commonly Challenged Books list (0/12)
54. Read 12 books from the National Book Awards list – any category (0/12)
55. Read 101 books, including the above books (0/101)

Miscellaneous

56. Learn ASL
57. Take a language class (preferably German or Russian)
58. Send a postcard to PostSecret
59. Start using reusable grocery bags
60. Finish uploading all of my cds to the iPod

Family

61. Adopt a dog
62. Sunday breakfasts at least 3x a month (0/96)
63. Have a PJ Sunday with Mike at least 1 time every 6 months (0/5)
64. Start new traditions with Mike
65. Date nights at least 2x a month (0/64)
66. Make cupcakes for Mike 1x a month (0/32)
67. Make the baby decision

Finances

68. Buy property
69. Pay off student loan
70. Pay of Acura
71. Pay off credit card
72. Save $3k
73. Do not go into debt for house projects
74. Do not go into debt for travel/vacations
75. Donate $5 to charity for each thing on the list that I don’t complete
76. Increase contribution to 401K yearly (0/2)
77. Give to at least 2 charities yearly (0/4)
78. Quit part time job
79. Mike quit part time job

House

80. Replace kitchen floors
81. Replace kitchen cabinets/countertops
82. Sand and re-finish the hardwood floors
83. Design and set up back yard patio area
84. Create front walk way
85. Cut down nasty pine trees in the backyard
86. Insulate the attic
87. De-clutter house – get rid of stuff we are not using!
88. Finish paint touch ups (mainly the ceiling)
89. Buy new TV
90. Organize my cookbooks and recipes
91. Organize all the wedding pictures – put into an album
92. Keep the car clean inside and out
93. Buy flowers for the house at least 1 time a month (0/32)

I am going to post this on the side and keep it updated.