Girl Who Knits

1. I didn't finish the body of the sweater before Thanksgiving per my theory.
2. Communicating to friends that I can't see them because I need to spend all my free time knitting became complicated and futile.
3. Two people on my team at work quit in the past two weeks.  This is our busy season.
4. I discovered staying up until 2 am at night does not give me more knitting time--I just end up sleeping in more in the morning.
5. Technically, I didn't start the sweater until the second week of November--so I was already a week behind.
6. Um...look at it.

I have been trying hard, I have.  I mean, I haven't been blogging or commenting on blogs (sorry about that) or really doing anything with my spare minutes except knitting the Venezia Pullover.  That is it.  I know I was crazy to think I could do it and I am proving right all those who doubted BUT may I also say, IF I had started on the first of November or IF I didn't have friends or work or unexpected obligations with my time, I totally would have finished.  Really all I need is another weekend.  That is it.  I am done with the body (see it blocking below) and I am half way through the left sleeve.  If I could I would take a day off work this week and get it done in time but due to #3 reason above that is just not going to happen. 

I will be honest and admit to being a little bummed.  I wanted to finish this month...and I am SO CLOSE.  I can taste it.  Either way though, I can't be too sad.  I have a sneaking suspicion that either in November or December this is still going to be pretty awesome.

Not nearly enough knitting got done this week as my deadline on Venezia is looming...I am getting nervous.  I think I just need to be more disciplined with my knitting. 

So I have a theory.  I think I have to finish the body of the sweater by Thanksgiving in order to meet my November 30 deadline.  I could then get the sleeves done over the holiday weekend and seem it up in time for the end of the month reveal.  This is a great theory.  Problem is, it is only theory.  Now I have to prove it. 

Another Erin (not me) asked me to give the specifics on my color subs so I thought I would document it for anyone else who is interested. 

The colors that stayed the same are: Mooskit, Mooskit/White, Sand, and Ivy

Here is what I changed:

Yellow Ochre > Jamieson & Smith brand, FC55

Rosemary > Jamieson's brand, Eucalyptus (794)

Peacock > Jamieson's brand, Stonewash (677)

Pine Forest > Jamieson & Smith brand, 82

Turf > Jamieson & Smith, 1293

And for the edges and bands > Jamieson's brand, Maroon (595)

For those of you wondering what the difference between Jamieson's and Jamieson & Smith is, well I can't remember.  I was told what the deal is but honestly I don't remember what happened only that they are basically the same yarn--just under different names.  So there you go--my yarn subs. 

I will report on my progress next week.  Happy knitting--let's hope I am able to prove my theory right.

I am completely enamored.  The Venezia Pullover has begun...

I can't even tell you how much fun this is to knit.  I love watching the pattern emerge and grow.  Just to give you an idea of scale, I am starting the increases so I am at the waist.  I am pretty surprised at how fast it has gone so far.  I have just been relentless. 

Must. Finish. In. November.

I think if all the stars align I just might be able to finish for NaKniSweMo. Hopefully.

The pictures are a little dark but hopefully you can see--they are as accurate as I could make them in artificial light.  You want a close up? 

Yes, Utah is beautiful and unique in many ways.  But if you are a knitter, well, this is the place. (heh)

The Salt Lake City SnB group is a large weekly gathering of knitters of all ages, backgrounds, religions, and political persuasions.  This is not a quiet group, but an interesting one--there is never a dull moment or a lack of opinions.  Over the months since I joined their ranks I have learned even more about who these women (and one guy) are.  They are amazing cooks, accomplished knitters, charitable and socially conscious, passionate about all things bread (specifically rye), grammatical geeks, and very generous and thoughtful. 

The final quality is never seen more clearly than when the group celebrates a birthday.  It was mine and Jacquie's turn this last tuesday and I was amazed and so grateful for the gifts I received from these classy ladies.

There is so much fun to be had in that bowl I can hardly contain myself.  I got tweedy orange Rowan yarn and a hand sewn bag from Teri, Trekking sock yarn, pastries and cuticle soap from Katherine, a light burgundy knit picks lace yarn from Karen, homemade jam and a notebook from Miriam, the new book Yarnplay from Margene, an all too applicable coin purse with images from Reality shows on it (which I watch altogether too much of) and stitch markers from Susan, stunning stitch markers from Jacquie, and much needed stitch holders from Cheryl.  Oh, I almost forgot--this isn't pictured but a couple weeks earlier I was given two coral pink skeins of sock yarn from Heather too. 

Simply, I was spoiled.  What a haul and from such a group.

Thank you for the gifts but most of all, thank you for welcoming me into your ranks. I couldn't be happier with my plans every Tuesday night.

So see, don't you want to come join us?

It has been a long time coming but I am finally done with Forecast.  Finally.  I casted on for this sweater in the beginning of April.  It might have taken awhile but I am glad I finally buckled down and finished it because now I get to wear this...

This is one of those patterns that I never would have noticed were it not for seeing several pretty versions knit up in blogland.  I am so glad for people who have the vision of what a pattern could be.  I am also grateful for blogs and the endless inspiration found in them. 

This pattern is fun and easy to follow.  It knits up quickly--don't take my 7 months to finish as this being a difficult or time-consuming sweater.  It is a warm sweater though so you might not want to knit it in the summer.  Just FYI.

I found the buttons at my LYS.  I love how they look a little tortoise shell like.  I didn't have the pattern with me so I bought 8 buttons thinking, surely that would be enough.  But no, the pattern calls for 10.  Instead of going back and buying more buttons I opted for just using 8 buttons. 

I also LOVE the yarn.  It is Cascade 220 in this great deep green with a yellow undertone (I wish the pictures showed the true color better but alas, the sun was just not cooperating.  Just trust me, it is a deep color.)  I was looking for something tweedy but I found this instead.

I love how it fits and the style and the texture of the material.

Here are all the stats:

Pattern: Forecast

Source: Knitty (pattern by Glampyre)

Yarn: Cascade 220

Needles: US 7 and 5 circs and dpns

Mods: I made the popular mods for this sweater (changed from 5 to 3 stitch bobble, started ribbing on arms just under the elbow.)  I also lengthened the body of the sweater.  Initially I made the body really long but I had some problems fitting it over my hips.  So I frogged a couple inches and while it is still longer than the pattern calls for, it is not as long as I had initially envisioned. But I think the length worked out well in the end.

All and all folks, it is the perfect fall sweater.  I just love fall.

So my detective skills weren't needed for very long.  Driving into my driveway tonight, what did I see outside my door?  Yup, a package.  And not just any package.  My toasty toes package.  YEA!!! 

I know you are all wondering who my pal was...my earlier guesses were dead wrong.  But even before I opened the package, I knew who it was.  Earlier today I visted KT's blog and saw her finished socks.  As soon as I saw them I knew they were for me.  I can't explain how I knew.  I just did.  But of course I couldn't announce this to you all in case I was, well, wrong.  I am so glad I wasn't. 

First.  The package.  I LOVE packages and stuff wrapped in tissue. 

That is what I got.  Here is what was inside:

Oh my goodness oh my goodness!!!  Take a look at it all.  Let's start with the yarn.  2 Skeins of the most stunning fall colored Lornas Laces sock yarn.  Beautiful and oh so soft.  Then there is the chocolate.  2 bars of delectable belgian chocolate.  Yum.  I also got cute candle holders and thanksgiving colored corn candles.  So cute and seasonal.  Also, KT sent me a bonus present sure to make my favorite aspiring knitter very very happy.

 And inside...

Can you believe even Emma gets a present?  I am in awe of the thought that went into every aspect of this package.  Thank you, thank you.  I couldn't imagine a more fun package.

Oh wait...you want to see the socks?  Oh the socks.

Yup, she made a label.  First, the socks are this amazing shade of green (my favorite color--KT, not to worry about the color, you got it exactly right.)  Second, they are long.  I LOVE long socks.

Look at how the cable row pops.  I love how the sock looks.  And the fit...well, it is perfect.

You want to see my absolute favorite part of the sock?  The toe.

I love how the ribbing goes all the way to the top.  It is pleasing. 

You ready for the shocking news?  These were KT's first pair of socks!  Her first.  As in she hadn't knitted socks before these.  The first few socks I knit are long ago forgotten, frogged, and for very good reason.  KT, I can't believe you parted with these socks, not only because they are awesome but also for sentimental reasons.  Although, I am glad you did.  I promise I will take good care of them. Thank you for my socks.  I heart them.

I thought I had my Toasty Toes pal all figured out.  I would love not to admit that I have been doing some detective work around who my pal must be and thus, what socks I am getting.  Is it uncool to be curious? 

I thought it would be easy since my pal is a little delayed in her socks so I can easily discount the majority of people in the exchange who have already finished and sent off their socks.  It is fun to guess from who is left based on the colors they choose and such.  Because I think I am so smart, I had it all figured out.

About a week ago I was SURE I was getting these socks. 

Yesterday, I changed my mind and was CONVINCED I was getting these even to writing a smug "I have you figured out" comment on Cynthia's blog.

Today...yeah, I have no idea.  Amanda posted an update and I guess there are more unfinished socks out there then my poor detective skills have unearthed.  Shocking I know. 

Here is the deal though, I have clicked through to them all and they are all gorgeous!!!  I love them all.  The socks are all in colors I would like and patterns that I love.  Seriously, I would be happy with any of the socks I have seen.  Only thing I am not happy with are my poor deduction skills.  I think I should just stop trying to figure it out.  Don't I have better things to do with my time?  Actually, not really.  Who am I kidding?  Until those socks are on my feet I will still try and figure it out.  Hear that Toasty Toes pal?  I am on your trail. 

FYI--I am wearing Forecast as I type!!! (That means right now and in public!)  It is done and I think I like it.  I am going to try and take pictures today so a FO post is soon to come.  Stay tuned...

Can I really knit Eunny Jang's Venezia Pullover from the new Winter Interweave Knits...in a MONTH?  For NaKniSweMo? 

I hope so.

I went to my LYS with a completely different project in mind but left with a bag full of colorful yarn for Venezia.  I love this sweater.  It is stylish and elegant.  I love how fitted it is and the 3/4 length sleeves.  Yup, this is the project for me. 

I chose some different colors than the project called for (mainly switching out reds for the golds and some different shades of blue) so I hope they look good together.  I had SO much fun picking out the colors.  I will swatch tonight so I will know for sure if I like how the colors work together.  Cross your fingers for me. 

I am crazy right?  This is an insane sweater.  And in a month?  Yikes.  But I don't really care.  I am going to do it anyway.  Yea! 

Many of you have heard of NaNoWriMo whose participant's object is to write a novel in the month of November.  My dear friend Holli and her husband have joined the ranks of writers and to be honest I was a little jealous.  I love a good challenge.  But I didn't want to write a novel.  Can you then see how excited I was to read Lolly's blog and learn about NaKniSweMo!!!?!!

How cool is that?  So, I am in.  Not yet sure what I will knit.  I am going to finish Forecast first (almost done with second sleeve) and then I will decide on a sweater project, shop, and swatch by the weekend.  What could be more fun?  And really, what could be more fun to say?  NaKniSweMo.  It just makes me smile.

So I got word this morning that Allison received her Toasty Toes socks from me.  She sent me the nicest thank you email ever and I am so pleased that she likes them--honestly, you can't imagine how relieved I am.  So without further ado, here are the socks:

I was so excited about completing the second sock that I immediately washed them.  Kind of dumb since I now don't have a pretty on-my-foot picture of the finished pair.  I finished them last week Tuesday.  They took two days to dry fully and I sent them off last Thursday along with a few other goodies.  I am so thrilled I finished on time.  I am also thrilled with how the socks came out. 

I have long admired the Petticoat Socks from Weekend Knitting.  When I was faced with having to find a new sock pattern after I realized the Lombard Street socks weren't going to work, I immediately thought of this one.  I love the way the picot edge curves at the top of the sock.  I also find the lace pattern really pleasing.  Can't really tell you why but I love it.

The stats:

Pattern: Petticoat Socks

Source: Weekend Knitting

Yarn: Plain and Fancy Wool, single-ply sport weight, Avocado

Needles: US 3 dpns

Mods: None

Notes:  I loved the way the greens in this yarn had such subtle differences of color.  It also slightly varies in thickness which adds a different texture to the sock.  I also LOVE the toe.  Again, it is very pleasing. 

The verdict--I like them and will likely make myself a pair in the future.  They are very comfortable and warm and pretty.  I couldn't be happier with my pal and had a lot of fun reading her blog--getting to know someone while knitting them socks.  What a cool experience.  I have to admit to some intimidation though.  I mean she runs Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Not only is it a yarn store...but a SOCK yarn store.  Honestly.  Talk about being thrown in the fire for my first exchange.  But I think I came out okay and will certainly do another exchange in the future.  What fun. 

I did get an email saying that the socks intended for me are a little delayed so I will show those when I get them.  I don't mind the delay at all.  It was fun enough to make and send out the socks I made.  I can wait.  So since the socks were completed, I have been back to sweater knitting.  Forecast is up first.  I am thinking it could be done this weekend--finally.  I have been loving getting back into sweater knitting.  I have several sweater projects that I want to get done before the year ends.  More on that later.