Light and Up by Caroline Wiens - Knit Shawl Kit

 So I finally finished my Light and Up Knit Shawl Kit by Caroline Wien and I absolutely love it. Granted, I did an extra set in the pattern, which left me short when it came to the finish and I had to buy another skein to complete it, but that was all on me. After washing and draping it over the shower rod, since I didn't have anything large enough to properly block it, the pattern opened up nicely and it is so soft. Definitely my favorite shawl yet.

As you might notice, I left off the tassels, this is a personal preference. I just think tassels are for bookmarks and graduation hats, and not much else. LOL

And here are a few close-ups:

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 22

I have finally finished the second pair of socks in the Craftsy Sock Knit-Along and it was worth it. The i-cord cuff was a bit of a pain, well pretty much the entire sock was at one point or another, but it was worth it, they fit and they look great. So happy with them.

Working the i-cord, what an interesting method

Attempting to show the cuff stretch with the i-cord

They fit beautifully

Tuesday Totals

Well, I am on the i-cord for the Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-along - Serpentine Toe-Up Sock by Lucy Neatby and hoping to have them done by end of day.

I am on the second patterned row of the Light and Up Shawl by Caroline Wiens, this one keeps getting bigger, thus taking longer with each row so I am not really sure when I will get this done. hehe

As soon as the socks are done, I will be starting Kayla's Simple Toe-Up Garter Stitch Heel Socks which are a combination of a couple sock patterns I came across.

Trying to catch up on my Temperature Scarf (was almost a month behind in my knitting) and the February Mood Scarf (still have 5 days to go but the Moss stitch takes forever to knit.)

I joined a MKAL (mystery knit-along) called The Philosopher's Stone by Erica Jackofsky (Fiddle Knits) which begins July 15, 2016. I am really excited about this, I've been interested in these MKAL's for a while and this one I managed to catch while the pattern was free. Looking forward to it!

If I finish the Light and UP Shawl in time, I hope to start (and finish) the Unintentionally Infinity Shawl/Scarf by Siew Clark.

After that...
Druidess Beret
Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-along - Windowpane Socks
Zombie Socks
Red Toe-Up Socks
Blue Toe-Up Socks
Lady Jessica Steampunk Cowl
Celtic Triad Socks
Through the Woods Hood in Blue
Baby Tree of Life Throw
Portulaca Cardigan

Looking to be a very busy year of knitting for me! What do you have going? Please share and link back. Happy knitting!

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 21

Front, Back and Side Views

So it feels as if I have been knitting these socks for forever! Okay, so it has only been since February, but still!

On the bright side, the Serpentine Socks are nearly done, just have a couple more rows of straight knit on sock 2, then the fancy cuffs. So excited to get these puppies finished and on my feet.

I love the pattern, although it takes forever to work up because of all the decreases, increases and cross-overs, it looks absolutely lovely!

If you have not been keeping up, these are for a FREE Knit-Along through Craftsy, learn to knit 3 wonderful pair of socks.

If you're doing the knit-along, please feel free to drop a link here to share your work. :)

Crochet Mouse Tube

So we got each of the younger kids 2 mice for pets. They were doing fine for a while, but the boys have gotten restless as the weather warms and now there is usually one little guy stuck sleeping out in the open while the other hogs the nice comfy bed, so I decided to make a mouse tube for each of them.

It has been a while since I pulled out a crochet hook, I've become addicted to knitting, but for this project I wanted to go back to the classic method since it would be easier to add the pipe cleaner stabilizer to it.  Keep in mind, I do not write patterns, I am not the least bit skilled at writing patterns, and this is more for me in case I decide to make another one, but I figured I would share it with everyone else in case someone wants to try for themselves.

So, here it goes...

Crochet Mouse Tube

1. With US I crochet hook and cotton yarn, cast on 22-25 stitches (or whatever size you like, these guys are smaller and I wanted to make it cuddly but you can make a larger one if you like,) join to make a circle.

2. Single crochet one row.

3. Make a pipe cleaner ring the size of the circle and attach by single crocheting around it. (yes I am a lefty.)

     

4-6. Single crochet for next 3 rows.

7-8. {Single crochet 5 stitches, add 1 stitch} around for 2 rows.

9-10. Single crochet for next 2 rows.

11-12. {Single crochet 5 stitches, join 2 stitches into 1} around for 2 rows.

NOTE - At this point you can continue to do a decrease row every other row and make an Igloo, or if you have aggressive mice like mine, continue with the tube pattern and give whoever is inside a back door to escape.

13-16. Single crochet for next 4 rows, bind off and weave in tail.

Some action shots:

Temperature Scarf Progress

Well, finally finished catching up with knitting my temperature scarf, and here it is...

As you can see, the temperatures here have been, well, bi-polar to say the least. To give you an idea, here are the colors used and the temperature ranges associated:

Purple               -6 to 22F
Dark Blue         23 to 32F
Medium Blue    33 to 43F
Light Blue         44 to 53F
Light Green      54 to 66F
Dark Green      67 to 77F

Not used yet:
Orange            78 to 88F
Red                 89F and above

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 20

Garter Short Row Heel in Progress

I have been working on the second pair of socks from the knit-along, the Serpentine Socks by Lucy Neatby (Edgewood Garden Studio Silk / BFL Blend Sport Weight Handspun in the color Seafoam) and I am nearly done with the first heel. I have to say, I absolutely love this heel design! The garter short row heel is by far the easiest one I have made, and it has the nicest look to it.

When I started the heel I was worried about how it was going to look. After completing over half of it, my mind is eased.

Sock Progress

The first sock has the foot complete and awaits a heel, and the second sock nearly has a complete heel,although in the pic to the left I had just started the heel. 

The pattern is definitely not for a beginner if it were not for the video tutorials I most likely would have failed miserably but thankfully they come with the free class and make it so much easier.

Once you get the pattern, it goes fairly smooth and you are given different options for doing the cabled stitches. At first, I used another needle, but then I got the hang of the drop/slip method and ended up sticking with that one as it goes faster.

Shawl Progress

The other project I am currently working on is a Light and Up Shawl by Caroline Wiens (Malbrigo Sock Yarn in Abril). It is a really simple pattern so far and I am loving how the colors are working up. I just got to the point where I start adding the lace, can't wait to finish it off! I plan to leave off the tassels, though, I don't care for tassels.

Finally, here is my project list for the year, let's see how many of them I can get through:

In Progress
February Mood Scarf

Temperature Scarf

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along; Serpentine Toe-Up Sock

Light and Up Shawl 

In Queue
Kayla's Socks

Druidess Beret

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-along - Windowpane Socks

Zombie Socks

Unintentionally Infinity Shawl/Scarf

Red Toe-Up Socks

Blue Toe-Up Socks

Lady Jessica Steampunk Cowl

Celtic Triad Socks

Through the Woods Hood in Blue

Baby Tree of Life Throw

Portulaca Cardigan

Completed
Claudja Head Scarf
The Vermonter Hat (for me) 
Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along; Smocked Guernsey Socks
Splendid Shawl 
Leg Warmers for Princess 
Hunter's Urban Dog Sweater
Tokyo Pocket Poncho

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 19

Test Fit

The second pair of socks in the Serpentine Pattern are coming along nicely. I have finished 3 runs of the pattern on one sock and started the third on the other, thinking two more runs before starting the heel.

Ran a test fit and they are fitting beautifully so far, absolutely loving them!

I am really hoping to get them done by the end of the month so I can wear them to the SCA event* I bought the yarn from and show them off to the seller. {fingers crossed}

Sadly you can't see the pattern as well in that picture, but it is really neat, weaving in and out from the center the way it does. I am loving it. Can't wait until they are finished.



*The SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) is "an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts, skills, and traditions of pre-17th-century Europe." The event I will be attending is the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon in Buffalo, NY.

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 18

I am now through two runs of the pattern on the foot part of these wonderful toe-up socks. The pattern is Serpentine Socks by Lucy Neatby and is the second sock in the Craftsy Knit-Along 2016: Socks. I am using Edgewood Garden Studio Silk / BFL Blend Sport Weight Handspun Handpainted Yarn in Seafoam from my stash, I thought "Seafoam" and "Serpentine" just made a great pair.

I had started using this yarn to knit a different sock pattern, but it just wasn't working out so I frogged it and started these. They are going much more smoothly and quicker. (For those that don't know the lingo, Frogging is the act of ripping them out.)

Anyway, I still have one more run through the pattern before I start the heel, a little nervous about that as it is an completely different technique that I have done before. Aiming to have them done by the end of the month and the final pair done by the end of next month. I know I am a month behind, but hey... At least I am getting them done. :)

Are you doing the knit-along? Share a link to your progress here. :)

My Knitting Queue

So I was going through my bag of yarn with plans and added them all to my Ravelry so I actually remember what everything is for. When I was done, I had this:

So it looks like I will be making a lot of socks, but first I need to finish the socks I am working on.

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 17

Decided to change the title to post instead of day, since I am not posting every day now. LOL

I finally finished the first pair of socks and have started on the second pattern. Here's the finished socks after shaping. I absolutely love them, too bad they don't fit. {sigh}

Here's a pic of the beginning of the second pair, the pattern is Serpentine by Lucy Neatby. I decided to use some hand-spun yarn I originally purchased for a different sock pattern but got so frustrated I frogged them. So now here it is with it's new pattern. It is going a lot more smoothly as the pattern is not as intricate.

If you are wondering, the orange and yellow embroidery floss are markers for the sides and beginning of the pattern. :)

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 16

So, I know it has been a while, but a lot has come up and things got a bit hectic so the socks were put on hold for a bit but now I have gotten back to them. :) The sock on the left is ready and waiting for its toe and the sock on the right is only 22 rows from the same point. Hoping to get them done soon as technically I should have started the second pattern 23 days ago. Heh oops?

On the bright side, I finished the shawl for my daughter, not that she has even worn it once (other than for the picture). {sigh}

All my -alongs Updates

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 15

I am still working on the foot of sock 1, I swear it seems like it is not progressing in the least, even though I have worked through the pattern one and a half times already and this is all I have managed to get accomplished.

I am really hoping to finish it off soon, seeing as we were supposed to start on the second sock pattern yesterday. Eep!

2016 Temperature Scarf

The month of January ended with the green, and now we are into February. 

I am absolutely loving the colors in this scarf so far, it is so much fun.

For those that have not heard about this yet, Yarnspirations has a knit-along called the Temperature Afghan. I did not feel like making a full afghan so I decided to just make it into a scarf. Using their color guide, I am working in a simple garter stitch.

Kayla's Shawl

This one is also coming along slowly as every row gets more stitches added and it seems to go on forever.

With it on the floor, the ends fold over onto it, so it is difficult to get an idea of what it actually looks like, but it is elegant and soft and she loves it already.

The furry yarn is very difficult to deal with, but it comes out looking lovely so it is worth it.

February Mood Scarf

So this is a new project I just started, Yet another Yarnspirations inspiration.

This one I am working in the Irish Moss stitch and I absolutely adore the pattern. It takes a little longer than garter, but it looks beautiful.

As you can see, I substituted the colors I had on hand for the ones in the pattern and I have the first done, still trying to decide what mood to knit for today. LOL

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 14

I have now finished the decrease rows for both the socks and will be beginning on the foot.

I am running out of time to get this pair done. Eep!

So, what is on your needle/hook today?

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 13

So, I had one of those, OMG please kill me now because I really don't want to have to do this, moments today.

I had finished the decrease section of sock one, it came along nicely and I was quite satisfied with it so I picked up sock two and started working on that one. Finished the second row and realized I forgot to set up the needles properly, the entire pattern was thrown off.

What does that mean?

Well, I had to rip out the two very difficult rows I had just spend a good twenty minutes working on getting on the needles. I want to cry I am so frustrated, it was such a silly mistake but it ruined so much work.

So, putting the socks aside, starting dinner, then I think this evening will be working on the shawl.  Hope your knitting goes a lot more smoothly than mine.

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 12

So I am currently working the foot decreases on the first sock and it is very slow going, but it is looking nice. I was confused (again) at first but after watching the video tutorial in the class, I understood it.

As you can see, the solid green for the heel gives it some fun character and does not really take away from the pattern at all, which makes me really happy. I was so worried it would look bad.

So, along with the socks, I have finally gotten around to working on my daughter's shawl. She had picked out the fur February of last year and I finally found the perfect yarns to go with it for the pattern.

I am using the pattern Splendid Shawl by Lainie Hering that I picked up at Knit or Knot in Jupiter, FL. The pattern called for a ribbon to be knitting through it in sections but I hated the texture, it ruined the overall softness of the shawl.

I have a feeling it is going to be so elegant looking when it is complete, cannot wait.

So, that is what I have gotten accomplished so far, what have you gotten done?

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 11

Okay, so I am finally back on track with the sock knit-along. Today I finished the heels, including turning the heel. If you are wondering why they look different sizes, it is because I had tried the right one on and it stretched it out a little. hehe

They are coming along nicely, and now I am at the point where I will be adding the foot, and toe. Love how the green looks and cannot wait to see them completed.

I have been keeping up with the Temperature Scarf, here is my progress thus far. As you can see, the weather has been on the colder side the past week, perfect time to do a lot of knitting.









And finally, the reason the socks were put on hold to begin with, the sweater for our new puppy.

 

Sock Delayed

Our spoiled little Princess

So there has been a bit of a delay in the sock knit-along, we adopted a puppy on Saturday. She is a rescue pup, 8 months old, and a mixed-breed German Shepard/Pit. She is on the thin side, and very skittish, so we are assuming her previous owners were not very kind to her.

Start of the doggy sweater.

The first time we took her out in the snow she was not very happy, and refused to do her business, for that matter she didn't even want to leave the covered porch. So, what is the first thing I decide to do for her, knit her a sweater of course. I found this pattern on Ravelry called Hunter's Urban Dog Sweater by Lisa M. Barnes but I plan to make a few changes to it along the way. I am hoping to get it done as soon as possible so she will not be so cold when the snow is coming down. I am using Lion Wool, and plan to felt it when it is complete so that it offers a nice amount of warmth as well as water resistance.

Temperature Scarf

I have also managed to keep up with the Temperature Scarf project, and I am now at 5% complete. :) Not the best picture sadly, the overcast skies have made it a bit dark in here. The weather has been crazy, as you can see by the color variances.

As far as the socks, I have finished heel one, and about to do the turning of the heel, then I will get to the second one, but not until Princesses sweater is complete.

Happy knitting, and stay warm!

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 10

Almost done with the first heel, it's an interesting method and I was confused at first but once I got the hang of it (and didn't accidentally pulr a slip stitch) it went along nicely.

I am definitely glad I went with the Woodsy Green for the heel and toe, it is complimenting the variegated yarn nicely. Ignore the yellow, that is just my marker for the starting point.

Happy knitting!

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Day 9

Well, I finished the cuffs on both socks, they now measure 6.5" from cast -on to the beginning of the heel flap, which by-the-way I have started. If you are wondering, the yellow is just a scrap piece of floss that marks the beginning of the round and will be removed once the sock is complete.

I was worried the green I picked up wouldn't work with the variegated yarn but actually I am really liking it, guess we just see how it goes.

Happy knitting, and please feel free to share a link to your socks from the knit-along!