Monday, December 31, 2012

Catching Up ~ End of the Year ~ FO's 17 & 18

FO # 17 - Scarf for my mom

I had planned to spend this vacation catching up.  Move the last of my items from my mom's house and get it all settled in at our hew house, daily trips to the barn, and LOTS of knitting, but those were not in someone else's plans.

I came down with a NASTY cold just before break, took the last two days off from work to deal with the nasty cold hoping to knock it out before Christmas.  Am still coughing, sputtering, and dealing with the after math of a nasty could.

I have manage SOME knitting.  Above my mom is pictured with the scarf I knit quickly in a couple days while nursing my cold.    It was knit from yarn she picked out a year or so ago for a scarf.

I also managed kick out the following Christmas day for Dennis knit from hand spun yarn.


FO # 18 for Dennis


My belongings are still at my moms.  We did make a trip and got all my horse tack and other stuff, but I have only managed one trip to the barn.  Now that I have my saddle, helmet, saddle, etc., that should change as the half mile trip to the barn no longer involves a 10 mile round trip drive to my mom's to get my horse things first!

Tonight we will go to my mom's play cards, have finger food, and enjoy the family.

I return to work January 7, so MAYBE I can get some trips to the barn, and move the rest of my belongings here.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

FO #16



A quick knit using up some of my own hand spun yarn. Had to make it a little smaller (no folding 2x2 rib stitch over).  Now I am attempting the pattern in reverse (top down), with some of my handspun for Dennis.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

FO #15--Test Knit Finished

 
 
Test knit is finished.  Here they, photo taken in "natural light" if you can call it that.  Here in the shadow of our mountains, we get direct sunlight for only about 90 minutes, despite 5 1/2 hours of day light (give or take a few minutes).
 


Friday, December 14, 2012

Test Knit Continues




Almost finished with my test knit, when I slipped on my "Adult Large" and realized it was more of an "Adult Medium".  Hmmmm?  Checked my gauge and, oops.  

I DID do a swatch and a I WAS spot on with my gauge of 9 sts/10 rounds per 2 inches, but now?  10 stitches/14 rounds per two inches.

How did that happen?

The only thing I can figure is that I swatched with acrylic needles and was going to knit them one at a time.  I hate knitting identical items one at a time, so I frogged and switched to two-at-a-time and when I did that I switched to my wood size 7 needles.

Lesson learned -- knit swatches WITH the needles you plan to use!  

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Test Knitting Snag


Test knitting is harder than I imagined.

You really SHOULD follow the pattern. How is one to find errors if they make up things as they go (which is often how I knit)?

Knitting a pair of socks and don't like the CO and toe increase? No problem when you are knitting for yourself. BUT, when testing a pattern, you have to follow the directions.

I kind of forgot this and when I read part of the pattern that wasn't working for me, I continued on as I thought it should be. Then I remembered, "I am testing this pattern" and I shouldn't do that.

So a post to the designer, set the gloves to the side and now I wait for a reply.

In the mean time, I have picked up my socks.

I really should be knitting on the Every Way Wrap if I am to finish it before the end of the year.

I keep telling myself I will knit it and finish is over Winter/Christmas break. BUT, if I am honest, I know that won't happen.

I need to discipline myself if I am ever to finish that wrap!




Thursday, December 6, 2012

Enter - World of Test Knitting



As if I don't have enough keeping me away from knitting the Every Way Wrap (which I would like to get done before the end of the year), I decided to enter the world of Test Knitting.

These are another atter of fingerless gloves.  I HAVE to have them done before December 13, or was it the 18th?  Oh well, they need to be done quick.

Cast on yesterday, was going to do it one at a time, but I know myself well enough to know that might be an issue.

Being a test knitter is hard.  You have to follow the pattern.  You can't go "Oh, you know, I don't like this part, I think I'll knit it this way!"

Okay, as soon as I get these off the sticks, and finish the socksI started last week, maybe THEN I will  get the Every Way Wrap.....

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Knit One, Chore Too

Yesterday was spent running errands, today is catch up before returning to a full work week. 


The problem is I cast on for a new pair of socks and I would LOVE to sit and knit all day.  Love the pattern, can't wait to see more as the slip-stitch pattern moves along!

But I have a ton to do!

 
There is the Turkey stock I need to can (after it cools and the fat can be removed). 
 
Reading for a class I'm taking:  Why Gender Matters by Dr. Leonard Sax.  A very interesting read.  I am so glad I am not raising kids now.
 
Lesson plans for the week.
 
Laundry
 
Housework
 
So, it has become a "Knit One, Chore Too" day.
 
Knit a row, then go do a chore for 1/2 hour or so, or until it is completed.  It does seem to work, as long as I put the knitting down after I complete a row.