I have a little problem

Anyone who has read this blog for a while knows I'm not a multi-WIP person. 2 projects are usually my modus operandi: a small take-along project, and a larger, stay at home project. I'm merrily knitting along my red socks and Danish shawl when a thought occurred to me. "I should see if I have enough sock yarn remnants to knit a scarf". There, my friends, was my error. Out came the sock yarn drawer, little walnut-sized (and some orange-sized) leftovers were tossed into a basket, and I cast on. And immediately stopped knitting on anything else.

It's hypnotic I tell you. Between watching the color changes and the contents of the basket dwindle down, I don't want to do anything else.

This might not have been a good idea...

Here comes the sun!

What a glorious weekend in my neck of Vermit! Sure, it was cold but the sun was promising spring right around the corner. I even saw some muskrats making forays out into the open. Izzy has been basking in the new window, and the cluster flies have been emerging (I know...ewww..but hey, spring's coming!)

To celebrate, I crafted a Dumpling Bag from Interweave Knits Fall 2008. Since I am using glass rings, I opted for just one instead of the two the pattern calls for - I didn't want to take the chance on breakage. The knot can be easily undone if I want to open the bag all the way. I do have to felt it some more: when I used the bag earlier this week, my dpns poked through a bit.

A current WIP is my version of the Danish tieback shawl. I'm using Plymouth Encore in several different colors. KYarns is hosting a charity knit project using Encore, so all my leftover bits will not go to waste.

And for my travel project, I started a 3rd pair of socks for the Breast Cancer Center in Plymouth's Happy Feet. This pic doesn't do the red justice: it's very rich with lots of variations. In other news, the window is drywalled and the other (old exterior) window has been pulled out. So on the CatMan's side of the bed, we are looking at a wall of green trash bags stretched over the hole leading into the new space. The first night with this new arrangement, we realized the cats had emerged from their hiding places (the workmen don't believe we really have 6 cats - they've only seen 2) , pried a corner of the plastic back, and had gone exploring in the new space. Not wanting to lose a cat down between the walls or into a nook that hadn't been closed up yet, we took it upon ourselves to do a little preventive construction much to the disappointment of the intrepid cat explorers. Hopefully, their disappointment will be short-lived and we'll be able to use the space by the end of this month!

Sometimes it's about the knitting

For instance, here's my lastest FO, a pair of picot-edged anklets for the Breast Cancer Care Center. I think the Tilli Tomas cashmere blend makes nice, soft, comfy bed footies.

Work continues on the new room in our apartment. Because of the addition's roof line, one window had to be moved. It was a little claustrophobic this week until our new window went in yesterday. There's plastic over the insulation, so no cats have been harmed in the construction of this window.

I didn't get a pic of Isabellie hanging out in the sunlight patch on the floor, but I have a feeling there will have plenty of other photo ops.

One of the last tweaks I needed to do in the bathroom was line the ancient metal medicine cabinet (rusty and dirty!) I was on a hunt for a paper that would blend with the pale green side panels of the cabinet, yet still work with the rest of the room. I found this contact paper which is almost exactly matches the faux marble of the vanity. Score! So while carpenters were buzzing and hammering, I prettified the cabinet.

The little stuff

Wrapping up loose ends in my knitting basket -

I finished one set of Breast Cancer Socks.

Project specs: Regia's Kaffee Fassett Colors in "Easter" on #2 needles using the old standby sock pattern.

I immediately cast on for the next pair, using up the cashmere blend from my Christmas collar. These are going to be picot anklets.

I also decided to try my hand at some crochet. This is pretty much the only stitch I know, but it's using up my cotton stash.

All the cool kids

Seem to be making this scarf. Not to miss the bandwagon, I jumped on with my version.

Project specs: I cast on 28 stitches using Araucania Aysen in color 807 (pale turquoise/yellows/terra cottas) with 1 skein of Malabrigo worsted in Azalea (red-purples) on #10.5 bamboo straights. Knitting this scarf is very hypnotic: not only is the pattern rhythmic, but watching the stripes emerge is impetus to keep knitting far past the hour to go to bed.

I'm working on the 2nd Breast Cancer Comfort sock, but I'm also winding yarn for a big ol' Dumpling Bag. 'Cause I can't have too many bags *snorts*.

And for you Joann crafters out there: 50% off baskets this weekend! Meet my new home for the non-transportable works.

A breather

It's hard to believe it's been a month since Christmas break! Actually, it's not that hard since this is the first I've really had to catch up my blog and read some others.

We had a great time in PA (nice not to have to be home for the 2nd!) However, we picked up the creeping cold crud so we were down and out with that for a bit. Topped off with inventory time at work and below zero temps, there has been a lot of 'doing nothing' when I'm actually home.

Today, I gave the apt. a thorough cleaning (which hadn't been done since Christmas), did 6 loads of laundry, and have a pot roast simmering in the crockpot. I'm sifting through the paperwork on my desk - when that's done, it's knitting-on-the-couch time!

I'm thrilled that I finished this vest (dangerously close to a sweater, but not!) in a month. I'm even more thrilled that it fits just like I wanted it to!

Tweedy Vest

Project specs: Kraemer Yarns' Tatamy Tweed (45% Cotton, 55% Acrylic) in "Flannel". I majorally edited a shell pattern from Plymouth by adding 2 x 2 ribbing on all edges and the side panels. I also changed the scoop neck to a V-neck and added waist shaping. I love it so much I think I might do another one in a more spring-y color.

Who knows, maybe there IS a sweater on my 2009 horizon!

Off the needles

Some FOs to share:

A springy scarf for a co-worker -

Project specs: 1 skein of Araucania Aysen in colorway 605 in a 3 x 1 rib on 9.5 bamboos.

And the 3rd Helena for a Christmas baby -

Project specs: 3 skeins Cascade Cotton Rich DK in colorway 1198 on #6 and #2 Addis.
 

Then a little something for the CatMan -

Project specs: 1 skein Plymouth Happy Feet in the olive green colorway in a 2 x 2 rib on #2 needles.

This weekend, I'm hoping to finish up the Tweedy Vest, or at least one sock I'm working on.

A whirlwind in a snowstorm

Today kicks off the frenzy of preparations for our annual "can't hit a moving target" tour of PA. We leave Wednesday (though I hear rumors of a nor'easter). The gifts are bought and wrapped, the checklist is made, cat care arranged, and reservations confirmed. Today is cleaning and laundry, tomorrow is 'find home for refrigerator perishables', and Monday and Tuesday are 'pack clothes and stuff and figure out how to fit it all in the rental car'. All of this around our regular work schedules (in which I'm training two people to cover my workload).

We had a beautiful snowfall last night and the CatMan is taking advantage of it by hiking/climbing at Smuggs. I've been finishing off projects left and right to empty the bag for the travel knitting.

First off is a felted CD basket made from scraps. I used the Cocktail Monkey purse pattern from Knitty as a template.

Then a Bubby to go with R's Helena - Project specs: The Bubby pattern uses about 1/2 skein of Wildflower DK on #3 DPNs.

And then I finished off a Christmas collar out of Tilli Tomas' Peonies. The pattern is a simple lace rib. It's light and warm and will be great for travel.

The closet

Also edited to link up here.

Edited to participate in ASPtL's DIY day:

As you've probably noticed, we have been slowly but surely

updating/freshening the CattyAbode. Here's it the latest project.

I used Sherwin Williams' Open Air paint leftover from the bathroom project to paint the entire closet, then covered the floor and baseboard with 2 coats of polyurethane. The Rubbermaid shelving is from Lowe's and was artfully installed by the increasingly handy CatMan.

And I'm very excited about THIS project, which probably won't be tackled until the spring.

This space was to be an unfinished attic on the new addition my landlord and lady are building. But this week we found out it's going to be finished! The area is right off our current bedroom. We lost our upstairs windows to the addition, but the new space is going to have a dormer and hopefully a window or two on the end (straight ahead in the pic). I'm still pondering and waiting for some additional details, but right now it's melding into a craft room/closet area.

I am spending the Thanksgiving holiday puttering and futzing around the house. I'm knitting, reading (finished 2 books, now am on the third!), and wrapping up home projects. Oh, and there's been napping and shopping too! Ah, the life of leisure.


First, another finished Helena. This one is for a friend's little preemie girl who is doing very well and will hopefully be home by Christmas.

Project specs: Cascade Yarns' Cotton Rich DK in color 1457 (cantaloupe) on #6 and #2 needles. Project mods: only 5 lace repeats, a picot front edge, and no ties. This pattern is so much fun and fast gratification. I think all my friends should only have girl babies so I can knit this for them.

I also finished my Christmas knitting. These tawashies are going to be gifted with handmade soaps.

Project specs: Circular Scrubby knit in Cotton Rich DK and Wildflower DK remnants from the stash. Another fun, fast project as well as a stashbuster.

The current car project is a comfort shawl for Fletcher Allen's Breast Cancer Center. If you are interested in how you can knit for the Center, post in the comments and I'll get you the information. So far, I've have 5 people from Rav's VT Knitters show interest.

And here's what's next up on the needles. mmmmcashmeremmmm.

Peace and Quiet

Is something I don't have right now because the CattyHome is undergoing some construction. Our landpeople are adding an addition that will include new office space for the CattyLandlord and a sunroom/wave pool (which will hopefully be open to the CattyTenants.) Today's scheduled events are a bit screwed up, so I think we will spend the rest of our day in quieter locales. But first a little knitting content:

Here's a Helena for the newest female baby in my world. I do love knitting this pattern: it's fast, interesting, and turns out beautifully. I'm knitting it with the same mods I did for Jayda's Helena: no ties, picot edging up the front, and only 5 lace pattern repeats.

I also finished Gareth's Christmas Stocking. This project was a gift for a friend: I needed to created a Christmas stocking for a new member of the family by replicating one of their current stockings. Color knitting combined with acrylic yarn was not my first choice - or even second - but I think they will happy with the results.

Since it's a rainy, cool day here, I think we are off to the bookstore for coffee and quiet. And while I'm there, I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up this.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.

Hey! Happy End-of-Daylight-Savings-Time! Upcoming-Election-Day!
First-of-November! Day-After-Halloween!

I've been a busy knitting girl - see?

Mom's birthday is Election Day, so to celebrate she's getting some requested dishclothes (yeah, I snuck in a tribute to the blue states.) Project specs: Pisgah's Peaches & Creme Cotton in the Pink Lemonade colorway done on #7 Addis and Aunt Lydia's Kitchen Cotton leftover from BYOB done on #4 Addis. The pattern is the Kitchen Cotton dishcloth from Dishcloth Boutique's website (however, the linky seems to be broken).

But before the dishcloths, I finished my Tonks socks. I love them: in fact I have them on right now. Project specs: guess what pattern using 1 skein of Opal's Harry Potter yarn in the Tonks colorway on #2 Inox needles.

The house projects keep rolling along: this month, it's the kitchen closet. This little space is under the stairs to our third floor. It's awkward and odd. My plan is to paint it with the leftover blue from the bathroom and then install wire shelving which should give us more space and make everything easier to access.

And it hasn't been all work: the CatMan and I have been enjoying the fall colors right outside our door!

The colors of Fall

The second red scarf is done - my box for the OFA is mailing off this week.

Project specs: Lamb's Pride Worsted in Blueblood Red on 10.5 Addis. I used the Enjoyable Rib pattern and yes, it was. The green wool is from my remnant basket.

This gorgeous (look -it's orange!) yarn is scheduled to become a Helena for a co-worker's little baby girl. She was born 3 months early, but is doing well! I think I'll be safe knitting the 6 month size.

And guess what else came early? The Harry Potter yarn! Of course, I immediately ignored my other projects so I could cast on for a pair of socks. From left to right: Lupin, Tonks (the one I started!), and Hedwig. I love Hedwig and think everyone should have an owl. However, my cats may not agree with that.

 

 The leaves here are gorgeous - I know my little Kodak can't do the colors justice. Hope you are enjoy your fall colors.

oOoO Pretty!

Here's a hinge before stripping:

Here they are stripped and beadblasted (one of the perks of working for a manufacturing facility!) I like the matte silver finish, but I still think I'm going to paint them glossy black to protect them from rusting. I also think the black will look better against the natural wood of the door.


While I enjoy knitting the second red scarf, I needed a little break. So I started an I-cord cushion for my desk chair (using some of the cut-up tees.)

Scarves 'n Stacks 'n Stuff

First - the knitting!

I finished Cypress Lace Ribbon and had a chance to wear it early this week (until it warmed up to summer temps again!)

Project specs: Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty using 4 skeins of Rowan Wool Cotton in Cypress Green (color SH968) on #3 Addis. I loved this yarn enough to get me through the acres of pattern repeats and have received many compliments already which I attribute to the lovely pattern, not my mad knitting skillz.

Then I (*pun alert*) blazed through my first 2008 Red Scarf using the great Harlot pattern.


The CatMan and I made the call to have the doors professionally stripped (way cheaper than I expected!) which may mean I'll have a chance to attack my reading stack.

And guess what? I had my 15 minutes of internet fame this week! (Izzie says I had nothing to do with it - she's just that purty!)

Wasting valuable knitting time

By attempting to do this - stripping paint off the upstairs doors. After 5 hours, I had only accomplished taking off the top layers. The CatMan brought home a heat gun - we'll see how that works!

But I did finally accomplish this:
This Devan is for the newest baby born in the CatMan's workplace. With 3 big sisters, I'm sure he's going to get dressed up alot! Project specs: Knit One Crochet Too's Soxx Appeal, 2 skeins of colors 9577 (the olive green) and one skein of 9500 (the blue and green ombre) on #3 needles. Pattern modifications: I knit the body on circs, eliminating side seams and I did a 2 x 2 rib for the sleeves and bottom edge.

In other news:

I love how just adding a simple mirror (cost: 1.99!!) totally changes the look above my ancient stove.

I got new glasses this week (my bifocal prescription is stronger...grrr), but the upside is I got to pick out a new case. I thought this one was perfect for my stitch holders.

And here are the last of the summer roses from the farm -

In praise of the long weekend.

I love the feeling of accomplishment. The apartment is clean, the laundry done and ironed, scones baked, and the Ukraine hats are done.

Project specs: Misc. wool remants from Kyarn's felting basket. Pattern is Seaman's Cap by Brenda Zuk, using #5 and #8 Brittany DPNS.

The Catman and I spent Saturday helping friends prepare their new home for human habitation. Dude, it took a PUTTY KNIFE to clean out the refrigerator! We were up on ladders cleaning windows, steaming off wallpaper, cutting down trees, and down on hands and knees pulling carpet staples out of the subflooring. Sore does not begin to describe the ache in our bodies. Of course, sitting in the car to drive to Boucherville's IKEA on Sunday didn't help that ache any! Once again the border patrol guard was slightly disbelieving of our IKEA receipt. "That's all you bought?" What can I say? It's not about the stuff, it's about the ideas.

Today is all about the lolling around, making some lists and gearing up for September. I hope you all have had a great holiday weekend! And don't forget, VT's Sheep and Wool Festival is next weekend!