Loving the Library

My mitts are coming along slowly but surely. I had a minor setback last night when I realized, just before starting the second set of cables, that I had done the first set in the wrong direction. I briefly considered continuing on, but then decided to rip back. They really do knit up quick, and I only had to do ten rows over, so it wasn't too bad. I'm hoping to finish them this week.

One of my favorite things about San Francisco so far (and this may say something about me) is that the local library is two blocks away. It is small but has a surprisingly good selection. One of the best parts though is that you can access the catalog, reserve and renew online.


We moved here from Chicago, and although you could check the catalog online, you had to do everything else in person. I have problems with returning books on time and have been known to rack up some sizable fines, so this makes me very happy!

I went a little crazy requesting books from other branches, so now I have quite the stack of knitting books. It has been so much fun going through them. Of course, I've picked out a few that I want to buy. My favorites are Wrap Style, Modular Knits, The Opinionated Knitter and Hip Knit Hats.

Next Monday is my first paycheck, so maybe I will pick one (or two!) up. Also dangerous: my new office is about three blocks from a yarn store. This is where I picked up the lovely yarn for my Cable Footies. They have a very nice selection, but it is a little pricey. Hopefully, that will help keep me away!

On top of Mt. Diablo

I have had very little time to knit in the past week--due to my first week at the new job and also Turbo Tax hell (I'll never wait until the 17th to file again--that is for sure!). I did manage to finish one mitt over the weekend, and I should be able to finish the other this week. It turned out very well, but it's really long. Too long for me, but OK for my husband.

We went to Mt. Diablo on Saturday. The views were amazing, and the pictures don't do justice since it was really overcast. We drove to the top, passing many bikers and hikers struggling to make it up. They all looked about ready to fall over in exhaustion.

It was so cold and windy at the top, but we took a few pictures before jumping back in the car.

A pretty picnic spot for a much warmer day!

Before heading home, we went to BevMo! and stocked up. Who can resist a 5 cent wine sale? Not us!

Dashing Along

I started (and restarted) these mitts this weekend. The first time I had some cable and sizing issues. So I ripped them out and began again with a much better result.


They are for my husband, and I promise that they fit him much better than they look on me in the photo. The yarn is really great. So soft and lovely. I spent just a few hours on them yesterday, and I feel like I have a lot to show for it. Sometimes you need a little instant gratification!

Elfish Feet?

My footies are complete!

Pattern: Cable Footies from One Skein by Leigh Radford
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted
Needles: US6 DPNs

I loved everything about this project - from the beautiful, soft yarn to the simple cable pattern. They were so quick to knit that second sock syndrome was never really an issue. Perfect for my chilly apartment!

The one thing I was unsure of was the kitchener stitch. I remember feeling this way after my first pair of socks was complete as well. Does anyone know of a good tutorial or book I could refer to in the future?

The toes turned out very pointy. They fit me well though, so I guess that is the shape of my foot. The footies stand up on their own, and I think they look like wacky elf shoes when they're not on. Very cute!

Completed Shrug

After a major ripping session, I finished my shrug last night. This was such a fun project!

Pattern: Two-tone Ribbed Shrug from Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel.
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US6 for body and US3 for ribbing

I really enjoyed knitting this shrug. The only problem I had was with the ribbed increases, and it was my own fault and [somewhat] easily rectified. The sleeves are shorter than I would have liked, but I'm hoping they'll lengthen with a good blocking. If not, I'm OK with how they are now.

I love the colors, too. I didn't have anything specific in mind when I went the yarn store, and this is what I came home with. Even though its purple, it feels somewhat neutral, and it will go with a lot of things.

I told myself I wouldn't start anything new until I finished something, and I kept my promise. I seem to have a million things on the needles right now! I picked up some Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted a while ago, and it has been taunting me. So last night after weaving in the last ends on the shrug I cast on for the Cabled Footies from One Skein.

The yarn is so amazing. Very soft and the colors are just beautiful. I'd love to knit a sweater with this yarn, but I think that would totally break the bank. I will just have to enjoy my footies. This is going to be a quick project--the socks are short and the yarn is thick!

Knitting Inventory

Last night I decided to inventory my knitting needles, just to see exactly what I have. Most of the needles (apart from some of the circulars and DPNs) were inherited from my mom, who in turn inherited them from her MIL.

What I learned: I have an obscene amount of needles (only a very small portion is pictured). Many are duplicates of the same size. For instance, I could have six projects going on size 15 needles at one time. This does not seem very likely to ever happen, thankfully!

I have no plans to get rid of any of any needles--at least at this point. They have sentimental value, and of course, it's nice to be able to start most projects without having to purchase needles. The only times I need to buy needles are occasionally for circular and smaller size DPNs. The straights are definitely covered!

I've also been going through my yarn to pick out projects for Project Spectrum: April/May. The colors are pink, green and yellow. I have absolutely no yellow, and I doubt that will change soon, but I do have some pink and green.


Pinks:
Berroco Cotton Twist (back left) - I started Glampyre's mini sweater with this, but I'm not sure if I have enough or if this is a good sweater for me. Shadyside Studio Wools hand colored raw silk (front skein) - I'm deciding between two scarf patterns for this. Suss Twisted - I have two skeins, but I'm not sure what to use it for. I made a tank out of this last summer, and I loved it.




Green/Pink Combo:
Trekking (XXL), pictured with vintage Majesty needles. Only 65 cents! This will most likely be used for the Rhodie Gus Socks pattern from Through the Loops.



Greens:
Mountain Colors Twizzle (ball) - intended for Dashing from Knitty. Misti Alpaca Lace for Swallowtail Shawl from the fall 2006 Knits magazine. I'm not sure if my skills are up for tackling this yet. Manos del Uruguay - 5 skeins for the Hot Lava Cardigan from Blue Alvarez Designs.


This should keep me busy for a while!

A Little Bit of Progress

I've finished both sleeves on my Two-Toned Ribbed Shrug. This has been a simple and quick knit so far. I'd probably be close to finishing, but I needed to buy needles for the body ribbing.


I'm having a difficult time capturing the true colors of this yarn. The darker shade is a deep plum color. The body is a heathered purple with lots of blue. I'm really happy with the colors I chose--I don't wear much purple, but this will be nice for a change.

I've also made a little progress on one of the sleeves for my Hourglass Sweater. It is currently about elbow length. I'm having a really hard time getting into knitting on this sweater, but I do want to finish it soon. Part of the problem is that my gauge is off. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I cast on, but it should still fit. The sweater will just be a little more relaxed than I had originally planned.

In non-knitting news, I finally landed a job after living in San Francisco for two months. I'm really excited about it, and I'm sure my husband is, too! Hopefully, this doesn't cut into my knitting time too much, but at the very least, I will be able to afford lots of new yarn!