I am SO happy.  It turned out beautiful!  I am having problems posting a picture, so for now you’ll have to trust me or go to Knit Picky’s blog.

I’m stressed out.  I’ve been working very diligently (or as diligently as I can manage) on this skirt.  Did I do a gauge swatch? No, I did not.  I just blindly kept knitting.  The first cause for concern was when I had to leave a repeat off of the 3rd (purple for me) ruffle.  I had run out of yarn and didn’t want to buy another skein for 1 repeat.  This is particularly worrisome because I am doing the small version, and the medium is supposed to take the same amount of yarn.  It never occurred to me that I might run out.   I moved on to the first ruffle (yes, I did things a bit out of order, too!).  It came out beautifully, still had yarn left over and everything.  Now, I felt like I was back on track.  The final ruffle that I knit was the second ruffle of the skirt.  I was happily knitting along, knowing that this big project was almost done.  I was 14/19 repeats done, when I noticed once again, my ball of yarn was quite small.  After checking with my electronic scale, I realized there was no way I was getting 19 repeats AND a purl and bind off row.  After 16 repeats, I did my purl and bind off rows.  I have 10 grams left, so I probably could have done 17 repeats.  Completely freaking out, panicing, stress-eating, drinking wine…I have finished this monster.

I tried on the finished project and it fits.  It might be a little more…flared, twirly, (nor sure what word I am looking for here), than the designer planned.  I have no picture yet because the camera seems to be missing.  I put the skirt into the wash to see what happens.  I’ll keep you posted and yes, I am writing in my blog while carefully watching my washing machine.  I am so nervous that I didn’t even weave in the ends yet…just in case.

Here’s the conclusion I have drawn.  The gauge of the underskirt is real close, if not right on.  However, I think when I knit lace, I become a very loose knitter.  To the point that on the lace, I should have gone down probably 2 needle sizes.  Oh well, we’ll see how it looks after it washes and dries.  I promise to post a picture…no matter how it looks…

So much for my resolution to post more often…guess that only happens when I join a swap.  Let me try to get you caught up.

Bugga Weaving

So Bugga turned 5 and one of her friends from school gets her a loom kit for her birthday knowing that I knit.  And I just HAD to post this picture - I have a crafter in the making!

Cassie would be SO proud.

The Ribby Shell by Chic Knits

I knit two of these actually.  I knit one for myself out of Ty-Dy.  I would love to show you a picture of it, but I haven’t seem to taken one yet.  Part of the problem is that it has been hanging up at the shop.  It was such a nice knit, that I made one for my mother-in-law out of Cascade Pima Tencel.  A yummy green apple color and a very nice, light, soft, yarn.  Here is me, modeling her shirt:

Knitting With Wire

There is a very cool woman who designs for Knit Picky Yarns.  This time, she made kits with everythink you need for a wire/bead necklace.  I couldn’t resist.  It was a treat to myself for completing a repeat on my lace stole.  Here is my completed necklace:

Jammer’s Sprinkle Skirty

Every once in a while, the need to take Bugga or Jammer to work with me arises.  Usually, it is Jammer and she has grown quite accustomed to being in the shop and what she can and can’t do.  So, we were there a month ago and she started looking around the yarn room.  She happens to find Sirdar Tiny Tots and quickly names the color ‘pink with sprinkles’.  I avoid buying it that day, but last week, I stopped to drop off something for Stitch and Pitch and she walks directly over to the Tiny Tots and picks up a ball.  It is obvious that she is not going to put the ball of yarn down.  She takes the ball of yarn to the counter to pay for it and Jo even puts it into a bag for her after I give my nod of approval.  After winding my skein of Euroflax, Jammer decides her yarn must be wound, too.  It seems that Jammer wants a ’skirty’ that is ‘pink with sprinkles’.  Not knowing any patterns I like for little ones, I decide to make my own pattern for her.  This is the end result - I’m very proud.  My first pattern.  I will write it up and post it at another time. It has an elastic waistband, so hopefully she will get a lot of use out of it.  Jammer thinks it is ‘perfect’ and her ‘ballerina skirty’.  But I will name it ‘Jammer’s Sprinkle Skirty’. Now, it is time to create something for Bugga.

Sasha

One of my works in progress.  The goal is to get it done in time for our trip to Chicago in 2 weeks.  I am down to the final ruffle.  I don’t know if my gauge is right (I know, I should have swatched), but I did run quite low on orange and actually left 3 rows off the purple.  I’m a little nervous about washing it when it is done, but I knit on with ignorant confidence.  The kind that says, ‘it is only a skirt…we can always tighten the waistband and it is ok if it is a little long or short…’  No comments, just let me dream…

Stitch n Pitch

The ladies of Knit Picky Yarns met at Ernie Shore Field on Thirsty Thursday for a double header.  We had a wonderful turnout, great weather and a lot of fun.  I’m looking forward to watch this event grow every year.  Go Warthogs!

Marley passed away on May 2, 2008 and I felt the need to remember him here.  He was our first child - we adopted him in November 2002 when he was 3 months old.  He was our best friend and a really great snuggler.  His life was cut short by lymphoma, but I will always treasure the years we had together.  I miss you baby big man and will always love you.

I have completed the wire and bead necklace and thought you might like to see a picture!

This is such a great piece of jewelry.  It might become the gift of choice for friends and family. 

We got these new kits in at Knit Picky.  Knitting with wire and beads to make beautiful necklaces by Marette Designs.  I bought one yesterday (as a prize for completing a repeat on my lace stole) and sat down with my needles and wire to start creating a necklace.  I was happily knitting a long when I started fiddling with a twist and *SNAP* my wire broke.  After finding my little beads, figuring out which way to string them and twisting the ends together - I finished knitting a necklace.  However, due to a VERY loose guage (and following a pattern instead of common sense), I ended up with a necklace that Bugga could have used as a belt instead of a choker for me.  A little frustrated, I went to bed.  Today, I woke up and tore the necklace apart.  With a MUCH tighter gauge, I have restarted and everything is knitting up beautifully.

As for my lace, I have completed the 2 border repeats and 1 (16 row) repeat for the body of the sweater…only 27 more to go!

It doesn’t seem like it has been over a month since my last post, but a lot has happened.  I have finished 2 Ribby Shells by Chic Knits.  One was done in Ty-Dy by Knit One Crochet, Too for me.  The other was a birthday present for my mother-in-law and it was done in Cascade Yarns Pima Tencel.  Here is a picture of me wearing it:

I finished this shirt up while finally getting to see the Yarn Harlot in Charlotte.  I was a part of the group up in the balcony.  I met a lot of cool NC knitters and I can’t wait to go back and see them again in Charlotte.  Here is a picture of the Harlot, Niki and me:

If you want the story and see more pictures of who we met, check out Niki’s post here.

I took a girls trip to Myrtle Beach last weekend which was SO relaxing (except for the speeding ticket I got).  I didn’t get much knitting done, but I am finally working on my 2nd Jaywalker.  I’m still on my first Hellfire sock, but it is progressing.  I am also still working on my lace stole, but it has been in resting mode for a while.  I think it might be time to pick it back up…or maybe start on my Sasha Skirt.

I finished another summer top:

I really like it, but if I were to do it again, I’d make a couple changes.  First off, I would knit it in the round.  I would knit everything in the round if I could.  Second, I would add a little shaping at my waist. Lastly, I would work the rib on the ‘wrong side’ of the neck so when you flip it down, it matches the rest of the shirt.  I’m glad I didn’t give up on this stuff because I almost did.  I was trying to make seed-stitch x-back tank from Knitty and it just seemed to get wider and wider.  I could have fit 3 of me into the smallest size.  This pattern actually calls for Tartelette, so I kept my fingers crossed and went for it.  The ribbon is too pretty - I couldn’t give it up.

Last weekend, Mama E came into town to teach us how to dye.  We took her out Friday night and had some drinks, dinner and dessert.  I rolled out of bed the next day and took her dyeing class.  I decided to dye 3 sock yarns and 1 lace weight.  Here’s what I ended up with:

I am SO excited about all of them.  Susan and I have decided to attempt lace for the first time, together.  We are going to be doing a pattern from Jolene Mosley called ‘Anne’.  I am really excited.  Stay tuned for how laceweight and I get along.

I had so much fun with Mama E - she’s a fantastic woman and friend.  Here’s our self-portrait:

and a class picture of everyone I dyed with:

It was a great way to spend a Saturday.  I got home (after a slumber party at the shop) around 11:30pm.  I woke up the next morning to Bugga standing beside my bed saying ‘It’s time to go to the zoo, Mommy!’  Yes, I then spent the entire Sunday walking the zoo with the family.  Sometimes, you have to pay to play.  Needless to say, I went to bed at 8:30pm on Monday night.

So, the Winter Coffee Swap was my first swap ever.  I had a lot of fun and got to update my blog with some information about me via the questionaire and topics.  I sent a package to Japan and she seems to truely appreciate the package I had put together for her.  The partner sending to me didn’t send, but I figure these things happen.  I thought my first swap was still a great experience.  I ended up winning one of the contests and the tree is posted in an older post - the rest of the package was received two weeks ago.  Here’s what I got for the contest:

I’m keeping my stitch markers in the cute little pouch.  Plan on putting the angel dress on my tree next year and will have to think about the plan for the yummy Alpaca/Wool/Mohair yarn.

Then came my surprise.  The host of the swap became my angel.  Which was just touched me beyond belief.  Then her package came today.  I am stunned and speechless at her generosity and thoughtfulness as an angel.  Here’s the picture:

Let’s see if I can describe everything.  A copy of Knit ‘N Style, and set of coffee-themed pot holders and dish towels, 2 skeins of Plymouth Happy Feet, a skein of Tofutsies, Caribou Coffee, beautiful Stitch Markers, a Key Ring (with a sheep), a washcloth that she made and a bar of soap in Mango Coconut which smells amazing (and made the entire package smell amazing!)  She is SO thoughtful - I love every bit of it.  Annemarie - if you read this, thank you SO much.  It only took one swap to make me realize the difference between a good organizer and a great one.

In the end, if you’re looking for a swap with a fantastic hostess, check out:

http://coffeenyarnswap.blogspot.com/

She’s at it again with another swap.

My Sock It To Me, Twice partner came through in a HUGE way.  The goodies she sent me are unbelievable.  Here is the picture of everything she sent me:

  (Yes, you can click on it to make it bigger…)

Let’s see if I can manage to describe it all.  Hand knit socks (that fit!) using OnLine Supersocke and the Checkmate pattern.  For my love of lizards, a lizard project bags.  She makes these herself - aren’t they amazing??  For sock yarn that is completely drool-worthy, 1 skein of Socks that Rock in Hwy 30 and 1 skein of Yarntini (which I obsess over and can’t seem to find) in the Mimosa colorway.  Coffee & tea (and I drink both), Dove chocolates (YUM!) and a fantastic tool kit.  One of the things you cannot see in the toolkit are handmade stitch markers that are beautiful!  I’m still SO blown away by it all.  Thank you, Cindy!!