Oh, darling Friday! How I have needed you! I've longed for you! I'm so glad you're here!!
It's been a long week. In fact, every day this week, it felt like Thursday to me, so when I woke up in the morning (on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) I spent a minute or two being glad it was Friday...only to crash back down to reality when I realized it wasn't. To say that it was disappointing is an understatement. But this morning, it is Friday!
But it's Friday. Which means jeans and sweatshirt instead of business casual attire. It means good lunch (as we usually order lunch at work on Fridays). It means when I get home tonight, I can get in my even comfier clothes and just chill.
I finally finished Mum's mitts last night! Go me! I had particular motivation, though, because the yarn for the BFF's mitts arrived yesterday. And I desperately wanted to get them on the needles and get them made. But I told myself--very firmly, I might add--that there was no way I could do that when Mum's weren't done. So, I sat myself down and finished knitting. I knew it would only take a wee bit of work and a couple of hours, so I commanded myself to finish. And I did. Of course, now I'm terribly worried that she won't like them...
Relatives were supposed to come in this weekend, but now they are postponing it a bit. So I get to relax and unwind this weekend. I'm going to make a pot of tea and drink it leisurely. I'm going to knit on the BFF's mitts. I'd really like to get them done in one weekend, but I think that's really a pipe dream. But I am going to start them when I get home tonight. I'm really very excited about the whole thing...as long as I can keep the SSS at bay. Look for pics in the near future!
Hope everyone has a splendid weekend!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Joss Whedon is My Master
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a devout Whedonite. If it's got Joss's name on it, I'm on board. Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Avengers...it doesn't matter what it is, I'm going to love it. There is no doubt.
Dollhouse is no exception. I watched it when it was on TV a few years ago...and loved every second of it. Though I spent the entire time dreading the moment the network cancelled it (they have a reputation). It did, in fact, get cancelled after only two seasons but at least they had enough warning that they were able to close things out.
At least this time, unlike Firefly, we got an ending.
I've recently pulled out my copy of Dollhouse and am watching the whole thing all over again. It's so good. I forgot just how good. I forgot all the little things, those little bits of funny or information dropped in.
I'm enjoying it immensely while I knit in the evenings.
Dollhouse is no exception. I watched it when it was on TV a few years ago...and loved every second of it. Though I spent the entire time dreading the moment the network cancelled it (they have a reputation). It did, in fact, get cancelled after only two seasons but at least they had enough warning that they were able to close things out.
At least this time, unlike Firefly, we got an ending.
I've recently pulled out my copy of Dollhouse and am watching the whole thing all over again. It's so good. I forgot just how good. I forgot all the little things, those little bits of funny or information dropped in.
I'm enjoying it immensely while I knit in the evenings.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Happy Birthday Sis!
Holy crap, my baby is all grown up! :)
When my sister was born, I was convinced my mother brought her home just for me.
There are only three years between us and we have not always gotten along. But now that we are adults (well, mostly :D) we get along pretty well. She's always got my back and I sure as hell have hers. She's wonderful and annoying and bitchy and sweet and, generally, everything a sister is supposed to be. And I'm glad she's in my life.
Happy birthday, Sis! May it be filled with awesome!
When my sister was born, I was convinced my mother brought her home just for me.
There are only three years between us and we have not always gotten along. But now that we are adults (well, mostly :D) we get along pretty well. She's always got my back and I sure as hell have hers. She's wonderful and annoying and bitchy and sweet and, generally, everything a sister is supposed to be. And I'm glad she's in my life.
Happy birthday, Sis! May it be filled with awesome!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Remake
Sadly, the BFF's favorite mitts got lost. Stolen, is more likely. Someone was admiring them, she accidentally left them behind, and when she went back to get them a short while later, they were nowhere to be found. The BFF is heartbroken.
I'm going to make a new pair.
Yesterday, right after I woke up, I got an email that a bunch of yarn was on sale. Turns out, the exact yarn I needed was not only on sale, but in a combo pack that made it an especially good deal. I ordered it and it should arrive in a few days.
After I finish the last bit of Mum's mitts, that's next on my docket.
They were sort of a bitch to make the first time around because it was several years ago and I didn't know as much as I do now about the knitting. It was still new to me at the time. So as sad as I am that the mittens have gone, I'm also a little bit glad that I get to do them over. I can make them better this time. And that's just a little bit exciting.
And as much as I fear SSS, which will come into play twice as I've already made them one and there are two to make, I'm also looking forward to it.
I'm going to make a new pair.
Yesterday, right after I woke up, I got an email that a bunch of yarn was on sale. Turns out, the exact yarn I needed was not only on sale, but in a combo pack that made it an especially good deal. I ordered it and it should arrive in a few days.
After I finish the last bit of Mum's mitts, that's next on my docket.
They were sort of a bitch to make the first time around because it was several years ago and I didn't know as much as I do now about the knitting. It was still new to me at the time. So as sad as I am that the mittens have gone, I'm also a little bit glad that I get to do them over. I can make them better this time. And that's just a little bit exciting.
And as much as I fear SSS, which will come into play twice as I've already made them one and there are two to make, I'm also looking forward to it.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Something For Me
We have success! My mitts are done!
I jumped out of bed this morning, a little later than usual, and dove right into the knitting. I was so close to being finished with my mitts that I couldn't even wait. I had it about half knitted when I put it down last night so I wanted to get it done. It took about two hours, with a couple of breaks thrown in, to finish knitting and sew it up. But now I have a finished pair of hand warmers for me. I have them on as I type this now.
Seems to be the consensus, though, that everyone is pretty shocked and surprised I actually made something for myself. It definitely makes me want to make more things for me, though.
So now, I just have to finish the other one of Mom's. I'm going to work on that now. There is goings on tonight, celebrating of Sis's birthday, so hopefully I'll be able to finish Mom's tomorrow. And that's another thing off the docket and I can move on to something else.
Btw? Sis's present this year is another blanket...but this time I bought it. She's a very tactile person and it's this kind of faux fur that's really lovely to the touch. She'll adore it. But it amused me to give her yet another blanket and this time, it's on time! I'll giggle about it even if no one else will.
I jumped out of bed this morning, a little later than usual, and dove right into the knitting. I was so close to being finished with my mitts that I couldn't even wait. I had it about half knitted when I put it down last night so I wanted to get it done. It took about two hours, with a couple of breaks thrown in, to finish knitting and sew it up. But now I have a finished pair of hand warmers for me. I have them on as I type this now.
Seems to be the consensus, though, that everyone is pretty shocked and surprised I actually made something for myself. It definitely makes me want to make more things for me, though.
So now, I just have to finish the other one of Mom's. I'm going to work on that now. There is goings on tonight, celebrating of Sis's birthday, so hopefully I'll be able to finish Mom's tomorrow. And that's another thing off the docket and I can move on to something else.
Btw? Sis's present this year is another blanket...but this time I bought it. She's a very tactile person and it's this kind of faux fur that's really lovely to the touch. She'll adore it. But it amused me to give her yet another blanket and this time, it's on time! I'll giggle about it even if no one else will.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Mitts!!
Okay, so, technically, I only have one of each done. But I thought I'd share the patterns with you!
First, Mum's mitt.
I used worsted weight for these. You need both size 5 and size 8 needles. Because I like to do the ribbing part in a smaller size needles so that it's nice and fitted. This mitt is worked in the round in whatever your preferred method is. Gauge isn't super important considering they are mitts. And it's completely customizable in both length and width.
Pattern notes: Moss stitch in the round is as follows: rounds 1 and 2--knit 1, purl 1. Rounds 3 and 4--purl 1, knit 1.
Cast on 40 stitches. With smaller needles, work in 1x1 rib for at least two inches.
Switch to size 8 needles and work moss stitch for ten rows. Here's where we put in the steek. At the end of round 10, cast on five stitches (either purl cast on or "e" cast on works well) and join to beginning of round. For the next inch or so, continue working moss stitch on the body of the mitt and knit the steek stitches (which is roughly 8 rounds) and then bind off the steek stitches when you come to them. Work moss stitch for another 6 or 8 rounds, depending on the length of palm. Then switch back to size 5 needles, work about an inch of 1x1 ribbing and bind off.
Now comes the scary part. You have to cut open the steek. Remember that knitting unravels up and down, not side to side. There are plenty of excellent tutorials on the web about sewing up and cutting steeks and, to be honest, they would all do a better job teaching you than I. Sew up to reinforce the steek, then cut right in the middle of the center stitch. At this point, you can just tack down the lose ends or, like me, crochet a quick single crochet edging around it to give it a bit more finished look and a bit more stability. (If anyone wants a more in depth tutorial, I can try to help or find you some good vids. Drop me a line and I'll be happy to help!)
Now, my mitts? Way easier! Because I used a DK weight for mine, I used a size 5 needle for the whole thing. Like I said, variegated yarn does the work here. I casted on 40 stitches and worked 1x1 rib flat until I had the desired length and bound off in pattern. Then I sewed up the seam, not stitching where I wanted my thumb hole to be. It's basically a really skinny tube with a whole lot of stretch. Just pull it on and it keep everything nice and warm! Ta Da!
So, really, that's it. These kind of fingerless mitts don't require a lot of concentration or particularly advanced skill. If you can knit and purl, you can do this. The steek is a bit scary, I'll freely admit. But it works well. And you can always knit those flat and sew up the seam if it's not something you want to try.
Anyway, I'm happy. And if I can keep SSS from kicking in, I'll be good to go!
First, Mum's mitt.
Pattern notes: Moss stitch in the round is as follows: rounds 1 and 2--knit 1, purl 1. Rounds 3 and 4--purl 1, knit 1.
Cast on 40 stitches. With smaller needles, work in 1x1 rib for at least two inches.
Switch to size 8 needles and work moss stitch for ten rows. Here's where we put in the steek. At the end of round 10, cast on five stitches (either purl cast on or "e" cast on works well) and join to beginning of round. For the next inch or so, continue working moss stitch on the body of the mitt and knit the steek stitches (which is roughly 8 rounds) and then bind off the steek stitches when you come to them. Work moss stitch for another 6 or 8 rounds, depending on the length of palm. Then switch back to size 5 needles, work about an inch of 1x1 ribbing and bind off.
Now comes the scary part. You have to cut open the steek. Remember that knitting unravels up and down, not side to side. There are plenty of excellent tutorials on the web about sewing up and cutting steeks and, to be honest, they would all do a better job teaching you than I. Sew up to reinforce the steek, then cut right in the middle of the center stitch. At this point, you can just tack down the lose ends or, like me, crochet a quick single crochet edging around it to give it a bit more finished look and a bit more stability. (If anyone wants a more in depth tutorial, I can try to help or find you some good vids. Drop me a line and I'll be happy to help!)
Now, my mitts? Way easier! Because I used a DK weight for mine, I used a size 5 needle for the whole thing. Like I said, variegated yarn does the work here. I casted on 40 stitches and worked 1x1 rib flat until I had the desired length and bound off in pattern. Then I sewed up the seam, not stitching where I wanted my thumb hole to be. It's basically a really skinny tube with a whole lot of stretch. Just pull it on and it keep everything nice and warm! Ta Da!
So, really, that's it. These kind of fingerless mitts don't require a lot of concentration or particularly advanced skill. If you can knit and purl, you can do this. The steek is a bit scary, I'll freely admit. But it works well. And you can always knit those flat and sew up the seam if it's not something you want to try.
Anyway, I'm happy. And if I can keep SSS from kicking in, I'll be good to go!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Freezing Cold Equals The Need For Knitwear
The cold is nigh on unbearable. I'm serious. I'm not used to it being quite so cold. When it happened before--not that long ago--it seemed like it wasn't this bad. We knew it would pass. And it did. But then it came back. Again. Full force. Face-freezing, balls-numbing, skin-tingling cold. So much so that you need slippers and sweatshirts and blankets even when you're just snuggled up in your house...unless you can somehow afford to heat your house to 80 degrees. Most of us can't. I didn't even want to pull my hand out of the blanket cocoon to turn the page, that's how bad it is. Made me long for my own pair of fingerless mitts.
So I started them.
Haven't quite finished Mum's yet but that didn't seem to matter. I am always lamenting the fact that I don't have my own pair. I'm always intending to make a pair for myself. And I never do. So I said, screw it. I'm making them. Yes, I have to finish Mum's by her birthday, but I knew, I knew, if I didn't start my own, I never would. So I did.
Mine are nothing fancy. Pretty variegated yarn, but that's the extent of the excitement. I'm working them flat...just working a 1x1 rib until they are the right length and then sewing them up the side. The cables and the special stitches are for the special people in my life. I just want something to cover up my hands to keep them warmer. It's only January and I know there is going to be more cold to come. Maybe not quite this cold, but still. I need a little something. It's even hard to knit right now, because my hands are so cold. So I'm working as quickly as I'm able to get mine done, then I can finish Mum's.
Hopefully, by this weekend, I'll be able to post pics of two completed pairs of mitts.
**update--it's -11 this morning. Negative. Eleven. By noon it's supposed to warm up...all the way to 1. I really wish I could knit faster and was able to finish those mitts last night.**
So I started them.
Haven't quite finished Mum's yet but that didn't seem to matter. I am always lamenting the fact that I don't have my own pair. I'm always intending to make a pair for myself. And I never do. So I said, screw it. I'm making them. Yes, I have to finish Mum's by her birthday, but I knew, I knew, if I didn't start my own, I never would. So I did.
Mine are nothing fancy. Pretty variegated yarn, but that's the extent of the excitement. I'm working them flat...just working a 1x1 rib until they are the right length and then sewing them up the side. The cables and the special stitches are for the special people in my life. I just want something to cover up my hands to keep them warmer. It's only January and I know there is going to be more cold to come. Maybe not quite this cold, but still. I need a little something. It's even hard to knit right now, because my hands are so cold. So I'm working as quickly as I'm able to get mine done, then I can finish Mum's.
Hopefully, by this weekend, I'll be able to post pics of two completed pairs of mitts.
**update--it's -11 this morning. Negative. Eleven. By noon it's supposed to warm up...all the way to 1. I really wish I could knit faster and was able to finish those mitts last night.**
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