Socks and Jocks

I've gotten a lot of knitting done this weekend, thanks to the NCAA Basketball tournament. With a house full of guys cheering for or against one team or another, I've had to busy myself with something other than television. Don't get me wrong - I love college basketball, but there simply wasn't room for me to comfortably sit, enjoy the games and knit all at the same time. So here's what I've been working on:

My Mulligan Socks:
Ready to start the heel on this one. I'm going to do short row heels on these socks because I think I'll like the look a lot better. I hope to have at least one heel done before I go to the beach.








My Dorthy Scarf:
This is the emerald green scarf that I frogged last Sunday night while watching the Soprano's. I started the so-called scarf pattern that evening and the goal was to finish it before I left for my trip to NYC this week; however, my trip was postponed so now there's not a lot of rush. I will say that the stitch pattern is addictive and produces a woven, cloth-like effect with the yarn.



I'm a Ball-er:
I dragged out my ball winder on Friday night and wound the hanks of Blue Sky Alpaca I ordered for my Somewhat Cowl sweater. I will knit the swatch before heading to the beach so I'm not trapped there without the right size of needles. I hope I make a lot of progress on this project while I'm there. While the winder was out, I went ahead and wound other hanks in my stash.

I'll Take a Mulligan - Or Two

Well, make that three. Last week I visited my sister in Boone and went to the LYS in Blowing Rock - Nan's Yarn Nook. I went in to buy the Addi Turbos for knitting my Somewhat Cowl sweater and I made the mistake of looking at the sock yarn. I bought enough to make two more pairs. I enjoyed my first pair and they are so darn portable, they fit my travel lifestyle.

So after a long day, I started a new sock. I was lazy and got cocky, so I didn't knit a swatch. I know. I know. Don't even go there. I really shouldn't be surprised that it was too small when I had the chance to slip it on.

So, I frogged it. It wasn't too painful - this time. Now you would think that I had learned my lesson and would have taken a little bit of time to knit a swatch before starting over. Of course not. I prefer to simply guess, keep my fingers crossed and get as far as turning the heel before I realize that I still didn't have enough CO stitches.

So I'm on my third try. I'm hard headed, but I eventually took time to knit a swatch last night, measure it and figure out the exact measurements I need for my socks. I will cast on tomorrow just to have something portable in the works.

Speaking of portable, the emerald green scarf that I knit on the flight to NYC has been calling my name recently. I really don't like the way it came out. Maybe it's because I never added fringe. Maybe it's because I don't like the way the variegated yarn almost striped when knit on the vertical. No matter what it is, I think I'm going to frog it tomorrow and start this "so-called scarf" pattern. I think the outcome is really cool and I think the variegated shades of green will really look cool in this pattern. I just love the color of this yarn too much to hate the project that it is used for.

I'm winding balls of yarn tomorrow. My Blue Sky Alpaca and the el-cheapo cotton that I ordered from Webs arrived on Thursday. Maybe I'll frog the scarf and wind it while I have the materials out. I'll post more tomorrow - with photos.

Olympic Non-participant

There were many more watchers of the Olympics than participants, right? Well, at least I'm using that to justify my position of not knitting in the Olympics. I am still working on the vest from Dazzling Knits that I posted a few weeks ago. I don't take it on the road with me so my knitting is limited to only my days at home, lately that has been all too few. I'm getting ready to finish it though as it looks as if I will be staying at home with Grandmother Duty for 3 days one week and 5 days the following week later this month. I'll post when that is finished. I'm also still working on the Body Wrap by Catherine Lowe. It is 4 large triangles of which 2 are completed and the 3rd is on the needles.

This body wrap may be my never ending project. I decided to opt for the kit when I realized that I could spend almost as much money picking out yarn only to get a second rate product. The yarn is finger weight silk, wool and mohair. The dying is fabulous so the color is very even. I couldn't get her gauge with the size 6 needles and dropped to size 4s. This is hurting my hands, but at least it is on target with gauge. The funny thing is that I had a lot of yarn left over when I had completed the required number of rows and stitches, so I changed the sizing to a total of 423 stitches instead of the 375. I do like the density of the fabric better than if I had used the size 6 needles, even if it takes more stitches to get to the measurements. It's all a matter of taste, right, but its a LOT of stitches that I would have to frog and a lot of re-knitting I would have to do if it doesn't turn out right.

Your Olympic Socks are great! You live in a climate where you can wear the socks with clogs or sandals all winter. Have you tried to knit any socks with Cascade Fixation? The yarn is great for socks, although a little larger yarn than sock yarn. The yarn has some elastic spun into the fiber so it stretches. Makes a great fitting sock that doesn't bag or stretch out of shape. They have wonderful colors and great colorways in the yarn. Try this web site http://cascadeyarns.com/cascade-fixation.asp It is inexpensive, costs less than $5.00 a ball and requires only 2 balls to make a pair of socks. I get one sock with less than one ball, but will start the second sock with the second ball to avoid having to start the second ball halfway through the second sock.
When I first returned to knitting a few years ago I did a google search on knitting. I found a plethora of web sites with hand knitted socks. After spending a few hours online looking at a lot of the posts, I decided I must be the only person in the world not knitting socks, so I had to try my hand at them. I've made a few pairs, they make great gifts (where else is the recipient going to get a pair of hand knit socks) but aren't too practical for my climate. I have a friend who is an outdoor person and loves the socks with her boots. Not for me...How can I be outside, wearing boots and knitting. Just doesn't fit. I do wear them with my Berkinstocks in the fall and spring. They always get someone's attention, giving me what we all like, a chance to say, "Thanks, I knit them."

So maybe in 2 years during the summer Olympics I'll knit something, at least I can deram of what I would like to do. How about a summer cardigan, cotton, white, lacey??? I've got plenty of time to think about that one.

I like your choices in tops and can completely understand that pacing oneself with knitting is impossible. Maybe even an oxymoron, Pacing and Knitting, totally incompatible. I truely believe the saying, so much yarn, so little time.

A Successful Pair of Socks

Yes, my olympic knitting socks are complete. In fact, I'm wearing them right now. I'm pretty happy with the way they came out. I'm not sure the heel is quite right, but they fit. On my next pair of socks - yes, I think there will be another pair - I hope to try a more complicated pattern and maybe it will have a different way to turn the heel.

The yarn is ordered for my Somewhat Cowl sweater, as well as cotton for my "beach knitting sweater." I'm afraid that I'm going to have a bit of withdraw without something to be focused on until the yarn arrives. I've got plenty of yarn to knit dish cloths for the next week, so I may try a complicated pattern to practice a few new stitches.

Olympic Knitting - Days 9, 10 & 11

I'm almost done with sock number 2. All I have left is the remainder of the foot and grafting the toe. If I can find some time over the next two days, I'll be in good shape. I know - socks aren't that challenging and required no blocking and such, but it was somewhat of a challenge for me. I don't like the way my stitches look when I pick up stitches, so I need practice or suggestions, or lessons or something. I just don't like how they look, so I'm doing something wrong, I'm sure.

It's important that I get this right because I have found my next project, The Somewhat Cowl, and I've got the yarn ordered - so this is a commitment. I found this pattern by accident when browsing Olympic Knitting blogs and I not only love this pattern, I really enjoy reading her blog. There's also a cool link to The Garter Belt. Some neat, modern, attractive patterns are available. I thought it was a good find. So, cancel the other two projects I mentioned last time - I have such knitting A-D-D right now it's horrible. So scattered about projects I want to complete that I get so overwhelmed that I can't even figure out the best place to start.

One Sock Down, One to Go - Olympic Days 6-8

I'm half way there! One sock complete, one more to go.


And the first one fits.


I'm babysitting tomorrow night for a little one, and after he goes to bed I'll have some uninterrupted time to dedicate to sock number 2. While completing the matching sock (fingers crossed), I'll have to think of a name for these girls (I think green and purple socks have to be girls).

I've really enjoyed knitting these socks and I'm excited to cast on the second one tonight. I'm already looking for my next project since I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with these socks. I'm thinking about this bandeau top. I thought it would look cute for spring, maybe with a white t-shirt and jean jacket. It's cute and it is a beginner's fair isle pattern.

Another choice is this cute tank from knitty called Honeymoon . It's a good pattern to practice my shaping and it will be cute to wear with jeans or, if I dare, under a suit.

I've not forgotten about my Einstein coat. It's just so hot here this winter (82 today) and I'm burning up with it just laying in my lap. I cannot imagine wearing it this year. So, once we turn the A/C on in the house - I'll get back at it.

Knitting Olympics - Days 4 & 5

I'm working on the foot of the sock. After successfully turning the heel and in the middle of knitting the instep, one of my brand new Brittany needles cracked and eventually broke. I had enough length on the needle to continue to work, but I will have to make a trip to the LYS to get another set.

I was a little shocked by the break, since I have other Brittany needles and they are such high quality, I really didn't expect this to happen. But I believe that the true sign of a good company is how they handle problems and Brittany has this covered. I happened to notice on the needle pack that the needles are guaranteed for five years. I went to the website and all I had to do was send an e-mail with the needle information and they would replace my needle within two weeks! How fantastic. While I will still need to purchase a new set, eventually I will have two complete sets. I guess I better get good at knitting socks.


Could this be equated to Kerri Scruggs in the 1996 Summer Olympics when she hurt herself on her first vault, but went back out there and nailed her second vault to win the gold for the women's gymnastic's team? Ok, that might be pushing it, but I am making progress. I just hope they fit after all is said and done.

Knitting Olympics - Days 1-3

I'm making progress. I hope to finish the heel tonight, but here's what I've learned so far in my three short days of the Knitting Olympics:

1. Knitting with toothpicks takes some getting use to. However, I love my size 2 Brittany needles and after a few rounds I've gotten the hang of it. I can't imagine what working with size 1 or 0 might be like.

2. I'm not knitting socks for church. In the process of working the leg, I missed a stitch and had a hole in my sock. Not good.

3. Frog in circles. I tried to ladder down to fix the hole, but being a novice at making teeny, tiny stitches, I had little success at fixing my mistake. I ripped back, but didn't rip an entire round, so after a couple of rounds I realized that the end/beginning of my round was no longer the end/beginning.

I need to get moving on this heel if I want to try and stay on schedule. Only 13 days left.

Update

Its great that you are knitting in the Olympics. I was so amazed with some of the projects when I visited the web site. I thought about joining, but couldn't decide what I wanted to knit. So, I'll be anxious to follow your progress with the socks. I have knit a few pairs and find them a lot of fun to knit, but not nearly so much fun to wear. I agree with you, can't wear them to work, don't wear work boots and since I'm always traveling the Birkenstocks don't travel with me. I find that when I'm at home, I do wear the socks with the the sandals around the house. So I get some wear out of them.
I haven't started anything new lately. Still working on the vest from Dazzling Knits. It is so much fun to knit but can't work on it while on the road as well. I am traveling with the Catherine Lowe BodyWrap from the kit I bought. It will take a long time to finish it. I find the knitting difficult since the yarn is lace weight and the wrap is so large, however it is all garter stitch and is meditative knitting. Stress reducing after a long day.
I'm in Newark this week, going to Texas next week. If anyone reads our blog I'll bet they think we must work for the same company, both going to Texas at about the same time. I'll be in Bryan/College Station, what about you?

The Newest Knit-lete

I decided to challenge myself over the 16-days of the Olympics, so I signed up for the Knitting Olympics, just prior to the deadline of midnight last night. However, I decide not to tackle the sweater I posted previously. I plan on knitting this sweater over Spring Break at the beach (yes, when you're married to a school teacher you still get spring break). Due to lack of funds to buy the yarn required for the sweater and the threat of a ton of travel in February, I've decided to complete a basic pair of socks as a part of the Knitting Olympics. I figure that if I am sent back to Texas over the 16 days of the event (totally likely), that socks will be easier to manage on the plane.

I'm going to use this pattern from Vogue Knitting, Fall 1992. It gives good directions (believe it or not) and I like how basic the pattern is (I'm not all that keen on fancy socks anyway - I can't wear them with heels and a suit, so why bother). I'm going to do my best to update each day.

In other news, I've felted my free-form purse. I don't know what I will use for handles, but what I do know is that they won't be knitted. I'm going to try something different. Who knows what I'll come up with. I'll post photos later once the handles are on - whatever they turn out to be.

Podcasts & Knit-letes

I'm leaving for Houston tomorrow evening and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to take with me. I think I'm going to try my hand at making another sock. The purse I'm working on has gotten too big for me to drag along. I do have a new guilty pleasure while flying. I've really gotten into a knitting podcast called Cast-On. It is fantastic - like NPR meets Debbie Bliss. She uploads each Friday and I have a new edition in my ipod to enjoy each week. You can download on your computer as well if you want to listen to them while you work. Check it out. She's really great.

I read the Yarn Harlot's blog pretty regularly - not just for the great knitting, but for her fantastic sense of humor. We heard her speak at Stitches and she's written a couple of books. For the 2006 Winter Olympics, she is organizing the Knitting Olympics.

I've toyed with the idea of joining in to participate, just to challenge myself. All of the rules are listed on the site, but the gist is to begin knitting something on Feb 10 and have it finished when the Olympics conclude 16 days later on Feb 26. It might be a good way to force myself to finish a sweater. I've started at least three and have finished none.

So, I've had my eye on this sweater from last summer's Family Circle Easy Knits. I thought it would be cute for spring and I can use it while I'm in MA boating this summer. I have no idea what color I will do it in, but it's easy enough to complete while sitting in front of the TV at night and if I'm traveling it may not be too big to tag along in my bag.

I'm going to make my decision on whether or not I'm a worthy Knit-lete this week.

Latest projects

I've been working on the Concha Vest from the book Dazzling Knits by Patricia Werner. This is the most fun project I've had in a long time. Knitting a "shell" goes very fast and you can't wait to see what another shell will add to the look. I find myself knitting longer than I plan every time I pick it up. I'm using Debbie Bliss Cotton and Angora that I got on sale. What do you think? Looks good, huh? I've never been a big vest person, but I think this will look good with black pants and turtle neck.

 


I'm also knitting on the Body Wrap from Catherine Lowe that we saw at Stitches East. The yarn came a couple of weeks ago. It's a lace weight, so progress is slow. Nevertheless, I'm about done with one triangle. It will make a great road trip knitting project so it will go with me to Texas this week and to Newark the following week. It feels great to have another road trip project! I traveled to Texas, Seattle and Newark the first 3 weeks of January and didn't have any projects. I worked too many Sudoku puzzles instead of being productive with work or knitting.

Hope your week is a good one. Where are you off to this week? 

Another Week, Another City

I'm on the road again this week. This time it is the great state of Texas. I will be doing this commute regularly now. On the plane I finished the long, emerald green scarf I started on my trip to NYC in early December. I'll take a photo once I take care of the loose ends. I'm looking for ideas to finish the fringe. I'm thinking about spiral fringe, but we'll see if I can come up with any other options. I don't know that this trim is the best option, but it does need something.

I also started a felted purse tonight. I've got the base completed and I'll cast on three times the amount of stitches I started with and join in the round to complete the sides. I'm not using a pattern, just experimenting as I go along. I'm using the bright yarn that I used to make the fingerless mittens. I'm curious to see what it will look like felted. I hope pretty neat.

I was making great progress on my Einstein Coat until I found that there's a hole in my knitting a pretty good ways into the panel. I guess I split the yarn and it pulled loose to make that darn hole. I'm going to sit down and figure out exactly which stitch the problem child is located in and rip that stitch all the way down and fix it with a crochet hook. I was shown how to do this in my cable class at Stitches and I've used it a few times, but just for a few stitches - not 75! I'll let you know how it goes. Fingers and toes crossed.

Amazing

The Wright Wrap is AMAZING! Both beautiful in design and detail. It lays beautifully when worn. I hope you wear it out. It's just beautiful. I'm sure the pattern is way out of my league, but it is something to aspire to. I wonder what it would look like in a different color pallet. I'm sure Interweave will love it. Who wouldn't? I love that it is knit in Cascade 220. What wonderful colors they have and such a range to choose from. I wonder what it would look like in brown/earth tones? Maybe more pastel for spring.

I've been knitting a lot this week. I'm almost done with my first sock. I have to admit that I don't think I'm a sock person. Maybe the second pair will be better. I'm considering frogging this one and starting over, but I'm almost ready to start the decrease rows for the toe. Here's a photo of the top portion that I took earlier this morning. I turned the heel and knit the instep this evening. I'll just finish it off and consider it practice, then rip it out. While I love this yarn, it's the same I used for Mandy, I don't like the way it looks for socks. I have a few balls of Sock Garden from KnitPicks that I may dig into for my next practice sock. I don't have enough of one color to make a pair, but I have enough to practice with. I'm back on the road week after next, so I may just have to get good at socks so I have something to do while I'm gone since my Einstein Coat is too enormous to manage on a plane.

I'm almost done with the bottom portion of the Einstein coat. I've completed 115 rows of 160. I took a photo for proof. Maybe by tomorrow evening I'll have it done and be ready to pick up stitches to start the front. I've got a really busy week ahead of me next week, so I've got to get my knitting in this weekend.

Ophelia!

I think she is just beautiful and the mittenettes are great. I am still working with the yarn that I got at Stitches, plus the other yarns. I did an afghan for Lisa for Christmas and finished the sweater I was working on at Disneyworld. I'm also re-working my master's level submission. I had to re-do a lot of the swatches, mainly because I didn't use a good quality wool so the swatches didn't turn out with consistent gauge. Perhaps I'll be able to get the re-worked submission in the mail soon. I wanted to finish before I had to return to work, but that isn't happening. I leave tomorrow but I'm not looking forward to it. I've been at home for 3 weeks, so going back to work is really difficult. I would rather stay home and knit. At least I'm not going North at this time of year, but am going to Texas for the week, back to Seattle next week.
I'm glad to see you knitting continental style. It really does build up speed and allow you to finish projects faster, which means you can get on to the next one! Somehow, we never run out of projects.
See you soon in the blog.

Inspiration Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass window

Inspiration window 

This is where it all started. I bought this faux stained glass window in 1998 and knew for several years that I wanted to knit something from it. Now I have the wrap!

Front view

Wright Wrap front view 

And this is the way the front looks.

Wright wrap wrapped

Wright Wrap wrapped 

This is the way the wrap looks when wrapped across the front.

Wright Wrap Finhished!!!

Wight Wrap back view 

Well, I'm sorry to do 4 separate blogs here. I can publish more than one picture, but didn't take the time to review how to do it.
I wanted to share my masterpiece! It turned out even better than I expected. In this view you can see the back. It is knit with Cascade 220 in stockinette stitch with duplicate stitch to create the "lead" lines from the inspiration stained glass window.

I've emailed the pics to Interweave knits for consideration for publication. Problem is that I don't intend to ever knit it again, and magazines usually expect the designer to knit it in the colors they want. We'll see.
Hope you like it.

Behold Beautiful Ophelia

Here's Ophelia in all her glory. I'm happy with the way it came out. The directions say to put thin wire in every piece of that fringe, but I think it will be fine as is. I'm not sure when I'll get to wear it since it is 70 degrees here today. But I finished her before the new year.




While looking online for a new pattern to work on, I read one of my favorite blogs, Midnight Knitter, and decided to try these mittenettes. I really have no reason and I'm sure I won't ever wear them it gave me an excuse to do two things:

1. Use my new ball winder that my mom gave me for Christmas
2. Practice shaping and I've never tried to do something with a thumb.

I used the great wool that we bought at Stitches in those grab bags for $15. The ball winder was a necessity. There has to be 400+ yards in one of those hanks. I think they look pretty neat. I finished the first last night in about two hours. I worked the left this morning in about an hour and a half and all I have left is the top ribbing and the thumb. I'm no longer throwing my stitches and I can definitely knit a lot faster.

I wonder if my sister would want something like this to use while driving. We'll see. It made me think that I might want to try a pair of socks next. The yarn was easy to work with. I'm not sure what the other 350 yards will become, but after looking at the way the colors came out, I may try felting something in it. We'll see.

Yes, I'm still working on the Einstein Coat. I've completed another 50 rows on the bottom. Only 67 more to go before picking up the stitches to start the top of the coat.

Ophelia Lives

Yes, except for blocking, Ophelia is complete. I have to say I was pretty scared pulling out those last five stitches, but it worked like a dream. Not one problem. I didn't have quite enough yarn, so instead of 16 rings, I only did 15. I'm glad I cut it short because it gave me enough yarn to embroider the daisies in every other ring. I'm excited to post it. I'm in search of another cable pattern to start soon. I'll let you know what I find.

Also on the needles, a green variegated scarf that I started as a travel project. I've neglected my Einstein Coat, so I've recommitted myself to get back to this pattern. I really need to do something more than scarves. I think once I successfully complete a sweater, I won't be so hesitant. After the blocking, I'll post photos of Ophelia.

Comfort Wrap

This is the wrap I finished for my friend. 

I thought you might like to see the wrap I created for my friend. I've had great knitting time on this trip and finished it on Sunday. The picture isn't the greatest. My computer has a small camera built in and I used it to snap the pic. Had to use the motel room lighting, which isn't the best.
The shawl was a simple pattern, 66 stitches, and a 4 row repeat creating a subtle pattern in the design. I used a yarn from Michael's that's so soft, size 11 needles, knit til it was fingertip to fingertip in length, then created a crochet chain fringe. I think it turned out pretty cool. I wanted something similar to the "prayer shawl" and think I got a good wrap that I hope she will enjoy using.

Great flower

I think the flower is fantastic! Glad that you told me about the size. I haven't started mine yet, but the yarn, needles etc are in my carryon bag. I got the impluse to knit what we called years ago a "stole", now a shawl or wrap, for a friend of mine who's mother died a few months ago and her father died in October. I wanted her to have something to wrap her arms around when she feels she needs a hug. So I brought that project and finished it last night (I didn't get to travel home this weekend). It is really pretty and unfortunately I don't have a camera with me that will take a decent picture. I plan to send it to here before I go home on Thursday. Now that the wrap is finished, I'll do the flower tonight.

I'm also finishing a sweater that I'm knitting for Heidi for Christmas. I think I wrote about it earlier.

What are you knitting now that you have finished your flower project? Can't wait to see the finished Ophelia. When it comes to doing the fringe, just take a deep breath and do it. Does the pattern speak to blocking before you do the frings? I think you will end up with kinky fringe if you do that and I thought the picture was very straight. Is that right?

Airplane Knitting

I brought along my flower pattern and thought it would take me this evening to complete it, but I finished this ginormous flower in about an hour on the flight to Dallas today. I think the next flower I do, and I will do more, I'm going to reduce the pattern. It's too big to wear comfortably, but perfect for decorating a purse or worn low on a sweater (on the side or something). I'm happy with it and I'm excited to look for more color combinations. The lighting is horrible, but you get the idea.

I'm Getting There

I'm getting closer to being done with Ophelia. I've completed 10 rings - only 6 more to go, then embroidering the daisy in every other ring, blocking and then unraveling the garter stitches on the right side to create the fringe (which I'm nervous about). I'm guessing it will take about 10 more hours to finish her. I won't be wearing her in Georgia any time soon though. It is supposed to be 80 degrees here every day next week!

I've ignored my flowers, but I am flying to Dallas this week and I plan to bring this project with me. I have my first evening completely unplaned, so this should supply enough time for me to make headway on it. I'm sure that once I start knitting with that Touch Me yarn, I'm not going to want to put it down. I'm still kicking myself for not buying this yarn for a scarf. Maybe after the holidays.

Touch Me Peony

Remember the Touch Me yarn that we bought at Stitches East? I have knit the Peony and finally got the beads for the center completed yesterday. It looks funky in the picture, because the leaf doesn't look like a leaf at all. It looks better in real life. Am at home today, so I can Trick or Treat with Heidi tonight, so I'm off to Michaels to get a sew-in pin-back for the peony pin. How is your pin coming along. Have you done the other pin yet. My yarn is sitting here, waiting to knit that one as well. I think the pins are unique. We for sure won't ever see another just like them. Can't wait to see Ophelia when she is finished.




The Touch Me Peony Pin is much better in real life. Here the green leaf doesn't look too good.  

Christmas Stockings

My knitting time has been taken up with this project that I wish I had never said I would do. A friend of Lisa's "Kate" wanted me to duplicate her hand-knit Christmas stocking for other members of her family. In addition, in the area where the name is on the front, had a date that she wanted changed. Not an easy task. I wasn't able to find yarn that matched exactly, but this is close. "Chip" is my coy. I think it turned out OK. Now to do Chas and Vivi stockings. I hope to have them completed before Thanksgiving. I'm due to go to Seattle for about 10 days in mid November,so this will be my knitting project for the road.
In addition, I am knitting a sweater for Heidi out of the Debbie Bliss Cotton and Angora. It is so soft, but leaves fuzz everywhere (from the Angora) so I learned to put a towel on my lap while knitting. It is knit from the top down and in the round, all stockinette so it is mindless knitting.




These are the stockings. The ?Kate? one is the original and ?Chip? is my copy 

Catching Up

I've been slow on knitting these last couple of weeks. I did finish Mandy this week and I'm excited for the weather to change so I can wear her (it was 89 here twice this past week). I'm making some progress on my Einstein Coat, but I will admit that I've neglected him badly. I've completed eight repetitions of the cable on Ophelia. I received a reprint of the pattern from Patternworks earlier this week in the mail. I'm glad to see they made the necessary corrections.

My goal this week is to complete three more sections on Ophelia and finalize my list of knitting projects for the holidays. Oh, I bought the most wonderful 100% llama yarn at an arts and crafts festival last weekend. It was spun with black and natural colored fiber and no dyes. It is so amazingly soft. She had a skein of solid black that I'm wishing I had bought as well. I've got her card, so I may have to have her send it to me. I'm unsure of what I will do with it, but it felt so good and the black and natural combo was too hard to pass up.

Wow

Your cables are great and you sure are speedy with the knitting! You must be having fun! Are you using the left handed yarn method or throwing the yarn over the needle with the right? I haven't read the pattern for the scarf so I didn't know about the dropped stitches. Where are they? The ones that look like ribbing in the photo? I'm on a mailing list from Herrschners Yarn Shop and each week get emails with sales. Today I purchased Debbie Bliss's Cotton and Angora yarn for $3.47 a skein (usually 7.50). Can't wait to see it! I figured I couldn't go too wrong with that blend. I got a variety of colors and hope to knit a sweater for Heidi as well as the top from Dazzling Knits. I don't ofen buy from Herrschner's, but couldn't resist the Debbie Bliss yarn this week.
Keep me posted on your progress with Ophelia. I love the way you name all your projects.

Dramatic Ophelia

Here's where I am. I'm a little obsessed with getting her done. I hope be at least half way (8 circles) by the end of this weekend. I'm a little nervous about the finishing and slipping all of those stitches to create the fringe. I have nightmares of everything unwraveling itself.

Cable Crazy

I'm having a blast making my new scarf. I started on her when I went to the beach and I am 1/4 of the way through the pattern. I am so glad I took the cable class. There were so many mistakes in the pattern (the first row was even wrong) that I wouldn't have been able to figure out what I should do to correct it. I've got it straightened out and after frogging her twice, I think it's correct. Whether it is what Ms. Epstein meant for it to be or not, I will never know, but it will be my version. It's really frustrating. I will take a photo after I work on her tonight. I think I may call her Ophelia, since she is very dramatic.

Closer to Stitches

I love Mandy! What a name and what a great pattern. No wonder you are enjoying knitting it. Where did you get the pattern? If you can do that I am sure you can do the other scarf. You will love cables and will be surprised as to how fun + challenging they are to complete. I worked out a way using Excel to keep up with the patterns. Actually that is the subject of the article that is supposed to be published in the upcoming holiday issue of Cast On magazine. I don't know for sure if it will be published, but they haven't returned the sweater so I assume they are using it for pictures for the article. We'll see.
I'm getting excited about Stitches. I have packed my bag with a couple of sweaters I finished lately since I think the weather may be cool enough to wear them. I will be going to Seattle after Stitches so I am sure the sweaters will come in handy there. I got my homework swatches completed, except the felted swatch. I didn't get a chance to do that. I may do it after I get there, since the class isn't until Saturday.
I finished the knitting on the Wright Wrap I am making. Now to do the finishing work which consists of sewing the panels together, duplicate stitching to form the "lead" as in leaded glass windows and do an edging for it. Knitting it was a challenge and I'll hope to complete the finishing work during the fall.
Can't wait to see you and to visit the Stitches market with you. I have signed up for several classes and of course the fashion shows. It will be so great to spend time with you, see some knitting buddies from Tulsa and meet new ones.

Getting Longer

My scarf, that I now refer to as "Mandy" since I have lunch with her at least two times a week, is getting longer. The color in this photo doesn't show the fabulous teal and camel colors in the yarn. The more I work with it the more I love the color. I hope to have her done before I leave for Atlantic City on Thursday. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, taking my cables class and going to the fashion show on Friday night. I'm excited!

My goal will be to have the guts to start this Nicky Epstein scarf when I get home. I just love the feminine quality of the cable pattern and all of the fringe. It really makes a statement. We'll see if I get the confidence to start this.

I'm still working on my Einstein Coat, but I'm getting bored with the garter stitch pattern. I'm traveling the entire week after Stitches, so I'll bring it along in the car to hopefully make some progress.

Northwest Knitting

I';m blogging tonight from the Seattle area, actually Edmonds, Washington. I finally got a few minutes to go into the downtown Edmonds area last week while out here. It is absolutely a wonderful place that anyone would love to see. I got about 15 minutes to browse at the yarn shop, Spin A Yarn . I wish I had more time to spend there. It was wonderful. A great yarn shop with wonderful yarns. I plan to go back soon to spend more time. Problem is they close at 5PM and I usually am at work til at least that late. I bought a couple of skeins to knit a scarf. Hope to get it started soon. It will take big needles and it should go fast.

Looks like you are really doing a great job with the felted purses. I'll bet they are fun to knit, but you are right about the swatch. I all too often skip that step because I am too anxious to get right into the pattern. Knock on wood I haven't had a bad problem yet. You know it is only a matter of time til I do. If I were smart, I would learn from your mistake.

Counting the days til Stitches East. Can't wait to get with knitters again.

Little Bag Teaches Big Lesson

I've finally finished Heidi's felted Lucy Bag. I love this pattern, it's really easy - great for mindless knitting - and the style is great.


This is the I've made four Lucy Bags with three different brands of yarn. The first two, made for my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, were made with Lion Brand's Fisherman's Wool. The second one, my mother's bag, was made with Lamb's Pride. This bag I used Cascade 220. The first three bags felted after four or five washings and they shrunk, but not too bad. This bag shrunk a lot in only one washing! When I went to get it out of the washer I was shocked. I had anticipated that the final outcome would be bigger, but what I have made is a smaller version of the bag. At first I was disappointed because I really liked the size of the first three bags, but the more I look at it, and try and carry it in a variety of ways, I kinda like it. Heidi doesn't really carry a big bag anyway, so it will be perfect for keys, a wallet, lipstick and a phone. What else do you need in a purse anyway?

Lesson learned - I should always felt a swatch when I use a new yarn. Emma doesn't look too impressed with the final product, does she?



I'm making a lot of progress on the ruffle scarf and I'm at the halfway point on the bottom of the coat. I hope to be done with the scarf this week and I'll post photos when I have it ready to wear.

Scarf and Coat Pictures

Here are the most recent photos of the ruffle scarf and the Einstein Coat.







I have a long way to go on both, but I find myself knitting some on each every night before bed and I bring my scarf with me to work to knit at lunch. Maybe in a week or so I'll have more progress to share.

New Favorite Yarn Store

I'll admit it - I've got a new favorite place to shop for yarn! I had a blast at the Threaded Bliss Yarn Shop in Nashville last Wednesday evening. I bought some great Cascade 220 in a wonderful camel, teal tweed-like color that I thought would make an interesting ruffle scarf. I hope I get to go back soon. The store Sheila has created is more like a community than just a shop. I'm so jealous that they are so far away.

My Einstein Coat is coming along. I'm almost done with the bottom section. Man - I'm sick of a garter stitch, but I love the color I chose. I'll take photos of it and the ruffled scarf tonight for posting tomorrow. That ruffle scarf works up fast and I am really having fun with the pattern. It's just what I needed. More tomorrow.

On the Road Again

I found a new store, Threaded Bliss Yarns, to visit while I'm in Nashville for the next three days. I've found quite a few things that I want to add to my "gotta knit" list including a new bag for me, a sweater for my friend's son (who I am baby sitting on Friday night so I can secretly take his measurements), a poncho for my niece, a ruffled scarf for a couple of people at work and a shrug for me for this winter. I've started on my Einstein Coat. It's a huge undertaking and I'm not even through one ball of yarn yet, but I'm riding in the car a lot this week so I hope to accomplish a lot of knitting while I'm in the car. It's easy and mindless work, but it's a ton of knitting. I hope I can get it done before I go to Stitches. I'm really looking forward to it. I kinda feel like I should start a shrug too so I might have something to wear while I'm there. I'll let you know what I see at this shop in Nashville.

Airport knitting

Well, where has this summer gone? I can't believe that next week is the last week in July and I have very little to show for it in the way of knitting. My traveling has picked up and I will be spending part of each week in Lincoln, NE and the other part of the week in Seattle WA for the remainder of the year. I'll need to find something that is portable knitting. The wrap that I am working on uses too many colors on each row and the pattern requires too close observation for me to feel comfortable working on it in the airport.

I am seeing more and more knitters in airports. Are you? On Monday's trip, I saw 2 women knitting in the Minneapolis airport and one on the same flight I was on into Lincoln. It is fun to see a craft that I love so much being enjoyed by others.

I envy you the shopping trip in Massachusetts. Yes, you can drop a paycheck on yarn without batting an eye. A couple of years ago I was in Stevens Point Wisconsin and found a yarn shop with a great warehouse sale. I had a shopping cart full before I stopped. I'm still working on some of that yarn, but still buy more. My motto is going to be.."She who dies with the biggest yarn stash, wins!" I'm sure that it applies to more than me when it comes to a yarn stash.

How did your summer wrap turn out? I'm so glad you bought a copy of Knitter's. It is one of my favorite mags. I've subscribed to it for a few years. You know there are people who collect all the back issues. I know someone in Tulsa who has a complete set! Every issue! It has taken her a while to collect them all, but Ebay has helped.

Successful Yarn Shopping

I was on vacation last week and Kevin and I took a trip to Western Mass to visit one of my favorite yarn suppliers. I spent two hours in Webs and bought yarn to complete my Einstein Coat as well as some interesting muted cotten out of the bargin bin and some red wool for a purse. I had a blast!

One Purse Wrapped Up

I still do not have the yarn for my wrap, so it's safe to say that I won't have the wrap complete for my trip to Boston. We leave a week from Tuesday, so I doubt that the yarn will come in and I'll have the time to work on it prior to our departure. Much like you, I'd like to support my new LYS, but it is frustrating to know that I could have ordered the same yarn online and had it in just a few days. It's been two weeks. Oh, well. I'm going to take your suggestion and work on a swatch with some cotton yarn I have to prepare to work on the wrap. Maybe by September it will be ready!

My interim project was the SOHO Purse from one of my new books, Bags, A Knitter's Dozen. You can wear it in three different ways. I thought is was a fun casual purse for the summer. I'm always wanting something to just throw my keys and id in for a day out. I just bought some kitchen cotton, which worked pretty well. It may not have longevity, but I can say the same for 90% of the purses I own - no matter what they are made of.

Things I learned while completing this little bag: 1) how to complete a three-needle bind off; 2) how to sew in a zipper in a knitted piece; 3) why you should allow for major stretch of the i-cord strap when you have things in the bag - I over shot this by a lot. I'll probably redo the cord on this one.

Here's a look at the finished product.:









I'm not sure if I'll do another one of these bags. A couple of people I've shown it to have been less than thrilled with the look of the bag. I guess it's a little to hippy or crunchy for them. I still want to knit one with a flap that folds over like a messenger bag.

Pattern and Wrap

That's a great pattern and I think you can do it. If you are like me, I want to start knitting as soon as I can after deciding to knit the pattern. Why don't you get some yarn that you have left over from another project and appropriate sized needles, cast on about 3 multiples of the wrap's pattern stitches and practice the stitches. It will make the real project soar when your real yarn arrives, since you will already have worked out the stitches in the pattern. It will make the pattern flow much easier when you get the "good" yarn.

I finished the child's sweater and have already mailed it to Cast On. I will be writing the article to go with it, hopefully over the weekend. It's a great load off my mind to have it finished. I made a size 8 so hopefully when I get it back it will fit Heidi and she can have it for the winter.

I'm real excited to have started the ruana wrap that I designed. It is fun to knit it using all the colors that I selected. I am using intarsia since the color is in large blocks. It is not conducive to travel since I would have to carry too many balls of yarn. I'm hoping that I can enter it in a design contest later this year.
Did you get the brochure for Stitches East? I have it in my briefcase and will make my class choices soon. I hope you are still planning to go. It will be a fabulous experience for you. My first trip to a Stitches event was so great.

Step 1 - Buy Yarn

Ok - it's taken me all week to complete step one of the knitting process. I took my pattern over to my new knitting store to select just the right yarn. I'd looked at a lot of different types of cotton on-line, but when you're buying 1400 yards, you also have to consider price too! Even though her store is new, the owner helped me to select just the right yarn Plymouth Fantasy Naturale, which she thought would have the right gauge, would hold up over time and would wash best. I selected a raspberry color (8016) and I hope to have the yarn in hand by next weekend so I can make up for a lot of lost time. I guess I'll have to do my housework since I have nothing to procrastinate with this week!

Commitment

I treated myself to a new knitting magazine this weekend and purchased the latest issue of Knitters. It's a magazine that I don't usually buy because I never feel like I can make something in it, however; this time I just bought the magazine without looking through it. I was surprised to find quite a few adorable, knit-able, summer wraps that I think I can make. The Sunset Wrap on page 76 is so cute and would be perfect for me to take to Boston, where the summer evenings are too cool for this Georgia girl. So, I've made a commitment to make this wrap over the next month. Tomorrow I will go to my LYS to buy the 1400 yards of yarn I'll need as well as a new size 8 circular needle. I'd like to find a nice, neutral color so I can use the wrap into the fall, but I have a tendency to really dislike a blah color after working on a project for two weeks. Let's hope this goes quickly. I leave for Boston on June 28th. It looks challenging, but the outcome looks worth the effort. I'll take photos of my progress and let you know how I'm doing.

Speaking of my LYS, there's a new yarn shop in town! I just stopped in for a few minutes at Creative Yarns, but I have to say my brief experience was very positive. Friendly staff, interesting knitting opportunities and, most importantly, an eagerness to draw in younger knitters. In glancing at her class schedule, I'd like to take her color class. I do fine with just one color, but when it comes to switching colors, carrying each color along the back, etc., I have some trouble. I hope I can make the dates of the class work. Instruction aside, I'd like to have the opportunity to knit with other people. Since I'm never home, and when I am I don't want to leave, I rarely have the opportunity to knit in a group. I think it would be good for me.

Flowers!

I love the flowers! I'll bet the beads took a while to do, but they really add to the flower. I can't wait to make some myself. You should think about selling these at Mossy Creek. Can you do that?

Well the sweater and the written directions must be finished by June 10th so I am working under a time frame. I'm knitting as fast as I can. I've let the master level work sit untouched for the last 2 weeks as I work on the sweater.

I haven't received anything about Stitches East, but I know it is Sept 22 - 25 and at the Atlantic City Convention Center. I agree it would be fun to stay at a Trump Hotel. Selfishly, I would like to use frequent stay points to stay free, but I'll bet that won't happen isnce my points are Marriott or Hilton points. You can go to the web site and sign up to have brochure sent to you, but I don't think it is ready yet or I would have gotten it. I got the Stitches Midwest brochure a few weeks ago and it is in August in Chicago. I can't wait to see what classes they are offering and select the ones I want to take. These events are so great, I always learn a lot and leave inspired to work on a new project.

I'm at home the first part of this week and will finish the sweater today, I hope. Wish me luck on that. I'll send pics later.

Stress-less Stitching

There's no reason to stress. It stinks that you have to start over on a couple of the pieces, but at least it isn't the sweater! There's no timeframe that you have to have them complete is there? If not, if you don't get everything done in one week, no big deal.

I finally finished two flowers. They are super easy and fast. The beading takes the longest. Here's a photo of the two that I've completed:




It feels good to actually finish something. It even made me pull out my magazines and look again at a sweater that I've had my eye on. Nothing started, but the thoughts are there. You've gotta start somewhere - right?

My follow through has been horrible lately. I've got to make more of a commitment to knit at least every other night during the week. Unfortunately, I think my dog and I look a lot alike these days during the evening - wiped out! I've got to find more energy to commit to my needles. We'll see how successful I am.



I've not received any information from the event in Atlantic City in September. I should go back to that site and see if they have posted a brochure yet. Even though it is four months away, it will be here before you know it! Let me know if you get anything. I wonder if the event will be at a Trump hotel. Atlantic City is so cheesy. It would be fun to stay in a super cheesy hotel!



Stressed Knitting

I loved the web site with the flower patterns. You've inspired me to knit some flowers for my suits. I think they will add a neat touch. Thanks for including the web link.

I've been a bit stressed lately. Got too much going on. First, my submission for master level III came back with a lot more work needed. My sweater passed, but several of the swatches need re-knitting as well as the cap. I got started on that right away, since I didn't want to quit nor let it sit on the shelf forever waiting for me to get time to complete the work.

Then I got an email from Cast On accepting my offer to write an article for the magazine. The topic is using Microsoft Excel to help in knitting Aran sweaters. They agreed to publish the article in the winter/holiday 2005 issue but wanted a design to go with the article. I didn't have one ready, so 2 weekends ago I worked out a design, bought yarn and started an Aran pullover for Heidi (little Heidi, that is). I've completed the back and am past the armholes on the front. I'm using a washable DK weight yarn so that it won't be too bulky for a 6 year old. The sweater has to be done by June 10th and the article by sometime in August (I forgot the date).

Add to that, I am now working on 2 engagements, one in Nebraska and one in Illinois. I could be adding one in Washington before the summer is over. That is keeping me hopping! On top of that I do some work with a professional orgainzation (item writing for an advancement exam) and I have 15 questions due in August. These have to be researched and meet a lot of requirements to assure that they are testing the right knowledge. No easy task, how did I get talked into that committee?

I have grandmother duty next week Mon - Wed and then go to IL on Thursday and Friday. I hope to finish the sweater, write the pattern and plan 3 work relatedpresentations before I leave here on Thursday morning. Don't think there is enough time to get all that done! Needless to say I am a bit stressed. I thought summers were supposed to be fun! What happened.

On June 4th am going to Kansas City. It is my semi-annual trip to the periodontist there. We have perios here in Wichita, but I have been going to this guy in KC for about 7 years so I proposed to keep going to him. Lisa and Heidi will go up with me since we will be spending the weekend in the indoor water park that Heidi just loves. If the sweater isn't done by the time I go I'll have to spend some time in the hotel room, knitting. When it is done, the stress should lessen for a while.

Now I want to knit some flowers jut for fun and as a de-stresser! Will that work? Needless to say the Master Knitting re-do will just have to wait. May be fall before I get back to it.

One Flower Down

Well, I finally finished something - kind of. I used my sock yarn from KnitPicks to knit the second flower from the most recent issue of Knitty. All I have left to do is bead the center and attach the pin back. It looks cute and I'm debating on whether or not to add a leaf. I'll take a picture this week and upload it. I hope to find time to make a few more to give away just for fun. They are very easy and work up really quickly, so it keeps my hands busy and lets me feel like I can accomplish something.

I'm 80% of the way there on the shawl that I started two weeks ago. Needless to say I didn't wear it in Boone last weekend. I've just not found the time to dedicate to a long period of knitting. Tomorrow night I may make more progress on it. I've just got a case of knitting ADHD, I guess.

I received my first issue of Cast On in the mail on Monday of this week. I'm now officially a member of TKGA. I enjoyed looking at the photographs, although I have to admit I've not really had time to read very much in it. Same goes for the new issue of Interweave Knits. I'll get to them soon.

Heidi has left for her trip to London for the week. I've trusted her to pick out some fabulous yarn for me while she is in York. I'm excited to see what she brings home for me.

Too Much Travel, Not Enough Knitting

I've neglected our blog badly these last few weeks. I've been spending a lot of time in Memphis during the week and then busy doing various things during the weekend, so I've been a bad blogger.

I'm currently knitting a wrap in some handspun wool that I bought at Mossy Creek, an arts and crafts festival that mom and I work at twice a year. This time they had a woman demonstrating spinning and she had some wool with her that she had spun. Her prices were more than reasonable. I bought approximately 600 yards for $27! I'm working on a simple little garter stitch wrap using the wool which is an interesting color mix of a light lavender and kelly green. Forgive me, these photos aren't that great, but you'll get the idea.





It's just beautiful, very different, soft and it knits like a dream. I'm using size 15 needles so the thin parts in the yarn have a lacy feel. It's easy and not very challenging, but it's what I need to distract me in the evening and on the short hop I make to Memphis twice a week. I hope to have it complete before I go to Boone on Thursday so I may get to use it before the fall.

I've started a few things, the pink sweater, Heidi's purse and this wrap, but haven't had a finished project in awhile. I need to focus on something in cotton after I complete my wrap. I've found a nice, easy, raglan sweater pattern in a Family Circle knitting magazine. It seems simple. I've also got plans to do some flowers using my yarn from KnitPicks. I'm dreaming, I know. My goal is to dedicate more time to knitting over the next month. I'll let you know how it goes!

Traveling, models and summer knitting

Sorry that I haven't posted anything lately. I am busy with traveling. Last week was in Lincoln, NE and then Chicago for the weekend. Returned home on Sunday and left again on Monday for Lincoln. These weeks that have weekday and weekend travel are so hectic. I did a little knitting. Am working on the sleeves for the pullover from sock yarn. I really like the weight of the finished pieces and am looking forward to finishing it. If I like it I may knit another from a different color. I chose a blue/gray/black/cream multi colorway since it will work with jeans so well. But would rather have a brighter colors for another. The yarn I am using is also from Knit Picks and I like knitting with it. The price is right and quality is good. I'm sure I'll order from them again. I ordered yarn from a local yarn shop in Lincoln about 6 weeks ago and it still isn't in. I'm not real pleased with the fact it has taken so long. I try to patronize the LYS (local yarn shop) whenever I can feeling that if we don't support them then they will go out of business and where will I be able to go and squeeze yarn? But if the service is this poor, why bother? I could have ordered the same yarn on line and would already have been knitting with it. Oh, well. Live and learn.

I had knit the Wild Forks shell and cardigan last year for publication in Cast On magazine. After the mag has photographed it I get it back. Knitting for the model is a different size than I wear so I gave the sweater to my friend in TN. She and I attended the same meeting in Chicago this weekend and she wore the sweaters. They looked so great on her and I was delighted to see her wear them. She gots lots of compliments on them as well. I almost lost the buttons on my blouse! I was so proud of the finished garments and the reception she got when wearing them.

I'll keep knitting throughout the summer. What about you? I especially like knitting with cotton yarn in the summer, but don't have anything planned. I need time with magazines to dream a little. My latest issue of Cast On came just as I was leaving the house on Monday, can't wait to get home tonight to read it. Maybe I'll get inspired by it.

Plane Reading

I'm not traveling this week, but will probably be back at it next week. I get more knitting done on the road, so not a lot was accomplished on my sweater this week. I've finished the back and I'm half way through with the left side. I guess just three and a half more pieces left before assembly begins. It looks a little big based on the back measurement, but maybe it will come together nicely.

I've gotten into the habit of buying a knitting magazine or book before most of my trips and I read on the plane since most of my trips are short hops, not long journeys. I'm headed to Toronto in May, so that will be a knitting trip. My favorites so far are Vogue Knitting and Interweaves. Both serve as a dream book for me. I love to look at the photos and think about the possibilities. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a magazine, but I love to read knitty, an on-line magazine. It's got great designs, but the best part is the writing. It is so well written for an on-line publication. If you've not read it, you should check it out. They have great flower patterns in the spring issue which will be perfect for some take along knitting over the next month.

I ordered yarn from KnitPicks and it's great. I love the colors. I just bought a single ball of a lot of different colors just to see what it looked and felt like. It will be perfect for knitting up some flowers.

I found a pattern for a greyhound sweater, but it has cables and it looks kind of masculine. I'll have to get some good measurements of her so we can create something special for her.

Magazines

Gosh, I too haven't had time to do much knitting. First was the onslaught of spring allergies. I was really having a rough time last week, but thankfully the Bradford Pears are shedding their blooms. That usually signals the end of my spring allergies and I am finally feeling better. Hopefully I'll be doing OK from this point on.
The greyhound coat sounds like a great project. When we spend some time together this fall, perhaps we can work out something that will work. Meanwhile begin to think about what you want it to look like. More later on that project.
Which magazines have you decided you like? My favorites are Knitter's Magazine, Cast On, Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting. I guess my real favorite is Knitter's. Their patterns are usually unique and stylish. A lot are more challenging and require that you learn new techniques.
I didn't bring any knitting on the road with me this week. Can't believe I left home without needles and yarn. I'm having a little withdrawal.

Greyhound Sweaters

Well, I've not had much of an opportunity to actually knit this week. I've done a lot of dreaming and looking at a variety of sweaters in three different magazines that I have my eye on. While I'm always looking for any knitting magazine, I'm starting to get a better feel for the ones I like and the ones that are cheesy. I'm now on the look out for a dog sweater pattern that fits a greyhound. Kevin and I adopted a former racer today - Solitary Seka (we're calling her Seka) - and they usually wear sweaters or coats or something during cooler weather due to their thin skin and lack of body fat. I'm excited to try my hand at something for her, but I have all winter to really find something that will fit her in the end since she is such an unusual shape.