The Chick With Stix

A Very Belated Happy New Year

2010-01-20T20:27:00.001-08:00

Here it is almost the 20th of the month and I'm now catching up with my blog in the new year. I've been a very busy lady lately with the holidays and now finishing up school. I can't believe I'm graduating next Friday. It seems like I haven't been in school for that long, but like I've been there forever all at the same time. I'm going to miss seeing the same people everyday, seeing how my juniors continue into their Eastern segment. But I'll be heading back as a TA, so I'll be able to see some of them as they progress. I've also started a new job this week. After 6 months of being completely unemployed, something has finally opened up for me. And its part-time work so I can still work in massage, which I love. I think it'll bring some nice balance to my life...well at least in one aspect of it.

But enough of my rambling. With the start of 2010 I've taken on a couple of tasks regarding knitting and my stash. First, the stash has GOT to be reduced. There is just waaaaaayyyy too much of it and its creeping out of everywhere. So my goal is to knit a yarn half-marathon by the end of the year. That's 26.2 miles of yarn, which equates to 23,056 yards of yarn. I can only buy X amount of yarn after I've knit or sold 2X amount of yarn. Trades are ok. Stitches West is the only exception since it is the only convention I'm attending this year and I can grab the yarns I know I'll use throughout the year.

As part of my stash busting I've started a couple of projects already this year and I'm keeping a spreadsheet of the projects I'm working on and how many yards I've knit so far. I'm hoping I can get it linked up here on the sidebar so you can keep tabs on my progress. But of course you want to see the knitted items. But I'm only going to present to you one that I've finished recently because I think its adorable. I did manage to finish up a hat tonight, but I still have to finish weaving in ends, block and take pictures so you'll have to wait until tomorrow for that one my friends.

Drum Roll Please......

Pattern: Baby Yours Sweater (rav link)

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock - Mediumweight in Mossay

Needles: US Size 4

Started: 1/3/2010

Completed: 1/18/2010

Mods: 3 needle bind off for the shoulder seams, otherwise I followed the pattern

This was such an enjoyable knit. I've found a recent love for knitting baby things. They go so quickly and they're so cute. As almost all tiny things are... Anywhoo, I'm off to start a new project!

Howdy Ho!

2009-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a horrible blogger. Yes I know this....and I'm trying to change it. Sometimes its just so hard to sit down and write, but I'm setting a goal for myself. I'm setting a goal to write everyday for one week. This is after I had a class on goal setting and time management at school today.

So this weekend, my mom had her roof redone. It was the original roof, the house is 50-60 years old, you get it, it was leaking....everywhere. Well it rained today and guess what.....I think the roof is leaking into the ceiling in the kitchen. I can hear it dripping onto the ceiling, and I guarantee that it'll start dripping into the kitchen if it gets full enough. Apparently they didn't get the roof sealed in there....Yesterday, I did 8 hours of sports massage at the Nike Women's Marathon. Man am I sore as hell. I feel like I ran the race. Apparently we had about 1000 come through the tent yesterday. It was non-stop, we had to cut them off at 2:30 in the afternoon.

In crafty land, I've somewhat finished my Halloween mask. After it took me 3 days to figure out what the hell I was doing wrong. And there's still a typo in the pattern....big time.... And I also started on Christmas gifts. Project number one is on hold....its kinda big and its in cheap-o acrylic and I don't feel like working on it. So I've started project number two for my hunny:

Crappy picture I know, but its the stuff to make Dashing fingerless mitts for my hunny. He's been asking for me to make him some so here we go. I've been wanting to knit these for awhile, but kept putting it off. But now is the time! Next I'll probably begin my mother's sweater. I usually make her a sweater each year and I use it as my NaKniSweMo sweater. I like the challenge. Anywhoo, I'm off to work on these Dashings....toodoloo!

Its Quidditch Time!

2009-04-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

The last round of Quidditch for this term....and some of these I know the answer to just off the top of my head...yippee!

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?
a. Black
b. Lupin
c. Pucey
d. Finnigan

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Goddess Athena?
a. Evans
b. Malfoy
c. McGonagall
d. Flitwick

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?
Nicolas Flamel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?
a. Theodore
b. Cedric
c. Viktor
d. Vincent

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
a. Creevey
b. Patil (the Padma River is referred to in Indian mythology as a goddess)
c. Zabini
d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak
b. Chris Van Allsberg
c. Ezra Jack Keats
d. John Steptoe

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?
a. The Flagrante Curse
b. The Thieves’ Downfall
c. Anti-summoning Enchantments
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
a. Another Death Eater’s back
b. George’s wand hand
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand
d. George’s face

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
a. James was older
b. 6 months
c. 1 month
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration
d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt:

George
McGonagall
Patil
Where the Wild Things Are

Progress....and Frustration

2009-04-11T08:41:00.001-07:00

So my Ishbel....I absolutely love it but I was running out of yarn....so I had to rip out. I ripped it all the way back to the small stockinette size. Now I'm proceeding with the lace in the large size. Which is cool because I wanted it more lacy anyway. I'm sure your asking where's the pictures? Well you'll have to wait because there's not really much to see right now since I ripped back. Maybe I'll get one up after work today. If its not too busy at the LYS then I might be able to get some work done on it. To cure my frustration, I started a pair of fingerless mitts. An easy project with a simple cable. And I had a great idea for a pair of fingerless mitts. I think I'll be using some of my Stitches yarn for that.

On another note, I'm going back to school. I start April 21st and I'll be studying Massage Therapy. By March of next year I'll be a Certified Massage Therapist & Health Educator. Whew that's a long title. I'll be sure to keep you posted of the progress.

A Random Act of Kindness

2009-04-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

When I came through the door today, a package was waiting for me above my mailbox. I hadn't been expecting a package so it was quite a surprise. So I hurried up my stairs, dropped the package on the bed, grabbed the closest pair of scissors and opened it up. Once opened, I was greeted with red and purple tissue paper and a card sitting on top. I opened up the card and the package was a Random Act of Kindness (RAOK) from Carma (aka Esme Beanswallow). I moved aside the tissue paper to reveal:

I appologize for the crappy picture. Lighting wasn't good, but I couldn't wait to take the picture and share the joy. Inside were two skeins of yarn, double knitted so I can easily unwind and knit two at a time socks or fingerless mitts, eco-friendly buttons which I have to attach to my knitting bag, a breast cancer awareness pen (I needed a new pen for my knitting bag too) a keychain that also works as a bottle opener (perfect for bar knitting nights) and the best thing of all, a bag of her COOKIES! Pink Dalmations to be exact. Carma makes the best cookies. Now I'll just have to keep the boyfriend out of them.

Thank you so much Carma for the RAOK. It really brought some joy to my day.

This Week I Present....

2009-04-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Ishbel! But you have to wait for the pictures...tee hee...because the camera battery is charging. Be patient, it'll be here soon.

Finally... A FO!

2009-03-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Ishbel Beret
Yarn: Handmaiden Casbah in a Black/Blue Colorway
Needles: Size US 2.5 Harmony DPNs/Size US 6 16" Addi Turbos & Clover Bamboo DPNs
Size: 22"
Mods: None!

I've been experiencing knitting ADD recently. I just keep starting projects and am unable to finish them. But now finally, I have a finished object. Its currently blocking over a plate (as shown in the picture). I must say that it is absolutely lovely and the pattern itself is so simple. Now I'm excited to actually make the Ishbel shawl, I'll just need to dig through my stash to find some yarn for it. I can't purchase anymore yarn, I'm still unemployed and I have bills to pay. Its a perfect opportunity to work on destashing.

Yesterday I started Bettie's Lace Stockings with some Rowan 4-ply Soft that I picked up. The pattern is fairly easy so far and is knitting up rather quickly. I went up to a size US 2.5 from a US 2 for the foot and I think I'll move to a US 3 for the calf increases. I have ginormous calves. I've been distracted from knitting by a book I've been reading. Who who know that the Goddess Summoning series by P.C. Cast would be so addicting. I'm reading them out of order, starting with Goddess of Light but I'm planning on ordering the rest of the series from Amazon. Hey I need books, I gotta have something to do while unemployed. I also purchased Cookie A's new book Sock Innovation. I can't wait for it to hit my mailbox.

Over the River & Through the Woods....

2009-03-10T21:36:00.001-07:00

To grandmother's house I go! Well maybe not so much through the woods, but over lots of rivers. I'm off tomorrow to visit my grandmother in Missouri tomorrow. I hope to have lots of knitting accomplished by the time I return. I'll be sure to share.

I did finish one of my Woodsmoke socks today. I'm hoping I'll finish the other one while I'm gone and then complete another pair. We'll see! I'll see ya'll when I return.

Stitches West

2009-03-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

So I'm a little late blogging about this event due to unforseen circumstances. It was last weekend and it was awesome! Minus missing a friend who was in town for the event because I had to work. I shouldn't complain, its something bring in a small amount of money while I look for full-time employment. Being unemployed sucks. Anyway...you don't want to hear my sob story. You want to see the loot. So I present to you:

The loot! My purchases consisted of 13 skeins of Malabrigo Silky Merino in Amoroso to make a sweater (only one is pictured, its on the far right), 2 skeins STR lightweight, one Mill Ends and the other in Lenore, a skein of Schafer Yarns new yarn Nichole, a skein of Yummy sock yarn from Miss Babs, a stocking kit for the Marlaina stockings by White Lies Designs, and a ton of patterns. But the highlight of my purchases was:

A Jordana Paige bag! This is the Bella and I've been using it all this week and I absolutely love it. Its great for small projects like the socks I've been carrying around (pictures of those to come). While I was visiting Jordana's booth, I picked up one of her patterns for Landon. I have some Cascade 220 in my stash that will work excellently for it. But otherwise that was it. Photography in the market isn't allowed so no market photos. I didn't buy as much yarn as in previous years, but that's ok, I've still got tons that I need to get thorugh and my goal this year is to reduce some of my stash. I should have a few goodies coming in the mail soon that I'll be sure to share, as well as the projects I'm currently working on. Keeping up with blogging can be tiresome!

All I Can Say is One Word

2009-02-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

STITCHES!!!!!

(More info to come very soon, once I get the pictures taken and uploaded)

Quidditch Round 1

2009-02-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house?

a. The start of the new school year

b. The Dursleys kicking him out

c. Voldemort’s escape from Azkaban

d. Harry’s upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?

a. Mundungus

b. Snape

c. Yaxley

d. Shacklebolt

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?

a. Mad-Eye Moody

b. Nymp0hadora Tonks

c. Hagrid

d. George Weasley

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?

a. Kingley Shaclebolt

b. Minerva McGonalgall

c. Arthur Weasley

d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?

a. A lynx

b. An otter

c. A doe

d. A stag

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?

a. The Leaky Cauldron

b. Sirius Black’s house

c. The Dursley’s house

d. Ron’s Auntie Muriel’s house

7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over?

a. By giving him clothes and his freedom

b. They didn’t win him over!

c. By giving him something to eat

d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?

a. Severus Snape

b. Lucius Malfoy

c. Lord Voldemort

d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office?

a. Moody’s magical eye

b. Nymphadora’s purple hair

c. Hedwig’s head

d. George Weasley’s ear

10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them?

a. To Godric’s Hollow

b. To the Forbidden Forest

c. Back to the Burrow

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Pictures:
Mad Eye Moody
Nymphadora Tonks
No. 4 Privet Drive
Kreacher
George Weasley

Sssslytherin House Quiz # 2

2009-02-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

1. Which housemate has an 11 ½ inch holly wand with a Dragon Heartstring core?
Bathilda Boomslang

2. Which housemate creates rockin’ sock patterns?
Emma Wigworthy

3. Which housemate has the hots for David Boreanez?
Cassandra Puddlemere

4. Which housemate used to be the top badger who made a habit of eating snakes?
Quinn

5. Which housemate shows off her awards from HSKS6 on her blog?
Madam Ferula Finnigan

6. Which housemate makes kicka* * cookies IRL?
Esme Beanswallow

7. Which housemate is a third year Slytherclaw, whatever the hell that means?
Callisto Verity

8. Which housemate wants Plymouth to make her feet happy?
Belladonna Boomslang

9. Which housemate is a knitting addict? (Ok, all of us, but one in particular.)
Me of course! The one and only Lily of Flitwick

10. Which housemate loves to sing?
Diana Lockhart

11. Which housemate has issues with muggle devices?
Ginny Crookshanks

12. Which housemate likes Darth HelloKitty?
Cecily Fortescue

13. Which housemate has a member of the family with his own fan club?
Queenie

14. Which housemate has never-ending PMS?
Olivia Gaunt

15. Which housemate originally comes from South New Joisey?
Penelope Caerphilly

16. Which housemate “adores” European chocolates?
Clara Clovenhoof

17. Which housemate has a roommate who seriously put a crimp in her communication abilities?
Rowena Weasley

18. Which housemate was fortunate enough to lose her HP husband?
Lavender Diggory-Dolohov

19. Which housemate likes some Nascar dude?
Andromeda Finch-Fletchley

20. Which housemate needs a new time-turner?
Ophelia Crookshanks

Its FO Friday!

2009-02-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Queen of Beads by Sivia Harding

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight - My Blue Heaven

Needles: KnitPicks Harmony DPNs Size 1 (2.25mm)

Cast On Date: 1/30/09

Mods: I used the Italian Tubular Cast On to eliminate the need for waste yarn

Whoo Hoo! Its Friday! Its just pouring down rain outside, which is a little depressing. But to brighten my day, I finished my first pair of socks from the Rockin Sock Club. I got my first kit last week and I had to cast on immediately. I'm so happy with the way they came out. They'll have to be socks I wear around the house since I beaded them all the way to the toe, but with as much sock yarn as I have, I've got plenty to make socks for inside of my shoes. Its nice to have one pair that I can just prance around the house in. The yarn and beads are so pretty that I don't know if I'd want to take them out anyway. What's sad is that these are actually my first FO of 2009. I've had such knitting ADD problems recently. I just cast on a project, I knit it for awhile and then put it down and start something else. Its ridiculous. But I can't do that this month, I've gotta knit through as much stash as I can so I can buy a little more at Stitches West in 3 weeks!

To add to my joy, I also received my package from my Valentine Vampire Swap pal. She packed it full of goodies:

There were Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, lots of chocolate, heart socks and napkins, a keychain, a journal, some tea, and some wrapped presents all with a little bag to put it all in. Guess what was inside of those pretty packages:

There was a yummy scarf made out of Malabrigo I believe, a box of Earl Grey (which I am drinking as I type), a beautiful pattern, some soap made from Goat's Milk and Yummy yarn! It definitely made my evening.

I thank Ronnica for sending me the package. I love it!

HSKS 7 - First Slytherin Quiz

2009-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of HSKS7. I can't believe this is my fourth year at it. This term, I decided that I wouldn't use my character blog, just my personal one so you'll see quizzes like this scattered throughout my posts. No, I have not lost my mind and think I have multiple personalities, I'm just condensing this term into one space. Our Slytherin Head Girl has posted our first quiz...and my answers are below.

1. What are your three most favorite colors?
Blues, Greens, Reds, Pinks

2. What are you three least favorite colors?
I tend to stay away from orange and yellow

3. Your favorite candy is _________________.
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

4. Draco, Lucius, or Snape?
oooo...that's a tough one....Draco

5. Do you knit, crochet, or both?
Both

6. What type of kit did you ask for?
Socks or Fingerless Mitts

7. Acrylic—has its uses, should all be burned, best yarn to work with (choose one)?
Sorry I'm a yarn snob, unless its blended with wool or cotton, it should be burned

8. Who is the Slytherin Head Girl this term?
The lovely Quinn

9. Name four “extras” you would love to receive in your kit?
hmmm....I like unique items and books, I'm looking for a few books in particular

10. What are your three most favorite scents?
nothing too overpowering, floral and fruity scents are the best

11. Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?
I like the best of both worlds, sweet AND salty :)

12. Which Slytherin is the Keeper of the Crucio List?
Cass Puddlemere

13. Do you really need more stitch markers?
YES...I keep losing those damn things

14. Dpns, circular, or straight?
DPNs or 40" long KnitPicks circular (for magic looping)

15. What yarn makes you squee?
Sock yarn makes me squee, and I really love indy dyers

16. Favorite HP Movie?
Prisoner of Azkaban

17. Favorite HP character?
Believe it or not...Luna Lovegood

18. Who was your first choice for DADA professor?
Oh hell...I don't remember...I wanted all of them!!!

19. What is the Slytherin Common Room called?
The Snake Pit

20. What makes you worthy of being in Slytherin House?
What kinda question is that?! I'm sexy and devious that's why!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

2008 has come and gone. Wow that year just flew by didn't it? Well ok, it did for me. Now onto 2009, where I hope to accomplish quite a bit more in terms of knitting and life. One of the first things I must tackle this year is stash management. Geez, I've gotta stop buying and start knitting!

So I made my last two purchases of 2008 this week and I received them both this week! Behold package number one:

These are by Squibstitcher who owns an Etsy shop called Fresh from the Cauldron. Since I've recently been obsessed with True Blood and Twilight, she had some colorways that she had created with True Blood and Twilight themes. So I ordered some from her, and she dyed them up really quick and sent them to me. From left to right there is: Fangtasia, Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jason Stackhouse. The Fangtasia is on a Silver sock base that sparkles! And look at what was attached to the Edward Cullen colorway:

Its a button that says Stupid Shiny Volvo Owner. I'll have to put that on one of my bags.

The second package arrived today from The Loopy Ewe. I had been looking at their site for months and finally decided to place an order. And trust me I'll definitely be ordering from them again. Once I bust through some more of my stash. But inside were these yummies:

From left to right is Schaefer Anne in the Hilary colorway, two skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Amy's Vintage Office and two skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Slytherin Silver and Green. They also included some samples and a set of needle inventory cards and they wrote a nice note to me on my packing slip. They definitely made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

So in terms of knitted projects...yeah...I've got a lot. My goal tonight is to finish my Save the Boobs fingerless gloves. I'd like to get the pattern finished and up on Ravelry. Once its finished and posted a portion of the money I make from the sale of that pattern will be donated to the Susan G Komen foundation. I'll be sure to take pictures and post them.

Now I'm off to knit like a mad woman. I must decrease some of this stash before Stitches West next month otherwise I'll be in deep doo-doo.

I Got Goodies!

2008-09-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

So Friday, I got home from work and this was what was awaiting me on my doorstep. I did a happy dance because I knew it was the package from my swap partner for the Twilight Swap. I quickly ripped it open to see what goodies were inside.

Miss Julie sent an awesome package. Let me show you some of the highlights.

First check out this bag. It is the awesomeness bag. Inside it is lined with crimson red fabric and has a zipper pocket. It also had another awesome goodie in it.

A skein of yarn from Storm Moon Knits. I've been ogling her yarn for months now but haven't had the money to buy, but now I have some. The colorway is 30 days of Night and has shades of red and black. I can't wait to wind this baby up and start knitting with it.

She also sent me some of her own hand-dyed yarn. Its sooooo yummy and I can't wait to see more of her stuff in her Etsy store. Now to just pick the right pattern for this one...

There were lots more goodies in the package also, stitch markers, a card, needles (the coveted US 1.5) and even more. Too much for me to post all on here. But I must say MissJulie blew me away and I hope the package I send out for her does the same.

I'm Back...And I'm Blogging!

2008-08-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been watching waaaay too much TV. Or maybe they just play that Honda commercial too much. Anyway, the point is I'm back and I'm writing a post...after how many months? I know its horrible of me, I can post when its required of me once a week, but how I neglect this blog. Its my baby, the one I started with, yet I can't get around to posting. However, I do have a lot more interesting stuff to write about now, so maybe I'll write more.

Hmmm...what's going on in my life. Well...I was laid off...sorta...I'm going to work as a contractor for the next 5 months to finish up the execution of a conference. But its a swift kick in the rear to start looking for another job. I'm training for another race (a half this time) that's coming up in October. Plus doing a relay marathon a few weeks before. I know...I'm psychotic right?

In terms of knitting, I've come to the conclusion that I have waaay too much yarn. But is that stopping me from buying more...no! I think I have a yarn addiction. I can't seem to stop buying/swapping/bartering yarn. But the good news is, I have projects planned for most of it and I'm working on organizing it. Hopefully it'll be done soon. I'm also working on some designs...and I'm hoping to get one or two of them in a book. I've had a lot of designing inspiration recently, and believe me, I'm not letting it go to waste. I'm sketching out everything I've got in this crazy head of mine. Some have some drastic changes done when I sit down to think about the reality of it. But others are coming out as planned.

Anywhoo, I've probably bored all of you to tears. I'll check back later!

Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 5

2008-05-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sign-ups for the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 5 (HSKS5) began last week. I along with many other returning students anxiously waited until 12am EDT on April 30th so we could sign up. New students began entering the halls on May 2nd. Slowly but surely the houses began to fill up.

However, its not too late to join the students at Hogwarts for this term and participate in this swap. This is a very active swap with weekly quizzes and quidditch. And better yet, this swap will introduce dueling club and Dumbledore's Army! All you have to do is follow the link above and register. Its that simple. C'mon...you know you want to...

Tree Jacket Progress

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

So maybe taking on the task of posting everyday was a bit much. I think I'll aim for three times a week, and then when I have more time posting everyday.

Anyway...above is the progress I've made on my tree jacket. I'm knitting it in Cascade Pastaza, which is a wool/llama blend. Its actually pretty soft given the combination. I was originally making the 40-43" size, but after trying it on realized it was way too big. So I ripped back a size. Its still a little big, but considering I'll be wearing something underneath it I thought it would be a good idea to make it a little big. I'm happy with the way its coming out so far.

I guess that's about it for my knitting progress. I've made my 2008 knitting list which I'll be adding to my sidebar and to Ravelry. I'll cross them off as I get them done. I also went vegetarian beginning January 1st. I feel much better and have been without meat for exactly 2 weeks. I think I'm going to keep a count on my sidebar too. Anywhoo...I'm going to head off to bed.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wow...I really feel like I've neglected my blog. Well no more! My resolution this year is to post in my blog everyday. Even if its a brief post. And that starts today!

I've been so crazy busy. Between the holidays and working at the largest healthcare investor conference in the country, I've really slacked off. I did manage to get all of my Christmas presents done on time. One of them I finished so last minute that I didn't even have an opportunity to take a picture of them before I sent them off. I was making a pair of Monkey socks from Knitty using Regia Design Line yarn. They were absolutely beautiful and my friend really appreciated them.

Currently I've got a series of projects going on for myself. I decided that after knitting so many Christmas gifts I would finally make something for myself. I started the Cable-Down Raglan from Interweave Knits Spring 2007, but quickly got bored with it. So I started the Tree Jacket from Zephyr Style. I'm knitting it with Cascade Pastaza in Crimson Red. I'm excited about the way its coming out and its such a quick knit. I'll get pictures of it up tomorrow.

I'm excited that Giselle is one of the patterns that won in the SKC knit-along. Once I saw that pattern, I knew I had to make it. Plus it'll knock off one project on my 2008 knitting list. I also sent an email to join the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap, I'm excited about starting that. It should be loads of fun. Anywhoo...I think that's everything for today. Tomorrow I'll have pictures up.

Easy Cabled Headband Pattern

2007-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Easy Cabled Headband

Measurements: 19.5 inches, not including the I-cord ties. Note: This pattern can easily be adjusted to fit your head. As you knit, stop every so often and wrap it around your head to adjust the length.

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Aran Fleck, or any other worsted weight yarn of your choice, 1 Skein

Needles: Size US 8

Gauge: 17 sts & 23 rows = 4” in St st

Abbreviations:

RT (right twist): slip next stitch to cable needle and hold in back, k next stitch, k 1 from cable needle
LT (left twist): slip next stitch to cable needle and hold in front, k next stitch, k 1 from cable needle
C4B: slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, k next 2 sts, k sts from cable needle
C4F: slip next 2 sts to cable needles and hold in front, k next 2 sts, k sts from cable needle

Directions:

CO 2 stitches

Knit an I-cord with these two stitches until the cord measures about 9 ½ inches (or desired length). For help with making an I-cord, visit http://www.knittinghelp.com

Increase rows:

Row 1(RS): k1fb, k1fb (4 sts)
Row 2 & all other wrong side rows: Purl
Row 3: k1fb, k 2, k1fb (6 sts)
Row 5: k1fb, k 4, k1fb (8 sts)
Row 7: k1fb, k 6, k1fb (10 sts)

Repeat this pattern of k1fb at each end on RS rows until there are 22 sts on the needle, ending with a RS row.

Begin Cable Pattern:

Row 1 & all other WS rows: sl 1 purlwise, k 3, p 2, k 1, p 8, k 1, p 2, k 4
Row 2 (RS): sl 1 purlwise, k 2, p 1, RT, p 1, C4B, C4F, p 1, LT, p 1, k 3
Row 4: sl 1 purlwise, k 2, p 1, RT, p 1, k 8, p 1, LT, p 1, k 3
Row 6: sl 1 purlwise, k 2, p 1, RT, p 1, k 8, p 1, LT, p 1, k 3
Row 8: sl 1 purlwise, k 2, p 1, RT, p 1, C4F, C4B, p 1, LT, p 1, k3

Repeat Rows 1-8 6 more times. Purl 1 row.

Decrease Rows:

Row 1 (RS): k2tog, k to 2 sts before end, ssk
Row 2 & all WS rows: Purl

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 2 sts remain. Knit an I-cord with these 2 sts until the cord measures the same length as the first I-cord. BO these stitches.

Finishing:

Weave in ends if desired.

***This pattern is for personal use only. This pattern and items made from this pattern may not be sold. If you're not sure about the use of this pattern, please contact me.***

Ravelry...Yippee!!!

2007-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

***Warning: Long Post Ahead!!!***

I realize I have neglected my blog for another week again. I appologize...life has been so hectic recently. Between work and training for a marathon, I haven't had time for much. But the good news is that I have finally received my Ravelry invite. I'm really looking forward to playing with it more. So many ideas for using up my stash. My Ravelry username is thechickwithstix. Be sure to look me up! Anywhoo...time for project updates.

Project: One Skein Wonder

Started: 11/5

Finished: 11/8

Yarn: Cascade 220 (dyed in Grape Kool-Aid)

I think this project came out sooo pretty with the dyed yarn. I have one ball of Cascade 220 left from my TTV, so I think I'm going to make another one of these with it. These are such nice compliments to any variety of outfits.

Project: Alexandra Ballerina Top

Started: 11/1

Yarn: Ironstone Yarns Island Cotton

So I mentioned before that this is my NaKniSweMo Project. I'm slowly plugging along on it. I'd have a lot more done if I stopped picking up other projects in between working on it. I still think I can have it done by the end of the month. It's a Christmas gift so I need to get it done anyway. Why am I knitting it in cotton you ask? Because the person I'm making it for is sensitive to wool, and with the way the top is knitting up, it definitely fits her personality.

Project: Mother/Daughter Hat

Started: 10/26

Yarn: GGH Maxima

This project I pick up from time to time. Its my first project using Addi Turbos, which I'm absolutely in love with now!

I can't show off the Joe's Office Socks unfortunately because they too are a Christmas gift and I know the person I'm making them for checks this blog from time to time. And the Wool-Ease Socks have kinda been put on the back burner; they'll be finished before Christmas.

And as promised, I have finally finished writing up my cabled headband pattern and it is now accessable for your knitting pleasure. Its my first time designing and writing a pattern so if there are errors I appologize in advance. I'll be sure to correct them as I go. Anyway...I think that's everything for now. I'm bouncing over to Ravelry to play around. I'll check back later this week!

NaKniSweMo is Here!

2007-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

That time of the year is finally here! Time to pull out mass quantities of yarn and start knitting a sweater. This November, I'm working on the Alexandra Ballerina Sweater from Fitted Knits. I'm killing two birds with one stone; I'm preparing this sweater for the NaKniSweMo Fashion Show at my LYS and its a Christmas gift. So unfortunately there won't be any pictures of it up, but I promise I'll have tons of pictures of other things. For instance...

These are the Fetching gloves from Knitty. They were a total impulse knit. I had some Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran so I whipped these babies up in a matter of days. They're great since its been so cold here the past few days and my hands are always freezing at work. I also started Glampyre's One Skien Wonder with some yarn I dyed in Grape Kool-Aid this weekend. I managed to make the yarn come out variated...I'll get pictures up as soon as I get further along. This weekend I also started spinning some of my own yarn. I've just been really busy this past week. I feel like I've neglected my blog. I should have my headband pattern up by the end of the week.

Also, I'm slowly getting my Etsy shop up and running. 10% of all purchases made from my shop gets donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society so please stop by and take a look around.

Cabled Headband...Finished!

2007-10-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is the headband/earwarmer I've been working on this weekend. It was a really quick knit, only took a couple of hours. Its the first thing I've actually designed on my own. I just picked up my needles and started knitting. It really does keep my head and my ears nice and warm. I made it out of some Red Heart Super Saver yarn I had left over in my stash. Its so simple though you could make it out of anything. It has a simple cable design that would be perfect for beginners. I'll get the pattern up sometime this week and I'll be selling some of them pre-made in my Etsy shop.

Here's a more close up picture of the headband. You can kinda see the cable detail. If I got any closer with the camera it was going to be too blury to see.

And here's a picture of my sweetie wearing the headband. He's so silly. This weekend he put up with me destroying a sweater I bought at the thrift store to recycle the yarn. Also, I started a hat pattern designed by my aran cable scarf teacher; I'll get pictures up as soon as it starts to become something.

Ravelry Update: I am # 45539 on the list, and there are 8658 people ahead of me.
Be sure to check out my new Etsy shop at http://thechickwithstix.etsy.com

The TTV is Finally a FO

2007-10-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Here it is! I finished it up this afternoon. I appologize for the bad picture, I didn't have someone to help me take it. But I wanted to get it up tonight for everyone to see. I didn't think I'd ever get the ribbing at the bottom done, but I finally did. And its plenty roomy so I can wear it over a shirt (like in the picture). I folded the turtleneck down in the photo since it was a little too warm for me to have it up. It looks nice either way.

I decided today that I'm going to limit myself to one large project a month. This month, this TTV was my big project. Next month, for NaNoSweMo I'm going to knit the Alexandra Ballerina Top from Fitted Knits. It's going to be a gift for someone, so I might not have too many pictures. We'll see how it goes. This weekend I plan on working on my headband/earwarmer thingy that I'm designing. I swear I'll have a better name for it when I'm done and I'll share the pattern. I also plan to open up my Etsy shop this weekend. I'll be selling various yarns from my stash as well as projects I design as I go. I'll post the link as soon as I get it up and running.

I'm patiently awaiting my invite from Ravelry. As of tonight here's the stats: I signed up on October 17, 2007 and I'm number 45,539 on the list with 10,385 people in front of me. I figure it'll be about another month before I get my invite. I'm really looking forward to receiving it! Anyway, I need to get to bed...gotta work tomorrow. I'll check in again this weekend.

Not So Excited Anymore...

2007-10-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

So I started my Turtleneck Tube Vest (TTV) a week ago, and now I'm down to all the ribbing that's at the bottom. Man...I'm getting bored with it really fast. I've got about 5 inches to go until its done and I feel like I'm never going to get there. I'm trying really hard to just get it finished. I've decided that I'm going to take a reprieve from Fitted Knits garments and either finish up some of the socks I started or take on a smaller project. Until November...then I'm participating in my LYS's challenge. The challenge is to knit a sweater in a month. At the end of November they're having a fashion show to show off all of the new projects. I'm making a sweater for my mother for Christmas so I figure this would be a good time for me to get it done. It'll be hard with all the stuff I have going on starting next month... Also, I frogged the Diamond Top I was making...I didn't really like the way it was coming out.

The good news is that I did start designing my first knitted project this weekend. My co-worker inspired the idea and I'm looking forward to finishing up the design and actually making it. Its a cabling project so I'm making my chart first before I start knitting. It'll probably change as I go. Anyway, I hope to have more pictures up with my next post. It should be of my finished TTV...hopefully.

Progress...

2007-10-19T16:22:00.001-07:00

TTV WIP
Originally uploaded by Chick With Stix

I started my Turtleneck Tube Vest (TTV) on Tuesday and as of today I've finished the neck, front and back. The picture doesn't do the yarn justice. I'm using Cascade 220 Heathers in a dark teal color. But there's little bits of purple, blue and red mixed into the yarn. Its incredibly pretty and a perfect color for fall. I'm so excited to get this one finished so I can wear it. I doubt I can finish it this weekend but I'm sure going to try. When I get a little farther I'll post more pictures, preferably one where I have it on :-).

Aran Cable Scarf

2007-10-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I started a class to learn how to make this scarf. I hadn't ever cabled before, but I wanted to learn how, so I decided to take the class last minute. This is the finished scarf. I finished it today at work. I made it out of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran. Its soooo incredibly soft and feels heavenly wrapped around my neck. I'm planning on wearing it to work tomorrow to show off. Now I can move on guilt free to my next project, the Perfect Periwinkle Turtleneck Tube Vest in the book Fitted Knits. I'm doing it as a KAL with one of my co-workers who is learning how to knit. I'm actually going to go start swatching now. I'll put up pictures once I get it started.

Getting Started

2007-10-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

I've been reading so many knitting blogs recently that the blogging bug has bit me as well. So I decided to go ahead and start blogging about my knitting journey. I knit a lot, especially during the fall and winter months when it starts to get colder. Currently I've got 4 projects going, 2 pairs of socks, a sweater and my first aran cable scarf. Projects that I have coming up are more socks (I'm doing mostly socks for Christmas gifts) and I'm going to be doing the Turtleneck Tube Vest from the book Fitted Knits. I'm looking forward to sharing everything with you and I'm sure I'll start designing more so I can share with all of you. I'll try to get pictures up this weekend so you can see some of my current projects!