I Got Goodies!

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!

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

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

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!!!

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

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!!!

***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!