Long time...

I'm back for a bit to post my FO. Let's see, it took about three months total. Started in September, worked part of October and picked it back up in late November. I did complete all pieces before 2004. (Patting myself on the back). It's my favorite project to date. I'm addicted to cabling. Got some projects from the Phildar magazine I want to start, and yes, it's the Irlandais issue... cables, cables, cables.

The photo of me is not as clear so click on it for a larger image.



(Me)


Update on the Stripe(Phildar) cardi: All the pieces are completed but I haven't been motivated to weave in all the yarn ends. Can you blame me?

Right now I'm in the midst of the Rebecca Eyelet Pattern Sweater. Has anyone tried this, if so, can you explain the armhole shaping to me. Here is what the instructions say:

When work measures 30 cm bind off
for armholes at each end of every 2nd
row 3 sts. once, 2 sts. once and 1 st.
5 times (5 sts. once, 2 sts. twice and
1st. twice) = 62 sts.
When work measures 52(55) cm bind
off 14 sts. at each end once for
shoulders, slip 34 center sts. onto a holder
for neck.

The cast on stitches are 74 for the smaller size and 80 for the larger size, no increase stitches for the body. How can I end up with 62 stitches if I decrease as the instruction indicate?

Guilt-free

Happy Easter!

Do you need a break from all those sweets? How about some sugar-free and calorie-free cupcakes.


Thanks to Action Hero for sharing the link. Unsure about the whole crocheting thing? Check out this site. They have instructional video clips.

An update on my lambic beer experience... I tried kriek, black cherry, last night. As good as kriek was I still favor cassis. I think the only one left to try is peach.

What's old is new again. Some great summer tops. Check out the "Bare to be beautiful" patterns. Wait for the expand button to appear and then you can enlarge the instructions.

Hiatus

I'm taking a break for the time being. Still committed to finishing my cardies.

Full Frontal

This is a G rated frontal shot. It's a little fuzzy. I'm 60% done! I estimate that by the end of the month the cable cardi should be done and in time to wear for T-day.

I'm thinking of making another jacket, it would be for my SIL, it's something she would love. The project is quick so it won't take too much time awat from my other projects. Btw, got rave reviews yesterday when I wore the jacket. People love the tie closure.

I went to Pacific Fabrics today and saw this beautiful wool tweed fabric in red, perfect for a blazer or skirt, aarghh, it is $35.00 a yard!!! Not as bad as the Burberry fabric I saw for $55.00 a yard. Looks like their next sale is Thanksgiving weekend, and I won't be in town for it.

I'm so connected

Internet connection back up. Woo woo!

Here's my weekend side project. All you Phildar lover's out there do you recognize it? That's right it's from the fall magazine. I decided not to use buttons but ties instead, and it turned out rather nicely. It's very thick and warm. What yarn did I use? cheapo Homespun-- double strand. If you don't like Homespun, it's not my favorite, either. I saw some Stahl Falkland at Elann. Looks like it would be another good substitute to Astrakan.



I knitted the jacket with size 13 form my Denise Intercheangable Needles. I'm falling out of love with these. Does anyone else have a problem with the needles being too short? It gets uncomfortable to knit with them after a while, especially when you are doing and all day knitting marathon like I did. Hard to hold because the connector rest at the edge of my palms and they get bent out of shape causing the yarn to snag.

Phooey

Was so excited this weekend to have finished a project. It was on size 13 needles, so I thought I could finish in two day. And I did! Took my pictures, uploaded the camera, was about to get my pictures on line... and wouldn't you know it the internet connection is kaput (Damn you, Comcast!), on top of that the computer was acting like it has the flu. So slow it's ridiculous. I can't show my side project.

On a happier note there is a new Phildar pattern at the website. Looks very similar to ChicKnit's Ribby .

My comment board provider is on hiatus, I think. I don't know, they said they are getting a new server and that was announced in early September. Feel free to use the tagboard.

Neato

I'm really into Phildar patterns. The website has free patterns, and looks like they change oftern. Look for the "modeles gratuits" link on the right side. In addition to the main site they have a webzine with more free patterns. Look for the link on the right that reads "espace tricot." Oh, some of these patterns are from their magazines. It's an issue if you don't know french at all. I can understand a minimal amount and comprehend some of the instructions. If it's too complex I use this. Yarnageddon had this link on her site the other day. This should solve any language issues.

In knitting news, I started the front pieces for the stripe cardi. It's kind of a hassle since I am knitting both at once and there is a multitude of yarn to deal with. The striping, the doubling of yarn, etc. The cable cardi is going well. I am almost to the armhole shaping for the front pieces. I haven't timed myself knitting the cables but noticed that while watching tv and doing the pattern it takes a looong time to start and finish the sixteen rows of the pattern. More than a 45 minutes. Not complaining since I'm happy with how it's turning out. I love cabling! Since we are on the topic of cable knits I love the sweater fluffa has made.

I found this cool site. Something to bookmark.