Creative Tangling

OMG OMG OMG

2008-08-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

Shirley, the organizer of the Pratchgan, just received this e-mail!!!!

Dear Shirley,

I’m sorry not to have come back to you earlier, but there seemed no time at
all between Edinburgh and the
Discworld Convention from which I returned only yesterday.

I am amazingly touched by all the work that has gone into the Pratchgan and
in the fullness of time hope to get a letter out to every single
contributor. I must confess to you that we are having real problems
positioning it here in the property! As a throw it could cover several
chairs at once. As a wall hanging
it would have been fine except that we would have to move the built in
bookcases on those walls big enough
to accommodate its width. That’s the thing about flat walls - they grow
bookcases. Currently it is hanging in a doorway in my library and even then
(bookcases again) we can’t tease it out to its full width and depth. I
really am beginning to wonder whether it should be carefully rolled onto an
ornamental scroll and brought out to be demonstrated to special visitors -
you know, like the Tora or Magna Carta, although obviously more sacred. It
seems an awful shame and I think we’ll see what we can do with the doorway
version. We are also going to experiment hanging it from the ceiling in the
way of regimental banners you see in cathedrals. At the moment the doorway
is pretty good, although I am worried about the weight of the material
distorting the Pratchgan.

I really am sorry to tell you all this because I know it was a labour of
love and kindness and is accepted
as such. I do kind of like the idea of having a sacred scroll in my office
and will ensure that it gets a box of suitable dignity. Rob is going to put
your photos and, if you do not object, this letter on
www.terrypratchett.com. In the meantime Patch, the office cat, is asleep on
the Librarian, who she seems
to find quite attractive.

Again, many thanks and best wishes.

Terry Pratchett

..... ZOMG! I cannot put into words how I feel! I am excited, and pleased, and... just overwhelmed! ^_^ I know I was just a teeny tiny part of this project, but I'm very proud of what we made and that Terry was pleased with it.

~Kero

Pratchgan 2008 - Mission Accomplished!

2008-08-26T00:54:00.005-05:00

I know that there is no way I can possibly do the Pratchgan justice with words, so I will instead link you to the post of its organizer, who handed the Pratchgan over to Terry in person!

(My square is the third from the left on the top row!)

Accompanying the Pratchgan was the following letter, along with many letters from the people who contributed squares.

Dear Mr Pratchett,

The Ankh-Morpork Knitter's Guild is a group on the fibre arts website ravelry.com where fans can come together to indulge our passion for all things crafty as well as all things Discworld.

At the end of last year we were trying to think of a way to show our support following the news of your Alzheimer’s diagnosis and being a bunch of knitters and crocheters (not to mention spinners, weavers and dyers) we decided a Discworld-inspired afghan blanket was the way to go.

Since 26th December 2007 ninety-nine people from all over Roundworld have contributed a square or two, causing my postman to start giving me some very strange looks. The project thread on ravelry has been a joy as people suggested themes, egged each other on or just had a rant when a brilliant idea turned out not to be so brilliant after all. Somewhere along the way the project became known as The Pratchgan 2008 and the name has now firmly stuck.

We send you this gift and the accompanying letters with all our love, to let you know that a bunch of strangers are thinking of you and also with our thanks for all the years of laughter that your books have brought us. If you ever manage to find the time to join ravelry (a wee birdie has told us that you spin and weave so it’s not entirely outwith the realms of possibility that you might feel the urge to join some day) we’d be honoured to have you as a member of the Guild.

We hope you enjoy The Pratchgan and that it brings you as much pleasure as we’ve had creating it.

Warmest wishes,

Shirley (ravelry name cherryred)
On behalf of the Ankh-Morpork Knitter’s Guild

For more on the project, you can check out the Ravelry thread or the flickr pool. Also, a Google search turns up a lot of results. =) One of my favorites is here.

~Kero

Long Freakin' Post

2008-05-15T02:45:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I've done quite a bit since last we met!

First off, I have some great new yarns in my stash. I have enough Lamb's Pride wool in Sun Yellow for a clapotis, as well as a skein of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino aran (gifts from my swap partner!). I have some really pretty palette yarn from Knit Picks, which may or may not become some socks. I also have all the yarn for my afghan, and some Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Deep Blue.

This will be a pair of socks.

Speaking of socks... Remember the StR Pebble Beach yarn I bought?

They are an amazing pair of socks, and I couldn't be happier with them. The pattern is Grapevine from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. I used US #2 needles. I LOVED knitting with Socks That Rock yarn, and can't wait to buy more!

Next are the socks I made for a swap a while back, but couldn't post so my partner wouldn't see!

These were made using Traveling Vine from the same book as the previous socks. I used US #2 needles and Cascade Sassy Stripes sock yarn. My partner loved them! I love them too.

The other thing I made for my swap partner was a little knitted elephant. I had to make one for myself, because it was SO cute!

I kept the one on the left, and his name is Francis. Both were knitted on US #3 needles.

I've been working diligently on my afghan, and it's coming along nicely. Right now it has three balls of yarn in it, with twelve or so left to go!

This is the beautiful pile of Cascade 220 superwash yarn that is waiting to join the afghan.

And this is the afghan so far! It's getting really heavy!

Next is the pair of socks I'm making for Becky. I've finished one, and just finished the gusset of the other.

The pattern is really nice in person!

Other than those things, I have almost finished the Neopolitan scarf, and I promised Becky I'd knit a little Yellephant (yellow elephant, get it?) to go with Francis. Sooner or later I'll be doing a post of non-knitted crafts I've done, but Friday I'm going home for the summer and don't know when I'll be online next.

~Kero

Nothing New

2008-04-21T16:08:00.002-05:00

So... I've been teh suck at both knitting AND updating lately. I still owe y'all pictures from my swap, as well as an update on my afghan (it's HUGE!!) and the socks I'm making from my pebble beach yarn. I haven't had much time to knit lately, and I have a couple of things I have to finish before I can get wrapped up in my knitting again. However, the semester is over in four weeks and without internet access all summer, I will knit a ton. A shit ton, even.

Knitting goals:

Finish scarf
Finish afghan
Start clapotis
Finish second sock
Start yellephant for Becky
Lots of other things.

That will occupy me for a while. Pics when I'm not being a bum!

~Kero

New Name

2008-03-07T08:16:00.001-06:00

So, I've decided that "Knitty-Gritty" is a little generic and overused, so I'm witching to a term Becky uses quite often: Creative Tangling. ^_^

In other news, my swap partner received! Pics coming soon. <3
~Kero

A Few Pics

2008-03-04T06:55:00.002-06:00

I got around to photographing my StR yarn. God, pictures don't do it justice.

Also, I've been slowly handing out the gifts that were meant for Christmas, and here's a picture of my friend Eilene with her set.

Lastly, Becky recently made what we like to call the Monster Scarf. The thing is at least a foot wide and about ten feet long, made out of burly spun wool. To give you an idea of how long it is, here's Eilene wearing it as a dress.

Also, all of my swap items are packed in a box, ready for mailing. So excited!!
~Kero

ZOMG!

2008-03-03T19:21:00.003-06:00

My Socks that Rock yarn came today! I had never seen any in person before, and it is AMAZING! The colors are so vibrant and lovely, and it feels so soft... I hope I can pick a pattern that suits them! I am really excited to start using this yarn...

In other news, Becky and I participated in our residence hall's craft night last night. Sadly, only about four people showed up, but we did manage to send them all home with yarn and needles, as well as some knitting basics. Everyone learned how to cast on and knit, a couple learned how to purl, and one girl was even doing ribbing and binding off by the time we were through. It was a lot of fun.

I have finished EVERYTHING for my swap! I'm going to go pack it now so it'll be ready to send out tomorrow!

~Kero

I'm a Bad Person...

2008-02-29T02:59:00.004-06:00

... For three separate reasons!

Reason #1: I should be studying.

Reason #2: I haven't updated here in forever.

Reason #3: I spent a ton of money on yarn, some of which includes...

Cascade Sassy Stripes sock yarn. It's really pretty, and nice to knit with.

Some Noro Silk Garden. Not sure what to make with it...

My first skein of Socks That Rock, in the colorway called Pebble Beach. The socks I make from this yarn are going to be mine. ^_^

Knit Picks fingering weight Palette Yarn in Rainforest Heather. Absolutely beautiful!

Becky also bought a butt-load of yarn, and finished her first sock last night! Yay her!

WIP Update... The afghan is hibernating because I'm a little busy at the moment.

Same goes for the Neopolitan scarf. I'm doing a swap on Craftster right now, and it's been fun so far. It's a yarn-related scavenger hunt swap, and we have to send one item from each of the following categories:
1. Something green
2. Something related to the letter "T"
3. Something hard
4. Something funny
5. Something local
6. Something round
7. Sender's choice

I have my round, green, local, and funny taken care of. "T" is halfway done, Sender's choice is halfway done, and hard is almost finished. I don't have to send out until March 19th, but I plan to get done this weekend. After my partner receives, I'll be sure to post what I sent!!

I don't think I've mention this, but one of mine and Becky's favorite authors, Terry Pratchett, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's very recently. In response, the fan group on Ravelry organized the making of an afghan to be sent to him. A bunch of people are submitting blocks, and the middle it's going to say "I aten't dead." I did a square based off of a character named Nobby Nobbs.

I promise it's SUPPOSED to look ugly. Nobby is described as having almost every known (and some unknown) skin colors, boils, and has to carry a certificate proving he's human. I think I pulled that off, yeah? My first time with bead work. I'm so damn proud. All of the Pratchgan squares submitted so far can be seen here. I'll link to pictures of the afghan when the whole thing is finished as well.

I think that's all I've been up to lately... And I have a test I need to study for. I promise a real update soon!

~Kero

Pic-Chubby Post: Yarn and FOs!

2008-02-03T01:59:00.003-06:00

I know I talked about free wool a little bit in my last post. I have since e-mailed Bernat to try and find out how old it is, and I've taken a few photos of the labels. Here's my pile of wool (this is excluding the stuff Becky was given):

Here's a close-up of the Bernat Meadowspun:

And the Glenspun:

There was also a skein of Companion 3-ply yarn. It's reeeally soft.

All-in-all, there's some really nice yarn. I'm looking forward to turning it into socks.

Now for some FOs! My swap partner received her mug warmer, so I can post a picture of it now.

The pattern can be found here. I used Caron Simply Soft in Deep Teal Heather on US #8 needles. This was a really quick knit, I had it done in an evening.

Also, a (mostly) finished snatchel!

It still needs ovaries, I'm afraid. I knitted this on US #6 and #7 DPNs, using several different types of yarn. Also, I used 2-stitch i-cord for the drawstring instead of crocheting a chain. I love the way this turned out! It's almost too cute to be vulgar. ^_^

I'm working on the commissioned scarf, which I've decided looks like neopolitan ice cream. I'm also working on my afghan, but had to start over when I figured out I had cast on 224 stitches instead of 225. *sighs* At least I was less than twenty rows in.

Back to work.
~Kero

Free Wool and Snatchels

2008-01-27T23:15:00.000-06:00

So, what have I been working on since my last post? I have been making a commissioned scarf, I made a gift for a swap, and I started on a snatchel. Mwa ha ha. Mine is much more feminine and a little larger, but I think it's beautiful. I originally made it to be given away at the Vagina Monologues Raffle, but I don't think they're doing one this year so I'll either keep it or give it to someone (and I have just the someone in mind).

Also, a little LYS love: We were given a bag full of free wool! Mostly fingering weight and in some strange colors, but still! And we're kind of sure that some of it is a little old, but it's going to make lovely things nonetheless. I'll post a stash-pile when I get bored.

Okay, I have homework to get to and a snatchel (tee hee) to knit. Peace!
~Kero

Winter Break FOs

2008-01-19T01:32:00.003-06:00

Hello!! Here are some FOs, as promised.

I'll start off with the hats. The first hat was knit as a Christmas present for my dad. The pattern is the New York Hat. I used US #6 needles and Caron Simply Soft in Dark Country Blue. Dad really seems to like the hat. He wore it all day after I gave it to him, and has had it one every time I've seen him outside.

Next is a hat I knit for a friend, Brandon, as a wedding present. This hat is called 1337 Hat Redux, and was my first attempt at intarsia. I like the way it came out! This hat is actually two hats knit together at the brim, and then the plain one is stuffed inside the decorated hat as a liner. I used Caron Simply Soft yarn in Black and Lemonade on US #7 needles.

The project I'm the proudest has to be the socks. I call them my Johnny Socks, because after I turned the heel of the first sock I declared that its name was Johnathan (I name everything!!). I knitted these socks in about a week, and they fit like a dream! I am very pleased that my first socks turned out so well. It's hard to tell, but thet have a cabled pattern. The yarn is Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn in Elderberry. I used four US #2 DPNs.

And last but not least, here is the yarn that I hand-painted over the holidays. There's about 450 yards of worsted weight silk yarn there, and I'm planning on knitting a hat and wrist warmer set. I call the colorway Silkberry because I can't think of anything better.

And that's all for now! I have one hat in the works, I ordered the yarn for my afghan today, I'm getting ready to start a scarf, and I'm contributing a square for the Terry Pratchett Afghan (or "Pratchgan"). Busy busy busy! And to think, school starts in a few days!

~Kero

Didja Miss Me?

2008-01-17T13:36:00.000-06:00

So! I'm back from break, which means I have internet again! Although being without internet a whole month gave me plenty of time for knitting! My next post will contain two hats, some hand-dyed yarn, and a pair of socks! I can tell you're all thrilled. ^_^

Be back soon!
~Kero

Cabling AND Intarsia!

2007-12-13T13:34:00.002-06:00

So Becky bought me this really cool yarn, so I took a break from my Christmas knitting to make something for myself. I know, I'm terrible.

This is my first (finished) cabled project. The pattern is called Bamboozled and I really love the way this turned out. The yarn is Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Caribe Irisee and the colorway is called Misha. I used six needles. This only took about a day to knit up.

Detail of the cabling.

I love this headband and have worn it a ton since I made it!

I'm also working on my first ever intarsia project. Wish me luck!
~Kero

i can has sock yarn?

2007-12-09T19:51:00.001-06:00

I finally got a photo of the hat I just finished! This is the one I made to match my star scarf.

Cute, eh? I'll post a pic of the recipient after I give it to her, it's going to look ten times more adorable on her.

Also, here's the lovely sock yarn I bought!

I hope I don't fail at sock-making. Wish me luck?

Headband is going well, I just didn't get around to taking a picture of it. Oh well, it will be a surprise! Mwa ha ha!
~Kero

Another LYS Trip...

2007-12-08T11:00:00.000-06:00

Becky, Valerie, Justin, and I went to our LYS yesterday! Much fun. We bought Valerie a birthday present (some beautiful lace weight yarn. She's making a gift for her host mom when she goes to Japan). Becky found some of her favorite yarn on sale, the book she's been wanting, and she bought me some crazy cool novelty yarn that I'm making a headband with. Pics to follow.

ALSO!! I got compliments on my calorimetry TWICE yesterday. Once was from a random girl on campus that stopped Becky and asked, "Where did you buy that?" and the other was the other of the yarn shop who thought it was amazing and had to look up the pattern for herself. Squee.

We're going back to the store today for Becky's b-day present. I found the yarn I want to make my afghan out of, but it's $10 a skein and I need over ten skeins. :( Not in the budget right now. I wish I could buy it one skein at a time, but then my dye lots wouldn't match. Anywho, I do need to go back to Wal-Mart and grab a few skeins of Caron Simply Soft to make my dad's hat and Kelly's hat.

One last thing! The person I made the Jayne hat for received it yesterday and LOVES it! I am sooo happy!
~Kero

Change Your Mind

2007-12-05T04:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I decided that the pithy hat was not turning out like I had hoped, so I frogged it. Instead, I cast on the Blanche hat. I'm already finished! It was a really quick knit. It's also very lovely. This was made to match the star scarf, and I'll try and get picture of it and the set up tomorrow. I have also promised to help Becky update her blog, so hopefully I can be productive.

I've decided to hold off on the butterfly scarf and finish all my other gifts first. If I don't get it all done by Christmas, everyone will at LEAST get one gift and then I can give them the second part as I finish.

Next thing to do: Find a hat to match my Wavy scarf.

Oh, and btw.... I bought sock yarn!! Now if only Becky will finish her pair of socks so that I can steal the needles. ^_^
~Kero

Failz0rs...

2007-12-02T16:09:00.000-06:00

The butterfly scarf is causing problems. No matter what I do, it curls. Actually, right now it's folding down the middle. Do I keep knitting it and hope for the best, or do I give up before I waste another day?

In any case, I have cast on the pithy hat. It got off to a rocky start, but is now coming along nicely. :)
~Kero

There's a Low Moon Caught in Your Tangles

2007-11-30T17:32:00.001-06:00

I hate tangled yarn balls. Hate hate hate. I decided to take my knitting to class today, and had to sit and untangle yarn for an hour. -.-

I'm still working on the scarf, so yay me. I'm a little worried that this is going to cut into the time I need for other projects, but Becky said she might help me with the hats. <3

All right then, work to be done!
~Kero

Butterfly Scarf

2007-11-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

I started on my butterfly scarf! Three different times! ^_^ I'm making up the pattern myself (well, the combination of stitches, anyway), so I had to rip it out a few times because of various mistakes. I also had to keep it from curling, since it was stockinette, so I learned a new cast-on method that's supposed to help and added a border. So far so good! This is also my first time cabling, which is working out well.

Now can I finish it in three days....?
~Kero

To-Do List

2007-11-28T11:57:00.000-06:00

I just want to keep track of where I'm at project-wise. Right now the only thing I have on needles is Becky's scarf, so I can start a few more projects.

Hats:

Black calorimetry for Christen
Blue butterfly hat for myself
Wavy hat for Kelly
Pithy hat for Eilene
Sock hat for my dad

Scarves:

Finish skull scarf for Becky
Butterfly scarf for Casey
Ribbed scarf

Other:

Afghan for me
Towel toppers for my grandma

Not too bad, I guess... Only six of these need to be done by Christmas, so I have right around 25 days to finish everything up. That's about 4 days per thing, and the calorimetry will only take one day. I should probably start the butterfly scarf first, because I think that will take the longest.

...I think I'm going to go get started. ^^;;;;; Wish me luck!
~Kero

A Buttload of FOs

2007-11-27T23:53:00.003-06:00

All finished and photographed!! Warning: Picture heavy!

I'll start with the calorimetries. The pattern can be found here.

This is the first calorimetry I made, which turned out way too large. It was knit on US #6 needles with Bernat Softee Chunky. It lacks a button or woven in ends because I haven't decided whether I should frog it or not.

This is the calorimetry I made for myself. I used Noro Silk Garden and US #6 needles. This is my first non-acrylic project. I used the same alterations as I did with the brown calorimetry.

This is the one I made for Becky. I cast on about 112 stitches for this one. It looks great on her! I'll try to make her let me take a picture. I used Caron Simply Soft Deep Plum Heather on US #6s.

Next is the scarf.

This is the double-knit star scarf I've been working on for ages. I used Caron Simply Soft in black and Autumn red, knitted on US #7s. The pattern is here.

Last but not least, a couple of hats.

My beautiful butterfly hat. I am sorely tempted to keep this, but I think I'm going to make one for myself in blue. This was knitted on US #5 and #7 circular needles. The yarn is Caron Simply Soft in Plum Wine. I love this hat SO much!

Oh, Jayne hat, how I love thee. This is supposed to be Jayne Cobb's hat from the series Firefly. The pattern calls for wool or cotton, but I used Caron Simply Soft in Autumn red, mango, and lemonade. This is a gift for a friend, and I'll try to get a picture of her wearing it. This was knitted on US #10.5 circulars.

Well, that's all I got! Now I only have one WIP: Becky's scarf, which is hibernating. I need to get started on a few more things!
~Kero

Accomplished!

2007-11-26T23:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I got a lot of work done tonight! I wove in the ends on my star scarf, finished the butterfly hat (my first time working on double-pointed needles), and wove in the ends/sewed the button on my calorimetry! The pink button I planned on using went missing, but I found a nice brown one instead. :) Also, I did one ear flap on the Jayne hat and am working on the second. dare I try to finish it tonight?

Pictures will be along shortly, I swear! I just have to finish picking the dog hair off of everything...
~Kero

Tired...

2007-11-25T11:58:00.000-06:00

I'm ready to put the butterfly hat on double-pointed needles! I just need Becky to show me how. I am really excited. I think I'm going to make a matching butterfly stitch scarf, but I need to do a border around it or something because JUST butterfly stitch is kind of boring.

I guess I should finish my homework so I can knit some more. :(
~Kero

Happy Birthday, Becky!!!

2007-11-24T20:15:00.000-06:00

I had to work today, so I took the butterfly hat along to work on. I got pretty far! I'm a little worried that it might end up sitting too far off my head, but it isn't for me anyway. I also got the button sewed Becky's calorimetry and the ends woven in using my brand new tapestry needles! Becky bought me a set with three different sizes in a cute little case, and the smallest actually fits through the holes on the button. The calorimetry fits Becky perfectly and she loves it, so yay me! Now if I could ever finish her skull scarf...

Just for the record, I'm terribly jealous of the sock she's making.
~Kero

Another Hat!

2007-11-23T14:41:00.000-06:00

I have to go and get Becky today (yay!), so I don't plan on doing much knitting. I started on a butterfly hat using the Plum Wine yarn, and so far it's looking great. I like making the little butterflies! Anywho, I imagine I'll get a few things 100% finished when I can get a tapestry needle and some fabric glue.
~Kero

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T23:05:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I know I did! I ate a bunch at both dinners (one on mom's side, one on dad's) and had a bunch of time for knitting. Becky's calorimetry is off the needles, but since I don't have a tapestry needle I can't finish the darn thing. She did give me some hat patterns over the phone, so I think I'm going to cast on one of them. Time to use the Plum Wine yarn, perhaps?
~Kero

The Not-So-Happy Hooker

2007-11-21T21:16:00.000-06:00

I finally finished the star scarf!! It's great. I don't like the way the bind off end flares out while the cast on end is square, but it isn't very noticeable. I think Cody ate my tapestry needles, so weaving in the ends will have to wait. I am really really proud of it, though, and I can't wait to give it to its new owner.

Before I worked on that for the night, my mom attempted to teach me how to crochet. I'm pretty sucky at it, but I might get it with practice. I still think knitting is way cooler (no offense), but I would like to be able to do both. In return, I tried teaching mom to knit. She has arthritis pretty bad, but she did a really good job for her first time. She did a row of knit and a row of purl with minimal trouble. She had a little trouble realizing it was harder to backtrack than in crochet, and that it was also harder to fix mistakes, but I think that if she practices she'll get it in no time.

I'm casting on Becky's calorimetry (I have the pattern memorized by now) so that I can work on it tomorrow in between stuffing my face. With any luck, I'll have it finished before Becks gets back from Texas.

Oh oh oh! While I was tearing the house apart looking for a tapestry needle, my mom took a crochet hook to the brown calorimetry. It's good as new! I can tell the dog got a hold of it at all! Crisis officially averted.
~Kero

It's a Dog-Eat-Knitting World

2007-11-20T23:52:00.000-06:00

I mentioned Cody in the last post, right? Well, since he was in a new place we wanted him to stay inside for the first night. I'm not used to having a puppy around the house (especially a three feet high puppy), so I didn't put all of my knitting away like I should have. To make a long story short, Cody tried to eat the brown calorimetry. It looks like he ripped out a few stitches, but I haven't examined it closely enough to see if it's ruined. At least they don't take long to make... If he had tried to eat the star scarf, I would be pissed.

Speaking of the scarf, I've decided it only needs 14 stars instead of 15. Two left to go! I think I may stay up and finish it, but you'll just have to hear about that tomorrow.
~Kero

Dog Hair: NOT Suitable for Knitting

2007-11-19T23:22:00.000-06:00

One of my dogs died last week, and as a result both my mom and the remaining dog were terribly depressed. Mom decided to get another dog, and after an unsuccessful trip to the animal shelter a friend of mine brought over a stray she had found. His name is Cody and he's a great dog, but he sheds like crazy and is still enough of a puppy (age-wise, not size-wise) that he wants to get in your lap. Because of this, all of the knitting I took home to work on is covered in coarse white hair. I am not looking forward to picking all of those hairs out of my work.

Star scarf update: Five more stars to go!
~Kero

Plum Crazy

2007-11-18T23:15:00.000-06:00

Becky leaves for San Antonio tomorrow, so on our way to meet up with her sister we stopped by Wally World. I'm still trying to get Christmas presents done, so I picked out a really nice pink yarn (Plum Wine) for a scarf and hat. In case I wanted to change colors, I let Becky help me pick out a second skein. She chose this really beautiful dark purple color (Deep Plum Heather). It's totally coincidental that both colors are a shade of plum. I think I'm going to make Becky a calorimetry out of the purple. It all depends on if the Scarf of Doom (I love it, but I'm so tired of working on it!) gets finished anytime soon.
~Kero

It Liiives!

2007-11-17T23:38:00.000-06:00

Today I broke out those beautiful interchangeable needles and cast on my Jayne hat! OMG exciting! It's looking amazing so far. Right now the main hat is done, but it still needs a pom pom and ear flaps. Still, I'm terribly impressed. Hooray for my first hat! I hope the recipient likes it. -^^- Note to self: Start collecting double-pointed needles...
~Kero

Button!

2007-11-16T22:02:00.000-06:00

Since I've been making a million calorimetries lately, I decided to dig out my button collection from when I was a little girl. I also bought a bag of mixed buttons to add to the selection. I found a perfect pink button for my Noro calorimetry!

Since I'll be home all week while Becky's in San Antonio, I plan on getting a lot of knitting done (including my star scarf, dammit!!). It might take me a while to get pictures up, but I'll do what can.

~Kero

Yay!

2007-11-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

-^^- I've already finished my calorimetry! I was worried that it would turn out too small, but it's perfect and beautiful and I'm SO glad I did it in Noro! I can't find a tapestry needle at the moment, but as soon as I've worked away the ends and sewn on a button I'll take piccies. I am going to wear this EVERYWHERE.

I am a little over halfway done with the star scarf, and I'm casting on the Jayne hat as soon as I can get the needles away from Becky.

...Just wondering, but what the hell did I do before I learned to knit? O.o
~Kero

Love Love Love Love Love Love

2007-11-14T21:42:00.001-06:00

I am happy.

Today Becky and I took a trip to our LYS and splurged! That's right, we bought yarn from somewhere other than Wal-Mart! Becky came out of the deal with some very beautiful sock yarn (Tofutsies) and sock needles, as well as a skein of yarn for a Christmas present. I bought a skein of Noro Silk Garden (my first non-acrylic yarn!) to make myself a calorimetry (so I can stop wearing the one I made for someone else).

Becky's sock yarn.

Becky's hat yarn

My precious, beautiful Noro. I'm in love.

We also decided to go ahead and get our joint Christmas present to each other. Here it is!! We needed it to make some more Christmas gifts, and I can start on my Jayne hat! Yaaaaaay! This also means that now Becky and I can both knit hats at the same time.

I don't know if I've ever been happier. :)
~Kero

Nothing to See Here...

2007-11-13T23:49:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been wearing the Calorimetry for two days. I was just testing to see if it works, yanno. I promise I'm not using things I made for people just because I can! Honest!

Anywho, haven't had much time to work on anything else. I am halfway done with the star scarf. I expect to have it finished in about a week (am I being ambitious?).
~Kero

A Couple FOs! Rejoice!

2007-11-12T00:43:00.001-06:00

Yaaaaay! I won't keep you waiting any longer!

The first project is the Windy City Scarf from Stitch 'n Bitch. I knitted this on US #7 needles (smaller than the pattern calls for) and I cast on a few extra stitches. I should have made it longer, but didn't realize that until I had already changed colors. I used Caron Simply Soft in Denim and Chocolate. This is a gift for a friend.

The scarf in all its glory.

A detail shot of the colors.

Now for the calorimetry... I edited the pattern so that it would actually fit me (this is only after a beautiful but failed first try). I cast on 106 stitches and used needles two sizes too small (US #6). Then I only worked about twelve or so short rows (I kind of just eyeballed it... When I got it half as wide as I wanted it, I started increasing again. It fits me perfectly! Too bad it's meant to be a gift. This is a fast knit, though, so I will certainly make more. This is done in the same Chocolate yarn as the scarf, and I plan on doing some Denim blanket stitching around the edges.

Here it lies...

And an action shot, just for fun.

And finally, the two together.

Thanks for looking!
~Kero

...

2007-11-11T23:20:00.000-06:00

I am posting my FOs TONIGHT! I promise! I am weaving in some ends right now and then I'll have Becky help me with pictures.

Also, I changed the calorimetry pattern to fit me and am really pleased with the way it came out... I'll give the specific alterations in the next post.

I bought Becky (and by extension myself) a book for her birthday. We now have our very own copy of Domiknitrix. Exciting.

Be patient with me, I'm busy. :(
~Kero

Proof

2007-11-10T23:26:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to show y'all that I have actually been working on something...

I have a handful of rows left to do, and it's done done done! And my sweetheart and I have scheduled a time to take pictures of our work tonight. *sigh* Too damn busy!

By the way, I reeeeally want to knit this.
~Kero

Nothin' New

2007-11-09T15:41:00.001-06:00

Still working on the revised calorimetry. More on that later. :) I promise I'll get pictures up soon! I'm such a procrastinator...
~Kero

Pattern Woes

2007-11-08T23:05:00.000-06:00

I finished another project! Go me! My calorimetry is off the needles and... much too large for my cute little head. However, it fits the girlfriend, so I may give it to her. Or I may just frog it and then redo it with few stitches and rows. Had I been a good girl and done my homework, I would have discovered they nearly everyone has had the exact same problem with the pattern, and I could have saved myself hours of work had I looked around. :( However, I am starting another one with smaller yarn and fewer stitches, so we'll see how it goes.

Number of times I had to explain what a "calorimetry" was today: 7

I promise I'll post some pictures soon! I'm just too damn busy at the moment. Do you still love me?
~Kero

Calor-whaty?

2007-11-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

I finally finished my keyhole scarf! Yaaaaay! But, I lied: I haven't been working on finishing my star scarf. No, instead I let myself be sucked in to making a calorimetry. Oh well.

I don't have time to post pics tonight, but I'll try to tomorrow. Laters!
~Kero

Hat!

2007-11-06T14:09:00.002-06:00

So, I got to wear the stylin' new hat Becky made me for the first time today! Okay, so I know this doesn't have anything to do with ME knitting, but I just wanted to show how awesomely awesome this hat is!

What about my projects, you ask? Haha. Funny. No, I should seriously be done with the keyhole scarf TONIGHT, and then I'll finish the star scarf. After that it's a toss-up between starting something new and finishing Becky's scarf.

Love, peace, and chicken grease!
~Kero

A Cunning Hat...

2007-11-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

I WILL finish something soon, I promise! I am about 75% done with my keyhole scarf, and will finish the star scarf soon after that.

So. My first non-scarf project is going to be the Jayne Cobb hat from Firefly. However, I am conflicted. For one thing, the only size 10.5 needles I can find are Addi Turbos, and I don't know if I'm prepared to spend $20 on a pair of needles that I might only use once. Also, should I make the hat out of the acrylic yarn that I already have which matches the colors pretty closely, or do I order a kit like this one that includes all the yarn I need and a premade pom pom? Or do I just go and buy the wool, use the pattern off the internet, and make the pom pom myself? I have a lot of scarves to make, so I don't need to decide this anytime soon.

All right, off to hopefully finish my keyhole scarf. Love.
~Kero

WIP Update

2007-11-04T17:51:00.001-06:00

I'm taking a break from the Star Scarf to work on a brown and blue (excuse me, chocolate and denim) keyhole scarf. This isn't because I'm sick of the star one, but I end up with a big tangled mess when I try to take it out and about with me since there are two balls of yarn attached to it. They've already gotten ridiculously tangled once, and I don't have the time or energy to pick at knots for a couple hours. Therefore, that is now my stay-at-home project. The keyhole scarf involves only one skein (at the moment) so it's been nice to carry around. Also, it's a really quick knit--I started it last night and am over a fourth of the way done. Go me!

I have fallen out of love with making pom-poms. It's kind of entertaining and they look really cool, but don't make me do it very often. Please?

I should have a finished project to show y'all soon...
~Kero

So Many Projects...

2007-11-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

...Not enough needles. I am not fond of having to choose a project based on what size and how many needles we have. For example, we only have one circular needle PERIOD, so only Becky or I can be making a hat at one time. Hopefully we will remedy this soon... I would like to try my hand at hat-making. :)

In other news, my star scarf is coming along beautifully. I've finished six repeats of the pattern and have started the seventh. The pattern calls for fifteen repeats, but if I think it's long enough I may stop sooner than that. I'm a little confused about binding it off, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Anyway! I guess I had better get back to work. Laters!
~Kero

New Yarn!

2007-11-02T23:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's not for me, but I'm always excited about a trip to the LYS. The girlfriend bought four skeins of this beautiful yarn called Berroco Comfort. It's 50% Nylon and 50% Acrylic, but it feels heavenly. She's making Christmas gifts with most of it, but there is promise of some mittens for me... Excited!

Yeah, I promise I'm working on stuff instead of playing on ravelry... No really, I am...
~Kero

Ravelry

2007-11-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

Hey-yo! I got my Ravelry invite! My username is kiwikero, so look me up.

~Kero

Working On Stuff

2007-10-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

No finished objects this time, but I do have a quick update on what I'm working on. I found the pattern for this scarf and am knitting it in black and red. It's my first experience with double knitting, and I really like it so far. I also plan on making the keyhole scarf from the Stitch 'n Bitch book for one of my friends (will I get my Christmas gifts done in time?).

On top of those two things, my lovely girlfriend bought me this book. It is full of amazing stitch patterns that I want to try, and also explains some techniques in a way that's really easy to understand. All of this is making me wonder if I will ever graduate to knitting anything besides scarves. Oh well, I'll have the warmest neck in town!
~Kero

Another Scarf, Anyone?

2007-10-22T11:30:00.001-05:00

This is my second ever FO. I used the knitty pattern Wavy with a few variations. I used Caron Simply Soft yarn and US #7 needles. I used fire colors (black, red, orange, yellow) and then reversed the colors. This is a gift for a friend of mine who really likes fire, so I hope she likes it! Also, despite my love of fringe, I decided that this scarf looked fine without it.

This is the scarf laid out so you can see the pattern.

Hanging up.

Aaaand an action shot, modeled by yours truly.

That's all for today!
~Kero

First Post, First FO

2007-10-22T11:11:00.001-05:00

Hello, and welcome to my knitting journal! I plan to use this as a space to post my completed projects, complain about works-in-progress, and talk abut projects I may think about trying to work on sometime in the near future. ^_^

This is my very first finished project. I used Caron Simply Soft yarn in black, white, and watermelon. It is K2P2 ribbing on US #7 needles. I am really proud of the way it turned out, and am especially fond of the fringe. ^^ Since I made it I can see tons of mistakes, but it is my first project.

Action shot! Yes, that's me.

You can see the pattern a little better this way.

And one more, just for kicks. ^_^

Thanks for looking!
~Kero