Can You Be Over-Inspired?

I have a feeling I might be. I had an idea that I thought would result in a new pattern. But after looking at how complicated that would be with all I want to do, I split that into 3 design ideas... which then became four...

Long story short: I'm in the midst of 7 new patterns!! One is all ready to be knit and photographed. The others are at various stages.

This is the first time I've had such a cohesive idea and I've decided that besides being available individually, they will also be available as my first e-book, all through my shop on Ravelry; Knit, Dance, Repeat Designs.

I'm kind of hyped up about this, to be honest. It's one of those things that just came together and blasted all the cobwebs out of my head.

I can tell you that the first pattern is for a cabled cowl, knit in worsted weight wool. That's all I'm saying for now.

In other knitting news, the Ravellenic Games are off and running, and I'm hard at work on my "Inamorata" (Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark; Knitty.com) for Team Mine (team of the Selfish Knitters and Crocheters group). I lost 5 days waiting to be able to buy a 4.0mm/US6 circular needle; I swore I had one before the Games started! But, of course, when I come to the point when the knitting moves from the 3.75 to the 4.0, I can't find one! I digress. A new 4.0mm is happily knitting away with some of the lovely Diamond Luxury Collection Fine Merino Superwash DK that's been in my stash since... well it was already deep stash when I moved here almost 4 1/2 years ago, lol. It's color 8974, a greener shade of aqua. Here's my progress pic from Aug 12. Sorry; it's the only one I have so far.

And that, my friends, is where I'm at in everything yarn and knitting :)

TTFN

General Chitchat; Spring Cleaning

I composed a tweet the other day that I couldn't send due to my phone still not being fixed yet. It read "Peace= a mug of Read My Lips tea from @DAVIDSTEA + a beautiful shawl pattern by @RomiDesigns being knit in pretty yarn from @KnitPicks + 3 sleeping cats + sunshine" It really summed up my quiet morning: tea, knitting, cats and sunshine.

This afternoon, I'm knitting on my "Ardrum" in the lovely merino/silk blend I chose ages ago and enjoying a nice mug of tea (Toasted Walnut this time; I had some Apple Custard earlier). The cats are doing their cat things.

I finished the "Alcyone" I was working on, plus a little bag I started back in 2012. I'm not sure why I set it aside when all I had left on it was the handles. Oh well, it's done now; a charming little bag called "Leafy Knot Clutch" (Veronik Avery; book "24/7 Knitting"). I'm down to 2 WIPs: my "Ardrum" and the bag I'm designing. Which is odd for me, but I've really finished up a lot of things so far this year. 14 FOs since January; I'm pretty sure that's a record for me! There might be 1 or 2 more that I can move from "hibernating" status to active WIPs but I'm really getting things caught up. I guess spending my days sitting on my butt can be useful ;)

Friday (June 10) was the one year mark since "The Big Fall". In that time, I've progressed from excruciating pain and fear of what might be wrong with me to quiet acceptance that pain reminds me not to overdo things and my balance is bad and I need to use a cane especially out of the house. I'm still trying to get into physio but the new idiot system is more frustrating than the waiting was! But it is what it is and I can't change it. I'm trying to walk 5 days a week, even if it's just to the Post Office and back (roughly 1 kilometer, round trip). I take my pills, do what I can around the house. And I knit. And compose blogposts on paper that I can type up when I go to the library next ;)

I've been doing that a lot lately; blogging on paper. Some may find their way here, others won't. I have a feeling I'll hang onto them either way. They're good for a laugh if nothing else!

I plan on revamping my page of "Patterns Mentioned in this Blog" soon. Direct links for the web-based ones, like those published on Knitty.com, for sure. The Ravelry downloads, I think I'll just leave as they are. Same with those from books and magazines. I need to clean up the blogs and other links too. Freshen things up now that Spring appears to be approaching my lovely Rock in the sea.

So, be on the lookout for some minor tweaks to this blog and let me know if there's anything you'd like to see here. As always, you can check out more details of my knitting projects on Ravelry; find me there as knit-dance-repeat ;)

TTFN

An FO and some ruminations

Woot! Another FO to report for 2016 :) I knit a pair of "Hidden Gusset" (Mone Drager, knitty.com) between Friday and Saturday. Love them! So quick to do and they look pretty good. They're in my Rav projects under "Mitties"

And I'm happily organizing my projects for the June KAL in Rosemary Hill's Rav group. I'm taking another run at "Alcyone" in a more tonal yarn (Knit Picks Hawthorne Kettle Dye in Delphinium) to not obscure the pattern and thinking about "Verdigris" (Rosemary Hill, knitty.com) as well.

I really liked the first set of fingerless mitts I knit, and with walking with my cane, I find my hand gets chilled easily. I'm quietly amassing a bit of a sub-queue of fingerless mitts! lol Not a bad thing, I'm thinking.

The weather seems to getting Spring-like here in Newfoundland :) Not overly sunny today but definitely warming up after the past couple days of rain.

In kitty news, we're gearing up for a big birthday on Saturday. Miss Maureen Mavourneen turns the big 1-8!! I can't believe it, my ghirlie will be old enough to vote! (And she's probably smart enough to, given the general state of the electorate)

And the Ravellenic Games 2016 organizing is apparently underway :) Thread started a month ago; I found it today lol August is shaping up to be a good time :) Can't wait to see what teams are in this year and what events I can participate in. Gonna be fun!! :)

TTFN

A Knitting Front Round-Up

Yesterday, I explained my health situation and I mentioned that I've been knitting quite a bit during this whole thing. So, I figured today I'd do a bit of a rundown of what I've been working on and where I'm at with various projects. There's even two (count 'em: 2!!) FOs to report ;)

Back in May, I started a second Carson (Romi Hill). If you've read my posts, you're familiar with my first one getting lost in the aftermath of our little flood. So, this is kind of a replacement but it's such a beautiful design that I just really wanted a finished one.

The purple is a hand-dyed with a sparkly strand spun into it that I bought while living in Regina, at the now closed (sob!!) Golden Willow. The black is KnitPicks Stroll Glimmer so that both yarns are shimmery shiny. I'm up to the lace edge on this one and I've chosen to take the shimmer and factor up a notch by adding in beads! I need my head examined lol But it's looking good and that's what I want.

Here's a view of the two yarns and the first row of beads. Progress is coming along on this beauty :)

In June, Romi Hill released the first of her 'Asymmetry' small shawls series. I love her little series; I have 3 of the 5. The first design is called "Purless", an all knit piece. It really spoke to me so I cast on with some KnitPicks Stroll Tonal in 'canopy' my dear friend Susie gave me ages ago. I think I was less than two weeks knitting it. What a sweet and quick little piece! And it works with a variety of yarn weights. Good for gifting, hint hint ;)

A few in progress shots and the finished object (Told ya I had FOs). I still haven't blocked her but I'm really pleased with how it turned out :)

My second June start was a second Purless. Remember I mentioned it can be knit in various yarn weights? I found a brilliant colorway of Patons Canadiana and immediately knew it was for Roomie's birthday gift. And after how easily I finished my Purless, I thought it was just the ticket. I started near the end of June and by mid-July I had it done :) Had to wait til she was out of town on a visit to block it but it turned out really well :)

Hmm, in a display of technology doesn't like Síle, I can't find the finished picture. But it is on Ravelry, dear knitters. The project is called 'Shoe Girls' and is under my 2015 tab as well as a few others.

In July, I started getting bored only being able to knit. I know, I know: how many times have any of us said that we want unlimited knitting time? Or that that's all we would do if we could? We've all said it at some time or other. I learned the truth isn't nearly as fun. Everything just felt like a chore and after finishing the second Purless, I didn't touch my needles for about a week. Then one evening I was watching "Princess Bride" (YTV saving Saturday night tv!!) and it struck me that what I wanted was something simple, almost thoughtless. I grabbed a skein of the Bernat Satin Shimmers I had bought (color is Amethyst; my birthstone) and cast on a Clapotis (Knitty.com). I haven't really worked on it since that evening, but it was just what I needed to relax my brain and hands. I have it hibernating in one of the project bags on the back of my door. If I need it, it's there.

In August I was having some difficulties. The tendinitis in my left shoulder flared up, leaving me unable to knit for a few days. I'd do a bit on Carson, and I cast on and frogged a few things. Nothing seemed right. The September KAL on the Romi Hill group on Ravelry was to knit with a yarn that is Preciousss to you. I've had this lovely hank of hand-dyed from Lindsay for awhile. She dyed it for my birthday so it's a one of a kind thing; it is my Preciousss yarn.

I cast on for Alcyone. Love the pattern and the yarn is gorgeous but the colors in the yarn were muddying the lace pattern. I set it aside. I still want to make something with this yarn now that it's caked. I frogged the Alcyone and am now looking at Diane (Romi Hill) as a possibility.

Also in September, I decided it was time I had a new sweater. And I have six balls of lovely green Red Heart Soft Touch that Roomie gave me. Hmm... My search led me to 'Amused' (Knitty.com); top-down with clever reversible cables at the collar and plackets, perfect for fall layering. Sold! I happily started my sweater :) But after I joined and started in the round, I discovered a problem. A big one. The other 5 balls of yarn were missing. Not in any of the stash in my room and I tore through my few remaining things in the basement: no more lovely green yarn :( I wanted to cry. I haven't frogged it and I set the project page to hibernate. If I can find more of that color at Walmart, I will finish it. I really want that sweater!! *sigh* I so rarely go for a big project like a sweater so it's a real blow. Hopefully I find more of the green.

October is upon us and boy is there a bite in the air today! We're at 5C, 2C with wind and what not factored in. Second rainy cold day; autumn or rather pre-Winter is here.

My start project this month is one that will take me the better part of a year to complete. I was looking for hockey themed knits and I happened across the pattern "Crackerjack". Originally conceived for the baseball fan, it's been adopted and adapted by fans of other sports. The basic premise is simple: a win/lose record of your favorite team's season. I started with a little border in Garter st before joining in the round, and I've happily knit 4 rounds for every game  (one game got 5 rnds as we had a shutout :)) my Montréal Canadiens have played so far. I chose 4 colors to represent away wins, away loses, home wins and home loses. And I went with 4 rnds per game in honor of the late #4 Jean Beliveau. Fitting, I thought. So after every game, I knit my 4 rnds with the appropriate color and by season's end I'm gonna have one heck of a scarf! Which is cool, because a scarf is something I can use. Unlike hats which I never wear or mitts that I always seem to lose.

If you'd like more details on any of my projects, visit my notebook on Ravelry; I'm knit-dance-repeat :) And until I can get the other pics to work here, all my good project photos are there as well. You can also follow my progress on Instagram; I'm the imaginatively named knittingsile ;)

That was quite a round-up today! Now maybe I won't take so long between posts lol

TTFN

(edited 6:19pm NDT: pictures are working again :) )

So Much for Spring

Big storm hit last night and still nasty winds today. Thank goodness it's my weekend; I've stayed inside with cups of tea and my knitting.

And my knitting has turned back to designing. I got inspired when I saw that someone knit my "Pyewacket" on Ravelry :) I've had this piece in progress since not long after I moved here. Time to breathe some life into it. And it's going well too. It's a bit quirky and I'm thinking of submitting it to Knitty. Actually it's going so well, I just composed the pattern blurb and designer profile a la Knitty lol Feeling optimistic in the face of not losing power last night I guess!

In kitty life, we're celebrating Charlie's 11month birthday today :) He's turned into such a distinguished looking cat! Maureen's doing well here in her new home, I'm happy to report. And Jake is a bundle of fluffy, energetic kitten cuteness. First pic is Maureen and Jake on my bed. Second is Charlie on yhe back of the couch :)

That sums up the day. I'm off to brew another cup of David's Tea 'Toasted Walnut' and get back to this piece of lace ;)

TTFN

Daphne's nearly Done!

Happy to report in 48rows I will have the second strap done and Daphne will be totally wearable :) Finished the body the other night and tried it on; stunning fit :) I have pics too! lol

In other news, ie a little shameless backpatting, I weighed myself yesterday morning and since April 1st I've lost 41lbs!!! So proud of myself and I feel fantastic, which is most important I think. That and I'm healthier than I've been in absolute ages :) When I hit 30lbs gone I ordered 3 patterns from White Lies Designs (Joan McGowan-Michael), so I'm really tempted to cast on one of those beauties next. Only 19 more to go to my healthy age/height weight :)

Anywho, off to work soon.

TTFN

Meet Daphne :)

I don't think anyone will be overly surprised that I haven't so much as looked at the Tempting sweater since my last post. All that ribbing is driving me looney tunes :P And I was up to Walmart on Thursday (waiting out some rain after a drs appointment) and lo and behold they had Red Heart Shimmer on clearance... so I bought 2 balls of black and 2 of purple after consulting my handy app and I have started the Daphne tank (knitty.com/ I really need to write down designers' names before I start writing a post). It's going nicely too :) This is a great pattern let me say. It's not difficult but it's a "pay attention to me" pattern. There's some short-row shaping, a basic stripe pattern plus the smocking pattern that gives the top its shape :) It's really a stunning piece :) Want to see pics? Of course you do! (currently listed on Ravelry as wedding top)
The photo shows a close up of the waist smocking.
Have to say, I'm really liking this yarn. It's very soft and easy to work with. But it's listed on the band and on Rav as a worsted weight/ medium and seriously I'm using a 3.25mm needle and it's not tight at all. I'd say it's more of a dk myself but that's my only quibble. Love the sparkle in it.  Thinking it'll be nice with a black skirt and heels for Roomie's cousin's wedding (that somehow I'm attending) in early Sept.
That's all the news here in my corner of the knitterverse!
TTFN

Happy New Year (yeah it's late)

I'm afraid my computer is still down with a virus; wonder if its the same one that I had just before Christmas? ;)
It appears that I'll be having a bit of an adventure soon enough. An opportunity has come my way to relocate to the lovely province of Newfoundland and I find it impossible to let it pass. I know I always said I'd stay in Saskatchewan but things do change as one gets older. I've got a birthday looming and another year of nothing in my personal life to keep me here. That said, I will miss certain things but such is life.
On the knitting front, pictures of my Dahlia sweater can be seen above in the montage. It turned out beautifully and despite having 5 days of illness and not being able to knit, I finished it in exactly one month :) Currently working on a Clapotis (knitty.com, designer Kate Gilbert) for a birthday present and will start a pair of "smoking mitts" for a friend. They have a seperate fore-finger and thumb so you can do things outside in cold weather without removing your mitts and freezing your hands. Very practical.
I'd be remiss if I didn't comment on our lovely January weather. We've had windchill temperatures down to -47C this week. And just over a week before that we were sitting at +6C. Gotta love Saskatchewan winters lol Today, we're sitting at -11C; -22C with the windchill, so kind of balmy ;)
The fur-gang is fine and dandy. Am trying to locate a carrier of the required size so I can include Maureen on my adventure East. You honestly don't expect me to leave her behind, do you?
I think that's all my news that's fit to type. Keep warm all!
TTFN

I *Was* Doing Well...

Until my computer caught a virus and has been off for the passed bit. But I have lots of knitting finished :)
First off, both the Sparkle Sparkle Wings and the Shimmering Leaves were well received by H and S respectively :) I also started and finished another "Pimpeliesse" (entitled "Ocean's 11 Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy"  on Rav) for this year's GBS WinterAngels Gift Swap :) It turned out fabulous :) I used Zitron Trekking HandArt Flame in "sanisbar"; blues and greens, very oceany.
On a sad note, I've lost my Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy :( Wore it to work Monday and it's disappeared no-one has seen it and I've checked the lost & founds of the mall, bus and library :( 
On to happier events: I finished "Twisted Leaves" (knitty.com/Twisted by Jodie Gordon Lucas) :) I now have a properly fitting pair of my own handknit socks to enjoy this winter :)
Progress is slow but steady on both "Galaxy 660" (pattern: In The Pink) and "Kinelea Lace" (pattern: Ardrum) and I'm happy to say I'm taking a break from lace by knitting a sweater for myself. Currently titled "Teal Sweater" on my projects page, it's the "Dahlia" from knitty.com (designer: Mary Weaver) not sure which issue but it was 2007. It's a lovely top-down raglan with cabling in the 'skirt'. Am using Bernat Natural Blends Wool Blend in "New Teal" which is a lovely rich tone :)
I have 3 minutes left in my library time so I will tag this the next time I get a chance.
TTFN

I'm bad

I am. I completely have no desire to work on the Dianna. I got the idea into my head for my next design and that's what I want to do: start work on the new design. I'm a very bad friend. The Dianna is supposed to be a present for someone's birthday. sigh
If I hadn't seen and bought the new yarn last night this wouldn't have happened. I picked up 6 balls of Bernat Mosaic in "optimistic" (kind of a rainbow colorway) with no thought of a project in mind. Then today at the library an idea struck. That's all I'm gonna say for now. I got the crazy idea that I may try to submit this one to knitty or something. Silly me. The only one of my designs anyone actually knits is one of the hats and a friend of mine has knit four of the twelve listed on Ravelry lol Ah, a girl can dream. Off to finish the bands on the SLCP :) Pics soon, I promise. Then I swear I'm going to work on the Dianna.
TTFN

Fall is here!!

Autumn is here and the knitting is easy...
Ok, maybe not easy lol But progress of all kinds can be reported on most projects.
First up "Sweet Little Cat's Paw": I finished the back and the right sleeve :) Working like  a dervish on the left sleeve; I really wanna wear it!!

Back, just before Seed edging was added

Right sleeve in progress

 "Galaxy 660": restarted on 3.25mm bamboo needles last Sunday. Going awesome :) Am already onto a circ and rnd 38 :)

After Rnd 31

Rnd 36 in progress

Present #1 ie Shimmering is going well. Currently working on it. Started a new section today.
Present #2 ie Sparkle, Sparkle I haven't worked on for a bit. I admit to being distracted by SLCP for nearly a month.
As you can see, cooler weather has inspired me a bit. And the recent magazines I've picked up have had some really beautiful patterns too. Today, I bought The Knitter issue 35; have queued 4 patterns and favorited 2 others. All the fall magazines have been like that. Also worth mentioning in my queue: "Quercus" from Knitty First Fall 2011. I'll buy extra wool and lengthen the sleeves. Thinking of a nice blue or purple in Plymouth Galway... But that will be for later.
Hope you're enjoying your Fall knitting.
TTFN

I Don't Understand It: a rant

I'm sure any knitters have heard of Cookie A. She has designed countless pairs of socks over the passed few years & is now the author of two books. I can not for the life of me understand the fascination people have with her patterns!!!! They're socks!!!!! Ordinary, cuff down, square-heeled, wedge-toed socks!!! There is absolutely nothing new here!!! She has not reinvented the wheel!!! She uses some lovely stitch patterns, but that's it!! The basic construction method is just that: basic! I love to knit socks. But I like to find something different. For example, I'm currently working on a pair of "Twisted" by Jodie Gordon Lucas ( http://www.knitty.com/twisted )Pretty basic to start but the decreases that wrap around the foot are definitely something new to see. Beautiful.
Lucy Neatby has a book titled "Warm Feet, Cool Socks". In it she gives various options for toe-up & cuff-down starts, heels & toes that you could knit probably 40 pairs without duplicating the various parts! Brilliant!! This is innovation, people!!
Nancy Bush has written countless books on socks & the history of various construction details. Not really innovative but interesting when one reads the historical info she gives. Fascinating. I knit the "Gentlemen's Socks with Fluted Pattern" from "Knitting Vintage Socks" for my favorite flautist several years ago and added a note to the card saying that the original of the pattern was published in 1883; he was impressed. This is something different! This is something to get excited about!
If someone can explain this idea that Cookie A. is the queen of socks to me, please feel free to comment. I don't get it.