tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546Fri, 22 May 2026 20:59:46 +0000FO 2007WeavingCurlicue CoverletFO 2008Terrace Tragedy '06Babette BlanketFalling LeavesBaby ShrugBlousonEZJune PlanBSJDeep ThoughtsJulietStashCashew StockingFebruary SweaterFibonacciGSPNo Movement Move '07PatternsPlacket-Neck PulloverSidewindersSnKWiddershinsdrops 103-1ravelympicsscarfAnastasia SocksBaby BonnetBirth StoryCashew SweaterContest ResultsGoing Green Cup CozyHelga ScarfHelga SocksHoliday PlanJaywalkersMatinee CoatPleat TutorialRoza's SocksSecret of the StoleSock ExchangeSwallowtail ShawlThe ArrivalAnnie KnitsI knit and that's that.noreply@blogger.com (Annie)Blogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-9170586791718784053Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:15:00 +00002008-10-29T12:44:57.080-04:00Rhinebeck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />About a year ago <a href="; posted about her favorite etsy shops and feeling the mood to browse, I clicked through the list of shops she recommended. I immediately fell in love with <a href=" Knitter</a> yarns and purchased 2 skeins immediately. She has since become so popular that I can't even keep up with her store. (Hello, everything sells out in 2 minutes, which is probably ok for my already too large stash....) Regardless, I also recommend her yarns so go <a href=" /><br />Anyhoo, it was with much delight that I got to meet both Ms. Plucky and Wannabe at the <a href=" Sheep & Wool Festival</a> in Rhinebeck. In fact, our initial meeting was much like the picture above. A lot of squealing, laughing and "woo hoo!"-ing. After that, we just decided that all our photos looked better if we were laughing.<br /><br />And who can't put a smile on their face when they are surrounded by all things woolly? Rhinebeck is crazy. There were so many people, it was so crowded and geez louise, so cold. But in spite of all that, it is so much fun. There's yarn to pet, bloggers to meet and apple cider doughnuts to eat. I enjoy going every year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My purchases consisted mainly of my favorites from <a href=" Farm Yarn</a>. Willow, Acero and of course a skein of Solo. Back at our hotel room (in crappy lighting) it proved to be a bit difficult to decide which was more delicious. A caramel apple or an armful of yarn.<br /><br />Just about all that yarn is intended for gifts needed for the next 6 months. Progress shots to come!2008/10/rhinebeck.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-7317519207496272777Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:13:00 +00002008-10-12T20:26:20.623-04:00drops 103-1FO 2008ravelympicsAn FO and a WIP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well I certainly didn't expect it to take this long to update my blog! An FO is always a good reason to blog, and since I left you with my big mess of a mistake while on vacation, I thought it would be good to rectify the situation with a beautiful (if I do say so myself) finished sweater.<br /><br />I present to you my Drops 103-1 Jacket made with The Fibre Company Road to China yarn in colorway "Jade". Very fitting for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, despite my pathetic finish.<br /><br />Now you may notice that the front of the sweater seems a bit higher than the rest. I swear to you all is good with the sweater. Just look a little closer at the belly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Baby number 2 is on the way! I found out in August that I was pregnant and spent September quite nauseous. (That hardly describes it - but trust me it wasn't pretty and I'll spare you the details.) So now do you forgive me for not having written sooner? I'm trying to blog more often and read blogs again, but had a little hiccup with the whole "whoops, I'm knocked up!" thing.<br /><br />If you're going to be in Rhinebeck this coming weekend, drop me a comment. I will definitely be there on Saturday. Now if you'll excuse me, I am long overdue in setting my bloglines to my new computer. So much reading to catch up on!2008/10/fo-and-wip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-2945839228770063647Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:30:00 +00002008-08-24T14:50:00.067-04:00drops 103-1ravelympicsOlympic Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I appreciate challenges and competition. I love the Knitting Olympics. I was psyched to give myself the challenge of knitting an entire sweater in 17 days. I decided to give my <a href=" 103-1 Jacket</a> another go, knowing that the time crunch was the major part of my challenge, not so much the miles of stockinette. At the end of it all, I would have a gold medal as well as a beautiful sweater that I had made. Well that's just freakin' fantastic.<br /><br />I worked hard! I knit in the morning, I knit while boiling water, I knit while watching the Olympics at night. It was very challenging - soon after the Olympics began, my babysitter went on vacation. Soon after that, the Annie Knits family left for vacation. It was craziness but progress was being made on my jacket and the end was in sight. Every spare moment was filled with a row of knitting. Upon arriving at our vacation destination I looked forward to lounging on a beach chair and finishing up the last of the sleeves of my sweater and seaming everything in time for the closing ceremonies. What a way to celebrate - Olympic gold on the beach in Bermuda. Our first day on vacation, I open my knitting bag and pull out all my accoutrement. Needles, blocking pins, buttons, extra stitch markers, kitty tape measure.... No yarn. No yarn! I forgot to pack the 3 skeins needed to finish up the sleeves and seaming. Well that's just freakin' craptastic.<br /><br />There's always Vancouver...2008/08/olympic-dreams.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-4657467158936136799Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:53:00 +00002008-08-01T14:35:18.957-04:00FO 2008PatternsRed Hot Socks for Hotty Hubby<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Secret knitting is really killing my blogging. Hey wait, that didn't stop me from posting to Flickr. Hmm. Ok, ok, I'm addicted to Flickr!<br /><br />Hi, my name is Annie. I am addicted to my new camera and this website called <a href=";. It is sucking every spare minute of my time, more than <a href=";, if you can believe it. I hardly have time to knit.<br /><br />Hello! Snap back to reality! Must have time to knit. These socks may have taken longer than expected, but they did get finished. For Hotty Hubby's birthday (back in June) I wanted to give him a pair of red socks. I started them in May and I finished them in July but hey, I have a kid. And a Flickr addiction. He was surprised and he loves them. He wears them with his camouflage shorts with air conditioning blasting. It's sweet and a little funny looking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />These socks are my own fudging using a stitch pattern from <a href=" Schurch's More Sensational Socks.</a> I knit them toe up with a short row heel to take advantage of as much yardage as possible. I still could have gone on for another inch or so, but 7" leg (including a 2" cuff) was my goal so I ended up with some scrap yarn. Yarn is <a href=" That Rock Heavyweight in colorway "Brick".</a><br /><br />The stitch pattern is a 4 stitch repeat, but on both sides of the leg I purposely omitted the pattern and did a little ribbing instead. My husband has narrow ankles so I wanted to be certain that the socks would be snug around the ankle.<br /><br />I did receive a request for the pattern, but since it is an adaption of a pattern already mapped out in Charlene's book, (and since I didn't take that great of notes) I will leave you with a guideline of what I did so that you can make these socks if you so desire. The stitch pattern is called "Decorative Ribbing" - page 87.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Hot Socks</span><br /><br /><a href=" it!</a><br /><br />STR Heavyweight - 1 skein<br /><br />Size 4us circular needle (36" for magic loop)<br /><br />Using the toe of your choice, (short row I what I used) cast on the appropriate number of stitches for the width of sock you want to make. Fudge the number to make sure it is divisible by 4.<br /><br />After completing the toe, work stockinette on half the stitches (sole) and work the other half the stitches in the stitch pattern, making sure that you start and finish with a PURL stitch. This may mean that you have uneven number of stitches between needles 1 and 2, but that doesn't really matter as long as your total stitch count is appropriate for the size you are making and is divisible by 4.<br /><br />Ok, take a moment now and just measure the toe before the stitch pattern starts. Mine is 2". Make a note of the length of the toe part of your sock. Knit the foot of the sock until you are less the length of your toe. In my case, the sock needed to be 10.5" long for the foot, so I knit (including the toe) for 8.5". At this point, continue with the sole stitches (the half of the stitches that are stockinette, borrow evenly from the other needle to make sure you have half the number of the total stitches) and work a short row heel.<br /><br />Once heels are complete, continue in the round picking up stitches at the edges if necessary to fill in any holes from joining. (Take the next round to knit 2 tog or purl 2 tog as necessary to get back to your original stitch count.) Continue in the stitch pattern - keep in mind that since you have a stitch count divisible by 4, you should be able to continue with the stitch pattern all around quite nicely. You may not necessarily start a row on the beginning of a repeat per se, but it should work out. Fudge, it ain't just dessert.<br /><br />I wanted the ankles to be snug, so fudging it a bit, (you get the theme here, right?) I started needle one and needle two omitting the stitch pattern in the first 4 stitches and just did a quick bit of twisted 1x1 ribbing to make sure the legs would be nice and snug around the ankles. It worked with the stitch pattern perfectly and you can see it in the photo above. You do not have to do this at all, but a neat little trick to keep those ankles from sagging should that be a concern.<br /><br />Keep knitting until 1.5 to 2 inches less of desired length. Continue in 1x1 twisted rib. (Continue working the knit stitches through the back loop.) I wanted a 7" leg so I knit the stitch pattern for 5" and switched to rib for the last 2".<br /><br />Cast off loosely (EZ sewn cast off is great) and wash, block and wear! Any questions or mistakes, please leave me a comment.<br /><br />Now if you will excuse me, I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on. Yah, that suffered too. But I'm back! Miss me?2008/08/red-hot-socks-for-hotty-hubby.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-6206854142325053668Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:11:00 +00002008-06-28T20:33:19.991-04:00BSJEZGarter Stitch Love Fest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Surprise! This glob of garter stitch is a...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Surprise Jacket! Almost, anyway. I kept waiting to update my blog because I was so close to being finished. I figured I'd wait until I seamed it and added the buttons. And then nearly 2 weeks went by and I still don't know when I am going to go find buttons. So there you have it. My 95% complete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BSJ</span>.<br /><br />I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Noro</span> Silk Garden Lite in color 2015. I wanted to keep the jacket on the feminine side so I cast on using the coral color. Luckily the coral showed up again on the bind off. I am thrilled. It's giving the effect that I was hoping for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Over all these colors are new for me. They still have the dusty quality that I like, but a bit brighter than normal, plus the striping which isn't typical of my style. I am not usually a fan of yellow and yet I love the stripe of golden goodness in my garter stitch love fest. Yes, love fest. I loved working on this jacket. This is my second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BSJ</span>, my first real go with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Noro</span> (other than the <a href=" cup cozies</a>) and I found it all delightful. I hope the recipient feels the same!2008/06/garter-stitch-love-fest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-614086429610612827Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:33:00 +00002008-06-11T23:03:42.976-04:00BSJShhhh! My Show is On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />No progress on the Drops Jacket and no progress on Cashew's sweater. I'm pretending they didn't happen so I can have fun knitting another <a href=" Surprise Jacket</a>. Noro is certainly addictive (Silk Garden Lite color 2015) and so is the pattern. Such a great "end of the day" type knit, which is exactly what I am using it for. After a long day, heck, even a short day, busy day, lazy day, I don't really care what type of day, summertime has some great tvtime. Junk food tv and I'm a junkie. And that means knitting time. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to watch the season finale of <a href=" Chef</a>. Tomorrow, it's the season opener of <a href=" Boys</a>...2008/06/shhhh-my-show-is-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-483903243974322699Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:41:00 +00002008-06-08T23:23:06.512-04:00JuneI can't believe June is here. Where did spring go and how did it fly by? Technically I guess it is not summer yet, though the heatwave sends a warning that it is on its way. June has been a nice time for me to get my act together. <a href="search/label/June%20Plan">Last year</a> it was the month that I worked out a new routine with my new baby. Now I (finally) have a new apartment and a fun summer to look forward to. So I have started this June with a little spring cleaning - better late than never.<br /><br />I find cleaning works best from the closets out. Even though we downsized before moving, we still have boxes of random stuff in random places and it is starting to spill out into our living areas. If I want time to be crafty, I have to be organized, so straight to the guts - the closets. So exhausting going through memorabilia, gear we don't know if we still want, photo projects not done, medication for the cat no longer with us. Oye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A nice find was a box labeled "winter". In it I found all my fingerless mitts, scarves, gloves and in particular, two items that have previously never made it to the blog...or ravelry...or flickr... I made this cowl about three years ago. It's the Pashmina Cowl from <a href=" Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson</a>. I used Araucania Nature Wool. I wore it a couple times and completely forgot about it. Cowls seem to be making quite a comeback so after a refreshing wash I packed it back up but placed it on top of all the other woolly gear. Next fall when I am cold and pulling down this box I will see it first thing and will wear it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Also in the box is something I have not forgotten. In fact, to many of you it may look very familiar. In fact, you may wonder if I have any other scarves at all because I practically wear this every day in winter. For the last four winters! It is simple garter stitch made with <a href=" Merino</a> bought at the Union Square Green Market when Morehouse used to sell there. I had knit this scarf one spring many years ago as mindless project to help me get through a summer job. It is by far the item in my collection of handknits that gets the most compliments. A simple scarf made out of pretty yarn. The scarf has not pilled or faded which I find very impressive for a super soft single ply.<br /><br />I love that the simplest knits can be the most pretty.2008/06/june.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-4409686603081149225Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:21:00 +00002008-06-03T12:04:36.804-04:00FO Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So much to catch up on and hardly a thing to show, other than these socks for my little Cashew. I didn't even finish them while on vacay over Memorial Day Weekend. No, my bad luck followed me to the Catskills. While knitting in the car I realized that I had made a huge error in these tiny socks. I never finished the gusset decreases in one sock and had already knit many rows in plain stockinette. Ripping back is my theme, and one I don't particularly want. So going back to my original plan for ignorant bliss (which you all supported with gusto) I put the socks down and knit <a href="; instead.<br /><br />Upon returning from a lovely vacation in which there were no cell phone towers and a brand new digital camera with no battery, I snapped out of ignorant bliss and got back to work on these socks for Cashew. I improvised my own pattern with Trekking XXL (colorway?) using a 3x1 rib, a few decreases at the ankle and a standard heel flap and toe. I made them a tad big so she can wear them in the fall. She has enjoyed trying them on but getting a modeled shot proved to be tricky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Watching her toddler two step around the apartment is a riot. My little Cashew is walking!<br /><br />And because I can't resist a meme for which I have been tagged:<br /><br />1) What was I doing 10 years ago?<br /><br />June 1998 - I was dodging mean squirrels and teaching dance at <a href=" Arts Camp</a> in Michigan.<br /><br />2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):<br /><br />Cashew's laundry.<br />Update SnK on WWKIPD info.<br />Reorganize the laundry closet.<br />Shower.<br />Take care of a feverish Hubby. Today he truly puts the hot in "Hotty".<br /><br />3) Snacks I enjoy: Yogurt parfait, Veggie Booty, endive with goat cheese, walnut and honey. Delish.<br /><br />4)Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a bigger apartment, a country house in a different country, take more vacations, open a fiber arts studio and offer more support to my favorite charities.<br /><br />5) Places I have lived: Michigan and New York.<br /><br /><a href=";, <a href=";, <a href=";, <a href=";, <a href=" turn. Go!2008/06/fo-report.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-4711054590968315814Thu, 22 May 2008 12:15:00 +00002008-05-22T08:56:54.933-04:00Ignorant Bliss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I want to knit something for myself. Something that I will finish and love. I have been eyeing the <a href=" 103-1 jacket</a> and after <a href="; <a href=" hers</a> in mere hours (mild exaggeration), I was determined to prove to myself that I could knit it up fairly quickly. I had picked out <a href=" Fibre Company's Road to China</a> in Jade awhile back. It has been creeping up to the top of my stash pile and it's time to move it to the next level - a sweater.<br /><br />I happily cast on and knit and knit and knit. The skeins don't have a lot of yardage so shortly after casting on I had to add another skein. Knit knit knit. Happy happy happy. Add another skein and then DUN DUN DUN. Honkin' stripe of grey green right in the middle of my blue green. Not pretty. Ugly. So sad. I have about 11 more skeins of this stuff, how to tell which ones are more grey, which ones are more blue? I guess I should wind them all and knit samples from each skein. Oh what a drag. Once I know how many different skeins I have I can make a plan of action, which will probably be alternating rows from different skeins.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And look, same for Cashew's sweater. I used a new skein for the sleeves and it is a different shade. I have at least 2 more skeins of this yarn (<a href=" Farm Solo</a>) and I'm hoping one of them is more like the first skein I picked.<br /><br />Gah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Cashew's socks have been a nice diversion as <a href=" XXL</a> is always entertaining. However these will not last a little R&R in Hudson Valley for the holiday weekend. I haven't decided if I should bring one of the sweaters to fix or just cast on something new so I can continue knitting in ignorant bliss without worrying about the consequences.<br /><br />I think ignorant bliss is winning.2008/05/ignorant-bliss.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-6634986067497700819Mon, 12 May 2008 01:10:00 +00002008-05-11T23:01:38.538-04:00FO 2008StashTwo for One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A little somethin' somethin' for my Mom for Mother's Day. Although making a gift takes time, it doesn't necessarily keep it from being craptastic. So I worked really hard on the packaging. If you're gonna go handmade, why not go all the way? Adorable (if I do say so myself) <a href=" flowers</a> in <a href=" Handspun</a> Signature in Mocha Rose to decorate the easiest, foolproof (well, almost) handknit gift for my Mom:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dishcloths. Sugar n' Cream in Ecru. One skein gave me 2 of the <a href=" Dishcloth</a>. Seriously, my Mom swears by the handknit garter stitch dishcloth. Sure, she may get a kick out of a handknit scarf, she will admire a pair of mittens, she does wear <a href=" socks</a> I made (and hello, they are 100% cashmere!) but garter stitch dishcloths. A winner, as long as I don't get too experimental. Hopefully Sugar n' Cream is as good as Peaches n' Cream, and hopefully this style of garter stitch dishcloth is as good as the favored <a href=" Favorite Dishcloth</a>. The truth will come out in the wash. If these are wrecked within a couple of weeks, I know she loves them. Nicely folded in a drawer...wah wah wah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oh but look! Happy Mother's Day to me! I have a fantastic stash, but I had an extra 20 minutes and I was near <a href=" City</a> and well it is Mother's Day and I am a Mom. <a href="; Andrea in "Dian Fossey".<br /><br />Uh, behind the lovely green blob? You saw that, eh?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yah. Schaefer Andrea in "Julia Child". It's also my birthday. Hooray!2008/05/two-for-one.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-7424299653726620525Sun, 04 May 2008 23:39:00 +00002008-05-04T20:47:53.797-04:00Happy Feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It is very difficult to maintain a blog about knitting when the current project is a secret one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I present to you <a href=" Gansey Socks by Anne Hanson</a>, knit with Trekking ProNatura (wool and bamboo). These were made for the Sit 'n' Knit Secret Sock Exchange. My Secret Feet belonged to <a href=";. Hooray! It was fun <a href=" and stalking.</a> I chose this pattern because I know she is a fan of Anne Hanson, didn't care for wildly variegated yarn, plus she had written on the questionnaire that the Lighthouse Gansey Socks were something she'd like to have but didn't necessarily want to knit. After looking over the pattern I thought, hey, it's just knit and purl. I nearly cried in my yarn when I realized that I really had to pay attention with every row. And then I realized how bored I have been with my knitting lately because the socks were in fact quite fun and interesting. Annmarie seemed delighted with them so I am happy.<br /><br />(The rug? I know! Isn't it totally rad? More about that later.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And for me...<a href="; made me a pair of <a href=";! I whipped off my shoes and socks and put them on right quick. I love this pattern and the yarn is a merino cashmere blend. Delish! I am very happy with them and am so tickled to have something that is so me yet wouldn't have thought of doing. I have been eyeing Nutkin but the yarn is something I have never seen before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The exchange was a success and there were happy feet all around.2008/05/happy-feet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-7730359658292241026Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:28:00 +00002008-04-22T23:09:34.179-04:00FO 2008Going Green Cup CozyPatternsGoing Green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This past weekend I threw out a little challenge to my knitting group. In honor of Earth Day, I asked everyone to bring a handknit cup cozy to our most recent event. It's a small item that could have a big impact, so I got right to my own challenge. First, I made the <a href=" Coffee Cozy by Michelle Molis.</a> (You can see mine <a href=";.) Totally inspired by the gently spaced increases, I set out to try my own interpretation. I present to you the Going Green Cup Cozy. (<a href=" link.</a>)<br /><br />The increases are worked into the eyelet pattern by simply removing the "k2tog". The pattern is easy to memorize, it's the row count that's a tad tricky. I wrote it out line by line for the memory challenged, but I swear you'll get the hang of it. Think of the pattern happening in sets of 8:<br /><br />row 1 - Increase 1 stitch each needles 1 & 3<br />row 2 - knit<br />row 3 - maintain eyelet pattern<br />row 4 - knit<br />row 5 - Increase 1 stitch each needles 2 & 4<br />row 6 - knit<br />row 7 - maintain eyelet pattern<br />row 8 - knit<br /><br />A crocheted edge adds finishing and a sturdy edge. Knit one and help save a few trees. Woo hoo!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Green Cup Cozy</span><br /><br />Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite (I used color 2017)<br /><br />Needles: 5 size us6 dpns and crochet hook size G<br /><br />Gauge: 6 sts = 1”<br /><br />Size : to fit 12oz paper cup<br /><br />This pattern has only been test knit by me so if you find an error, please let me know in the comments!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Cast on 36 stitches. (If you would like the bottom crocheted edge to be the same color as the cast on, leave a 20ish inch tail that you can use for the crocheted finishing.) Divide evenly between 4 needles – 9 stitches each.<br /><br />Join in the round and mark beginning of round. Knit 2 rows.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Row 1.</span>* k6, k2tog, yo, k1 repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.</span> (And all even rows) Knit<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k7, yo, k2 (10 sts) Needle 2 – k5, k2tog, yo, k2 (9 sts) Repeat needle 1 for needle 3 and needle 2 for needle 4. 38 sts total.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.</span> Needle 1 – k5, k2tog, yo, k3 Needle 2 – k4, k2tog, yo, k3 Repeat needle 1 for 3, 2 for 4<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k4, k2tog, yo, k4 Needle 2 – k5, yo, k4 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 40 sts total.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9.</span> *k3, k2tog, yo, k5 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11.</span> Increases row. Needle 1 – k4, yo, k6 Needle 2 – k2, k2tog, yo, k6 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 42 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">13.</span> Needle 1 – k2, k2tog, yo, k7 Needle 2 – k1, k2tog, yo, k7 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">15.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k1, k2tog, yo, k8 Needle 2 – k2, yo, k8 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 44 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">17.</span> * k2tog, yo, k9 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE: Row 18</span> (knit) – As you finish working the stitches on each needle, knit on 2 more stitches from the next needle. For needle 4, knit on 2 stitches from needle 1. 11 stitches per needle. Now the pattern should be starting from the left again. Move stitch marker to reestablish beginning of round.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">19.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k10, yo, k1 Needle 2 – k8, k2tog, yo, k1 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 46 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">21. </span>Needle 1 – k8, k2tog, yo, k2 Needle 2 – k7, k2tog, yo, k2 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">23.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k7, k2tog, yo, k3 Needle 2 – k8, yo, k3 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 48 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">25.</span> *k6, k2tog, yo, k4 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">27.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 - k7, yo, k5 Needle 2 – k5, k2tog, yo, k5 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 50 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">29.</span> Needle 1 – k5, k2 tog, yo, k6 Needle 2 – k4, k2tog, yo, k6 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">31.</span> Increases row. Needle 1 – k4, k2tog, yo, k7 Needle 2 – k5, yo, k7 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 52 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">32.</span> Knit.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">33.</span> Knit.<br /><br />Bind off . Do not cut yarn. Continue with a row of single crochet along top edge, and then work a row of single row of crochet on bottom edge. Weave in ends.<br /><br />After all that work, I believe you deserve a beverage. Coffee, anyone?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Copyright © 2008 by Annie Knits ;2008/04/going-green.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-8617460989703456841Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:10:00 +00002008-12-09T04:53:47.933-05:00Cashew wuz here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="; alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604412074457842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What started as Mommy going through her stash quickly became a literal activity.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="; alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604442139228930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We squished yarn, tossed it, moved on to the next. I admit, I was having a lot of fun, too. Who wouldn't want to dive in to a bag of yarn and roll around in it?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="; alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604463614065442" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cashew loves to unravel.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I sensed that she wasn't going to be as enthusiastic about cleaning up yarn (despite it being yarn and that typically takes the edge off of everything) so it was no surprise when she moved on. Rather quickly, I might add.<br /></div>2008/04/cashew-wuz-here.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-7580964917039324577Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:58:00 +00002008-04-12T20:24:03.739-04:00FO 2008Excuse Me While I Whip This Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a><br />I was determined to attend the <a href=" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ravelry</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bobmas</span> Eve party</a> and I was determined to bring the requested donation of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">handknit</span> hat for <a href=" at Sea</a>. I grabbed some Cascade 220 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Superwash</span> from the stash, snagged a pattern from <a href=" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hila's</span> queue</a> and whipped this out in a couple of days. I was going to be late for the party because I had to wait for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hotty</span> Hubby to come home from work to do the baby trade off but before leaving, I managed to snap a few craptastic pics for posterity. Of course I promptly left the hat on my couch as I took off for the party. Figures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="; alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The pattern is the <a href=" Ribbed Hat by Frugal Knitting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Haus</span></a>. For my purposes, I have renamed it the Seaman's Cap and you can make all the jokes you want about "ribbed" and "seaman". Oh, and 10 points if you name the movie. (And no more explanation than that, you either get it or you don't. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Chemgrrl</span>, I'm counting on you!)2008/04/excuse-me-while-i-whip-this-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Annie)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-8397784168912357336Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:36:00 +00002008-12-09T04:53:48.190-05:00Knitter's LuckI have not had much luck with this move. We went into contract when I was in my third trimester and we moved in a week after Cashew's 1st birthday. There have been many phone calls, complaints, bitch sessions, false promises and big letdowns. To finally reach the point where we were packing up boxes was surreal. While the movers hauled our stuff, we happily walked 5 blocks to our new home, ready to start the rest of our life.<br /><br />As luck would have it, the freight elevator was broken. A little snafu, but we won't let that stop us! And then we discovered the cable line was damaged. The dishwasher stopped washing. The dryer wasn't drying. The phone wasn't ringing. The drains weren't draining.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="; alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183327404877976626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Socks That Rock "Lagoon"</span></span><br /><br /></div>I was ready to walk out the building (once I found an elevator that worked) and hurl myself into the East River. Ok, not really, my daughter is too cute and my husband too hot and we do love the actual apartment. But I was feeling pretty rotten. And as I did finally get into an elevator that worked, a little bit of my luck changed. No, it's not that I <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't</span> get stuck in the elevator, but I received a piece of mail. My first at the new apartment. A piece of mail from <a href=";. Turns out I had won a little contest, just for commenting on her blog. My first piece of mail was a package containing yarn. Praise the yarn gods! Clearly THEY are looking out for me. Since I had no safe place to put it for a couple of days, I carried the yarn around with me. I didn't have much time to knit, so taking a peek at a skein of yummy, squishy yarn made me happy. That shade of green makes me grin like a goof which is a nice change from the scowl that was making my face cramp. Thank you, Tiennie!<br /><br />So now that the dishwasher has been fixed, the dryer is humming, the STR getting comfy in my stash (not for long, though), I am ready to take a much needed knitting break. Screw the UFO's, I need to start something new.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="; alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183327417762878530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">L-R: Trekking Pro Natura 1512, Trekking XXL 101, Noro S188, Noro S164, Schaefer Anne</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href=" 'n' Knit</a> is having it's second annual secret sock exchange. I have narrowed down my choices. I have a lot of versions of the same thing in my stash, and these are some of the more unique options. Hmm. Which would you choose?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey NY peeps! We are selling some furniture and we need to have it gone by Monday at the very latest. See my Craigslist ads here: <a href=" table</a>, <a href=";, <a href=".