Just Tell Me That I Won't Go Blind

It's official - I'm a joiner. After teetering on the fence, I signed on to knit along with the group at Mystery Stole #3. I signed up a little late in the game, as Clue #1 was already out. Amimonogatari's pictures did me in. I had to try it!

The first clue suggested using either white or black yarn if we wanted to stick with the theme of the shawl. Since most of my lace yarn is some shade of red, I just had to go online to get more wool! (Hey, it was 11p.m. on Monday, my favorite store was closed!)

Boy, elann.com ships quickly! When I saw this petite little box today, I had my doubts that my whole order fit into it (The SPAM can is there for scale; it's a collector's edition, I'm not going to eat it!) But fit it did..now tell me that I won't go blind knitting with black lace wool!

No Blogging = More Knitting

This weekend, I actually finished some things:

Hat #2 for the Charmed Knits knit along

I was so excited on Saturday, because I finally finished my first sock! I had to try it on and share it with Zoey. She rubbed up against it for about a minute, before trying to eat my ankle.

My instructor told us to cast on for the second sock within a week of completing the first one. I don't even thing I waited an hour. I have a pair of Clover mini-needles that I was aching to use. I have very small hands and the mini needles helped me speed through the cuff in no time. Actually, the second sock was a very quick knit; I was so determined to get it done, I even took it to the gym and knit the gusset and part of the foot while cycling on the recumbent bicycle (It's a women's gym--they've seen it before!). I think I understand the draw of sock knitting now.

First pair

My sister and I were supposed to go to Point Reyes on Friday, but she got a little flaky on me and we ended up going to buy plants at Annie's Annuals and Berkeley Hort. Since our plans changed, we also went to Stash. I was looking for short Crystal Palace DPN's for knitting socks, but no luck...I couldn't leave empty handed, so I had to buy yarn instead!

Gee, do you think I like red and berry colors? I have been wanting to buy some Malabrigo for the longest time; I finally broke down and bought two skeins of the lace-weight in the Pagoda colorway (the vermilion color is actually from Article Pract). At less than $9 per skein for 470 yards, I think I can justify it as a good deal. I also picked up some Panda Cotton (must knit more socks) and a skein of Rowan Calmer (it will be a chemo cap for a friend).

Slow Knitter

I finally finished the Gryffindor hat. In the end, I decided not to frog back to the beginning of the colorwork. Another participant in the knit along suggested I just block it, and pass it along with some good mojo. It's not perfect, but the jog is much less noticeable now. I've already started on a second house hat -- this time, I think I'll try either TECHknitter's method or Meg Swanson's jogless jog. My thanks to the knitbloggers who offered advice!

I really should be writing my report cards, but I'm procrastinating by reading blogs and posting here. Even Zoey stalking her kibble for soccer practice is a welcome diversion. Could my procrastinating mean that deep down I don't want the school year to end? Nah! 3 and 1/2 days to go!

Knitting for a Cause, Part 2

After I joined the Charmed Knits Knit-along last week (making Harry Potter hats), I stumbled upon the 25 Things for Charity group. So I figured, "Hey, why not keep the momentum going?" If anyone is interested in projects, Knitting for Peace is a great book and on deep discount (7o% off) on Amazon at the moment. Who knew you could buy good karma for only $5.99?




L. G. has nothing to do with my knitting tonight; she's just keeping me company while I write.

Knitting for a Cause

I wanted to kick start my knitting, so I've joined the Charmed Knits Knit-Along. I will be making hats inspired by the Harry Potter movies. They will be sending their hats to Warm Woolies, who will, in turn, distribute the hats. Funny enough, Article Pract (one of my favorite yarn stores) is also knitting for this organization. Warm Woolies has donated knitted articles to orphanages around the world, but what really clinched the deal for me was finding out that they donate to the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations (home of the Brule and Oglala Sioux) in South Dakota.

I remember driving through the reservation during summer visits to my dad's family (Dad was a farm boy turned accountant. It was his ticket off the farm). Most of these road trips were in the late 70's/early 80's when things were really bad on the reservation. It isn't something that is easily forgotten. It's been a while since I've been back to South Dakota; I had hoped things had improved, however I don't think they have. According to information on the Warm Woolies site, the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations have the lowest per capita income in the U.S. . . . I sit here shaking my head, thinking how shameful that is. It's hard enough coping with the weather in South Dakota (blizzards in winter, heat wave & drought in the summer); I can't imagine having to do that while living in substandard conditions.

Loosely translated, Lakota means "alliance of friends". Why not join an alliance of knitters and help keep someone warm this winter?