On the Needles Friday - December 26, 2014

Well it seems that I have only been posting once a month lately - may need to change that in 2015.

 

I finally have completed my First Semester of Loopy Academy.  The cowl and hat requirements were actually completed in September but the mittens took awhile to get motivated to start.  I wish I would have put more thought into the colors then I could have had them all match and wear together.

 

For the cowl I knit Irish Mesh Cowl.  Love the stitch pattern and it really worked up fast.  The yarn is  Loopy Legend's - Theresa's Vineyard.

 

 

For the hat requirement I knit Intuitive, I did make some changes but I never made any notes on what I did.  Love the yarn, Madelinetosh Merino DK in Red Phoenix.  Love the color but it tends to bleed which I still plan on soaking in vinegar to hopefully set the color.

 

 

And my last project is Grove Mittens.  Love the texture the pattern creates but not really liking the cuff and the sizing is small even though I increased needle size.   I used Cascade 220 Superwash yarn in the color Violet.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday (Sunday) - November 14 (16), 2014

I wrote this post early Friday morning, saved the draft, went to work and never came back to it until today.

Over the past month I have gotten sidetracked from my knitting and now that I have returned to work after my foot surgery my forward progress has really slowed.

 

I have completed the body of Rolling Rock and I think I'm going to do the neck band before I do the sleeves.  I plan on getting to that done this weekend since the weather is predicted to be cold here and that will hopefully motivate to work towards completing the sweater.

 

Another slow go are my Socks on a Plane, I'm getting closer to the gusset increases.  I really like the Opal yarn, love the patterning the yarn creates.

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - October 17, 2014

Still rolling on with my Rolling Rock.  Almost done with the body of the sweater, just another inch of the ribbing to go.  I think I am going to do the neck bands before I knit the sleeves that way there will be less weight to move around.  This is a picture of the back of the sweater.

 

 

About half done with the foot of my Socks on a Plane socks.  I really like the striping of the Opal yarn and the cable along the side of the foot keeps it interesting.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - October 10, 2014

This post should actually be called On and Off the Needles Friday.

 

I managed to complete both the pair of socks I had been working on last week.  First completed were my Circle Socks, love the fit of these and can hardly wait to put them to good use.

 

 

Second pair of completed socks are the Hermoine's Everyday Socks.  This completion is my new record.  I can usually knit a pair in 2 weeks with my schedule but this pair was completed in 7 days.  This pair is going to my sister for her birthday.

 

 

Still making slow progress is the Rolling Rock sweater.  I am about 5 inches from starting the ribbing then the body of the sweater will be done.

 

 

This morning I started another pair of socks using Opal yarn, it's October needed to go German.

I have decided to use the pattern Socks on a Plane.  It's a nice simple pattern with a cable running up the outer side of the sock.  The best part is I'm using stash yarn, I found that I have had this yarn since 2011, time to put it to use.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - October 3, 2014

No completions this week but I did manage to cast on another pair of socks.  So now on the needles I have Rolling Rock Sweater, Circle Socks and Hermione's Everyday Socks.

 

First up is my Rolling Rock sweater, I am now about half way through the body of the sweater.  This pattern is a Henley style sweater and once I was able to join the front and knit in the round I am making good progress.

 

 

Next is my Circle Socks.  I have only 1 1/2 repeats of the circle pattern to complete and this pair of socks will be done.

 

 

The second pair of socks I have just started is Hermione's Everyday socks I am knitting using Lorna Lace's Solemate.  I don't remember knitting with this yarn before but I am loving the feel of it.

 

 

A 'Box of Fun' managed to make it to my house this week.  In the box was 2 skeins of Solemate (Reno & Rockwell), Cascade 220 (Violet) for my 3rd Loopy Academy project, ChiaoGoo needles and my Camp Loopy Bonus Yarn (Summer Bloom).

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - September 26, 2014

Once again I have taken an extended break from posting anything on my blog but once again I'm back.  It's been almost 2 weeks since I had surgery on my right foot so I had spent the weeks before preparing for my time off my feet.  Preparing not only meant getting meals ready so my husband didn't need to worry about that but getting my knitting projects ready.

 

During the past 11 days I have finished, well almost finished, 2 of my 3 items for Loopy Academy - different post so not to bore anyone.  I also started a pair of socks and this week I started to knit a sweater. 

 

My current project is Circle Socks using Zauberball Crazy Socks in Autumn Sun colorway.  The pattern is written for top down but I'm reversing it and going toe-up 2-at-a-time.  I just turned the heel using Fish Lips Kiss Heel pattern and have less than an inch before I start the circle pattern.

 

 

This week I started something I have wanted to knit, bought the yarn for but just didn't have the time.

Rolling Rock by Thea Coleman.

I love her patterns, I think this is my third and have more in my Raverly favorites I want to knit.  The yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash Sport in Lake Chelan Heather.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - July 25, 2014

I finished my Old Man and the Sea cardigan last Sunday.  I really enjoyed knitting the cardigan and I love the yarn - Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo.

 

 

Since there is a few day until August 1 when I can start my Camp Loopy Project #3 I decided to revisit my Dark and Stormy Cardigan.  When I stopped working on it last March I was half done with the front band.  The band is now completed and just the sleeves to go.

 

I just love the detail on the back.

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

 

Mary

Old Man and the Sea - Done!

I finished my Camp Loopy 2nd Project on Sunday.  Great pattern and it knitted up really fast especially for me.

 

 

I was getting a little worried nearing the end that I was going to run out of yarn.  With 12 rows to go I had 10 grams left of yarn and 2 rows were taking close to 2 grams.  I remembered that I still had the swatch I knitted to check my gauge -  grabbed that and it weighed 10 grams.  Frogged the swatch, added to the sweater and finished with 8 grams left of yarn.

 

 

Now waiting for August 1 for Project #3 to begin.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - July 18, 2014

I'm making good progress on my Old Man and the Sea cardigan, only 34 rows left before the bind off.  I used the magic loop method to knit the sleeves which went pretty fast.  The sleeves are an

after-thought type added into the body of the cardigan which made it a little tight to knit around but after about 8 rows it became allot easier.  Best thing about adding the sleeves this way is that there is only a small area under the arm to stitch.

 

I also have in the works a pair of socks for mindless knitting.  I started these on our last camping weekend and just knit on them every now and then.  The yarn is Heart & Sole by Red Heart in Faded Jeans colorway.

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - July 11,2014

It's been awhile but I'm back.  Gone for no particular reason just taking a break.

During my break I managed to knit a few dishcloths, wove a set of towels and finished a couple of quilts.

 

I am currently working on my Camp Loopy Project #2 - Old Man and the Sea cardigan.  Loving the pattern and it's knitting up rather quickly for me.  I am using Malabrigo Arroyo sport weight yarn in the Azules color.  This morning I finished the pattern repeats and now onto 3 inches of garter stitches to finish the body.

 

My Camp Loopy Project #1 was a plain vanilla sock using String Theory Continuum Self-Striping yarn.  These are probably the longest socks I have ever knitted.  The leg portion measures 11 inches but I needed to keep knitting to met the 400 yard requirement.  In the picture the cuff is folded which it still seems too long so I may frog down to a more suitable length for me or maybe not.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - March 28, 2014

Or should it be 'Off the Needles Friday.'  I finished my Lacy Rib Socks for the Spring Loopy Ewe Challenge on Wednesday.  Love the texture and easy pattern to knit. 
 

 

 

I also off the loom is a pair of towels using Sugar n' Cream yarn.  The thick yarn is great for hand towels but I feel a little thick for drying dishes.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - March 14, 2014

This week I decided I should start my socks for The Loopy Ewe Spring Challenge since it was getting close to the middle of the month.  I decided to knit Lacy Rib Socks by Wendy D. Johnson.  I highly recommend this pattern, very easy pattern and I love the texture.  The yarn I am using is Lorna's Laces Solemate in the colorway called Ashburn.

 

 

I did a little weaving last weekend and finished a set of kitchen towels and knitted 3 matching dishcloths.  I used Sugar and Cream yarn for all the items.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

Yarn Report Week 9 2014

My yarn purchase is the fault of The Loopy Ewe starting the Spring Challenge.  I purchased Lorna Laces' Solemate to knit a pair of socks for the challenge.

 

 

Then I decided that the next sweater I want to knit is Rolling Rock by Thea Coleman so I bought 10 skeins for Cascade 220 Sport  - the color is Lake Chelan Heather

 

I have one completion for the week.  My Pooling Yarn Scarf I wove using  Loopy Legends in Debbie's Autumn Joy - sorry Judy I would have used your colorway but it was sold out when I made my purchase.  I still need to twist the fringe and wet finish but I calling it done so my numbers don't look so bad.

 

  



 Used this Week:  1 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 7 skeins
Added this week:  11 skeins

Added since 1/1/14:  15 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: +8 skeins
 

Or

Used this Week:  435 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 1783 yards
Added this week: 1785 yards
Added since 1/1/14:  3611 yards

Net total since 1/1/14: +1828 yards

 Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - February 28, 2014

I started working on the shawl collar and front button band.  I banding is 3 inches wide and is taking some time to get all around the sweater but once done I will be working on the sleeves.  Pictured is the front zigzag pattern that runs up the front of the sweater.

 

 

My Dark and Storm is going into the holding pattern while I knit a pair of sock for the Loopy Spring Challenge.  I'm not totally decided on the pattern but the yarn I am using is Lorna Laces' Solemate - colorway is Ashburn.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - February 21, 2014

Making Progress on my Dark and Stormy cardigan.  I am on the last inch of the ribbing at the bottom of the cardigan.  Around most of the sweater the ribbing is 1x1 but matching the cabling changes to 2x2 - I love how the back looks.

 

 

The Loopy Ewe announced the spring challenge and for 10 minutes I thought I would not participate then I thought I would use yarn I already had but now I have decided to order yarn for the challenge.  Not sure but I think I am going to knit a pair of socks since I haven't knitted a pair since October.  I have different yarns in my wishlist all I need to do is make my final decision.  I am going to wait until Sunday to order and then if the timing is right my 'Box of Fun' will show up Wednesday or Thursday when I will be home and my husband not.  I try to only let him see those boxes every now and then - he couldn't handle all the excitement.

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

Yarn Report - Week 7 2014

 Nothing in or nothing out this week even though I am 3 skeins into my sweater now but I am not counting until it's completed.

 

 Used this Week:  0 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 6 skeins
Added this week:  0 skeins

Added since 1/1/14:  4 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -2 skeins
 

Or

Used this Week:  0 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 1348 yards
Added this week:  0 yards
Added since 1/1/14:  1826 yards

Net total since 1/1/14: +478 yards

 Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - February 14, 2014

I am making good progress on my Dark and Stormy cardigan.  I started it on the 29th of January and I am now just 2 cable repeats from starting the ribbing on the body of the sweater. The picture is of the back of the cardigan.

 

 

The wintery stormy weather we had here in South Carolina I think really propelled my knitting this week with worrying about the roads and possible power outages.  Bad news - roads were terrible,  the good news - the power stayed on and only half the snow and ice predicted fell.  The even better news we will be in the 60's and 70's next week.

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

Stash Report - Week 6 2014

Yesterday I finished my Hunter's Star lap size quilt and is now on the waiting to be quilted pile.

 

 

In celebration I purchased fabric for my next lap quilt because I really didn't feel like stash diving.  The quilt block I am using is called Chocolate Cake in EQ7.

 



  

Used this Week: 4 yards
Used year to Date: 4 yards
Added this Week: 6 yards
Added Year to Date: 13.5 yards
Net Total for 2014: -9.5 yards
 

Stop by Patchwork Times for other Quilter's Stash Reports.

 

Mary

Yarn Report - Week 5 2014

Nothing in or nothing out this week.

BORING!

 

Used this Week:  0 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 6 skeins
Added this week:  0 skeins
Added since 1/1/14:  4 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -2 skeins
 

Or

 Used this Week:  0 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 1348 yards
Added this week:  0 yards
Added since 1/1/14:  1826 yards

Net total since 1/1/14: +478 yards

This week counting skeins shows better progress than yardage.

 Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - January 31, 2014

Wednesday I started my long awaited Dark and Stormy cardigan.  I have had this pattern in my favorites for a long time and bought the yarn for it in October, not sure why I waited but it is on the needles now.  I love Thea Colman's designs and her patterns are well written, I think this is my 3rd one now with many more I want to knit.  The yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash in Ginger.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

Yarn Report - Week 4 2014

I gave in this week and placed an order from Knit Picks.  But in my defense I needed to order the yarn to get the free ship.  I was wanting to get crochet hooks that would attach to my interchangeable needle cables and the crochet hooks were discontinued which they only had 2 sizes left and that is way I purchased yarn. 

But I did finish my Greyhaven Cowl so I at least was able to add something to the used column.
 

Used this Week:  1 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 6 skeins
Added this week:  4 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -2 skeins
 

Or

 

Used this Week:  250 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 1348 yards
Added this week:  1826 yards

Net total since 1/1/14: 478 yards

 

Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - January 24, 2014

I finished binding off my Greyhaven Cowl this morning.  It is a great pattern and I like how the bottom of the cowl is wider so it sits on your shoulders and should stay down with a jacket on.  This picture is obviously taken before I blocked it.

 

 

Hoping that spring is just around the corner I decided to revisit Nantucket Red cardigan that I started last year.  Not sure why I stopped working on it but I just have the sleeves left to knit then put it all together.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary



Stash Report - Week 3 2014

Another no progress report - nothing in and nothing out.
 

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 0 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 7.5 yards
Net Total for 2014: -7.5 yards
 

Stop by Patchwork Times for other Quilter's Stash Reports.

 

Mary

Yarn Report - Week 3 2014

 With my Breaded Scarf finished I was able to change the totals.  I was tempted to order yarn but resisted for now but the little voice in the back of my head keeps telling me that I need more yarn.
 

Used this Week:  1 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 5 skeins
Added this week:  0 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -5 skeins

Or
 

Used this Week:  550 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 1098 yards
Added this week:  0 yards

Net total since 1/1/14: -1098 yards

Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - January 17, 2014

Sunday I finished my Beaded Lace Scarf II for the Loopy Challenge.  I recommend this pattern, very easy to follow and love the results.  The lace really opened nicely with blocking,  The scarf's final measurements are 11" x 64".   I finished with 11 yards of yarn left out of a 550 yard skein and approximately 25 out 1200 beads left (+/- a few from dropping some).

 

 

Next on the needles is Greyhaven Cowl I am knitting  using Dream in Color Classy and the color is Romeo Blue.  Switching from lace weight to worsted weight is like knitting with rope but I like how fast it is knitting up.

 

 

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

 





Stash Report - Week 2 2014

Boring report this week - nothing in and nothing out.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 0 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 7.5 yards
Net Total for 2014: -7.5 yards

 

Stop by Patchwork Times for other Quilter's Stash Reports.

 

 

Mary

Yarn Report - Week 2 2014

Nothing to add or subtract on this week's report, hopefully next week a completed scarf or two will change the totals.

 

Used this Week:  0 skeins
Used since 1/1/14: 4 skeins
Added this week:  0 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -4 skeins
 

Used this Week:  0 yards
Used since 1/1/14: 548 yards
Added this week:  0 skeins

Net total since 1/1/14: -548 yards

Stop by Patchwork Times and see how others are controlling their fiber passion.

 

Mary

On the Needles Friday - January 10, 2014

My Beaded Lace Scarf II for the Loopy Challenge is still on the needles but I am down

six pattern repeats left to knit.  Decided to post the same picture as last week since it a scarf so not much different except for the length.  I am hoping to finish by next week's post.

 

   

Take a minute and stop over at Patchwork Times and see what others have on their Needles.

 

Mary

Design Wall Monday - January 6, 2014

Seems like it has been forever since I worked on a quilt but I am now back at the machine.

I am working on Hunter Star in blue and white.

 

This year I did not participate in Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Celtic Solstice but seeing all the pictures of the completed tops have got me interested in working on one.  I started playing around in EQ7 with the colors and will more than likely start on it soon. Not sure on the borders but I have plenty of time to play around with them.

 

Stop by Patchwork Times to see what others are working on.

 

Mary