Friday, February 29, 2008

We couldn't wait till the weekend...

I dyed these during the week.
From L-R : orange from the other day, green, teal, blue, pink and purple and plain pink.



Happily got the strand variegation that I was looking for -each strand is a different colour to the next one. Lots of fun to make. can't wait to see how they knit up.

The sock is coming along really well. Turning the heel was way faster and smoother that the 2 on 2 circs method. I could put it down, pick it up and carry on. Not like having to set aside 2-3 hours for the heel with the other method.

Started this late last Saturday night and it is nearly done! I will, hopefully, finish one this weekend.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Dyeing Adventures

Sock yarn is difficult to find here in SA. Spotlight has just started stocking some Moda Vera Socks in yucky colourways. I am really disappointed with the choice of colour inyarn over here.
Anyway at $4.99 per ball we shouldn't complain. I bought 3 balls first, one in a red,khaki colourway and one in blue and this one in brown/beige/black. Like I said disappointed with colour choice here. I thought it might be dyeable so grabbed it. I am on a bit of a tiger fix at the moment so thought if I could dye it with orange it might be okay.

BEFORE: blah








DURING: nice variations of orange/brown





DONE: mmm tiger.... much better




Still not sure how the pattern will turn out but have envisioned one in pinks, one in blues, one in purples, Miss A wants green. Guess what we'll be doing this weekend.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Floozy

Normally I am a one project woman, normally. I have been suffering startitis for the first time I think.

I have the Kiri shawl on the needles growing slowly. A good project when I have the time to sit and concentrate on something.



I have another Ice Queen on the needles as the other one is a bit short for me but okay for Miss A. An easy knit for when I can't concentrate and want something straightforward to do. Looking forward to wearing this in winter.
Yarn: Caressa DK same as the other one.
Needles: Boye size 6s (4.25mm)

And as a constant in the background to work on whether it is a few stitches here and there or easy knitting or a 'take with' project....
Now that the weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, I have a hankering to knit some socks. In the past I have used the Crazy Toes and Heels method. This has served me well as it was a way that I could understand to begin knitting socks, I cannot use dpns. However I think the reason that I haven't knitted socks for so long is the fact that with this method (2 at a time on 2 circs, toe up) I have a contraption that is not so portable. I have always bemoaned the fact that it takes me over an hour for one heel (they are knitted around and around even while doing the heel so it takes a longer time than a heel flap) .
I am envious of Jess who produces beautiful socks on a regular basis. So I am going to give her method a go, see below...
short circular, top down, heel flap etc. I remember trying this with a sock in progress before and couldn't do it. It felt uncomfortable. This time it is different, I think the construction will be easier this way - especially the heel part. And I can take it with me more easily than the other way.
I only have one of these needles so I am off to find another few so that I can start it's partner.
I am a bit obssessive when it comes to matching socks, I don't think I will be comfortable with just measuring them for the length, so I think it will be ticky sheets and row counts.
Specs:
Yarn: Yarnivorous' Tiger sock yarn given to me by Jess. Thanks Jess - I have wanted to start these for ages and now have the sock bug again.
Needles: Addis 2.5mm, 30cm length
I am excited at using up my sock stash again. I can take these with me and always have a sock on the needles laying around.
Uni
Summer Semester finished this week yay! I am soo glad to have that behind me- 3 units plus working 6 days a week phew! No more maths exams! I now have one week off - first semester 2008 starts on the 3rd March.
Other
Miss A is at her Dad's this weekend, it is getting a bit easier but not much. It is my turn to pick her up from his girlfriend's place and I am to beep when I get there. Not allowed to go and knock on the door. Aah, but I will have my sock for company, not too dark I hope, maybe I'll get a few rounds in!

Friday, February 08, 2008

Aaaah - relaxed not stressed

Aaah, I am looking forward to the weekend.

Miss A has gone to her dad's and I've made progress - this time I didn't cry on the way home from dropping her off! Not at all. It is still not easy though. She returns Sunday evening. hmmmm

Plans for this weekend were to plow through my Health assignment tonight and tomorrow, but that has changed. I managed to do it this afternoon and after working on it, just tidying it up a bit, for just over an hour a short time ago - It's done, complete yay!

My English assignment was also submitted tonight so I figure I have earnt some free time. But I won't go and knit just yet, I'll draw out that smug feeling of having all weekend just to knit ( there is the small matter of housework and mowing the lawn, that, I will leave till Saturday - don't wanna get all sweaty tonight)

So know I am in an empty house with my Kiri Shawl ( whichis going nicely, sorry no pics) and stuff all on tv, what shall I watch?! Might be a podcast night and just leave the telly on to combat the feeling of total aloneness.

What have you got planned?