RAR MADE THIS!

I finished some things.

Clapotis

knit out of Wool in the Woods "Frost"

Maine Morning Mitts

out of Noro Kureyon

After manically knitting for three weeks straight, I've hit a lull. While working on a pair of socks for Emily, I've hit a grumpy case of ennui. It's a bummer. I desperately want to cast-on for something new, but rules are rules. I'm trying to finish old wips or work on the current, new project ONLY. I don't know why I insist on punishing myself this way.

As for the finished items, the Clapotis wrapped up quickly. I think Mom will be pleased. The Maine Morning Mitts are already in constant use. Two happy projects.

I'm going to go sit down with my sock in progress again. Maybe if I just push myself through the slump, it'll go away... right?

finished projects 2008

Celebrating Fiberlicious Friday

Rio de la Plata sock yarn

Garnstudio Camelia Superwash

Louet Gems in Baby Lilac

Hand Painted Knitting Yarns Sock Merino Superwash in "Tosca"

... and now back to knitting the Clapotis. I'm aiming for a weekend cast-off.

Clapot-this!

So, I realize that I am very late to the Clapotis party. The patter never really appealed to me, especially reading all the accounts of people who sent this one into hibernation out of the need for anything but stockinette stitch. One thing I noticed, though, was that these sleeping beauties always somehow made their way out of the darkness of bottom of the WIP pile.

It isn't so bad really, the knitting. The knit stitches through the back loop every few stitches break up the monotony a bit, and my decision to go with a larger gauge was definitely a good one.

The yarn is also a plus. Wool in the Woods' "Frost" has a hint of nylon that lends a very subtle sparkle which did not translate to this photo at all. I'm not really a sparkle kind of a girl, but week after week as I worked at the knit shop, this yarn kept talking to me. When the shop owner gave me a gift certificate for Christmas (!!!) it came home with me.

It's the perfect thing for keeping my mom's shoulders warm at church, I think, and after only a week of work, I'm on the home stretch on the sucker.

Oh... and the kitty really likes it, too.

Finished Object: Merino Lace Socks

The first official finished knit of 2008!

Pattern: Merino Lace Socks by Anne Woodbury from Interweave's Favorite Socks
Yarn: Fleece Artist's Sea Wool in Ivory
Needles: two 24" US1 Addi Turbos

I LOVE these socks. The knitting was quick and enjoyable, and the finished product is simply heavenly. This is the fastest I've completed a pair of socks in quite a while, and I've now queued up several other intricate sock projects after this burst of inspiration.

The only downside to the experience was a little something at the end... there just, well.. a little too big. It's seems that somehow the socks stretched after first being worn and now there a bit slouchy. That's nothing a little bit of washing won't fix, I'm sure, and even with the slouch I love the way they look.

My current project is a bit of a bore. I'm knitting up a Clapotis for my mom's birthday. (No worries... she's not a reader of the weblog.) The yarn, Wool in the Woods Frost, keeps it a bit interesting, but I'll be happy when the beast is done. I knew from others' reports, and just by looking at the sea of stockinette, that this wouldn't be a thrilling ride, but it makes for great tv knitting.... and mom will like it. (photos of the wip soon.)

finished projects 2008

New year, new yarn

So now that we're eight days into the new year, I've finally found myself with the time to take stock of my life, knitting-wise. I've been more prolific already this year than was in 2007... I'm on the home stretch on a pair of socks and I'm a few inches into a fair isle hat.

The Ravelry queue is nice and tidy, with deadlines and stash yarn picked out for each project. I've got a lot of fun projects planned, and I'm excited. You've got to love a clean slate.

Currently, the socks on the needles are the Merino Lace Socks from Interweave's Favorite Knitted socks. Just before I sat down to type the post I had finished the third gusset decrease on the heel of the second sock, and I'm loving it. The first sock is beautiful, and it's currently resting on the new sock blockers I picked up from The Loopy Ewe. I'm knitting them out of Fleece Artist's Sea Wool, which has been an interesting experience. The yarn just feels like luxury with it's 70% merino, 30% sea cell content. However, when knit up, it's not as soft as I expected. The yarn is also a bit splitty which sometimes makes me bonkers. The yarn and the pattern are a nice fit, though. I'm sure the feel of them will be much improved after their first wash.