Saturday, November 5, 2011

Poor Neglected Blog

Wow, I haven't done a thing with this blog in over 18 months.  Bad blogger, no cookie....

I have decided that this needs to change.  I plan to post my adventures exploring my new state, meeting new people and crafting.  Stay tuned for some more updates!

Go Badgers!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Breaking My Yarn Diet

Yes, you read correctly.  I broke my yarn diet.  I know, I know.  Bad knitter, no cookie for me.....

But I broke it for a very good reason.  I broke it for some yarn that will become some shawlettes.  I have one weekend this year that will be filled with graduation ceremonies.  So I bought two types of yarn that will make some beautiful shawls/shawlettes that will work over dress pants and dress shirt, skirt and top or even a dress.

The first yarn is Araucania Ruca Multy.  It's my sugar cane yarn come to visit again!  This time I picked brightly colored yellow, orange and pink skeins. 



The second yarn is Berroco Seduce in Sorcery.  It's a silvery gray and looks like it will have fantastic drape when knitted up. 



I have just exactly 8 weeks to find patterns and get these shawlettes knitted up.  It's going to be an interesting trip.

Stop back later to see how my pattern search is going.....

Saturday, January 30, 2010

And my computer crashes again......

On December 20th, my computer hard drive died. After spending a month trying to figure out what I was going to do (have Geeksquad repair computer, repair computer myself, or buy new computer), I decided to replace the hard drive myself and reinstall my computer software.

It has been about 2 weeks since my computer was repaired and it went down again last night..... I installed the service pack 1 for vista (man, how I detest vista) and my computer wouldn't boot because there was an error with the install. A big enough error that I spent most of today reinstalling my operating system AGAIN! I couldn't even do a recovery.... I guess I know what I won't be installing ever again....

Even though I haven't gotten much done as a result, I did find some awesome pictures that I haven't seen in years.....


My sister with her AAU volleyball team....

 


My little brother playing football his senior year of high school (they ended up winning state).....

 

I guess some good things have come from my computer crashing twice.  I found all sorts of old pictures I didn't know I had...  It was a nice trip down memory lane.

When is the last time you went?

Friday, January 29, 2010

IntSweMoDo 2010: Sweater One

In addition to my 1,000,000 stitches goal, I have a 12 sweaters this year goal....  My goals all work together, which is fantastic.  I am excited to challenge myself and see what happens.

I have officially finished my first sweater for IntSweMoDo 2010!   It is the February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynn.

I knit the sweater out of 100% corn fiber called aMAIZing from Southwest Trading Company.  The fabric made is nice and squishy and is somewhat hydrophobic.....  The water just beaded off until I started working it in.  Maybe that makes this sweater stain resistant!  I'm not sure I want to test that theory though. 



The sweater is unblocked in this picture.  I am excited to wear the sweater when it is dry (drying now), but I have to remember that I can't wear it to work if I want it to stay nice.  I tend to go home dirty....


My next sweater to work on is the one for my sister, Mary.  It is Natalia by Stefanie Japel.  I have half of one sleeve to knit, the cuffs and the neckline.  I hope it will be a quick knit.....

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

No Wool Wednesday: Sugar Cane Yarn

(This post has been hanging out for awhile and I just hadn't finished it.  I am getting back into the swing of things and so I finished it for your enjoyment....)

I found sugar cane yarn by mistake.  I was in Lizzie's in Wheaton, IL while playing hooky from work.  (Okay, not really, I took a vacation day.)  While wandering in the yarn shop trying not to kill myself, I happened upon Araucania Ruca Multy.   

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Araucania Ruca Multy was make with 100% sugar cane and even more surprised to find 273 yards in one hank.  I bought one hank of colorway 1 (I know not very helpful).  It was a purple, tan and green variegated.

With the yarn, I decided to make Diagonal Lace Scarf.

The yarn was great to work with.  It is super soft and has beautiful drape.  It was super easy to block; the knitted fabric gently stretched into shape.




I would definitely recommend this yarn to someone looking for something new.  The only downside to this yarn is that I haven't been able to find it in solids or semi-solids. 

Other patterns that would work with this pattern:

 - Clapotis
 - Ishbel
 - Lillian Tank Top
 - Baby Surprise Jacket

Check in next week for another No Wool Wednesday!


Monday, January 25, 2010

My One Million Stitch Quest

Yes, you are reading that right.  One of my goals for 2010 is to craft one million stitches.  I can either knit, crochet or tat the stitches.  No sewing allowed.

One million stitches per year breaks down like this:
83,333 stitches per month
20,833 stitches per week
2,976 stitches per day

I know, I am totally crazy right.  Well, I am not the only person crazy enough to do this.  There is an entire group on Ravelry called naknitmo where a whole bunch of us are planning to make the quest.

So now the question becomes:   How am I doing?

Answer:  Not so hot...  As of Sunday night, I am 18,566 stitches less than I should have knit from Jan 1 to yesterday. 

To put things into perspective:  one day of knitting is worth

3/4 of a convertible mitten


about 18 tatted butterflies


8.5 rows on a lap robe my grandmother didn't finish crocheting

(picture to come later)

Each of these things takes about 3 hours of crafting a day, at least.  It depends on the difficulty of the pattern.  While I will probably never make this goal, I know that I will fail to achieve 100% of the goals I never set.  So for me, I am going to try this year and see how far I can go.

Wish me luck.....

See you on the flip side!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Today was a Fantastic Day!

As far as days go, I'm not sure I will be able to top today for awhile.  Everything just seemed to fit together seamlessly.

This morning for the first time in over 1 month, my computer booted up and ran!  At 12:37 AM (yes, I am that much of a dork that I checked the time), my computer booted up to factory settings.  I spent 5+ hours last night replacing my hard drive and using my recovery manager to get my computer back up an running.  The only thing I have left to do is copy my backed up files from my old laptop to this one.  YAY!

Then when I got up this morning, I felt the urge to tat, which I haven't done in months.  I started looking at the butterflies and flowers I was tatting and wondered what I was going to do with them.  I decided that I was going to start decorating note cards and am making plans to start an etsy store.  Thus far the only name I can think of for the store is "Knotworthy".  (I welcome any and all suggestions!)

Below are some of the note cards I have created today. 



I am currently brainstorming some St. Patty's Day cards, but I don't know if I am going to create any right away.

Around lunch, when I couldn't keep waiting for my computer to load all the Windows updates, I decided to drop in on JoAnn's in Joliet.  It is going out of business and I got a fantastic deal!  I managed to get an Ott Light for 80% off!  How cool is that?   I guess it pays to wait out the deals and sales..... 

From 3-6 PM I reffed some 2nd grade boys basketball games.  Three of them, to be exact.  After the second game, I had one mom come up to me and thank me for not just reffing the game but also using the game as an opportunity to teach the kids.  That was so fantastic to hear considering most of the time all I get are parents chewing me a new one for calling a foul on their kid.  Even better was the coach that pulled out a player during the third game for, as the coach put it, "talking back to the ref."

And now I am home.  Finishing updating a blog that has been empty for weeks.....okay, okay months.....  I am heading back to my knitting for tonight, or maybe some crocheting....  I guess I'll see what I feel like.

See you on the flip side!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

No Wool Wednesday: Milk Yarn

(I meant to post this last night.  Obviously, I didn't make it.  Bad blogger.  I hope you enjoy even though it is a day late this week.)


To start off No Wool Wednesday, I am going to profile my favorite yarn to date: Kollage Creamy.  The fiber content is 80% milk and 20% cotton.

When I first heard about milk yarn, I thought "Milk? How does that work?"  But after some research, milk fiber/yarn has some really cool properties.

Milk yarn is made by a wet spinning process that allows the proteins to form long chains that can be spun into yarn.  The process also includes embedding a zinc ion in the fiber to make it durable.

Cool Properties That Milk Yarn Exhibits:
  • Antibacterial/antifungal (like bamboo)
  • Luxurious feel (like silk)
  • Easy to dye 
  • Colorfast
  • Easy to blend with other fibers
This yarn was a dream to work with.  I knitted Branching Out from this yarn on a US size 7.  The resulting scarf feels awesome against my neck.  It blocked beautifully and the drape is fantastic.

Before Blocking




After Blocking





Recommended gauge: 28-36 sts/4 in on US 2 or 3

Price: This yarn tends to be a little pricier than your run-of-the-mill cotton or wool.  The average regular price is $18-20 for 200 yards.

My recommendations for projects:
-Shetland Shorty
-Dayflower Camisole
-Delphine
-113-27 Top with Short Raglan Sleeves
-Kimono Shawl

Overall, the yarn is great to work with.  It is best suited for projects that need drape and flow.

Next time you go yarn shopping, see if they have Kollage Creamy and give it a smoosh.  You won't regret it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Update: Mystery Scarf CAL

I just realized that I haven't given an update on my Mystery Scarf CAL, aka Peacock Mystery Scarf.  I finished the first 4 clues and am currently completing the second chain of medallions (thanks to long waits in doctor's waiting rooms!). 

During the 4th clue, we found out the general construction of the scarf will be 2 tracks of medallions joined by lace in the center.  Depending on how much yarn I have left after finishing the lace center, I may complete a 3rd track of medallions and replicate the lace center a second time.  This will give me a shawl/wrap instead of the planned scarf.

(If you don't want to see the scarf/don't want the mystery blown, don't keep reading.)



This is part of my first track of medallions.  There are 48 medallions to crochet total and I have 41 finished.  



The next clue is due up next week.  I am excited to see how everything is going to fit together. 

Stay tuned to see how this scarf comes together....

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Update - Mystery Scarf CAL

I have an update for the Mystery Scarf CAL I discussed in a post yesterday.  I am going to be able to post some strategic pictures of what I am crocheting.  Woo hoo!

(For those of you that don't want the mystery broken, don't scroll down.  I have pictures of the first foundation.)

To start off, let's review the yarn:  Nashua Sonora
Fiber Content: 46% Silk, 31% Viscose Rayon, 20% Linen, 3% Nylon
The color is a white/cream base and the yarn is textured.   When crocheted, the yarn does not have much stretch.  It is also very easy to split due to the textured nature.  This will be an interesting venture.



 The first clues for the foundation were very interesting to hear.  I found out quickly enough that I have to have absolutely no background noise to concentrate on the instructions.  (As I write this, I am watching the NFL highlights and getting geared up for the Packers-Bears game.  Go Pack!)

The first clue was very short and sweet, but there were some interesting tidbits on the differences in the naming conventions between US/Canada and Europe.  Did you know that the US version of the slip stitch is actually known as the single crochet in Europe?  If you didn't, you do now.


Part of my foundation is pictured above.  You can see the the different strands of this yarn very distinctly.  I really like how the foundation has turned out and I am excited to continue on with the next stage.

Come back soon to see an update on my progress.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Stitch Stud Designs First Scarf Crochet Along

I have joined my first mystery -along this morning.  It is a scarf/shawl/wrap crochetalong.  I hadn't planned on joining/starting any new projects since I already have enough in my queue.....  (I have enough to keep me busy for about the next 3 years!)  However, this one was too intriguing not to join. 

The Premise: Auditory instructions are posted in the group.  Instead of reading directions or a chart, you have to listen and translate the instructions.  Once 50% of the group has completed the stage, the directions and chart will be sent out to the participants.

It was such an intriguing challenge, that when Concetta explained the project to me I knew I had to join.

Since it is a mystery crochetalong, I won't post any pictures, but I will post my progress.

Wish me luck!

Stitches Update! (Boy, Did I blow my Stashdown plan!)

The best laid plans of mice and knitters often go awry....   (Quote massacred from Of Mice and Men.)

My final stashdown figure was 3916 yards knitted from May 2009 until September 11, 2009.  My plan had been to buy only half of what I had knit up or 1958 yards......  By the end of the day, I had accumulated over 13,000 yards in 93 skeins!  What was I thinking?

I have a very good answer for destroying my best laid plans.  I only bought 4 of 93 skeins at full price!  I have enough yarn of some types/colors to make the Laporte bag for our KAL, approximately 6 sweaters, a scarf and mitts, and 2 pairs of socks....  In addition, where else but Stitches can I find tons of Rachel friendly yarn for the knitting/crocheting.

 
That is a quick photo of my loot.  I am super excited to start some of the projects I have planned with the yarn.
How did everyone else do at Stitches (if you went)?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

New Feature: No Wool Wednesdays

After spending this week having different discussions with my knitting friends about my inability to knit with wool (think anaphylaxis) and how they like that I have to try out all the "different" yarns, I have decided to share what I have learned about different types of non-wool yarn with the masses  (or the couple people that actually read this).

I am going to try and profile a different non-wool yarn every Wednesday.  I will discuss what I knit with it, the "blockability" of the yarn, the drape and any patterns that might also work with this yarn.

Since today is almost over and I don't have any FO's blocked or photographed yet, my first venture into this will be next week.  Stay tuned for No Wool Wednesdays.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday Night Update

Okay, here's my update for what I finished today.

-Knit 1 ball of yarn up on my February Lady Sweater, and started another Christmas gift project.
-Fried up some bacon to eat with eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
-Picked up clean clothes, folded them and put them away. Gathered up dirty laundry to wash tomorrow.
-Washed dishes.
-Made bed (It hasn't been made for over 2 weeks; I keep falling asleep on the couch!)

In other words, not as much as I needed to do....

But, I did pick back up a book I have been reading: better single than sorry by Jen Schefft (the Bachelorette). I am in chapter 6 and it is great! It puts everything into perspective for me. If you get a chance, pick it up.

See you on the flipside.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

All Things To Update

My Stitches Stashdown is coming in on the last 3 weeks of knitting. To date, I have knit 2456 yards and I can buy 1228 yards at Stitches.

I currently have 3 decent sized projects on the needles: a baby sweater, February Lady Sweater, and Baby Surprise Jacket. The question becomes: if I don't finish them before Stitches, do I get to count what I have knit up or do I need to finish the project before I can count it?

On the upside (or downside, depending on your point of view), I am on layoff starting tomorrow. I have an entire week to knit until I can't knit anymore..... I don't get paid (just unemployment), so it hampers my ability to do much during the week (other than knit, of course).

On the downside, my apartment is a mess. Literally. If/when my camera batteries are charged, I will take pictures. And my mom informed me that she and my dad or aunt might be coming to visit next weekend..... so I guess I only have so much time to knit.


Okay, I have to make a plan for this week. That is the only way it will get done.

To do:
-Knit (It has to be first!)
-Exercise 5 of 7 days this week (I don't have any excuses if I don't do this.)
-Clean apartment
-Wash car
-Take sewing machine in for service
-Take day trip to Geneva
-Finish converting Peggy's pattern to a larger size (this is going to take some time)

I'll start with that and keep updating on my progress as the week goes on. (Maybe this will get me on the blogging trail.)

See you on the flipside.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Stitches Midwest Stashdown

On May 30, 2009, I made a decision to try and stash down before my trip to Stitches Midwest in September. Since I haven't done anything to write about it and have been a bad beginning blogger (no cookie for me!), I decided to document it for the world to see and cheer me on.

The Plan: For every 2 yards I knit between May 30th and Stitches, I can buy 1 yard.

My roll call to date:
Diagonal Scarf 263 yards
2 BSJ's with matching hats 1000 yards
Tatted edging and note cards 60 yards
Chevron Scarf 360 yards
Other tatting 30 yards

This gives me a grand total of 1713 yards knit and Stitches buying power of 856.5 yards.

I currently have 4 projects on the needles.....

Wish me luck as I continue my journey towards stashing down....

See you on the flipside!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! This has been a long time in making. You can all blame this blog on Ravelry, the blogs that I keep up with (which I will start posting for you to peruse), and moving to IL where I have met some great people.

As I starting posting my adventures, hobbies, and other activities, you will see that my activities are varied and as entertaining as I am.

I hope you find my adventures just as much fun as I do.

See you on the flipside!

Rachel