I haven't done much knitting lately but I do have a new addition that I got for my birthday.



A kiwi spinning wheel! I soon realized that wood finishing is not for me. I do not have the patience or the talent. I think the extra money spent on a finished wheel is definitely worth it now..

I bought the wheel on eBay from Copper Moose, and they sent a pound of Corriedale fiber to practice on.



And this is the first skein I made from it. It ended up about 38 yards and is double-plied.



All skeined up..



I am definitely a newb. I've bought two books so far: Start Spinning and Intertwined. I look forward to getting good at the regular stuff so I can make the fancy art stuff. I know I need a lot of practice.

Also since I haven't been around for a long time here is a treat: Muse at the Fort Worth Convention Center last week. It was my third time seeing them and they get better every time!

I just got a lovely surprise in the mail today. It was the final package from my secret pal!



The hand knit cable scarf is gorgeous and just perfect for the chilly weather we've been having lately. I am shocked that it was made for me. I don't think I've ever gotten a knitted item as a gift before. Thank you for all the time you spent on it, Mioshee! It's hard to tell in the photo but it is a nice burnt orange color, which will help me to blend in with all the OSU fans I am surrounded by. :)

Also in the package was a really pretty silk covered address book, Mason Dixon Knitting (which was on my wishlist!), and some Patons dye-able sock yarn. What a great package. Thanks again!

I haven't been knitting lately but I only have 2 more weeks of school until Christmas break so I will surely get some stuff done then. Until then!

Last Thursday I finally got through with a very bad month in school and decided to take a nice week off from studying, so I got some knitting done. First I made a really cute present for a friend but I don't want to post about it until after I give it to her this Friday. Then I started back on the glittens I have been working on for a bit, with a new yarn - Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends - that the recipient and I picked out from Hobby Lobby. That yarn was working much better than the previous but one skein wasn't quite enough to finish so that project is on hold until I overcome my laziness and go back to buy another. :)

Finally, I decided to start the infamous Clapotis with the Kureyon sock yarn that my Secret Pal gifted me with. I have ordered another skein because this one is running out fast!



A good friend lent me her seasons of Supernatural so that has been great knitting material. I had been knitting so many socks and other items in the round lately that I find myself getting a little bored of purling.

There is a big knitting convention like thing (well, big for Oklahoma) going on next spring and I am debating signing up for a class or two. It's the weekend right before I start clinical rotations though so I'm not sure I want to make any plans this far ahead. Decisions decisions!

I was just thinking I needed to post a blog and that I didn't have much to say besides that I was studying all week and still haven't gotten a chance to knit. However, a package from my Secret Pal was waiting for me at home after a particularly long and tedious day at school!



The package contained a houndstooth/floral stationary/note set, a needle holder, some nice size 2 DPNs, an issue of knitscene, and some very lovely yarn: a skein of Noro Kureyon Sock and 2 skeins of Laines du Nord Baby Star. Thank you pal! It was definitely a nice surprise. Here's a closeup of the pretty yarn..

It's a Sunday post! I just watched Muse perform on the VMAs. They were awesome. I however have not watched that much MTV in years (waiting for them to come on) and I feel old and crotchety. I also wish they'd leave the Twilight references out of it because it shouldn't be considered their only claim to fame. How bout their talent? Don't shoot me. :)

I had a good weekend but after a little bit of studying my planner I realized I have several bad school weeks ahead of me. I don't have a test until next Monday but it's going to snowball after that so I need to keep up with it. So, no knitting this past week and I am still trying to arrange a time for me to teach a friend how to start on her scarf. Hopefully we can get to it this week and maybe I will continue my quest to finish my gift glittens. I am also rounding up a few odds and ends for the final package to my Secret Pal spoilee.

It's officially been a week since I stopped eating meat and I'm not looking back. Not only have I lost weight but it was also way cheaper when I went out for sushi. It's a new task for me and I'm not always good at keeping those kinds of things up when stuff gets stressful but I really want to.

Until next week.

Agh, I missed my Sunday post again! In defense, after last week I was trying to catch up on sleep all weekend. I am however still studying; I have an endocrine exam again tomorrow. After that I have a couple weeks with no exams so I am just doggy-paddling my way to the temporary finish line..

I worked on my friend's Urban Necessity glove over the weekend. I'm in a predicament that I think I might fix by changing yarn. I happen to be running out of this current skein after doing a couple trial gloves and I'm still having problems adjusting it to her hand size. Laziness is also becoming a factor.

I went to my parents for Labor Day weekend and hung out with their puppies. I should be able to post some pics in the next few days to make up for the lack of knitting.

I had a monster of an endocrinology exam on Friday and this week is going to be hell. There's a derm exam on Wednesday morning, then that and Thursday afternoons I have surgery that will take up all of the afternoon. Then on Friday morning I have a surgery lecture final. I wish I could be excited about doing my first spay and neuter but with this schedule I just know I will be exhausted and still have to go home and study afterward. So, no knitting to be done right now.

I did talk a couple friends into going to a LYS (well, if local includes 40 minutes of driving) and one of them decided she wanted to learn how to knit and bought some nice yarn for a scarf. The next time we have a free weekend (ha) I will give her a knitting lesson. I even talked her into knitting Continental even though she's right-handed. Ha! I could teach her the basics of English throwing but I'm super awkward with it and I kinda believe that Continental is just inherently faster, whether that's actually true or not, I dunno. :)

Finally, to contribute to my Secret Pal hostess's baby pattern frenzy, my favorite baby pattern that I've completed was the baby Chucks (Ravelry link) that I made for little Wayne. I have to say I had to make several just to get them perfect but the final product was so cute I was okay with that, and the other patterns I tried before I found that one were not so productive. Another easy favorite pattern would be the Umbilical Hat from Stitch 'n Bitch because they're super quick, and kitties don't mind trying them on for a few minutes (while they're napping.. see header photo).

Woops, I intended to make my usual Sunday post on Sunday but never got around to it. I am currently working on some glittens for a friend. I made one glove and the hand fits well (the next larger size is too baggy) but the fingers are too tight so I'm going to have to break out the calculator and figure out how to rectify this problem. The pattern is Urban Necessity. I made the first glove in a couple Gossip Girl episodes. Glad I still have most of the second season to catch up on.

School started again last week and I scrubbed into surgery for the first time! It was just surgery orientation but we will be completing our first procedure next week. It is pretty nervewracking. And closed gloving is HARD! Oh well I'm sure we will be very good at it by the end of the semester. That's all for now.

Sorry for missing a post! To prove I was afk, here are some vacation pics.

The upper Mesa waterfall in Idaho...



A buffalo somewhere in Montana..



And a pretty famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park..



So, no knitting recently but I've got a new project for a friend in the works. Tomorrow I start class again. This time it will be 2 years straight because we'll start doing clinical rotations at the end of the spring semester and work right through the summer. That's what I signed up for, I guess!

Garden Party



I didn't get any knitting done this week so I thought I'd share a photo of my unruly Zinnias. Please ignore the also unruly grass around the edges - I have the most unreliable lawn mower on the planet.

This week I had to finish the poster for my research project on a deadline. My mentor was too busy to meet with me about what needed to be on the poster until late in the afternoon the day before it was due because he was too busy. When I went home to work on it that evening, a bad storm came and knocked out my electricity. I took everything to a friend's house and worked on it for a few hours and then headed home to continue working. My electricity was back on but my router seemed to have died. I had to haul everything up to the school and finish what I could on the poster using the school's wifi. I left after 1 in the morning.

I am not at all the kind of person who leaves stuff to do til the last minute so that evening was way too stressful for me. I think it was payback for not having to work on my project as much as other students were working on theirs throughout the summer.

Well, I am glad I am pretty much done! We had our last weekly seminar on Friday and I just have to stand by my poster for a few hours on Tuesday and then the whole program is finished. I am going with a couple good friends to Yellowstone/Grand Teton soon afterward so I will finally get a chance to truly relax before school starts.

I have a wedding to go to tonight, and I am wearing a dress. This might not seem like much but I haven't worn a dress since my sister's wedding.. in 2002! I'm sure my friends will go crazy.

Alright, I will leave you with another garden photo to round out the party!

I am working on a pair of knucks right now - they are going to be a special battlestar edition! I don't have any pics yet but I will post when I'm finished.

This week my poster for my research project is due so I will be pretty busy trying to get it together this week. Then I'll be pretty much done with my summer program! After that I'll be going to Idaho to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. I'm excited! It'll be nice and relaxing before I have to start school. We are starting surgery this semester - yikes!

I just wanted to get in my weekly post but I will probably post again this week with my finished knucks if I get around to them.

Chevron Scarf, Robin's Egg Hat

I finished my Chevron Scarf on Friday, after many episodes of Gossip Girl and Grey's Anatomy. I have done a lot of waiting to finish my data collection in my research project over the past few weeks and I'm getting pretty bored. Not bored enough to want to go back to school in a month though! Anyway here's a photo of the finished project. I ran out of the Koigu before the StR yarn so the former determined the length.



Next I decided I wanted to use up some handspun yarn I had purchased at the medieval fest in Norman Oklahoma a few years ago. It had just been sitting lonely in the yarn closet all this time. I focused in on the Robin's Egg Blue Hat pattern that I found through Ravelry and thus, after a Saturday afternoon of knitting, here is what came out:



It's really cute! It's hard to tell in that photo but the yarn is a pale baby pink plied with hot pinks, purples, and a little bit of black. I wish I had a BIG matching button like the one on the pattern photo, but maybe I will keep an eye out and replace this one. Close up of the yarn:



And here's the amount of yarn I had left when I finished, boy was that lucky! I had a feeling I would get 3/4 of the way done and then run out.



I haven't decided what I will start to work on next, but I am trying to de-stash so probably some socks.

Craftiness update!


I've worked on a few projects this week while I've been waiting for the CT machine to open up so I can continue my research project.



A couple of wallets from a pattern bought on Etsy.. the top one is mine and a friend was so enamored she wanted one of her own. I forgot to take a picture of the lining, but it is blue Beatles Yellow Submarine fabric - love it! On hers, I forgot to topstitch the flap before sewing it to the main piece but I don't think she'll care.



This is from the Buttercup Bag pattern. I could not for the life of me get the button flap to look good so I finally just left it out. My sewing machine can't make curved seams very well. Also, I made darts in the fabric when the pattern called for pleats and didn't realize there was a difference until later - woops! Anyhoo, the buttons are vintage but I like that they make the purse look more "modern."



And finally a knitting project I'm working on, the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I was able to find this book at the public library.






I'm using one skein of Koigu (don't have the colorway on hand) and one Socks that Rock - Rook-y left over from my Simple Short Socks. They're just two sock yarns I found in my closet that go together surprisingly well.



Well I'm off to finish Harry Potter Weekend on TV, then watch the OOTP on DVD so I'm prepared for another journey to Hogwarts on Wednesday! Excited!!

Finished Granny Square Throw



All done! Okay, so I left out the fourth row.. hey, it fits well with three rows anyway! I was wanting to start a new project and get this one out of the way. I ended up having to do the last few finishing rounds with a much smaller hook to help keep it from curling. The throw is surprisingly warm for having so many holes in it!

After that I finished my second Bellatrix sock. I know I did the first one probably 2 years ago and it was sitting lonely in my sock drawer. Now I've figured out I shouldn't put off making matching socks for a long time - the new one is a lot looser than the first - guess my tension changed! Lesson learned I guess.

SP14 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love alpaca or alpaca blends, or pretty much any wool, cotton, bamboo, and I like to experiment with some of the weirder fibers. I'm not a big fan of acrylic but I do use it occasionally for things that I might need to wash.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a needle case and a makeshift container for hooks.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I first learned to knit quite a while ago, maybe 5 or 6 years ago from a friend who was luckily also left-handed. I would consider myself to be advanced just because I've been able to complete big projects and little ones.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes! Right here.

5. What's your favorite scent? I love anything citrus.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I have a huge sweet tooth. If I have to pick a favorite, which is hard because I've never met a candy I didn't like, I guess I'd pick Starburst.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I do spin but I am just a beginner and use a spindle. I also sew and like to draw and paint and make scrapbook type stuff.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes I can play MP3s, and my favorite bands are Muse, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Most of the music I like is indie or alternative.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like bright colors, my favorite right now would have to be anything in the blue family. I'm not a big fan of neutrals.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a dog, two cats, and a bunny, who are my roomies.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes to the first three.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I LOVE socks. I lose patience with big projects sometimes.

13. What are you knitting right now? Right now I am finishing a granny square throw to brighten up my couch/living room.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I think I have straight and circular needles in most sizes but I like bamboo the most. However I usually use aluminum because they're easier to find around here. I guess I don't have a preference between straight or circular.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? I try to unwind things after a few years of not wanting to finish them.. but there probably is something at least a few years old.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? Christmas is probably my favorite with Halloween in a close second.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Anything with swallows (as in birds) especially jewelry or clothing.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I don't get any magazines at the moment. There are a few knitting books on my Amazon wishlist that I have been wanting.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would like to learn how to make more clothing because I've only made a few items, a cardigan, a vest, and a big shrug so far.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am a sock knitter. My feet are a size 8.5, are 9 inches long and of normal width.

23. When is your birthday? Feb 20th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? blasehurri

This summer I decided to crochet a granny square throw to help camouflage my ugly floral hand-me-down couch. I ended up getting a blue slipcover and so my progress on the throw has slowed somewhat. But here are some photos of my work so far.

The colors:



I'm not so big on the green, but my mom insists it helps the other colors pop. After the first row I decided I would stop using it so much anyway.

The long view:



This is a great project to work on while watching movies or tv. I'm going to do 2 more rows and then go around the whole thing with a few of the same colors.

Besides the throw, I've been sewing a lot. A year ago my mom gave me her first sewing machine, a Singer Genie. It's quite disco if you've never seen one before. I've been making clutches and wallets and forming a fabric collection.

I'm enrolled in Secret Pal 14 and looking forward to it! I have to keep a-craftin' so I'll have something to post regularly!

I am currently working on a granny square throw to help liven up my ugly hand-me-down couch. I think I will make it 6x4 squares with a few colors bordering around. I will post pics soon!

Predictably I haven't done any knitting during the last school year. The good thing is, I've still got passing grades! :)

I plan on doing some knitting this summer although I am working with a research program and I'm not quite sure what my work hours are going to be. I want to start working on a granny square afghan because I think I'll be able to put it down and come back months later to pick it up again.. as for the half knit socks in my bag, well I don't know if I'll be able to figure out where I left off. C'est la vie!

Now that I've given away my baby items to the baby shower recipient I can post what I made!



Yay Converse booties! These match my pair. I had a difficult time with these. First I tried a couple free crochet patterns and the tongue just wouldn't sit right, not to mention I find a separate tongue pretty useless in a baby bootie. Then I tried a free knitted pattern from livejournal and that one didn't turn out right either. I can't remember why at this point (I made 7 from different patterns to get the 2 good ones btw). So finally I found a pattern from Brooklyn Handmade for another knitted version that costs $5. The pattern was WAY better than the others I found. The tongue is built in and there is a tie around the back to keep the bootie on the kid's foot so you don't have to undo the white laces. If you want to make some cute chuck booties then do yourself a favor and skip all the free patterns for this one. Also make sure you use the ends to secure any extra holes from picking up stitches.

The mommy loved them. The yarn is cheapo Hobby Lobby baby acrylic. Dark gray is apparently the baby version of black!



These are just some baby mittens with no thumbs for when they're so young they might scratch themselves with their fingernails. They were made with some leftover sock yarn from the socks below.



This is a baby burrito hooded blankie. The yarn is Crystal Palace Puffin and it is polyester fleece. It is very soft and machine washable. I had requests for some adult sized versions at the shower! I think it might also be useful after baths but it would take a little experimentation.

I wrapped these three gifts in tissue paper and decorated a photo storage box with baby boy and scrapbook stickers from HL. I'm really happy with how everything came out and can't wait to see those booties being worn!

Oops, I haven't been here for a while. ImageCave almost deleted my pics! I got through my first year of vet school with decent grades and an appreciation for downtime. This summer I am not up to much besides getting lots of exercise, reading fiction, and the occasional knitting. I have finished several things recently that are for a good friend of mine whose kiddo is due in October. I don't want to post what I've made for her so far because I don't want her to be spoiled before the baby shower in August. So, I will post those in a couple months.

Let's see.. what else have I made in the past six months..

Dublin Bay Socks (links to pdf)



That is Socks that Rock yarn in the Pebble Beach colorway. It was one of two StR skeins I bought with Christmas money from my G-ma. I loved the sample online for this colorway, then when I got the yarn in the mail I wasn't so sure. I didn't like how creamy the off white color was. However, the socks look great and I like the way the colors worked out. I have one sock done in my other StR, Rook-y, and I need to complete the pair.


Crochet GPS Cozy (freestyle if you can call it that)



This is what it sounds like! Made with some Felting yarn I found at Hobby Lobby. Can't remember the brand at the moment. I finished it with a cute button I found in my mom's huge collection.


Mary Jane's Pithy Hat



I made this with some leftover Malabrigo. Love the slouch! I tried making this hat a few years ago when I was a knitting newb and the pattern didn't turn out right for me. I guess I've learned something since then, although I'm still not sure what!


I have some other baby things to finish for now and I'd like to start a cotton top now that I've lost some weight! We'll see what my budget allows.