Knit by Nora

Compulsive ~ a strong, irresistible impulse to act (i.e., to knit) and Obsessive ~ to occupy the mind excessively (thus this blog)

Friday, August 29, 2003

Have a great holiday weekend
No knitting news today, but best wishes to those celebrating Labor Day weekend and happy knitting to everyone! See you on Tuesday.

posted by Nora | 7:54 PM

Thursday, August 28, 2003

Skullcap Pattern

Here is the Skull Cap Pattern. Size small/medium is shown. This is the back and top. This weekend I will have Mark model the medium/large.

Today’s Knitting News

Grace cardie blocked beautifully. She will fit more like a blouse and features a seed stitch button band. The front piece knit up quickly in a few days.

Last night I cast on for Chaise. I am thinking of doing the front of Chaise, then the 2nd front piece of Grace and then I do not know. If I get to my LYS, I will probably knit up Mark’s surprise flame cap. I also need buttons for Grace and my LYS has a neat selection.

posted by Nora | 10:18 AM

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Nasty Virus

Web access and email at work are back after the attack by SoBig and MSBlaster, but a storm through Ohio and Pennsylvania has knocked out some phone services. I am blogging from home and hope to get back into my routine tomorrow. I hate working on the laptop because I get a scaled-down version of blogger. Tonight I posted this one twice and then deleted yesterday's post.

Today’s Knitting News
I finished Mark’s skullcap in a two evenings. He does not want to wait for his b-day; he wants it now. That is okay, he does not know about the flame cap – that can be his surprise. I said I would give him the skullcap if he models it. The pattern is ready to go and will be posted tomorrow!

Tonight I have decided to cast-on yet another project. Alison started Chaise from Jo Sharp’s Island Holiday, one of my projects waiting in the basket. Since Alison is providing insight into the idiosyncrasies of this pattern, I thought I would start now. Okay, this makes project # 4 (Milano tank, Dune cardie and Grace cardie). Milano just needs arm/opening bands and Grace is a really quick knit and Dune is probably going on hold indefinitely, because I am not in a lacey mood and it is a really summery texture (Rowan Summer Tweed in coral). Like many others around the ring, I am ready to transition to a new season of knitting.

posted by Nora | 8:51 PM

Monday, August 25, 2003

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream

Mick does, too. He also likes butter.

Today's Knitting News

No internet at work today due to a nasty virus. Awful photo but good news -- this skull cap is mine, a bit too small for Mark! Just as well, I am improving several things: pearling the first row to avoid a rolled edge (not too macho), moving the pattern up a few rows AND not twisting the yarn as I do for intarsia (thanks for the tip, Emma). My first fair isle and do you think I looked in any of many several how-to knit/design books? Naaaaa.

I wrote the pattern up for small/medium and medium/large sizes and will post after I finish Mark's cap this week (with link to skull chart or chart w/Stephanie's permission -- no e-mail today either, my note to her got bounced back). This cap is really cute, but in a rock-n-roll way. I am charting flames for Mark's other cap. Orange on black or maybe dark purple (to match his Harley).

posted by Nora | 6:42 PM

Friday, August 22, 2003

Water Boy

While Mick despises even a drop of water splashing him, Bowie will drink from a faucet, paw at the water and even stick his head underneath. He is really a cutie and after his soaking
he likes to relax on his towel.

Today’s Knitting News

I worked on Mark’s birthday gift last night. I created the stocking cap pattern, incorporating Stephanie’s skull chart. It seems slightly smaller than I expected, although I realize these things are meant to be tight on the head and the yarn definitely is stretchy. Since it knits quickly, I am half hoping it will be too small so I can take this one and knit another. I am a novice at fair isle and decided to simply float the yarn, thinking this will help keep it stretchy and increase the warmth. While it went quickly, I need to read up on better techniques. I have no problem twisting the yarn to avoid holes but my ball twist at the same time leading me to constantly rotate them.

In any case, I will write up the pattern for the cap including where to incorporate the chart and how to find it on Stephanie’ blog, Glampyre. I probably should send her a note asking permission to include it on the cap pattern with proper credits. In any case, Mark will really like this cap. It is also a prototype for another cap he wants with orange flames. I will chart a flame graph myself and make it available, also.

posted by Nora | 1:17 PM

Thursday, August 21, 2003

Little Book

Another item from my Otter Creek shopping experience is this little book; just 3” across! The ribbon marker has an adorable charm. I would love to find a gold knitting charm for my charm bracelet. Each time I work and vacation in a new city, I try to add charms to the ones given to me by my family.

I did not know it at purchase time that the knitted items were provided by Sophie’s Yarns in Philadelphia, PA. I stopped here last fall and still remember this adorable basement shop on a sweet Philly side street. I had walked about 10 blocks to get there from my hotel and had a great time.

Today’s Knitting News
The left front of Grace is blocking and I realized I have been knitting an extra small, not the small. I think it will be okay for the fit, just form fitting rather than loose. Worst-case scenario, I wear it as a blouse rather than layering. The fun part is I need 7 buttons! For now I can mark the spots where they go cause I will be knitting button holes on the right side!

I could not stand the wait, I had to swatch Ava. I realize that the needle sizes on the label were mm not US. So I swatched on size 11 US and got my gauge! I was worried about the quantity of yarn I purchased. Although I brought home 15 balls, each has only 55 yards!

posted by Nora | 2:13 PM

Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Tisket, Tasket, Who’s Got A Basket?

Purchased at Otter Creek and made by Lantern Moon , this traditional rice basket is part of a project for Vietnamese women to earn income. Featured in recent knitting magazines, it is made from 100% natural and renewable materials. I like it because it can fold down, is lightweight and as I purchased the larger version, holds a ton of yarn. I would buy a second one, given the chance.

By the way, the scented linen waters I use were purchased. Although I grow herbs, I have never distilled my own water. One my sister bought and I purchased the 2nd at Restoration Hardware. Try googling “scented linen water” for a resource best for you!

Today’s Knitting News
I still need to snap Grace, so instead I thought I would mention a new yarn, Ava, from Dale that is shown stacked in my new basket. “We (Dale) have recently added two trend yarns, Sisik and Ara. Sisik is a light, soft, worsted weight tweed in a wool, mohair, acrylic, viscose blend. Ara is a thick and thin printed 100% wool, bulky weight yarn.” It is reminiscent of Colinette Point 5, although on a smaller needle (size 7 or 8 US according to the label and 10 ½ or 11 US according to the web site). The brilliant colors are like the parrot pictured on the yarn label. A black base anchors the bright colors.

posted by Nora | 12:24 PM

Monday, August 18, 2003

New Gallery

Here is the July gallery of finished projects. If you missed entries or are dropping by, this may be of interest. Otherwise all items have been featured in blog entries. Speaking of which, there will be no blog entry tomorrow (Tuesday, August 19). I fly up to Albany and back for a meeting. (No Albany LYS, yet. But I will get there someday!).

Speaking of LYS, I stopped at a rural, northwest PA yarn (and gift) store on Saturday, Otter Creek Store, and had a wonderful time! Check back later this week to see a great basket, yarn & book. Yes, my credit card is now carrying a balance from my lack of control (i.e., ability to stay on a budget).

Today’s Knitting News
Friday I finished my 2nd "Pepe Le Pe" skunk scarf, making it longer than the first. I am starting the armholes of the left front of Grace. The button band is done in seed stitch; the reason this pattern grabbed my attention. It is a great way to get this design element without coping with the monotony of the stitch in an entire item. I will show you photos tomorrow.

posted by Nora | 4:25 PM

Friday, August 15, 2003

Wool Cotton
I love my Rowan Wool Cotton stash and cannot wait to swatch this yarn for the first time. There are many patterns calling for this yarn and I cannot wait to start my first garment. It may be a month or two since I have not thought past my August list of knitting goals. A yarn made from both wool and cotton seems like a contradiction, but I really like that most items will be multi-seasonal. Especially if I knit up cardies.

Today’s Knitting News
The back of Grace is blocking. When I block my knitting I almost always use a scented water to dampen the piece. Lavender and lemon verbena are my two favorite scents. Scented waters can be put into my iron/steamer. I prefer to use a spray bottle, as too much steam is lost from an iron when the scent goes into the air, not the yarn. I cast on the left front last night. Since today is TGIF, I will be going for instant gratification knitting tonight. Almost sounds x-rated. If you want a little raunch in your blog, check out Kerstin’s happening party for Kerrie . I am missed the festivities, but wish Kerrie a great last hurrah and a wonderful married life.

posted by Nora | 10:37 AM

Thursday, August 14, 2003

Perfect Life

I picked this postcard up at Barnes & Noble to hang on my office door as my motivation to work. The last word is “outfit”. True – I love shopping for clothes. But yarn works just as well so for the blog it is yarn. It has been a while since my last trip to a LYS, if you consider 20 days a long time between shopping trips (excluding a phone order for Rowan discontinued sale yarn). I have a shopping list, just in case. That the budget will not support a trip the remainder of August is irrelevant. I can borrow against September’s yarn budget, right?

Today’s Knitting News
I only have a few rows to cast off on the back shoulders of Grace. This means she can block tonight and I can cast on the front left. Five days flat of knitting. Double yippee.

posted by Nora | 1:27 PM

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

August List

Like others, I am feeling the need to prioritize my knitting projects. As I do not have time to update the template, it is time for a down and dirty to-knit list for the rest of August:
1. Must make Mark’s watch cap with skulls for his September 12th birthday! (skull chart and inspiration ala Lisa and Stephanie ).
2. Finish Gracie, the cardie.
3. Finish Milano while it is warm enough to wear.
4. Make progress on the Dune cardie.
5. TGIF project (8/15) – Finish 2nd Skunk Scarf
6. TGIF project (8/22) – Knit another Explosion Scarf
7. TGIF project (8/29) – If kool-aid dyed, knit 1 or 2 Colinette Point 5 scarves

Today’s Knitting News
Since my work in progress is not photogenic, here is Grace in her full glory from the Rowan. She just keeps moving along, making me feel good.

posted by Nora | 1:18 PM

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Retrospective ~ Summer of 2000

The summer of 2000 was the season of Berocco Glace! My first accomplishment was a lovely rust poncho followed by an adorable halter-top, complete with buttonholes and I-cord ties. Each pattern was published in summer issues of Vogue Knitting and/or Family Circle Knitting (I think – I will post details if anyone is interested.) I wear the summer weight poncho on cool days/evenings -- it gets a lot of attention. The halter needs the buttons moved since it has stretched from wear. It looks cutest with white shorts or capris.

Today’s Knitting News
It is a sad day that I am working through lunch at my desk instead of knitting. So I focused on the positive --- that is Gracie! She be flying. Even if she is not complicated, Gracie is attractive and a pleasure to work on. I have an outfit that will love her as a topper in the next month or so. Tonigh I start the armholes on the back and I only cast on 2 days ago!

posted by Nora | 1:22 PM

Monday, August 11, 2003

Are you a Rowanite, too?
Rowan magazine #34 was in the mailbox Friday! After a challenging workweek, it was like a sign from above. In addition, there was a nice list of sale yarn at 50% off. I have been dying to try some wool cotton and guess what? I charged not one, but two bags of yarn! Two for the price of one, ya know.

Today’s Knitting News
I made it through my slump. First, I had some instant gratification with my skunky “Pepe Le Pu” scarf (finished one and cast on for the 2nd) that is half white, half black (leftover yarn).

Then I cast on for Gracie from Rowan mag #27 (of Pagan fame) using Gedifra Wellness. Right now, Dune is in limbo with Milano as company. Given my mental state each day after work, I need knitting that is instantly rewarding, i.e., a bit easier to process mentally.

posted by Nora | 1:40 PM

Friday, August 08, 2003

Today’s Knitting News
I am still in a knitting funk, but it isTGIF. Dune will be neglected as I get some SATISFACTION! At lunch, I stopped by a discount bookstore came back with four new knitting books. They are great, yippee. See you Monday with my latest quick knit project and whatever else happens during movie time this weekend.

posted by Nora | 2:15 PM

Thursday, August 07, 2003

LYS
I am heading to Columbus, Ohio later in August for two days. There are listing for three yarns stores – wow! If you are wondering how I find yarn when I travel, check out Wool Works, a relatively reliable directory for shops the US and other parts of the world.

Any OH bloggers reading? If so, what store do you shop at? I also found a listing for an Albany, NY LYS, but will likely not get there on my next day trip. Hopefully, the trip thereafter. New yarn shops are my main motivation for working at the moment.

Today’s Knitting News
I have not knit in over 24 hours! I did write out more of the Dune pattern, although I am stuck on part of the left front right now. The numbers do not work out; hopefully it is just a misread/interpretation and not a pattern flaw. Last night I had to read work junk and hem a pair of work slacks. I bought a new suit to celebrate the new project so hemming is actually good. Hope to knit tonight and tomorrow.

Thanks to all for words of encouragement, recently. It is awesome how a note from another knitter makes me happier. I regret not having time to send a note back personally to each of you. Sometimes, the positive power of the blog is overwhelming. Personally, I absolutely refuse to publish or comment on anything but the goodness of people and I feel that the goodness comes back. I also think the reverse is true that mean (spiritedness) begets mean. No green meanies wanted here or in everyday life!

posted by Nora | 2:42 PM

Wednesday, August 06, 2003

King of the Castle

Mick and Bowie will be 2 years old in September but received an early birthday present last night. The boys are not declawed. They have pedicures every couple weeks (by me, hopefully while they are "resting") and use a scratching post most of the time. Having outgrown 2 of their 3 posts (one on each story), this is the new scratching post/play center for the boys. This is what comes of being a dink (double income, no kids). Mick immediately claimed the top as king of the castle. Bowie is more hesitant at new things and snuck downstairs later in the evening to test the new toy.

Today’s Knitting News

I received a Lions Brand yarn catalogue in the mail yesterday. It was full of yarns and colors I never see at the fabric or craft store. It is a pity that they stock the most basic yarns and colors as Lions Brand has many appealing yarns, including 4 new ones this season and 42 new colors in existing yarns. It is unlikely that I will mail order a yarn, not having seen it personally or had a recommendation from another blog knitter. Talk about missing the yarn boat.

Dune, once I mastered the pattern, knits quickly. Once the front left is done I will post a photo cause it is so lacey! I keep pondering the fact that my time spent deciphering patterns and frogging errors can be the same (or more?) than time spent knitting. I usually write the pattern out in a word processor, line-by-line even if the pattern specifies the length rather than the number of rows. Usually the time spent doing this prevents error and can speed up my knit time as I just follow my directions and do not have to think, “do I increase/decrease on row 3 or 9?”

posted by Nora | 1:13 PM

Tuesday, August 05, 2003

Pretty in Pink

The boys are not afraid to show their feminine side, especially if it means silk roses to chew on after posing for a portrait. I swear they vogue for photos. On Mick and Bowie’s behalf, I will send Wendy a knit mouse for her project. Every Friday at work, I allow my staff to wear jeans if they chip a buck or two into a fund to support the no-kill Humane Society where Bowie came from. I have already sent a sizable personal donation and hope to have a nice group check in a month or so.

Today’s Knitting News
By George, I think I got it. The lace of
Dune’s left front is complete upon the third attempt. Twelve rows, that is all, but it is enough. Hopefully the dark cloud is leaving. In the last week I have mucked up my favorite work shoes (broken heel), trashed slacks to a suit and broke my panoramic Advantix camera (well, Mick helped by pulling the wristlet on the camera and crashing it to the floor). Just bad karma lately, although Confusious says (had Chinese Sunday night): Your talents will be recognized and suitably rewarded. Hope the dude knows what he’s talking about, as I am feeling under-appreciated at work, not a good place to be. Also doing 2 3 4 jobs for the price of one.

posted by Nora | 1:05 PM

Monday, August 04, 2003

Bag Cats

Mick and Bowie usually take turns playing in a shopping bag, but this weekend each wanted his own bag. For once, Mick did not tear or shred the paper or make his own back door entrance.

Note that the comments are down. Squawkbox is holding me hostage and I just paid their ransom. Hopefully, comments will be back in the time specified (24-48 hours) and that previously made comments will return. Sometimes I like to reread them.

Today’s Knitting News
I am in somewhat of a slump, probably because work is utterly fatiguing me (worked 12 days straight, 5 of them out-of-state and flew 5 legs of the worst airline service I’ve had to date). I won't mention the office politics which simply make working much more difficult.

I knit 12 rows of lace, again, on Dune (two charts) and frogged it a second time. Will the third time be the charm? I have made every error possible, so it should work out. I could not muster the energy or enthusiasm for other knit projects…household tasks were daunting enough. If only my Rowan #34 would arrive...it could be an oasis in my desert of despair. I see UK knitters may have this issue in hand, lucky ~~dogs~~ cats.

posted by Nora | 2:28 PM

Friday, August 01, 2003

My First Koigu

There is always something new ahead in knitting. Thanks to Carolyn for trading me her Koigu Kersti yarn for my excess KidSilk Haze. Her package went out yesterday (Thursday) with the yarn plus a surprise. Why? Carolyn is moving from NYC to Chicago. And that is what I consider a significant life change which is way stressful. Keep your spirits up and good luck on the move.

The colorway of Kersti is awesome; I see the appeal of the yarn based on the color aspect. I have five skeins and wonder what can I make? Does it felt? Please leave your suggestions; they would be much appreciated.

Today’s Knitting News
I frogged 8 rows of lace on the left front of Dune because I did not write out the pattern but tried to follow a chart. I hate repeating mistakes; I just thought I was ready! Instead, I recuperated with the TGIF knit, well TGIT. Emma had sent the Cork pattern book and a ball of yarn to make Elsie (I think this is the name, the book is at home). I started a rendition of my own and frogged it. This pattern does not need any improvements. Thanks again to Emma for exposing me to a new cool Rowan yarn.