Seaglass bag

I have started my beaded bag (named the "Seaglass Bag" because of the colors). It was a frustrating start--I could not get the beads to work with my yarn regardless of what method I was using to attach the beads. I ended up buying new beads (the exact same colors) with a larger hole and now I am happily knitting along:

It is about 7 inches across and there is a design on the back. I think the beads will look better once I have finished knitting and I block everything. Now that the beads are working, it's a pretty easy and fun knit. I hope to have the knitting done before this weekend and will work on the liner and straps next week.

A new project: Zum Dirndl test knit

So I started a new project this past weekend. I am helping test-knit a pattern for Yarnissima, one of my favorite sock designers. The sock is "knee high, Bavarian-style, toe-up, with lots & lots of twisted stitches, combined with an easy, pretty lace". It is designed to be knit with Wollmeise yarn by Claudia, to cheer her up as she goes in for knee surgery. I, of course, will be knitting it with Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 (colorway: olive), since I have that on hand...

So far, so good. This was my first short-row toe--normally I would use Judy's Magic loop cast on for toe-up, but I wanted to follow the pattern as written since we are testing it. I liked the short row toe and will be interested to see how it feels on.

SKP Sock 2 complete

I finished my second pair of socks for SKP: the Berlin socks. The original pattern sent out had a few translation errors (the pattern was originally in German), but once that was all straightened out, it was a fun lace pattern to knit.

Here are the details:

Pattern: Berlin-Pattern/Wollkistchens by Kristin Benecken (and if you are up for some German translations, here are some more great patterns by Kristen: http://www.von-stroh-zu-gold.de/muster/

Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Yarns; Merino/Tencel
Color: Bubble Gum (and that is the perfect name to describe it!)
Gauge: 7.25 st/inch, unblocked
Needles: US#2.5/3.0mm

Comments: I think I need to attempt Kristen's Bremen-Muster and Hannover-Socken patterns in the near future...

New hobby

I try very hard to keep away from things that may interfere with my knitting. For example, there are so many beautiful fabrics available now, but would I even think of learning to quilt? No way, I know I would be too obsessed. And it would take away from my true passion: knitting. This has also been my approach to beads. Besides, I really don't wear much jewelry, so what's the point?

But I do need to make some stitch markers for my website.

And I am a perfectionist who needs to research (and research and research) before I commit (my life-before-kids was in science after all, and research at that).

So I innocently set out to learn to make stitch markers. I have been planning this for months. I make my first trip to a bead shop. I have ordered some beads and all of the necessary supplies. And then a local bead shop has this great deal on a class. Do I think the class really applies to stitch markers? No, but information is always good, so off I go.

...

I'm in trouble.

OMgosh, beads are SO pretty! And the colors, and shapes, and it's so much quicker than knitting...

I took the class on a Saturday and ordered more beads the following Monday (I NEED to make one for all of my friends/family). I have been holding myself back from making more of these bracelets until I finish up some knitting, but it has not been easy! Here's what I have so far:

This was my first one. You really should click on it to see all of the beads.

And my second...

but I did make some stitch markers (of course I started with my bees):

I have a new hobby...

Beaded Bag

Since last summer's Mystery Stole 3, I have been dyeing to do another knitting project with beads. This month I will be knitting along with some fellow Ravelers (Monthly Adventures 2008 group) to make a small bag. All of the items needed for the bag were received over 2 swaps. The beads were sent to me by knitknerd:

And the yarn was hand dyed (yes, just for me!) by AnniePurl:

who also sent the fabric for the liner:

The color of the beads and yarn together remind me of the sea glass we find along the coast of Maine. I am designing a simple pattern with that in mind. As soon as I finish my second sock for SKP, I will be casting on for this bag (I am on the heel of my 2nd sock...).

SKP Sock 2: Berlin Sock

And.....they're off!

SKP Pattern 2 has been released. Here is my yarn:

And here is my first sock in progress.

It will be a busy weekend! As of this moment, 12 (total competitive participants around 228) people have already completed BOTH socks...

Merry May

Is it really May already? April flew by and I didn't get a chance to post so many things I wanted to share. I'll try to catch up this month. But I need to start with this month's knitting list:

In order of priority:
1. SKP: Sock Knitters Pentathlon Sock 2: pattern released today at 7pm. Will I stay up all night knitting? No, but I will probably stay up later than I should. Update: Finally finished on May 13; see post here.

2. Monthly Adventures (Ravelry group): So we've swapped the beads, and then the yarn and fabric, now we wait for the pattern! We will be making a small knit-with-beads bag. I'll post more details when I get the pattern. Update June 1: 90% of the knitting is done, need to make the liner and straps; click this link to follow project (Seaglass bag)...

3. Mystic Light KAL: All of the clues have been released and it's a very pretty pattern. I only finished clue 1 of 5 last month; I would love to complete this in May, but realistically, want to complete clues 2 and 3 at the very least. Update June 1: didn't even touch this in May...

4. Two-end knitting mp3 bag: this project has been waiting patiently for me. I WILL complete it this month at some point.

5. Beaded stitch markers: need to make some for BuzzandFuzz webstore. Update June 1: working on these, hope to have them posted soon!

6. Juliet sweater: I really want to make this sweater for this summer. My minimum goal for May is to check may gauge. Update June 1: can't find the right yarn/gauge, so I think I will need to heavily modify the pattern to work with my yarn/gauge...

7. And as a side note, I took an amazing bead class last week and now NEED to make some bracelets as gifts. I'll share more details later. Update: posted here.