Tales from Buzz and Fuzz...

SKP Sock 2: Berlin Sock

2008-05-03T06:22:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-01T07:08:00.002-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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

5. Beaded stitch markers: need to make some for BuzzandFuzz webstore.

6. Juliet sweater: I really want to make this sweater for this summer. My minimum goal for May is to check may 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.

Hogwart Socks

2008-04-30T12:32:00.003-04:00

They're finished. The design and charts needed to be modified more than once but the end result was okay. The pattern still needs a little tweeking, so I'll work on that.

Here are my "shadow knit" Hogwart socks, in Ravenclaw colors.

And when you tilt them:

The Hogwart's "H" is on the sock on the left and the Ravenclaw "R" is encased in a shield on the right sock.

Here are the details:
Pattern: Hogwart House Socks; my own design, not yet published; 2 needle; toe up pattern with short row heel; 8 inch cuff
Yarn: elann.com Sock It to Me 4 Ply; 1 ball 46460 Steel Blue, 1 ball 41759 Platinum
Color: 46460 Steel Blue, 41759 Platinum
Gauge: 8 st/inch
Needles: US#2.5/3.0mm

My comments:
This was not only my first design in shadow knitting, but also my first time shadow knitting anything. It was fun and I learned some design tips as I went along. Once I get the right colors, I look forward to designing a pair of socks for each of the houses.

Clue 1 done!

2008-04-09T12:45:00.000-04:00

I finally had the time to sit down and finish knitting clue 1 of my Mystic Light KAL. I am so happy that I finally can cable without a needle--at least with this yarn (I had difficulty with this technique when I was working on a pair of socks). There are 3 cables: a center one and one on the beginning and ending of the row, which ends up being along the neckline. Here are some pictures:

and a close up of the center cable

and a close up of one side.

I am knitting this with Fleece Artist Sea Wool (color: amber) on size US8 needles. Clue 3 comes out today, so I need to get going on clue 2!

Cape Ann Knitting Retreat

2008-04-08T11:06:00.003-04:00

I had a lovely weekend at the Cape Ann Knitting Retreat hosted by Claudia/CountryWool. It was a fun group, the views were amazing, and I finished my reversible baby sweater! Here is a picture of each side:

Can you spot the differences? The most obvious are:
1. The shoulder seam (knit line on right, purl on left)
2. The neckband (rolled in on left and out on right)
3. The waistband (rolled out on left and in on right)

What a great idea for a sweater. This way, if you make a mess, just flip the sweater inside-out and you're clean again (well, you look clean anyway).

I had never knit with Peace Fleece before and I really liked it. I think I see a Peace Fleece outer-wear sweater in my size in my future! The knitted sweater softened so much with a hot soaking. Claudia showed us some of her tried and true Peace Fleece garments and they looked and felt great after years of good use.

So here are my project details:
Pattern: kids' Harris Tweed Reversible Stitch Raglan by CountryWool
Yarn: Peace Fleece Worsted; 1.5 ball
Color: Zarya Fog
Gauge: 4.5 st/inch before blocking; 4 st/inch after blocking
Needles: US 8/5 mm (I used 2 circ US4/3.5mm)
Comments: Fun and quick pattern to knit. I love that you can turn it inside-out and it still looks great!

Nordic Knitting

2008-04-04T09:35:00.000-04:00

Before I leave for my Reversible Sweater Knitting Retreat headed by Claudia/CountryWool, I want to share what I made at a past retreat.

I love this sweater--it's my absolute favorite thing to wear in the winter! I started it in 2006 at the Nordic Knitting Retreat and finished the following year at the next retreat. First I made this hat as a gauge swatch:

Look at the pretty hem (my introduction to hems--LOVE them):

This was my first big project using both hands carrying yarn (stranded color knitting). There's a great video on the technique here: Philosopher's Wool

And here are the pattern details:

Pattern: Lusekofte In The Woods Sweater & Hat by Claudia/CountryWool;
seamlessly knit in the round
Yarn: "Heilo" by Dale of Norway
Required Gauge: I don't have the pattern in front of me with all of the details
Comments: Well written pattern; fun to knit and wear!

Hopefully I will post pictures on Monday of the baby sweater I plan on starting and completing at this weekend's retreat. You can get a lot of knitting done when the kids are not around and all of your time is spent knitting! Until Monday...

Update on WIPs

2008-04-02T11:28:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's April already! How time does fly. I have fallen WAY behind on my knitting. My goals for March were only half met and I have a very busy April planned. Here's an update on some of my knitting:

HSS3 sock swap: I have started the first sock (these need to be completed and mailed in 2 weeks...). These are a pattern I am designing using "Shadow Knitting". The shadow design starts with the cuff, so for now you just get to see the striped foot:

Mystic Light KAL: just over half done with the first clue, and the second clue was released yesterday. I totally changed the yarn I originally planned and went with Fleece Artist "SeaWool" , colorway: Amber. I am really happy so far:

Adventures in April

2008-04-01T10:22:00.002-04:00

I survived March, but with only half the knitting I hoped to complete. So that makes my April knitting FULL. Here are the goals:

1. HSS3 socks: Hogwarts Sock Swap socks: ~~I need to finish knitting the socks and finish putting together my package before April 15th. I already have a couple of goodies for the package.~~ Finished 4/29/08

2. Mystic Light KAL: Clues are released each Wednesday. I will be very happy if I can keep up with each week (I've already behind...). UPDATE: only finished clue one in April

3. Reversible baby sweater: ~~I will be making (and finishing) this the first weekend in April at Claudia's retreat.~~ Finished

4. Monthly Adventures (Ravelry group): Swapping yarn this month to go with the beads from last month. Soon we will be knitting bags with the beads and yarn we have received! UPDATE: swap mailed and received!

5. and 6. Project of the Month (Ravelry group): I was really hoping this group would be working on a project I could resist this month. Instead, we are doing two projects and I want to knit them both! I'll give the full details later, but the projects are "40 year felted bowl" and a knitted book cover. UPDATE: never even casted on!

7. Loose Knit Group (Ravelry and Yahoo group): We are making bags this month. I am hoping to make a twined knitting MP3 bag using the wrist warmer pattern from my Twined Knitting group (Ravelry and Yahoo group). This would be a gift for one of my girls. (Loose Knit group goal: to knit some presents before the holiday crunch!) UPDATE: yep, maybe next month...

There are other things I would like to add to the list, but the idea here is to make it possible for me to complete everything. So I will not add anything else for this month and will try my best to complete all 7 goals!

CountryWool Retreats

2008-03-31T11:10:00.003-04:00

One of my spring highlights is going to a CountryWool Knitting Retreat in Cape Ann, MA. These retreats are organized and run by Claudia at CountryWool. They are small in size and packed with loads of wonderful knitting tips. I've known Claudia for 5 or 6 years now and have been going to her retreats for the past few years (she also has spinning retreats). 2 piece's of praise for Claudia and then I will move on:
1. I am very critical of knitting patterns. My education and former work was in medical research, where I analyzed data. The reason I have yet to offer one of my patterns for sale is that I am neurotic about making sure all of the little details are mentioned and correct. Claudia's patterns are VERY detailed and clear and I highly recommend them.
2. Claudia is a wonderful teacher. She can take a room full of knitters of all levels and everyone will leave having learned something new.

This coming weekend I am off to my third Cape Ann Knitting Retreat: Reversible sweaters. In 2007 we did Faroe Knitting (remember that cardigan I have almost finished) and in 2006 it was Nordic Knitting. My Nordic sweater is my favorite winter sweater, but it deserves a post all its own, so I'll share that later!

Firestarter Socks complete!

2008-03-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

Yeah, they're done and I am really happy with them. I made these as a Christmas gift (trying to be ready for the holidays this year), but I really wish they were for me! I don't enjoy knitting a second pair of the same sock pattern, so I guess I'll make myself a different pair of socks in the same yarn sometime soon.

So here are the details:
Pattern: "Firestarter" by Yarnissima; toe up with a fun, unique gusset
Yarn: Nova Socks (100% merino superwash wool), 1 ball
Color: Jester
Gauge: 7 st/inch
Needles: US#2.5/3.0mm

My comments:
1. Changed the provisional cast on to Magic Cast-On.
2. Pattern recommended gauge of 8 st/inch; I have 7 st/inch
3. I continued with St St up the front of the shin and ribbing in the back. I did ribbing all the way around for the last inch--probably should have ribbed 1 more inch.

I am really excited to start my next Yarnissima pattern: "La digitessa". Unfortunately, they probably won't be cast on until June because I have 2 other pairs of socks in the queue for April and May.

I'm back

2008-03-26T11:18:00.000-04:00

...and finally settling back in. I had a relaxing vacation in a warm and sunny part of the world. And I had some knitting time!

I'll start by sharing my Mystic Light swatch, since the first clue was released just this morning. I originally planned on using Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 for this shawl because that is the yarn the pattern was designed with and I have a few skeins on hand : ). But then I happened upon another lovely yarn, Blue Heron Yarns "Rayon Metallic" and the color screamed "Mystic Light". So I made my swatches (after the first swatch I tried going up a needle size):

I knit the first swatch with US 5/3.75mm needles and the second swatch with US 6/4.25mm needles. Gauge does not matter so much with shawls, but I am way off. Anna (pattern author) had a finished swatch measurement of 11cm wide by 16 cm long. My second, larger swatch measures 7.5cm x 10.3 cm. I have decided that this must be an omen (it couldn't be that I wasn't paying attention...). I am supposed to use the FA Merino 2/6. So I am off to make a third swatch while everyone else gets to start the actual pattern.

PS...do not worry about the now-abandoned Rayon Metallic. I see a nice summer tank in its very near future...

No good pictures to share

2008-03-14T11:02:00.003-04:00

I haven't had much time for knitting the past week or two, so not much to blog about. I did do a swatch for the Mystic Light KAL, but I need to make a second swatch because I think I should go up a needle size. I am going out of town early tomorrow morning and I am planning on getting a lot of knitting done while traveling. I will post my progress next week when I get back.

Jacobean socks

2008-03-05T09:40:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm tired, but I finished my SKP2008 socks 2 days ago. Then I decided not to knit yesterday, but I'm jumping back in today.

So here are the details:
Pattern: Jacobean by Julie Persinger for SKP2008 sock1; toe-up pattern with short row heel; magic loop or 2 circular needles
Yarn: "Jitterbug" from Colinette; 1 ball (Recommended yarn=fingering wt)
Color: Velvet Damson #118
Required Gauge: 8 st/inch; My gauge: 7 st/inch, but I was making these for a Men's size US10 and the pattern was written for Women's size US7-9, so I did not adjust the pattern.
Recommended Needles: US 1.5 /2.5 mm (I used 2 circ US4/3.5mm)
Comments: Fun pattern to knit. I hope the short row heel holds up (I usually only use short row heels for baby socks and Christmas stockings).

You really can't see the diamond design in these pictures, but the design looks nice in person.

And here is a close up of the short row heel:

Back to knitting today. I hope to finish up my Firestarter socks.

Merry March!

2008-03-03T10:54:00.003-05:00

Merry March! Here in Maine, spring is only a couple of months away. I have lots of knitting projects planned for March. Here goes, in order to be completed:

1. ~~SKP: Sock Knitters Pentathlon Sock 1: pattern released midnight on Friday. I had guest all weekend, so I didn't cast on until yesterday.~~ Finished 2/3/08

2. ~~Finish my Firestarters. I am so close...~~ Finished 3/28/08

3. Another thrummed moebius. This one is a requested gift for my dear stepmom. Her birthday is in March and she will be coming for visit March 20, so it needs to be completed by then. Update: I never even started this, but I will get to it soon...

4. HSS3 socks: Hogwarts Sock Swap socks: I need to knit at least 1 sock and cast on the second. I would like to mail them the first week in April. Update: well, I cast on sock one 3/29/08...moving this to April's list

5. Faroe Cardigan: everything must be knit and ready for steeking by the end of the month. I will be going to another of Claudia's knitting retreats in the first week of April and I want to wear this there (if I feel brave enough to steek it before I go...)! Update: never got to it in March

6. Mystic Light KAL: the swatch will be released sometime in the next week and the first clue will be released March 26. I hope to finish each clue before the next one is released, but that may be a bit too ambitious. Update: I tried 3 different yarns/swatches....

7. Project of the Month (Ravelry group): this month we are knitting "Fetching" fingerless mitts. Update: given the way the month was going, decided not to even attempt.

8. Monthly Adventures: an easy swap this month; no knitting, thank goodness, because I am going to be busy! Update: I did manage to mail these out before the end of the month!

February recap

2008-02-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

Even with Leap year, I couldn't finish all of my February goals on time (now if I had 31 days...)
I had 8 knitting goals for February and I finished 5.75 (one was just pattern planning). I am so close to finished with my Firestarter socks, but other commitments have kept me from finishing (although Feb is not over yet). Here's what I have to show for this month:

Sadly, I did not get to my twined knitting KAL (Wrist warmers) nor did I finish the bottom body of my cardigan. I have even more projects for next month...I better get knitting.

Sophisticated Monster Hat Complete!

2008-02-27T12:21:00.001-05:00

I am so happy with how this came out!

Here are the details:
Pattern: Sophisticated Monster Hat: Slightly Loopy Hat and Brainmonster combined
Yarn: Peruvian Uros Aran from Elann.com; I used 1.25 balls making size M-L

Color: 1930 Desert Rose

Required Gauge: 4.25 st/inch; My gauge: 5 st/inch, stocking st in the rnd, unblocked
Needles: I used US 9 / 5.5mm (but I knit tight)
Comments: All of my kids want one, so I am sure there are more monsters in my future!

How fast do you knit?

2008-02-26T14:05:00.001-05:00

How much knitting can I get done while riding from Rochester, NY to Portland, Maine?

I can cast on a toe-up sock and work the toe, foot and gusset. This will help me guesstimate how long it will take to knit a pair of socks using an intermediate -difficult pattern. Let me explain.

I am not a speed knitter by any means, but I am not slow either. I knit because I enjoy it and it relaxes me. But last week when I was catching up on my blog reading, Purl Diva had to show me this: the SKP: Sock Knitters Pentathlon (click button below for Yahoo group).

The basic idea is to "challenge yourself by knitting in ways you don't normally knit and in the process become a better, stronger knitter". We will knit 5 different pairs of socks over the next 9 months. The patterns will be released at predetermined times, each about 2 months apart and will be intermediate -challenging in difficulty rating. As you finish a pair, you are given a number (first person done = 1, second = 2, etc). At the end of the year, the person with the lowest score wins the Pentathlon and some fun prizes. So far there are over 500 participants from 30 countries. Do I expect to "win a medal"? Of course not, but it will be fun "racing"!

Here is my yarn for SKP Sock 1 (needed to be solid/semi solid). It is "Jitterbug" from Colinette (color: Velvet Damson 118) which I have not knit with before, so I will be checking my gauge this week.

PS...I think it will take me a minimum of 1 week to knit a pair of socks and not neglect the rest of my life.

Sophisticated Monster Hat

2008-02-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

It's almost done. Here is the body:

Now for the fun part--teeth! Just got the yarn and will be working on this today. It should be complete (blocking and all) by Wednesday. I hope to mail my package on Friday.

One down, one to go

2008-02-20T14:19:00.001-05:00

Firestarter progress report:

It may not be a pretty picture right now, but trust me, it looks great on. I am saving the full blocked image for the completed project. I love this pattern! I just wish I was knitting these for me...

Bird Foot sock, I mean, bag

2008-02-18T14:20:00.000-05:00

I eliminated 2 UFOs this week as part of my 2008 resolutions:

1. I ripped out a hat project that ran out of hand spun yarn (since I did not have any more roving or yarn). I didn't even bother to take a picture of it.

2. I finished my "Bird Foot"! This was a SOTM sock kit from Red Bird Knits. I love the design and will make the socks in the future, but my gauge was way too tight on this start (I started back in 2006). It was too pretty to rip out, so...

And I found some fun fabric for the lining:

It's just the right size for my keys, phone, and Shuffle.

Here are the details:
Pattern: "Bird Foot" by Red Bird Knits (a sock pattern)
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Color 4-ply

Color: Varigated Orange (#4728) and black

Required Gauge: 8.5 st/inch; My gauge: 10.5 st/inch
Recommended Needles: US 0 or 1 / 2 or 2.5 mm (I used 2 circ US1/2.5mm, should have used US2)
Comments: Beautiful pattern. I followed the Chart 1 to rnd 65 and then grafted the stitches to close the bottom of the bag. I made a 4-st Icord 42 inches long (107 cm). Then I added a quick fabric liner so my keys wouldn't get stuck in the stranding. I am very happy with the outcome and will make the actual socks later.

I love clearing projects off my needles!

Mystic Light KAL

2008-02-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Heads up on a new mystery lace KAL: Mystic Light KAL. Click the button below for the Yahoo Group and to join.

Here are the details (modified from the website):
***The Mystic Light shawl is an original design by Anna Dalvi of Knit & Knag - http://knitandknag.blogspot.com/.

This triangular shawl draws its inspiration from light in its many forms. From a clear, starlit night to the dancing flames of a warming fire. Silvery moonlight and golden flames. The final measurements: height: 97 cm (38"), width: 206 cm (81").

The shawl is knit on 4.5 mm needles, using 230 g of Merino 2/6 yarn from Fleece Artist. The shawl uses approx. 650 m of yarn. As always, yarn substitutions are encouraged (SeaWool is a good substitute). Lace weight yarns will be too thin.

The swatch pattern is being released during the first week of March. The pattern will be made available for a knitalong, starting March 26. It will be distributed to the members in five consecutive pieces, once a week on Wednesdays. The last part of the pattern will be released on April 23, at which point it will be made available for sale. Sign ups will close on March 25.***

I am going to try 2 (very) different yarns for my swatch:

Merino 2/6 in Olive

and

Great Big Sea in Dandelion

I knit tight, so using a bulkier yarn than suggested is usually not a problem for me. Also, Anna had suggested that a heavier yarn may work. And I know the colors are not a perfect fit for the theme, but they are colors that I like and will wear. I will swatch with both yarns and see which looks best after blocking. I can't wait...

Monthly Adventures

2008-02-12T10:22:00.001-05:00

My "Holiday Swap" Ravelry group has turned out to be quite a lively bunch. In December we decided that holiday swapping was not enough, so we have morphed into "Monthly Adventures".

I was too busy with unpacking in January to join that swap, but I have jumped right back in for February. This month we are having a "Tops and Pots" swap: a hat/headband/head covering of some sort and a recipe. The "top" needs to made with red, pink and /or white yarn in honor of Valentine's day. It's a secret swap and I got my partner this weekend. Now that I have done some research on my partner, I have figured out what I am making. I am going to morph 2 patterns:
Slightly Loopy Hat and Brainmonster and make "The Sophisticated Brainmonster". Normally I would not make a "Monster" hat for a swap, but my partner said she wants one for herself...I hate that I am confined to certain colors. I will be traveling next week and I hope to finish the hat then.

It needs to complete by the end of the month so I can mail it out on time. Here I go...

New Yarns

2008-02-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

I added some new yarns today. I can't wait to work with them! And the colors are incredible.

Grande Godiva: 50% Silk and 50% wool

Great Big Sea Silk: 50% Silk, 30%Wool, 20% Sea Cell

Cashmere 4 ply: 100% Cashmere

Fleur Dolohov

2008-02-08T13:04:00.000-05:00

That's my wizarding name. I am Fleur Dolohov, 1st year, Ravenclaw and I am part of:

My swap partner is Sage Smethwyck and she is also a 1st year Ravnclaw.

This swap does not need to mailed out until mid April, so this month I am swatching and making the design and I will knit these socks as my March socks. I have decided to make a pair of illusion socks based on this pattern:

Alice's Illusion Socks, by Alice Bell

I couldn't find the bronze for the book colors of Ravenclaw, so poor Sage will be stuck with blue and silver:

I am already having a lot of fun!

Thrummed Moebius

2008-02-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to wait for the sun so I could get a good picture of this, but I can wait no longer. The picture does it no justice, but I finished my Moebius!

It looks so much better on than this photo suggests. I will update this picture when I am wearing it out in the sun. Unfortunately right now in Maine, it could be a few days before we see the sun...

This was my first moebius, but it won't be my last! I am really not sure how Cat Bordhi came up with the idea of this cast-on...wow. It took me a couple of tries, but once I got it, the rest was a piece of cake.

This is a Fleece Artist Kit using Blue Face Aran and I used the "Seastorm" colorway. I love the greens and blues mixed in this yarn. And the Blue Face Leicester Aran is so soft. Here's a picture I took with some sunlight:

It took under a week to knit this, with many other things going on around it. I didn't have any pattern changes (I know, shocking!). My next moebius will be "Caplet" in Grande Godiva, but that will be one of my March projects.

So here are the details:
Pattern: "Thrummed Moebius" by Cat Bordhi
Yarn: 375m/250g Blue Face Aran (did not use all of this); 50g Kid Mohair Sliver for thrums (used probably 10g)
Color: Seastorm
Gauge: 2.5 st/inch
Needles: US#15/10.0mm (I knit tight; recommended needles: #13/9mm)

Comments: Fun and quick pattern. Great diagrammed instructions on "Moebius Cast-On". For thrumming, I made each thrum very thin and rolled the piece in my hand to slightly felt; I spaced my thrums every 3-4 sts.