I thought having a cell phone with internet capabilities would mean I could blog more often... the problem is I can't figure out how to format the text and the pictures to my liking. As it is, whenever I add photos to my (phone) entry, they always appear at the end of the text. And no matter what I do, I can never put text below the photo. This is alright if I only have a photo and a quick sentence to share. But sometimes I just have more to share.
This past week, Loopy Knit and Crochet had an awesome sale, which I only made to once (sad, I know). But truthfully, I get way too overwhelmed in nice yarn stores to think straight. I end up walking circles around the store, touching every yarn at least three times, and buy stitch markers. But this time I knew I wanted some no rinse wash and DK weight yarn for two different pairs of fingerless mittens.
This is what I came home with:
I am not completely positive that these aren't actually sport and worsted weight yarns, because when I looked them up in Ravelry's yarn database, they were not listed as DK. But on Loopy's tag they are listed as that! So I am unsure. The blue hank, which is Blue Sky Alpaca's Melange, is so incredibly soft! Last night I cast on the Cafe au Lait Mitts with it, but this morning I changed my mind. I frogged what little start I had made, and printed the pattern for Later, Gator! I'd much rather feel the alpaca against my face!
Yesterday I also used the Eucalan no rinse soak. It has Eucalyptus oil in it and smells divine!
I soaked mine and Scott's socks, his Howler Monkey hat, and a Fair Isle hat that I've never worn. I used one teaspoon for one gallon of tepid water. I'm not really sure if it's better to have more room between clothing or if it's alright to jam pack it. After they had soaked for fifteen minutes, I squeezed the water out by hand, and then by rolling each piece in a towel. I was a little disappointed that I could still smell the Patons wool even after the soak. If you have ever gotten Patons Classic Wool wet, you know what I'm talking about. Hopefully with a couple more washes, that smell will go away.
Happy Monday!
Showing posts with label Howler Monkey Hat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Howler Monkey Hat. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Small project burn out
When I finished the Waffle Mittens yesterday, I was anxious to begin a new project right away. However, I jumped from one pattern to another, nothing really feeling right. And I think it's because I'm tired of these 2-3 day projects (really?). While I like the accomplishment and instant gratitude that arises from finishing a hat or pair of mittens in a few short days, the commitment I put into those projects at the start feel all too short-lived. I'm also in the midst of a star-shaped Ripple Afghan that does involve long-term commitment. But it's not enough.
My problem is (well, one of them) since the holidays are over, I'm not pressed for time to knit gifts for people. So nothing feels urgent. And the things I wanted to knit for people after the holidays (Howler Monkey Hat and Hearts Amore) I have already knit.
So while I sip my coffee, let's assess the new techniques and small goals I've gained in the past few months:
1. Fair Isle, check
2. Mittens, check
3. Techniques: yo, ssk, SKP
4. Lace pattern
5. I have already achieved my Great Goal for the month, which is to knit two projects from 60 Quick Knits. Hooray! (not stoppin' there!)
I guess that's it... on top of those, I've also expanded my knitting bag with new needles (3, 6 & 7 US dpns, 8 US 16" circs & 9 US 24" circs) as well as new yarn (mostly Patons).Oh! and cable needles, which I haven't used yet.
My next project will probably involve cables. That's how I'd sum up these last few months: I wanted to learn a new technique/ knit something completely new to me, so I did. What's left on the knitting table? Socks, cables, afghan. They shall be conquered.
(ok that was really cheesy)
My problem is (well, one of them) since the holidays are over, I'm not pressed for time to knit gifts for people. So nothing feels urgent. And the things I wanted to knit for people after the holidays (Howler Monkey Hat and Hearts Amore) I have already knit.
So while I sip my coffee, let's assess the new techniques and small goals I've gained in the past few months:
1. Fair Isle, check
2. Mittens, check
3. Techniques: yo, ssk, SKP
4. Lace pattern
5. I have already achieved my Great Goal for the month, which is to knit two projects from 60 Quick Knits. Hooray! (not stoppin' there!)
I guess that's it... on top of those, I've also expanded my knitting bag with new needles (3, 6 & 7 US dpns, 8 US 16" circs & 9 US 24" circs) as well as new yarn (mostly Patons).Oh! and cable needles, which I haven't used yet.
My next project will probably involve cables. That's how I'd sum up these last few months: I wanted to learn a new technique/ knit something completely new to me, so I did. What's left on the knitting table? Socks, cables, afghan. They shall be conquered.
(ok that was really cheesy)
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