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I realize that the knitting content has been non-existent for months now, and that’s mainly due to the change in my free time since starting work as a nurse. No excuse, really, but I am just pooped by the time I get home. My free days are spent running errands and catching up on work around the house.
Still, I’m trying to get back on track because I love the calmness it brings into my life – if only for that short amount of time. The only projects I’ve completed this year were two pairs of hand warmers and a simple scarf of which I’ve yet to post any pictures.
I have a sweater I started in November that has been sitting in a basket without sleeves since December. I thought I’d be smart and work them at the same time, but that has only slowed me down. I’m finally through the forearm shaping and have a few more inches of stockinette to go before beginning to shape the caps. Part of me is hesitant to finish since the body fits me so well. I hate to mess it up with the sleeves.
I have other projects in mind, but I won’t allow myself to start on them until I finish this sweater that has been haunting me.
I also picked up some sock yarn last weekend when I was in Houston. I made a trip to Yarns 2 Ewe, and I found it breathtaking. I’m from a small town where my yarn supply is limited to Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Michael’s so I could have spent hours in that one store, but I had a non-knitter with me who did not understand the feeling. (For any other newbies to that store, it is on a one-way street. So don’t forget and try to leave the wrong way. Just saying. Not that I did.)
Thank you gifts for my host and hostess during my stay in Washington, D.C.
(Details on Ravelry.)
I have a sweater that has been lacking sleeves for over two months and an afghan that hasn’t been touched in weeks. I do intend to finish them as I have two future knitting projects in mind that I won’t start until I finish the u-necked sweater. (The blanket can wait as it will be part of a gift for a wedding that won’t take place until next year.)
I find myself clipping knits from advertisements and magazines in the hopes of duplicating the item. The two I want to tackle next are:
Alloy Trapeze Cardigan and Adam Shawl-Collar Sweater.
I’m not much of a designer, but I’ve found some patterns in magazines that I can easily modify. I’m deciding between a few cable patterns for a red trapeze cardigan, and I’m thinking of using Vogue’s flirtation cable for the sweater. I already have some beautiful copper buttons that I want to use, but I haven’t decided on the sweater color yet – probably a blue or green.
I guess I could say that, even when I’m not knitting, I’m thinking about knitting.
U-Necked Pullover
Lover’s Knot Afghan
Jaywalkers
Edit 02/10/08 – The jaywalker has been frogged.
I got to just past the heel before trying it on to find it was too small. I may try another pair later with different yarn as I liked the stripe effect. I don’t like Lion Brand’s Magic Stripes at all (bought on sale); the two other socks I’ve made with it are itchy and not any softer after repeated washings.
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty Summer 2006
Needles: Size 8 dpn
Yarn: Sensations Bellezza Collection Dolcetto in Lime and Cream (54% wool/24% nylon/22% cotton)
Modifications: Additional repeat of cables at the knuckles and an extra 6 rounds at the thumbs to accommodate my ridiculously long fingers as well as a crochet edging along the thumb and knuckles for a neater finish than that left by my regular bind-off.
Verdict: I love them, and I love the yarn – very soft without a hint of itch. So, of course, it is now discontinued.
I finished the knitting of this hat/ski mask. What I thought might be an adorable hat on me is in fact quite the opposite. I have a good sized head, so most hats turn out too small. I was astonished to find this hat too big. Too much knitted fabric to fold up around my head. I don’t really want to embroider the skull features, but I’m going to make myself do it. Hopefully I can find someone with an enormous head who wants a hat/ski mask with skull embroidery.
Edit: Not going to happen. I’ve frogged the ridiculous white blob, and I’ve started another hat. Cuter, much smaller, and lacier.
I got a call from a college roommate to announce her engagement. It wasn’t really a surprise to anyone who knew the couple, but I loved hearing her excitement and obvious joy at sharing her news. He left that morning as if he were going to work and then called to tell her to look at the nightstand. He’d left the first of several clues to a scavenger hunt. At each location, one of her friends had the next clue. She ran all around D.C. before finding him with a picnic basket at a park. Oh – and the line? “Remember how I told you that I choose you everyday? Well, I choose you for the rest of my life.” Sweet. No set date yet, but she did say the wedding wouldn’t be any sooner than a year. She’s always talked of a beach wedding, so I’d guess during the spring of ‘09.
I was a little sad when I got off the phone only because talking to her made me realize – again – how much I miss her and the other two girls. They are the best friends a girl can have, and I’m looking forward to our next reunion – possibly in Bermuda! If that doesn’t work out, we’ll be hanging out in D.C. with our newly engaged girl.
I’ve got two knitting projects lined up, and they are both just for me.
First project is from Vogue Knitting Fall 2006: the Fair Isle U-Neck Pullover (minus the fair isle color work). It is a close-fitting pullover with shaped side seams and a deep u-neck with contrast color tipping on all edges. I’ll be making it in the round with dark gray wool with teal edges on the ribbing. I think the sweater with the fair isle is gorgeous, but I tend to like my sweaters simple and not too fussy. I was drawn to this sweater for the neckline and flattering fit.
Next, this amazing hat from Knitty.com: Jackyll & Hide. Seriously, what’s not to love? It looks sweet and pretty until pulled down to reveal the embroidered skull details. I knew I’d be making it as soon as I saw it. My friends and I have also been talking of taking a skiing trip, and this hat would be perfect. I may also make one for my brother if he likes it – only I’d switch the colors for a more masculine appeal.
My preceptorship is going well. I’ve yet to find something negative about this hospital. I know I need to do a little digging to ensure I make an informed decision when deciding where I want to work. The only annoyance so far has come from a family member of a patient who kept coming up to the nurse’s station to ask riddles. It got old pretty fast, but everyone was nice to him. I took to calling him the Riddler (very original, I know), and the nickname stuck.
My exit exam is this Saturday. Wish me luck as I finish reviewing two years of nursing school this week.
I love this trapeze cable cardigan from Alloy. If anyone knows of a pattern for a very similar jacket, please let me know! I can’t seem to find anything close.
(I know I could just buy it….)
Edit: The closest I’ve seen so far to this cardigan’s basic shape is Juliet from Zephyr Style. I saw someone’s FO, and she had modified the pattern to include a button band. Of course, I can’t find that picture. Here is SKnitty’s cropped version of Juliet. And this one by Janice.
I’ll be completing my preceptorship hours at the newest hospital in my area. I walked inside the building for the first time yesterday, and it is beautiful. Its location is also the most convenient for me. I met my preceptor, C.M., and she seemed really sweet. She only works two 12-hour shifts a week, so I won’t finish my hours until Thanksgiving week. That’s fine with me as it will mean a somewhat relaxed month – besides the big exit exam in November.
Still plugging along with the lion hoodie. Just a few inches left on the hood and I’ll be ready to seam. The cabled bag is sitting unfinished. Once the hoodie is done I may finally sew in the lining and cross that off my crafty to-do list. FO pictures to come.
