A Knitter In Queens

Almost There...

Long time no speak. Wow, June came and went so quick.  I won't bore you with all the end of the year drama.  I'm just glad it's over.  Next school year I'll be teaching third grade again.  I'm very, VERY happy about this.  I did not want to have to change grades and classrooms so soon again. 

During the last month and half I have done some knitting.  I've been working on a second Big Bad Baby Blanket.  This one will be gifted to Baby E, the brand new baby boy of a coworker of mine.  I have to finish it by this weekend.  First, I've been working on this blanket since the end of April.  Second, the baby already came in late June and third, in 10 days I leave for a trip to London and Paris.  So, this blanket has to be finished.  
  
 

Hopefully, in my next post I'll have some finished pictures of BBBB #2.  Until then, Happy Knitting!

Bird's Nest Pincushion

In October, during NY Sheep & Wool, I purchased a lot of yarn and a few books, one of which was Closely Knit by Hannah Fettig.  I eyed the book a few months before, but didn't buy it. At NYSW I got to meet Ms. Fettig and look and feel the projects from her book.  Afterward, I decided to buy the book. Since October, her book has been sitting on my bookshelf.  Well, up until now.  A couple of weeks ago I started  flipping through her book and decided to give the Bird's Nest Pincushion.

I ended up using the yarn called for in the pattern, Classic Elite Premiere.  Premiere is a soft pima cotton/tencel blend.  Besides knitting the nest,  I also knitted the eggs.  I used a provisional cast-on, which was a first for me.

   

Bird's Nest Pincushion

Pattern: Bird's Nest Pincushion from Closely Knit by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: Classic Elite Premiere (5275 - Coconut & 5291 - Robin's Egg)

Needles: Bryson Rosewood Double Pointed Knitting Needles US7

Started: May 1, 2009

Finished: May 6, 2009

Happy Knitting!

Big Bad Baby Blanket

Well, the Big Bad Baby Blanket is finished.  I finished it two Sundays ago during my Spring Break.  I'm really happy with the result.  The pattern was simple and easy to memorize.  Something that I needed at this time.  I love simple, mindless knitting.  You know, the knitting you just lose yourself in.  Recently, work has taken over my life.  I'm up to 31 students now.  My class size is a little overwhelming, but thank God there are only 48 days to go.  The simple stockinette stitch of this blanket got me through the last two weeks before my vacation.  I was kind of sad to see myself finish it.  If you need a simple baby blanket pattern, this is it. My favorite thing about the project was the yarn.  I used the yarn called for in the pattern, Koigu.  I used 8 balls in all.  I love the way the color changes, especially in the speckled skeins.  I plan on casting on another blanket for another coworker who's expecting in June.  

 
                                      
Big Bad Baby Blanket
                                      

When I started the blanket, I used my Knitpicks Options Circular Knitting Needles.  By the 20th row, the metal piece at the end of my 32" cord separated.  I pushed the cord back in, but it wouldn't stay in.  So, I decided to give my new Addi Click Needles a try.  I received them for Valentine's Day, but up until now I didn't have a project to use them with.  From the moment I started using them, I came to one conclusion.  I love, love, love these needles.  Currently, the set comes with one 24", 32" and 40" cord.  I'm a little upset that Skacel doesn't sell the cords seperately.  Hopefully, they'll begin selling them soon and in more sizes.

    

 

                                                   

Big Bad Baby Blanket Nicely Folded

 

                                                   

Big Bad Baby Blanket Folded Lengthwise

Pattern: Big Bad Baby Blanket by Lisa Shobhana Mason (From Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller)

Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino in shade 704 (yarn held double) 8 balls

Needles: Addi Click Needles US 9  32" cord

Started: March 20, 2009

Finished April 12, 2009

Happy Knitting!

Cast On Fever With A Slight Case Of PADD

This past month I've had a bout of Cast On Fever with a slight case of PADD (Project Attention Deficit Disorder).  Since I last blogged, I've managed to cast on 3 new projects and am swatching two more.  Oh, and I still have D's socks on the needles.  My list of projects that I want to cast on keeps growing and growing. Oh Well, here's what's on my needles right now:


First, is the Big Bad Baby Blanket by Lisa Shobhana Mason from Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller.  I was looking for a baby blanket pattern for the longest time.  I chose this pattern for two reasons.  First, the pattern calls for my all time favorite yarn, Koigu.  Second, is the simplicity of the pattern.  Te pattern is stockinette stitch with a seed stitch border.  I love it.  The blanket has become my evening TV project.  I'm about three quarters done with the blanket.  When it's done, it  will be gifted to a co-worker who is expecting.
     

                                      

                                       Big Bad Baby Blanket In Progress

The next project on the needles is the Chunky Tweed Cardigan from Knitting For Two by Erika Knight.  I'm knitting it up in Rowan Summer Tweed (The yarn called for in the pattern.) in 544 (Jardinier) and 531 (Chocolate Fudge).  I love the green.  I've only knit the back and still have the front and sleeve to finish.

 
 

                                       Chunky Tweed Cardigan (Back)

In addition to the cardigan and blanket, I've cast on The Turkish Rose Mittens by Cap Sease.  As soon as I saw these I knew I wanted a pair for myself.  I'm using Green Mountain Spinnery's Alpaca Elegance (The yarn called for in the pattern.).  I think the cold snap and snow in the beginning of March drove me to order the yarn and cast them on.  The Alpaca Elegance is really soft, knit up.  I'm knitting the mittens up in Dark Roast and Cappuccino.

    
 
                                    
                                       Turkish Rose Mitten in progress

Well, that's it for now.  Hopefully, I'll have some new progress pics soon.  Spring Break begins next Thursday.  I CAN'T WAIT!! Happy Knitting!

2 Down, Many More To Go

Well, hello there! Long time, no speak.  The last couple of weeks have been tough.  Stress has been rearing its ugly head.  My students take their  state math test in about two weeks.  Every week we've taken  a new one and so far so good.  Thankfully, they've been doing well on their practice tests.  I'll be so happy when all this testing is over.


So besides grading practice tests and writing progress reports, I managed to fit in and finish up some knitting.  In January, I began working on a v-neck cabled tank from Sirdar's Little Speckled Chicks (337).  I used Rowan's Felted Tweed instead of the Snuggly DK recommended.  I used 1 full ball and a small amount of a second ball.  I enjoyed working on the pattern except for the neckband.  I found the directions for the decreases in the neckband a bit confusing.  After about an hour of going back and forth, I gave up and did my own double decrease; and I'm very happy with the result.  
 
 

                                       V-Neck Cabled Tank Blocking


 

                                       V - Neck Cabled Tank Complete

Pattern: Cable Vest from Sirdar's Little Speckled Chicks (Pattern E)

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (sh. 165 - Scree)

Needles: Kollage 24" Circular Knitting Needles US 7

             Kollage 24" Circular Knitting Needles US 5

             Lantern Moon 7" Double Pointed Knitting Needles US 5

Started: January 1, 2009

Finished: February 14, 2009


The second pattern I completed was Martin Storey's Posey Bootees by Martin Storey from Jaeger's Handknits Collection For Babies and Children (JB29).  I fell in love with these bootees the first time I saw them.  Up until now, I've had the pattern book sitting idle in my library.  I figured this would be a good time to give it a try with all the baby knits I'll be making.  After an unsuccessful search for Jaeger's Baby Merino 4 ply, I decided to cast on with Classic Elite's Princess.  Since I'm a tight knitter, I figured gauge wouldn't be that much of an issue and it wasn't.  I have to say I enjoyed knitting these.  The pattern was well written, easy to follow and the finished product is so adorable.  The bootees themselves took 1 ball.  I did however have to run out and purchase a second ball to make the pom pom's.  I did toy with the idea of ommitting them, but I decided to just give in.  

 
                                       Posy Bootees (Front View)

 
                                       Posy Bootees (Side View)


Pattern: Posy Bootees by Martin Storey from Jaeger Handknits Collection For Babies and Children (JB29) 

Yarn: Classic Elite Princess (sh. 3475 - Beyond Beige)

Needles: Crystal Palace 9" Straight Knitting Needles US 3

Tools: Clover Pom Pom Maker (small)

Started: February 7, 2009

Finished: February 16, 2009


Last Sunday, I was nominated by Cici for a Kreativ Blogger Award.  Thank you Cici!  Sometimes I feel like the most uncreative person.  Your nomination really brightened my day.

In light of my nomination, I'm required to nominate 8 other bloggers who are creative and inspire me.  Here are my nominees:

- Lynette
- Chante
- Stacey
- Sahara
- Nik
- Josie
- Lucy
- Wannett

Happy Knitting!

In Honor Of Today...

I give you my all-time favorite super bowl commercial.

New Projects For The New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  Thanks for all your comments on Selbu Modern.  I really enjoyed knitting it.  For those of you on the fence about starting it, go for it.  I really enjoyed making it. Since Christmas, my mom has been wearing her hat wherever she goes.

Over the Christmas break, I decided to start a new project and made a list of some prospective ones.  As for the projects I currently have on the needles I've decided to place some of them on the back burner.  The Bird In Hand Mittens weren't doing anything  for me and I wasn't enjoying the color of Kai Cabled Sweater.  As for D's socks, they're still on the needles and being worked on. 

On New Years, I started a cable vest from SIRDAR's Little Speckled Chicks (Book 337).  I have three coworkers that are expecting this year.    I'm using Rowan's Felted Tweed.  Unfortunately, I only know the gender of one of them.  So, it's unisex items for the rest until they find out the gender.  Next is a soaker.  I'm trying to decide between Curly Purly's Soaker and The Trim Fit Soaker.  CP's soaker has short rows and the other doesn't.  Short rows have always made me nervous, I don't know why.  Everytime I do them, they turn out to be not that bad.  Anyway, we'll see which one I decide on. 

Also on the list is a Koolhaas, an Owl Vest, a Hedwig Owl Cowl, Posy Booties and Thermis.  Let's see if I get to any of it within the next couple of weeks. This week my third graders will be taking the New York State English Language Arts Exam.  All the months of test prep, after school drills and lunch study sessions comes down to this.  It's kind of nerve wracking.  I'll be glad when it's all over.
                                           

 

Cable Vest in Progress

Happy Knitting!

Selbu Modern

Happy Holidays Everyone!  Sorry for the absence.  Unfortunately, I had to wait until today to post.  It's impossible to talk about a new project/gift for someone, especially when that person is an avid reader.

About two weeks ago I decided to put my in-progress mittens and baby sweater to the side and make a Christmas present for my mom.  I knew I wanted to make her a hat (My mom looks great in hats.) but I didn't know which one.  Also, I knew I wanted something different.  Once I finished narrowing the many hat patterns to two,  it came down to Ysolda's Gretel (Rav link) and Zeitgeists' Selbu Modern (Rav link).  After two hours of looking at everyone's hats on Ravelry, including this one, this one, and this one. I decided to go with Selbu Modern.  I was swayed by the the flower pattern and the extra practice I would get to work on my fair isle knitting.  The only other experience I've had with fair isle was Purl Bee's Giacomo's Baby Hat.  Next up was yarn selection.  I decided to go with Reynold's Whiskey.  Once the yarn was purchased I immediately got to work.  Since this was a last minute Christmas gift, I was a bit concerned about not having enough time especially with Christmas Parties, shopping and work.  You have to remember, I'm not the fastest knitter.   But that wasn't the case with this project, the pattern was a breeze to knit.  It was well written, the charts were clear, and before I knew it I reached the decreases. So much fun.

 

                                             In progress

                                         

                                            Complete

                                        

                                          In action (on my mom)

                                                    

Pattern: Selbu Modern by Kate Gagnon

Yarn:    Reynold's Whiskey (col. 103 - Lt. Olive and col. 053 - Teal) 

Needles:    16" Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles US 3

                    16" Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needle US 5   

Started:    December 16, 2008  

Finished:   December 21, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

Wrapping My Arms Around It All

Hello All!  Long time no speak.  A month can go by so quickly.  I think I started to write this post a dozen or so times, but failed to follow through.  During the last two months work has been kicking my a**.  Last month my class roster rose to 30.  As a result, feelings of stress took over.  Thankfully, the other classes on my grade were reduced recently by adding another teacher to the grade.  What a difference a small class size can make.

In addition to the chaos last month, I had Parent Teacher Conferences.  Twenty five families showed up.  Since I had 30 students on roll, I basically had almost all of my students.  I've never had that many parents.  Well, I managed to meet with all of them in two and half hours flat.  YEAH ME!!  I was quite proud of myself.  I was like Flo Jo on speed.

My Thanksgiving was pretty nice.  The night before I went with friends to see the inflating of the Macys Thanksgiving  Day Parade balloons.  I had a great time.  I saw some celebrities and I got to meet Mayor Bloomberg.  He came over and shook my hand.  If you're in the NYC next year on Thanksgiving eve, stop by the Museum of Natural History and take a look at all the balloons.

   

                                        Balloons from the Macy's Parade

Since the chaos of work basically overran my life I wasn't able to do as much knitting as I wanted to.  Unfortunately D's sock is still in the "In Progress" state.  By now I expected to be done or at least halfway done with it.  During an early fitting with D, I realized that the sock was a little big as is.  I decided to leave it, but the more I knit the more it bothered me.  So, I ripped it out and re-cast on the sock.  The size seems to be good and I've finished the leg.  Next up is the heel.

      

Besides working on D's sock I cast on two new projects.  The first is a baby gift for my cousin MIchelle.  During a recent visit to PURL, there was a sample of the Kai Cable Sweater from Natural Knits For Babies and Moms by Louisa Harding.  The sample was knit in Blue Sky Alpaca's Worsted Hand Dye's.  I ended up falling in love with the sample and decided to knit one up for Michelle's new arrival.  The second project is Kate Gilbert's Bird In Hand Mittens.  I started these last weekend.  I've had these in my que for the longest time.  I'm using Cascade 220. 

          

         

Happy Knitting! 

Change Can Happen!

                                                                        

                                President - Elect Barack Obama