knit1frog2

the great houdini

If you are looking for sock news, I have none except to say that I ordered some STR in Puck's Mischief and Rolling Stone.  Oooh, can't wait until it comes!  I pray it doesn't smell like McDonalds.

images courtesy STR (hover over for names)

Oh!  Wait, I DO have sock news.  The pattern that I'm using...Diagonal Ribs...IK posted it as a free pattern today!  Check it out if you're interested...interesting timing I thought...

So Monday, I cast on for the impromptu V-neck remember?  I started knitting away...la la la...it wasn't until later when I realized that well, my gauge was getting tighter and tighter with each row.  gah.  Not only was the knit slowly turning into a stiff, matlike fabric, it was also much smaller than it should be.  Case in point, when it was time to split out the stitches for sleeves, well, it was only 8" in diameter.  I do not have skinny arms, never have, probably never will have--I can do pushups afterall.  I did try it on and wow, this would just NOT work.  Enter lovely ball winder...wind wind wind...back into a cake to start...again.  sigh.

I re-cast on that night and was determined to get back to the point where I was at before the frogging and yes, all before going to bed.  US9s were used this time around.  US10s produced a too floppy and airy knit.  After that point, I threw it to the side, exhausted and somewhat disgusted.

So that brings us to today...the Px from the orthopedic surgeon was good...my rotator cuff isn't torn!  Hooray for some things...

Anyway, I picked the v-neck back up just a bit ago to throw on another few rows...and here it is...

look dad!  no hands!

Don't worry, the sweater isn't standing up on its own...there is something hiding inside to help with the photo.  I have to say, this is one of the cleaner v-necks that I've ever completed.  It would be great to wear as is, but I plan on adding some k1,p1 ribbing later.  I did slip my arm through the armhole and success!  Honestly though, I am wondering if this will end up being steeked because of the warmth it will provide.  That or I can always ship it off to a good home to someone who lives in a cold climate...anyone?

impromptu

There are times that I can knit and knit and knit and forget to eat.  For me, forgetting to eat is huge...I love food afterall.  This weekend, I even got to the point where I was shaky from hunger before I realized that I should stop, put the knitting down and refuel.

I have discovered the secret to no-knitting-into-the-wee-hours-of-the-morn.   That is, take the knitting to the dining room, photograph it and leave it there.  This way, I won't be tempted to just go another couple of rows.  I swear it taunts me..."come on...just another couple of rows...it won't take long...and you'll be happy about being further along...come on...you know you wanna...it won't hurt..."  Right.  It doesn't hurt until the next morning when I try to wake up at 5AM.  I got really ill last year from staying up until 2AM every night doing just this.  Oh yeah and I don't miss the dark circles under the eyes either.

This is what I put in the dining room last night...

the impromptu v-neck sweater

After the swatching, I thought I'd try a top-down sweater...v-neck to boot.  it should be interesting...I'm seriously wondering if it will ever be cold enough to wear it...I'm definitely starting in the wrong season...but hey, it will be done in time for this year's winter season...and if this year is anything like last year, well then it will snow and everything.