Hope it's enough

I'm in the midst of packing for vacation.

I'm limiting the knitting projects to just two: Haruni with beads and Skew socks.

I'm about 1/2 way through the 1st Skew sock. I hope that these two projects will be enough to keep me busy during the down time in Costa Rica...we shall see.

I'm also bring two books: Chelsea Handler's book and Julia Child's memoir.

Hopefully I can post while I'm there. I will try to post an update about the job situation, as requested by Ms. Kate (IrishDiva) herself.

Otherwise, see you next week!

Olympic Inspiration

for all to read...

Click here.

Frogger

I realized late last night that my stitch count was off, but I just couldn't figure out why.

I was working on the inner ankle portion of the Skew pattern. I was supposed to have 84 stitches, but I only had 78. WTF?

It dawned on me that I didn't increase enough to begin with. So I ripped back about 5-6 inches of knitting back to the toe.

Sonuvabitch! Oh well, at least I know it seems to knit up quickly.

shhh

don't tell anyone, but I just placed an order for some yarn. Only two skeins, though.

Olympic Knitting

Amazingly, I was able to cast on for my Olympic Knitting project last night, during the Opening Ceremony.

I'm working on Skew sock. I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far.

ETA: Follow continued progress of this project on Ravelry. I will continue to post limited updates here as well.

Finished Project - Dad's Sweater

Well here is finally is!

I just finished the last stitches of the zipper and I have sewn in all loose ends.

I'm pretty happy with the end result. I hope my dad will be too.

I did not make any modifications from the pattern because it seemed to make perfect sense and was pretty straightforward.

Details:
Cambridge Jacket, Size 44
Interweave Knits Summer 2006
7 skeins Cascade 220 Heathers
Color 2431, Lot 3901
28 inch zipper
US size 6 needle, US size 5 needle, Knitpicks Options

4.25 mm Crochet hook
Started March 2009, Finished February 12, 2010

ETA: The pattern calls for 4.5 mm crochet hook, but I was unable to locate at either a specialty yarn shop or local chain craft supplier.

Quick update

Dad's sweater - I'm on the home stretch sewing in the zipper. I have less than 1/4 of it to stitch. Whoo-hoo!

Knitting Olympics - Harlot's version - Skew socks from knitty.com. I'm going to attempt to be all Bo Jackson on you and attempt a 2nd event and knit up Haruni as well. We'll see how it goes. If Costa Rica is a relaxing vacation, the I have every confidence I will be able to channel Bo Jackson. If not, well at least I'll have a new pair of socks.

Again hoping for sun this weekend for some qualiy photo-taking. Oh damn! R. is taking the camera with him on his trip. I guess it will be crappy iPhone photos, if I'm lucky.

ETA: After completing some additional research for Haruni, it will be beaded...as long as I have some beads to match.

decisions decisions

So, I thought I'd begin some research to determine which project to start up next.

1. Shetland Triangle
2. Adams Shawl
3. Haruni

(I do not have Peacock Feathers on this list because I don't think it would be the best option for travel/vacation.)

Each pattern basically calls for the same amount of yarn, I either have the pattern in my library or it's being offered free on Ravelry. I am planning on using some sock yarn...probably Wollmeise.

Then there are the cowls.

I want to make Pretty Thing or this one. I have one skein of Qiviut and another skein of cashmere that I'd like to use. One skein projects are brilliant for travel.

Then I wonder how much time I'll really have for knitting. Obviously there is the airplane/airport time. But will we be so busy that I'll not see knitting for the rest of the time. On the other hand, will I be so damn bored that I'll wish I had brought more.

What to do, what to do?

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned socks.

Forecast calls for???

Sun, hopefully.

I have been wanting to post updated photos of some finished projects and works in progress, but the light has been terrible. Cloudy weather may make for better outdoor photos, but not-so-much for those indoor photos. Damn.

So, hopefully this weekend There Will Be Sun.

I'm knitting the collar to my dad's sweater; that part should be completed this evening. Then it's on to a single crocheted edging, which should not take long. Afterwards will be the long process of sewing in a zipper. I want to do it right, but it's not the funnest part. I hope my neighbor will agree to try it on so I can zipper it up properly.

I must say, however, that the seaming of said sweater was not difficult or taxing. I was quite surprised! I still have ends to weave in, but I am quite happy with the seams.


I have also finished the knee-high socks for my mother-in-law. Just in time, as Rodrigo is set to leave for Ecuador in about 10 days. I have those ends to weave in as well. I'll probably give them a proper wash, but I don't have knee-high sock blockers, so we'll see how it goes.

Anyone seen The Hurt Locker?