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?

Size 6 ?????

Where or where are my US size 6 DPNs?

They have alluded me for some time and I just can't locate them.

I used them to knit the first Fiddlehead mitten (ravelry link here) and then to start on the Swirl Scarf (ravelry link here). But I don't know where they are! I'm usually very good at keeping track of my needles.

Anyway, I just bit the bullet and ordered a new set from KnitPicks last night. I also ordered the set of Blocking Boards, too.

I have to wash and block the sweater for my dad and since the bed is being used, I figured the blocking boards would go to good use.

Hopefully some photos will be posted soon!

Mojo is back...I hope

Is anyone even out there?

Oh well. Quick post to say that I think the mysterious and ever-ellusive knitting mojo is hopefully back.

I have been working on the sweater for my dad. Around 12/25, I finished knitting the 2nd sleeve. I have not had a chance to block the pieces yet because our spare bed is typically occupied by a furry friend named Coco. She has staked claim on it, so I must plan accordingly. I hope to create some time and space for the washing and blocking some evening to let it dry overnight. That way Coco will have her bed and not be angry with me.

In other news, I've also picked up the German Stockings again. I completed the first one and have begun the second. I just started the main motif. It's coming along swimmingly.

I will post some photos soon.

Food news:

I'm in love with this awesome recipe from cooksillustrated.com. It's a skillet dish featuring penne pasta, sausage, spinach (or arugula), sun-dried tomatoes, parmesean and pine nuts. It's brilliant...only requires a large skillet. Everything is cooked in the same pan, including the pasta. It comes together quickly, too. Probably a 30-minute meal for most. I think I'll make it for dinner tonight...again. 3rd time in 3 weeks.

I also experienced an interesting home-cooked meal from a friend. Hamburger pie. Ever hear of such a thing. It's a fantastic dish of ground beef, corn, green beans, tomato soup, oregano. Everything is baked in a pie crust: top and bottom. It's really delicious. I haven't attempted to recreate it at home, but should soon.

Well, that's all for now. Post a comment to say hi, if you are reading this.

Where for art thou?

Right Damn Here...that's where.

I PROMISE. I will post a better update soon.

Good news, my dad's sweater is officially OFF THE NEEDLES. AANNDD, All ends are woven in! Bad news, it still needs a zipper. I bought 4 zippers at JoAnn's, but none of them are right. So tonight, I'm going to Hancock after work to see if they have something that might be better. If not, a khaki zipper will be sewn into the sweater. I'll be seeing Dad this weekend and I intend to deliver the finished product come hell or high water.

So, I intend to have a new post soon, photos included. Yay! I can start a new project!

Have I decided yet? Hell no! Here are the options: socks for Rodrigo, Peacock shawl, Shetland shawl, socks for me, 2nd Fiddlehead mitten, try to finish log cabin blanket, pick up Rodrigo's ski sweater. Can't decide. Probably not another sweater, but should consider that as an option.

Sorry to have been absent for so long...hope you can forgive me. (Is anyone reading this who even gives a damn?!?!?)