Cukoo for Cocoa Puffs

Or Sand River, as it were...

I DID finish the scarf (see below) and I DID cast-on for one in Red Bamboo. I need to go and get some smaller needles... I cast on with US7 and the end result: yuck. Too holey for the lace pattern. Does this make sense? The stitches were all big and uneven--- RRRRRIP.

So, I had some Socks that Rock in the Farmhouse Colorway... it's the STR heavyweight wool (from Kira!) and it's making a nice Sand River. I think I will turn the Red bamboo into something else... the variegated yarns just look so yummy in this pattern. It's a great way to "test drive" some yarn that you might have just one or two skeins of. Y'know, the yarn you look at and say "hmm... what can I do with one or two?". So, of course, there is more yarn en route.

So, the overwhelming need to cast on? Moved right in over the weekend. I am still working on my mom's sweater. I needed a colorwork break. So, I cast on for the Fountain Lace Cardigan from Classic Elite. It'll be knit in Cascade Superwash 220., in a real blueberrry blue. For PC's mom.... she'll really like it.

Monica's scarf was my first "real lace"... I am pretty proud of it. It also made me want to knit EVERYTHING lace. The speed. The need to move onto the next repeat. The "oh!" when you figure out what it's supposed to look like!

Oh, and I made some mittens. They need thumbs (tonight), but they are pretty cool--- a cabled mitten pattern. It's pretty neat... anyone want to test-knit it for me? I am asking b/c I don' t want to sell it, I would offer it up for free. But, I don't think it's good enough to make it into Knitty or Magknits. It's a simple pattern. Drop me an email or leave a message in the comments (don't forget your contact info).

Thanks,
MINI
Photos tomorrow...

Ooh baby, I'm a wild one...

Ok, now I can't stop singing that song. Yesterday, it was "one of these things in not like the other" b/c Monica put it in my head by accident.

Why am I a wild one? Well, I am not. A little history: I have lived in the MetroBoston area my ENTIRE life (a brief 4 year stint in NH for college, but in a CITY). I have seen racoons, skunks and all kinds of rat-mouse-groundhog type animals. I moved to NEWTON (even CLOSER TO THE CITY) and this is what is in my yard, on a main road, watching PC get on the MBTA bus at the stop in front of the house:

That's a bunny. A real bunny. Now I know why Pumpkin watches the backyard all day. We have seen them around before, but this morning, I almost STEPPED on this one. Oh yeah, almost killed a bunny.

It gets better (all this before 7:30 am)! These guys were in my parking space when I arrived at work (yeah, I am going to miss this!):

I promised you some FOs, didnt' I? Ok, well... my oldest UFO is officially off-the-needles! Yuppers, PC's black blob sweater is done! It was seamed, collar attached and woven in last night. I have to say, I am usually terrified of mattress stitch, but my seaming on this is great! I am also pretty proud of it b/c I had to seam it without blocking first (more about this in a minute).


Pattern: modified drop sleeve from Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns (Ann Budd)
I did a k2,p2 rib on the waist and sleeve cuffs. Also, there is a small (1/2 inch) collar
of k2,p2.
Needles: Bryspun US 8 circulars, 29"
Yarn: Plymouth Encore, BLACK (75% acrylic, 25% wool)
Size: 44 inch chest measurement

Conclusion: PC loves it... the arms are great, the middle is a little snug,but I think that has more to do with him having 2 ice cream cakes on his Birthday than my knitting (wink, wink honey!)

Monica's Sand River Scarf is done!


Pattern: Sand River, by Monica (she's like Cher... she only needs one name!)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, in Wisteria (100% superwash wool)
Needles: 13Inch Size US 7 bamboo straights
Modifications: I added one extra repeat (b/c I foolishly thought it was long enough)
Blocked Measurements: 7 1/2 inch wide by 89 1/2 inches LONG

So, the question I always ask is "would I knit this again" when I knit something new. Now, I am not a real big fan of knitting scarves.... I knit them, I like them... they are a necessity. I am casting on for a SECOND sand river tonight in Bamboo. I love this pattern! It worked up in a little over 3 nights of mindless television, blocked like a dream and looks fab!

Thanks, Monica, for writing such a great pattern!

:) Mini

Ch-Ch-Changes!

So, what has changed this September?

1. PC is 30. And now owns night vision goggles. Yup, I bought my fave guy night vision goggles for his 30th birthday. And, y'know? Completely worth it.

2. I finished Monica's Scarf. It's gorgeous. I need to grab blocking pins tonight on the way home, but otherwise... it looks great. Photos when I get it to block

3. The cat has gone from frantic-run-around-the-house-and-tackle-things to sit-on-the-kitty-seat-and-stare-and-sleep thing. Sick? Nope, Thursday night the world's best vet said "healthy as a horse" err... cat.

4. Oh, I quit my job.....


So, have a great day!

What? Oh, you want to know about #4? Well, I had a horrible day on Thursday, including a great performance evaluation and a lousy increase related to it.... came home and on the ride: voila! (learned this from French friend... voila is amazing word...)--- perfect job opportunity sitting in my lap. So, I am leaving the world of "here" and going "there". "there" will remain undefined, as it's very important to have it remain that way. So, thank you to PC for encouraging me and Monica for listening! (still owe you a yarn trip).

I did it. And I didnt' throw up. :)

-Mini
More knitting tomorrow. :)