Silvercharmster’s Weblog

This weekend, I crocheted a sweater.  Yep – pretty much the whole thing. Here’s what it looks like:

I frogged it.  The whole thing.  Yes – I know – you don’t have to say it.  Didn’t I KNOW before I finished knitting the second sleeve that this sweater just wasn’t going to work?  Maybe I’m delusional.  Who knows.  This pattern is the kind of thing that you try on multiple times while crocheting to get the right lengths, etc., so it’s not like I can say I didn’t realize it wasn’t working until the end.  Yes, I knew that it probably wasn’t the right yarn for the job.  Even so, I probably would have kept going under the mistaken notion that the sweater would have felt lighter after washing.  But, once I finished the second sleeve and tried it on, I realized that I had worked the yoke too low before starting the sleeves, and my arms would always feel trapped against the sides of my body if I wanted to wear it.  So, I did consider only ripping the sleeves and the body and shortening the yoke before continuing.  But, honestly, this was the wrong yarn for the project.  Granted the pattern calls for DK weight.  But, I really wanted the sweater in black and I couldn’t easily find any DK in black, and I know the ball band said worsted, but it felt thinner to me in the store – maybe aran weight, and I figured that would work, because, hey, DK would probably be too light anyway. . . Nope – this is crochet.  It automatically works up thicker.  Hmmm.  But, since it is crochet, it does work up faster than knitting, so I guess it’s really not as bad as it feels.  Oh well, I’ll look for some (cheap) black DK weight and try again.  In the meantime, I’ve started another DROPS pattern for a nice easy bag in some of the purple cotton left over from my shrug.

Speaking of shrug – it’s DONE!!!  And I’m really pleased. (Pattern Here)

This was the first pattern I tried from DROPS, and it worked up very nicely.  I’m still not a huge fan of the way they wrote the dart in the center back, but I don’t really know how I would change it, so, I won’t complain.  The thing took FOREVER to block though!  Basically, because we’ve had rain 20 out of the last 26 days.  With this kind of humidity, a cotton sweater laid out on the table just doesn’t dry!

So now, maybe I’m in a purple phase, because I’ve also broken into my purple Malabrigo, and am doing the shifting sands scarf. Here’s where it stands now:

I really like this pattern.  It’s just lots and lots of cables (one over two). They’re easy enough to do without a cable needle, but they do take a bit more time. The pattern calls for DK weight but I’m using worsted with one less pattern repeat (are you seeing a theme?). I’m following Brooklyn Tweed’s  modifications. I call this my meditative knitting, because it’s basically, the same thing over and over, but takes longer than plain knits or purls.  And, because of that, while I’m really enjoying it (and LOVE  the Malabrigo), it also gets mind numbingly boring.  So, although I do tend to be a monogamous knitter, I admit, I’ve felt the need to stray.  I’ve taken a couple of breaks from this scarf (the frogged sweater from this weekend is a case in point).  I managed a set of fingerless gloves (Knitty Pattern Here):

The gloves were pretty horrible – not the pattern’s fault.  Definitely mine.  I didn’t trust the length in the pattern and ended up knitting the first one three times.  (First time, I thought they seemed too short, frogged, and knit them longer – realized they were way too long, then frogged again and re-knit to what I thought was the right size.  Although, I realized afterward that I just should have trusted the pattern in the first place). Jasmine likes them, though.  I’m guessing she’ll be stealing them come fall.

Then I took another break because I had a skein of Manos silk that was calling my name. Here’s what it looks like now:

Nooooo – it’s not a washcloth!  It’s the Darkside Cowl (Rav link), and I love it!  It’s so soft and looks awesome on. (You’re going to have to trust me on that one, because there’s no one here to take a picture, and I’ve learned that I just can’t figure out how to take pictures in the mirror). Love it!!!!

In personal news, here’s what we did on the last day of school:

Jasmine got her ears pierced at the same place where I had mine done Hmmm years ago! She did great!  The earrings were her idea, but I’m definitely the proud mama!

About a week ago my friend, Lucy, sent an e-mail with a “Shameless Plug” included. She had just started her own Etsy store, and wanted her friends, family and acquaintances to come look.  Now, anyone the reads my blog, knows that I’m a huge fan of the “Shameless Plug” so off I went over to Etsy . . .

Here’s the link:

The Paisley Fish – Unique, whimsical designs, inspired by daydreams.

I met Lucy in college, and she’s always been one of the most wonderful, imaginative,  and just plain “fun” people I know. Lucy is the kind of person who can draw you into a world of creativity. Her shop’s tagline could describe the owner as much as the store. So now she’s way up in New England and I’m lost in the wilds of New Jersey. I wish we were closer, but thanks to the miracles of e-mail, Facebook and instant messaging, we still manage to keep in touch.

Here’s a pic of us (stolen from Facebook) from our college days – the age of big hair and bigger sunglasses – I have better photos, but I haven’t set up my scanner to work with the new computer, and don’t want to take the time to figure it out now.  So, this is the best I can do on short notice.  (Is anyone else getting a little nervous that I’ve posted old pictures of myself two posts in a row?)

Now, back to the goods – Lucy has created some wonderful, whimsical earrings – many using antique buttons. And her prices are excellent.  I saw her Rootbeer Float earrings, and had to have them.  And, of course, I justify it by saying that I’m supporting my friend – YEA!

Rootbeer Float Earrings by The Paisley Fish

So now they’re mine!  Aren’t they so cute?  I love the browns. They’re so warm and cheery – it makes me want to run out and get a rootbeer float to sip while I wear them. They came yesterday. The earrings themselves were in an organza bag, and the whole thing was packaged in a cute little box complete with a “Paisley Fish” decal. LOOOOVVEEEE THEM!!!!

Go visit the site! There are so many more wonderful things on there – check out the little pink or red cherry earrings!  (I may need to get those too. I’m trying to withstand the temptation.)

Have you ever seen the movie Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion? It’s about girlfriends who graduated from high school in the 80’s.  Romy & Michele are the are such close friends that they are the only ones to ever appear together in their school yearbook photo.  I think there are an awful lot of Romy & Michele’s out there.

Case in point:

Vicki & Michelle circa 1986

No, we didn’t take the actual  yearbook picture together, but we did get our senior yearbook photos taken during the same session.  Close enough.

So, I was very, very honored to stand for my longtime friend when she got married last weekend. It was a beautiful day and I was grateful to be a part of it.

Take a look:

The wedding took place at her father’s house, nestled in the woods.  I feel like I grew up at this house.  It was strange but good to be back there.  As I drove down the road toward their home, I almost felt like I was driving back in time 20-some years.

Have we changed much? I’ll let you be the judge of that.  But one thing is for sure.  Our hair is a lot better now!

In any event, I was so glad to see my friend so happy. I wish both the bride and her groom all the happiness in the world!

I just got the best swap box ever!  WOO HOO!!! Check out this swag!

This was the Dishcloth & Tea swap from Ravelry’s Tea & More Group.  This box came from “unchained” in TX.  Let me tell you – if you are ever in a swap, pray that you’re her swapee.  This box was amazing.  Here’s what was included:

• Totally funky rainbow multi-colored dishcloth
• Revolution chocolate orange green tea (can’t wait to try this one!)
• Lonestar chai loose tea from Sterling Tea in Texas
• Three skeins of Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton in Green, Navy & Fuschia
• Two skeins of Ironstone in Sky which is going to make an awesome skinny scarf!
• Stash Lemon Honey Sticks
• Set of 6 (!!!) beaded stitch markers by Mama Llama (I love, Love, LOVE stitch markers!).  These will be perfect for my next pair of socks!
• Very cool hand-stamped notecard
• M&M’s Premium (which will be hidden as soon as this is posted so that I will not have to share).
• And, last but not least, a wonderful little note on the cutest card!

I am just overflowing with squee & gratitude right now.  YEA!!!!

Did I mention that Unchained is one of the owners of Yarntopia? If you’re ever in Katy, TX make sure you visit them!  (Of course, you can always buy online too!)

So, what have I been doing lately?

Well, Mom & I successfully pulled off my sister-in-law’s baby shower.  Unfortunately, between trying to visit with everyone and keep an eye on the traveling boy I didn’t get many pictures.

Here’s one of my sister-in-law coming in – Surprise!!!

I did get the bright idea to give the camera to Jasmine.  She really is a good photographer. Unfortunately, she was in her artsy phase which meant she got lots of great still lifes of stuff sitting around the house, but very few of the actual shower or guests.

I did convince her to take one of the cake cutting …

OK – so she missed the cutting of the actual party cake – and managed to get one of the cheesecake instead.  Oh well.  Not a problem because that cheesecake was totally amazing.  Mmmmm – still thinking about it.

Recent knitting?

Well, I did a stash of dishcloths for swaps and presents (I try to keep a steady supply for my aunt since I know she likes/uses them). Here are a couple …

Patterns here:

Star cloth

Double flower cloth

And I managed a couple of bookmarks (not worth picturing).  Nothing too involved or impressive.

BUT, I have now started the shrug that’s been in my queue for the last few months and I’ve been itching to try.

Here’s where it stands so far:

Click here for the pattern and to see a picture of what it should look like once it’s finished!

My original thought was to finish it before this Saturday. I’m in a wedding and after the ceremony have the option of changing into more casual attire. But, it’s not going to make it for that – and I’m not going to stress myself over it.  I’m making good time and should be able to finish it in time to get lots of use out of it on cool summer evenings.

So that’s the latest.

Before . . .

During . . .

After . . .

YEA!!!!!

And if you’re looking for knitting content. I’m pleased to report that my Tonks Socks are done!  check ‘em out:

Yes, I know they don’t match, and the only thing I have to say about that is “I meant to do that!”  Seriously.  I did.  I actually thought about this ahead of time.  I rolled my skein into two relatively equal balls, and then considered trying to find the same spot on both to start.  But . . . 1) the repeat on this pattern is so wide – it’s something like 7″  and, not having ever used this colorway before, I had no idea how far apart I was. 2) The more I thought about it, I figured if I started with the same spot and then the two got just a little bit off, that slight difference would really irk me. While if they were way off, it wouldn’t bother me.  And 3) These are Harry Potter socks!  Who would ever think that Harry Potter socks should match, right?  Anyway, I love them.  They fit great, and I even made the little bag to keep them in. See it here:

So, yes. I admit to being a geek.  BUT, I’m a geek with Harry Potter socks. WOO HOO!!!

A couple of weeks ago, one of my Ravelry buddies, Rebecca, announced a spring contest on her blog – littlesliceoflife.wordpress.com.

And **tatatatatatat** – (that’s the drumroll) yours truly WON!!!  WOO HOO!

So, my lovely winnings just arrived in the mail today.

All the items are handmade by Rebecca – they’re all so beautiful -  A bookmark, coaster, notecard and earrings.  Take a look at a closeup of the earrings:

They’re sooooo pretty!  The photo doesn’t do them justice.

And the bookmark and coaster have a book and a cup of tea waiting for them!

So a great big thank you to Rebecca!

And one more thing -  I have to do a little plug for her wonderful blog – which I do read regularly. It’s a treasure trove of beautiful pictures and wonderful homey information about crafting, cooking and all kinds of interesting things. Check it out!

When you  have kids, Easter always includes egg hunts. We participated in several this year, the favorite being the annual family egg hunt. And, the highlight of that hunt? The hammock, of course. Here’s how playing on the hammock started:

By the time they were finished, this is what the hammock looked like:

And before you ask, no, it did not end in tears – everyone eventually rolled off still laughing.

We also did our annual Easter Egg dying. In our family, we use natural egg dyes – a tradition that started with my grandmother.  Here is this year’s batch:

Gran used to only use red onion skins (the red eggs in the back row), but we’ve since tried other methods as well. The yellow are made using tumeric, the light brown are coffee and the blue are made using red cabbage leaves. The blues especially turn out pretty, although I can’t make any promises regarding taste – in order to get them dyed they have to sit in the pan with the cabbage leaves for several hours. . .

So Easter was lovely. And it was nice to make a special point to remember the real reason for our celebrations.

Oh – Needlework updates?  Well, as I think I mentioned before, I am so incredibly excited for my new little niece to come this summer.  So, I made another baby set. This one will be a gift for after she’s born (the other blanket was for the baby shower). Here’s what I did:

The blanket is my favorite pattern (Rav link) – again! -  I’ve made this one so many times I think I could do it with my eyes shut. And then I added Lorraine Major’s 5 hour baby sweater, and a lucky cat.  He still needs his lucky coin necklace, but other than that he’s finished.  I’m not sure if I’m pleased with him or not. The original pattern calls for him to be felted, but I wanted to use the same yarn as the other pieces, which is acrylic (don’t hate me – it’s for baby stuff, and babies are messy). So, I just knit him really tightly. Of course, I got through the head and remembered (again) how much I hate making toys.  I don’t know why I do this to myself.  PLEASE, if anyone sees any more toys on my Ravelry queue, schedule an intervention.

Wow – it feels like I’m just turning out the projects left and right!  Now that I’m finished with the dreaded, bane of my existence blue cardigan, I’m playing catch-up on some of the other little things that I’ve been wanting to try out.

So, most recent first.  I love looking at amigurumi, but I haven’t ever tried one.  Basically because I know that I do NOT like to make toys.  I don’t like finish work in general, and it seems that the proportion of finish work to actual knit/crochet in most toy patterns, make them not fun for me.  BUT, when I came across this little amigurumi heart I had to try it! (Plus this weekend is Valentine’s day, so it only made sense to make a few).  These are sooooo cute!  And they went so fast – and better yet – very little finishing!  The pattern calls for 9mm eyes, but I could only find 12mm, so that’s what I used, but I don’t think they look too big.  And the pattern calls for Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft, but I had some leftover red Wool-Ease within reach, so that’s what these are made from, and I think it worked fine. Love them!

Next, I finally got around to making my Daria bracelet.  Now, let me tell you, I LOVE Noro – the colors are so amazing. And Noro Daria is WONDERFUL! I made several of these bracelets.  And, I’m thinking that I may use more of the skein for a small change purse, or possibly a pocket for my MP3 player.  Love it!  Daria doesn’t have much give like a normal yarn would, so it took me a bit to figure out how to work the i-cord to keep the stitches tight and even, but once I figured that out, they flew by!

I keep telling myself that I should take a break from swaps, but the Who Knits group on Ravelry was doing a TEA SWAP!  Of course, I have to do that one.  So, in addition to a Daria bracelet, and some stitch markers, I’ve made a mug cozy to send along. I can’t tell you who it’s for yet, but she says she likes rose colors, so I think this one might do the trick.  It’s a great pattern – very quick and not much finishing (again, major plus for me!)

So those are the new items this week.

I also finished and blocked the gift doily for my neighbor:

That went off to her yesterday with a thank-you note.

And I finally blocked my Rose Green for my cousin:

It really is circular – it’s just draped over the back of the chair. I tried to block this last weekend. Washed it, and decided to put it out on our deck table to block/dry. And . . . forgot about it. When we opened the door to go to the bus-stop Monday morning, there it was – frozen.  Never fear, though, it thawed nicely, and then dried just fine!

I love when things finish, and I can start on more stuff!  YEA!!!!  Now it’s off to update my Ravelry!