My Spring Knitting

Another challenge from SI2Me ~ Post about your spring knitting plans. Do you have a new project in mind? Joining a new group? Any new goals you wish to share?

I don't have any new goals just the ones I've already implemented that are done quarterly ~ you can read those here. Since spring is during one of my quarters, this is my list of things I'd like to do along with some new things:

~ socks: goal is 1 pr a month ~ totally 3 in the quarter. I've several listed in my Ravelry queue and dh has requested a few more pairs. I may get more done.

~ items for self: goal is 1-2 items a qtr ~ Mirepoix Bodice made in Tahki Classic Cotton (postponed from current qtr) and the Back to School Vest in Cascade Sierra.

~ dishcloths: goal is 2 per month ~ totally 3 in the quarter. I found some really pretty spring ones along w/being involved in 2 KALs.

~ UFOs: goal is to complete 1 per month ~ totally 3 in the quarter and there are only 3 left. Yeah!

~ groups/kals: I join groups weekly on Ravelry so that isn't a goal for me. Though I've got my eye on one or two new KALs but will wait and see since I'm doing stashalong, I don't need any temptations to purchase more yarn. LOL

~ new projects: I do have a few new projects in mind but they are too many to name here. You can checkout my queue at Ravelry (RockstarMom) for more on this. ;D I also joined Sock Wars ~ now thats a challenge. LOL

Share the Yarn Love

Yep ~ another contest for SI2Me. LOL

Contest 3: Share the Yarn Love

Let's face it, there are a lot of knitters out there. And with that goes the fact that there is a lot of yarn out there! For this contest you will post 10 of your favorite yarns out there. They can be just sock yarn or lace or whatever your heart desires.

Its difficult to pick just 10 but I managed and here they are:

1. Mountain Colors (love Bearfoot)
2. Regia (Fasset Design, Tweed & 4 ply)*my LYS*
3. Caron Simply Soft
4. Debbie Bliss (Cashmerino & Baby Cash)
5. Louisa Harding (Grace & La Salute Quattro)
6. Jawoll Cotton Jacquard
7. Cherry Tree Hill (Sockittome & DK)
8. Classic Elite's Creme
9. Lion Brand Cotton
10. Cascade Yarns (Sierra, 220 & Key Largo)

~ Eye Candy ~

DCS ~ Topic of the Week #2

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

I used cotton mostly with 7 circs or a H or J hook. Metal of course and I prefer Boye. Boye circs with the black cord are smooth and easy to use. I've only used metal hooks and they too are smooth. I'm interested in trying KnitPicks Harmony needles. My particular fav cotton is Lion Brand but I do enjoy using Sinafora, Sugar n Cream, Peaches n Cream and a german brand I'm currently using for my partner but can't find the band at the moment to list. The Lion Brand is durable, smooth and very soft, it is also easy on the hands when using in 2 strands with a hook. ;)

~ SP11 Contest #2 ~

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
if needles count, my circs ~ but the one accessory I couldn't live without is my "folding scissors." I use them for everything and they fit in my pocket nicely. ;D
2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?
now I do but before I only took a book and my crochet or cross-stitch. recently, I've taken dishcloths and small projects.
3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
the beach ~ but starbucks if you mean locally.
4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
at knits end by yarn harlot ~ no I don't own it.
5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
no.
6. If you could only knit with 1 color for the rest of your life, what color would that be?
hmm, red ~ lots of red. ;D
7. If you were far into a project and then noticed a mistake near the beginning what would you do?
depends on the project ~ since I've only done small ones, I've ripped them back.
8. Where is the most unsual spot you've ever knit?
I'm not sure any spot is unusual anymore ~ my most unusual spots were the golf tournaments and rock concerts. :D

~ Vegan Pal 2 Contest #1 ~ pt 2

~ Yarn Review ~

Louet Euroflax
Sport Wt.
2.75-3.5 mm needles (2-4 US)
6 sts per inch
1300 yds/lb
100% Wet Spun Linen

~ I've never used linen before and was looking forward to it. I received this yarn as a gift in a No Sheep Swap and in my favorite color. After using it, I wouldn't say it is my favorite vegan yarn but I do love the finished product. The knitted items are very soft and squishy. Working with the yarn takes some getting use to. It is a single ply yarn which I wasn't aware of until after struggling w/it for about a week. After getting some input from some other knitters discovered that what I was experiencing with the yarn was typical and this made it a much better knit. The yarn is uneven ~ it can be thin then thick then thin again. It is abit pricy at about $19 a skein. The linen will make lovely garments but I think I'd rather sew with linen than knit with it. I'm not sure if I will be using it again anytime soon but would love to see my friend's curtains once he has been able to acquire the needed skeins to make them. The cost is delaying his project too.

Swap Contest Fun

I've been playing and I've had fun. Over at our Knitters' Coffee Swap ~ there is a contest. You had to pick some yummy coffee colored yarn and a lovely pattern that you'd love to knit. Here is my submission.
Don't you love my Mocha Capp ~ its Cappuccino for short.

Enjoy your Memorial Day and remember to honor those who have gone before.