Westozcaat- The Knitting

What a Bag!

2008-04-07T22:11:00.001+08:00

IMGP8583,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Wow what a great bag from my Ravelry swap pal PURPLE STITCHES!!! Thanks times 100.

It was filled (see flickr) with great goodies, a notepad and pen, point protectors (v. needed) a knitters gauge, tape measure with beaded cover, and jo sharp yarn samples- hello someone has been stalking me- I LOVE shade cards.

And the bag- wow. Based on the knitting needle bag but in a great butterfly stitch in grey with red sides and LINED strap, with a centre partiton (also lined) snap closure on one half, a pocket for the notebook and some bling to make the final perfect touch.

It is really amazing. I love it (and have already filled it to take to work tomorrow to show off! Thanks again Purplestitches.

One more thing: I know I have hardly posted at all lately, and they will be only sparodic but please note I AM reading everyones posts- all the blog stalking members- I read you everyday and whilst don't comment much i am a loyal reader.

going back to petting shade cards now.....

Library Additions

2008-03-10T17:08:00.003+09:00

I went shopping last thursday night, and then today my amazon additions to my knitting book obsession arrived.
I'm so happy I don't know what to knit next.

They are:
Essential Baby- Debbie Bliss
Weardowney Knit Couture- Henry Conway and Gail Downey
New Pathways for Sock Knitters- Cat Bordhi
The Knitter's Book of Yarn- Clara Parkes
Knitting Classic Style- Veronik Avery

New yarns in the house include: sock yarn, sock yarn and more sock yarn.
I have become a collector.

Also my large (for me) malabrigo purchase should arrive tomorrow so keep an eye out for me rolling around in it.!!

Opps I forgot to Post

2008-02-17T18:18:00.003+09:00

As can be seen from the last post date, this blog has been neglected for far too long.

There are a few reasons for this

1) Exams

2) Travel

3) New Job!!!- I passed the exams and am now a librarian at the State Library of WA.

4) Lack of Knitting.

5) Ravelry

However, as I am now on Week 3 of the new job- I thought it was time to drag this back out of the depths of neglect and let all 2 people who have not tuned out by now, know that I am alive, knitting (more) tiny socks for tiny babies and trying to come to terms with the fact that working full time means alot less knitting time.

FO's to come, when I actually finish something.

My knitting goal for 2008- To finish all the UFO's from 2007 and not start anything new till they are finished. But given the fact I just ordered 3 new knitting books from amazon I am not sure of my chances of success!!!

Birthday Yarn Porn

2007-11-21T22:15:00.000+09:00

On Saturday I will be 30. Happy Birthday me!!

as a present to myself I ordered some zen garden yarn from Knitting Inspirations. It is in the merino/seacell yarn and is a special aussie wildflower colourway. This one is Mottlecah. (the other one is on back order).

Anyway, it arrived today and tonight at my early birthday dinner, my sister (who is away on the weekend) and her husband gave me my pressie- a new camera!!! I am soo excited. It is a canon digital ixus 950IS with image stabaliser and all that jazz but now look at my new yarn porn photos- they are soo much better! So happy birthday me (and thanks sis!)

YPF

2007-11-09T19:01:00.000+09:00

Just in time for YPF, a package gets delivered. It is the first month of the Yarn Collective's Sock Club, a new Aussie based sock club (that is also pay by month!)

What a great start, yummy yarn, a beautiful stitch marker from monsterknits and organic CHOCOLATE (not pictured as in fridge getting ready to be eaten) The second photo shows the colours better. Such a pretty spring colourway (cherry pie is its name) and the best part- its labeled batch #1. Whoo hoo. Now I just wait for the knitpicks needles to arrive and it will be cast on, I am thinking embossed leaves.

PS: Dear Blogstalkers, sorry for the lack of content but as assignments, exams and illness are all apparent this last month the completion of even 2 rows of knitting a sock a night have been hard to accomplish. However after exams it will return to schedule (before taking a break when i go to egypt!!!!!!)

For My Swappee

2007-11-03T12:03:00.000+09:00

Opps- My Bad!

Ok here are the photos, my fav cup, my one cup coffee plunger and my normal coffee plunger- I think its about a 4 cup one. I also own a giant party sized one but rarely use it.

ps: the funky ruler is from Mt. Buller ski shop from according to the back when I was in year 7! I can't believe its still around.

I have been Knitting

2007-11-02T18:17:00.001+09:00

Clue 4,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

...But not much. Due to illness, delayed assignments now needing to be done, and upcoming exams this blog will be pretty empty till after my birthday (yep I am 30 on the 24th I know ages away still)
so what is on my needles

Lace
1) Secret of the Stole - Clue 4 Complete (see pic)
2) Mystic Waters Shawl - Clue 1, Chart A Complete, Up to Row 94 Chart B
3) MS3- no further progress (Still not started Clue 6)

Socks
1) September/October Mystery Socks from Ravelry- Just up to ribbing on front on sock 1- completed 4 rows in the last week (huge!)
2) November Mystery Sock from Ravelry- Clue Week 1 (Cuff) - One done
3) Horcrux Socks- Still in Hibernation
4) Theolonius- Still in Hibernation

Jumpers (Sweaters)
1) Cover Jumper from Interweave Summer 07- Still in Hibernation. Have done back and 3/4 front but still not sure about it as it is aran weight cotton, and therefore heavy. Thinking will frog and offer yarn for destash. If interested it is 6-7ish balls of Jo Sharp Aran Desert Cotton in Solstice (off white)

Back Soon I promise

Can Anyone Help

2007-10-24T17:08:00.000+08:00

I am looking for the Fall 07 issues of both Knitscene and Knit 1. Neither have appeared in Australia. Any help will be appreciated and rewarded in some way :)

In news, I have been very ill for the last 3 weeks (not counting the surgery, which went well and was caught in time. The doc said had we not had health insurance by the time i got to the top of the waiting list it would of been cancer, so thank god for private health insurance!) No I have been very dizzy, lethargic, nauseas, and can't even knit! so no real progress on anthing- just a few rows a night have been all I can manage. However we are taking copius amounts of blood, and have ruled out diabetes, thyroid, iron, b12, salt and about half a dozen others so are still searching. however, I am positive it will all be ok in the end.

Ciao for now (must go sleep)

Blogstalking 2: Statues

2007-10-20T13:24:00.001+08:00

Image00049,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

When I was in Europe in 05/06 I found out that the Europeans LOVE their statues. Especially ones of people on horses looking triumphant over some sort of adversity, Now we all know what they look like, so I didn't post one here (though I have plenty of them). Instead I would like to show you what the main shopping street of Prague looked like when I visited. I am not sure but I think this is a permanant exhibition of strange street art. Every 100m or so was another very different type of installation. This was my favourite. Enjoy!

What Am I Worth

2007-10-10T22:05:00.000+08:00

Dead.................... stolen from Ceallach

$6325.00

as for knitting, the following are being worked on (not including hiatus projects)
1) MS3 Stole (still, up to Clue 6, Chart I)
2) Secret of the Stole (Clue one done, awaiting clue 2)
3) Maia's Mystery Sock, Scheherazade's Slipper (on ravelry)- sock one done up to clues given. I did mod this one, as I cannot do the toe-up easy cast on (its too hard) I do a crochet cast on, decrease down the back, increase with patterning up the front, pick up the stitches at 30 per needle and off I go. It hasn't altered the pattern much at all, and its do-able.
4) Sideways Ribbed Baby Jacket, from Cleckheaton. Must finish and iron flat so the ribbing expands and it will actually fit the baby (good thing I did the 6-month size)
I think thats enough to keep me occupied for now.

Black Rainbow

2007-10-08T13:54:00.001+08:00

Black Rainbow Closeup,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Yumm just look at this yarn.
Isn't it just sooo pretty. I think so.
It is 100g of Black Rainbow sock yarn from Irene at www.jollyjumbuck.net

thanks Irene!!

full photo on flickr

Socktopia August Mystery Socks Done

2007-10-03T22:30:00.001+08:00

Socktopia August Mystery Socks Done,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Whoo hoo
After finally getting the toe instructions (damn blogger) I finished these off tonight. They are great- I love them. Thanks MommaMonkey.

Blogstalking 2: Week 2: Purse Guts

2007-10-03T15:59:00.001+08:00

I'm behind already. Oops' blame it on bad ex-boyfriends and MS3 knitting. I am finally up to the wing, well on chart H! whoo hoo. I really want to get this done and start the other 2 mystery stoles I am doing.

So here is the purse. Its my faithful red one from when I was in Japan. I love this purse. And in it, everything from a cardigan, a book just purchased, makeup, lots of pills, ipod, knitting, etc etc etc.... (Once again how true is it that a picture tells 1000 words).

And check out these little wire guys. They were a gift from my friend who just spent 2 weeks in Namibia- so cute.

Thanks all for the kind words about asshole ex. Everyone (even my grandmother) is glad he is finally out of the picture so it is for the best.

Next challenge: Mystery Sock Toes.

Blogstalking 2: Week 2: Purse Guts

2007-10-03T15:59:00.000+08:00

Why Men Suck*

2007-09-28T22:32:00.000+08:00

Why men suck* or My Ex is an Asshole

*all except Ed who reads knitting blogs and is a blogstalker, so must be cool, though I don't get his thing for guns.

so this is how the story goes... we haven't been really seeing each other much over the last few months since he got back from his trip to the philipnes (that I was meant to go on)- to be exact- 3 times since august. So something is up. I thought he just was too easy going and really couldn't give a s*#T about wether he saw me or not. So I thought letting him go would be the easy option. I thought it would be easy as I had hardly seen him and didn't think it would be a problem.

So Wednesday, the following text conversation ensures:

Him: hi babe hows the studies going

Me: good but we need to talk

Him: about

Me: us

Him: when

Me: fri at pub at 6

ok no problems there

so then friday comes around. I am feeling sick about doing this btw, almost physically sick, I hate this cause deep down I still really like him.

So I get there at 6 on the dot. 10 past he is not there. I run (in the car) home.

20 past the following text exchange occurs

Him: where r u

me: u didnt show so i left

him: in front beer garden

me: come here instead

him: no neutral ground better

me: u dont have to come inside i have stuff in the oven

him: no here

so i ring: why dont u come here, he says no, i say i guess you know why i want to talk anyway, he says well it was over for me since u said u were not coming with me to phillipines (that was in MAY) , me- why didnt u say something, him- i thought it could work but it hasnt, me- well you should of said something earlier, him- yeh well

me- well i have your t-shirt, i shall stick it in the letterbox and you can pick it up, him- keep it. me - fine (hang up)

WHAT AN ASSHOLE

i was almst in tears. how could he be such a prick to let me hanging for so long, being mad and upset almost every week when i didnt hear from him for 5 months. ASSHOLE. but i have had chips and chocolate now so i feel a little better. ranting helps too.

thanks for listening. it all helps

purse guts tomorrow i promise.

And I finally finished the Breeze socks, and the socktopia ones are waiting for the toes.

No offence Monkey Mamma I have the upmost respect for you and I love your patterns, but the organisation of the suprise pattern has not been great. It is really disapointing when you post on your blog but not able to post on the socktopia one, so we can finish the pattern. Please dont take this the wrong way but maybe next time parts could be set up to automatically post each week so your loyal fans could get their fix faster.

So if anyone out there knows any cute, 30-odd, financially secure, nice, sexy, funny, sweet men- send them my way :)

Finished

2007-09-23T17:56:00.001+08:00

Finished,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

As promised...
The reskeined Knitpicks Bare dyed yesterday with food colouring in the crockpot.
I am happy with it. Now it is ready to be admired till a suitable pattern found!

Yarn, Dye and Help Please

2007-09-22T15:58:00.000+08:00

I slipped, yep thats right I bought yarn. And needles, but mainly yarn.

Enough (i hope) for a top. Its new in Australia- I grabbed it right off the counter as they were unpacking it!! Its Cleckheaton Bamboo. $3.95 a ball - see why I grabbed.

the only trouble is that it is 4ply. So if anyone knows of any patterns for 4ply yarn similar to the Brioche Bodice your help would be appreciated. Greatly.

I also bought some Colinette Jitterbug. The LYS only had 4 colourways and this was my favourite of those available- Castagna. The only problem- it was $30 a skein. That for me is too much. But it will be fondled for all its expensive worth.

This weekend also bought about the great dye trial (part 2)

I have to say I am not getting much better. There are still alot of light patches where the yarn did not go through. But I do like it. Here it is cooking the 2nd lot (the blue dye.) The other one was black dye which had a lot of blue in it as well.

I think if I was to redo this I would dye it all blue first, then overdye the black.

But we shall see tomorrow how it all turns out.

Blogstalking 2: The Re-Awakening

2007-09-15T15:30:00.000+08:00

Well its back and its bigger than Ben Hur.

I loved this last year- it gave me heaps of blogs to add to bloglines and lots of comments (yes I am proud to be a comment whore!)

so now I go to add all this years participants to my bloglines list and hope they do the same to me.

The first week is who am I? well as the saying goes a picture speaks a thousand words? This is me- Student, Knitter, Blogger, Computer Geek.

This is why you have health insurance...

2007-09-11T20:00:00.000+08:00

Up until this year I had not had a pap smear in 8 years. Why, well my first experience was so horrible it scarred me for life- i still shudder to this day when thinking about it.

Two things made me have one this year, a friend having cervical cancer and having her cervix out at the ripe old age of 27 and bezzies promise of yarn (still waiting to win!!)

So I did.

The first one came back with a slight abnormality- no biggie, lets wait 3 months and see what happens.

The second one said it was a little less slight- ok lets make a specialist appointment.
(Pulling some strings) got an appointment for a months time.

Fast forward to today......
The specialist.
There is a problem there. It is a pre-cancer growth. It is NOT cancer. It is what will grow up to be cancer if left untreated.

The surgery (local or general knockout- i choose general) will take place either on the 26/9 or 3/10.

This is why I pay all that money to my private health insurance company.

I hate hospitals and needles and surgery but i will suffer one day in exchange for the rest of my life.

Sorry no knitting content today, the socks are growing and the baby jacket is at the 45% mark.

2007-09-09T21:38:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the lack of postings- its due to assignment hell. I am not enjoing the current units and its showing- procrastination is the order of the day. Not much knitting either.

Regular knitting updates back soon....

Heel One, Sock One- Done

2007-08-30T00:41:00.001+08:00

Heel One, Sock One- Done,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Did I mention I really like this pattern!!

Oops

2007-08-27T22:52:00.001+08:00

Oops,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

umm yeh...

oops

edit: Its ok- I managed to fix it and it is all nice and in a ball now. As to what happened- well I reskeined the unraveled WIP, soaked it for 5 min, rolled it in a towel, went to hang it out to drip dry, saw the beginnings of this, tried to fix it and WHAM- as Libi commented- instant yarn crime scene.

And on the next day She Frogged

2007-08-27T16:23:00.000+08:00

Today I bit the bullet and frogged a whole heap of UFO's.

Mainly socks that I have done in either A) the wrong yarn, B) the wrong size C) lost the mojo.

So what went: The nancy bush one sock with the anticraft vinnland mate- Both these I made just for fun- they are 2 thick for me, in future- i shall use this yarn on larger needles.

Millicent- as seen in the archives, this was done on baby yarn, wrong choice, and I forgot about negative ease and made them too big. So now- well I have lots of new sock yarn which is heading that way. I will be trying this pattern again.

German Stocking- stuffed up the chart and again the same yarn as millicent- I think cookieA's patterns need proper sock yarn- not grignasco bambi- stunning fingering 100% merino fine yarn.

A Crochet Dinasour: After breaking 2 chrochet hooks on this I am getting the feeling of while I love looking at aragumi it is not my thing.

And lastly a picture. It rained alot yesterday and as I was driving along I saw a double rainbow. You can only just see it- it was very faint, and it is a camera phone photo.

Haircut- Unsure and Swap Thanks

2007-08-24T18:12:00.000+08:00

A big thanks to Sandra from the Knittyboard, who swapped some yarn with me. It is even better than the picture shows, especially since I thought I was only getting 2 balls and she sent 3!!!! and she sent lollies- which are in the course of being demolished!

Also I had my hair cut today and am just not sure about it. What do you think?

yes that is the recently finished Kate Gilbert Slanted Neck Pullover I am wearing!

Im In Im In

2007-08-24T11:05:00.001+08:00

Whoo hoo
I got it
My ravelry invite of course

now to go play-

I am westozcaat on there too
please add me, atm I have no friends!!

Clue 2 Finished

2007-08-22T12:40:00.001+08:00

Clue 2 Finished,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

I finished off the second leg this morning- so we are eagerly awaiting the next heel installment of the sock-along. Its a great and easy pattern- I recommend it to anyone who is beginning lace socks or who wants an easy knit.

In other lace news I still am up in the air about wether to finish the mystery stole as written, or to do the symmetrical stole. by repeating the clues again and knitting on the centre panel.

Any thoughts?

"Rut-Busting Sock Swap" the goodies

2007-08-18T00:31:00.001+08:00

"Rut-Busting Sock Swap" the goodies,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

I cant seem to blog properly today- its driving me nuts.

Well this is the amazing haul I got from my sp- the great disney bag it came in is on flicka- if anyone can tell me how to get more than one photo in i would be grateful.

Also on flicka- the leg of the socktopia mystery sock.

Enjoy

Green Jumper Finished

2007-08-13T21:23:00.000+08:00

I finally finished my Tour De France jumper.

It is the Slanted Neck Pullover by Kate Gilbert from the Spring 07 IK, in the 38.5" size.
I have used the Lang Yarns Merino Superwash in a dark olive colour.
I made no mods, though now I have it on I should of made it a bit longer so it wouldn't ride up and expose the unwanted tummy region.

I also should of reknit the collar as it is not as perfect as I would of hoped, but it will do. Also even though I was sure it was a one-to-one ratio with the sleeves to armhole numbers, it ended up more a three-to-two so the sleeve seaming is not great. My seaming is slowly improving.

However, it is yummy and comfy and hopefully the temperature will drop to proper jumper weather rather than light-weight jumper weather. I love the way the ribbing goes all the way to the sleeves when joined and also how the ribbing hides all those nasty seaming mistakes.

On all, a 10/10 for love of yarn, a 8/10 for FO, and a 70% probability I shall actually wear it (which also is a new thing for me!)

Just in Time for YPF!!

2007-08-03T15:48:00.000+08:00

Mail! Whoo hoo and a visit to a small craft fair, where for once in my life I picked up some locally made yarn and buttons. Also the secret package arrived but I can't post it as it is the yarn for my knittyboard Rut busting sock pal.

But onto the Yarn porn!

First up: A purchase from Handpaintedyarn.com. Whilst it isn't the highest quality or as well spun as the zepher- 850yds for $6 (US) is still a good bargin. I got 3 skeins of emerald green.

Next the haul from the craft fair: Baby buttons for baby cardigans, hand made wood buttons from Chunky Timber and yarn from WA's own majestic merino. ($13 Aus for 100g/198m) not bad. I bought 3 skiens for the fitted knits shrug, in yes again green and grey.

And last but not least, my charity haul. No I didn't pick it up, I gave it away. Yep all these handknitted goodies (plus more) went off to Save the Children. Good Karma restored!!

Suprise!! Feelings....

2007-07-31T15:55:00.000+08:00

Its Here!!!

I can finally join the baby suprise gang with my pattern from the Bead and Opal Wool Queen arriving. And I was bad- I added to my sock stash with some opal feelings- they will be knee-highs (one day!) Right now, they will be a nice stash addition.

Yeah me!

The Tour Endith

2007-07-30T21:41:00.000+08:00

Well the Tour De France is over for another year. And so is the KAL knitting. Whilst I had to pull a 'robbie' and abandon the sprinters jersey halfway through the final stretch, I still consider that I conquered the mountain jersey- so 1 out of 2 isn't bad.

It was a great KAL with a well run site so kudos to Meg and Debbie!

Photos when I find the camera!!

Tour Wildcard Complete

2007-07-19T23:06:00.000+08:00

Update de Tour

well as announced earlier in the week, the green jumper was temporarily replaced by a wildcard speed entrant- a baby shrug- by debbie bliss in the cashmerino aran. All i can say about this yarn is YUMMMM i want a whole jumper in it for me!!

Cast on Monday, Cast off Thursday. Nice and quick, and oh so cute.

As for the mountain MS3, it was finished, about an hour ago so am interupting the stage 11 viewing to post it here for ohhh's and ahhh's. It is getting really pretty!

(sorry bad photo)

So now, back to casting on the front for the green jumper- alot of sprint knitting to do over this flat!!

WIP Update

2007-07-15T11:55:00.000+08:00

Well all socks are on hold this week as the Tour De France Kal takes front and centre. (Although I did finish the other bootee!)

On Friday night (stage 6) I finished Clue 2 of the Mystery Stole- so my mountain 'goal' is on track.

Last night with the first mountain stage (stage 7) I actually got to watch most of the stage live, which for WA is a big change as normally our coverage starts 2 hours after the eastern states (like for tonight- which sucks cause it is a great stage!)

So, the back of the Olive Kate Gilbert jumper was completed- leaving my green sprinter classification on track as well.

I find these Kal's help me really motor along with jumpers- the only other one I actually finished last year was the olympic KAL jumper, so I think I need the pressure of a finish date to help me knit all that stocking stitch.

Tonight seeing it is an exciting stage, I will be casting on the front, as I think mountains and lace spell frogging and reknitting!!

As for other news, my unclaimed (spell not quite up to scratch) baby knits - including the stuffed hedgehog, teddy-bears, socks, bootees and hats (about 10 'items') so far are all being donated to charity- the Save the Children charity here in Western Australia. So that makes me feel good, to know that some disadvantaged kids and babies are going to have some top-line yarn, hand knitted goodies to keep them warm- not scratchy acrylic!!

Tour De France KAL Progress

2007-07-11T22:23:00.001+08:00

Jumper Progress,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

With the start of Stage 4 tonight it is time to post a progress report. The Kate Gilbert Olive (for the green jersey) jumper is going nicely, have finished the armhole shaping on the back and am about to start on the armholes. I finally gathered momentum to start the mystery stole 2nd clue today and aim t have 25 rows done by the end of tonights stage.

The SSS is going well. I turned my first widdershins heel the other day- using the anticrafts vinnland pattern, and am about to work on the leg. In the cookieA thelonious sock I am also about to turn the heel although from the cuff down!

FInally I am having problems seeing any photos that are based in flika- both mine or other peoples- anyone else having that problem? anyone know how to fix it?

Clue One Done

2007-07-05T16:11:00.001+08:00

Clue One Done,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Just in Time clue one is done- can you spot the mistake.

Also check out the oh my god cute baby bootees on my flika account!!

Clue One, Chart A Complete

2007-07-01T19:02:00.001+08:00

Clue One, Chart A Complete,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

Well its that time of the year again- yep mystery shawl time.

This year I have gone all out and actually ordered the lace yarn. Whoo hoo.

So here it is in its infancy- Chart A of Clue one done. I have the rest of the week to do chart B- aiming for 10 Rows a day.

Wish me luck

Overdye

2007-06-29T12:46:00.001+08:00

Overdye,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

The grey yarn overdyed blue- I haven't figured out how to post more than one picture at a time with flika but the other dyeing images are in my Hand Dyd set on flika.

Dye me!

2007-06-29T12:44:00.001+08:00

Dyed in Skein,
originally uploaded by westozcaat.

I tried some hand dying the other day and here are the results- I am not worried at the poorness (is that a word) of the attempt I actually quite like it. The overdye lot of the grey wool didn't work out as planned- I wanted it all one colour- It didn't cook evenly so came out varigated but again I quite like the result.

I don't think I shall turn pro but it was fun!!

Op Shop Needles

2007-06-25T15:50:00.000+08:00

I made a great find today

some old fashioned metal aero dpns (and one straight) from a pile of needles in an op shop. I love small needles (not the 15cm but about 20cm) and found the following: 2.25 dpns (4) in 22cm, 3mm dpn's (4) in 17cm, 3.25cm straights in 17cm, 3.25 cm dpns (4) in 22cm (3 needles in 22 and one in 17cm- they are op shop!!) , 4mm dpns 2 pairs- one in 17cm and one in 22cm.

They are a bit mismatched- some needles are slightly (1cm) longer than others but heh for AUS $10 for 6 pairs i am not complaining.

Ohhh and my zephyr arrived today- in a lovely light pewter colour !! whoo hoo happy mail day!

Exams Are Over

2007-06-23T22:45:00.000+08:00

Whoo Hoo

exams are done! yes they were awful. So bad in fact that the only knitting I got done was some baby socks for friends to give other friends babies.

So this week its all about the knitting- 1st project is to finish the 1st sock of the nancy bush chalet sock, then the 2nd sidewinder, the 1st german stocking (which has to be frogged for 2 inches), then the 1st theolonus or however you say it (sorry cookie a- yes its that pattern from her) and by then the lace for my mystery stole should be here and that then goes on the needles. My aim for this holiday is to have SSS arriving on all 4 pairs of socks that I have on the go, a finished jumper and a stole.

Not much really!!!

ok photo time: 4 pairs of baby socks from debbie bliss simply socks, mainly done in lang merino 150, the bright one is the leftover zarina from the sock in the earlier post, and the coloured accent is the (hope it is) leftovers from the nancy bush sock, which is being done in STR scottish highlands. The one that looks all white is actually pink with white accents and the other one is white with lilac accents. I love this pattern- can't you tell. They are all the middle pattern done on 3mm needles- I think it gives a better fabric than the called for 3.25mm needles.

Exams are not fun

2007-06-15T21:55:00.000+08:00

Have ya missed me?

I hate exams! Well haven't been doing much except studing- and exams. Yuk

Anyway you want the knitting! I finished, but forgot to take a picture of the lace-edged baby cardigan- the mum loved it and said it will be used for the babys christening in september- can't think of a higher compliment than that. Also made a little earflap hat from the new DB Soho yarn- pink of course. It was so quick! I was at the yarn shop buying the pattern at 2pm and it was made and gift ready at 5pm! Whoo hoo I see many more in the future. I would go up a needle size though. Its a paid pattern from my LYS so I can't tell you it here! its a secret hehe!

Also have been knitting the sindwinders with nona- a great pattern but I stuffed up. I got the wrong gauge- yes I did a swatch. But i must of tightened up during the cause of the knitting- so either I do the next one with the larger width, or use a thicker yarn on the 2.75mm needles. I didn't like the fabric the swatch made on the 3mm needles.

In other news, I have joined the mystery stole along 3. I never finished the other one but am going to do this properly. I am getting some Jaggerspun Zephyr from Sarah's yarns - who are AUS$20 CHEAPER than the only aussie supplier- and that includes shipping!!! I aslo went to get some needles today to find that.... my LYS is getting in ADDI LACE NEEDLES!!! whoo hoo, so I have but my name down for them. When everything arrives its, pick the beads and we are off.

I currently have 4 other socks on the needles and now 2 single socks so I am going to abandon all of that, cast on some baby booties and do a little more on my jumper.

Yarn Porn Tuesday

2007-06-05T12:41:00.000+08:00

I know its not friday but another yummy skein of yarn from an Australian supplier made its way into my hands today. Its sock yarn (of course) from That Spinning Place in the colourway "Camel Rides on the Beach". I love that name. The blue is more turquoise in RL but oh my, I do love it

.

Also I started a pair of jaywalkers but can hardly get them over my ankle- is this normal or do I need to rip and make the larger size?

I couldn't resist....

2007-06-03T00:04:00.000+08:00

You can only stare at it for so long before tempation takes hold!

Yep the sea life skein is now a yarn ball- and I even knitted up a swatch. It was yummy. The cashmere made it soo soft and comfy on the hands. I can't wait to knit these up. Now to find a pattern....

To Frog Or Not To Frog

2007-05-30T22:53:00.000+08:00

To Frog or Not to Frog....

That is the question.

Well, I have just finished the 1st ball of the gringisco bambi I am using to make the Millicent sock (see post below). However I am not 100% happy with it. It seems too big. Not fitted enough, and I am just not sure if I like the lace. So- do I frog or not.

All advice gladly taken.

A Weekend Project

2007-05-27T16:26:00.000+08:00

Pattern: Fetching from Knitty

Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zara Plus (1 and 1/2 balls) Charcoal

Mods: Added more rows to the thumb.

For fingers: K1, K2Tog, K1, P1 Pattern to reduce stitches, K3, P1 Pattern for 4 Rows, Cable pattern with one stitch onto cable needle row, 8 more rows in rib pattern and then picot BO.

Perfect for walking the dog in the cold!

It Arrived!!!!

2007-05-25T12:23:00.000+08:00

Whoo hooo
Aust post FINALLY delivered the cashmere merino sock yarn (colour is sea life) from the knittery today. FINALLY!! And its sooo pretty, and sooo soft. Its also quite thin for a 4-ply so i am thinking i might finally get around to making some Jaywalkers. After I finish the 2 pairs that are using up my 2.5mm dpns at the moment. I am hoping this is machine washable as it says handwash only on the label. oh you want pictures, well it is yarn porn friday so...

Also following (cause I am a following) the trend- here is the latest fun meme- stolen from Trillian42.

westozcaat --

[noun]:

A hermit living in the big city

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

hmmm well I do spend alot of time on the computer....

Craft Fair Haul

2007-05-23T17:58:00.000+08:00

Today I went to Perth's sorry excuse for a craft fair. If you are a quilter, scrapbooker or beader its great- Knitting, not great. There were only a few yarn stalls and the only hand dyed yarn I saw was la fiesta silk- way outside my price range.

However, I still managed to spend $80 on these...

L-R, charcoal sock yarn for a pair of socks for dad, blue/tweed for something, bright colours cause I could and 3 balls of Stella, a 100% bamboo yarn from Naturally NZ. It is not quite DK so I don't think I could do Sahara (i know I will need more than 3 balls for that) with it so if that doesn't happen the 3 balls are enough for the Ogee skirt in the latest IK.

PS: No offence CookieA, I still love the millicent pattern, But I hate ribbing on dpns, and i am only 1/2" into it. Wish me luck

UFOs, Study and HELP

2007-05-20T12:28:00.000+08:00

Well its that time of year again, yep the last minute rush to get assignments finished and exam study done. So what does that mean- well less knitting time for one!

So - what have I been up to. Well I have had startitis.

The sock pictured in the last post has been done and a pair of baby socks made from the leftovers. However sock number 2 has been put on hold for the start of these- the Nancy Bush Chalet Socks from Folk Socks in (gifted) STR Scottish Highlands. I don't mind that the pattern looks slightly invisible, I know its there, though they are a bit on the tight side as all the k tbl travelling stitches and ribbing really draw the sock in. I shall have to see how it goes but I think the 2nd sock may be done on 2.75mm needles not 2.5mm. Then its to the frog pond and a reknit.

I hate doing that. After all the effort I am a well suck it up and wear it anyway type of knitter. Which is why I normally stick to basic projects- Like the next shot. This is the back (or front) of the cover pattern on the Summer IK. Again not sure of how this is turning out. I seem to have a lot less cables on my jumper than theres does. I am using Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton, but have the same gauge. Hmmm another mystery. I have 3 to the armhole- they seem to have 5.

The last thing on the needles I need some advise with. After listening to Lime and Violet ramble on about the Cookie sock patterns I headed over to the site and fell in love with the Millicent pattern.

I cast on with some very thin 4 ply yarn after measuring my calf (14") and all that. Now I know it is meant to go over another layer but is it just me or does it look too big. HELP- do I frog and cast on for the 13" sock or press on and see how it develops. Any help gladly appreciated.

I also headed over to the knittery after listening to the same L&V episode. I had forgotton about this store. It is good- very nice and fast service. And it is great to have some nice sock yarn here in OZ that is affordable. (A store bought over CTH but It was A$45 a bit too much for me!) I ordered only one skein of the cashmere merino as I am going to wait for the june update to get more. Does anyone know if their plain merino sock yarn is machine washable. I don't hand wash my socks so need yarn that is superwash. It does say not reccommended for felting so hmmm- may email them and ask. I shall let you know what the yarn is like when it arrives.

So Have I actually finished anything you ask? Well only the Knitting Daily Vine Lace Hat. I made it out of leftover Lang Merino 150 and it took only a small amount of yarn. However even in the blue it is a bit girly so this may be given to charity.

I also have bad news- after spending soo much time on the baby jumper pictured in the last post it was too small for the intended recipient. I felt bad as I really put alot of work into it. They are planning on another kid though so it will go away for a year until number two is ready for it.

Well thats it for now- must stop procrastinating and head back to the study- The assignment is already late and unfortuently won't write itself!!!

I have been knitting- pic heavy.

2007-05-04T14:15:00.000+08:00

I know- bad blogger

but between life and uni I have been able to knit some stuff.

Lots of calometries- including 2 headbands and another calometry not pictured.

I Finally seamed up the debbie bliss jumper- still not 100% satisfied with it.

The pink thing is the start of the lace edged cardigan also from debbie bliss

and the zarina sock- nice and bright to cheer me up.

so on the needles are the pink thing sleeves, the sock, a crochet arigumi toy (which is on hold due to running out of yarn, a broken hook and no stuffing) and I started the new knitting daily pattern. however not sure going to continue it as lace takes me forever and I need a quick knit baby boy hat.

thats it for now.

boring but heh- its still yarn!!

Copycat Kate

2007-04-21T22:05:00.000+08:00

Finally I get round to copying every one else with the:

If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?

Directions: 1. Open your mp3 library
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press Play.
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the Next button.
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool.
7. Don’t skip songs.

My Movie:
1. Opening credits: Right Here Right Now- Fatboy Slim
2. Waking up: Suits are picking up the bill- Squirrel Nut Zippers
3. First day of school: With Arms Wide Open- Creed
4. Fight song: Walkin' Blues- Eric Clapton
5. Breaking up: Tired of being Alone- Tom Jones
6. Happiness: One Way Mule- Silverchair
7. Life’s okay: Endless Summer- Scooter
8. Mental breakdown: Walk on by- Gabrielle
9. Driving: Now Comest the Night- Rob Thomas
10. Flashback: Dream on Dreamer - Brand New Heavies
11. Getting back together: Every breath you take- Me first and the gimme gimmes
12. Wedding song: Living inside You- Earl Klugh
13. Birth of first child: Hope and Validation- Bernard Fanning
14. Final battle scene: Pyramid- Wolfmother
15. Death scene: Linger- Cranberries
16. Funeral song: Outta My Head- Spiderbait
17. End credits: I Know- Save Ferris

I dont think my Ipod was playing along. Granted there are 3362 choices.

Calorimetry

2007-04-19T00:07:00.000+08:00

For a friend:

with matching wrist warmers.

(and button closeup)

The kiddy jumper is on hold due to too much frogging and the pain of having to redo it!! Also I got the domiknitrix book in the mail so its getting a work out. First up the devil snow hat- for above friend and then the swizzle vest

Yum Yum in my Tum

2007-04-11T17:11:00.000+08:00

looky looky at all the yummy yummies
from germany

thanks gundel!!

and for those knittyheads who are wondering what i look like here is me smirking at the camera telling a friend not to take the photo whilst on the old desktop writing an assignment, as i cannot use my great new one as the referencing software is not compatable with vista. ahhhh the thrills of being an 'early adopter' of technology

on the baby jumper front- two sleeves done, casting on for the front tonight

new computer

2007-04-10T13:05:00.000+08:00

no knitting over easter (happy easter by the way)
as I got a new toy- an HP 17" desktop replacement. its lots of fun and i am busy trying to input everything. I am in the process of knitting another baby jumper- so shots of that soon. I have done the back and decided to do the sleeves next. I had actually finished one when i realised i forgot to read the instructions and didn't increase the sleeve, so i ripped it all back, cast on the second sleeve and am now doing both at once. A nice change. So ta ta for now, lots of pics coming as soon as i figure out how to take photos with the INBUILT WEB CAM hehe.

I Am Albert Einstein

2007-03-27T20:54:00.000+08:00

No Knitting today as I am still recovering from my sister's wedding on the weekend and am currently working full time on prac.

however I found this:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

lol :)

I am knitting: the huggable hedgehog is on the needles.

2007-03-20T21:17:00.000+09:00

Im not very good at guessing sizes

especially when it comes to making pompoms.

The F*#$ Cancer Hat for my friend.
The true colour is more like the first shot (with XXL pompom)

and then we have the normal size one. The hat is about 8" across lying flat. The first pompom was 4". Oops. The second- a more respectable 2". Phew. I think i will chuck the first one in the wash and see what happens.

Goody Bag

2007-03-19T23:15:00.000+09:00

My final sockret pal, sorry mom package arrived today and as usual mom outdid herself.

The goodies (plus chocolate coated cookies which umm are all gone!

The socks- which are Lisa Souza (OH MY!!)

The really bad modelling

thanks mom

AND I now know who she is: Kathy from Nuttinbutknittin WHoo hoo lets go blog stalking!

I Blame You- Sock P*rn

2007-03-17T17:00:00.000+09:00

Yes Lime and Violet I blame you!

why

cause I listened to your podcast, went to the yarn store to get some yarn for my sockret pal and some new 2.5mm dpns and came home with this: yes another 4 balls of sock yarn.

So why blame L&V- well they have great yarn porn. So much so that I get all depressed cause I can't buy any of the great etsy sock yarns they talk about (shipping costs to australia makes it really not worth the great value that it is) so when I got to the store and saw the bright regular sock yarn that wasn't tooo fair-ilsey or boring, I bought it. Ahhhh anyway, I would love to be able to buy your yarn yarnpirate, lisa souza, scout, etc etc (and all really good sellers here) but until shipping costs reduce from the price of 3 skeins for sending one skein, I have to stick to the brand names.

The porn is the very bright zarina.

I am currently making a F*#@ Cancer hat for a friend in Olympia who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer at 27. Please send good thoughts.

FBS

2007-03-07T14:15:00.000+09:00

All blocked and draping...

And Close-up...

Stats: Interweave Knits Flower Basket Shawl (not sure what edition mine is pdf (not on net anymore)

Yarn: Fibreworks 100% wool, 4-ply Hand-dyed colour no 2 : sea green

Finished Size: 130cm x 70cm (51" x 27.5")

Its been above 40 all week

2007-03-06T21:24:00.000+09:00

I have been experimenting with the macro setting on my mothers and my cameras - so just for fun some yarn porn.

Its also been 40.4, 42 and 42 again tomorrow (in celcius) here in perth - very very hot so the knitting has been non - existant, though I did pin out my FBS. Not very well but for a first lace pinning try in a sock yarn im not too worried about it. Or should I be???? opinions are more than welcome.

I have also been thinking about biting the bullet and getting some books from amazon though it is rather expensive to send them here. To make it worth my while I was thinking of getting an Elizabeth Zimmerman book as well as the domiknitrix one. Which EZ book should I get- I was thinking the one with the garter stitch baby cardigan in it though i dont know the title- thats the only pattern I want!!!!!

The purple yarn is a debbie bliss silk or alpaca silk- I am not sure, it was a sp gift from a previous round.

Knitting Update

2007-02-28T17:47:00.000+09:00

This weeks post is a bit late as I have just spent a beautiful 6 days at rottnest and as university went back on monday- well lets just say hetic is my watchword.

But I have been knitting:
2 calometries (one given to sister- same as pic) with a third one in brushed mohair/alpaca on the needles.

2 pair baby socks (one given away)

2 baby sweaters- both from Baby Knits for Beginners by Debbie Bliss. (sweater in rowan calmer given away with above socks) and the moss stitch cardigan seen above with button closeup.

Also on the needles- about 4 socks, and 2 sweaters.

Phew, that will keep me going for a while.

Just Because I Can

2007-02-12T18:54:00.000+09:00

I can prove that dogs dont need pillows when they have hands!!

Limited Posting

2007-02-05T22:27:00.000+09:00

Today's public service announcement:

Blogging this week will be limited due to the following:
-Baby gift deadline (4 pieces)
-Dinner party for 10 to cook for (indian feast- yumm)
-Recovery from breakup with bf

Thanks for understanding

Baby Knitting

2007-02-02T12:57:00.000+09:00

This past few weeks has all been about baby- not mine!! no no no, but others. I have 8 just become and soon to be mums to knit for in the next few months- its viral round here- babies just spurting out everywhere.

So after gifting 2 pairs of bootees the other week, here is the IK kimono for a just born little girl, and the little badly-knit bear to go with it.

Also on my needles are some of Ann Budds Better than booties socks from the same IK (Summer 05). However, I am not good/a fan of short row heels and toes and am having some trouble working out how long the heel flap should be, how to properly turn the heel and how many gusset stitches I should be picking up. So it is not looking so good. Any help is greatly appreciated. Also how long before the end should I start decreasing for the toe?

So not much besides baby knitting going on here at the moment. Its not too boring but I can't wait to get back to selfish knitting.

I'm Melting.................

2007-01-28T15:03:00.000+09:00

It has been too hot to do anything besides sit under the fan and melt. This weekend saw Australia Day (like the 4th of July for us aussies) (also friday) being 42 degrees c, sat being 41 and today right now is 39. Way to hot to knit, blog, move. But here is a pic taken by someone that was on the paper's website- the humidity caused a double fireworks display in the city on Australia Day.

WIPs, Pressies, Porn and Dog

2007-01-24T17:37:00.000+09:00

Maybe I shouldn't say porn in the heading but if you got here thinking to get hot and heavy- Nah hah!!! Its Yarn Porn goodness from my CASP!!

ohhh and If she is reading this- I forgot to ask you the purple wool in the last package, what is it- it is soo soft I am using it as my pet yarn- it sits by the computer getting petted daily!!

ok, porn- well my amazing and yet unrevealed CASP sent me this great package:

which included Mountain Colours Sock yarn in Larnspun colourway- seen here.

As for the blogstalking- it was photo your wip's - well I am a wimp- I do not want to look at them in fear of never getting up the nerve to start the new projects that the yarn is bought, wound and ready to rock for.

So you get a list:

First up: SSS
1) Anastacia toe ups- only one done as my bind off is too tight and I don't know how to do it any looser- so will be frogged and become a different pair of socks.

2) Secret Sockret-Pal socks- one down, one to go, one month to do it in- must find and finish it!!

3) Baby sock- one knitted, mother didn't like them, will finish anyway as I disagree on the 'too loud for baby' comment.

4) Baby bootee- am finishing no 1 again as I miscalculated and K3tog instead of k2tog somewhere and ended up somewhere where I shouldn't of.

By the way if anyone knows of another bootee or basic baby sock pattern where seaming is little or none please let me know

5) Baby cardigan- on hold because of number 6

6) Baby kimono (from Summer IK 2005) being knit at rapid rate due to baby shower being on monday so EVERYTHING else is on hold.

7) Somewhat cowl- still on hold - knitted on every now and then

8) Fairisle jumper (Vogue Fall or Holiday 06) - see above

9) Flower Basket Shawl- Still needs blocking.

10) Fake Fur Sirdar Bear- Is painful to knit and seam so looks like getting dumped in favour of knitty norbert pattern.

And I really don't want to add more to this list. So please help me not start anything new for now- but if you know where I can get some olive lace yarn so I can make a shawl to match my olive silk dress for my sister's wedding that is the only purchase I will make. (for now)

And cause she is soooo cute- gratuitous skeeta shot!

Love and Mistakes

2007-01-18T16:18:00.000+09:00

I love my sockret pal (or as I call her my sockret mum)

when the box was opened screams of oh my god were heard around the house, causing both the dog and sis to come running to see what was wrong- or in this case right!!

my sis - being a non-knitting muggle didn't understand why a skein of CTH is cause for jumping around the house nor why I immediately sat down (still petting the CTH) to read the Knit Fix book, claiming it my new Bible.

do you want to see:

and a porny pic of the CTH (Life's a Beach) colourway- very appropriate!

Sockret Mum you are the best, absolutely amazing- I had to wrestle my sis not to take the body lotion ( pink grapefruit) and am about to take a crochet class so wow for the entire package. Did I mention I want to be adopted!! :) LOL

I could fill up the page with thankyou's and it would still not be enough. But thank you again.

BTW: I have a problem. (Yes, yes besides the obvious :) LOL )
I am making the Debbie Bliss garter stitch bootees from Quick Baby Knits and for the life of me cannot figure out how to do the back seam properly - as there are 6 stitches on the sole to incorporate into the seam. The shoe on the left is ready for seaming, the one on the right- finished. But see how it puckers- I am not very fond of that but have no idea how to fix it. Any ideas?

And just because- the front, complete with the background CTH- I can't stop looking at it.

WIP On Hold

2007-01-16T14:35:00.000+09:00

Dear Fellow Knittyhead Blogstalkers

Photos of WIPs have been put on hold to next week as another weekend vacation to Rottnest is planned (3rd in a row- I love summer) and a pair of baby bootees must be made before leaving on friday morning- as I am a slow knitter this is a challenge.

Wish me luck...

luv kate

ps... in case you can't remember the drool-worthy photo of rottnest from last summer here it is again.

In 2007

2007-01-05T10:43:00.000+09:00

In 2007 I promise to....

1) Not go 2 months without blogging- Going to try for once a week

2) Get over SSS (especially for my sockret pal!!)

3) Finish what I start

4) Knit from the stash

5) Lose 12 kilos (26.5 pounds) preferably at least half of that before my sisters wedding at the end of March

6) Get over the fact that I am not a bridesmaid at said wedding and enjoy it

7) Not push boyfriend away by doing usual tricks of being selfish, breaking dates, never ringing, and not paying for anything

8) Get a part time job

9) Ask for help!!! (knitting and otherwise!)

10) Finally post picture of sockret pals amazing birthday present

11) Untangle a skein of the above laceweight yarn (knitpicks shimmer in deep woods for the here be dragonne shawl) that ended up like this:

That will do I think.
Tomorrow the UFO and have-yarn-must-knit list

The Postie Came

2006-11-04T17:00:00.000+08:00

Well yesterday the postie came
and he had goodies...

My death in the sock wars was in one

With added yarn porn: STR in Scottish Highlands (I am soo lucky- thanks Laurie)

and the second was some great stitch markers and row counters from Cristi- I am a lucky girl!!

Also if anyone has a spare Winter Ik (yep its that (begging) time of year again) I would love to take it off your hands.

Knitting wise- I frogged the anastacia socks and have reknitted the toe, and as the storyteller socks are for my sockret pal they will not be photographed, but i am onto the foot of the first one. Also it is exam time of year so knitting updates and blogging will be put on the backburner till after my birthday (which is also the day of my last exam)

Another Pair of Socks

2006-10-20T20:39:00.000+08:00

Whoo hoo

Another pair of socks finished for socktober! only one more unfinished pair to well, finish and then I can start the toe-ups!

yeh for socktober!!

Finally Something to Blog about!

2006-10-18T21:11:00.000+08:00

A long time between drinks, it has been. But due to a finished object, and an extension on my university assignment I can blog. I finally finished my Mystery Socks for the KAL (see button on sidebar). Now I must admit they were not a favourite to knit, but I like them now they are finished.!!

So that concludes item no 2 on my socktober list.
socks no 1 has one finished, and one up to the heel flap.

absolutely no other knitting to report. Its been a no-knitting-must-study week here at home and unfortunately is going to be that way for about another month. Then uni is over for the year and I can knit all I want!

BTW: Apparently I am still alive in Sock Wars- Wow who would of guessed!

teddy

2006-10-09T12:29:00.000+08:00

This is why i haven't been knitting socks after finishing the socks of doom. which are below as well.

its ted the Harry bear from berroco. soo cute- he will be off to a child in need as soon as i can figure out what charity to donate him to.

As for socktoberfest- i haven't forgotton: my to-do list consists of the following:

1) plain stockingette sock in opal yarn (on foot on sock one)
2) sock two of mystery socks in koigu
3) finish (finally) the UFO sock below
4) try for the first time ever a toe up sock- (again prob just st. stitch)
and 5) try a pattern!!! am thinking jaywalker or pontomous on the leg of a sock.

so thats the to-do sock list. Also on that list is the other sock turned arm-warmer from vogue, but as its technically not a sock not on this months list.

UFO Sighting

2006-10-01T20:52:00.000+08:00

Hmm how many hits will that get me

too bad its a knitting UnFinished Object. Not my oldest- i couldn't find that one. This sock pair was started before I left for London and Europe last year- I think about April 2005.

So here it is in its UFO SSS (with its finished partner) glory:

Also in the pressie (we aussies like to shorten things- its presents) department:

From Dee: Stitchmarkers!!! so pretty and autumnish

And from my colourswap pal Ulla: A great pink and red package.

Sock-Ret Pal Questionnaire

2006-09-30T12:39:00.000+08:00

Ok its a bit late! But here it is:

The basics:
How long have you been knitting?
I have been knitting for about 3 years now.

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?
Intermediate- still learning different heels/toes/patterns- but have 'my perfect fit' plain pattern down pat.

The measurements:
Well I am a size 6 Australian, standing on a ruler gives 23cm and i normally cast on 56stitches on a 2.75mm needle in normal sock yarn, (going down to 52 after the gusset decreases) 60 rows before toes (see perfect fit comment above)

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love?
I love blues, greens and browns. However with socks i like to go abit crazy so use all colours.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? variegrated

What fibers do you most love to knit with? socks- anything that can go in the washing machine!!!

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? regia is better than opal, normally use patons and online (thats all i can get over here), ADORE lornas laces, would love to try STR, CTH

What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? im on a lace kick at the moment. also have the pattern but no yarn for the simple knitted bodice, and sizzle.
I have a great lace pattern called the heree be dragon shawl. only trouble is it calls for 1750yds of lace. I was thinking brown/gold or silver/ice colourways but have no idea how to find or get good but not too expensive lace. If you can help me withthat i shall be ever in your debt.

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear?What colors would you never wear?
I am not a fan of novelty yarns or anything too starchy or acrylic. dont mind a bit of lycra or model in the yarn as it makes it lighter. i like cotton. to wear- black, greens, blues, neutrals- i would never wear purple, red, orange, or pink

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood?
I normally use metal straights and plastic dpns but have recently discovered bamboo dpns and they are my new favourite.

Circs or Straights? straights- i love the susan bates crystailites but mine have broken so am always on the lookout for them as they are not readily available here.

DPNs or Magic Loop?Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I am a dpn girl. I tried the magic loop but just couldn't understand it! Accessories- hmmm I would love some coil-less safety pins- i cannot find them anywhere here in perth.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/3JTVD07RDC5S7

Do you like sweet, sour or salty?
sweet of course, major chocolate, coffee and gummy lollie addict here

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? nope

Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? love musk, vanilla, citrus sents

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? i cross-stitch and am experimenting with beaded knitting (does that count)

When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) 24th november (and counting down the days)

Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? nope and never tried but have been thinking about it.

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... well I am a student who lives at home and does part time work for my father so hence never has any money for yarn, would love to learn to crochet (even bought the happy hooker but couldn't figure it out) and wishes knitpicks would ship internationally.

Hope this helps

Back to Normal

2006-09-26T21:04:00.000+08:00

Wow it has been a long time between posts- and all because of uni (university) assignments !
I missed the blogstalking tools, library and am not posting my movies as i don't keep the covers and they are all in cd carry cases. (all 300+).

Anyway thankyou for all your patience. Now i have a week free from uni and i can do all the things I need to catch up on, like knit, and catch up on study for the other subjects and organise my pattern files, ufos, wips and to-knit lists. PHEW! It will take a while.

In present news I received my first set of stitch markers today from jessica! thanks so much they are a fantastic first time effort.

Her ones she sent me are here:

These are the ones i sent off about the 14th so hopefully everyone has got them by now.

Also I have been doing some knitting:

A ball band dish-cloth for a present:

Half a teddy bear (no pic)

AND THE SOCK OF DOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ruler to show i can actually knit large socks) 2nd one to be cast on tomorrow....

So thanks for being patient with the non-postings.

Next up : a WIP list

PS: forgot to add also joined Socktoberfest, sock-ret pal and CASP 3
yes i am a joiner- buttons to be added later

We Remember

2006-09-11T10:03:00.000+08:00

ok so i have been a bad blogger but have been receiving patterns galore last week. from bezzie- the book Big Girls Knits- thanks bezzie, also got the SKB pattern, the heere be dragons lace stole pattern, and the falling leaves fibretrend pattern. All this on top of getting the knitting nature book from the library.

wow pattern overload.

but today i am not posting (much) knitting progress (none to speak of) or the reason why (uni assignments)

todays post is to remind (like you needed it) to spend some time today remembering all the victims of 9/11- australian and american (and all others from around the world) though the attack was on american soil it affected every country in the world, through its total disregard fo human life. I am not a religious person but god bless all those who lost loved ones- whatever their colour, nationality or creed. PEACE

Hi Bananas

2006-09-03T22:28:00.000+08:00

Hi Bananas

With the tencel yarn, I want to use it to make the Rockstar Cardigan. For that I need 15 balls. I have 4. If you can get your LYS to hold 11 more balls (colour 2066, lot 724924) I will talk to you about the $$ element through email.

Kate

Socked Feet

2006-09-03T14:30:00.000+08:00

Feet- ok I'm a week late, but i'm not fond of my feet (except being small makes socks quicker to knit!) so you get socked feet.

On left- hand knit mystery sock KAL sock. (Finally cast on for the other one) On right- sheep footlet sock gifted from knitty SP7. Note the spots on the bottom for non-slip sole action. WHoo hoo- my new favourite house socks (I have wooden floors).

Ands its Father's Day here in Australia, so I'm off to be nice to dad.

One Finished Object

2006-09-02T12:18:00.000+08:00

To join my single socks, I give you the single sock arm-warmer. This was going to be the meg swansan VK sock but i got confused, then a bit bored with it so decided to end it off and create the arm-warmer. Its great, now I just have to muster up the energy to start the second one.

I Got Mail

2006-09-01T14:58:00.000+08:00

I got mail today

lots and lots of mail- well ok only 3 packages but let me tell you what they were.

Letter 1) my felted toy patterns from fibretrends. (the hedgehogs and felted fido)

Package 2) the stitch-and-bitch 2007 page-a-day calender. Not the best for patterns (had a quick flick) but could be fun

Package 3) my sp7 package from bananas. Still no idea who she is but wow, this girl has done her homework. It all arrived in paper of my favourite flower,

included gorgous blue yarn (i have to get more of this- am going to use it to make sizzle), a frangipani needle case and amongst other goodness- a HAND MADE BAG- it is sooooo cute- with dog fabric lining and a felted dog on the corner. I LOVE IT (also in the big stash were some stamps and stickers of the australian post kid's marketing tool- postie kate (no joke), some point protectors, a jeweled pen, and some non-slip sheep socks (so cool)

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU
SP you have been the greatest.

now if i can only find out who you are.....................

Mystery Sock done

2006-08-28T12:24:00.000+08:00

Well I finished the other mystery sock last night. And here it is.................
(does this count as a feet, fellow blogstalkers?)

And a close up of the mini (fake) cables (no cable needle required).

Here is the LINK for those wanting it. Its from the About list. I also have pictured my progress on the VK meg Swanson socks. I tried them on after doing one and a half pattern repeats and my calves are a lot bigger than 80 stitches, so started the decreases earlier. Also doing them every 4 rows, so will end up with 56 stitches, 2 and a half pattern repeats in. Then comes the heel. Speaking of which, did you notice on the mystery socks the garter stitch heel flap and square heel turn. It was a 'new' heel turn 'way' for me, and not crazy about it, but am glad to have learnt something new.

And I am a joiner- I finally joined the sexy knitters club. And what do you know the next knit-along is for the below mentioned bodice (and sizzle). Its fate.

Only problem is that this is up next.

I even bought all the yarn (just have to nip back to the LYS for needles). So wish me luck. In between unfinished projects galore, sock wars, sexy knitters, and yarn stash busters I will try to find the perfect yarn to make the bodice. Bring on the uni break.............

Can anyone say... I WANT

2006-08-27T14:43:00.000+08:00

Oh to be able to knit everything at once.

And I found yet another OH MY GOD I MUST HAVE THIS pattern. Its this one. The Stitch Diva (Glampyre) Simple Knitted Bodice. Oh My.

In other news: I have more yarn for the VK fair isle jumper, have cast on the Meg Swanson VK sock, have cast on a new mystery sock, have done no progress on either the somewhat cowl or the mystery shawl, have arranged a 'swap' with bezzie for the Big Girls Knits book, and hopefully this week my stitch n bitch 2007 calender will arrive.

I must organise my to-do list. Too many 'wants' and not enough time. hmmm

will check back later for feet postings and organisation tactics.

What is Wrong with this Picture?

2006-08-21T23:23:00.000+08:00

Well I finished my 1st mystery sock (singular) today and then found this:

Can anyone say OOPS! Yep thats right- no heel turn, I knit the flap then when straight into the gusset decreasing.
If any one has any suggestions of how to add the heel turn without totally killing the sock please let me know.

Also in a perfectly timed sugar-needed rush arrived my project colourswap package from Celia.

Thankyou sooo much. In this was alot (now only one bar left) of chocolate, some handspun alpaca (the brown skein) and 2 balls of soft beige mohair- destined to be soft, beige, beaded scarfs. Thanks again Celia!

Macro Reveal

2006-08-19T12:15:00.000+08:00

Well only cpurl17 got one right- And that was (IMHO) the hardest one!

The answers are as follows:

1)

Our old rocking horse. He is an antique I think but is starting to look his age- minus a stirrup from an attempt to ride at about the age of well, lets say too old.

2)

A lamp- yes not the money printer bezzie! (though that would be nice) It is a fornasetti like the plates in my previous arty post.

3)

Its a shoe last. or form. Antique (again), wooden, and apparently for a ladies shoe.

In Knitting news I am about 10 rows and a kitchener stitch away from finishing my LL's socks.

The only problem is check out the amount of leftovers! Any one got any ideas of what to do with it- I can't chuck it, it is a)way too nice and b) was a gift from ali; so please help me find something to do with it.

In other WIP news: The mystery shawl is on side 2 of clue 2. Slowly getting there.
I have started the alpaca illusion socks but have found a shawl in the new winter rebecca, that i think would do the alpaca proud so may frog the sock.
The somewhat cowl has not moved from the WIP basket (or bag to be precise), and all others mentioned are still in the have yarn but not cast on yet status.

After these socks get finished (and i get some study done) I will cast on the Mystery Sock KAL pair in some gifted koigu i have. It is an orangy colour way just right for an autumny slant on the leaves of grass anklet pattern. I only have one skein (50g) so hopefully it will do the anklets. Otherwise it will be a mystery sock- singular. Anyway back to finishing the latest pair.

Macro Tempations

2006-08-14T10:52:00.000+08:00

OK well this weeks blogstalking assignment is macro-photography.

Well the first step was looking up the camera manual to find out how to do a macro shot!

Then wander round the house looking for tempting items to post. Some of the other participants have been amazing.

So the three shots I have for you are:

1)

2)

3)

Good Luck!

Perdita with Love

2006-08-12T11:55:00.000+08:00

There is a few reasons I haven't blogged much this week.

One) My sister got engaged! So much celebration and champagne drinking has taken over from knitting.

Two) Karen (cook-n-knit) sent me a copy of VK so have been salivating over that instead.

Three) Thanks to my SP7 I received some great beads and thread to do Perdita. So I decided to do my first ever pattern deviation and made a variation of Perdita- I call it Perdita with Love. Inspired by the colour and the events of the week.

And close up

If you want the pattern let me know and if enough people do I shall write and post it up- will full credit to Elizabeth for the original of course!!

2006-08-07T20:39:00.000+08:00

Well I got home from uni tonight to see this: oops on the camera skills but if u put your head on the side it looks right!!

A great package from my great SP.

I'm not sure if you can see all the goodies but there are:
A book of excuses (will come in handy for uni) LOL

I like this one: I would love to help with the housework but you're so good at it, it's like watching the creation of art. Another beer would be good. LOL

AND THIS ONE:
I can't possibly have made these purchases. I don't like clothes, music or food. HEHEHE

A red ball of the yummy alpaca for the love-heart shadow socks (i hope it will be enough- but u will have to let me know the distributer after the reveal)
A ball of Noro Kureyon in a great green colourway
My favourite new drink (what a great guess) hot chocolate powder with mint flavour (just add water) *its sooo yumm***
A really pretty writing set (and pencil)
some hello kitty candy with dispenser (so kitch its cool)
A bright red frog change purse
A cow whose tail is a tape measure (i love it)
Some yarn bobbins for my new adventures with fair ilse

AND
to top it all off 3 count them 3 skeins of red dmc perle 5 cotton and some gold pearl beads for some perditas. I can make one of each kind!!

So it may have been sitting in the Australia Post offices for longer than expected but a greatly appreciated and thoughtfully put together package
I LOVE IT

SP you are the best (oh and im keeping the wrapping paper)

No Knitting But Beading

2006-08-05T22:52:00.000+08:00

Well today I have no knitting to show you. That is because the knits are for secret recipients.... The knits shall be shown after I have sent them off.

But I do have a picture. I finally got the beads mum bought back from India and put some of them into making earrings.!!! Yeh.

Also I made a few stitch-markers as I am running out- I keep losing them!!!

So enjoy.

Today's Want

2006-08-02T15:21:00.000+08:00

Hi All

Today's Want is simple. IK Fall 2006 and/or VK Fall 2006.

Interweave is not available from either my YLS or newsagency in Western Australia AT ALL and the Vogue magazine will arrive in approx november.

So

will swap/trade/sell-my-mother
anything....

Project Colourswap

2006-07-31T10:59:00.000+08:00

I hate it when u type and type and then blogger looses everything.

So this is a small mini-version of what i just wrote.

I am in project colourswap!! Yeh- they needed one more international swapper and I got it. Whoo hoo.

I am also doing an aussie based lace swap- here if you want in but hurry its about to close....

Back off to uni today- wow i can be a starving student again.

stalking along

2006-07-28T22:27:00.000+08:00

In the blog-stalking-thread I belong to (we really need a button with the slogan "I Stalk, therefore I Am!"...) the category this weekend is art.

So in the strangest category we have this. A colour correct shot and a better angle shot. If you can tell me what it is great- I haven't a clue. It currently resides in the guest bathroom.

And now for interval with a semi-arty photo of a flower mum was given that had just bloomed.

In the favourite category we have the collection of Fornasetti plates that form the wall art in our kitchen. Mum is about to add two more to the collection. They are not cheap so only get added to every few years. One day she would like about as many as she can get, but will settle for 3 rows of 9 as the kitchen couldn't handle any more.

And the obligatory dog photo...

In knitting news I have been not doing much but have managed to almost finish clue 1 of the mystery stole (both sides) and whilst it looks funny in grey sock yarn it is good practice for me.

I have half a lornas lace sock, and have chosen my sock for the Mystery Sock KAL. The somewhat cowl has been put on hold... for now

Net Dating 201

2006-07-24T22:15:00.000+08:00

More from the frenchasshole:
sent this evening-

Him: Subject: talk abt u to my australian friends, they said : she is a joke! aiya...is it right ? (No body in msg)

Me:
Hi vince, in reply to your email i am not a joke. In fairness she was proberly trying to make you feel better. Though I must add the following.

I was going to send you an email, but was trying to think and compose something thoughtful. Which is why I hadn't replied in two days. I even stated on my profile that it takes me a while to reply to emails.

However due to your lack of consideration for me and the lack of thought you have shown me I think that it would be better if you didn't contact me again. Good Luck in your search on RSVP.

Kate

Ahhh where would we be without people like this in the world LOL!
hopefully this will be the end of this saga!

and just in from after posting this:

Subject: from the genuine man

my friends, my australian friends,she , he and they ...not only one person...not only "she"....nobody tried or try to make me feel better.u just showed me no interests, no polite, no courtesy...no time to respond to emails..then dont try to date then...if u have no time to give to someone in yr life.as my friends girlfriends said : " us , aussie women/girls we r very independant and selfish and materialistic." so they said u r a joke...i dont know u . i dont want know u , u shown too lack interests...

bye

me

NOW
IF ONLY HE WOULD FOLLOW HIS OWN ADVICE...lol

Today's Want

2006-07-24T16:00:00.000+08:00

Today's Want is two-fold

I want to find some regia mini-regals in Australia.

I also want some coilless safety pins. I have one. Which is great but not when I have 3 socks as WIP's.

Thankyou for listening to this community service announcement.

Sunday Funny Photo Again

2006-07-23T13:13:00.000+08:00

Well today is 'Shoot the Freezer Day'

So in the grand tradition of knittyheads before me......

I present- My freezer! (Do remember I live with my parents) (yes I know I should be out by now- i'm working on it except yarn shopping keeps eating away into my savings!)

And behind Door No 1: The meat and alcohol shelf (Door 2 is just more meat- Mum bought a whole side of lamb recently and it is overflowing in the freezer!) The alcohol is from left to right: Citronella, Bombay Saphire Gin, Vodka (behind meat) and 2 more Citronella's, homemade, and bought in Italy!

Hmmm- Green Tea Icecream- not sure about my mothers taste...

And just cause I can... a pic of Skeeta- my baby (who is 8!)

In knitting news I had to frog the entire mystery stole, so it is back to the drawing board for that one. Also haven't been doing much as had date number 2 (thurs) and 3 (sat) with the new guy! Very interested and hopefully it will last more than the last one (which isnt hard being 3 weeks!)

Overblocking 101

2006-07-19T11:17:00.000+08:00

Hi all - todays lesson is in the powers of blocking- or why not to overblock. See the pretty perdita's below- all are size small- yes even the black one. I think i overblocked :)!!

I really like the black one though so I am making another one with 2 less repeats, so hopefully when it blocks- it will be the same size as the others!

Now in honour of Turtlegirl's really bad online-dating story I am going to post my own here. (No its not about the guy I had a date with on Sat- that went REALLY well)

This is about Mr FrenchAsshole.
For ages we had been sending 'kisses' (non-paying contacts) back and forth so I presumed he had no 'stamps' to send emails. So feeling curious I sent him an email and the following exchange ensured. (Note the dates of the emails)

16/7 me: hi vince- finally got some stamps and thought i would say hello. if you want to know more about me ask away, feel free to email me @- shortyblonde@gmail.com
ciao
Kate

one arrived on the gmail account that night but i have since deleted it and cannot find it. rsvp keeps a copy of emails for 6 months hence i can get these.

18/7 him: How r u ?
dont know u receive my email on yr courant email address.maybe u r not really interested to know me better in fact.well hope u r well and safe.
take care
Vincent

19/7 him: next time find someone else to play with. u have not courtesy and its impolite to even not respond by one word ! who do u think u r ?

19/7 me: hello vince
I have no doubt in my mind now about not engaging in further conversation from you. It has only been two days since your first reply. A true gentleman would allow at least a week before stating the accusations you have stated. As a matter of fact I am interstate at the moment and this is the first chance I have had to check my email, but am grateful you reveiled your characteristics.
I would prefer not to hear back from you.
Kate

and what i recieved this morning obviously sent last night:

19/7 him: blablablablbalbalbalbla oh u replied...its a miracle...wait a week for get a reply ??? what do u think i am ? u r a player....i understand why u r single now.
good nite

AND

19/7 him: Please leave me alone. please.u r not interested in meeting ppl or making any interests in them . please give up.

AND

19/7 him: All this cinema in sending kisses to me every fucking days/weeks. harrass me with that and yr games. and now , i can see u r silent and playing games,as u cant communicated and leave "one word" as u logged on often....this is not fair...
Good bye

lol
so there u have it, apparantly one email equals harrassment. and 3 kisses sent over 6 months also equals harrassment. lol what an idiot. All i can say is glad i found out now before i actually met the guy.

So turtlegirl- don't feel alone, we all get idiots through these dating sites- hopefully u will find someone worthy of a second date- i have!

Kate Kan Knit

2006-07-16T12:54:00.000+08:00

Today's want-

I want to try blue moon's socks that rock. (n/a in aus.)

thankyou.

My Obituary

2006-07-16T12:13:00.000+08:00

'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

hmmmmm....................

ps: the date went really really well!!!!!!!!
pps: banana- thread/bead combos for perdita more than welcome!

Photo Heavy

2006-07-15T12:46:00.000+08:00

This wierd and wonderful post is bought to you by the letter- "Blog-Stalking Knittyheads".

I finally opened my closet and took a pic of some shoes. Keep in mind these are my every-day shoes. I have another 100 odd pair in boxes up the top of cupboards that i cannot throw out- just call me Imelda!

After that it was time to spin around and shoot the main feature of the room- an un-made bed. Now I did warn my fellow stalkers that I have no 'under' to shoot. Want proof- here it is.

See no room (oh yes and those are hand made socks lying messily next to the bed.

In Knitting news- I have made 2 perdita's- no photos sorry they were gifts and have gone to their new homes.

I have 2 pairs of socks on hold.

The Somewhat Cowl has been abandoned this week due to fasination with Perdita, but will be picked back up after another 3 or so Perdita's have been knitted.

The Flower Basket Shawl yarn has been wound into the World's Biggest Ball of 4-ply, and once the mystery stole is over will be cast-on.

The rockstar cardigan is awaiting another swatching.

The mystery stole is 22 rows in and looking rather heavy. I am not sure I should not reknit this with the coffee merino I had planned for icarus (see further down the page somewhere)? any comments/suggestions (the wool btw is patons patonyle - a 4-ply sock yarn on 3.75mm needles).

Well thats all for today - no knitting tonite I have a blind date. Have a good weekend.

Sunday Funny Photo

2006-07-09T19:39:00.000+08:00

Well in honour of finishing one project and only having 3 on the needles at the moment I today did some swatches for some shawls. Am going to finally use the fibretrends 4ply not for 700m worth of socks but for knitty's ella by Wendy Wonnacott! Only it will be knit in 5.5mm needles in order to get the gauge.

Also I swatched and blocked Icarus (Summer 06 IK). Hence the funny photo. Whilst not exactly getting gauge (got rows- not sts) am not really worried cause a) its a shawl and b) there is 1500 m in a skein.

Blocking in the bathroom.

Swatch close-up

2006-07-08T22:24:00.000+08:00

Well with 29 hours to go..........................

I finished!!!!!!!!!

Thats right, I won the world cup. I didn't think I would make it, but I did. Thanks to yarn-monkey and the lure of entry into the stash draw I did. I am soo proud of myself! I knit a jumper in a month. It is a bit big, and I overcompensated with my bind-off but hopefully a wash will fix all that. (I BO with a needle 3 sizes bigger and using a k2tog back loop method) as i am a tight knitter and always bind off too loosely. But anyway back to patting myself on the back :)

Oh yeh- heres the pic!