Another One Bites The Dust

When I was going through the stash to put pictures on Ravelry I found my bag with UFO's in it. There's some sweater pieces that are going to "Frog Land", and a few other small projects (a scarf and a double knit potholder) that I plan to get done soon. I pretty much got the urge to empty out that bag and get these things out of the way.

This was in there too:

Pattern: Patchwork Carriage Blanket from "The Book Of Yarn" by Clara Parkes
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in colorways 837, 897, 910.

I started this probably back in 2005. I think a vintage tablecloth inspired these colors but it didn't translate into what I imagined. It's one of those "what the heck was I thinking?" projects. I'm just not into americana stuff (which is what this reminds me of - although it's nice, it's just not what I collect).

Cascade 220 Superwash BLEEDS TERRIBLY (a Shout Color Catcher couldn't even contain all that excess pink!). That's totally why I stopped working on this way back then, I think I had planned to test it before going on - but ignoring it was easier. So I just basically put it "out of sight, out of mind".

Finishing this was one of the projects that took up time and space so I could keep avoiding the amended tax form I needed to get done. (Boy, that sure lit a fire under me).  I'm just glad it's done and out of my bag.  It may go to my Aunt (who loves americana stuff) or I may put it in my future Grandchildren Box.

Happy Knitting!

Finally! A quick project for me!

Okay, Well, not super-duper QUICK. But better than the time it's been taking me to do anything else lately! Helmet Liner
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Chocolate
Size 6 & 8 circs & size 8 DPNs.
Modified: Did neck part for 7 inches to make sure it covered the neck better. I did some fudging by the picked up stitches to make sure no "holes" were visable. I just used a lifted stich in a couple of spots to just make things "snug". (Ignore the messy bottom neck part, he wasn't feeling very "vogue" modeling for me).

I have to admit, we laughed so hard when The Big Guy had this on, but if it keeps my nephew warm at night - or whenever - wherever he is in Afghanistan, then that's all that matters. He's always in our prayers.

I hope everyone had a nice Valentines Day! I have to admit, I'm pretty spoiled. I got my usual RX for sanity - See's Chocolates - so I was a pretty happy camper. I also scored some beautiful Sundara yarn the other evening purely by chance. (I think it was the 15th but it still counts!) She won't be mailing it out until the end of the month so I have something to look forward to. Who are we kidding, I've purchased more yarn than that but I'll save that for when I can get some decent pics.

My Doctor's visit went okay. Basically we'll just be re-checking my bloodwork every few months to try to pinpoint what "autoimmune" problem I have. We know I have one, there are over 100 so it may take a bit of time to get closer, and to order the right blood tests. I really do love my Doctor, he's just fun to talk to. He really lifts my spirits. I was apologizing about not being able to tolerate the side effects of so many meds we've tried but the way he put it into perspective for me was to tell me that if it was "meant" to be in my body it would already be there. There's no reason to feel bad about chemicals not working for me just because they may work for someone else. True.

I'm STILL trying to start another pair of fingerless mitts for my cousin. I got to thinking of how sensitive she is to wool and have another yarn that's a lot softer than the DIC Smooshy. Trying to find a pattern I like has been the hard part. I've started 3 and frogged them all. Speaking of which, that's what I should try to get back to now...

Happy knitting!

Finished!

My Dark Mark Illusion Scarf:



But, I'm not the happiest of campers. I used Cascase 220 Superwash since it's for my nephew (who'd eventually need to wash it). After I finished it I ran it thru a cold water, delicate cycle for a short time, then dryed it in a mesh bag for a few minutes. It seemed REALLLY Long when I took it out to switch it! Okay...nervous time...and thinking of ripping back and reknitting that middle section was swimming through my brain.

After a bit I laid it out to dry flat (glad I left off fringe as it was already to my knees). Later, I was on the phone with my Mom telling her how long it was (and panicking) so when I got off the phone I put it back in the dryer. Wa-la! It DID shrink down some thank goodness!

It's not up to my standards though, it still seems too stretched out, not enough stitch definition, and well....like most wool things I knit = "Piley and fuzzy". And I'm thinking I should've used those size 6 needles after all. It's funny because I'm usually such a "tight" knitter that it's my norm to go UP a needle size but this pattern called for 7's which I went with. I HAD started on 6's but thought it may have been to narrow as I was working it up. I should've listened to my first instinct tho, it showed much better definition of the image than the end result. Notice how blurry his eye areas are? Other people's are much clearer on Ravelry.

It's a fun pattern and I finished in about a week (some consolation if I do decide to redo it). I don't usually like reading charts because keeping my place is always so hard!! My eyes wander all over and I get dizzy! But this one is pretty easy to read and it makes it hard to stop, I kept thinking "okay, just a few more rows.." and knit until my wrists hurt. I think Storm Moon Knits did an awesome job! Especially if a "chart-inept" person like me can work it up. Bravo!! for the pattern! Boo!! to the knitter who second guesses herself.

Oh well, Dancing With The Stars is on tonight. If Marissa stays I'm seriously going to quit watching anything anymore! LOL!