Stemming the Tide of Panic

For the past couple of weeks, and continuing all the way until the 19th, I have been in an overwhelming state of panic mostly due to how much change has been going on around me. How shall I lay it all out for you.... lease for our HORRIBLE apartment is up, go rental house hunting, find a new rental, sign lease, plan moving day, attend 4 year old's preschool registration and enrollment orientation, start packing, get ready to teach New Pathways class at Recycled Lamb, teach said class, continue packing, work frantically on Farmer's Market Themed items for TLC, paint daughter's room pink in the new house, and still to come? meet daughter's teachers, attend daughter's open house, finish painting (today), actually MOVE (on the 15th!), PTO meeting, daughter's "phase-in" day and then first day of school, finish Farmer's Market items by the 20th for pictures....

Ok, I think you get the idea! And I am sure I forgot some things in that "description."

On the plus side, I did get this cute heart tee done for daughter...




Knit with Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy, which is a lovely yarn. I enjoyed knitting with it, though it does separate easily. It makes up for it in softness after blocking.

Some Finished Projects

I finally managed to get my lace scarf done, though I can't seem to come up with a cool name for it.

Felt Bowls have been on my project list for TLC's upcoming "Farmer's Market" themed stocking in August. They are so much fun to make, easy to whip out, and my kids like wearing them as hats (groan).

Before....



After....


Large Felted Bowl Pattern
Materials:
Worsted Weight Yarn
Size 11 needles
Tapestry thread
Washing machine for felting

Instructions:
CO 64 stitches
Knit in the round for desired length (I worked these to about 5 or 6"
Start Dec Rounds:
Rnd 1 - *K2tog, k6; rep from * to end of round (56 sts rem)
Rnd 2 - Knit
Rnd 3 - *K2tog, k5; rep from * to end of round (48 sts rem)
Rnd 4 - knit
Rnd 5 - *K2tog, k4; rep from * to end of round (40 sts rem)
Rnd 6 - knit
Rnd 7 - *K2tog, k3; rep from * to end of round (32 sts rem)
Rnd 8 - knit
Rnd 9 - *K2tog, k2; rep from * to end of round (24 sts rem)
Rnd 10 - knit
Rnd 11 - *K2tog, k1; rep from * to end of round (16 sts rem)
Rnd 12 - K2tog all the way around (8 sts rem)
Cut yarn about 10" long and weave into last 8 sts. Pull tight and secure end.
Felt and shape to desired size! Easy Peasy!

Class Schedule for the Fall

Cheryl from Recycled Lamb emailed me my proposed class schedule for the upcoming fall season - it looks to be a packed one for me, so I hope you get the chance to join in! We'll go over basic sock techniques and theory in the Newbie Class and tackle a Cat Bordhi pattern in the New Pathways class. Everyone needs a Gnome, so be sure to sign up for that class because it is sure to be a lot of fun!

All classes are from 6-8pm
New Pathways for Socks, Mondays, 8/10 - 8/31

Sock Knitting for the Newbie, Mondays, 9/21 - 10/12

Sock Knitting for the Newbie, Wednesdays, 10/21- 10/12

Gnit a Gnome, Thursdays, 10/29 - 11/19

Book Review: The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Technique

This book, The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques, by Margaret Radcliffe is FAB.U.LOUS! I'll admit, I have long been afraid to work with color outside of multicolored yarns, but Radcliffe convinced me to take the plunge.

Radcliffe goes into stunning detail about how to work with multicolor yarns, Intarsia, and Fair Isle, as well as a variety of other techniques such as Twined Knitting, Entrelac, and Shadow Knitting. When I say detailed, I mean high quality photographs, clearly written directions, instructions for working flat or in the round, pattern stitches, and wonderful descriptions of basic techniques that we all need refreshers on. Radcliffe easily blends basics with a full bibliography to delve deeper, never leaving you wondering. It is step-by-step for the beginner and eye-opening for the advanced knitter. Seriously, if you could just have ONE book on color knitting for your reference library, this would be it.

Out of Sorts Leads To...

Fabulous productivity! Or so it seems.

I've been off-line for a bit due to illness that spread through my family in a feverish rage, so one at a time, each of us fell victim to the 3 day bug. UGH! Not fun.

But, as soon as we all got better, it was back to work (in theory, anyway). I knit like crazy to finish a STUNNING fair isle sock for Janel's new book, "The Enchanted Sole." I don't think I can share any photos of it yet, but I promise it is a sure winner. And I'm pretty tickled to have my name in a book. (eliciting a cheesy grin...)

I CAN show you some of the other projects on my plate:
1. Gnomes. Not sure why Alan Dart can't create toys in the round because seaming and sewing on little arms and legs = a gnightmare on gnome street. However, my little guy still turned out pretty dang cool. I used Encore DK, Falk Dalegarn, and Lion Brand Fun Fur to make this dapper little chap.




2. One of the gals at Recycled Lamb requested a triangular shaped scarf in a lace pattern and since I love a new challenge, I set upon it with excitement. It is coming out SO nicely!! I utilized a pretty herringbone lace pattern and a new technique I recently learned, the cable cast-on (I may post a tutorial later, but for now check out this video). I am using a fingering weight yarn by Monsoon Designs on "Green for Colleen." If I say so myself, it rocks!! Sorry, though, no pics!


3. I set about creating my work space. I needed something where I could work on the computer, draw my charts, fiddle through stitch patterns, etc, etc. On the wall in the far left of the pic is my dry erase board that lists my upcoming projects, deadlines, store stockings, ideas, gift project list, and general weekly to-do. On the desk, I have business cards, thank you cards, tissue paper (for shipping), colored pencils, and knitting odds-&-ends in the green drawers. Up top of some of my knitting books, printer, and shipping envelopes and underneath is my filing cabinet, paper shredder, paper cutter, and extra paper. The bottom drawers under the desk contain discs, office supplies, and address book. I bet you are green with jealousy right now, aren't you?!




I also got a new book this week,"The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques." This book is FANTASTIC and will review it later this week for you. I'm telling you: this needs to be added to your library!

Try, Try, Try Again

No pictures to show off today, but I can tell you that the past week has been overloaded with "you win some, you lose some" moments. I am sure you are familiar with those. Projects that you start, but have to rip out because of the perfectionist voice screaming at you to. Patterns that you are testing for someone else, only to find that the main objective is to test your last nerve and make you feel like a beginner knitter.

Sooo, now you know why I have nothing to show off today. But, I have restarted and am making better progress... we hope!

The Perils of Sock Knitting

I'm not kidding. Sock knitting is a dangerous venture. With needles flying faster than the speed of sound (at least, I imagine they are), the risks posed are quite high. I can easily entertain the idea of a poked eye, stabbed finger, but in my particular case, it involves the destruction of clothing. Yes, clothing. Shirts to be more specific. I counted 16 of my shirts peppered with b-b-gun like holes:




Sigh... it's a terrible thing to have to discover. But, ah well, I've made a bit of money the past few weeks, so a whole new shirt wardrobe was in order. Now I knit with a thick apron over my lap at home. The perils, I tell ya.

There are a few other risks, but I will just mention one for now and that is the sensation of being overwhelmed! I'm currently testing a sock pattern for Janel's new book (big secret until it is released, so hush!), trying to keep up to date with a blog, working with a graphic's artist for a new logo, playing around with some new designs, swatching fun yarns, listing the Anu Sock Pattern officially for sale, and finishing up sock orders. Whew! Is your head spinning yet? Here's some finished project pics to help you re-focus....










Yum, huh? LOL

Don't be afraid to order a copy of my new pattern, available from Ravelry or my Hyena store.

Feeling the Rush

My first stocking with TLC was a great success, I think, since I sold 3 custom slots. I received the customer's yarn early this week and have set to work knitting some fabulous socks (in my humble opinion) for Tina. I decided to experiment with a new stitch pattern on one of the pairs, which has come out very nicely. I think I have the makings of a new sock pattern!

Speaking of patterns, my Anu Socks are in their final stage of editing (I hope!!) and should be ready for the TLC "BIG Welcome" stocking for our 6 new vendors this coming up Tuesday (the 19th). Be sure to come check it out at 2pm EST - there are a lot of goodies to snatch up.

I picked up some hemp/cotton yarn the other day at RL. I can't wait to get a chance to swatch it. The more I fondle it, the more I think it is a great choice for the tee I have in mind for the girls. I'll be sure to show pics of it as I swatch later.

Something was accomplished!

Yea! Over this past week, I was able to:
1. Sell all my custom sock slots for the month of May
2. Upload and organize pictures of my Sock Stash for customers to choose from (and for me to remember!)
3. Finish writing the "Anu Sock" pattern which is currently being tested by a willing friend of mine
4. Actually start a pair of socks for myself for the first time in over a year with the STUNNING "Bella" colorway by Western Sky Knits.

I probably won't make much progress on it, though, since I need to get started on some custom orders that came in over the weekend.

I spent a lot of time this week working on a new sock design, but something about it is eluding me. I think I have knit, frogged, re-knit, and frogged again in a never ending cycle for days! ARGH! I opt to remain on the hopeful side but I think it might have to be put away for a while.

Yesterday, I was able to complete some rough sketches on two designs: a toddler dress and a toddler shirt. I think they will be ultra cute, but I need to find the right yarn. Sugarbubbie is highly tempting right now, but then so is the hemp blend that I recently saw at Recycled Lamb.... ahhhh, decisions, decisions! Actually, I am thinking the hemp would be very nice for the top, so I may get some this week when I go in to teach my sock knitting class.

Ok, off to get chores completed and socks knitted!

Getting Nothing Done

After spending the past two days running around like... well, like a crazy person, I awoke this morning with the plan on getting a LOT done. And yet, everything remains as it was when I woke. Two days worth of housework, pattern writing, sock knitting, and charting are all untouched. Mostly, it is because I have sat, frustrated, in front of the computer trying to wrap my ahead around the concept of HTML. Then, I moved on to cursing under my breath as the "codes" refused to do anything for me as I struggled to "sophisticate" my blog.

On a positive note, I had a wonderful time with my sock knitting class last night, though I think my students left a bit more confused then when they arrived. I'm hoping that doesn't speak to lowly of my teaching skills. I did have the chance to chart out a design for socks that has been bouncing around in my head. Personally, I think my idea will be stunning (assuming I can pull it off).

A New Blog

I've decided that my new business, Pisces Knits, needs to be accompanied by a new blog so you can keep up to date on my projects, designs, submissions, and the like. Of course, you can always follow me around on Ravelry, but this option gives you a little more in-depth info.

I'm pretty excited to announce the grand opening of my "store" with the Tiny Lady Cooperative, a wonderful group of like-minded gals who bring their businesses together into one "congo." We stock pretty regularly (the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month), so you will always find fabulous new items. In fact, we go live today with our newest items at 2pm Eastern Time, so come check us out!

I have a few custom sock slots for sale, as well as some completed socks. Here's a sampling:


The pattern for my "Anu Socks," inspired by the Irish Goddess of fertility, springs, and fountains, shall soon be available, as well. It is a simple pattern with beautiful texture that I hope everyone enjoys: