Merry Christmas!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, whatever you may celebrate.
We had a quiet weekend, with just my mom and step-father in town. Mostly we ate, read and knitted...

And behold the Christmas knitting.

First up is EZ's Ganomy hat for step-dad.

This knit up really quickly and easily in Cascade 220 in a lovely blue to match his eyes. I modified the pattern so that it decreased sooner, to achieve a less pointy hat. Oh yeah, and no ping pong bobble on the top...

Next, my pride and joy. Knitty's Hedera socks in Sundara yarn Somewhat Solid sock yarn in Slate over Pink. If you haven't knit this pattern, do it now! It is so well written and easy to follow, you can't help but end up with perfect looking socks. Really.
Well, at least if you read the pattern. You'll note below that the toe on the left is shorter than the toe on the right. Duh. It says to decrease every other row... which I did on the second sock, but not the first. So I had to rip that little bit back and fix. No biggie, but still dumb.

The man has clued in to my obsession, and got me just what I wanted for Christmas. Sundara's Tatami Kimono sweater pattern and enough yarn in colorway Drunken Plum to complete it. Yay! (Please forgive the craptastic kitchen photo. Does the sun ever come out?)

You may also have observed the lovely, freshly wound, center-pull balls I'm showing off... My mom gave me a beautiful wooden swift and a ball-winder. I think they've given up hope of ever seeing me again...

My wonderful secret pal also sent me something. Two skeins of yummy wool (sorry I don't have it in front of me, I will edit later.) and the funniest book I've ever read. I was reading some of it to my mom this weekend and we were laughing so hard we cried. Not kidding. Because it's all true. Frighteningly true.

Thank you so much Pal!!

And one more thing, and then I'll stop for now.

I finished my first mitt. Or hand sock, as the man calls it. I can't wait to finish the other. They are so warm and cozy, and they fit perfectly. Like a glove, if you will. If I really rush, I might be able to finish before my trek east over the weekend.

And the obligatory gut shot.

Thank you all for the kind words of congratulation about my graduation. It's very exciting, but hasn't really sunk in yet! I think once I find a job in a library, it will feel more 'real.'

Donesky.

Yep, it's finally true. I finished grad school!!!!

Thursday was my big presentation at my practicum location, which went wonderfully! It sparked a really interesting conversation, and the librarians brought up so many good points that I hadn't thought of. The project overall was a little tedious at times, but overall very worthwhile. I'm glad I had the opportunity to work at such a prestigious institution, and I hope that my efforts will be helpful.

Now, I just have to decide what to do with all this time on my hands. No more crazy work hours! All the time in the world to knit! Just have to find a 'real' job!

And, almost as exciting, I have officially finished my Christmas knitting. More next weekend, after the presents are unwrapped.

Obsessed Knitter in the making...

I had family in town over the weekend, and am now truly convinced that one day my little sister will be obsessed with knitting, just like me.

They arrived Friday night, and I was proudly showing off the %&(*%#(&*% that I made for a family member for Christmas. (Sorry, edited for holiday surprise. You never know who's lurking on your blog...) Sister was so impressed that she decided she needed to knit a sock. Just one.

So, Saturday afternoon we headed up to Noe Knit, and bought her some size 2 dpns and a skein of Lana Grossa Mellenweit.

No, she's never knit in the round, picked up stitches, or grafted a toe, or even decreased or increased stitches, and I had to remind her how to purl, but she has the drive to learn. I know she can do it.

However, she does need a little bit of training still to become completely obsessed, as I am. We were in the store, and I picked up a gorgeous skein of Manos del Uraguay. She looked at me like I had lost my mind and said, "Did you just SMELL that yarn?" Someday she'll understand.

Just a reminder

A terrible tragedy was discovered today. After 11 days, James Kim was found dead in a forest in Oregon.

Please be careful, and tell those close to you how much you love them.

Up next...

Done! (with Netflix for scale)

Pattern: Elegantly simple baby blanket from heartstringsfiberarts.com

Needles: Size 8 Denise circs

Yarn: Bernat Baby Coordinates

I can't believe this took sooooo long!
























Up next, Christmas presents galore, which I cannot share yet... and these.

Swallowtail finished

Another FO here at Librarian Knits!!

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl from Fall 2006 Interweave Knits
Yarn: Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca - ivory? natural?
Needles: Size 4 Inox 24" circulars

I had a few problems getting started with this pattern. I haven't knit much lace, and at the beginning I didn't know what it should look like. So, when I screwed something up, I would end up ripping back two or three rows... Once I got a rhythm though, it was smooth sailing, and a pretty quick knit.

Up next - the finished baby blanket!!

Today is a good day!

YES!

YES!!!

YES!!!!!

Today is such a great day!

Jaywalker!

Oh boy! A happy Halloween to you, and a FO for your viewing pleasure...

I am very pleased with these. My first socks! The second one must be a little smaller than the first, since I didn't run out of yarn. In fact, I have this much left:

Pattern: Grumperina's Jaywalkers, larger size
Yarn: Artyarns Ultramerino 4, colorway 127
Needles: Size 1 Susan Bates Quicksilver (set of 4) and 1 Brittany 5" dpn
No modifications

SP9!!

My secret pal is the best!! I got this package on Friday! It was a skein of Noro (am I spoiled or what??), some yummy smelling 'sea grass' candles, 4 beatiful stitch markers, peppermint chocolates (all gone!), and a card with some yarn from something she's making me!!

I am so lucky :) I hope my pal likes what I'm getting her half as much as I like what I got...

MUST. HAVE.

So, I'm toodling around the web and just found this awesome blog, and the most perfect jacket.

It's from Phildar Tendances #456 (Autumn 06).

I. Must. Have!

How time flies...

I can't believe it's been a week already! I am trying to post more frequently, but the only time I can take photos of my progress seems to be the weekend. And posts without photos are boring... so there ya go.

We had a fun, fun weekend. It was the man's birthday, so we did manly things.
First we went to the Haight - to go to Amoeba.


Then, since we were right there, we went to Golden Gate Park and rode the carousel,

and looked at flowers.

Ok, now what you're really here for:

SP9 is going well! I am really excited to buy things for my pal. It's going to be tough stretching it out until January, though! I want to buy a bunch of stuff and send it to her now! but I must restrain myself. And my pal sent me a note saying that my first surprise is already in the mail. This is so exciting!

The never-ending baby blanket is still unfinished, even though the baby was born on Friday (the 13th). He will be getting it as a Christmas present! Or, at this rate, a high school graduation present... I realize now that I made it too wide. The thing is 45" wide when stretched out. It's 35" long now, but looks weird since it's not square. The pattern says to make it 60" long, but I think squaring it up will be enough!

The Hex Coat pieces are finished!!! I completed the back last weekend and am almost finished putting it together. Now I just have to knit the hexagon border. Woo hoo!

My mom was up this weekend and we went to Noe Knit and I bought this lovely skein of fingering weight natural alpaca for my stash. I'm thinking a nice shawl/scarf. This one skein is over 650 yds! I am currently attempting to bribe it into becoming the Swallowtail Shawl from the Fall Interweave, but with little success. *sigh*

And, since I'm now officially addicted to knitting socks, I bought some Lorna's Lace Shepherd Sock.

48 Things You Couldn't Care Less About

ok, so everybody's doing it...

1. FIRST NAME? Larisa, but nobody calls me that. I prefer Risa.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? When my mom was in college, her Spanish prof's wife had a baby, and they named her Larisa. My mom filed the name away in her memory bank ... If I had been a boy my name would have been Ty Gregory.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? At my wedding, a month ago.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yep.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Salami
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Definitely
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? You're looking at it.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Probably not.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't really like cereal...
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never, but it always makes me mad when I try to put them back on.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Strong willed. Not physically strong, though I pretend to be.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Anything Ben & Jerry's
14. SHOE SIZE? 8
15. RED OR PINK? Red hair, pink clothes.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Lack of confidence.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? College friends who live far away.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Post it to your blog!!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Brown slacks, green sweater, brown shoes
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? bagel with cream cheese
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the scanner in the cube in front of me (I'm at work - don't tell!)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? green
23. FAVORITE SMELL? rain
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? eyes
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Everyone? I like everyone...
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Lemonade and root beer are competing for the top rank. I'll have to get back to you.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Although I can't do it anymore, I was a pole-vaulter in college. Woo hoo!
29. EYE COLOR? green
30. HAT SIZE? no idea
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Glasses. I work on computers all day and now I have to wear glasses again. Drat!
32. FAVORITE FOOD? pasta, mashed potatoes :)
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Either one. I love movies
34. ?? Somehow question 34 disappeared. How about I make a new one? Ok... FAVORITE MOVIE? Garden State.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer
36. HUGS OR KISSES? yes please!
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? anything with chocolate!
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? nothing, it's black
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? I don't have a TV.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? my husband's voice
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? beatles
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Farthest geographically - Italy. Farthest culturally - Tunisia
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Knitting :)
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Central Coast of California.
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? stolen from everybody's blog...

watermelon jaywalker #1

My first sock is complete! The mate should will be done some day...
The pattern is the ubiquitous Jaywalker from Magknits by Grumperina, made with Artyarns Ultramerino4 in color 127 (watermelony).

Back and Married!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm back from a wonderfully relaxing honeymoon, and the man and I have finally made it official! We had a perfect wedding day in my parent's back yard. They did so much work for us; it was amazing!
I hope to have pictures both of the wedding and of my knitting (I'm making socks!!) soon. Maybe there'll even be a shot of the clapotis in action!

Secret Pal 9 questionnaire!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I really like wool and wool blends, but I won't turn my nose up at anything. I'm not a big fan of acrylic, but other than that...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I think a vanity bag would be the best way to describe it. It zips open and has a compartment on each side. One for the needles and one for the other stuff. I also have a Denise set which is, of course, self contained.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have been knitting for about 10 years. My mom taught me the basics and I have taught myself a lot. I like to consider myself intermediate to advanced. I like complicated stitch patterns, but I need to work on my finishing skills!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I have one at amazon.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like low-key scents, like cucumber, over really 'sweet' smelling things.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Oh yes! I always love chocolate, but really anything will do!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I haven't yet ventured into spinning, but I would love to some day. I like to do counted cross-stitch and make beaded jewelry, but I mostly knit.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love old jazz, especially Ella Fitzgerald. I also like bluegrass. And yes, I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I prefer cool colors - greens, greys, blues, nice browns look best on me. I never wear red or yellow, but I do like pink. Who can resist the happiest color?

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my husband (that's such a new and exciting word!). We, unfortunately, don't have any pets at the moment.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I love scarves, but mittens and hats aren't really practical on the California coast.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I knit mostly sweaters, but I'm making a new venture into socks. I have made a few scarves, and would love to make a fun lace shawl or scarf someday soon.

13. What are you knitting right now? Ha! I'm in the middle of the Hex Coat from Knitting Nature, my first Jaywalker and a baby blanket. On deck I have socks for the man and the Cambridge jacket from Summer 06 Interweave, also for the man.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Who wouldn't!!?!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I almost always knit on circular needles. In the past I used plastic a lot, but I'm starting to like aluminum more.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, I still have to use my knees!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Um, I try not to keep track. There is a vest I designed and started knitting about two years ago...

18. What is your favorite holiday? Definitely Christmas. I wish the holiday spirit could last longer!

19. Is there anything that you collect? You mean besides yarn and needles? Not really.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have been yearning for Handknit Holidays and Knitting Without Tears for a while. I subscribe to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I just bought the Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques - I am looking forward to refining my finishing skills.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I'm starting to be! My foot is 9" long, and 8.5" around.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 5/12. Yep, I'm a Taurus.

precious

The gift bags are complete!

The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and I made the smallest size. The yarn I used (L to R) is Rowan Cashcotton DK in color 615, MSO Merino Soft in color 61, Rowan Wool Cotton in color 956 and Rowan Calmer in color 475.

Yay! I'm very pleased with the results and can't wait to present them to their respective new owners in less than a month!!

written off

I can feel it.

You've written me off. Dumped me.

Ok, so I admit it. My blog is a dud so far. I started it with aspirations to be like Eunny and the Grumpster. I have failed.

BUT!! I promise to be better once this silly wedding thing is over. Then I will have no class, no planning. Only this job and an internship and all the time in the world to knit! Don't give up on me yet. I can feel great things in the works.

I have been knitting. The eternal baby blanket is almost done. The gift bags are near completion. The Hex Coat is still coming along. And I'm planning on knitting my first socks on the honeymoon.

This weekend we are off to my hometown for a bridal hair-trial, bridal shower and fun times with my girlies.

I will have FO pictures next week - I promise.
See you then.

Bad, Bad Blogger

So, I really have been knitting, but with wedding plans and school, etc. I have been a bad, bad blogger.
The Hex Coat is coming along. See?


I have started on the sleeves and hope to finish some day!


In other news, I'm almost halfway done with the gift bags from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. See?

I also bought Eunny's Deep V Argyle Vest and the yarn for it. Steeks! Eeks! I have it hidden away so I won't be tempted to start any more projects before the wedding.

Startitis? Me too!

Kat posted the other day that she has startitis... me too!! Besides the Hex Coat and the never ending baby blanket, I have decided to try my hand at knitting socks. I will probably make Grumperina's famous Jaywalkers or a pattern from Knitty. Although I haven't actually started these yet, I bought the yarn this weekend and can't wait to get them under way.

I also bought yarn for four of the little gift bags from the cover of Last Minute Knitted Gifts and have started one of them. Yikes.

I have always been a one-project-at-a-time type girl, but in the past few months my fiber/knitting obsession has dramatically increased and I fear that that trend has seen its last days. My list of objects to be knit seems never ending now...

Is there a cure? Um... can I have a spinning wheel please?

Progress

I am making progress on the Hex Coat from Knitting Nature! I was in a knitting rut there for a little bit - between finishing Clapotis and receiving my backordered yarn for the Hex Coat. It finally arrived and I have plunged fingers first into this beautiful pattern. On my screen, the color in the top picture is practically true.

The moss stitch creates such a yummy texture in this yarn. I love it!

Clapotis finished!

Yay! I finished knitting on my trip last week and blocked over the weekend. I am totally converted. I will block without fear forever more. It turned out great. Thanks to Noe Knit for the nudge to start this!

Knitting Nature

I saw the pictures Grumperina has on her blog and knew this book had to be mine! I received it for my birthday a few weeks ago and have been drooling over it since. I have ordered the yarn for the Hex Coat, but am really having trouble deciding which of the projects I want to do first. There are so many beautiful sweaters!

Clapotis

So, I have given in to peer pressure. My LYS (the wonderful, beautiful, awesome Noe Knit) has started a Clapotis knit along. I went there and bought Rowan Cashcotton DK in a lovely sage green the day I heard about it and have been madly dropping stitches since. I am almost through my 8th repeat of section 3.

I have always been wary of blocking. But in this case, I can already see that I need to get over it and block my little heart out. The twisted stitches are getting tweaked when I pull the dropped stitches out, and I think blocking will help even them out and help the FO retain its shape better.

For those afraid of blocking like me, Eunny Jang has a thorough tutorial on blocking that helped allay my fears.

Also, for your viewing pleasure a picture that shows the beauty of a perfectly blocked Clap (in black linen yarn - hmm... I may need one of those too!)

Oh yeah, and I made the Man a beanie out of Rowan summer tweed.

Mariah, etc. pics

Thanks to Kat from Chicks with Sticks for the close up of the sleeve. I'm so excited that it's finished!

A couple of pictures of my Odessa cap in progress:















And some of the baby blanket in progress:

Mariah finished!

I promise I will post some pictures eventually! In the meantime, you can see a couple pictures on the SF Chicks with Sticks page.

Meanwhile, I decided to use some of my extra yarn (Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran) to make the Odessa cap. It was a bit of a last minute decision, so I am making this one without the beads. Maybe next time...

I am working busily on my cousin's baby blanket, and dreaming of sweaters.

Fun Fun Fun

Oh boy, a new blog!
Since finishing finals I have been busily knitting away on my Mariah. I will post pictures when I get a chance.
I am already planning my next projects - including Starsky, and a baby blanket for my cousin. I'm sure more will soon be added to the list...