Odessa

So, a friend of mine is coming to visit me. She is a wonderful friend from High School whom I lost track of for several years. We have just recently been re-connected. I'm so excited by her visit that I decided to make her the Odessa Hat from MagKnits. I left off the beads though as I don't really believe that to be her style.

Pattern: Odessa from MagKnits
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in a grey colorway
Needles: Size 4 circ, size, 6 circ, and size 6 DPNs

I'm a tight knitter in case anyone is wondering about the difference in the yarn called for and what I used. Well, it hat been sitting in the stash, and I got gauge, so I used it. Besides, I know the people who can be gifted hand wash items and who can't lol.

She loved the Hat, but unfortunately, no action shots. We were far too busy running around San Francisco for me to remember.

Quick Fix

I really enjoy knitting little, tiny projects for the Instant Gratification feeling. I love bestowing little gifts on family and friends just to say "Hey, I'm thinking of you."


This Soap Holder is great. I have made quite a few of them actually, but in the tradition of, well me, there aren't any Pictures of any of those done in Peaches 'N Cream and Sugar 'N Cream. Rest assured that they were very pretty with beautiful colors. Yet, I present you with the one plain, solid color that I did in Microspun yarn.




Pattern: Quick Fix
Yarn: Lion Microspun
Needles: size 5 metal DPNs
I didn't modify the pattern, just used different materials for this one.

My reason for switching up on the yarn after making all those cotton soap holders was that the cotton has a tendency to get, well, soggy. It stretches terribly, making it possible to get about 2 or 3 bars of soap in there (I'm guessing ha ha)
Now I know that cotton is the standard for wash cloths and the such, but I wanted to experiment a bit. Another benefit of the microspun, I have noticed, is that it dries much faster than the cotton (of course.)
All in all, I like this version better. I only wished there was some variegation to the colors to make it colorful and fun like it's cotton counterparts. So though this isn't my first, it is also, not my last. I love this pattern. What a great idea for a last minute gift as well.

I did just find a pic of one of the cotton ones I made so I am going to post it.

Yarn: Sugar 'N Cream

Here We Go Yankees!

OK, so I know that we lost this game, but how can you be disappointed when you're at a game that goes 11 innings? So we lost by a run, I don't mind. They are many other games to be won!

I did get a few BOOs walking around in my Yankee cap, a Huge New York Jacket, and not to mention my FLASHING Yankee pendant around my neck lol. Hey I didn't go too far... I am not a face painter. So what if I was on enemy territory, I had to represent lol.

Well, That sockotta sock in all it's citrusy goodness is dead. I'm afraid it just had to be frogged. I should have realized that 72 stitches was too large. I tried it on mid-foot and there was just no way that dog would bark. Despite the ribbing, I just knew it wouldn't stay up very long.
Well I think I am going to just Cast on a standard, plain old, 2x2 rib. Can't go wrong with the tried and true.

Sidekick to the rescue!

Alas, the computer is dead. So I had the brilliant idea of using the sidekick phone. I have quite a few pictures of FOs and then WIPs on the digital camera, but I'm afraid they will have to stay there for now at least. For now though I will be typing on the phone and posting crappy cell pictures.

So for my current WIP. A pair of feather and fan socks.

I'm using sockotta in the "citrus" colorway. This is the first time I'm using this yarn. Not bad. I cast on 72 stitches, and did a 2x2 rib for the cuff. Then I started the F&F pattern. I haven't decided if I'm going to continue the pattern down the foot or not. Time will tell.

Yarn: Plymouth Sockotta
Pattern: Basic Feather & Fan stitch.
Needles: size 1 (2.25mm) Bamboo DPNs

I love how easy to memorize this stitch pattern is. It is going by really fast, not to mention it's pretty fun too!

ETA: I had to use the pic from the Digital Camera after all ha ha.

My Stitch Markers

I decided to make my very own stitch markers. I headed to Michael's (how I wish I had a LYS) and picked up some jump ring and a box of celestial shaped beads. They are very basic. I just used my key-chain pliers to open the jump rings and slip a bead onto it, then closed it back up. Voila! I have used them already and I have to admit that I really like them. I also linked about 5 to 6 jump rings together and placed a different bead at each end to make row counters. I made a lot of both things so I don't know what to do with the extras.

I also whipped up this scarf for my SIL. I had the Bernat Disco Yarn from when they had their giveaway and thought it would be a cute little Boaesque scarf for her. No pattern, just Cast On about 10 stitches and Knit every row until I ran out of yarn. Then I Bound Off loosely. I used size 15 circs for these.

Hello there

Well I suppose I should introduce myself.

I'm Sha, I live with my wonderful husband and I am officially an obsessed knitter. When I am not knitting, I am reading about knitting, finding patterns, drooling over yarn, and... well you get the point.


I'm lucky that I have a partner who is so supportive of my other love, and knows the meaning of "hold on honey, let me just finish this row/round!"

I decided I should start chronicling my works in progress, and finished objects so that over time and can look back fondly and think remember when...

Also, to make a note of mistakes that could have been avoided, tools and notions to stay away from etc.
And, of course, whatever (mis)adventures I may encounter along the way.

You may notice some posts before this one. That is because there were a few things I wanted to include from before I started this blog. Hope I am forgiven for the confusion:)

Brea Bag is coming along...

So, I am not one who likes many knitted bags, but I just fell for the Brea Bag by Berroco. I went out and bought some Patons Merino and started knitting it up. I was sick in bed with a cold so, as luck would have it, I finished the first side in one day. The second one however took a bit longer, but not much.

Pattern: Brea Bag
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino
Needles: size 9 circs (for sides) straights (for the gusset)

So I have started on the Moss stitch gusset, something tells me, this won't be going quite as quickly and those lovely cables. I haven't that much done, but I already see this as tedious work. I will labor on however, because that bag is just fab!

Dad's Socks

I love my Father, I am a complete Daddy's Girl! So of course when he requested another pair of yummy socks I had to oblige. He went with me to pick out the yarn and everything. Even though I explained to him that his choice was not machine washable, he still wanted it. I love that about my Dad, he doesn't mind washing out something he will love in the sink.

Pattern: Garter Rib from SKS
Needles: Size 6 metal DPNs
Yarn: Patons Merino Wool in Marled heather I do believe.

I love making these house socks. They are such a quick knit. Can anyone say INSTANT gratification?! It took me about 3 or 4 days to finish, but if I were knitting nonstop I would have finished sooner.

About halfway through my ball of wool there was quite a long "unspun" part. After cutting and rejoining the yarn, there was a definite difference in color. So technically the socks are different colors (one lighter than the other) even though they are both from the same ball. Nothing we can't live with though!

I also did a pair for my Step-mom in some woolease (she definitely doesn't have time to hand wash socks as she is always on the go running her own business.) Unfortunately they were on her feet and out the door before I could whip out my camera lol. Just like all the rest that came before that pair! Next time I am going to take pics before I go visit them lol.

My Haul from Stitches

So I had a blast at Stitches West! Mr. T was such a good sport. I even had him fondling yarn with me lol. "honey, you have to feel this. You have to touch that!" He said he had a good time. Now I know he doesn't share my fascination with all things yarn, but I love him for trying! I was a little more spendy than I wanted to be. I took cash, and so I told myself that I was in no danger because once my cash ran out I would be fine. BUT, those people take plastic as well!!! Those Dastards! I am not posting everything I got, just my absolute favorites!
Here is the Schaefer Anne that I just fell head over feet in love with. It's 60% superwash wool, 25% mohair, and 15% nylon. 560 yards in each Yummy skein. I asked Mr. T's advice over which colorway to get, he chose something fun and bright. There were all so perfect and georgeous. I surprised us both by selecting the most muted colors. I am happy with my choice, I only wish I could have brought them all home with me:(

This is Heaven. No, really it is. It's from the Yarn Place in Sunnyvale, CA. 3100 yrds of cobweb lace weight in smoky tweed I think. The content is 45% Tencel55% Merino, and it feels like silk in my hands. I just can't seem to stop petting it. I know it's going to be a beautiful shawl one day, but I am so torn over which one. I have been surfing for patterns that would be perfect. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I am definitely interested!

I also picked up a few balls of Misti Alpaca. Yet another thing I can't seem to stop touching. Now it says it's a worsted weight, but this is definitely DK weight. Mr. T picked out one of the colorways. He is so helpful:D
There were a few other things, but these were, in my opinion, the ones really worth mentioning.

I am already looking forward to returning next year! I had a great time.

Getting Ready for Stitches West!

Well, I am all atwitter with excitement for the upcoming Stitches West Convention! Mr. T is taking me isn't that wonderful? I am promising to be good and not go spend crazy. I won't be attending any classes so I am just going to the Marketplace. If anyone is interested in upcoming events, there is a form you can fill out for a brochure here.


Well, since it is my first time at such an event, I thought I would knit up something to commemorate it. Silly I know, but I only had a couple of days so I needed something fast and simple. SO I made a drop stitch scarf. Not terribly exciting, especially since I don't really make scarves. But it took me just a couple hours and I really love it.

Yarn: Patons Soy Wool Stripes (SWS) in Natural Geranium
Needles: size 13 circs from my Boye Interchangables set.
Pattern: Fun Little Dropped Stitch Scarf

I was looking for something to do with this yarn since I had a few balls in different colorways in my stash. When I saw this at Michael's, I just couldn't resist. I thought the colors were so vibrant and pretty and it felt so squishy even in the ball. I grabbed about 1 ball each of a few colors.

Hopefully I will have some action shots of this fun, little scarf when I head out to Santa Clara on Saturday.

A Hat For A Cause

A very good friend just let me know that his mom is going to be going through chemotherapy soon. She has breast cancer. I wanted to do something nice for her so I decided to make her a chemo cap. I asked him if that would be ok and he said it would be great since she was already wondering what to use when she started to lose her hair. I found out her favorite color was purple as well, so I used a light purple/lilac shade.

Pattern: Lace Edged Woman's Hat

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: Size 6 circ and DPNs

The lace edging was an enjoyable knit for me, and the rest went by very quickly. I didn't like the reason I was making this hat, but I hope it brightened her day just a bit.

More Knitty FOs

Well, here is something I whipped up from Knitty.com's pattern, Calorimetry. I have to say how much I loved this project. It was very quick, one movie. I have been wearing it quite a bit. I had to make a couple more. The first one was just a test knit and I used up the leftover woolease from Sugar on Snow.

Pattern: Calorimetry

Yarn: Woolease

Needles: Size 8 circs

I did cast on 84 sts for this one. I noticed on both the Knitty board and craftster there were discussions about the pattern coming out too large. I also did fewer short rows. It fit perfect.

So I decided that I just had to use some Patons Soy Wool Stripes to make another.

I believe this is the navy colorway, and I used the same mods as I did for the first one. This is definitely my Favorite and I wear it all the time. I love this yarn!!! So soft and "squooshy" lol.

I also did a green one for my SIL since it's her favorite color, I did give it to her before I had a chance to take a picture though.

Sugar On Me... My FO

Well, I was browsing on Knitty and saw the Sugar on Snow pattern and just though it was cute! So I dug around in my stash and decided to whip one up. And boy did I ever! A very fast knit this was.

Pattern: Sugar On Snow
Yarn: Woolease (Leftover Caron Simply Soft from MIL's socks for the tie)
Needles: size 9 circs

Now I do know that I cast on more than the pattern calls for to adjust for the different yarn/gauge, but I honestly don't remember how much more. Forgive me.

Now let's be honest. I haven't worn this yet. I haven't been that cold. I don't quite know how I would feel wearing a hat with a drawstring tie, even though a cute one. I think I would be more likely to wear this as a neckwarmer and just know that is the need arises... I have a hat in a pinch.

I still love it though.

Socks, why am I so Obsessed?

Well, the year of 2006 found me knitting many things. Mostly socks, and mostly for my Dad and Step-Mom, but also for my brother and quite a few friends. I love knitting for appreciative people. It makes me so happy. Sadly I have no pictures as they were all gifted. I believe I have yet to make myself a pair. These are the only ones that I actually took a picture of I do believe. They were for my MIL.











I wanted to make her some nice cozy socks to pad around the house in. She said they were great! They are made out of Caron Simply Soft in a lovely lilac shade. Can't remember the color name I'm afraid. It was done on size 6 DPNs. The pattern is from Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks. It's the Baby Cable pattern. I love this book!

Lovefest 2006

Well, so I know I am backtracking here and it makes no sense right. I just had to post the photos of how we spent out wedding anniversary which was Saturday, September 23rd. Of course this was my idea! Mr T. and I attended the San Francisco Lovefest. http://www2.sflovefest.org/ It was such a blast! I danced almost until I dropped. Thank goodness he had the sense of mind to say we call it a night. I don't think I would have ever left and I would have had to be scraped off the sidewalk! Believe me I paid for it in sore muscles the next few days.

Oh the sights to be seen, and music to be heard! It was such an amazing seen of young and old. I did try to take a few photos of the naked, elderly men roaming about, but Mr. T advised against it lol.

My Very First FOs

Well, I taught myself how to knit in the middle of 2005 thanks to the most wonderful Knitting Site Ever. KnittingHelp.com

The videos on this site is what really made the basics and techniques of knitting finally click for me. I really recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning or even for advanced techniques. If you check it out, don't forget to visit the forum. You'll meet some of the most amazing people on earth! Honest!












This is the hat I made for (and being modeled by) my Best Friend Charm. It was my second hat, and also, my first cabled project and first use of Double Pointed Needles (DPNs)

The pattern was found here. It's the Braided Hat. I just left off the pom pom.



This was a needle roll I made to keep my very first needles in, which were mostly a collection from various thrift store finds. Pattern found here.
Here is one of the pair of Mary Jane slippers I knitted out of some yummy red mystery wool. Not sure where the pattern was found, but I believe it was from a thread on craftster.org



Here is a little purse and drawstring pouch. The very first things I ever knitted. No pattern, just rectangles sewn up the sides.

First Hat ever done on straight needles, then sewn up the side. My dad still wears it to sleep in sometimes:) isn't he sweet!





These were also just little pouches made by holding two strands of yarn together. My very first forays into knitting.
I promise I am much better now:)

I have since made many socks right after these projects, and even a pair of leg warmers for my MIL. Everything was gifted so sadly no pics. All in 2005!