Handspun Calorimetry

I have one last finished object of 2007 to share.


For My Sister's Birthday

Calorimetry
Yarn: 2-ply Handspun Worsted Weight
Needles: US 7
Changes:
-Cast on 96 stitches.
-Worked Row 5 eleven times.



I bought a jar of old buttons in an antique store a few years ago. In it were several of these turquoise colored buttons. It's a good match.

Now, on to something new for 2008.


Swatches for Two Possible Projects

The Last Day

We were blessed with beautiful weather on the last day of 2007. It was the perfect day to try out the "big gift" I hinted at last week. I gather many of you were scratching your head trying to figure out what type of gift uses accessories like a *milk crate, cargo net and dry bag. I probably should have told you that it also comes with a PFD (personal flotation device) and a paddle.

My gift from John is a kayak.



This one is on loan from the shop until the one we ordered arrives. It will be exactly the same, minus the rudder. John has put together a nice video of our day together on the water. Click here and scroll down if you would like to see it.

My View
Notice the hand knit socks.




Fishing Couch
I'm not sure if this couch was dumped here or put here on purpose.




One New Sock
This pair of socks is flying off the needles. The yarn is the reason, I think. It's Colinette's Jitterbug in the Toscana colorway. Short bursts of bright color on sage green is keeping it exciting.




Beach Stroll
After our paddle in the lake behind the dunes, we stretched our legs on the beach and enjoyed the setting sun.



The biggest surprise of 2007 for John and me was discovering our love of Matagorda. I look forward to more days like this in 2008.

Happy New Year!

* A milk crate in a kayak is very useful for holding things. A cargo net will keep everything in place. A dry bag is self-explanatory.

Happy Feet

John's feet are now comfy and cozy in his new socks.


New Socks and Zeke

Started on November 1 (John's birthday) and finished on December 22. Call them a belated birthday gift or an early Christmas gift.



Basic Stockinette Socks
Short-row Heels and Toes
Worked on 68 Stitches
US 1 1/2 (2.5 mm) DPNs
Mountain Colors Bearfoot
Red Tail Hawk
60% Superwash Wool, 25% Mohair, 15% Nylon

I was able to get a man-size pair of socks from one 350 yard skein. I had a little yarn left over, but not much. Stockinette stitch was a wise choice as it uses less yarn. I might have had enough for a ribbed pattern on the leg, but I'm glad I didn't risk it. I would have been sweating out those last few inches and most likely would have run short.

The only complaint I have with this particular skein of yarn is that the color bleeds a lot when washed. Even after the first wearing and second wash there was an unusual amount of dye in the water. I thought I had fixed that with a vinegar rinse the first time. Anyone know of something else I can do to set the dye? The color is so rich, I don't want it to fade away.



This pair brings my lifetime total of hand knit socks to 20. This is the third pair I've made for John.

Christmas Gifts

The Fiber Related Gifts:



--The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes
I've only had time to skim through this book, but I love what I see. Very interesting reading for a knit geek like me and lots of great projects too. I want to knit all of them.

--Digital postal scale for weighing yarn or roving
I think this is going to come in handy.

--Line Counter
Originally designed to measure fishing line, but I plan to use it to measure yarn. I haven't tried it yet, so I'm not sure how well it will work. No, I will not share it with John. Wool should smell like sheep, not fish.


The Big Gift:
Last year it was a spinning wheel, but this year it has nothing to do with spinning or knitting. I won't say what is just yet--not until I have a chance to use it and to get good pictures. Here's a hint though--accessories include a milk crate, cargo net and dry bag. Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about. Pictures soon, I hope.


The Best Gift:
Without a doubt, the best gift was having the kids home for Christmas.


Matt and Robyn

It was very windy the day we went to the beach, which made for some interesting designs in the sand.

Knitted for Christmas

The Christmas knitting can now be revealed.


My Hat of Choice and Maine Morning Mitts
Yarn: Monos del Uruguay
Color: Persimmon
Needles: US 8 (hat), US 7 (mitts)
Great patterns! I'd love a set for myself.



Cotton Washcloths
Yarn: Lion Cotton
Colors: Maize and Khaki
Needles: US 7
Began decreases after 60 stitches.
Paired with Bay Rum Soap from Herbaria.



Boyfriend Hat
Yarn: Lion Wool
Color: Cocoa
Needles: US 7
Cast on 90 stitches and added one inch to length.
Love the decreases!

Santa Claus is Coming

And it looks like his bag is filled with treats for all good knitters.

Merry Christmas!


A Gift from My Neighbor

Santa Pillow
10" x 13"
Cross-stitch pattern by The Prairie Schooler

Call Me Crazy

I can't stop knitting miniatures.



Minutia Sweater Ornaments
5, 6, 11

Check it out. There are 12 different sweaters to knit.

Make sure you have plenty of ink and paper in the printer. It's a 14-pager.


Cables and Seed Stitch



Stockinette from Handspun



Garter Stitch

Completely frivolous knitting, but it sure is fun!