Smokin' in the Sizzle

I finished Sizzle on Tuesday night, and I'm very happy with it. I haven't had much luck with garments, but I really feel like I've been turning a new leaf over the past year.

In honour of this latest FO, I thought I'd introduce a new series: Things I Learned from Knitting this Garment.

1. Reading the pattern ahead of time is a good idea: I really got it together this time, even highlighting all the appropriate instructions for my measurements. Good thing too, because if I hadn't, the simultaneous dart shaping, armhole shaping and neck decreases would have driven me to alcohol.
   
2. Decrease does NOT mean cast off. Whenever I used to work armhole or neck shaping, if the pattern said something like "Cast off 5 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows, then 3 stitches at the beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 stitch at each edge on every RS row 5 times", I would promptly cast off 5, then 3, then 1 at the beginning and end of every RS row 5 times. Then while knitting this project it hit me : If she meant cast off, wouldn't she have said cast off? A little light went on in my head, people, and I happily k2tog and ssk'd my way through the armhole and neck shaping (one stitch in from the edge, no less!). Made the finishing MUCH easier (but you all knew that already).
3. I'm tall (5 feet 10 inches, to be precise). You'd think that at 32 years of age, I'd already know this, but hey, I'm a work in progress. Being tall, I generally like my garments to be longer than average. So in the future, not only will I read through the pattern in its entirety, I will also check the detailed dimensions of the finished garment (beyond the bust measurements, which is all I look at now) in order to make the appropriate shaping decisions. Luckily, it worked out this time. I might have made it an inch longer, but I can live with that.

I'm itching to work on the Celtic Tote, but I think I'm going to try and get another project off the needles before I work on that one. I just know if I get into it, it'll lead me to utter ruin (OK, not really, but I'll work on it to the detriment of other, more pressing, projects).

Thanks for all the positive feedback on my new blog banner! I'm very excited about it. It was designed by a wonderful, talented graphic artist I found on Etsy, Malien00. Check out her shop! She's got some really adorable note cards and other stationary, and is available for custom orders. Thanks so much Mel! It's been a real pleasure working with you.

OK, I'll end this post with this week's Secret Pal 12 question of the week (you may have noticed I slacked off on those for a while, I really had no idea what to answer the last few weeks.

A project or technique that you've tackled and completed beautifully. What is your proudest knitting moment??

I guess the project I'm most proud of right now is Emilie's Good Stripe Dress. It wasn't that complicated technique-wise, but it just turned out sooooo great, and she loves it to bits (and as you know, a 4-year old being pleased with a hand knit item is a feat so rare as to be considered urban legend in some knitting circles).

And on the flip side? What is the one thing that you can't get right? What is that one project that you've never been able to complete? Or that you did complete but then hid away instantly because it was too embarrassing?

The project that springs to mind is my first sweater. I was a Fair Isle from a Létt-Lopi pattern. I'd never worked with more than one colour, I'd never knit in the round, I'd never heard of swatching... But I didn't let any of that phase me, and I just kept knitting. I suppose that, when you factor all that in, it's actually pretty good. But I'd never wear it. No way.

Especially not when I can wear this...

After all, like Wendy Bernard says, sometimes it's all about the sizzle...

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Fibonacci style

In addition to being an obsessive planner, I'm also never satisfied. Perhaps these two aspects of my personality go hand in hand. Whatever the reason may be, it seems that whatever I do, whatever I've accomplished, it's never enough. I can always do more. I was pondering this on my way to work this morning, when it hit me: I live life Fibonacci style (in the Fibonacci sequence, the first and second numbers are 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is equal to the sum of the two previous numbers in the sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 and so on) - thus, the sequence is ever expanding).

For instance, it wasn't enough to sing in a choir. No, I had to volunteer to become a member of the board of directors, then to take on all funding responsibilities, then to make all the music sheet copies... At home, I'm constantly trying out new recipes to become a better cook, when I should really just keep dishing out the same old boring favourites, because most new recipes are met with skepticism (Émilie practically cried when presented with this über-delicious Sausage-Rapini Lasagna, and Phil wasn't that impressed either).

The same can be said of my knitting and stash acquisition. No longer am I a casual knitter who only buys yarn for a specific project, or who knits one project at a time for that matter. No, now I've got a stash and a blog and I'm thinking about spinning and designing and who knows what else!

Phil and I even argue Fibonacci style. Something as mundane as your run-of-the-mill "Is it that much trouble to pick up after yourself?" can quickly escalate into looming divorce if it goes unchecked.

I had ample time to reflect upon this on my loooong drive into work this morning. Yes, you read that correctly. I drove. When I arrived at the metro station, there was an interruption of service on the orange line, between Montmorency and Berri-UQAM stations (wouldn't you know it? EXACTLY where I get on and off), so I had to drive in. On the worst traffic day of the year (Back to School day).

I wish I had pictures of Sizzle to show you, but the finishing is taking me FOREVER. I hate picking up stitches, weaving in ends, seaming, blaaaaahhhh... But since I'm trying to do it all the "right way", it's taking me a really long time. If all goes well, I should finish the first armhole trim tonight. Nevertheless, I've tried it on already and it looks pretty good, if a bit short (I should have added on a few more inches before starting the waist shaping). I'm SO not ripping back though, so I may go through the lovely and talented Jennifer's archives. If memory serves, she had a similar issue when knitting her son Jakob's Superman costume. Help me, Jenni wan Kenobi! You're my only hope! :)

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to my secret pal. I received my third package in the mail yesterday, and it's awesome!

I got 2 skeins of sock yarn, including this cool, technically-not-a-skein skein of Flat Feet. I'd never heard of this yarn, but the colours are awesome, so I'm looking forward to knitting it up (some day!). Plus some sheep notecards (a knitter can't have too many of those), some great Christmas cards, some Lush products (would you believe I've never tried Lush? Shocking, I know), and last but not least, some hand made items: a lovely scarf knit in beautiful Malabrigo (I love the colours, they're so vibrant! Very me) and a small project pouch.

Thank you Secret Pal! :)

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Final Lap

Things are nearing their inevitable conclusion at Chez Dear. The week is finally coming to an end, I've got another week left before we're all off for our summer holidays, and I'm this close to finishing my second Firestarter sock. (In fact, since I'm writing this from the office during my lunch break, I might be done by the time I post tonight!).

I usually work on these in the evening, but since all I'm doing is ribbing at this point, I brought it with me to work today, and got a few rows done on the metro. As a matter of fact, I was so engrossed in my knitting this morning that I almost missed my stop! I looked up and realized with a start that it was time to get off (about 2 seconds before the doors closed), so I hobbled out of there with all my stuff in total disarray. Distracto Girl in her natural habitat.

I loved this pattern, I loved this yarn (Shibui sock, from Robyn's Nest). I will be keeping these for myself, thank you kindly. Christmas is still months and months away, after all (plenty of time left!).

I'm really looking forward to taking some time off. I think we're all getting sick of the daily grind (even Émilie was whining about wanting to be on vacation this morning, and she gets to play with her friends all day!), it'll be good to have a change of routine. We're going to be spending some time at my Dad's, as usual, but after that it's sort of up in the air at this point. As I said to Phil this week, we're probably going to spend our entire vacation whining "What are we going to do today????". Big fun ;)

In keeping with the theme of Summer Vacation, here's the Secret Pal 12 Question for this Week:
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?

I usually pack multiple projects to take on vacation, because I find that, just like at home, different situations lend themselves to different types of projects. I ALWAYS have a sock with me, but if I'm going to be on a train or somewhere I can actually pay attention to my knitting, I'll pack a more complex, yet transportable project (like lace knit on a circular needle). I don't tend to pack something I have to knit in pieces (like a garment).

And just for scuz:

Tell us about a time that you packed too much knitting or were stranded without knitting.

I totally packed too much knitting when I went to Japan in March. I think I had wound enough yarn for 3 pairs of socks (not counting the pair I already had on the needles at the time), I had Cluaranach with me, and Maxime's Trellis Cardigan as well. I was there for 18 days. No way I was going to need that much. But as it turned out, it was a good thing I had brought so much with me. In Japan it's customary to give gifts to show appreciation when someone does something for you, so when 2 lovely Japanese ladies offered to hook up with me and be my guides on various excursions, I was able to give them each a skein of sock yarn.

Happy Knitting Everyone!

PS: For those of you who encouraged me to just go ahead and buy the red shoes I mentioned last post, it's my sad duty to inform you that when I went back the following day, they didn't have any left in my size. I was heartbroken! Honestly, who does a gal have to garrote with a circular needle to get her hands on a decent pair of red heels, for Pete's Sake!

Super Swag!

It's Monday again, and I am positively basking in the glow of some super swag. I finally got my first Secret Pal package on Saturday, and I am absolutely thrilled!

Included: a lovely card, a beautiful zippered pouch for my knitting notions, a scrumptious (and uber-practical) grocery bag, a great mix CD and some yummy Smooshy Sock yarn (I heart Dream in Color so much!). Thank you Secret Pal!!!

Two cool things I want to point out about this package. First, my Secret Pal made the pouch and grocery bag HERSELF! Second, the mix CD has allowed me to discover some awesome new artists. It was totally me, a really eclectic mix of music. Phil and I enjoyed it last night, while he was sewing away on his latest kite project (a Jordan 200 kite. "200" as in "200 square feet". It's going to be a monster).

(I love the strawberry pendant on the zipper of my knitting notions pouch!)

As if that wasn't cool enough, my mother was finally able to give me the books she had ordered for my birthday (we've both been busy), so I can finally update my wish list on Chapters! I got: Viking Patterns for Knitting (you'll like this one Kate, lots of cables and knots); The Knitting Answer Book (always handy to have, or so I hear); and Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn (a most excellent addition in view of my plan to purchase a wheel in the next few months). And a non-knitting but nevertheless much appreciated title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on Audio Book. I had downloaded this one for my trip to Japan, but something went wrong and I only got 2 out of 5 CDs, and I couldn't find it anymore when I got back. Grrrr.

So. Saturday I finally got it together enough to head out and see Robyn and meet Mackenzie (or, as I'll now officially be calling him, Mack the Knife). Of course, I didn't actually have it together enough to bring my camera with me (or to pick up a pattern I ordered from her about a month ago!), but at least I made it there in one piece. It was nice to see her and the fam, and to get to check out her garden in person!

Sunday was a yucky day, so we mostly spent it indoors, sprinkled with a few outings here and there so as not to go completely insane. Nothing fancy. I DID remember to bring my brand new shopping bag with me though! ;)

Knitting at casa de Dear is going well but progress is slow. I'm now on my second skein of Sea Silk for the Lace Ribbon Scarf (I'll try to put some pictures up next post), and I'm working on the leg of my second Firestarter sock. Since these are toe-ups, I should be done by the end of the week, for sure.

I kept forgetting to post my Secret Pal 12 Question of the Week last week, so here goes.

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?

Travelling is a little different when you've got young kids with you, so much as I'd like to put down something exotic like Bora Bora, I'd have to say that my current favourite (and, um, only!) vacation destination is my Dad's place in Markdale, Ontario. It's a beautiful area, and it's near a really great beach I used to go to all the time as a kid (Sauble). The only trouble is it's freakin' FAR!!! Hopefully they'll find something they both love that's a little closer in the future.

2) Where is one place you'd like to go?

There are tons of places I'd love to go! But again, not so easy with the young kids. Right now I'd have to say Paris. Phil has to go there for business in September, and I'd love to accompany him!

OK, that's it for today. Happy Knitting Everyone!

Thanks for the heads-up on the spelling boo-boos, Jennifer. That's the trouble with writing these posts on my office computer : the language settings are in French, so I don't get spell-check here!

Feeling Silly

Apologies to all my readers for the doldrums of my last post, but I'm sure you've all had off days like that, right? Luckily Knit Night made it all better, and I'm back to my usual silly-self today.

I was reminded of this cartoon yesterday morning, and I can't believe I actually found it online (God bless Google!). This is probably copyright infringement, but who's going to get into a fuss over little old me, I wonder?


It perfectly describes how I'm feeling now. Just sneaky and devilish, but somewhat short on actual inspiration :)

For instance, what exactly am I going to say today about my knitting? Still working on my 3 main projects (Firestarter socks, Lace Ribbon Scarf, Pinwheel Baby Blanket), still enjoying them, but nowhere close to completion on any of them. OK that's not entirely accurate. I'm creating the gussets on the second sock, so presumably I should have a completed pair within the next few days. My husband has been glowering at me whenever I work on my socks, which I'm pretty sure means that I need to placate the beast with another pair ASAP! I've promised him a pair out of a lovely Merino/Tencel blend in the stash that he's had his eye on forever, and I'm thinking of doing Anne Hanson's Luxor socks with it. (Note to self: must buy pattern for that).

Boy, I feel like I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here. What have I got going on this weekend, you may be wondering? Well, I've got an appointment for laser hair removal tomorrow morning! (I've got a big smile on my face right now, because I can actually hear my husband cringing in disbelief that I talked about hair removal on my blog. LOL!!!) And I want to pop over and see Robyn this weekend as well, it's high time I met baby Mack! She's also holding my first Secret Pal package for me, which I'm dying to get my hands on. Hey, Secret Pal? I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to get my package. If you're anything like me, you're going insane with the anticipation of knowing whether your package was appreciated (I'm sure it'll be great!).

I've also been noodling around with an idea (of course, I'm always thinking of future projects). I'm sure most of you have seen or heard of Jared Flood's Hemlock Ring Blanket (Ravelry link here, non-Ravelry link here). Shannon has been working on one lately, and I absolutely love it. It's soooooo beautiful, such a lovely project. And it's got me thinking. Since that pattern is basically an adaptation of a vintage doily, I was wondering if I could do something similar with a book of crochet doily patterns I picked up in Japan... the patterns in this book are absolutely stunning y'all, but I haven't really had the urge to get my hooking on (Ha!!!) in a while. However, maybe I could KNIT these things... Hmmmmm.... Will ponder some more and get back to you. Or not. (See? Devilish and sneaky)

Happy Knitting Everyone!

You Rock!

Just a quick post tonight. I'm quite beat, actually. Phil bought himself Guitar Hero for the Wii, and we've been playing it all evening. Sure, I can rock it out like nobody's business on the Easy setting, but my first attempt at the Medium setting kicked my arse. So Phil's playing now, and I'm knitting. :)

Speaking of knitting, I had to rip out the second Sock for Seeley back to the cuff. So sad, I know. I had just turned the heel, had picked up my gusset stitches and everything, when I realized I was missing a stitch on one of my instep needles. I checked my work, and it turns out I had dropped a stitch waaay at the end of the cuff, and had just never realized. So ribbit, ribbit, ribbit I went. So much fun.

Secret Pal Question of the Week: What's your favourite summer beverage?

OK, I'm actually quite sophisticated, but honestly the only thing that's coming to my mind right now is beer. I know, Sangria, white wine, rosé whine, that's all fine and dandy. But really, what hits the spot better on a hot summer day than a cold bottle of beer? Not much, that's what.

Happy Knitting Everyone! And Happy Knit in Public Day tomorrow! I'll be heading out to Fairview Mall to meet Robyn and her West Island Knits gals. See you there? :)

Enable Me

I'm such a joiner, I can't even stand it. I swear, I've got a sickness! What is it about knitting that compels me so much?

Now, before you start to think "Here she goes again", no, I did not buy anything (today). But I've been thinking about this since last weekend, when my attempt at covert stash enhancement failed miserably. (About that? When attempting to hide yarn purchases from your husband, DO NOT hide them in the car. That'd be his domain, and will guarantee you to be BUSTED!).

It's a compulsion, it's an obsession, it's stress relief... Let me give you an example. I mentioned a few posts ago that I just started listening to podcasts. Right now, I'm listening to She-Knits, and it's great.

So Sharon is addicted to bags. Loves them to bits, it's practically all she knits. Now, myself, I've never been particularly interested in knitting bags or felting. But since I've started listening to this podcast, I've become increasingly obsessed with knitting and felting a bag (specifically this one). It's made with Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, which Ariadne sells. I'm just itching to drop everything and go.

Trouble is, following the covert stash enhancement fiasco, I made a solemn oath to my husband (and more importantly to myself) that I wouldn't buy any more yarn (except for my Secret Pal! or using gift certificate money!) until Rhinebeck. Seriously, I've got more than enough yarn to last me until then (*snort* who am I kidding? At the rate I knit, I could probably knit for 5 years with my sock yarn stash alone).

Besides, I know for a fact that when it comes to the yarn binge, the compulsion to cast-on dies almost as soon as you receive the yarn.

*Sigh*

OK, a quick note to my Secret Pal. I've noticed through reading other peoples' SP12 questionnaires that I'm a total weenie, and that the question regarding my favourite scent had nothing to do with which perfume I wear (still shuddering in disbelief that I wrote L'Instant de Guerlain. Well La-dee-Da!!! What was I thinking???). So I've amended the questionnaire.

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Secret Pal 12

My Secret Pal 12 Questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Gosh, there are so many!!! I suppose I'd either have to go with Dream in Color yarns for sock or worsted weight, and Handmaiden Fine Yarns Sea Silk for lace. They're just so luscious! As for fibers, I'm not too crazy about fuzzy fibers, like mohair or angora. And I loathe acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I got a great knitting needle organizer as a gift for Christmas. It was purchased on Etsy.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting, off and on, for over 25 years. My grandmother taught me when I was 5. I'd say I'm fairly advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have a wish list with Chapters.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I don't know that I have a favourite. As long as it's fresh and not overpowering, I'm good. Nothing too flowery or musky, I guess I prefer citrus-y or spicey scents?

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really. I mean sure, I love chocolate, but I'm not a candy lover. Baked goods are more my thing.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

This is pretty much my only hobby, other than gardening. I only just learned to spin, but don't yet know if it's really for me.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Good question! I listen to all kinds of (mostly older) stuff. I can handle MP3s, so surprise me!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like vibrant, saturated colours. My colour palette is pretty wide, as long as it's a bold colour. Nothing too faded (like beige).

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married with 2 kids (Émilie, 3 and Maxime, 1). I have no pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I don't wear ponchos, but I wear everything else. Except maybe in summer :)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks and lace.

13. What are you knitting right now?

2 pairs of socks, the lace ribbon scarf, the Good Stripe Dress.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I'm really starting to enjoy circulars, but I love my straigts as well. I don't like bamboo (too bendy), and I'm not crazy about plastic. It's either wood or aluminum.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I do!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Probably a year old. I should frog it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Other than yarn? Yes, actually. I collect snow globes (see previous question).

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Book: Alice Starmore's Aran Knitting! :) Seriously, I'd love to add some Zimmermann titles to my collection (I don't have any of her books. Shocking, I know). Yarns: Handmaiden Swiss Mountain Cashmere and Silk. Needles: I'd love to try Lantern Moons. Patterns: not really. I buy as I go :) I subscribe to Interweave Knits magazine.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I think I should try steeking. Someday. When I'm not so a'scareded.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I am indeed a sock knitter. My foot measurements are 9 1/2 inches circumference, 9 3/4 heel to toe. I wear a size 9 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

June 27th. I'll be 32 this year.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am indeed. I'm DearKnits.