Work in Progress Wednesday 141

Hi everyone. I hope you're having a great week and that the weather shapes up for those of you who are still getting snow in the northern part of the Midwest! Unreal!

I have a few things to show you this week, a few new things in fact.

 

As you may remember from Friday, I finished March, so I thought I would show you the little bit of April I've worked on, as well as how it's all laid out so far on the sampler! For those asking about cross stitch patterns last week, I'm pretty new to cross stitch and don't know too many books/mags to recommend. I buy all of my patterns from Etsy and The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery! There are amazing Etsy cross stitch patterns out there.

 

 

This is my Sweet Summer Rays shawl for the KAL we're doing. It's knit out of Candy Skein Sweet Fingering in Foil Wrapper. So far it's going great! I think I'm on line 25 of the pattern if I remember correctly.

I obviously just started this tonight. This is my first time trying out two at a time socks, so I decided to just do something basic. I'm doing a 3x2 rib using a size 0 (I didn't have a 40" cable in anything else I could find that would work) needle. I normally use a 1.5 needle so I cast on 70 stitches to allow for the smaller needle. We'll see how it goes. Next time I might just try a 32" cable. What does everyone else use when doing two at a time? The yarn is Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Tardis Tart Ombre.


That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of the week and I'll see you on Friday!

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 91

Hi everyone! It's great to be back and actually writing WIPW close to when it's going to post. The last few have been scheduled while I was traveling to and from Oregon. I had a great time, as I mentioned on Friday, and will tell you all about the trip soon!

I started this sock while on the trip, but to be honest I didn't get much knitting done despite the 18 hour car trip one way. I thought I would be a knitting fool when not driving, but didn't even get a stitch knit on the way up. Nuts, right? I started the sock in the booth at the fiber festival, but for some reason I had a weird issue with it, where there was a small hole in the ribbing despite not dropping a stitch. I pulled it out and started over again on the car right back to California. I got the cuff done, but have done the rest since I've been home. This is Hermione's Everyday Sock in Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Orange Sherbet.  You may remember I made the same pattern in October/November of last year for my mother in law. I've been dying to make a pair for myself and so when it came up on my knitting group's queue for our Harry Potter Sock Challenge, I couldn't wait to get started. I think this will be my go to "vanilla" sock pattern from now on. They just fly off the needles. If you're looking for a fun, easy but great looking sock, give these a try! They look great with solid/semi solid/variegated yarns.

This sock doesn't look too different since the last you saw it, but I finished the lace section on the leg and started the heel flap (but the heel flap part isn't in this picture). I did the remaining lace (on the leg) in Oregon. I'm hoping to finish the first sock soon and get going on the second one. I really want to wear these as they are quite beautiful. I'm using Candy Skein Yummy fingering again, this time in the March 2012 colorway Leprechaun Lollipop.


That's it for me today. Be sure to check back on Thursday as I have a big surprise as it is Candy Skein's first anniversary!

Also, for those interested, the Candy Skein store is now open at Candyskein.com! There is all new stock listed, including new colorways. You can also now check out straight from the site! Also, the Effie Socks pattern is now available and I'm hosting a Candy Skein Effie Sock KAL starting May 1-June 31st at Candy Skein Addicts on Ravelry.

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 89

Hi everyone! Depending on when you are reading this today, I'm probably on the road on my way to Oregon (for the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival). We leave (hopefully) around 8am, and are going to drive as far as we possibly can before we tire out. Our goal is to at least get 10 hours away, as we'll have another good 7-8 hours tomorrow. Yes, California is REALLY REALLY big/tall. It doesn't help I live in San Diego which is only about 30 minutes from the border of Mexico, so we'll be driving the whole length of the state. Hope for good weather and a safe trip for us!

While I'm gone, I'll have posts scheduled so that you can still participate in WIPW and FO Friday, but obviously I won't be commenting. I won't be returning home until late next Wednesday, so there will be a FO Friday without me, as well as another WIPW.

That being said, if you'd like to follow my travels, I'm sure my twitter will be on fire (when I'm not the one driving) with pictures of the scenery on the way up through CA and Oregon, as well as the booth at the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival. My twitter is @tamiklockau (or you can just click the little bird icon on the left sidebar of the blog.

Now to WIPW:



Unfortunately, I haven't been able to work on my Effie Socks as much as I'd like. It's SUCH a fun fun pattern to do. I'm using Butter Mints, the April '12 Candy Skein colorway. It feels good to work on a pattern that ups my skill level, as this one does, and it is working great with the yarn. I plan to be doing a KAL with this pattern on the Candy Skein Addicts Ravelry group starting May 1st through the end of June. More details to come! (Don't worry, since my shops are now closed until May 1, I'll be selling Butter Mints through May as well)





I've started working on my Devil Snare socks made from Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Leprechaun Lollipop (March '12 colorway) again. I'm hoping to finish one sock in time for the beginning of the Fiber Festival Friday night. I need to do two more leg repeats before starting the heel flap/turn. It's funny how your perspective can change. When I started these socks, I was finding it impossible to remember the pattern repeat/chart. After working on the Effie socks, this pattern seems so EASY, it made me laugh. I should be able to cruise on these, and work on them in the car when I'm not driving. :)

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of the week, weekend and first part of next week! Off to Oregon I go!

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Hunger Games Effie Sock Pattern Featuring Butter Mints!

As some of you already know, I've been working with designer Yavanna Reynolds (datenshi on Ravelry) on a Hunger Games inspired Effie pattern featuring Candy Skein April colorway of the month, Butter Mints! The pattern is still in test knitting, but you can see her beautiful work on the project page, Effie Socks.

I hope you love the pattern and the yarn as much as I do! I'm currently knitting it, and it's a joy to work on! Make sure you also check out Yavanna's other great Hunger Games inspired sock patterns on Ravelry! I have a feeling more and more people are going to be talking about her wonderful, imaginative designs very soon!

The pattern should be available toward the end of this month, beginning of next and I plan to hold a KAL on the Candy Skein Addicts group for those interested in knitting the pattern with Candy Skein yarn! A few of our test knitters are using different colors, so you can see how the pattern knits up in semi-solid and variegated colorways.

Here are a few of her pictures (again, these are not my pictures but belong to the designer, Yavanna) that are featured on the project page!

Front:



Side:



3/4 view:



Aren't they gorgeous!!?? I can't wait to continue knitting them and also for the May/June KAL!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 67

Happy Wednesday! So this past weekend, I hoped to get a TON of knitting done...and I didn't. I am so behind on my Christmas knitting and my Rhombi, I'm freaking out a little bit. We'll see what I can get done this week and this coming weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me!





Okay, I have to say, I've been bit by the hexipuff bug. Now, I don't plan (right now) to even attempt the Beekeeper's Quilt, but I'm making these little guys. I've made two so far (as you can see above), one in leftover Knit Picks Imagination in the colorway Frog Prince, and the other in Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Brain Freeze. Can you tell which is my first, and which is my second one? LOL, it's amazing how much better I got from the first to the second! I'm using Judy's Magic Cast On, and closing them with the Kitchner stitch. I wish I had more time to make these, as I can see how addictive they can be. Mine are coming about to about 2.5" from point to point, using a size 5 needle. I even went to Ikea to buy a jar with a lid this past weekend for them. Yes, I know...sad, isn't it? How into it am I, or will I be when I get free knitting time? I'll have a Candy Skein announcement tomorrow in regards to the craziness. How many of you are addicted to this crazy pattern? Check back tomorrow if you've lost your heart to hexipuffs!




I'm still working on my Rhombi and it's going good. I'm just in the long, boring part as I mentioned before, but I'm plugging along. I hope to finish the body soon, so that I can move on to picking up the sleeves. It fits great (hopefully I can get a picture of myself wearing it soon, but by the time my husband gets home from work it's very dark.). I can't wait to be done and wear it!




Last but not least, my MiL STILL. I know, I know, I'm STILL working on these. I haven't had a chance to knit much of the second sock, but at knit night last night, I finished the leg and am about to start the heel flap. I'm not following the pattern on the leg repeats, as I only did 10, instead of the 18 that it calls for. Of course, I forgot this last night at knit night, I forgot that and just kept happily knitting. I ended up having to take out only one repeat today, thank god, but frogging isn't helping my stitch count at this point! Oh well, all is good. I hope to be able to do the heel flap and turn tomorrow while I watch my nieces. I need to finish these socks this week, no if, and, or buts!

That's it for me today. What are you working on?


For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 65

Hi all! I hope you had a great and safe Halloween if you celebrated! We handed out candy and watched Corpse Bride and Shaun of the Dead. I LOVE both of those movies. It was fun overall and we actually had a lot of Trick or Treaters which is unusual. Anyway, it's late as I forgot it was Tuesday (I write this the night before) because my Monday night knitting group met tonight due to Halloween.

Here's what I'm working on:



My Rhombi is coming along great. It fits awesome so far and now it's the boring part of knitting the body. I have a few inches under the arms, so not a ton, but I'm plowing along. For those of you new, I'm using Candy Skein Delicious yarn in the colorway Brain Freeze and it's for the Candy Skein October through December 15th KAL. I love the construction so far. So easy, though I'm a little nervous about picking up all of the front and neck stitches. The sleeve holes look a little odd in this picture as they're overlapping and squished.





These are my mother in law's Christmas present. I love this pattern, as I mentioned last week, because it's so easy to remember, but looks great. It's the Hermione's Everyday Socks pattern which is free on Ravelry. I'm using Candy Skein Yummy fingering in colorway Royal Rock Candy, as mentioned last week.


I also wanted to say, for those interested, I'm hosting a sock KAL/CAL for the month of November. I figured I have to do a bunch of socks for Christmas so it would be awesome to have other people working along with me to push me to finish. The only requirement is that you use Candy Skein yarn. You can use any pattern, and I suggested a few in the KAL thread (linked above) that are awesome patterns and free. I'd love if some of you who've wanted to buy yarn, or who already have a skein with no projects attached to join along!

Anyway, that's it for me! I hope everyone has a great day. Happy knitting!

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 64

I'm going to start by apologizing as this is going to be a VERY quick WIPW for me. I had jury duty today (I hear all the Americans groaning as you read this...luckily no cases went to trial so I'm done!), then had my crochet meetup so I'm so behind. It's late and I still have a ton to do tonight.

Anyway, enough with excuses.




I'm very excited to share my progress on the cardigan for the Candy Skein KAL! On Monday night I got to the point where I had to put the sleeves on waste yarn. I'm now on the body where it's just stockinette until the last inch of the sweater before picking up for the sleeves and collar. Unfortunately, I'm guessing it will slow down now, as it's kind of the boring part. We'll see though. I'm SUPER proud that I'm still totally on gauge for both row and sts.




When I checked on the jury website, I saw that knitting needles were considered weapons, so I ALMOST didn't bring my knitting. I decided to give it a shot. The worst they could do is tell me to put it back in the car. I got lucky and brought little sock knitting needles (circular) and had no issues. I was able to start this sock, which is going to be my mother in law's Christmas present from me. I'm using Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Royal Rock Candy and the pattern I'm using is Hermione's Everyday Socks. It's going great so far. I'm on the pattern repeat for the leg right now, but only did one so far.

That's it for me this week! What are you working on?



For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 63

What a weekend! I decided to choose this past weekend to celebrate my birthday, instead of this coming one. My birthday is Thursday, and it just seemed weird to celebrate once it already passed. My husband and I usually do it right, as the celebrations start on Friday night after work and don't stop until Sunday night. The great thing is, since my birthday is Thursday, more fun is to come! I have yet to get a few small presents and I can't wait!

Friday night I decided I wanted to try a new burger place in the area, Five Guys. I know a lot of the US has them, but they're very new for us. I thought it was good, but it was no In N Out! LOL Saturday I got my new iPhone (WOOT! How is THAT for timing? The bday gods were on my side) in the mail and we went to the local farmer's market where I got flowers and then headed to lunch at my favorite local sushi restaurant. We then took Milo to Starbucks (his favorite place) and headed home to watch the LA Kings game (THEY WON!). All in all, an awesome day. Sunday we went to Disneyland, and though it was warm and busy, we had a great time. It was fun to pick all the rides we went on. We stopped at Sephora at Downtown Disney. My amazing husband bought makeup I had been wanting, but thought it was too much money. I love it!

Okay, so that's enough about my fun weekend. Did you do anything fun?

Oh, one more thing. I want to stop by my LYS on Thursday and get some yarn for Christmas knitting, but also wanted to buy myself something. Has there been a yarn you've LOVED recently? I can probably afford one skein of something, unless it's not too pricey.

Now to WIPW:




I started this sock (the second of the pair) at the Fiber Fiesta. I'm knitting it in Candy Skein Yummy fingering in Blackberry. I knitted the first back in May, so it's been awhile and I'm excited that I'm almost finished just in time for (hopefully) cooler weather. I decided to knit this one from the outside of the skein, as the first one was from the inside. It did exactly what I was hoping! The first is more green, the one here is more pink. I can't wait to show you them next to each other (though it may totally bug those of you who love matching socks). I'm hoping to have them finished for FO Friday.




Now I'm CRAZY excited to share this. It's for the current Candy Skein KAL, the Rhombi short sleeved cardigan (running from October 15-Dec 15, you're welcome to join in any time during the two dates. The awesome cardigan only takes 2-3 skeins of yarn, depending on side). I'm using Candy Skein Delicious fingering in Brain Freeze, but others will also be using Candy Skein Yummy fingering. The pattern calls for two skeins for my size, so after a knit and purl row, I'm switching between skeins. I'm using a size 6 needles, as I knit SO tight (I'm working on that, honest), and that is the size that I actually got gauge. Yes, I actually knit and WASHED/BLOCKED a swatch. Whoa... This is my first cardigan/sweater, so I'm hoping it will fit! So far, I'm having a BLAST making it. The pattern is fun yet easy so far. You can see the start of the diamond motif on the back.


That's it for me. What are you working on this week?

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 62

Hi all! I hope you all had a great weekend and happy late Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends! I had an amazing weekend at the Vista Fiber Fiesta, but more about that tomorrow. I know, I know...you want to hear all about the show and see pictures! You'll just have to come back tomorrow. ;) That being said, check out the Candy Skein website to see new colors of Delicious fingering, Delicious lace and Yummy fingering. I'll have new colors of Yummy lace and Yummy worsted later this week.

This WIPW is going to be pretty short, as I have been finishing projects, not starting them. I guess that's a good thing with the October KAL starting (October 15), as well as Christmas knitting! That leads me to my first WIP...





I just started this tonight at my meet up. It's just the swatch for the Candy Skein Rhombi KAL. I decided to go up two needle sizes for the swatch to try and get gauge since I'm such a tight knitter. I think I've learned my lesson with always having to go about 2 sizes up. We'll see if that does the trick. I plan to also block the swatch, since this will be my first major garment. I'm excited and nervous! I'm doing it in Delicious fingering in Brain Freeze.






My last WIP is a second sock. You may remember that I made a sock a LONG time ago in Candy Skein Yummy fingering in the colorway Blackberry. Since I had the fiber fiesta this weekend, I wanted to obviously use my own yarn while working the booth during the slow times. As you see, I didn't get much done due to the constant flow of traffic through the booth! I'm excited to work on this sock, as it will be my second pair of socks for myself, but first for myself in Candy Skein yarn!


That's it for me this week. I finished my husband's socks, but that's for FO Friday!


For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Tons of Candy Skein News & a Few New Skeins!

As promised I have a ton of news regarding Candy Skein that I've been keeping secret for some time. I'm about to burst with it all, so I wanted to share it all with you today. I'll get right to it.




First off, I am most excited to announce that my Delicious series of yarn, both lace and fingering weight, will be featured in the November/December issue of Interweave's Handwoven Magazine on the Goods page. They contacted me in July expressing interest, and I must say, they are so easy to work with! As the date gets closer, I'll share the picture I took for them that will be used in the magazine. Be sure to check your LYS and magazine retailers when it hits stores 10/25/11!




Next up in exciting Candy Skein news, I'm happy to announce the new Candy Skein Addicts KAL for October-December (starting October 15th)! We will be making the Rhombi (Ravelry pattern link) short sleeved cardigan. Not only is the designer super excited for the KAL, she is also going to be discounting the pattern for us starting September 21st! Also, if you order yarn for the KAL, I will discount $2 per skein from the original price of the yarn.

Thanks to ninja8tofu (the pattern designer) for allowing me to use her great picture. The pattern is originally knit in a sport weight, but a friend of mine knit it in fingering and it's gorgeous. We will be doing the KAL in either Yummy fingering or Delicious fingering (I'll be making mine in Delicious fingering in Brain Freeze), which I am currently swatching for so that I can help convert the pattern for fingering yarn use. It only takes 2-3 balls of yarn, so it's a perfect versatile cardigan. Great with a tank top, short sleeves or even a long sleeved t-shirt. Here is a link to my friend Christi's Rhombi that she made in fingering weight yarn.

If you're interested in participating, please contact me at Candyskein@gmail.com so that I can get your yarn in the dye pot ASAP. You can pick from any colorway in the kettle dyed section! Be sure to scroll through all three pages of colors.



Candy Skein will be participating in the Vista, CA Fiber Arts Fiesta from October 8-9. It is the first year for this show, and one of the only Southern California fiber shows. I'm very very excited, as I will have a booth filled to the brim with Candy Skein yarn! If you live in the area, or know someone who does, please be sure to let them know or come on down to visit me! I'll be there both days, along with Ami Amour! She will be displaying/selling her original amigurumi designs, as well as the patterns.

Due to the fiber show, today will be my last day posting yarn for sale on my website until the show in over. However, I will still be taking custom orders for Yummy lace, Yummy fingering, Yummy worsted, Delicious lace and Delicious fingering (and of course for the KAL). If you're interested in ordering any of those and don't see the color you'd like up in my store, please contact me on Ravelry (hpseeker4) or at my email (candyskein@gmail.com). Don't worry, I'll still be keeping you up to date on all of my fun Candy Skein dyeing, it just won't be going up on my page for sale!




Last but not least, I'm so excited about these. What are those adorable little candy beads? Each skein of Candy Skein yarn will now come with a little matching (or as close as possible) bead hanging from the tag! Don't you just love these little guys?


PHEW! That is a LOT of news. As each exciting event gets closer, I'll be reminding/updating you!

Now on to this week's new yarn!

Colorway: Grape Fizz
Series: Yummy
Fiber content: 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon Superwash
Weight: Fingering Weight
Yardage: 463 yards
Unit Weight: 100 grams
Care: Machine wash/Tumble dry low

Price: $16
Quantity Available: 1
BUY

Colorway: Cherry
Series: Delicious
Fiber content: 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere
Weight: Light Fingering Weight
Yardage: 437 yards
Unit Weight: 100 grams
Care: Hand wash/Dry Flat

Price: $28
Quantity Available: 1
BUY

Colorway: Banana
Series: Delicious
Fiber content: 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere
Weight: Light Fingering Weight
Yardage: 437 yards
Unit Weight: 100 grams
Care: Hand wash/Dry Flat

Price: $28
Quantity Available: 1
BUY

Colorway: Apple-tini
Series: Delicious
Fiber content: 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere
Weight: Light Fingering Weight
Yardage: 437 yards
Unit Weight: 100 grams
Care: Hand wash/Dry Flat

Price: $28
Quantity Available: 1
BUY

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 56

Hi everyone! This is going to be short today as it's kind of late and I have to get up at the crack of dawn (as I write these posts Tuesday night). I'm excited that I should have time to check out some WIPW posts this week!

Some of you may be wondering where my Candy Skein post is for this week! I've decided to move that to Thursdays, due to my sanity. I'd like to keep it. ;) Mondays/Tuesdays wasn't working out and was just too stressful trying to get the new yarn finished. Look for a post tomorrow (Thursday) to see new colorways. Also, I have big big news next week to share regarding Candy Skein. I can't wait to tell you all. I'll be releasing the new KAL next week, too!

Let's get to WIPW!



My Little Shells so far. I've actually finished all of the charts except for the border, but due to having SOOO much yarn left (I still have 72 grams out of 100), I'm going to probably end up doubling the lace section. I started to today at my meet up group, but then realized that it wasn't working out right, so I'm having to tink back about 200 stitches. NOT fun! LOL I still love the project though, the yarn is great for it and I can't wait to block it!





Many of you asked about my skirt last week (thank you for that!). I just didn't have much more to show you, so I figured since I will be working on this for a LONG time, I wouldn't bother posting it. This week, I have a bit more done, so I thought I'd include it. It's now getting too wide for my picture set up! Slowly but surely....



That's it for me today! Happy WIPW!


For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 1 YEAR & Blog Anniversary!

Edit: HOLY CRAP!!! Thanks everyone for pointing out it's my blog anniversary, too! Sadly, I didn't even realize it was yesterday! :O So yes, the giveaway is for my blog AND WIPW. HA!

Happy 1 year of Work in Progress Wednesday!!!!! Can you believe it!? Technically a year exactly would be August 11th, but since this is our 52nd WIPW, close enough, right? Thanks to everyone who has participated. I never would have guessed it would have grown like it has or that it would still be going. I'm going to be doing a giveaway to commemorate. All you have to do to be entered to win is comment on this post today, August 3rd. You have to have participated in at least 3 or more WIPWs to be included. I'll draw the name (randomly) of two lucky winners and will ship internationally. Each will receive:

1 knit or crochet magazine (based on preference)
1 skein of Candy Skein Yummy fingering (from a colorway in stock at the time of the drawing)

The winners will be announced at the next WIPW post.


Now on to WIPW 52!


I started my Dane shawl for the Candy Skein shawl KAL/CAL. This is my first real lace work and my first major shawl, other than my Age of Brass and Steam shawlette. It's going pretty good so far, though I have a slight mistake in it. I don't think it's a HUGE deal, as it's in the set up chart and I think I can fudge it so it's not too noticeable. I decided to go up a needle size since I usually knit SO tight. I'm using Candy Skein Delicious Fingering in Blueberry Sorbet. This is my first time using the Delicious series, and it is SOOOO soft and silky as it runs through my hands. It also runs along my Knit Picks Harmony needles like butter. I have a little more than you see above in the picture, but I figured not enough to justify getting the camera back out and uploading a new one.




Since I had an issue with my skirt this weekend (it's in time out), I wanted a new project that was easy to work on before starting the KAL, which began August 1. I also thought it would be a good idea to have something to work on that didn't take much thinking. I decided to start my husband's socks. I was going to do them for Christmas, but he wanted them before that, so he'll get them whenever I'm finished. So far it's going nice and easy. I'm not using a pattern, so just working on it based on how he wants it/what fits. I'm using Knit Picks Imagination in Frog Prince. This is my first time using this yarn, and I really like it. It's not superwash, so we'll have to be careful not to felt, but since it's just for around the house, I figured it wouldn't be a huge deal. He actually picked the yarn out either around the end of last year or beginning of this year. As you can see, I'm working on the ribbing.

That's it for me. Don't forget to comment to enter! Good luck!

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Year of Projects: A Dilemma

So I have a major dilemma. If you've read my previous posts, you know that I'm working on a skirt for A Year of Projects. I've been working on it now for about 3+ weeks and have already had to frog and re-do part of it.

I've had an odd feeling about the skirt pattern as I've been going along and my pleat has been getting bigger and bigger. Now, the pattern is horribly written, in one giant run on paragraph. So, that being said...Umm yeah, I realized I’m making it all wrong. I should have checked on it again when I was questioning my pleat. I’m working the pattern backward (which isn’t hard to do with all garter stitch) so that my pleat is where the top should be. Does that make sense? So anyway, I considered frogging the whole thing, but that kills me, as I love how it is so far. There are a few options other than completely frogging and I wanted your feedback.

I can:

A) Frog all (not really an option in my mind right now)
B) Keep going and have really big pleats, which might actually turn out cute, but I won’t know until a LOT of work has been done
C) Ripe out about 20+ rows to make the pleat a little smaller. I think I would keep it bigger than the pattern calls for but it would be a little smaller than it is now.

With B and C, I’ll need more yarn, but luckily one of the lovely ladies at my Monday night knitting group has one skein of the same dye lot as mine (the yarn is Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in Thunderhead), and was kind enough to offer it to me and I can buy her a new skein when they get it back in stock (it’s out of stock right now). So that isn’t a huge issue anymore.

What would you do?

Moving on...

Monday is the start of the August-September Candy Skein KAL/CAL!! I was going to do Springtime Bandit since it was on my YoP list to start, but I've decided to swap that with Dane. I'll be using this yarn, Candy Skein Delicious Fingering in Blueberry Sorbet:

I can't wait to get started. I'll need to wind the yarn this weekend so I'm ready to go. The perfect part is, I may need a little help starting (as I did my Age of Brass and Steam shawlettte) and I have my Knitting group the night of the start date!

With all of that (not) going on this weekend, or at least until I can decide what to do with my skirt, I may start one of the Christmas presents I have on my list. Socks! We'll see how it goes. :)