Yes, This is Still a Knitting Blog

You may not be able to tell from my last several posts, but I have been knitting.  I'll update you on what's on the needles and off the needles and also one project that I can't decide what to do with.

I brought a big bag full of yarn and my spindle with me to school; I always think I'll get more knitting time in when I go away than I actually do.  I was only able to knit during two of my classes, and in that time I started and completed one sock.

I'm calling this my "School Sock" for obvious reasons. This is the third time knitting with this yarn; when I say that, I mean it's the third time with this same skein of yarn! I cast on for two other patterns with it over the winter, but they just didn't work - one was too small and one was just not the right pattern for the yarn. Third time's a charm; this sock fits perfectly and I like the yarn in the plain ole stockinette stitch. I've cast on for the second sock and this will be my "to go knitting"; nice, easy, mindless knitting. The yarn is Scout's Soctoberfest yarn and I'm knitting this pair on size 1.5 dpn's over 64 stitches.

While in Waterville, I visited Yardgoods Center, the LYS (no website that I can find).  The store has kind of a cluttered feeling; I think I'm spoiled by my LYS and have difficulty finding something to buy in a cluttered environment.  I was just about to leave when I spotted an adorable stuffed bunny rabbit.  Samm had asked me if I'd make a stuffed bunny for her friend's daughter's first birthday (which was this past Sunday) and I thought this would be perfect.  I bought the pattern and the yarn and made the bunny in two evenings in the motel room; it's such a quick and easy knit taking only about three hours of actual knitting time. I sewed the eyes and nose on when I got home and it was ready in plenty of time for the party.

Pattern: "Magic Friends" by Barbara Boulton

Yarn: Stylecraft Charleston

Needles:  size 10 1/2

The pattern also has a kitty and a teddy bear; the only difference is the shape and size of the ears.  This is knit in one piece with no seaming except to close the hole at the top of the head when you're done stuffing it.  I've already bought some yarn to make the kitty for Jay's niece's first birthday, which is in a couple of weeks.  I see more of these in my future; easiest stuffed animal ever!

That was the exent of the knitting while away.  Since I've been home, I've made a washcloth for Rabbitch's drive, a baby washcloth for Clover, started a bib (from Mason-Dixon Knitting), and have finished the body of the Simple Knitted Bodice.

Washcloth for Rabbitch using Peaches & Cream cotton

Washcloth for Clover using Bernat Cotton Tots

I haven't taken a picture of the progress on the SKB yet; I'm not sure I will.  Believe it or not, that is the project I'm not sure about.  I think I made it too big and I'm just not happy with it but I'm not yet ready to admit defeat.  I'm picking up the neck stitches and I'll decide whether or not to finish once I see how that looks.  It's a mighty expensive knit to make any rash decisions.

Before leaving for school, I finished my July Holiday Headstart project.

Pattern: Yankee Knitter Fisherlad Guernsey

Yarn: Plymouth Encore, Color 0405

Needles: Addi Turbo sizes 5 & 7

There has been no spinning in the last couple of weeks; I'll have to remedy that pretty soon!  I have some news on that front too, but I'll save that for another post.

I have MANY projects that I'd like to start soon, but the next two will be my August Sockamania socks (once the School Socks are done) and a test knit for Lark which I plan to start this weekend.

I guess that's enough for today; I was planning to tell you about my afternoon with Sara and Cheryl, but this post is long enough as it is.  That'll be next.

Have a great day!

Comments

[Sheepish Annie]

Yup. You've been knitting! I knit all the time and don't get that much done. Still having some thoughts about the SKB, though. It hasn't seemed that simple...are you sure you read the title right? ;)

[Christy]

cute bunny! I have that pattern at home but haven't gotten around to casting on yet. what yarn did you use? our LYS' sample was in a very fun fur-esque yarn. I almost like the look of your better!

[Carole]

I love that Guernsey!

[Dana]

Whoa...you have been busy! The bunny is precious and the guernsey is just beautiful. As always, you do great work.

[lisa]

So did the yardgoods proprietor nab you? She's never done it to me, but other folks say she does that sort of thing. Nice sweater!

[April]

OK Noolie, enough is enough. Stop posting these wonderful pictures of sweaters knit from Yankee Knitter patterns. Because you cannot get Yankee Knitter patterns in California. And it's making me VERY cross.

That being said, I absolutely love that guernsey.

[marianne]

I'd say that's quite a bit of knitting! the sock is fab, that bunny is too cute for words, and we should all know by now I'm a bit partial to the washrags,heh, but heaven help me...that little guernsey....I loved the one you made for your nephew but this lighter green...has completely charmed me. Julie, it's a Beauty!

[Amy]

That little bunny is a cutie! Does Clover have one yet? Beautiful work (as usual) on the Guernsey.

[trek]

You HAVE been knitting!

I wonder if I can get away with fiber in the back of a PTA meeting???

[Zonda]

Yeah! That pattern is perfect for that yarn! Nice looking sock! Hehe..Yardgoods, spent many hours in there, sometimes not on purpose ;) The bunny is too cute! Love the Guernsey!

[Amanda]

I love your FO's! The colors in the dishcloths are nice.

[Colleen]

lovelovelove the bunny! and I can't find the pattern on line! waaaahhhh.
the fisherlad gurnsey looks great too.... may have to check out that pattern....

[Chris]

Hee hee - I'm kinda glad to know it isn't just me who expects to get way more done than I actually ever do when I'm away... I'm glad you found the right pattern for that fun yarn!

[Gina House]

OH, I LOVE that sweater!!! And the new sock ROCKS! I can tell you're starting to get that "must-knit-things-for-baby" addiction....believe me, I already have it and your granddaughter isn't even related to me! LOL! Great washcloths and bunny! Adorable...

[Lisa]

That bunny is adorable. I haven't dared to knit a toy yet, but hmmm....that one is tempting.