riizu.blogspot.com

First off, I need to send out an apology to PDXKniterai. We're in the middle of a transit strike right now, and so my ability to get things done is severely limited. I'm getting paid today, and so I'm hoping to be able to get your package out by Wednesday at the latest. I am so sorry!!!

In happier news, Josiane (winner number 2) met up with me on Friday. We hung out a knit-knackers for a bit, then walked to Aunt Olive's for food where I met her boyfriend and we talked about all sorts of stuff. I gave her yarn, which she's hoping to weave into a scarf for her boyfriend. It was great to meet her!

Saturday was a Christmas party, and Sunday was laundry day, so not much knitting has gotten done. I have been working on my fiancé's socks, and I'm still hopeful I'll have them done for Christmas. I’m at approximately 6 inches in length for the leg. I’m starting to think about how long these should go. I’m pretty sure I saw somewhere that the leg should be about 8.5”, but now I’ve read other suggestions saying it should be about the same length as the foot, or an inch longer. That would make an 11” (ish) long sock. Is that too long? Or should I stick to an 8.5" length sock. I really have no idea what boys prefer in terms of sock-fit.



I'm also torn about what to start next. Either, Bella Paquita, or the garter stitch jacket from fleece artist. Those of you reading since last year (lol) will remember this gorgeous yarn from my fiancé's parents. I finally feel 'strong' enough in my kitting abilities to work with this awesome yarn.

2 days until the contest!

PSA: If you are family do not read this post!!!

I finished my very first pair of gloves with fingers. I knit a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I'm very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Christmas knitting has been plugging along. I've made it really far down my list, and think that I can get a few more done yet before Christmas.

I already have knits done for my parents, my brother and his fiancée, my niece Emma, and my future father-in-law. I'm working on a secret project for my fiancé and have so far been able to keep it a secret from him, and would love to make a pair of mittens for his brother and his brother's wife. A pair of mittens for me wouldn't hurt either.

As of last night, I finished my goals for October.

October Wrap Up:

1. Gift Item: Llama Striped Hat for my brother, Joel (ravlink)
Pattern: Turn A Square Hat by Jared Flood (free pattern)
Progress: I finished this hat in record time. I think I started it on the last day of September, and it was done by the following evening. COMPLETED Oct 1



2. Gift Item: Baby Jacket for my new niece, Emma (ravlink)
Pattern: Buttons Hat and Jacket from Naturally Yarns
Progress: The jacket went surprisingly quickly, and the hat too. I had to wait a few weeks for the buttons to arrive, but once they did, they were adorable! COMPLETED Oct 13






3. Gift Item: Simple Hat for my FFIL, Gerry (ravlink)
Pattern: Jacques Cousteau Hat by Typy (free pattern)
Progress: Another really quick-knit. The yarn is from knit picks, and it's a big, warm hat. I know he'll love it. COMPLETED Oct 12




4. Gift Item: Embroidered Gloves for my FFMIL, Diane (ravlink)
Pattern: Cashmere Picot Edged Gloves by Insaknitty (direct PDF download link)
Progress: These took longer than the others. The picot edging on the first glove took forever but once I figured out the picot, I was much happier. after the edging, they went quickly enough. doing the fingers were a lot of fun, since I'd never done them before, and I learned some embroidery!



5. Gift Item: Striped Hat for my Fiancé, Chris (ravlink)
Pattern: Fibonacci Pea Cap by Lisa Bennett (free pattern)
Progress: Chris keeps complaining about being cold, and I've never knit him anything before. So, I went and bought a skein of some lovely alpaca, used up some scrap yarn, and made him a warm hat. This hat is very loosely based on the pattern above, but I didn't really follow it at all. This item wasn't on my original list. COMPLETED Oct 24

It's done, but I haven't been able to get him out of the apartment, so I haven't been able to get a finished photo.


6. Gift Item: Mittens for FFSIL, Anik (ravlink)
Pattern: Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn (free pattern)
Progress: These were fun to make, and a really easy pattern. Instead of seaming the cuff, I'm attaching buttons that I bought on Etsy. I'll post photos when it's done. This wasn't on my original list either. COMPLETED Oct 24

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Knitting Meme! Here is a list of knitting techniques. Bold the ones you have tried, italicize the ones you want to try and leave the rest in plain text.

Afghan I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Mobius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Participate in an exchange
Scarf
Teaching a child/teenager to knit
American/English knitting
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Free-form knitting
Short rows Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Rug Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

I am 22 days and 8 posts away from my blogoversary (and a contest too!). So, watch for November when I'm going to host a month-long contest and I'll be giving away yarn! Wonderful Mirasol yarn! And maybe you'll get candy too, if you're really good :)

Lots going on in my world these days. In knitting news, I'm working on my very first pair of gloves with fingers. I'm knitting a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I'm very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Christmas knitting has been plugging along. I've made it really far down my list, and think that I can get a few more done yet before christmas.



I already have knits done for my parents, my brother and his fiancée, my niece Emma, and my future father-in-law. I'm working on a secret project for my fiancé and have so far been able to keep it a secret from him, and would love to make a pair of mittens for his brother and his brother's wife. A pair of mittens for me wouldn't hurt either.


I did pick up some Mirasol Miski so that I could make myself a hat. It's going to be so cushy and warm. I'm so excited about it.



There's also wedding news! We are in the process of booking the Crowne Plaza for our wedding reception next year. We need to work out a kink or two regarding a DJ, but are pretty optimistic about the whole thing. I've also commissioned myv eil from amandaarcher on etsy. I'm just so happy about how well things are moving along on all fronts.

Hope everything is well in your worlds,
~ Elizabeth

And for some fun, even though it's Saturday

And…



1. Follow the yellow brick road.
2. Knitting is something I always take with me on vacation.
3. To achieve your goals, you must leave your comfort zone.
4. My stubborness is something I'd like you to know about me.
5. I have a sense of accomplishment.
6. Egg floats.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Vero, tomorrow my plans include seeing a band with Fran and Pete and Sunday, I want to do brunch!

Plugging away at the Christmas knitting, I finished a hat for my fiancés dad today. I knit the larger size.




Gerry Cousteau Hat (rav link)
Pattern: Jacques Cousteau Hat by Typy
Source: http://pirouette.vuodatus.net
Recipient: FFIL
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Started: October 10, 2008
Completed: October 12, 2008

Yarn: Just under 2 skeins of Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Lava Heather
Needles: US 2.5 / 3mm

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My October gifting Progress:

• Turn a Square Hat for my brother — FINISHED
  
• Baby Cardigan and hat for my niece — WIP
  
• Jacques Cousteau Hat for my fiancé's dad — FINISHED
  
• Picot Edged Gloves for my fiancé's mom — Have the yarn, need to start

In other news, I won a contest over at the knitallyear blog! Yay! I feel so special that I won ^_^ Apparently, I won 10 balls of yarn from Webs, and an autographed cartoon from Franklin Habit at The Panopticon blog! Yay!!!

My second FO this week was a pair of fingerless gloves for myself. This way I can knit while I'm waiting for the bus without getting (too) cold. I love the thumb on the pattern, and the yarn I used is really nice too.



Mirasol Valentino (rav link)
Pattern: Valentino by Emily Elizabeth
Source: EmilyElizabethKnits
Recipient: Myself
Occasion: Cold fingers
Started: October 2, 2008
Completed: October 10, 2008

Yarn: Just 1 skeins of Filtes King Kiss (which was splitty, but created a nice fabric) in 510 Charcoal and Mirasol Yarn Hacho (which I LOVE!) in a red-orange variegation
Needles: US 3 / 3.25mm

I forgot to mention! Susan B. Anderson is hosting a contest on her blog here! This give-away is fantastic!

And now back to other stuff…

I took the plunge earlier this week, and have committed to Hat Attack 2: The Death Hat Always Knocks Twice. I found out about Hat Attack 1 when it was nearly finished, so at least I was able to follow the assassinations, even if I didn't get to participate.

This time around, though, I get to join in the mayhem. I ordered my yarn on Thursday, and I hope it arrives in time for me to swatch it out. I'm a little nervous since she's trying to get us all going for a very specific tension. Nervous, but also very excited! Just you wait until September, we'll see how well I do!

I'll be sure to post a photo of the yarn when it arrives.

I also managed to accumulate more yarn this week. I was at Knit-Knackers on Tuesday, looking for yarn that might be suitable for a contest. Yes, I said contest! My blogoversary is coming up, as well as my 100-post mark, which I think is cause for some kind of celebration. Maybe you guys can help me get the word out… I'll post more info closer to the actual contest date. I'm aiming for October, so maybe I'll have time to make the prize(s?) bigger. ^__^

But anyway, I also bought some yarn for ME! Particularly, some Gems …




and some Mirasol Hacho.



Muir is coming along. Slowly but surely. I'm definitely getting bored with this pattern. It was helpful to attach the last ball of yarn today (albeit large balls of yarn). I'm also having trouble finding the time to knit, since I've been working during the day for my full-time job, and then freelancing at night. That means I can only knit on the bus and at lunch. And knitting on the bus is getting harder the closer to the end of the summer we get (more people on the buses). I need to find more time! Lace just takes up so much more energy than other knitting… *sigh* Anyway, It's time again for another progress photo:



And now for some end-of-week silliness. Stolen from another blog I read: Five on Friday. My top five favourite things this week:

1. My fiancé surprised me with a movie on Tuesday night; Helvetica (a documentary). It was fantastic.
2. Dinner and gelato with Poeticknits on Wednesday night
3. Watching some guy not know how to park as he proceeded to knock over a bike rack on the side walk.
4. Rain. I love rain.
5. Finishing another ball of yarn (and attaching the last one!) for Muir.

Friday Fill-In #85

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was a CBC (Chicken, bacon and cheddar) sandwhich at the Elgin street Diner Wednesday night..

2. Stress is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon is pretty… is there one out tonight?

4. "For the Win" is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to grit your teeth and bear it.

6. The Dark Knight is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to more knitting, tomorrow my plans include a haircut and Sunday, I want to work (not really, but I have to)!

Monniblog is having a contest to celebrate 1000 posts! Head on over and celebrate with her, it's quite an accomplishment!

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After talking about it with people and amassing advice, I frogged my socks. They just weren't going to fit, and if they shrank at all, I would never get them on my feet. So I'm starting over, and probably with a different pattern just to keep myself interested.



In my disappointment, I'm taking a break from that project, and have started some shortie socks. They're kind of cute ^_^

The Knitasaur is hosting a contest, in search of the perfect measurements of people's arms and hands! So, go enter in your measurements and say you found it through me!

In knitting news, Arbor has no changes since the other day, I'm moving and having panic attacks about moving my stash, and managed to make some progress on my blanket! (mom and dad, don't touch that link!)

Love and tea,
riizu

First off, Studio Knit is having a contest to celebrate 500 posts. Wow. Just wow. Go check it out and make sure to say that you found her through my blog!

Now onto the WIPs!

I started Arbor earlier this week and haven't gotten very far I must say ^^;; The yarn is thick and a little stiff to work with so I'm having trouble wanting to push forward. I think I need another Knit knite to get in the mood. Anyway, here's a picture of my progress. The white edge is the provisional cast-on edge and is temporary ^^;;



I have also started a bigger project that I won't be talking about here because it's a holiday secret! If you're not mom and dad, click here ^_^ If you want to see the plan it's here! I apologize for the crypticness of this post ^^;;; If you're on the Year Long Gift-a-long blog, you'll get plenty more information out of me yet!

First things first, head on over to MariKnit's blog. She's holding a contest to celebrate her 100th post! Woo!

As I mentioned in my last post, poor Endpaper was doomed to the land of the frogs, and I had to restart with larger needles. I was sad, but coincidentally, the Yarn Harlot posted on her blog about having to frog what she had been working on, and I didn't feel quite so bad about it. Anyway, here's a pic of how far I've gotten this time, and it fits now ^___^