Girl with the Purl

Moved!

Knitterella Purl — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:23:00 +0000

Just in case anyone still comes here, I am leaving the link to my new blog. I update much more often there, and no longer use this blog.

http://sleepknitstudy.blogspot.com

Guess Who’s Back? (With an FO!)

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:32:25 +0000

Pattern: Pomatomus by Cookie A.

Yarn: Knit it Up! SeaWool in English Garden colorway

Needles: US 2/2.75 mm

Started: 21 June 2009

Finished: 21 February 2010

Mods: Only one pattern repeat for cuff.

Model: My Mom

I can’t believe how long it has been since I have posted on my blog. Well, there’s one specific reason why I’ve sort of abandoned my blog: I did not finish these Pomatomus socks until today, and was too embarrassed to write! It took forever, but now they are off of my needles (yes!). They were quite fun to knit, but honestly, I lost a bit of interest after the first sock.

On a non-knitting note, I have stepped up in my crafting. For Christmas, my parents bought me a sewing machine! I’ve always liked sewing, but my first experience with a machine was quite bad. My first machine was from the 60s era, and it was already in bad shape! Now that I have the new one, sewing has taken up much more time than knitting. I’ve already made a fleece quillow set for my sister’s birthday, altered curtains for my mom, and made many pillows for everyone. I’m in a rut of what to do next, but hopefully I’ll get to share something soon.

In addition, so many big things have happened since my last post. I’ve been accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University, and also I am nearing the end of my journey to making my Confirmation (church thing)! Everything seems to be coming together. As a plus, VCU has a knitting group and a beautiful LYS within walking distance!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Sunday!

All In Good Time

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:28:11 +0000

I got this embroidery hoop months ago with the intention of making it into a bulletin board. It took so long because I could not find a fabric that matched the room and made me 100% happy. Now that it is all finished, I think that I will leave it as it is rather than tacking things onto it. Embroidery hoops make beautiful (and inexpensive!) frames for fabric, and I will definitely put together more.

On another note, in the past week my mom and I have been working on a flower garden. I finally convinced her that flowers will make the house look so much nicer on the outside. Of course, since it was my idea, I am responsible for keeping up the flowers. There are zinnias, begonias, impatients, petunias, and a few others. The house has so much more curb appeal now! All of the flowers have sprout up much more than I would have expected, but the zinnias are my favorite. There are many buds, and every morning a few new ones have blossomed.

I am still working on Pomatomus. The gusset is done, and I am now well into the foot. It should be finished in no time! While Pomatomus is the main focus, there are many new projects that are tempting me! I did not participate in the Potholder Swap, but still kept up with the beautiful patterns. Yesterday Maryse published my favorite potholder pattern that she had crocheted many times: the Modern Vintage Potholder! The pattern does not seem too difficult, and is very well constructed. I hope that everyone is having a good weekend!

What A Week!

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:30:27 +0000

I must say that the knitting has been coming slowly but surely for the past few weeks. I am now on the heel flap of the first Pomatomus sock. This is, however, the second time that I have reached the heel flap. I had knit the entire cuff as written the in pattern, but became uncomfortable with the length. Also, I feared that I would run out of yarn. I decided to rip the entire thing and knit only one pattern repeat. The new length is much better for me!

Last week I began working a volunteer job at a pharmacy for 20 hours a week (5 hours a day, Mon-Thur). I do have to wake up quite early, but the job is the best! I plan on attending college for pharmacy, and this has been a great learning experience so far. Everyone who works there is absolutely nice and funny, too.

This week, I am going to take senior pictures! My new outfit:

Top (Blue)
Jeans

I will wear these with silver sandals.

Have a great week!

Socks in the Summertime

Knitterella Purl — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:30:48 +0000

It has been killing me not to blog, but I just had to hold off until the kick-off of Summer of Socks 2009 today. I was so excited to begin that I cast on for my Pomatomus socks a few days ago. So far, this has to be my favorite sock pattern, and the yarn is knitting up beautifully. Of course, there were problems with my yarn overs, it was the first time that I knit with a chart, and I continuously dropped stitches in the ribbing. I probably ripped the whole thing out about 5 times before I finally got the hang of it! Now I just can’t stop.

Since I have more time now that school is out, I decided to finally do an alphabet blanket using letter dishcloths. The squares were going by quite fast, but the socks have slowed the project down. So far I only have done A, C, and half of E. I hope that this turns out well… Also, I have been working on writing the dishcloth patterns for letters of the Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet. Look out for those toward the end of the summer!

Weekend

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:32:53 +0000

It all began with my mama’s socks reaching FO status. Finally. They are very comfortable despite the not-so-perfect yarn that I used, and she loves them! Now that these are out of the way, I am forced to focus on my boring projects. Sure, I want to knit more socks, and that is where the self-control comes in. I have two pairs of socks at the top of my cue, as well as all materials for knitting both of them. What is getting in my way? Summer of Socks 2009. I figure that it will be much more exciting to wait to do it in a knit-a-long. Summer of Socks begins on the 21st of June, so if you’re interested, join the group!

I also made a mini sock in about 10 minutes from a Unique Sheep sample kit. The yarn is gorgeous and I definitely will want to try them out in a me-sized sock one day.

It is a little off of the topic of knitting, but I wanted to share photos from my Washington D.C. trip, since I was too busy to post before.

My Perfect Day

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:51:14 +0000

Unless I won a million dollars, or could magically make world peace happen, this day could not have gone any better. I was well-rested when I woke up, my hair behaved even in our common humidity, and I had a really cute outfit to wear (yes, things like this can make my day). We don’t have school on Monday, and we were released early today at 12:39. My AP English teacher who had twins last month finally turned in our grades from third quarter, and I got an ‘A’. When I returned home, I called my Mama to let her know that I made it (it’s required). She told me that she bought me a new 120GB iPod Classic to replace my damaged one and that my yarn had come in! I won a hank of Knit It Up! yarn in a giveaway. It is so soft and will make great Pomatomus Socks.

On Wednesday, my history class will be going on a field trip to Washington D.C. I have never been to the capital, so that should be fun! It is about a 2-3+ hour bus ride, and we have to be at the school at 5:40 A.M while still having school the next day. Someone is going to be grumpy…

Have a great Memorial Day weekend if you are in the US!

Giveaway Alerts:

Phat Fiber is giving away a skein of We Love Thor yarn. Be sure to enter before Friday!

Welcome to the New Blog!

Knitterella Purl — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:14:26 +0000

It was definitely time to move to the dark side. Blogger was great, but the WordPress interface is so much snazzier! I’m not going to delete the original blog, but I won’t write there anymore either.

I didn’t really have time to knit this weekend, but I did get to shop and help my mama with cooking. On Saturday, I asked my mom to take me to a local thrift store. I expected to see at least some crafty things, but their yarn collection was gross! I didn’t expect much, but it was truly gross. I ended up leaving with a huge embroidery hoop and seven books:

Then on Mother’s Day, my sister and I “helped” with cooking dinner. We grilled hamburgers, made pasta salad, and sliced cantaloupe. Afterward, we made vanilla ice cream with pineapples in it!

I will be posting again soon with an FO.

It’s Progress, Alright.

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Last weekend, I went to a workshop about fixing mistakes at my LYS. I learned a lot: picking up stitches from any row, fixing twisted stitches, knitting looser, etc. At the end of the workshop, my swatch had a very obvious gauge change. I can’t wait to attend more events! While I was there, one of the owners was nice enough to spin my new yarn for me. It looks so much nicer than I could have done.

This Thursday I finished my mother’s first striped sock. I’m glad that she likes it. The only problem is with the bottom stripes and the many color changes. I don’t know how to avoid the bumps from weaving in the ends. Does anyone know what to do? I’d appreciate any advice before I reach that part of the second sock. Here is the first:

By the way, everyone should check out the giveaways going on:
Octopi Crafts Ends May 9th
Phat Fiber (SUPER amazing yarns) Ends May 8th
Mary Jane’s Attic Doesn’t Begin Until At Least 25 People Enter

Taking a Chill Pill

Knitterella Purl — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Instead of a basket for Easter, I received $20 and immediately thought yarn. After searching everywhere for something that would look gorgeous, I came across this. The reviews usually don’t lie, and the worst I’ve heard was a tiny bit of shedding happens. Two hanks are on the way to my house. This is the motivation that I needed for finishing my mother’s socks, as I can’t wait to get these on the needles. I don’t know if the designer is just not well-known or what, but it is truly shocking that this pattern was only raveled by one other person! The woven diamond stitch is stunning.

On a non-knitting note, it seems that during the school year, weekends are passing way too quickly. I have to say that my junior year of high school is kicking my butt! Forget senioritis. It happens to us, too. I am scared to death of the major upcoming AP tests (Calculus, English), but not so much Psychology. English has been particularly annoying as our teacher is not here (she had her twins on Easter!) Thank god for my little sanities: knitting and music. Things are even going wrong musically. A few weeks ago, I was walking with my iPod, and the earphone cord snagged on something. The iPod flew out of my hand. The damage only gets worse and worse:

I then checked the price range for replacing the screen. From what others say, buying a new iPod would be cheaper! I’m just SOL. I hope that everyone had a better weekend.

Almost Too Cute for Words…

Knitterella Purl — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:53:00 +0000

While browsing through the groups on Ravelry, I came across amigurumi knit and crochet. I never knew of this Japanese-originated art before, but I am now hooked! My new interest in crochet could not have come at a better time. There are so many patterns dealing with amigurumi and all of them are soooo cute. Some of the best patterns person-doll-wise (in my opinion!) come from Owlishly:

There’s also a really cute free pattern from stitch (picture is the link):

As a plus, from what I’ve heard, these patterns require mostly basic skills. They don’t take long, and the hardest part is the hair! I can’t wait to cast on/chain!

Spring Break!

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:34:00 +0000

I finally have time to post! This was the last week of school before the final marking period, so things have been hectic! As for knitting, I’ve began a new pair of socks for my mother. Her birthday is on the 24 of April, so I don’t have much time!

Blool, my beloved sheep.

The second pair seems so much easier than the first, and I’m sure that it will only get better.

It’s exciting to have a week off, but my teachers know how to make sure that we don’t forget about school. I have about 20 calculus problems, 25 psychology problems, and approximately 50 chemistry problems, all due on the day that we return!

FO: The Pink Socks

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Please excuse the store-bought, polka-dot socks.

It’s taken forever, but I finally am done with my first pair of socks. My mom loves them, and I hope that she will wear them often. Now I can finally get to my poor, neglected queue and choose something else to procrastinate on!

It Finally Happened!

Knitterella Purl — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:46:00 +0000

It’s the first snow day! We knew that there was a possibility of snow since Thursday, but today it actually happened!

Me-Time

Knitterella Purl — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:04:00 +0000

Since I’m not playing football (soccer), tennis, or any other sport now, there’s more time for knitting, and crochet….
I decided to try, and it’s kinda catchy! Yes, it’s just 2 rows and a half, but it’s a start.

Also, my sister’s doll blanket did not make it to her birthday. It is still in progress because I ran out of the pastel green yarn and made my first color change!

And on top of that, the socks, which will now belong to my mother (I have “it’s yours” syndrome), are coming along well. I don’t know why it is taking so long for me to finish them. I see other knitters who turn out socks in a day/week, but it’s taking me nearly a year!

Maybe next time all will be done?

No, I’m Not Dead.

Knitterella Purl — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Life’s just so hectic! I haven’t touched my knitting needles since I’ve returned to school. In the move from Florida to Virginia, I went from ahead to behind. I’m a chapter behind in Calculus, Chemistry, blah blah blah. Anyway, I’m looking to further complicate things by playing varsity soccer (football) and getting a job. I hope to post really soon, and hopefully it’ll be about an FO.

To Crochet or Not to Crochet…

Knitterella Purl — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:25:00 +0000

I decided to bring these out after stowing them away for years. They were bought at a garage sale when I thought that crochet was for me.

Closer To FO

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:14:00 +0000

My first sock’s better half was suffering from my procrastination until, well, now. The quickly-declining temperature and my neglected queue are great sources of inspiration to make this an FO. On top of that, there are so many birthdays coming up, yet so little time. For my sister (February 8), I am knitting a doll blanket. I did this with a double strand of white and pastel green.

This project was cast on before she could walk! I found it in an Abercrombie and Fitch bag when we were unpacking from the move. This too is closer to becoming an FO! Happy Friday.

Bring On the New Year

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Since I moved away from Virginia a year ago, and have since then returned, I want to post some winter pictures from then as contrast to now. The new ones come when we actually get snow!

This one was used for my header.

С Новым 2009 годом!

Knitterella Purl — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2009! It’s been almost a month since I’ve blogged! Since then, my family moved back to Virginia from Florida. I haven’t done much knitting, but it’s understandable, right? Anyway, when I was unpacking my things, I found a “blanket” from my super rookie knitting times. It’s unfinished, which motivated me to knit even more. It’s nowhere near big enough for a person, so I decided to finish it and give it to my sister for her dolls on her birthday. I hope that everyone is having a happy holidays!

When ABC Isn’t Good Enough

Knitterella Purl — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:29:00 +0000

Isn’t it so frustrating when there’s no knitting pattern (or so I think) for a project that you can picture in your mind? I really want to knit 33+ squares with a letter of the Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet on each so I can sew them together as a blanket. Since I have no such luck, it seems that this is a project with patterns that I will have to create for myself!

A Day Late

Knitterella Purl — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Yes, that’s right. Yesterday was my 17th birthday!
It was also the day that I finished my sock…

and the day that I became old enough to work…

Update: Project Sock

Knitterella Purl — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:27:00 +0000

The last time that I’ve posted about the sock, I was still on the gusset. The sock is almost finished now, and I could not be happier! There were a few problems that I ran into since the last pictures that are definitely obvious. First of all, after finishing the gusset, I ended up with the wrong amount of stitches. I had to unravel the sock all the way back to the back flap, and redo it. I then misplaced the stitches on the stitch holder, and….ugh, it does not even matter anymore! Here are some new pictures:

Ah, Ravelry.

Knitterella Purl — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:39:00 +0000

Yes, that’s right, the wait is over. I finally got my invitation from Ravelry today, and so far everything is amazing. For starters, once I added my sock to the projects, I was graced with the images of many like my own. It is so cool to see the same sock in many colors, variations and anything else! This site is a great source for knitting inspiration. Anyway, I am knitterellapurl on Ravelry, and I’ll be happy to be your friend!

Waiting List…

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:54:00 +0000

I haven’t update in over a month! School has been so hectic that I am still on the same first sock. However, I am almost ready to finish the toes off. On another subject, I am still on the waiting list on Ravelry.com. In order to register, you have to put yourself on a waiting list. There is a feature on Ravelry that allows one to check their spot. My data is crazy!

You signed up on Yesterday

3744 people are ahead of you in line.
734 people are behind you in line.
96% of the list has been invited so far.

I Love Socks

Knitterella Purl — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:04:00 +0000

Since my last post, I have started my first sock ever. It’s been nothing but fun, and I am now working on the gusset (2 more rounds to go, woo!). The only problem is that this “sock” will turn out to be a slipper because I was too lazy to find the right, soft yarn. Anyways, this sock has taught me how to do decreases, which I was too intimidated to try.

Picture time :

The entire sock.

The gusset.

Moving On To Bigger and Better

Knitterella Purl — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Since knitting washcloths, blankets, and scarves get boring after a while, I am now moving on to socks. Yesterday, I went to JoAnn’s Fabric Store and bought my supplies: a pack of double-point needles and an instruction book. So far, it is nothing too challenging. Of course, I’m only using the most basic pattern to start off. The others involve color changes, and all kinds of other techniques. We’ll see how it goes.

Finally, I Have Something To Show

Knitterella Purl — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:38:00 +0000

Yes! I finished the washcloth. I’m sure that advanced knitters are rolling their eyes! 8P Anywho, I have a confession to make. The real reason that I didn’t complete the washcloth earlier is that I was doing my purl stitches improperly. Since I couldn’t do those right, stockinette and seed stitch didn’t happen, therefore, I gave up! Thanks to Mrs. Moskowitz on youtube.

Picture Time: ‘ABC’ Washcloth

The Magical Gods Don’t Want Me To Knit?

Knitterella Purl — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:20:00 +0000

Honestly, every time that I do a knitting project, something goes horribly wrong. During my trip to Louisiana for my cousin’s wedding, my other 4 year old cousin got a hold of my scarf, and dropped 4 stitches that I am not prepared to pick up. I almost cried. Anywho, I started all over, and will do my darndest to have an accident-proof project. Besides knitting, I have found a new show (well, new to me) on the Discovery HD channel, How It’s Made. Can we say season pass on TiVo?

Edit: OMG, how could I not notice. Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Knitting and Euro 2008

Knitterella Purl — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:21:00 +0000

I am such a lazy person. No kidding. The washcloth that I promised myself that I would do is not even cast on yet! Instead, I decided to knit an easier, less time-comsuming scarf with this fuzzy yarn that I got from Hobby Lobby. It was only a dollar, so I bought four of them!

Anyway, since I don’t have to constantly look at a pattern in order to get the intended results, I can pay more attention to Germany beating Turkey in the Euro 2008 semi-finals. Russia is my country, no doubt about it, but Germany has my favorite national team for football (soccer). Here is my scarf so far:

I’m leaving tomorrow to go Louisiana for my cousin’s wedding this weekend, and I should be done with the scarf soon. Maybe later, I will get back to my “first” project, the washcloth.