My insanity.

Procrastination has driven me to post a picture truly compelling the diagnosis of insanity on my part... Behold the queue of scarf yarn.

Impatient yarn.

Some are Christmas presents. Scratch that... Most are Christmas presents. Most will not be done by Christmas. Ooops. Oh, and I just put in an order at handpaintedyarn.com for 3 more scarfs. But I'm really excited about that stuff... the colors are gorgeous!!!

Too bad I don't have more time to knit...

And here is a picture of the crowning glory of my knitting career. The Flower Basket Shawl. This still doesn't capture the beauty, but it's the best picture I got during the "photo shoot."

Best picture of the bunch.

And finally, here is a picture of a gerbera daisy, because it's gross outside with the freezing rain and the wintery mix. I really miss the flowers and the green grass. *sigh* ♥

Pretty flower, I miss you...

The value of natural light.

I finished the Flower Basket Shawl on Thursday and I am exceedingly happy with how it turned out. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever knit. So much so, that I can not shame it with crappy FO pictures. I attempted a quick photo shoot this morning after the blocking pins came out, alas it was a cloudy morning and none of the shots came out. Tomorrow I will attempt another photo session with The Beautious One because it is Saturday and I will finally be allowed free time during the daylight hours. This working from 8-5 is really not helping my self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder and I really miss the sunlight. So I leave you with The Happy Mistake that is the best part of this shawl.

En pointe: The Happy Mistake

As I mentioned previously, I ran out of blue/green Koigu 4 rows from binding off. This resulted in an emergency trip to The Tangled Web in Chestnut Hill to buy 2 more skeins of the addictive beautiful colors. I bought a berry flavored colorway and it seriously made the shawl. It gracefully draws attention to the lovely points on the scalloped edge. My mistake in calculations was totally worth it. I love it.

I promise better (more encompassing) pictures tomorrow. ♥!

Calmly Dyeing Calmer...

I had a lovely Thanksgiving with my family and lots of food. I also was able to knit quite a bit. I made major headway on my flower basket shawl, but then disaster struck. Despite my careful and very scientific calculations, I ran out of yarn 4 rows from bind-off. DANG. Now I have to buy more Koigu... that sucks so much... HA. Anyway, here is a sunny shot of the pre-blocked lace. Very bumpy...

FBS mountain range...

And now some pictures of my adventures in dyeing. I have some blue Calmer who's color I'm not sure of... I was wondering if it was even a possibility to dye, so I gave it a try. I also threw in some other yarn from my stash, since the dye was going to be used anyway...

Dying to dye.

Drying.

The results were pretty interesting. The rust colored mohair didn't dye at all. The light blue wool/polyamide mix sucked up the color pretty well. The tan wool/acrylic mix dyed slightly. And the Calmer took on different hues which are all pretty cool...

Success?


Calmer dyeing.

So now I have to decide if I like any of the new shades of Calmer better than the original blue and whether I want to make the effort to dye it all. But!!! It is possible to dye Calmer! Pretty cool. Ok... now I have to get back to the Kinetics class that won't die.... HA. ♥

Busy!

I have been busy! So... this entry is mostly pictures... and very disjointed.

I've been able to sneak in some knitting here or there... See?

Knitting in uniform.

I knit on the bus to and from a hospital for training in the Guard. Knitting in camo...

I also have been working a bit on the squooshy sweater. Observe below...

Sweater and scarf.

The scarf is a "swatch" for my sister's Christmas present. I always ask if she wants me to knit her something and I thought Backyard Leaves would be a cool scarf for her. We'll see if she likes it before I go too far on it.

My nano got a new silicon cover: iTubes. I think they are pretty cool, but I miss my little nano sweater.

Nano tube.

Also, I turned 23!

So many candles!

We went on a couple hikes this weekend because it was absolutely gorgeous outside!!!

Pretty nature.

And finally... I accidentally downloaded and deleted pictures of the finished seafoam scarf on my parents computer back in Pittsburgh. So I'll have to post those later.... Enjoy the last days of fall before they are gone!!! ♥

Flower Baskets.

So... it's Friday night and I'm chilling out at home... Literally. Chilling. My apartment is a tid bit nippy and I'm thinking about turning on the heat. Anyway. I've been knitting here and there. I finished the Soft Seafoam scarf, but I'll wait until I have natural light to take photos. It's so depressing that it's getting dark so early in the evening. Especially when I have to work all day. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to spend sometime outside in the glorious fall weather. Oh, yes... knitting. So I started a Flower Basket Shawl. I had some leftover Koigu and I couldn't let it sit un-utilized so I bought some MORE Koigu to make a shawl. Makes complete sense, no? Needing to buy more Koigu gave me an excuse to visit the knit shops in Chestnut Hill near Philly. I still need to scout out the LYSs around here. I'm going to stripe my FBS ala Charlotte's Web. Hopefully, my math worked out and I'll use up almost all of the Koigu in this pretty little shawl/scarf.

Flower Basket Shawl beginnings.

And I just wanted to include this photo because it's almost Halloween. And there is a pumpkin in the picture. And we are cute.

Carving pumpkins with my Eric.

Unfortunately, we were a little too enthusiastic about carving pumpkins early and they have since wilted and died.... Oh well. They looked really cool while they lasted!!!

Ooooo... spooky.

Happy Halloween!!!

P.S. We did not carve all of those pumpkins. It was a pumkin party. Artists from left to right: Me (Manda), Eric, Christa/Cal, Kaitlin, ... girl who's name I forgot... Beth?, and Sach. We also had warm apple cider and home-made pumpkin pie. Dude. I ♥ fall.

Quick knittin'

I had a wonderful weekend. I did nothing. But it was wonderful. I spent time with my guy and mostly relaxed. Friday we went out to dinner and I ate sushi! Sushi!!! Who knew I'd like that? Then we watched Sling Blade. Mmmmhm. Good movie, even though it's a bit sad. On Saturday, we got TONS of rain in Eastern PA from Hurricane Tammy. There were many roads flooded. We went to the mall to walk about and on the way back home we had to divert several times because of flooded roads. It was a little freaky but we made it home safely. Then PSU kicked ace which was awesome to see... I can't believe how well they are doing. GO STATE. Sunday we watched yet another movie, Tombstone. I'd have to say that I didn't like that one as much as I expected too. Owell.

I got to knit this weekend too. Yoohoo. I started this scarf on the way to State College a couple weekends ago, but I wasn't happy with the needle size/pattern. So the smaller "scarf" you see on the left is the swatch. I finally tweaked the pattern to my liking and got started on the scarf using the second skein on Saturday morning because I didn't want to rip the first one. It was a quick knit on size US10 needles and I finished the first skein during our marathon couch potato session this weekend. It's SO SOFT. I can't wait till it's done.

So soft!

So now I must study. I have an exam tomorrow. Oh boy. ♥

PS. Thanks for all the comments about my nano! It's great! I love it! Such fun! And if anyone really wants, I could post a little pattern for the cozy... I used a bit of Elann Esprit I had laying around and an eyelet pattern I made up off the top of my head.

Meet my nano.

Mandie got a new toy...

So a custom fit purple sweater was in order.

Fall = SCARVES!!!

I have to say that I love scarves. Yes. I do. Perfect little experiments in funky stitches and fun yarn. Take Lion Brand Landscapes. This yarn is way too bulky for me to consider using for any major garment, but I love the colors and the feel of the yarn. Enter perfect solution: the SCARF.

I am liking the woven effect.

I also started the cozy sweater that was calling my name. I had fun with the tubular cast-on. Now if I could just get past the ribbing to the fun cables!!! Oh what fun! I think I will really like this sweater.

Hello, lovely tubular cast-on.

OOO! And I bought more yarn. On sale at JoAnns. I was feeling weak and the yarn is so soft... and did I mention on sale? It's for scarves, so it will get knit quick. I think. I'm thinking a seafoam stitch for the Angel Hair...

Yarn for scarves! Yay!

And now I have Kinetics homework to do. *grumble* ♥

Branching Out.

So. I've finally purchased high speed internet for my apartment. This means I will be able to document my knitting adventures on this blog again! I'm pretty excited! This post may have an excessive amount of photos for one little scarf so be forwarned.

...

I was going through my stash during my move across the state and I was able to re-purpose some unused yarn. I had about 40g of Elizabeth Lavold Silky Wool left over from Paul's hat and I wanted to make a scarf for myself because I really love the color and feel of this yarn. I then discovered that Knitty's Branching Out scarf recommends this yarn. Simple lace... Awesome yarn... Yay! I cast-on and finished this baby in about a week. The pattern was really easy and fun. I followed the chart and I think that I really like lace!

Lovely leaf-ies taking shape.

This scarf was perfect travel knitting, which was great. I actually finished it during a trip to visit family in Cleveland. It was my companion on the plane and in the car.

Finished in the car! But unblocked.

The best part about lace is definitely the blocking. How freaking satisfying!!!

Mid-block.


Buddah helps with the wet-block.

This little scarf is a lovely addition to my collection. Pretty much decorative, but I like the effect. It's a perfect scarf for the lovely fall weather we are getting right now... Lovelylovelylovely. Ha.

Hi everyone! I love my scarf!

Next up: I may abondon the stripy tee... And start a pink and mauve cabled cardie. I have a hankerin' for some sweater knittin' now that the weather has turned. Mmmm. Cozy. ♥!!!

NEW NEW NEW!

Yo! Wow... I haven't posted in over a month. But that's because I haven't really knit at all in the last month. And it's KILLING ME.

This lack of knitting coincides with a my first real new job as a biochemical engineer, my very own new apartment near Philly, and a life altering event involving a new boy. *sigh* My life has been a very dramatic movie script these last couple of months. I don't really post about my personal life on this blog for the most part (to protect the innocent), and I intend to keep this blog primarily knitting focused.

That being said, there has been no knitting, hence no posting. SO. When I have the focus to start up knitting again (which I must do soon lest I go insane) the posting to this little corner 'o the web will recommence.

Until then, happy knitting!

I'm back!

I'm back from Europe! It was amazing! I had so much fun and saw so many fabulous things! I took a ton of pictures. Around 1000 to be more specific. Add that to the 1000 my sister and her boyfriend took and the 1000 my friends Tessa and Valerie took and there are a lot of pictures to be had. Here are a few:

First, a picture of us in the Colosseum. That thing is massive. I can't even fathom how magnificent it must have been in it's heyday. I can't believe they built the thing in 8 years. Those crazy Romans...

The Colosseum. (From RtoL: Me, Tessa, Val)

Next, evidence that I did knit along the way. There was plenty of opportunity to knit during the long coach rides between cities. This is somewhere in the first week and I did get a bit more done. However, when we hit Italy, the pace of the tour really picked up and not much was accomplished. And during the last week when we stayed in London... not a stitch was made. Owell. I'm almost to the armpits now...

I did knit along the way!

In Munich, I stumbled upon a yarn shop! The window display was lovely! So colorful and springy. I really wish it had been open, but it was some sort of holiday the day that we were there. Luckily the Hofbrauhaus was still open. THAT was a good time. Steins of beer as big as your head! So fun.

I spy... a yarn store!

And what's this??? Man hands? Knitting? Can it be??? Yes... I taught Mikey how to knit. And the darling brought his knitting with him when he came to London for the last week I was in Europe. This is him starting the second layer of his potholder. :)

Man hands??

And finally, in John Lewis in London, I hit the jackpot. Lots and lots of yarn. And Rowan magazines. I still can't believe this... but I didn't buy anything! I regret this. However, I am moving into a new apartment tomorrow and there are certain expensive expenses that come before British yarn. Boo. It really was lovely though. I had fun squeezing all the pretty balls...

Love the pretty yarn!!!

Things are going to be pretty insane for me in the next couple weeks. I am moving into my new apartment and starting my first real job. I can't believe that I am entering the real world. It's terrifying and exciting all at once. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to visit so many amazing places in Europe. I hope hope hope that I get back there some day... Until next time, CHEERS! ♥

Falling.

I finished Mimi. It's a nice, super soft scarf. Nice and warm even though it's very holey. I like. And what's up with the Azaleas this year in PA? They are all so gorgeous. This picture doesn't do them justice.

Mimi Verylong with Azaleas.

Here is a picture of my family and me at graduation. I was quite sick and very tired. But extremely happy! It was a good time. My whole senior week was a blast. I'm really going to miss certain people.

My family!!! And my funny hat.

I'm off to Europe on Sunday so I have to start packing! I'll be gone for 3 weeks. Valerie and I will be knitting the Stripes Go Round shirt with Elann Esprit while we are in Europe. They'll be our EuroTees. :) I'll try to post something while over there, but it might be hard to find a place to do that.

So ciao, au revoir, auf wiedersehen. ♥

Eeep

So busy!

Pictures soon!

Not much knitting!

But I'm having so much fun!!!

P.S. Thanks for all the congrats on graduating. I'm Pretty. Excited.

Springy knitting.

I finished the little baby sweater. It's so cute! I'm going to have a hard time giving this one to charity. It matches my Fossil wallet so well. I didn't plan it that way; I just saw them sitting next to each other on my desk. I love the daisy buttons.

Matchie, matchie!

Also, here is a picture of my gloves all finished. They match my purse/wallet ensemble. Yay.

The gloves!

And a close up of their neato picot edges. So girly. Here are some specs:

Girly Glove Specs:
Pattern: My own concoction
Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (Mystery color)
Amt: 80g (about 1.6 balls)
Needles: US1
Gauge: 17 sts rows per 2"

Pretty picots.

I'm so excited! I started a sock!! I bought some yarn from Elann (quite a bit actually, but that's another post in itself) and I'm making a stripey sock using Wendy's toe up pattern. Buddah was kind enough to pose with the toe for me. Actually, he was meowing because it was dinner time.

A toe and a hungry cat.

Oh and...
I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!
Forever.
Unless I decide to go to grad school later.
I'm a biochemical engineer now...
Wow...
♥

Snow??

I have started another baby sweater for charity. It's made from a skein of cotton that I had bought to make a washcloth, but I think it will get better use as a baby sweater. I think I might run out of this yarn. I may have to get creative with some purple stripes... The variegated yarn is pooling funny, but I don't think the baby will mind.

Pink baby sweater!

I have finally succeeded at starting the Mimi Verylong scarf. It took me 3 tries!!! I think this yarn is cursed. But I like it so far. The yarn is so soft that it needed a simple pattern. So I think this will work out... I hope...

Mimi Verylong...

Rainbow Brite is coming along well. I am almost finished with the second repeat of stripes. And I don't know if I want to stop there or do another repeat. We will see. :)

Crocheting along.

I hope the weather will turn springy again soon! It was snowing here in State College today and I had to break out the warm scarf again! NO TO SNOW. It's going to confuse all the baby leaves! ♥

Cotton coup d'état.

As warmer weather has blessed State College, I have turned to my stash of cotton yarn for springy knitting. The cotton yarn reigns supreme right now. I started a new scarf that is CROCHETED! No way. It's really weird to crochet. Using a crochet hook is a very unfamiliar movement for my hands. But it's fun. And who can resist these Rainbow Brite colors??? I'm making a long lengthwise-striped scarf using single crochet. Very simple.

Rainbow Brite scarf.

I also finished this bitty baby sweater for charity through the United Methodist church. It was pretty fun to make; very quick and easy. The only thing is my wrist started to ache if I knit with cotton too long. Dang non-elastic fibers. Hopefully, this tiny sweater will fit a cute newborn somewhere and make his or her mom smile.

Baby sweater ala primary colors.

I have also decided to use my lovely blue Cara Mia yarn in a different form. After knitting on this bias cabled scarf for awhile, I have come to realize I don't like it all that much. I mean, I like the pattern and I love the yarn, I just don't think I would wear a scarf like this very much. So I'm going to make a Mimi Verylong. Hopefully this reincarnation of this yarn will work out. Third times a charm? Right.

Doomed blue scarf.

Ooo, it's raining! April showers, finally. I was so nice out earlier today! Valerie, Kristy, and I were walking around downtown State College all day. I got my hair cut (twice), donated blood (yay for O- blood), and got a free Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone (Mint Chocolate Chunk)! Fun day.

One last thing, I'm working on a redesign for my site, so keep an eye out. I love making new graphics. I can't help myself, even though I really like the layout now. Have a great day! ♥

Cable Hoodie

It was finally cool enough today to put on my warm cozy sweater and take some official FO photos in the sun. :)

Official front of sweater photo.

Sweater Specs:
Pattern: Cabled Hoodie from Patons Street Smart booklet
(same booklet as the Must Have Cardigan)
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Collection Sierra Light Indigo
80% Highland wool, 20% Alpaca
Amt: ~14 50g balls or 1400 m
Needles: US8 & US7
Gauge: 20 sts/26 rows per 4"

Official back of sweater photo.

Yay. This sweater is slightly itchy so I have to wear a long sleeved shirt underneath. It's super warm and comfy though. It'll definitely get some wear this season on cool spring days.

****************

My girly gloves just had a bath to prepare for their official FO photo shoot.

Wet-sheep, smelly gloves: blocking.

Now I have to decide which knitting project to start next... It has to be something spring-y. Hmmm. I'll have to peruse the new spring knitty. ♥

Meh.

I haven't felt much like blogging lately for some reason. And school is coming to an end, which means craziness with homework, presentations, exams, ect.

It was gorgeous out today. It was nice to be outside in just a light sleeveless shirt. Not really conducive weather to knitting warm woolen objects. Not to mention that last weekend my wrist started hurting in an alarming way when I was knitting a baby sweater out of Cotton-Ease. I had to stop knitting because of the pain!!! That has never happened to me before. So I haven't knit much since. So... I'll show you a picture of a sweater my mom knit. She is way more prolific than I am; she knit 9 sweaters last year! This is just one of them. Pretty non?

My mom knits a lot.

And now a sneaky peeky of my finished cabled hoodie before it was finished. It is finished now, but wouldn't you know that spring has decided to sprung. Too warm for wool and alpaca.

Blurry and unfinished.

Back to homework. And writing technical reports about process control and CSTRs (Continuously Stirred Tank Reactors). Fun. ♥