Ms. Knit Sox: Executing Stitches, One Stitch at a Time...

Another FO...and treats, too...

Well, I'm very excited these days.  I finally finished my bag and I'm very pleased with the results.  Yeah, me!

I have been adding to my stash as well as my knitting library.  I am trying to add more color to my stash. 

I am so tempted to only pick shades of Red as that is my very favorite color...especially the lovely cranberry shade.  I did find some yummy blue shades earmarked for future projects.  There are so many beautiful colors out there these days.  However, since I'm a fairly conservative gal, my non-knitting wardrobe usually consists of traditional black, navy, khaki...you get the picture.  So, I'm hoping to try some new colors as I get more experienced in knitting...and hoping it will spill over into my other purchases (side note: it is especially dangerous when my favorite yarn store happens to be right next door to AT). 

I also just received Last-Minute Knitted Gifts on Friday.  I'm running out of room because storage is limited at my place...good thing I'll be taking some time off soon...its on my list to do some major re-organizing.  Need to make room for all that beautiful yarn, etc.  I also think I'm going to do some renovations to the blog...more photo galleries, etc.  I want to have a collective place to gather all my knitting thoughts together as well as keep inventory of what I have, what projects I want to do...

But, in addition to all the projects I plan to tackle while on "vacation" (can you call it that when you don't actually go anywhere??), I do plan to treat myself to some fun things such as happy hours with friends.  And, I can't wait to be pampered here:  Sugar House Day Spa & Salon.  And, knitting of course!!

And, I am pleased to announce that I have cast on once more for the ChicKami in the smaller size -- still on gauge.  I am amazed at how quickly its coming along.  I've only spent an evening or two and I'm practically back where I was before I had to frog...  It looks so much better.  I'm learning so many things the more I practice.  The small things in life, that's what excites me the most, I think. 

Temporary setback...

Well, I'm a little disappointed with the progress of my ChicKami.  I thought it was going along smoothly once again, but not so.  I just had this feeling that it was too big.  So, I "tried it on" and my suspicion was correct.  Always trust your instincts.  My gauge is still correct (which I can't figure that out...), but I cast on for the medium size, when in fact, I really should have made the small.  I still want to make this, so once I've calmed down a bit, I will cast on in the smaller size -- most likely over the weekend.  And, I've learned a few things regarding decreases and joining yarn from some of my other WIPs, so I think by starting over, the end result will be something I'm actually pleased with. 

For now, I'm going to get some more quality time with my afghan.  And, I have officially decided what my first winter sweater is going to be.  Its Hourglass sweater.  Thanks Kristine for helping me make this decision.  I am still trying to decide which color to make it in.  As you all well know, red is my favorite color, but a girl does need to expand her color range, don't you think?  Here are my choices:  Noro Cash Iroha -- midnight is looking like a strong choice, but am also considering Denim, Dark Denim.  Decisions, decisions.

How cute is this???

Finally... a FO besides a scarf!  Check out my Baby's First Hat below.  It really is a very quick knit using Blue Sky Organic Cotton.  It probably only took me a few evenings to work on, spending about 2 hours each sitting.  Not bad for a novice...  And, I actually enjoyed using the DPN's -- something I never thought I'd say. 

I finally ordered the handles for my Chinese Charm Bag, so I should  have a photo of it soon.  I did sew the lining in this weekend.  So, I'm close to another FO.  Also continued to work on my other WIPs.  I haven't picked up the afghan in some time and I really enjoyed getting back into it.  I didn't do much with my ChicKami, but plan to work on it tomorrow evening at SnB.  There are a few fall projects I want to start, but will address on another post. 

What a GREAT idea!!!

I have to say, I think the Stitch n' Pitch concept is wonderful.  See Chicago White Sox SnP and Seattle Mariners SnP for details.  I absolutely love baseball (thanks to having a brother who played the game through college)!  And, now that I am learning to knit, I see it as a great way to combine two hobbies I truly enjoy.  Personally, I would love to see all MLB teams endorse this idea because then I could do my baseball stadium tour and meet knitters across the U.S. in the process.  Just a thought.  Of course, I have already combined this habit at home, as I frequently watch (or listen to on Internet radio) Red Sox baseball while working on my knitting projects.  Although, since this is my favorite team (thanks, JA!), I often get more wrapped up in watching the action ("Manny, Manny...") on t.v. and don't always get as much knitting done as I'd like... 

In other news, I still have a variety of ongoing projects.  I'm nearly finished with my Chinese Charm bag.  I just need to order the bamboo handles and sew the lining into the bag (thanks KK for your assistance with the lining).  I am now happily knitting along again on my ChicKami...thanks to the Knitting Wizard at KH.  I now know how to fix my errors using a crochet hook (a concept that previously scared me).  I've put the Simple Knitted Lace Scarf on hold for right now.  It requires more concentration on my part and just haven't been up for that lately.  So, instead, I started yet another project.  Yes, even after I said I wasn't going to.  Why do I do this?  But, my one of my cousins is expecting her first child in October and I thought Baby's First Hat was too cute to pass up.  And, it gives me more practice using DPNs.  So, that is where I'm at.  Hopefully, pictures coming soon.  Stay tuned...