Disaster recovery

1. Post on the blog, so that many people smarter than will give me sympathy and suggestions. Agnes is a genius, I kept thinking that I could not possible send my pal a pair of sock with one toe in a different color, but of course, as she said, both toes in a coordinating color!

2. Go to the LYS and see if I can find that coordinating color (you would think that in my stash of 200+ different yarns I could find something, think again.)

3. Get an amazing package from Karen of ABC's of Creative Pursuits:



3. Dye some new yarn:



Panda Sock Yarn, a wool, bamboo, and nylon blend, that I just got and love. It will go on etsy soon, and look on the side bar ---------->
I even have a newsletter now!

4. Swatch my freshly dyed yarn:



Swatching a new yarn always makes me happy, new yarn with new colorway, double points.

5. Dye some more:



6. And more:



7. OK, enough with the dyeing, let's go back to task. I fished this from my stash:



and I sent it to my pal with an apologetic note telling her about the disaster and that her socks are doomed will be a little late.

9. Finishing the Gaeta Tank Top for One Planet Yarn and Fiber:



Nothing to do with socks, but saying "Done!" always feels good.

10. What if the coordinating toes thing does not work? Need to knit another pair of socks right now. Toe up socks, it would take a while before I muster the courage to knit another top down sock. Decide to use my pattern, it should go fast and smoothly (stay tuned on this blog to see how many times I can screw up a pattern that I wrote.) Look for yarn, and decide on this one:


Yarn Botanika Merino/Tencel in Hot Summer Nights

Roll the yarn in two equal balls:





Swatch the yarn, and NOT get gauge.

11. Go look for another yarn and spend few hours debating between this:



and this:



Fleece Artist won because it is superwash. Swatch. Get gauge. Do the happy dance.

12. Since I am swatching, swatch for the Hogwarts Sock Swap as well:



And while I am at it, email Sheri to see if she has an extra hank of Louet Gems in Burgundy in dye lot # 80-1582-9, you know, just in case.

13. Cancel Paperino's party for Sunday, since most of his friends are on vacation, and reschedule for September. Thia has nothing to do with the socks, but the idea I do not have to deal with a bunch of 7 years old this Sunday makes me feel better anyway.

Disaster

Picture taken by Principessa while I was sobbing.

Yeah, I know, the picture is blurry. Do you really want to know? Ok, look here (sit first):



That is the yarn I have left, and I have to make the whole toe of the sock. The whole toe, and no yarn left. Of the second sock of the Sockapalooza 4 socks (yes, they were due a week ago, we won't talk about that.) The yarn? Cherry Tree Hill Supersock with no ball band (I got this yarn in a swap-bot exchange, one of those "send yarn from your stash exchange".)
Hollis told me that she thinks it's a potluck colorway, so I am dead in the water, no chance whatsoever to find another one (and even if it were not a potluck skein, CTH colorways are so variable that I would be dead anyway.)

I started to notice that something was wrong (read: I do not think that I have enough yarn) yesterday morning, but I kept knitting hoping that the ball would get bigger. Reality set in when a customer of my store looked at my socks and said, "Nice yarn, Koigu? You do not have enough." When a random knitter passing by comments that you do not have enough yarn, usually you do not have enough yarn.

In the vain attempt to make my yarn last longer, I screw up several times so I had to rip back and keep knitting, but eventually I had to face reality: I do not have enough yarn.

I am going to cry some more now.

All Ravelred Up

If you are on Ravelry and look me up, you can guess what I have been doing in the last two days. All my stash is up, my wips are up, and I am working my way through my finished projects. Elspeth commented that "it really can replace a blog with the places to put your yarn and patterns", and that it is why I love it so much. A blog is good for rambling away, and even if I used it in the past for keep myself on track, it is way easier over there.
So, off these two go to retirement, I have my tidy list over here - it is great to be easily amused!

The socks? Natalie sent them to me, in a cute little package, for Sockapalooza 4 (yes, I am still knitting mine, but we won't talk about that), my first pair of Koigu socks ever, and they fit like a dream.



Don't you love the color? I do!

Send out the rescue squad

This is what my room looks right now, just few hours after I got my invite to Ravelry. I guess the children can live on pizza delivery until I am done adding all my yarn (I am already half way there), my past projects, my current projects, my queue, my patterns ......

If I do not blog for more than a week, please come get me.

12!

* You signed up on June 9, 2007
* You are #7986 on the list.
* 12 people are ahead of you in line.
* 15473 people are behind you in line.
* 33% of the list has been invited so far

ETA: I am in, I am in ...... lux2night as usual!

It is easier on vacation

Sticking to the planned projects is much easier on vacation. Even if I pack enough yarn that if there is a crash and we are lost, everybody will have socks and the baby clothes for his first year, still I do have a limited selection to choose for. I get bored easily with the yarns I pack, so since nothing new excites me, I stick to the planned projects.
When I am home, I have books, I have my stash, I have the internet (my parents in Italy are still on dial-up, believe it or not), the possibilities are endless.
So, I should be working on these:



I casted on for a felted bag and a EZ Surprise Jacket.



I do not even like felted bags.

61 gold pieces

Kat commented that with the gold I have accumulated I could treat myself with a nice yarn spree. Well, not really. I accumulated gold way too fast. I was envisioning myself knitting for months before having a significant amount. More than 60 in few days? Not working for me.
Don't get me wrong, I am still playing, but I need to re-think this spending gold stuff, because my stash? Still huge.
Things I have learned during Knitting from your Stash 2007:

• sock yarn does count;
• knitting sock does not reduce your stash that much;
• having yarn given to you to design stuff really hinder your stash reduction efforts;
• if you decide to pick a yarn from your stash to design socks, do not pick red, you'll never get a decent photo.

But I love my new bag.

Knitwars

Lime and Violet is the podcast that got me into knitting podcast, and into finally understanding why an iPod is the best thing after yarn and needles. Those two ladies are hysteracally funny in my opinion, and even if I now enjoy many knitting podcasts, I aways look forward to a new L&V episode. The last thing they came up with is right up their alley: Knitwars.
Go sign up. Seriously, as they would say.
The basic idea of the game is that you get points (XP) and gold for certain activities, like finishing up a FO or doing one lace repeat. The XP brings you up to the next level (I am at 77 right now, o idea when I'll go up), while the gold has no in-game use, but it has been suggested to use it as 1 gold = $1 to control your yarn buying. Since there is a correlation between how much do you knit and how much gold you accumulate, it does make sense, like calories out, calories in.
Since I joined I finished my first Sockapalooza 4 sock (50 pieces of gold), I finished a striped hat I started before vacation (25 pieces of gold), and I casted on a Chevron scarf (1 piece of gold):



Good thing that casting on is only 1 gold!

18?

My real age is 18.4 years. I can't drink?

Mostly socks

I have been back home since last Thursday, and I am still digging my way out of emails, 54 still unread on my gmail account, 83 on yahoo, while I managed to read (notice I say "read" not "answer") all my work-related emails. Italy was beautiful as ever, and hot, so what did I knit? Mostly socks.



These are the socks for my brother that almost did not get finished thanks to the Prague airport security that decided that my plastic dpn'd were too dangerous to be allowed on the plane (my birch dpn's were ok though - go figure!)
So I got home from Prague with no US 4 dpn's - and I had none because "home" in this case is my parents' place on the beach near Roma, of course I had plenty "home" in the US. Buy another set? Easier said than done. After several days of search, I settled for 80 cm circular, and I magic-looped. Me, magic-loop. Let's just say that I am very glad that all the sliding stitches around is behind me.



These were finished on my way to Italy, thanks to several hours of delay in London. I wonder, what muggles do when they are stuck in airports? Besides yelling at the guy behind the desk, like that is going to make the bad weather go away or airplanes apparate. At least, I get socks.



Ravenclaw sock on their way to my Hogwarts Sock Swap partner, with a ball of yarn I picked up for her in Dresden, chocolate and cookies from Italy, stitch markers and needles. And I graduated to second year!

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire - Second Years

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor

2. Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference? US 9, 9 inches, 8.5 inches

3. List your three favorite sock yarns.

a. Lorna's Laces

b. Artyarns Supermerino

c. Koigu

4. Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand? Yes, and surprise me!

5. Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn? Solid

6. What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash? White, red

7. What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle? Lace

8. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.) No

9. Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them? No

10. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Yes

Posting from a borrowed DSL line

Rome









Dresden









Prague

On the beach

See you at the end of July!

See this?

It's the Snap Cardigan, all done but the seams.

It is coming with me to Italy, where mom is going to sew the snap strips on.
And the fact that it is done brings my balls total down by 10 - 482 balls for 85,458 yards!

Of course a lot of knitting is coming with me in Italy (yes, there are yarn stores in Italy, no, I usually do not buy yarn when I am there.)
I am bringing four socks for the flight. I do know that I can knit one sock from SF to Heathrow, but what if I am stuck someplace? If we are lost, my children will have socks.
So I am bringing my second Calza Rossa, the second Trekking XXL sock, and my Ravenclaw socks.
Then projects for when I am there:
- Lacy Little Scarf in Curious Creek Fiber Omo in Grotto
- my Sugar Maple Shawl in handdyed cashmere - I am about 33% done
- Simple Knitted Bodice - I am at the lace
- my new design for One Planet Yarn and Fiber - I got today the yarn and it is to die for
- the shrug from the Twin Set by Sharon Shoji from Knitscene.

So, if we are lost, my children will have a whole wardrobe.

Breathe, relax

I am leaving for Italy on Thursday and I am starting to freak out.

1. The shipment. I do not want to talk about it.

2. Packing. Or actually, not packing yet. The grandparents will cloth the kids if we arrive with no luggages. Me? Don't count on it.

3. Presents. Just realized my brother's birthday is while we are in Italy. Socks on the plane? Thuja? I have nothing in superwash and worsted that works. It really drives me mad when I can't find what I need in my stash, 492+ balls for 86,338 yards, and still nothing that works?

Tops for my nieces - check!



Socks for other niece - check!



Vest for my nephew - in progress.

Tagged

Louise tagged me ... 7 random things about me:

1. I was born and grew up in Roma but I am not Roman because my family has not been there for 7 generations;

2. I do not like garlic and sunlight - I may have been a vampire in a previous life;

3. I used to live withing walking distance from Piazza del Popolo, now I have cows in front of my house;

4. I never wake up hungry and I can't have breakfast until a couple of hours after I woke - the idea of food when I am barely awake nauseates me;

5. A meal is not complete without fresh fruit and wine;

6. Even if I am Italian, I am a terrible speller in Italian; much better in English;

7. I can't tell left from right; if I give you directions, do not pay attention at what I say, but look where I point.

It's up!

The pattern I designed for One Planet Yarn and Fiber is up:















The yarn is Lana Puras Melosa in fingering weight, and I must tell you, you do not know what's soft is if you have not touch this yarn. You will wonder if it is made out of butter.

Click here for buying info.

One, two, three

One: two balls of Anny Blatt Super Angora and 2 balls of Anny Blatt Victoria give you a set of scarf and hat so fast they did not make into the "on the needles" list before going into the "Finished Projects 2007."



Two: another baby set, 1 skein of Lorna's Laces Worsted and some leftover sock yarn.



Three: another project from my UFO Resurrection 2007 list done.

No excuses

I am a bad blogger, no excuses. What can I say? It's almost summer and I have to get a shipment out of Italy. Not that the two things are related, but summer means hot, hot means low energy (at least for me, I am a creature of winter and dark), and this shipment business is absorbing all my energy, and some.
Today I had a meeting with a UPS-SCS guy and I think I am in love with brown. What can brown do for you? everything. And most of all, they can get our stuff out of Italy and HERE!

I have been knitting, no photos though, so you'll need to believe me. I am making a second baby set in powder blue: a friend of mine just because gramma of twins, so one down, one to go. I am done with the sweater, working on the hat.

I am working on a felted bag that I should finish tonight. I usually do not like felting - all that work to make all those pretty stitches and then they are gone? Not my cup of tea. So I do not know what gotten into me, maybe the heat or being so tired. I am using Lamb's Pride, that is a pleasure to work with, both colors; the body is fuchsia, the handles and the flap purple. I could say I planned that way, but let's be honest, I just ran out of yarn.

I can't bring myself to pick up the stitches for the snap cardigan: picking stitches is the most favorite thing of mine when it comes to knitting; I rather seam miles than pick up stitches.

I joined some more KALs: Sockapalooza 4, well, who hasn't? And I have already started my pal's socks, Little Child's Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks in CTH Supersocks, not idea the name of the colorway, but it is blues and purples. I actually started them twice, the first time I was using some new Addis Turbo 12 in I got just for socks, and I hated them. Truly hated them. Ripped the thing off and started again with my beloved dpn's.

Knitters Tea Swap 3, that is not a secret this time around, so I know that my partner is Barbara.

And least but not last, 2007 Summer Stash Out: I have to tell you, I am so tired right now, that not even buying yarn appeals to me. Should I be worried?

See these?

My list for the UFO Resurrection 2007:

1. Debbie Bliss Simple Jacket with Collar from Book 2 - IN TIME OUT
2. Reynolds Dover Pullover
3. Inspiration Scarf - DONE!
4. Logcabin Blanket
5. Larkspur Hat
6. Simple Knitted Bodice
7. Debbie Bliss' Mia from the book "Junior Knits" - DONE!
8. Lacy Scarf - FROGGED
9. Jimmy's Baby Gift Sweater Set - DONE!
10. Tank top - DONE!
11. Tiger Eye Lace Scarf - FROGGED
12. Foot in the Door socks - FROGGED
13. Jaywalker - DONE!
14. Watermelon Socks - DONE!
15. Sock-ret socks - DONE!
16. Lake Taneycome Sunset Socks - FROGGED

How many left? 4! Yep, four! (The sweater in time out does not count until November when I'll work on it again - it will be my November sweater forever).

Latest accomplishment? Number 7!



It is too short, if you ask me, but she likes it. And I have half ball of Cascade Sierra left, so I can always pick up stitches and lengthen it if she decides to agree with me.

This month? I am finishing #2 and #5. Yes, I know, I am kind of cheating because I just need to seam the pullover and make the I-cord for the hat, but hey, I have another dozen projects I am working on. How comes I get the feeling that this "getting rid of UFOs" business is not working?

My life behind bars

I took some photos of the place where I am spending my days and this the view I have from my space. I must say, life behind bars is not that bad!



And leaving the place to take a walk go pick up the mail, is not bad either:





If you live in the Bay Area and you have not been to the Allied Arts Guild, it is a place worth vising!

A Very Special Trip

Yesterday I received a package as part of the special swap Lynne organized; this round theme was a "travel to a different country", and what a trip Kathy planned for me!

She wrote:

Your journey starts where all good journeys begin - with planning and packing!

To help you get started, please find some lovely American sock yarn - what could be better on your flight than casting on a new pair of socks! This yarn, named "Deep", reminds me of the colors of the skies in London! I have even included a sock pattern for you - you will be ll set for your flight! You will also find a small notebook to help you with your lists - and your memory of your journey! Also, find some hand creme to keep your hands soft as you wing your way to London!



Upon arrival in London - a spot of tea and biscuits would be in order to refresh yourself for your journey in London Towne! See in your package some very special tea and biscuits just for you! Take a moment and relax, sip some tea and get ready for your next surprise!



Our first stop is with Rowan - who can go to London and not think of Rowan! Enjoy your goodies!



Next up is a stop to see Debbie Bliss - you will definitely want to have a cup of tea at her place as well. She shared with me some lovely Alpaca Silk just for you!



Your next journey is to Jaeger - all for you is skein of Trinity to make yourself a decadent dishcloth!



Last, but definitily not least is a pattern for a lovely lace wrap - what with lace knitting being all the rage - how could you resist Hidcote Gardens. Pattern and yarn will help you get started!



Finally, some lovely cards for you to share with your friends! I hope that you have enjoyed this journey to London!



So, is she the most special swapper or what?

Thank you so much Kathy, I think you should quit your day job and open a travel agency!

Again?

I know I sound like a broken record, but it seems I lost a month again: where did April go?

One, two, three baby hats, three socks, one baby sweater, and one scarf - I am sure I am missing something ..... oh, yeah, Principessa has been un-available for a photo shoot, but I did finished Mia, look! only 5 objects left from my January 2007 UFOs list.

Charmed Stash?

I knit, knit, and knit, and my stash stays the same. Can it be that it is magical?
To break the spell I have decided a different strategy, I actually bought yarn:



After all, it is for Charmed Knits.

What's wrong with this picture?

Once again, on Thursday I went to FTA to have lunch with Hollis and drop these:



After lunch I wondered around the store knitting one of the many socks on the needles, and I was so mesmerized by all the new yarns, especially the table covered with Sea Wool, that look what I did:

Spring Break is over

Spring Break is over, the kids are back to school, and nobody looked at me this morning and asked: "What are we going to do today?". Somehow, the fact that I am responsible for their entertainment during breaks has not sunk in yet. Ten years of working mom habits are hard to break.
But break was fun. We went bowling, and swimming (want more knitting time? get the kids on a swim team and you get about 6 hours of interrupted knitting time per week). We visit Hollis, and that was especially delightful. When I used to work there, we never got to have lunches together, or just hang out; usually she was running in while she was running out.
I brought her some of my yarns, so if you are in the Bay Area, stop by and take a look!
And since we are talking business, I have update my shop and I still have this bag



to wind and put up there. If you happen to be a store owner, I do wholesale orders, just let me know if you are interested.
After long consideration, I have decided to put patterns for sale on my patterns page. The first one up is a pattern that was available on Chiagu until now:



Payment by paypal, pattern emailed to you as a pdf file. Next pattern up will be something I have designed for One Planet Yarn and Fiber - not saying anything more.

Now that I am done with the self-promoting, back to the knitting.
Mia is done! All done, seams and all. the only thing that is missing a kilt pin to close it. See how the list for the UFO Resurrection 2007 is getting shorter? The list of things on the needles is NOT getting any shorter, but at least I won't have any project from 2006 soon. Or by the end of 2007, I will settle for that.

I should be working on my Snap Cardigan, but last night the only project I had in the basket near my bed I was inspired to knit on my Sugar Maple Shawl in cashmere. I have used 200 of the 800 yards of yarn I plan to use, so I am 25% done!