I finished up three projects recently. The two from the last post as well as a secret project to be revealed later! So, what does that mean? I've cast on for a few new things!
I started with a pair of socks for Summer of Socks '09. I combined SOS with my personal sock club and had Mike pick a new bag. Inside was some Claudia Handpainted yarn in the Cabin Fever colorway that I'd already started a sock with. I was only a few inches in, but didn't really care for the pattern (my own design). So I ripped it out and cast on for Cookie's Vilai (rav link). It's a great pattern and was working well with the yarn, but it was too big. I finally admitted this about 3 1/2 inches in...ripped it and cast on for Spring Forward, which was giving me a sock the right size, but was splotching horribly. The colors were lining up on each side of the sock - not even spiraling around. It was awful...so I ripped it out. Next came Toasty Twist (rav link). A cute pattern, but I had the same problem - yucky splotching. I was disgusted with the yarn at this point and was NOT going to cast on for something else! I also have no photographic evidence due to my frustration. So I did what anyone would do: I chose a new bag! This time I got Yarn Love's Juliet in the Winter Deep colorway. I cast on for Aquaphobia and things are going smoothly. For some reason, the yarn does not want to photograph nicely. I'll keep trying though. In the meantime, here's Tiger!
He says, "Why do you keep saying my name?"
"I was just trying to get your attention, kitty!"
The second project is a lace shawl. Some time ago, I had cast on for AeRang with Fiesta Baby Boom. The pattern was nice and geometric, but I don't think the instructions were written very well and I was having to concentrate too hard on the chart. It was easy, but I had to knit it in silence or I'd get distracted and lose my place. That was annoying so I've been ignoring the shawl. I decided to frog it and cast on for something else. I saw tentenknits Lavalette and thought it'd be perfect! It's a super simple pattern that I've already memorized. Stockinette bands alternate with lace bands. It's a free pattern from Through The Loops, but the designer is asking for donations to an Alzheimer's research center, if you are so moved. I was so I donated. I've cast on and am zooming along:
I'll be done in no time! And as far as that Claudia goes...when I stop fuming, I've already decided to make the Herringbone Rib Socks from the book for handpainted yarns. (It even calls for Claudia!) Hopefully, it will break up the colors AND fit. We'll see.
