Monday, January 29, 2007

Bloggiversary

I totally missed my bloggiversary last week (Jan 25)... it just didn't seem like I have been doing this blog thing for a year!

Over the weekend I went up even further north to my parents' cabin. It was beautiful and snowy, that area of the state has the deepest snow base and the snowmobiling is ever so popular. We didn't do too much, had some bloody mary's, went to a party at a bar, watched a movie, you know cabinesque activities.

Last night when we returned home I finally started on the second half of the wobbly circles tote and got about half way through with it. That means I only have .25 left to knit, but then there is lots and lots of end weaving in and the sewing of the sides which always takes me forever to get to, but not too long to complete once I finally set my mind to it.

Last week the snow and cold were just so and made the trees look like they were covered in spray-on snow. I liked it very much.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Snowy adventures

A friend from way south of the snowline visited the northwoods this weekend. We tried to do as many snowy activities as time allowed. On Saturday Blue took L for her first snowmobile ride, then on Sunday we put some tip-ups in the lake (didn't catch anything though). On the way to the airport Sunday, we stopped by the tribute to the mythical creature - the Hodag - and took some glamor shots.

There wasn't a whole lot of knitting that took place, but I did manage to finish my hat (seen in the pic) and a scarf. L started on a throw blanket for her brother - a very handy traveling project!

This morning Blue and I woke up to what sounded like an airplane circling the house. And when he went to put some tip-ups in, we found out indeed it was an airplane, with skis on it. It is so cute and little, but it sure makes me nervous. I can't believe this tiny lake is even big enough to land a plane THAT small! I went down to take some pictures of it, but was inside when it took off again.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Some F.O.s

I thought I would take this opportunity to post some pics of all the finished objects, that have just been patiently waiting to be photographed. So here we go...

I just finished this one yesterday. It is the ribbed scarf from the winter knits kit. I really like the uneven striping at the ends. The yarn I used was a 50/50 wool/alpaca blend from Berroco (ultra alpaca).


This little guy (also from winter knits kit) has a matching scarf, but still no nose, mouth or buttons... I also think he needs a hat, a top hat to be precise. I was thinking of cutting/gluing one out of black felt, we'll see if that ever happens.


And here are my second pair of lovely lace socks made out of gems opal sport weight, in some sort of greenish color. I am also gifting these, but one of these days I just might make some for myself!

This is the felted ipod case I made my mom to fit both her ipod and itrip. It still needs a fastener (velcro) and if I feel ambitious some vinyl windows for the displays.


And this one might be my favorite, a laptop sleeve for my macbook. Considering I just guessed at the measurements, it turned out quite well - if I do say so myself. I also sewed in the corners to make the bottom square and thankfully it is a perfect fit for my macbook corners. I think I might have to felt (and stretch) it one more time - it is about an inch too tall. It also needs some velcro and I have some groovy matching fabric to make a liner... if I ever get around to it.

Monday, January 08, 2007

More knitting in nature

While I was in Madison I picked up some alpaca/wool yarn for a scarf, hat, and mittens for myself. Unable to decide on a scarf pattern and unwilling to make up my envisioned hat pattern, I decided to start with the target wave mittens that I always thought were cute. Unfortunately, the child's large fits my dad (not me) and they just aren't as cute as the ones the little girl has on.

After making one I decided to move on to a new project, the hat. Half way through my made-up pattern I realized that it is going to be too big. No, I didn't do a gauge swatch- every time I try to, it ends up being off anyway, so generally I make it a rule not to swatch. Being disheartened and not in the mood to frog, I started on a snowman pattern in the Winter Knits Kit. It has turned out pretty cute and only needs a few finishing touches.

The scarf pattern that I think I have decided on is from the Winter Knits Kit too. It is a simple ribbed pattern with some striping on either end.

Blue and I have been up at my parent's house in northern Wisco for the last week and have been enjoying my family, the snow, and the chilly weather. Today both of my sister's went back to their various school locations, so the house is suddenly much more quiet. Fortunately, we still have whiskers to harass.