Fat Fridays: Chunky Garter Stitch Mittens

Bulky yarn is my favorite, especially when it comes from my stash. I doubled yarn to make it work for the chunky garter stitch mittens pattern.  I haven’t worked on these that long but I’m almost done! I’ve taken heed to all the advice given on Ravelry.  During meetings and at lunch, I’ve been knitting away, in preparation for the fall and winter. 

What have you been up to?

Knitting Season

When the days and nights get cooler, it’s often an indicator that knitting season has begun. The time is now, to gather patterns and yarn to keep us afloat through the brisk winds and snow of the  North Pole.

My knitting life has become about garter stitch and I’ve only now finally realized and accepted that it is all I can manage for now. I will learn to see the beauty in the simplicity of garter.

What’s on my knitting agenda?
Chunky mittens
Poncho
Slippers

What are your fall and winter knitting pattern plans? Who will join me?

Captain Hook

Aye, aye dearies!

You see, I’m not much of a sewer and especially not by hand.  But if there is one thing I know, it’s to pay attention to detail.  The smallest detail makes the biggest difference.  When it comes to my handmade items, no matter the frustration and the time consumption, I do it.  Ribbons, buttons and hook and eye closures are amongst the features that make my handmade pieces that much more special.  They serve a functional purpose but also add aesthetic.  I love coordinating colors and not necessarily matching, just for that extra pop.

Today, I am that much closure to finishing my Fall project (well, now Spring sweater). I’ve had some set backs, but I’ve bounced back. It took me 2 days to put in the ribbon trim; 2 hours to tack down the hem and about 1 hour to sew on a pair of hook and eye closures.  I’m not sure that I felt defeated that I would have to hand sew so much of this project, but I was definitely up for the challenge.  Sewing hook and eye closure was a bit tricky (and a first) for me, but I found a great video to help me and I made my own adjustments according to my needs.

My hand sewing skillset undoubtedly and admittedly requires more finessing, but I am more than willing to work on it.  I am well pleased with myself and these results.  I was just beside myself when I saw how beautifully the fit of the sweater was; the perfect placement of the hook and eye and crispness of the ribbon were astounding!

The last leg on this project, it putting on the buttons, weaving in some ends and sewing the corners of the hem. I am done!

Toot, toot!

What I found in the 99 cents store

So at lunch yesterday, I went to a 99 cent store near my job. I was with coworkers and as we’re chit chatting in line and quiet suddenly I felt different…. My ears deafened any sound and my eyes shifted and I literally squealed with joy as I snatched up Interweave Knits Fall 2013. I think I had even pushed my coworker out of the way so I could grab it! Lol (I’m so serious!)

Unfortunately it was not 99 cents. It was regular price. Wonk wonk. It was still a good buy as it features a lot of cute designs.

It will never cease to amaze me of what one can find in the 99 cent store! You must be wondering, “What kinda bourgeois 99 cent store, she goes to?!” This was in the hood!

Another time I even found a container with a hole in the top to keep my yarn clean and tidy while knitting.

Have you ever lucked out like this before? Please share.

Um, where my socks at?

The summer has finally come to a close and fall has reared its head earlier than anticipated. It’s freezing! Maybe there are a few more hot days but I don’t see (or feel for that matter) it. Sandals and all other summer shoes requiring no socks are out…. Boots are in!

With all that said, it was just yesterday (and today too) I was looking for socks and I had none. I am convinced sock monsters exist! I had foot here and an unmatched foot there! And it was literally just those socks alone.

It was just a day or so ago, I asked on Facebook about everyone’s intended Fall projects were. It was Sara who suggested socks… My thought was something bigger, like a sweater or something, but but my immediate need has now presented itself. Socks.It.Is.

And not one at a time either… Two at a time on 2 circulars is the way for me ( I suffer from acute second sock syndrome). I could die if I do it any other way!

So the question is, when will I start this in between my cousins blanket and the blankie I asked for your vote on? I may just end up having these 3 projects going on at the same time… The need is now (unless I can find a couple of inexpensive pair?) I need it. My feet are cold and suffering!