Knitting with Grace

I'm back!

2008-10-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while but I have been knitting. I finished Mystery Stole 4 among other things. I also finally finished my second Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I'll have to post pictures about these later. I'm half finished with a new pair of socks for a friend. The pattern is easy but it looks great with variegated yarns or solids. Plus, I finally bought a sock blocker from The Loopy Ewe. Socks really do look better on a blocker.
Pattern: Charade
Yarn: Duet Skinny Midnight Mantis
Needle: Addi Turbo #1

Pattern: Leda's Dream
Yarn: Zephyr Silk-Wool
Needles: Addi Lace Turbo #2

I loved this stole, even though it took me a long time. I ended up giving it to a friend of my mother's. I think my mom was kind of jealous of it. I'll have to find another pattern to make Mom one just as nice, if not better...

I've been knitting!

2008-09-15T17:07:00.001-07:00

Milo's sweater
Originally uploaded by jglee3203

I know that it's been a while, but I have been knitting. Actually, what really distracted me was that I bought a condo in San Diego! Otherwise, I've been busy with the usual, work, sleep, dog, etc. But I have been working on projects. I have to say that this sweater is probably my favorite item so far. It's from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss and it's totally worth the work!

Pattern:Cable Sweater-Debbie Bliss Simply Baby

Yarn: Baby Cashmerino Apple Green and Cream

Finished at last...

2008-02-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Twist. I actually really like this sweater. If I could improve it, I would make it a bit longer but all in all it actually fits pretty well. Plus, I found some nice buttons for it from a local store, As Cute as a Button. They have pretty limited hours but they have a great selection of inexpensive and expensive buttons. These cost me a little but it was totally worth it.

Pattern:Twist
Needles: I had to go up one size to get gauge.
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash

Finally, I have a pair.

2008-01-10T20:57:00.001-08:00

Before I left Seattle, a few of my friends really wanted a pair of mittens that were convertible. Seattle isn't always cold enough for mittens but sometimes you just need a little something extra to keep warm. California isn't known for its cold weather but it's been a little chilly lately. I decided I needed a pair. With all the scrubbing I have to do for surgery, I used a yarn that could possibly help with the dry hands. Even if the yarn doesn't help, I love them!

Pattern: Broad Street Mittens
Needles: Crystal Palace #2 CP
Yarn: Austerman Step Colorway 21

One for me!

2007-12-29T21:29:00.001-08:00

So, it's been getting colder in San Diego lately. I don't remember it being this cold last year. A few times my car has been reading in the high 30's when I go off to work. So, I realized that I could help myself by making a pair of Fetchings! They were really fast and easy. I only cast on 40 stitches and I lengthened the cuff a bit by adding a repeat but it's basically the same pattern.

Pattern: Fetching
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Color 855
Needles: Crystal Palace Size 7(4.5mm)

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-16T22:25:00.000-08:00

I know that this blog was only supposed to be about knitting but I saw this at a much more famous blog than mine and I couldn't help myself. I was a big a cappella nut when I was in college. Enjoy!

New sweater!!

2007-11-21T22:46:00.001-08:00

I have a lot of projects going on but I felt like I needed to have another sweater on the needles. I was going to start something from the latest IK but instead, saw Twist. There was just something about this one. Here's my start. I have the next 4 days off and I plan on just staying home, running a little, and knitting a lot. I have a lot of presents to try and get through...I don't know if they'll all get done...

I just can't get enough...

2007-10-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I love the clapotis pattern. I have now knitted this pattern four times. Twice for me and once for my mom. The latest I made with SWTC Bamboo in Red Jester. I have to say, I think this one is my favorite so far. I love this new version of Bamboo. It feels like silk. It's so much softer than the Bamboo that I used to make the tank top from last year. However, this one is not for me but for a friend who's been having a more than difficult year. She's in a different city than me and I can't physically be there to hang out or help her but I thought that this would be an appropriate substitute until I can get there. I don't think she's been reading my blog so I'm going to post pictures even though she hasn't received it yet. But if you are reading, stop now and don't peak!

Pattern: Clapotis
Yarn: SWTC Bamboo Red Jester
Skeins: 3
Needles: Addi Turbo #6

It's finished!!!

2007-10-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

I finished the cardigan. I have to say, I love this sweater. The only problem is that it's a little bigger than I was expecting. But it is really comfortable. I really want to make another one in a smaller size and a different color. I made this one in Silky tweed which wasn't that great to knit with but makes a fabulous fabric. It's nice and drapy and not too heavy.

Pattern: Tangled Yoke Cardigan
Interweave Knits Fall 2007

Yarn: Elsbeth Lavold Silky Tweed

Needles: Addi Turbo #3 and #4

I may try and take in the sides but for now it's fine.

Things to do...

2007-09-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

There are several projects that I've been working on. One is a secret. It's a gift for a friend for Christmas. Hopefully she'll like it. I've got several pairs of socks in the works. Some for me, some for others. I've also been working on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan from Interweave knits. The pattern section took a lot longer than I thought it would. But I got past it and I'm almost finished! I can taste the finish. Here's what it looks like now.
I'm using Silky Tweed from Elsebeth Lavold. I have to say, it's not my favorite yarn to knit with but the fabric it creates is beautiful. I really love this color. I don't really own anything in a rust so I can't wait to finish it to see how it'll fit.

I'll update again when it's finished!

A few FO!

2007-08-23T22:19:00.001-07:00

Well, the baby has arrived and he's perfect! Well, he looks perfect. I'm finally going to get to see him next weekend! I can't wait. Here is one of his gifts. It apparently looks great in the nursery. I can't wait to see him in person!

Pattern: Do I really need to say?
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine sport
Needles: Addi turbo 5

Now, this next item is one of the prettiest things I've ever knitted. By some fluke, I found the mystery stole 3 group. I wasn't going to sign up at first but I'm so glad I did!! I can't wait for the next one. It's even lovelier on and it blocked really well. It is 100% silk, though, so I don't know how much it'll stretch...

I do have to make one comment. I never thought that I would enjoy using beads. I thought it would just be the most cumbersome thing ever but to be honest, I can't really imagine this stole without it. There aren't that many and they really do add something extra to the stole.

Pattern: Swan Lake (Mystery Stole 3)
Yarn: Laines du Nord Mulberry Silk
Beads: #6 Graphite
Needles: Inox #5

I love this stole. Bring on MS#4!

I couldn't resist!

2007-07-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

Find out your Harry Potter personality at LiquidGeneration!

How Cute!

2007-06-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

So, I made a little piece of clothing for Judy's soon to be born son. She chose the color and it was actually pretty easy to make. The pattern was pretty easy to follow and it went pretty quickly. Hopefully it'll fit! We're not sure how big the kid's head will be because, well, usually like father like son...Pattern: Vest from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino
Needles: Addi turbos in #3 and #2

I really enjoyed this knit. There were just enough cabling to keep it interesting and there were enough mindless rows that I could watch tv at the same time.

I'm still working on the baby blanket, but that's a surprise, no pictures until the gift is given!

Ariann attempt #3

2007-04-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

So, the first Ariann I made was too small but should fit Mom so it'll be gifted to her. I made another one but I made it too big. I'm hoping this one will be just right. It's currently blocking and if I measured it correctly it should fit. The only problem is that I placed the buttons incorrectly. I'm going to have to fix the button holes somehow, I just haven't figure out how.

Pattern: Chic Knits Ariann
Yarn: O-Wool organic merino burgandy
Needles: Addi Turbo #6 and #7

I've started on another baby blanket but it's a pseudosurprise so no pictures until it's gifted. I'm working on matching father and son socks for this same couple. I'm using the Panda cotton by Crystal Palace and I have to say that I really like the yarn, although I'll have to see how it stands up to a washing machine. More later.

Another one done...

2007-01-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

I finally finished this baby blanket. I only had the border to do but I can only take so much garter stitch. But I was told that I better finish this one because a very good friend of mine told me that I have to get started on hers! It took a while but she's pregnant!!!!! I already bought a book, Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. I don't know if you've looked through it but the sweaters are very cute and don't look that difficult. I just don't know what to start first...
Pattern: Moderne Log Cabin
Yarn: Knitpicks shine sport
Needles: #6 Addi Turbo

First FO of 2007!

2007-01-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

I actually finished a sweater! It's my first! Actually, it was a lot of fun to make. The pattern is very interesting and the fact that there's very little finishing is great, too. It's not blocked yet and there's no buttons but I love it! I think I made it a little small, so I may gift it for my mom and make myself another one...
Pattern: Ariann
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool
Needles: #6 and 7 Addi Turbo
Modifications: I made the long sleeves. Otherwise, I pretty much stuck to the pattern.

Socks for Dad!

2006-12-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

So, I finally got around to making socks for dear old Dad. I used Gems Opal which I have to say is great for socks. It's all I can do to keep from buying cones of it. I did a simple 2x2 rib and guessed at his size. Luckily they fit!

The other thing I finished was my Lotus Blossom Tank! I used the yarn specified in the pattern and I really like it. It actually fits pretty well although I think I made the armholes a little tight. I'm not sure if I should redo them or not but I don't really feel like ripping out the stitches right now.

Mmmmm....yarn....

2006-11-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

So, as my mom observed this last weekend, I have a lot of yarn. This does not prevent me from buying more as my friends will share. Last year I was fortunate enough to live in Seattle. If you've never been, you should. There are several great shops, four of which I can think of which are within 15 minutes of each other. Also, the owner of Little Knits is there, and if you ever get the chance, go and visit her and her little house of yarn. Seattle is also the home of Sundara, yes, that Sundara. I bought this yarn from her about 8 months ago with the intention of making a Clapotis. I never got around to doing it because it starting getting warmer in Seattle, (there are some warm days there), and I held off. Well, it's now getting cooler in San Diego and what better to keep your neck warm than a Clapotis shawl. I don't know what the multicolors are going to look like all knitted up but I have faith!

One of these days, maybe I'll post some pictures of my stash. I realize it's probably not the largest stash out there, but I think that even my friends would be surprised at how much yarn I really have, and I still long for more...

Thanksgiving...

2006-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving everyone! I was on call for day but it wasn't too bad and I actually got to sleep. I also did some knitting. I finished this sock. It's a variation on the Badcaul socks. Instead of toe-up, I did these top down with a short row heel. It's a pretty easy pattern to memorize, too. I've only finished one sock, so I'm working on the mate now.
Pattern: Badcaul (but top down)
Yarn: Fleece Artist Merino socks (don't know the name of the colorway)
Needles:#1 Addi Turbo-socks on two needles

Also, it looks like I'll probably be settling in San Diego for a while. Nothing is finalized yet but I'll probably be staying here once my fellowship is over. I'm very glad that I don't have to go through the stress of a job hunt and I know that I'll love it here!

Finally finished!

2006-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Pattern: The famous Jaywalkers.
Yarn:Yarntini "Black & Gold"
Needles: two Addi Turbo circular's Size#1

So, I finally finished these socks. I love them but unfortunately my Steelers aren't faring too well. Maybe if I had finished these before the season started...

Also, I finished a hat for Judy, but i don't know what it's going to look like on her. It could be really cute, it could look funny. I'll have to get her to take a picture to be sure.

Pattern:Shedir
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish Superwash "Aloe"
Needles: #4 DP Crystal Palace bamboo
Modifications: I skipped a couple of the repeat rows at the end. The hat was getting a bit long.

making progress...

2006-09-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

So, I have several friends who are pregnant. Now, for me that's good and bad. Bad because it just serves as a reminder to my parents that I'm neither married or even close to it. Which means that I'm also not close to having children. It's good because it just gives me a good excuse to spend hours knitting. Every child needs a first blanket. This one is from the well known Mason Dixon book. Now, garter stitch is not my favorite to knit but it is an easy stitch for when you want to watch a movie.
I'm still working on the border but I think it's looking pretty good.

Yarn: Knitpicks shine
Needles: Addi turbo #6
Modifications: Square 9 I only did 36 garter rows, not 54.

Go Steelers, Go!

2006-09-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

So, I always seem to be working on a pair of socks. They're sort of like comfort food. Plus, they're easily transported. I can take them to work and they don't take up much space. My latest pair are a tribute to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, I'm not some huge football fanatic but you can't grow up in Pittsburgh in the 70's and not be a Steelers fan. Theses were dyed by none other than Yarntini. She does some truly spectacular color combinations but I was really drawn to the ones she dyes up that are dedicated to Pittsburgh.

I'll post another picture when they're finished but I really love how they're striping.

New toys!

2006-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

So, I know that I only had two posts before but I finally got a new digital camera. Now, I've never owned one before so I'm very excited. Plus, my friend Judy got me a gift certificate to help me pay for it so even better!

Also, it's exciting to know that I can finally posts my FO. Now, I'm still learning to use this camera so you'll have to excuse the amateurish photos for now but let me show you some of the things I've been working on.

My very good friend Stella just had a baby girl and I had to knit her something. Here it is.

Pattern: Estonian Lullaby Blanket
Needles: Addi Turbo #6
Yarn: Knitpicks shine "butter"

Of course, I had to add my little girl, Lexi, who I think gets a little jealous of all the objects I'm working on.

Just a comment on Knitpicks. I didn't know if I was going to like the yarn at first. After all, how can yarn that cheap be good. But I have to tell you that it's soft, and pretty easy to work with. Plus, machine washable, which you definitely need when you're dealing with babies.

Well, that's my first object posted. I promise to post more.

Hello everyone!

2006-02-26T01:17:00.000-08:00

So, let me introduce myself to this blog. I am a 34 yo single Asian female who works in the medical field. I've been living in Seattle but will soon be moving to San Diego. (Still not sure how to feel about that...) I'm currently doing research and toook up knitting recently (4 months ago) and have been told that I should start posting pictures so that I have a record of what I've made. In the short 4 months I've made about 9 scarves, a pair of socks, a pair of baby socks, a few hats, and a couple of pairs of gloves. I don't have pictures of most of it but I'm going to start as soon as I get a digital camera. So for now you'll have to live with descriptions. Currently, I'm working on convertible gloves. I've made one and I'm starting on another for another friend. So, hopefully I'll get a camera soon and you will be able to see what I'm working on.

First time for everything...

2006-02-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is a test, this is only a test.