the Akamai Knitter

On Saturday, my friend Veronica came over for a Winding Party, because the tedium of winding yarn is always easier when you’re in the company of a good friend. I was only going to do a few skeins, but once Veronica departed I got to talking on the phone with Shelly.

After an extended conversation about life, the universe, and everything, I was able to wind all my sock yarn. Let’s not discuss or show any evidence of just how much yarn that is.

Fondling all that yarn and inhaling all the yarn fumes gave me a massive case of startitis. I had to remind myself of all the projects I already have on the needles. I had to look away from the beautiful patterns that seem to offer themselves up on a silver plate for me to try.

Surely I can wait a little longer before I cast on for another project. I’ve already finished one sock of the Cheveron Opal Socks. And I’m making good progress on the second sock.

While I’ve not been able to zoom through Clue 4 of the Mystery Stole 3, like I have with previous clues, I’m plodding along at a decent rate. I even have a little helper. Although how much a white cat can help with a black stole remains to be seen.

And all I have left to do with the Luna Moth is the blocking. Albeit, blocking is one of my least favorite activities of the whole lace project. I appreciate the magic that ensues, but really, all that crawling around on the floor in a hot room just isn’t my thing, but I don’t count this as finished until it’s been blocked.

I also managed to finish plying the Blue Colonial on the Suzie. I still need to skein the yarn on the bobbin and wash it before I can start knitting it. Only I don’t think starting another project, even if it’s with my own handspun, is my goal here.

As for the Forest Path Stole? I have to pick that up again when I finish the current MS3 clue. I’m on Tier 14 of 23 and I really don’t want to give up on it.

Let’s not forget that I also have the Gothic Spire Socks languishing in the wings too. They haven’t been touched in over a month now. Occasionally I hear sobbing in the vicinity of my knitting basket late at night. Perhaps I should rename them the Emo Socks.

So really, I have no time to be starting new projects when I have so much going on. But I sure got the itch! :-D

Some experiments just don’t work out. Take for example, the Waterfall Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks that I tried on some Opal sock yarn. See?

Just doesn’t work.

So I tried again.

I’m not sure this is any better, but I’m going with it. (Chevron Stitch from Sensational Knitted Socks.) Besides, I’m actually enjoying knitting this stitch pattern. Easy to memorize and with interesting increases and decreases.

Then we get to the afterthought or the “fore-thought” heel that is supposed to “form concentric circles of pattern, sometimes called ‘bulls-eye.’”

Do you see it happening?

Yeah. Me neither.

I’m going to live with this too though. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing. This could be an eccentric design feature. Yeah. A design feature.

I just couldn’t believe it when I read Jenny Raye‘s blog the other day. It turns out that she’s honored me with an award!

I can’t tell you how surprised, shocked, and grateful I am. I have no other words.  Now it’s my pleasure to pass this award on to the following worthy recipients.

1. Lisa of A Little Bit of Knit
2. MK Carroll aka Kai
3. Alison of Alianne Knits
4. Susan of A Few Stitches Short
5. Barb of Acornbud’s Yarns

I wish I could give the award out to more then 5 recipients, but them’s the rules. So many of you have give me the inspiration and support to continue on with this blog. So many thanks go out to all of you who are reading. You’re the best!

While I waited for the Mystery Stole 3, Clue 4 to be released, I actually got a pair of socks finished. I had really neglected these poor things for too long.

Pattern: Slipped Stitch Rib (66 sts) from Sensational Knitted Socks

Yarn: Regia Bamboo – Color 1064/Ethnos

Needles: size 1US/2.25mm

Started: June 29, 2007

Finished: July 20, 2007

I loved working with this yarn. It’s so silky to the touch and cool to the fingers. Perfect for summer knitting! I’m eager to acquire more of this yarn, although I’m not entirely thrilled with the other colors.

The Slipped Stitch Rib has entrenched itself as my default pattern when it comes to something easy to knit that also compliments a busy yarn. I think it did a good job with this particular yarn as there is so much for the eye to take in. Plus, the ribbing helps snug the sock to my leg and ankle for a better fit.

All in all, I’m very happy with the way these socks turned out. I think these socks will be perfect to wear at Aloha Knitters where the cafe tends to be rather cool due to aggressive air conditioning.

Uh-oh.

Eek!

Just when I was finally back in the rhythm of things. But there’s hope! Elann still has the same dye lot of the same yarn, so there’s more on the way.

In the meantime, I’m sure there’s something or another to do with my time.

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading! :)