Tuesday, March 23, 2010

My first pattern!

I am very close to publishing my first knitting pattern.  I'm really excited about it!  I just need to create the nicely formatted pattern sheet, rather than the working chart I've been using up to this point.  Considering the fact that this shawl has 609 stitches worked over dozens of rows, it's important to make everything as neat and tidy and easy-to-read as possible.

I did run into a bit of a problem with my chosen yarn, though.  It's so incredibly fine that I can't stand working with it for very long.  It literally sticks to my fingers, and it falls off of my needles too easily.  I'm disappointed, since that yarn is very pretty and so incredibly soft that it feels wonderful.  It would have made a beautiful (and soft!) shawl, but I can't bring myself to keep using it.  I certainly can't recommend it to my pattern customers, since a difficult yarn will reflect poorly upon me and my design skills, and I don't need to earn a bad reputation with my very first pattern.

I guess I'm going to be forced to buy more yarn.  I have my eye on another skein of Laci, by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.  I just need to choose a color.  :)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Kittens and Knitting

Well, I joined a Black Cat owners' group on Ravelry, so I needed to post pictures of my kittens. I don't use the major photo places online (Flickr, etc.), so I'll take advantage of my blog to show off my newest babies.

Both pictures were taken of the cats when all they wanted to do was play. It's hard to use an iPhone to capture a moving animal, in case you didn't already know that. :)

This is Lucky, who is our male kitten. I wanted to name him Domino, but my seven-year-old son overruled me. Lucky has three white patches on his chest and belly, but it's hard to see them unless he's on his back or facing you directly.

This is Midnight, our female kitten.  We suspect that she and Lucky are siblings, since they were found in the same location and are approximately the same age.  Midnight had some health issues when we first adopted the kittens, so she is almost two pounds lighter than her brother right now.  Thankfully, she's gaining weight and will probably catch up soon.

So now you know who likes to interfere with my knitting at bedtime.  :)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Not enough knitting time

I miss being able to knit without guilt! Unfortunately, my college classes are calling to me, so I need to do my homework. This is final week, so after Thursday, I'll be done for over a week.

Just in time for my second Rockin' Sock Club package to arrive from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. :)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lots of projects in progress

I've been alternating between several different projects this week. Thank goodness for multiple needle sizes!

When I'm not able to concentrate very well but can sit in one place, I'll work on my pink mystery socks. When I can't concentrate and need to be mobile, I'll work on a simple garter stitch shawl. At those times when I actually have peace and quiet, I'll work on my daughter's lace shawl. Finally, when I can't knit at all, I'll work on my shawl pattern at the computer.

Believe it or not, I'm getting quite a bit accomplished, even if the work is spread out among several different projects. I'm certainly not bored!