Monday, February 25, 2008

Stitches West

This was my first Stitches event that I have been able to attend. I almost didn't make it as I was down with the flu and an awful cold at the beginning of the week. Saturday arrived and even though I was still slightly stuffed up and a tad light headed I made my way down. My friend, Julianne, came along with me for her first Stitches experience.

I had an idea of what I was looking for and who I wanted to see. First on my list was the Ravelry booth. Ravelry is the new online knitting/crocheting forum out there in cyber space. It is the best thing to happen to this craft. As soon as we walked in the door I was running around trying to find the booth. Once found I was oohing and aahing over all their items they were selling. I was so excited to see they still had tote bags for sale. I picked up one for myself and one for my friend, Louise. There was some mad text msg-ing going on. I also picked up BOB pins and another Ravelry pin. They ran out of their "Hello my name is" pins. But it's alright I was happy enough with my purchases and glad to help Ravelry out.

In one word Stitches West was overwhelming! Julianne and I were like "OMG this place is so big". I did tons of yarn browsing. My interests this time to a convention was lace and socks. I fell in love with the vendor, JOJOLAND I found a new yarn that i have just fallen in love with and I can't wait to try some of her other yarns. Also the patterns are exquisite. I picked up 3 of her patterns. I can't wait to try it out. I also got to check out another raveler's yarn. Creatively dyed yarn I didn't pick up any yarn at the show but I am definitely going to order a couple skeins from her. Her colors were absolutely stunning! I also checked out WEBS. The whole area was so busy that it was hard to walk in but I was able to do some browsing. I picked up a lace weight alpaca/wool blend yarn there. I am now just debating on which shawl to make first with it!

And to top off this wonderful Stitches experience I found out tonight that I won a prize in the Ravelry passport game. GO ME! I won the knitters block from Article Pract! WOO HOO! I couldn't believe it! Thank you to Ravelry, Article Pract, the other vendors, and Julianne (for helping me do my passport).

Overall it was a wonderful experience. I was pooped at days end but all I can say is I can't wait for next year!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

First fingering weight socks


alysiasock
Originally uploaded by Catheaven.

Here is my first attempt at using fingering weight yarn for socks. Boy oh boy did it feel like i was knitting with toothpicks! i did get used to it and it really wasn't that bad.

The 2nd sock was just a nightmare. First i knit the cuff part too long but I didn't realize it until i had done the heel and started the gusset. I was so mad. I started madly frogging then told myself to just put it to the side for a bit. I didn't frog the entire sock so that helped saved time. For some reason i also had trouble keeping my stitch count right. Bottom line i couldn't wait to finish.

These socks came out a little pointer at the toe than I like. But I think that's because I was doing the kitcheneer stitch wrong. Oh well they are a hit with Alysia. She loves them.

The yarn is Regia sock yarn. I won't buy this color again because I wanted more stripes. Then of course the colors of the stripes didn't match...

oh well live and learn.

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