Christ on a Cracker!

I actually finished something! It has been way way way too long since I did a real post, and I haven't had any time at all to knit, so I am lucky I finished anything! But, I did!! WOO!!
Saturday afternoon I kitchnered the last toe on my Dad's Christmas socks!

Name: Classic Dads
Pattern: Classic Socks from the Knitting Man(ual)
Yarn: Froehlich Wolle Special Blauband, 2 skeins
Needles: KnitPicks Options, classic circs, size 2
Notes: It took me 2 months to complete these socks. Not because the stitch pattern was hard, or because I got busy, or even because I got distracted by another project. I simply did not enjoy knitting these socks. I like the finished product, but, DAMN, I hated the knitting part. The stitch pattern is four rows long, so every pattern repeat feels like it doesn't get you anywhere, and it is the kind of pattern that you have to pay attention to - at least a little - since you have a semi-fancy maneuver to accomplish every other round. Therefore, not good movie knitting, and not good "in the dark" knitting.
I also forgot to photocopy the pattern out of the book, so I didn't have heel instructions when I got there on my first sock. I opted for my standard short row heel instead. I also opted to not do the stitch pattern on the foot. I would love to say it was because my dad wants smooth socks in his shoes, or something like that, but really, it was because I am lazy, and I could knit the foot at the movies if I did it in SS. Pure laziness decision.

The second sock started out promising. A few SnB nights and I would have the leg finished. Then I got stuck in heel land. I didn't want to start the heel until I knew I'd have enough time to finish it, and that time didn't present itself for a week or two. Finally, I made my heel, and in only a few short days I finished the second sock!

Whew. I tell you, it was quite the slog to finish these up. The very exciting grey yarn might have something to do with the boredom that became these socks, but I mostly blame myself. I know that socks with short pattern repeats are boring to me. I know that socks I have to "look at" while I'm knitting them bother me - unless they have big complicated repeats. Why I picked these socks to begin with is beyond me. But, I can say, my Dad will love them! I do wonder if he'll appreciate the Yarn Harlot conection though?

This was my first time using Froehlich Wolle Special Blauband, and I found it enjoyable. It seems as though it will be pretty rugged, and it comes with heel and toe reinforcement yarn. I did use all but about 10 yards of each ball, so if you have a bigger than men's size 9 foot, you might want three skeins for a pair of socks.

So, another Holiday gift finally comes off the needles, after ONLY two months. (eye roll) I only have two pair of mittens left to go! I almost can't decided what to knit next!

GO me!

I am totally cranking through the Holiday presents! Ok. I'm on three of 9, but still, it's three more than two weeks ago! Sweet.
Last night I finished up the Retro Shrug, and cast on for the "Shetland Lace Triangle". I'm blocking the shrug this weekend, and will have pictures on Monday.
This is my progress, thus far, on the Shetland Triangle:

Yes, it is the same alpaca from my Synchopated hat.

and from my Glasgow Lace Sweater.

I find it appropriate that I knit with this yarn for the holidays. After all, it is turning into my "miracle of the Maccabees's" yarn. I started with ten balls, and even after I finish this stole, I'll still have at least two left. It is the yarn that never runs out. Still, $40 for three projects, and counting, is not so bad!

Cactus Blossom

I suppose when the designer of the sweater you just knit asks to see a modeled FO, you should oblige. I was going to anyway, but now I have extra reason!
Let's start with the stats:
Pattern: Cactus Blossom from Fall '07 Knitscene
Designer: Kate Jackson
Yarn: Body - Farmhouse Yarns Sweater Skein; Contrast - Noro Kureyon, colorway 70
Needles: KP options, size 8 and 4
Notes: This is a great, simple sweater. Since developing my current obsession with Fair isle and Stranding, I've been searching out patterns that fit my person style. I'm not so into the snowflakes and moose heads. What I love about this sweater is the geometric nature of the Fair isle. It is modern, yet classic. Very my style. I chose to make this as my "Saturday Sweater". You know, the big comfy sweater you throw on when you are chilly. The one you wear on the weekend all snuggled up on the couch, with a cup o' coffee, and your knitting. The one you wear until it absolutely dies 10 years from now, when you have to knit another Saturday Sweater to replace the pilled nightmare that was your last Saturday Sweater?! eh hem.
I'm really not that crazy. (often) Anyway, I didn't modify this sweater from the pattern, aside from the small error in stitch count I found in the yoke, and the shortening of the sleeves. If were to make it again, and wanted a more fitted sweater, I'd surely add some waist shaping. This sweater really wanted to be big and roomy, some sweaters don't.
In the process of knitting the Cactus, I got a lot of comments about the colors I was using together. Mostly about the fact that the commenter felt they "couldn't do all that colorwork". Listen up knitters! There isn't really that much colorwork! It is only TWO yarns to deal with! The noro does it all! Originally I started with a variegated yarn, as opposed to the noro color-changing. It looked just as cool. Really, two solids would be good too. You really can't go wrong here! The other comments were about my "bold choice" of color combinations. I know. It really is. I like the finished product, but I have to tell you, for a while there I thought I might be making the worlds ugliest sweater. I had major concerns about the tonal variegated colorway and the bright noro together. Turns out, Not so ugly. Go me!

Now people. Let's not judge my lack of "picture in the mirror" taking skills. It is not an easy art.

Yes that is the best one. Want to see the worst ones?

sigh.