Ravelympics 2010

So I've decided to join the Ravelympics and compete in two categories. First is the WIP (the work in progress) category. I have lots of socks that I need to finish up and get off my needles so I can knit up the tons of sock yarn that I have (I'll show you that at a later time ;o). First up I need to finish the mates to my Sinuosity sock and my Cookie A Monkeys. I love that pattern. Both yarns are Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, one of my favorites.


Next, these socks were actually suppose to be done for Halloween but there is always next year. my Little Pumpkin socks (Ravelry link). Such a fun pattern and of course Malabrigo sock yarn is to die for.

I almost forgot about these. They are beautiful but I had to put the cables down for a little bit. I was so proud of myself when I finished the first sock. I have about 20% of the second sock done. These are the Cozy Cable Socks (Ravelry link). I extended the pattern down the heel because I wear clogs and I thought it would be fun to show the cables off.

I don't only knit socks although that's what it seems like lately. I also joined the Designer Original Dance.

This competition gives me 17 days to design and knit an original item. I can swatch before the Olympics but can't cast on until Feb 12th. I'm excited to see how I work under pressure. 17 days seems like a short time but when I was in college I always waited til a day or two before a paper was due to start. Am I crazy or is this the kick in the pants I need to finish my next design? Guess we'll find out.

Etsy Favs #2

I have hunted for a wrap top that was flattering and wasn't too low cut. Most of the ones that I tried on were either way too expensive or when worn throughout the day ended up gapping open and exposing things I didn't want to expose. I was hunting around on Etsy and found this top at Lirola Designs. She has so many beautiful dresses and tops that are made out of jersey material. I figured I would give it a try and order a top. I ordered a custom top, which doesn't cost any more, and gave my measurements.

Excuse the hunched shoulders in this picture. Trying to work the tripod and set the timer didn't give me a lot of time to get in position. Anyways, it took about 3 weeks for me to get the finished top. It was packaged beautifully and best of all I received a 10% off coupon to use with my next purchase. I will definitely be back for more.

I should mention that this is actually a faux wrap top. The ties can be worn several different ways. You can see the other ways here.

All in all I love this top. I am planning to order one in the Mysterious blue colorway. The only thing I would change is slightly longer sleeves and maybe a little wider on the bust so it lays more like the original top. The top is beautifully constructed and was made to the measurements I provided.

Etsy Favs #1

Usually this time of year I reflect on the knitting that I accomplished last year. Since I've actually knit a lot more than I've blogged I've decided instead to share one of the new Etsy shops that I found last year.

I was searching for a unique gift to give my knitting friends in our Christmas gift exchange. I was looking for something that was affordable and would work as stocking stuffers. I found Savor and thought that the beautiful handmade soaps would be the perfect gift.

I wanted to make sure that the scent that I chose would appeal to anyone, so I contacted Lisa who helped me pick the perfect scent. She also reserved my order and made sure that I received it in time for our gift exchange. Great customer service!!! I decided on the Gateau Au Citron scent in the Creme Fraiche whipped soap. The scent smells like fresh lemons. Perfect for me because I have perfume allergies and can't do any floral scents. I also purchased My Boyfriends Tshirt which is the jar that is open above. Smells just like cotton.

The Creme Fraiche is very sudsy so you don't need to use a lot. As you can see the jars are literally filled to the top. I will definitely be back to Savor to pick up some of the sugar scrubs and bar soaps.

More of my Etsy favs to follow. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sinuosity Socks ..now available

The Sinuosity Sock pattern is finally complete. I decided to make it available in multiple sizes which required a little more test knitting than I had planned.

$5.50

Gauge:
Light Fingering - 8 sts and 12 rows = 1 inch

Sizes: S, M, L

S - 7" foot and leg circumference
M - 8" foot and leg circumference
L - 9" foot and leg circumference

Socks will stretch 1 - 1.5 inches to accommodate a larger foot and leg. If you have a larger instep be sure to go with the longer heel flap so your socks fit properly.

Shown in size M. Model wears a US size 8.5 - 9 shoe, medium width.

Materials:
US size 1 (2.25mm) double pointed needles

Yarn -1 hank Destination Yarn (America the Beautiful Collection - color Sea) - Jeanne dyed up some of the Sea color so head over and get yours before it's gone.

Tapestry needle

Click the buy now button to purchase and download a pdf version of the pattern. Please note if you are using your checking account to make your purchase you will receive the pattern once the payment has been processed. If you don't have a paypal account that's OK you can make a purchase without an account by using a major credit card. If you are a Ravelry user you can also purchase it through my pattern store.

Every attempt has been made to produce a high quality pattern, free of errors.

Enjoy!!!

Sinuosity.....is the winner

It was a hard decision and I changed my mind too many times to count. I decided to go with Sinuosity as the name for my new pattern. Thanks again to everyone who participated. Yardsailor, Jenny, Jersey and Debbie send me your email so I can send you a copy of the pattern as soon as it's ready. My email is in the side bar.

Kitten with a Whiplash send me your address so I can send you a hank of the beautiful Destination Yarn in Sea. Jeanne was nice enough to dye up another batch and I believe she will be dying up some more so it is available when the pattern is released.

Pattern will be available soon.

Change of plans.......

I have decided to nix the blog poll idea and choose the winner of the pattern naming contest myself. Sunday Nov 15th I will announce the winner. Yardsailor, Kitten with a Whiplash, Jenny, Jersey and Debbie you will all be receiving a copy of the pattern. The winner will also receive a hank of Destination Yarn.

Thanks again everyone for participating.

Vote now.......

First, I want to say thank you so much for all of your suggestions. You ladies are soooooo creative. It was really hard for me to choose. I loved reading what the pattern reminded you of and your inspiration for the names you suggested. Trust me the name I would have chosen would not have been as creative. I did a search on Ravelry to ensure that there weren't any other patterns with the same names. My top five choices are listed below. Voting will close on Saturday Nov 14th at noon.

Blog Poll is Closed

I also included an explanation for some of the names to help you in your voting process.

Sarasvati
"As a river/water goddess, Saraswati symbolizes fertility and prosperity. She is associated with purity and creativity, especially in the context of communication, such as in literary and verbal skills. In the post-Vedic age, She began to lose her status as a river goddess and became increasingly associated with literature, arts, music, etc. Her name literally means "the one who flows", which apparently was applied to thoughts, words, or the flow of a river."

Sinuosity
The quality or state of being sinuous. Sinuous - of a serpentine or wavy form.