11:42 pm PST $$$$$$

11:42 pm is what time I finally exited and turned off the computer last night. Why???

Well because, while I was watching Freestyle ski jumps, Ladies Figure Skating, and knitting on my Clapotis I had the Wollmeise shop on my computer screen. I discovered last week that CET time is quite different than PST so I added a World Clock - set to Berlin Germany - to my toolbar. At CET time Friday morning Claudia updates the Wollmeise online shop. SO, Thursday night a little after 11:00 pm my screen would not refresh.

THE HUNT WAS ON. I love blues and greens and I really want some semisolids in blues and greens. However, due to cart napping you pretty much have to settle for what is left when you finally get to check out. I dusted off my GAMER skills and was scrolling, clicking, back keying and refreshing with the best of them. At 11:42 I had visited my friends at PayPal 3 times and ordered 17 skeins of Wollmeise.

Heavy SIGH, I had no idea what I bought until this morning when I printed my receipts. Like I said I was after blues and greens but they kept zeroing out of my cart - no Aquarius, no Neptun, no Pesto for me.

What I did get was:
2 Jeton, 2 Mohrchen, 2 Herzblut, 1 Clementine, 1 Limone, 1 Kuken, 1 Feldmauschen, 1 Petersilie, 2 Turkis, 2 Ruby Thursday, 2 Grashuper

Thanks to the wonder that is Ravelry I was able to get an idea of these mystery colors by looking at stash pictures. I am pretty sure that Herzblut which ranges from dark pink to light red and Feldmauschen which looks brownish may end up being passed along. I will make that offer here first. So if any of you are interested in acquiring Wollmeise and like the colors that I don't - you will have first chance at it. If there are no takers, I'll put them up for trade or sale on Ravelry. Sound good?? Dividing my total by 17 comes out to about $26 per skein at the current exchange rate. The skeins are 450 yards - which is comparable to two skeins of US sock yarns. I think that is one of the things that makes her yarns so popular, it's gorgeous and you get a lot of it. I know most people are charging $45 per skein on Ravelry, I don't agree with that. I don't want to profit form picking the wrong color, just get an even exchange. Postage and actual cost is what is fair to me. [leaping off the soap box now 8-D ]

If any of you would like to play this insane game of Wollmeise Treasure Hunting I have one tip,
Check OUT often!!! Claudia splits your orders into packages that will cost you the least amount of postage any way, so making several orders will not adversely affect you.

Me ** OCD **

Mea Culpa.

I am so obsessive compulsive, that when I hit these waves of realization I scare myself. Okay, it is extremely obvious that I compulsively add to my yarn collection. So we'll ignore the box that came from Webs today, at least until the weekend when I can take pictures.

But the buck, the euros, and the shipping and handling don't stop there. I just looked at the THREE 5-shelf bookcases I have filled with books, pamphlets, magazines, calendars, etc. etc. etc. having to do with crochet, knitting and needlepoint. I have videos from Schoolhouse Press and dvds of Lucy Neatby. I could open a store AND a lending library. What prompted this realization?? Well I clicked on a tab in Ravelry to see which books or patterns I need for projects in my queue. I kept thinking, hmm that cover looks familiar. So I took a trip around the room pulling out titles here and there. I have them ALLL. What is disturbing is I have entered 210 books, 53 magazines, 6 booklets and 57 pdf patterns in my Ravelry library. How many would it be if I entered them all - and if there was a tab for the software (sweater, sock and math wizard - mind you), videos, cds, dvds, and all? I shudder to think.

I have two copies of Mosaic knitting and two copies of More Big Girl Knits. In my defense, they changed the cover of More Big Girl Knits, so I thought it was new. But I dare say my Library Thing subscription has let me down a bit.

Then I had to pull myself back from the brink and remember what I was looking for in the first place - oh yeah, this time it was the Muted Musician Gansey by Beth Brown-Reinsel in the Knitting Ganseys book. Yep there it is - third shelf, far right side by the door.

Light Bulb

As often happens when I am listening to the Knit Picks Podcast I had a light bulb come on. A change of perspective if you will. Unfinished Objects are the best cure there is for Startitis. Think about it, you get to START knitting on a project that is already 30, 40, sometimes 70 percent complete. Many of them are so old you have to re-read the pattern - which you usually do when starting a project. Make sure you are making increases, decreases, color changes etc. all in the same places. Most UFOs become unfamiliar to us because we have knit so many other projects since we last picked them up. It is virtually like starting a NEW project, with the benefit of a head start. You will obviously finish the object faster than you would if you were starting from scratch at cast on. I will be the first to admit that casting on is my least favorite part of any project. So hey, why bother when I can start knitting a shawl that has two completed charts already???

It is reassuring to know that this Starmore sweater I am knitting will have a completed body in just 43 rows versus 196 rows. I had to re-read the pattern, set my charts and magnets up again and count stitches. It was like starting a brand new sweater that only needs shoulders and sleeves before it can be worn.

I think a few more projects will be coming out hibernation before I cast on any more new objects.

Picture Day

Sanguine Gryphon Eidos Sock Yarn in Scylla colorway. I tried, but photos do not do this yarn justice.




A nice little sample skein that was with my order.

The Story

The Yarn. 1 skein of Bugga in Black. 1/2 skein of Bugga in Gold.

The Pattern - it speaks for itself, no?!?

Charlotte's Web in Socks That Rock Heavyweight - on color #4


Clapotis in Crazy Zauberball U Boot. I just started dropping stitches in section 3.

Fast and Wrong

The Olympics have been a little odd. Not as enjoyable as Lillehammer and Nagano, which I loved so much. I have not made any progress on my sweater. It has been very hard to pick it up again after so much time. I actually cast on another Clapotis and finished the transition rows between colors 3 and 4 on the Socks That Rock Charlotte's Web. The Clap and Charlotte are knitting up very fast - but it is wrong to be working on them instead of my Team Starmore Wipdown project. I plan to dedicate the whole weekend to Glenesk. I am thinking about knitting the sleeves. Then finishing the neck decreases. I would be ready to steek and seam then when I finish. We shall see. I am on section 3 of the Zauberball U Boot Clapotis and I can't seem to put it down.

Happy knitting. Oh my gosh, I almost forgot. I have been to fantasy land. Yes I hit the Sanguine Gryphon shop and indulged in some of the most gorgeous yarn I have ever bought - Eidos in the colorway Scylla . I will have to post pictures - it must be seen to be believed. I also bought a Theseus and the Minotaur Kit from a Raveler. Amazing sock pattern, well beyond my skill level. It is a stranded sock. I have done stranded knitting and I have done sock knitting, I have done a colorwork slip stitch sock that looks like stranded knitting. But I have never done a sock like this. AND AND AND it is TOE UP!!!! What was I thinking??? I'll tell you what I was thinking, I must have a pair of those socks and nobody else is going to make me any so I must make some for myself. I start myself down that road to insanity when I get these shawls off the needles, and the sweater - of course.

Bye again.

Let The Games Begin

Time for the next round of madness that is the Ravelympics. This time we’re “gathering” in Vancouver, Canada during Feb 12-28, 2010. Goal: 2 weeks of focused, intense personal & team challenges to tackle while watching the actual Olympics unfold before our eyes. Official rules and competition details here!

The USA hats are freaky, but I am spotting some gorgeous sweaters in the Opening Ceremonies telecast. GO USA!!!!

My Condolences

My Condolences to the Harris Family
I am a great fan of the Discovery Channel program The Deadliest Catch.
Last night Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie passed away. He had suffered a stroke a couple of weeks ago. He is survived by his sons Jake and Josh. And a host of family friends and fans - including me.
Fair Sailing Captain . . .

Charlotte's Web

Socks That Rock
First 3 colors: Jade, County Clare, and Ms. La Rock

Finished Koigu Shawl - still to be blocked

Feeling Lost

I feel a bit odd only working on one project. I am not casting on anything and have put the hibernating projects away to avoid all distraction. Per the rules I cannot work on the Starmore sweaters. That leaves the Socks That Rocks Charlotte Web. I don't think this has ever happened before - just one project being worked on. It's making me anxious.

I ordered a second ball of Zauberball in the blues and greys. I must have a Clapotis in those colors. It will be the first thing I cast on after the Olympics!!!!

Finally - Ick Koigu

I finally finished the Koigu Charlotte's Web Shawl. I have knit a pair of socks and now this shawl with Koigu. I truly dislike this yarn. I unfortunately have more in my stash. I think I will finally be using the Trade/Sell button in Ravelry. I cannot stand the thought of knitting with this yarn again. I don't know which poor family member or friend I am going to foist this shawl off on.

Down to three active projects. I will get back to the Socks That Rock Charlotte's Web, which I love, and be ready for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I think I have chosen the Glenesk for the Starmore WipDown Ravelympics. I am on the neck shaping. Once that is complete I will have both sleeves to knit. I don't think it's doable but it will be fun to try.

I Forgot (SPOILER - BMFA RSC)

Forgot to mention in last evening's post. My Rockin Sock Club kit came. I don't like the color of the yarn, various shades of pink. I HATE pink. But I like the patterns, they will probably be nice in a different colorway.

I also got a skein of Twin Pinie from Wollmeise. I love that colorway!!!

Off The Needles

The Haiku Textured Scarf - blocking.


The Clapotis does not need blocking. This silk cashmere blend yarn drapes beautifully. I don't even have much curling on the edges.



I have reached color #5 in the Koigu Charlotte's Web. I was hoping to get further along on that one this weekend. But the knitting is slowing down now that I am at 251 stitches.

Quick Update

I finished the Clapotis Wednesday night. I love it so much, I will definitely be making another. I am back on the Koigu Charlotte's Web. I finished the transition between colors 3 and 2 and I have 14 more rows of just color 3. I want to finish this one this weekend so I can focus on the Socks That Rock Charlotte's Web. I would like to finish that one before the Ravelympics begin. I am dying to cast on some socks, but I know I won't be able to put them down once I start them. That Happy Choices has me very curious. I am going to make the Lillebror socks , and I want to see how working from - basically a scarf of yarn - works. We'll see how it goes. Ciao for now.

Clap Clap Clap

I worked solely on my Clapotis last night. I am starting the decreases, section 4. The scarf is so soft and I am using much less yarn than I expected. I love it. I will definitely be making another one if these in the future.

This and That

I cannot say enough about Jayne's yarns. The colors are unbelievable. Each skein comes with it's own matching stitchmarker. How cool is that?!?! If you read my sidebar at the end of last year you might have noticed that I like the TV Series DEXTER. I have all 3 seasons on DVD and I have also read most of the novels. This Dexter Yarn from Jayne's knits is perfect, blood red. I don't know how she did it.



The apple green is very Granny Smith. Jayne is a super talented dyer, check out her etsy shop.


The rest of my Blue Moon Socks That Rock Came. The fall colors are so similar they are practically begging to be another Charlotte's Web. I must find another blending shawl to make with Autumn, Basan, Gail's Autumn Joy, The Witching Hour and Strange Brew.



I made myself a cute little black hat for this stormy weather. There was a Tornado in our area Saturday - very strange. We don't have basements, so I just nestled into my yarn stash and kept knitting. Rowan Cork in black. Simple Short Row hat by Caroll Duvall. I added a 2 inch ribbed brim to keep my ears and forehead warm.


My Ravelympics Project Bag
I am on the Starmore WIPdown Team. This bag is big enough to hold either of my sweater projects and the various colors of yarn. The outside zippered pocket is big enough to hold the pattern charts.

In With The Old In With The New

More yarn, yep I am on a binge. I am having so much fun!!! I am trying several new yarns and I have been able to get some of my old favorites. My order of Blue Moon Yarns that are being taken out of rotation came, more on them over the weekend.

NEW: I had to get this one, they named it after me 8-)
NEW: I received a pair of sock swap socks made with this yarn once. LOVED THEM. So I finally bought some, and I am going to make a pair of Cookie A socks in it. Royale Navy.
OLD: Lorna's Laces Black Watch. I was so happy to get some more of this. I made one of my early pair of socks in Black Watch and have been trying to get more of this colorway ever since. I may be mistaken, but the blue doesn't seem as dark but I still love it.
NEW: Rowan Cork. Very different. I have started a short row hat with a ball. Final review to come.
NEW: Jitterbug in Velvet Olive. This was on sale - can you believe it? I got it 40% off, the last two skeins. I am going to make a shawl.
NEW: Indie Dyer is another new one for me. This is Gulf Water. I am making a pair of Pomatomus socks.
NEW: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in Taupe. I want to make a hat - I don't quite have enough for the hat patterns I have in my little project folder, but I'll find something.
OLD & NEW: Speaking of Projects. I have a bag full of projects ready to go. Some socks, some shawls, a couple of hats.

OLD: The Clapotis after I have dropped 3 stitches on the straight section.
OLD: The Haiku textured shawl. Originally I was going to make a scarf but I want to use up more of this yarn. This is just one ball so far, and I have six.
NEW: I started the Koigu Charlotte's Web. I am on the 3rd color. This is going to take some serious blocking. It seems so little. I should have gone off pattern and used more of the first two colors. What am I going to do with the leftovers? I can tell you, I don't like this yarn much. Maybe some "gift" socks, or something.
NEW: Socks That Rock Charlotte's Web Shawl, I am starting color two. I like the feel of the heavier yarn. This one will only need a light blocking. Color #1 Jade is transitioning into #2 County Clare.

Happy Crafter

I am really happy with my little projects. The Clapotis is going fast I am on section 3 and dropping stitches (on purpose 8-}) I cast on the Socks That Rock Heavyweight Charlotte's Web Shawl, my first color is Jade. It is so cool and relaxing. The stitch definition is so fine and since I am using US 9 needles the fabric is growing fast. My new office chair came from Brylane Home, I will pause the knitting bliss Saturday to put it together and wrangle the old chair into the guest room. I found a new show through Netflix, Intelligence. Life is good.

I've Got Mail

Right to Left Row 1: Jade, County Clare, Mr Green Jeans, Melusine, Jengu, Gail's Autum JoyRight to Left Row 2: Spinel, Lapis, Lagoon, County Clare x2, Strange Brew

My Electric Ball Winder
This is the extra large spool for heavyweight and bulky yarns. There is a second spool for light weight yarns.
The Fake Cable Cap, so nice and warm.