My Sister's Knitter

Knitting lessons learned and loves...

A wise friend told me a way to beat my "all over the place" knitting mindset was to cast on something new.

Ah, this friend is so smart. It was exactly what I needed. That is not to say, that I did not like the projects I was working, but I needed something different. Something new and shiny. Ironically working on this shawl has given me the focus I needed to work on other WIPs. It can't be explained, but it is working for me. Lesson learned: Cast on all things if it makes you happy.  

The shawl is Simple Lines and is being knit in a very coveted color of Madelinetosh. I had been holding onto this yarn for a while. It has been sitting in my stash, just being admired for it's beauty. As I went in search of yarn for my new cast on, I passed up these skeins because in my mind they were too pretty. Then, it came to me...wasn't the reason I purchased the yarn was to to knit it? It does me no good sitting there. Lesson learned: knit with your beautiful yarn that is what they are for. 

One of the WIPs I have been working on are these socks. Perfectly simple knitting. I was enjoying working with bamboo needles again and the yarn is super soft. Then I notice an odd color change. Do you see it? Yes that is some greenish color, smack dab in the middle of my stripes. Before I would have just frogged them out of frustration, this time I tinked back to the place prior to the color change, and cut it out. Lesson learned: It's no big friggin' deal, just a small glitch. Move on with it, so that you can end up with some wonderful squooshy socks.

I often need to remind myself that I do not need to control everything. All does not need to be in order, finished, perfected. Everyone needs to have that secret messy closet or space where chaos is allowed to happen. Mine just happens to be in my crafting world.

Okay enough about lessons. How about if we move on to some loves around Blogland?

• Combine beautiful yarn, pattern and knitter. You get this beautiful shawl from Harmony and Rosie.
• I have been drooling over the progress of what will soon be the most magnificent blanket.
• I know that my first socks looked nowhere as good as Monica's. Bravo!
• A girl after my own heart, knit up these beauties.
• I could stare at the images on Nicole's blog for days and constantly be inspired. Her Spring Leaves has given me the push I needed to cast on my own.
• Two new to me bloggers visited me this week, giving me the opportunity to visit their wonderful blogs. Amanda and Julia!

 

A lot of places to visit. Enjoy. Hope all of you Mother's are getting spoiled as you deserve. Whether you are a mom to little humans, four legged children or your yarn (me! ), have the best day.

XO

Andi

Guilt-Free knitting and Some Loves...

Happy Sunday!

Knit happenings? Everything is on the needles and I am okay with that. It has been a week of guilt-free knitting.

So guilt-free that as I am nearing the end of this shawl, I am already thinking about my next one. Here is a suggestion for those of you who are thinking about knitting the largely coveted Color Affection Shawl, try Cameo. It requires only two colors and has a very similar affect.  Just a thought. :)

The Cameo shawl has been such a fun knit that I have hardly worked on any of my other WIPs. But then came a suggestion from Bethany. How about a casual sock KAL? Really, who would I be, if I turned that offer down.

If you would like to join us, we are chatting mostly on Ravelry. There is no group or anything just conversations via PMs.  There we share yarn ideas and progress. I wasn't planning on casting on this weekend, but the excitement got the better of me.The pattern is Cadence and it will be fun!

Did I mention that I have some loves to share with you?

• I feel as though I am playing catch-up on my blog reading this week. So, when I saw this incredible shawl, I was like..how did I miss this?
• How could anyone not love cables, especially after seeing this hat?
• I am a bit transfixed watching the progress on C's stitching.
• Jesse's two shawls, yes two, are beautiful.
• Easily one of my favorite ladies, Amanda knit these fabulous longies.
• A new KAL has started with this group. I will be joining and this time I will steer clear of the nighttime cold medicine.
• I have a passion for beautiful photos of yarn and knits in progress. May explain my love of this blog. But really does there need to be a reason?
• One of the most beautiful FOs!!!
• Enjoying watching the journey of Audry's venture into the creative world of designing.

That was quite a list, wasn't it? Go visit! Then if you like come back and share some of your loves this week with me.

XO

Andi

 

 

 

Finished items and newbies...

Good morning/afternoon/evening! It is time for a Sunday post. I have some FOs to show you as well as I will introduce you to some new bloggers. Here we go.

Can I just say, this is one of my favorite scarves ever? I love everything about it. The yarn is Kauni and rustic as all get out. It was my first time knitting with it, but  I see many more projects in my future. I have seen sweaters knit up with this yarn, but I sweat just thinking about how warm it would be.

A second pair of socks has come off the needles. They are a basic vanilla pattern. One of my knitting goals was to knit more from my stash this year. This Loopy Legends has been in my stash for over three years, so it was a good feeling to cast these off. Bonus they unexpectantly stripes, which you know makes me squee! That is all for FOs, not too shabby.

Getting back to patterned socks, these will probably be the next one's off the needles. This is the second time knitting this pattern. The yarn is from Butterflybush Yarn and the colors are singing to me. What song are they singing to me? Girl on fire by Alisha Keys. Do you ever find certain songs sticking in your head that are inspired by what you are knitting, or am I odd?

As you can see knitting production was up this week, but catching up on all the wonderful blogs was a fail. But I do want to mention some newbies to the knitting blogworld. We all can remember how it was to start a blog and wonder if anyone our there would ever read it.

• My dear knitting friend (guru), has finally started a blog. I have only mentioned to her a million times that she should create one. The theme of her's is documenting her journey of knitting and crocheting  through her stash.
• CJ left a comment on my blog and I am glad she did. Currently working her way towards what I am sure will be a fantastic Bee Keepers Quilt.
• Ruth is not new to blogging, but has created a new fun blog. It features many of her adventures of spinning and knitting with her yarn. The socks on her needles have me drooling.
• I may have mentioned Lolly before, but in case I didn't here she is. Her blog is filled with lovely knits for friends and herself.

Aren't they fun? Have you found any new bloggers lately, if so let me know. I would love to check them out.

I am outta here. Enjoy your day and your craft!

XO

Andi

The need to focus and some loves...

This weekend finds me dealing with something that I knew may be inevitable, considering my addiction to knitting socks. I now have 5 pairs of socks on the needles.

Above is a glimpse of a few. I have never been one to suffer from second sock syndrome, so I have no real explanation. I chalk it up to the fact that I have this overwelming need to knit all the things. And no, my increase in WIPs does not only include socks.

You are seeing that correctly. I have two Hitchhiker's on the needles.  Then as if I needed more knitting projects, I cast on the NoFa Shawl.

What's a girl to do with all this knitting gong on? I have a plan. I am going to put my WIP basket in another room, out of site. Then I will only have one project within arms reach, I will finish that project then move on the next. Only then, it seems I can get a handle on my cast-on frenzy.

Maybe if I were to stop and self-evaluate why I am casting on all things, I may uncover deep issues (hah). Since I feel no need to that, I will just blame the wonderfully chilly weather we are having here and blogland's beautiful and inspiring crafts. How about if I share some of my loves from blogland?

• Must admit I feel a bit of a pain in my heart when I see Andee's Leaves (considering my Leaves met an untimely end). Yet at the same time I am in love.
• Dona's coasters are just perfect. Bonus she designed them as a free pattern on Ravelry.
• Thanks to Bethany, I was able to tour Jared's workshop. I fear my out of control casting on would only increase if I had this space to create in.
• The sweetest combo can be found here. Beautiful knit and even more beautiful little one.
• Is it just me or have you noticed that stiching has come back into play big-time lately? I am itching to finish working on some long neglected stitchery after seeing this project.

 

Hope you all have a lovely rest of your weekend and are keeping warm with your knits!

XO

Andi

Starting off the New Year with finished socks...

Because I need more socks! Yah, right. As many of you know I have a slight addiction to knitting socks. I have come to terms with this, and now I just knit them without a care in the world. It may read on my gravestone...crazy sock lady and I am o.k. with that.

This lovely pair was started well before the New Year. They were a test knit for my talented friend Robin. The pattern has since been released and it is free. Wonderful, clear pattern with beautiful results. If you are thinking of knitting up some pretties, choose these, you won't be sorry.

• Socks stats:
• Pattern:My cup of a tea
• Yarn: Sweet Georgia Toughlove Socks in the color Orchid
• Needles: size 1.5

Next pair finished are the socks that Football playoffs knit. I may have mentioned I cast these on because I needed something to keep my hands busy, while I wanted a nerve wracking football game. Once I began, I couldn't stop.

Not the best picture, but they never made it the blocking stage. Instead these puppies jumped right on my feet!

• Sock stats:
• Pattern: Basic Vanilla Pattern
• Yarn: S.R Kertzer On your Toes socks
• Needles: 1.5

I may or may not have two more pairs on the needles. I am not telling for fear of being ran out of town as the crazy sock lady. Not everyone is as understanding of my condition as me. :)

Okay, now I have to add this complete and total fan girl moment I had today. Actually a few minutes before creating this post. My friend Melanie and I have long had a friendship crush on Jolie from the blog Joeycake. I am not ashamed to say there are time when we discuss Jolie's posts as if she were our best friend. There are even text messages between us, where the topic will be , " Did u c Joeycake's blog post 2dy. omg u hve 2 read it, I almst p'd my pnts!".  We have even gone so far as to say, things like, "Can you imagine if she were our friend?". Please don't judge us, we are good people. There are just people out there in blogland that you feel a connected to, (not in a creepy way). Getting to the point, she commented on my blog! Which resulted in an immediate text to Melanie! I will spare you the message, since I am sure you get the idea from the previously mentioned texts.

If you have never visited her blog and are looking for great recipes and some serious laughs, go now. Topping my favorite is this post, and this one where she met Carole King.

I will stop shoving me and Melanie's new BFF in your face and leave you with a video.  Happy Knitting and have a great rest of your weekend!

 

 

 

XO

Andi

 

 

 

 

 

A Sunday and some loves...

Happy Sunday! I have offically been over the cruds a week and lovin' it. Thank you for all the get well wishes, they are very much appreciated. Nothing makes you appreciate your health, more than when you are battling ailments, am I right? In the spirit of feeling great, how about I share some recent FOs, WIPs and loves?

An FO! This was the secret knitting I was working on. It has been mailed and is on it's way to a dear friend.

Details:

• Pattern: Lala's Simple Shawl
• Yarn: Beaverslide Dry Goods Light Sportweight. ( I will tell you all about this beautiful yarn next week)
• Needles: Size 6
• Mods: Added a picot edge

So, yeah for an FO. I have quite a bit on the needles right now. All seem to be getting a fair amount of love.

A sock...always a sock on the needles. This is a test knit for the wonderful Robin. I am loving this pattern. The yarn is Sweet Georgia ( this poor skein has been frogged from many a sock patterns, guess it finally found it's match)!

The above is a shawl pattern that was gifted to my from my bestie Ruth. Many in the knitting community are aware of the passing of this dear lady. In her honor there is a KAL going on. While I do not claim to have known her personally, I  did enjoy her podcast and feel that with each stitch I will be reminded to let everyone in my life know how loved they are.

Now that you are up to date with my knitting, how about we check out some loves?

• The uber talented Audry, has really designed a beauty!
• My sister is constantly requesting fingerless mitts, these by Kepanie may just fit the bill.
• Everything Kate knits is beautiul, not suprisingly her sweater is no different.
• This post from Lori just made my day.
• Hooky love is going on over at Ivy's!
• Love this new knitter's hat. I wonder now if Bethany will be having to share her stash.

 

Lastly a song I love. Enjoy the rest of your day!

 

 

XO

Andi

Whole lot of things and some love

Happy Sunday all. I took a vacation day from posting last weekend, so I feel I have so much to share this weekend. So let's get this party started. Shall we start with some knitting?

Notice a lot of grey knitting lately? Me too. The knitting above is a surprise for a sweet friend, so this will be the last showing till it is finished. I can tell you that it is knitting up quickly so hopefully pics will come soon.

One of two pairs of socks I have on the needles. The pattern is Honey Badger and the yarn is Twist & Twine in the color Hibiscus. Super fun knit, I am having a hard time putting them down. Of course the other pair on the needles are these stripeys, but since they are most purse knitting I haven't had a lot of time to work on them. And before you ask, the Quill is still coming along. I hate to sound repetitive, but progress is slow. That is pretty much it for knitting, now how about I share some wonderful gifts I received in the mail this week?

Will you look at this lovely package from South Dakota? I first met Angela via Flickr when she commented on one of my knitting projects. She doesn't knit, but it she has a love for it. Since then we have become friends. Angela is an amazing photographer and has that talent  for photographing nature that I envy. Here is just one example from her Flickr page.

Told you! On to the second package.

Katie made these for me! The fantastic project bag (which is already housing my latest sock project), and these beautiful stitch markers. I was blown away by the talent and heart that when into this gift. Katie and I have been friends for a couple of years. Like many friends I have, our's is a virtual one, yet somehow it is much more than that. I would call her my soul friend. I seem to share with her things I normally don't share with others. That is saying something because I feel I don't express too many things about my day to day doings on my blog, which explains why I don't post blog awards that are given to me (sorry Sam-xo). Not because I am secretive but more along the same lines as to why I don't Tweet or hang out on FB that often, I don't find my daily doings that interesting. :)

Alright enough about me..how about some loves. BTW, I am glad that you guys like it when I post my loves from blogland.

• Love Wei Sew's story of a sweater.
• Claudia's posts are always good for gorgeous knitting projects, the beautiful Simcha, and drool-worthy recipes.
• There are so many things to love here. Jesse's Daybreak is really lovely.
• I could spend hours reading  Annie's blog and often do. We share the same love for rich, deep greys. Her latest project had me at hello.
• Whenever I feel I can't go on with my Quill, I head over to Robin's blog to have my inspiration renewed. Her Kiku is to die for.
• A friend's current WIP and great news put a huge smile on my face.
• Visiting my bestie's shop makes me dream of spinning, so that I can spin all her beautiful fibers. If you are reading this Ruth, I am sending kisses your way.

Whew...that was a long winded post. On to exploring the rest of my day and  I will celebrating the love of my life's 18th birthday a little later this afternoon. Where have the years gone? Hoping this day finds all of you safe and happy!

 

XO

Andi

Sweet and simple Sunday

It has been one of those Sundays. Where you just enjoy the moment. Little things like a clean home, fresh sheets on the bed, and the smell of something baking in the oven. That's when I let out a big ..Ahhhh. 

The knitting mojo was a bit laxed this week. Thankfully it wasn't completely gone. Worked just a bit on my socks. Maybe it's the heat, but it is slow going in the knitting department right now.

Or maybe it is the dreams of Fall and Winter, which isn't helped along by the new KnitPicks Catalog that came in the mail. How I love me some gray and white!

The heat here in Arizona hasn't stopped me from cranking on the oven. I made this insanely good soul- filling casserole. The creamed sweet corn  put me off at first, but I am telling you this is a must try. Thanks Mom for the recommendation!

Even with the knowledge of a  Monday on the horizon, this Sunday has been sweet. I will leave you by sending you away to be inspired by some amazing projects and things around the web. Enjoy and I hope you have a wonderful week!

• Love this post from Raina.
• These brought back so many memories of my youth. The adult version looks just as exciting as the ones I carried around in my kid purse.  
• Ruth's blanket has helped me find my desire to finish up older WIPS.
• Feeding my love of knitted socks, Jesse knit up these beauties.  
• Great way to start of a Year of Socks, Bethany!
• How about some shawl love? Maryse's is knit up in the most lovely grey. Sam's Citron is knit up in one of my new favorite dyer's yarn. Yum!

 

XO

Andi

 

A shawl and some loves...

There once was a girl who liked to knit shawls. So she did.

Between socks and shawls, I just can't seem to get enough. Isn't this yarn lush?

There was not a lot of light coming in today, odd I know considering I live in AZ. Still it was kind of cool because it gave the shawl a burned edge look when I took pics. Anyhoo, the pattern is Lala's Simple Shawl and the yarn is Phydeaux Designs Yarn.

Another shawl has been cast on, I will share more of that one with you in the coming week. This shawl has now been frogged  because the lace yarn I was using kept breaking. A tad bit of a nightmare.

Other than finishing up this shawl not a lot of excitement going on this weekend. If you are looking for excitement check out some of these loves from around blogland.

• From the queen of shawls, Helena, I bring you a stunning  Damask.
• How about some seriously great socks from Kiwiyarns, Life on Laffer  and Knit the Hell out.
• Does it get any sweeter than Camilla's Oaklet Shawl?
• This is my kind of Sunday, spent with some beautiful hooking from Raina.
• A beautiful Tea Leaf Cardigan modeled by the lovely Lori herself. Love her.
• Allison's tee is perfection.
• I adore everything about this post from Annie. Those letters are just amazing.

Wow , now that I have sent you everywhere and then some, I will sign off. I need to get working on my swap socks, the additional goodies I got for her are already in the mail to me. I will post a picture of the package before sending them off to the recipient.

Have a brilliant rest of your weekend!

XO

Andi

A weekend FO and some loves...

Even with a case of startitis, things are coming off the needles. Came as a surprise to me as well.

These are my Simple Skyp socks, which I named Sir Isaac Lime. That is my favorite flavor of Otter Pops.

The yarn is Socks that Rock light weight in Lemongrass. This was my first time using STR and I fear I want to knit many more socks with this fabulous yarn. It is wicked Squooshy!

In celebration of casting off a pair off socks, it seemed only right that another jumped on the needles. Of course the yarn is bright and stripey, it is what I have been craving lately. And I am not the only one, Claudia and I have been having fun enabling each other with new shops carrying self-striping yarn.

Sorry for the blurry pic. My camera was not liking all that color explosion. I will brag more about this yarn next week.

How about some loves? Feels like a while since I have shared some. I am sure it hasn't been that long, but it feels like it. First  salad that I can't get enough of.

Just a simple tomato, cucumber,red onion,feta and balsamic vinegar salad. I can eats buckets full and I do!

Now how about some loves from blogland..let's go!

• Oh my gosh Becky, take a look at her shawl. Jody...wow. Are you drooling right now, because I am.
• Sam's scarf has me thinking I need to make one of these.
• I have been waiting excitedly for each new posting of Robin's crazy quilt's stitches. Seriously, scroll down and you will see each fantastic one. Robin has become a dear friend, we share a love for Colorado where she lives and where I grew up. She posted an excerpt of a letter she sent to her brother about the devastation our lovely state is experiencing. It makes me cry.
• I will be casting on this lovely hat, which is modeled by the even lovelier Andrea.
• The Ishbel pattern never seems to go out of style. Everyone has knit one and some many. I on the other hand none. After seeing Cassy's (great blog name!), I feel destined to add it to my ever growing list.

There you go. Bet you fell in love at least once with all those beauties. I am off to do some knitting and preparing to cry after watching this movie tonight. Hope you are all safe, sound and happy!

XO

Andi