WIP Wednesday - The Holidays Are Coming!

I feel like there should be screaming and pandemonium, when I read this weeks title.  This time next week I will be scrambling to get the ingredients for the side dish I am taking to Thanksgiving dinner.  But for now I am in gift making and buying mode.  I am in two holiday swaps.  One if for our local knitting group and I am just about done with that one.  Muwahahaha!  I need to order something but other than that I am done!  Woot.  The other one is for Nerd Wars.  I am well on my way with progress for that one so yippy.

As far as other shopping goes, I think I know what I will get everyone but haven't had an opportunity to shop.  I usually wait until after Thankgiving to do my shopping but because it's so late this year I may have to start this weekend.  There are only 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Aieeeeee!  

Shapely Boyfriend

Arm number two.

I have to say the picture above makes me think of something that was scandalous in Georgian England.  Seriously it's just a bit of shoulder and arm.  How racy :)  Perhaps I need to lay off the historical romances...

Anyway due to swap projects in the works I put this aside the later part of the week.  I cast off the first sleeve last week and got a lot done on Thursday but didn't manage to finish it like I hoped.  I should be able to finish it tonight and get started on the button band.

Mint Ginger Ale Soda

A Sneak Peek!

So I mentioned that I started and finished this guy between last week's post.  I love making hats, so quick and satisfying.  The pattern is called Cherry Soda/Orange Soda and while I call all fizzy drinks pop, I needed a green soda to name my hat.  Ginger ale came to mind but not just any ginger ale but Mint Ginger Ale.  I love this stuff, it totally reminds me of the holidays because that's when its available.  Apparently it's a Pittsburgh thing but this is my drink of choice around Christmas time.  Anyway the pop is Green!  So of course I had to name my project after this favorite!

Ginger Ale Podsters

Little mitts!

So I tried to start these two at a time but that was an epic fail.  I think I got the needles twisted so I just pulled them off and will make them one at a time.  I will try again at some point.  Anyway so a friend made these for her last swap and they turned out really nice so I wanted to give them a try.

I originally picked a different yarn but it had a color that my swap partner didn't like.  Thankfully I was still on the hat so I swapped out the mitt yarn. One complaint with the teal is that it's kinda dark and it bugs my eyes.  I think it will be easier now that I can see my stitches versus just the cast on row.

So that's all for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

Check out my new meme Movie Madness Monday

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Moving at the Speed of Snail

As a reminder, there is a giveaway going on so check out my Blogiversary Post for details.  Remember, the answers are in the blog so check out my old posts for the answers to the clues :)

While the rest of my life seems to be flying by my knitting seems to have slowed to a crawl.  Well the speed of a snail actually.   At work things are full speed ahead on various projects, my class this semester is fairly intense and everything else just seems to have some claim to my time lately.  Plus I have plans of plans of plans that I need to accomplish or just get started on.

Does else feel like their good intentions go to waste?  Lately, I feel so rushed.  I want to clean but am too tired or don't have time.  I need to do laundry but am getting home in time to crash for the next day.  Things just keep piling up, perhaps I just don't prioritize them high enough.  As this month winds to a close I hope to  make some positive changes in February.

Let's check out the yarny goodness!

Sun and Stars Trillian

Doesn't that blue just look lovely?

This gal has definitively been growing.  It is so lovely and squishy and is already 90+ stitches across.  I love this pattern as it's so easy and is great when watching or listening to something while working on it.  Plus it's all knit stitch so I can really turn the brain off.

I watched most of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy last night and loved Trillian and Marvin.  I can't believe it took me this long to see it.  Plus does anyone know why Martin Freeman doesn't keep his hair so lovely and fluffy like that.  Ugh I just want to run my hands through it. Sigh, but he is BAMF in Sherlock so what can you do?

Care of Weheartit.com

Ooh Shapely Boyfriend

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana?

So due to some crafty enablers on the Let's Go Pens board I made an impromptu trip to Grove City, PA to Wolf Creek Yarns.  So after some browsing, I bought some Berroco Vintage Chunky in Pumpkin to help finish this sweater.  And ever the child, I wanted to use the skein right then so I got some work done on the cardigan this weekend.  I am pleased with how it's coming though purling on the wrong side is a pain in the ass.  Seriously, it's a lot of stitches.

Well that's it for this week.    For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Happy Halloween!

Hello all, it has been a while since I blogged.  This has been a hectic month between busy at work, crashed hard drives, and family drama I just haven't had be able to fit blogging in.

I hope that those of you who were affected by Sandy are safe and the waters are receding   Speaking of Sandy, we have just gotten a ton of rain and the rivers and streams are flooding but no where near the levels that NY and NJ are facing.  As a result though, they have moved trick or treating to Saturday which is my Dad's birthday. We have plans to go to the casino for an American Cancer Society fundraiser and I get to meet my bestie's new boyfriend.

Anyway, between now and then is All Soul's Day and there is a service at church that will honor those who have passed away between the last All Soul's Day and this one, which includes my mother.  Please keep us in your thoughts because it's going to be a hard day.

But in the meantime of all of these goings on I have made some progress in my knitting that I would like to show you.

STV Spiffy Iffy Peresphone's Return! Socks

I have heels!

Well I am making good progress on the socks.  I love the pattern and doing socks 2 at a time is great because I know when I get to the toe the pair will be finished.  Anyway, I plan on getting the heel flap, turn and gusset done by the end of the week. The it's a mad dash to election day to get the foot finished.

Shapely Boyfriend

Raglan Cardi!

I know it may not look like much bu this is a top down raglan cardigan.  If you recall, this used to be my Karina Vest that I blogged about earlier in the year. I really was not feeling the pattern and ripped it out and started this cardigan.  I will need more yarn but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.  However, I am so amazed at how the leaning increases have been able to produce.  There is some serious Hogwarts magic that occurs when you knit.

I have to admit, that when I think about the name, the voice in my head sounds like Long Duck Dong from Sixteen Candles....Oh Shapely Boyfriend!!!!!

Justice League Filler Squares

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana?

So I am working on making a blanket with 6 Justice League Characters as an homage to an episode of Big Bang Theory.  I have Superman, Green Lantern, and Aquaman done but needed a mindless project for a car trip.  So I started on a filler square.  This one is half way done but I should be able to finish it soon.

Hue Shift Afghan

Two Little Blocks

I couldn't help but start this project.  I had some stylecraft stashed and  matched up the colors to the kit as best as possible and started.  Unfortunately, my gauge was wrong and I dropped a stitch so I decided to count this as a swatch and then restart the blocks on 11/1/2012 for the next round of nerd wars.  This blanket is made in 4 sections and if I make one square a day I can get a section done before the end of the round.  :)

Hue Shift Afghan from Knit Picks

So that is what's going on in my neck of the woods, how about you?

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams   

<3 Heather

Finsihed Object Friday - Superman Square

Well, it's not a bird or a plane, it's a Superman Square.  I have been working on several super hero squares throughout the year and I finished another one this week.  In the past, I made Aquaman and Green Lantern and this is the third in the series for a Justice League Blanket.

These squares play into my idea for a Justice League Blanket.  The blanket is made of 6 squares for super heroes and 6 solid color squares.  I really need to get on making those solid color squares.

While, I designed the previous squares, this one had an existing chart and so I dove in.  Really I started this guy for Tournament 5 of Nerd Wars but didn't finish it and was annoyed by the color work so I ripped it out and started over and resubmitted it for Tournament 6.

To say that I was annoyed by the colorwork did not begin to explain the pain this square was.  The black edging and little spots of color left holes in the square.  I had to go back and mend the holes to pull them together.  I think this is just the challenge of using 4 colors for detail and it may not have been as bad if I did it with only 2 colors.

I think it photographs well and it should be okay in the blanket but I had such high hopes after the other squares I made.

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Ravelry Project Page

Pattern - Superman Logo Chart
Needles - Size 7/4.5 mm with 24 inch cables
Yarn - Comfort Solids & Heathers, in Primary Red, Primary Blue, Primary Yellow, Liquorice
Duration - 1 Week
Size - 60 stitches by 60 stitches
Gauge - 5 stitches per inch

WIP Wednesday - Just Keep Knitting

Hello all!  It's another WIP Wednesday and I have so much progress to show.  My deadline looms but the stripes keep forming.  The boy was over on Monday and we ate and watched the Olympics and I knitted while we commented on the action.  While appreciative of my work he doubted his own ability and coordination.  He kept saying I don't know how you are doing it.  Or when did you switch colors (for the stripes).  

So here is the summary shot for this week:

It only fits on my couch now.

Gryffindor Scarf

I have 9 of 14 pattern repeats done. I felt like I was stuck on 5 forever but I am in the home stretch now. I just need to keep knitting (hence the title). One thing is the length keeps getting caught in the yarn but it is warm and I am told the recipient is super excited.]

Diagonal Lace Socks 

That little blog of yellow is my sock.  I put it down in favor of other Nerd Wars projects and just got back around.  I have the sock done and just working on the ribbing and the bind off.  I am going to attempt Jenny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off.  Hopefully the ladies at knit night tomorrow can get me going on the bind off.  Then back to the Judy's Magic Cast On for sock number 2.

After these I need to work on my superman square and something sparkly for Nerd Wars. I have to say that joining this tournament has really focused my efforts on getting stuff done. Deadlines definitely help.

So how goes it for all of you? Meeting your goals? Stuck in WIP Madness?

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Go Go Gryffindor!

Hello again!  I am happy to report that my project at work is finally rolled out.  This means that things should calm down a bit and I won't be working 10-12 hour days all the time.  Yippy!

Surprisingly, I have gotten a ton of knitting and crocheting done so far this month even though work has been crazy.  I really attribute this to Nerd Wars challenges.  Really any inspiration to get stuff done will get me motivated.

I have mentioned it before but I am working on a set of Harry Potter inspired winter accessories, including a scarf, hat and wristlets in Gryffindor colors.  The set is for an avid fan who is going off to college this fall.  I initially thought to make it in her college colors but she wanted burgundy and gold.

As the start of the fall term gets closer, I have a deadline to get these items completed.  The good news, is that the hat is done and progress was made on everything else this week.  (I will do a finished object post when it's all done)

Gryffindor Scarf

I like working on this but it's a bit daunting.  I tend to procrastinate with other projects, at least this time it's apart of the set.  I did get to work on it quite a bit these past 2 weeks and I really need to get a move on to get it done.  It may be that I have to get one section done a day for a bit.

I really like how this is turning out

Gryffindor Wristlets

I am so surprised how easy I found this pattern.  I had some modifications to make it a wristlet versus a mitten.  This is so comfy and I will probably find it hard not to want to complete the left hand this week.

Right Wristlet!

So there you have it my WIPs for this week. I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you? For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Green Lantern Square

I have another one.  These squares are quite addicting and take a small amount of time.  Which as any crafter will tell you, getting something finished and quickly is such a crafting boost.

As I mentioned with the Aquaman Square, I am knitting squared based on The Big Bang Theory episode that featured the Justice League of America.

This is my second attempt at a Colorwork design.  The key with these squares is that they require intarsia knitting.  I still have The Flash and Wonder Woman to come but here is the finished Green Lantern Square

Green Lantern!

As I make more squares the finished blanket becomes clearer and clearer.  Perhaps I will have it done by wintertime!

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Patten - My own (If you are interested in testing send me an email)
Needles - Size 7/4.5 mm with 24 inch cables
Yarn - Comfort Solids & Heathers, in Chalk and Adirondack
Duration - 1 Week
Size - 60 stitches by 60 stitches
Gauge - 5 stitches per inch

WIP Wednesday - Rockets Red Glare!

Happy Fourth of July! I love the Fourth, it reminds me of the picnics at my Great Grandmother's House.  My Aunt would chase me around with Super Soakers and there would a ton of food.  Granted we don't know how to have any sort of gather without a ton of food.  Has anyone ever noticed that the American holidays (July 4th and Thanksgiving) are all about the food?

Anyway this year is very subdued, since the holiday is in the middle of the week.   I am not going home for a picnic this year, instead I was supposed to go to the Pirates game and then stick around the city for the fireworks.  Alas, my plans have been thwarted by a migraine.

So we will see what the rest of the day brings.

As a bit of an update, I had a lovely birthday and it wasn't as bad as I worried about.

Now onto the yarny goodness that is WIP Wednesday!

Diagonal Lace Socks

These have gone to the back burner for the time being. I was working on them for Nerd Wars and the first month ended and I only got one sock done.  

First Sock almost Complete

I am still working on it and hope to finish the pair for the WIP challenge in August.

White Centered Granny Square Blanket
Well these have been a lovely diversion WIP and I had to try out all of the colors this week.  I just wanted to see how everything played together.  I do love these colors.

Don't they all look great!  I am so happy the colors worked out!

I also was able to measure the finished square with the white borders to get estimates for the finished blanket.  Now that I know the blocks are about 5" x 5" I realized that I needed more yarn so I bought more yarn.

Green Lantern Square

I started the next square in my Big Bang Theory/Justice League Series.  I cast on in late June but ripped it out because something didn't work right.  I then recast on in July and now it qualifies for Nerd Wars.  I am so happy with how it is turning out.  Check out how it's turning out!

Taken on Tuesday Morning!

Taken Today!

I should get this done this afternoon.  I am so pleased by how the pattern is working up.  I will share when everything is done.  The Flash is next!

Gryffindor Beanie

This is another one I started but ripped out and can use for Nerd Wars.  This is to go with the Gryffindor Scarf that I am working on.  As soon as the Green Lantern square is done this is next on the list.

So there you have it my WIPs for this week. I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you? For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Seams and Cuffs

Hello again! I don't know where the weeks are going but here we are 1 day away from the start of summer and 2 days away from my Birthday and I haven't determined how I feel about that.

I don't know where my 20's are going but they sure are flying.  I remember that I couldn't wait to be 10 and in double digits and the wait to 16, 18 and 21 were annoying.  Now 30 is knocking on my door and it's scary.

Then of course this is the first birthday without my mom.  She would call me right at the minute that I was born every year to wish me a happy birthday.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.  My dad is taking me to dinner this weekend but it's hard without my mom.

Well then, enough of this melancholia it's WIP Wednesday and I have progress to show you!

LEGO Block Blanket

I made marked progress on the LEGO blanket.  I only have 1.5 seams left and just couldn't get to it last night to finish it up for today.  I want to get this done soon so it's not looming over my head, though I need to go back and swatch and test wash to make sure the colors don't run.  I like to wash baby blankets one time before I gift them and I don't want to destroy the colors and white borders.

Everything is really squaring up with the vertical seams

Diagonal Lace Socks

For the most part, the sock part of the first sock is done.  I am just working the pattern on the leg/cuff.  I really think 2 more pattern repeats will be enough.

The color got washed out in the picture.

They really are yellow but the color is washed out in the picture.  I didn't realize that the image was wrong until I uploaded it.  I will try and take another picture later on tonight and replace this one.

I do like that you can see that there is variation in the sock that isn't apparent on the image below.

This is closer to the real color

White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I picked these up again because I was a bit annoyed with the Diagonal Lace Socks and the heel.  (I am not to proficient at wrap and turns)  Anyway, I wanted to see how the edging looked on the squares and started to putz with the join method.  

I think the edging looks great and I like the whip stitch through the back look of the edging to join them.  What do you think.

I also did most of the end weaving too.

So I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you?  For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - It’s a sunshine DAY!

GOOD MORNING!  You have no idea how excited I am to be back working during the day.  Even when that  day starts at 7 AM.  Thankfully summer is practically upon us and waking up with sun isn't a chore.  I was supposed to work the swing shift this week (3p - 11p) but it got switched over the weekend.  As far as I know, I will be back on daylight for the duration, so keep your fingers crossed.

Now for the update, here is what I have done this week.

Progress Pic for 6/6/2012

There are 3 projects on the table, Diagonal Lace Socks, LEGO Blanket and White Centered Granny Square Blanket

I started the Diagonal Lace Socks on 6/1/2012 for Nerd Wars.

Nerd Wars is a ravelry group that divides members into teams and provides 6 categories a month for 3 months.  You gain points for completed projects that meet the challenge theme and that have a tie into to your team.  Of course all of the teams are based on nerdy culture!  I am on Team Bazinga which celebrates all that is awesome about The Big Bang Theory tv show.

I am working with a ton of yellow this week...

Anyway, this sock is using the Diagonal Lace Sock Pattern from Wendy D. Johnson and Candy Skein Yarn in Banana  I think the pattern looks like shooting stars which will help me satisfy the Scientific challenge.  What do you think?

The LEGO blanket is coming along.  I have 5 more blocks done and joined another row to the blanket.

The view from the back of the blanket.  I love this view too!

For the White Centered Granny Squares, I finished the blue skein and got 7 squares out of that and started the orange skein.  I really like how the colors are working together.  Debbie Bliss just has great yarn.

I think the Orange is my favorite so far...

So I think I had a pretty productive week, how about you?  For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Rubix Cube Tissue Box Holder

Hi. My name is Heather and I am a nerd.  Seriously, I think math and science is cool.  I work in a technical field and love Star Wars, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, etc.  But my favorite TV show right now is the Big Bang Theory, and I let my nerd flag fly. 

I love it that they are quirky and sweet.  I get these people and probably would be friends with them, so when I see crafty things from the show I get excited and many other do as well.  Case in point, the The Big Bang Gang on ravelry is devoted to the show.

But I digress, I noticed awhile back during the show that on the end table next to Sheldon's seat they had a covered tissue box.  Now, when I think of tissue box holders, I tend to think of the one's my grandmother had at her house.  Pastel, with flowers and small details but watching the show I saw the nerdiest of all Tissue Box  Holders

Behold the Rubix Cube Tissue Box Holder!

I couldn't find a picture of a scene but here is a link to another blog where they visited the set.

Anyway, I didn't make this for myself, in fact I have never solved a Rubix cube but one of my best friends is a fan.

Taken at my Birthday Party

Becky has several different styles and types so I started to make this box for her before Christmas but since she wasn't my Secret Santa Swappee amongst our friends,  I made it for her birthday later this month instead.

Of course, as I was making it I thought I should make a solved version so she could swap them out as I knew it would bug her that she couldn't solve the tissue box. :-P

It looks so nice now and I tried to make it as accurate as possible but there are a few mistakes luckily she can hide them in the back.  Also, I counted the square of the tissue as one of the blocks because you can only have 9 blocks of each color.

Here is the finished product on Becky's shelf at work and she was so excited that she took it to work the day after I finished it!

 So what do you think?  Do you think Sheldon would approve?

Check out other Finished Objects at Tami's Amis Blog

<3 Heather

Project Details:


Materials - Plastic Canvas in the translucent color
Patten - Free Form and made it up but the squares are 11x11 and I made angled stitches across the square. 
Needles - Tapestry/Yarn Needle
Yarn - Red Heart Super Saver in Blue, Bright Yellow, Cherry Red, Paddy Green, Orange, White and Black 
Duration - About 6 Evenings work of work though I started it in December