WIP Wednesday - An Oldie by a Goodie

Hello all,  this has been a busy week.  Now that the paper I was working on for my research project is complete and I got an A in the class.  Woot!

I am now focusing on Christmas.  I got the tree up at my parent's house and my apartment.  I have some presents bought but really need to get out and finish shopping.  Plus I have cookies to bake.  I am participating in my friend's cookie exchange and need to bake 5 dozen cookies by Thursday.  I have been cleaning up and baking commences tonight!  I am making Mexican Chocolate Snickerdoodle Cookies.  I found the recipe on Pinterest and new I needed to make these for the exchange.

Otherwise, I am moving along toward Christmas but I had quite a scare yesterday.  I am traveling to Southern California for an  Alpha Phi Omega (my college service fraternity) Convention on December 26th.

Me at a Leadership Training in 2007 for APO

While I was thinking about it, I managed to dig out my flight confirmation to email to my dad so he knew when I was flying.  As soon as he got it, I got a call.  "Honey, do you know this says your departing on November 26th?"

It indeed said November.  I booked the flight in July and missed that I booked it for November instead of December.  So last evening, I was on the phone with United trying to get my flight re-booked.  I was originally told, that it was going to be a $500+ difference.  I cannot afford that.  I then talked to some people about it and called back.  By this time, I was near tears and a gentleman operator answered the phone.  I think he didn't want me to cry and worked with his supervisor to get my a flight that was only $77 dollars different.  This was reasonable and I am so thankful.  As a result, I was late for my haircut but at least I can get to Anaheim after Christmas.

So enough drama and onto the yarny goodness.

STV Spiffy Iffy Peresphone's Return! Socks

Let's turn some heels!

I finished all of my gift knitting so now I can pull out some things that have fallen into the WIP pit.  I picked up my socks that I started for Sock the Vote and got to work last night.  I had the heel flap done and turned the heel.  I have to shift stitches around all over the place but I am back on track.  I realized I miss read the gusset and have to jump down and remove some decreases but I love making the gusset so these should be done soon.

Well, that's it for this weekend, now onto the paper!

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

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Shifting Hues

Hello all, I had a great weekend.  Friday was low key but lovely as my family and I attended an All Soul's Day Mass.  They rang a bell and lit a candle for my Mother.  As expected it was challenging but it wasn't as hard as I anticipated.  Following that we went to dinner for an early birthday celebration for my Dad.

Saturday, we went to the casino and while I did not win anything my Dad won $200.  Beginners Luck :)

I had plans to get my Sock the Vote Socks done but that didn't happen, given all of those plans.

In other news, I am happy to be on the other side of elections now and no longer have to watch all of the political attack ads on TV.  While I am truly humbled by our right to vote and decide on the leaders of our country, states, and communities, those ads drive me bonkers.

Speaking of bonkers, I realized I have far to many projects going on right now but here is my update.

Hue Shift Afghan

Lots of ends to weave in.  :(

I managed keep up with my one a day goal and have 5 blocks finished and the 6th started.  I am pleased with how soft and smooshy the Stylecraft is working up and it doesn't squeak on the needles like some other acrylic does.

I have had a series of oopsies that have delayed my one a day progress.  I had to rip out the yellow and purple square because I miscounted and I had to throw in a life line and rip out most of the bright pink and purple square because I put the decrease in the wrong spot.  Let's hope those boo boos are behind me.

One thing this is helping is that I have to pick of stitches or cast on so it's abating my startits.  I get the rush of beginning something with every new square.

Overall, I think this is moving along well.  However, in the Knit A Longs and the forums, there are rumblings that the 100 grams of Brava may not be enough yarn for the whole blanket.  With Christmas coming up, I will work until I run out and then order again.

I can't believe I am saying this but I am glad my purple row is done because I got annoyed with seeing those stripes.  I can't wait to start the blues and greens.

STV Spiffy Iffy Peresphone's Return! Socks, Ohh Shapely Boyfriend, and  Justice League Filler Squares are stalled this week what with the allure of the Hue Shift Afghan.  I do plug away at a few rows of the Sweet Azalea Shawl and the Diagonal Lace Socks but no new photos to share. I need to work on that.

So wish me luck and hope that I can get out from under my WIP overload, how are you all fairing?

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

WIP Wednesday - Kryptonite

Hello all, as I was about to write "I have been quite busy lately" I realize that is more the normal than being bored or boring.  While I haven't done anything considered exciting, work and life keep me pretty busy.

I went home to my parent's (I still never know the proper noun to use now) house this weekend to visit with my Dad and Gram.  She has been staying with Dad for a 2 months now but it's weird to see someone else beside my mom around the house.

Anyway, Dad and I met up with my mom's best friend and her sister.  Aunt Becky and Aunt Francy are not  related but are as good as family.  My mom and Becky met each other since they were five.  She is super awesome and I always love hanging out with them.

Honestly I can attribute a huge portion of my Nerdiness to them.  Aunt Francy had me watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 and other science ficition shows as a child.  My favotite was when MST3000 did Gozilla vs Mothra!  Bring out the butter!

So between that and cleaning and sewing my weekend was pretty jam packed.

So following the weekending, I really cranked it into gear with my knitting.  Nerd Wars is on and I am determined to get a few things done each month.  In the mean time, I am also moonlighting as the team's blogger.  Check out my posts here.

Aside from being focused on some projects, I have to say that I am trying to get to bed earlier to get up earlier.  So far, not so good.  Ten, Eleven and Mid night come around and I am just so close to finishing my project that I just go a little bit more.  Crafting is really my Kryptonite.

So let's look at what's keeping me up late:

Superman Square

Will Superman save me from the Kryptonite?

After being ripped out once, I am really just ready to get this thing done.  I have some follow up work where there are gaps and holes but it's coming along.  I think it looks nicer in picture than in person but then again I see the holes that haven't tightened up yet.  This should be done tonight.

Diagonal Lace Socks 

Banana!

So this is my car project.  I have to go through a detour on my way home from work.  What is a 15-20 minute trek to work become 45 minutes on the way home thanks to a bridge backing up.  So I sit through a few lights and am at a complete stop between so I use the time to knit.  Now I wouldn't cast on in the car or do the gusset and heel but the foot and cuff sections are perfect.  To see what it looks like completed, here is the other sock.

Sock #1

So that's what has been my focus this week, what have you been up too?

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

<3 Heather

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 - 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 - Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hello everyone!  It has been a busy week both at work and in craft.  I can't believe how nice it is to be back on daylight.  I had a bit of a blip this week cause I couldn't sleep Sunday night and as a result worked from home on Monday.

Now for the update!

LEGO Block Blanket

I got all of the blocks DONE and the Horizontal Joins are all DONE!!!!  (And the peasants rejoice!)  This is a serious accomplishment and now to do the rest of the seams and get the border done.

Diagonal Lace Socks

The socks are coming along and I started the gusset.  I am really annoyed because I wanted to get 1 sock done last week but I keep working on them.

Overall the progress is pretty substantial and I can't wait to finish since I see the light at the end of the tunnel for both of these projects.

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

WIP Wednesday - Midnight Madness

I am once again a night dweller for work and my days and nights are all mixed up.  I am annoyed that I missed WIP Wednesday last week and had really good intentions to update you but unfortunately that didn't pan out.  I have been busy though since during work I can craft while answering calls so I have lots to share.

Alas, I didn't get a group shot this week but here is the individual progress.

LEGO Block Blanket

Sample of the blocks created

I have 20 of the Green blocks done 18 of the Blue blocks done and 13 of the Red Blocks done.  Just 2 more Blue to make, 7 more red and 21 yellow.  I have taken a bit of a break because I am blocked out but I am so close to finishing this blanket.

 Gryffindor Scarf

So much progress on the scarf!

I got so much done on the scarf and I think it is going to be really awesome!  This has been an easy go to project to do while working.

White Centered Granny Square Blanket

Isn't the Teal and Gold pretty?

I got some of the White Centered Grannies done.  I love these and they look so nice together.  I really love using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino.

Short Row Toe and Heel Basic Socks

I really like making Toe Up Socks

These are my first toe up socks and they are going fairly well.  I am pleased at how they are turning out. I had a false start but then figured out what the directions were saying and am now at the foot for rounds and rounds of stockinette.

Aquaman Square

It's a little hard to tell but there is the bottom of the A.

So, I was inspired by The Big Bang Theory Show, Episode 11, Season 4  The Justice League Recombination.  The premise is that the gang all go to a New Year's Eve party at a local comic book store dressed as the Justice League of America.  It was recently re-broadcast and an idea struck to make a blanket with all of the super hero characters that were portrayed.

Well needless to say, I think this blanket is going to be Super!  I hope to publish the charts when I (and my wonderful test knitters) are done with the first rounds to make sure the chart turns out the way I expect.  Stay Tuned for the progress of this and other squares.  Oh can you tell how excited I am!

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

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - After Midnight

So I am working an off schedule this week so my days and nights are confused for the time being.  While I burn the midnight oil, I have been checking out some new  blogs and making new friends from Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2012.  I had so much fun but was definitely, blogged out for the time being.

Anyway, it's WIP Wednesday so here is my weekly round up!

Progress Picture for 5/2/2012

The following projects are what has been worked on recently.  Starting with Gryffindor Scarf, LEGO Blanket, White Centered Granny Square Blanket, and Hummingbird Sock.

I also made some progress on putting together the pieces for a Square Swap I did last spring.

Spring Ahead Blanket

Anyway,  finished off the skein of green for the Lego Blanket and now have a whole slew of little Lego squares.

So close but so much more work to do!

  

I turned the heel on my Hummingbird Socks!  Now the foot and the decreases.  I plan on starting a toe up sock in a plain pattern then I will start to tackle more challenging socks.

The White Centered Grannies are coming along.  They really area project that I do when I want to craft but have no desire to work on anything else.

Lastly, I have planned a bit of a secret project.  It really is Super!  I mean I don't know if I can do it Justice, but I will try.  I hope to make some progress soon but I was nerdy and already did my swatch!  

Check out other WIPS at  Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

2012 - April Recap

Seriously where is the time going?!?  I am so amazed at the posts I did in April and I really hope you liked them too!  I am sad that the Pens out of the playoffs but there is still a lot of great hockey being played.  I have really progressed with getting those Lego Blocks done and bought a bunch of yarn.  Oops! :o)

Anyway, in May I plan to get that Lego blanket done and finish some of the other WIPs I have going on before starting a bunch of new ones again.  Let's see how that goes.

<3 Heather

Crafting Balance - 3KCBWDAY7

Welcome again to the Knit and Crochet Blog Week, Day 7!  As we round out the last day of the Knit and Crochet blog week, we are asked to talk about our crafting balance.  

Details and Image care of eskimimi makes

What an interesting topic to round out the week.  In general, I am a newbie to the crafts. I re-learned to crochet in 2008 and have completed several projects.

Scarves, Squares, Blankets and Amigurumi!

But last summer I was enchanted by a knit hat and really haven't looked back.

When I started this hat, I didn't know how to cast on, knit, purl, knit in the round or do color work but the challenge of knitting was something that forced me to keep learning.

Since that time I have made another hat, started half a dozen other projects, finished socks....

Cables...

You know as I look at my WIPs and things that I have planned, I have turned into more of a knitter than a crocheter. I love both equally but it really depends on what projects capture my attention.

I really love both, I feel a connection to my great-grandmother when I crochet. I feel challenged when I work on knitting crazy socks and garments. I know I will balance both as need as I craft into my future.

<3 Heather

Check out other great pictures by searching for 3KCBWDAY7

Craft Your Perfect Day - 3KCBWWC

Welcome again to the Knit and Crochet Blog Week, Day 3! Today's topic was to talk about your knitting and crochet hero.  I really don't have one so I decided to take a walk on the wild side and do the Wild Card topic.Here are the details about today's topic. 

Details and Image care of eskimimi makes

So what would be my fantasy day.  I really think that I spend some days on the weekends just crafting so that doesn't really count.  I think instead I will think outside of the crocheted square and hop in a Blue Police Box and go about 20 years in the future.  Yes that is what I will do.

Image from Wikipedia

April 25, 2032



Today, I decided to take a day off. The kids are at school, the husband at work and I just needed some me time. I am forgoing things on my to list. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning can all stay on hold. Instead, I get in my hover car and fly over to the local yarn store and purchase ye old wool nylon blend sock yarn.

I browse and squeeze all of the yarns and eventually pick up a lovely emerald green yarn to make socks. I make my purchase. Grab a health tonic and hover back home.

As I get to my craft room. I pull out the boxes and totes with my knitting supplies and get to work winding the yarn and casting on. As I get settled on the window seat in the room, I pull out the extra pair of hands and start reading a book. These animatronic arms attach to my body and through electric impulses from my brain turn pages like my real arms and hands which are currently clicking away on the first sock. All the while watching vintage episodes of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals where the Pens beat the Canucks for the cup.

As the time passes, I enjoy a relaxing afternoon doing nothing and everything at the same time.

<3 Heather

Check out other great pictures by searching for 3KCBWWC or 3KCBWDAY3

WIP Wednesday - Block Party!

Here we are again at WIP Wedneday.  This past week was a bit hectic with Easter but it turned out nice.  I made a really great dinner and pie for the family and had a great time with my dad during the weekend.

In other news, today starts the NHL Playoffs.  As I mentioned around the Super Bowl, the hockey playoffs are one of my favorite times of the year.  Hockey is on every night and multiple games are being shown, plus the excitement and level of play is just at a paramount.  My blood pressure is rising just thinking about it!  The best part is that this is a blank slate and what happened in the regular season goes out the window!  Seriously, this is the best part of hockey season.  Can you tell that I am a fan?

Jenn and I at the first game at the Consol Energy Center last year

For those that are unaware, the race to the Stanley Cup consists of 4 series where teams meet in a best of 7 match up.  There are 16 teams between 2 conferences that between April and June are narrowed down to 2 for the finals to win the cup. The Penguins meet the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round and it is set to be an intense match up.  I am so excited and can't wait for the game tonight!

Given everything that was and is going on, I managed to get some crocheting done. ;o)

Progress Picture for 4/11/2012

The following projects are what has been worked on recently.  Starting with Falling Water, then the Gryffindor Scarf, the Hummingbird Socks, and Lego Blocks.

The most work for the week was done on the Lego Blocks for the Lego Baby Blanket.  I have to get 81 done but I finally started to get into a rhythm and have cranked out 8 blocks in a week and a half.  I am almost done with the skein of blue and will move on to the green.  I am really glad to see the little pile of rectangles start to grow from a lot of red to a nice balance of red and blue.

Look at the lovely little stacks of bobbles!

I want to keep pushing to get to the finished product on this one because I think it is going to be amazing.

I feel like this is a great little project to keep going while working on my paper and studying for my exam and watching hockey. I tend to do one or two at night so when I get sick of studying I will pick this up.

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

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - And the Scarves Have It!

Hello again, it has been a busy week this week but I did manage to get some work done on my WIPs. Here is the compilation picture.

Progress Picture for 4/4/2012

In the picture above are the projects that I worked on last week.  Falling Water Scarf , Gryffindor Scarf, and the Hummingbird Socks.

I am really pleased with what I got accomplished this week but with Easter coming up and finals (test and paper) for my grad class coming up.  I think my crafting will have to go on hiatus, but we shall see.

This scarf has faux cables through the magic of SSK and K2tog!

I have been epically frustrated with the falling water scarf because it just didn't seem to be turning out the way I expect.  I am using Space Cadet Creations fingering yarn I got at the Knit and Crochet festival and I just wanted to show the tonal color and the sparkle to the best of it's ability.

Well, this guy went into time out and when I picked it back up this week everything just seemed to click and I was able to see the pattern emerge from the yarn.  So happy that I stuck with it, as this is going to be a beautiful scarf.

About another inch or so to go until the heel flap.

I have added a couple inches to the Hummingbird sock and can't wait to get to the heel flap but am comfortable with the pace I am keeping on this sock.

The Gryffindor scarf really is my go to project right now, particularly when watching the Penguins or any TV program.  The Pens won last night against the Boston Bruins, but I had to switch over to another program because I felt like I was jinxing the game.  I did get about 9 rows done on the scarf.

I am going to the next game on Thursday.  It's against the Rangers and I am so excited.  Not only am I going to the game, but I am volunteering through work to sell raffle tickets for the Flight 93 Memorial before the start of the game and through the first period of play.

You will also notice that I have some stitch markers in the compilation picture.  After receiving and purchasing some awesome markers, I thought that I could make some.  Really I just love how they hang from your work and are more attractive that the plain old plastic ones.

Aren't the Bumblebees and Lady Bugs adorable?

I still have some finishing work left to do on many of them but the above is just a sampling of what I was able to create. Really I know they look complicated but after about 15 minutes of work I end up with a handful of these colorful gems.

I do want to plug my own handy-work a bit, my good friend Samie at Not Your Gram's Afghan is doing a giveaway for her blog-aversary.  Not only do you win 2 skeins of King Cole Riot and a pattern for the Spring Ripple Scarf, but you get 5 stitch markers that I made!

Stitch Markers for Samie's Giveaway!

Go check it out and register to win!  *And may the odds be ever in your favor!*

Check out other WIPs at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

* First person who comments below with the source material of the starred text above will get a set of stitch markers in their color of choice!  Good Luck!