Oh my goodness...

Well, I've gone ahead and done it. I've joined the Ravelympics. And with what project you may ask? Not socks...which I could knit standing on my head...not a scarf or anything simple but a shawl. A lace shawl. I, who has yet to complete an entirely lace project have chosen to try and not only complete one, but to complete it in 17 days! Yikes! I keep wondering what the heck I was thinking but well, the Olympics are all about accomplishing a goal in the face of a challenge, and since I can't run, or do pretty much anything truly athletic, I figure I'm safer competing in this.

You may have noticed that I haven't been blogging too much of late, and for that, I really am sorry. I've been plurking quite a bit though, and if you have yet to meet with this rather addicting internet toy, then I suggest you get acquainted with it. But be warned...it is not only addicting, but VERY addicting! Really. So much so that I pretty much have neglected most of my other hobbies...except knitting of course.

I finished my Clapotis a while back,though I had yet to take a full FO picture until today. I just have to ask a question. What is the fascination with someone knitting while on the T to Boston? I was finishing this project up on WWKIP day while on the T heading towards the Pride parade (and hoping to find some public knitters in the Common along the way...no luck there)and about eight people were staring at me with obvious interest. Either that, or they were just knit-gawkers. I don't know. All I do know is that they all had their mouths hanging wide open and their eyes were pretty bugged out. A couple of the guys were trying to be subtle, but even then it failed. Believe me, if I notice people staring at me, they're not being subtle. I am pretty much one of the most oblivious folks I know. Even DW noticed and thought it was so amusing that she said, quite loudly, "Jesus, you must be doing something really interesting...maybe I oughtta be watching you too." And it must have been interesting to them because even that comment didn't stop it! I ask you, is it so odd that someone would actually want to be seen...knitting? I didn't think so. Anyway, here's the FO.




*Pattern:Clapotis
*Yarn: Socks that Rock - Mediumweight in Dutch Canyon - 2 Skeins
*Needles : Size US8 circs

All in all, the pattern was a pleasure to knit, and it was a quick, quick knit despite the fact that the increases seemed to drag!

Also, I cast on a Goddess Knits Mystery Sock in June, figuring that this was one KAL I could keep up with. I was right! I only have a picture of one, but rest assured that the full pair is completed. I'm a little disappointed with the way the yarn pooled rather than striped, but all in all, I'd say they're my favorite pair of socks!




*Pattern: Goddess Knits - Mystery Sock June 2008
*Yarn: Socks that Rock - Mediumweight in "Mesa" - maybe 3/4 skein at the most was used
*Needles: Size US2 set of five DPN's.

Probably one of the most pleasurable sock patterns I've knit. The cabling made the socks go really, really fast, and though I had to wait three weeks to get all the clues for the first sock, the second one only took me one week to knit, so I could have knit this pair in two weeks. Exciting! I actually made the leg a little longer by adding extra cable repeats...continuing on until the leg reached three inches (four inches including the cuff) before turning the heel. Not only were they fun to knit, but they're really soft and squishy on the feet!

I've also cast on and knit most of Talia, but am ashamed to admit that some shrinking is in order before I can finish it as it came out quite, quite huge. Which, actually, I'm lead to understand is quite common amongst first ever adult-sized garments made. Still, it fits me like a tent, so I'm hoping I can shrink the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky that it was made out of without felting it - just enough so that it actually fits the way it's supposed to!

One final note before I head off to wind yarn for my Ravelympics is that I'd like to announce a little contest that I'll be running on my blog shortly. It's quite simple really. I'm going to post a picture of my face and what my hair looks like now and you, dear readers are going to choose my next haircut! If I choose the one you post, then you will get a prize of some variation of knitty (or crochet) goodness!!! Don't worry, you'll have time. I won't be starting the contest until August.

Until then, keep on knitting everyone!