No really, there is progress being made

I just haven't gotten my act together enough to blog/photograph it. So for this post, you'll just have to take my word for it on what's been done.

I've been working on Coachella off and on during my commutes for the last week or so (since there's nothing like whipping a big pile of knitting out of your bag to freak out your fellow commuters), and it's almost done. However, I realized that I haven't posted any details about it since the teaser shot when I first started. I'm using Berroco Flax for this top, a 100% linen worsted weight, in a natural color. My initial thoughts about this yarn were none too happy - it kind of feels like knitting with kitchen twine, although it is rather soft. Originally I was going to use this yarn for Eileen from No Sheep for You, but there was no way in hell I was going to get gauge, plus it's a bit on the splitty side, which was the death knell for any pattern with p3tbl! This yarn also sheds quite a bit - I get big clouds of tiny linen fibers floating aroung and sticking to everything every time I move it. Not so cool, but no one has yet complained about a linen allergy so I guess I'm in the clear.

I did swatch for Eileen, and washed my swatch, so I knew that the yarn didn't really change gauge with washing (although I didn't hang the swatch to see about length over time). So I just started right in - first time starting I used US7 for the "ribbing" and US8 for the body. Decided the 7s were too small, and redid the ribbing with US8, which I liked much better.

That's the only major modification I've made so far, and it's speeding along. I've finished the increases at the bottom, so now I need to try it on again when I get home and decide how long I want it to be. Since I don't know if it's going to stretch much lengthwise, I'm going to be a bit conservative on the length. Hopefully I'll get it done and blocked over the weekend, and be able to wear it next week.

PS - Pea Pod is done but for the buttons. And trimming the ends that I left from weaving in. Maybe that will be this afternoon's commuting project, cause my friend's poor wife is about to explode!

How did it get to be Wednesday already?

Or for that matter, how did it get to be the middle of July? Time flies when you're having fun, I guess (or something like that).

I was all prepared to have a big photo shoot in my office today so I could show you some knitting, but I managed to not bring my camera with me. You'll have to be content with written description until I've remembered where I've left my brain and actually get organized again.

The Peapod cardi is done (knitting-wise) and sewn together, with ends woven in even. Now it just needs some buttons, and it will be good to go. Thankfully, it's intended recipient is still in utero, but now that his sweater is (mostly) done, he will probably make his appearance immediately(because we all know babies don't arrive until their knitting is done).

Coachella is proceeding - I've been working on it during my commute for the last little while. It's nice to knit something with 4.5 stitches/inch and size 8 needles when you've been doing socks for a long time. It just goes so quickly! Anyway, I'm finished with the top portion to the point at which I need to put the thing on waste yarn and try it on to see if I like how it drapes. Which is kind of hard to do on the bus. Although it might entertain my fellow commuters, who I suspect already think I'm a bit odd (since very often I sit there knitting away, reading a book, with ear buds firmly in place listening to the radio).

The new wheel is loads of fun, but seems to be slightly warped, as Iron Man noticed on Friday evening. I'm in the process of getting in touch with the vendors to see if this will be a major issue down the road, since it certainly isn't affecting the wheel's ability to produce yarn. The only thing affecting yarn production right now is operator incompetance (and two year olds who have decided that bedtime is really only a suggestion). I have already discovered however, that a 2-ply is definitely the wrong choice for some dyeing combinations, and will result in a very nice skein of cat barf - much better to go with my first inclination and chain ply the stupid stuff instead. There's always next time.

FO: Baby Bell Bottoms

Ta da!

Pattern: Baby bell bottoms on required cute baby.
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Violet, 2 skeins

Needles: US size 6

Start/Finish: 6/13 - 6/24.

Mods: added a little extra length at the top of the legs since Boo is four months old and this was sized for a newborn. They're a little short on her, but I've got a bit of yarn left. If I get really inspired, I'll splice in a bit more length on each leg so she can wear them a bit longer, but it's more likely I'll just make another pair in a bigger size now that the pattern's been expanded. Quick, easy and very cute.

Of course, since I finished one project, it was time to cast on another one, right?