Uncertain

I don't know how I feel about this...

Sneak peeks...

What could it be? I can't even show the finished projects until they are in the hands of the recipients. Element of surprise :)

It's blue with white trim. Weird guesses from friends? Knitted underpants. I surely hope not.

Pink and sparkly?

Cables and flatly knit. hmmm.

Random shape?

Quack!

Aren't these hilarious but cute baby booties? Well, that's what they are if you can't tell from the work-in-progress photo.

They're actually quick to whip up. I can crank one out on a Saturday. If you're planning to try out the pattern (found here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTduck.php), I should warn you that having experience with toe-up socks is a plus. I haven't knit toe-up socks before (only cuff-down), and at points in the pattern, I actually said (aloud), "WUT?" I was able to quickly figure it out though.

Excuse the yarn ends sticking out all over. I hate weaving in the ends and will leave it until I have to.

It's To-Do List Day!

Spent the entire day running about trying to cross items off of my to-do list.

Did my taxes. First year I'm filling out the forms with a spouse in mind. This is good as this means hubby can not leave it until August. I still do my taxes by hand because I am dinosaur.

Am currently on load three of laundry and am wondering why I let it accumulate. Side note, anybody else a little bit weary of almost climbing into the washer and dryer to pull things out every week? Laundry, laundry, laundry. Am seriously contemplating paper clothes.

The morning started off nicely as I met up with some of the other students from my yoga class for dim sum. Then I ended up at Ikea for two hours with the hubby as we scrutinize every display and had long discussions about colours, design and furniture. I ended up buying a red cushion for one of my future knit projects, a bath mat, and a new pillow.

The pillow is made for side sleepers. Because I sleep in fetal position, this seems appropriate. AND... the fellow on the package looks peaceful doesn't he? I want to be that peaceful while sleeping...although don't want to be bald, or handless.

Then I ended up at a Walmart and found some curtain rods that the hubby and I both liked. Hopefully going up soon!

My project from last week is currently being blocked. I actually block sweaters on foam mats that parents typically use for their kids. I pinned down the sweater with some blocking pins.

I'm glad this sweater turned out. When I can't find my running groove, and when my hip flexors are frustratingly tight in yoga, I can look at this sweater and say, "At least I can do simple algebra, design a baby sweater, and knit it up!"

I haven't sewn on the buttons yet as the sweater is still drying; however, this is what I'm thinking...

This is what happens when you buy a large bag of random buttons. You aren't able to find any that match exactly.

This is the next project...

 

 ... just a simple crocheted baby blanket.

Happy Saturday!

blublu

Tools: Boye Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Before my hubby became my hubby, I knew he was a keeper. How? One Christmas, he gave me interchangeable knitting needles. The romance does not die there. Now that we're married, he willingly drives me to the crafts store and comes up with yarn-stash storage ideas. haha.

Back to the needles. Specifically, he purchased Boye Needlemaster Interchangeable Needles. See below.

 As you can see, there's a pair missing. They are currently in use for a hat I'm making. The set comes with needles in Size US2 to US15. They are aluminum, and colorful. I am shallow and am loving the colours.

There are many interchangeable needles on the market: Denise, Addi Turbo, KnitPicks, etc. For my non-knitting readers and those who do not use interchangeables, this is a breakdown of how the needles are assembled. I am explaining it, because I think it's nifty!

The set comes with cords in varying length. Each cord has a screw at each ends. Taking one of the cords, and one of the needles, screw the needle onto the end of the cord.

Although it is screwed on, there's no guarantee that it will not become undone while you're knitting. Which actually really sucks when it happens. So to discourage such a situation, you should tighten. The set provides tools for tightening.

Slide the pin-key into the hole at the end of the cord, and wrap the rubber grip around the needle. Turn the pin-key towards you, and the needle away from you. This will tighten the connection. See below.

Use both hands for tightening. I just had problems holding a camera, holding the pin-key, and the rubber grip. 

When you repeat these instructions for the other end of the cord, you are presented with circular knitting needles! 

I never knit on straight needles. However, if you do, don't count these needles out as an option.  One of my gf's have steered clear of interchangeables because she knits on straights. You can actually assemble them so they act like straight needles as well. The set comes with these end pieces that you can screw onto the cord. See below.

If you make two, you've got yourself a pair of straights.

Now these end pieces are also handy for other things. For example, if you are the type of knitter that knits multiple projects at a time, you may find that you need the same pair of needles for multiple projects. You can unscrew the needles from your existing project, screw end pieces to the cord to hold the project, and then screw the needles onto another cord to start another project. It's an ADD-knitter's dream.

One may also steer clear of interchangeables because they knit large items like throws. Again, not a problem as the set comes with connector pieces that allows you to connect cords together to make one longer one.

I love my interchangeables. It sure beats never having the right size of needles.

YAY!
blublu