Only eleven hours left in the day (and the orange and yellow month of April), I think it is pretty safe to say that I will not have a complete PS knit for this month. Why did April fly by so fast? I am not sad about it though – this month has been extremely busy with work and school, and I have managed to fit in some crafting and DIY projects that fit well into the color theme (Painting a room in your house should count triple!) Pom hoodie, the seed stitch purse, and the socks are going to be on hold for awhile… because I have some great green plans for next month!

I know that this month has been a challenge for some – according to some studies, orange is among the least favorite colors of both men and women (with some of the neutrals – browns and grays – close behind! is this a harbinger for August?) I thank you for giving orange and yellow a chance, and using them in your projects this month! I have been truly inspired by you (all 1040 of you at last count) through the past two months, and I am thrilled to see what is in store for green, blue, purple, and neutrals in the coming months!

This has been a busy and eventful week. I spent many hours devoted to a large research paper for school, and after completion, I met up with my friend, Heather, for some noshing and knitting at our favorite cafe. I got to see her adorable April anklets, and we made our strategic plan for the vendors at Maryland Sheep and Wool next weekend.

The week ended with a big sigh of relief. Work projects really picked up the same time as school projects – so the weekend was completely welcome. Kris and I had planned a home improvement project (more on that to come…) and I had plans with Coleen to attend the Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Baltimore County.

We had a pre-festival engagement, however… A breakfast meeting with Mama E, the handpainted sock yarn mistress herself! It was SO great to finally meet you, E!

Unfortunately, we had to part ways as E headed off to work, and Coleen and I hit up the state fairgrounds.

We stopped at nearly every jewelry stand, and did a lot of oohing and ahhing… sampled some yummy foods, and saw a glassblowing demonstration, and a papermaking demonstration. Although we were tempted by many pairs of handmade earrings, we managed to come away with one bag each… carrying food! I got some delicious sugar-free chocolate-covered pretzels, and some homemade pet treats for the pups.

The day was still young, so we had to stop by some yarn shops while we were out… it was my first time at WoolStock in Glyndon, MD, and it was really a great shop! Great selection and friendly staff. We talked to one of the employees for over 10 minutes about the beauty of Koigu KPPPM. (only in a yarn shop, right?)

We drove back towards Columbia, and stopped in on our LYS, All About Yarn. I was again tempted by their sock yarns, but thought of next week, and was able to resist. It was hard though! look at the lovely Claudia Handpaints! Perfect match for Coleen’s yellow tee!

Look at Coleen’s lovely socks! Just off the needles… in the Lollygirl colorway!

I wish I had some knitting progress to show…

 

I learned to knit in November 2003. I took a "knit and purl" class at a local craft store. My first project was a sampler scarf (garter, ribbed and stockinette mix) with an acrylic/wool blend. Although it took a little while to get the hang of it, I was instantly in love with the simple movements of the needles and the yarn in my fingers. I even fell in love with the sound of the "clack" of the large metal needles I got in my first knitting kit!

The next morning, I woke up, and the first thing that I thought of was that scarf – and I could not wait to start knitting again. When I entered the blog world nearly two years ago, I had no idea that this community would play such a large part in the development of my craft, and of my personal philosophies.

Blogging introduces you to many people, and many different projects… things you never would have discovered on your own. The blogosphere can challenge you with new projects, as well as help you define yourself and your own philosophies… process knitter or progress driven? do you take on a project because you love its style, or because you want to try a new technique or stitch pattern? (of course, these are not mutually exclusive).

I have come across some knitters who challenge themselves with extremely intricate patterns with many color changes, or long lace repeats. I marvel at the amazing projects – they are truly works of art. However, I know that those projects will probably never make it to my needles. Not because I do not value their beauty, the exact opposite in fact! but because knitting is about relaxation and mindlessness for me.

Someone was recently discussing the whole "knitting is the new yoga" catch phrase on their blog… and since I am an enthusiast of both knitting and yoga, I can see that they are similar for me in certain aspects – both clear my mind. Another similarity: you can take both knitting and yoga deeper and more challenging if you choose, but one can reap benefits from a simple practice as well.

Knitting is a breath of fresh air after a long day of work and school. Knitting is a respite after being stuck in Beltway traffic for hours. Knitting is a sanctuary when my mind and emotions have gone haywire. The last thing I want to deal with after a hard day is a huge lace chart and loads of counting… however, I know that some of you find deep comfort and solace in this rhythm. I find that same solace in simple stitch patterns.

What is your knitting philosophy? is knitting about relaxation for you? do you prefer a challenge yourself with each project?

Time passes, however, and philosophies change. There may be an amazing aran, a fresh Fair Isle, or a lovely lace in my future… but for now, you can find me in the comfy chair with the simple stockinette on my needles.

I am almost finished with the back portion of the Pom Hoodie. The yarn continues to knit up nicely in the slight variegations. I know that I will not finish this garment this month, but I will continue to work diligently, even though this item is not even remotely green. (Project Spectrum May is right around the corner!)

Since Project Spectrum is also about trying new things, I experimented with a new knitting technique this past weekend. Sure, I have learned to love double pointed needles (its been a long road), but I figured I would at least give two circulars a try…

Kris have me Cat Bordhi’s Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles for Christmas, and it was not until now that I was able to acquire two needles (of the same size!) and actually try this new method. While the new technique is quite ingenious, I am reserving complete judgement until after I turn the heel (you know, that’s where the magic happens!)

The yarn is the eponymous colorway from dear MamaE, sadly gone forever (unless you can talk her into making more!). It is so soft! I have a little something-something planned for this pair… more details if it works out.

More info on Project Spectrum Postcard Swap:

I am behind in the Postcard Swap this month. School work has picked up quite a bit with the end of the semester, and I will not be able to send out your pals’ names until AFTER I finish the big paper. So, expect to get your postcard pals’ names in the coming days.

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Found this fun little bit over at Sunshine Pop’s blog. Thought I would give it a try… what are your favorite music albums? I love looking at cover art, so show me some of your faves. Here are some of mine…

Create your own Music List @ HotFreeLayouts!

…Earth Day Meditations…

• Extend the life cycle of your possessions. Find a new use for something old.

  Refurbish old pieces of furniture. Recycle old fabrics and sweaters. Give them a new life with a simple makeover. Felt an old sweater and make a throw pillow. Visit the thrift store to donate your old items, and find new treasures. Document this process and share it with others. Inspire them to do the same with this simple gesture.

• Enjoy an unplugged activity every day.

  Pick up your needles and your hooks, your thread and needle, your paper and scissors. Turn off the lightbulb, the TV, and even the radio. Gather your picnic quilt, your sunhat and sunscreen, and head outside. Craft in nature. Use the sunlight . Take a deep cleansing breath, and see the beauty of the natural world around you. Take your craft outside and share it with the world.

• Change doesn’t happen with a single action but with a series of small gestures.

  Make a difference in your own life by choosing organic produce, and a more sustainable diet. Grow your own food. Change your lightbulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs. Take a shorter shower. Take public transportation whenever possible. Open your windows instead of automatically turning on the air conditioner.

• Nature provides an invitation to live creatively.

  The greatest font of creative inspiration is the natural world. Look at the sky. Listen to the birds sing, and the insects buzz. Smell the fresh fragrance. Be open to creativity.

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Speaking of being inspired by nature… I pre-ordered Norah Gaughan’s book, Knitting Nature, last year. Sight unseen. I just knew I would like it that much. Her beautiful designs have graced the pages of many design magazines, and she has contributed designs to many books. However, this is her first book of her own designs, and I cannot give it any higher praise. I received it this week, well before the expected release date of June 1st, and was instantly impressed. It is stunningly beautiful and extremely inspirational.

Gaughan reconciles her interests in both science and art bringing naturally occuring shapes and forms to her design. She bases entire chapters on a shape, and creates with this theme in mind. I will let the pictures do the talking…

Destined to be a classic, and destined to be on my needles!

When I was in New York last month, I came across a wonderful Japanese book store near Rockefeller Plaza. At the shop, I picked up an origami notecard set: decorative papers with good illustrated instructions for many patterns. This simple pinwheel pattern is the base for my April Project Spectrum postcard. (Mandie - try to act surprised when you receive it!)

Please try to have your postcards mailed out by the end of this week, in order for them to make it to your pal in time. For those of you who have still not received an email from your assigned pal, please let me know as soon as possible. Email me or leave a comment here. There are postcard "angels" who have volunteered to make additional cards! The next round of postcard pals will be sent out next week. Please let me know if you do not want to participate in the May swap. If you are already signed up for the swap, I will automatically assign you a new pal, unless you tell me otherwise!

Unfortunately, crafting time has been pretty sparse around here. With the holiday weekend, a super surprise visit from my 'lil' sis Sarah, and the end-of-the-semester school assignments, the weekend flew by and I have very little to show for it. I did manage to start on my intended April project, however. The one I hinted at in my last post…

This simple seed stitch purse was a perfect fit for the Tahki Cotton Classic in my stash… and it just so happened that I had some great vintage yellow and orange buttons to complement it. This pattern is from the aptly named Cool Girl's Guide to Knitting. I will be cool with this purse in tow, no doubt! I plan to find a wide grosgain ribbon in orange or yellow for the strap. I am altering the pattern a little to make the purse longer… I have a lot of things to carry with me.

We had a lovely Easter. We spent the morning and early afternoon with my family. The obligatory Easter photo shoot was not so obligatory with the backdrop of my dad's lovely garden. With the tulips blooming below, and the dogwood tree above, it could not have been prettier!

Momma Addie, me, and Lil' Sarah (smile mom!)

We stood in the exact same spot for our prom photos back in 1999!

 

 

Go say HI to Celia at Counting Stitches – she was the 1000th person to join Project Spectrum this morning!

Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. I knit a pair of socks for her.

Addie’s Socks
Yarn: Cascade Fixation SprayDyed #9862
Pattern: Fiber Trends’ Hellen’s Favorite Socks (modified)
Needles: Inox Pony Pearls, size 2 DPNs

So, this is the secret knit – but not such a big surprise, right? Lolly knitting socks? egads! Well, this was my first pair of socks knit for someone else’s feet, so that is kind of a surprise… I had to perfect the technique on my own feet first. And why not make the first “not-for-me” pair for mom? she will love me even if the socks don’t fit right!

This was my second pair of Cascade Fixation socks. The first pair were knit on size 3 DPNs, and while they came out okay, I wanted a tighter fabric for these. Going down a needle size to size 2s really helped. The socks are thick, but the yarn content is a cotton / elastic blend, and is very breathable. I hope you like them, mom!

She seemed to like them when she opened them at her birthday dinner!

Also hooked her up with a little Mason-Dixon action, autographed copy of course! (My mom is from Tennessee, just like Ann; so she signed the book “Go Vols! To a fellow Tennessean“)

Happy Birthday, Mom!!
(Yesterday was also the birthday of two other special ladies: My dear friend Jenna Pink Monkey and SlippedStitch Alice!)

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With the secret knitting done, my focus can easily shift back to Project Spectrum crafting. I have two projects going right now with a distinct April flair: my Honeycomb Socks (with the Lollygirl colorway), and the Pom Hoodie (with the Woolarina yarn).

However, with these lovely knits on the needles, I got the idea in my head that it would be a good idea to start another one… so I gathered my supplies. This project is all about stashbusting.

Gold Cotton Classic and vintage buttons, courtesy of sweet Anjo, and my grandmother’s old button tin.

More details on this project, as well as Project Spectrum Postcard Swap information in the next post. Have a Good Friday!

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PS- Many thanks for your kind words on my last post! It was great to meet Ann and Kay, and some of you also noticed… I have lost 27 lbs