I love quickies!

Today is the last day of 2009 and I still haven't written my resolutions post (sorry about that, it'll be done in the next couple of days).

I do have a FO to share though:


(Sorry about the wet hair)



Pattern: Herringbone Neck Warmer, by Craig Rosenfeld
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky (YUM!)
Needles: US 10 / 6.0 mm
Mods: I used smaller needles and made it shorter since I was running out of yarn. I stopped knitting at 21” (instead of 28”) and then made the buttonband. I blocked it a little longer but I’m happy I didn’t knit it to 28” or it would have been too long.

This was a very quick knit, even for me. It took a week to knit and that's only because I didn't knit every day. Super easy.

Happy New Year everyone! Have fun celebrating tonight, but be safe!

Full plate?

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

I just finished my Christmas knitting and I already have too much planned for January. See, as you may have noticed already, I love to join KALs and I have planned two of them for the new year.

First, there's the monthly Sockdown challenge, with Sock Knitters Anonymous. January's technique challenge is "texture other than ribbing or beaded socks" and the designer of the month is Nancy Bush (which means you can knit any pattern by Nancy Bush). There will also be a mystery pattern.

I have already chosen a Nancy Bush pattern (rib and cable socks) and I'm really tempted to try the mystery pattern (it's a knit-purl texture pattern with optional beading that I would leave out). So that's two pairs of socks. I would have until the end of February to finish them for them to count towards the challenge, but then February is Ravelympics month and February's sockdown is "Underappreciated Patterns" so I'd like to do it. Hmmmm....

Oh and I mentionned a second KAL. Puck this is having its annual Hat Trick KAL (3 hats in one month) and I had so much fun making hats last year that I sorta wanna do it again this year. Eeeps. I'm not sure I can knit three hats and two pairs of socks. Especially since one of the hats I want to make is made with sock yarn...

Oh and did I mention I also want to finish my Herringbone neck warmer? And maybe knit a shawl/wrap for when it's cold in my office?

Yeah. A full plate.

In-between

This is the wonderful time of the year, squeezed just between the crazyness that is Christmas and the crazyness that is New Year's Eve (and day, in my family's case). I wish I could take this time to rest, but unfortunately, I have to work tonight, Monday and Tuesday. But then I'll be free until January 4.

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, if you celebrate it, or just a wonderful day if you don't. I was once again very spoiled, though not with anything wool-related. I had sent a link to my Knitpicks wishlist to the boyfriend, but he didn't use it. But that's all right. I had asked him for a heart rate monitor and I got it, so I'm happy. I also got a gorgeous photography book from my mom, a wok (I needed one badly), a few bottles of wine (always appreciated), gift certificates to Aldo (I need boots), a few Will and Grace DVDs (season 4&5) and much more. I also got to spend the Holidays with my family and Chris' family, which was wonderful. Great food was eaten, good wines were drank and good times were had.

The only not-so-fun thing that happened was that I got too close to a cat and paid the price. See, I'm very allergic to both cats and dogs. Fortunately, I can take Reactine and it really helps with the symptoms. Chris' parents have two cats so I'm always drugged up when I go there (the pills make me sleepy). I love cats and since the drugs worked and I wasn't having any symptoms, I decided to play with one of them a little. Bad bad idea. Somehow, a cat hair got in my eye and it immediately got all swolen. I looked like a boxer that had just lost a fight! It's gotten better since I got home, but it's still a bit swollen. I've never felt so pretty.

Ok, that was a long post. And I don't even have any pictures to share. I hope I didn't bore you too much. I have much more to say (re: startitis. And resolutions), but it'll have to wait. Toodles!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas my love! I hope Santa (or your loved ones) was generous with you and that you all were spoiled as much as you deserve. And please, if you got some wooly goodies, please do share (I'm talking about sharing pics of course! You can keep the yarn all for yourself!)

I want to thank all of you who commented all through the month while I was doing my silly little sock pattern advent calendar. It was fun! Now, here are all the patterns I mentionned during the month. All are linked to their Ravelry page. If you're not on Rav yet... well I guess now is a good time to sign up!

1. Rib and Cable socks by Nancy Bush
2. Eclipse socks by Julie P. Miller
3. Double Eyelet Rib Toe-up Socks, by Wendy Johnson
4. Holly Christmas Stocking by Annie Woolens
5. Pillars by Lisa Stichweh
6. Bayerische Socks by Eunny Jang
7. Berlin Muster, by Kristin Benecken
8. Kai-Mei, by Cookie A
9. Magic Mirror, by Jeannie Cartmel
10. Paul Atwell socks, by Emily Johnson
11. Nine-to-five socks, by Nicole Hindes
12. Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks by Ann Budd
13. Stashbuster Spirals by Janine Hempy
14. Possibility, by Robyn Grauer
15. Heart of December, by SpillyJane
16. Summer Sliding, by Jeannie Cartmel
17. Lizard socks, by Beate Zäch
18. Loksins! sock, by Cassie Thoreson
19. Herringbone Rib Socks, by Kristi Schueler
20. Leyburn Socks, by MintyFresh
21. Spring Cable, by Elinore Gray
22. Having Hope, by Diane Mulholland
23. Esther socks, by Stephanie van der Linden
24. Licorice Stick Socks, by Chrissy Gardiner

Christmas - 1

This is the end, my friends. The end of the Sock pattern advent calendar, that is! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It made me realize how many beautiful sock patterns I want to make. Too many! I could spend the next 5 years knitting only the socks in my queue and I wouldn't be able to make them all!

Anyways, here's the last one:

December 24

Pattern: Licorice Stick Socks, by Chrissy Gardiner
Licorice isn't a traditionnal holiday candy, right? It doesn't matter, it's one of my favourites and this pattern is gorgeous! I want!
You can find it for sale (6 $ US) in Twist Collective.

If you're celebrating tonight: HAVE FUN! And BE SAFE!

Christmas - 2

Yay! My work week is over! We're going to my mom's to celebrate Christmas tomorrow and to my in-laws' on the 25th! I can't wait to give away my gifts (especially the wooly ones!)

December 23

Pattern: Esther socks, by Stephanie van der Linden
This pattern may not be Christmassy, but I definitely find it festive. And beautiful!
You can find it for free, on its Ravelry page!

Christmas - 3

Christmas is almost here! Weeeee! I only have one day left to work (I do go back on the 27th though, no week-long vacation for moi!). I brought homemade cookies to the office today and they were a hit. Life is good.

I also have a FO. I'm not 100% happy about it, but it's ok. They definitely look better in person.





The one on the right looks weird! They really do look the same in person, I promise.

Pattern: Cabled Lace socks, by Chrissy Gardiner
Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll in Buckskin
Needles: 2.75mm

Donedonedonedonedonedonedone!

December 22

Pattern: Having Hope, by Diane Mulholland
Christmas is a time for generosity and giving. Proceeds from sales of this beautiful pattern are donated to Cancer Research.
You can find it for sale (4,95 $ US) on this page.

Christmas - 4

Christmas sock status: DONE and blocking! Woohoo! I can't believe I'm done with the Christmas knitting and I can now knit for ME ME and only ME! Don't get me wrong, I love knitting for other people, but everytime I finish my Christmas knitting, all I want to do is knit for myself. I'll have pics of my mom's socks tomorrow.

So, I did go to the LYS with the boyfriend yesterday. He got something for his grandmother and his aunt. And I got a little something for myself.



Malabrigo chunky! Yum. I actually fell in love with a neck warmer I saw at the LYS and I just had to make one for me. (Chris liked it too, he bought the same yarn for his grandma). It's the Herringbone neck warmer. I cast on for it tonight. I'm in love!

December 21
Pattern: Spring Cable, by Elinore Gray
Today is December 21st, the shortest day of the year. Can you blame me for thinking about spring?
You can find it completely free, here.

Christmas - 5

Christmas sock status: I think I have three pattern repeats left to do on the foot. One pattern repeat takes me a little less than 30 minutes. I think I'll make it ;)

The boyfriend wants to go to a LYS this afternoon to buy some yarn for his grandmother. Of course, I must go with him to help him with that. Will I come back with a little something for myself? We'll see. I'll try to be good.

I had fun taking pictures of our Christmas tree on Friday. I still don't know much about photography, settings and all that so I got funny results. Like this one:



I call it my "Fertility Tree", can you guess why? ;)

I finally managed to take one I was satisfied with.



I also had too much fun with Photoshop, but I like the way this one looks (on my computer. It may look really bad on yours):



Pattern of the day:

December 20

Pattern: Leyburn Socks, by MintyFresh
Can you tell I've been looking for patterns that work well with handpainted yarn? That's because I love them, but I don't like it when the pretty colours hide the beautiful pattern. But the Leyburn socks seem to work well with handpainted yarns.
You can find it for 0$ on its Ravelry project page.

Christmas - 6

Ok people. The countdown has really begun. Six days before Christmas and I'm still on the foot of the Christmas sock. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it.

December 19

Pattern: Herringbone Rib Socks, by Kristi Schueler
Another cute pattern, that works beautifully with handpainted yarn.
You can find it for free here.

Christmas - 7

A lot of people I know are on vacation for two weeks starting today. And to those people, I say... Bleh! I hate you a little. ;)

Not really. But I will be working during the holidays (only 3 days a week, but still). Oh well. It comes with the career I choose. News never stop.

December 18
Pattern: Loksins! sock, by Cassie Thoreson
Every single FO I've seen made from this pattern is pretty. Looks like a winning pattern to me.
You can find it for sale (5$US) on this page.

Christmas - 8

I am happy to report that my Christmas shopping is pretty much done. I need to buy some candies for my mom's stocking (I'm in charge of her stocking every year) and a couple of cards, but other than that, I am DONE. And it feels good!

Christmas sock status: The heel has been turned. We are now at the gusset. I'm pretty sure I'll finish it on time.

And now your sock pattern!

December 17
Pattern: Lizard socks, by Beate Zäch
I don't think you can find anything cooler than those socks. Lizards! On socks!
You can find it for sale on this page. According to Ravelry, it's available both in German and English, but my German isn't good enough to understand all that's on the store page. I say email the shop owner before you buy to make sure you get the pattern in a language you understand!

Christmas - 9

Nine days before Christmas and I still haven't turned the heel of my mom's socks. Eeeps!

But I promised you an FO and here it is. I proudly present you my Jaroslav Spasocks!


GO HABS GO!

And now, the pattern of the day:

December 16
Pattern: Summer Sliding, by Jeannie Cartmel
Another beautiful pattern by Jeannie Cartmel. The only reason I haven't made it yet is because it's a toe-up sock pattern and I like cuff down so much I haven't yet tried a toe-up. Pathetic, I know.
You can find it for sale (6,00$) on its Ravelry page.

Christmas - 10

I know, I know, I promised an FO post, but I completely forgot to take a picture this morning. And today was crazy, crazy, with work, work and more work and then I had an appointment with the optometrist who confirmed that my vision hasn't changed since 1992! I'm slightly far-sighted and I have astigmatism, but it's not too bad. I usually only wear my glasses (or contacts) at work.

Anywayyys. Here's today's pattern!

December 15
Pattern: Heart of December, by SpillyJane
I thought the pattern had the perfect name for this month! It's a very pretty one too :)
You can find it for sale (6,00$) on this page.

Christmas - 11

I was telling my coworker this morning about the fact that I spent part of the weekend shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts and putting up decorations. His answer: "Already? Our tree isn't even up yet!"

What do you mean already? Dude, Christmas is in 11 days! I don't think he has realized it yet. Also, good news: this week is my last complete, 5-day week of 2009! I'll be working on the 21, 22, 23, then on the 27, 28 and 29. Other than that I'm off (until January 4th that is).

Ok, so I promised some yarn pics and here they are. It isn't much (only two!), but still, it's yarn.

First, the beautiful laceweight I got from Knit Picks.



Knit Picks Gloss, in Bordeaux. I only photographed one skein, but I got seven of them! I'm thinking of using them to make the Honeybee Cardigan, what do you think? Robyn and Tara tried to convince me to choose this as a Ravelympic project, but I just don't think I can pull it off in two weeks. But we'll see, I may feel crazy adventurous by then.

I also got in my order a set of 2.25 Harmony DPNs (my favourites in the world) and some size 5 Zephyr tips for my interchangeable set. I've tried the nickel-plated tips (love) and the Harmony tips (love) so I figured I might as well try these too.

I also got, from Robyn's nest, the following sock yarn:



Laines Magnifiques Champion BFL Superwash Sock, from Robyn's December sock club. I hesitated before purchasing it because I was on a sock yarn diet, but since Robyn is taking a break from her sock club in 2010, I couldn't resist. And I don't regret it, because I love the yarn and the pattern is so pretty! Speaking of which...

December 14
Pattern: Possibility, by Robyn Grauer
A beautiful pattern that looks good with handpainted yarn (Zeus knows that's not always easy to find).
You can find it for 4,95 $ on Ravelry!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a brand new FO!

Christmas - 12

Did you see the title of this blog post? I don't want any of you to panick, but there are only ten (10!) days left until Christmas. How is your gift knitting going? I'm pretty optimistic that I'll finish mine in time. My Habs socks are pretty much done. I only have about half the toe + grafting and weaving to do. My guess is that I'll finish it tomorrow during the game. As for my mom's socks, I'm almost done with the leg on sock #2. I can easily do heel + foot + toe in 12 days. Right?

Now, as promised, I got a couple of pictures from yesterday's little knitting meetup with the lovely Tara, Robyn and Kadi. I had such a lovely time. I hadn't knit with other people in a long time and I had forgotten how fun it can be.



Tara and myself, finally meeting for the first time. And yes, it does look like I have a double chin. I shall print this picture and tape it to my alarm clock so I'm always motivated to go to the gym in the morning.


Kadi and Robyn. I hadn't seen them in such a LONG time! And Robyn got us the loveliest gift of beautiful soaps, knitting needles and some DPN Wip tubes. I love everything, thank you so much again Robyn!

(Edited to add: Sorry about the different pic sizes. I had trouble with resizing!)

I also got some yarn. Tara and I's excuse for finally meeting each other was that we shared shipping on a Knitpicks order. I'll show you the yarn tomorrow, but let me tell you, it's beautiful. I also received my Robyn's nest December sock club yarn, which is equally beautiful. I'll post pics of the Knitpicks yarn sometime this week. I don't know if I can post the sock club yarn yet though.

And now, today's pattern!

December 13
Pattern: Stashbuster Spirals by Janine Hempy
This pattern is great if you have lots of leftover sock yarn and don't know what to do with it.
You can find the pattern on this page.

Christmas - 13

Thirteen days before Christmas. OMG! I may not make it! No. I will make it. Just because I haven't finished my Christmas knitting yet and haven't bought a single gift does NOT mean I won't make it. *breathes*

Ok. I must not think about Christmas today. Today is a grand, magnificent day that started with a great gym session (I love when I feel I've really pushed myself). And this afternoon is THE afternoon where I'll finally get to meet Ms. Tara! AND I will also get to see Robyn, who (whom?) I haven't seen in... forever. So I'm excited. Oh and I'll get new yarn! I promise you pictures.

But in the meantime, here's today's pattern:

December 12
Pattern: Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks by Ann Budd.
If you still want to knit socks before Christmas, these may be a good option. They're so cute and tiny! Of course, it'll help if you actually know a baby who can wear them (or an adult with freakishly tiny feet, but I don't think it's possible). Or a doll. See, you have options!
You can find it in the Summer 2005 issue of Interweave Knits or as a free download here.

Christmas - 14

Another late late post. I just got home from the movies, Chris and I went to see Brothers and I thought it was very very good. Tobey Maguire was just amazing and Natalie Portman is soooo beautiful.

Anyways, here's the pattern of the day!

December 11
Pattern: Nine-to-five socks, by Nicole Hindes.
This is exactly my type of socks. Not too complicated, not too simple. And classy. And beautiful. It's been in my queue for a long time and I'm not sure why I haven't made it yet.
You can find it for free on this page.

Christmas - 15

I have a busy busy day ahead of me. First, I really need to go to the clinic for that ear infection of mine (I decided not to go yesterday because of the snow storm). Then, I'll be working all day and after work, we have our office Christmas dinner. So I'm actually writing this post on Wednesday and am trying the scheduled post option. Let's see if it actually works.

Sock pattern advent calendar!

December 10
Pattern: Paul Atwell socks, by Emily Johnson
I found this pattern in October, when one of the theme of Sock Knitters Anonymous' Sockdown challenge was to knit socks for men. I think it's simple enough that most men would want to wear them, don't you think?
You can find it for sale on this page.

Christmas - 16

Quickie!

Sock pattern advent calendar!

December 9
Pattern: Magic Mirror, by Jeannie Cartmel
These socks are not symmetrical, which may drive some people crazy, but I personally like it. The pattern also works really well with handpainted yarn, and that's always a plus!
You can find it for free, on Ravelry (check the link above).

Christmas - 17

I have an ear infection (aren't you all happy to know that?). This morning, I finally got the courage to get up early and go to the walk-in clinic. I get there only to see a sign on the door: "Closed on December 8". WTF? I may try to get up early again tomorrow, but apparently we have a snow storm coming our way so we'll see.

But now, let's talk about more fun stuff. Yes, the sock pattern advent calendar!

December 8

Pattern: Kai-Mei, by Cookie A.
Anybody who likes to knit socks has admired Cookie's work, right? Her patterns are beautiful and well written so I didn't hesitate one mintue to buy her sock book a few months ago. Sadly, I haven't had time to knit any pattern from it yet, but when I do, it will probably be Kai-Mei. I just love it.
You can find the pattern in Cookie A's book, Sock Innovation.

Christmas - 18

I'm having a bad case of the Mondays. Bad. What do I do when that happens?

I watch models fall on the catwalk.

Ok I know. I'm cruel. I shouldn't laugh. Bad karma. But I can't help it, it's funny and the news anchors laughing is making it even funnier. I'm a bad person.

Another thing that makes me laugh: Jorge Garcia's blog. If you don't know him, he plays Hurley in Lost (aka the best TV show ever). He also has an advent calendar on his blog, but it's an advent calendar of stuff his dog likes to chew. And I think that's hilarious.

Now, time for my own advent calendar.

December 7
Pattern: Berlin Muster, by Kristin Benecken
Because any pattern that's named after one of my favourite cities in the world is a good pattern.
You can fin the pattern for free on this page.

Christmas - 19

Yesterday I managed to make good progress on my mom's Christmas socks. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to finish sock #1 tonight. Then, I'll have 18 days to knit sock #2 and to knit half a foot + the toe of the second Habs sock. I think I can do that.

Sock pattern advent calendar:

December 6
Pattern: Bayerische Socks by Eunny Jang
Yesterday, I gave you simple, today I'm giving you complicated (IMO). I completely fell in love with this pattern as soon as I saw it a long long time ago. But then I made a pair of Cable Net socks and I decided I needed a long break from socks with tiny cables. I'm still not ready to tackle the Bayerische, but maybe someday.
You can find the pattern on this page.

Christmas - 20

As I'm writing this, "Christmas -20", I realize just how quickly time is going. I need to finish some gifts if I want to make it! Thank Zeus I'm almost done with the "Jaroslav Spasocks". I got a lot done on them last night while watching the beautiful ceremony for the Habs' 100th anniversary. And what a game afterwards! The Habs won 5-1! I was so proud. If only they could play like that all the time...

December 5
Pattern: Pillars by Lisa Stichweh
Sometime, simple patterns are the best ones. I looked through the finished objects for this pattern and they're all stunning, no matter what kind of yarn used.
You can find it as a free Ravelry download, on the project page.

Christmas - 21

I'm taking a few minutes between the Habs' 100th anniversary ceremony and the actual game to post today's advent calendar pattern.

December 4
Pattern: Holly Christmas Stocking by Annie Woolens.
For obvious reasons, I had to include a "Christmas sock" (a stocking is like a big sock, so it counts) in this advent calendar. I think this one is so pretty and I hope to make it someday. For the fast knitters among you, you may have time to make one before Christmas!
You can find it on this site.

Christmas - 22

Today is my birthday! I'm 22 + 10! I had a mix of bad and good today. The good was Indian food for dinner and chocolate birthday cupcakes at work. The bad include the rain, badly isolated windows that left a puddle of water in my living room (and on my brand new camera, thankfully it's not damaged) and the Habs who are losing 0-3 midway through the first period.

Oh, and something else that is good: sock pattern advent calendar time!

December 3
Pattern: Double Eyelet Rib Toe-up Socks, by Wendy Johnson.
Because it's my birthday, I wanted to choose one of my favourite sock patterns. I've wanted to knit this one for a long time (I even know which yarn I'll use), but I've never made toe-ups before and I feel I'm not going to like it as much as cuff-down. But we'll see. I really want to make them sometime in 2010.
You can find it for free on the Ravelry page or here.

Christmas - 23

Thanks to those of you who commented on my sock pattern advent calendar idea. I'm glad you like it! Hopefully you'll find a pattern or two you want to knit during the month.

December 2
Pattern: Eclipse socks by Julie P. Miller.
With New Moon (that I haven't seen yet) just out in the theaters, I thought this was an appropriate pattern. But even if you don't like Twilight, I think the socks are pretty.
You can find the pattern for free, directly on the pattern page on Ravelry.

---

In other news, I finally bit the bullet and got vaccinated today. Unfortunately, my pressure went way down right after and I almost fainted. I could see myself get paler and paler, I was sweating and dizzy and my legs were shaking. Way to go Caroline! Little kids get vaccinated without a problem and I can't do it without drama. What I got was a vasovagal syncope, that may have been caused by trypanophobia . I actually just diagnosed myself with trypanophobia, but it makes so much sense. I've never been scared of needles, but I'm very uncomfortable with the thought of any kind of injection. The phobia is "an extreme fear of medically related shots/injections" and for at least half of trypanophobes, it's an inherited reflex.

Anyways, the nurse told me I should make sure that if I ever need another vaccine, I need to get it while lying down. I remember when I had the meningitis vaccine in high school, I had the exact same reaction. A few years later I had a tetanos shot but I was lying down when I got it so I was fine.

Haha, that was quite the non-Christmassy post! I guess I needed to share ;)

Christmas - 24

So today is December 1st (unbelievable!) and as Christmas is quickly approaching, I was thinking of what I could do to celebrate on my blog.

And then, I thought... A pattern advent calendar!

Relax, it's not as exciting as it sounds. Since I'm not a designer, I can't give you patterns (sorry!). But I will give you links to my favourite patterns. Sock patterns. Yes, it's a sock pattern advent calendar! And hopefully, you will discover a few patterns that you will want to add to your queue too.

Of course, this brilliant idea came up to me this morning, so I didn't have much time to plan. But I figured I'd have time tonight. But then, the boy called me and said he was given hockey tickets, so I spent the whole evening at the Bell Centre (unfortunately watching the Habs get beaten by the Leafs of all teams!).

So, it's now 11:30 pm and here is my first advent calendar post.

DECEMBER 1

Pattern: Rib and Cable socks by Nancy Bush.
I chose this as the first pattern first of all because I think Nancy Bush is a goddess. But also because it will most likely be the next sock pattern I'll make and I figured maybe some of you will want to join me in knitting it (sometime next month).
You can find the pattern in Interweave Knits, Fall 2005 or the super overpriced Interweave Knits, accessories 2009.

Stay tuned tomorrow for pattern #2.

Habs and cables

Remember last year when I blogged daily for a whole month? Yeah, it's not happening this year. Things are pretty quiet these days. Same old, same old.

But I have been knitting. I set aside my Potpourri mittens and decided to cast-on for another pair of socks (part of Sock Knitters Anonymous Sockdown again). The November challenge is to either knit a pattern that utilizes mosaic/slipped stitches or a pattern designed by Chrissy Gardiner. There's also a mystery sock pattern designed by Star Athena that utilizes mosaic stitches. I chose a Gardiner pattern and I'm hoping to finish the socks in time to give them to my mom for Christmas (they must be finished by Dec. 31 to be elligible for prizes for the SKA challenge).



The pattern is Cabled Lace socks (look at the pattern pic on Ravelry, it's much prettier than the pic I posted above). I'm using Knitpicks Stroll in Buckskin.

In non-knitting news, I had lots of fun last week at work when I got to cover a very crazy event. As you may or may not know, I mostly cover entertainment stories at work. Political, once in a while. But sports? That never happens.

Well last week was the premiere of a movie about the Montreal Canadiens' 100th anniversary. Sort of (the story is actually about a young hockey fan who's very sick in the hospital and a teenager who plays hockey, but the Habs play an important role in the story). I was sent on the red carpet to cover it and let me tell you, it was crazy!



There were hundreds of fans waiting for the actors and the Habs and they were screaming! It was fun though. I got to talk to Henri Richard (I was lucky, he didn't talk to that many reporters but I guess he took pity on the poor 5'2 girl with her camera who yelled "Mr Richard! Mr Richard!").

When the Habs players came out of the limos, the crowd went wild and it was quite difficult to talk to players. I couldn't ask Carey Price a question to save my life, I was stuck in the middle of a group of reporters who were all trying to talk to him.

I then got close to O'Byrne and got scared. That guy is a monster! I think he's 6'5 and huge. Did I mention I'm 5'2? Well I lied. I'd be 5'2 if I was wearing skates. I think even if I had tried to ask him a question, he probably wouldn't have heard me. ;) So I opted for a player more my size and went to talk to Gionta instead. Hehe. I also got to talk to Bergeron, Lapierre and now former Hab Guillaume Latendresse. Oh and Cammalleri, but just as he was about to answer my question, a PR lady came and got him (and yelled at me for going over the velvet rope and onto the red carpet. I'm short! It was the only way for me to get the guys on film!)

Anyways, it was fun, but I still prefer to talk to actors and musicians rather than athletes.

Potpourri

Chris is away all weekend for work, which means I have tons of time to knit. This morning, I started this:


(Potpourri mittens, from Vogue Knitting, Fall 2008. Yarn is Knitpicks Palette in Masala, Cream and Sky.)

I took that picture this afternoon. I have about twice as much done now. It's funny how quickly this is going considering how long it took me to knit a Christmas stocking with bulky yarn.

I'm loving the mittens, though I believe I should have chosen a lighter orange. Oh well. That's what happens when you order online. I will need to get a colour card next time I order from Knitpicks, because I plan on knitting more mittens this winter. Especially since I bought this last month (I think I forgot to mention it before):



It's a lovely, lovely book and I want to knit thousands of mittens now.

I also have a FO to share:


Pattern: Flora, by Margaux Pena
Yarn: Susan Andrew Collection Warani (green + cream)
Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm
Modifications: I almost ran out of yarn at the end (I was using leftovers from my Fake Fake Isle hat.) So I skipped a couple of plain knit rows between the crown decrease rows.

The hat will go to my aunt, who is almost done with her treatments for breast cancer. I made her a Parrotfish hat a few months ago, but I wanted to give her something warmer for winter.

BTW, Robyn is going to be knitting all night long to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. I think it's a wonferful thing and I wanted to publicly thank her. I can't wait to read about it on your blog Robyn!

Christmassy FO

I've been a bad little blogger, I know.

I haven't been able to think of anything good to write about lately. I'm assuming it will all change since I have a few FOs coming, as well as some stash enhancement and a soon-to-happen meeting with a long time blogger-friend. So good things are happening. Expect posts and pics. Hopefully.

I do have one FO to share right now.


Pattern: Falling Snow Stocking, by Jennifer Hoel
Yarn: Lamb’s pride bulky in Blue Blood Red and White Frost
Needles: US 10 Circs + DPNs
Modifications: The tip of the toe is supposed to be white, but I ran out of yarn so it's all red.

I love the stocking and I'm supposed to give it to my mom, but I sort of want to keep it for myself. ;) I guess I'll have to make another one.

Snowflakes, photos and cough

I am sick :( I have a bad cold, and of course I got it just as I was about to enjoy a nice 4-day weekend. Sucks! I don't know yet if I'll be able to go to work tomorrow. Hopefully I will, but I hate being sick at work and I never know if it's better that I go and work or stay home to make sure I don't get everyone else sick.

I've been knitting a little, mostly on the Falling Snow stocking.



It's going slower than I expected, but I'm still hoping to finish it by the end of the month (that's what I call being optimistic).

Also, this is the time of year that I get jealous of everyone who gets to go to Rhinebeck. But this year, I'm not too jealous, because I wouldn't have any money for yarn even if I could go. That's because I got myself an early birthday/Christmas gift.



My first real (as in, not a point-and-shoot) camera! It's definitely nothing fancy (Canon EOS Rebel XS) and all the other models in the store were much fancier and pricier, but since I don't know a thing about photography, I'm happy with it. Now I just need to learn how to use it. It's too bad I'm currently so sick I can't even think about getting out to take pictures.

Habs socks

I still haven't decided what I'm going to make for the October Sockdown on Ravelry. I'm leaning towards a Christmas stocking, though I would need to buy some bulky yarn for that. We'll see.

In the meantime, I cast on for a new pair of socks last night, during the Habs game:



If I had started them last season, I would have called them my "Sock-u Koivu" socks, but since he's no longer in Montreal, I'm naming them "Jaroslav Spasock". My plan is to knit them during Habs game (that's a challenge because I love the yarn so much I want to keep knitting them today!). They're going to be a Christmas gift for my mom's boyfriend (who is like a father to me).

Speaking of Habs, yay for the win against Toronto last night! But I'm so sad about Markov. Apprently, he'll be gone a long time. That can't be good.

Mystery solved!

I finished the September 09 Mystery Sock:





Pattern: Fox Faces socks aka September 09 Mystery Sock, by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts, fingering weight (I LOVE THAT YARN)
Needles: 2.25 mm DPNs
Notes: Knit two at a time on two sets of DPNs. I made the leg a bit shorter (5 pattern repeats instead of 7).

I'm very happy with the socks and knitting a mystery pattern definitely was a challenge. I was scared I wouldn't like the result, but fortunately, I do. But I knew that with Nancy Bush, I would probably like it.

I cast on for a new project, that I wasn't able to photograph properly. I did my best:



Pattern is Flora and I'm using leftovers from my Fake Isle Hat. I'm making it for my aunt who is currently battling breast cancer. I already made her a hat Parrotfish during the summer, but I want to knit her something warmer.

I'm also trying to decide on my new sock project for Sockdown October. In October, we can knit:

a) Holiday stockings
b) Man socks (it has to be designed specifically for a man)
c) Socks for a Cause (proceeds from the sale of the pattern has to go to a cause)
d) Any sock designed by the designer of the month, Jeannie Cartmel

My problem is that I don't think I'll have time to knit more than one pair and I have too many options.

I want to make the Falling Snow Stocking. I like the Paul Atwell socks (man socks). I also like Having Hope (proceeds donated to cancer research). And I like a couple of Jeannie Cartmel patterns such as Starflower, Magic Mirror and Summer Sliding.

I don't know which one to choose. Yesterday, Having Hope was winning. Today, it's the holiday stocking. I have no idea. I also want to start a pair of Go Habs Go socks to knit during the Habs games (that won't be part of the Sockdown challenge). Stay tuned!

Habsolutely fantastic

Can you smell it? The beginning of hockey season is right around the corner. Tonight is the last preseason game and in a few days, October 1st, my beloved Habs will play their first real game of the season. I can't wait!

I had tickets for Thursday's game against Boston. Unfortunately, my new favourite player wasn't playing.


Brian Gionta ♥♥♥♥♥

I still enjoyed the game, even though we lost. I took a few pics but the stupid net ruined them all.


Plekanec ♥♥♥♥♥


My favourite goalie Jaroslav Halak ♥♥♥♥♥






I was seated close to Joël, Jacques and Alain from RDS.



I ♥ Youppi


Patrice Brisebois announced he was retiring and got the Jean-Béliveau trophy.

Sorry about the lack of knitting content. Expect a sock-related post soon.

Two at a time

I finished a pair of socks last night, like I had planned.



Pattern: None
Yarn: Knit Picks Essential Multi, in Tucson
Needles: Two at a time on two 2.25 mm circulars

This is my second pair knit two at a time on two circs, and it's definitely not my favourite method. I like that when I'm done, I'm done (don't need to knit a second sock), but I still prefer my DPNs.

Today's goals

It looks like I'm going to have a ME day, since my boyfriend is leaving me by myself to go hang out with the guys from Metallica (cause he's cool like that).

So I made myself a list of goals for the day, some fun ones and not-so-fun ones.

1. Go to the gym
2. Do laundry (you don't want to know how many loads I need to do. We don't seem to have any clean clothes left)
3. Finish my Tucson socks (I'm at the toes, I can do it)
4. Cast-on for one of the Christmas gifts
5. Watch the Habs game on RIS
6. Read a magazine in the bath

I also need to resist the temptation to go to Effiloché for some yarn therapy.

Startitis again?

It's happening. Startitis. I can feel it coming.

I've been wanting to start projects like crazy lately but I'm resisting so far. I'm a slow knitter and if I start too many things, it takes me forever to have anything finished.

But today I saw the Honeybee Cardigan and I fell in love. Then I read the magic word, "seamless", and I fell in love HARD. I really really want to make it, plus I need something fun to make me forget that I'm still not pregnant after a year of trying (I don't really want to talk about it).

So. Do I cast on? Or not?

I first want to finish my first sock in progress, but I should have it done by next week. And my Nancy Bush mystery sock is right on schedule (I finished clue #3 on the first sock in one evening last night, and I'll work on sock #2 tomorrow). All my other WIPs are on hold indefinitely because I'm just not into them. Sooooo, I'm due to start something new any day now.

However, I have many projects on my to-do list. I want to make the Shifting Sands Scarf for my mom (for Christmas) and the Flora hat for my aunt who's battling breast cancer (also for Christmas or sooner). AND I want to make the Potpourri mittens for myself. *sigh* Too many beautiful patterns, too litle time.

(This post was brought to you by a Wednesday night and a bottle of wine. Because I'm worth it).

Ps/ Congrats to Kate-the-enabler on her Little Miss Enabler!!! :)

Building a Mystery

In the... five years or so I've been knitting, I've fallen in love with many yarns. Sometimes it was love at first sight, or at first touch, other times, it started with a like and slowly transformed itself into love. Of course, no matter how much I've loved them, I could never remain faithful, but the yarns didn't mind sharing me so all was good.

But now. Now I think I found THE ONE. I am passionately, madly in love with Tanis Fiber Arts' sock yarn, so much so that I need to declare my love publicly. I LOVE YOU YELLOW YARN!

(As much as I love it, I know I won't be faithful to this one either. Hey, I'm only human).

I've been working on the Nancy Bush mystery sock since we got the first clue on September 1st. The first clue was short and easy (and it included a braid!).



I was able to knit clue #1 on both socks in a couple of days. So I was really happy when we got clue #2 on September 8.



Clue #2 is finished on sock #1, I'll work on sock #2 on the weekend. I'm loving the sock! The only modification I've made so far is that I only knit 5 pattern repeats instead of 7.

I can't wait to see clue #3 (I think we'll turn the heel). This mystery thing is fun!

ETA: I forgot to take a pic of the back of the sock. It's a K1P1 rib for the first three pattern repeats and then it switches to stockinette for four repeats. Since I'm making mine shorter, I did the rib for two repeats and stockinette for three. I think it looks neat.

Stuff to knit with...

So I took the time to photograph the yummy yarn that was in that box I posted in my last post.

First: sock yarn!



Knit Picks Essential (now called Stoll, but it still says Essential on the label). From left to right, the colours are: Grass, Mermaid, Buckskin, Plum Tweed, Pumpkin and Sprinkle Heather.

I also got three skeins of Palette:



Colours are Masala (top), Cream and Sky and I plan to use it for a very special pair of mittens. Can you guess which one? Clue: they're in my queue.

You can see a close-up of every yarn in my stash page on Ravelry.

Back to reality

There was no escaping it this week: I had to go back to work after two weeks of vacation (was it really two weeks? It felt like two seconds).

We had a very relaxing time and spent a good portion of our vacation at home, or with family. And we went to Quebec City for a few days.



We saw The Image Mill, which was fantastic. I wasn't able to get good pictures though. Trust me, it was worth it.

We also saw a baseball game, but unfortunately, Eric Gagné wasn't the pitcher that night (he was the night before). Quebec's team lost. Oh well. We had a good time, even though it was COLD out!



We also visited a place that makes apple cider. We sampled many of the products and it was delicious.

We saw the free street show by Cirque du Soleil, well most of it any way. There were a lot of people there and I wasn't feeling too well so we left early.



So, our vacation was nice but I wasn't too sad when Monday came and I had to get back to work, because that same night I went to see...



Franz Ferdinand!!! It was seriously one of the best shows of my life. It was amazing. They only have good songs so the show had to be good. The singer spoke French the whole time, which was nice and he had so much energy it was contagious. You can see a couple of videos on YouTube.

I mostly knit on my plain socks on two circs during my vacation (no pic for now). And yesterday, I was finally able to cast on Nancy Bush's mystery sock (first clue has a braid!) yesterday, after a little... um... winding incident. I'm using Tanis Fiber Arts yarn and I LOVE working with it! Love!

Speaking of yarn, I have enhanced my stash recently... but I'll save it for another post. Here's a sneak peak:

I am possessed. Possessed!

Something took control of my mind, my body (and my credit card) and is making me buy yarn, yarn, and more yarn.



I received this new pretty this morning. BMFA Socks that Rock lightweight in 24 Karat. I was planning on using it for my yellow Nancy Bush mystery sock, but I'll be using the Tanis Fiber Arts I got last week instead. So STR will become something else, later.

Oh and I did order from Knitpicks. A new set of DPNs to replace the ones that have mysteriously disappeared, SIX different colours of sock yarn and three skeins of Palette in three different colours for a pair of mittens I want to make.

I ordered last night and got an email this morning saying it's shipped already! Talk about quick!

I'm enjoying all the shopping, but it's enough now. I need to stop the madness. No more sock yarn purchases until I have knit seven pairs. I think I can do it. I already have one on the needles. After that, only six more to go! ;)

I did it!

Two socks on two circs!



I finally figured it out! It took me a while to get used to the technique, but all is well now and I'm happily knitting. I was also pleased to notice that the yarn is not pooling (so far), it's striping! They're not neat stripes like the ones you get with self-striping yarn, they're more like zebra-stripes, and who knows if it'll keep doing that for the whole socks, but right now I'm happy with the way they're coming out.

I think I deserve a little reward for trying again after my first failed attempt, don't you think? Yeah, I thought so too.



Tanis Fibert Arts fingering weight in Buttercup. I know, I know, I actually ordered yellow yarn from BMFA for the Nancy Bush yellow mystery sock (I'm still waiting for it btw), but I couldn't resist. I kept thinking about it, which is proof that I needed it, right?

I'm in a stash enhancement kind of mood, especially since I got rid of a lot of old acrylic I knew I'd never use. So now I have SPACE! And I need to fill it. With yarn. Lots of yarn.

I have a big order (well big for me) in my Knitpicks cart, I just need to make up my mind and press the order button... I'm sure I will, eventually.

I want to drown in sock yarn

I've been in a weird kind of knitting mood these past couple of days (any non-knitter who accidentally stumbled upon my blog probably just left after reading that first sentence).

When I finished my Froot Loop socks, I thought it would be a good idea to work on an UFO so I picked up my Montego Bay scarf, which is a great project for summer knitting since the silk is so light. BUT... I'm just not feeling it. I think the yarn is pretty, but I'm not liking the scarf too much. Granted, I only have a little more than a foot done, and I do think it has the potential to become a very pretty scarf, so I don't want to frog it. But meh. I'm on vacation, I should knit whatever I want!

Problem is, I don't know what I want! I'm really looking forward to the September challenge in the Sock Knitters Anonymous group (Nancy Bush mystery sock!!!), but we're not September yet and I still haven't received my yellow sock yarn (it was sent on Monday so hopefully I'll have it soon). I almost bought a beautiful skein of Tanis Fiber Art in yellow the other day, but I figured I'd wait for what I ordered.

I finally cast on for a pair of Merletto mitts, using homespun yarn that I got as a gift. Let's just say that after a lot of frustration (and yarn that kept on breaking and breaking), I ended up throwing the yarn in the trash. Yeah, I know, I'm bad, I threw away yarn...

After that, I decided I'd knit a pair of plain vanilla socks and I thought it would be cool to use the 2 socks on 2 circs method. I've tried it before, thanks to Karine who helped me figure out how to cast on. Unfortunately, that was a couple of years ago and last night, I just couldn't do it, even though I had the instructions in front of me. It was very frustrating. I ended up casting on using DPNs, but after a few rows, I realized they'd be too small so I frogged. I'll start again later today and *maybe* I will try the 2 socks on 2 circs method again, who knows. I'm using this btw:



I also want to start the Shifting sands scarf (that may or may not become a Christmas gift for my mom) and a pair of Postwar mittens soon.

Oh and I bought Cookie A.'s book!



OMG. I seriously want to knit every single pair of socks in that book. They're just beautiful. I bought it just before watching Julie & Julia, and it really made me want to start a project of knitting all the socks in the book in a year. But then I thought I'm participating in enough challenges as it is. But I do want to knit socks from the book soon.

I'm feeling chatty today. I think this is my longest post ever (ok maybe not, but it feels long. I hope I'm not boring anyone).

When I decided to use DPNs for my plain vanilla socks last night, I thought it would be a good thing to try my Harmony DPNs, since I hadn't had the chance to try them yet. Well guess what? I couldn't find them! I looked everywhere and they are nowhere to be found. I'm so pissed!

But I went through my modest stash while looking for them and it made me realize that I really have a lot of yarn that I'll just never use. Mostly acrylic that I got when I was a brand new knitter. Now I already have a plan to go through my closet sometime next week and get rid of everything that doesn't fit and that I don't like. And I decided I'll do the same with the stash. I don't have much, so it won't be a lot, but it'll be nice to get rid of some stuff that just take some space and that just end up making me feel guilty. We are giving everything to Le chaînon by the way, so we're not trashing anything.

Of course, giving yarn aways means that I'll have some room in my stash... ;) I was on Knitpicks earlier and thought I really should replace those Harmony needles. And then, last thing I knew, some sock yarn jumped in my cart, as well as some Palette yarn for mittens... Eeek! I haven't bought anything yet, it's just all there, sitting in my cart, tempting me. I really do need solid yarn for all the socks I plan to knit, you know...

(Expect a yarn porn post in the next couple of weeks...)

Oh the joy!

I am on vacation Ladies and Gentlemen! I'm just beginning today two weeks of pure bliss, of days filled with nothing but knitting, reading, cooking and... nothing! We have a little trip to Quebec city coming up, but other than that, not much is planned. Chris is going to a bachelor party (no, not his own!) on Saturday and I think I'll spend that day at my mom's. Hopefully, it will still be sunny and I'll get to swim in her pool.

I figured there would be no better way to start my vacation than with a FO, so here you go:



Pattern:Froot Loop by Kristi Geraci (Ravelry Page)
Yarn: Lotus Yarn sock club exclusives. Colourway: Dookie (in honor of the Green Day album of the same name)
Needles: 2.25 mm DPNs
Modifications: None