Koolhaus Hat

Finished the Koolhaus hat. Dream in Color Classy SW, Daylilly colorway. 

It fits perfectly!

Nice Grooved Mitts (another finish!)

I finished another thing!!

This is a pair of mitts for a Secret Slytherin swap (I don't think she reads my blog, as we don't know each other previously and she doesn't know I'm her Spoiler). She requested wool in darker colors for her Made Thing, either socks or gloves. I decided this was both representative of me (russet/orangey), and "darker" - so I hope she'll like them. Her shoe size is similar to mine, so I hope her hand size is, too. Just in case her hands are smaller, I didn't block these before sending them off (with a bunch of other goodies - a pedicure kit and a tiny journal, both covered in sparkly green; some lovely Stitch Jewels stitchmarkers, and two books for knitting Smaller Things - she does a lot of cowls and scarves, plus a ball of deep garnet wool to play with!)

I really like the way these came out; it's a GOOD modification of my simple mitts, so I'll be writing up THIS pattern and pulling the old one. Solved the whole "holes at the gusset" problem nicely, and fits my hand even better. Hooray!

Anyway, see? That's two RECENTLY finished things in the last two posts!!

Future projects... maybe....

There's a bunch of cool stuff out there I'd like to knit or stitch:


LotR One Ring scarf


I really need to find this pattern!


MOAR OWLS!!
Because a hat, scarf and sweater aren't enough.
OMG, I totally need to make Owls boot toppers!!!


Celtic Shamrock!
And, okay, there's probably a zillion other things, but these are the ones I found recently. :)

Getting on The Crazy Train

So, new year, new term at Hogwarts/HPKCHC (which means regular blog updates again)! I'm a Gryffidor this term (a B-1... guess starting again as a firstie wasn't allowed), and Gryffidor is all about the Badges. The first one up is a Hermione Badge (collecting three of these lets you trade in for a previous train badge you might have missed... um, Gryffindor also has a Crazy Train, with an Engine badge, a Caboose badge, and badges for each month. Hermione badges are not redeemable for Engines or Cabooses.). To get it, you have to finish and turn in a detention project *and* your first class. This was my detention project: the Shadowbox Mitts I dreamt up during the Woolly Thoughs class I attended in October.

Here they are with the pieces all stitched together:

And here's the number of ends that needed to be woven in:

Yeah, that was a little hairy. And may or may not be *completely* finished just yet... but enough so that they're wearable, which is why I'm wearing them today.

(Well, that, and because they look REALLY COOL.)

Knitting! Actual knitting!

Okay, time to start making things and putting together patterns. I had so much fun doing my little Pineapple Dish Cloth, and people were actually able to use the pattern and wind up with things that looked JUST LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. Plus, I need pattern-writing practice for Level II of the TKGA Masters (not that I've turned in Level I yet - but soon. I have three weeks before my deadline). Anyway, here's the beginning of the Diamonds Button-Up Cowl:


In other news, I'm doing a Student on Sabbatical term at Hogwarts, since there's some doubt I'll actually be able to finish three entire projects over the term. I just barely made it through my 7th year, plus lots of my snakie-peeps are changing houses, taking time off as well, etc. I'll still be hanging 'round the nest, but decided to get a new icon made up for the term I'm out:


I rather like it.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Okay, it's just been a weird summer right across the board. Time to get back to the knitting, since it was COLD AND RAINY in the middle of August in DC, which is pretty much the exact opposite of what I expect to deal with during the Dog Days!

Wandered into Nature's Yarns (conveniently located near my doctor's office), and discovered the giant Table of Sale. Upon which was nestled a lone pretty cinnamon Zabuerwolle...



I'm making a cowl with it for fall (since it's almost fall, according to this weekend). I recently went through all the photos from my Yarn on Thursday: Stitch Edition project (which was last dealt with in 2010... time to finish that...), and picked a pretty textured diamond pattern, just knits and purls, with which to knit it up.

Progress on Wednesday, I promise!!

Ginormous Sock Knitting

Last Monday, when I was getting close to starting the heel, I measured it on is foot.


That was a mistake - since somehow, gauge lied, his foot lied, and THERE WAS LYING ALL AROUND. Both socks had to be frogged entirely. Since it took a week to get to that point, getting both socks finished, even on a smaller scale, was gonna be close.

Then there was the pattern. In the book, the Trilobite socks don't really took lacy. They look like cute little trilobytes marching up a sock. But this *is* a lace pattern, make no mistake. So a different pattern had to be found, and QUICKLY.

So... turns out the Trilobite Hat chart (from the Trilobite Hat I made for the eventual sock-recipient) works for socks, more or less.

This far, I've gotten a bit past the heel of the first sock:


Hopefully, I'll actually finish one of them before the end of the month. It's a LOT of tiny stockinette!!

When I grow up, I wanna be...

For the Second Challenge in Quidditch, we were supposed to answer the question "Where do I see myself five years from now?" I decided my answer was "As a Master Knitter in The Knitting Guild Association!" I'm on Level One now, and have been for two years - because I keep getting stopped by The Dreaded Hat. So, time to get over it and just make the hat once and for all. So, I did!


I haven't measured it for gauge yet. It should be spot-on, but I'll have to do it again (that'll be the fifth attempt, although this is still the first FINISHED attempt) if it isn't. But it looks okay, and it fits well, so it should be good. I also like the way I was able to fold the i-cord loops so each one folds over the next one - sorta Celtic-knot-ish.



But it's done!! I found my swatches; I just need to block everything, finish a few questions, and finish my blocking report, and I... *gulp!!*... will be ready to send it off to the Examiners!!! Eeeeeeek!!!

TKGA Master Hand Knitting Level I - Take 3

So, the second Quidditch challenge distills to "something representative of where you want to be in five years". Well, in five years, I'd like to be a Master Knitter, so it was time to tackle The Hat for the third (and hopefully final) time. This one is cream and orange, instead of cream and red; maybe that will make the difference!!

Here it is by the end of Saturday:


Here it is by the end of Sunday:


I just need to make the i-cord bow and/or tassle and/or pompom, and figure out how to block it. And then block my swatches, write my pattern, finish my questions and report, and mail the blasted thing in once and for all!!

12 in 12

So, according to Ravelry (which doesn't count cross stitch, quilting, canvas or hardanger, so no, I didn't get The List down super-far, don't worry), I have twelve WIPs. WIPs are things that I actually intend to finish at some point, as opposed to UFOs, which I have finally realized means I will NOT finish them. (The List has both right now; it will be pruned of UFOs for the new year.) Anyway, here are my Ravelry WIPs:


They're presented in order of "happiness" - which should probably also be updated, since by "happiness", my Evenstar should be dead last. (I am loathing knit-on beaded edging and only keeping going because the yarn is soooo fluffy and the beads are soooo pretty and I WANT THAT SHAWL.)

As pictured left to right, top to botttom, the items are as follows:

1. The 2011 Advent Calendar Scarf, Part 1. I started this on December 1 this year, so it hasn't been a WIP for long. Since I'm doing it with MadTosh Merino Light, 91 stitches and 12 days of pattern will actually get me a shawl. This is probably the closest item to being finished. It will be saved for the OWL frenzy that is March.
2. Slytherin Crest Bag. The knitting is done, the blocking is done. I have the hardware, the straps, and the canvas for the lining. I have zippers and more canvas for pockets. I just have to actually (*shudder*) SEW the thing together. February is a short month with a long weekend - I think I'll save this for then.
3. Ancient Runes OWL: Pretty as a Peacock Shawl. I actually have to frog back through the first set of peacock feathers, which is what killed this shawl getting finished in the first place. And (oh, joy!) I don't think there's a lifeline anywhere in the thing. (I have learned better since!) Whereabouts currently unknown; I'll keep this for August, in-between terms, since it's silk and not *super* warm.
4. Swiss Cheese Scarf. A pleasant little mindless something to carry around with everything else. Also to be saved for an end of term - preferably one where I'm traveling - like July.
5. Astronomy OWL: Evenstar Shawl. It's JUST the edging left. The beaded edging. Still, I think I've got a shot at finishing it in a week or two of knitting. Since it's very warm, it needs a winter midterm - either April this year, or hold until December.
6. Pullover WITH FLAMES. About half the flames are done. I just need to rework the neck (I hate the way it looks now) and worry about the sleeves. Except for the WITH FLAMES areas, it's simple stockinette, so it goes fast when I'm actually knitting.
7. The 2010 Advent Calendar Scarf. Whereabouts currently unknown, and I think I only have about seven days done. This one should be a midterm project, too... and I think I just ran out of midterms.
8. EZ 100th Anniversary Pi Hearts Shawl. This is a big shawl; I think I just kicked up to the 560-stitch rows. It's working well, though, and the Neighborhood Fiber Company silk is a pleasure. It's a pretty simple pattern, despite the size of what's left; I think I can do this during regular term.
9. Yarn on Thursdays: Stitch Edition Blanket. I'm going through (or was going through, I enrolled in the HPKCHC) the entire Knitting on the Net Stitch Directory. I got through 19 weeks of my project in 2010/2011, and 67 stitches on the list. For sanity, I think I'll call "finished" for the blanket at stitch 77, which should be two more panels on the blanket, which should make it queen-sized/futon sized. The rest of the stitches will be handled as sampler pillows for the colorwork/mosaic stuff and the rest in a nice little lap-sized throw. But finished for this is the last ten stitches in part II of the list. Should be able to knock this out during term.
10. Dragon Illusion Blanket. OY. I started this a long, long time ago, before I really had a grasp on what either "287 st/row" or "every row in illusion knitting is actually four rows" meant. I'm almost to the halfway point; I'm thinking if I can get five (really 20) rows a month, I might have it done by the end of the year sometime. And 20 rows of this thing is about all I can manage before it gets exiled again.
11. Peacock Feather Beaded Scarf. This isn't just "whereabouts unknown"; it's so small - just a tiny ball of merino and some beads - that I think it may actually have been accidentally thrown out. If I haven't found it by December 2012, it'll officially come off The List and my Rav page as "forever frogged".
12. History of Magic OWL: Peacock Fillet Crochet Tablecloth. I want this thing done. IT FREAKING TAKES FOREVER. It's a tiny hook. It's tiny thread. BUT IT IS SO PRETTY! I think this will be another "work about ten rows, put it down for a month" projects.

So, according to the above, I want to finish the twelve items in the following order, more or less. Any of the larger items (tablecloth, illusion blanket) will get worked on well before the month they're due - heck, all of them might be - so this is just a "hey, if I haven't started finishing this yet, I really should" list :

January - Pullover WITH FLAMES February - Slytherin Crest Bag March - 2011 Advent Calendar Scarf, Part 1 April - Evenstar Shawl (OWL) May - Yarn on Thursdays: Stitch Edition Blanket June - 2010 Advent Calendar Scarf July - Swiss Cheese Scarf August - Pretty as a Peacock Shawl (OWL) September - EZ 100th Anniversary Pi Hearts Shawl October - Peacock Fillet Crochet Tablecloth (OWL) November - Dragon Illusion Blanket December - Peacock Feather Beaded Scarf

Yeah, that should keep me busy this year. Not even counting the upcoming 54 classes, three BROOMs, three OWLs, Quidditch, Challenges, and other events!!

More Cheese!

Time for another obligatory Swiss Cheese Kauni Scarf photo:



This seems to be the "project most likely to be photographed at my desk". I'm really loving the color changes; somewhere in the stash, there's yarn for a Kauni Cardigan. It's gonna rock when it happens!!

Ooops.

Okay, I may have had a Kauni accident. But really, it just jumped on my needles. There was nothing I could do!!



(It's the Swiss Cheese Scarf, if you want to try one of your own. Once you've got the hang of the cast off/cast on for the holes, it's pretty easy. AND SO COOL LOOKING IN THE KAUNI!!!)

The Kauni Got Me.

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm doing Wollkistchen's Advent Calendar Scarf for 2011: LINK. So far, so good, still on schedule. Since I've got a Time Advantage (the pattern for a particular Day drops, for me, at 5pm the day before), I haven't fallen behind yet, although it's been close once or twice. Here's what I have so far, for the first week:

This was a little triangle-lace motif that gives the border of the scarf a pretty scalloped edge:


Day 1
Next, we had lace with cables (ooo!):


Day 2
Next up, some wavy green not-cables... kinda cool!


Day 3
Then, some snowflake lace. I stopped half a repeat short of what was called for, so it would balance top-to-bottom. (In my opinion; I'm quite certain it's fine as written, too, based on all the lovely photos in the Day 4 thread of the Rav group.)

Day 4
About now, I'm realizing that I love the MadTosh Merino Light I'm using, and that it's REALLY REALLY going to benefit from blocking. The stitch definition is good now, ditto the lace, but it'll be spectacular once everything is opened up and stretched out a bit. And I'm actually making a shawl, as it turns out - without much stretching, mine's over two feet wide; with blocking, it'll probably hit 30in/2.5ft! Also? It's a TOTAL BEAR to photograph it just now. It really, really needs to be blocked so you can see the pretty better. (Some people are actually pinning out their scarves each day for the daily photograph; I'm lucky to get it knitted, and couldn't find my pins to save my life. They're in a bag marked "OWL DO NOT LOSE" lost somewhere in my house.)

On to some leafy-looking stuff in the next band; I'm glad it randomly wound up on a "green" day:
Day 5
Then, this fun one. The chart was NOT making sense to me (and I'm one of those that usually prefers charts to written instructions), so I actually didn't start it until Day 6 (thus getting me horribly behind for the day, since I'm supposed to be ready to start Day 7 on the commute home the previous night).


Day 6
By the end of Day 6, I've determined that I'm not knitting an Advent Calendar Scarf. I'm actually knitting two twelve-day shawls, of which this is the first (which will be done by Monday, in time for Yule Cat!). I also had massive fail getting started on Day 7 - I had to cast on three times because of a persitent inability to count to eight several times in succession after 10pm at night. Did manage, finally, just before work started, and using paperclips as markers.

I'm only about halfway through Day 7 at this point - the first time I've actually been behind so far, and I should catch up easily during my coffeeshop time on Saturday afternoon. Why am I behind, you might wonder?

Because I started a Swiss Cheese scarf.

The Kauni got me.

BROOM submitted!

So, there's a fun new thing at Hogwarts this term for projects that aren't *quite* time-eating enough to qualify for an O.W.L., but are definitely too much for a month-long class. It's the Order of the Phoenix, which has four departments - Central Command, Security Operations, Recruitment, and Undercover Operations. Now, I've wanted an excuse to knit a Rogue hoodie FOREVER, but it's definitely not an OWL-level project for me. I *might* be able to pull it off in a month - but not if I had to knit anything else (like, say, Quidditch projects, six classes, an OWL, various Challenges...). So a BROOM (Basic Request for Official Order Mission) is a great vehicle for finally getting me the pullover I've wanted forever.

To the point that I've started it before, but in acrylic yarn - and I really want it out of wool. My Miss Babs Yowza! in Russet came in last month, so I'm taking it as A Sign. (I love Yowza! - I'd better, since I've made a king-sized Girasole out of it.) So, I'll be starting all over again once I'm approved, but I'm fine with that. I WANT THIS SWEATER!!!

Anyway, here's my BROOM. As you can probably tell, I had a LOT of fun putting it together. (Also - I don't own any of the images but my sweater schematic at the bottom.)

BROOM Proposal - Public Portion

I, "Morissa Hazard" [ R E D A C T E D - R E D A C T E D ] of the noble house of Slytherin (see file, left), greatly desires to go on a mission for the Order of the Phoenix. I must follow in my sister "Carrollon Hazard"s (see file) footsteps quite literally, and hope that I can find her, as she has been out of contact for much longer than she ought. I propose, therefore, to gain admission to her current circle of "friends", and continue her work - discovering if the Death-Eaters that are attempting to re-form as a coherent (and dangerous) group.

It is suspected by [ R E D A C T E D ] of the [ R E D A C T E D ] that the new circle is forming around Minos Rockwood (second son of Augustus Rockwood). Despite his father's known offenses, and his elder brother's disapperance, Minos has managed to hold on to the family fortune. To all outward appearances, he is an earnest, charismatic young man with considerable resources at his disposal. His usual mode of dress can politely be termed "flamboyant" (or "gaudy" or "eyereekingly loud"), so he is noticed wherever he goes. He is a favorite subject of the gossip columns of several periodicals.


Minos Rockwood, source: Daily Prophet
He does, however, disappear from time to time. Completely. This in itself is not unusual, people aren't always in the public eye after all, but coupled wtih credible rumors from [ R E D A C T E D ] and actual eyewitness accounts from [ R E D A C T E D - R E D A C T E D - R E D A C T E D ], he dons far less conspicuous garb than is is wont and heads to a known Portkey at the edge of his estate.


Minos Rockwood: source Carrollon Hazard
My sister, of age to be an "acceptable match" with Rockwood (yes, the [ R E D A C T E D ] families still talk that way!), was approached by [ R E D A C T E D ] some time ago to, in turn, approach Rockwood. After a few months, within which she gained his trust, she was able to ascertain that the Portkey on the Rockwood estate emerges just outside the [ R E D A C T E D ], in the [ R E D A C T E D ]. While this is perhaps a surprising destination for a would-be Death-Eater, its very unlikliness - outright brazenness, if you prefer - make it a very secure meeting place. Carrollon was also able to positively identify at least one of the other members of the alleged group - [ R E D A C T E D - R E D A C T E D ].


Death Eater?: source Carrollon Hazard
So far, so good - except Carrollon herself has disappeared. I was able to find her last communication in the [ R E D A C T E D ] files.


Note, ascribed to C.H., source: [ R E D A C T E D ] file
It seems likely that Minos Rockwood's Suspected Activities have crossed into Actual Activities, and my sister herself may be in grave danger. Based on other information in the [ R E D A C T E D ] files, I have pieced together that there is a ritual planned for the Full Cold Moon (in late November). The Harvest Moon has just passed, so I need to find Carrollon in a scant six weeks - before the Full Cold Moon rises.


Carrollon Hazard, source: Ministry File - Suspected Death Eaters
I realize that as a relative of someone that may be in peril, I have to be unnoticable - or so ordinary as to attract no attention whatsoever. To blend in, no matter where I am. I must be able to flow seamlessly - and unnoticed - in whatever surroundings I find myself - or at least look as though I belong where I am! To this end I propose to fashion a hooded pullover, with some (but not too much) decoration, in a deep brown. That seems to be the favored color of Rockwood's group. It should allow me to blend as much as possible - but it won’t seem an unusual thing for me to wear in my everyday life, so I shouldn’t draw attention to myself as doing anything odd, either. I hope to be able to reach the Portkey (luckily, my uncle [ R E D A C T E D ] owns a bit of property estate adjoining the Rockwood estate), and through it find the Death-Eaters - and, Fates willing, my sister. I will obtain what information I can, retrieve my sister, if possible, and hopefully they’ll never know I was there.

I fervently hope my Proposal is accepted.

Thank you,
"Morissa Hazard"

Just for my personal reference, I'm putting my schematic from the original Rogue here; the inches are correct, but my gauge might vary. And at this point, I have no idea where the actual paper copy has hidden itself, if it even still exists!!



Now, I just have to wait to see if I've been approved...

*...drums fingers on desk...*

Are we there yet...?

F is for Finish!

Finished my shawl on Friday night, without much yarn left over at all. Got it blocked on Saturday, and let it dry:


Today, I wore it. And since it's down in the sixties in the mornings now (WTF, August, you DO know you're supposed to be warmer?), I actually needed it!


I really like the way it came out, and as an extra-fun bonus, it will also get me a STUFFF "Finish" tile. Yay!

New Knits and Phoenixes

In actually-I'm-knitting-really-I-am news, I started AeRang by Jolene Mosley last night. Got through the first chart before bedtime on Wednesday, which was probably foolish, since I'm incredibly sleep-deprived already, but teh knitting crazy got me.


In HPKCHC news, Cue the BOUNDLESS EXCITEMENT!!

Dear Students,

Congratulations! You have been selected to undertake a journey of personal growth and crafting prowess. I am pleased to invite you, the students (and NQFY and SoSs) of the HPKCHC, to the inaugural gathering of the Order of the Phoenix. Those of you who choose to accept a mission with the Order will undertake a variety of duties and assignments to thwart Death Eaters, He Who Must Not Be Named, and all manner of crafting gremlins and forces of evil.

Our purpose as a school is to foster growth as a magical community, as well as provide the best in magical crafting education that we can, by practical courses. The Order of the Phoenix missions will test your skills in magical applications lasting more than one muggle month and up to two muggle months (ideally, 6-8 weeks). You may join the Order and carry out one task each term. You may simultaneously sit for one OWL or NEWT each term, if you choose. Order missions will teach valuable skills in magical clandestine operations, and completed missions will earn 100 points for your House. Students, NQFYs, and SoS who complete Order missions will earn that term’s badge.

But membership in the Order is not for the faint of heart. As in our other Advanced Studies courses, simply achieving your goal will not complete the objective. If you choose to join the Order and undertake a mission, you must report your plan to your Mission Chief before you begin. Mission Chiefs will be looking for plans full of cunning and bravery. Be careful with specific details lest your owl be intercepted by our enemies, and be prepared to remain in contact with your division throughout your mission. Your Mission Chief will approve your mission and after receiving and replying to the prearranged signal from the Order Commander, you may begin.

That’s all I can say for now, as Hogwarts business is calling me away. Watch the skies for post owls carrying further instructions. And… good luck.

Needlesnswiffers
Headmistress of Hogwarts

The HPKCHC folks are doing a really wonderful job of keeping things new and fun and interesting. I'm definitely going to be staying a few extra years for post-graduate work...

Stuff I Started in April

So, I never really posted my March Stuff Finished... and I didn't do a collage, but trust me, seventeen things (12 of them Braided Balls for my failed Arithmancy OWL) came off the list in March. April... April is going to be another story. I finished one thing in April. I had some leftover hunter green acrylic, and knit up what I think will be a totebag handle at some point. But that's it. That's the April finish so far.

There is, however, a bunch of Stuff I Started In April:

Scarf:

It's out of my Dobby's Sunset yarn. I kept waffling back and forth on making the embossed leaf entrelac, but I really like it so far.

Mitts:

On one of the recent trips to Fibre Space, two balls of Mochi Plus came home with me, and they're slowly turning into entrelac mitts. If I find more Mochi Plus in this colorway, I'll add to them... and eventually get a shrug. Or a sweater. It's just that soft and cuddly!

Shawls:

That's StellaLuna out of MadTosh lace in Fathom, and she's about 2/3 of the way finished. The whole "have this shawl finished for Easter" did not, as you can tell, happen. Sigh. But it's going to be really pretty, and I'm getting good a spit-splicing (there was an UNBELIEVABLE tangle somehow in my center-pull ball!)


I got some Patons Lace because I liked the colorway. Turns out it has AMAZINGLY long color runs, so I'm knitting a triangle shawl from the long edge down to the point (an idea I got from StellaLuna). Making up the design as I go, and charting same; will probably put it up (a) when it's finished if (b) it turns out well.

Then, there's the shawl I started the day I got the Color Changing Cotton from Looped Yarn Works. It, too, is about halfway done now, but here it is in an earlier day:





There's also my Slytherin Crest Bag, which will be amazing when it's finally finished. This last week of April was spent cutting up the lining, getting all the pockets Just So, and handstitching everything together. NOT EASY. But worth it... hopefully I'll be able to finish it up tonight and tomorrow, turn it in for April Stitch-Along class, and then use it as my identifyer at MDS&W on the 8th. Anyway, progress pics - Bag:


Knitting done...


...then, the ritual bag wetting...


...then, figuring out how to block this thing. Turns out, a piece of floral foam was the perfect width and depth, and just a wee bit short. But I figured out how to make it work:



Yay! Okay, May can start now.