Pattern: Blackberry from Knitty’s Fall 2005 issue. Designed by Jennifer Thurston.
Yarn: Rowan chunky print in the “Deep End” or 076 colorway. 6.5ish skiens.
Needles: Denise size 13.
Started: November 4th, 2005
Finished: November 19th, 2005
Click here for a pic of the back.
click for a side view of Blackberry.
I love it. It may not be the most flattering thing I’ve ever worn, but I love it. It’s warm. I mean, W-A-R-M and that’s good. And it’s very comfy. And cozy. And I adore the colorway. All in all, an a++.
I’ve decided that I need to knit things that will keep me from freezing to death. Like hats, scarves, mittens. A couple of days ago I knitted a Silk Garden Hat which has helped immensely. And now I’m knitting up a cozy cabled scarf with my white alpaca. mmmm. sooo soft. I am also going to knit the Broadstreet Mittens, too. I just need to decide if I want to order some yarn for them or use stash yarn. Decisions, decisions.
Okay. So you might have noticed that I changed my blog a little bit. I’m playing a little. I think I like this template, but I need to play around with it a bit to make it just right. Let me know if you totally hate it and you want me to do something different. Or if you see anything wonky, or whatever other opinion you might have.
Have a fantastic weekend!
November 19th, 2005
I finally finished my fancy socks! It took awhile, but I like how they look. The pattern is “Child’s first sock” from the Nancy Bush book, “knitting Vintage Socks.” Here’s a picture of them off my feet. And here’s a closeup of the shell pattern. They were knitted with JaWol yarn on size 1 needles. I think size 1 needles are the magic needle size for my foot. As I said before, I love, love, love this book and highly recommend it for anyone who loves sock knitting. I definately will be knitting several patterns from this book. But not right away as I am kind of sick of knitting socks at the moment.
No, at the moment I am obsessed with Blackberry! I have already finished the back and both of the fronts and am working on sleeve #1. The picture will show you a closeup of the cable and bobble pattern on the sleeve. The bobbles are hella slowing me down. They are soooo frustrating. I hate them with a passion. Thank God I am using thick-ass yarn and ginormous needles. The pain will only last for a fleeting moment and then I will soon be able to wear this nice, cozy sweater. And I so need this sweater to be finished quickly since the weather here is effing COLD. I woke up this morning and it was 31 degrees! There was frost on the ground! My California blood is not taking this very well. I bought a winter coat that has several layers and it is still not warm enough for me. My co-workers are laughing at me. They are telling me that this is merely “outer shell” weather. It will only get colder. I saw someone in shorts the other day! These people are crazy. Crazy I tell you! Because it is freaking cold outside.
Here is my progress on the Starburst Shawl, if your wondering. The lacy leaf kerchief shawl, or whatever I was calling it, has met it’s demise. Taken a trip to the ‘ole frog pond. And is now being used for this shawl.
November 9th, 2005
Last week I was at JCPenney and I saw this adorable wrappy sweater thing. It was kind of like an oversize shrug and it looked nice and cozy. They only problem was that it was all shiny and acrylic-y. I thought I would be able to find a pattern for something similar out there somewhere. And guess what? I did. It was in the current issue of Knitty and the pattern is called Blackberry.
So yesterday I went home sick from work (yes, I have caught ANOTHER bad cold 
) and decided that I would take the opportunity stop at the yarn store, A Grand Yarn, on my way home. I never get to go there since they are always closed when I’m off and open when I’m working. But I thought that a nice stop in the yarn store would bring about healing powers, so I stopped in. I was so stoked to see an generous supply of Rowan yarns! And they had the yarn that I needed for Blackberry, Rowan Chunky Print. Yay!
I really did intend to wait to cast on until after I finished at least my sock. But I was going to my Mom’s house to eat dinner and watch movies and I wanted a portable project to take over there so I cast on for Blackberry. To my delight, I knitted the entire back portion in a few hours while I was there! Yep. I loves me a quick knit.
I’ve been Memed!By my fellow skate betty Heather (of Pixiestikz)!
What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
Oh gawd! I’m sure I haven’t even found my all time favorite yarn yet, but I’m trying 
. So far, have really enjoyed knitting with Noro’s Silk Garden. I like the way the yarn stripes in gorgeous colors.
I also really, really, really love Koigu. It’s nice and soft and, again, the colors are beautiful. And they don’t pool so much. which is a good thing.
Your favorite needles?
Hands down, Addi Turbos. I bought my first pair a few months ago and I TOTALLY get why people love them now. I am now in the process of collecting all the sizes.
The worst thing you’ve ever knit?
Oh boy. I think there have been a lot of really bad things. Pre-blog, I knit a E.Z. style seamless sweater in Lion’s wool-ease. it ended up being hideous. It has since been frogged.
Post-blog, I would have to say that my least favorite knit is my orange poncho.
It doesn’t fit right and there are tons of obvious mistakes in the knitting.
Your most favorite knit pattern (maybe you don’t like wearing it, but it was the most fun to knit)?
I really enjoyed knitting my Apricot Jacket. It doesn’t look the best on me but it was a really fun sweater to knit.
I also really enjoy knitting socks. There is something magical about turning a heel, I think. As slow going as it is, I really like the socks I’m currently working on.
Most valuable knitting technique?
I’ve been sitting here staring at the screen with this one…I really enjoy all of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s little tricks. I like doing her little half-hitch M1 since it doesn’t leave any holes. I believe I read about that in Knitting w/o tears.
Best knit book or magazine?
What can I say? Knitting Without Tears holds a special place in my heart. Actually the first knitting book I got was Zimmerman’s Knitting Workshop. It was loaned to me and I never returned it. I feel bad about not ever returning it, and I have paid the karmic price for that. But I do love that book, as well and refer to it often. I learned how to knit with Knitting Workshop.
As far as magazines go, Interweave Knits is my favorite.
Your favorite knit-a-long?
Both of the ones that were hosted by Lolly. Lucky Clover and Socktoberfest. I have met some really cool knit bloggers via those two knitalongs.
Your favorite knitblogs?
Hmm..i have lots of favorites. It’s hard to choose even a few. I love all of my knitbuddy’s blogs.
Your favorite knitwear designer?
I am drawn to many Kim Hargreaves designs. I also love Teva Durham. I also really like Marnie Maclean’s designs, also. Oh, and Stepanie Japel, too.
The knit item you wear the most?
I’ve been getting lots of mileage out of Lucky Clover. When the weather gets colder I will wear some of my warmer sweaters like Sundby and Klaralund.
Katherine from knitpowers memed me too, a couple of weeks ago and I apologize for not posting my answers. I’m still thinking about what to write.
Take care guys and have a wonderful weekend! i’m going to go take some Theraflu and pass out.
November 5th, 2005
Pattern: Blackberry from Knitty’s Fall 2005 issue. Designed by Jennifer Thurston.
