Back 2 School is out for Summer.

Another Fitted Knits project off the needles and not a moment too soon. It is getting way to warm to have wool draped across your lap! I think I started to melt while taking these photo's. This sucker is very, very warm.
This is a pretty quick knit and I did enjoy working with the Cascade 220. I am happy it's done because now I can start something new or maybe I'll just waste away the hours on Ravelry! *Confetti, balloons, party hats!!!*
Ravely is Knitters crack. You will seriously loose hours, maybe even days of your life to it. Ravelry will not only force you to organize and track all your projects, yarn,needles, patterns, etc. - (fabulous for those of us that have random scraps of paper w/scribbly notes and stray balls of leftover yarn scattered about) But the inspiration of completed knits will have you queing and bookmarking till your little fingers fall off. It's a knitters paradise to have all that fibery goodness wrapped up in a neat little package. Enormous thanks to Jess and Casey for creating such a wonderful forum for the knitting & crocheting community! Sign up if you haven't already.... or if you're already on, come by and say "Hi". My username is NoKnitSherlock!

Shock the Monkey

So what do you get when you combine a Pirate and a Monkey?

Well, maybe....But this is what I came up with.
Cookie A.'s Monkey sock in Yarn Pirates "Karma" colorway! (I joined my first ever sock club this weekend - I'm officially a member of the Yarn Pirate's Booty Club. Arrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!)
Just look @ all those yummy colors. This here is the Monkey sock in STR "Fire on the Mountain" colorway.

Gorgeous color and pattern * no pooling * Hurray!

But, there's just one little problem. Okay, big problem.

I didn't do a gauge swatch AND I used medium weight. D'Oh!

Just call me Sasquatch - Sasha for short.

Disaster, but they are just so beautiful, I haven't the heart to frog them. They"ll probably become "house slippers" because they are so ridiculously loose. In my defense, I was mesmerized by all the pretty colors. ( the length of that heel alone should have been a red light, Right?) Yeah, well...... in my euphoric state I kept on a knitt'in.

Wowza!

My pal Jess has recently opened an Etsy store. This is my constant traveling companion for ze'sock knitting. I love this little bag....The only thing is, I need about 10 more to keep all my wip's in order. :0)

Visit Jess @ Messie Craftie and have a look. She has much more to offer so stop by and check out her stuff. We can all use a nifty place to store our knitting projects. (or hide freakishly huge socks)

Schools OUT for summer!

Summer is here. The sun is shining & the temperature is rising. Jakey's last day of school is tomorrow. So long First grade...Hello Summertime fun! Yes, it's here alright. So why I decided to knit a WOOL vest, I cannot say. But the upside is this baby is practically knitting itself. Very, very quick knit. And yes boys and girls, That is most definitely waffle stitch. Not exactly the same as "you know who", but a first cousin for sure. Victory is mine. Vest = No Sleeves! I will not be in waffleville for very much longer. *Close up shaping detail
I'm thinking Rowan's Calmer would be a good choice if I knit a second vest...Very So Cal friendly also.

What's up with the Oracle?

So does anyone remember this movie???? Can anyone tell me what the Matrix is??? Anyone??? -Right.

Well, My niece Alex requested some green & purple socks. And like a good Auntie, I promised to deliver her said socks. I sat down in from of my computer prepared to find green & purple sock yarn, when the light bulb went off!

I have that color combo in my stash. Hurray for me! Hurray for Alex! Here are Alex's socks in Lisa Souza's "Sock" LimeNViolet colorway. Knit on size 1 circular needles. Magic Loop Method. Basic Toe-Up pattern.

Skully is modeling how much yarn was left over....Loads of this stuff! I'm sure I can get two more pair out of it.

Now, these guys had very interesting color pooling.... So, I am renaming them "Matrix" socks. If you stare at them long enough you may get the plot to that movie!



DSL Tank from Fitted Knits is just about complete. I need to weave in the ends, add buttons and she will officially be D-O-N-E. I will try to get off my lazy butt and finish her up this weekend. (key words being try and lazy)

I will leave you with my next Fitted Knits project. Can you see what it's going to be? This book is fabulous and I highly recommend it.
This is a definite Winter wear item for me. Cascade 220 and California weather don't really mix well....but I love working with the wool. Maybe Rowan's Calmer for vest #2.

Knitters Virtual Vacation Questionnaire

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? Massachusetts, I visited once about 10 years ago and would want to go back. I loved everything about it, especially the history. I would love to spend two weeks there, it's so beautiful.
2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? I would love to visit the UK. The beauty of the the country & the history. (the yarn stores & the pubs) Good combo, Right?
3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? No. Oh wait, I have driven from California to Nevada (Las Vegas) does that count?
4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? I don't have a passport. . .
So I would have to say Mexico. Living in California I have been to Mexico a few times.
5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? I really love New York. I enjoy "going" & "doing" when I'm on vacation. Why? Because it's "The City that never sleeps".......
"Start spreading the news....."
6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Sort of. Living in So Cal everyone that visits, pretty much wants to see the obvious..Beach, Hollywood, Disneyland. You get the idea.
7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? Museum visitor and amusement seeker for sure.
8. What's your favorite type of yarn? I love yarns that show good stitch definition. I'm in love with Rowan's Calmer and Koigu KPPPM.
9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Novelty yarns. Furry stuff or yarn that is too busy.
10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? It changes. Whatever catches my eye.
11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Socks and small items.
12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I like to sew and embroider.
13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) Nope.
14. What is your favorite color? I love color! If I had to pick a favorite...Red & Orange Least Favorite? Love all colors. They are all my favorites.
15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? I'm a die hard Dark Chocolate Lover. (with nuts!)
16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? Vacation-wise, I like to be on the go. See things, meet people, take in the sights & sounds - more traveler less relaxer.

Mars Attacks!

Is there life in Outer Space??? Do you believe??? (Well what do think happened to Elvis?) We sent out the first signal using Koigu #843D. This was a good start for establishing communication, because these socks could definitely be seen from Outer Space.
Strange creatures started to invade No Knit Sherlock! Creepy noises were heard late at night and there was electricity in the air. We gathered our courage and waited for a sign.
Wondering if the brilliant light beam cast from Jakey's socks may not be enough, I tried making contact with this ancient wooden tool. This device is sure to work as it could not have been made by human hands. You must have inter-galactic powers to operate it.
Our signal was received. The first invader came by way of my computer. He is very shy, and I consider myself lucky to have actually captured this image on film. Most of the time he just hangs around the monitor. Sometimes he jams the frequency and the system locks up. Other than that he pretty much keeps to himself.

Then this little guy came along. He's harmless as well, with the exception of his all fiber, all the time diet. I am forced to knit up my stash, just to keep him from devouring it all. He looks a little too comfortable in my Lisa Souza LimeNViolet sock yarn. Better knit those up quick for Alex before ET gets any ideas. Does he look hungry to you?

He's also very athletic by the way. See here, he came with his own rowing machine. Just because you are visiting other planets is no excuse to skip your daily work out. This tiny alien is very health conscious, in case you were wondering. (high fiber diet and all) Oh No!

Those sneaky martians have taken over Jake & Christian. I am powerless to resist. Will I be next??????
It's all a lie! They do not come in Peace.

Houston...We have a problem.

Jakes socks knit with: One skein of Koigu, Color #843D, Size 2 circular, Magic Loop Method, Basic Toe-Up Pattern.

On the needles May 25th

Off the needles May 27th

Alex's socks knit with: Lisa Souza "Sock", Lime N Violet colorway, size 1 circular, Magic Loop Method, Basic Toe-Up Pattern.

On the needles May 30th

Off the needles ???

Red Rover, Red Rover.

My drop spindle kit came today. I must be losing my mind, because I have come to the ridiculous conclusion I can teach myself to spin....with this.

But how could I resist?????

Just look how beautiful it is. The luscious roving was enough to send me swooning. I have to at least try. Right?
Ummmm....Here's what I'm thinking. Go to YouTube and find a video of someone who knows what they are doing. Cause here's the thing.... I haven't a clue.

I hope there will be much improvement this weekend. Are there motivational video's for Spinners????

*** YOU CAN DO IT *** positive thinking is half the battle and the other is patience and a tall stiff drink! May the mighty Spinning Gods have mercy on my soul.

Great Weekend all!

Randy Randomness

** I knit on my DSL Tank while watching this on Saturday. It was creepy and dark - I loved it. So, here goes the "7 Random Things Meme" that is circulating through the blogosphere. I was tagged by nickerjac & knittiana!.
I don't know if I will actually blog 7 things, but I'll give it a shot. (exactly how random can you be if you are trying to be random????) Anyway, here you go......................................

#1) I never wear lipstick.

NEVER.

The King Lives! ** to hold my circular needles anyway ** Thanks to my SP10 Pal. You are definitely feeding my 'All Elvis, All the time' obsession....AND.....Thank you Kate for the gorgeous orange offspring of your fabulous Clapotis! Love it, love it. You are such a sweetheart. Knitting friends are the BEST!

#2) I was a champion Irish dancer till the age of 15 when I decided it was embarrassing & quit. ( 10 years later...Riverdance ) What's the old saying? "Hindsight is 20/20." Yep, that ship has sailed.
#3) I am a native Southern Californian and have never been blonde or owned a convertible.
More stash enhancement........oooooooohhhhhh..........Koiguuuuuuuuu.
#4) I planted a lime tree in my backyard 5 years ago with the sole purpose of always have fresh limes for my beer. Now having more limes than one person (beer drinking or not) could possibly need....I can bake the best damn Key Lime pie you've ever tasted.

Well that about does it. If anyone reads this and wants to do it, "TAG!" Just say I tagged you & knock yourself out.

Hey, check out the pic above. That's DSL's wrong side. Kinda digging the way it looks. I'm thinking maybe I'll flip her inside out. Whatcha think?

Yo Mama!

The weekend is HERE! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommy's out there in the great big blogosphere. I hope everyone has a wonderful day with family & friends. I am participating in the Revlon 5K tomorrow. This is my 8th year attending and although always very emotional it is soooooo worth it. Please continue to pray & support all the brave woman battling cancer. I remain optimistic they will find a cure & more preventative medicines.

Now in knitting news. My progress on DSL Tank from Fitted Knits. I have modified the pattern by working in the round. So far so good. I don't anticipate too many problems splitting for the underarms and neckline. Fingers crossed I can figure it out! That gorgeous yarn is Cascades pima tencel in teal. Ummmmm, another Chevron in the works. Socks that Rock in Thistle & Lemongrass. Makes me think of lemonade w/berries.
A little Chevron wave action. Looks soooo different from the Koigu..(which I prefer btw) But I still am enjoying it. Lemony Berry deliciousness.

My totally rock'in new tote. This was hand sewn by my friend Heidi. (Who incidentally is whipping these bad boys up & selling them at our LYS) She knows how much I love Dia De Los Muertos art. Looks like I've got myself a new Knitt'en bag! That's her baby Lily. She is her spokes dog. You can see more bags here. Awwwww, such a mug.

Now you may have noticed this lovely in the first pic. I have been lusting after this dress form forever. My dear friend Tammy got me this for my birthday. Isn't she fantastic??? Love it, love it, love it! I have the best friends. (even if they aren't knitters, they're still pretty cool..dontcha think?) That's about it for now. Have a great weekend all and be good to your Mothers.

Thermal.....O-F-F the needles!

Out of the frog pond, off the needles and now, (regretfully) packed away until winter. This baby took me 2 months to complete! But the Bitch is done & I'm damn happy about that! Close up button detail. I found these fab (very 'tigers eye') beauties @ Joann's. I love'um.

Here's to hoping for a cold snap..(yeah right!) Bye, bye Thermal. We have had a tumultuous relationship. I successfully managed miles & miles of waffle stitch on size 3 needles. (and by "managed" I mean "forced") Cursing your very existence every step of the way. But in the end I came to Love you. Yes, I'll say it.....I "heart" Thermal.
**In my delirious, euphoric state, I am actually considering knitting a second one of these.....Hello Crazy.

Pattern Thermal from Knitty.com

Yarn Gloss from KnitPicks in Pumpkin

Needles Addi Turbo's size 3

Began March 3, 2007

Completed May 2, 2007 R.I.P.