Coming to a Decision

Since I let go of the idea earlier this week of making a mitered square whatever, I've been comtemplating what to do with my modest stash of 1824 Wool. To make a ripple blanket, I would have to a aquire more yarn, and that I do no want to do. What can I do with what I have? Granny squares? Too many ends to weave in. A child's striped sweater? Too many ends to weave in.

Let me rephrase the question: What can I do with one ball of 1824 Wool? Baby hat. Baby socks. Child's hat. Child's socks. Mittens. You see where I'm headed here? During the past year, I have intended on two separate occasions to make items for charity, and I have failed to follow through. It won't happen again. Afghans for Afghans has posted on their site that they need baby hats and socks for a Kabul hospital, and they anticipate collecting the items in September, which gives me plenty of time to make some items for the current drive. In fact, I'm willing to share my stash with anyone committed to using the yarn to the same end. AL? Just let me know, and I'll be glad to share.

Hang the socks! (For now.) I'm off to cast on for a hat! I get to use my Lantern Moon size 7 DPNs!

Ravelry

I received my invitation for Ravelry last week, and I have been working a little bit here and there as I have time to set up my notebook. My stash has been recorded as have several of my recent projects. I love the fact that the yarns in my stash are linked to projects other Ravelers are working on or have completed, making it much easier to answer the question: What to do with THIS yarn?!

New WIP: Crocheted Throw Rug

I've had the yarn for this project for some time. I was just waiting for the inspiration to begin. It's a throw rug crocheted in the round. The pattern is from the Dec '06/Jan '07 issue of Crochet Today. I'm using the yarn called for in the colors called for: Moda Dea Tweedle Dee in Cinnamon Twist, Sahara, and Sagebrush. Size J hook.

You see... I'm not a total yarn snob. I like this yarn just fine.

Over It

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last posted. Life has been a whirlwind: swimming lessons, VBS, house guests... Much to distract me from my hobbies.

Last Saturday (6/9), AL and I got together to work on squares for the Larger Than Life Bag. I made a mistake in my choice of yarn. The square looks fine, but I'm so over this project now after making ONLY ONE square. Perhaps if I had the unlimited resources necessary to buy the Koigu Kersti Merino Crepe the pattern calls for I would be more motivated, but right now, I'm just trying to figure out how to unload umpteen balls of Sugar and Cream. Perhaps I will have a drawing.

In the meantime, I made some progress on my sock (while watching this movie), and I made a wash cloth for a belated end-of-year teacher gift. For the body of the cloth, I used the stitch pattern in Alicia Paulson's Tiramisu Baby Blanket. I intended to use the edging as well, but when I got to that part, I was away from my pattern so I got off track. I just went with an old standby. (The handmade soap was made by a friend, and it can be purchased here.)

I've also been thinking about resuming work on the Classic Ripple Blanket or possibly making more miters. I. Just. Need. More. Time.

Another FO!

Pattern: "Cozy Kerchief" from Cozy Crochet (I call it my "Granny Shawl.")

Yarn: Misti Cotton (83% Peruvian Pima Cotton, 17% Silk) in black

Hook: Size G aluminum

Modifications: The pattern is written for a small scarf, but I just kept going until I ran out of yarn.

What I learned: (1) When it comes to wraps, I prefer a stole. Not because I have "Jemima Puddle Duck Syndrome," but because a rectangle shawl provides more coverage for the wearer, which is ultimately a more efficient use of yarn. (2) Misti Cotton produces a great deal of lint. Keep a roller handy at all times.

I reached my FO goal! As of this moment, I have only two WIPs: the Classic Ripple from Cozy Crochet and the Irish Hiking Scarf. I will probably not resume the ripple until cool weather returns. I don't think I can handle that much Wool-Ease Thick and Quick piled in my lap during the summer months. As for the scarf, I keep hoping to be inspired to knock it out but I'm just not feeling it. Even several hours riding in the car with nothing else to work on couldn't motivate me to complete it.

I will cast on for the other sock ASAP, and I plan to begin the Larger Than Life Bag soon. However, I want also to begin another knitting project. Should I resume mitering? Or should I make on of these? I have some yarn in the stash that would work beautifully, I think. (I am committed to knitting from the stash right now.)

FO: Baby Tiger Ripple

Over the past several days, I traveled more than 1500 miles by car with my family, which afforded me plenty of time to finish the Baby Tiger Ripple Blanket I have been working on for months. I was also motivated by the fact that a visit to the recipient's home was included in the trip, so I wanted to finish the blanket to avoid having to ship it!

• Pattern: Soft Waves from 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns by Jan Eaton
• Yarn: Blue Sky Dyed Cotton in Poppy and Indigo
• Hook: Size I
• Modifications: I included a border of two rows of single crochet.
• What I learned: I do not like weaving in ends. The task of "weaving in" is not the problem. What I don't like is the potential for all of that yarn to unravel. I would like to try a round ripple some day, but I think that I may use a hand painted yarn rather than changing colors. Perhaps three skeins of STR heavy weight would do for a baby size round ripple?