Mystical Creation Yarns

*sigh* Such a huge hubbub over on Ravelry concerning this dyer. To be honest, I also purchased some MCY yarn a while ago, but my experience wasn't nearly as bad as everyone else's it seems. My yarn, while thinner than I expected, was exactly what it looked like on Etsy. There were no felted spots, no undyed spots, no breaks, no bleeding and it arrived quickly. The yarn is... I hate to say... perfect. I was lucky.

I've heard such horror stories of what I could have gotten. I consider myself extremely fortunate. But like I said, it was thinner than I expected... and this is my own fault. ^_^;; I should've read the stitches per inch. But what to do with this thin yarn with not much yardage? I sure as heck am not ordering more from her. No sir, I can learn from others mistakes. So no lace stoles for me. =( I did consider knitting up a pair of Mrs. Beatons (lacy cuffs), but I dress up so very rarely, it would seem a waste. But the Ice Queen pattern in the Winter 07 Knitty was perfect! It would use up a large amount of this yarn, I wouldn't be short, it's elegant, and I'm allergic to the recommended Kid Silk Haze. I'm about 30% thru the Ice Queen pattern and it already so pretty and soft. It's truly a shame that MCY had to go downhill in such a terrible manner. I totally would've ordered from her again... if she wasn't such a person of questionable morals.

Better

I'm really glad to see improvement in my dad's condition. I remember when he first went in and could barely speak coherently. Now, I can understand what he says and he's completed therapy with his hand. His leg is still weak, but that he can get up, walk a few steps with minimal assistance... it makes me happy. I hope he comes home soon. =)

On the knitting front, I'm completely burnt out by the completion of the 1 snowflake sock. I've put that on hold and am knitting my brother a pair of mindless Thuja with Ewe-Phoria Sock Yarn. OMG... that sock yarn is SOOO soft and yummy. I'm glad I'll have enough left over after his are done for a pair of anklets for myself. SO SOFT! Working with this yarn has been a joy. He better like these! D< If he doesn't, I'll kidnap them back, rip back the toes and reknit 'em to fit me! ~_^

Snowflake Socks

I'm.... unhappy. I get to a VERY nice spot in my knitting... almost being done... and I have to rip them back. It's happened 3 times so far. These socks are taking FOR-EV-ER. I just want them to be done.

Rip 1: Gauge is too tight. I have to rip back to before the heel turn. I can't get them on.
Rip 2: I made a big very noticeable boo boo after the heel turn and have to rip 10 rows back. RIP!
Rip 3: It doesn't fit over my calf. Time to rip back 20 rows and move up to a larger needle. I'm gonna have to go up ANOTHER needle size soon. I just know it.

*whine* Are we there yet? D=

Procrastination

I'm a horrible procrastinator. Sort of. ^_^;; Anyways, I told many of my friends, I'd knit them something for xmas... which I did and fairly on time as well.

Well... their gifts are still sitting in my house. I haven't found the time nor energy to mail them out. I should do that soon. ;_;

In other news, I'm working on a pair of Snowflake Socks from Magknits. I'm using the new Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. It's a little.... fiddly, but I like the colors. I have NEVER knit socks that long. O_o But at least I have something to knit while visiting my dad. (Dad had a stroke the day before New Years. He's ok! He just needs some rehab for his leg.) Sometimes I wonder if he gets annoyed that I turn his room into a knitting meeting (since my mom knits too). ^_^ Well... he hasn't complained yet, so I guess it's ok.

Sock Swap Swag

I got my package from my Hogwarts Sock Swap partner in the mail. I was quite impressed with the stuff she sent me! The socks (which were beautiful) fit perfectly, while the books she got were fun to look through. She got me a nice set of size 3 bamboo needles (which the timing for couldn't be more perfect) and yummy yummy candies. Even the packaging was cute (a little halloween themed chinese take-out box). XD

I had so much fun doing this swap. I would happily (and eagerly) do another. Thanks so much to my Swap pal Daisy Boomslang (as I know her by) for being a wonderful partner. =D

Vintage patterns

One of the local libraries had a book sale and I decided to sift through the craft section. I came upon quite a few vintage knitting magazines, but only a couple actually caught my eye. One is a 1963 copy of Spinnerin. It's really quite amazing. A LOT of the patterns in it could be knit and be very trendy today. I'll probably have to look up some of the weights/sizes of the yarn, but I think I might knit some of these up. They're quite pretty. There's even a pattern for a coat/skirt set that looks very Jackie O.

The other is a 1974 knitting mag called "For the Family" by Annis Holmes and has a few hat, mitten, sock, and scarf patterns. I'm a sucker for socks and mittens, so I had to grab it.

All in all, it cost me $1. XD

Edit: I stopped by A.C. Moore's knitting demo today and got a free pair of size 17 needles. SWEET! Going to go back on Monday and try to get some 40% off Paton's Classic Wool for a pair of felted clogs.

Size... what? D=

My brother asked me a while ago if I would knit socks for him. So... upon completing the socks for my Hogwarts Sock Swap Pal, I thought it was time. I got 2 skeins of Moda Dea's Bamboo Wool (since I wanted Panda Wool, but alas, I couldn't find any in "manly" colors at my LYS). Well... I really should've thought twice about it. My brother wears size 15 shoes. ^^;;

Well, I decided the fastest and easiest way would be to just knit a very basic sock. No patterns. Just straight stockinette feet with a 4x2 ribbing at the ankle. It took me 3 days, but I'm halfway done. Yep... 1 sock down and 1 to go.

I'm really kinda happy. He likes how thick it is, how short it is (he wanted socks that went shortly past his ankle and 1 skein did exactly that), and the shape and color. Hopefully, these socks will be good for NY winters and will last him a while.

I'll just pray that if they don't last a week... he won't tell me. I swear I'll cry.