Friday, January 18, 2008

Curiously Lacey

I have several projects that need to be started & done before I can allow myself to purchase new yarn but for some gosh darn reason I just don't want to start them yet. I somehow became interested in lace construction. I read up on Eunny Jang's articles, thought I got a handle, attempted to draw a simple lace chart which turned out pretty disastrous even after several tries...so now I am just doing small swatches of patterns from Knittingfool.

I don't know if it's just me but usually the end of the row is slightly wrong or something. Anyways, I've knit up 3 different patterns so far across 28 stitches. It's interesting how they come together where established left or right leaning columns will continue to sway surrounding stitches in the new pattern.

Knit bottom up obviously but listed top to bottom:
3) Overlapping Waves (10 rows - multiple of 6 + 4 st)
2) Diamond Spanish Lace - (8 rows - multiple of 8 + 4 st)
1) Travelling Vine - (12 rows - multiple of 8 + 4 st)

Friday, January 11, 2008

Current Crafting Tally $$

Knitting Tally - At last check in October, this was at approximately $360. I haven't done much since then but let's see what else is new (gotta keep tabs on myself):

$360 - previous tally
$5 - buttons for cable bag
$5 - Sean Sheep yarn
$15 - Christmas presents yarn
$35 - misc. Sale yarn (gloves, dog sweater)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
$420 TOTAL / 15 Projects = $28/project
11 months since start = $38.18/month

Sewing Tally - While not much has come of this hobby, the tally is considerably higher due to the startup costs for notions. I definitely plan on sewing more soon. My skills blow right now, need practice...

$110 - sewing notions & Halloween fabric (pilgrim, turkey, machine cover)
$20 - Terry Cloth (pj pants)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
$130 - TOTAL /4 projects = $32.50/project
3 months since start = $43.30/month

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Wonderful & Icky Weather

It's been T-shirt weather for 2 days now and all the snow has melted resulting in mashed green grass & muddy floors (and a little extra in my backyard from the dog). All that is gross and dead is now exposed from under its white blanket yet it is too early for spring. The ickyness will remain for at least several days but it's not like I'm motivated to go frolick about outdoors. When will the mild winter nights with light flurries come so that we can finally go use our Night Boarding Pass? When?!

The headband for roommate has finally been started. I did about a third of it, decided it was too messy and clumpy doing it all in the round, so I frogged all the colorwork and reworked it the same way I did the Skulls hat. Looks waaay better. Here's my sorta chart:

Also, we are ripping up most of our bathroom because of a piece of rotten wood under the shower step due to minor leakage. Bf is gonna install a new base & walls for the shower. We're getting a new vanity counter top, sink, cabinets & doors. The walls wil be repainted and he will rip up all the existing floor tile and yippy I will be re-tiling both the floor and the shower! It'll be a big, fun & intimidating project but I am very excited! It'll also be something nice for us to plan, work on and finish together. It'll be a first! Gotta do lots of research and color scheming, wheeeeeee!!!