And the world shines for meeee today...*

Hello, and welcome to 2006 here at HEK. Looks pretty much like 2005, truth be told, but be assured, there will be all new knitting screw-ups. Just you wait!

I sold all that stash, thanks to everyone who helped out. I'd love to see pictures if you make something with it, so send me an email!

I am very happy with this de-stashing, because I feel now my projects are all mostly things I am excited about, and have diversity and wearability and all that. I am really trying to knit on only a few projects at a time, so I can finish things in a more timely fashion.

To that end.

Remember "Baltic"? Of course you don't. I hardly did either. But it has been given new life and I am knitting away. Here's an update:

This is Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed (with Lambs Pride Superwash in the fair isle). I put it on metal needles last night and it is really flying now. It's funny how the right TYPE of needle can make a difference. If you are struggling fighting with yarn, try a different type of needle. Some yarns respond better to plastic, or wood, or metal. It took a long time for me to learn that. Please believe it. I just want to make your knitting easier. ;-)

Tell us about this so-called "Stripes Go Round"...

Also, although there really has been no photographic evidence, my sister's Stripes Go Round is underway. Let me explain what happened:

1) I couldn't get gauge in the Allhemp3. At all. Even though it's the yarn called for in the pattern. So after many attempts I finally scrapped it and am just re-working the pattern to fit.

2) I then cast on and worked EIGHT INCHES and then decided I didn't like the faux side stitches. The crossed stitches called for looked like SHIT. Click here to see how much like shit.

3) So I decided to start over. Did I mention I had EIGHT inches done??? This time I am doing a simple two stitch seed-stitch for the sides and it's much better. See for yourself:

It needs to be done by the 29th of this month. Funny how, coincidentally, in a wacky twist of fate, that's my sister's birthday. Need we all be reminded it is on US 1 (2.25 mm) needles. At a gauge of like 48 stitches per inch.** LORD HAVE MERCY. Knitknitknitknitknitknit.

My sister must never doubt my love for her. ;-)

Quit Whining. You know you love it.

That's probably true.

I also love this hat:

And here's a picture of the versions I made for my new nephew-type and his sister:

This is the ever awesome Kate's pattern called "Shining Star." Go buy the pattern here. Go NOW. I made mine less deep than the pattern calls for, cause I wanted it to hug the head and just go over the ears.

I used Artyarns Ultramerino 8 and Oh. My. Lord. that is gorgeous gorgeous fabulous yarn. SO soft. So smooth. Beautiful colors. We shall not talk of its cost. Did I mention it's soft?!

SO many more to show. I know I should blog more frequently with shorter entries, but I should do a lot of things, huh? Another resolution for 2006!

Corn chips are no place for a mighty warrior.

Lastly for today, Allison (who changed her blog name and look - check her out) made me proud by knowing my trivia quote from last week was INDEED from a very funny Teen Girl Squad from Homestar Runner. She wins, well, my admiration.

Yah, she got gypped. ;-)

*Xanadu. What a classic. Who's with me?!
** Some statements in this blog are larger than they appear.