My newest yarn acquisition: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock yarn in Bittersweet. I found a bargain, I was tempted, and I gave in. But look at how pretty it is, and tell me that you can say no to it:

This poor needle, on the other hand, I’m sending it away for replacement. Goodbye little guy.Speaking of Addi needles, I’m also getting myself a Addi Lace needles. I don’t know exactly when, but I’ve just ordered it online and it should be here as soon as the store gets the shipment, which is presumably within this week. How sweet is that?! According to the description (or at least what I’m hoping), it’s duller point than Knitpicks (thank goodness because they’re painfully sharp – I mean, really) but more flexible cable than the typical Addi. I can’t wait!

February so far has been a knitting disaster. That sock pattern I was working on with that super orange yarn, I didn’t realize until I was ready to turn the heel that the stitch pattern is way too tight for me to put it on and off (very reminiscent of Jaywalker that I never made), so I had to frog it. After that, I decided to start over and make a pair of Yukon Leaves, which by the way is very pretty indeed. Then smooth going for about 7 repeat of so, then I discovered wee mistake on one of the socks about 2 repeats below. I could’ve easily let it go and move on, but I figured why the hell not so I unraveled to the point of mistake and fixed it. Then on about another repeat later I discovered that one of the needles was half way coming off from the cable! (It’s my trusty, all-sock-purpose 2.5mm Addi!) So I had to put that sock on hold, yet again, until I figure out what to do with it. And yes, I already did contact Skacel and they suggested me to exchange at the store I bought it from (except it’s from online so I have to contact them yet again for alternative option). Now that my main, and only sock needle is out of commission, I had to start something else. So, to keep myself busy and sane, I started on a knee high with 3.35mm circ I got from Knitpicks. I got 2 of the 32 inch ones, so I made two almost simultaneously.

It’s made of leftover acrylic I’ve had since I made a hat and scarf set for little girl I know, which wasn’t exactly enough for anything else, so that was good. It’s done toe up with afterthought heels, and of course, cut and reattach method of striping. I think it looks much better than self striping yarn, but also very much of pain in the ass to have to weave in all the loose ends. The shaping and length of the socks were done purely by constant trying on and off which made me feel like I’ve worked on it forever than what it actually took, which was like, oh about a week or so? But at the end, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. I fits pretty well and I liked using Knipicks circular.And speaking of Knitpicks needles, here comes the next knitting disaster (sort of): I noticed one of the needles had bit hard time sliding stitches on and off, but thought it was maybe because I was knitting bit too tight? So I didn’t think much of it until I noticed little silver flecks of something something on the stitches now and then. Then I looked at the needle more carefully, and noticed that one of the needles has its nickel plating flaking off. I was this close to getting the sock finished so I rushed to finish but I think I may have to contact Knitpicks and see if they can replace. The second needle was fantastic! I thought I couldn’t find anything nicer than Addi but I think I have found something that’s as compatible. I’d definitely buy more, if they decide to make longer ones (40″ or 47″), which rumor has it that it’s in the works soon. I know people like it because of pointy tips, but for me, I think I prefer Addi tips. On the other hand, I really love how Knitpicks has really flexible cable. Either way, I think they’re both fantastic needles.

And onto the last (or at least I hope so) knitting doh! of the month. I started on Sesame cardigan. The pattern calls for 2 color stripes but I wanted to use 3, so I had to brainstorm and kinda calculated to fit 3 color stripes, did a halfass swatch, and onto the sweater. Then I was getting pretty close to the armpit according to the pattern but it was way too short. So I measure the gauge and realized gauge was way off. Oopsie. So now I’ve given up on that one for now, started a new swatch, this time with size 8 (remember the pattern calls for size 6 needles) and strangely enough I think I have a winner. I’d like to make a swatch on size 7 just in case, but I think that may have to wait until next week sometime when I can go and buy a pair of needles. So basically that’s on the hold for now too.

So February hasn’t exactly been the greatest, but at least I’ll have knitventful March trying to catch up. Yes, I just made up that word, but I don’t think I’m the first one to come up with it.

Yesterday was my birthday. Twenty five of not so thrilling years… And today is (for anyone cares to know) 6 year anniversary for Chris and me. Congratulations to us, for not having to kill each other… yet! 😛

So anyway, I took a day off work so I can sleep in late, and woke up in the afternoon with a loud knock on the door. It was the mailman, and he handed a box to me, from Tania.

Thank you Tania! I love love love everything! (and half the candies are gone already)

And on the other note, here’s my progress on new pair of socks – on 2mm needles. It’s coming around.. slowly.

I swear it’s not this supersaturated orange like in the picture. More like, rust. Let’s see how it turns out. If it’s successful, I may write up the pattern! Yeay!