Wicked Mistakes

Here is my Wicked sweater progress as of yesterday.

I have been trying to make progress on my Wicked sweater, but I keep running into dumb mistakes. I guess the whole idea of trying to rush it through makes me forget to properly read directions, and have common sense. The first incident occured on a day I set out to go to the hair salon to get some knitting done whilw I was waiting for my hair to dry. I was on the raglan increase portion, and all I had to do was kfb in the stitch before and after the 4 markers that were positioned at the arms. So why the heck did I do the increases at the marker that marked off the round? I didn't even have a darning needle to help create a lifeline, so I got fed up and ended up ripping out the whole thing. So, as I casted on again, I made it back to the raglan increase and thought it was smooth sailing. That is when I saw this...... (my apologies.. the picture just rotates , even when I don't want it to)

An increase at the row count marker again, only this time it was 7 rows below my current row. I guess that's what I get for trying to watch a movie in the dark, and knit at the same time. So, I had to do a little surgery....

So, I figured I would try to complete my sock since the wicked sweater was giving me so much trouble. Then I ran into this problem........

It turns out that there was an unwanted yarnover that must have sneaked in when I was wrapping and turning the short row heel. But, I was able to fix it. Here is my current progress as of today. Hopefully I can finish the sock this evening. Good thing it is all stockinette. Whew!

All in all there are 3 days to go, and I still have to complete the yoke, body, waist shaping, pocket and sleeves of my sweater. Well, good thing I don't have to seam anything. Sheesh!!! I really want that medal for finishing in 17 days... well it will really be a medal for finishing in 3 days, if I can get it. I still have faith and hope. That never dies!!!

My knitting Weekend/early week

This past Saturday was the SisterFriends Harlem Knittaque in St. Nicholas park. We had a blast. However, I don't remember getting much knitting done, because I was STUFFING MY FACE SO MUCH!!! Ian, those ribs were soooooo delicious.

Honestly, I did try to knit... for real. See?? This is where I left off Saturday Night.
Then the unthinkable happened. I found two sections of the crossed rib that were not crossed. I got so upset that I ripped it out. After casting on again about 3 times later, I finally got it crossed perfectly. Then, I felt the fabric, and figured that it felt way too loose. So I ripped it again....to cast on with a size 7 needle. This is totally not good. This is like the US gymnast whose only event was the uneven bars because of her ankle injury, and she fell off. How am I supposed to finish this sweater???

The next day, I went to the Flatbush SNB, and I made progress. Maybe it happened because I didn't have that grill tempting me every 2 seconds, or the fact that I had a nice Chocolate Chai latte, or the fact that KJ was sitting across from me and just smiling with her sweet face. Who knows, but in either case.... I made some progress, and have progressed to the Raglan shaping portion of the pattern.

Here are some more pics from the weekend.

Chante showing off her shrug.
I get some sweetface time.

Happy Mommy (Tawana) gets in some knitting time.KJ getting some Pinkberry time. Yes, we are getting her addicted from an early age. 6 months and already a pinkberry fiend.

Here is my Ravelympics Progress as of today.

Sweater Sprint - and yes, I did make myself a pair of Ravelympics 2008 Stitch Markers

Sock Put
I know, I know. I've got a long way to go.

Ravelympics 2008 Training - Round 2

No training can be productive without the right equipment.

My favorite piece of equipment for the games are these Ravelympics 2008 Stitch Markers.

You can find them over at the MekaMika ETSY site. I have been neglecting knitting all weekend, just so I can make these stitch markers available to you. They will be sent priority mail ASAP, in hope of the post office doing their job right, and getting them to you by the time of the opening ceremonies.

I will be making updates to the shop daily, to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get their hands on some. You can also send me a comment over on the Etsy site if you want to request a specific size. The stitch marker rings come in 3 different sizes to fit worsted, chunky, and bulky projects.

3 days are left until opening ceremonies. Go for the gold!!!

Gearing up for Ravelympic Training!!!

The Summer Olympics begin in 11 days, and my Ravelympic training started tonight when I went to the Flatbush SNB meeting. I like this group because it is in Brooklyn, there is ample parking near the location (Connecticut Muffin), the people are friendly, it's 20 minutes away from my house, there is a bus that takes me straight there if I don't feel like driving, and a very good friend of mine lives around the corner. Lately, my weekends have gotten very busy, so it has been difficult to squeeze in knitting time. Then, you have to drag yourself to work on Monday morning. This monday evening knitting meeting is a great way to have something to look forward to as I am dragging myself to work.

For Ravelympics I have decided to knit the Gathered Pullover as my Sweater Sprint project. Originally, the pattern uses Brown Sheep Top of The Lamb Sport, but I decided to use Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The original gauge is 19sts/24 rnds on size 7 needles. My yarn's gauge is 20sts/26rows. We will see what circular knitting does to that number. I will begin my magic loop swatch tonight. I have both size 7 and 6 needles, just in case.Aside from that, I have to finished my Nutkins. Finally, a Finished Object that belongs to me me me !!!! This is entry #1 for Summer of Socks 08

This is my Camera Sock. All that is left to be done is the kitchener stitch, but I keep messing it up. AARRRRRGGH!!!!

Happy Knitting everyone!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today is my birthday, and I am so excited!!!

Last year, at this time I was recovering from a visit to the Emergency Room, and on pain medicine. I was on bedrest for 1 week, and I managed to make some really good progress on my Central Park Hoodie.

This year, I am still working on the second Central Park Hoodie that was supposed to be finished by Thanksgiving, but you know how life gets in the way. LOL!!!

I have much to celebrate, and have accomplished many of my goals during the past year. Some of them being - establishing myself as a businesswoman, creating my own logo/banner, becoming the female lead singer in a band, creating my own knitting pattern, and spending more quality time with family and friends.

I have managed to go over 100 days without buying yarn. Gasp!! I didn't think it was possible. Although my FO count is still low, but hey that is a work in progress. However, I am still stashbusting.

I have given myself some new goals. I am going to finish my Nutkins this week. There I have said it!! I also joined Ravelympics as part of the Sit N Knit NYC team. I will be doing the "Sweater Sprint" and the"Sock Put". Hey, if I can get at least one "medal" for the competition I will be happy. My socks will also simultaneously count for Summer of Socks 08. I will be working on the Gathered Pullover from Interweave. So, opening ceremonies takes place in 17 days, and then I have 17 days to make a sweater and a sock. Whoo!!! Pressure!!! LOL!! So, I will try my best to knock out some UFO's in the next 17 days.

Speaking of UFO's..... here is my pair of Nutkins-in-progress.

Just a few more inches on the foot to go, before I get to the toe shaping.

As far as more birthday celebration plans go, I will be going to a Thai restaurant for dinner with some friends. The food at this place is awesome, so I will definately be providing pictures later on.

Also, I want to send some love out to my twin Jeanine whose birthday is also today. Happy Birthday!!! I haven't seen her since our Christmas gift exchange. Shame on me!! We need to link up girl!!

I've been MEME'D!!!

I visited Tawana's blog to find out that I have been tagged. I really like this one!!!

ACCENT: American, unless I am talking to my family or excited or angry, then it is Trinidadian. Oh, and sometimes a few Spanish words fly out when I am frustrated.

BREAKFAST OR NO BREAKFAST: Breakfast, and it must include orange juice or tea.

CHORE I DON'T CARE FOR: Washing dishes (Hate it!)

DOG OR CAT:Don't have one, but I think I would like an orange Tabby. CAT!!!

ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS: Laptop, Cell, Mp3 and my Camera.

FAVORITE COLOGNE: Yves St. Laurent Babydoll. It smells like Guava. Who wouldn't want to smell like an exotic fruit?

GOLD OR SILVER: Silver jewelry. Gold Makeup.

HANDBAG I CARRY MOST OFTEN: I just bought a knitpickers bag and I seem to be able to squeeze everything into it. It's wonderful.

INSOMNIA: Especially when I am knitting or on Ravelry.

JOB TITLE: Powerpoint Presentation Specialist I.

KIDS: None of my own. Two God-daughters. Symara (6) and Carissa (5).

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Bought a Condo with my mom when the owner of our previus apartment decided to sell the house. This is the best house I have ever lived in.

MOST ADMIRABLE TRAIT: I am a "Go with the flow" kind of person, I am always optimistic, and I don't settle for Mediocrity.

NAUGHTIEST CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR: Play with mommy's makeup and jewelry.

OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: Heart surgery when I was 2. Follow-up heart surgery when I was 4. The X-ray found a hole after they bypassed a constricted artery. Whoo Thank God it's all over!!!

PHOBIAS: Losing what I have worked hard to gain/accomplish. Losing friendships.

QUOTE: Great Love Involves Great Risk

REASON TO SMILE: I am alive, I believe in God (Jesus!!), I live to enjoy every day to the fullest.

SIBLINGS: 1 Brother

TIME I WAKE UP: Usually 6:30 to get to work at 9. If they reduce hours, I can sleep in until 7:30 and get to work at 10.

UNUSUAL SKILL OR TALENT: I can cook, have a phone conversation, hold a baby, and yell at three other misbehavin kids.... and still have dinner not burn. And, I'm not even married yet. LOL!!!

VEGETABLE I REFUSE TO EAT: Okra - Too slimey

WORST HABIT: I try to do too many things in one day, end up being really tired, and still go to bed at 1 or 2 am. Then do it all over again the next day.

YUMMY STUFF: Pinkberry with mango, pineapple, and coconut. Red velvet cake, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake. Cherry Baby Smoothie from GNC.

ZOO ANIMAL I LIKE MOST: Fish. They are quiet, and pretty.


Ok so that is me from A-Z. Now I will tag Deborah

Summer of Socks 2008 - My Thoughts

Today is the end of the first 2-week installment of Summer of Socks. I am making my Nutkins and here is my progress.

I have a few words to say about this knitalong.

Initially, it was meant to be a slight "push" to get the socks going in preparation for the cold winter day in the not-so-distant future when we will really need it. I have decided to use my stash yarn as a way to save money, as well as make room in my closet. This has encouraged me and given me some realistic goals. I decided to try to make 1 sock every 2 weeks. I have found new interesting patterns, and am making use of the 2 at a time magic loop technique that I love so much.

However, I am a little hurt by some of the things that I see other people in the blogosphere are doing when there is something called a PRIZE at stake. I have seen people finish socks on the first day, and hooray for the speedy knitters. but on the flip side, I have seen people make 2 inch cuff socks because that is the minimum suggested for contest entry. I feel sorry for their poor ankles when the temperature drops. My beautiful knitters, please remember that even though it is a contest, it is still your socks. Or will be the socks of the loved one that you give it to. Don't do the injustice of making something that is not totally fulfilling just for the sake of a contest. You are making people lose their mojo here.

Well, even though I am not complete with my first pair in 2 weeks, I am super excited that I found a pattern I love, and even more excited that I managed to make the short-row heel look much better on my second try. Good thing I only had to frog that portion once. My socks will be ready whenever they are ready, no pressure. And if I feel so inclined, I will add them to the PRIZE entry for next 2-week interval. But I will tell you one thing, my socks will rock. They will be super gorgeous things that I have put love and time into, and they will be absolutely beautiful. I also want to give praise to a dear friend of mine, Deb, who is a serious knitting motivator, for finishing within 8 days. Way to go!!!