sheep in the city

Somethings cookin'

Fry-Up news:
So I finally have my own progress to update about, and here it is...1X1 ribbing! Isn't it exciting?! I tried to take a picture that would make it look more exciting than it is. Did it work? I really don't like 1X1 ribbing, almost as much as I dislike seed stitch. Ugh! But at least I'm working on it. Obviously, the majority of you voted for the green, so I went with the green. I can't quite get my camera to capture the brightness of this yarn. It's really, really bright. I may have to make a pink one as well if this one goes together nicely. I might attach the "food" with snaps so that I could change the purse and not have to knit two of everything. (in the next update I'm going to do a similar thing with the fllowers, I'm all about short cuts these days) I decided to throw caution to the wind and knit the purse in the round. I'm fairly optimistic that it's going to turn out...have any of you other Fry-Up gals done this? We'll see, this could be an exercise in disaster.

**Any of you girls who have been working on your Fry-Ups, email me with any progress, especially those of you that don't have a blog...send me pictures!!**

Flower Basket Knitalong: (will hopefully start this in the next month or so!)
I think that I have enough yarn in my stash (big surprise!) to knit the flower basket bag without buying a single skein!! My plan is to use Tahki Baby in color #8 (which was going to be a sweater) for the background, and then use Brown Sheep Burly Spun in Limeade for the trellis. The flowers will probably be out of some kind of Brown Sheep as well. I plan on putting the flowers on with snaps so that I can change out the colors if I want to. It's going to be brighter than the model in the picture, but that's me so it's ok!

Thrum Mittens: They have been sadly neglected for a while now. I have no immediate plans to finish them since it's getting to be warmer weather and they were a little tedious for me to knit. I'm going to have to be reinspired to start them up again. They are in my half started/finished project bin...it doesn't look good for them.

Weasley-Along: Since my roomate moved out, the idea of knitting this sweater has lost a little bit of it's appeal. Plus, I never bought the yarn for an adult sweater. I did knit up three of the little mini-weasley's though...does that count? You can see them here.

Poetry in Stitches: Someday I'm going to pick this back because it is one of the most beautiful sweater kits! I love it, but just don't have the patience for it right now.

Flower Basket Shawl: Ditto...have the yarn in the stash and would love to wear this shawl this spring sometime. In the meantime, go drool over Stephanie's, it's wonderful.

Clapotis: Nothing exciting about dropped stitches, but I'll take a picture of my progress when it looks a little more impressive. Go check out Niki's finished Clapotis that she made with Koigu! It's to die for and I can already imagine this yarn being knit up in a similar manner.

Fry-Update

As I was looking through blogs this weekend I noticed one thing...everyone is cookin' right along on their Fry-Up! I need to get my stuff together and work on mine, bad knitalong leader! So I barely touched mine again this week, and there really aren't any worthy pictures. I have been knitting on my Sockapalooza socks, and they win out since there is a deadline! But I did find this...a waitress who has flipped a pancake onto her head! Anyone brave enough to knit a pancake hat?! (sorry for the crappy copy...I'm going to try to find a scanner that I can use and redo it, but I didn't want to hold the post just for that!)

So here's what's happening in your neck of the woods:

Megan has her beret done...and I don't have the words to describe the photo of her husband wearing his new hat...what a guy! I love that she made this for her husband and that he will actually wear it!
Lori's almost finished her purse.Scroll down to her February 16th entry to see it!!
Ann has left the country, hopefully she didn't leave just to get away from her Fry-Up. Last wednesday she didn't know if she would ever get it done. I think it looks great, but you know when you get to a certain point in a project and you totally lose interest and motivation? She had reached that point. But, what she's done so far looks great! Keep going Ann, you're almost there!!
Ali has her beret all put together, but she thinks it needs a little something extra. Go over and let her know if she needs a pancake (she could definitely pull off the pancake), some SPAM, or maybe something she hasn't even thought of yet!
Sarah has finished the base of her purse after a little bit of ripping and some encouragement from you guys! Way to go Sarah!
Nyxxie has a great new look over at her blog, go check it out...and scroll down to the February 18th to see her fried egg progress.
Mozemen has her's put together, but she's waiting until she gets back from her trip to unveil it, right now it's looking a little bit inside out. That's it! If you don't see your update here, send me an email!!

And, just what I alway's needed to do...join another knitalong! But, this is different...my mom, and RayLynn and I are all going to knit a Clapotis while we are vacationing in L.A.! Fun, huh?! Here's the yarn that I've had in my stash for over a year and haven't known what to do with it! It's Interlacements Texas...and I don't have the band with me to tell you the specific stats on the yarn right now, so a picture will have to do! I have three skeins, and I'm thinking that it will only take 1 and a little bit...because these skeins are HUGE!! We'll see!! As I see these being knit up all over blogland, I really want to start mine! But I'm going to wait for the trip...and get my Fry-Up and Sockapalooza socks done first!! You heard it here...hold me to it!

Tuesday is Knitalong Day!

Fix-A-Thon: Well, I figured that I would probably be fixing some of my projects that had fallen by the wayside/I had lost interest in.What I didn't count on was fixing/ripping out projects that I am currently working on! Here is my Sockapalooza sock after I ripped it out on Saturday afternoon:

So I have knit back to where I was, and I went up a needle size so my guage is right on now. It was relatively painless to rip out...kind of. I still hate to start things over, even though in the end my project is usually better because of it. I still plan to rip my Salt Peanuts (which I have totally lost my place on, and I had only knit about 6-8 inches on) and Klaralund. Maybe this weekend I'll pull out the ball winder and rip those babies out!

Fry-Up News: I personally have done next to nothing on this project this week, due to being sick a couple days and too busy the rest of the time. Excuses, excuses, I know. But I knit a little on the bacon and ending up ripping it out because I didn't like the color combination that I had. It just didn't look like any kind of bacon that I would eat. It has been fun reading about the progress that some of you have made though. Lori's bag looks awesome! She has turned what could have been a knitting crisis into a design feature. Go checkout her bull's eye bag, right now! Ann has been battling it out this past week to the point of dreaming about her fry-up. Cat and Ali have both finished knitting their berets, they look so sassy I just might change my mind about knitting a beret. For now I'm stickin' with the purse. Ari has started onher fry-up using Tahki Cotton Classic and Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I love working with Cotton Classic, it's one of my all time favorite yarns. (this is a yarn that I have been stashing/hoarding away for a while now. I plan to one day make one of these !) Megan is almostdone with her fry-up. She just needs to attach her breakfast to her beret. (do I need to remind you that this hat is for her husband to wear?! I can't wait to see the pictures!

So if you want to see what I have really been doing this past week, check out the funny pictures...it's a Yarmulke, no wait, it's a
boob!. It's so versatile. Everyone needs one! Who knew how funny a knitted fried egg could be?!

It's Friday!

...and tomorrow is the Denver Afghan Sew-Up!! I'm really excited! I think that there will be a good turn out, but if you are interested in coming and live in the Denver area...email me! It's not too late to join us, even for a little bit. Drop in anytime after 10:00am!! I'll be sure to take lots-o-pictures so that everyone can be a part!

So I was sick yesterday and I didn't go to work...not really sick, just annoyingly tired and I kept sneezing and my head was all congested. So I decided to take a sick day, since I have them, why not take them?! I never take sick days. My plan was to rest and get some knitting done. How much knitting did I get done? Not much, I guess my body needed the rest, but I hate taking naps in the middle of the day! Here's a peek at my Crusoe sockapalooza sock. I plan on ripping it tonight since I have 7.5 stitches to the inch instead of the 6 it calls for. That's ok though since I am really enjoying this pattern and it knits up pretty quick!

I have also been to two knit groups in the last week and I keep meaning to post some pictures of some inspiring knits that other knitbloggers have been working on. I love knitting with these girls because:
1) they are super fun
2) they are all excellant knitters
3) did I mention the fun?!

Anne has been crocheting plastic bags...and it looks so neat! I have been wanting to make the knitted version from Simple Knits with a Twist...and this may inspire me to do that sooner than later.

Cathi has been knitting her Clapotis with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock...and it is absolutely fabulous! We made her pose with it on while she was knitting it. What a good sport. We did a lot of silly posing that night...who knew how funny a knitted fried egg could be?! Check out the funny pictures...it's a Yarmulke, no wait, it's a
boob!. It's so versatile. Everyone needs one!

This is what happens on a regular basis at our knit groups...we get silly! I have been knitting on the buttonhole bag and my fry-up as well. The fry-up food is coming along, I am probably going to change up the bacon pattern, because when I follow the instructions it's wicked huge. Not that I wouldn't want to eat a piece of bacon that big...mmm...bacon. But it's just too big for the purse as it is. We'll see what I end up doing. I'll be sure to post any changes I make on Tuesday.

*just a quick TV excitement...Is anyone else excited that Rob and "Ambuh" are going to be on the next Amazing Race?! I love it! Alias was great this week but at the same time, it creeped me out because I was watching it by myself late at night, yes, I had to turn all the lights on. Gilmore Girls was great, Emily is being a mega-bitch and I'm lovin' the Logan/Rory storyline...awww, did you see the previews for next week? Can't wait. ER, what can I say, I need to find myself a Dr. Kovach. (or a Dr. Pratt, Dr. Ray, or Dr. Carter.) Question: What hospital actually has that many good looking, single doctors. None that I've seen. So many good shows...means more knitting time! This has been a good tv/knitting week.

Tuesday is Knitalong Day!

Fry-up:
I have had so much fun with the fry-up knitters this week! Not to mention all the comments that I get from people wondering, "umm, why are you knitting fried eggs?" I actually had one girl at my small group study last night ask me if I would actually carry it...of course I would!! Hello! It's a purse with breakfast on it, it doesn't get much better than this!

Ali has practically finished her fry-up! It's lookin' good...and she even came up with a pattern for 'tomato ketchup' since it was omitted from the 'full English' she's making. I love it!

Ann has been knitting away, finishing an egg and the two sides of the plate/purse when...she ummm...felt like the egg was looking a little, well...booby-like. So, she is in the re-knitting phase today, go check out her luscious fiesta plate. (it looks alot like the persimmon color that my parents have!) And check out the new ring that she belongs too...oh man, I want to join...does driving a New Beetle count. It's kinda mini-esque. Ever since I saw The Italian Job I have wanted one of those cars!!

Mozemen has found her muse, the perfect plate to serve up her fry-up.

Kim figured out her plate troubles...and she's ready to get cookin'. (everyone needs to let me know when I've taken the food-related commentary and silly sayings too far;-)

One is the lonliest number...

So my egg looks a little funny to me, but I think you should make the call. Ann, does mine look too much like a booby too?! Tell me how you really feel! I'm thinking about re-knitting this in the round anyway, because my seaming looks like crap. Whenever possible, I knit with circulars or dpn's just to avoid the dreaded seaming! Sometimes, it can't be avoided though.

I decided to use wooden needles, so I pulled out my 14", #8 Brittany Birch needles and had an enjoyable time knitting with acrylic yarn...what? enjoying acrylic?! Yep, I admit it...I had fun knitting up that fried egg, and it went suprisingly fast. I had started with metal needles (which I usually prefer) but the yarn "stuck" to the needle too much and was much to squeeky for my taste. My plan right now is to cast on for the plate at the Littleton Meetup tonight.

**Check out this article!**

In Sockapalooza news...the survey I posted was a HUGE success! Way beyond any kind of response that I thought I'd get...136 people took my survey, wow! Here are the final numbers:

36%- (49 people) Koigu
25.7%- (35) Bonkers
22.1%- (30) Interlacements
8.8%- (12) Regia
7.4%- (10) Opal

So...Koigu it is! Man, this yarn seems to win out every time. I love the stuff, but why is it so special? I have neer heard anyone say that they don't like it. It seems like it's becoming the ultimate in yarn...oh it's koigu..ooohh, ahhhh. This is the kind of response Koigu gets. So, if I make these socks, does that mean that I get to "replace" the yarn in my stash? I can't let my Koigu stash get too low! Here's a shot of the winning yarn! Which will hopefully be turned into a sock very soon!

That's all I've got in Knitalong news...thanks again for helping me figure out what yarn to use!!!

Anybody hungry?

"Tuesdays are for Knitalongs"

Fry-Up:
The time has arrived everybody...it's the official kick-off of the Fry-Up! And just for the occasion I busted out my earring collecton circa 1988. I had a collection of food earrings and these were by far my favorites.

Yes, I used to wear fried eggs on my ears on a regular basis! (I also had pickles, popcorn, and fish to name a few.) What can I say, I like food and I like earrings...put them together and you have yummy accessories!

I pulled my yarn out this morning...I can't wait to get home from work so that I can cast on. If you noticed a hot pink skein thrown in the mix, it's because
1.) I love pink
2.) I may knit the bag in pink instead of light yellow, although I do like how retro the light yellow is!
3.) Every project needs a little bit of pink!
(somebody here at my office actually just asked if yarn stays better if you keep it in the fridge...ha! Silly non-bloggers, don't they know we are always on a quest for a better and more creative photo than the next knitter;-)

Updates:

Libby is the only person I know, or I've found that has actually knit a fry up. Check out her finished bag if you need some inspiration. Lori has a jump on all of us...check out her Jan.7th post. She's already fried up a piece of bacon and an egg, sunny side up of course! Niki got her yarn just in time to start...and I'm thinking it looks alot like Highland Peruvian yarn...hmmm. Megan has made up a "map" of the fry-up in case you are a little confused about what some of the items are. Thanks Megan! Ann received the yarn for her birthday and took a great picture of it! Mozemen has 1 egg finished and is thinking of adding some burnt spots and/or spices to make it look more realistic. Kim already found out some tips for us all, and she has some great ideas about changing up the purse base. Go check it out! Here's the tips she got from Libby:

- Knitting the purse/plate/hat as a flat circle on dpns/circulars instead of a back-and-forth tortured octagon.
- Do some nice thick i-cording for the strap instead of the two-strand twisted deal in the pattern.
- Line your bag with fabric for added stability.
- And of course you can make only the breakfast items that are appropriate to your cultural background.

Just in the little bit that people have knit, I can tell that this is going to be a fun group! Everyone is so creative! This is going to be an on-going knitalong, so be sure to let me know if you want to join or if you have an update. The plan is to give updates every Tuesday!
*this could be bad...the whole time I've been writing this, all I can think of is, "mmm...pancakes sound so good right now." I'm in trouble if I get hungry every time I knit on this! But I do think that I'll make breakfast for dinner, just for fun!

Fried Up and ready to go!

That title is so cheesy but man, I love it when I crack myself up. Ok...I can see it already that almost everything that has to do with this knitalong is going to silly, but that's going to be half the fun! So far the response has been good, many people saying they've wanted to knit this, but weren't brave enough. Some saying this is just what they needed after the holidays...so let's talk about yarn selection. Leave a comment about what type of yarn you are going to use, or email me. Also, let me know if your name isn't in the sidebar and you are knitting along with us!!

So this is the very first button that I have ever made...not the slickest, but it will work. Take it if you want, and if any one wants to come up with another one, have at it! If you put this button on your blog, just link it back to me here at Sheep in the City.

I'll let everyone know what yarn I have decided to use as soon as possible! We will officially start on February 1! Here's the pattern.

Fry•Up•Along

All right ladies, you asked for it, so here it is...let's all knit our own fry up!! The knitalong officially starts February 1. Email me if you are going to participate and I will list you in the side bar. I bought some yarn at Joanne's last week and fiddled around with it this weekend and may have to exchange it because it's worsted weight and I think I need to do it in DK weight, the bacon I started was too bulky...it looked tasty, but too big for the purse I had in mind. I'll let everyone know what yarn I end up deciding on. Come on out all you lurkers who have been thinking about this project...you know you want your own fry up! Check out the pattern here. Anyone can join, if you have a blog or not! I think this is going to be a ton of fun to knit, thanks everyone for encouraging me to turn it into a knit-a-long!!

Fry Up anyone?

I know that this pattern has made the rounds before, but I am just fascinated by it! I am thinking that I need to make one! Wouldn't seeing someone walk down the street with a breakfast plate purse make you smile. I know it would for me. Libby made one last Christmas for a friend, check it out! Here's my mini-stash inhancement, I say mini because it was so cheap...some of the yarn only cost 89 cents! What? Yarn for less than a dollar?! This bag just screams to be made with acrylic yarn, doesn't it?

Yeah Baby!! Let me know if we should make this a knit along, or if anyone wants to make a button for it, or has some ideas for a button?! I'm going to start "cooking" mine after the New Year!