Monday, February 22, 2010

Home Stretch

I'm trying to calculate the medals I'll accumulate by Sunday, and I think I'm definitely going to be getting two for the mittens, one in the Mitten Moguls category and one for the Nordic Colorwork Combined. Once these mitts are completed, I'll be performing a triple lutz, followed by a double salchow jump and finishing with a perfectly executed camel spin to get those socks done and sack another medal in the Wips-Dancing event with my picot edged socks.


There was much cursing to finish that thumb. There were too many needles, yarn ends and active yarns to manage with a more ladylike and calm demeanor.


I know that some of you have better winter views than me, but this was the best photo I could snap of a tree that looks like my mitts that didn't force me to grab winter attire to obtain said photo. All I had to do was prop open the back door. Close enough for me.

Part of my problem in the pairs program, is my short attention span for finishing the second item of anything. I'm not patient enough to work mittens and socks side by side on two circulars, or heaven forbid, figure out how to knit one item inside of another. Subsequently, I really suffer with an accumulation of orphaned socks and mittens. Besides the socks I want to finish for these games, I can think of 4 other socks suffering from such a fate right now. I don't know why--especially since I could use an infusion of hand knit socks in my wardrobe right now. There is one pink sock, one rust sock, one blue multicolored sock and one green sock all lacking mates. I'm hoping to get to them sooner than later.

Proof that a mate for this mitt is well on its way.

However, this is not the fate for my Deep in the Forest Mittens. I have cast on for the second mitten and plowed through the complicated cast on edge and braid. I've even done the finish work on the first mitten by weaving in ends and hemming the cuff. Next time, I'll knit the hem like I do when I make a picot edge on socks. Duh. When they're both done, I'll block them.


While these mittens may not be everyone's cup of tea, let me just say that as pretty as they look in the photographs, they're absolutely gorgeous in real life. They fit, well, like a glove. I'll definitely make these again, and I'll do them again in the Merino Mia yarn. Purchased solely for the color, I've found myself a new yarn to play with that has it all going on with shine, bounce, softness, stitch definition and ease of use. It doesn't have a single wart, which is more than I can say for a lot of other yarns in this price range.

That's enough fooling around for me. It's time to hit the color charts again.


Just as soon as I shovel.


21 comments:

Stephanie V said...

I'm holding up my sign: Go, Rudee, Go!

Your program sounds pretty ambitious but I'm confident you have the skills to complete a podium finish.

Jane said...

I love them, congratulations on finishing the first one. I would think the thought of being able to wear them will spur you on to a finish

Rudee said...

Miss, I wish they were done already. There's a fresh layer of at least 6 inches of snow today.

Miss T said...

So, so gorgeous. Color me green.

Rose said...

Lovely! I agree w/ Stephanie V all the way. As for the socks, you say you have four singles? Sounds like two pairs to me!! Wear 'em unmatched :)

Joanna said...

Oh my! They are just gorgeous. I think you'll win gold.

Ruth said...

Does shovelling snow save you from going to the gym??? From a person who has never seen a snow shovel and is having to go to the gym. We are having a burst of summer 37-40C for the next 6-7 days that over and aroudn the 100 and it humid as well yuck.
Well done with the knitting - WIP's aways around - some seem to REST for a long time. I am having a finishing effort 3 quilts and 2 blankets before I start anything else. There will still be WIP's after that.

Michaela said...

Go girl! Knitting IS the original winter sport, so why not make it an Olympic one?
Gosh that snow is pretty, but I gather in reality it is a pain. I dont live anywhere near any snow. (Australia). But I DO love my knitting. Gold medal 4 u!!! Luv your blog xx

Rudee said...

OMG, Rose! I never thought of that. I usually like to match, but what the heck. Beats cold feet!

Rudee said...

Michaela and Ruth: I'll switch continents with you right now. The snow is very wet and incredibly heavy (heart attack snow). After my son shoveled the drive, the street plows came by and plowed us in again. Hello? They're supposed to plow the snow out!

Gail said...

These are wonderful and so are you! I could never tackle anything like this.

Anonymous said...

I have the banner up. I absolutely love the pattern of those mittens. You have been busy. Thank goodness we got just rain this time instead of snow. Who knows what next.
QMM

Rositta said...

Those mittens are lovely. I joined the Harlot's Olympic group. I'm finishing up some unfinished stuff this week. Just so you know, we are having our first blizzard this year and I think we've got about 6 inches thus far as well...ciao

NCmountainwoman said...

I love your knitting olympics! The mittens are great.

Anonymous said...

I am most smitten by the mitten. It is nice that something was written about the mitten. How nice it would be iffin' I would be given that Mitten!

Jane said...

Wow, Rudee! You're really speeding along with these mitts. Love them.
BTW - they were designed by one of my friends. ;-)

Rudee said...

Jane, your friend is a brilliant designer. I'm making these mittens again. I love them. Half way done with the second mitt. I should score my 2 medals by tomorrow night!

Jeannette StG said...

Wow wow wow -this is a work of art, Rudee!
The problem I have with number 2 sock or mit is to make it exactly the same (especially the thumb gusset).

Anonymous said...

So, you are knittin' a mitten..will that mitten protect one from being bitten by a Kitten? Or, would that mitten be best used when sittin'?

Anonymous said...

They say, "When in Britain, and wearing a mitten, it must be well fittin'!

Darci said...

Those are awesome!!