Bursting!

So much I've been wanting to tell you all and show you! Secret knitting isn't always fun! But, one of the secrets is out (yippee!!!). And to tease you a bit more, I had a photo shoot today with my mom (everyone give a shout out to IrishMom!)!

Burst, new design coming soon! Featuring the new Knit Picks Stroll Tonal yarn!

ETA: Burst just released here!

And I may have found the perfect sock model.

Thanks Mom!

Happy Knitting!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

So many projects...

...so little time.

I'm starting to figure out how my "designing" brain works. When I'm in the process of working on a design, it is all I can think of, even when I'm not working on it. My "other" knits at the time have to be very simple or familiar patterns, or they just don't stand a chance.

Then there is the point when I know I have my design worked out and I just have to finish knitting it. Then my mind begins racing! What else do I want to knit, other projects, maybe another design.

And my "knitter" mind throughout all of this. Pretty yarn. I want to knit that now. And that pretty yarn, too. My stash is a big bucket of tease trying to distract me from my design.

With that bit of explanation, I present to you the many knits I'm thinking on.

1. The Pink Blanket. Of course. It is soooo not portable right now though. And that edging. Daunting.

2. Something with Sassafras. I blame this completely on Gail. Ever since I saw this knit up, well, I just want to knit it! But I'm thinking I'd like to knit Merrily in it. The stitch count should work really well with STR lightweight.



3. Lil' Guy is turning 3 on April 2. I usually knit him a vest of some sort. Because his mom then takes super cute pictures of him in them. Of course, I can't find the Christmas card one of him wearing last year's vest at Disneyland, so this one will have to do.



And yes. I do fear the year he says, "No Auntie. Don't knit me another vest." Really, I want to knit him a sock monkey. I've been wanting to knit him one since two Christmas' ago. What kind of auntie am I??!!?

4. I really should finish the mate to my Uncle Frank socks in STR.




5. Keep working on that sock I showed you last week. Well, let you peek at.

6. Designs bubbling away....Grandma-inspired socks (we can't have Mimi, Cotty, and Uncle Frank without Grandma). I already know that my skein of Plucky Knitter MCN in the colorway Dotty is set aside for these socks. My grandmother's name was Dorothy, and everyone called her Dotty. Now to just design it.

7. I've also got a hat, a scarflette, a pair of mittens (why, yes, for summer?!), and another sock or two brewing. But um. That day job gets in the way.

8. And to knit this. Just because its purty. And new from Stitches West.


wabi sabi tallulah fingering yarn, colorway dessert

9. I really want to knit January's Rockin' Sock Club socks. But with the March shipment right around the corner, well, hopefully I can knit March at least.

10. Boobies. Sock camp homework, need I say more?

11. Speaking of sock camp, I really, really, really would like to knit at least one of the skeins of yarns that I dyed last year at sock camp or last November at the Knot Hysteria Retreat.


When do I want to knit these? Why, before sock camp in three weeks of course. Crazy? Definitely.

Happy Knit-Dreaming!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

A Perfect Weekend

One that was not scheduled, nor filled with to-do lists, without traveling, without events. Just a relaxing weekend. And just what I needed.

It is amazing how much you can accomplish in a weekend sometimes.

I finished the first sock of a new design.

I figured out how to skype and caught up with Knittinggolfer.

I got a pedicure. It is spring!

I enjoyed an evening walk Friday with Lil' Snowboarder and Snowboarder to pizza dinner, the bookstore, and then ice cream.

Lil' Snowboarder had her first sleepover at my house. Just girls. I made homemade pancakes the next morning.

I blogged. Twice (well, yes. I am counting this pictureless post as a post).

I roasted veggies and grilled chicken for the week ahead. Healthy eating is a bit easier that way.

I watched New Moon.

Hey, its an easy movie to knit too. No judgement.

And I knit some more.

I also made a mental list of all the must-knits and want-to knits. That will be tomorrow's post. Along with some yarn pictures.

How was your weekend? Hope it was great!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Spring!

Spring has sprung!

So has a new sock! Socks that Rock, mediumweight, Dutch Canyon.
A bit of spring for the knitting bag!

Happy Weekend!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Happy St. Patty's Day!

To be clear, the groomer puts the bandanas on the doggies every month. But we love them!

I don't know why Bailey always looks so sad. Like a little old man dog. But she is spoiled to bits!

They are all about the treats!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Getting Ready.....

Check out their sweaters. This is the music I remember from growing up!


This one is toe-tapping.



One my dad still sings to us.



And songs I love today.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Watch out David Beckham!

Lil' Guy's first day of soccer practice!!!

Happy Monday!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Happy Sunday!

I'm enjoying my relaxing Sunday at Mimi's house in Reno. Cold, but gorgeous day. And do you see the snow on those mountains? Well, that snow kicked my butt Friday. A 4-5 hour drive turned into 9 hours!! The rain/snow forecast turned into SNOW!! So much for a quick weekend getaway.



I practically finished this cowl (hoping to be a Merrily cowl) while sitting in traffic. Dead stop on the top of a snowy mountain, watching snowplows and multiple tow trucks and fire engines, go by. Thank goodness I made it here safely.



The cowl is from this gorgeous skein of Madelinetosh Vintage that I bought from WEBS at Stitches. Traveling with the BMFA ladies, I was treated to a fabulous dinner Saturday night with them and the WEBS team! They had sold out of all of their Madelinetosh Vintage at Stitches, except for this lone skein. I went back Sunday morning to get the last skein. I didn't realize WEBS sold Madelinetosh, and now that my beloved Woolgirl is closing her online shop (still will have the kits, yay!), well, WEBS may be where I go to for my online MadTosh fix.



These two skeins of Madelinetosh Pashmina (colorways Composition Book Gray and Stovepipe) were from Imagiknit. My favorite yarn store in San Francisco. I haven't tried these yarns yet, but as you can see, I splurged a bit on the MadTosh at Stitches (I haven't had a chance to take a picture of the 3 other skeins of Vintage that I bought).

I still have a few more skeins of sock yarn from Stitches to show you...Miss Babs, Dye Dreams, Wabi Sabi. But that will have to wait til next week! Wow, where did this week go?!?!

Happy Knitting!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

A Change

This song has been in my head lately. This year is going to be full of change. Some good, some maybe not so good. Some I just don't want to talk about yet on the blog. But I firmly believe change is for the better. I keep telling myself that.

My kitchen is no longer my cheerful blue and yellow. We painted our condo this weekend. It is khaki brown or something. Greystone, I think is the official colorway :) I loved my kitchen. I was searching for a picture on flickr of it to show you, but came upon this one instead.

Aw. My doggies. They'll make me smile anyday. Goodbye pretty blue kitchen.

Another song in my head lately. Actually, two. This one and this one. Okay, and this one too. Why yes, its March. Irish music, of course. I actually like it all year round, but March has been a hard month the past few years. Five year ago March, my grandma passed away. The following March a dear family friend. Then the next March, Cotty. I'm blessed to have such happy memories of my family. We just pray a little bit more to get through March.

On a slightly happier Irish note, did I show you this gorgeous handspun, made especially for me?!?!

Thayer spun it for me for my birthday, and she named this colorway "Fightin' Irish." Perfect, don't you think? I can't wait to knit with my first handspun ever. If anything is going to push me over the spinning edge (and honestly, right now, I don't think anything can), this gorgeous, smooshy-soft yarn just may.

Did you watch the Oscars tonight? I realized while watching that I've seen more movies in the Best Animated Film category than the Best Film category. I'll thank Princess Lil' Snowboarder for that :) I was glad to see Sandra Bullock win for The Blind Side. Great movie.

Yes, I know. A bit random, jumpy post. But I wanted to post tonight. I actually had time to sit and write this, rather than rush with a few pictures. A bit of reflection is always good. And with so much change this year, there are still so many constants. One thing is for certain. I am very loved and very blessed.

Now back to knitting. Some secret. Some wips. And one lovely blanket that still isn't done.

Here's to a great week!! Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Queen Alice

Alice in Wonderland premieres today! I don't think I'll see it opening weekend, but it looks fabulous and I can't wait to see it!

Perfect timing for Woolgirl to send out the first shipment of her Alice in Wonderland Themed Sock Club. Who of course to start with than Alice herself?

Warning: Woolgirl Alice in Wonderland Sock Club Spoilers Ahead




I just love this kit! The Alice Journal, the adorable project bag, the wee Alice stitch marker...



the yummy yarn from Dashing Dachs, and look at that pattern! Yay! I can finally show you the socks that I designed for this kit! I'll admit I was a bit nervous to design for a particular "theme" but I think I worked it out!



The socks begin with the daisy stitch, just as Alice's journey began in a field of daisies. And then she tumbles down the cable-filled rabbit hole!



Meet Queen Alice. The pattern is exclusive to Woolgirl for the next six months, but then will be released to the public (hey, probably right in time for the DVD release!)!



I was a bit sad to send these socks off to Woolgirl, but now that I have my kit, I can't wait to cast on!

Happy Friday! May it be filled with a bit of Wonder!
xoxo IrishgirlieKnits

Partying at the Olympic Village

Awww....Stitches West!! It was the best place to be for the last weekend of the Knitting Olympics! Well, unless you were trying to finish a crazy blanket!





I helped work the Blue Moon booth again (I know, I know...kid in a candy store!) with Tapmouse and two very special ladies!!



Ettamae and Cockeyed! These women just make me smile and laugh and feel so loved! Four fabulous days and I miss them already! Speaking of missing, dear Disco, you were missed! Next year is going to be even better with you here!!

Back to a quick Olympic recap....



I'm not sure drinking enhanced the knitting process, but it sure was fun! Nope, didn't finish, but I know I'll finish it soon. I focused on this blanket for the entire 17 days! Very focused, but just couldn't finish!

I did however have a backup plan. The Aerial Unwind.



Buh-bye Tuscany shawl. You've been sitting untouched for years.



You have now returned to your gorgeous BMFA Posh Yarn (discontinued) form....soon to be destashed I think. Just not feeling the love.



Hey, look what pretty sock was on display at the BMFA booth!! Knit up in Lenka! This colorway is stunning knit up!

It was a fabulous four days of fiber, friends, and fun! So much fun that I didn't catch very many pictures! Well, except for the booth breakdown!






The Almighty Cockeyed!! She reversed that big 'ole van into that tiny spot!



A good time was had by all.

Happy Stitches!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

P.S. Oops! I almost forgot...pictures of newly acquired Stitches stash!! Let's start with the Socks that Rock (seriously, this is all I got! I must knit faster I've decided! Oh, and only 5 are mine...Valenscummy is for Knittinggolfer!).