the emotional life of sølje

Well, this pair won’t be finished in May to become a part of my finished pair for that month, but I am counting it as my May finished knit anyway.

Seriously? These socks are starting to piss me off. I can’t count the times that my purl2 tog’s end up being slipped, resulting in a dropped stitch. I am curious how many have been able to recover the dropped stitches with this pattern!

I prefer shorter socks, and I am almost 2″ above the heel. I don’t know… maybe I will add another 3″ and call it complete.

Tags: Knitting by Solje
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This was taken over winter when the fireplace was on (we have a gas insert… love it!). She is one happy, opportunistic kitty

And, if you’d like to see our newest family member from video I took tonight, click here.

Tags: A Family Affair by Solje
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I just started knitting up April/May’s sock kit this week. I have read people saying that they did not like the purl 2 togethers,but after working on Sweet Mary Jane, I find it easy and enjoyable to work on the sock pattern… simply the comparison of lace weight yarn to sock yarn, is why I am finding this pattern easy, and pretty quick.

I love the yarn, but wasn’t enamoured when I first received my kit. I REALLY like the straight knitting on the bottom of the sock the best, because I think it really shows off the sock colors beautifully. I am glad I purchased more of this yarn, because I have ideas!

From Blue Moon Fiber Arts bi-monthly Rockin’ Sock Club
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Superwash Merino / Silk
Pattern: Knee High to a Grasshopper by Chrissy Gardiner

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The lace is looking pretty! I have been trying to do one repeat everyday. So far, I have three repeats finished. I may only get two rows of the repeat done today–it all depends on Darrin Especially for rows 1 & 3, I need to pay attention!

Sweet Mary Jane details:
Pattern by Celeste Culpepper
Yarn: Knit Picks “Shadow” (100% Merino Wool)
Colorway: Campfire

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Aquamarine, amethyst, dogs, rabbits, wedding cakes, bumpies, Italian glass, canes, Swarovski pearls & crystals, and even a frog for good measure!

I ran out of stitch markers for my Sweet Mary Jane. I found that my impromptu yarn markers would slip under stitches, so I decided to put my beads to good use. All but two (cat and dog charm markers) I made. However, this task would have been easier had I found where my round-nosed pliers walked off to!

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Found at White Lies Designs

In looking at the sleeve directions, I found I worked the first sleeve wrong. Of course with the way it was, I had to work the sleeve so that it fit right. In starting the decreases on the second sleeve, I found where my error was… in the end, after taking apart sleeve #1 to the decreases, I had a few yards left of my yarn! yah!

I also found an error in the sleeve pattern, but I haven’t checked to see if it has since been fixed since purchasing the yarn/pattern for this project.

I started this project 2.5yrs ago. I went through a year of not wanting to knit, and then finally picked it back up again this January. It’s a relief to have this project complete. And now on to Sweet Mary Jane!

Tags: Knitting by Solje
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I am to my second sleeve, and this is all the yarn I have left. I am almost to the decreases, so that will be like knitting half a row now, but I think I am going to end up shy a few yards at least. darn darn darn darn!
Shapely Tee by Joan McGowan-Michael
Blue Jean 100% cotton denim yarn

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We finalized Darrin’s adoption this morning! We are now parents of four boys, ranging in age from 22yrs to 2.5 months… whew!

Tags: A Family Affair, Washington State by Solje
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Yummy!!

Tags: Folesesliv av Solje by Solje
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And now that we are getting nice and warm weather, these writstwarmers will have to wait for a few months.

This was an easy pattern, even without completely understanding the directions. There are a few other patterns from the book I would like to try, the next is a glove WITH fingers this time. I am not 100% loving the thumb (aside from the pattern), but with the next pair that I create I will keep in mind how I want to do it next time.

From the book:
Handplagg til Bunader og Folkedrakter
(Hand Coverings for National and Folk Costumes) by Heidi Fossnes
yarn: cashmere

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I was trying to think back to when Mom had given me this lilac bush. Either 2000 or 2001. After 6+ years, I FINALLY have three clumps of flowers (it’s still a very small bush)! They smell so yummy… another memory of being a kid at home.

Because Mom and Dad have both passed away, my discovery of the lilacs today was a very special event. I think she may have helped it bloom for me

Tags: Folesesliv av Solje by Solje
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