Black Olive Is: In The Loop

My Own Domain

Hi Peeps.

In an effort to solidify my place in the KnitBlogoSphere, I've secured my own domain. For now, I'm using a templated layout. I can't promise when I'll have Black Olive Original graphics up, but I can say that it is The Plan. In the meantime, you can find all of the posts from In The Loop on the new site until I can figure out a better way to organize them all.

Things are in the works, people.

So, update those links!

Introducing: Black Olive Knits!

Massively Tedious Update

I'm back, people!

Try to contain yourselves...

Anyway, so my apologies for this crazy AWOL behavior. It's really not like me. However, I've been swamped.

I know people always say that, and typically, I'm the first to roll my eyes -- but it's true!

Not only was I swamped with work, but also in the areas of "life" and "assorted crap."

So, you see, my "swamp" was multi-layered.

I must say, though, I'm rather touched at all the emails expressing concern. Seriously, who knew there were people who would actually miss my rambling, navel-gazing posts?

So, in the spirit of updates, I hope to spend the week updating you on all of the knitting progress. Today, I'll begin with the stuff most currently on the needles, my Sockapaloooza sock and I'll throw in some stash reorganization just for fun. Because, really, this is the stuff that occupied most of this weekend.

Then, I'll try to catch up with everything else through the course of this coming week.

So, let's begin:

Here are the socks my sock pal sent a few weeks ago (I AM SOOOOO sorry for waiting this long to post about them!):

Ummmm...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE.

1. I had this pattern in my queue for quite some time now (IK something-or-other, I am WAY too tired to look it up right now, but I'm sure you've seen it and know what it is, so I won't lose any sleep over it...ahem) and am totally THRILLED to have such a perfectly executed pair! Do you SEE the attention to detail in this pattern in how the leaf stem emanates from the cuff ribbing?

LOVE THAT.

2. Koigu. Red. Need I say more?

3. Arrived completely on time and at the perfect moment where I REALLY needed a pick-me-up.

4. These socks are perfectly sized for my feet. I don't know how she did it, but the texture of the Koigu, combined with the perfect fit, makes my feet sort of vibrate. It's...AWESOME.

5. I'd link to my pal, but she has no blog! However, she included the sweetest postcard with an actual, lengthy handwritten note. Pretty cool, eh?

To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. I got exactly what I'd wanted from an incredibly sweet person.

Another satisfying Sockapaloooza experience. :-)

Now, as for what I'm currently knitting -- and by "currently," I mean just-put-down -- here is a pic of my Banana socks:

I call them that because they are in the Banana Split(?) (help me out here Miss Purly!) colorway. This yarn is so soft and bouncy and just so luscious, I can't stop knitting it. Seriously. It seems thicker than fingering weight, but once you get going, it ends up being pretty much the same if you're a tight knitter.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately and so a nice variegated yarn using a basic stockinette pattern is just the sort of knitting I need. Mindless, and all about The Tactile.

Last, but not least, here is a picture of my papasan chair AFTER my new stash reorganization:

Basically what this "re org" means is that before, there were a bunch of yarn bags filled to the top with errant yarn. Now, said yarn is neatly packed in groups of "like items" in clear ziploc bags.

You'd think I would've had the energy to then work these into my shelves (the ones you see behind the chair), but it was just way too complicated. All of the stuff on the shelves is organized by purpose and type, so it would involve taking everything down and "rethinking."

Since I plan to make a move to the apartment downstairs, it didn't make sense at this current juncture. ;-)

I'm just happy they're in bags, since I've seen more than one moth this weekend.

Eeek!

I'll leave you with this thought and this closeup of the yarn bags:

"Remember, just because it doesn't look like a lot, doesn't mean it isn't a lot."

Ahem.

I have spoken. Now go!

(hehe)

The Kindness of Strangers

The kindness of strangers always shocks me.

I tend to be cynical -- especially in times of stress and discontent, so when people exhibit kindness beyond the bounds of normalcy, I typically react with awe and alarm. Then I just enjoy it, and for a while, my faith in people is renewed. Hehe.

Until the next time someone annoys me, that is. See? I told you I was a cynic!

I'm working on it, though, and you people are helping. All the emails, comments, gifties...all were helpful, comforting and appreciated. Losing both my Grandparents in such a short period of time was not easy and these (what I like to call) "lifting mechanisms" kept me going. It sounds corny and maybe it's my hormones, but it's true.

sniff..sniff.

:-)

Anyway, I'd like to show you some of the yarn gifts I received since we all know that knitters LOVE to see some good yarn porn.

Pictured above and directly below is Miss Purly's (she'll always be Purly to me...) kind gift of yarn. I had ordered some sock yarn and she took it upon herself to dye up a GORGEOUS, vibrant emerald green pair of skeins and include them with my order. Also included was a VERY adorable and oh-so-perfect card and rubber-ducky soap thingy which I've since used and didn't actually get an opportunity to photograph.

Sorry, folks. Just imagine it. ;-)

Below is a tiny box all the way from Canada! Gale (who seems to be blogless) read about my fierce love of Lorna's Laces sock yarn and asked if she could send me her skeins. Apparently, she is not a fan (gasp!) as it hurts her hands.

I accepted (of COURSE) and within DAYS it was on my doorstep, cheering me up.

People, I don't even KNOW this woman! We've never exchanged an email beyond a simple question or blog comment!

See what I mean about Knitting Peeps and the Kindness of Strangers?

Again below, you'll see how Miss Caitlyn of Knot Without My Knitting completely went overboard in her quest to make me feel better.

Vesper. Rowan Cashsoft DK, AND Vesper roving.

Need I say more?

And that wasn't all. She included some Bath & BodyWorks goodies, Burt's Bees lip balm and Junior Mints.

Junior Mints!

Seriously, Caitlyn, you had me at the Cashsoft DK. :-)

Hehehe.

All of you commentors, gift-givers, emailers, card-senders...all of you rock!

Peeps among peeps. Peeps like no others.

Have I expressed my sentiments clearly enough?

Maybe I should just say thank you?

Thank You.

:-)

Denim is The Whole Grain Alcohol of The Yarn Planet

I wasn't kidding when I said there has been knitting.

What you see above are the back, left front and half of the right front pieces.

But peeps, how come no one mentioned the Dangers of The Denim? Seriously, I knew it would be similar to knitting with cotton and I was trucking along with caution -- taking breaks every hour or so and not really knitting for more than two hours each day. However, something came over me this weekend -- I think it might've been an out-of-season urge to hibernate, combined with crappy weather -- and I became a woman possesed. I maniacally knit on this thing for a good SIX HOURS.

Yes. SIX. On DENIM.

Things seemed fine -- no noticeable pain or discomfort -- so I just chugged along obliviously. But, the next day...the NEXT day, people...ooh, I paid the price. My elbow was completely sore, and every teeny muscle in my arm ached as if I'd worked it out to epic proportions after a long period of not working out at all (this scenario is actually not completely out of the question in my case as it applies to my entire body, but this is a knitting blog so I won't go there).

Sunday was spent cursing the denim and going through some strange knitting withdrawal.

I was not a happy Olive. Nope. Not happy at all.

Today I still feel some elbow soreness, but only when I actually apply pressure -- the rest of the arm is just a bit stiff -- so I took a baby step and began my Sockapalooza socks with the fabulous Sundara Yarn.

In any case, I've done this with cotton in the past and it did result in an achy arm the next day, but typically I notice some achiness as I'm knitting and I can judge when enough-is-enough. This...this was like...

WHOLE GRAIN ALCOHOL.

Don't pretend you don't know of what I speak. Just like the insidious process of whole grain alcohol -- where you drink and drink and feel nothing, only to stand up and fall over, completely bypassing the feel-good part of drinking and falling head first to the massively ill part (which most of us try our best to avoid) -- Denim is The Whole Grain Alcohol of The Yarn Planet.

Be forewarned people, this denim, it's not for the faint of heart.

Here are my progress shots. Take them in peeps, because there won't be any for at least another week. Like the Whole Grain, it's best to establish some distance before going back.

Left Front

Left Front Detail

Left Front Moss Stitch Border Detail

Back

Right Front In Progress

You people are good eggs. Jumbo. And organic.

You people are good eggs. Jumbo. And organic. :-)

First, can I just say "Wow?"

Wow.

Seriously, you people are just so cool and so nice, I can't get over it. Really. I can't believe how many emails and well-wishes I received in the past few weeks. Some of you even went WAY overboard with fibery gifts. Not that I'm complaining, just that it was SO not necessary and yet, SO appreciated. (I'll be posting pics of these throughout the week, but I wanted to go ahead and mention them now because they're lumped in with all the other expressions of kindness).

Each day at work, I'd receive several comments or emails expressing sympathy and well-wishes. I'm actually still getting them! Or, I'd come home (dreading the empty house) only to find a package on my doorstep -- the contents of which were warm in both the fibery sense and the human sense.

All of it helped. Man, did it help.

I still miss both of my Grandparents a lot. And, honestly, it sort of gets worse as time passes and things sink in. But, I'm told that eventually it does get better and I think I might be starting to feel it if even in the smallest sense. All I can say is "Thank god for the knitting."

I didn't realize what a force knitting is in my life until it helped me navigate through the most difficult life events I've encountered thus far in my humble existence. It's been a constant and I'll never underestimate it's value or the value of any art or craft again.

As you can see, and as I just explained there has been knitting. Pictured above and below are some very simple anklet socks using Sundara's most fabulous sock yarn in the "Popsicle" colorway.

MAN, this stuff is good. So, so good.

1. It has a nice beaded ply like Koigu.

2. The colors are vibrant and rich and just fabulous. The dye sort of sinks into the grooves and it creates amazing tonal impressions in the variegateds. SO nice.

3. It is much softer than Koigu.

4. It's slightly thicker than fingering weight, and has amazing bounce and memory.

Can you tell this is my new Fiber Crush?

Well, it is. :-)

I used a simple yarnover cuff to give it a little interest, but really, all I wanted to do was fondle this yarn and knit mindlessly. And, it did the job. I've worn these MANY times and the photos you see are after at least 20 wearings.

I kid you not.

You can see there is little pilling -- if any -- and it's held up REALLY well.

Suffice it to say, I placed another order immediately upon completion of these babies.

Anyway, so there has also been a ton of progress on both the Aran Sandal Socks and the Bomber jacket. Pictures have been taken and regular posting shall commence this week.

It's good to be back. :-)

Where The "Heck" Have I Been?

Hey Peeps...

As you can see, this is a post with no real knitting content. I'm hoping to resume on a more regular schedule once my life settles down a bit.

My Grandfather passed away Saturday at 8:20pm -- seven weeks minus one day from the date my Granny passed. He'd been hospitalized since the day after my Grandmother's stroke and it's been a fairly stressful, sad period.

In any case, there has been quite a bit of knitting, just a lack of time and focus to organize and photograph it all. But I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things by next week with maybe a random post or two in the next few days.

Thanks for bearing with me and for all the kind inquiries as to where the heck (did I just say "heck?") I've been the past two weeks.

You people rock. :-)

The Denim and Its Rough and Sexy Ways

The Denim...it's a workout!

Seriously, people, after knitting on this thing for about an hour, my arms feel as if I've just finshed an upper body routine.

Either I'm really out of shape, or it's the denim.

Ok, I AM out of shape, but still! This denim is rough!

The thing is, I love the feel of it. I love the color. I love the pattern (you can't beat Miss Hargreaves, can you?). So, my solution? Work an hour, stop, do some Yoga stretches, surf the net and repeat.

I can only endure this for about three hours at the most. And, if I go that long, my wrists start to hurt with that scary twinge that screams CARPAL TUNNEL! Then, everything else gets sore and I know I won't feel like or be able to pick it up the next day.

Given the situation, I was at least able to get this far along:

I am now up to the start of the armhole shaping.

During Bomber Break Days, as I affectionately call them, I knit a bit on Elizabeth I. She seems to be coming along nicely:

If I were a bit more practical, I'd be focusing on this baby right now, since I have a greater chance of getting more use out of her than the Bomber jacket. BUT, for some reason, I'm craving the denim and its rough and sexy ways. What's a girl to do?

And so I persist. :-)

The Infamous Ott-Lite and More Sock Goodness...

The Grumperina strikes again!

Last Saturday, Miss Kathy and I headed over to Fabric Place. She was searching for sewing-related stuffs and I was, well, "browsing."

Anyway, so in the process of chatting, the subject of lighting came up and I asked her about the infamous Ott-Lite. She'd mentioned it before, other people raved about it, and I wanted one. So, imagine my delight -- or, rather, hysteria -- at finding the entire line of Ott Stuffs at Fabric Place!

Of course, Miss Kathy had already researched the benefits of one type of Ott over the other, so it was pretty easy to choose the perfect one for my needs (you gotta love that about her!).

What you see above is the start of the back of the Bomber jacket from Rowan People in Rowan Denim "Nashville."

I photographed it at night, under The Ott. What do you guys think about the quality?

I ask, because it's been very hard for me to get up early enough to photograph stuff for the blog. It would make my life SO MUCH EASIER, and my posting so much more FREQUENT, if I could find an alternate solution. The Ott may be it. We'll see.

Anyway, so far, I'm digging the pattern. Big needles (size 5 Addis), simple repeat and the feeling like I'm an artist because my hands are left with blue stains from the denim dye. Hehe. It reminds me of painting class and I feel all creative and crap. ;-)

So, in addition to being my shopping resource, Miss Kathy is a very sneaky, very sweet friend. Remember these socks? The ones she posted about a couple of weeks ago? The ones I read about and lusted after?

Well, it turns out, they were for ME!

See?

I don't know how she did it, but these babies fit as well as anything I've knit for myself -- possibly better!

Also in my birthday package was a "ShaggyMac" screen protector and a nice tin of my favorite peppermint tea. Now, the ShaggyMac was something I just briefly mentioned I wanted, like A MILLION MONTHS AGO. The fact she remembered was very cool indeed.

See? That is the beauty of The Grumperina. Just the right amount of Grumpy to amuse but mostly just a very sweet friend.

Knitting on the socks continues, as does knitting on yet another new project started last week. More pics to follow...

And Again...MORE Socks (This is getting ridiculous!)

As you can see, the Sock Fetish continues with the Aran Sandal Socks (pictured above) and The Ribble Socks (pictured below), both from the Knitter's Magazine collection "Socks Socks Socks."

The Aran Sandal Socks are being worked on Size 0 Addis, using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in a pretty fantastic shocking pink color (too tired to look up the actual name of this shade). Now, you KNOW how deep my Size 0 Addi Love runs, right?

They are completely satisfying my need for The Teeny-Tiny. I am thoroughly enjoying all the acrobatics involved in twisting these stitches and forming these little cables.

However, there is only so much a person can take before she needs a break -- and that's where the Ribble Socks come in.

The Ribbles are being worked on size 1 Addis, using ArtYarns Ultramerino4. It's a basic K1,P1 rib with twists in opposite directions every five rows and reverse starts every other twist row (are you following me, or did I just make everybody's brain wrinkle?). This results in a pretty nifty twining vines sort of look and works well with the Ultramerino4's sheen and tonal solids.

Strangely, both patterns are on the same spread, facing each other in the book and when I opened to that section it was definitely a "Click Moment."

So, there you go.

I just need to get a few more socks out of my system and I promise the blog ill become interesting again with all manner of sweaters, gloves and possibly a hat or two.

I did, however, buy some Rowan Denim yesterday. But, we won't talk about that yet. ;-)

It's Another Sock FO!

It's another sock FO!

And, to top it off, I cast on for another two pairs yesterday!

Yes, people, this is quickly becoming The Sock Blog.

With everything going on, it's been really hard to focus on a large project. So, the socks have been VITAL to my sanity. VITAL. Once these were finished, I actually experienced something akin to WITHDRAWAL.

You laugh, but I'm not kidding, people. I could actually feel the tingle in my fingers, BEGGING for more Lorna's Laces on teeny, size 0 Addis.

It was that bad (or good, depending on where you're standing).

Of course, choosing a pattern worthy of The Lorna's wasn't something which could be accomplished in a matter of minutes (a feat which I attempted, despite the knowledge that it would prove futile -- which shows you just how desperate I actually was). Instead, it took about two days. TWO DAYS, while my fingers ACHED for the Lorna's.

I ended up casting on for the Ribble Socks from the "Socks Socks Socks" book in Ultramerino4 on size 1 Addis just to have something to tide me over.

But, it wasn't the same.

The Lorna's is like CRACK.

Since it isn't the easiest thing to come by, I feel I need to honor it's lusciousness with the right pattern. Plus, I wanted something challenging after knitting this nifty lace pair. The winner was the Aran Sandal Socks from the aforementioned book (pics to follow later this week).

Oh, right, The Child's Sock. That's what this post is supposedly about. :-)

I sort of went off on a tangent there...

What can I say? It was an awesome pattern, fleshed out with amazingly luscious yarn, on fabulously smooth needles. Just the right amount of challenging to keep a person engaged and interested without being so high maintenance as to require the baggage of row counters and post-its.

Sublime.

Plus, look how this pattern beefs up my skinny, birdie ankles!

Sa-WEET.

I followed the pattern faithfully with the exception of the cuff.

I added a little purl row in there to bump up the edge a bit. But, for the most part, when knitting Nancy's patterns, I try to remain faithful to her instructions. I see them as learning experiences and I usually end up picking up some fantastic new cast on or nifty little accent which I then incorporate into other projects.

I found I had quite a bit of The Lorna's left over. Not enough for another pair, but possibly enough for some fingerless gloves. Hmmm...

So, that's that.

I promise I will be knitting something other than socks. Soon.

Really.