Totally Zenned

Zenning Along...

Since I'm sitting here laid off (again), searching the job sites, applying for the few positions that fit my technical skills. This seems like the perfect time to focus my efforts on upgrading and adding features to the Knitting Hutch site and shopping cart.

I've spent most of the day reading the ZenCart forums. Thinking I should upgrade to the current version I noticed a thread discussing the Beta version 2.0 due to be released soon.

Before I knew it I had spent most of the morning reading this one thread and deciding I'm going to hang back and see what this version brings. I'm still on a supported version only 1 patch level back. So now I'll focus on addressing some nagging issues such as product attributes not working all of a sudden and International shipping through USPS not working as expected. Well, enough of that tech stuff I guess.

New fun stuff in the shop ...

There is a new (and very cool) knitting tool coming very soon. It's the knitter's equivalent of the Swiss Army Knife. They are called The Knit Kit and will be $19.95.

I've ordered 10 of these and they are scheduled to arrive mid-March. They are available for pre-order and I am including a package of 2 Bates 2" yarn needles that should fit nicely in the compartment.

There is a shipment, or more accurately several shipments, on the way from Habu.

I've ordered 1 oz cones of A-177 Soft Merino wool in all available colors. This is the same feltable, lace wool used in the Kusha Kusha Scarf, Shawl and Jacket kits. Oh, and I'm keeping the Kusha Kusha scarf and shawl kits at the 2008 price.

So is there any knitting going on here? ...

Oh yes, and you'll be shocked that there's only 1 pair of socks in the 4 latest projects.

But that will have to wait until Monday.

Knit on, and have a wonderful weekend. I'll be knitting while the Super Bowl is on. Have to see the commercials and half time show you know.

Socks, Socks, Socks

I love knitting socks... actually I am addicted to knitting socks.

Currently I've knitted 25 pairs of socks and number 26 is on the needles.

In my sock yarn stash are 36 skeins just waiting to become socks and that doesn't count the 'left overs' that can be combined to make another 12 pair.

I also love books and patterns for knitting socks. I haven't counted those lately but probably 6-8 books and at least 2 dozen individual patterns. Oh, and 3 sock knitting books in my Amazon wish list.

While I'm confessing my love for knitting socks I'll also confess that all of them (save 1 pair) are for me. Below are pictures of my more recent socks that I haven't shared yet.

Christmas Chocolate Cherry

Claudia Hand Painted: Chocolate Cherry

Pattern: Crosshatch Lace by Charlene Schurch
Needles: 2 circs US 1

High Fidelity Pennant Socks

White Oak Studio tvyarn sock: High Fidelity
Pattern: Pennant Stitch by Charlene Schurch

Needles: 2 circs US 0

A Dark and Stormy Sock

Blue Moon Fiber Arts: Stormy Weather

Pattern: Traveling Vine by Charlene Schurch
Needles: 2 circs US 1

Blue Red Dwarf Socks

Artyarns Supermerino: Blue 162

Pattern: Red Dwarf Socks by Cristi H. Brockway
Needles: 2 circs US 2

Note: These I did as my recovering from a broken wrist project and did 2 at the same time on 2 circs to ensure I had the same gauge on both socks as I recovered.

Raveny socks

Blue Moon Fiber Arts: Raven series (Grock)

Pattern: Reverse Stockinette-Stitch Chevrons by Charlene Schurch

Needles: 2 circs US 1

Note: These were made as a Christmas present for my sister and the only socks not for me to date.

Alki Sailor's Delight
Hazel Knits Artisan Sock: Alki Reflections

Pattern: Sailor's Delight by Melissa Morgan-Oakes
Needles: 2 circs US 1

Current socks On The Needles -

Jojoland Melody: purple and greens

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt

Needles: 2 circs US 1

I think that's enough sharing about my addictions to the knitting of socks and don't worry I am knitting other items as well which I'll share latter.

Knit on all

2009 and I'm back blogging

Wow, a new year and again much to be thankful for and to look forward to.

As you might remember last February I was laid-off from my job in CA and moved to WA state in May and remained unemployed. That was until the beginning of September when I landed a 3 month consulting gig that I enjoyed. Then on December 8th I went and tripped and fell breaking my right wrist. I did this little trick exactly 3 years ago on December 5th of 2005 only that time I did both wrists. Well since this is the 2nd time around and I have Osteopenia the doctor recommended surgery. On the 15th of December I had surgery to put in a steel plate to keep it in line, so to speak. The first 3 days after the break and surgery were the worst and I discovered I really don't like pain meds but you do what you need to do to get through it.
I tell you it also sucked big time not being able to knit for 3 weeks. I was in the middle of a sock knitting frenzy and had plans to design the scarf for the Seasons of Habu Spring kit. Fortunately the surgery and steel plate means much faster healing time and I was able to get back to the needles on Christmas Eve. Yea!!!

Here's a post surgery picture.











There is more to share but I'll spread it out over the rest of the week.

On to news from The Knitting Hutch ...

Registration for the next installment of the Seasons of Habu - Spring 2009 is open.
Sign up by the 14 and receive 10% off ($45.00 / $50.00 reg.)
This kit will feature a lace weight cashmere yarn from Habu Textiles,
a lace scarf pattern that I've designed to reflect the theme (Spring Garden),
and several fun and useful swag items.

The pattern is a beginning to intermediate lace design with rest rows on the wrong side. Stitches used are k, p, yo, ssk, k2tog. s1 k2tog psso.
It will also allow you to choose your own width and length by changing the number of repeats for the width. I am enjoying knitting this and know you will too.

Click on the picture to check out the details and schedule.





See ya tomorrow