Lillie-Lou & Mallory 2

Thank you for your patience!

2012-01-23T16:38:00.006-05:00

Those of you who like to know what I am working on have been so patient. I have had a busy time of year. First it was Christmas where I made most all of my gifts and taking pictures just did not happen. Then the new year arrived and I have been busy working on my classes for the coming year. I promise pictures and soon.

Some personal knitting to be sure. Then I have worked at getting rid of a ton of stuff in my yarn room. Ebay has kept me busy and I will do more in a couple of weeks. Feels good to have sorted and found new things to keep me busy.

My current projects have been can you believe it something for me: the white hood+scarf. I love it and our weather has been cold here. I used a fantastic yarn that is wool and tencel. The sheen is wonderful and the yarn flew through my fingers. This one I keep and wear.

Then the doll outfit for Miss Lillie, I loved using the free pattern on the Crystal Palace site and the bulky mochi yarn. Amazing what the color did particularly on the hat.

Then the sad projects chemo caps. I always feel fortunate that I can do some little thing to help friends who are having to endure this procedure. So there are two hats. The aqua one in from Panda Silk which is so soft and nice silk and bamboo, I just know it will feel wonderful. The dark blue hat is Cashmerino. Very soft but with some warmth. ( it looks better on trust me) Guess I need to get a head form to try on these hats.

I just can't seem to find the hours in the day that I need to keep up but I shall do my best to keep you posted on what I am knitting. Sewing will wait a while now.

If you have questions about patterns and the like you can send me a message. I shall try and help you. Just not enough time to hunt up the links right now.

Hope all of you in blog land are doing well.

IS THIS REALLY KNITTING?

2011-11-05T06:47:00.002-04:00

I hesitate to call this knitting, however it is in a way. I found the new scarf yarns something to behold in color and texture. Just had to give them a try. Just picking up a bit of the webbing at the top and pulling it through the next loop. What is this I thought? I did end up with a lovely light weight scarf. Great fun and oh so quick to knit. With my schedule this seems to be what I can accomplish.

I really am working on unloading a lot of yarn on ebay these days. I had thought when I happily brought it home I would certainly knit it all up. Well 10 plus years later after keeping it stored carefully I know this will not happen. They also continue to make yarn. I guess that was something I forgot about when I was filling plastic bin after plastic bin. Takes quite a bit of time to weigh, package and get the yarn ready to mail but I am working on it. It just does not seem right to "hoard" all this yarn. I guess I fear the yarn police will make a raid so this has kept me busy.

I have also make 6 large needle rolls for some of the ladies who frequent one of the yarn shops I hang out in. Then there is the massive clean up the sewing room going on here as well. My serger has returned from the hospital so I can use it once again.

I am headed off to see the grandchildren later today, oldest one has a big part in the high school play and I would not miss it for anything. My it seems yesterday he was just a little infant in my arms.

When I get home I will post my other big project on repairing my old cherished quilts. I have learned a lot I will share with you.

I'M STILL ALIVE AND BACK AT THE BLOG

2011-10-13T10:34:00.004-04:00

Well after way to long an absence I have returned to "blogsphere". The new eyes took a bit of getting used to. But wonderful none the less. I have been working on some sewing projects in the meantime. Have a new shawl on the needles hopefully to show you next week. I am doing a lot of teaching knitting so my time to knit is spent on little samples of "how to do it". I truly love to be able to share what I have learned all these many years.

I have new double pointed needles and they needed a case. I am a lover of double pointed needles. I feel I knit smoother and faster than the other methods such as "magic loop" two circulars. Now I love things that match and I adore my Lexie Barnes Lady B knitting bag. Mine is an older pattern called Kiri and I had purchased some small zip bags to match. Well when the new 6" metal double points from ChiaoGoo arrived I needed a special case. I have made little zipper cases like this from fabric for a long time. Now however everything is matching. I love it. I used the case that was about 6 1/2" deep and just stitched in the pockets. Used a white out pen and wrote on the number. I am pleased with what I have created. Yes it only holds up to size 8 but I rarely use the larger sizes and they are in the old cases I made before this one.

I shall try to get a few more things I have been working on posted very soon. I have an idea of how to repair an antique quilt where on corner has rotted due to the exposure to the sun. Also some other things in progress.

Why I am not knitting

2011-09-03T10:44:00.003-04:00

Here is what goes here and why I am not knitting.

A week ago I had cataract surgery. An amazing thing to be sure. But only done on the left eye. So since I was blind as a bat before I can now see with that eye like magic, except for the close vision so then I need my "cheater" glasses. At first I thought well just take the left lens out and I would be good to go. Not so you can see there are the old glasses sans left lens. Thought it was a good plan. Well the progressive lens in the right eye made me feel like a drunk so now I just close that eye and move ahead. But to knit with one eye makes the other one way to tired. So I am just puttering around here waiting for September 22. Then the right eye will match the left and I am good to go. Truly amazing to get out of bed in the morning and not have to put on my glasses. It was always trauma if I dropped them as I could not find them. Such is progress in the medical world and I am most grateful. Thanks Dr. Nick you worked a miracle for me. so be patient out there all you who wait for knitting content it will happen soon.

Worth the wait

2011-08-15T10:33:00.001-04:00

2011-08-14T10:11:00.003-04:00

At last I am getting a few projects finished up. Here is a pair of fingerless gloves. Great fun to knit and I was able to use some silk yarn from my stash. A double pleasure. Here it is summer and I am thinking gloves. I recently saw an article that called them reading gloves. Now I like that description. I love to sit with the Kindle at night and read in bed. This will keep my hands warm. I think I might just make some more. I have other things on needles and now perhaps I can finish up a few more in the next week. Then things knitterly come to a halt. Grandchildren will return for another visit as well as dear friends. Guess it is time to open up the kitchen. I spent yesterday getting a couple of things made and into the freezer and that will help out a lot. Tomorrow I hope to get more baking done. At least it was cool and that makes me feel more like doing baking.

I am hostess at bridge on Wednesday so will be doing a cake for that I am trying something new and will later let all of you who read this know the results.

On the 25th I will have cataract surgery and I am really looking forward to that. I know that sounds crazy but I have not been driving after dark as I know I don't see as well as I should. One eye will be done this month and the next 4 weeks later. Just in time for fall when it gets dark earlier. Now I call that planning ahead. Dr. Nick has promised I will be able to read all the writing on the TV screen from across the room. I guess we could get a larger TV but then what fun would that be?

Our dry weather has come and gone and the yard and flowers are most appreciative for some cooler temps and the rain. Now I need to work on a few that did not make it during the heat. They are sure looking sad.

More tomorrow on progress in the knitting department.

DON'T FORGET TOMORROW IS SIGN UP DAY FOR DISH RAG TAG!!!

A new class in the works

2011-08-10T09:10:00.002-04:00

I am getting ready to teach a new class in a week. Beads I just love them. Great fun and a quick reward for your knitting time. These darling little "mini purses" are such fun to make. Do not let the small needle size get to you. They are not difficult. You may purchase kits for these from
http://www.purseparadise.com/

Here are a few little hints to help you in your knitting. I think if you attach the pin to the frame first it is much easier than after you have the purse sewn to the frame. Then sew the knitting to the frame before seaming up the sides. (fewer ends to work in). Work over a table the entire time with a towel or piece of fabric placed on top to catch loose beads. Now make a couple and have a ready supple of unique gifts.

The big 50

2011-08-09T09:55:00.003-04:00

Not knitting this past weekend. Dave and I celebrated 50 years of marriage with close friends and family. It was a glorious day.

Where or Where have I been lately?

2011-08-04T22:31:00.004-04:00

I feel badly I have neglected posting for so long and will try and get more pictures up for you to check out the knitting. I just returned from the knitting camp held by Meg Swansen in Wisconsin. We had a project for a contest and we all knit a "Suspender Sweater" from her new book "Knit One Knit All" A great contest for all of us. Here is a picture of mine. Hopefully more pictures in the days to follow, I am doing a lot of teaching these days and really do love it as well as working as a sales rep. I just need more hours in the day. Tomorrow my family arrives, daughter, hubby, Louis and Lillie and 3 dogs. Then they will be returning my 2 dogs! What 5 dogs in the house. It will be busy. Saturday is our 50th yes I said 50th wedding anniversary and we will be having a small party. So after all of that I shall be a better blogger.

I am still alive

2011-05-22T13:26:00.003-04:00

I know it has been forever since I was able to pay any attention to this blog. There is news however. Susie and I met for the first time in April. It is a 12 hour trip It was so wonderful just like we had known each other for years. And that parallel lives thing kept coming up. How can two women who live 1000 of miles apart go shopping and purchase the same ball point pen. What are the odds? This is just one of the things we continue to discover about each other. I have been really busy working at a new thing. I am doing some designing and some sample knitting for Hand Painted Knitting Yarn. Add this to my teaching schedule, working as a rep for ChiaoGoo. Then there is home and family. Plus the two little dogs. My life is full. What I am knitting is for someone else so until it is posted and I can give you a link no pictures. I do however have a couple of personal things on needles at at the point where they are finished I will let you see what goes on.

All of this plus I am working very hard to destash the yarn closet or should I say room. I need to get things put away. When you run out of room in a giant storage space it is time to get busy and do something about this. Therefore I have been very busy on ebay. Also dividing the things that will work for charity knitting to donate.

Add a bit of sewing to all of this and you know why you have not heard from me. I promise to do better.

ANNIS SHAWL

2011-02-19T17:23:00.003-05:00

I have always been thrilled with the beauty of the shawls from Estonia. Particularly the ones based on the Lily of the Valley. Such a beautiful flower and in the spring the ones that grow at my back door have a fragrance I adore. That being said the "nups" in the patterns have made me think about doing one of these. So when I saw Annis on Knitty I thought this would be a perfect time to try them out. Then I found the U-Tube demo on the crochet hook method. I was off and knitting. This is a fun shawl and I loved knitting it. Now if we could just have some warmer weather I will be able to wear this pretty pink treat. I have a few other projects that must come first then I think I shall cast on for the Lily of the Valley. Now understand there are 3 other shawls that must come first. Plus some work for upcoming classes but keep watching I will let you know when I start.

EVERY THING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

2011-02-13T08:23:00.004-05:00

A number of years ago (I forget how many) I worked out this pattern. Then it went to the "unfinished boutique" I am working hard at getting things organized, well at least as organized as I will ever be. I am now writing directions and the like after finishing the sample. I gave away sample 1 a long time ago. So it is back to square one. I have a shawl I must get busy working on as I am planning my December donation shawl now. None of the waiting until my life gets in the way stuff as in years past. Hubby's work schedule has changed once again so now I need to change my work schedule as well. No lace knitting when the TV is on full blast with some sort or other of sporting event. We have moved from football now to college basketball. I just can't count when they are yelling numbers at the top of their lungs in "surround sound" . This means I must work when he works. OK the house will keep and the kitchen floor is clean enough to be healthy. Thank goodness for little puppy Vera who is a great cleaner up of any food that might have landed there.

I AM NOT LOST IN THE SNOW!

2011-02-03T13:22:00.005-05:00

I am not lost in the snow but have been busy doing knitting things. I try in January to get caught up with all the items that never quite were finished at Christmas. Then it is also time to prepare for upcoming classes. We have had more snow than I can remember in years and keep in mind that memory goes back a long long time. I did finish up this black hat it is felted Gallway and some sort of fun fur yarn that I really don't remember. The pattern is from Fiber Trends and believe it or not it is for me....Perfect for this dreadful weather we are having.

There is one good thing about snow and cold weather here. We are all well prepared for it. My heart goes out to those of you who live where "real winter" is not something you are used to. Our heating systems, roofs, insulation and a large generator should we loose power. We are made for this stuff. We have a large tractor mounted snow blower that can send that white stuff miles if he wants to do it. So all is well with us.

I also made a couple of hats of my own design and I like to call this embossed knitting. Many years ago at Meg Swanson's Knitting camp we were delving into the Swedish Twined Knitting. With no translation of the first book on this it was pure guess work. So I designed this hat to use this way of "not twined twined knitting" I call it embossed knitting. I really do love to do it and this is going to be part of my classes before long.

Then we come to the always popular Wallaby by Carol Anderson. You know this is a favorite when grandchildren outgrow theirs and ask for a new one. So I knit up a little one in red as a class sample. I also have a large one almost finished now for Louis who requested it at Christmas. If that were not enough I have a pink one started for Lillie. I am doing a Wallaby Knit along class at Yarn for Ewe in Kennedy, Ny and this is all in preparation for these classes.

I have printed hand outs that go along with the pattern book so I have been working hard at getting these all ready for Saturday.

Then there were several days of sewing, cleaning the sewing room only to trash it again as I look for fabric.

More about that later. Keep warm

Just what goes on here?

2010-12-22T09:00:00.004-05:00

It hardly seems possible I have been away from this blog for so long. I am most sorry. First it was the computer which would no longer burn a CD. I decided in what now seems foolishness to send it in to be repaired while the Apple Care was still in effect. I only had a few days left on this coverage. Yes I know they say back things up. Well I did the best I could and off it went. Returned in 3 days and I was thrilled until I started it up. I found out they had wiped it clean. You got it I lost all of the information I had not backed up. I can not tell you the hours spent to reinstall everything. Things are pretty much as good as it is going to get at this point. Did I register a complaint you bet I did but what is that old saying "it is what it is".

Then we had Thanksgiving and we were away with the family for a week. I did a bit of Christmas shopping but not a lot of knitting. I did enjoy the time with the family and would not trade that for anything. Once I returned it back to teaching some knitting classes and this gives me great joy to share what I have been blessed to learn over the years.

Next project was to get the out of town gifts wrapped and mailed. This included 3 hand made knitting bags. Done!

All the while work on my hand made gifts. There are photos here of what I made and there will be more after Christmas. I just had to get some of the things all wrapped. Now it is time to show all of you who care to look just what I have been knitting. Not in these pictures as I lost the camera files as well are a sweater for Lillie and a hat with matching sweater and hat for her American girl doll which is what my gift to her is at Christmas. Then there were hand knit socks for my Louis.

Now here are the pictures and what I knit. A scarf and fingerless gloves in pretty blue with yarn from the stash. Makes me feel very thrifty. Then my own pattern for the red line shawl in doll size. Sock yarn doll clothes. Also pot holders sewn and kitchen towels to match.

If you have not seen the new book out "Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders" edited by Judith Durant. Please run don't walk and pick up a copy. The sock yarn doll clothes are from this book and I want to start on page one and knit my through this gem.

I now have the special hazelnut biscotti made for my son in law for Christmas, the cookies baked and as I write this everything is all wrapped up. I now need to put the "sticky buns" in the oven for the bridge party.

Happy Holidays to all of you and I must hurry back to the needles there is still a sock that needs a foot.....

A QUICK SCARF

2010-11-05T14:15:00.004-04:00

I am beginning to think I am making progress around here with the knitting. I have finished another pair of the socks with the "Strong Heel".

Finished this pretty fluted scarf knit this with: 1 ball Universal Yarn Classic Shades color #705. Here is the pattern. It was told to me at a knitting meeting and I have no idea where the original pattern came from. I just wrote down and knit what I was told. So want to share with all of you. This is really a fun knit. If this is a pattern someone has written I am so sorry and please let me know. I just found it fun and a quick and easy gift. This time of year hubby is glued to the football games and like it if I watch with him. Many I find not very interesting so this is what keeps my fingers busy yet my mind can still pay attention. Enjoy

# 7 needle

1 ball -Universal Classic Shades Yarn

Cast on 20

1. knit 20

2. knit 8, turn, knit 8.

3. knit 6, turn, knit 6

4. knit 4, turn, knit 4.

Knit 20 repeat these 4 rows until all yarn is used.

More completed knitting

2010-11-04T12:57:00.007-04:00

I also worked long and hard on the final version of my red line shawl. This was done to celebrate the wonderful "Red Line" needles made by ChiaoGoo. Such pure joy to knit with. My endless thanks to Universal Yarn for the wonderful Holiday Red with sequins yarn called Soft Payette. It absolutely flowed in my fingers and the sequins were no problem at all. The best part of this project was the fact it did not need to be blocked but just a light steam on the wrong side. I love something that when you are finished knitting you can wear it right away. I have been working on this project off and on since June and at last I have the written directions. I needed to do a double check of them so with the left over yarn I knit one to fit the American Girl Doll.

I have been told that Miss Lillie is requesting an American Girl doll for Christmas. You can imagine what I will now be working on until Christmas. Lots and lots of little sweaters. That Mary Ann was so helpful to model so beautifully the shawls on Knit Night at http://yarnforewe.biz/ Dianne has changed the name from Stash Busters to Yarn for you and Stash Busters two to more accurately represent the new direction her shop is going in. Not just stash busting but a full service yarn shop. How exciting for all of us in the Western New York rea.

Knitting and not blogging

2010-11-04T12:51:00.005-04:00

I really have been doing a lot of knitting lately but alas no blogging. First thing I was trying to complete was the Panda Silk Fan Shawl, I seemed to get a bit of help from Sammy the dog. Check out this picture he does not knit the way I would like him to. I did however spend a lot of time with the unravel routine. Thank goodness this is lovely smooth yarn and he did no damage and the shawl was completed. It has a wonderful drape and feel. I found it not necessary to block this shawl. I just used the steam iron carefully and I do mean carefully on the wrong side and it came out fantastic. This kept me busy for quite a while. If you live in a warm weather area or want something special for summer this is the shawl for you. I want to thank Mary Ann for doing a fantastic job as the model.

KEEPING BUSY

2010-10-15T14:42:00.004-04:00

There are days when I wonder what happened to my time. I am always busy with a project or 20. Right now I have a very busy teaching schedule. A week ago Saturday it was my happy experience to be the speaker for the Waterways Knitting Guild in Jamestown, NY. It was perfect timing as I had just received my new copy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters Almanac. I have owned the original for many years and enjoyed using it and just reading it. I was blessed to attend her knitting camp for a number of years and to own an original drawing of hers illustrating the Stonington Shawl. I also received from her daughter Meg at camp a mitten EZ knit it was the proto type for the one in the box. I sure am one lucky knitter. I have letters and correspondence from EZ so it was a fun morning for me to share what I have with others.

After which I taught a class on putting cuffs on ready made gloves at http://yarnforewe.biz A quick and easy Christmas gift. I always enjoy sharing what I have learned.

Then I was busy with this little project of decorated sugar cubes of all things. My donation to a breast cancer fun raising tea. What a sticky little project this was.

Everything Old is New Again

2010-09-24T08:59:00.005-04:00

Interesting how the lighting changes the color of yarn. The picture of the ball is accurate and the one of the sock done with the scanner is a bit different. You never know...
Quite some time ago I knit a sock and did a pattern. The yarn is long gone from my stash. I was fortunate enough to be gifted with a wonderful ball of a new sock yarn by Debbie Macomber. The Blossom Street Collection and is called "Petal Sock Yarn". This color is "Plum Tree". This was a perfect time to do the sock again. My own pattern and I did a little edit to it and am ready to teach a class on this nifty heel. It does fit nicely and avoids the picking up the heel flap that seems to perplex some knitters. The yarn is absolutely wonderful. Soft and silky with a bit of halo. I love it, the yardage is fantastic 462. I think a shawl in this yarn would be something so soft and warm I can hardly wait for the yarn to arrive at my local yarn shop. I would caution those who purchase this yarn to remember it seems a bit thinner than the Sockotta I used in the beginning so I did that old trick and went up a needle size. Worked perfectly. Also the label says NOT to put it in the dryer. All in all it was a breeze to knit. It just seemed to flow through my fingers. It also has a feel good aspect and that is that Debbie is donating all the proceeds from her yarn line to help children all over the world. Now how nice is that?

FALL

2010-09-23T14:32:00.002-04:00

That old saying " a picture is worth a 1000 words" I am in awe of the beautiful colors of fall.

MORE PHOEBE AND KNITTING

2010-09-22T14:38:00.002-04:00

I have been really busy lately. I finished up the knit doll named Phoebe which a coat that matches Lillie's as well as a pink dress. I know Lillie will love this when I take it to her in a couple of weeks. I can't take her something I knit without something for the big brother Louis. A teenager can be a bit picky but I know he always loves socks so that is what I made for him. Then there is the stranded two color hat for a class I will be teaching. I am doing quite a bit of that these days. Sometimes I wonder if the students know just how much preparation goes into getting a class ready? I do love doing it which is why I enjoy my students so very much. We are having beautiful fall weather with the trees doing their best to put on quite a show. I will get some pictures for all of you in the next day or so. When I thought of taking a picture this afternoon it had started to rain and the sun was gone. I shall not forget.

PHOEBE

2010-09-07T14:44:00.006-04:00

On my last trip to the TNNA show in Columbus in early June I saw this wonderful book. I right away thought of Lillie. I just knew she would love it. I was right when she was here for her visit I had the sweater nearly finished and love it she did.

So I began to knit and here is what her little sweater coat looks like. As usual I did a few modifications. So for those of you who wish to knit it here is what I did: I added 2 stitches to the body so I could have a slipped stitch up each side of the front for a neater finish. I normally knit to gauge but I had to drop to a #10 needle for this so be sure to check your gauge. I used 3 needle bind off on the shoulders but put the wrong sides together to avoid a stocking stitch area on the shoulder. Then when I reached the sleeves, I picked up the stitches as directed and purled the first round. This makes a very nice finish with the little purl bumps filling in that pick up ridge. I also used this same technique when it was time to start the hood. It gave what I felt like was a nicer finish.

At this point I thought I was finished but Miss Lille let me know she really needed the matching doll so I then knit that little sweater. It is so cute and such fun to knit.

And now hopefully this weekend I can knit up the doll and her dress to fit into the little coat. School started today for Lillie and I know that soon we will have cool weather this will be perfect for. Our leaves have already started to turn and a few are now floating in the breeze.

What little girl would not love this coat. I did make the size 6 and lengthened both the body and sleeves.

SHAWLS - SHAWLS - SHAWLS

2010-08-23T11:13:00.004-04:00

Of all the things there are to knit creating a shawl is my most favorite. There are always several on needles here. I do sometimes get sidetracked and don't finish up as I should. I am doing a shawl presentation at Stash Busters yarn shop on Saturday so I got my self moving. I like to call this "The Art of the Shawl" I really do feel they are an art form. So yesterday I finished up "The Traveling Woman Shawl" from Ravelry. It was fun to knit and it was a good take along project. I am working hard to reduce the stash. (Bet that statement brings a laugh from everyone). At any rate this is yarn from Interlacements, Toasty Toes color 210 Merino wool.It is supposedly a sock yarn. more like a sport weight. I think it a bit heavy as I like finer knits for socks. Been around a long time. I added an extra repeat across as well as knitting pattern A one more time that written. I think it would be a bit small if I had not done this. Did I worry towards the end about how much yarn I had left? You bet I did but the knitting Gods were with me and I even had a couple of yards left.

The second red shawl was a commercial pattern. Knit from a pattern by Karabella for Gossamer. I enjoyed knitting it as the red shawl was my second one from this pattern. The first I did in the yarn requested and pictured on the pattern. If you do this one be sure to purchase a couple extra skeins. The red shawl I made some modifications to the original and knit it from Brown Sheep Fantasy lace. Long ago discontinued. See I really am doing some stash reduction.

News

2010-08-21T22:03:00.003-04:00

Here we are, parallel lives at work. Now let me think.....what news do I have since last Joan and I posted? Oh Yes, I know. I have a new Grandson! Linkoln William Stewart arrived Feb 4th and is he a hoot! Of course being the good friend and excellent knitter that she is, Joan sent him a sweater and cap. So cute and my Daughter in Law loved it! Is that adorable or what?

BACK AGAIN

2010-08-21T08:42:00.007-04:00

It seems forever since I did any blogging but I feel it is time I did a bit of it. Things are so busy I just felt overwhelmed. Now with the approach of fall even if it is hotter than -----. I am as always knitting but have a new as hubby calls it "fad of the week" . Hubby has spent the last few winters working on building a doll house for our darling now 6 year old grand daughter. My project was the interior design and such. It really was a lot of work but fun as well. I made tiny little things, quilts and curtains and pillows and the like. Thought you would like to see just what has kept me so darn busy. So here are the pictures of Lillie's House.

Lots of knitting going on as well. So more to follow on that later but first the house.

FIND ME ON TWITTER

2010-04-10T13:25:00.001-04:00

With no time to blog I will do some quick updates on twitter. Check out Lillie and Lou

A BLOGGERS PROBLEM

2010-04-07T11:15:00.002-04:00

There are times when my schedule is so hectic I suffer great guilt at the lack of my postings. You are never sure that anyone out in ciber land reads your musings. I can sit down and write but getting pictures posted for me seems to be a big deal. I procrastinate a lot on this one, many things completed and no pictures. So at least for now I shall bid all of you a brief goodby and take some time out. If you find you miss me please let me know. I always can rethink my priorities.

EYE CANDY FOR LACE KNITTING

2010-03-29T12:23:00.005-04:00

I have now really spoiled myself with this glorious book purchase. I have hesitated for a few months because it was expensive. It arrived this morning and I think if you love to knit lace you will love this book. My favorite thing is charts that are large and easy to read. Then as I read the first few pages I found that the needles I love so much from ChiaoGoo are perfect for these shawls. I placed mine on the cover when I did the scan so you can all see how they look. In the book it suggests short bamboo needles for the lace edges. They suggest gluing a bead on the end of double points. For many years this is what I had to do. Problem being the balance is all wrong, I hated the feel of them in my hands. These needles are absolutely perfect for the shawls. Now I must read more and then decide what I want to knit. Then find some wonderful lace merino yarn. Now if only I had time to read the entire book. The history looks fantastic. Shawl breathtaking. I just had to share my joy with this present. I don't sell books but when I find one I love I do like to tell you about it.

I also received two other new knitting books that I have as yet to look at. Seems to me there will be no housework done around here for a few days. We will be spending the upcoming holiday home with just the two of us so plenty of time to read new knitting books. Such pure joy!

GREAT SEWING HINT

2010-03-05T13:17:00.003-05:00

I have been working in the sewing room lately. Lots of things I need to do but progress has been made. I finished the quilt for my new neighbor baby Emma. I am not a quilter but was given the top kit and needed something special for this little girl. I did my own thing with the kit. Must be a carry over from what I do when I knit. I can never just follow directions.

Next were birthday presents for my two great neighbor boys. They are huge Penn State fans as I can tell every morning when I look out the kitchen window. There is a "We are Penn State" sign in the upstairs window. The fabric was in my stash so much the better. That sign got me moving on these presents for two great little guys who really did not need more toys. Now here is my HINT I read in an on line article that coffee filters make fantastic stabilizer for sewing. Absolutely right and so cheap. I used them for the name embroidery. They tear away easily and I am sold on this hint. Thanks to who ever found this out. You easily layer them for more stability.

I also found out that the old left over roll of newsprint that is free at the local paper makes great wrapping paper. I just took a marker and using lots of different colors wrote the names multiple times. Great way to save as I just hat to toss expensive coated wrapping paper in the trash. It would work well for children to color on and then use to wrap up presents. I plan to use this idea again soon.

Then it was pillow cases for two more little neighbor boys. It did however make me clean out the closet in the sewing room just to see what I would find to use. It really was a good thing to have finished and I found all sorts of interesting fabrics. Now to put them to use. It really makes me feel good to use up things from my stash.

Since I was in the pillow case mode I made a pair for the grandson Louis. He has a new big bed and needed new cases.

Now back to knitting and a big project. Will keep all of you posted.

REDUCE THE STASH!!!!

2010-03-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

I have been very busy working at the stash reduction here. I still see no progress or empty containers but at least I am trying. I had a request from our local library for some knit items to sell at the upcoming fund raising boutique. So here is what they asked for. I made a neck warmer with yarn from Knit Picks Palette. Nice stuff but since I purchased the sample box I have one ball of many colors. This was a great way to use them up. Made me feel good about that purchase. It is nice yarn and after a quick bath lovely and soft. This and the matching lace cuffs were the requested items by Maxine the chairman.

My new Interweave knits arrived and I loved the "rose window beret" I used Point from Lana Grosso. Perfect to knit the hat as it is 96% cotton and 4% elastic. What better blend for a spring hat than that. I liked knitting with it. The little bit of elastic gave the hat body and I know the ribbing will hold its shape. I have no idea if this yarn is still on the market. Then I thought I need a matching scarf. Now here is my easy easy scarf pattern. I used a #9 needle and the hat was knit much smaller.

MY TWISTY SCARF:

Cast on 260 stitches, #9 needle or at least 3 sizes larger than yarn calls for. Here is the TWIST be sure you twist when you join. Certainly an easy thing to do with so many stitches. Then knit 4 rounds, purl 4 rounds, knit 4 rounds and bind off. Does not come any easier. This loops around the neck more than once and has a really nice look to it. I think I shall make some more of these quick and easy as well as fun scarves as gifts. Try one they might help reduce your stash.

The cashmere hat:

I found a beautiful ball of cashmere in the stash along with a pattern called Katonah Kap designed by Hatie Clingerman. I would happily give you the address to order but can you believe Sammy (for newer readers my silly dog) has given up knitting and taken to eating the patterns. So the lower portion of the pattern sheet is long gone. It is a fantastic design and used what I think feels like a sport weight yarn. Really fun and quick to knit. So warm and soft and it goes in the mail today for Lillie.

In less than two weeks I have made some progress and wait until you read the next post on the sewing projects. Never dull here even in winter when it has snowed for days on end. We get a bit of snow and then it melts a tad and then here it comes again.

Hubby is working 3 to 11 this week and next and I try and make good use of the evenings. Naturally all the Olympic TV added to my knitting time.

Now all of you readers out there dig into that stash and knit something small and use some of that stuff up. I used to think I needed to save favorite yarns as they became discontinued. How foolish they are always making wonderful new stuff.

A LITTLE KNITTING

2010-02-20T19:46:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of my latest completed project, Wonderful wrist warmers that double as cuffs. I love, love, love them. The pattern is from a book by Annemor Sudbo called Invisible Threads. Quick and easy to knit and I love the way they feel and look. It continues to snow here, I can not remember a day with out it. These are perfect. I think the yarn is a Shetland Lace weight but that is anyones guess. More from the mysterious stash stuff. I usually just take a peek at what is there and perhaps burn a small sample to check fibers. I am sure you all know about the burn test but just in case you do not. It is an old way to check out natural versus synthetic fibers. You take a small piece and put a match to it. If the ash is soft you have a natural fiber, if you get a hard bead what you have is some sort of man made fiber. Now what man made would be anyones guess. Interesting enough when I was in college over 50+ years ago studying textiles, fibers and such things this was what we used as a test, still today it is the first test fiber folks use when they are wondering about the fiber content. Way back then we had few synthetic fibers now the world abounds with them. I found it interesting a few years ago when I had the honor of viewing textiles at the Vesterheim.info@vesterheim.org museum in Iowa and we were wondering about fiber content. The first test Laurann Gilbertson the textile curator used when we were curious about a pair of mittens fiber was the good old burn test. Naturally after that there are many others but what a great way to start the investigation.

Knit a pair for a little gift and enjoy.

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

2010-02-07T11:46:00.005-05:00

I can tell you all now that the Mallory in the title of this blog now has a little brother Link. So I was prepared as I knew it would be a little boy. Here is the yellow sweater and hat I knit or him. The sweater is my own pattern, and the hat called "Kyle's Cap" from KNIT BABY HATS. I love this hat for a little boy. Yarn is from the stash who knows what it is but nice and soft and a lot of cotton in it I am sure. Perhaps we need to work on the blog title one of these days so he won't feel cheated when he gets older. I have more knitting in the works but this special baby deserves his own page. From one Nana to the other Nana. Now we are even a boy and a girl for each of us. More of that parallel lives thing we have going with each other.

A BUSY BUSY LIFE

2010-02-04T17:18:00.003-05:00

I don't seem to be able to get to this blog as often as I think about it. I seem to be always in the midst of some project or other for a finished date. Pictures seem to be my problem. Here is what I have been working on: pair of cool socks, the valentine jacket for Lillie and pj's for Louis. In the midst of this I am making a quilt that needs to be finished in the next 10 days or so. I love making the little jackets from a sweat shirt. They are fairly fast and easy and I am reducing the stash of trimmings bit by bit. If you are 5 and in kindergarten you love clothes that show off the holidays. I may do St. Patrick's day next. Who knows. There is also another baby quilt to be done as well before spring. What is that old saying "never enough hours in the day". I also knit a moebius scarf and that was given away before I even did a photo. Rather fun but mostly not very exciting.

Today the local quilt shop was open and I purchased the batting, and backing so tomorrow I can start the lay out and decide what type of quilting design this little baby will get. I did something I don't hear mentioned on the quilting shows or sites. I used my serger. I had lots of strips to sew together and it was so slick. Each piece came out perfectly and I feel that as this will make many trips to the washer the secure seams are a great idea.

My knitting seems not all that exciting these days. I have a pair of angora/wool mittens to finish up and to be honest am fighting with myself to finish them just dull, dull, dull. Perhaps tonight as I watch "Project Runway" I will get the second one knit. Sort of like "second sock syndrome".

At any rate I am still around and working on the things I love to do.

WHERE TO FIND THE PATTERN AND MORE !

2010-01-14T08:10:00.003-05:00

In answer to a question perhaps I should elaborate on the little pink sweater from my last post.

I have the habit of making a personal copy of patterns I really love and wish use again and again. This is one of my favorites. I make the copy and place it in a Journal I keep. Writing in the same Journal what I did that deviated from the original. In a hurry always to cast on I sometimes forget just where I found this gem. So I did my research and here you go. This wonderful sweater is by Irene Kubilus and is called "Baby Delight". It is found in issue #45 of Knitter's Magazine, winter 1996. (Yes I have every issue of this magazine from 1 to the present) Here I am a bit more organized and my magazines are kept in order believe that one or not. When Nancy Thomas was the editor they published an index to patterns. What a glorious idea, it covered issues from 1984 to 1998. Keep your eyes peeled for one of these for sale it is something I use often. But I digress. This darling little sweater pattern was also featured in the book published by XRX called "Babies and Toddlers a Knitters Dozen".

I used a DK yarn for the pink one, however it adapts easily to heavier yarn and a larger needle making a bigger sweater. How large you might ask, well here is the "knitty gritty". This little tutorial works for all sweaters. Many of you are experienced who read this so please disregard. It is something to always think about when casting on. The front of this sweater at the underarm has 27 stitches, the back 41, and the other front 27 making a total of 95.

The following numbers should help:

At 5 stitches per inch you have a chest of 19" = 18 month size

At 4.5 stitches per inch you have a chest of 21" = size 2

At 4 stitches per inch you have a chest of 23.75 " = size 4

Naturally as the size increases it is necessary to knit a longer sleeve and body length.

This is an easy way to decide just how large a sweater is going to be. The total body stitches divided by your gauge. I always use this little formula when making sweaters. Try it and you might find out a size small for women will run from 32" finished to 42 ", that is enough to make your head swim and I feel it accounts for so many sweaters you knit not being the size you thought it would be. When using this system be sure to check and re check your gauge. After all 200 stitches at 5 to the inch is a size 4o, but at 4 stitches to the inch you have a 50" chest. The more stitches on the needle the more critical this becomes. No wonder patterns stress check your gauge. Also be sure to count fractions of stitches per inch it makes a huge difference as well.

Happy Knitting to All

I have also thought of converting those lace panels in the sweater to cables and it would be fantastic for a little guy.

KNITTING

2010-01-05T09:09:00.003-05:00

I survived the holiday season and now it is back to more normal things. I am expecting to need a couple of baby gifts in the next two months, so no time like the present to get things going. How blessed I am to have this wonderful stash. Our weather is dreadful very cold below zero and wind my goodness a smaller body than mine would blow away. So here is what I have been working on.

I love knitting the little pink outfit knit from some Patons Simply soft. The pattern from an old "Knitters". One of my favorite ones to knit. Top down and fun to make. I did make a couple of changes. I Slipped the first stitch of each row to achieve a chain stitch edge on the front borders. Knit the sleeves in the round, and when the body was finished did my favorite flat bind off. You slip the first stitch as if to purl, bind off until 2 stitches remain and knit 2 together and bind off. Nice square corners! On the hat I began with a waste yarn cast on and then just wove the live stitches together. Means no seam when baby is placed on its back. My other hint is for the ties. The pattern calls for crochet. I don't like the way they curl, or if you make more than one row they tend to be stiff. I cast on the number of stitches called for for the tie, knit across these stitches, knit up stitches across the back and then cast on for the other sided and knit a few rows and bind off. Yup no sewing here at all.....

My favorite cast on these days is where you place a slip knot on a crochet hook, hold it above the knitting needle, wrap the yarn around the knitting needle and make a slip stitch, when you are one short of what you need, place the loop on the crochet hook onto your knitting needle. What I love about this is that the cast on and bind off look exactly the same.

When I need a waste yarn cast on I use the same system with scrap cotton yarn. When I have all the stitches cast on, I place the loop that remains on the crochet hook on a coiless pin and pin to the edge. Now when it is time to remove the waste yarn, unpin this loop and it will zip right out to leave you wonderful live stitches.

DONE ! FINISHED ! READY TO ENJOY!!

2009-12-23T16:20:00.003-05:00

I keep thinking there is something important I have forgotten. Well I even had time for a bit of a nap this afternoon. That should tell all of you I am at last ready for Christmas. Everything is finished, wrapped and ready to load up in the morning. We are off to enjoy the holiday with the rest of our little family. Usually at this time I am still in a fluff about finishing things, wrapping, baking and the like.

Yesterday I was on the receiving end of "a random act of kindness". I was visiting our local animal shelter to drop off a few things. A check as well. I only wish I had more to give to the wonderful animals. Their sad lot in life is none of their doing. People who acted thoughtlessly put them there. I try to help in some small way. OK I digress, one of the helpers at the facility came in and asked if the grey car was mine. Yes indeed, well I had a tire about to be big time flat. This nice young man directed me to a very close garage. ( had no idea there was one where he sent me). In fast fashion the tire was up and the other ones checked. I had out my wallet and offered to pay. NO indeed I was wished a Merry Christmas. This is how life should be. Find someone and do something nice. The joy you will find inside is amazing. It need not be much, perhaps just "would you like to be in front of me in the line?.

My wish for all of you is the very best. If we are warm and fed and most important of all healthy what more can we ask. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Camera is on the charger so the computer took this in my little office. My travel project. A new pair of socks.......

BIG TIME KNITTING AND CHRISTMAS PREPARATION

2009-12-15T12:22:00.003-05:00

My how time does fly. I find it hard to believe it has been almost a month since my last post. Well here is my dirty little secret. I have been sewing big time and knitting my fingers to the bone as well. The count to date is: 6 of those fun scarves called either marshmallow or pom pom depending on which brand you purchase. The purple one in the photo is the marshmallow...It is the more expensive of the yarns. Yet still a knitted gift for $10.00 or less and only a few hours of knitting time. It does not get any better. Then there is the soft and cozy brown scarf. That is from "mini mochi " from Crystal Palace. I love this yarn. Here is the wonderful old standby pattern feather and fan over 43 stitches. Great how this yarn shaded and it made a nice long scarf with 2 balls of yarn.

On to the socks. The bright green is called "Irish Spring" for my Irish friend. I got this as part of my sock of the month club membership. The pretty deep blue came from there as well. Then the beaded socks for the little grand daughter. The yarn and beads from my stash and the pattern from the book "Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch". I only did the beads for half of the ribbed cuff then did a turning ridge and turned the cuff down. I like it better. Straight cuffs don't stay up on my little granddaughter.

Then there is the sewing. A night gown for same little grand daughter, and matching pj's for the big brother.

Here is a hint for all of you who sew. When I make elastic waist pants for the grandchildren I use a piece of twill tape in a square at the center back. Makes it so easy for them to put them on the right way.

A Christmas jacket made from a sweatshirt for Lillie. Just cut off the ribbings open up the front and decorate your heart out. I used a ton of hot glue on crystals for stars and tree decorations. Plain old ribbon for the back and the rick rack candy cane.

Then there were 5 fancy chiffon embroidered tutu's for the ballet class. No pictures they have already left here.

Plus 20 little polar fleece hats with the Charlie Brown print for the entire kindergarten as well as the teacher and two helpers.

I am now down to the wire with only the one little sock to finish, and a pair of fingerless gloves. The cookie baking has also started. I may just make it this year.

No matter what holiday you celebrate may yours be very special.

MIRED IN MITERED SQUARES

2009-11-12T20:12:00.003-05:00

Well I have a new favorite thing to knit. Mitered squares. So fast and rewarding. After the two crayon box jackets I thought now what well along comes Melody Johnson of fibermania and she has two of the greatest free patterns on her blog. Neck warmers indeed winter is around the corner. Where I live we had snow now nice weather but more snow to come. Perhaps that hint of cold was to really motivate me. I knit one from the original pattern and now I am nearly finished with the second version. I love them. Now I know that they move along so very fast for me because I have the perfect needles. Yes I am partial to my friends at ChiaoGoo but these 7" needles are just the best for small projects. I have always owned only circular needles and double points but these are the perfect solution for those small things. Perfect for these squares. Not expensive $5.00 and under at the yarn shops. I am having the time of my life. Did a demonstration at the local yarn shop last week and found lots of others excited by this as well. Now I am off to Rochester, NY tomorrow. I will participate in the "Yarn Crawl" I will be doing several demonstrations at My Yarn Boutique, doing my version of the square, some socks with beads and who knows what else. I can hardly wait. If you are in the area come and join us.

Heads up if you live near Jamestown, NY there is the most charming yarn shop coming your way before long. I had a great time with the owner yesterday and will fill you all in on the grand opening when the time comes. Don't you love it when you hear there will be some place new to travel to?

(yes I use my washer top as a photo shop. I seem to get better contrast there than anywhere else) What ever works, works.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THIS FOR A NEIGHBOR?

2009-11-10T13:55:00.002-05:00

My knitting is not progressing as I wish it would. I have spent untold hours trying to find a way not to breathe what this is putting in the air across the street in this very nice residential neighborhood. I have written more letter, made investigations, begged officials and everything I can think of. For three weeks now and it is quite warm here our live has been a living hell. Sore throats etc. you name it. The poor asthma suffers in this community are choking as well.

I don't usually put personal things like this on my blog but I am looking for real help. Local officials just pass the buck. I know out there someone may just have a solution please help me out if you can.

It is 60 degrees outside today and this is what I see when I look out the window of my knitting place.

RIVER RUN SHAWL WITH BEADS

2009-11-05T07:32:00.002-05:00

Been wondering where I have been? Here is the answer. Big time busy. When I attended the Hemlock, NY fiber fest I happened upon a wonderful booth full of shawls. I particularly liked one called River Run. This was the middle of September. Each year I donate a shawl to the local Elf Fund Auction and I decided this one would be perfect. Winding the tencel which was hand dyed was a real a feat unto itself. You need a core of some sort so I started with the core of that bathroom paper we all use. Great idea but it slipped on the ball winder. Then I tried again and in the process had a real mess. Yarn everywhere and tangled like you would not believe. Two days later, I wound it onto the winder plastic core. Then placed that in one of those plastic jars with the hole in the top for yarn. I then knit from this. Worked perfect but I could wind yarn for nothing else during this time. Not really a bad idea. There is a 1000 yards of "thread." One thing held up progress big time and that was a mistake in the 29 stitch edging. I have advised the pattern designer of this so no one else should have to take the hours of ripping and knitting I did.

Then the beads, 1700 the pattern says, seemed like a million to me. Each one placed with a crochet hook. At last I have finished, taken a photo and blocked the shawl. I am now free to return to my Christmas knitting. Now you know what I have been up to.

I finished up last week but did not block until after the grandchildren and dogs went home. I only had 5 dogs in the house for a weekend. Not the time to block a shawl.

Strangest thing is I want to start another one. I do love lace knitting. You really get a lot of knitting for a small amount of money and so rewarding after you block.

TUESDAY PRESENTS!!

2009-10-16T16:34:00.002-04:00

When I was first married nearly 50 years ago and we were struggling like most young couples at that time. I would go to the mail box every so often and find an envelope. I would open it and inside would be a nice crisp $100.00 bill. Now in the 60's that was a huge amount. Inside was the sweetest note and it said" "buy something you want but don't need, happy Tuesday". It was from a dear man by the name of Louis who was like an adopted father to me. It started a bit of a tradition in our family. Sometimes in my family we just send little gifts to people and we call them Tuesday gifts no matter what day it is. Is it any wonder my darling grandson is named Louis. Wish he were around today to meet his namesake.

For me yesterday was Tuesday. I received from dear Susie the greatest keeper for my yarn, tools and such you ever saw. Up on a stand (Sammy can't get near the yarn there). I spent the evening getting a bit more organized. How nice. Thanks a million.

I am sharing this because I think it is a wonderful thing to do. Something like the "random acts of kindness thing" There it is for all of you to just pass it on.

FIND A CURE

2009-10-01T11:51:00.001-04:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. Working for ChiaoGoo I was inspired to create a special dish cloth pattern. Here it is free to copy and share. It goes with the special find a cure needles we make. Make one or more and give as a gift.

1 ball cotton dishcloth yarn.

“Find A Cure” needles. (by ChiaoGoo) size 6

Cast on 40 stitches

Knit 6 rows in garter stitch. (knit every row)

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Knit 5, Purl to the last 5 stitches, Knit 5.

Repeat these two rows 20 times more.

Knit 6 rows, bind off.

Knit ribbon as follows:

Cast on 1 stitch, knit in the front and back of this stitch (2 stitches). Turn, knit in the front and back of the first stitch, knit 1. (3 stitches), Turn. Knit 3. Turn, knit in the front and back of first stitch knit 3 (4 stitches). Knit 56 rows. Knit 2 together, knit 2. Turn, knit across. Knit 2 together, knit 1. Turn knit 1 and fasten off.

Work in ends by separating the yarn in half. Fold ribbon as shown in the picture. Sew down in corner of cloth using the yarn split in half to make sewing easier.

PROBLEM SOLVED !

2009-09-27T10:47:00.003-04:00

If any of you remember the "Crayon Box" jacket I posted about 3-19-09 you will remember I was most unhappy with the sleeve. There is a large "gusset" that runs up the underarm. Well lots of thinking and talking with a knitting friend Katie. I have a solution. I waited until the finished sweater to tell all of you. It worked so well. I now want at some point to make an adult version of this jacket. But that must wait until after Christmas. So here now are the instructions for the sleeve for these jackets.

I did not make the sleeve and then sew it in. I started at the first square at the under arm and knit a 17 stitch module as all the body modules are 17 stitches. I worked one square just as on the body up and over the shoulder and down the other side. All these squares of the same size. Then here is the "secret". The secret to row 2 going down the sleeve is to decrease the sleeve modules on this row to 15 stitches. Very easy to do just cast on one less stitch to start and pick up one less on the first square of row 1. That is all there is to it. Each time you need a new row of module squares you will have one less stitch. My final row had only 11 stitches in each row. Then sew up the under arm sleeve and there you have it. I then picked up around the cuff area with double pointed needles worked a bit of garter stitch and bound off. Happy to say the least.

A NEW SHAWL !

2009-09-18T18:30:00.003-04:00

I think this deserves two pictures. The first one is the completed shawl and the second one a close up so you can see the "delicious yarn"

From that wonderful yarn I told you about a few weeks ago here is a shawl. My most favorite pattern to knit. It just seems to flow off the needles. Feather and Fan or old shale what ever name you choose to call it. I used the yarn I got in Buffalo at the Knitting Guild convention. It was one I could not wait to knit. Now it is cold I have a new shawl. I used Cheryl Oberle's pattern from Folk Shawls. I love what the colors did for this. I think if I made it again I would make it wider and shorter but that is neither here or there. Just thought you would like to take a look.

Today was a grand day. I made a sales call in Warren, Pa and met up with two knitting friends from long ago. It was as if Pam and Steph and I had been together daily for all these years. A wonderful lunch, good conversation and a visit to a yarn shop. We had fun talking about the dish rag tag. We are all on different teams. Great contest. It is moving along nicely. I love my team members and I love our name. KNITTING FOOLS. That sure describes me.

We met at Tybout house of crafts is most interesting. Where I stopped to see Pricilla and show her the new items you will shortly be seeing in your yarn shops and here as well. I only wish I had more time to wander about and money to spend. Nice place to stop and see. Cookies, something to drink and just enjoy the company. Absolutely charming.

Now tomorrow I am off to see the grandchildren. One of my great delights in life. I will also be visiting at least 3 more yarn shops. I have some interesting things to show them. Later on I shall share with all of you. ChiaoGoo has new things for knitters and what a treat they are. Always reasonable in price. I like having something so nice to sell to shop owners.

Naturally I am taking along a lot of knitting. We shall see just how much I can get done.

Answers today but no pictures

2009-09-17T15:03:00.003-04:00

I received a question today about "what is a module". It is a small section of knitting joined to another thus making a larger item. I don't know if this is the right word for everyone but it is what I call things made in this manner. As to where to get the directions. Well the small strip of left over sock yarn which at some point and don't be in a hurry for this. Will be a stole/shawl. I will be writing up some directions before long. Just not this week or next. To much to do around here. The little jacket is my variation of Chris Bysma's pattern "Crayon Box Jacket" I started with the basic directions and will happily tell you what and how I changed it. Almost finished so please be patient. I will also be letting you all know where and when to find out just what I did that made it a bit different. I have not posted a pattern in a long time so I think soon I shall do this. I am off on a sales trip on Saturday. I will however have computer access will try and work on some patterns for all of you who asked. Keep checking here for the updates.

DISH RAG TAG THE SEQUEL!

2009-08-31T14:48:00.002-04:00

Oh how I have waited for today. The box arrived from Emily for the start of its journey to the rest of the team. Knitting Fools we have named ourselves. I was getting a bit anxious when our always on time mail man was running a bit late. He arrived and so did the box. The box was a joy to open I found wonderful goodies inside. From dear Emily some beautiful patchwork hand made coasters, and candy. I sat right down with the ball of yarn she included, fixed a cup of coffee and began to knit. I loved every minute of it. Ate candy, drank coffee and knit. A great way to spend the morning. Then it was off to the post office and it is on its way to Martha in Virginia. I included a couple of things for her to enjoy. The box is quite small this year and you really have to squeeze things in but I did it and now I get to sit back and wait and watch the progress. I still do not have it figured out as to how to put the progress "thingie" on this blog but if you check out Yarn Miracle you will find our progress. I shall keep all of you who read this posted.

NEW AND EXCITING KNITTING STUFF

2009-08-27T19:45:00.004-04:00

At last a few minutes for an update on what is on the needles here. I am absolutely thrilled with the latest from ChiaoGoo, last June at TNNA I put in a request for 7" long straight needles with good points to knit the latest thing I love. MODULES! Imagine how thrilled I was when someone listened to an old knitter. They have arrived! So now I have a couple of new projects in the works. First all those balls of sock yarn left over and what to do with them. Well I took the needles in size 2. (they come in size 1 up to a 10). I cast on 31 stitches and made the first square. Wonderful. Now I will continue to add squares with all the left over sock yarn and I shall have a "sock yarn stole" at some point. Might even write a pattern at some point as I progress. The needles make knitting these little squares pure joy. Light in weight, good balance and nice sharp but not to sharp points. I liked them so much I even have a back up set in case I loose one in my travels. Thank you ChiaoGoo. All this praise from me who owns no straight needles before this with the exception of double points. I am a big fan of circular needles normally.

I am also working on another project but since it is nearly finished will save it for another day.

I have had little time to knit this past week as my sweet grand daughter Lillie has been here and we have been very busy going out to tea. Swimming and eating I lost count of the happy meals. We return her to home tomorrow so she can start kindergarten.

Have a wonderful week end and watch out the dish rag tag boxes hit the mail tomorrow. I can hardly wait.

SEWING NOT KNITTING TODAY

2009-08-15T17:02:00.004-04:00

I have with out a doubt the most fantastic neighbors a person could wish for. While I was in Buffalo I missed out on Joe's birthday. He is a Penn State graduate and every thing is Penn State there. His wife gave me the idea to make Penn State Bean Bags for their game. Now one would think living in PA finding the fabric would be so very easy. Guess what I had to buy it on ebay and have it shipped from Florida. Makes absolutely no sense to me at all. Now I find that tomorrow I need to make a bag to hold the bags. Now I am off to knit and watch the Buffalo Bills football.

ALL WOUND UP!

2009-08-14T16:01:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I showed you all the yarn from the Buffalo Show. Last night and this morning I worked at warp speed. I wound it all. I wound last night until I just got tired. Can you imagine I wound the two 3 large balls for Lou, each one of these had 420 yards and then I did the jumbo hank. I had 12 balls of yarn from that dandy skein. The big blue Rigoletto. That beauty was 1400 yards. Worst part of all it was too large for the swift and I have two and neither one was big enough. So it meant winding from the back of two chairs, not my favorite way to wind. However if you do not have a swift this works quite nicely. By using two chairs and placing the hang around both you can adjust the size and the yarn stays at the top of the chair backs. Huge improvement over it dropping down by the seat.

The second yarn in the multi and also the green is for me. Those 4 hanks had 420 yards in each. Enough of this winding stuff. Now to knit a bit.

What am I making you ask. Well I am really into this modular stuff. That plus some new needles I will show you later on has me really hooked. This yarn is for a jacket for me. Something I don't do often. Older posts will show you the "Crayon Box Jacket" I did for Lillie and I fell in love with this kind of knitting. I am also working on a pattern to share with all of you in a while.

Hubby has the weekend off so I won't get to any of this until the first of the week. Have a great weekend.

If you have yarn to wind think of me!!

WHAT A WEEKEND !

2009-08-13T16:20:00.008-04:00

Now I feel it is time to catch up on what has been happening in my life. I left a week ago today for Buffalo, NY and the Knitting and Crochet Guild of America summer convention. The company I work for was helping out in the booth for this shop . www.haveeweanywoolyarnshop.com/

I just love these shows where fiber artists congregate. A couple of exciting things went on I need to share. One was discovering fantastic hand dyed yarn. Bjorn Coordt and Rex Tannahil from www.coloraturayarns.com/had this fabulous giant skein of yarn. The one shown here belongs to my friend Lou and I brought it home to wind. I love the fact these all have the name of an opera. I am a big opera fan. Just for the color alone I chose "La Boheme". This is my favorite opera and as chance would have it the colors I love the most. The one pictured I need to wind is called "Rigoletto"

I work as a sales rep for ChiaoGoo knitting needles and they surprised me with something I had on my wish list. Wonderful 7" single pointed needles. My current passion is knitting modular things like the crayon box jacket which started it all. They are wonderful. Light and with a great point and beautiful balance. How nice to see something I asked for become a reality. They certainly were well received that is for sure. I am working on a couple of projects which are not quite ready for me to show you yet.

Naturally there were other yarns and here is what I bought not that I needed yarn. I am winding, winding, winding.

Saw some really fantastic things. I was particularly amazed at the great number of crochet people who attended. I get the feeling Tunisian crochet is big right now. I don't know how yet but apparently those hooks are not easy to find. Linda had them in her booth so I learned a lot about this form of needle work. I saw an amazing sweater that for all the world looked like knit but in fact was really crochet. You never know!

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!

2009-08-01T18:34:00.002-04:00

Dishrag tag is back. If you have not signed up get with it. You will have more fun and meet some of the best people out there. I just got home and it was the first thing I did. Now until tomorrow and a bit more time. Yarn Miracle is the place to go.

READY FOR SCHOOL

2009-07-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

I find it amazing that Miss Lillie will start school this fall. For nap time the teacher requested a large bath towel. So we decided that would make a good birthday present after all she will be 5 tomorrow. I purchased a large purple (the favorite color this week) towel and then put on the name. After that I felt it needed a bit more. I added ribbon all the way around in her second most favorite color pink. Then it needed even more so I added the bow. I sewed in on so it will not come untied. Now only to get everything all wrapped and the car loaded and I am off to tomorrow's party. It must be exciting to be turning 5. Lillie is so excited about going to school and how wonderful that is. I get to spend a week with the grandchildren. Will do a bit of "work" selling the ChiaoGoo needles. Hope to have some exciting new things to tell you about very soon coming from them. And now back to the knitting, packing and what ever.

KNITTING TRAVELS!

2009-07-18T08:19:00.002-04:00

Each year around this time I escape from the world and have what I like to call my "knitting vacation" I like to take something that has absolutely no thought involved so I am able to sit and visit with my friends. Tomorrow is the big day. I am leaving this afternoon to spend some time with my friend Lou who will put me on the plane headed west early tomorrow morning.

I have just a short time this year to visit but I shall treasure it anyway. I am taking the red sweater I am working on for Louis. Just a plain pullover is what he requested. It is great old yarn from the stash. "Melrose Memory Yarn" If you remember I made him a blue one from this same yarn and he asked for another. Hopefully when I return I will have it finished and he can have it for the start of a new school year.

I HATE to fly but I must for this trip so am busy packing. The first item is the knitting, clothes follow later and are not at all important. Just the time I spend with Ann, Sally and Katie. I can hardly wait to see them. I has been almost a year now.

Then I will return home and get ready to do some work for ChiaoGoo knitting needles. I hope that by the time I return I have a couple of new items to fill you in on that I am soooooo excited about. It will be worth the wait...

Next I must visit the yarn shops in the Rochester, NY area I have neglected them far to long. Never dull in the knitting world around here.

Then August 7,8,9 it is off to Buffalo for the summer convention of the Knitting and Crochet Guild of America.

Will post my progress on the sweater when I return Thursday.

A BIT OF SEWING!

2009-07-10T09:03:00.003-04:00

Not knitting but busy. When Lillie was here for a few days she wanted me to make her a summer nightgown. Here it is. She went to the fabric stash and choose just what she wanted.Now I need to get the second one done at some point. I do think things in the knitting sewing line will be on the back burner for a day or two. I am baby sitting with the dogs from Lillie and Louis. I now have 5 four leg friends in the house. Two are large 70 lbs plus and then 3 little Cavaliers. Wow it is hectic here.

I also am working hard on getting rid of all the things daughter and a friend have dropped off for me to sell on ebay. It would make it a lot tidier here to get it all listed, sold and OUT OF HERE......I do not really mind this job but it sure does take a lot of time. I am however doing a small bit of knitting.

Hopefully on Monday I can get back to work for ChiaoGoo and see some yarn shops. I have some more interesting lines to carry in the works as well. I shall keep all of you posted.

A BIT OF KNITTING AT LAST!

2009-07-01T08:52:00.003-04:00

I have been asked to knit a special afghan square for a surprise for someone who I can not tell you about here. I choose this square from Mary Walker Phillips "Knitting Counterpanes" Mrs. Beetons pattern. I used a # 6 needle and Brown Sheep Lambs Pride. I am most pleased with this one. Great fun to knit and I felt it would fit into the project quite nicely. Hard to know what to knit when there are others making the squares. I was thrilled to find one repeat of the pattern ended up being the 11: square requested. A gentle steam and that was all there was to it. Also it has a nice edge to join with other squares. I did purl one round past the pattern and then bind off in knit. I had the choice of color so my favorite pink it is.
The same square a different size. What a gauge lesson this is. I used Elizabeth Lavold's cotton, linen blend to make a face cloth. I love this yarn it produced a great feel with just enough texture to give your face a good scrub with out being scratchy. When visiting a yarn shop recently representing my wonderful ChiaoGoo knitting needles the shop owner and I were chatting about linen and what a glorious fiber it is. I mentioned face cloths and Susan asked if I would knit one for her. I choose the same pattern I used for the afghan square. With a #4 needle it came out great. Then for those who wanted something simpler I knit the basic garter stitch "dish cloth" great fun and easy to do. I still even had a bit of yarn left.

I had grandchildren here this past weekend and it was very busy I can assure you of that. Kathy my daughter and I made all new curtains for the little camper they own. Getting it ready for a trip. Now I have Louis here for the next 10 days. But at 12 he is wonderful and absolutely no trouble at all. I even get to knit some.

I just started the swirl shawl to add to the long list of things in progress. Pictures to follow as I make some progress.

PICTURE FROM TNNA

2009-06-23T12:26:00.003-04:00

I now have a picture from Columbus at TNNA. We had a wonderful dinner and brainstorming session with the ChiaoGoo Needle company. Lots of ideas and such. Here is a picture just sent to me. Thanks a bunch Wendy. It took place the night before the market opened. Naturally I came home with wonderful ideas. Now I am forced to use the old MAC ICE CUBE that belongs to hubby. Hopefully later this week my lap top will return from repair. Until then I don't have pictures except this one send to me from Wendy's camera. We had one of the nice waiters take our picture. I am however working on getting some knitting things finished up and will take pictures to send along when my computer returns. This old stand by has no way to connect the camera.

An interesting afghan square for a group project afghan. I am done and ready to mail even early as it is not due until July 20. Then there is a sample face cloth for a shop I promised to knit. At least I am able to use the same pattern for both. A great leasson in what gauge will do for making two things the same and yet different.

I have some special yarn I picked up at TNNA to see what I can come up with so all the pattern books are out and I am searching the perfect one for a lace scarf. You know the old saying "so much to do so little time".

I had a big group here for brunch on Friday and now that is all put away and I am returning to my knitting passion. Then next week is grandson week. I hope to mix some business with some special entertainment for Louis. It seems to never be dull around here always lots to do.

Cross your fingers the computer arrives soon.!

NOW PICTURES BUT WOW!

2009-06-16T10:03:00.002-04:00

I just returned from Columbus. Ohio and the TNNA show. They do not allow cameras on the floor so I don't have a picture for you. I had a glorious time. It was a special treat to meet the folks I work for at ChiaoGoo needles. We had a great time showing off our line of great needles and introducing the new red cable circular. It is so soft, flexible and with a smooth smooth join. Right now only one size but more to come.

I found no real theme as to what will be new and exciting in the knitting world. Saw some lovely yarns and notions. I plan on adding a few things to the lines I sell. More on that later when it all comes together. New books continue to be published and I brought home several. As yet I have not had a chance to read them. I am getting ready for company so more on that front later.

MY BIG BUFFALO WEEKEND!

2009-06-10T18:33:00.006-04:00

Last weekend was absolutely the best. It all started on Thursday when I left to visit yarn shops first. Now visiting all the yarn shops in my area is just such a wonderful job I can hardly stand it. I just love looking at all the glorious things there are out there. So far I have not purchased any new yarn. You all know my stash overflows. I am really using a lot of self control. My method is to say it is not fair to buy from one shop and not every one I visit. So far it is working we shall see how long I can contain myself. After a day at the shops it was time to meet my friend Lou for a late lunch. We decided to pass on dinner and just have chocolate cake. I like it I like it!

Bright and early on Friday I joined some members of the Buffalo Guild for a little lace workshop. I had one group in the morning and another in the afternoon. All were just fantastic students and I love every minute of teaching. I wish I could do it every day.

Dinner that night was with Lou and a dear knitting friend Betty. Gee how lucky can an old lady get?

Saturday and Sunday were more classes. We did the little American Girl doll sweater in a two day session. Such wonderful students they always thrill me what fun they have learning something new. Then dinner in the evening with some of the Guild members. Life is soooooo good!

Now tomorrow I am off again. Oh dear more yarn shops followed by TNNA. So much yarn and knitting I am sure it will be overload but I shall share when I return.

READY AT LAST

2009-06-02T15:55:00.002-04:00

The last workshop booklet is finished I think the sample sweater turned out nice. I try very hard when teaching to have students knit something to keep. These classes teach technique while giving you something to take home. The one pictured here is all about knitting and cutting sweaters and making steeks. A few other things thrown in as well. The little sweater fits an American Girl doll.

I sure have not been so great at blogging lately. I am finally finished with the workshop I am doing in Buffalo this weekend. I had a hard time getting all the computer work finished. Apparently all the computer work messed with muscles in my shoulder and I have been taking all sorts of meds that make me goofy and sleepy. Tomorrow at least I get some physical therapy for this. Damn insurance companies had to give approval. Then if that were not enough I get some sinus stuff that filled the ears with fluid. I felt like I was at the amusement park on the "tilt a whorl" in my own chair. Now the medication for that really messes with the mind. At last things are looking up and I am on the mend. I leave Thursday and will stop at some yarn shops to do my job for ChiaoGoo and then it is a knitters weekend. Pictures to follow next week. Promise.

A BIG PROJECT FINISHED!

2009-05-16T08:50:00.002-04:00

What satisfaction to have a big project finished. Darling daughter and family love to go camping and last fall purchased an old 1980 small travel trailer. On my last visit with her I brought home all the cushions to make new covers. Yesterday was the day. I have a sewing friend visiting and we did them all. There were 6 total. Several of them very large and hard to deal with.Then I added a pillow as well. What a change from the old brown scratchy covers from 1980. We worked the two of us all day and we finished. I also learned a lot about covering cushions. One you need to find somewhere to purchase long long long zippers. I went to the local drapery/slip cover lady who gladly sold me what I needed. She even started the zipper pulls which is an ugly job in my opinion. Now hubby will deliver them this afternoon on his way east for a week of fishing. I plan to stay home a few days and get things in order for the upcoming workshops. Then I will do some quality grandchildren time. However there are also curtains to make for this little camper. Another day another time.

My company leaves this afternoon and I plan to make some cases to show off the wonderful ChiaoGoo needles I am selling. I think after my first sale on Wednesday I need a better way to display. Thank goodness it did not matter to my customer. I can tell you for someone addicted to yarn visiting a shop brimming full to the ceiling it was an seeing how much self control I had. Lots of wonderful yarn and I held off and did not come home with more. I am most proud of myself. I have made it a rule not to buy yarn on my working visits. However I will soon know where to find yarn!

WHAT A DISASTER AREA!

2009-05-11T16:44:00.004-04:00

OK where have I been? Take a look at this mess! I had to move from my little office in the laundry room up to the kitchen because it is toooo darn cold to type downstairs. We seem to have a bit of a delay on summer arriving here. I do not consider 40 in the morning warm weather. Now I am in the kitchen working like wild. I have a 3 workshops to be finished up, the directions written, the samples knit and the booklets for hand outs printed. Way behind would be a good way to put it. This picture is of where I am knitting and writing right now. On top of this I have now taken a job. I am a sales rep. for ChiaoGoo knitting needles. This means learning the numbers and the line. But oh how much fun to visit yarn shops and see what goes. I personally love the needles and so that makes it easy. As well as they are so wonderful and nice to work for. Then add to the mix out of town company coming Wednesday, The covers to sew for daughters camper and getting hubby off for a free fishing trip he was asked to participate in. I think home alone a few days will be a good thing for me. It does not end. June 5,6,7 I will be teaching for the Buffalo Knitting Guild. What fun to do once the preparations are all complete. Also will be visiting yarn shops the day before the workshops.a tough job for sure. Then it is off to TNNA in Columbus, this for work as well. Back home again and then a brunch to host for some out of town company. So if you don't hear from me for a bit I am alive and well. Really involved with all things knitting I will try my best. Perhaps some great pictures of neat knitting things from my travels.

Susie has two graduations in her family to attend to. But once that Katie is finished she will have even more time to knit. I hope we get her to blog a bit for us. Once her life is quiet.

I don't forget about all of you who take time to read this but sometimes "my life gets in the way"

Finally some progress

2009-04-29T20:41:00.002-04:00

I know I have not been the best blogger lately. Seems like life sometimes gets in the way. First a week with Lillie age 4 here and then last week I had Bandit the puppy. Lots of fun with him but he is sure full of energy. Then the sewing room clean out and organize. I am still not quite finished with that. All this going on and I get a call to help with some items to be used on Saturday for a local fund raiser. A "Kentucky Derby Gala". They needed saddle blankets for some of the models they are using as well as some embroidery on things. I took time out to help with this as the funds go to our local library. That taken care of I participated in the "Wee Tiny Sock Swap 2009". I have that mailed.

Then a great fabric hunt. I live in the middle of nowhere it seems and have little choice in purchasing fabrics. After a trip to our local JoAnn's and finding they did not have enough denim for my next big project of one color. I can't believe how many colors of denim there are. I need 16 yards to cover the cushions in my daughter's camper. Finally found a helpful clerk who offered to order it for me bless her big time. Then the second fabric hunt was for printed cotton knit. Not baby prints and so far that is all I have found. Louis #1 Grandson has a birthday coming and what he wants are PJ's from Nana. He loves the soft cotton t-shirts and elastic waist pants for summer. I was reduced to solid colors so will need to add some nifty ribbing and perhaps some embroidery.

With all of this I am working on a workshop booklets for a workshop in Buffalo, NY the first weekend in June. I will be teaching 3 days. I have the yarn ordered at this point and am busy working on the patterns. They are originals of mine but with a new computer I know they could look so much nicer so I am reprinting all of these. I have one I finished this morning. Really pleased with how it worked out. Called a "little soap sack" I will be teaching the basics of lace knitting. When I take a class I like to have something I knit to look back at and refresh my memory. You will see the picture at the top of the blog is this little project.

One more day and husband is off to hunting camp. Turkey season in Pennsylvania. I will be working on workshops the entire time he is away as well as trying to fit in some sewing. Never dull here!

NON KNITTING PROJECT

2009-04-22T08:49:00.002-04:00

As I have no knitting to blog about I thought I would share this idea with you. Often you can find the old basket type purses at thrift sales. Here is a great use for one. I made Lillie an Easter Basket by changing ribbon and trim. Filled it with grass and her Easter items. Great for small little girls as there is a lid and during the egg hunt things stay inside. She really loved it. This week her favorite color is purple so I used purple flowers and a glue gun to trim the top and just ran some ribbon around the top. I did it too late to share for this Easter with all of you but thought you might want to be on the search for a basket and put it away until next year. With 3 dogs to keep up with life is pretty busy around here.

Yesterday was a sewing day. I hate to mention this one but shortly after Sammy the Cavalier came to visit, he chewed the bottom of the leather sofa, matching chair and ottoman. I have fussed over this for a long time. The furniture was in perfect condition until he arrived. The blue duct tape did little to add to the decor of the room. Yesterday I took some plaid fabric with the blue of the leather in it and made a skirt, flat not gathered or pleated, and used the staple gun to attach it. Looks great if I do say so and now our family room is not so shabby. Best part was the fabric came from the stash. Now I know why I save all this stuff.

Two great ideas for Earth day, save and reuse!

KNITTING NOT!

2009-04-19T09:57:00.005-04:00

This sweater nearly did me in. Yes as dear husband says why do you wait until the last minute? I don't really know but I seem to always do this. I thought since I had the cute jacket for Lillie for Easter it would only be fair to knit Louis a sweater. Here is is and he does look handsome I think. However I found doing this in just a few days was not smart. I have been in knitting jail ever since. I apparently pulled my neck muscles and had such pain I was in the ER. Thanks to some great meds ,which make me so sleepy I can't stay awake. I am nearly back to normal but no knitting has taken place here in over a week and I am suffering from serious withdrawal. Now I can always blame it on the other things I was doing for the grandchildren like cut out cookies and a purse/basket for Lillie. I know inside was the knitting.

The yarn came from my stash, some wonderful stuff my friend Ann shared with me a long time ago. It is called "memory yarn" mostly cotton with an elastic fiber added in. Manufactured by Melrose. The directions call for you to make a size larger than normal as well as each section an inch longer. I did all of the above and it was a perfect fit. This stuff is wonderful no sag and ba and ribbing really ribs. Louis was so pleased he had it on all weekend. Now I am going to hunt the stash and see if I have some more of this great stuff. I did find while knitting that the regular metal needles were a bit sticky with this yarn and went back to the good old fashioned Balene that I hold so dear and have stashed away.

Now I am baby sitting with daughters dog while they vacation. The large dogs are at the kennel but the little fellow Bandit (he is in the center) is here with me along with his mom Vera and Sam the original Cavalier who lives here.

More later on what goes on here. I have another project to show you all later.

I LOVE SHEEP!!!

2009-04-02T09:30:00.004-04:00

I think that all of us who love to knit have a real passion for sheep. I think they are a big part of our lives. So many kinds of wool and the like. The following link is one of the most amazing things you could ever imagine about sheep. I enjoyed it so much I need to share. Thanks to my knitting friend Sally for sending me this link. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

CRAYON BOX JACKET

2009-03-19T14:39:00.007-04:00

I can not even remember when I started this little jacket it was so long ago. The pattern is Crayon Box Jacket from I think I started and frogged about 5 times. Then read Vivian Hoxboro's little book on Domino knitting and decided to make the little squares using her directions. I also was told by a friend that to use just garter stitch gives a nicer appearance. This makes sense as we all know garter stitch and stocking stitch provide two different gauges. With all this information the project was a delight to do.

Here is my hint if you wish to make one of these: 1. choose only garter stitch 2. do as Hoxboro suggests slip the first stitch of each row knit wise and purl the last stitch.

After I started using this system things rolled along quite nicely. I finished the jacket added the neck band, front borders, and bottom border. Knit up the sleeve gusset and here is where it all went "south" so to speak. The yarn I used for the borders and gusset was one I knew I had 3 or more balls of and I finished up one of these and then the hunt began for the remaining yarn. I hunted and hunted to no avail.

Next step clean out the yarn room. What a mess, I found things I had no idea I owned as well as a lot of yarn that made me question my sanity. Why or why would I keep all these bits and pieces. Also a few unfinished items that I did the "pull out the needle and dump" routine on. I have sorted and cataloged for nearly a full week. Still no yarn. Now keep in mind I am a protestant but I have heard of wonderful things from St. Anthony. He really came through on this one. I found the yarn yesterday slipped down behind a little chest that holds needles and the like. Many thanks St. Anthony who helps find lost items. Now I have finished the little jacket.

I love this and may just start another with something else. Great fun to work on once you get it down. I will admit some short 7" Signature needles made a huge difference. I dearly love the stiletto points and for modular work they are fantastic. I love the sock needles as well. Save your pennies and try a set.

Now I can return to finishing the last of the sorting and stash reduction. You know I had to quit that to finish the jacket. I think I shall add a pretty pink ribbon at the neck to tie a bow. I did not put buttons on because Miss Lillie moves so quickly the tie is much easier on her mom.

SOCKS AND MORE SOCKS

2009-03-05T09:18:00.003-05:00

Right now it seems the only knitting I can really find time for are socks. It is the time of the year when all the tax stuff has to be gathered. It takes away from my knitting time. So socks it is. I dearly love to knit them and they seem to be a big favorite with the friends and family. I keep hearing "never enough socks". I finished one pair and am almost there with the second pair. I have lost a bit of my evening knitting as I am helping a friend with her knitting but that is pure pleasure for me. I would have the entire world knitting if I could. I think there would be less hatred and violence if everyone would just pick up needles and knit something.

This sock pattern is a favorite of mine, a pattern from Knit Picks quite a while back. The yarn for the completed pair is Opal from the stash. The unfinished pair are knit with yarn I purchased on Esty from Ruby Sapphire. I loved both yarns and find it so interesting to knit with different yarns. The loop stitch cuff is not nearly as difficult as it looks. You just follow the directions on the pattern. I did however find that the second time you knit the stitch after making the loop, it is easier to knit in the back of the stitch. Just a little hint here.

You can see my favorite sock needles in the picture. I know they are expensive but I dearly love the "stiletto point" from Signature Needles. Just amazing how wonderful I find them. They are not slippery but I would prefer to call them slick as the knitting just flows from these little beauties. I live the shorter needles 6" but you can order the length that makes you happy. I don't work for them or get any reward for telling you about these but they are wonderful.

Last year I joined a sock yarn club and I can not tell you how much fun it has been. The first shipment was "St. Valentine's Day" and now yesterday I got more from this club. I will wait a few days to post this picture as I am in love with what they are sending. Every two months another skein of special dye yarn. Great fun. If you love to knit socks, join one of these when the opportunity comes your way.

DID YOU SEE IT?

2009-02-21T17:04:00.003-05:00

i just received my new issue of O magazine. There is quite an article on ways to cut down on stress in these difficult times. On page 124 in the "Mindwise section". I would like to quote the following: TAKE UP KNITTING" it goes on to say knitting can cause a "relaxation reflex" with a "calming and meditation like state". I have known this for a long time. Makes your blood pressure drop and the article further states that is reduces dementia. Now I like this but I think I have known this for a long long time.

I take my knitting to the Dr. office and naturally there is a bit of wait. I was told by one physician that I was the calmest person in the waiting room and would I teach the others out there to knit.

Nice to know there are studies to back up something as delightful to do as knitting.

Works in progress right now are the child's crayon box jacket and a pair of socks.

My motto today: TEACH SOMEONE TO KNIT

The Vera Update

2009-02-16T11:33:00.002-05:00

For all you dog lovers out there we are home from the vet and she could find nothing wrong with Vera just the left over stomach uncomfortable from the bird seed episode.

STILL HERE!

2009-02-16T08:50:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe it has been nearly a month since my last post. I sure have neglected my followers and for that I am most sorry.
I really have been knitting just omitted taking pictures. I finished at the last minute 4 pairs of Valentine socks for my daughter, her husband, and Louis and Lillie. I was racing again the clock with those and put them in the box sealed it up and sent it with hubby and thought OH NO! I forgot to take a picture. It was then tooo late. I did knit the face cloth pictured with some left over Louet fine linen. I really like this after it was machine washed and dried. Perhaps I shall get more and make more of these with a nice bar of soap it does make a sweet gift.

Remember Sammy and the sprained leg well my other sweet puppy Vera has been really sick. We have always fed the birds in the winter and I thought nothing of her outside sniffing around under the feeder. Well what ever you do stop this practice with your animals. She apparently ate this bird seed and the left over hulls. We were up several nights with lots of vomiting. She is still not back to normal and I have a Dr. appointment this morning for her. Seems this seed sits on the damp ground, ferments and collects bacteria like wild and it made her very sick. That part is over for now but she still has some stomach distress. I would not be a good friend if I did not share this news with you. According to our Vet this is something dogs love to do. I have now had a full week of being up every 2 hours every night. Does not make me very productive during the day. I will keep you all posted on Miss Vera.

I am helping a friend who has an estate to liquidate dispose of some of the items on ebay. She is always doing for others and I can do this for her. Goodness the time it takes but I soon shall be finished. It is not so much the money part but having these things go to a home where they are appreciated. This task has consumed many hours of my day. Answering the questions alone seems a full time job but most interesting.

I also have had company over night and that means you know do some serious cleaning around here. That being said the knitting has taken a back seat. I do have another pair of socks cast on and am working on a "Crayon box Jacket" for Lillie. I think I have started this a dozen times and never was really pleased with my results. After checking out Vivian Hoxboro on the subject I think I have solved what did not please me. I am now doing the following. All garter stitch squares, they fit together better, slipping the first stitch as if to knit of every row and purling the last. Now I am happy with how it looks. I know I get a bit fussy about these things but it looks as if now I shall finish this in time for spring. I also found the short 7" stiletto point needles from Signaature are just the ticket for this project. Expensive yes but absolutely wonderful to use.

This has brought about another project, I hate to even think how many pairs of needles, crochet hooks and other items associated with my passion have been dwelling in drawers and closets. I have now nearly completed the task of sorting and disposing of all the ones I will never ever use again. Each time something new comes on the market I think I need to try it but as with anything not one needle is right for every knitter. Each of us has favorites and at least I know a few more things about what I like to knit with.

Finished project

2009-01-18T11:47:00.002-05:00

I have finished the "World Stripe Wrap" from the Rowan magazine. Just in time I might add. It is so light and soft and having it on my lap while knitting was just fantastic. Hard to believe something so light and soft can be so warm. If knitting this again I would add about 6 stitches to the pattern and keep the first and last 3 in garter stitch. Even after a good steam the edges still want to roll, this after 2 rows of crochet were added. The fringe takes care of the ends but you could start with a few rows of garter stitch here as well. If you were to not add the extra border stitches, I would then slip the 1st stitch of each row to make it so much easier to find where to crochet the edge. I knit in my ends as I changes colors, it really does not show on the wrong side and I can not imagine working in all those ends later. I think this gives the best look. I worked 2 full repeats of the rows as written in the pattern.

It is bitter cold here I hear the furnace running and when it does I know that dollars in the form of the gas bill go along with it. We are however so grateful to be warm. Hubby said this morning it was -16 and there has been little improvement since that. When I put Sam and Vera out the trip is sure fast, no sniffing all the snow drifts and the like. They know it is much nicer inside. This is about the only positive I can see with weather like this.

This is a large old house but we have worked hard to make it as energy efficient as we can, new windows, storm doors and a new fuel efficient furnace and still I could take a grand vacation on what the gas bill is each month. Lucky for us we have two zones in the house with two thermostats. One for the nice cozy family room in the basement. I call it my knitting workshop right now. Yesterday I sorted yarn found the unfinished items to be worked on and just enjoyed the coziness of the place. Looks like more of the same today.

Snow, snow, snow we seem each day to have more arriving, our bird feeders are loaded with birds and I know they depend on us this time of year. I particularly like the look of the cardinals their bright red against the snow. Several years ago I gave husband a brass snow gauge for the yard, we now have 2 feet and it continues to come down. Perfect knitting weather.

A MONKEY HAT?

2009-01-12T11:52:00.003-05:00

Yes indeed a sock monkey hat. I have a wonderful son in law but he never seems to quite complete the "fix it things" around the house. I will say when we visit, "can you fix that?" His answer is "a trained monkey could do that". Well it has now become a wonderful family joke. We have started seeing that he gets little things as gifts and they all have the "trained monkey" involved. Always good for a laugh. When Susie alerted me to the Sock Monkey Hat on Knitty I knew I had to make it. I had hoped it would be for Christmas but alas as with lots of great plans. Part of the unfinished projects around here in bags and boxes. Now I am working hard to finish them. This weekend this was the finished project. It left in the mail today. I can hardly wait until he gets this one. It was a lot of fun to knit and best part of all I was able to use the stash. I just double some of the yarns, I keep thinking I will find more room in the yarn closet but so far it has not happened. I seem to be working from the baskets that litter the family room.

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

2009-01-09T18:03:00.004-05:00

The Sammy update! He is doing great and gets along well with the splint on his leg, which brings to mind a couple of things I have learned and want to share with other pet lovers. When we had the little puppy to the vet for his shots she took a can of spray cheese like the one in the photo, ran a strip of it on the stainless exam table and Bandit began to lick it up from the end, by the time he finished he had received his two shots and had no idea what had taken place. I said this is fantastic and she said this is what they use to give a pill. Let me tell you stop one after the Vet on Tuesday was for spray cheese. It is like magic. He takes his pills and begs for more. Much better than wrapping it where it will fall out of something. This stuff is sticky and the pills stick to the cheese like it was glue. All the years I have had dogs and never knew this trick. Too good not to share.

The other thing I learned this week was how to keep the splint wrap dry. I took one of those heavy plastic bags you use with a food sealer and serged it on my machine to make it the proper size, slipped it over the splint and used tape to make it smaller at the top. Now he is out in the snow and no dampness. Pet owners just have to share.....

What a way to start a day!

2009-01-06T17:15:00.002-05:00

It has been a most unusual day. Those of you who follow this blog know well Sammy my Cavalier who loves to mess with the yarn, chew knitting needles and the like. He is just a hard headed little guy. This morning he decided to chase the school bus. With hubby yelling at him to stop and he as usual paid no attention as he scooted out the door. Result and we are so lucky just a cut on the foot and a pulled tendon. Early this morning it was a trip to the vet. We have a bit of a drive to get that done. X-rays and all of that. He has pain medication and an antibiotic for the cut on the pad of his foot. All in all a most expensive trip down the driveway for him.

Now a week of keeping the bandage on the split dry. The only positive thing about this is the pain med made him sleep the day away on the sofa with me. Negative, I slept as well. I should be ready for a big knitting evening.

2009 First Finished item!!!

2009-01-05T11:43:00.006-05:00

Now I think I am making progress. I needed a baby sweater for a darling little boy born on Christmas eve. So once hubby started the New Years Day Football marathon I cast on. Here is the result! I like to use my own patterns when I am able so this is "Lillie's Little Sweater"a pattern I wrote with Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations. Yes I know I still need to learn how to do the darn put in a link thing. Perhaps I will get this taken care of at some point during this new year. I really need led by the hand and step by step to accomplish something so complicated. Back to this little sweater, I used yarn from the stash how good that feels. Cascade 220 superwash. I love this yarn and it holds up so well with the washing that baby things get.

I had a request from a friend for a little girls hat and mittens. I normally say no as I can not keep up with the family wants and wishes but on this day I said sure why not. So I have this little hat and mittens and I feel great with such progress. That is finished and hubby took it out to deliver before I even had a minute for a picture.

Next on the list was a baby blanket started many years ago by the grandmother of a friend. After she passed away it was found and I can understand why they would like it finished. That is now finished and I am ready to work on things from my "unfinished boutique" I think the first project on the list will be the kid silk haze world stripe mohair wrap. It is many times cold where I play bridge and this is light and warm. Great surprise it is for me!

It is January and the weather cold and ugly so a perfect time to sit and knit. We are having a real old fashioned winter with snow every day. Hubby is doing the driveways on the street now twice a day to keep up. Perfect knitting weather.

I just might make it after all!

2008-12-23T08:28:00.004-05:00

Things are moving along here at a brisk pace. I have finished making the cut out cookies with a hats off to Martha Stewart. She suggested rolling the dough out on a silicone sheet, covering the dough with clear plastic wrap. Now cut out the cookies, remove the waste dough around each cookie and slide the silicone sheet onto a metal baking sheet and bake. It was a glorious hint as there was no flour all over the kitchen and the cookies tasted the best ever. Now they go to the grandchildren who always decorate them on Christmas eve after dinner.

The croc socks are finished. I used the online pattern but found that they would be much to large if you followed the directions given. I dropped the needle to a 9 and they fit a man who wears a 10 shoe. Then I used a cast on of 28 stitches for the second pair and they fit a ladies size small. I may just need to make a pair of these for myself when all is quieter here.

Today on the list a little bit of wrapping and I mean very little. Then it is time to bake the biscotti. I have a son in law who says this is his favorite gift. I can not disappoint him. Last year I had foot surgery and there were no cookies or biscotti so I have to make up for all of that this year.

We leave tomorrow for a short trip to see Louis and Lillie and spend a few days of in my opinion pure joy. Even with 5 dogs, 1 cat and a guinea pig in the house.

My wish for all of you is a glorious holiday season and blessing in the new year.

Merry Christmas

Joan

Almost Ready

2008-12-20T08:35:00.002-05:00

I have been very very busy. Now I am nearly ready. Just a pair and a half of croc socks to knit and a lace edge for a pillow case. I have one case finished. Hey I have until Tuesday. Knit faster is the motto. First about the tree. When I visit my daughter and grand children there will be 5 dogs in the house so I did a little tree all decorated with treats for them. Then there are the navy blue and white socks for our dear neighbors who asked for Penn State socks. I had Ruby Sapphire custom dye the yarn and I am most pleased.

Then the fingerless mitts. I actually have finished 3 pairs of these. I just did not have the other one ready for the phot.

Last but by all means not least are the socks that resulted from the yarn dying project over Thanksgiving. These are Miss Lillie's own colors. Bubble gum, cotton candy and blueberry. All of which she choose and did the dying. I was to knit the socks and make them I did. I think the colors came out great. Thanks to who ever thought up culinary colors as it sure is child friendly. I know she will love her socks.

The blue socks are the on line pattern for croc socks. I will admit they are larger than what the pattern states. They fit dear hubby as well as son in law. I dropped the needle size to a 9 and lengthened the foot. Now just perfect. I have one more pair to do and I will go down to a 6 needle I think for a ladies size. I don't feel I knit loosely but who knows at this time of year.

At any rate it is wild here. Packages are wrapped at this point and I have company coming for dinner tonight and a gift exchange as well as tomorrow for lunch.

Cookie baking is still on hold here.

PURE JOY

2008-12-19T11:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday while I was nearly having a melt down over the Christmas to do list. This arrived from my special friend. Now I am moving along with the knitting and all the rest. Pictures to follow later today on the knitting. That Susie is so special.

SPECIAL YARN 1

2008-12-01T08:33:00.005-05:00

I am having the most wonderful time on my mini vacation. I am extending my Thanksgiving for a week and doing fun things with the grandchildren. Last night my daughter had the children dying sock yarn. It was great fun. How nice that the "Culinary Colors" dye is child safe. Lillie and Louis are dying sock yarn for special socks for Lillie's Godfather for Christmas. They dyed some other skeins as well. Kathy will knit up the special "God Father socks" and I shall do some of the others. It was great fun and we are now waiting for the yarn to dry. More pictures to follow. We are using the natural sock yarn from Knit Picks and this is something an entire family can be a part of. Note the garbage bag dying smocks on the children. My daughter was most creative with this. We had no spills or messes. Just a whole lot of fun and now to wait to knit.

A THRILLING MOMENT!!!

2008-11-22T11:33:00.004-05:00

I have always felt there was great value in handwork, be it knitting my personal passion or what ever. Now I know for sure this is true. In the small town where I live where the recession has really arrived here is what happened on Thursday evening. It was suggested to me by a woman on the Elf Fund committee that I should donate something hand knit for the charity auction. This charity helps our elderly and needy children year round. Called "The Elf Fund" 2008 is the 25th anniversary year. They choose special items for the live auction, those they feel will bring the higher prices. Also there was Chinese auction and a silent auction.

Many of us have spent hours and hours working on an item only to find that when we give it to charity they don't even receive the price of the yarn. I found this not to be true. After being reviewed by the committee I was told this would do very well. This is a gala affair in this small town and my husband and I love to attend. I did not feel I had a lot of money to donate this year so I did what I thought would help them. I donated a Shetland Shawl. The pattern is from Gemma Ord. A very old and traditional one.

This item brought $500.00 at the auction. I can not tell you how thrilled I was. I now have started something and been warned that they want another shawl next year. I shall be pleased to answer this request. This event certainly will be the highlight of my holiday season. To be able to help those less fortunate with my most favorite thing to do.

When you receive a request such as this take the time to ask what you should do and how it will be sold, then knit accordingly. It is to me the act of giving of ones self.

MYSTERY IS SOLVED!

2008-11-18T14:21:00.003-05:00

Today I learned why I was so blessed with the glorious box of yarn. It is all due to "Dish Rag Tag The Sequel". Emily posted me that I was a winner from the contest. Old lady never at a loss for words is, I received for Congeniality. I am just so thrilled I can't think of anything to say except a big thank you for those who submitted my name. To all of you, I really do appreciate this and what it means.

Looking forward to knitting up this glorious stash and next years dish rag tag.

Joan

WOW WOW & DOUBLE WOW

2008-11-15T10:34:00.003-05:00

This morning the mail lady left me the most exciting package. Hubby said "What did you buy this time?" My response was nothing. There is this giant box. With my name on it. OK so here I go. The first thing I come to is the darling card that says Congratulations, Beth. I am at a loss as to what this is all about. I start unwrapping all these wonderful tissue wrapped packages. Well what do I find? Amazing Christmas cards with a knitted mitten on the front. One of these I shall frame for the knitting wall pictures. Then as I delve deeper I find yarn, yarn and more yarn. Each package more exciting than I can imagine. I have soft blue kid merino,( a special scarf?), then a glorious huge skein from Interlacements hand dyed in my favorite colors (I feel a shawl coming on here), 2 balls of Creative Focus, alpaca and wool in of all things the color PINK. My most favorite color of all. Some scrumptious soft grey tencel and alpaca (oh the mind is racing now). If this were not enough 2 more skeins of Frog Tree Alpaca. My knitting mind is now on over load. There is also a skein of Bartlett natural wool in super chunky. I can't quite believe my good fortune.

Now I have no idea the reason for this glorious package, the card said "CONGRATULATIONS, BETH" You can be sure there will be a note off to the aforementioned Beth today. I have no idea why I am so blessed but let me tell all of you that I treasure this great gift box. I don't know what I did to be on the receiving end of something a knitter would dream about.

I can only hope that Beth reads this and sends me an email to tell me why I am so lucky, I never ever win anything so now this arrives in my mail. Knitters are the very best I have always known this and now all this to make my needles very happy.

I must first finish up the Christmas projects then watch out here come some wonderful things from this special stash. Thank goodness I don't have a ton of things waiting to be finished. I thought last night as I embarked on one of those gifts that I can get it all done. At least I think so.

I have a big smile on my face as I write this, and now to get on with the projects on the needles so I can start some wonderful new things, I always have "startitis" but right now just in my little old brain.

Many thanks Beth who ever you are.

Tis The Season To Be Hunting!

2008-11-09T12:22:00.004-05:00

Another parallel in our little lives???? The engineer hunting husbands! Are we bothered by the hunting thing??? No we are not. For every minute our husbands spend hunting it's a free minute for us to knit or sew. Do we mind the money spent hunting? No we do not. It's like this, OKAY Mister! I'll See your Deer tag and I'll raise you a set of Signature double point needles! When we want to stop in a knitting shop while traveling, we do. If there's any static we say, "Hey, how many times have we been to Gander Mountain, Cabela's ......add any store you like????? It all evens out and they know it. Bring on the season. We're happy to have the time!

Emmy Sends her Love

2008-11-09T11:57:00.003-05:00

Are Vera and Sammy not the cutest little things you ever saw???? Emmy would love to have a freind around the house but her Daddy is not ready for two canines. So here she is either waiting for a friend or waiting for Sammy and Vera to visit.

Joan and I are once again on parallel plains. She emailed me about Lillie and Barbie, as I was reading it I thought OH, I have that Barbie and Me book....Two lines later in the email she says she has the same book.

I live for the day I can retire and knit as much as Joan does. I'm pretty sure I'll never reach the knit as WELL as Joan does but there's a plus side to that too. I can email her at any time and say "what the heck is this and how do I do it?" She responds so fast and lets me know what to do or not do. The world is so confused right now. I really think if everyone knitted....we could straighten out a lot of problems! Let's work on that!

SOMEONE NEW!

2008-11-08T09:16:00.005-05:00

Last time I updated all of you it was not about knitting and the knitting still is in the back seat. The little puppy left here and went to a wonderful new home and has a new name Bandit. Still there is a happy animal rescue story around here. I now have a friend for Sammy her name is Vera and OH so sweet. She is part of the rescue plan as well. I felt that a puppy should be in a home with young people and so he is with children, to romp and play and sleep and cuddle with. He is one happy little guy. Now for my happy story. I have Miss Vera, a sweet 2 year old and how lovely she is. We have signed all the adoption papers with the rescue people and I have had her vet checked. All is happy, happy, happy here. She and Sam are doing very well together, we have a few issues at feeding time on Sam's part I might add. I am working on this and each day it is better. They snuggle up together and follow me every where. Now I can return to my knitting. I did manage to complete 6 dish cloths and deliver those to the person making the request. Another hat and mittens for the library charity sale. Next on the list is a sweater I am finishing. It was brought to me and the knitter unknown. It will also be donated to a charity auction. When I am finished I shall post a picture of this one. I think clothes for Barbie dolls will follow. My grand daughter 4 is really smitten with Barbie so that is what is on my schedule at present. Where does the time go, I thought I had a lot of time before Christmas to knit, well it came and went and I have little to show. So enjoy the picture of Sam and Vera and I am off to knit.

SOMEONE NEW

2008-11-08T09:16:00.001-05:00

Rescue babies

2008-10-29T13:46:00.003-04:00

While I was away this past weekend there was a lot going on about things back home. I had a wonderful time seeing old college friends. For many it has been 50 years since the last visit. While I was enjoying a step back in time I was busy on the cell phone doing something most rewarding. I had a call from a humane officer telling me of some special little dogs needing homes. Well as the animal lover I am it is hard to understand how someone could be so heartless and cruel and run a puppy mill. But this story has a happy ending. All the dogs that needed a home have one. I have my darling little friend for Sammy. He loves her, a bit jealous sometimes but every hour is better. She is so dear and sweet and can not believe she is living in a home. Never away from my side. With her came the last of her last littler of puppies who is going to be a big hit with my grandchildren. He does not have a name that is for Louis and Lillie to do so I just call him baby. I am not going to picture his mom for a while as I don't want any one to know just where she is. But there are lots of puppies that look like baby. Her Mommie's name will be a secret for a long time in case someone would by some remote way guess who and where these darlings are. Rest assured they have a wonderful life now. Full of love, great health care and all the things a pet deserves. I don't walk two feet with out someone right behind me and we are doing nothing for a few days but giving lots of love to these little dogs.

If ever you have a chance to befriend a poor abused animal, I can tell you the rewards far outweigh any work they create. My words to you are "go for it"

Now just what have I been doing???

2008-10-23T14:20:00.003-04:00

I can not believe how quickly time flies and I have neglected the blogging. Well here goes. First I had this little girl staying with me for a week. My darling grand daughter who is 4. She wanted to stay 100 days. Well we did a week and we shall do more. I do nothing but entertain her and play. Great fun. Just a little knitting goes on when Miss Lillie is here. The picture of her is when we had lunch after meeting her Mother to take her home. But by Halloween she will be back for a couple of days.

The knitting at this time is quite simple. Our local library is collecting hand knit articles to sell as a fund raiser in conjunction with "One Book Bradford" This year they encourage the town to read the "Blizzard Children" I have already done these two hats and will some mittens and fingerless gloves. I think Sammy wants to unravel the pink hat or else he thinks the top is something good to eat.

Tomorrow we are off to a fraternity reunion with my husband. Back to college we will go for homecoming. It should be most interesting to see a lot of old friends. It has been 50 years since we have seen many of them. Should be a fun event. I will however take a bit of knitting for the car. That is only if I don't fall asleep. I still have packing to do and gathering of yarn. I bet I do the yarn part first!

HALLOWEEN SOCK SWAP

2008-10-07T21:37:00.004-04:00

Yes I am making progress on the catching up part of my life. As you can tell it was a really good day today. The socks are finished for the Halloween sock swap. Tomorrow or perhaps Thursday I shall make the candy and pack the box. Stay tuned to see what goes in the box. What fun gathering gifts for some one you only know by the questions they answered to register. So here are the socks. I used a free pattern called Jaywalking and special yarn from Ruby Sapphire called trixie at least that is what I think it is. Wonderful to knit with and oh so soft. I used my special double pointed Signature needles in size 1. Those are worth every penny to me. Now I await the size 0 as this sock would be to large for me. You all know that old trick, drop the needle and keep the stitch count the same. And now I have finished my night cap. A healthy? Cosmopolitain. Made with cranberry /pomegranite juice which I hear is healthy. Never mind the other ingrediants. Good night to all.

ONE MORE PICTURE

2008-10-07T11:05:00.004-04:00

Here is the inside cover of my special book. I just had to show all of you what a neat gift this was. It warms my heart. Thanks Paula!

A LOT OF CATCHING UP TO DO

2008-10-07T10:52:00.004-04:00

I think it is about time I got all of you caught up with what has been happening around here. I did get the pictures of the shawl I made Paula up but now to the wonderful gifts that Paula brought to me. They are indeed just incredible. First her sister in law in Finland knit wonderful warm socks for both hubby and I. Nice and warm to wear in the evenings. With frost here this morning mine will have their maiden voyage today. Then something really special arrived in her suitcase. It is a beautiful hat from the special knitwear designer in Finland. Paula made a trip to her shop for me. Now that is what I call thoughtful. Sirkka Kononen is the most amazing designer. The hat is something to behold. I am inspired by the color work in the brim and am filing that away for some future project. I thought the pom pom on the top worthy of its own picture. Look at the different colors so perfectly placed! Then there is her book which is a portrait of a fine textile artist. Paula purchased the book for me, then Sirkka did a drawing inside along with her autograph. The pictures will inspire any knitter. Below this is a wonderful message from Paula herself. How blessed I am to have such a friend in a far away place. These pictures from Sirkka are truly eye candy for a knitter. Enjoy!

GREAT FUN!

2008-10-02T15:05:00.002-04:00

This has been so darn much fun to be a part of. I can only hope there will be another one next year. And now on to the Halloween Sock Swap!

AND THE WINNER IS!!!

2008-09-23T10:13:00.005-04:00

As with all great plans sometimes there is a glitch. I took so many projects on my knitting vacation. Those of you who guesses I would complete a lot, I am sorry I did not. I think I spent far more time on the black lace stole than I ever imagined that I would. Also the World Strip Wrap, easy knitting it is but there is sure a lot of it and I have only half finished that one. so with out further procrastination I announce Emily the winner. She said she always has great plans and takes far more yarn than she can knit up. How right you were. I completed the scarf and the gloves and parts of other things. As all of you know there are times you can knit a pattern and times you can not. I like to be social with my friends so paying attention to a chart or pattern does not let this happen. Here are the finished pictures and I will be putting Emily's gift in the mail tomorrow. Congratulations and this was lots of fun. We shall do it again sometime.

HEADS UP!

2008-09-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the day. What do you think I finished on my trip? I will announce the winner on Saturday and ask for a snail mail address. I already have a couple of guesses posted so now we wait and see who wins. I think I might even add a runner up prize. I will work on that. Now off to the Halloween Sock swap project.

SOMETHING FINISHED

2008-09-15T14:49:00.003-04:00

At last finished and blocked for my dear friend Paula who is here for a very brief visit. I wanted something very special for her to remember our 50th class reunion so I knit a shawl. I used cobweb lace weight merino and alpaca blend from Elan. I used #6 needles from Signature with the sharpest points you can imagine, short ones( 7") I chose however they come longer. I have nothing to do with this company but enjoy the fantastic needles. Those sharp points made it oh so much easier. I now have to have more for some more lace scarves.

A bit about Paula, she was an exchange student when I was a high school senior 50 years ago. We lost each other for many years and now thanks to the internet I have found her. She lives part of the year in Finland and the other in Spain. She attended the Iowa reunion while I did the lodge in Minnesota with my knitting friends. Then the special part she stopped to visit me on her return home. We are having a grand time and I gave her this present. After she leaves tomorrow I shall do some pictures of the lovely knitting gifts she brought to me. Now I must go and be a good hostess when she awakes from her siesta.

UPDATE

2008-09-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

I am back home from the knitting vacation and will get with the contest shortly. It was a grand trip and I shall have some great photos to post in a few days. Get your guesses ready about what I did or did not complete. You can post a guess as a comment on this blog. I will do pictures and announce the finished projects next week towards the end. You can also if you wish make guesses as to what items were not completed....

Now here is the scoop. In 1958 when I was a high school senior in Council Bluffs, Iowa the family across the street from me hosted an exchange student. As their children were small Paula who was from Finland became a dear friend. We kept in touch after graduation for a while and then as these things so often do we lost touch. When news arrived about the 50 year reunion and her name was on the missing list. I was motivated to find her. Thanks to the internet I did. We have been communicating with email and live chats on Skype. It has been wonderful. Paula decided to fly to the reunion which is tomorrow. Due to my recent trip to Minnesota I had to pass. But here is the wonderful part. Paula will arrive in Buffalo on Sunday and I will be there to meet her. I can hardly wait. I am going tomorrow to stay with a knitting friend and then pick Paula up in the afternoon. We will all have dinner together and then she will spend a few days here with me.

Those of you who have been long time blog readers here will remember the Paula mitten I designed in honor of her. Now you will get to see the real Paula as well as what I knit for her to celebrate this glorious visit.

Check in late next week for the update and pictures. I have some wonderful ones from the vacation.

She's done it again!

2008-09-01T17:57:00.002-04:00

My sweet friend and knitting guru has done it again! Every time I see the Beautiful project she's completed or the wonderful yarn she's using I just have to order it. So.......I now have in route the Wonderful Wallaby sweater pattern and since the site I used had so many cute things I also ordered yarn for a sweater pattern I got in Memphis and a pattern book for dog sweaters. There's so much available and so little time. Then I proceeded to order the lovely Halloween type yarn she displayed along with a nice Christmas yarn to knit socks. No matter if you know how to post a link Joan. We who love to knit and admire the guru's of knitting like yourself will find a way to serch out and purchase the yarns and beautiful patterns that you blog about.

Joan is on a wonderful trip right now. She's knitting like crazy and having the time of her life. She'll be back with wonderful posts and finished projects.

I can only say.......I want to be Joan when I grow up!!!

My Husband's answers to the blog questions!

2008-08-30T17:43:00.004-04:00

Joan and I have often laughed about the similarities between our husbands. Both are so much the engineer personalities that Ann Landers talked about. Everything must be in line and organized! So...... Here are my husband's answers to the same questions that Joan asked Grumbutt!

S: What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
W: You seem to enjoy it.

S: What don't you like?
W: It costs money!

S: What is something you recall as good?
W: Accomplishment! Completed projects!

S: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
W: Yes and No. It’s like anything else, you can throw as much money as you want into it.

S: Do you have any hobbies?
W: Yes, Hunting, Wild life management, Knife making.

S: Who spends the most on their hobby?
W: You DO!!!!!!

S: Have I ever embarrassed you by knitting in public?
W: No Dear!

S: Do you know my favorite kind of yarn?
W: No I don’t!

S: Do you know the names of the blogs I read
W: No

S: Do you read my blog?
W: No, I didn't know you had one.

S: Do you mind my wanting to stop at yarn shops when we travel?
W: No I don’t. Because you stop at my shops too.

S: Do you understand the importance of knitting a swatch
W: No, Sorry I don’t.

S: Do you think the house would be cleaner if I did not knit?
W: No, Knitting is a relatively clean avocation.

HEADS UP!

2008-08-29T10:01:00.002-04:00

A last minute addition to the knitting packing list. How about this yarn? Special from Ruby Sapphire. (Yes I need to learn to add a link but not today) However this yarn is just perfect for fall, Halloween perhaps. I plan to wind this and put it in with the other things I have listed. Now you have even more things to add to the "What did Joan Knit List". I also have not finished my "secret lace" project so that will go in as well. It is not part of the contest but will be what I must finish first. More on that later. So you can think about it. I am working a 29 row repeat on 59 stitches, all lace. I am on repeat #11 of 14 and then there is a final ending of the chart about another 29 rows, followed by a wide knit and attach as you go edging. So if you need to think of a time frame I plan on this interspersed with the other projects. I need peace and quiet for this so I can count. I am still not packed, except for yarn that is. Priorities, priorities, priorities.

A FINISHED PROJECT

2008-08-27T10:24:00.002-04:00

I needed some simple plain knitting and this surely fills the bill. "The Wonderful Wallaby" by Cottage Creations. I did this one for my grandson. The yarn was absolutely wonderful. Even better it came from my stash. I purchased this at a great yarn sale quite some time ago. It is Lane Borgosesia dal 1850 Knitaly. My first experience with this yarn. Wonderful is all I can say. Easy to knit and oh so soft. After I finished it I gave it a bath in "Soak". Then this morning I asked the Grumbut to put it in a box and mail it for me. When he was putting it in the box he even said "what yarn is this? He thought it was so soft. Louis will just love this one as he likes things that do not itch. I think it is wonderful a nice washable wool. I am thrilled I purchased all the store had and have plenty left for more projects. I shall look for this yarn again.

Now back to the packing and getting things ready to go. I have 3 more days until Saturday and then it is into the car to knit and knit. I can hardly wait. However I am no where ready so must move along