Almost a year

It is one day short of a year since my last post. I wish to change that. I hope to be able to find the time to update this blog and that someone, anyone, will read it and leave me a message. Ravelry has taken over my life and so I spend too much time there, too much time dreaming of all the things I have yet to knit.

My morning knitting is a pair of children's socks. Believe it or not, my first pair of children's socks and yes, they are on double pointeds because that was what I could find, plus they are zephr super smooth anodized aluminum, still in the package, from my mother, and they are MADE IN U.S.A. and when they were purchased, they cost .60.

These socks will be donated to WOOL AID, for their many charity knitting donations.

Here is my trusty knitting companion, he sleeps all night and most of the day and I can usually find him right under my feet!

Here is what I am currently knitting from, a container of donated to me yarns. I need to get some of my stash out of here, so I found the donations from a RAK list friend and have been making hats and now socks for a WOOL AID campaign. I want to empty the full container, which I have already used up two full skeins and most of two more, but here is still yarn in there, sigh.

Until next time,

keep on knitting!!

Sorry, life happens!

Hi there

sorry for the absence. I can hardly believe nearly three months of my life has gone by and I didn't blog anything.

But, then again, I didn't knit very much either.

Life is becoming more back on track so I can feel good and safe again, so I have begun to knit more again.

I will post some pictures of the things I have completed over the months, once I figure out exactly what they are.

My current projects are June PSC socks out of Knitpicks yarn, "DayBag" out of Nature Spun and Cascade, a pair of Warm Woolies socks with yarn donated by Cascade to the Cozy Cabin, and MY NEVERENDING warm woolies top down ragaln with stripes that has been taking me FOREVER to finish! Thanks to Toni at Cozy Cabin, the yellow has been found and is on it's way to me, so now I am SURE to finish!!!!

I promise to not be gone so long.

OH, and a friend at work talked me into a facebook account, so if you know me, friend me!

Weeks 6 & 7

I know, I know. I didn't post last week. I was lazy in that area, but not with my knitting!

First, week 6 I completed a bunny blanket buddy for Baby J in some of the left over yellow of the cottontots. I had a light bulb experience with that one. You knit the head, then stuff it, but while knitting, the head looks flat and has no dimension to it. I kept looking at it thinking, "how I am supposed to stuff this?" Well, thanks to a few fellow ravelers for the help, I was "double knitting" the head, which, I didn't know and the pattern doesn't TELL you that. So, now I just need to get some fiber fill, embroider on a face and WALA! (The pattern is free on the Lionbrand website)

Along with the bunny blanket, I did a Genius Burp Cloth from the Mason Dixon book. Thank you Carolyn! It is really cute. I only did it 30 stitches wide instead of the 50 stitches. It is as wide as the other bibs and the other burp clothes, though it does take more yarnage to complete.

For week 7 I did my Personal Sock club socks. They are done in the Knit Picks Palette, Brindle Heather colorway. It's the first time I've used this yarn, and let me tell you for $2.19 a skein, the fabric it made is very nice, and soft, though while knitting it can be a bit "splitty" I enjoyed working with it. Completed the socks in four days and wore them the fifth day!

My Warm Woolies sweater is coming along. I have the body done and I am working on the first sleeve. I am going to Cozy Cabin today. Toni has decided to support Warm Woolies as a shop and has got a challenge for us as a group to knit for WW and she will be giving out the particulars of knitting and the "prize" we will get at the end.

I've also decided that I am going to rip out the handbag I started. I love the colorway too much to felt it into a handbag!! So I am still looking for one to make. sigh....

I spent the afternoon with Carolyn on Wednesday. She was so nice to have me over to her house and we shared some of our books and some yarn and talked. It was just wonderful. Then, she made some awesome clam chowder for dinner and I just have to get the recipe from her. It was wonderful and I think m would have loved it. I have tried, unsuccessfully, in the past to make Manhattan clam chowder for him, but have failed. So I think this one will be the keeper.

I'm sorry there won't be any pictures this week again. I really have to do that and get some new pictures up. Just haven't had the time. And, I've just been too lazy about it.

Until Next Time!

Week 1

Well, I have decided that weeks start on Sunday and end on Saturday. Novel thought, huh? I decided this for my 52 in 52 projects. I have also decided that and item/project is an item/project and that the personal sock club socks don't count towards this goal.

Last week I started and finished the socks that completes a pair for m. This is his first pair of socks, I did double strand worsted in Patons Classic wool.

This week I started "peekaboo" mittens for me for work. I have one mitten complete already. They are made of Cascade 220 with 5 DPN.

I have also cast on another sock for Warm Woolies.

My Personal Sock club socks are coming along nicely. I am past the gusset decreases and I am doing just plain stockinette for the foot. I love the pattern for this sock and that it travels down the heel. A technique I have never done before. I guess I have to get some nice clogs to wear?

Updates!

I know, lame. I haven't updated in a while, but I have been busy and sick.

So this is a quick one.

I'm not going to get the french market bag finished in time.

I have gotten hats done for nearly everyone.

Toni was nice enough to let me use her sewing machine and I was able to get the linings done for four of the stockings. I just need to sew them in now.

I am trying to make the perfect fit hat. Seems either my gauge has loosened up, or I don't know what. The hats fit okay, but they aren't as snug as we'd like. I am making another one using 78 stitches and size 6 needles this time.

I have decided, after a BAD visit at Walmart Friday, I am NEVER SPENDING MY HARD EARNED MONEY THERE AGAIN! I don't care if I have to spend an extra hundred dollars to buy what ever it is I want or need. I AM NOT GOING THERE AGAIN!!!

Birthday came and went quietly. I did manage to score some yarn. The kids bought me four skeins of Kroy Sock yarn in the SAME colorway...... Plus I placed a knitpicks order..... plus I did some stash enhancement at the Cozy Cabin!! (MY favorite LYS)

I am thinking about which charity to knit for this year. I need something. So I have been looking at Warm Woolies and The Seamens Institute. Years ago, Carol Kerbel, a women I knew, went to minister there. I may do both to help get rid of some of my stash.

I am also trying to make a Baby Surprise Jacket right now. It is such a cute pattern.

Well, we put the tree up yesterday, and R decorated inside and out. So that is done, and we managed to get some cleaning done.

OH MY! Busy am I!

First I just have to send a belated thank you to my SP Jeanine. She is just so awesome! She has sent me a subscription to Interweave Knits!!! I am so thrilled about that. I can't thank you enough Jeanine. You are just great.

Now, on to some knitting.

Thank you Ali for helping me to obtain this pattern for the "farmers market bag" I have been working on this one for a gift. It is made with Soy Wool Stripes and it going to be awesome. Notice, more stranded knitting!!

Aren't the colors just great? Wish it wasn't a gift!

These are the pair of peds for R. She asked for some of them for christmas. A super quick knit done in the Red Heart Heart & Sole yarn. Almost used the whole skein. Perfect.

This is the completed scarf for my brother for christmas. Done in Brown sheep Nature Spun. Love this yarn. Love that it's made in the USA! You should try some.

Here is the waffle scarf I made for my sister in law, Jill. It's a lovely color yellow. Also Nature spun.

I also did one in Victorian Pink for R. Also in Nature Spun!

NOW! Stash enhancement! These little cakes of Beauty are Berroco Ultra Alpaca purchased at the Cozy Cabin http://www.cozycabin.biz/ (hope that link works)

I also bought my first addi Turbo needles to try for some sock knitting. I have been told they are just awesome and I can't wait to try them.

Toni has had the store in her home since June and has done so well, that she has expanded to a store front! How cool is that?!! I think it's awesome! Plus she got in new yarns, AND she also has fabrics for quilters. She is getting more of those in in the coming weeks. It is all so exciting.

Yesterday was her first day in the new store and I went to cheer her on and sit and knit for a few hours. It was such a thrill to share with her and my knitting friends.

Oh, and I have to say thank you, once again, to Carolyn for letting me borrow her ball winder. It will get tons of use this next week as I make more of these adorable cakes out of my hanks.

I have updated my Ravelry projects and added some more of my stash, primarly the sock yarns. And boy does that eat up alot of knitting time!

Gotta go!

Gifts to make or complete

Well I have put up my list of gifts to make or complete by Christmas. I don't have much to do on the stockings. I just have to get them done. I will work on them next week.

I have to ball up the yarn for the hats and then I can begin on them.

OH! I forgot, peds for R. That is one things she asked for.

As for myself, I am STILL working on my socks from Rhinebeck...... sigh....

This is the kind of snow man I like!

Isn't this guy just adorable?! I can't bear to take him apart. He is my magic ball swap item from Toni!

When we exchanged I found out that she loves snowmen and look what she made just for me? Isn't he great!

The package to the left of him is Toni's magic ball from me. I bought some real yummy alpaca at the PA Fiber Festival in Sept for her and I just couldn't bear to wrap it all around everything, so I wrapped it up inside of the other presents and used white kitchen cotton to ball it all up. She even liked that because she said she could make a new snow man out of it!

My Snow man has some of my favorite yarn, Bartlett for the bottom in Dark Lovat, (And of course I didn't have any of this color yet and had to buy a hank before I left) and some blue Cascade 220 in the middle and some Brown Sheep Prairie Silk for his head and she even hand made a hat for him. The spooky part, are his eyes. They are from some of her taxidermy supplies!! yikes!! His arms are dpn in bamboo, plus a cable needle for his mouth and stitch markers for earrings and more stitch markers on the front button. PLUS she said there are goodies inside and I just can't bear to take him apart yet!!! I just love it. What a cool idea.

I have been very good. I am nearly done with my last stocking, then I can do the heels and make the linings. I finished a waffle scarf for R and am in the process of another one for Jill. I am making slow progress on the socks I have going STILL from Rhinebeck! Can hardly believe it's nearly a month ago already!

Pictures~!

Ok, here are the pictures that I didn't post from my last swap package from the awesome Jeanine! She had found another ball of the DB that she forgot to send along with the other package. Now I definitely have enough for that needle case in the DK magazine! She also sent some great burts bees lipbalm, which I've never tried before and have since had to HIDE.

She also sent along the great stitch markers. Better photo below!

I had such an awesome time in that swap, once things with the other upline were worked out. I am so glad that I have actually met Jeanine and that we both have enjoyed spoiling each other.

I have been busy, knitting. Every spare minute that I find, I knit!

Here is the one sock of the Aisling yarn. This one is the last wild samon. I am done with the cuff on the second sock.

Here is another Aisling yarn, called the christmas story. I started this one the morning we went to Rhinebeck and it is the Campfire pattern. One sock completed.

Now for the STOCKINGS! I have of course fully finished the original Polar Bear.

The second one is complete to the toe and just needs the heel done.

Here is the one Moose. And yes, the pattern calls for it to have a FLAT BUTT! It does look odd, but that is the pattern. Completed through toe, except the heel.

The second moose stocking was completed, to the toe, minus the heel this week.

I did start the first of two Holly stockings, no picture yet. These two will be gifts for my brother and his wife. Same yarn. (LOVE the bartlettyarns)

Now one picture of the stash enhancement of my SOCK YARN from Rhinebeck. I didn't and don't need ANY sock yarn, but I just couldn't seem to help it.

This is Lorna's Laces fingering weight, which I have never used. The top is Purple Iris and the bottom is Seascape (I think) maybe it's seaside.

Here is the everlasting bagstopper that I did. I took it along to Rhinebeck. I used the baggstopper pattern but the handles are from Ilene, I also used smaller needles, a size 7 for the bag portion. I wanted smaller holes. Talk about STRETCH! This is going to be a great shopping bag to gift. I have more of this kitchen cotton and plan to make these as a few gifts for christmas. I hope!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed these pictures. I have to get all my errands done now. It's saturday and I have the day off.... some day off.....

Working hard

I haven't blogged because I am working hard on knitting projects and I just spent 45 minutes getting the basics entered into Ravelry, without pictures, to atleast have a track of what it is I've been working on.

I finished my Polar bear stranded stocking, plus I completed another one (except for the heel) for DH. I have completed a Moose Stocking (Except for the heel) and have started the second one.

I have completed one plain rib sock for myself and started the next, doing it with magic loop and loving it.

Plus, I completed one Campfire sock - which is what I started in the hotel at Rhinebeck - and have started the second sock for that pair as well, doing the magic loop.

I started on Kelly's Penguins Scarf. Making it with superwash Lambs Pride. Never used it before and I am liking it very much.

Went to Cozy Cabin yesterday for a sit and knit. Had a very nice time. Wore my nubby, WITH the buttons, that I put on the day before, but I am still not liking the closing of the sweater. This one was a true learning experince. I have decided that I DON'T want to take out the button band and try again! So I will find snaps and put them in the two places where it is gapping. And Barb! I'm sorry, still no picture of me wearing it. I am so bad about getting pictures taken of myself for things. Keep watching though, I promise one soon!!

Steam Blocking!

Who would have thought?

The nubby cardigan, and my unhappiness with the way the top of the sleeve was fitting, had me put it on the side to think about it for a while. Very sad. I have worked so hard on it. I could hardly bare to pick it up.

Then, last night at my knitting class, Carolyn, showed us how to steam block our stockings to help even out the stitches. I have never done steam blocking and I hadn't blocked my sweater yet, so I ask Carolyn about my sweater and she said if I worked at it gently, the stitches should relax some and it may work without having to take the sleeves apart and put in a gusset.

So, I came home and out came the iron!

IT WORKED! It was nearly 9:30, but I called Carolyn anyway to tell her that the sweater now fit the way I had hoped and that I was so happy!! Thank you again Carolyn!!

Catching up to do!! Picture intense post!

I got a package in the mail from my SP 12 pal! How cool is this? I was looking at this DB magazine when it first came out (Linda at sit and knit was going to look for one and brought me one to look at too!) Anyway, I decided against buying it then, but never mentioned it to my pal. She thought I would like it.


Plus she sent along three skeins of Rowan handknit DK cotton. I have never knit with any Rowan before and this has to be the softest cotton I have felt to date. I also love the color. I have been into greens and blues and teals and even rusts and oranges. I don't know where my color palette is going, but I'm liking color lately.

Anyway, I have had the most awesome "angel" pal. You see, my original upstream, fell off the face of the earth. It really hurts when that happens and you don't know why. I can only say, that I feel bad and hope they are okay.

But, it all turned out.

AND, even though I am not sure yet if Jeanine received my reveal package (I am her upstream) Jeanine is my "angel" pal! How cool is that? I don't know if they did it on purpose or not, but it worked out great and we are hoping to meet at Rhinebeck!

Jeanine, I enjoyed getting to know you and having you for my first SP pal. I hope you enjoyed the goodies I sent you. It was great fun.

Now, here is my stranded stocking! Tonight is the last class, and I've been bad! I got the heel done but I haven't kirchnered it yet. (I don't think I spelled that right) Anyway, class has been an absolute BLAST and I have enjoyed every week and will miss going. I learned how to do an "afterthought" heel, and while I don't think I would ever do that for a sock, I will definitely do it for more of these stranded stockings. I also learned how the knit with two hands and two colors. OH! And I learned how to "pick" too. I am a thrower. Carolyn has done a great job as a teacher, always willing to jump right in with each one of us, no matter where we are at in our knitting and help us get over the "hump".

I am now planning on doing a few more stockings as christmas gifts.

Here is the dish cloth (the yellow one) I received from my friend Barb (Hi Barb!) I loved the pattern so much that I want to make more myself. BOY! Am I a tight knitter or what? I started out with a #5, got that far and decided it was too small, so went up to a size #7 and believe it or not, it came out smaller! So I ripped it back and I am going to try again!

Here is just the beginning of a completed project. I had bought this "honking" skein of kitchen cotton when it was on clearance, with the idea of market bags as gifts. like the one I eventually ended up with. Forgot to photograph it though. Anyway, I will probably make more, but do a different pattern.

Okay, I didn't tell you anything about the Fiber Festival Carolyn and I went to. This is just a small amount I am showing you. This is the sock yarn that I purchased from an Indie dyer. She names her yarns after movies! isn't that neat!? I fell in love with several, just for the names they were named after! Silly, I know.

We had an awesome time at the festival. It wasn't too large or overwhelming for me. Carolyn did the driving, and it was a rainy day, but we got there and I think we both enjoyed it very much. It was so nice to see the different animals and to pick up some new fibers to use. (I promise to post more of that on another day)

Alpaca! I am a touchy feely type of person. Alpaca! I could have stood there, eye's closed, arms out, and feeling Alpaca yarn ALL DAY! I bought enough of it to keep my happy for a while! OH! And Alpaca roving!! While I haven't bought any, if you ever, EVER have the chance to feel it! FEEL IT! It's like what you would imagine a cloud to feel like.

I still have not dealt with my nubby cardigan. I just haven't had the time. I talked with Carolyn about the slight tightness in the upper arms and I am going to gently block it first and then see if it loosens just a bit. If not, I am going to knit two gussets to put in just under the arm. I think it was the stitch pattern that makes it feel "tight". But, I think I will have time this weekend and hope to get to that project then.

I have not done much at all on my socks for september. Sad, but true. I did get them onto my new knitpicks needles and I am doing them magic loop. Which is fun so far.

Well, that is my update for this week and for the end of September.

The END is near!

No posts from me, as I have been using EVERY SPARE moment to get this collar on my nubby cardigan done! I am near the end and I can't be happier! About three more rows and I can bind off!! Yeah!!!!

I have had so much going on that I have neglected my blog, my SP, and my writing of anyone.

I promise, more to follow before the weekend and hopefully pictures of my finished cardigan!

My Secret Pal is Happy!

I got an awesome package in the mail. Quite a surprise. It is from my "angel" secret pal "happy" (That's what I call her anyway). You see, in the world of secret pal, you have someone who is your "upline" who spoils you. And you have someone who is your "downline" whom you spoil. Anyway, my upline, for some unknown to me reason, dropped off the face of the earth with just a post card and a few emails. Quite disappointing, considering that I had waited to join and was so hopeful after reading other peoples blogs.

ANYWAY, my angel Happy emails me alot and we are getting to know each other, which is just great.

She sent me this package that I received in the mail today. It is sockpixie yarn and it is Bambino, which is part bamboo and part supermerino in the colorway "LeCollier" Apparenly, sockpixie only makes so many colorways, names them, and once they are gone that's it! How cool is that? I have never heard of it before and I just think it's great that my angel thought to send me such great sock yarn in such a great colorway! I just love it and now I need to figure out what it will become.


Thank you Happy for making my day with such an awesome package!!

I am in the final stretch with my Nubby cardigan! YEAH! I have both sleeves done, finished the second one this morning and I seamed together the pieces today. I can't believe that all the modifications I made WORKED! And the seams look AWESOME! Now I am working on the button band and then the other side band and then on to the collar. So I figure MAYBE another two weeks and this one will be done! I can't wait. I have loved working on this project so much.

I also can't wait. I ordered some more knitpicks needles, circulars and I am going to go Magic Loop for socks now. I have a pair I cast on, on the 1st, on to the dreaded double pointed needles and I haven't picked them up since.!~

Well, gotta run! Thanks again Happy!

Sigh!

I have managed to finish one sleeve and have begun the next one. I can't wait to see this all put together as I have not done a "piece" sweater like this before. The sleeves have "caps" on them and I hope this all works out. If worse comes to worse, I know they will be under the wonderful, large collar and any thing wonky won't show.

I am still in love this yarn and keep dreaming about things to make with it.

I was given a demonstration on how to do magic loop and I have taken the plunge and ordered a set of longer cable needles from Knitpicks. I had started a pair of socks on Sept 1 to keep going with my one pair of socks a month, but I only have dpn in a size 1, and I have decided "NO MORE DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES!" I just feel like I am using two left feet to knit with them.

Then, I am starting the stocking class up at Cozy Cabin tonight and my brain fog is not helping. I can't find my size 6 needles, so since I knit tight anyway, I am bringing along my size 9 and 7 needles to use instead.

Yesterday, at work, was just a horrible day and I am hoping there is no repeat today. Somedays I truly think my brain has left me and I end up looking like a total ass. I don't know how long I can make such mistakes and still have a job.

Projects!

Well, it's a new month. I have to begin a new pair of socks and I'd like to try them on a size one needle, only I don't have any circulars in that size, so I will have to use DPN by default. I didn't have a chance to pick a pair up. I am going to use the wildfoote yarn I bought and see how I like it.

I am feverishly working on my nubby cardigan. A little behind where I'd like to be, but I have already done the armhole shaping on the right arm and only have about 22 more rows to complete it and begin a sleeve. I think this may be why I like top down sweaters so much. You don't have all these pieves to be worrying about. But, I am loving the sweater and I am planning to have it done for Rhinebeck to wear there. I still have to look for buttons.

I need to start another project, I am not sure what yet though. I bought some LOVELY bartletyarn in the colorway Medium Green Heather, from Cozy Cabin this week. What a GORGEOUS color green. I don't know why I am liking greens so much lately, but this color is to die for. Perhaps I'll have to buy more and make Lady February out of it...... Otherwise, I was thinking of making another clapotis out of this. Love the pattern. Love the yarn.

Well, today is a holiday and I've dubbed it "pajama day" so I will stay in them as long as I want to today and knit as long as I feel like it!

Just for the heck of it.

I love looking at littleknits website and it seems as if she adds more each day.

I'd love to try
araucania ranco sock multi
303 , 308, 305 are nice
ranco sock semi solid
103, 105, 108
Noro silk garden sock
8, 64

Then, I also like to look at yarncountry. They have some great Elsebeth Lavold. I love the silky wool. I did my clap scarf in that, and I would love to do a full size one.

I want to try to knit with different yarns.

I would love to try anything to make another clap or two out of. I would love to try some hand painted sock yarn. I have so many socks in my queue to try and I just haven't gotten around to it. Isn't it funny how you get the idea that you are going to be able to knit all these things and you just keep adding them?

I love knitting with the Bartlettyarns. I love the texture, smell and feel of them. My nubby cardigan is coming along nicely. I have done the first set of bind offs for the armholes. It will probably take me a better part of a month to complete. But I am so happy with it!

The Nubby Cardigan

I started this on Saturday. With a few trials. I think I've already blogged them. I finally have the hang of it and I'm LOVIN' IT!



The pattern is not really hard to remember, just keeping track of what row you are on is the key.



I heard from my pal, she received her package. I can breathe again.

Pictures this weekend, I promise!

Well, last night was knit night at B&N and we had a nice crowd. Two tables! It was great!

I have managed to get to the decrease rows on my CLAP and I am extremely happy with it. I am already planning on a full size one. Now just to decide which yarn to use...........

Since I have been working on this, my socks are on hold, somewhat. But I will finish them right after this before I start the next project. I want to get back to a pair of socks a month.

I sent along a wonderful package to my downline and the tracking number says that she got it yesterday. However, she didn't post it on her blog yet, or email. I sure hope she received it and it didn't get stolen. These things make me worry! sigh...

Okay, tomorrow is Saturday and I promise (hand over heart) to put up some pictures of all the things I have been working on.

A Postcard!

Today I received a postcard from my upline in SP12. It is a picture of the Japanese Garden pond at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. She visited them recently for the firs time. She has lived in California all her life, I guess, as that is also the post mark.

I got some knitting done while on vacation. But not nearly enough. Spent too much time in the car. sigh.... long story.

I have finished my cowl, a scarf, that pair of socks and I have started another pair of socks in cotton, plus I have finally plunged into doing a CLAPOTIS and I am having fun with it. I am already planning more. This one is with Elsebeth Lavold silky wool that I had already. I wouldlove to do more in it and in some of the other fun yarns. I would love to do one in Noro, and in malabrigo as well as Kauni. I have to find a good deal on them I guess.

My depression has been bad, very bad these past few weeks. That's part of the reason why I haven't written or taken pictures.