Lace or Not

I FINALLY started my lace project. I took the photo below.
I messed it up on the next row. Easy fix right? Just tic back a row and try it again. Oh, no my friends. No. And sorry about the blurriness. My camera doesn't do upclose well. So I calmly put the lace away. It's supposed to be Print o'Wave that Eunny offers on her site. Maybe I'm not cut out for delicate knits. This is the third lace project I've tried. Beau says: Will you finish ripping that out so you can play with me? I'm bored.

When We Were Young

I was blog surfing and stopped to read Yarn Harlot today. She has a "No TV" rule that I thought all parents had abandoned after I grew up. Bless the Harlot. It got me to thinking what I used to do when TV ban was in place when I was younger. My best friend and I would get on our bikes, stop and pick wild berries, eat most of them, take the rest to one of our homes and bake something with our booty and clean up the kitchen because that was the rule. Some arts and crafty thing would be done. Her mom would buy "cooler" craft projects like toxic plastic dipping stuff that you made flowers out of, I think it was called Dip It. Her mom was a scout leader so she knew lots of natural crafty projects too. In fact, I still have a little cat sculpture made of a spikey material for a body and pine cone petal ears and feet. It used to have a twirly grapevine tail but that fell off years ago. It's full of dust because you can't dust the spikey thing--ahem, I'm getting off track. These are things we did because "we had nothing to do" (insert whine here). And we LIVED and now I look back and wish I could hop on my bike and go to S's house and do it again. We don't live in the same area as we grew up, in fact, she lives in another state/world. We didn't wear helmets while riding our bikes. Got in plenty of accidents. Didn't blame anyone but ourselves and laughed more than we ever do today. We get together and still laugh and for a little while go back to being 10 except now we could care less about TV.

Not So Beautiful Weather

Hot, Hot I say. So Hot I don't want to leave my cool office and go home to NO A/C. Let's see, it's 97 degrees, that's 36C which to us crazy Americans sounds much cooler but the Yarn Harlot assures us it's not. She got a new stove. Toys, toys, toys.
Yeh, this weather just proves I would make a terrible Southern Belle. Too much whining that it's HOT!
I'm supposed to be knitting lace but I have never charted before and I detest having to follow patterns row by row. I've got the new Addi lace needles, have the wool, now I just need the determination. I mastered a top down set in sleeve pullover--I CAN DO THIS. Maybe tomorrow, if it's cooler.

Beautiful Weekend...Weather-wise

Sunny days, breezy gorgeous weather.
Sadly, we lost a historical section of a factory to fire. On the good side, no one was hurt, including fire personnel working on the blaze for the last 3 days. The fire doesn't want to go out. It made the news in Boston so it thinks it's BIG TIME. The factory, at one time back in the 1700-1800's made cutlery, then fine paper (ya know, the kind you make money out of). Old brick structure with style. When have you seen that lately.
Anyway, may I present cotton/silk tunic!

Great to throw on over a tank top and jeans or capris. Top down, drop shoulder construction. Front slit, side vents, bell sleeves. One change, hook and eye at the top of the front slit to keep it from falling off my shoulders because you know, the laws of cotton are to stretch as soon as you wear it. Love it.

Artful Yarns Fable-6 hanks, WEBS (a bargain out of Grandpa's Garage at $3.79/hank)

40"finished tapered to 38 at hips

Color: chamois, lime, salmony-pink

Knittin' & Kittens

Here's the Knittin'.....



And here's the kittens...
Watermelon Shrug has become one of my favorite things to wear. The only design element I would tweak would be a more curved short row back. I'd definitely make another as soon as I forget how impatient I got with the 2x2 ribbing. Why do I keep putting it in my designs? Because it works!
Beau and Andrew look innocent enough here-believe me they're not. Curtain including rod came down last night (tension rod and no they weren't climbing the curtain, it touches the floor and they were playing amongst the hem.) My knitting has become a hunting item for them so it HAS to be put away, no leaving it on the couch even for a second. The brown sock above had to have major repair due to a chewing thru the working yarn. I love them just the same.
I have a tunic that I just finished of a cotton/silk blend from stash supply. As soon as I get a good shot of it I will show and tell.

It's a Budget Thing

I payed the bills Sunday night. I got a reality slap Sunday night. It's funny how you just go along, happy, happy and then wham! ya figure out you have less to have fun with than you originally thought. Nobody likes to budget because it's always the fun stuff that gets cut first. Budget constraints during the Web's Anniversary Sale. How cruel is that?

These guys are fun and cute. They got a new toy from my friend G. It has catnip.

Can you tell?

Knitting with kittens is a challenge. Beau is fast as lightening and managed to chew threw the working yarn of my current project. (note to self: put knitting away when the little darlings are not going to be supervised.) Andrew will peacefully lie next to you and allow you to knit a project by yourself. Occasionally he will add kitty drool to the working yarn. Blech. They have their own balls of yarn but the yarn mom's using is always more interesting.

A Little Reading

Since my budget is a bit strained I will have to

stay content with what the library sent home with me.

I think that will work.

In Process

Wacky weather here in New England but what else is new. It snows, it melts. The wind howls and blows dirt everywhere and the sun is so bright it makes you squint with sunglasses on. The maple sugarers(?) are upset because their yield is half what it should be. Tomorrow will bring some new crisis no doubt.

The main part of the shrug is done. Budget constraints have halted production. You see, the main bath is in process of redecorating complete with a new pedastal sink. Therefore rug, towels, walls all need new color. A little reconstruction has to be done to the wall where the old sink cabinet used to be. IT'S CUT INTO MY YARN BUDGET. It'll look great when I finish but I want my cake and yarn too! I'm breathing, breathing, breathing. Here's what I have-I know, I rarely show WIP pics.

The shrug is your basic top down raglan without the fronts. The sleeves are 3/4 length. (That reminds me of a saying in fashion that 3/4 sleeves are for people who can't make up their minds. Completely false I say!) Then I curved the back by short rowing. I'm not happy with the telltale marks but hoping that wash and block will "bloom" the yarn.It's a cotton blend so we'll see. The other little item is made of some mystery microfiber. All ribbons can be changed, even the bow on top. It's attached with a snap. A girl has to have choices!

Mom won't let me help her knit so I'll just nap beside her.

The Last Snow

This is the result of a spring snowstorm. The picture doesn't do it justice. The clouds were dark and the snow coated all the branches. It was breathtaking. This happens to be a golf course believe it or not. Yes, it has an old fashion hay treader. It's the blurry thing in the middle.

My newest knitting project is completely summer and a little out of place with all this snow. Yes it's a shrug but that's all the info for now because to be quite honest I'm still making up the pattern in my head. Designing on the fly! I will say that it is going to be a whimsical piece.

Please excuse Beau, he had to take an emergency nap.

Tuesday's child is full of grace

Much better day at the Hall. No one tested my composure therefore I was able to be my professional self. Yesterday does not exist any longer.
I also forgot to mention that I started a baby sweater/hat and if I'd take more pictures of knitting and less of cute kittens---oooo they are just so adorable. Oh phooey, they're only babies for a short time, the knitting will always be there.
If you haven't already go see the Yarn Harlot for her update on the NYC trip, wish I could have been there.

Good Thing Monday Only Comes Once A Week

There must be an unwritten by-law that if your an angry citizen you MUST be condescending, nasty, rude, and juvenile (no matter what your age or wealth, though I have found the more money they have the worst they are. Why not, they're used to everyone doing what they want when they want.) to the first person you come in contact with at the Town Hall whether that person has anything to do with your problem or has any authority to do something about it. NEVER take your grievance to someone who can actually answer your question or quell your misguided anger. No. Dump it on the Secretary. It hasn't been a pleasant day.
But, I have this to go home to....

These fine young gentlemen are so sweet and very rambunctious! They purr when I get home--that's always nice.

I finished the, the...I don't have a name for this sweater. Huh! But, as you can see I do have a new toy. Dress Maker's mannequin. She looks great in the sweater.

Now I'm stuck for a project. WEBS doesn't have the Addi Lace needles in yet and socks don't count. I do have a coral cotton yarn marinating in my stash. Well, actually it was a Shapely Tank from last summer that was frogged. I'm still thinking shrug. I saw one this weekend in an all over lace pattern using a sport/dk weight and it peaked my interest. I'll have to give it more thought. I'll just wait until Tuesday and see how it goes....

Andrew says.....

Just laugh mom! It's all good!

Meet My Boys

Here they are, Beaux (orange) and Andrew (dark)
I couldn't wait until Wednesday.


Aren't they cute?
And so much more fun than......
Ribbing.

k2p2 k2p2

Rib, Rib Rib
It's never taken so long. I'd post a pic but it's just k2p2 ribbing on the body. I still have to do the turtleneck. The next project will have NO RIBBING in it. I'm thinking an aran shrug. Yeah, yeah, I know I said no more shrugs but I've got this idea in my head......
The exciting news is the arrival of 2 kittens this week. I've made arrangements to pick them up Wednesday and I can't wait. The nursery is ready. I loved my older cats dearly but it's time for some excitement that only kittens can bring. I'll be sure to post pictures. Until then it's k2p2, k2p2.....

You CAN Do It!

I have been reading how to do this for years but my brain would not understand how it worked. I finally just decided to go for it. Barbara G. Walker has walked me through it like the genius she is. Top down with set in sleeves knit all at once. No seperate body and armholes and sleeves to sew in because you know precious hates to sew in stuff. Bam! And you know what? It. Fits.

One thing I want you to notice...see the pooling on the left side?(it will be on the right side when wearing it) That's not supposed to happen when you USE TWO OR THREE SEPERATE BALLS OF VARIEGATED YARN BUT THERE IT IS! I don't mind it a bit. So much for doing it by "the rules." And yes, there's a huge difference in color between skeins.
Like night and day and that's what I love about hand dyed. I'm going to do a 2x2 rib from the underarm down on the body and from the elbow down on the sleeves. And same turtleneck. I hope the weather stays cool enough to wear it! Got up to 50 this weekend. Downright HOT.

What to Wear, What to Wear

Here we have it. And this is an old photo as you can see by the date in the lower right corner.

The two sweaters are Nature's Wool and the poncho is an Alpaca blend who's originator escapes me. Love it but does that baby shed! It's light, soft and fuzzy...I have made an interesting discovery. The poncho is no heavier than the two sweaters but it never fails, I wear the poncho all day, as I would the sweaters and at least one person will ask me if I'm cold. I reply "no" then chuckle because they just assume that the poncho is outerwear? Maybe it's the fuzzy feature, yeh, that may translate as heavy. We'll go with that.

So I have the Top Down Raglan style down, time to try something new. Currently on the big project needles is a Top Down Set In Sleeve all at once pullover. Nature's Wool again in a light blue to teal and THIS time I am working with two balls at once to avoid variances in color which is inevitable with varigated hand dyed. Just ask Purling Swine. She knows. I have the fortune of living close to WEBS and can spread hanks out on the floor to get the closest match. Those ordering on line do not.

Of course there are several socks in progress, the pocketbook traveling sock and the living room basket socks. I also bought lace weight yarn and am gathering the courage for my first "real" lace project.

So as long as this Arctic Blast lasts in western Massachusetts I have plenty to keep me warm. Time to start working on spring/summer items.....

What's that? What about the long cardi? Eh hem. Let me just say, if I think the yarn is ugly as a hank, no amount of knitting talent changes that fact and put it back on the shelf. We call it the "Ugly Sweater". I love the sweater style and fit and I may get brave enough to photo it for y'all, but this baby ain't leaving the interior of the house. Lesson learned there folks.

Monthly Update

Hi all! Have I got knitting to show you. Two pullovers, a poncho and another long cardi on the needles. I'ze been busy! Knitting only, because the house looks like a mess. Had a 90 year old pipe from the kitchen "fail" in the cellar. Yes, water all over the Christmas decorations, lovely. No, no, it didn't freeze, just decided to develop a dime size hole. The cellar entry way has been painted a very perky lime green. Takes the dreary out of going down there. White woodwork and touches of red that really pop. Now with that new pipe it's a happening space. ; P
I promise to load pics soon.

Must Be Another Holiday

I'm blogging, therefore it must be another holiday. I wish the day were brighter as I have been knitting my little heart out. There are XXL Trekking socks everywhere, I bought all the colors that WEBS had and am impatiently waiting for them to get the spring colors. I have--oh heck, wait a minute I'll take less than satifactory picture. A group picture of my Jazz cardigan, an Araucania V-neck pullover and socks. One of the socks is a Regia charcoal grey with Feather & Fan cuff and a picot edge finish. On the blocking table is another Araucania crew neck pullover in variegated greens, I call it Fern, maybe a pic of that on, let's see, what's the next holiday--Memorial Day in May. Well, maybe I can come up with something before then. I have two more Trekking socks in progress. One is in my purse and the other is in the knitting basket. Well, actually it's in my lap as I type. I have been following the Blue Moon situation and find it utterly amazing. You go girls.
Ah, here we go. May I present my current FO's?

Sorry about the flash but it's much to grey and gloomy to get a good natural light pic. You're not getting any of the detail though I must say from my monitor the colors aren't that far off. The V-neck has a cuff and lower body design of a modified Honeycomb pattern I found in Barbara Walkers Treasury of Knitting patterns that I received for Christmas. The Jazz has Feather & Fan design and has received many compliments. Both articles were knit from the top down. The Araucania is 100%wool and very lightweight compared to the Jazz which is alpaca.
And that 's what I've been up to. And yes, all the socks have mates.

Sad Weekend

My kitty J.J. (see April 01 entry) passed away this weekend after 24yrs of being. I was fortunate to have her home when she died. The house seems emptier even though the past year she had primarily slept around the clock, taking the occasional tour around the first floor for exercise. Funny how you get into routines. Even going to the grocery store has changed because there's an aisle I no longer need to go to for food.
I may add a new member to the family but not until after the holidays. Time to heal.

Election Day and Knitting

I arrived at work at 7:45 am and the parking lot (quite sizeable) was full. Voters everywhere! I've lived thru 2 elections since I started this job and this is really amazing. My office is just inside the front door of the Town Hall--voting central, so I have listened to all the commentary and opinions, laughed (to myself) at some, rolled my eyes at others. Everyone has an opinion. As they should. As long as they don't attempt to cram it down someone elses throat.
How does this relate to knitting? Off the top of my head it doesn't other than I'd rather be knitting, I have a sock in process under my desk. There'd be hell to pay if I took that puppy out and ripped off a couple rounds--the tax payers of this town are not paying me to knit. They really should considering the *crap* I put up with some of them. Not all, just some. We've got one gentlemen worried about trees on another resident's property that aren't bothering the owner and are not a threat to another living sole in town. I've heard this gentlemen's story every day for a week. He needs to be told to mind his own business but I've never seen this covered in Secretarial training. I'm sure he'll be in today. Can't wait!
Another resident didn't like how a litigation turned out (not her way of course) so she will be in to tell those who'll listen how stupid we are. Think it would be okay to say "I'm rubber and your glue..."? Rats, didn't think so. And let's not get into the sewer bills that were just issued....
No, I'd MUCH rather be knitting. On the needles? Regia socks, swatching for Warm the Children and winding Jazz for a top down cardigan. Yeah, I still haven't got to that-Hey I've been busy! I will say that I do like my Trekking XXL socks (finished yesterday) and would purchase the wool again.

The Leaves Are Falling

Fall in New England. 'Nuff said.
One hat is done for the Warm the Children project and I'm attempting a top down mitten to go with it but have developed a brain cramp at the thumb opening. I need to read my regular cuff up pattern to get around this. It's all good.
What's all this to-do about Rhinebeck? Sounds like fun and will have to see what the weather is going to do before I decide to make the trek. If memory serves me right there is a Fibertwist happening in Deerfield next weekend.
Busloads of leaf peepers have passed my office window the past couple weeks but by this weekend it will come to an end. This year they should have scheduled Deer-peeper buses--they're everywhere! My new found scouting techniques have saved me more than a few car wrecks I'll tell you. Deer don't use crosswalks and don't look both ways before crossing the road.
One of my dearest friends from High School called me last night, and guess what? She lives near Cherry Tree Hill . Heh, heh.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

(Kudos to Monty Python) Anyway, I have taken the leftover yarn from my last pair of socks and tried an experiment. I magic cast on 4 sts, increased in each one the second round, put a marker in between and continued to increase on each side of the marker and each end every other row and see what I got? I'm thinking it's the top of a hat. Maybe. The possibilities are endless. I'll let you know when I finish-then we'll all know.


Next up is Jazz, 50 alpaca 50 wool by Artful Yarns. Soft Soft Soft. The pic stinks so I'll tell you what the colors are: royal blue, muted teal green, gray and charcoal.

I'm thinking a top down cardi with an interesting border from Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge.
I will do the double button hole bands with removable button strip as I did with the Kiwi-fewer buttons this time though. But that's down the road awhile. I have to figure out what the circle of the former picture is going to become. Open to suggestions.

Frogged

Remember way back when I was whining about the Shapely Top? It has been frogged. Reduced to a pile of balls, resting. Stay tuned for further updates.
So what have I been knitting? Socks baby, nothing but socks. This will end now that the cooler weather has invaded western Mass. The needles will spit out hats & mittens for the Warm the Children project. I also hit Webs and came home with woolly yarn that I'm thinking will turn into another top down cardigan because I do love my Kiwi.
Time for another cup of tea.

Are you still there?

Wow. I am a bad blogger. My apologies to those of you that used to visit and if you haven't given up I am going to try to get back on track. I've had a "distraction" over the summer. This "distraction" took away alot of knitting time, and was worth it but now hunting season is coming and I don't hunt...so it will be back to knitting. I' m seeing a hunter-my friends' who know me better than my family-their teeth just fell out. I have been tubing down the Deerfield (I've always wanted to and it was a blast) I have been through the woods on an ATV-again, lots of fun and a bit of four wheeling, nothing major but it's amazing how tight a space in the woods a Ford F350 will fit. Simply amazing. I have seen beautiful deer in their natural state and will probably see them on a dinner plate. And yes, I like venison. For those of you who are reading and saying "yeh, so?" I'm not a rough and tumble kind of girl. I don't own a pair of sneakers(they kill my feet) it's heels and silk blouses and such. I went shopping today and bought: Teva sandals-very comfy, not as sexy as a pair of liz claiborne pumps but walking the river bed with my "distraction" is much easier; comfortable hiking boots, not that we've gone hiking but I want to be ahead of the game and they'll be great this winter; and another pair of water resistant shoes that aren't too hideous. Unbelievably practical footwear--it's just so not me.
Back to what we're here for--the knitting!


My progress is cotton socks but with the hurricane rain and the cooler temps the wool yarn will be put back on the needles. These are Sockattas I believe-who knows, the ball bands escaped a long time ago.
Regia's are on the needles now--just started.
So there you are. No I haven't changed my whole life for the "distraction" just opened a new door. I still have my heels!

Where Have I Been?

Okay, call me a fair weather knitter. It got sooo stinking hot I was barely knitting a round or two on socks--and I did switch to cotton. I'm almost done with the lime/turquoise stripey Sockattas and they're coming out great. We have had two absolutely gorgeous days and I haven't wasted a minute of them trying to catch up on stuff I have avoided and ignored during that nasty heatwave. I'll be lining up the next cotton sock yarn, probably tomorrow. I can't get over the energy increase with the cooler weather. I don't know how y'all in the south do it. Kudos to you.

We're Havin' a Heat Wave...

I'm a happy person, sometimes annoyingly happy. But this weather is getting to me. I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow where I can sit smack in front of the air-conditioner and absorb all that freon into my bloodstream so that when I get home tomorrow night the nasty humid night air won't keep me awake for hours. Yes, a week's worth of not sleeping is making me cranky. On top of that--the Red Sox are, never mind, I'll cut the whining now.
This is mom's birthday weekend. It started Friday. My younger sister and her daughter (the ONLY grandchild mom's gonna get, and she's okay with that) came up from New Jersey. They left today and tomorrow we have dinner with the older sister. Her actual birthday is Tuesday. She's 70 this year, though you'd never know it. Spunky she is!
The only progress I've made knitting is socks and even that came to a screeching halt today. Fans couldn't circulate the air fast enough to stop my hands from sweating. I did go to Webs Thursday night and pick up some cotton sock yarn. Hopefully that will slip a bit easier. Whew, I'm going back to the fan ya'll!

I've Got A Feelin'

A feeling deep inside, oh yeah. (Beatles, you know what I'm talking about.) This Shapely Top is just not going as expected. It still looks gigantic and I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm not going to have enough string to finish even though I've calculated and recalculated and it comes out that I have more than enough. My sock never fails me though.

As I was watching my Red Sox "bleach" the White Sox last night I knit the left armhole longer than the right. It was a late game, what can I say. There's just evilness surrounding this project I tell you. I can feel it!

And here's the "Boy Colors" socks. MMMmmm, there was a bit of chill in the air this morning so I had to put them on.

In the background is part of my backyard. The plants surrounding the maple tree (which also serves as my clothesline pole) are Christmas cacti. Most of them are in bloom. They love it outdoors all summer. I'm in hopes to turn some of that green turf into a crushed stone patio(mowing-not my thing). I like the sound the stones make when walked on. Reminds me of the driveway at my Grandparents camp which was made of crushed clamshells. So many projects. Cuts into my knitting time.

I was interviewed at my new job by the town newsletter. I was asked what I like to do and I lit up and said, "I knit!". And what else do you do? "Um, hmmm" Well you must do something else! "No, not really". It was rather a dull story but okay by me. It's a small town and I don't need everyone knowing my business. They've got enough on their minds knowing everyone elses business.

Bang Bang Bang

Bang!
For two entire days that's what we've listened to. Yes, it's July 4th weekend. I love fireworks but I've had my fill of my neighbors' incessant obsession. I'm also worried that he's going to hurt himself or set someone's house on fire. Not mine, I live far enough down the street.
I have no knitting pics to show you, not for lack of knitting, there is a sock done and another almost halfway, no, I haven't taken any pictures--plain and simple. For the first time in weeks it has not rained a single drop. I have enjoyed the outdoors and the breezes for hours on end. I have a great backyard with trees and gardens and a swing with a canopy--spa-ness. (note: as an esthetician I know spa!) The solar powered fountain gurgles and plops and the hummingbirds zingzing from feeder to flowers. They take a rest on my clothes line then zingzing away. I had plenty of yard work to do but I completely ignored it to enjoy the day, so there.
I checked in on Yarn Harlot and learned some interesting things about Canada--check it out. There's a nice pic of Lucy on Wendyknits and the Mason Dixon site has baby bluebirds. So, from all of our blogs there seems to be more to life than knitting....how can that be?

The Cat Days of Summer

Why should dogs get all the credit?
The weather has been so unbearable with the humidity. The thunderstorms are nice but they are not relieving the heavy air. I don’t have air conditioning so knitting has been sparse. So far Shapely top looks gigantic to me but gauge is dead on. I expected the front edge to be more curved too. Hey, if I don't like it, it can be ripped out and tried again. I’ve also started another Regia sock. Boy colors I call them, gray & tan stripes. It’s an all rain weekend so I should get some good progress on both in the next few days.
On the job front I have to say I really like it. It’s not a drudge to go in everyday like the last evil place was. Government work is completely new to me. I can understand now why laws and such take soooo long to pass. Nothing like business where you have a meeting and decisions get made and the project is filed. In government, you have an agenda, then a meeting, then approval of the meeting, then the approved approval has to be signed, (on archival paper of course!)then everyone gets a copy of the approved approval, THEN it gets filed. This can take up to two weeks. Amazing.
Ooo, thunder, here we go again! No Red Sox tonight! :' (

The Birthday Box

It's a sister's birthday coming up and I'm creating a Birthday Box. Not a box with just one present but a birthday "stocking" if you will. A collection of goodies. Socks are one of the goodies. And I'm having to knit like the wind to get them to her on time. I suppose if I made the socks big enough I could have stuffed them for an actual stocking. Maybe next year. Regia is the yarn and I'm getting 9.5 sts to the inch.


Anyway, that's all that's on the needles this week. I've also taken advantage of the Non Rain situation here in New England and done more outside home owner stuff, trimming hedges, rhododendrons which of course means I have to make a trip to the (dump) transfer station. Blech. I did that last week and ended up with a knob on my forehead from the trunk lid clopping me. I'm fine, it's turned a lovely shade of chartreuse. The last place I want to be knocked out cold is the compost dump.
Shapely Top remains in a raw state ready to go.
Until next blog--Take care!

Ta-Da! Alert the Media-Kiwi Is Done!

Has it been a week already?! My how time flies. Let's get an update, shall we?


Yes, it's true. Kiwi is finished and ALL 19 buttons have been attached to a perfectly matched grosgrain ribbon. I'm very pleased and hope the weather stays cool a bit longer so I can wear it. We're back to rain rain rain here in New England. So much so I wanted to dry the house out a bit yesterday when I got home from work and went to the thermostat to run the furnace for a cycle and got nothing, zip, completely ignored by my command. I checked the oil, yup, still have plenty; the fuse, fine; the Emergency switch, no change. Call the furnace tech. Oh dear, it IS the Emergency switch--no juice. I can't wait to get that bill. That'll cut into the knitting budget.

The new job is going swell, at least I made it through week 2 without losing my composure. In fact I was quite pleased with my accomplishments. I'm not as brain dead as I thought.
Tonight is the Relay for Life in which I will do some strolling for the cause. I have the 11pm shift and I do hope to stay dry, this is New England though. I have a nice warm Aran to wear, no this is not a job for Kiwi. I think Kiwi will go to the office for her debut. See how the buttons are removable? Button holes on both sides. So let's review:
Cascade Yarn The Heathers-Kiwi
Size 6 needles
Gauge, gauge, what was the bloody gauge! Gone, and no I didn't write it down
Top down raglan
Finished size 38
Ribbing pattern borrowed from Wendy
Seed Stitch bands
Pearl buttons (with different button bands to follow, and no I haven't forgot about making the Fimo kiwi slices. I saw some leather buttons that would look nice too.)

Didn't take a pic but still working on the Mega Boot Stretch 2x2 rib socks. Next up on the needles: Shapely Top using Classic Elite Premiere in Tea Rose(though it looks more watermelon to me!)
'Til next time....

It's Too Hot!

June 1st and the temp is up in the 90's for day 3, what is this, Georgia? Oh no, it's New England where as the saying goes, wait 15 minutes the weather will change...well come on baby your 15 minutes has come and gone. Enough whining, on for our regularly scheduled program.
















It's Kiwi in progress with the second sleeve slooooowly getting longer. Are you asking about buttons? Here's my idea: Buttons made from Fimo clay that look like slices of kiwi! Don't forget, I will be doing button hole bands on BOTH sides so I can have interchangeable button strips to attach and match my mood. Have I ever worked with Fimo clay? Noooo, but that's never stopped me. Maybe a strip of pearl buttons and something plain, you know, for Those Days.

Speaking of one of those days, I mentioned I started a new job. Well, on day three I had a total meltdown, WHAT-HAVE-I-DONE-GET-ME-OUTTA-HERE meltdown. Ya had to be there. Of course I feel like a bloomin' idiot now but they tell me I'll be fine, and I will. I'm just one of those people that thinks I have to know everything about the job in one day. I have to get over that. This job is going to take months to comprehend. Let's work on my patience, shall we?

A Short Note

Helloooooo! Sorry about the lack of posts but I started a new job, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah.
I FINALLY got the body of Kiwi finished and one sleeve. Pic coming of that soon. The lacy socks are done and hopefully my feet won't gain any weight cuz there's not alot of stretch. Sock of the day is another Lana Grossa Mega Boot with 2x2 rib starting from the toe.
The weather has been horribly hot--August weather. Way too soon for my taste.
For the Memorial Day weekend my family and I went to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. Wow, the website doesn't do it justice. A must do if in Western Mass.
Will attempt to post pic progress soon. Bear with me folks...

They're Not Just My Imagination

I continue to knit on Kiwi, actually, I'm not quite sure it's knitting because you see, I knit 4 rows and tink 3 rows to correct a flaw. I at least have a pic of the lace rib (can you say blurry?)that I borrowed from Wendy. (See her entry on May 16) Eventually this will grow to about 5". If the Gods be willing.















My F&F sock #2 is coming along ...














I'm using size 0 needle a 9sts per inch, you'll have to search for the Red Sox socks to find out what the yarn is as the ball bands are long gone. I've had several Dr's appointments and these have travelled beautifully. No misbehaving what-so-ever.














The same cannot be said about Kiwi. I'm bitter. But determined. String will NOTget the best of me!

So there you have it. It continues to rain and I thank my lucky stars that A) I live on a hill and B)my cellar has stayed dry.
Web's tent sale this weekend, whoo hoo! Back to scrounge for more Regia sock yarn and whatever else the budget will allow.

Something Wicked This Way Comes.....

I'm having bad knitting karma. Kiwi, my top down raglan, is starting to give me fits. I got past the initial problems from the top with the double increases and have been diligently trying to make a simple lacy pattern on the bottom 5" using k2 tog yo across. One, it was killing my hands but looked nice so I persevered. I finally got to the bottom and decided a try on was in order. And there it was, looking back at me from the mirror. I squinted and rubbed the stitching, it couldn't be! A glaring boo-boo half way thru the pattern. And I could hear it laughing, softly at first until it was full out snorting "Bwahahahahahahahah" No ignoring it, no easy way to fix it, and frogging back to pick up the stitches would be miraculous to say the least. Well, I couldn't wrap my brain around how I was going to pick them up successfully. Upon further observation I had gained stitches on one side to the point that it was becoming a one sided double-breasted front. It has been frogged--I am NOT going to do the same lace pattern. Back to the drawing board.
Needless to say I still don't have any worthy pics to upload. It's rained in New England for a week. Everything's nice and green and yes the sun will continue to rise and set regardless what happens with Kiwi. Until next time....knit.

Take Two and This Time Without the Whining

Here's what I was whining about in the previous post.


The Inca's with picot edge.










The Cotton Sockatta's with picot edge. Harlot, if your here you're also on the coffee table, see?











Detail of the poncho, wait for it.....











with a picot edge on the bottom and around the neckline.









The pic does not do it justice, the varigated section is very bright and it's an Irish border design but looks more Aztec, but it's not. And last but not least....











My RED SOX !!! These were a hit at the office. They're also great for swinging and whooping in the living room when big Papi is slammin' it over the wall. Kinda like twirling a towel at the Patriot's game. I should merchandise these....hmmmm.
So there you have it. Progress is being made on Kiwi--the top down raglan and I'll get a pic of that as soon as there is something to look at and the Feather & Fan sock didn't get much attention today. Tomorrow is another day...

What the Heck?!?....

Okay, I'm fairly patient when it comes to computer problems because having been in those techie shoes, I know the drill. But after finally getting online Saturday from home, and loading all my pics of finished projects that you've missed, adding in my thoughts and comments, and going to the SAVE button because I figured I was pushing the envelope--THE STUPID CONNECTION FAILED! Could I get back on? NO! I'm posting this from another location. No pics and it's not half as interesting without seeing: the Inca's-finished, the Cotton Sockatta's with picot edge-finished, the Poncho-finished and the Boston Red Sox socks-finished.
I have started a pair of Feather & Fan with the leftover white from the Sox socks, starting the design on the instep. I didn't think walking on the lacy part would be too comfy. I also started a top down raglan. As I am an Anti-Seamer I have always gone bottom up via Elizabeth Zimmerman. Time to give Barbara Walker a shot. So far I've ripped that puppy out 3 times. Material is light worsted, Cascade Peruvian Merino in a heathered lime green. Oh, did I not mentioned that I tootled around Web's Saturday morning after I got off the phone with the Techie at my local ISP? Regia sock yarn for $6 a 100 gram skein people! I hoarded as much as the budget allowed and found the Cascade at an amazing $4.69 per hank. I was absolutely giddy.
Yeah, then I went back home and tried to blog--total disaster. To perk up my mood I went back to knitting and my Red Sox, they won thank you for asking. Played Baltimore this weekend and it was good to see Kevin Millar again--I still miss him.

Stand By for Station Identification...

Oh we're having technical difficulties again. Big giant Web/Telephone concern is in a nasty snit with tiny ISP dial up company and the result is I can't dial up from home which results in me not being able to upload pics. Urrrggg! If you could see the poncho now. But you can't. And all the sock progress I've made. Since the last blog, I've finished the Inca's and I'm on the second Sockatta (cotton) with Picot edge. Red Soxsocks will be next. No word on when the dial up snafu will be fixed. So I knit...

The Harlot Has Landed

What a weekend! Saturday morning bright and early I had a doo appointment in Brattleboro, VT where the lovely Deena at Whitman's blonded my dark roots, trimmed me and sent me on my way. From there I headed to Northampton to Web's for the arrival of the Yarn Harlot. I got there early(so I thought) but had a heck of a time finding a parking space. When I found the conference room (yes, location was changed to accomodate the knitters of Western Mass, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut...these are just the license plates I drove by looking for a space) the room was almost full. I sat next to a lovely woman who had brought her 6m old daughter--what a doll she was! Not a peep out of her the whole time. The Harlot came in and had to fix the PA system herself! She had us in stitches (no pun intended but, there you go). Her blog is amusing on it's own but in person you get the total essence. And the great thing about it is that if you don't knit YOU WOULDN'T GET IT. Like a secret society. I did learn that knitting is a sport by the very definition of the word sport. Go ahead, look it up.
Everyone brought their knitting but I never took mine out of the bag, I would have missed the visual antics she goes through! We went back to Web's for the signing part of the party but, did I want to stand in line for 2 hours?--no. 20 years from now I'll kick myself when a signed copy of Knitting Rules goes for 2million on ebay. What can I say. Like she and I were going to become best friends just as she and Martha Stewart are? Oh well. Anyway, I did buy red and white sock yarn to make---Red Sox socks! You know, white toe and heel--look at their logo. It'll be 97 degrees before I get to them but I've had this idea bouncing around my head ever since spring training.
And the poncho--it's getting there. Slowly. One, two, three, four, five, (flip).....

Just Cranking Them out Here

Feet in the air shot! Ansel Adams eat your heart out.

How interesting that the Sockotta socks changed pattern direction and went all zig-zaggy on the 2nd sock. How does it do that?! And some people find this a problem, not me.
Now, next up is Lana Grossa Meilenweit Inca which is a wool/poly blend on size 0 with a 9sts per inch gauge-nice and smooth! I haven't broken any of my bamboos but I just know it's going to happen before I get to the end. Not being negative, I'm positive I'll break at least one. And see, both socks at once to avoid SSS (second sock syndrome). The (vroom-vroom) Addi Turbo Magic Loop is keeping up nicely.

The poncho is on the bottom with the 2 color pattern at the halfway point. This has beentoo slow a process for me. Well, my own fault, I hate having to keep track of counts and this hasn't the short repeating pattern that a fair isle does. No, I had to design the bloody thing to go 24 st stretches so that I have to stop, swing the 2nd color over to carry every 5 sts, bleh, bleh, bleh. So far the results are great but I'll pitch the pattern when done. I have this insane notion that I have to get a project done in a week or less. Need for speed I guess.

I've been reading my Yarn Harlot Knitting Rules! and snickering to myself(non-knitters find this odd-go figure) to find out there are others like me doing things I figured were too bent to be done by "normal" people. I've enjoyed the reading and am looking forward to seeing Stephanie in person this weekend. I've never been to a book signing...

The Week That Was

A dull entry as I haven't got the patience to wait for pics to upload to the server tonight. But let's see, what have I accomplished....
Sockotta socks are done-wow, they seem to take longer to dry.
Started another pair of wild self striping socks in Lana Grossa, one on size 0 dpns (those babies are gonna snap, I've got toothpicks that are sturdier) and the other on a Turbo a la Magic Loop.
I've frogged the poncho once using a nifty technique I learned on the Virginia Purl. Huge time saver.
I popped over to Web's Saturday to pick up my Yarn Harlot Knitting Rules for next Saturday's signing. Another skein of sock yarn followed me home. Harlot's got over 100 of us awaiting her arrival so they had to move the event to the Clarion. Web's is large but that would have been a bit too cozy. I asked the clerk about lace weight yarn and she scrunched her face and admitted that they didn't really carry alot of it, Lorna Laces but, oops, none in stock. Oh, did I mention that since I got the sock thing down I am now so Invincible that Lace is my next project? After the poncho of course.
Well, off to fix my turbo'd sock as I noticed on my way to Ludlow, VT for Easter dinner that I have dropped a stitch. Can't blame the car ride as I appear to have dropped it before I got in the car. And no I was not driving and knitting at the same time. Traffic was too heavy. ;)
And how about those Red Sox.....

The Red Sox & Knitting, It Doesn't Get Any Better!

The day started out grey and damp and got damper and cold so it was the perfect knitting weather. Red Sox game was delayed—more knitting time! And the results?









A bit blurry!

Finished the Mega Boot Stretch socks and had to put them on right away. Swatched the microfiber I’m using for mom’s poncho with the variegated I chose for the design-- that works. (the design on the swatch is not what will be on the poncho) Just haven’t figured how I’m going to work the increases down the front and back and keep the design from looking odd. I see frogging in my future. On the up side--the Red Sox beat the Orioles. (I miss Kevin Millar! ;( )

It’s the cotton blend sock next, no give to these babies. I’m trying the Magic Loop method. Actually, this is the second time I’ve tried this. I bought a lovely 29” bamboo set and started the Mega Boots doing the Magic Loop but when I pulled the tip of the needle forward it came off in my hand. Adding insult to injury the cable end slipped off leaving the stitches behind. Fortunately I had gotten past the short rowing and was plain knitting when my gear malfunctioned. Those will be going back from whence they came. I have to say, that would never happen with dpns. I have acquired another 29” set of circs and as you can see, so far, so good.
They're predicting sunny weather here in Massachusetts tomorrow, darn, that means no excuses not to do yardwork until the Sox come on at 2:30p!

It's Been One of Those Weeks...

Lately I get up in the morning, sometimes earlier than I need to just so I can knit a few rounds before I go to that place. You know, that place, that sucks the life out of you but provides the money to make your mortgage payment and buy more yarn and knitting toys. I can't wait to get home so I can pick up the needles again, zone out, and only communicate with the yarn, needles, row counter etc., and the greatest thing about the yarn, needles and row counter is that they seem to be capable of taking care of themselves, they don't ask the same idiotic questions over and over or flame off at you because they're having a bad day. These things don't treat you inhumanely or expect praise because they provide health benefits. No, they don't. They are always there, except when Bailey had hidden them in the couch cushions or moved them because they look better over there. Can you tell? It's been a bad week. And the worse it gets the more I want to pull out my traveling sock project from under my desk and knit it all away.

On to more positive thoughts
The poncho is coming along. I'm a little nervous of the neckline. You see, I was a good little knitter and made a swatch, washed and dried it and it lost quite a bit of length and width so I cast on according to the swatch. Hmmm, the neckline seems a bit wide but, I must trust my swatch. Trust the Swatch, Trust the Swatch...
Mega Boot sock #2 is being cuffed. And I have been investigating knitting LACE! I am so not a lace girl but since mastering the whole sock thing I am absolutely fearless. Bring it on!

The Mega Boot Stretch & The Wildfoote

First of All.....

Happy 24th Birthday to JayJay!
Here she's getting her tanning in and even though I'm an esthetician and vehemently opposed to tanning, she's allowed because 1.) She's 168 cat years 2.) She has always done what she wanted and 3.) It's the only physical activity she does these days. You go kitty!


Meanwhile...
In my new sock quest I have been experimenting with a few different materials in sock yarn. My latest is the Lana Grossa Mega Boot Stretch that to date is my favorite sock. The yarn is "sproingy", ultra comfy and the sock hugs my foot and leg. I went with a 2x2 rib and a sewn cast off. I like it so much I went back to Web's and bought another color. This one is 710.















My Wildfoote with the Feather & Fan came out beautiful--so nice my mother took them practically before they were off the needles! This material was finer and will look great with a pair of flats. I over exposed the shot so the design was more visible. They are much darker than this.
















As I said, I went back to Web's and picked up a few more sock yarns including a cotton/wool/nylon mix just to see how that works up. As I was wandering in fiber nirvana I noticed a sign that said that the Yarn Harlot would be there on April 22 to promote her new book. Count me in! I enjoy her blog and her insight.

Off to get started on mom's poncho, the swatch has been washed and dried, let the games begin!

Here's The Proof

Now that my pics will upload I have proof of my progress. Here we have one Stripey sock from my first complete pair. I've worn them to bed almost every night since! The other is my Wildfoote with a Feather & Fan cuff. Hard to see the design.
I also managed to knit off a swatch for mom's poncho and catch cold this weekend. I could have done without the cold. It cut in on my knitting time.
My roadtrip to Web's resulted in a Lana Grossa sock yarn called Meilenwiet/Mega Boots Stretch. Quite a bit heavier than the Wildfoote. That store can be so overwhelming, so many choices. Their anniversary sale is coming up in April and their maniac tent sale at the end of May. Must wear protective gear for that one, it gets wild!

Pay Attention When Short Rowing...

I ended up starting my Wildfoote sock twice because I became too engrossed with what Rachel Ray was cooking. It's all her fault! ; P But I'm back on track and with this yarn being smoother than the last yarn I used I find that it splits easier so I'll have to mind what I'm doing. I'm curious to search out different materials now. I'll have to hit Woolies and Webs this weekend. I also need to start mom's poncho...that kinda got pushed aside when sockmania struck me. So many projects, so little time.

More Socks!

The stripey socks are done! If only I could upload the picture. Apparently blogspot is having an issue with a server and those of us that were on the now smashed server are having trouble with the picture upload part of our blogs SO WE JUST HAVE TO SIT TIGHT! I'll just knit more socks. The next pair will be Wildfoote by Brown Sheep Company in Rhapsody. Dutifully knitting my gauge swatch.

One Down, One to Go

Finished one striped/pattern sock and it snowed so I can't knit the second one fast enough. I find I've made them a touch too long so the next set will be tweaked. I like making socks, even if I don't like wearing them past March 20.
I still can't get my photos to load, the upload function says it working but no picture appears. And I used to be a WebMaster! It's not rocket science! uurrrgggg!

My New Adventure in Socks

You know what's ironic, I hate wearing socks. As soon as March rolls around I try to leave them behind but inevitably in New England it snows a couple times forcing me to don a pair just to keep my feet out of the snow. But here I am, knitting my second pair of socks in less than a week. I'm trying to upload a picture but my ancient hand crank computer is having a tough time of it.
I found an easy way to divide a ball of yarn to make 2 evenly. Some knitters use scales to weigh the original ball, wind a new one and weigh it periodically to see if it's the same weight. In my effort to always shorten the process, I just left the original ball on the scale, set up my ball winder next to it and wound off until the original ball weighed half what it did. I have a pic of that too, honest.
The clerk at Northern Woolies and I bonded in our conversation of the dpns and circ methods. (She brought it up, I didn't.)That was comforting. Apparently I was just unaware that there was an established class system in the knitting universe. Well, too bad, knit with what you want I say.

Congratulations! It's a sock!

I did it! I made my first sock. I've been knitting for over 30 years (hey, Grandma got ahold of me early folks) and if I could get my pics to load I could have visual record of it for this here blog. I used the Generic Toe Up pattern from Wendy Knits! and I'm quite pleased with myself. I have some minor tweaking to do when I get to sock 2. I managed to get a tiny hole on the heel/instep join but I just need to pick up a stitch or two extra to rectify that. My kitty Jay was not impressed but a cat at 24 years old doesn't impress easily. Yup, on April 1 she will be 24 years old. After hooting that I had turned the heel and lived thru it she merely lifted her head, yawned, and tucked her nose under her chin. Reality check mom. It's a sock.

Uncle! Uncle!

I made my apologies for causing such pain and anguish in the war between the circular and dpn factions. (See "How to Start a Knitting War")I'm not sure why I'm apologizing and I didn't say anything bad about dpns, I know I'll still use them, but pity the people that use circs and didn't dare comment lest they be beaten with them. Oh well, life goes on.
Finished the toddler size pullover I was making so that leaves 2 pair of mittens, Fair Isle baby hat and sweater to block tonight. Well, maybe not tonight, I received the Harry Potter Goblet of Fire dvd in the mail yesterday and it needs to be watched.

How to Start a Knitting War!

Wow! I asked a question on another knitting blog site (forgive me, I'm new at this blog thing)about using 2 circular needles vs. double pointed and things got downright hostile! Won't do that again. Feel like I've been flogged...Hey, I'm happy with the 2 circ method and it's MY knitting. That's what makes the world spin--boring if everyone did everything the same. I did learn about something called the Magic Loop. Interesting and I'll give it a try. That got blasted as well--people, take a deep breath and knit! It was just a question! Geesh!

I'm finishing up projects out of my yarn stash which is so dismally low it nearly brings a tear to my eye. Plenty of hats and mittens for Warm the Children project and such and I'll keep adding to it. Luckily WEB's yarn shop will be having their anniversary sale soon, next month I believe, and I'll join the melee to enhance my supply.

I found a design pattern for the poncho I mentioned earlier, now I need to chart it out.