NANA KNITS

IT'S THE ARAN AGAIN

2011-07-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Tom has been after me to 'wash' THE SWEATER and as a reminder, he placed it on the sofa in my studio. I ceremoniously carted it to the bathroom this afternoon and plunged it in the tub with appropriate sweater washing detergent. Careful not to swish...gods forbid...I let it soak, then rinsed, then rinsed again, all in cold water. I hope it is clean-it should be. Lots of little bits of vm came out to the surface, which is a good thing, so I think I did it right! And so, it now lies all spead out on the rest of my clean towels...a half dozen are now in the wash after becoming sponges. I hope it turns out ok 72 hour wait time ...

STAYCATION HAS BEGUN

2011-07-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased that I have about a month off to just relax before school starts again! I'm not making any plans other than to walk every day, watch the Tour de France and do some knitting and spinning!

July will bring my 60th birthday. I am not sure that I am happy about that...I'm not thinking about it. boooo...major birthday downer.

On a fun note-I'm crafting this summer too. I've made rolled flowers and little notebooks of paint chip paper and if I had a sewing machine, I would be making little fabric birds and things to sell. Sadly, no sewing machine. : (

This is a great photo and sentiment! ^

Summer Time and the Livin' Ain't Easy

2011-06-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Just a word....hurry up July so I can have 3 weeks of peace~

On a sweet note...Here's my adorable grandson, Sam.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY-I MISS YOU~

2011-06-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

New Blog Look

2011-06-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Quelle Suprise! I hated the look of my old blog so I spent quite a while last night fiddling around with backgrounds and colors and such...I am, of course, still not "DONE" with it. I changed the name too. It's not overly catchey, but, what the hey...

So, it has been a year since I posted, right? Does that mean I have been busy? I choose to think so ...grabs flour and poufs face...
I really have only been about regular business like work and stuff at home and of course spinning and knitting. Ahhh, spinning and knitting-well, mostly knitting, a little spinning. Nothing is finished though. I do have some nearly's and some just started's. No, wait, I did finish the ARAN SWEATER FOR TOMMY!!!!!!!

Sweet, eh?

I've now cast on another for my Man-he's gotten so spoiled-first kilt hose, now sweaters!! This one is much simpler (Thank the gods) It's DROPS Pattern #59-1, and it is quite pretty as the color is one of my favorites-kind of a taupey/mushroomey color. Pretty, pretty!!

I've gotten about 75% up to the armholes. A way to go yet, but will work on it over my Summer Break (next month) and here's hoping that it won't take another 3 frickin' years to complete! (I get bored easily) For Pat, my sweet sister, I spun-oh yeah-and knit a Holden Shawl from the roving she picked out at SAFF last October. It's very pretty. No pic yet as I have not blocked it-but will soon. It's quite chocolatey-the colorway is Brown Eyed Girl. I have another 4 ounces of it that I will spin and knit something else for her-maybe hat and scarf. (one of these days)

You know, I was going to talk politics, but I just need to have a nice day today. Suffice to say, Can we please, please get rid of this loony bin in the White House? JHC, what an idiot! ...there, I feel better....

I came across this really cute website the other day, I'm sure everyone knows about it, well, except me, of course, that has the cutest Kitty pictures! ICanHasCheezburger.com. I spent an hour just looking at and laughing at those photos. One of my favorite was the I'm A Little Teapot cat. It just tickled me so much I laughed out loud, and I don't do that often enough!

OH, OH, I forgot this....I have a new computer!!! My old PC was just a pile of sh-- and finally it bit the dust after I pulled up a site that was supposed to be one for dressing up Barbie Dolls for Shannen and it just went berserk and ate everything in my computer. Sadly, I lost photos and a few documents, but that's life. I'd been jonesing for a Mac ever since Tom and I got together. I love Mac's and all the cool features-it's a perfect computer for artists. So, we got back a slew of money from Income Tax this year and I got myself a Mac Mini! Jumpin' Jiminey!! It's awesome. I have so much storage space in it I will never use it up in my lifetime. The other good thing about it is, it is less likely to get viruses like the old PC did. It's wonderful. So, you'd think life would be peachey with this new Mac, right? There is a down side boys and girls... :(

My old camera is not compatible with it. I cannot take photos and download them to my computer. Another sad...I don't have another camera. Tom has to take pics for me and that isn't always do-able, time wise and I hate to bother him because he's busy working on his paintings. Just one of life's little glitches to work out.....

We've started summer hours at school, working 10 hour days, four days a week. It's not so bad if I ignore the fact that I have to be there at 6:30 AM and work until 4PM; I've had to move my office to the new building so they can renovate my old office and my boss' office is located halfway around the world so if she needs me we usually have to meet half way...nawww, just kidding. It isn't bad. I love having Friday's off...doin' the Snoopy Dance and loving being at home with my sweetie and my fiberey stuff!

Today is Father's Day. Wishing all the Dad's out there a happy day. Thanks for being Dad and thanks for loving and caring for your kids. Wish my Dad was here today. I love you and miss you a lot Daddy!

Cycling Through Summer Vacation

2010-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe it's the end of July and that today, I went back to school for the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year! It was over so fast-what the heck happened to my holiday?
Well, I can't say that I don't know, I do. We had Shannen the first 2.5 weeks of the holiday. It was nice to have her here and for the most part, it went well and without incident...except for the infamous "SALAD INCIDENT" of which we do not speak!
I turned another year older-what else is new? More gray hair, feeling the twinges of old age creeping in...talk about what happened to the years!! We watched the Tour de France again this year-pulled for Schleck (such a cutie...if I were 40 years younger!!) and cheered for Armstrong, as always. What an athlete! I also did the Ravelry Tour de Fleece and spun some lovely yarns. That was fun. See photos. I wanted to finish Tom's sweater (begun this time of year in 2009-see blog)but never got around to it. I am having some kind of mental block with that and I think it's because I am afraid Tom will be critical of it-not in an intentional way to criticize me, but I'm such a sensitive person. I am also afraid the spinning will not be up to snuff and it will look all weird. Silly me, silly fears-I need to push on with it and complete it!
My yarn...I had some great spins this year. Mohair lace weight yarn turned out gorgeous. A small skein of silk and faux cashmere has potential of a bigger spin and perhaps dye job. Mohair locks...I found that blended with Merino makes an absolutely fabulous yarn-so pretty! Another spin that was great was my tweedy Ivy's Hen yarn. Looked like speckled chickens. Just lovely. I almost hate to use it for anything and it is a hodge podge of fibers of all sort.
My niece Beth got married last week. She's a girl after my own free-spirited heart! She wore a green tapestry bustier over her wedding gown and underneath-green high top tennis shoes! Way to go, Bethie!! Actually, it was just too cute. Hubbie looked spiffy in Kilt and Prince Charlie-always a grand look in my humble opinion!! You can't beat a guy in a kilt for good looks!
So, that was Summer for me. It's an early day tomorrow at school-schedules to sort out, classes to assign and the phone ringing off the hook...normalcy. sigh

STITCHES SOUTH PART B

2010-05-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

OK...Part B of Stitches South...I think I can remember everything, althogh, it was a fiber induced delerium on that Saturday! OMG, I've never seen so much yarn and my wallet wasn't anywhere near prepared for what I wanted to spend. Thankfully, my sister was with me...Thanks Laney...and kept me in line!!! However, I did get some very nice yarn and a couple of braids of roving for spinning...also a pattern for the Swirl Shawl which I have coveted ever since I saw it on Ravelry. By Ravelry standards, which are pretty high it seems, my stash from Stitches is kind of small, but here is what I got:

1 skein of Bugga Tomato Frog(red, red, red) from Sanguine Gryffon-gorgeous and it is now knit into and almost finished a Multnomah Shawl-also very gorgeous!
2 cones of Silk and Cashmere laceweight yarn from Webs in Gray Teal...destined for something as yet undetermined, but I had to have it.
2 4oz braids of Green With Envy from Frabjous Fibers which is so very pretty and it's destined for laceweight singles which will also make something great but don't know what yet.
And of course, the pattern for the Swirl Shawl.

That's it and enough to get me through until SAFF in October!
As for Stitches South-it was the best and I can't wait until next year! I'm taking more money and I'm going to go more than one day I think. I don't know about taking a class thought, because I would be afraid I'd miss something good-but, we shall see. I saw some of the most gorgeous knitted items and it really was inspirational. I talked my sister into trying to learn to knit-its good when you can enable a relative, thereby having an accomplice and a co-enabler. It's good. I've never seen so much knitting stuff either-wowsers! I want one of everything!! I also tried out the new Kromski spinning wheel-what a nice wheel. I definitely have it on my want list.

When I get my computer, I'll post pics of my stash and whatever I've finished. Almost done with the Multnomah Shaw.

Stitches South

2010-03-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

PART A:
I'm writing this pre-event, so I hope the enthusiasm I have for it will be continued in PART B, post-event.
I'm really looking forward to the Market, which is all I'm really going to get to do this year, although I have signed up for a mini class in Stranded Knitting. Since I only have Saturday, I want to spend most of my time shopping for fiber and the like. I have sort of a shopping list, but you know how it is when you get in a place that just overloads you with goodies that you like-well, who knows how that will go. Sometimes I get too much of a good thing and I get stymied. Then, again, if I'm in the groove and all the forces are working, I can spend like a woman out of control! Frankly, I'm aiming for something inbetween the two!!
Of course, spinning fiber is on the list, but if I happen to see yarn that is, as they say, "to die for", then I may add that to the list. I'd also like a spindle-a nice spindle, and maybe some stitch markers, and perhaps some glass needles, a book or two, some cute buttons would be nice and a shawl pin. I figure $200 will do me just fine~but just in case I'm in out of control mode, I'm taking the magic card....forget the rent! I'm in fiber paradise!!!!
Well...here's looking at PART B and the aftermath of Stitches South, Atlanta, GA.....

DISTAFF DAY

2010-01-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

I didn't know there was such a thing as a whole day devoted to the Saint of Spinning-St. Distaff. Evidently there is and I am grateful to him for it!
Yesterday this wonderful day was celebrated by the lovely folks at the Peachtree Handspinners Guild and I was invited to attend. Attend I did and had a great time! I'll be joining The Peachtree Handspinners Guild at their very next meeting!

The reason I got interested in attending was from a discussion on Ravelry about Gulf Coast sheep. I love trying new types of fiber and I'd never heard of it before,so, long story short, a lovely lady named Rosemarie raises these sheep, is a member of the PHG and offered to give me a fleece...free!!! I jumped on that, of course...dollars being what they are these days in our household, free is the right price!

One of the ladies there, Gale Evans, had braids of fiber for sale...I succumbed to purchasing one braid to spin some socks, or something, for Shannen. She had gorgeous fiber! I want more, please!
The other awesome thing was the Gulf Coast wool I got from Rosemarie. Oh my! She gave me a whole trash bag full and is it ever gorgeous once it's washed and carded....yummy! Photo above with rolags is the washed and unwashed fiber. It's so squishy that all I want to do is squeeze it! Gulf Coast fiber is not quite as soft as Corriedale, or some of the other "next to skin" yarn, but it is, nonetheless, soft and will make nice gloves, hats and could possibly make a nice warm shawl-I do plan on knitting a bit of it into my All Sheep Shawl.

I went to the meeting, it isn't very far from where I live, which is great, and I met and sat and spun the whole day! What could have been better? The people were really nice and I think I am going to enjoy belonging to this group. They meet on Saturday's, which is great for me-no weekday meetings-and they do a lot of things as a group. I like that too.

Peachtree Handspinner's Guild...you have a new member!

I've Dyed and Gone to Fiber Heaven

2009-07-06T16:55:00.001-07:00

So, I have all this really ugly fiber that has been sitting in a hamper for about two years. It's Ugly Batt fiber and it really is ugly because I've spun all the pretty parts of it already. What I am left with is just butt ugly...sorry, it is! Since money is tight these days...boy! is it ever...I'm not getting any new fiber for spinning, that's for sure! We don't even have enough money for a birthday gift for me, that's how tight things are. Not complaining, but it sucks to be poor. Just hoping next year will be better. But, I digress....the ugly stuff. Anyway, I decide I want to dye some of it just to see...you know, no biggy, not looking to become a wizard with this stuff, but I could just give it a try. I pull out the Kool Aid-that's safe, non-toxic and won't make the house smell like poo. All good things! I spin a couple of hanks and tentatively query someone at one of the dyeing forums on Ravelry...I so love ravelry for all fiber related stuff, you can find out everything there!!! They say, give the red family a try. I have koolaid going to waste, so to speak, in my kitchen drawer so I pull out a pack of Cherry and two packs of Orange. Soak the handspun yarn in some vinegar water for about 1/2 hour then mix up the beverage with some water and more vinegar. I figure you can't have too much vinegar and I sure want this color to set, not fade away. Well, I guess I did it my way, but it worked so that was good. I packed the wet yarn into a Pyrex bowl with the beverage water, stuck it in the microwave and zapped it for 2 minutes. Let it sit for another 2 minutes and then zapped it again for 2 minutes. Long enough I figure.
I figured right...OMG, what a gorgeous shade of reddy-orange tweedy yarney goodness! It was amazing..it was stupendous...it was wayyyyyyyyy prettier than I ever thought it would be!!! I had to do more!!! Let's see, I thought to myself, I have some grape and some pink lemonade and some more cherry!! I'll dye the ugly gray/navy/vomiity yarn!! What did I get???? MERLOT!!! GORGEOUS, SHINY, TWEEDY PERFECTION!!! This is too good. I am thinking about my stash of natural good stuff-stuff I have paid high prices for! I have Merino Roving, I have Angora, I have Corriedale all to be spun and it can be dyed!! I remember that I have a kit of Jacquard dyes I bought when I thought I was going to take up silk painting (I didn't)!!! I can use that-the sky is the limit and I am a color chemistry whiz...really, color is my thing. I know how to mix to get what I want! I am on my way to the kitchen ladies and gentlemen, to whip up some moss green for a butt ugly yarn that wants to be used in my hooked rug! Life is good!

I DON'T KNIT WITH NORO

2009-06-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to rant...I just am.
I don't like Noro yarn. I don't see the attraction to it at all. Is it colorful? Yes, but that is where any sort of attraction for it might end...but personally, all those color combos really aren't that attractive..some of it really is barfy, butt ugly yarn-it is!! The yarn is harsh, the yarn is knotty and I absolutely cannot stand the way it feels in my hands. Eeeeeeeeewwwwwww, like nails on a chalkboard!! Another thing, the price is rediculous. I mean, really! Why would you pay anywhere from $10 to $22 for a ball of yarn-yarn that is essentially spun singles. I guess some people would think they're getting a bargain, but actually, if they look to some of the home grown indy spinners, they're going to find the same thing but a whole lot cheaper and the yarn will feel a whole lot better-with fewer, if any, knots. How do I know this? I make yarn like this and even better. Singles yarn is good for some things, but not for everything. And another thing, it does not knit nicely either.
So, there is my rant on Noro...ditto Malabragio, but because I detest pooling yarns. Nuff said!

On a cheerier note, I'm on vacation finally!!! Friday was last day of work for me until July 27th...then back to school. First day for the kidlings will be Aug.10. It gets shorter and shorter every year. We're not really doing anything as we have no money this year. The economy has been wickedly brutal this year to Tom. No work to be had and I am sure it is so with a good many others. Not to worry though. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table and health insurance. Hoping that 2010 will be a much better year...or we win the lottery!! LOL

I'm spining the BFL for Tommy's Aran this month and hope to get all 2 pounds spun and plied by the first of August so I can start knitting before September and he can wear it in October. Also knitting up some of my unfavorite stash that is just too glitzy for me. The black silk and sterling silver will be a scarf/stole that I hope I can sell and I have some Sari silk/Alpaca that I want to do the same with...maybe a little triangle shawl which does look really cute on small framed women going dress up somewhere elegant...not me because I am not and we never go anywhere like that!! Ha!

Found an excellent pattern that I want to try. Joined the KAL for it on Ravelry. Faery Ring. It is just too cute and I hope will be written up in kids sizes. It would be adorable on Shannen!!

So, that's about it for today...now I am back to my knitting and spinning until next time. Hopefully no more rants about pricey, ugly yarn.

Spinning With Enthusiasm

2009-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun yesterday teaching my friend Cathy to spin and she took right to it! There is always the learning curve, but really, she did amazingly well for the first time at the wheel...better than I did my first try! I think she's a natural! Even better, than that, I now have a friend to talk spinning with-not that Tommy doesn't listen or isn't enthusiastic about my spinning. After all, he is the one who encouraged me to do this and enabled me with stash fiber and bought my wheels. I think she will dig right in there with me though and another plus is being able to share fiber...if we ever want to purchase fiber that is outrageous, we can go halvsies on it...or fleece. We can try our hand at dyeing fiber too. That should be interesting...
I loaned her a couple of books and the Traddy to practice on with a bag of various fibers to practice with. I know she will quickly get the hang of spinning. She has a friend who is going to send her some Alpaca fiber so she's anxious to learn the whole process.
We will be attending the Peachtree Handspinners Guild meeting next Saturday and not only that, we're planning on a trip to SAFF in October. That will be so much fun! She wants to get bunnies...I must resist the urge to buy furry babies though. I really can't do that. Cathy is also a real pro at gardening too, so we talked about planting veggies-I really do want a small container garden-and she left seed catalogs and gardening books. I am overwhelmed by the choices!

I'm taking Shannen to the park this evening so must get something done this morning, even if it's only a few rows of knitting or start something on the wheel. I just hope the pollen won't kill me right off. It's so bad this year!

OK, I'm the gajillionth person to say this but...

2009-04-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle is amazing! Today I heard her recording of "Cry Me A River"...I wanted to. OMG, this woman's voice is gorgeous. She may not look like what society deems beautiful, but I say she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure to hear sing. Brings me to tears every time I hear her. I joined the Susan Boyle group on Ravelry...had to. I have to keep up with her because I am getting her first CD when it comes out and if she is ever performing in Atlanta, I'm going! I forsee great things for her and she so deserves them!

Well, I finally got around to grafting the hose top for He'Mo Leanan and now I'm ready to get the garter section worked. Not sure how my left-handed knitting is going to skew these but, what can I do? I am left handed. Still, so far, they look like the photo-so far, so good.

Tomorrow I am teaching Cathy how to spin, so today is reserved for house cleaning...I'd hate her to see the clouds of doggy hair fluffing about as she walks and frankly, I'm a bit weary of it myself. I don't know where she's getting all this hair and why it is shedding so much this year! Overnight my beige carpets are turning black from doggy hair!! Arrrrgggghhhh Anyway, I'm going to let her use Bess and spin the Corriedale because it is so easy to spin. I think she will take to it quickly because she's a fiber person and very artsy craftsy...which is one reason we are friends..sympatico. She's a better artist than I am though-drawing wise. I've got to decide what we'll have for lunch. I think she likes cheeses and breads, so maybe we will have that sort of thing. I gotta go to the store this evening and get stuff. She's also bringing seed catalogs for me to browse so I can get a patio garden going. I really would like to grow some veggies this summer-cut down on the grocery costs.

So, I'm off to get started on the cleaning. I'll feel better once it is done and everything is de-Argie'd.

What do you do when you don't have anything to do?

2009-04-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not speaking of myself of course....I have plenty to do as would be evident by the state of cleanliness (un) of my house and all the fiber that needs spinning and knitting that needs to be done. I choose the latter two of course...No what I mean is
PEEPS JOUSTING. My sister told me about this today on the phone. She lives in SC, me, in GA and we talk a few times a month. So anyway, she hears about this activity on the Johnboy and Billy radio show on her way to work one day. Seems like you take Peeps..the marshmallow Easter kind and line them up on opposite sides of a paper plate and stick toothpicks in them. Put the jousters in the microwave and as they expand toward one another, they joust. The object of the game is to expand them as much as possible without them exploding all over your microwave. I think the inventor of this little passtime needed to come to my house and I'd have given him/her all the housecleaning chores so I could knit and spin. Oh well.

I''m procrastinating today for some reason...could be the allergies. My head feels like a baloon. I only have today and tomorrow left of Spring Break and I'm feeling a bit let down. I sure didn't do everything I wanted to do during the time off...but then, I never do. If I were a better organized person I could accomplish something I think.

So now, really, I'm off to...let's see, what will it be?...Spin-yes, spin. After a cup of coffee.

If it's Tuesday, it must be allergy season

2009-04-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

One thing I hate about Georgia is that every year I get the scratchy throat, itchy eyes and a really bad case of clogged head...and I snore. Tommy had to get up and go to his studio to sleep last night. I woke myself up...but had no place to go to escape myself. You'd think that the one week I have off for Spring Break I'd be well enough to enjoy it. But no.
About all I can do is hang out indoors and knit and spin, so that's a pretty good deal-even though I can't hang my head over too far or I'll drip all over my wool...lovely.
It snowed today. Not a real snow of course, but there were white flakes blowing about and it was cold and windy. Not at all like Georgia in April should be, but then, lately nothing has really been "right" has it? It isn't pleasing to have all this wrongness going on. I wish it would straighten out so things could feel right again.
I'm really enjoying my knitting today. He'mo Leanan kilt hose for Tommy. Oh they are so pretty and I do love the knotwork...Celtic patterns. Anne Gilmour is such a talent and I do hope that she will decide to publish her Celtic patterns. I'm trying to encourage her to do that. She's such a nice lady and I am thrilled to know her and be her friend. Her hose on Ridge are shown...I've only just begun mine...the red ones and can only hope they turn out as well as hers!! I did start a KAL for these hose on my Ravelry group Kilt Hose and Flashes. So far there are 4 of us knitting them!!
That's about it for today. I'm off to get myself something warm to drink and get back to knitting...or maybe spinning...no, knitting I think.

She's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack~

2009-04-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

I can't even say why it has been so long since I posted here...lazy? Busy? Out of words to say? I don't know. Sometimes I just get that way, but I really would like to try to keep up in a more timely way than I have been~a few words every few days at the most.

So, enough said about not keeping up. It's Spring Break you know. No school/work. I have seven glorious days to knit and spin and do what I want to do; although, we all know that at the end of it, I'm going to be cleaning house and doing laundry and all that other necessary stuff right along with the fun things. I love Spring Break-it gives me time to forget all the nit picky, back-stabbing stuff that goes on at school. There's always something-which is why I love my soon-to-be-lost private office where I can go and just do my work without all the chaos. I'm not thinking about next term having to go back to the front office and be right out there in the open with all the germ ridden kiddos traipsing through my office space. Yes, I'm old and crochety! SO!

On the bright side-besides Spring Break-I've been knitting and spinning as ususal. I made a lace coat for a friend of my sister. No pics of this because, to tell the truth, it was a PITA! Fuzzy yarn-oh yes, fuzzy yarn. But, she wanted fuzzy and that's what she got-the pattern called for it, though God knows why anyone would design a lace pattern with fuzzy yarn that cannot be ripped back if an error is made. I did have to rip back and it was the biggest PITA EVER!!! Oh, and not only was it fuzzy, boys and girls, it was BLACK YARN as well...nuff said. Still, it is done, sent to the happy recipient and I was paid nicely for it. I just finished another sweater for same person-this time, much easier but also F-U-Z-Z-Y Y-A-R-N. Seems to be a pattern. It really is a cute sweater, although I would personally knit it with some nice worsted wool if I made it for myself-which I might do because now I have the pattern (mmmmmwwwwwwhahhhaaaa) I will take pics of this sweater before it wings it's way to Michigan next week. Next in line for same person-a very pretty but much cabled sweater jacket that's going to set her back some bucks, but at least she's going to use worsted (hopefully wool not acrylic)because you can't make that jacket with anything but worsted and have it look right. Another cute pattern to add to my collect as well-It's a win-win for me and her.
I just finished spinning and plying my first 3 ply-got enough to make a pair of socks I think and it turned out nicely. Fiber from ForestFiberWorks on Etsy in the Vintage Sweetheart colorway. I thought it would be much redder than it is but actually it's more bronzey red and I like the three ply a lot. I got 315 yards, 12wpi so it will make a nice sturdy pair of short socks...or something else.

I'll be back...

Ravelympics and Knitting Projects

2008-08-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

It's my own fault for over-extending myself-I know it. That's just how I am. I am now starting day 2 of the Ravelympics, knitting a really sweet cardi with some of my handspun, but I've got the mate to Tom's kilt hose still unfinished on the needles and the din it's making for my attention is deafening!! You know how socks are, they can be quite insistent. I told Tom this morning that I am going to have to get it done-even though he was gracious enough to understand if I put it aside for the next two weeks. But, it's me, and I can't-I just can't. I have to finish it. I'm trying to come up with a mental schedule of how I'm going to manage the two and finish them both, so here's the plan: socks get at least two hours a day dedicated time. The rest of the knitting hours are for the Cardi. What else can I do?

And talking about over-extending...but so cool...I've found a kajillion sock patterns that can be adapted to Kilt Hose; not to mention that I recieved two new books yesterday that I ordered that have some really sweet Scottish patterns in them-for hose and clothes! I bought Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone, Secrets of Knitting Traditional Fishermen's Sweaters by Sabine Domnick and Scottish Highland Knits by Sarah Dallas. Can we say "Early Retirement"? Oh I wish!! Still, there are so many things I can knit and all Scottish related too. How cool is that? I also ordered enough Gloss sock yarn-Porcini colorway and Dusk colorway-to make two pair of kilt hose. Very awesome Merino and Silk yarn! I'd love to have a sweater set made from it-in Red.

We've ordered our Sponsorship for the SMHG so that's all taken care of. Tom won't have his kilt in time for that, but should have it for GMHG next July and perhaps some other events inbetween. I think he'll look fabulous in it!! Clan Hunter, he is.

Now, off to knit-time is a-wastin!

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN IN JULY

2008-07-14T16:26:00.001-07:00

What could be better than the Highland Games in North Carolina in July? The fact that it was, without a doubt, one of the best weekends we've ever had as far as weather and the games! Tom found his clan and was emotionally struck as we all are when we find our clan and roots, and he is now all out to get his kilt and I am as happy as a piggy in mud that I'll now be able to spin and knit him some kilt hose and flashes!! YEA!!! I've found some patterns I want to try so maybe he'll like one of them. I also have a fabulous pattern I've made up for flashes that will have a thistle pattern knitted in. I know he'll love it! At any rate, the games were lovely. We both love it up there and as I've said before numerous times, this trip only made my resolve that much stronger, we're going to retire up there!!

I'm gearing up for the Ravelymics in August...I'll be knitting the cardi...see below...and that is coming along just fine. I've nearly finished my spinning. I'm knitting a cabled sweater in the Blueberry wool crepe, which I started at the Games and have completed, almost, the back. It looks really nice, but will be somewhat warm for this climate I think...could put it up for sale on the site though.
Just got 4 ounces of Merino roving and I have more roving coming from Brenda-the Llama and some things her hubby made to put up on THISTLEKNITS.

So, better get back to some spinning and knitting.

Spacious Digs

2008-07-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's been nearly a month since posting but it has been quite chaotic around here what with school being out for the Summer-a whole glorious month to sleep late and then have a lovely coffee, peruse the web, work on the store and just plan my day a I will-but I digress,...lets see, school out...oh yes, and I took the first week out to clean out my studio. Oh indeed, boys and girls, a clean room it is! I have space for both wheels, all my stash of wool and yarn, magazines, books, my fav. knitting chair, moved the computer and business stuff to my drawing board and got rid of the rickety computer table and will soon have a new coat of paint on the walls and shelving up so that I can actually see my knitting and spinning books and have a bulletin board as well. I've also got to buy a new window treatment...yes, defintely a new window treatment!!! Must look for one-maybe today!
I joined the Ravelymics beginning Aug.8 and am currently spinning enough yarn for a sweater. I chose one sweater, now, however, I'm afraid I won't have enough for that one and must choose another or make it in a much smaller size-which means some lucky recipient (namely Pat or one of her girls) will be getting a sweater for Christmas if that is what I do. Not such a bad plan, but I sure do like the colorway of this one. Anyway, along with that, I'm de-stashing by definitely knitting a sweater, the Placed Cable Aran by Cathy Payson in Fall '07 IK, for me with the Blueberry Sidar Wool Crepe yarn that I was gifted by RoseQueen. It's such a treat to knit with-I didn't want to put it down last night~ Also on the knitting front, I knit a cowl of handspun for Elaine and will knit mitts to go with it. It's in the purple/blue handspun I made from one of my first Ugly Batts-which isn't ugly at all-it's gorgeous!
Tom and I are leaving Thursday for the Highland Games in Boone! I am so excited!! This will be his first BIG GAMES experience. I do hope the attendance won't be down too much due to the price of gasoline, but I fear it might-I'm having to spend all my spending money on gas this year, but it will be worth it! We got the good tickets-park in the Meadow, get into the Sponsor Tent, etc. I just don't see having to suffer the heat and all that at my age. It'll be nice I hope-then we'll also get to tool around the Blue Ridge and take photos and such and dream of retirement-because this is where I want to retire!
Now, I'm off to pop a cake in the oven for Tom's critique meeting tonight and then I will settle in to some knitting before I get myself ready to meet friends for dinner this evening!

I've Been Busy With The Etsy Shop

2008-06-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how busy I've been with this shop and with spinning for the shop! I'm slowly but surely learning the ins and outs. I've got to change some of the photos out for better ones-it will take time but now that I've got a light box, they will look much better! I do wish that I could devote more time to all of this-the spinning, knitting and working on the shop. Anyway, I do believe once I get it looking good the business will pick up and I will make a sale. I get such good feedback from my friends at Ravelry too-it's a great site!

On the spinning side, I've just mailed off a box of Llama fleece to Brenda for processing. I am so excited to get that back and begin spinning it. I've still got Babydoll wool to spin as well as other roving in the stash, which includes, but is not limited to 2 pounds of Merino, 2 pounds of Corriedale and several other dyed rovings of at least 4 ounces each. Basically, I've got enough stash to see me through the Winter without buying (or inheriting) anything else...but I know that's just being practical-there's no way I'm not going to get more stash! It's almost a necessity now. You just never know what might confront you. I mean, what was I to do when the free Babydoll presented itself to me? Then, how about the Llama? It was free-I was obligated, right? I love it all-I had to.

Summer is upon us and Tom and I will soon be on the road-even with gas prices as high as they are (cringe)-for NC and the Highland Games. It will be our only trip this Summer as I must be back at school at the end of July. I am so looking foreward to it-and Tom is going to love it I know! Perfect place for him to get some great photos.

So now, back to spinning..or is it knitting? Since today is KIP day, perhaps it's knitting. I'm making a cabled cowl neckwarmer from some hand dyed, handspun Merino-my own spinning. It's sooooo lovely and soft. It's making means that I will need a new Winter coat to accessorize it with! :D

Visiting Lialiane's Farm

2008-04-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday (last) Tom and I went to visit Liliane Grant at her farm in Dallas, Ga.
Liliane is the very lovely and generous owner of Llamas of Atlanta. She not only raises the most beautiful Llamas on her farm, but Babydoll Sheep and Great Pyrenees dogs as well. The farm is just so lovely...although it is quite "out in the country"! There is a gorgeous stream running through and it's just one of the most peaceful places I have been in a long, long time.

Liliane was so gracious and generous on our visit. She gave me...yes "GAVE"...4 large trash bags full of Babydoll fleece-both white and brown. She also has promised me the Llama's shearings as well once they are done!!! I am in total shock still...can you imagine??? Free Llama and wool?? I am so grateful! Her animals are so beautiful too...well, just take a look at those babies!! Are they not all just too adorable?

Tom and I had a great time! I'm going to take Shannen with me next time and I have some friends who want to go too!

I've Become Habetrot!!!

2008-04-06T11:34:00.001-07:00

I am so addicted to spinning I feel like the old girl herself! Hopefully I'm not as ugly as she was supposed to be, but I could spin all day and night like she did! It's so funny, but several years ago, before I ever thought I would want to spin or learn to spin, I illustrated the story Habetrot for a children's book of Celtic Faery Tales. Little did I know....
To illustrate how bad I am about spinning-Last night I woke up and went to my studio to spin because I realized I had the makings of some Lindsey Woolsey!!! I spun up a length of it and I am so pleased with it. I had a whole bag of flax and wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but now I know. It appears to be a very strong thread and I will most likely ply it with itself for some summer weight yarn. I spun the sample with Corriedale. I'll post pics of all of this later on.

Today Tom and and I went to Lilian Grant's farm. It's soooooooo beautiful there! She raises sheep and Llamas and Great Pyrenees pups. She gave me 4 garbage bags full of sheep wool and said that if I want the Llama wool I can have it too (once they are sheared)!!!!! I am in awe of her generosity! She says she throws the stuff out...I say don't waste it-give it to me!!!! The sheep I'm totally in love with!! They're Babydoll Sheep and they are so sweet-they will let you pet them and they're not shy at all! I want two!!!! Tom took lots of pics so I will post those later as well. My mind is reeling with spinning ideas for all this free wool!!! Hoping to get it processed somewhere then get the roving back for spinning!

Getting Back to Fiberey Art Goodness

2008-03-23T08:20:00.001-07:00

Mama's death and funeral really took the wind out of my sails and I'm only just getting back to feeling like myself.
Tom and I went to Huntsville a couple of weeks ago for the Leyendecker exhibit-fabulous!-and I went to the Useful Knowledge Conference sponsored by Little Barn. I attended the Spinning Class for Knitters taught by Merike Saarniit and it was wonderful. Met lots of Ravelry friends there and learned a ton of useful information about spinning...hence, I suppose, the reason they named it the UK Conference. I learend to spin on a spindle-too much fun but have to resist buying a spindle right now-how to make a balanced yarn (tres useful) how to spin from the fold-which I now find to be my favorite way to spin, how to card and blend fibers and a whole ton of other things that I just can't remember right now.
I also bought about $100 worth of fiber...thank you Tommy for your credit card!!! I even ventured away from the neutral colors somewhat-although I did buy one lovely choccy brown and black top, 2 pounds of merino, 8 ounces of linen, and 8 ounces of Tri Color Jacob. They were just too lovely to pass up. I don't know what got into me buying the linen, but I think once i get the hang of spinning it, it will make a very nice knitted summer handbag. I have a lovely pattern from England that I can use for it.
I've decided to use some of my very own blended wools to make a wall hanging. I've chose the linen stitch to do these in as it makes a nice dense fabric with a lovely pattern. I'll have to take a better photo of this when I get a bit more done. I was inspired by some digital artwork I did a few years ago and I want to re-create it in knitting. I'm sure it will be ongoing for some time as I would like to make it a rather large piece.
Pics I am posting are of the wools I bought at the conference and some knitting and spinning I have done recently. I've promised myself to keep up the blog a little better from now on...I hope to keep it.

Sad news for us

2008-02-19T13:55:00.001-08:00

Mama passed away on Saturday, February 16th at 12:30 PM in Anderson,SC. I didn't get to talk with her, except to tell her that we were there-but she was in a coma and died an hour after we got there. I will miss her so much.

In honor of my Mama, I knit this hat and am calling it Margarett's Tam. It is knit from the handspun Merino in the Primrose colorway I spun on my wheel about a week ago-knit from the fingering weight singles.

KNITTING WITH MY OWN HOMESPUN

2008-01-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

Woooo Hooo...I've spun enough BFL to make this little shoulder wrap! I can't believe how soft it is and surprisingly, for a singles, it isn't wonky when knit up...I'm very pleased.

SPINNING YARN(S)

2008-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

This week I have been practicing my spinning...and I'm pretty sure I'm getting better at it...at least no more overspinning with all of the curls and skewed yarn everywhere. What a pain...thought I would never learn to get it to resemble real yarn. Anyway, I've spun all of my Tri Color Jacob..wish I had known about spinning thinner because it would have made some lovely sock yarn (wahhhhh) Nevertheless, it's all spun..I've spun a couple of hanks of Merino...yummmmmy soft goodness! I must have more of that!!!!! Also working on the 8 ounces of BFL which is a lovely milk chocolatey brown and 8 ounces of Shetland...which, by the way, is a pain the arse to spin. I must learn a better way for it because all I am getting is a slubby yarn. That may not be so bad, but from what I understand, Shetland is supposed to be a pretty decent wool. It's soooooooo short!! Yikes, I am not able to manage it well at all! I'm saving the Yak hair for when I actually know what I can do with it. I have no clue right now-but I got a lot of it and it's bound to make something interesting!! I should have enough of it for a sweater I think...I have a whole pound of it!!!!

IN THE SPINNING ZONE...FINALLY

2008-01-21T09:57:00.001-08:00

I know I haven't been spinning long, but sometimes it just takes that one time to finally have the light go on and then you're in the zone!! I reached that zone yesterday and I have been spinning up a storm ever since....I can't get enough and now I need wool...I need silk...I need all sorts of spinning goodness to try!!! I've spun all of my Jacob, most of my Merino and pretty soon all the BFL will be spun. I tried the Shetland, but I don't really like it for spinning...maybe later when I get better or I'll spin it with something else...too rough and sticky for me though! The Yak is being saved for something wonderful (and further spinning instructions...to be obtained at the Conference in March)

Oh yeah, I finished my Toes Up Socks too...

Garn Studio Eskimo KAL...I'm gettin' her done!

2008-01-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

You'd think since I love knitting so much I would be chomping at the bit to do this sweater...maybe it's knit overload from the Holidays, who knows. At any rate, I do love the sweater design and am anxious to really get into it and make it for Pat, soooooooooooooo to that end, I've joined the KAL to do just that!! I know once I get moving along on it, it'll be fun. If I like it well enough, I might make this same sweater in the lighter weight version-just to have, not necessarily for myself.
Ignore my whining about it in the post below...It's going to be fun to knit with others who are making the same. See-I even have the button that proclaims me as a participant. It's official-it's done!!

I've got FO's ....yea!

2008-01-05T05:51:00.001-08:00

The mad Holiday rush is over and I surely am glad of it. Now I can get down to some seriously interesting knitting and hope that by year's end I will be well ahead of the game...no last minute, late night knitting sessions to finish gifts that need to be mailed, no knitting the last sock on the way to deliver them, etc. Yeah, right! What would this passion be without burning some midnight oil and all that? In fact, I was up until the wee hours Friday am finishing the little lavender jacket for Misstress Claire Johnson...but such fun and doesn't Mommy look happy with it?

I've also finished my very first Tutorial on Wet Canvas..the Toes Up Sock...and I think it's going well. I have 5 Stars!!!!!! I love these socks so much and they fit like...well, they fit like good fitting socks! I'll be making lots more of these.

Pat's Drops Design Jacket has been started and I don't know about it...it's one of those things that I know she's going to love when I give it to her because she picked the pattern and the wool, but it just isn't all that much fun to knit. It's bulky and the needles are big so it feels sooooooo chunky in my hands. I will finish it of course, but I know me and it will probably be one of those projects that I will only occasionally pick up and work on from time to time. Hope to have it finished by the end of February (see, that's how much I plan on working on it)

Now, back to knitting....

Christmas Loot...Good 'Ol Santa

2007-12-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

Was I ever surprised at all the pressies on Christmas Morn from my favorite Santa, Tommy! He really went above and beyond and it's soooooo sweet of him. He's always been so supportive of my artistic endeavors and this was no exception! Without further ado, here is the stash avec pics to show their lovely goodness! What a sweetie that Santa is!!!

Sliver...oooooo, lots of sliver
Shetland Moorit
BFL in a gorgeous brown
Cloud soft Superfine Merino
Tri Color Jacob
and some heavenly Yak...a whole pound of it!!!
Also, books...so many books!!! Six books in all...one I forgot to take photo of, but it's knitting patterns for babies and toddlers...sooooooooooooo cute!!!

FO...yes indeedie...Plus Stash from KP

2007-12-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

I did indeed finish the lovely Waffle Scarf for Mrs. Johnson-who proudly wore it this afternoon although it was hovering in the 70's and who knows how she stood that wool next to her skin when it was so hot...well, that's Georgia for you! Winter..ha!
See pics...which are blurry as all get out, but hopefully Crystal will let me take some pics of her in the scarf when she is wearing it and I have camera at the ready!
I've now been commissioned to make one for Dora as it is her Birthday on Friday. How, you say, will I ever get the scarf done by Friday if today is Tuesday. Easy peasy...I already have one started and 3/4 finished in handspun kettle dyed laceweight wool (from www.handpaintedyarn.com) which is really gorgeous and I am glad that it is nearly finished....because.....I just got my stash from Knit Picks!
Whoooooeeeee. All the lovely yarn for Pat's jacket in the nice Amber Heather. Not my favorite color, for me, but it will look great on Pat. Also five hanks of Vineyard
colorway of Shadow laceweight...yummy, for moi!! And last, but not least, 4 balls of Hycinth Pallette for a baby jacket...very cute!

Happy Holidays...so where do I stand on FO's?

2007-12-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is nearly Christmas and my big plans for getting all this knitting done for everyone are slowly fading away...my wool for Pat's sweater hasn't arrived, still no wool or pattern for Tommy's Aran, I did finish Beth and Johannas knitting projects (at least the neices will get their pressies of handknits)and I've yet to spin the first real yarn on my spinning wheel so that I can give my sister Elaine here basket of yarn (she likes to touch and smell-not knit it into something)to display. What I do have in the FO group, besides the neices' knits are one nursery blanket and an almost finished Waffle Scarf for Crystal J, and on the needles at present are the first of four pair of house socks for two BIL's, one sister and a pair for my Tommy. I haven't even taken pics of anything but the nursery blanket and I have a stock photo of the Waffle Scarf (which is being done in Knit Picks Alpaca in the Tidepool colorway...very lovely!!!)
I'm truly excited about getting started spinning. Tom has gotten me some roving for Christmas I think-some very,very nice roving if it's what I think it is!!! I've suscribed to SPIN OFF magazine-easier than trying to find it at the booksellers. Also been looking at sites with roving for sale-on Etsy, EBay and some of the commercial stores as well...too much to choose from, it's like fiber paradise!!! I want it all. I want to try it all-especially getting some silk hankies and spinning those-the yarn would just be lovely to look at even if I didn't have enough to knit into anything. It's all about stash! I've been reading all I can about spinning and wool and fibers to spin. There is a lot to learn but it really interests me.
So, hopefully in the new year I will be posting more often, getting the spinning thing off the ground and getting more FO's for posting too.

Felting...Cheap Thrills

2007-11-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I get a thrill from creating new stuff from old...green thumb recycling and all that...so here's what I've done. Not a new concept, but aren't they cute felted mittens and little purses? My mom and I went shopping at the Goodwill store in Anderson just for these recycleable sweaters...$20 got me 5 really cool old sweaters to recycle. This is my first project though. In the works will be two felted Christmas stockings for Tom and I and some other things as yet un dreamed of...plus more trips to the thrift shop in months ahead.

Is this cute or what?

2007-11-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering what I am going to give my knitting students that won't break the bank but will let them know they're special to me...and I wanted something "knitterly" as well.
So, I was sort of creating things in my mind and came up with this really nifty idea...a lapel pin that lets everyone know....I KNIT

I am making more of these to sell but my Norcross Knitters are going to be the first ones who get them. The mini ball of yarn is actual wool sock yarn and the needles are round toothpicks with glass bead heads attached...VOILA! knitting needles and yarn! I think it's rather clever if I say so myself. The real knitting needles are there for scale.

I HAVE A WHEEL...I WILL SPIN (one day)

2007-11-15T18:52:00.001-08:00

She's here and she is beautiful! I'm so anxious to learn how to spin and I have been practice treadling but I have to wait to order wool...when I get paid I will order some. A couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, I'm in the midst of knitting a cap and jacket for Mrs. Washington's baby shower on the 29th...almost done. Cast on for a Charcoal Gray hooded capelet for myself...tres cute! I will take pics of those and post them later.
I've bought new needles from Knit Picks. They are sooooooo nice and lovely to knit with. Also bought yarn at the Knitting Guild meeting which will be cast on soon for various things.
Pat e-mailed and asked if I could knit her a very cushy jacket for casual wear-I found the perfect pattern at Drops..if she approves it I will knit it up for her. Looks fairly easy, but mostly I am anxious to just get the yarn for it because it will be delicious to work with and the color will be quite nice as well.

SIGNING UP FOR RAVELRY

2007-11-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

So, I signed up for Ravelry...I had to! Have you seen the really awesome (dated word, I know) patterns and knitterly stuff on that site!??!! OMG, it's Knitter Heaven is what it is. I'm on the waiting list of course...about 12000 people ahead of me, but it's like the epitome of Knitting Sites to belong to...it's like getting your Master Knitter Pin in websites/chatrooms/pattern source.It's Knitting Nirvana.
I think it might even (once I am allowed in and given the HI SIGN)give me the impetus to branch out into other colors of yarn in the spectrum besides blue...although blue will always be my fav, it just is...but I am thinking along the lines of greens and oranges and yellows and purples (I did make a nice purple jacket for Pat though...remember?) I could even play with designing and with the additon of my sweet little Elizabeth wheel, making some unique yarns, dyeing my own, etc. There is no limit to what I might do...it's scary that I am so obsessed.

And, speaking of my dear Elizabeth Wheel...I heard from her previous owner and she got the check and the wheel is on the way. I am all shivery and can't wait until she gets here. I've orderd Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning...it's a safety purchase just in case I can't find anyone to teach me how to spin. I'm having a hard time finding anyone close by. Weird, I know...in a town this size you'd think....!!!!???? Now, I'm not going to buy any wool until I get her but I am soooooooooo tempted to get several pounds of this and that and just go wild. Well, why not...I mean, I'll use it no matter what, but I have to exercise a little restraint I think. Christmas is a'comin and there are gifties to get. Wool is on my wish list...hint, hint (family, that's for you!!!)

On Sock Yarn, AKG and Lily Chen

2007-11-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the monthly meeting of the AKG-which is always eventful and nice to go to...a whole passle of knitting folk and of course the LYS's with goodies to buy.
I bought some lovely Silk and Silver...the black colour...from kraemer. It's just ever so nice and will make a very handsome lace evening shawl. I also bought the greatest looking sock yarn by Shi Bui in crayon colors-of which I will make a wee little jacket and will use my Smiley Faced Flower Buttons upon...it will be cuter than cute! I should have bought more, but the program was beginning and I was anticipating a wonderful program led by none other than Lily Chen-of knitting design fame. Well, maybe it was me, but....YAWN!!!!! She was showing crochet work, not knitting and I am just not a fan of crochet-other than to embellish a piece of knitting. So glad I didn't get into her workshop now...I know it's awful to say that but I really thought it would be a more interesting program. Hmmmmmm-well, just goes to show you.
I'll post pics of the new yarns I got...not tonight because it's late and I am tired though.
Hope to get my lovely little wheel soon-then I will be buying wool roving and silk hankies and all manner of other fibery goodness to touch and look at and dream up ways to use.

More Pics of Purse

2007-10-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

Here is another view...just need to sew the bottom seam and she's ready for a party!

HOT HOLIDAY HANDBAG-Using up the stash

2007-10-29T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a really quick pattern I made up for a holiday handbag. You can use any yarn you like, but I chose these three and wound them together to make bulky weight yarn:
Purse will be assembled vertically and the purl side will be the right side.
1 skein Fun Fur
1 skein varigated worsted weight
1 skein boucle
size 15 knitting needles
size H crochet hook
tapestry needle
lining fabric-optional

With three strands held together, cast on 15 stitches Knit in stockinette stitch for 20 inches. Fold in half. With tapestry needle sew side and bottom seams with Kitchner stitch.
Crochet a chain of 25-30 inches long. Attach to purse at sides.
You can line the purse with fabric...but I haven't found my fabric yet. Will show more pics when I have finished.

Blue Socks For Shannen

2007-10-27T10:34:00.001-07:00

Here is the blue sock I finished for Shannen...the mate is just now getting cast on...a pair later on this weekend.

On Being Nana

2007-10-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

I go to pick up Shannen, my 3 year old granddaughter, for the weekend...in just about an hour. She is the sweetest little one, but ever, ever so headstrong and willful!!! She will be here until tomorrow evening so it will be two days of playing and naptime and lots of No's but lots of love too. I'm making her a pair of blue wool socks...one done, the other to cast on during naptime today I think. She should have new socks by tomorrow AM. I love knitting for her though...she's quite the little fashion plate but very tall for her age so I have to be careful what I knit so she doesn't dress older than she is...needs to stay a little girl as long as she is a little girl!! Will post pics of the socks once they are done. I've found some yarn in my stash to make more socks for her too...some nice soft blends that should make cute lacey socks for her.I love being her Nana.

Yeah, post every day, uhhh huhhhh

2007-10-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

The pic is of a very lovely Shetland Shawl that I have started(WORKING ON ROW 9 OF BORDER NUMBER ONE) in some beautiful Olive Green kettle dyed handspun lace weight yarn. It was to be a Christmas present, but proves to be a bit ambitious for that short a deadline I think...Meanwhile, THE BLOG...So, I am lax, so I don't post every day. I mean to but you know, time just gets away. And speaking of time...where has it gone. You know, it's almost Holiday time and what have I accomplished toward getting the knitted gifties done for all the people I need to gift this year? Weeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllll? Uh, I have made the list, checked it twice too! Yea me! Here are my plans-ambitious I know, but if I start now, I should be able to get it all done by 12:00 PM December 24....(2008???)
An even Baker's Dozen of co-worker gifts...this year, cute little felted pocket books-to hold tissues, a couple of bucks, notepad or the like. Quick knitting they should be as they are done in garter stitch and knitted rectangle about 12 inches long after felting. I have tons of wool yarn so not having to go buy any materials for those. Then, there is family who expects some nice knitterly things from me. Lace scarves for sisters and Mom...OK that'll take a few weeks I'll admit. Socks for the guys...I can knit a pair a weekend...let's see, that should be a pair every weekend for the the next month and a half. I have the neices gifts already done...whew! Granddaughter is getting an adorable Ladybug hat, socks and jacket I(good Nana that I am) have already started and my globetrotting son who is now in Colombia will be getting a very toasty pullover that is only minus the sleeves until it is finished. The only thing I foresee getting in my way with this 24/7 schedule would be the arrival of Elizabeth, my new Spinning Wheel...wink wink

Blogging-that means every day...Right?

2007-10-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Well, with all that's been going on, I've been neglecting my little blog a lot. Sorry Thistle Knits...I promise to do better now...like today. I've been knitting a lot and my little class of knitters at school is progressing by leaps and bounds! Yea Norcross Knitters! Yesterday they learned how to read a pattern. Amazed they were that one could just follow those abbreviations and shaping would take place and the long skinny scarf shapes could transform into hats and sweaters and the like! I love it. They're a great group-even if I did catch Marge dozing off during the reading of our Very Easy Very Vogue pattern.(two skeins easy)
Now that I have my computer back and can download pics (oh joy! I am in cyber heaven again)I'll show you what I've been up to...this is not everything I've done..but some. By the way, the pink Angora sweater did get sold to little Gaby's mom...right off my desk at school. I can't wait to see her in it.I've had numerous admirers of the baby set done in Kaffe Fassett's new yarn...geeze, almost wish I were young enough to have a baby so I could use it.........uhhhhhh, I didn't mean that, really, I don't wish that at all. Been there, done that-I'm a Nana-that's good enough.
Going to the Highland Games today...men in kilts-ahhhhhh.

A LOVELY LITTLE WHEEL

2007-10-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice pic of the very thing that has inspired my additional obsession of wanting to spin. Isn't she beautiful?
This is the Ashford Elizabeth Spinning Wheel. I've read favorable and unfavorable reviews about this pretty little wheel-but it just feels like it will be right for me. I am determined to learn...once I get the wheel-this one or whatever one I do end up getting. I suppose I should go give one a "try" at the LYS.
Also hoping to see the spinners at the Highland Games this weekend...maybe have a little sit down chat with them and check out their thoughts!

KNITTER GONE BERSERK!

2007-10-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Where does it end? I am addicted to knitting, yarn, needles and all of that ilk but that isn't enough! Oh no, not nearly enough. I've started checking out (in this order) Drop Spindles, Roving, Fleece and now, even Spinning Wheels. I've watched all the You Tube Videos on Spinning with both the Spindle and the Wheel (wheel is much, much cooler IMHO) I've actually found a wheel (Ashford Elizabeth...OMG it's gorgeous...not to mention the great price) that I want...no, not want, MUST HAVE...COVET (in a really good way though). I know I can do it! I have spun rooms full of yarn in my dreams..day and otherwise. I can feel the roving slip through my fingers as it winds around that wheel and makes beautifully twisted strands of knitting stuff!
I need more hours in the day!

October Projects

2007-10-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

So long since I posted that I nearly forgot the password...but here I am. It's Oct. 1 and in the works are still the lovely Wedding Ring shawls of Alpaca...coming right along on those-the green one is at the second level stage right now and I am also halfway through the Autumn colors one-on the decrease side... and soon to be added will be an Aran Sweater for Tommy from Ireland....Connolly pattern. It's lovely and I can't wait to get my hands on the yarn for it! I know it's going to smell heavenly...Aran wool does. I am especially anxious ot get to all those nice cables and pattern stitches and feel the weight of it as it progresses.
Looking foreward to the Southeastern Fiber Festival in a few weeks. I am planning on getting some nice yarns for the stash- might even get another project from Elaine. I'd love to get some wool that I don't have-like maybe some Bison or Camel...even if it's only enough for a scarf or hat. Seriously considering Addi Turbo's this month...I need some cable needles that are smooth. The other alternative would be the set from KnitPicks..I have some of theirs and I like the nickle base and the weight is really good..points are really sharp for lace knitting too!
The Knitting Group at school is going right along as well. They're all learning and seem to be picking up on the cast on and knit stitch very well...just a few who don't quite have it, but as I say...it will click and then they'll be off and running. Some are especially good at it...Marge, Maria, Laurie...and Eve, Marla, Ann and Robert are coming right on too. It's a good group and we are having a great time.
That's about it for now. Hope to have the new MAC soon and then I'll be ready to post some pics!

It's About Time I Posted

2007-09-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

So much going on these days with school back in session and my knitting group starting! They're doing well-our second meeting was held last Friday and they all learned to cast on, so we are well on our way!
A lot going on at home as well. Andy, my youngest, is leaving Tuesday for Bogota Colombia for about a year and a half-to soak up the culture and teach English. I will miss him but I know he'll have the best time and it will be good for him to be exposed to others. It's his first time out of the country and the first time flying too!! I'm a bit jealous...wish I were going too!!!

I'm knitting on the KAL and working on several shawls made in laceweight yarn. Gorgeous stuff! Still no computer at home so I can't post pics yet....take my word for it, they are "to die for" gorgeous!!! I'll be making a lot more of them...very easy! Knitted on the largest sock in the world at the Knitting Guild meeting. Want to go to the Lily Chin workshop but am on a waiting list for the one I want to go to...waaaaaahhhhhh. Maybe someone will have to drop out...although I wouldn't want anyone to miss the opportunity if they can help it (I just want to go too!!!)
Southeastern Fiber Festival is coming up soon and I will go to that too...my sister is going with me so we can pick out some yummy yarns to make things for her!
Well, that's all the time I have for today. Hope to post again soon.
Happy Knittng Y'all!

NORCROSS KNITTERS

2007-08-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Norcross Elementary has the most wonderful new Principal-Dr. Dora Hill!!! After four years of pure H.E.double Hockey Sticks (when was the last time you heard that one? LOL) we now have a lovely woman who encourages her staff, goes out of her way to make things pleasant and peaceful and is a pure gem to work for! But let me tell you what else she has done. I went to her yesterday and asked if a group of us teachers and staff could perhaps use the Media Center one day a week for a knitting class I wanted to offer. She not only said yes, she said put a notice in the mailboxes at school, invite all the staff to join and then she commissioned me to knit something for her!!! She said she'd be happy to have us there for an hour or so once a week and she'd be sure the AC/Heat would be on in the MC for us!!!! So now, I introduce THE NORCROSS KNITTERS CLUB. So far I have about 10 people interested in joining the beginners knitting class, some experienced knitters who want to hone skills and work on long forgotten projects, a couple of crocheters (always good to learn another skill too if you don't know how....I do so there will be lots of help for them too) and hopefully we will all become better friends and co-workers! I'll be working on the handout with supply list, etc. today. It should prove to be a lot of fun!!

Gone Forever Or What????

2007-08-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I've been away for awhile but without computer and access to my photo file I am just not the same person! Hope I will have it back soon...still being repaired. I am thinking I might as well get a new one at this rate!
Anyway, went to the AKG meeting on Thursday and actually got to work on the the largest sock in the world-now being knit. It's awesome. I did my bit and signed the book...what fun!
Also bought some new sock yarn but am making a baby sweater and cap from it. Is it ever going to be darling! Sooooo not the traditional baby colors, but that is what makes it great. It's called Regia(Design Line-Kaffe Fassett) Partie colorway. Really nice Autumn colors. It was a bit pricey for my pocketbook right now, but I had to have it you know. Only takes 2 balls though to make the sweater and cap, so that's not too bad.
I'm here in SC as my Mom is in the hospital. It's difficult being away from Tommy-I miss him but I guess the break won't hurt either of us...not like I'm 1000 miles away or anything. I'm just here for a few days and only 2 hours away. Should be back home on Monday night though.
I loved knitting up the new sock yarn I got from KP...very nice yarn indeed. I made socks for Shannen.
I have a swap I'm doing with another lady from Wearables on Wet Canvas, but can't say right now as to what I will be sending her...she might read the blog!! Anyway, it's cute and I hope she will like it!!!
That's about it from here. I'm packing up my knitting bag and then off to the hospital to sit for the day...Thank God for the knitting that will keep me occupied for the long hours!

Waiting on yarn for the stash

2007-07-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Today is kinda a this and that day. Tommy and I went to the art store...he's in the process of putting a huge canvas together that is going to be the recipient of the most awesome painting...can't wait to see him begin this one! Hopefully it will be the first of a series that he can exhibit. He just finished Winter on the Rideau that turned out exquisitely! Anyway, we got the canvas and stretches, etc. back home.
I've been knitting a very toasty sweater-I thought for Tommy-in Chestnut wool. Very plain jane, but thick and warm, so I heard from my youngest, Andy, today and he is going to Peru for a year and needs some warm clothes, so I am going to give him this sweater and make Tommy another one. They're both about the same size anyway and I think Andy will need the warmth of this heavy sweater. Hope he will like it. I'll make him a scarf to go with as well.
Also on the needles are a pair of melon colored Brioche stitch socks...cuteie pies indeed.
I'll be checking out Nicholas Kniels in a couple of weeks for ribbon to tie at the neckline of the Victorian Cape I knit. It's going to Johanna for Christmas this year and I plan on getting an Aqua silk ribbon-very chic, very pretty!
I knit up a quick little belt pouch in some of my hand dyed wool and felted it-turned out sooooo cute! Also finished the felted chocolate brown purse and embellished it with braided I cord handle and trim around the flap...also another winner in my book! Looking foreward to using it this Fall. The little red felted lunchbag was also finished this week and I added the most adorable crayon stripe big button to close it!
Wish I could post pics, but maybe soon. All in all, I've done a good bit of knitting and have several FO's to show for my time off from school this year!
I LOVE KNITTING!!!!!

KAL-My First

2007-07-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

I joined a KAL yesterday. My first This is for the Wheat Ear Cable sweater in the latest issue of IK. I love the sweater a lot-even though it will probably not suit me all that well. I guess if it doesn't, I'll send it on to my sister. She looks really good in all sorts of sweater styles. Hmmm, could be her Christmas gift this year.
Anyway, could I wait for the KAL to start in September??? Ohhhh No, I had to go ahead and knit just to see how it looks in the Oregon Coast Merino wool yarn! BTW, it looks fabulous dahling!! Soooooo soft and drapey and the cables are just the tidiest. I think it will turn out well. Meanwhile, I'm putting it aside until September in order to KAL with the others in the group. I have other projects to work on until then.

Projects I am working on are some felted purses, a couple of scarves and hats sets and soon will have a couple of pairs of socks on the needles as well. Waiting on an order from Knit Picks which should be here within a couple of days and that will bring me some new DK wool, lace and some of their new sock wool which self stripes...can't wait to try that out!!!

So, that's about it for now. I'm still computerless, which means if I post anything at all it's because I have overtaken Tommy's computer. I"m going to try to post a pic here as well (of the Wheat Ear Sweater WIP), but not sure if I can get that to work.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

2007-06-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in like forever, but hey, my computer is fritzy and I am having it worked on...I'll be back when it is, but I am having withdrawals...really bad withdrawals. I can't post pics of all the things I have knitted recently. But I will, I will....soon!

DESIGN 101

2007-05-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Okey dokey boys and girls, I'm about to jump into the big world of knitting design and start my sketch (not yet on the drawing board, but in my head) for a very nifty jacket...one I can actually wear myself, so it isn't at all fussy...and then, after a few deep breaths, I'll start the inevitable swatching, yea verily, even frogging too and of course, as is always the case with knitwear design and execution, the dreaded......shhhh...math. But, I will do it because I have this really cool idea and of course, there is that yummy Baby Alpaca yarn in the Tide Pool colourway mmmmmmmm, and won't it look the dream once knit!! Oh yeah, I forgot about writing it all down too...you know, in knit language, so I'm going to do that too. Ambitious, perhaps, but what the hey, time's a'waistin and I'm not getting any younger.

Hot Socks

2007-05-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

Amongst the other things I am knitting....and trying to be ohhhh so careful with and do just right...is another pair of socks for moi..in wool and with red toe and heel. Did I mention these are toe up socks. Well, Ann Budd, that's her name I think, has a tute in the latest issue of IK and I decided I'd give toe up socks a go-even though I am a top down knitter. So, they are really hot, and I mean weatherwise hot. Why would I make wool socks and live in a place that is as hot as Hades? Because wool knits up so nicely. I know I could have chosen something a little lighter, but how cool are charcoal gray socks with red toes and heels? I like them but they really are super toasty. Do you think I should turn the AC to 40d and just wear em anyway?

Stuff and Stash

2007-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's about time I posted again I think. Mother's Day is over...finally heard from one of my boys, not the other though..and Mom, well, she was out of town visiting my sister, but forgot to tell me she was going!! I felt like I had the plague or something-no one around on MD...but Tommy was a dear to me and got me knitting things...Ahhh yes, #1 Vogue Stitchionary with all the lovely stitch patterns and the latest edition on IK...soooo many things I want to make. Also, when we got home from B&N Saturday, some lovely baby Alpaca yarn was on my doorstep fro Knit Picks-plus some new DPN's.

Pics of all are posted above.

I finished this collar for Leslie tonight. It's kind of like the one I made for myself, but in white and I think it's much nicer than mine actually. White cotton and I added a little Dragonfly pin to it.

OH SO CUTE HANG TAG FOR HANDKNITS

2007-05-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I got my hang tags today....soooooooo cute. Not too pricey and nicely done! I like them and will probably order others from these people myownlables.com. In keeping with the color rut I'm in, they're purple and you can see....fortunately, these folks have other colors and styles so I will not always be so predictable...still, the purple is rather nice I think.

Whew! What a Frogging Relief!!!

2007-05-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Is the Internet great or what?? I mean, I've been having a time with a lace pattern I've been working with...the pattern is easy peasy, I already have it memorized...but I'm working with some navy blue fingering weight yarn and I've been messing up something chronic~ I don't know why. Anyway, I've frogged all the way back to the start three times already and I was just getting ready to call it quits when I happened upon a little article in Knitty written by Theresa Vinson Stenerson about what seems to have become my most recent passtime-Frogging. Now, I've only been serious knitting for a short while but I'm pretty much up on the how to's and wherefores of knitting, but this little FYI is worth all the tea in China, or wherever it comes from these days, probably China knowing what I know about our Gov't and GWB...but I digress. This knowledgeable lady showed me how to frog back only a couple of rows and just pick up and start again...no ripping out to the beginning, no whining and moans and groans and needles flung afar in my studio. No avoidance of delicate lace patterns or anything for that matter. How freeing... I can now make mistake after mistake and just frog tiny bits...not that I want to do that, but I can if I must.

So, I tip my dp needles to you dear lady. Thanks for the good info and saving me yet another step on the road to better knitting through knowledge. My hero of the day...Theresa Vinson Stenerson.

I MADE SOCKS...FOR BIG FOLKS

2007-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Now, I've knit socks for wee folks before...you know, little bits of tubular knitting that slip over those chubber little feet, but for the past couple of days I've actually gotten out the sock instructions and knit a pair to fit Tommy (size 10) and if I say so myself, even though they are "house" socks, not shoe socks, they turned out rather well and I am quite pleased with myself for the nice turning of the heel as well. Sock knitting is addictive though. I'm going to have to have more DPN's and lots more sock yarn...LOTS! They're going on the LMG list too! Knit up several pairs in varied and sundry sizes and, as my neices used to say, VIOLA (not voila) there you have a last min gifty that's nifty, n'est ce pas? T'will also be a lifesaver guy gift, 'cause I never know what to get my brothers-in-law...they have everything already.

SOCKS...very cool knitting project!!!

Taaaaaaa Daaaaaaaa...it's finished at last!

2007-04-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Done, done and done...it's on the way to Pat's house tomorrow afternoon! Hope she will like it!

Homespun Knits

2007-04-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Knitting myself a roll brim hat and scarf for Winter, next, with the homespun. Here it is on DPN's and cable needles-hat and scarf respectively. I may have to frog the hat and start over...it seems a tad large....and I used the "foolproof" make a hat method to do it....ooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, I have the incredible shrinking/enlarging head. Hat feels too loose methinks!

PICS OF NEW STASH AND CASTING ONS

2007-04-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

Don't have time for a full blog this morning but will add more tonight.

Here are some pics of new lace weight yarn I got and have only wound half of one hank...it's soooooooooooo delicate!!

Trying to learn new cast on's.....just in case I get multi directions this summer for MK Level 1.

But now...off to school...I have a Prof. Learning class this morning.

IT'S HERE....IT'S GORGEOUS

2007-04-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Look at what I got in the mail today from my dear friend Carly. Luscious handspun Merino Wool....mmmmmm. It is indeed better than chocolate. I am still not sure what it will become,but for now, I am just touching and smelling it and dreaming about what I have enough of it for...a hat or tam perhaps, or some mitts, or a neckwarmer...I shall see, I shall see......

MASTER KNITTER...MOI? THINKIN 'BOUT IT

2007-04-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I am going to actually go for it and apply for the Master Knitter Program (level 1) and hopefully one of these days I'll get to say that I am...after passing the three levels that is. I consider myself a pretty good knitter but would really like to be right up at the top...so, I'm gonna do it!!! Thought I might try to start it this Summer whilst I am out of school for Summer Break. I'll have time to really work on it then. Meanwhile, I'll keep practicing. Found a really nifty helpful article on the net about Do's and Don't's for the program...now, how marvy was that? I'm psyched for this. I don't have much luck with other things in my life, but this, I think I can really excell if I put my mind to it.
Also typed up and tried out names for clothing tags, etc. Thistle Knits in Parchment font looks stunning!!! I have the font at work...not here (drat!!!) Take my word for it...it's stunning aaaannnndddd very cool!

Me again....Pics of stuff I have knitted

2007-04-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the mini fichu I knitted for Mama for MD. She will like it I think.

Also a pic of the progress I've made with T's sweater after I frogged it...at this point I am back to where I was before....but now the whole back piece is 9.5 inches...so 6.5 inches more to knit before the armhole marker and pattern band. Well, all I can say is, it's easier to knit for short folk than tall!!

2007-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

How cool and hello to Donna who posted such a nice and comerade-ish comment on my last post....we knitters are so alike indeed! I've gotten worse over the weekend...now all my cable needles are taken up with new projects. I am fortunate that Tom is an artist and he understands multiple projects. Friday is Lynnie's birthday and I have a little gift of a knitted bathcloth and some lovely French soap (vanilla) and a pin for a blouse or sweater....a small gift for a dear friend at work. I do need to snap a pic of it before it leaves the house Friday morning. Meanwhile, also working on the Shetland Shawl and I have about forty rows of the center block done...using the dark teal laceweight wool that I had wanted to use for the Kimono jacket but abandoned because I saw a jacket similar to my idea in IK...it would look too much like I was being a copy-cat. Here I thought I was being original. C'est la vie!! I shall design something else, I vow!!! I'm getting over the setting in the sleeves jitters regarding the Kilt Jacket for Pat. Jeesh! I get too wound up I think....just do it Pam, don't think about it!!!Anyway, my thought is to really tackle it Saturday morning (after coffee) and give it 100% attention to detail. It has to be right. But, back to the dark teal lace weight yarn....I am knitting a Shetland Shawl....like I said, do I need one...no...but it's so lovely and when I hold it up in my hand it's so light I can see my hand through it and I dare say that it will weigh less than 10 ounces once finished!!! I'm doing fairly well on tension I think...these needles are so sharp and pointed that I am living in fear that I will split the yarn in places, so the going is slow...slower than normal (hence, only 40 rows done) doesn't matter though....it's just nice to see the shape emerge. I ordered the white Merino (also laceweight) and think I will try my hand at the very lacey Snowflakes shawl and if I ever finish it, it goes to either Beth or Johanna for their wedding...or perhaps I will make two...Jo will probably marry first anyway and being as petite as she is...she'll look lovely in that pattern!My handspun isn't here yet from Carly. I am thinking she had so much on her mind with Bill's passing that she hasn't had a minute to think of anything, which is fine. My heart is just aching for her...I know how I would feel if it were Tom. I would be devastated beyond words (it makes me cry just to write the words and it isn't even a reality....funny, silly me.) I am anxious to get it though. I know it's beautiful!

Well, enough...I need to knit! I'll post more pics after I download what is on the camera.

2007-04-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

Just Thinkin Outloud

2007-04-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

You know, it's funny, but less than three months ago I could count the balls of yarn in my house on one hand and now, I think it's multiplying by itself...It's falling off the shelves beside my knitting chair...I have it in baskets and bags...I inherited a ball and a half (which I immediately wound on my yarn winder) of some very nice cashmerey wool from my sister...arrived day before yesterday, knowing full well that a friend has just sent me two hanks of some very lovely white handspun Merino...and today I earmarked some laceweight that I am going to splurge on...even though I have about 20 balls of some very nice laceweight that I should be casting on for a Shetland Shawl that I don't need but must make. Same goes for books and mags of the knitting sort. Where once they were tidily stored in one small canvas bucket, I've now started stowing them on a shelf above some of the yarn. I bought two knitting magazines this week alone and today when I was at B&N I contemplated Book #1 of Stitchionary...but thought I might get a better price from Amazon. Yet, I am not satisfied....I search the internet every day for new, interesting patterns that I will one day make and I dream and drool over all the yarns at the yarn company sites as well as the bigger discount online shops...I want it all, but mostly the yarn. I want to touch it and smell it (especially the wool....God, I love the smell of real wool without synthetics twisted in) I love the feel of it knitted too...and cotton!! Yes, oh yes, knitted cotton. Tommy's sweater is cotton and it feels so heavenly lying there in my lap...all those cabled stitches weighty feeling under my fingers. Nothing slips off a needle like a strand of cotton. Where has this been all my life? Why didn't I keep up the knitting when I was in my 20's? I've wasted 30 years of good knitting time and now, in my 50's I am obsessed with getting caught up! The interesting thing is, at this time in my life, at my age, I am not afraid to try anything. Nothing seems too complicated to try and if it doesn't work, I know I can frog it. Before, there wasn't even a word for redeeming your disasters so I thought I had totally failed...now, if I screw it up I can do something adorably cute like frog my knitting and that makes it OK!!! It's also ok to knit on something for months and months and never be finished...but that's ok too! YEA!!!! Alright, I know, I have to finish...I have to, that's me. I'd be miserable if I didn't finish and finish it as close to perfect as possible...sigh...but, there is that safety net....just in case.
I LOVE KNITTING

Spring Break

2007-04-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's SB and I've been doing absolutely whatever I want to do...such as knit. I have just about finished the Kilt Jacket...I think I have said this every week for at least a month, but I actually have knitted all the pieces and now all that is left is to put in the sleeves. I made the most darling bobble buttons for it...not ceramic ones like I said I would...knitted bobbles just set it off and make it look very classy and polished. Now I am in a bobble frenzy and want to make something else with bobbles...so I cast on a really garishly yellow hat for Shannen...well, she's a kid, she'll love it...with bobbles all around. On big (size 15) needles too. It's actually kind of cute if I do say so myself.

Well above are some pics of the purple jacket...isn't it nice? Also have cast on and done several inches of Tommy's sweater...boy, is it ever going to be nice once it's done!!

Carly is spinning me some white Merino in dk for a cowl/hood and some mitts. Maybe for me, maybe as a gift for someone. I want to get her to spin me some lace weight in the sand wool. I am going to try my hand at making a lace shawl.

2007-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is....THE PATTERN...for Tommy's sweater. The patterns are called Wave and of course the top band is Seed stitch. I will call it Tommy's Pebbles and Waves Sweater. I've finished the ribbing band for the back and now ready to begin the Wave pattern. I think it will look very nice on him. It's a very nice, soft cotton too...after a few washes it will be as soft as a cloud!!
I found a lovely top and jacket pattern I want to make for myself but the pattern isn't available unless I buy yarn for it from elann.com...which I can't afford ($150.00) and it's wool yarn and would be terribly warm for down here...I'd still like to have the pattern and work it up in a nice fingering weight cotton...well, maybe they'll make it available, or I'll just design my own like it...not crazy about the shoulders of the top anyway...too skinny-but the jacket it awesome and I love the huge buttons..it's very modern.

A Whole Dang Week...or, Whaaaaaaa happened to March!

2007-03-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Geeze Louise, I haven't posted in nearly a week! What happened to the days? Well, I'll try not to be so remiss in the future, let me assure you.

Almost finished the Kilt Jacket and have subsequently and much to my delight taken up correspondence with my twin sister regarding "THE JACKET" as it is now known. She's getting it and in return, without my asking either..just because she wanted to, has crocheted my a really cool jacket as well....aren't we just the crafty ones? Miss Niblefingers is nearing completion of my jacket...she's quite speedy....and I am so excited to see it. She bought antique buttons for it and it's crocheted in some nice silky yarn...oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I will post a pic once the package has arrived from Michigan.

The cotton yarn arrived yesterday for Tommy's sweater I am designing. I laboriously knitted a plethora(I like that word) of swatches in chosen patterns to get gauge and finally ended up with 7sts. to the inch on size 7 dp needles (and circular too). It will be lovely if I do say so myself!!!

I found a pattern last night for knitted stockings from the 40's....is it ever cool!!! Sure wish I lived somewhere that had some actual cold weather...sigh...but, at least I can knit for Pat, Johanna and Beth...who do live in an Arctic clime.

Margie died yesterday and I am feeling very sad. I loved her like a Mom-well, she was to me. She did so much for me and the boys when L. left us. I don't think we would have survived without her. The funeral will be Monday. I hope Andy gets back from Florida before Monday. He's there on Spring Break and we haven't been able to get in touch with him yet. Called Mama last night when I found out. Shes doing well...feisty as ever and working. Wanting to go on another trip soon, but probably won't for a little while. Hope to go see her soon

She's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack

2007-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Went to the LYS, Dunwoody, and found out they're closing their doors next month. I am sad, I am devastated...I've only just found them. Wish I had lots of money and I could buy the place and make a go of it. All the yarn is so beautiful. The lady there is so nice and helpful. I only wish they were doing well so they could stay. I looked at all their yarn...it's just wonderful...but ended up getting one hank of Euroflax in Champagne color. I haven't got a clue as to what I will do with it...it's just a part of the stash I guess...it's really nice though. I might use just one strand of it and make a lacey scarf. It wouldn't be very big or long, but it would be quite pretty I think...kind of whispy and elegant maybe.
Well, that's all I wanted to say about that...I'm pouting.

Swatches and Knitting Euro Patterns

2007-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

You know, you'd think the whole world would get one system for measurement and stick with it. A morning spent swatching a project is not my idea of a good time. I have this fabulous pattern I'm using from Drops...all of their patterns are just soooooooo gorgeous...and the swatch and pattern calls for size 7mm needles. Do you think American needles would correspond? Ohhhhh, no, of course not. I had to swatch three times before I could get gauge!!! I don't like swatching anyway. It's like exercising-uggggghhh-I just wanna get on with it. I'm excited about the yarn and how it's going to look and the pattern is awesome, but I'm swatching for at least two hours trying to get the right gauge so that I don't have, as the Yarn Harlot puts it, a house cozy instead of a jacket!!! Anyhoo, I finally got it on size 9 (5.5mm) needles and it really is lovely if I do say so myself! I've chosen a moss green bulky cotton and I found the most gorgeous pair of kids chopsticks-quite unique-to use for the fastner (avec "spare" no less!) I am quite chuffed with my choice on this one!!

Purple Kilt Jacket is progressing along. My annoyance with my huge error in counting has waned and I am once again steadily working on it. Couldn't use the yarn frogged from it but will use it on something else...thinking about a sampler afghan for all left over bits and bobs!

Ripping Great Day

2007-03-20T02:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, don't you just love the feel of unraveling stitches...all the way back to cast on?? I finished up the front sides of the Ladies Kilt...indeed, it is going to my dear sister Pat, more about that later...and lo and behold when I laid it out to pin to the back, I noted that the cables were looking a tad different. What can this be? (I mused) Moi? Make an error in knitting? But, right there in front of my eyes I noted that I had indeed made a cable which was not up to par and was in fact, substandard (and short about three rows as well!!!!) Of course, wouldn't you know it, it was all the way back down to cable crossover #2 so I thought you'll never get all those stitches back on the needle with your level of frustration being what it is, so let 'er rip!!! And I took the end of the yarn and put it in the ball winder and wound that sucker right back into a nice ball of yarn....to start all over with. It's a knitters life I live. Well, last night I was too frustrated with it and looked at it several times and wanted to get the needles to it again, but didn't....maybe a bit of space betwixed myself and said ball of heathery purple softness is a good thing and I will take it up again-perhaps tonight. Meanwhile, I grabbed my #10.5's and the pink boucle and began knitting a nice little shawl to wear to the Atlanta Portrait Society's annual "do"....which we found out last night will include 2, TWO, of Tommy's portraits...Hannah and Jordan!!!! I am so thrilled for him. I hope, hope, hope that he will win an award. Both of them are so good and deserve to win. Maybe just maybe...fingers crossed! Pink boucle shawl photo above. I am adding a nice lacey knitted edging on it once done...I don't like boucle fringe as it knots up in itself and always looks untidy.

I'm reading Yarn Harlot's book "Knitting Rules"....what a hoot! I recommend it to all knitters...there's lots of good advice in it as well but geeeeeeze, was she hiding in my house and taking notes for this book?

I must get ready for the day job, sigh, and leave my little knitting world behind for eight hours...well, I will take the pink boucle to work on during my lunch, instead of lunch.

TTFN

Knitting News

2007-03-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

MY FELTED JAR...on sock needles

I have been so busy lately that I've forgotten to post here but I will remedy that this morning.

I am teaching a lady at work to knit and she is doing a fine job. She making a very simple shrug in Homespun yarn by LionBrand. It's going to be quite pretty I think.

As for myself, I'm finishing up the Ladies Kilt Jacket-just the sleeves to go and then assemble and see how it looks then. I have a sneaky suspicion that my sister Pat would like it and not have me give it to her daughter. Well Jo doesn't know about it and I can make something else for her and now, will probably go ahead and wrap it up for Pat as an early B'day present. She's got the right figure for it as well and I think will suit her too.

Another thing I am working on is a felted jar to hold my knitting needles so that they do not disappear down the black hole of my knitting bag...along with markers, counters, yarn bobbins and stitch holders. I think I will make some smaller vessels as well to hold all these magical bits and bobs...now, how tidy and organized is that!!! I've still got to get this studio moved around and painted. Leslie is covering the chair cushion for me and making curtains to match so I really need to get these walls painted and set up in here so that it is more 'user friendly'!

And Moving Right Along.....

2007-03-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Finished up the left side of the Ladies Kilt Jacket tonight. I love it more and more and wish that I were younger and thinner and then I would have myself a new jacket! Haaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaa

Anyway, here is what is done so far and now I am off to cast on the right side and get going on that. Hope I will be finished this weekend with this jacket and get it posted here and in WC.

It's Wednesday, must be time for bed

2007-03-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just a little PS at the end of the day-thought I would get more knitting done, but only a few rows what with cooking dinner, washing dishes, cleaning bedroom and having a nice long look at the Drops Design website. Now there is a lovely Website. Literally hundreds of free, gorgeous patterns to choose from...where would one start? Every needle in my basket would be filled if I were to try to make everything I wanted to make just from their Spring 07 collection. OMG, there are some little shrugs to die for and I'll be having some of those on my needles soon! Just lovely, lovely! There are also some men's sweaters that I want to take a good look at as well one of these days.
So now that it's Wednesday and I have no photo to post with progress I've made, I'm off to bed....soon enough I'll have to get up and get to work.

Changes, Changes and More Changes

2007-03-13T03:17:00.000-07:00

Some days it just doesn't pay to make a plan. I had wanted to do the cable pattern with the seed stitch and for some reason-after about six tries, it just wasn't working with the front of my Ladies Kilt Jacket. I ripped out so many times I thought I was going to have a mess of my yarn...but anyway I went for one nice big traditional cable up the front of the jacket instead. Here is the result. Not too bad. I am also changing that ugly Peter Pan collar to something else...anything else but that....ugh!

Spring Has Sprung

2007-03-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

OMG, what a glorious day today!! Tom and I just got back from a nice long walk around the neighborhood and it was sooooooo nice-not too hot, not too cool, just breezy and temp. was perfect!

Finished the back of my Ladies Kilt Jacket and began the front panels this morning. I decided not to use the Thistle pattern as it will be decreased away at the neck and that will ruin the look of the pattern...instead, I am putting in a small cable that is half seed stitch and half stockinette and that will run the entire length without any interruption. It's really going to look very nice when done. I blocked the back and I think it will do nicely for our kind of Autumn and Winter. The medium knits up rather small looking to me, even though I got the gauge right, etc. Guess I'll have to try it on someone of both proportions to see which it fits best...I am definitely not a "M"!!
So, once I get the pieces made and blocked, I'll post a pic of this jacket....hope it turnes out well.

It's Me in the studio

2007-03-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

Designing Day

2007-03-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

What a great Saturday so far! Slept late-for me-then off to the LYS to check out some new yarns. I'm looking for a cotton/wool blend but haven't found exactly what I am looking for yet...it's for Tommy's sweater that I have designed. I did the sketch and knitted up some swatches with cotton yarn on size 6 needles. I'm going to use the Woven Slip Stitch Pattern that is in the new Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 2 (love that book, getting the others soon) and a band of Seed Stitch across the chest and arms. Tommy had wanted a band of the Roots and Branches Pattern but it's just too large and doesn't quite fit, so I will make him a sweater with that pattern all over.

I also designed the Kimono Jacket and knitted up a swatch with my teal lace weight yarn on size 3 needles. It makes such a nice tight stitch and fabric and is practially weightless, which I think is going to help in making the folds in the jacket lie so beautifully! Now I have to find an embroidery pattern that I think will go with the jacket...it has to be something really stunning but also delicate and feminine....must do research!!!

So, now I am off to work on finishing the back of my Amethyst Heather Ladies Kilt Jacket and cast on the fronts before I go to bed tonight!

Gawd Awful Day...But ready to knit now

2007-03-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

Guess what....My Yarn winder came...plus other goodies. I wound everything in sight!! What a fabulous gadget...love it, love it! That's Tom at the Art Show with his Abby Portrait! Such a sweetheart...Tom, that is!

Here is my rant::::: I can't even believe how awful today was at work...freekin people who lie and sit out of work so that I have to run myself ragged doing my job and theirs...soooooooooooooo glad it's Friday and I am back home now and can see to my knitting...at least for the next two days.

Knitted a little watchcap for Matthew tonight...just took a couple of hours-nothing fancy. I think he'll like it though.

Also got my toys yesterday...new Yarn ball winder, see above pic of all my treasure, four sets of sock needles and a ball of nice tweedy sock yarn to make Tom some socks. I wound my teal blue fingering wool into balls last night...this is the yarn I am using to make the Kimono Jacket I designed. It's going to be plain knit, then I am going to embroider on it...I think I have enough yarn to make this project-I may have to make some adjustments to the length though...I'd like it somewhat long, but we shall see. I am excited to begin it so that is why I went ahead and wound out the yarn. I have over 2000 yards so I am almost sure I can get the right length to make it very dramatic. I've even thought about doing the design in beading instead of embroidery but that might be a bit pricey...still, it would be worth it-and the patience it would take to do it. Off to the drawing table to work on the Kimono design some more...It has to be perfect.

Oh yeah, went to Tom's show last night. He should have won a prize for his portraits. This group is rather snooty...the Atelier type who think only the Atelier type of artist is any good...geeze Louise, I get so sick of those people...anyway, there was a nice array of artwork even though ONLY the "A" people won awards and Tom's was among the best...if not the best. DEFINITELY THE BEST!!!!!!

Sittin Knittin

2007-03-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is my first Knitting Blog post...I am so excited. I want to have a place to post my knittings in progress, finish and of course the frogs...there are always the frogs...well, at least until I can get a website going and sell something.

I've been a knitter for years and years and that'll tell you that I'm not a young girl, but I love to knit. It's addictive-especially the yarn thing. I can't get enough. Chocolate is almost as good-but not as good as time spent in the LYS just drinking in the colours and the feel of the wool/cotton/silk/synthetic/mixes...what about chocolate coloured yarn-well, there you are-the best of both worlds!! Presently on the needles (size 8 circular) is a Ladies Kilt Jacket of my own design in a Heathered Amethyst wool that is to die for. Fronts have a panel of the "thistle" pattern which is in Volume 2 of Vogue Stitchonary....photo forthcoming at some point...probably when I get the front panels begun. I bought this book last Saturday as well as Turner's Design book which had some info in it that I did not have so was very pleased to be able to get two good reference books for my library. Good for business to have more information on design.

Shown here is my jacket I knit to wear with jeans and a little bag to carry with it...I also made the bag button to match (clay) I love this jacket and have had two people ask if I could possible see fit to think about doing one for them as well. I am bartering some sewing with one of them and will make same jacket but in another colourway. The other lady, dear friend, will recieve hers as a surprise Birthday gift...she does not suspect I hope!!

I also made this cute little red felt clutch to use tomorrow evening at Tom's reception with the AAG show. He has two, count em, 2, paintings in this show. I am sooooooooo proud of him!!

And speaking of Tom, I am so excited to be designing a sweater for him in two stitches he's picked out himself. A cotton/wool blend in natural colour that is going to look wonderful on him. I have to get the measuring and yardage figured out, then I will order the yarn and begin. I should get my packet of sock yarn next week, along with new sock needles and new yarn ball winder that I ordered on Sunday. I haven't made socks in years-not since my kids were little-so Tom will be the recipient of my first pair of grown up socks...very plain mind you-but serviceable and hopefully comfortable as well...no ribby seam at the toes!! Should be fun!

Ahhh well, here comes Ardmore to tell me it's time for bed...12:00...how does that dog tell time???!!! Until tomorrow...