Something to Laugh About

2010-04-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

"Good things happen when sand gets into an oyster's eye. Every once in a while you get a pearl." Henry Rollins, SIRIUS XM interview

A spring gathering

2010-03-31T16:53:00.001-07:00

A spring gathering
Originally uploaded by IrenaS.

Be nice everyone...

I'm Back at Blogging, for Now

2010-01-13T06:22:00.000-08:00

I knew something would grab me and throw me back into blogging. This giveaway...

Gretel

2009-02-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Gretel. It actually didn't take too many knitting hours, but I could not seem to knit on it for more than an hour at a time because the yarn, Reynolds Candide, was very dense and hard to cable with. I suppose it might be a heavy worsted weight, and the pattern would benefit more from a light to medium worsted. Wrestling the cables became finger pilates. And, as is often the case with my finished hats, the brim is not tight enough. But it is very pretty, and I learned how to do a long tail tubular cast-on for a 2x2 rib and I figure any project that teaches you something new is a good project!

Bounce Fell Flat

2009-02-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

I love the pattern. I love the yarn. Pattern and yarn together, not so much. I didn't take any frogging pics but I will tell you that Bounce is no more. The yarn was much too lofty to find the stitches when knitting in the row below, combined with the almost black color, left my eyes seeing double. So for the first time since Finish or Frog It began, I present this:

I've Been a Bit Distracted

2009-02-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

By the Human Tetris.

There's this. But then there's this and this. I have no words.

Finishing, and Starting

2009-02-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

Since I finished Ishbel last week I've worn it over and over. The pattern, plus the color is so perfect for me. I also finished My Anthro-Inspired Scarflet. Here - have a look.
This is what it looked like when I first started...

And now -

It was loads of fun. I will definitely make more. But since it is right up next to your skin, I recommend some cashmere. The Brown Sheep worsted is a little itchy.

I also picked up a new yarn this week.
Meet Tanis.
It is the Green Label Aran Weight, Midnight Colourway, from Tanis Fiber Arts. It was originally slated to be another Porom, but I'm now leaning toward Through The Loops Katie Beret. I'm a big fan of the designer, Kristin Kapur. I've already completed her Dr. G.'s Memory Vest (pics soon, I promise!) and have queued Sunkist Cardi and Rickenbacker Scarf.
So, another
comes and goes. My previous Friday night looked like this, from our hotel room in Montauk.

Six families, all sharing good times together for a whole weekend. This is when Life really is Good.

Ishbel - in a Flash

2009-02-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

So this thing just flew off the needles -
I cast on January 21, and bound off January 29. And I wasn't faithful - I never am, at least with knitting...
Take that, Finish or Frog It!
Now if only February Lady Sweater, Muir, and Juno Regina could go so fast.
So I'm putting on the scarf, and heading out to Montauk for a weekend with friends. I've packed a few bottles of wine, some stinky cheese, and lots of other snick-snacks.

Warning: Gratuitous blocking shots...

Another quick pic to entertain. My friend from church destashed some old knitting needles and while I passed on all of them, there was one set I snatched up immediately.

Check the price, and the commitment that they tell you that you'll have happy knitting! The color is my favorite. They went to a place of honor with my miniature childrens' sewing machines and old wooden thread spools. I am the keeper of the old.

By the way, it's been snowing pretty often here lately. So far the kids haven't had school closed, but Lola is having a hard time finding a place to squat in the yard, if you get my drift. This is how she comes into the house lately:

Finally Granny is here

2009-01-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to make a granny square. I decided back in 2007 that it would be a goal. I was intimidated by crochet, never having done really well at it before, blaming it on being a lefty taught by righties. Now that I was knitting intricate lace I decided I could no longer find lame excuses as to why I hadn't yet conquered this form of needle arts which had been growing by leaps and bounds all around me. I was so inspired by CaftyObsessions version of a Cath Kidston Granny Square quilt that I saw on their web page which cost oodles of dollars. This was the push I needed to finally teach myself to make grannies. I ran to my LYS and picked an array of brightly colored Cascade 220 skeins. I went for the superwash to make it a bit more easy to wash. With various patterns in hand and YouTube streaming, I sat down to create the first of which would be 60 of these happy, bright granny squares which I decided would look great in my youngest daughters room. I started this back in the summer of 2007. It came off the hook about a year later in July of 2008. I sewed all the blocks together with a mattress stitch and buried all the ends. Then I washed it in cold water and THE RED RAN MAD CRAZY!. I removed the Soak solution and added vinegar. Too late, all the whites were pink, the light greens were muted, the yellow, were, well, not too yellow anymore. Gone was my happy colored quilt. But I perservered. Really, what else could I do at this point but move forward? So gently, very gently, I lifted this 60 square wool behemoth out of the basin and POP! grannies were popping all over the place. Some from the centers, some from the mattress stitch borders, some from more than one place. I laid this mutant piece of wool waste down and gently tried to square it to a sheet that I had placed in a secure drying spot. It was no use. I looked like strings of colorful cheese melted over my sheet. So calmly, I got my scissors out and began to free the squares from their mattress stitches. I had to cut into the outside borders to do this, since their was no way to tell what was a mattress stitch and what was a double crochet. I made a pile - Good, Bad, Ugly. The Good just needed new red borders, the bad needed advice on how to fix them. (Thank you crocheters on Ravelry) and the ugly, well, let's just say they went away - far away. When all was said and done, 35 grannies remained. I soaked them again to try and get more of the red out, and was starting to like the muted look the read had given everything, even if I did miss the white hot white. The blocks got a "time out" for a few months until I could bring myself to give them all new borders and reattach them I finally did, and here is my finished product:

No, I'm not going to get a beauty shot, with terrific outdoor lighting, laid out all flat and perfect. It is done. It is being used and gently loved. I am requested to place it over her every night after the good tuck I give the comforter underneath. I can tag this

What went wrong? I think it was a combination of errors. First, I used a hook that was too large for the gauge of yarn. Cascade is a light worsted, almost dk weight. I used a J hook, and later a G when I realized my error, but it made the squares too drapey, which when wet had no body to hold itself together. Then I blame my lack of experience in burying ends in crochet. I thought if I just crocheted over the tails it would be enough, but I think now that I needed to bury them more deligently. Then, I blame the yarn choice. While Cascade 220 superwash is a dream to work with, In my opinion it might be best served on smaller items, like sweaters and such. Certainly not 60 12" square grannies. But anyway, it's all good now and it is really all about the learning.

Kiri In Silk

2009-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd show you what came off the needles last November. Here is Kiri, done in Claudia's Handpaints 100% silk.

It took less than a skein and size 3 Addi turbo Lace circs.
The pattern was so easy to memorize that I could do it anywhere, even in the car, which is a nice thing because usually my lace projects have to be done at home. The silk was enjoyable, but I had to get used to it because I knit mostly with wool.

I highly recommend the pattern to any of you who feel less than adequate at lace knitting, or for anyone who needs a break from the chart intensive or more complex lace patterns out there.

Finish or Frog It

2009-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

I know, I haven't blogged since October. Let's just forget about that now and get on with the FOs, shall we? Today, in honor of Finish or Frog It, I finished a hat that has been languishing in a bag for months, cast on for an never knitted. Porom, by Brooklyn Tweed is easy, quick (when you get down to it) and really enjoyable, apart from the K3togTBLs. So, without further ado, I present:
I haven't blocked it yet, but I'm not sure if I will because it has the right amount of slouch right now. I decreased at 6" and it was perfect.

She looks warm!

2008-10-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

She looks warm!
Originally uploaded by frecklegirl.

My pals made the cover of Ravelry news! This was the party at Rhinebeck. Famous now! BTW, the one with the gorgeous Clapotis had a b'day yesterday.

Rhinebeck

2008-10-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

Lots of pictures to show you -

Sheep - lots of sheep. These beauties were getting a good grooming...
I love how these boys were all taking care of the grooming. I have a hard time getting my boy to take out the garbage...
The Rasta kind...
The kind that need to be turned into Webkins so you can take them home...
And the naked kid. Their mama needs to make them sweaters. The weather was in the 30s at 9am here...
This sheep went for $225 , which I heard was very cheap. (And another boy, helping...)

Llamas and their crossings...

And bunnies. Cute cuddly angoras. One woman was "plucking" and spinning from her angora on her lap. Not sure how I feel about that. Doesn't it hurt?

I thought this guy looked like one of our presidents from the 1800s...

We're for sale!But the best part was seeing friends. Karen found me at about 9:30 on Saturday. Look at that clapotis!!!

Why is she looking so happy on the really long STR line? Because she doesn't want me to take her picture. She knows I'll put her right here in my blog!
We each bought our first roving here at the Weston Wools booth.
I also saw my friend Angie who wore her beautiful shawl. I saw Liz too, who bought a Golding Spindle. Now we both have one! I was really excited to see Anne Hanson of Knitspot. I've met a lot of celebs before, with husband's profession being what it is, but I got all silly inside at the idea of meeting Anne. She's an amazing designer, and I love reading her blog. I also saw Yarn Harlot later that night at the Ravelry party. Pretty cool! But the one blogger I didn't see although I really looked hard was Pam of Lick My Sticks. I love her blog and really wanted to see her "in the flesh". Maybe next time!
More sights and smells...

Not too crowded yet at 9:30...But at 12 noon - Food Court!
No show would be complete without my favorite exhibit, the Border Collie demonstrations.

Tomorrow I promise to show you some Ravelry party pics and my haul but I've got to go work on Kiri for my girlfriend Marianne (big birthday coming in 3 weeks) and a baby blanket for my girlfriend Trish. Wee Seamus is due in 3 weeks, but I'm feeling like he might be here before Marianne's birthday comes, so I'd better work on the blanket first. (Let's not even talk about the bad bout of start-itis I've had for the past 2 months. These two knits have got to get done NOW.)

Ravelympics Anyone?

2008-08-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

I'm diving in to the deep end - Ravelympics - in the categories "Lace Long Jump" with this
shawl -Muir from Knitty.
Yarn - White Willow Farms Merino Lace - Autumn
Addi Turbo Lace #4
And this Vest for the Vest Vault:
Lauryn from Rowan - free kit with membership
Yarn - Rowan All Seasons Cotton - beige
Addi #7

If we finish by the time the Olympics end, we get a button for our blogs. I know, it's all pretty goofy, but a fun diversion. I doubt I'll get the Muir shawl done in time, because I've been busy working on this too:
HoneyBee Stole by Anne Hanson of Knitspot. Love her patterns!!!
Yarn - Posh Yarn Sophia - 2 ply laceweight cashmere, color- Finch. Size #3 Addi Turbo Lace Needles.

I'm loving all three projects, so they're all getting more or less equal time, which means nothing is getting finished. Oh, and there are some other things floating in and out of the knitting bag, when I need "easy knitting". I'll show you these next time. They involve sleeves...

I'm Really Happy...

2008-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

... that I don't have to look at this in my knitting bag any more. I really didn't enjoy it at all, and probably should have frogged it half way through and used the yarn for another Swallowtail Shawl or something. But it is done now and the overall results are good.

Specs: Bryspun #4 Flex needles for most of it, but a section of it was done with addi turbo lace #4s, just to see if it helped my attention span...span...span...
Handmaiden Sea Silk Yarn in Sangria

Little Lily

2008-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

A client of Dh's adopted a baby recently. I've always wanted to try the Fleegle-ized Saartje Baby Booty pattern, so I had a perfect chance. It was quick and fun. They came out in very Lily Pulitzer-esque colors, in Cascade 220 Superwash. The buttons are little crocheted wheels.

It's Time

2008-07-13T17:38:00.001-07:00

William Martin Loney
April 27, 1928 - July 1, 2008
I miss you Daddy. You taught me perfection.

I Swear

2008-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

If I hit the lottery tomorrow, I'd only wear Anthropologie...
In the meantime...
Scarf - Anne
127 Print, Size J hook (yes hook, I crochet too!) 1 skein on sale at KNIT (in Glen Cove, which was in Greenvale, which stilll doesn't have a web page... on Long Island , ahhh.

New Finished Object from Daughter #1

2008-06-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a little commercial for a fictitious product my daughter made for her 11th grade advertising class:

Just for some background info, Dad's a surfer. DD#1 has been surfing for a couple of years too. She's only 16 so I don't let her go out on "big" days. That means, if the waves are 5 feet or more, or you have to paddle out so far that you don't look like a body on a board but a piece of seaweed, you can't go in. This was one of her dad's surfing holes in his younger years. He's recently moved east a few beaches to some less crowded waters because I don't know if you can tell or not be these dudes are hardcore and if you "drop in" here you better pack your chutspa to go with it. Husband's chutzpah ain't what it used to be. (Don't tell him though!)

The water was only 50 degrees that day. It is rather inky looking...

Also, a friend of mine has a movie in the "Indie Flix Online Film Festival". It's called "Needle Through Brick". Click on it and choose "Watch Clip". Vote for it. I promise you'll receive many skeins in the afterlife...

2008-03-15T16:47:00.001-07:00

You Are An INFJ

The Protector

You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity.

Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is.

You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience.

You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.

In love, you truly see relationships as an opportunity to connect and grow.

You enjoy relationships as long as they are improving and changing. You can't stand stagnation.

At work, you stay motivated and happy... as long as you are working toward a dream you support.

You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Hardworking, ethical, and helpful

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Manipulative, weak, and unstable

Alternative Medicine Guru - maybe. Photographer? I suck at it. As far as manipulative, weak and unstable? I'd have to ask some of my "friends" if that is true...

I promise I'll have more worthy content soon...

What's Your Personality Type?

Loop and Lupe's

2008-02-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Strangely, I have not been knitting socks much lately. I have also been very good and have not added to my sock yarn stash either (except if you count the 3 skeins of Sundara Fingering I got recently, but that will be slated for a shawl). I guess hats are the new socks for me now. But I did finish these a few weeks ago, and forgot to share them:
Lion Brand Wool
Size 7 addis - 63" cables I think - Magic Loop

The pattern is from the amazing sock guru Kristen at ComeToSilver.com. That woman can teach anyone how to knit a pair of socks, and in a variety of ways. I learned my first cuff down on 4 dpns from her very informative tutorial, and now I picked up 2 socks done toe-up on one long circ, aka Magic Loop Method.
Pros:
1. 2 socks done at the same time (as my 16 year old would say, "Duh!")

Cons:
1. I wasn't sure where to start the heel (with the cuff-down method I start the heel when the sock is long enough on my leg, I then start the toe when it reaches my toe cleavage...)
2. Picking up my heel stitches created gaps. I tried it three times before I gave up and hoped it would shift and redistribute itself after the first wash, which it has done somewhat.
I didn't use a stretchy enough bindoff. Fortunately my feet are skinny.
3. I started the ribbing too soon. I only had one skein of Lion Wool, and I was afraid of running out. I almost did, and they're not much more than an inch over my ankle.

But did I mention, both socks are done at the same time? Yes of course I did. It kind of outshines the negatives. And wow, that worsted weight wool made it quick and WARM. I don't need another pair of worsted weight socks, but this was a good weight to learn on - quick results. Oh and another thing. They're black. That's a staple color in my wardrobe, but murder on my eyes while knitting.
And now I leave you with my favorite Mexican restaurant - Lupe's on Watts and Sixth, NYC. Great everything, especially the guacamole and margaritas.

Of Amaryllis and Fan and Feather

2008-02-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yarnstorm inspired me to share my Amaryllis with you today. Even though we haven't had much winter here on Long Island (I know poo poo poo, knock on wood, etc.) but I still yearn for Spring. The daffodils are peaking out, the crocuses are saying "hi" and things are doing a general budding-up around here lately. But while it was gray and cold in January, this beautiful addition graced my dining room table.

This little bag flew off the needles and under the radar:

Specs:
Koigu KPPM, forgot the colorway, almost a skein
Needles: size 7 Crystal Palace Bamboo (love the points!)
Pattern: Little Lace Bag from Australian Yarn magazine
Made for: my friend Cynthia

I love the description written by the designer, Barbara Coddington: "I love teeny handbags but since having kids haven't been able to get away with carrying anything smaller than a backpacker's delight. (Need room for toys and hats and packets of emergency biscuits!) This little lace bag, a bit of wishful thinking on my part, is for times when all you need are keys, a credit card and a wee mobile phone...but you could probably fit a little box of sultanas, in case you or someone you know gets a little peckish." Yes, you could definitely say that there are a few people around here who are getting more than a bit "peckish". But what are "sultanas"? I need to get some quick.

It was a quick and enjoyable knit. It was my first time with the Koigu, and I must say I would prefer using this yarn on projects like this bag because the tightness of the twist seems to take away from its smooshiness, which is a necessary ingredient in my sock knitting. All you Koigu sock knitters out there, give me a shout out and let me know that I'm talking out of my little lace bag.

Please excuse the scary close-up. That camera was "so 2 months ago".

I Love Buttons

2008-02-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Yes - I am the keeper of the buttons. The older the better. Here's my collection. I keep them in old candy tins.
I make a half-hearted attempt to keep them sorted. Here are some of the lesser whites:
Many cut from old shirts. Many saved just for me. Read below...
Little baggies with special reds and pinks, little pill bottles with all sorts of brass, stones and teddy bears.
Many still on cardboard, or in little packages.
Most are my grandmother's buttons, given to me by my mom. Grandma would buy a lot of her clothes at the thrift store, and when she was done wearing them, she would cut the buttons off. Nothing went to waste back in those days. They were the original recyclers. This one came from a great 3/4 length sleeve suit she scored at the Salvation Army and wore one Easter. I have fond memories of her in it.
I love seeing the handwriting of my mom and grandma. It instantly transports me to them. (Although mom is living with me now, but I still think of her thinking of me as she wrote it.)
I had a hard time deciding which buttons to choose for dd's jacket. But I didn't have a hard time choosing the right vintage rhinestone one for my Anthropologie Inspired Capelet:
Specs:
Yarn: Grignasco Rapsodia 1 1/2 skeins
Needles: Addi Turbo #11s
Mods: Added about 6 more rows to length, otherwise, nuthin.

So when I die, save the urn for some really cool, old buttons.

It' Getting Cold Here

2008-02-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

And here's some mittens to keep dh#1's hands warm:
I REALLY enjoyed making them. They're from Elliphantom. I enjoyed making them so much that I now want to try the "Poetry Mittens" from the new issue of Piecework. These were my first stranded project (being careful here not to call them "fairisle") and the first one went slowly but the second was lightening quick. I had to add the pompons because they were in the pattern and I am a purist but dh took them off right away. Oh well, maybe they'll become barrettes for dh#2.

I kept track of the rows with a highlighter and I was too lazy to print out a second copy so I used my Knitpicks pattern holder for the second mitten. It was a great tool.
I saw Martha the other day, I think she'd like these mittens.

Dear Martha,
If you like my mittens and want a pair, I'll make you some.

Two Cowpies

2008-02-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

Or that's how they are affectionately referred to over at Craftster. There's a wonderful pattern written by Catherine of Skeins and Steins called Springtime Beret. She originally referred to it as a cowpie or cowpat on her blog, wich made me want to knit it even more. The big one below was originally for dd#1 but had too much slouch for her (Cascade 128 and #7 dpns) so I made the second one (shown above) in a lighter version with Lion Brand Woolease and # 5 addis and dpns. I kept the grande because

I can work the slouch, my dears...

Circle Jacket... Hmmm...

2008-02-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a little circle jacket I finished a while back. After having made this, I've decided that people are basically rectangular in nature, and trying to put a circle on a rectangle is a lot like putting a square peg in a round hole. The jacket is for dd#2, and it is too big presently, which makes perfect sense since I buy her clothes a size up as well, and roll and hem away. She's a fast grower, and I have a pet peeve about kids in clothes that are too tight. I did enjoy the hours of stockinette in the round. It came in very handy at dad's bedside.
Specs: Berroco Polkadot
Yarn: Moda Dea Cartwheel -18 skeins
Needles: Addi Turbo #7s, Clover dpns #7s
Buttons: Grandma's vintage, in my coveted stash

WhatIfKnits is hosting a Blogiversary Raffle. Make a donation to one of the animal charities on her site and she will put you in for a chance to win some great prizes which I'm sure have everything to do with yarn and such. Even a small ($2) donation gets you in the running, which is good, since my kids are tapping my funds lately.

We're BAAACK!

2008-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

If you are ever at Panera's in Carle Place, NY and can't get a seat, chances are it's Knit Night!

I haven't been keeping good attendance lately (much like my blog) due to numerous visits with Dad and other assorted life altering occurances, but I did make it the other night and so did most of the other knitters! Some regulars, others new to me. Old friends and new. Three friends in particular I missed not seeing, Liz, Delia and Sue, but so many other were there to knit, laugh and eat. My husband and oldest daughter showed up and dh jumped up on to a window ledge to take the above shot.

Here's my buddy Angela donning her lovely hat. Is this your creation Angela? Quite chic!

Dawanda Baby!

2007-11-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Something needed to bring me back from the antithesis of NaBloPoMo. This site is amazing. It's kind of like a very young Etsy, without all the mass produced crap that is flooding it nowadays. (My apologies to all you great artists who are mass producing really great crap). If you aren't feeling too adventurous in trying to translate the site from German, you can click on the flag of Great Britain and relax in English. Now all I need to know is how much 40 Euros is going to cost me in dollars (and will I pass out from the shipping).

Monkey Socks are Done!

2007-11-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

Actually, these have been done for a while. I think they were finished during Dad's first hospital stay in early September.
The specs:
Brown Sheep Wildefoot, color Ragtime - 2 skeins
Started on Brittany Birch size #1s 5" glove size, ended on Crystal Palace #1 dpns (a much easier 7")
They're not pink as the photo. They are various shades of red, from fiery to deep dark Merlot. It's night here now and the lighting isn't great so the flash killed the reds. I'll try to take another picture in daylight.
Don't cha love those clam digger toes?

Lacy Drop Stitch Scarf

2007-11-05T17:23:00.001-08:00

In honor of NaBloPoMo, here's my entry for today. I started at Lacy Drop Stitch Scarf with Icelandic Lace Weight wool from Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Company. You like so far?

Boy, do I hate those needles. Susan Bates Size 13s with a mind of their own. The antithesis of the Holz and Steins from the last post. The yarn is earthy and creative. Lots of black hair wrapped around silvery white. Should look nice over my black turtlneck, unless it sheds...

Cider Moon and NaBloMo

2007-11-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Can I do it? Probably not. But I thought it would fun to try. This little sticker means I have to post every day in the month of November. Well, I've already missed three days. Off to a great start.
Son's team won their first football game in three years. He's on cloud nine. Wonder how those kids that lost to the team that hasn't won a game in three years feels...
I haven't been posting, but I have been buying yarn. Lots of it, in terms of my yarn buying rates that is. I'm sure it pales to many out there who could out-buy me even with a wicked case of the flu. Seems we've lost yet another yarn store around here lately. That brings the recent total of disappearing yarn stores with 25 miles of me to 4. It's sad. They all say the same thing - they can't keep up with the internet. The lower prices due to no overhead is killing them. The latest fatality, Wild and Wholly Wools in Commack. Everything is 50% off.
Along with some great llama/wool yarn, I got some lovely Knit one Purl Too Paintbox yarn for a pair of wristwarmers from Cider Moon's free pattern collection, called April May. The yarn is more of a light worsted weight than a fingering weight called for in the pattern, so it should make them warm and not as airy as the pattern picture. I also knit with one size smaller needles, because I have tiny wrists.

I love the Cider Moon website. I told them to hold me some June Carter in Glacier when they got it in, and they did. Now I'm waiting for some Johnny Cash to go with it (nach) for a Feather and Fan scarf, but the shop has been down for business since September, so June may have to go it alone. I sure hope they're ok and that they'll be back soon.
Here's another pattern from their website, a scarf pattern called Isobel. I'm knitting it from the Welcomme Rainbow I just scored from that knitter that was selling all her stuff for $1 a skein. Do you see those needles? They're my Holz and Stein Ebony needles and they are heavenly. I just might buy some other pairs. I'm always casting on with 4s and 5s, so they might be likely next candidates. Like knitting on air...

Stash Enhancement

2007-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

How does the saying go? The first step in dealing with your problem is to recognize you have a problem... Well, here goes. My name is Donna and I'm a Yarnaholic. Look what I just scored yesterday:
It would have been worse/better if I got there last week, when there was more to buy. You see, a very nice lady who lives about 40 minutes away from me was selling most of the yarn in her stash. She wanted to get rid of it, so she priced it at $1 a skein. I know, crazy. All great stuff. Clockwise from the bright red is as follows: Tahki Soho Bulky Tweeds 100% wool in red and pink which looks like it will make up some fabulous mittens; Katia Ingenua which is 78% mohair, 13% polymide and 9% wool which will be a shawl of some yet to be determined pattern; all that big bulky Marokko is 100% wool and will find its way to a Twinkle's Big City Knits pattern; the cute Skol Norwegian wool for some worsted weight socks; the mystery ball of Malabrigo which just needed to come stay at my house; the tweedy purple Grignasco - 80% wool, 20% alpaca which I might be able to eek out a caplet for daughter #2; 10 balls of Katia Bremen Dos - 40% acrylic, 30% wool and 30% polymide for an Anthropologie inspired capelet; Welcomme Rainbow, a mohair blend for a scarf; and 2.5 balls of purple Tahki Morocco, a wool and mohair blend for I don't know yet. $33 - shocking. The funny thing is, I'm headed off to Rhinebeck tomorrow to buy more. Don't think I'll be finding bargains like these though! I'll actually be there Sunday instead of Saturday, because I need to help mom sell the house, which just so happens to be 15 minutes away from the fairgrounds, in Redhook. Dad is now in a nursing home near me (L.I.) and she'll be looking for an apartment in this area so we have lots of things to handle for her. The lady that was selling the yarn had a children's sweater making business that as she put it, "Just died", and she needed to free herself of most of her yarns to try to get her knitting mojo back. Now remember I said she was 40 minutes away? That's not close by for Long Island standards, but there I was anyway. I told her I've been doing a ton of knitting lately sitting next to dad at the "Care Center" and she asked me where he was. When I told her the name, she told me she knows the owners very well! She went on and on about what wonderful, kind and caring people they are. I really needed to hear that because I had been worried about him. I really felt that something made me go all the way there to hear that, aside from all the wonderful yarn I got for next to nothing.

The older I get the more I really believe in things happening for a reason.

By the way, the black paw on the right won't be in any future projects, it's attached to Lola, my Portie.

I Deserve A Badge

2007-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I give this to myself for all the stupid questions I get asked and the gracious answers I give when others ask me why I knit socks when I can just buy them. I've been knitting a lot at my dad's hospital bedside lately and the calming effects of knitting sure help when you want to kill a nurse when they have Dad on a day and a half worth of clear liquids for a CAT scan that never happens until you park yourself right in front of the nurses' station until the Barium comes.
By the way, for those of you wondering about my dad's reaction to his gift, he thought the Hemlock Ring Blanket looked like something more for a woman. That's all I got. Go visit Cast-On and get a badge - you probably deserve one too...

Hemlock Ring Blanket is Done!

2007-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

For your approval, Dad's Hemlock Ring Blanket!
Here's a "before" shot - 37" across and pitiful...

And "after" at 55" across. "My, how you've grown!" (My bed is a queen, no Brooklyntweed coffee mug for perspective so a magnetic pin cushion will have to do.)

For those of you who groove on closeups:

Lounging on the chaise under the pergola, two days after blocking, it has gotten some of the peaks and valleys back into the Fan and Feather pattern.

I used Cascade Eco Wool in Latte, just like Jared's, because I wanted one just like his! I got good stitch definition using #9 circs. I started on size 8 dpns and graduated to 16" then 36" Clover bamboos. This project would be perfect for Denise or Knitpicks Options, because of the ever growing circle. There's a very good KAL over on Yahoo where people have added lots of interesting points of view. Check it out if you plan on making this. I basically just stuck with Jared's formula, and added two extra repeats. If I had to do it again, I'd add two more.

I'm giving this blanket to Dad. I think he'll like it. It's a little fru-fru for him, being a Marine and all, but the color is masculine. He'll put it over his lap when he sits in his Lazy Boy. He's feeling crappy these days. He's in the advanced stages of various cancers. I knit this fast because I'm not sure how long I'll have him.

Lace Headband

2007-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed making this Lace Headband. Not only was it an easy, relaxing knit, great when I needed a mental health break from MS3, but I made it from my blogless friend Betsy's hand dyed, hand spun yarn. And, it is my favorite color, red.

Please excuse the crummy pic and the even crummier do.

Astrid is the Bomb

2007-09-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

This could easily become my next obsession, except for the fact that:
A. I've never knit Fair Isle
B. Holiday presents need to get started
C. I owe husband a sweater
But take a look anyway. And if you need to drink from the well, jump over here where the nice people from the Jeanie Townsend Group on Yahoo started a KAL. And to seduce you even more, here's the crack, I mean kit.

I'm Still Lovin' It

2007-09-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dad's Hemlock Ring Blanket is coming along great. Only problem is, I knit from the doily instructions and didn't use Jared's chart. Now I'm not sure if I can easily "jump off" the instructions. I may be re-writing the written instructions to extend the doily. This is new for me. Challenges, yay...

Look - it still looks kind of like a yarn muffin... Snowwhitesuicide of Lick My Sticks (one of my favorite bloggers) says, Yum...

My New Obsession

2007-08-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

And not a moment too soon. My Monkeys are almost done, various hats and headbands are complete. My Wicked languishes in a corner, along with my spiral scarf, neither deserving of a photography session. Let's not even talk about my Storm Water Scarf. Lovely yarn, less than fun pattern. And then came Brooklyn Tweed's latest, the Hemlock Ring Blanket. Now granted, he could photograph MOLD and make it look inviting. But the thought of an almost chunky weight giant doily is no mold, my dears. It is a beautiful work of art. This art spoke to me in such a strong way that as soon as my knitting pals emailed me their reaction to his latest FO(I hadn't checked bloglines yet) I ran out and bought the Cascade Eco Wool in color 8063 (latte) and immediately cast on. No matter that I didn't have knitpicks options or some other adjustable cable length needle system. Dpns got the ball rolling, or in this case, the lace turning. And Jared is right, lace is wonderful in the round - no purl rows! Finding mistakes is easy too, it's like super giant-sized lace compared to MS3. In that way, it's almost comical, like Alice in "Through The Looking Glass". Now my 29" #9s are getting a little snug, so I'll have to buy some 40" ones soon.

This blanket will be for my Dad, who's having a rough go of it lately health-wise. It comforts me to work on it.
Here it is at row 35...

Knitting Lingerie Style

2007-07-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

I received "Knitting Lingerie Style" from hubby for my birthday. I want to make so many things in it! I love making little tank tops and this book has some great lacy ones. But so many of the projects' suggested yarns are currently out of my budget.
For instance, the Classic Elite - Interlude which is featured in the "Surplice Bodice Cami", my favorite in the book. The description from Purlsoho, one of my favorite LYS, is as follows:

"Interlude blends silk and linen in a highly detailed 10-ply strand destined for fine stitches and sophisticated patterns. We recommend it for projects that call for refined draping and excellent stitch definition. Regular price is $24.50. On sale at 40% off for $14.70!"

CONTENT: 30% silk, 70% linen

WEIGHT: 50 grams

LENGTH: 82 yards

GAUGE: 4.5 stitches per inch

SUGGESTED NEEDLES: US size 7

Woo Hoo! 82 yards for HOW MUCH?

Or the "Silk and Pearls Cami", made for the book with Classic Elite Temptation. I found it here :
100% Silk, 13 st/4", 5.5mm (US 9), 101m/ 110 yards, 100g (3.5 oz) at approximately $44 per 100 yard skein. I can't even wrap my head around that one...

Another irresistable pattern, the "Corset Bodice Nightgown" is featured beautifully in Louet Euroflax Originals. Once again, the juicy description from Purlsoho says:
"One of our perennial favorites here at Purl, Euroflax is 100% linen and 100% elegant. Linen creates a durable, drapey and beautiful fabric. The more you wash and dry it, the softer and slinkier it becomes."

CONTENT: 100% Linen

WEIGHT: 100 grams

LENGTH: 270 yards

GAUGE: 6 stitches per inch

SUGGESTED NEEDLES: US size 3 to 5

Price: $20.50
Now this last one has 270 yards per skein, but in my size (34) I would need 3 balls for something that isn't going to be worn often. Do I venture down the slippery subbing slope? What is a knitter to do when the picture is oh so beautiful but I just can't "pull the trigger" on buying the yarn? I downloaded Stitch Diva's Simple Knitted Bodice Sweater ages ago. I can't bring myself to knit it in anything other than Tilli Tomas recommended. There's tons of you out there that have subbed on this successfully, but when I see a pic of one done in the Tilli (and oh, that Rockstar), I fall blindly in love. Therefore, I have yet to start it.

Speaking of Rock Stars, Here's some pics that have been waiting in Daughter #1's camera phone. Do you know that on Verizon if you have texting blocked (don't ask) you can't upload your pictures? Texting has been TEMPORARILY unblocked so I can share some of my summer concert fun with you. The Fratellis were fantastic at Roseland last month.
The two opening bands were lots of fun as well.

They were Illinois (listen to them here)

and Switches.
Daughter #1 had a blast. We were front and almost center, until the encore, when I conviced her that getting closer to the exit would be a good idea. (Years of previous concert exiting experience pays off.)

Not to forget the little diva aka Daughter #2, I entered this contest in the hopes of winning a $250 gift certificate to Gymboree. I'm not much of a contest person, don't even like to play Lotto here in NY, but I figured, what the heck...

BTW, Did you you the article about Ravelry in TechCrunch ?
For some reason, Michael Arrington thinks we're ridiculous...

Zephyr Style Tree Jacket

2007-07-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about making the Zephyr Style Tree Jacket lately. It is a very pretty sweater, although I'd probably wear it with a cami or something underneath . I enjoyed the last Zephyr pattern I received, but my yarn choice and sizing were less than stellar so I never felt the calling to finish it. I'll probably frog it (or throw it out since its mohair) and start with a nice varigated yarn like on the model. I got some money for my birthday from my mom and dad so I could buy the yarn more or less guilt free (although I need bras and new sandals too). I haven't seen anyone's variations yet, but that was just with checking google. I need to go to Ravelry, where it sounds like more and more people are calling this mecca.
Sister is wearing her Swallowtail alot, albeit around her fanny, and already got a pull in it which took my breath away momentarily, but such is life.
Music has been a big part of the scene here. I saw some pretty good bands Friday night at the Mercury Lounge, and saw these guys

yesterday at the Great South Bay Music Festival. I LOVE the Subdudes! Terrific fun, groovin' with the kids as well. When I got home I thought I got more tan, until it ran down the drain in the shower. One of those dusty, dirty, outdoor shows I hate and love. And now on Wednesday it's off to Roseland Ballroom to see the Fratellis with my 16 year old daughter. I guess I didn't get the memo that I have to stop all this and act my age...

Here's more pics of Tommy and the boys...

The family was front and center...

"Where are the Emo Bands Mom? You know I only like Emo music!"

Someone Throw Me a Lifeline

2007-07-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Chart A is done on my Mystery Stole 3. 4000 people signed up! It will be fun to see all the different colors (and abilities - mine is in the few too many/not quite enough YOs category). Beading is a challenge for me because I am a lefty, and holding the crochet hook in my right hand makes me feel awkward. My friends at Knit Night last night helped, and told me my hook is too small (a 13/14), and I could do better with a 12.
Yarn: Jojoland Harmony, C07 Dyelot 101 - subtle changes from pale violet to pale turquoise
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace #3
Beads: Trans Lustered Light Gray AB - size 8 from Beads & Stitches.
BTW, if you're on Ravelry, come over and visit! I'm finally getting my projects loaded in, after being a member for a few months. It is a tremendous time saver, if you can get over the ramp up time of loading in your projects.

Swallowtail Has Flown The Nest

2007-06-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

I miss her.
Firstly, I'm not a fast knitter. Secondly, we lived together since April. No marathon sessions, just a slow, easy lace knit. Some points to mention - I enjoyed the yarn. It had a bit of a thick/thin thing happening which made it less slippery than other wool lace yarns I used, which was good. I wasn't crazy about the transition to the Lily of the Valley border, but in the end, the little thing bloomed quite nicely. It really grew! And last night I gave it to my sister for her birthday. She loved it! It's very peachy on her, more pink on me. Son played "Happy Birthday" on his saxaphone - a real sinus opener, and 5 year old daughter did a dance and made her a rather large beaded necklace. We all had cake, which I'm paying for today (I'm wheat and gluten intolerant). So now I'm on to finishing some other things on my sidebar, and revving up the engines for MS3.

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl from IK Fall 2006
Yarn: Moorehouse Merino Lace in Peach - 2 skeins - the store is very close to my parents' house
Needles: Addi Lace Turbo Size 5, Crystal Palace Size 8 circulars for last row and bind off

By the way, Nups are cool. Oh, and one more thing to mention - 16 year old daughter walked by three times while it was blocking, mind you, in the middle of the kitchen on the kitchen table, finally looked at it and said in a monotone voice, "Wow, I could never do that." I'm not going to try to figure out if that was a compliment or she feels she now has physical evidence that I'm a lunatic...

We Knit in School Today

2007-06-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

My 10 year old son loves to knit.
Today was his 4th grade class picnic, an annual event that occurs rain or shine. Today it rained, so I packed up a bag of some old Boye needles, acrylic yarn from who-knows-when and headed off to school. I'm the class mom, but I fortunately didn't have to deliver the pizza. I bought the soda (begrudgingly - we don't drink the stuff here and we don't really think any kids should) and arrived after the pizza and soda had been consumed, and at around the time when some of the students seemed tired of "Uno Attack" and Kinnex. When I asked if anyone wanted to learn how to knit, a few boys jumped up, followed by a few more, and then more! At this point, I was long out of needles, so I told them to grab pencils. They each picked a yarn and off they went, casting on and doing a few garter stitch rows. While some didn't get too far, others attacked it with abandon. "Mrs. C!" I heard, over and over. "I need help!", said some. "Come look at how I'm doing!" said others. By the thick of it, there were a group of about 12 boys, scattered around the classroom focused on their knitting. Only one girl came by, and my son showed her how to knit. She was concerned though that once she learned knitting she might forget how to crochet...
All the students were all so proud, showing me their work, complete with loops and wonkiness. In the midst of the learning, a boy sat quietly with his needles and yarn, and when I looked over at him, he was knitting Continental. But I had shown them all English! He said he had learned from his grandma. He also told me he prefers the long-tail cast-on method. He'll probably be knitting a sweater before long!
I hope that some of these boys take this new hobby and practice it over the summer. I told them about how it makes me happy and keeps me calm. I offered them the idea that they should try it in the mornings after they've gotten ready for school and are waiting for the bus or car. Who knows, maybe more boys will knit, and in another 10 years we'll have more men knitters. Then maybe we won't have war. The politicians can knit instead of argue.

I got a present from the teacher for being a class mom. She goes out of her way to find out what we like. She nailed it! Here it is.
Serendipity, Rubber Soul, and Inky Antics rubber stamps. Did I mention the teacher is a knitter too? I can only hope my son's 5th grade teacher knits too!

My SP10 Is...

2007-06-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

KELLY NOWICKI!

She's been a terrific Pal. Look what she just sent:
No, really, take a closer look...
The yarn is from Dye-a-bolical Yarns, in a beautiful multicolorway. Its over 400 yards, so I may even make a little capelet or shawlette with it. Her theme was summer, and her fun little gifties really reflected that. And those candy kisses were gone seconds after the pic was taken. If I get a moment to myself, the bubble bath will be used this weekend.
If you come across a swap like this, I recommend giving it a try. It really brightened these last few months, and somehow, the packages always seemed to arrive on a day when I needed a lift the most.

Swallowtail Shawl

2007-06-07T08:34:00.001-07:00

Actually, a present for my sister. Let's hope I can finish it in time for her birthday later in June.
I start the nupps today. I'm anxious to experience the hubb-bubb...

Yarn: Morehouse Merino Laceweight, in coral
Needles: Addi Lace Size 4

Did I mention I'm loving it! I really enjoy lace!

FLICKR LETTER FUN

2007-06-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

Try it - it even makes cuss words look good...

Thanks BeachBungalow8!

Soho Dreamin'

2007-05-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Daughter #1 and I went shopping in Soho yesterday. But more than the stores, we took in the people. We've been over on Long Island too long and haven't had a trip to the city in a while. We didn't get the memo that little cotton sun dresses are EVERYWHERE! Daughter #1, being the major fashionista, wants them. Many of them. But nothing in the discounty type stores (aka Canal St.) would do. But when the price tag says $250, that's way over her price range on her tiny paycheck from her first real job. So we found ourselves over at Purl Soho Fabric and she realized that she could find a print that would work. So now we are off to find a suitable pattern to determine yardage, and I'm hoping my little girl will discover the love of sewing her mom has. I just have to figure out how to teach her so that
a) She doesn't get frustrated
b) I don't end up doing it all
c) She's pleased enough with the results to want to sew more
I just wish we had more interesting fabric options closer by. I'm sorry if I offend anyone out there, but JoAnn's is usually not my cuppa tea.
Anyway, some knitting eye candy for you. A bit fuzzy, but my camera isn't the best with closeups. Come to think of it, it isn't great with any "ups". Just a peak at my latest project...
Yea, I know, I didn't finish Monkey yet, but I have a present to make, and I'm still mourning the loss of my CP#1 in the yard.

"Don't You Wish Your SP10 Was Great Like Mine!"

2007-05-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

My Secret Pal struck again! This time everything was wrapped in red (favorite color) sparkly tissue paper, festooned with flowery sequins. I saved it all, folding it up and storing it neatly away... Inside - a favorite sock yarn, Twisted Sisters Handpainted Zazu. This is an extra fine merino, might even be made into a small decorative lacy scarf. Gorgeous colors! The needles you see next to the yarn are bamboo #9s decorated with glass balls at the top and matching stitch markers. Lovely! I also received the most adorable stuffed lamby, which my 4 year old immediately took off with. Included in my haul was some nice stitch markers - colorful and rubbery. I needed these since the only rubbery ones I had were taken from a Happy Meal Toy - (or maybe it was Wendy's) some kind of ring toss game. They max out at size 5 needles. The biggest ones in this set will fit 11s. Yay! Next up is a set of bent tapestry needles and a case. I've only been using straight tapestry needles from my old quilt tying days.

Now hold on, there's more!
A cute lamb tape measure, which I really need since all of my old tape measures seem to have vanished. Try to measure a garment with a big flat Olfa quilting ruler! There's also a nice little brown dotty notebook. The pages are brown too and the whole book smells just like a paper lunch bag. Yes, I admit it, I smelled it. What does that say about me? I smell yarn too, but I guess that's no big deal in this realm we blog in. I'm terrible at keeping notes and I've decided that this book will the be the beginning of keeping track of what row I'm on.
{Mr and Mrs. Potato Head were there on the dining room table ready to greet the new kid on the block.}

So, this is why I'm singing "Don't You Wish Your SP10 was Great Like Mine?"

A Little Diversion from Knitting

2007-05-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

What American accent do you have?
Created by Xavier on Memegen.net

Northeastern.
You're probably from somewhere near New York City, possibly north Jersey, or Connecticut or Rhode Island. If you are from New York City you may be one of the types who people never believe when you say you're from New York.

Take this quiz now - it's easy!

The More You Knit, the More You Learn aka Razor Cami

2007-05-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

KnottyMouse said it best. She calls it Lace Lessons. I call it Lace Credo.

Thanks to shadkitty for pointing me in the direction of her wisdom. And for that matter, shadkitty has quite a bit of wisdom herself!

So here's a bit of lace, deceptively easy, but so easy to mess up too. As with many others who have come and knit before, I decreased a bit before I put on the straps. I left the pattern pretty much as is otherwise, because I'm a purist in that sense and felt that any deviation (like ribbing at the top) was detracting from the designer's intentions. The straps will probably need to be shortened because I didn't realize how much the cotton would stretch. Figures, I did a nice Kitchner on them too.
Pattern: Razor Cami from Oh My Stars (Thanks Katie!)
Yarn: Classic Elite Tencel Cotton, icey blue
Needles: Size 4 clover bamboo (all other #4s previously occupied but did the job just fine)
I loved the lace pattern, and loved the yarn. I started this last Fall, and put it aside when the weather got colder and I longed for the feel of wool in my hands instead of cotton. I ran out of yarn and reordered in April, and couldn't get the same dye lot. In this case you cannot tell the difference. I was lucky. So, this is technically a finished UFO, although it never got on to the sidebar. So folks, can I start something new now, or do I have to finish another UFO? Check back for my decision...

I'm Enjoying This

2007-05-14T15:59:00.001-07:00

Come check out ThisNext.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Maia put a picture of her grandmother on her blog a while back. I found one of mine, and thought it was appropriate to put it on here for Mother's Day. My grandma had a huge roll in raising me, and I loved her dearly. I miss her every day, even though she's been gone for over 30 years. When the going gets tough, I feel her presence so strongly, like she's right by my side helping me. I didn't think I'd go this direction with my knitting blog - wanted to keep it all knitting, etc., but I thought grandma should be immortalized here. She would have loved the internet. She was forever clipping patterns for knitting and crochet from Family Circle and Good Housekeeping. I saved many of them. It's so great to have her handwriting on them. It makes me feel like she's still here. In her later years, she was enamored with crewel work, and we are fortunate to have some beautiful pieces - part of her legacy. We did all kinds of crafts together. We loved to paint ceramics together, and make Christmas ornaments with satin balls, sequins, bead and pins. Some of our ornaments were like snow globes, with little scenes inside, like a snowman or a creche. We would make a mess, and there was one night when Grandpa found sparkles in his meatloaf! BTW, that's my sister next to me, (the taller one, but now I'm taller) She was the Fetching recipient. Seems there were no pictures of me and Grandma alone that I could find, even though we spent more time alone together than either of my sisters did. So Alyce, you gave me the love of creating beautiful things. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.
Ah, a relaxing day at the beach! Mom and I (and the rest of the family) were visitng my Grandparents and vacationing in Florida. The picture probably preceded a lunch of hard boiled eggs and sandwiches. As you can see, I had an innate sense of fashion even at an early age... Claire, no one could love a mom more than I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

Are You Hungry?

2007-05-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

I'm lovin' this. She has an ebay store too, with bidding wars going on. It's amazing what can happen when you suddenly veer off the safe and narrow knitting highway.

My Knitter Son

2007-05-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce that my son has become a knitter. He started knitting about 7 months ago and would like to knit his sister a teddy bear for her upcoming birthday. We selected this pattern and this yarn and he's off and running...

He's concerned about the hole but I told him not to worry, he's still learning.
He brings it to school and knits during D.E.A.R. time (Drop Everything and Read). The girls crowd around, but at 10, he still finds them icky. Oh, how that will change in a few short years...

What is Wrong With this Picture?

2007-04-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

I know, besides the fact that it's blurry...
This is my second Monkey. I don't want to show it to you all until I have a matched set. Here's my problem. How many needles do you see? Four, right? Where's the fifth one, you ask? I WISH I KNEW! You see, it was a beautiful day here yesterday, with temps in the low 80s. #1 child was out, #2 child was entertaining a friend and totally absorbed in PS3, and #3 child was happily playing on her own. It was a perfect opportunity to sneak an hour of knitting in on Monkey. I knit away happily out on the patio in the chaise. My husband started sweeping (I love a man who cleans) and the dust started flying. I jumped up and quickly walked away, holding Monkey. I kind of meandered around the lawn. Not the whole lawn, just a small area. Then I went inside to check on #2 child, and to pick up where I left off on Monkey. The fifth needle had gone missing. I told the children (even the guest) that the first person to find it would get $5 and the hunt was on. "Is this it?" they asked. "No, that's a twig." And so it went for about 20 minutes, until I had to bring guest home and pick up #1 child. So if any of you find my Crystal Palace #1 dpn, I'll send you $5... And if Monkey doesn't get finished soon, it's not that I haven't tried.

For ME???

2007-04-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

A package arrived for me today. My son thought it was his Naruto cards from Ebay ("and even if it were, you haven't worked them off yet dear..."). He grabbed it out of the mailbox and his face went from pure glee to the depths of sadness. A 10 year old boy can get pretty worked up over card collecting. He handed it to me, and sure enough, it was rather squishy, not at all like cards, or even a bill. I searched my memory to try and remember what I had recently ordered. I thought I had a self-imposed yarn diet going, and thought I must be going a bit daft, not remembering what was obviously a yarn purchase made over the internet. When I opened the package, I was greeted with blue tissue paper. Then it dawned on me. Could it be my secret pal was gifting me again so soon? I tore into the package (no time for the requisite wrapped present shot - I was a woman possessed - and was greeted by this gorgeous hank of yarn love:
Its Cindy, from Whatnot Yarns , made by Joni Miles of Union Center Knits. There's a pin that says Yarn Star and a stitch marker with it as well. Plus gift labels to attach to the socks. (How about "To Me, Love, Me"?) Her Etsy shop is terrific. Thank you, my SP10. I LOVE it!!! Hope you are being treated well too! Love from Long Island...

My SP10 is the Bomb!

2007-04-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

My SP10 package arrived today, in this cheery mailer. Lola's secret ambition is to be a bomb sniffing postal inspector dog...

Sock Yarn!!! I'm resisting the tremendous urge to start a new pair with this gorgous stuff, called Inca Fiber. No content, but I'm suspecting baby alpaca and maybe silk? I've never heard of the brand before. The color and sheen are intense. Son wants another pair of green socks but I think these are very dh-ish, and will become Gentleman's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks.
They'll have to wait until Monkey is done, but the candy is for NOW. My kids are grateful too, because now mom isn't raiding their candy stashes at 4 in the afternoon. Thanks SP10. You're terrific!

Jaywalkers OFF the Needles

2007-04-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

That's a whole 'lotta Jaywalker there! Only 2 weeks behind schedule. They were to be an anniversary present for dh but since the weather here has been on the chilly side he wore them proudly off to work today. He likes them long. Here's a rare pose of the feet, which are attached to his legs, attached to his bum, actually sitting on the couch before 9:00 pm so I could post this pic in my blog today:
I promise you that little mark on his right foot is not a hole, but some schmutz that came from the rug. Schmutz abounds lately.

Yarn: Briar Rose Fibers Grandma's Blessings
Needles: Crystal Palace Bamboo Size #1 dpns

It's quite possible that he'll strut around the halls of the facility today (he's a post-production sound engineer for TV) showing off his present, pants rolled around his knees. People like that don't really stand out much in lower Manhattan in the television industry, trust me.
I loved the yarn, but something strange happened to it when I used my friend's neostphine and tried to wind it into a center-pull ball. It got super twisted and kinked alot. This caused me to have to stop knitting every so often and get the kinks out by letting the sock dangle from the ball. ANNOYING! I don't know how this actually happened, but I do know that it was from winding on the neostphine because before that I had it on a nice little hand wound ball and had no problems. If anyone has a clue as to what happened, let me know. For now, I'm blaming dh because he was the actual winder and since he's a tense individual to begin with, I charge him with the crime of winding too tightly.
Now that they're done, I'll finish up my Monkeys, and make some progress on my Storm Water Scarf. Keep me on track here folks. I just ordered some gorgeous lace weight yarn in the hopes that warm weather is around the corner, and a new shawl needs to be started. Oy.

My children just inventoried their sugar haul from yesterday. (Happy Easter!) When mom (me) says no candy before lunch, at least they can hold it and look at it. Kind of like us knitters with a new yarn and too many projects on the needles to cast on!

I Thought Knitting Was Supposed to Be Relaxing

2007-03-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm on what is all too familiar to many of you knitters out there as the "must finish this before I start another" journey. I thought I'd never succumb to this feeling. I said I suffered too long under this self-imposed guilt when I was a quilter. But I realize, as many of you do, that I have too many WIPs and it is starting to eat at me. So here is my Jaywalker, the second, sitting in the corner. (Yes, that's the leg of a treadle Singer next to it.) I should be the one in the corner, because I'm the one that keeps forgetting to KFB and ends up with too few stitches but of course, it isn't discovered until 2 rows from the mistake. So tink tink tink I go, all morning, knit an inch, rip a half, knit a half inch, rip a quarter, and so on. Not to mention the kids and the dog. Why do they need breakfast? Leave me alone in my self-imposed exile of "finish one project before you start another" land. Did I mention that the Jaywalkers are a gift which is now 5 days late, for my husband for our 19th anniversary? Now anyone out there thinking of starting a pair of Jaywalkers, don't let this post deter you. It is a wonderful pattern, very easy to follow and just saucy enough to keep my interest. And did I say a relaxing knit? Usually, but not this morning. Maybe its because the whole thing start when this bad boy came to town:
Lisa Sousa sock yarn, color Pacific. Freshly dyed I'm informed (with a March 26th date on the label, coincidentally my anniversary date), and beckoning me to abandon everything and come cast-on. Never did two hyphenated words sound so elicit before...

BTW, the kids and Lola the dog did eat well, but obviously, she does need a haircut. I wonder if Portuguese Water Dog hair can be spun...

Go Yarn Harlot!

2007-03-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

Dude... did we have fun at FIT last night or what? Yarn Harlot aka Stephanie Pearl-McPhee spoke about knitting and the muggles, (watch out for "C.H.O.K.E.") while we listened and took part in what has now come to be called "Represent". She is an excellent speaker, unassuming yet powerful. Her analogies left us all ROTFL (as daughter #1 would type if she were allowed her Myspace back). I met my two knitting girlfriends from my Barnes and Noble Knit Night, who had made a day of the yarn crawls. I drooled over their loot. The Koigu, the Lorna's Laces, the fancy carry-along which will be worked into a fantastic scarf by Karen. Liz, I can't wait to see those mittens!!! I wasn't able to make a day of it but I was lucky to just get to the lecture. My life as a mommy kept me from having the entire day off. It's not in my benefits package... We were all given yarn and needles to knit a square for Warm Up America, so we knitted and laughed and knitted some more. I was astounded by the sight of so many knitters, knitting in one place. And everyone was so happy to be there. Husband met me there after work, and I translated for him when terms flew by like dpns and gauge. I was glad he got to see what it was all about and that I'm not the only one out there in love with knitting.
Here's a pic of our buttons. The big one was handed out at the door (still so shocked that there was no entrance fee, living in the land of nothing is free here in NY) and we were instructed to wear it when going in and out of the auditorium. The little pin was $2 and is for Doctors Without Borders, a cause Stephanie is very passionate about.
And finally, my book, signed. I know, I'm smitten.
Pics will be posted soon of the lecture room and the attendees. They're being held captive on husband's phone...

Meathead Hat Quickie

2007-03-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Daughter #2 picked out this Plymouth Encore Colorspun Bulky the other day at a LYS. The pattern is called Meathead from Stitchmarker. The flower is from Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments and I found the pattern here. I used #15 straights, some vintage Susan Bates that might very well be one of my first sets ever purchased way back in junior high. This hat took about 45 minutes to make. My only changes on the next one would be to cast on using the long tail method instead of cable cast on (too loose) and to cast on with #13s and save the #15s for the stockinette part. I think 'll make another for the donation at FIT. We're all converging there tomorrow to listen to YarnHarlot. Can't wait!

Fleece Artist Celtic Vest - Done!

2007-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

And the above exclamation point is added with a bit of sarcasm... It's not really long enough and the color is, well, Meh. But it's done in time for St. Patty's Day, and although I don't have a proper pin to keep it closed, I'm using an old monogrammed brooch my aunt gave me when I was 10.
Details: Fleece Artist Scotian Silk;
needles - River James Birch Swing Needles 10.5mm

Before and after blocking:

Fetching Finished

2007-03-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

I gave these to my sister yesterday...
They're all scrunched down and everything, but trust me, they came out great. I knit them while watching "The Departed", so one cable row on one glove is one row shorter than the other, but unless you have your wrists together, you'd never see it. So as long as she doesn't get arrested and handcuffed, it'll all be ok. I must have goofed when there was that scene where, oh ... I'm not going to give it away for those that haven't rented it yet.
Anyway, sister was Happy. She said some guy was checking her out when she had them on and I told her that's because she looked all "subversive" in them. Mind you, they're hot pink. Anyway, details: Lion Wool, size 5 bamboo dpns. It was a fun quick knit, but I need my own pair to be a lacier, sexy version, like these.

Yarn PrOn

2007-03-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

I've been plugging away at some of my KIPs so I don't have anything really astounding to show off. But I have been buying yarn lately. What great therapy! Here's a pic of some new sock yarn that looks beautiful in the basket and will take me through the Spring and all the up-coming Lacrosse games and practices:
Clockwise from left,

Trekking XXL in a colorway very similar to my Jaywalkers done with Briar Rose Fibers , (still on the needles). I seem to be drawn to this camo-ish brown combo. Got this yarn from a nice LYS, Granny's Yarn Shoppe.
Woolarina superwash wool in Blue Thistle - check out the 10% off coups - we LOVE coups!
Sweet Georgia Yarns Speed Demon Sock Yarn in River - heard she's taking a break so I wanted to grab a hank and experience what others have said about this great yarn. Got it from The Point on Bedford St. in Greenwich Village.
Duet Sock Yarns in Chocolate Fantasy - a solid for the heel included and it's a DK weight so I'm going to be making DK Dimple Socks with this one.

Just noticed son's Lego box in the backround. That's another UFO.

Horcrux Socks Done

2007-02-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

I finished these last night, after frogging the heel on the second sock twice. No matter what I do, I get holes sometimes at the corners. I've tried to research tips and tricks, (God knows I love to research) but I think it's just that I'm a loose knitter and I need to tighten up a bit more. I think I tighten up, but tight for me is not tight enough, I guess. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Someone said to think of people that annoy me while I knit.
Son loves them. He's a big Harry Potter fan, and I knit these for him before Susan named the pattern, so it worked out perfectly. I'm a bit of a Muggle, so if you are like me and need a definition for Horcrux, click here. We have a Flickr group now, so if you want to investigate all the variations, you can see them.

Meet Clyde and my Monkey Sock

2007-02-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

No, I haven't started naming my socks. But this sock

Pattern: Monkey
Yarn: Wildefoot Sock Yarn - color Ragtime
Needles: Toothpick Size adorable little Brittany Birch #1

is knitting up so quickly it is a pleasure. It's really more in the red family, but the pic makes it look raspberry-ish.
I have a sick kiddo home this week, which also happens to be our school's mid-"Whiner " recess. I'm going out of my mind, so, meet Clyde:

Made by dh.
Go to Roxik and make your own.

You don't have to name it Clyde.

Horcrux Socks - One Down, One to Go

2007-02-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Here's the first one:
Knit with Lion Wool, size 5 dpns.
Son wants it because it is green. No one please tell him it has a lace pattern to it.
Loved this project in the installment style. Thanks Susan!

Drops Design Cable Bag

2007-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Winter Bag for Daughter
Pattern: Garnstudio Drops Design Bag with Cable Pattern Drops number 98, pattern 54
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool, color Dark Grey Mix 1 1/2 skeins
Needles: Size 4 bamboo circular

This was my first cable project and I enjoyed it, although I should have went up a needle size because I found myself wrestling to get the yarn over. The lining is some repro vintage cotton and I stiffened the bottom with a board covered in fabric, so it sits nicely.

The buttons are real vintage from my grandmother's collection (which I am the keeper of!). I changed the handles because I hate knitting back and forth on 6 stitches. I knit long, and was happy with the little curve it gave it. This also makes them less stretchy. I was originally knitting this for myself but daughter #1 saw it and loved it and usually doesn't like my projects so I was flattered into giving it to her. It's working out to be the perfect day to present it to her because a letter just came home telling her she did not get into the art program she wanted this summer. Maybe it will soften things a little...

A Quickie In the Morning

2007-02-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

I'm having a ball making Susan's socks. The directions are posted in installments. I was stuck in the house with son and later in the week daughter #2, and this little gem was a sanity saver. I'm using Lion WoolEase and size 5 needles, which after all the size 1 needles I normally do socks with makes me feel like I'm holding logs. But boy, what a quick knit.

NY Fashion Week and Knitting

2007-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one that thinks that this is just wrong?

Knit dress by Benjamin Cho at NY Fashion Week - 2/5/07

SP10

2007-02-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

I joined my first SP! Here's my info:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I haven't met a yarn I didn't like, but I'd have to say that lately I'm loving fingering weight yarns, and hand dyed and/or hand spun yarns. I also want to try soy and other non-wool fibers. Acrylic and Fun Fur make me cranky.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I use retro 1950s bright fuschia metal highball glass that was my grandma's. I had lots of soda in that cup when I was young. My circs are in their packages until I figure out another method of storage.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I started knitting very young, probably around 6, but stopped for a long period of time. I quilted for a while but now knitting is back with a vengance. I just got into it more heavily in the last 18 months. I guess I'm an intermediate knitter, better than beginner because I'll try anything, but not advanced because I'm slow.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Check my sidebar for my Amazon and Wist Wish Lists. I also have Etsy favorites but I need to drag those to my Wist list, because I can't figure out how to post my Etsy faves.

5. What's your favorite scent? I have many. Sometimes though just plain clean is my favorite.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? DARK CHOCOLATE!!!!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Quilting (although knitting has buried it, R.I.P.), cooking, gardening, some beading. Haven't caught the spinning or felting bug - yet.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love any current or classic rock, metal, classical, and jazz. I speak MP3 or CD.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I'm partial to red, but not crazy about bright yellow or bright orange. Love earth-tones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married for almost 19 years to a terrific guy, 2 girls 15 and 4, 1 boy 9, a Portuguese Water Dog named Lola and some fish (husband's).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, yes, no mittens but gloves/ wristwarmers, and no ponchos since 2003...

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks, Shawls, scarves, sweaters - pretty much in that order.

13. What are you knitting right now? HA! A Storm Water Scarf, Wicked sweater, wristwarmers, Celtic Vest, and a few other items in bags I don't want to think about right now...

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? ABSOLUTELY! The best!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circular or straight bamboo, or other wood but lately I'm jazzed by addi turbos. No other metals are fun for my hands though.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Knitted - 18 months (Quilted - 12 years...)

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas although it can be too much work... I get my Irish up on St. Pat's too.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Needles, vintage sewing items, teapots, Depression Glass.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I'd love to get some Lorna's Laces, Socks That Rock yarn, and more knitting books. Need some Zimmerman.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Fair-Isle, Intarsia, mastering continental, more elaborate lace.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? YES! I wear a 9, length is 9", circumference 8", ankle 9" (skinny chick...)

23. When is your birthday? July 13th.

Jaywalkers on the Needles

2007-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

I changed my blog a bit, taking advantage of blogger's new features, which I really haven't experimented with as much as I would like. I lost all my buttons, so I literally jumped back up from off the cliff and reverted back to my old template. I proceeded to copy my old template to Word, and cut and pasted the button code into the new template and now I'm cool. Trying to find usable information on the internet for doing this was pretty much impossible. But if I can figure out a lace chart, I figured I could do this, so I plodded on, in between other such mom duties, of course. We need a "Blogger-Help.Com" like our beloved "Knitting-Help.Com" to really show us newbies how to make this thing sing.
Anyway, here is a knitting picture just to keep this post on the happy side.
It's my latest, the Jaywalker. Late to the party? What party?

River John Swing Needles and Confusion/Change

2007-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure of anything right now. I'm especially not sure of my Fleece Artist Celtic Vest that I got from Colorsong. At first, I wasn't sure of the color - Moss. It's pretty lime-ish to me. The yarn itself, Scotian Silk (try to say that 3 times fast after 2 martinis) is 35% silk and 65% wool and is lovely, albeit thick compared to all the lace and socks I've been working on lately. When you work mostly with fingering and lace weight yarns and switch to a bulkier yarn it does have the tendency to feel like you are knitting with the Gorton Fisherman's fishing nets. Then I wasn't sure of the gauge. The directions say gauge grows quite a bit after being blocked. Now I'm not sure if the Rib Stitch pattern is correct, because I can't get the hang of the "swing".

I've got my balls (of yarn) nicely positioned, like Thing One and Thing Two. I knit with Yarn 1 and I knit1 purl1 with Thing, I mean Yarn 2. The directions say I don't turn my work at the end of every row. OK, got that, but I do turn my work at the end of every other row because both yarns are together at that point.

And I find I really have to give it a tug at the beginning of each row because that yarn sitting there resting can get quite loose. So I'm also not sure about these new needles - River John Swing Needles. I got them from Tidalbrookyarns on ebay, great service and very helpful. They're a very light and a pretty birch with a very faint wax to them, very almost unfinished - a big change from my Crystal Palace Bamboo which almost feel laquered.
Lola - chew your toys, not my River John Swing Balls...

Lola The Dog loves the removable balls at the ends of the sticks. They were slipping to the floor rather easily until I took the advice of the manufacturer and tied strings to them to make the holes tighter. Now Lola is jumping up to snatch the balls from the ends of the sticks, a more challenging game for her by far. So this has not been the relaxing knit I hoped for - yet.

I feel I've entered a new realm in knitting - Embrace Change is my Mantra...

What Kind Of Knitter Are You?

2007-01-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Storm Water Scarf Squeeky

2007-01-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This is a subjective review. It is in no way meant to disparage or endorse the product or the creator/company associated with the product. The sole intent is to share information about the practical characteristics of the product that may not be found at any other information source/website.

Dh gave me the Storm Water Scarf pattern with a lovely skein of Hand Maiden Sea Silk from Colorsong Yarn. I really enjoyed my last lace projects, so I dove right into this one on Christmas Night. My joyous knitting came to a screeching halt when I realized that my needles, size 4 Addi Naturas that had served me so well in my Razor Cami project were not the best choice for this particular project. They stuck too much for the Sea Silk, and the points, although pretty pointy, were not pointy enough to grab the k2togs. What to do? I thought about sanding down the points but decided to buy another set of needles while I was in Knit Away in Brooklyn, which was the very next day. I picked myself up a lovely pair of Crystal Palace #4 circs. I wanted to use circs on this project because I imagined doing this while at various doctor appointments, lacrosse games, and in general, waiting in the car for kids to emerge from wherever. The CPs did not work as I planned, however. The joins caught the Sea Silk and didn't want to let go without a fight. I happened to be around Knit Away again a few days later (I know, weird considering I'm 45 minutes away) and picked up a beautiful pair of Susanne circs in a size #4. All I've ever read was that these needles were primo. Well, they might be for some things but not for me when it comes to lace. The points were too blunt and the wood, while feeling light and luxurious was still too sticky for the Sea Silk. Why didn't I check first before plopping down $18 + tax? It was stapled shut so you couldn't see the points. AARG! Now I was on a mission. A woman possessed. I sanded down my Addi Naturas and thought I would achieve knitting nirvana. Still, the wood was too sticky and the joins too grabby. I kept looking at my measly few rounds of my pattern worried that it was destined for the UFO pile. I traveled to Knit in Greenvale a week later and bought my first set of Addi Turbos. I now know what everyone is talking about when they gush over those shiny silver Addis. They are the smoothest needles I've ever used. The joins are not like joins - just part of the needle. But the glare - I felt like I needed sunglasses! And the Sea Silk was too slippery on the metal. I kept feeling like I was about to fall off a cliff. And now I was feeling like Goldilocks, trying to find the needles that fit just right. So I consulted the vast wisdom of the internet, and read that some people love Bryspun Flex needles. I ordered a pair on Ebay and received them today. The project has been smooth sailing ever since. The points are long and delicious, sorting out the YOs and lifting them no matter how tightly wound. The joins, while not Addi Turbo joins, are doing their job and mostly staying out of the way. I feel more confident with no frogging since I switched. I must admit after using glamorous woods and super slick metals with wonderful cables, these white plastic things did feel a little like they came from the box with all my old childhood crafty things - the spool knitter, the cross-stitch with the Girl Scout Trefoil on it, but somehow they are superior to me for this particular project. The only thing? They're squeeky. Not squeeky like an old door squeeky, but kind of like a new pair of sneakers squeeky. So I am getting over the sensory aspect of this project - and I think I will actually finish this.

Now I have FIVE pairs of size 4 needles.

Doh!!
This scarf just got expensive...

Oh, by the way, I photographed the scarf positioned precariously on the notice that just came home from Prince Js school today informing us that another student in hi class has whooping cough...

My Blog as a Graph

2006-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

I've reached new heights of geekiness. This is my blog blooming. If you want to see how your blog looks in a whole new light, click on the link below.

http://www.aharef.info/static/htmlgraph/

Ho Ho Ho...

2006-12-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Here's my three scarves I gave Mom, sister 1 and sister 2 for Christmas. Two Dayflowers and Liesel. The pink Dayflower is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, as is the Liesel, and the green Dayflower is Lambs Pride Cotton. I enjoyed working on them all, but three Dayflowers would have sent me to the Funny Farm. The Liesel was easy, but there was little rest because the purl rows have some knit stitches here and there. I'm hooked on lace now. I made a scarf pin (a kilt pin actually) for each.

Here's a closeup of the Dayflower:

And the Liesel:

Child Labor is Alive in New York

2006-12-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

My own personal ball winder:

She works for cookies. Current assignment: wind my hank of SuperKid Mohair from Mohair in Motion . Let's hope she didn't take the curl right out of it...

Rhinebeck Fever!

2006-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at my latest acquisitions...

The Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival this year was overwhelming! There was so much fiber, and so many people! I didn't get there as early as I would have liked (coordination with mom wasn't at its best) but it was worth diving through crowds to get to all the gorgeous hand dyed lovlies. The cream colored yarn is from a llama named "Mabsoot" from Philo Llamas. At 180 yards for $17.50, I'm hoping that it will be enough for wristwarmers for daughter #1 who didn't like my Recycled Wool/Silk (see previous post). The pink yarn is for daughter #3's new socks. She fell in love with the color and texture a 50% merino 50% tencel combo. You can't see from the pic but it has subtle variations of dark pinks. It comes from Ellen's 1/2 pint Farm in Vermont. She loved the hank so much that when husband and I tried to roll it into a ball it became a major operation of tangles... He's very patient and good at getting knots out! The olive green wool is from Sheepy Valley in upsate New York. I'm thinking about using it for a scarf for husband that I found in this Irish Hiking Scarf KAL. The truly yummy SuperKid Mohair comes from Mohair in Motion in Minnisota and owner Betty Todd had a shawl out on display - just a big rectangle. A great easy project for those days when I can't count. I'll treat myself to a funky shawl pin when I'm done and hopefully wear it to Thansgiving. The gorgeous handpainted sport weight 100% superwash merino in shades of brown and green comes from Briar Rose Fibers. I'm using it for a pair of socks for husband. The needles in the pic are size 1s in dpns and 36" circulars, for all the sock projects I need to get to. These are impossible to find locally and I saved on s&h by finding them at the show. But the line at the register, Oy! Now I only worry that I'll snap them, since they are soooo thin.
So all in all I'd say it was a good day, although I wish it wasn't so crowded. There was a grea deal of roving for spinners and felting supplies for felters, both of which I don't do. Seeing it all though made me feel almost like I was missing out on some aspect of the love of fiber. The kids will definately stay home next year, or I'll have to adopt a Llama from the Northeast Llama Rescue to keep them happy...

Recycled Silk On My Doorstep

2006-10-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

My recycled wool silk came today from Himalaya Yarn. It is the most beautiful speckled black. I'm making the Rustic Ruffle Wristwarmers from Interweave Knits. Each skein is 175 yards, enough to make a pair of wristwarmers. I ordered two skeins and they sent a third for free with a note that it was the end of the dyelot. Daughter wanted a pair but has changed her color preference (figures) so now I have these three lovely hanks. Maybe I should rethink my project to something that can use up all three hanks with...

Fall Clapotis Finis!

2006-10-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

And I loved doing it. Really! It took 7 balls of Noro Silk Garden 201 on size 8 Lantern Moon bamboo circular needles. I frogged halfway through, "cleaned up my act" and got serious with paying attention to the pattern, and the result is terrific! I'm not blocking because I love the way it curls up around me. I wore it to dinner in Manhattan down in Soho last week and got looks (maybe "Where DID she buy that gorgeous stole?" LOL)

Knit Side

Purl Side - LOVE the valleys!

Boogie Fever!

2006-08-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here's Princess G in her Kidlet Tank from Boogie Knits

She loves it!
Yarn: Filatura DiCrosa Baby for Tahki Stacy Charles Zarella, color pink 32 - 52% virgin wool, 48% acrylic. Needles #5 Bamboo Circular

Fake A Gamo Accomplished!

2006-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here it is! And just in time for my birthday on Thursday!

Here's the lining. I added pockets for cell and lipsticks.

Here's a pic of some ideas for adding beads:

Dd thinks the bead idea is too much what with the curlicues and all. So I'll shelve the beads for now.
I'm so proud of myself. This is my first KAL, my first venture past scarves, and my first craftster, flickr and blogger picture upload. (You go girl...)

Knitting and Wine Don't Mix

2006-05-13T17:36:00.001-07:00

I just had a glass of wine and subscribed to 20 or so knitting digests through Yahoo. I already get too much mail, and now I will be reading digests instead of knitting. ARGGH! All I wanted to do was find a local knitting group with someone that can teach me combined knitting. WHAT HAVE I DONE???

Fake-agamo Handle Hunt in NYC

2006-04-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

So I went into my LYS, Knit Pick in Baldwin today looking for the perfect Fake agamo yarn. I told the owner Linda what my plans were and she laughed, whipping out the full page picture from a magazine, telling me that as we were speaking a friend of hers was in Manhatan (we live about 40 miles away) looking for the perfect handles, hopefully the same as the ones Sal used. Woohoo! I made her promise me she'd email me as soon as they (or a resonable facsimile or better) was found, and gave her some links to our KAL as payment. Don't you just love kismet? Oh, and she told me that I should go to Michaels for my yarn, that they might have just the right stuff. She's thinking about a cotton with no sheen that people use for the tops of dishtowels. She's an honest one. I just feel my Fake a gamo deserves better than Michaels!

Fake-agamo Fever

2006-04-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

There's a gorgeous Ferragamo bag that some knitters at are trying to decipher the pattern for. I can't wait for the pattern to be available. We're going to do a Fake-a-gamo knit-along and it should be loads of fun. Guess I won't need to buy my usual Canal St. knock-off this year. A picture of the original bag is found on Stephanie's blog. Can you see why I'm jazzed about it?

2006-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

I just love knitting sites. The slick photography of the yarn, the cool and sophisticated descriptions of the products. I love the knitting blogs. Some writers are quirky, others elegant. All have great ideas and great links to other quirky, elegant sites.
I cut my teeth so to speak on the WWW when my thirst for information concerning quilting exceeded my books, quilt shops, and fellow quilters (although I was pretty much a "lone quilter", not too into the guild stuff, but that's a whole other post.) The web sites back in the early 90s were pretty archaic, and many very dull. There were a few pioneer women, making as tasty a page as they could not knowing too much HTML (there were no programs to plug the code in for you back then). We relied mainly on listservs and ftp sites to glean info. "Anyone know a better way to _______ ?" - Check back in a few days for your 20 or so replies.
I still love quilting, but I think I might love knitting more. When I have the courage I will post pictures of my crude scarves and my current attempt at a sock. But for now I will skip across the wonderful pages that contain blogs and products, wrapping myself in them like a lace shawl. Let's hope I can balance my time between the thirst for knowledge and inspiration and the necessity of finishing at least one project so I don't have more than two going at the same time. No more UFOs, like back in the days of quilting.

I Feel Like a Kid When I Hear This

2006-03-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

Flyin' me back to Memphis
Gotta find my Daisy Jane
Well the summer's gonne
And I hope she's feelin' the same
Well I left her just to roam the city
Thinkin' it would easy the pain
I'm a crazy man and I'm playin' my crazy game, game
Does she really love me I think she does
Like the star above me I know
Because when the sky is bright
Everything's all right

Flyin' me back to Memphis
Honey keep the oven warm
All the clouds are clearin'
And I think we're over the storm
Well I been pickin' it up around me
Daisy I think I'm same
Well I'm awful glad
And I guess you're really to blame, blame
Do you really love me
I hope you do
Like the stars aboveme how I love you
When it's cold at night
Everything's all right

Thinking about Making a Knitting Blog

2006-03-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about making a knitting blog. There are so many knitters out there with their own blogs - seems the right of passage from beginner to intermediate. But won't it take time away from knitting? Ebay is already a black hole, do I need another? Do I need another thing in my life that is less than neat and tidy and calls to me, nags to me, to come take care of it? Plus, I don't have a cat and it seems a prerequisite for making a knitting blog. Hmmm....