Mama Knits

Progress Made!

2011-08-12T16:25:00.010-05:00

I haven't entered any knitting in the local county fair in probably 20+ years. The group I knit with on Tuesday evenings decided that each person should enter something ... I chose my SS 2011 Shawl (blue ribbon), Recuperation Socks (blue), DH's Christmas 2010 Socks (red), and Market Bag (red). Most of us are already planning to enter again next year.

I've been working on the Summer Mystery Shawlette pattern by Wendy D Johnson for dd, Alcariel. She knit the shawlette, but I'm expanding it to a full shawl using Brooks Farm Acero yarn, purchased at Estes Park Wool Market in June.

I added 192 sts CO sts to the outer edge of the shawl, 433 sts total, which increases the repeats of Chart 3 to seven times! I'm halfway through the second repeat... each repeat decreases the sts by 48. I am under 300 sts now ... the rows are getting shorter instead of longer.
I started the above socks for Sock Summit from the striping yarn available from Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber. Before I forgot how to do it, I added the after-thought Crystal Heel from the class dd and I took at SS. I still have about 1.5 inches to knit before doing the toe ... on the first sock! I haven't knitted single socks in over three years ... always used 2AAT on magic loop after learning about the technique. At least with the striping yarn, I will be able to match the length closely.

I've finally finished kitchenering the toes of the plain vanilla socks from some Paca Ped yarn I picked up on a week's retreat last summer in the southern part of the state. I wished I had used the afterthought heel when I knitted these socks last fall, but didn't, so they pool on the instep.

Oh... I've officially retired from teaching school! I've really been enjoying my care-free summer ... not having classes, workshops, curriculum, or lesson plans to do and having the $$ I spent on classroom supplies and school clothes .... to spend at Sock Summit instead.

At the doctor's appt yesterday, the surgeon said I should be a "poster person" for total knee replacement and the importance of sticking with therapy suggestions to prevent stiffness. He couldn't believe how well I was walking ... was really delighted when I told him my physical therapist asked another one in the practice to watch my "gait" and tell which knee I had replaced ... he chose the wrong knee because I was "favoring" that one. Don't have to see the doctor until next April for the year check-up.

I'm Back!

2011-08-06T21:28:00.008-05:00

. After several months of physical therapy and prescription drugs, an orthopedic surgeon said the only thing to do was total knee replacement. So, ... finally April 12, my new knee was in place. Not being able to sit for long lengths of time ... I was told to get up every 20 minutes and walk for 10 minutes ... which I faithfully did for the first six weeks after surgery. This summer I have event gone for a couple of "short" bike rides around town. Most people who saw me walking then, couldn't believe how well I was doing. I would like to say that was my reason for doing so was just to feel better ... NOT! I wanted to be ready to go with my daughter, Alcariel on Ravelry, to the Estes Park Wool Market in early June and then to Portland for Sock Summit 2011 in late July. Estes Park was okay, but I did use my cane a bit for support especially when standing in one place for longer than a couple of minutes. All this time, my knitting was severally affected by my not being able to sit for a couple hours each afternoon or evening.

We just returned last week from Sock Summit ... I was able to keep up, most of the time, when walking places ... met friends made in 2009 at the first event ... renewed those acquaintances this year ... made new contacts in the knitting world ... participated in classes and listened to lectures ... exchanged "sweet corn" stitch markers with other participants ... knitted in the convention center's lower hallway each day ... and started to make plans for the 2013 event that was "rumored about" at the meet-up. The best thing was the marketplace with many beautiful yarns, needles, bags, patterns, etc. that have come to live in our house, at least until the yarn is all knit.
I did finish a Dane Shawl in the ST-1 (a colorway chosen by Steph (the Yarn Harlot) and Tina (from Blue Moon Fiber Arts), the two bravest ladies to take on such an event for the second time. Here's the blocked shawl and also a close-up. It was orange, rust, green, and a golden yellow knitted in BMFL STR lightweight. I did purchase a sufficient amount of yarn in the 2011 colorway chosen by the same two ... for a shawl for the next conference ... haven't picked the pattern yet.

Preparing for Recuperation

2011-01-11T11:00:00.002-06:00

First of all, I have been terrible in keeping my knitting blog updated. As a teacher, I have to maintain a website, blog, wikispace, etc. for students to consult. Well, that takes a lot of time. Since this is my last year of teacher, next year there won't be that excuse.
In mid-August before school started, I took a "tumble" while wheeling a small cart with supplies on it from my car into school. Actually, the cart began to fall and I ended up astride it. II was diagnosed with a severely strained knee and went through six weeks of physical therapy. The pain never went away and actually became worse. So, the end of November, I was back at the doctor's office. He referred me to an orthopedic surgeon about 55 miles west of home. I was given an appointment for Dec. 19 only to have it cancelled the week before when the surgeon suffered an injury and needed to have "a procedure" done ... the receptionist said that he wouldn't be accepting new patients until the 3rd to 4th week of January. I didn't want to wait that long, so I was given an appointment on Dec. 29 with the other knee specialist in the same office. He gave me a cortisone shot that "zapped" all pain ... but for only six days! He did say it wasn't a fix, but a temporary relief from pain. I would need complete knee replacement surgery within 4-6 weeks. Well, I called the office the end of last week to schedule surgery only to be told the "knee docs" and their staff were at a conference and would be home mid-week. Knowing that I won't be as agile as before ... at least for a while, I decided that I need to prepare for the recuperation time.
This past week-end, I was able to get knitting projects ready to knit ... a sweater for my dog, a shawl for a friend, a vest that has been a WIP way too long, and I sweater that I started last year at this time only to discover that I didn't have enough yarn for the long sleeves that I wanted, instead of the 3/4 length on the pattern. I took care of the most important "stuff", at least to me, first.
Since then I have been making double batches of some of our favorite meals to put in the freezer so the dh can take them out and easily make lunch and supper. So far, I have made hamballs (put them in cupcake tins to freeze), Swedish meatballs, a couple of soups, some beef gravy made from the crockpot drippings of a beef roast (for hot beef sandwiches), and still hope to make a couple chicken casseroles that we like. We won't starve!
Here in the midwest, we have endured another two-day snowfall and are just waiting for the wind to pick up later today to give us the blizzard status. We received 8+ inches of the light, fluffy snow that glistened under the streetlight last night, so when the wind comes, it will blow. Before the snow, we did have freezing sleet, so that roadways are very slippery. We have had two days of school cancelled, so will have those added on the end of the school year.
I try to post some completed projects later on today ... can only sit at the computer about 10 minutes before my knee starts aching.
Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

I'm a Shameful Blogger

2010-09-05T16:13:00.005-05:00

DD (Alcariel on Ravelry) decided to come home for the Labor Day week-end. After church this morning, I changed clothes and came out with knitted socks. DD said, "When did you do those?" When I told her that they were from TLE sock club last spring, she then said, "Well, you haven't blogged in a couple of months." My reply was, "I didn't know that you read my blog." Her answer was a resounding, "YES, I do!" So, I guess I'd better put the completed socks up. These are March Mosaic Socks by Wendy Johnson in the spring chill colorway from Fiesta Yarns Baby Boom. I did the pair toe-up (yes, Deb Barnhill, another pair of toe-up socks) ml on Addis #1 and #2. They were started April 27 and finished May 12, so a quick knit for me.

An FO this summer was the New Shell scarf from Jamieson's Ultra fw shetland yarn, a gift from Hreow in an RSE. I had started it May 16, 2009, but didn't finish it. Then when the snows of 2009-10 came about every two weeks, it was my project ... but I did finish it until July 15 ... this summer. The pattern only called for two balls of the yarn called strawberry crush, but Hreow had sent 3 since I like wide, long scarves. I knitted until I thought I just had enough left for the bind-off ... and I just did ... about one foot was all that remained.

I'm also working on another Gail shawl, this a Christmas gift for a friend ...from Kraemer Yarns Sterling Silver and Silk yarn in the tuxedo colorway. I hope to do 12 pattern repeats and am just starting the 9th repeat. Hopefully it will be finished by the end of September.

My knitting has slowed a lot due to an unfortunate accident the day before classes began at school. I was bringing the last of my "stuff" on a small AV cart when the wheel caught on a crack in the sidewalk sending my "stuff" and me forward. Not wanting to meet up with the cement sidewalk, I pushed my hands down onto the side of the cart and that saved my fall. It did, however, leave me with a severly strained left knee. I have been taking physical therapy and am starting to feel some relief. I haven't missed a day (actually just the morning), but have come home to the cold packs and tylenol. Just haven't seemed as enthused about knitting. That will change ... I guarantee that!

Happy knitting! TLGB

Blogging Apology

2010-06-27T09:26:00.004-05:00

I have been a terrible blogger lately.

Dd and I went out to Estes Park for the Wool Market again this year ... June 10-13. We took an Orenburg lace class from Galina. Yes, we spent two days learning the motifs and then putting them together for an "original" design. In the afternoon of the second day, Galina asked if anyone needed help with a knitting problem. I asked for her to show me continental knitting which she graciously did. I heard that it was easier on arthritis ... I have basal joint arthritis in my right thumb. Well, it doesn't help with mine ... I've started a scarf and will complete it, but don't know if I'll be able to do it until I have the surgery. The scarf is our of Manos de Uruguay in a silk/merino blend ... absolutely divine to knit. Don't have the pic on my laptop yet, so that will come. We were able to preview/purchase at the vender barn Friday after classes were concluded. Dd and I exhibited extreme control. Both of us made yarn purchases from Galina's booth, Skaska Designs. Dd was able to find a couple of sheep fleeces.
The entire time was rainly ... from a gentle shower to a downpour on Saturday when we went out to the fairgrounds. Sunday morning we packed the car in a heavy rain and drove in rain most of the way across Nebraska.

These are my completed Eunice socks by Cookie A for the KAL that dd hosts on her videocast blog here. They were knit with Sockissima Colori Socka Color 100 in the colorway 09 (blue, purple, green, dark gold). I knit them 2AAT on #3 Addi ml ... started in early June and finished late in the month.

I've started my next pair, Hermoine's Everyday Socks in Wollmeise Supersocke in the Saumi colorway (red, yellow, blue, white).

Happy knitting! TLGB

Cozi's Cabled Sweater

2010-05-17T17:21:00.005-05:00

On 12-17-09 , I started a new sweater for dh's Brittany. Dd (Alcariel on Rav) had knit a bright orange sweater 3 years ago, but it has shown its use and wear even though it is covered with a neoprene chest protector when the dog is hunting with dh. This is her new, "going to visit" sweater. It is Garnstudio's "Cabled Dog Sweater" in Plymouth Galway worsted wool, on #6 and #7 KP Harmony circ. The pattern called for sport/dk wt and the largest size given was for a "medium" dog ... about 6 inches short in the body and 5 inches in the burst (chest). With the medium size adjusted for length where needed, it fits the 40 lb. Brittany perfectly. Finished earlier this afternoon.

The Loopy Ewe Sock Club

2010-05-03T13:45:00.007-05:00

DD, Alcariel on Rav, convinced me earlier this year to try get in the sock club from The Loopy Ewe. She did tell me, though, that it was a lottery system so not everyone that applies will be accepted. Well ... I got in and received the first shipment in March ... love it, but had to wait to finish two pairs of socks on the magic loop already. Both a sock and scarf pattern came, but I chose the socks ... and then discovered that they were toe up. Both dd and I took Deb Barnhill's class at Sock Summit last summer, "Toe-up for the Stubborn." I finished my pair of socks, but dd decided to frog hers since she wasn't enjoying the knit but liked both the stitch pattern she chose and they yarn. Well, here's how my socks look so far.

Pattern: March Mosaic Socks by Wendy Johnson

Yarn: Fiesta Yarns Baby Boom - Spring Chill colorway

2AAT on magic loop - Addi #1 2.25mm

I'm also trying to complete a wip each month. For both April and May, however, I working to complete a scarf from Jamieson's Sheltland wool, an exchange gift from Hreow here on Ravelry. The pic is at the halfway mark, but I've finished the first two balls of light fingering weight, so am at the two-thirds mark. The pattern was also included New Shell Scarf. Can't wait to block it!

An FO and some SAM socks

2010-04-15T20:29:00.004-05:00

I decided to complete a WIP over Easter week-end when dd was visiting. I chose the Hemlock Ring Doily Throw that I started about 18 months ago. I found the knitted edging to be very slow going for me with the arthritic joint at the base of my right thumb ... heavy knitting tends to aggravate it a lot. I did, however, finish knitting and did the blocking earlier this week. It ended up blocking to 56 inches diameter.

Just completed my April socks. These are Cookie A's Glynis socks from Sock Innovation. The yarn was the March shipment from the Unique Sheep's Sip 'n Stitch Club - Footprints in the Quechua colorway. I did 2AAT on #2 Addi ml.

Kai Mei Socks ... done!

2010-03-15T13:33:00.006-06:00

After knitting dd socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovation, I decided that I'd like a pair, too. I picked the Kai Mei in STR's colorway Lucky. I've have knitted most of my socks on magic loop in the past 3 years, so that's what I started until it came to the gussets. I just couldn't make it work, so I took each sock off, frogged what little I had done, and ended up working them individually on dpns until I was ready to knit out the foot. When placed back on the circ, I place the lace pattern gusset with the instep on one side, the "plain" gusset and sole on the other. That way, I would work a m1 on the sole and do the dec at the edge of the pattern to make it "travel" across the top of the foot. When I was finished with the pattern, they fit my size 10 foot perfectly. Here's a close-up of the stitch pattern.

Happy knitting! TLGB

I'm Still Alive and Knitting!

2010-03-01T05:38:00.003-06:00

Once again, I'm using the same title for my knitting. I have really been neglecting my blog along with the "busy-ness" of the professional development requirements for school this year. Retirement in another year appears most attractive.

DD and attended the 2010 Knit-In of the DSM Metro Knitters again for some "get-away" time from the midwestern winter ... this year an especially snowy one. We both had knit a Fiber Trends Huggable Hedgehog for the two dd of our knitting instructor from Sock Summit. The first thing we did after getting to the room was to add the eyes and nose to our creature and stuff them. DD had purchased some plastic pellets in the doll supply section at Hobby Lobby for a weight in the "bottom". We enclosed them in a fabric "sack" made from some scrap material and that worked quite well to give each one enough weight in that area to sit up well. DD is planning on shipping them to the girls very soon!

As part of my 2010 knitting intentions, I want to complete socks each month for the SAM group here on Ravelry. My arthritic right thumb isn't causing too many problems, so I've made it through February now. I used the Wollmeise Socks by Monica Jines to knit with the gradient colorway Coffee House Reef from the Unique Sheep's Stitch 'n Sip Club, a gift from dd. I didn't use the 4th color, however, since it wasn't needed. I hadn't checked the US's website for beginning the new color until dd suggested I do so. I had to frog about 6 rows of colors 1 and 2. To change colors, I knit 2 rows color 2, 4 rows color 1, 4 rows color 2, and 2 rows color 1 ... then just continued with color 2. It really "blends" the colors together quite well.

I've also been working on several WIPs ... the cabled dog sweater for dh's Brittany, the New Shell scarf (part of a swap package from Hreow in the RSE), socks for dh, and started the socks for March, Holidazed with some OnLine sock yarn from my stash.

That's all for now ... wow, spring is only 20 days away and we still have about 3 feet of snow on our yard. We have received 5+ feet this winter. That's enough!

Happy knitting! TLGB

More snow ...... more time to knit!

2010-01-07T13:40:00.009-06:00

No, I haven't disappeared ... I have just been neglecting my blog. This is partially to keep Christmas gifts a surprise partnered with a very busy fall in my job - teaching Spanish 1 to 80 students, all but four freshmen.

Early in fall, I asked dd to pick a color of Wollmeise from my stash for her Christmas socks. I then asked her to choose some patterns that she would like .... from Cookie A's Sock Innovation. She marked 4-5 different patterns. As she was choosing, I heard her say, "These are stockinette on the foot which would work in my nursing shoes." So ... I chose that pattern "Sam" with Wollmeise 100% merino in the True Love colorway, 2AAT on ml. Started them the end of September and finished them in a month (I do have 2-3 pairs of socks ON most of the time).
Then, as a surprise, I decided to knit the Gail shawl (aka Nightsongs) . I chose a colorway that I had received as a member of the Wollmeise sock club last year, the colorway Okzident, a blend of blue, green, charcoal. I finished the edge with STR lightweight in the Thraven colorway, it blended quite well. I followed the pattern using US #7 harmony circ from KP, but didn't care for the tightness of the bind-off. The pic above is with that bind-off. So, after Christmas when dd had opened the present, I frogged the bind-off and did my usual loose bind-off. It had a lot more stretch to it and should bring the points out farther. DD said that she would block it, but if she doesn't want to, I can get it from her later this month and do it then.

When dd and I were at Sock Summit in August, I purchased a some Krazy Zauberball in the U boat colorway (navy, green, light and dark gray) especially for dh since he is a WW II history nut. When I started knitting the socks in October, it was really overcast ..... hardly had a sunny day all month. In November when the sunny, colder days came, some purple appeared in midst of the navy .... dh doesn't like purple. Well, I continued on and only let him know they were his socks when I had him try one on after the heel turn, just to make sure it worked for his high instep. His comment, "They're so soft and beautiful." Well, he really likes them. The dd of a coffee friend is a full-time elementary teacher as well as mom to three children (15, 12, 7) and her husband has been deployed to Iraq since last summer. She has been having a tough time around the holidays, so I decided to knit her the Magic Shawl from Rav with Noro Silk Garden in colorway 251 on size 10.5. Her dh surprised her by coming home for 10 days, arriving the Sunday after Christmas. I've finished the shawl and each of the coffee ladies will write a little message to her to include with the shawl. She can choose to read them all at once or read one whenever she needs a little "hug" from her dm's friends.

Oh, an explanation about the title ... in the past two weeks, we have received three substantial snowstorms complete with blizzard winds and very cold wind-chill temps. We are in the midst of the third one right now. The two previous ones each dropped about a foot of the light fluffy snow that hasn't ever settled or crusted over .... each little wind we get blows it around. That is the case today and tomorrow. The ditches are full in the countryside, so that a danger for those traveling ... the highway east of town is blocked by several semi trucks. I do like winter and the whiteness of the snow. Hope I still like it after the next two months .... usually a time when we get a lot of snow.
Happy knitting. TLGB

I'm Still Alive and Knitting!

2009-12-06T13:53:00.006-06:00

I have been terrible with my blog the past three months. I have been knitting, mostly Christmas presents that I've been trying to keep "secret" from dd and dh. Dh doesn't realize, most times, that what I'm knitting is his. I started the Cauchy socks from Cookie A's "Sock Innovation" in a Crazy Zauberball that I purchased at Sock Summit's marketplace. The colorway was described as royal blue, charcoal (almost black), a teal green, and light gray. Well, there's about an inch wide strip of purple in the middle of the royal blue. Shortly after our marriage 37+ years ago, dh told me that he didn't wear pink or purple. Well, I hope that he has mellowed now that he's over 60, but just in case he doesn't I've just started a pair of socks in a dark hunter green Huntington from Valley Yarns that I purchased from WEBS at sock summit ..... destined for Valentine's Day. If I get them finished, I'll be happy.

In mid-September a specialist diagnosed the pain in the base of my right thumb as basal joint arthritis at an "old" thumb fracture site. I think that probably happened 10+ years ago on an ambulance run. It was treated as a "jammed" thumb with no xrays taken. I, too, thought that was the case until last year this time when I could not do color knitting as I had before due to the extreme pain. Now at least there's a diagnosis. I have a splint to wear when needed and take ibuprofen as needed. Other knitting hasn't been affected that much, just slower. Now, I wasn't a fast knitter like some, but realize when the pain starts to stop knitting and do a "paraffin dip". That really helps.

I am about 3/4 finished with a knitted hedge hog (from Fiber Trends) for the daughter of a teacher/friend that dd and I became acquainted with at Sock Summit. Just purchased the nose and eyes. DD (Alcariel on Rav) hasn't started hers for the other daughter, so we've decided that it will be a gift in the New Year. I did finish the toe-up socks from my class at SS "Toe-up for the Stubborn" with Deb Barnhill. And ..... I do wear them just about every week!

I'm quite the "proud mama" since dd started a videocast after our return from Sock Summit. Check it out at http://roundthetwistwithcarin.blogspot.com/. Both dh and I are eager on Thursday mornings to watch it with our first cup of coffee.

Today is "start the Christmas tree" day. We have an artificial one that has a lot of branches to be placed and then I weave the strings of white mini lights through the branches. Usually a two-day task after I return from teaching my Spanish 1 classes. All I have done so far, is the furniture moved out of the walls and trying to fit everything with room for the tree. I'll take a pic when it is done. Dd always likes to see the tree in the front window when she comes home for Christmas.

Happy December everyone! TLGB

Toe-up Socks Almost Done!

2009-09-19T15:15:00.005-05:00

I'm almost finished with my toe up socks that I started after DD and I took the Sock Summit class, Toe Up for the Stubborn with Deb Barnhill. Here's the latest pic taken-
This pic shows the socks with 7 pattern repeats completed above the heel flaps - I actually did 8 and then had to only do the first 5 rows on the last repeat. Now I'm about two rows into the 1x1 rib - I'll probably do a total of 18 rows, so it will take some time. I hope to have these completed this week-end.

Helen's Socks Are Completed!

2009-09-10T15:24:00.002-05:00

Just finished the socks for Helen, the elderly lady I taught with when I first started 38 years ago. The pattern is Socks of Kindness: A Recipe, knit with Austermann Step (colorway 09) on Addi #1 ml. Can't wait until next week when dd comes home and we present both she and her husband Art with hand-knitted wool socks. She is always admiring what I'm knitting when we meet at the coffee shop.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Dear Helen's Socks

2009-09-04T16:55:00.005-05:00

After dd and I returned from SS09, we had to have morning coffee at "The Grind". A retired 90 yo+ teacher and her dh always come in after 8:30 for their cups of coffee and a shared bagel/scone. DD, Alcariel on Rav, said,"Why don't we knit Helen and Art some socks?" We took quick glimpses of their feet and have just guessed at what sizes to make. She decided to make hers for Art out of some yarn she purchased at SS. She has already finished hers and I'm still working on mine for Helen. Check Art's socks out on her videocast. I'm about 1 inch past the gusset. Helen's feet appear to be about the same size as mine (10 ladies), so I have about 6.5 inches to go before starting the toes. With school starting, my knitting time has been shortened. With the extra day this week-end, maybe I'll get a lot done. It's a bright, sunny afternoon, so decided to take some pics. The small bits of teal/turquoise don't show well in the photos.

I've done all my prep work for teaching next week, so will have plenty of time to knit. Dh is on medic duty all week-end, so I may not see a lot of him.
Have a happy and safe Labor Day! Happy knitting! TLGB

Knitting With Beads

2009-08-22T12:49:00.005-05:00

I decided to pull out the Heart to Heart Scarf by Silvia Harding that was part of the Embrace the Lace Club from Woolgirl. When the package arrived in late May, I started with the gorgeous cashmere yarn right away. I was, however, always dropping a bead and searching for it. Well, I've come up with the following help that is really working for me. I'm using a half-size cake/cookie sheet with the rubber shelf liner in the bottom. I've been copying my stitch patterns on index cards that I cover with clear Contact paper for ease in taking with me and not destroying the pattern. I can load my crochet hook with beads and leave it on the matt ..... it doesn't move anywhere. With the tray on my lap, what beads may fall on the matt, stay there! I actually may enjoy beaded knitting now. Here's a couple pics.

I'll try to take a pic of the first repeats of the shawl this afternoon and post those, too.
Happy knitting! TLGB

RSE4 Scarf Is Done!

2009-08-21T20:21:00.009-05:00

I've been in all the Ravelry Scarf Exchanges and also was an angel. This scarf, however, had me stumped for a couple of months ....... I knew what yarn I was going to use for Starrypurplehaze, but the patterns I tried, all three, just didn't work. Then, I decided to try a pattern I had received recently .... BINGO! ..... just perfect. On July 28, I started the scarf for the 4th time and just finished it this afternoon ...... it's blocking as I blog. I can hardly wait to get it off the blocking board ..... I have a 4x8 ft. piece of 3/4" styrofoam insulation that I use ..... It stood up amazingly well with all the pins I use when I block. 9-8-09 Scarf has been received, so here's the pics. I'm also trying to get the Gaia Shoulder Hug done for a friend. It only takes one skein of Noro sock yarn. A lady was knitting one at the SS, so I went in the marketplace, found the yarn at Paradise Fibers, and ran the pattern off in the lobby of the hotel. Then I discovered that I had left my notebook with all my circs at home. It was the first thing I started when I returned home.

Then I'll do the socks for an elderly retired teacher ......, she and her husband come every morning for coffee and a bagel/scone/sweet bread at the Daily Grind here. She and her dh, both in their early 90's, still live at home without outside assistance. They are amazing people! DD has already completed Art's socks and I do have Helen's about 3 inches down on the legs. I do both on ml, so once I get started, they will go fast.

I'll then do the socks I started at Sock Summit for my Toe-Up for the Stubborn class. I have the magic cast-on mastered and am halfway up the foot, but now I have to study the "formula" sheets that Deb, knitpharm on Rav, gave at her class. I'm honestly looking forward to getting busy on them.
That's all for now. Happy knitting! TLGB!

Sock Summit Memoirs

2009-08-19T14:42:00.007-05:00

Sock Summit is in the past, the memories made there will last forever. DD and I flew into Portland on Wed., Aug. 5. We encountered a fellow sock enthusiast while waiting in the Denver airport ....http://www.ravelry.com/people/jtdalzell. We were even staying at the same hotel, so stayed together on the train ride from the airport. We arrived later at night, so we just met up with fellow Ravelers in the lounge area and finally ate some food ..... we had just snacked since leaving on our flights mid-morning. The beds really felt good that night.

Our hotel was diagonally across the intersection from the Oregon Convention Center . We were up early to get registered. The above pic was taken from the hotel's parking area. Once we were across the busy streets, the SS banner greeted us.

We didn't have trouble finding the registration ..... just follow the sound of lively conversation.Then DD, and I simply had to unhook the rows of 5-6 chairs to form a knitting circle. The next day we were politely informed that the circle had to become an oval due to Fire Marshall's orders. It worked the same ..... make a circle or oval and the knitters will come and join. It was a joy to not have to explain to people what we were doing .....just tell what we were knitting. Even though we had volunteered to help where needed, there were a lot of us, so we didn't have to do anything but knit.

Friday we had our Toe-up for the Stubborn class with Deb Barnhill ..... excellent! DD and I will both definitely be trying Deb's method for toe-up ..... soon! Shortly after our class ended, we took part in the Guiness book record-breaking with over 900 knitters knitting on straight needles (2 only ...... four dpns are not 2). The fifteen minutes of simultaneous knitting without looking at directions went fast with the Yarn Harlot announcing, "Okay, you may stop now." A reply could be heard from the back of the hall, "Just one more row." What a fun time!

Saturday morning, I was greeted by Knittog, my upstream from RSE last year at this time. She took a class in the morning and then treated dd and I to lunch at the center and walked around the marketplace with DD while I was in my last class. She gave a "goody" bag with munchies and coffee for the hotel room and also passes for our ride out and back from the Rav get-together. Thanks, Sharon!

On Saturday evening, Ravelry held a gathering at the World Forestry Center, about a 25 min. train ride from the hotel. I won the last "door prize" -- four patterns that Chrissy Gardiner was debuting at SS.

Sunday, we loaded up our dirty clothes to UPS back home ...... didn't want to trust UPS with our precious yarn purchases, I guess. That also gave us opportunity for one last knitting circle at the OCC, one last walk through the marketplace before the Luminary panel discussion of the history of knitting from truly great contributors to knitting as we know it today.

Then we had to pack ..... but Deb Barnhill called our room and said that we should knit together .... so we had some more quality knit time before we needed to finish packing and get some rest. Deb had to get up at 4am, but we slept in 'til 7am. Took the train to DPX at 9am and left DPX at 11, arrived in Omaha at 5:30pm, gathering luggage, loaded it in the car, and took off for northern Iowa ..... arrived home about 11pm.

Tina and Steph, all your hard work will never be forgotten ..... Sock Summit was GREAT!

Magic Shawl Completed!

2009-07-22T09:19:00.009-05:00

The shawl is done...... ready to wear in Portland for the Sock Summit. The thing grew and grew as I was blocking it. The wingspan was 92 inches and the center back length was 36 inches. I ended up stopping on row 142 in the large size before starting the border. I had 66 gr left in the yarn cake but since the last row took a full 5 gr, didn't have enough to complete the six row repeat plus the border. The blocking wires worked well .......placed them around the outside edge of the shawl but also up the center back to add some stabilization as I was blocking it. Here's the pics of blocking and the finished shawl.Also have to complete "homework" for the SS09 ..... need to do about six more rows on my toe-up socks. I've always had a problem with my high instep when buying shoes, but now I also have the problem with knitted socks ..... which I absolutely love to wear! I chose the Absinthe pattern from the current Knitty. Was able to get the toes looking okay ..... just have to be halfway up the foot. Here's a current pic. Just in case the socks don't fit, I decided to choose a colorway I didn't care for too much ..... Lucky was the choice. I can always wear them at Christmas and for St. Patrick's Day ..... if they fit.

I've started the Cable and Garter cardigan from Frog Tree. I'm just starting the cables on the back. That's all for now. Happy knitting, everyone!

TLGB

Hi, I'm Here!

2009-07-01T10:53:00.005-05:00

I have been negligent lately in blogging. DD and I have been to the Estes Wool Market again. DD and I went out early to take a class on Thursday in ...... make a project basket that will fit behind the carseat. We both turned out pretty good baskets, but do have to "soak" the top rim to shape it for the car. This time we didn't do so much damage to the $$$. Did buy a spindle, some fiber to send to Hreow on Ravelry, yarn + pattern for a vest for school, and yarn + the pattern for Magic Shawl. Here's a pic of the shawl, so far.

Oh, my big purchase was from Conni Tögel prints - purchased three 5x7 as my "nativity scene" purchase for 2009 ... "Welcoming the Real King", "The Road to Baathlehem" and "Do You See What I See?". Pictures for the stash room will include "Hanging By A Thread", "Leap of Faith", and "Occupational Therapy". You might check out the artist here.

Finished a total of seven gators for the Operation Knitted Gators on Ravelry. The first one was given to the SIL of a coffee friend who's headed to Iraq (? due to latest developments in Iraq) and the other six plus four that DD knit were sent to Kerlina on Ravelry for her DH's soon-to-be-deployed unit that heading to Afghanistan. We have enough yarn left from one bag to finish 3-4 more, so will try to get those off yet this summer.

Just finished SAM June socks at 11:29 p.m. last night when the last toe was kitchenered. Waited until this morning to take pics with the tiger lilies out back. The details are "Sailor's Delight" from 2-at-a-time Socks, Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett Colorway 4251 (blue, green, gray, rose), ml on #1 Addi turbo, ladies size large. I like the spiraling stitches on the leg, but hope that it doesn't twist the instep. We'll see as I wear them this fall and winter.

Happy knitting for now. TLGB

Spring Has Finally Sprung!

2009-05-31T17:11:00.006-05:00

Spring has finally arrived in northern Iowa. The flowers are beginning to bloom ..... from the top - columbine, clematis, lupine, and blanket flower. Our vegetable garden is growing well .... tomorrow we'll eat our first leaf lettuce.....tomatoes are beginning to bloom, as are the peppers, onions, zucchini, cabbage ...... and even though the rabbits tried to stop them ...... the broccoli and cauliflower were helped when we placed red clay tiles around them. I've made at least three batches of rhubarb sauce with either frozen strawberries or blackberries added after it cooled a little plus a strawberry/rhubarb pie when dd was home for Mother's Day.

I joined the Operation Knitted Gater on Ravelry to provided a 9-inch knitted gater for troops during deployment. They are knit from colorway 275 (actually chosen by the commander of the unit to match one of the uniform colors) in Cascade 220 superwash. The details are available on the group's forum, so check it out if you would like to help provide these. The group was actually started by the wife of a deployed soldier, wanted 155 gaters by Oct. I knitted one that I gave to a df's sil who leaves next week-end for his deployment. My df said that he had mentioned that "neckware" was needed. I gave it to her today since they were going to "the lake" for one last extended family outing before the sil leaves. Now, I'm ordered a bag of 10 from the yarn shop in Washington that suggested on the forum since she will sell a bag of 10 for the price of 9 if used to knit the gaters ... the first two skeins I ordered from a yarn shop here in the midwestjust to get them quickly. Dd and I will probably knit some while at the Estes Park Wool Market in June and they will be good knitting on the flight out to SS2009 in August.

I'm closing in on the end of the gussets on the Sailor Delight Socks that I started earlier this month. They will be my June socks for the SAM KAL. They are an easy knit since the st pattern is easily memorized,

I had decided not to join RSC 2009 because I didn't care for much of the last year's offerings. Well,....dd is still in and I have loved every one so far this year. I went to BMFA and you can still join ....... so pretty soon I will have three of the kits in my mail. I'm also expected the ETL club offering .... I have looked at spoilers, so know I'm going to like both the pattern and yarn...... it's cashmere with beads!

On the school front ..... three more days ...... actually just the semester final tests days. Then I have to pack up the contents of my room for a move to the other end of the building. Luckily, a lot can be packed in a base cupboard that will be moved to the other room by maintenance staff. I'm so ready for summer ...... this has been a very trying year with students that don't want to even try to learn Spanish words ...... but they do want to learn Spanish. Don't understand.

Happy knitting. TLGB

Some New WIPs

2009-05-16T11:34:00.005-05:00

I decided that I needed to get some more projects started. I didn't even have a pair of socks on the needles, so I co Sailor's Delight socks from Two At A Time Socks. I've knitted my socks two-at-a-time for the past 2-3 years, so ml isn't anything new ..... just liked the look of these socks. They are knit in Regia Design Line in colorway4251 (blue, teal, rose, purple) with Addi #1 on ml.

I wanted to knit a scarf/shawl, so in my stash was the New Shell Scarf from Jamieson's (Scotland). The yarn is Jamieson's Ultra in strawberry crush colorway (a light red heather) and is knit on KPH #5. It was a gift from Hreow (Rav ID) in the first Ravelry Scarf Exchange. I just have never started it .... it's only a two-row repeat, so it easy to remember. The pattern calls for two balls but Hreow sent three, so it will be a bit longer.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Finally Leyburns Are Done!

2009-05-14T05:01:00.004-05:00

The Leyburn socks for the STR KAL were started shortly after the first of the year. Once again, hand pain limited my knitting. Picked these up last week with the heel flaps at the halfway mark. Thanks to dh driving on a trip to the VA for his hearing aid check and a stop to get my new military dependent's ID, I was able to knit most of the trip. When we returned home, I only have about 5 rows left on the toes. I did mod by tapering the pattern st to a "v" on the instep and knitting the remainder of the foot in stockinette.

Yarn: STR lightweight in Dixie Chicks colorway

Needles: Addis #1 circ for ml

Pattern: Leyburn socks

I joined the Operation Knitted Gator group earlier this month....received the specific yarn requested last week and began knitting. I'm already half finished with the first gator. The group was started by kerlina on Ravelry to send a gator (k2,p2 "turtleneck" scarf) to every soldier in her dh's unit that has been deployed to the middle east. She hopes to have 155 finished to send in October. Since dh is a retiree of the national guard, I decided that it was the least I could do.

Pastor's Socks Finally Completed!

2009-05-05T19:30:00.003-05:00

These socks were the last of a two-pair commissioned job from a silent auction at church in mid-November. Knowing I had a lot of Christmas knitting to do, I told our associate pastor that I would start the socks after Christmas. I started his wife's on Dec. 31. Then, the hand pain from toooooo much knitting for Christmas hit. I slowed my usual three pair on the needles down to just one pair. Finished that pair the end of February and started these right away. These, however, were for a size 12 wide foot. I still had to take it slow ..... listen to the hand pain. Just finished these earlier this evening ..... May 5th.
Pattern: Gentleman's Socks with st pat modified
Needles: Addi #2 circ both socks at once
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill supersock in Java colorway (Pastor loves a bold coffee, so thought it appropriate.)
Happy knitting! TLGB

Clue 1 - Completed at Last!

2009-04-26T20:50:00.002-05:00

Here's the pic of clue 1 of the Mystic Roses KAL. I started the shawl on 3-23-09 and have just finished the first clue ..... of course, it did involve 22 set-up rows followed by 98 pattern rows. There are fewer rows on the other four clues, but of course, the rows will keep getting longer. My goal is to finish it sometime in June. I'm knitting it with JaggerSpun Zephyr in the Chanel colorway on Addi lace #4.

Mystic Roses KAL post frogging

2009-04-22T05:12:00.003-05:00

Have I ever made frequent trips to the "frog pond" with the MR shawl. The first fifty pattern rows seemed to through me off when the rows ended in "7"......27, 37, 47 ......well, now I'm going along fine. This is a slow knit with a lot of cf, cb, c1f, c1b sts. The chart reads c1f and directions tell you that the second half of the chart should be c1b instead ..... I do have one complete row on that side that has c1f ..... it hardly shows to me, so maybe with blocking it will be okay. I just finished row 75..... there are 98 rows in the first clue, but the others range 20-40 rows. Of course, the rows are becoming longer ..... by the end, I expect to taking over an hour per row. The one good thing is that the ws rows are k2, p to last 2 sts, k2. Quite a relief every time! My goal is to have this completed by the Estes Wool Market in mid-June. If not that .....then for Sock Summit in August.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Mystic Roses KAL

2009-04-07T17:03:00.003-05:00

I started a second Mystic Roses KAL with JaggerSpun Zephyr in the Chanel colorway, a bright rose ..... some may call it fuschia. I had trouble conquering row 27, but after three or more tries, my latest lifeline is on row 30. For now, I'm placing them every 10 rows but will make it about 4 or maybe 2 rows when the rows are longer. I've been using my KP Harmony tips but will probably change to the Options since this yarn blends in with the color of the wood especially at night. The sts show up better on the silver tips. Here's a pic of the shawl so far (taken on a pillow top that I knitted 30+ years ago). My goal is to have the shawl completed before Estes Park Wool Market in June or the BMFA Sock Summit 2009 in Portland Aug. 6-9.

Am still knitting on pastor's socks ... my right thumb is bothering me a lot when doing that, so only get 5 rows done each time ..... I'm knitting both socks, however, so it's actually 10 rows or so.

Planning on visiting dd this week-end for Easter .... hope to get some serious knitting time in when I'm there.

Have a blessed and safe Easter holiday. TLGB

I'm Still Knitting!

2009-04-02T19:23:00.004-06:00

Don't know why, but I just haven't blogged in almost a month! I am about halfway finished with the foot on the socks for our associate pastor ...... Gentleman's Socks with modified st in CTH Java colorway ..... he really likes bold coffee, so the colorway is appropriately named. The socks were commissioned from a silent auction at church before Christmas. I had placed four pairs of women's socks for auction ..... only sold one pair, but pastor asked for a pair for both he and his wife. Hope's were finished about a month ago .... then I began on pastor's size 12 socks ..... hopefully they will be completed by the 15th of April.

DD and I signed up for the Mystic Roses KAL. I ordered some BMFA Laci in the Valkryie colorway (burgundy, rust, rose with over-dying in black) and started the shawl ...... didn't particularly like the way it looked so while I was at dd's home a couple of weeks ago, we both ordered Jaggerspun Zephyr from Sarah's Yarns that week-end. DD ordered claret (a burgundy) and I ordered chanel (a bright rose color without the neon tone). I received my yarn from her today, so started the shawl .....again! I have the set-up rows done and plan to get a few pattern rows finished before my pillow beckons me to sleep. I still plan on finishing the Laci colorway to, but that will be for a teaching friend.

I still have to complete my Leyburn socks for the STR KAL ...... I'm ready to start the gusset pick-up sts along the side of the heels. It's been a long time since I started the socks, but do remember that they were knitting quite quickly. Now just to finish them.

Oh, the most important updates ...... dd and I are planning to attend the Estes Park Wool Market in June. This year we hope to take a class on Thursday ....... are choices were #1 Weave a basket for our knitting #2 Toe-up socks with a heel flap, and #3 Hand-dying yarn. On Friday we hope to finish the Lariat Loop letterbox series around Golden, CO and then go to the Wool Market on Saturday. Better than that, we booked airplane tickets and hotel rooms to attend Sock Summit 2009 in Portland this summer! Class registration will open up later on, so we are searching the long list of classes. We are both pretty excited. Dd also said that we will take time to letterbox there also.

Now for bad news ...... the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for our area with at least six inches of snow but areas of extremely heavy snow with up to 16 inches! The precipitation can start as early as Friday evening ..... just depends on which weather forecaster you're hearing. This will be good week-end to just sit and knit.

Happy knitting! TLGB

RSE3 Ready to Ship

2009-03-06T21:15:00.006-06:00

I was very excited when the matches came out for Ravelry Scarf Exchange 3. I had participated in exchanges 1 and 2 plus sent an "angel" scarf for someone whose upstream didn't come through. As I was filling out the questionairre, I secretly thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to receive Hreow?" Well, when the matches were sent out ......I GOT HREOW! She had knitted me a lovely scarf in the first swap and over the past year or so, we have kept in touch with each other ..... almost carrying on our own person swap a couple of times. (photo taken by Hreow on Ravelry)
I finished her scarf mid-February, but had just blocked it the last week-end in February. This week I was to finish a couple of little things so I could send the package on its way to Scotland today. Well, the package was taped shut but without the mailing label on it when I discovered the card that was to be in the box was still on the bed in our spare bedroom. I discarded that box and packed the contents a second time. Then ..... I remembered that I hadn't taken a pic of the completed scarf yet, so opened this box to do so. Well ..... I can't think of any reason now to open the box .... everything is finally in it and pics are in my camera. She has received the package and this is the picture that she took .... it shows off the cables a lot better than any of my photos. She really liked it!

Tomorrow morning (Saturday) I'll be starting the package on its way..... I can't wait until Hreow receives it.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Ravelry Scarf Exchange 3

2009-03-03T16:09:00.006-06:00

Yesterday when I came home for lunch, a box from New Zealand had arrived from nzPixie on Ravelry. Inside was a great project bag and TWO cowls with matching fingerless mitts to match the one.

Here's a close-up that shows the pattern and lovely buttons .....this will be worn with a black dress. I can hardly wait! She dyed this yarn herself! That's something I have yet to try.

Then, nzPixie also sent a bright blue (my favorite color) cowl with matching fingerless mitts, which I promptly wore when I took a friend for her daily radiation treatment following breast cancer surgery. She really liked them, too! Just perfect for driving!

Then came all the "goodies" she had packed in the box - a hand-written card, a "Stunning New Zealand" calendar, postcards showing the beautiful scenery of NZ, a key lanyard, a magnetic notepad for the frig (already used it for grocery shopping yesterday), a set of stitch markers made form Paua shells and made my her "mum", necklace, keychain, and some chocolate goodies.

Thank you, Pixie!

Happy knitting! TLGB

Finishing Things!

2009-03-01T15:02:00.000-06:00

This past week has been a time for "finishing". On Saturday, I soaked both the RSE 3 scarf for Hreow and the Mad Color Weave Socks for our associate pastor's wife. All they have to do is dry a little more. I've started pastor's socks, completed the 2x2 rib and am on the third pattern repeat.

Today, Sunday, is a sunny but cold and windy day. I've been trying to complete the Hemlock Ring Doily Blanket for the Yarn Basket KAL on Ravelry. I've completed the last pattern row, but need to knit four rounds on almost 600 sts before starting the edging.

Also, I felted a few "surprise" things in the wash this afternoon. When they are dry, then I can complete the items.

Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

Some Completed Items!

2009-02-25T16:30:00.005-06:00

I knitted a lot the past two weeks ..... completed knitting the scarf for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange (needs to be blocked), some small knitted items to go along with it (felting comes next), about 6 very long rows on the outside of the Hemlock Ring Blanket for Beth's Yarn Basket KAL, and these .....

They are commissioned socks from our church's silent auction. Our associate minister purchased a pair for his wife, Hope.

Pattern: Mad Color Weave Socks by Christine Lorin

Yarn: Skacel Trampoline stretch, colorway 66

Needles: Addi #1 on magic loop

Size: Women’s 12

Then he decided he'd like a pair, too. His are just barely started .... about 6 rows of 2x2 ribbing on the Gentleman Socks by Kristi & Kristi R. Schueler in Cherry Tree Hill supersock in the Java colorway. He requested "brown" and likes dark roasted coffee ..... the perfect yarn.

Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

A Week-end of Knitting!

2009-02-09T19:34:00.005-06:00

This past week-end (Feb. 6-8) DD and I met in Des Moines for the 3rd annual Des Moines Metro Knitters Knit-In. The first night was spent in a "yarn-tasting" where we visited each of the eight table and "tasted" 2-3 three different yarns. Papers were provided to note the name of the yarn, manufacturer, and fiber content. As a side, we did have a wine & cheese tasting, too!

Saturday started with a couple hours of knitting followed by a Domino's Pizza lunch. In the afternoon, we received knitting hints/helps from attendees, an explanation of "hand-dyed" yarns with both verbal explanations and visuals, and different types of cast-ons. DD and I missed out on the cast-on since we were visiting yarn/craft shops. The weather there was "spring-like" warm ...... and we still have about six more weeks of winter here in Iowa. It was a "teasing" for us.

The rest of the week-end was spent knitting.....knitting...... and more knitting. Since I worked on a lot of "surprises", those won't be pictured until they've been received. Here's a pic of the Hemlock Ring Blanket that I should have started on Jan 8 for the KAL at the Yarn Basket in Carroll. My job, teaching, really cut into my knitting time in January. It is knit on KP Options #10.5 with Cascade Ecological Wool, colorway 8085 (a dark taupe).

Happy knitting! TLGB

Leyburn Sock Stitch Pattern for ML

2009-01-17T18:01:00.005-06:00

The STR (Socks That Rawk) group on Ravelry is hosting a KAL with the Leyburn Socks. Well,.... it's a toe-up pattern. One construction that I haven't perfected to accomodate my very high instep. Someone had posted the pattern revision for top-down, but I knit both socks at the same time on magic loop. I tweaked that pattern a bit so it would work with magic loop. Here it is --
Leyburn Socks – stitch pattern for magic loop
Row 1: * wyif, sl 5, wyib, K1. Repeat from * around.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: K2, *lift loop with tip of left needle and k tog w/next st, K5. Repeat from * ending K3.
Row 4: K to last 3 sts, wyif, sl3.
Row 5: Continue wyif, sl2,* wyib K1, wyif, sl 5. Repeat from * ending K4.
Row 6: Knit to last st, lift loop and ktog with last st.
Row 7: *K5, lift loop and ktog with next st. Repeat from * ending K6.
Row 8: Knit.
I'm on my third repeat and I believe it is correct. Any problems or questions let me know. Will try to take a pic of the sock legs tomorrow. (edited - Here's the pic. The stitch pattern above is OK.)I had some "white-knuckle" driving today. This past week has been horrible here in northern Iowa. Monday was a blizzard - no school! Tuesday was a two-hour late start school day. Wednesday and Thursday were days off due to extreme cold temps -27F and -29F with wind-chills in the -40F. Friday, then, was another two-hour late start. I didn't see my first period class at all during the entire week! At the high school, we only have a 30 minute class with one of the three morning classes. On Tuesday, we began with 2nd period and Friday with 3rd --- first period had their time earlier when the weather was bad. I had cabin fever!!! I almost had my fill of knitting with so much time away from school. My AC adapter to charge my laptop died this week, so after trying to purchase one in town, I headed about 55 miles east. We still have about 8 inches of light, fluffy snow that blows around whenever the wind is up ....... today, again, the wind was blowing 20 to 35 mph. It was blowing low to the ground, so visibility wasn't too bad on the way over . After purchasing the adapter at Best Buy, I made a stop at a couple of stores, and then met my SIL and her DGD for lunch. Then ...., the drive home. I had noticed that wisps of snow were beginning to come out on the highway from the north on the way over, but they were a lot of them now. Most of the time, I could just move over the center line, but a couple of time I did have to break through the small drift. There were places, most right before and after the towns that the visibility wasn't too good and travel slowed to 25 mph. It took about 20 minutes more than usually, but I was home safe. I don't think that I am as brave at almost 60 years old as I was in my 20s to 40s. Just want to stay home and knit tonight.

Socks 2009

2009-01-14T10:00:00.004-06:00

An "intention" for this year is to knit at least two pairs of socks each month. My two pairs for January are -

Mad Color Weave Socks by Christine Lorin in Skacel Trampoline in colorway 233 (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) on magic loop. These are commissioned from a silent auction at church in Nov. One of our pastors ordered a pair for himself and also one for his wife.....these will be for Hope. Pastor's will be started next in CTH supersock in the java colorway.... so appropriate for him since he loves a hardy, bold coffee.

The other pair is the Faceted Rib Socks from the Little Box of Socks in Ewephoria handpainted sock yarn (from the LYS about 40 miles from home) in a black, brown, grey and red-orange colorway. These will be my "Bulldog" socks to wear on the days of athletic competitions at AHS. The pair dd knitted three years ago are so faded that they look more rose and grey instead of black and red.

Also, I signed up for the STR Leyburn Socks KAL. The KAL members are trying to use as many different colorways of STR lightweight or mediumweight, so I chose Dixie Chick. I have yet to cast on the socks, however, school has been cancelled today because of the extreme cold. It started off at -3F and has been falling since. It is to "bottom out" at -30 to -40F before the cold spell ends on Friday. That doesn't include the wind chill which may approach-60F. I don't ever recall this frigid of temps in northern Iowa in my almost 60 years. Today may be the day to cast on since I usually have at least two different pairs on needles at the same time.

Happy knitting everyone ...... and stay warm! TLGB

2009 Intentions

2009-01-10T15:59:00.007-06:00

I've finally decided on my knitting "intentions" for 2009. Finish wips -
Joe's scarf 50% done - finished & blocked 1-11-09

Darcy's felted purse just need to kitchener the i-cord handle and felt

MS4, a beaded stole 75% done

SOS2, 80% done

Felted cabled briefcase - sew-on handles and magnetic closures and felt

Jodi's Nordic mittens - finish top of last mitten and both thumbs

Tulip sweater 80% done

In addition, I intend to knit 1-2 pairs of socks each month (many of mine are starting to show wear), continue learning lace knitting by trying more difficult articles especially an Estonia shawl, and knit at least one sweater each for dd and me.

Right now, I'm working on a commissioned pair of socks from a silent auction at church. I had four pairs on display, sold only one of those pairs, but had said I would knit any color. Our associate pastor wanted a pair for himself and his wife. I'm doing both socks on ml and am almost ready to start the heels on the wife's socks made with Skacel Trampoline - red, orange, yellow, blue, and green colorway - in the Mad Color Weave Socks pattern.

Also, I'm starting a KAL with Beth's Yarn Shop with Cascade Eco-Wool in a darker taupe color in the Hemlock Ring Doily Throw. The shop is about 100 miles away, so I'm knitting from a distance. I should have started on Thursday, but had a class for teacher re-cert, so will start tonight. I will have gotten a lot of suggestions from the gals already knitting on round 20+.

I'm anxiously awaiting the start of the Ravelry Scarf Exchange 3. I've been in all three exchanges and also knitted an additional "angel" scarf for someone whose partner bailed out. I've received scarves from Scotland, and Oregon. My scarves went to Massachusetts (angel scarf), Florida, and Maryland. I enjoy keeping in touch with the swap pals. What a way to meet on-line friends.

Happy knitting. TLGB

Shadow Rib Socks Done!

2008-12-24T13:30:00.002-06:00

Just finished the woolen socks for dh and they are drying. Don't need to put them in his Christmas stocking until tomorrow evening since dd doesn't come home until tomorrow afternoon. I just had to take the pic out in the snow .... we have about 20 inches piled up and more on the way this week-end.

Wishes for a safe and blessed holiday for everyone! TLGB

Socks for DH Just About Finished!

2008-12-21T17:02:00.005-06:00

The socks that I started in November for DH's Christmas stocking are going to be finished. I'm using Trekking XXL with the Shadow Rib Socks pattern from The Little Box of Socks by Schurch and Parrott. This are also my December socks for SAM 2008. I haven't missed a month this time. When we were at dd's home last week-end, I mentioned that I might have to make the toe a different color since I didn't think I'd have enough. Well...... dd checked her "destash" bag and came up with another skein. We had both purchased the same yarn in a wedding/yarn crawl in St. Paul / Minneapolis a couple of years ago. Sorry the picture isn't updated, but I'm within an inch of starting the toes (both on ml) and the first ball is about finished. Hopefully, I'll finish them before going to bed tomorrow night.

The weather in northern Iowa has been miserable the past three days ..... it all started with snow and wind Thursday evening into Friday. The last day of school before Christmas break was cancelled. We received about eight inches ...... then on late Friday started another snow ... this time about four more inches but with winds from 25 to 45 mph that caused no travel warnings since there was zero visibility sometimes. That still continues ..... temp this morning started at -12 below with windchill at -43 degrees! Most churches in town cancelled Saturday evening and early Sunday services. It was good to get out of the house for church. The wind is to continue throughout the night with below zero temps on Monday. Then a little warm-up that will bring a "little" snow on Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday right now are predicted to be snow-free..... I hope! At least now one here can complain that we don't have a white Christmas.

Blessings and safe travel to you and yours this holiday season. TLGB

Worldwide Christmas Stocking Swap

2008-12-11T18:20:00.009-06:00

Wednesday when I came home at noon, there was a large box on the kitchen table that dh had brought in when he was home. Mamaphyknits on Ravelry had been my swap partner ..... we had both signed up late after the deadline, but agreed to our own deadline of Dec. 1. I opened it and was greeted by the above. Sprinkled throughout the box were pieces of candy ..... all chocolate, of course!

She knit me a gorgeous cable with bobbles (popcorn, they used to be called) stocking in Lamb's Pride Bulky, the Lipstick Red colorway. Included were three small stockings for the tree, a small snowman stocking (snowmen live in my dining room at Christmas), some kitchen towels, and a Christmas teddy bear tin that protected a small china-like chest for stitch markers.
More snow people came, too, in the form of earrings made by her dd from Swarovski crystal beads in their own jewelry bag and the delightful snowlady made from fiber with a felted scarf and hat, holding her latest WIP and with an "I Love Knitting" button on her hat. Adorable is all I can say about her! The the "yarnilicious" things were four different types of socks yarn .... all in great colorways, stitch markers that will work great for socks and lace knitting in a tiny china chest painted with roses, a copy of the British Simply Knit magazine accompanied by a calendar with twelve patterns for socks, slippers and booties. Once again, a big thanks to mamaphdknits!

Happy knitting! TLGB

Christmas Stocking Swap

2008-12-06T13:20:00.004-06:00

This morning I packed the box to send to my swap partner on the Worldwide Christmas Stocking Swap on Ravelry. I always try to stuff the large priority mail flat rate box from USPS with yarn, a pattern, some goodies, some knitting "gadgets, and items of interest to the recipient. This time there were a couple of "empty" spaces that I filled with a wad of bubble. As I was returning home after sending it off to mamaphdknits on Ravelry, I had a "bright" moment and remembered what I forgot to send ..... the cat treats and the marker I'd completed before Thanksgiving. Well, I'll just have to send those closer to Christmas. After the package is received, I'll post the pic of the completed stocking. Package has been received, so here's the pic.

Pattern: John Stocking from Berroco (free pattern)

Yarn: Plymouth Galway worsted

Needle: KP Harmony #6 & #8 circ

Pattern modification: Only did 2 1/4" of ribbing instead of the 4 1/2 called for and made a 4 inch long 6 st I-cord for a holder (secured it at the bottom of ribbing on the inside and about 1" from the top of the outside.

This was a fun pattern to knit, but there were many ends to work in when I was finished .... some just could not be carried.
Need to get to knitting on dh socks that will be placed in his Christmas stocking this year. I've done that the past four years ..... the first year was khaki and green plain stockinette with Brown Sheep's Wildfoote, next came the 3-ply Bigfoot socks (k3,p1) in three natural brown shades Classic Elite Inca alpaca, and last year was with CTH superwash sock in java colorway (brown, tan, grey). This year is with Trekking XXXL in navy, grey, green, and burgundy .... just getting subtle striping. I'm doing them on ml with 1.5 Addis, so it's slow going..... both at the same time .... I'm almost down to the heels. I'm going to add reinforcement thread ... haven't ever before .... just had some to try.
That's all for now. Happy knitting! TLGB

Holiday Theme Swap

2008-11-19T19:31:00.005-06:00

I decided in mid-October to see if there were any Christmas swaps on Ravelry ..... I found two that were still accepting sign-ups - The International Christmas Stocking Exchange and a Holiday Theme Swap. The latter was to send $30 minimum with some of the items of any holiday from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The boxes were to go out Nov. 15, but the larger flat rate boxes I ordered from USPS didn't come until Monday. After classes I packed the box and left it at the post office here about 4:40 to be sent to Franklin, Ohio, to MnMgirl on Ravelry. Well,.... MnMgirl mailed hers at 4:35 the same day ..... today it was delivered to me a little after noon. I checked tracking on the box I sent and it arrived in Franklin about the same time.

Then I read the card ...... discovered we are both alike in swaps ... we tend to go a little overboard.....but then I began to enjoy all the goodies.

She sent creme brulee and Irish cream coffees, Lindt white chocolate truffles, soft peppermint sticks, a tin of Altoid mints, two orders with little pockets on the back for goodies (pencils and a small post-it pad), Christmas paperclips, another post-it pad, a Willow Tree angel of learning, Better Home & Gardens Collector Edition of Cookies, denim colored sock yarn from HazelKnits, a snowman window stickee and snowman tissues, Snausage treats for the dogs (They said,"Woof and Yip."), a wooden closure for shawls, and M&M frig magnets for the holidays.

Cozi and Toffee waiting for a treat.

Last, but not least, here's the beautiful tissue paper in which each of the items were wrapped. She even tossed in some silver tinsel bits.

Cascading Leaves for November

2008-11-18T19:02:00.002-06:00

I just finished my November socks for the SAM 2008 KAL. These are the first socks ever that I finished knitting and immediately kitchenered the toes.Stats Yarn Berroco Sox colorway 1425

Pattern Cascading Leaves by Jeanie Townsend

Mods Did 7 pattern repeats on the leg

Needle Addi 40" 2.75 mm (US 2)

Method Magic loop two socks at same time

MS4 Clue 3 Done!

2008-11-01T07:29:00.005-06:00

After a lot of tinking and frogging, clue 3 of the Mystery Stole 4 is completed. For some reason, my brain kept forgetting to put one or two yos in a row.... just about every right side row. The stole needs to be knit from both ends through clue 5 and then clue 6 is done on one side and grafted to the remaining clues 1-5. Well, ..... I even pinned the edges of the two sides together in hopes of not forgetting to knit on the second half. That didn't work ..... I ended up frogging about 12 rows, knitted it back up only to discover a dropped "falling" st about 10 rows below where I had frogged, so I just ripped that entire side down a total of 20 rows. I wanted to get it knitted back last night, but was about falling asleep knitting so stopped with only the last two rows of clue 3 to do. That was finished early this morning ..... dh's hunting dog started scratching in her "bedroom" (really a large travel crate) about 4:45 ..... don't know if Cozi was anxious to go hunting or just had to GO .... outside, that is. Dh and Cozi have taken off for the farm to hunt pheasants, so Toffee and I will hold down the home front.

This week-end I hope to co one of the two Christmas stockings I have to knit on commission. The pattern is from old Bucilla Christmas stocking kits. This family has been using knitted stockings for three generations now, so add another with each new grandchild.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Christmas Stocking Update

2008-10-25T21:09:00.004-05:00

Almost have finished stocking for mamaphdknits in the International Christmas Stocking Swap on Ravelry. I just need to sew the seam from the top down to the heel flap. They are to be sent by Nov. 15, but I'm waiting for a while .... mamaphdknits said she needed to start mine. I just wanted to get it done since I have two more socks to knit for a grandfather here in town who needs them for the last two grandchildren.

Spent most the day today at church preparing food for a mission festival tomorrow evening. We are serving barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, chips, and bars plus an assortment of beverages. The number to expect is not really known since this is the first time for an event of this type. Hopefully, we'll have enough for everyone.

Think I'll head for a lavender bath ..... soak away some of the aches from being on my feet most of the day.

Happy knitting! TLGB

Christmas Stocking Update

2008-10-23T21:34:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited ..... I've finished the leg, heel flap, and heel turn on the Christmas stocking for the International Christmas Stocking Exchange on Ravelry. I just learned about this swap earlier this month and the moderators said they would accept people until Oct. 15. Well, I received my partner's name the next day and started to stocking ..... I'm using Plymouth Galway yarn in the basic colors of red, green, blue, purple plus white. It has really turned out well. I did do the slip st heel flap instead of just a st st flap .... thought it would be more substantial. I've collected most of the "stuff" for the sock even though it will not be inside the sock .... fits better in the flat rate USPS boxes. I took a pic of the leg of the stocking earlier today, but won't post pics until the box has been sent ...the date is to be before Nov. 15, I believe. So ..... pics will be up after Thanksgiving.

I've also been working on a scarf for the husband of one of my coffee friends. He said that men's scarves aren't ever as soft as the one I knit for his wife last Christmas. He will find out when I'm finished with it.

Surprise Started!

2008-10-18T17:18:00.003-05:00

Someone will definitely be surprised with what is going on my needles tonight. I'm not going to divulge anything about it .... not even on Ravelry! It's going to be a surprise.

I did a few rows on clue 3 of the Mystery Stole 4 this morning before dh awakened. The stole is knit from both ends through clue 5. Then, clue 6 is only done on one of the pieces. When completed, the grafting begins. I hope I can get it done before Thanksgiving.

I also have about 80 rows to do on Secret of the Stole 2 that I started back in January when I was home from teaching for most of a week with a severe sinus infection. I got it out about a week ago and saw a "goofy-looking" decrease about six inches below. Froggin' definitely took place. I picked up all the stitches and have done about 5 rows after that. It is definitely on my "to-do" list for 2008, so I'd better get busy.

Happy knitting until the next post! TLGB

Completed Monkey Socks

2008-10-18T12:08:00.005-05:00

These are my October socks for the SAM 2008 KAL. I started "some" socks back on Aug. 18 ... didn't know what pattern I would use, but co 64 sts and did 1x1 rib for 12 rows and set them aside. Sept. 30 came and I picked up the circ holding the ribbing for my two socks. The decision was made to create a pair of Monkey socks for myself .... I had gifted dd with a pair a couple of years ago. The yarn is STR mediumweight in the Rolling Stone colorway. DH even made a comment that he liked the color and didn't think I had ever knit such a pretty sock.

Monkey Socks

2008-10-10T15:49:00.004-05:00

On August 18, I began another pair of socks with STR mediumweight in the Rolling Stone colorway that was in my stash. I had actually purchased it for a chevron scarf for a friend, but didn't care for it with the Silkie in the Lunasea colorway. I hadn't decided on the pattern, so I just co 64 sts and did my 12 rows of 1x1 rib that I like. On Sept. 30 I decided to knit a pair of Monkeys by Cookie A. I had knit some for dd a couple of years ago for her birthday, but had never knitted myself a pair (dd did gift me with a pair a year ago). They are a pretty quick knit. I try to complete the 11 row repeat daily ... some days I don't make it, but they are almost to the heel flap. These are to be my October socks for the SAM 2008 KAL.
This week I signed up for a Christmas stocking swap. I have two Christmas stockings to knit for a teaching friend here, so need to get those finished, too. I was a late join, so haven't received my downstream yet. The mod said that they were still accepting members. I think that it will be fun. Another swap I joined was the Holiday Theme Swap on Ravelry, too. You send yarn, a pattern, plus items to either do with Thanksgiving, Christmas. Hannukah, etc. A lot of fun, I hope!
Happy knitting! TLGB

My pics of Angel Scarf

2008-10-01T02:20:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics of the RSE angel scarf I did for Julie. The yarn is Diakeito yarn from Japan and the pattern is the Phileme scarf. I had purchased some blocking wires from Knitpicks earlier this summer. My first use of them was with this scarf. They worked very well and cut my time for blocking by at least half. I use an inch thick piece of styrofoam insulation for blocking. I cut the 4x8 ft. sheet in half and "hinged" it with duct tape (yet another use for the wonderful stuff). It makes is easier to carry and store.

This is a close-up of the scarf after blocking was completed.

This one is of the scarf just before it was folded and wrapped, then sent on its way to Julie.

Pics at last!

2008-09-30T20:32:00.007-05:00

Clue One finished. I ran out of beads with just the last beaded row to do, so had to wait about a week without doing any more knitting. This is the second yarn I tried the Mystery Stole 4 with - first I used a navy laceweight yarn, but the beads I had purchased were too heavy for it. I had STR lightweight in the Motley Hue colorway. I like this color better with the beads. The above picture is closer to the actual color than the one below. The beads are a black rainbow color from Hobby Lobby.

Here are the pics of the Mystery Stole 4 through Clue 2.

The stole is knit from both ends and then grafted in the middle. I have both ends done through the second clue. This is the first knitted beading I've ever done, so have enjoyed the learning experience. After 48 years of knitting, you can still learn something new! Clues 3 and 4 are knitted with no beads .... some other participants that have finished those clues and I really like the look of this stole. There are only two more clues to come out .... with very little beads (9) on clue 5 and about 60 on the final clue.

Two weeks ago, our great-niece and her dh had their first child, a little boy. Well, I have a lot of sock yarn "leftovers", so decided to try making my own pattern for infant socks. CO 32 sts to begin The socks on the left are from Colinette Jitterbug in the popsicle colorway and had a 2x2 rib for 24 rows for the leg, a slip st heel flap of 16 rows, heel turn, 10 rows for the foot and then my favorite toe. Even kitchenered the toe of 12 total sts. The right socks are from STR Bella Coola colorway and are just 1x1 rib for 6 rows and then stockinette for the rest. Now I'm working with some Lisa Souza sock yarn in the gendarme colorway ..... doing 8 rows of 1x1 rib, then 6 k row, 2 p rows, to the heel flap, and plan to continue the 6k, 2p rows to the toe (except for heel). It is really turning out cute.

I've Been Lazy!

2008-09-29T15:12:00.004-05:00

I have been knitting ..... just haven't been blogging. The Mystery Stole KAL is coming along .... I've finished Clue 2 ..... Clues 3 & 4 are out, but don't have any beading, so should be a faster knit. I have taken pics ... just need to upload them.

I've been busy knitting baby socks for my great-niece's new son. I knitted a plain stockinette pair from STR mediumweight in the Bella Coola colorway (blue/green) and a 2x2 rib leg in Colinette Jitterbug in the Popsicle colorway (bright basic colors). I'm knitting them with the dps that came with my Wollmeise sock club this month. It's been a long time since I've knitted with dps ..... even considered magic looping two pairs at a time, but decided that the yarn would be a tangled mess. DH says that baby socks only take her about 1 1/2 hours per sock ..... mine are taking about 2 1/2 hours. I've never knitted anything so small. Yes, I did them with heel flap and gussets. Hopefully I'll have two pairs done before the end of the month for the SAM KAL (only one sock is left, about 3/4 of it), but I really want to do a couple more pairs before the end of the week when I'd like to take them to the new mom, dad, and son. Oh, this great-niece's dh purchased the acreage that was part of the farm where my maternal grandmother lived on when I was young .... what a coincidence. I'm anxious to see what changes have been made to the house, buildings, etc. Will post pics when I've finished the second pair.

Julie on Ravelry, the recipient of my angel scarf, sent me a lovely thank you box. Folded paper bookmarks (I'm already using three of them), some soap, a heart-shaped moisturing shea butter that smells minty, some lavendar body bath, and some lovely pics she's taken. Thank you, Julie!
Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

Angel Scarf

2008-09-11T19:07:00.010-05:00

Below find the pics of the Phileme scarf that I "angel" knitted for Julie on Ravelry. I found the pattern on Ravelry ..... it's actually a Google doc ...... was translated from French. The pics are ones that Julie took after receiving it. I'm using them with her permission. I used Daiketo yarn, a 100% merino from Japan. It contained most of Julie's favorite colors. Here's a close-up she took to show the lace pattern ..... the scarf ended up having "points" along all the edges. I blocked in on my new lace wires from KnitPicks ..... cut blocking time by at least half.

A close-up of the lace pattern

A fence ... the perfect place to display the scarf

I really enjoyed the experience .... even though I did some "power knitting" to get the scarf done in 18 days.... and that was with school starting. Three years from now I won't have to worry about that ... retirement looms!

The Mystery Stole 4 is coming along nicely .... I only have two rows left, but ran short on beads. When I purchased them, Hobby Lobby didn't have enough in stock, but was getting more. Tomorrow I will make a quick trip there to get the additional beads. I did change from lace weight yarn to STR lightweight in the Motley Hue colorway (gray with subtle blues). I really liked the beads and they really overpowered the laceweight yarn. They were, of course, a size larger to begin with .... the smaller beads are difficult to find here in northern Iowa. The next clue comes out tomorrow, so maybe I can finish before it's loaded on the Yahoo Group site. Will take pics when the clue is finished.

Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

Mystery Stole 4

2008-09-06T22:24:00.003-05:00

I joined the Mystery Stole 4 KAL a while back .... finally, Sept. 5th came .... time for the first clue. I thought that I would make the stole with some Zephyr laceweight that has been in my stash for a long time. Well, I started the stole today after returning from the last county fair held in my state. I had purchased the beads to use, but couldn't find them in the size stated, so got the next size up ... a little bulky for the laceweight yarn, so I frogged the first four rows and am going to be using BMFA STR lightweight in the Motley Hue colorway. The yarn works better with my beads, so I hope to start it again tomorrow.

Today was the "Day of the Frog" for more reasons .... I tried the Bubble Wrap socks from SockBug on while on the way home from the fair .... they were HUGE! I frogged 1.5 inches of 1x1 ribbing and two patterns repeats on the leg ..... of both socks! Yes, I knit two socks at a time on magic loop .... love the method. Since I started using ml, I haven't done any socks on dps. This is the first socks I've frogged, so I guess that's not bad ..... but I almost cried. I usually knit with STR lightweight ... but, the Rolling Stone colorway I chose was mediumweight .... I didn't notice when I started, so had cast on my usual 72 sts ....WRONG! Now I have the 64 I usually use with mediumweight, so things will come out better ...... or at least I hope so!

Happy knitting to all! TLGB

Tucked In Angel Wings

2008-09-01T19:13:00.005-05:00

I was asked by the moderator for the RSE2 to be an angel for Julie. Apparently, her upstream was unable to fulfill her commitment, so I was an angel. Most of the participants had received their box by the first week in August, so I was notified after that. I started the scarf on the 12th and finished knitting it on the 31st. I can't divulge the particulars (pics were taken) yet, since Julie is heading to Wisconsin for the wool festival there later on this week. She will return home on Sept. 8, so will have to wait until then. I thought that she shouldn't have to wait for me to finish knitting .... she could just as well enjoy a surprise box that I sent in mid-August. She did like it ..... check out her blog. I've really enjoyed our pms the past couple of weeks. I have packed the last bit of surprises and her scarf ... will mail them tomorrow noon when my classes at school are finished for the day.

Other than mailing the envelope, this year I can spend the rest of the afternoon doing household chores or better yet ..... knitting! I put my February Lady Sweater on the back burner while knitting the RSE angel scarf, so have taken that out to do nothing more than ..... FROG! I didn't care for the row of yo increases about every 7 stitches, so replaced them with kfb increases. Like the looks of those a lot better. I have one more row to knit and then I start the lace that goes from the underarms to the hem. I have the correct numbers of sts, so shouldn't have too many problems.

I'm looking through my many patterns for an idea for some socks for the month. Will probably start some with some MC Bearfoot in the Alpine (blue, green, purple & occasional brown) or some tussah silk/merino sock yarn from The Unique Sheep (shaded reds)....both were gifts from swap partners. I could really knit a pair of socks a week for a year and I might have most of my sock yarn stash gone ..... but more would probably be there in its place!

Happy knitting, everyone! TLGB

Progress on Angel RSE 2

2008-08-18T20:51:00.005-05:00

The angel scarf for RSE 2 is progressing nicely. It is intended for Julie on Ravelry whose upstream apparently bailed out for the exchange. I decided that Julie didn't have to wait until I finished her scarf to receive her "goodies" box. So........last Friday I filled a box with goodies just for her. However, I included a note that also contained the following pics of her scarf. I didn't intend for it to be so mysterious, but my camera didn't do well with the colorway of the yarn either outside in the sun or inside the house. I did bunch up the scarf so she wouldn't be able to tell what the pattern was ..... at least I don't believe she will.

This second pic is of the two dogs ..... can't believe it! The Brittany, Cozi, used to run by my knitting basket and just grab anything she could get ahold of on the run and take off. Now she won't touch my knitting if I hold it right in front of her nose. My little poodle has always left yarn/fiber alone..... but she really is eyeing it this time, isn't she?I'm about 60% finished with the scarf, but won't be able to do a lot this week as school starts.

Once again, I didn't have any socks on the needles, so I co for some socks with STR mediumweight in the Rolling Stone colorway .... haven't firmly decided on the pattern, but have started the top ribbing. As for the past year, I knitting both socks on ml ..... no ssd here! TLGB

I'm An Angel!

2008-08-11T13:52:00.004-05:00

My dh had the week-end off, so we were at our dd's home constructing a block wall for an area for plants on the backside of her home. We got the job done ...... here's the pic of the finished product ..... it's late to be planting, so will do the plants this fall and next spring. The only black dirt in her yard is what came in on the sod that was put down, so dh brought compost w/manure and some peat moss to try to help a bit. We'll add the good top soil later. The Brittany spaniel to the left is dh's hunting buddy and the white fluff of behind on the right belongs to dd's bichon frise. My apricot poodle was in the yard, too, but just out of camera range.

When I signed up for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange 2008, I once again volunteered to be an angel ... that is to supply a scarf and other goodies in the case of the bailout of a participant. Well,..... the angel call came on Saturday while at dd's. I waited until the return home to check out my ample stash ..... had two balls of the perfect color for the swap partner. So, this morning I've been trying different size needles until now I have the first inch of a 60 inch scarf. I figure that knitting from one to four o'clock each afternoon, I should finish about the middle of next week ..... that is also the week that school resumes for the district, so this teacher will be back to work in the morning only. With retirement approaching in a few years, that doesn't sound too bad to me.

I'm working on February Lady Sweater KAL her on Ravelry. Have almost finished the yoke of the sweater .... four rows to go. Then the body is a lacy stitch .... I think I'm going to substitute a different st. I've consulted a very old stitch pattern book I have (from the 1960's) and am going to try a couple. Hopefully, I'll like one.

Did some work out with the perreniels ..... cutting off spent blossoms/flowers and dead growth. I'm about half-done, so will still spend time tomorrow.

Spring Forward Has Sprung

2008-08-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

My socks for the STR forum Spring Forward KAL are done ..... finished .... waiting to be washed. They were knit with STR mediumweight Lemongrass on Addi circ #1.5 with ml. Started them July 12 and finished knitting them last night but waited to kitchener the toes this morning. Now,......what sock will be next. Who knows?
My February Lady Sweater in BMFA Twisted in the Ravel colorway Rook-y is started. I decided some mods were needed, so started with 1.5 inches of 1x1 rib with the suggested buttonhole. About 2 inches further, decided to frog to the buttonhole and do a double yo buttonhole instead....like it a lot better. Still haven't found the buttons, but may do that this week-end at PT in Omaha. I know that they have quite a supply of buttons.
Also have started a sweater for dd.......she purchased the yarn, but I'm knitting it. It will have the cable from the Arwen sweater in IK a while back. Because of her arm length, I needed to add about 5 inches to the pattern ... quite impossible with the sleeves knitted per pattern. So, I'm using the cable from Arwen with the pattern of the Central Park Hoodie ... will make the possibility of a good-looking sleeve a lot better. Just have about 2 inches done on the first front.
I've sent off all of my swap packages, but am still waiting to hear from my upstream on the Caffeine Addicts swap. Haven't heard a word .... all packages were to be sent by today. Maybe I've been forgotten. ¿Quién sabe? Who knows?
Suppose I'd better get back to my FLS and get the amt of yarn that I just frogged knitted ...again!
Happy knitting! TLGB

Knitting News

2008-08-06T17:17:00.004-05:00

The Adamas Shawl that I started July 21 is finished, blocked, and dry! Here's a pic of it hanging on the fence ....had to put a sheet underneath it for any of the design to display. Below is the closeup ..... I'm really going to enjoy wearing this.
Last night I joined the February Lady Sweater KAL on Ravelry. I already had the yarn .... BMFA Twisted in the Rook-y colorway (one of the Ravel colorways). Decided that I wanted some 1x1 ribbing around the neck and then to carry it down the 8 sts edging on either side. I've made the first buttonhole using a new technique that was given on the pattern. Went downtown to the local fabric shop to look for buttons (one buttonhole is finished) and found some beautiful Celtic knot buttons .... only ..... there was only one card left and the owner said that she was getting a new button display in September. Well, when we are out and about in nearby towns, I'll just have to look for buttons since this is going to be a quick knit. After sock knitting and lace knitting the past two years, it will be a joy to work on a sweater with worsted weight yarn. Here's a pic of the neck ribbing and about 4 rows garter st.

DH is teaching a lot of classes for area EMS services, so I get a lot of knitting time at night while I'm watching television.

While I was at the fabric shop, I saw a lady that had knitted with a group of us in late 70's and early 80's. We had a group of about eight ladies that would meet at each other's home every Tuesday to just knit and taste some good desserts. My dd, Alcariel on ravelry, was born on a knitting group day in 1981. That must be the reason that she is such a good knitter now. One of the ladies, a former public librarian here, is turning 100 years old on Aug. 12. I've decided that I'm going to finish SOS2 for her and send it out to her in Goleta, California, where she moved about 15 years ago to be near her son. Kitty was a very avid knitter but no longer is able to do such intricate patterns due to loss of her eyesight. She is, however, still able to knit a simple hat or scarf. Happy Almost Birthday, Kitty!

Happy knitting, TLGB!

Adamas Shawl Is Completed!

2008-08-04T13:22:00.010-05:00

Just finished bo the Adamas Shawl for the KAL. I only used two skeins of STR lightweight .... ended up with about 2 g. left, 7 yds. or so. I had never used the bo that was given and will definitely use it more. I started this July 21 and completed it August 4. What a quick, enjoyable knit! Here's a pic of the completed shawl before blocking.

I ordered the blocking wires from KP last week. The books and fork pins have come, but not the wires. I called KP since one box of the pins had fallen out a broken corner in the box. They are replacing those .... their rep said that they handle problems with USPS, so that was nice.She said that the wires should arrive within a couple of days. I really want to get it blocked, but since I don't plan on completing another shawl in the near future, think I'll wait until the blocking wires come to do that. After talking with dd, decided that I'd block the shawl after all. I use a 4'x8' piece of 1" thick styrofoam insulation. I did cut the piece in half, securing the two pieces together with a "duct tape" hinge, so it folds up for easier storage.
DH commented as I was knitting the shawl that he really liked the colors. Um.......think his next pair of socks will be from the extra skein I have. As I was knitting, I was hoping that I could get the shawl out of two skeins so he could have some socks like it.

Stash Over-enhancement

2008-08-01T16:10:00.008-05:00

After dh spent $$$ for chemicals for the grasses on 100+ acres of land for wildlife habitat (pheasant hunting this fall), I over-indulged at BMFA site. I always buy myself "something" with part of my summer checks from teaching during the school year. Well, that "something" was my Ladybug spinning wheel ... but I decided to shop BMFA also.

These three hanks of Twisted in the Rook-y colorway are going to be used for the February Lady Sweater that will help keep me warm in my classroom (whether hot or cold weather outside).
The other pics are all of STR lightweight. Uses will be for the Charlotte's Web Shawl (five colorways), Mystic Light Shawl ( Motley Hue colorway), one of the colors for a Chevron Scarf (I already have one of the Raven colorways), and socks, socks, socks ......

L to R - Pixie Park, Firebird, Sunstone, Dixie Chick.

L to R - Jewel of the Nile, Watermelon Tourmaline, Braun's Woods, Space Dust

L to R - Crazy Lace Agate, Blue Brick Wall, Tanzanite, Lucy

STR Motley Hue (for shawl)
I already have another 12+ skeins of STR, so have been able to put together three different color groups for the CWS .... now to decide which one to use. I have until I finish the Adamas Shawl in STR Typhoon Tina. I LOVE BMFA! Happy knitting!
TLGB

Ravelry Scarf Exchange

2008-07-28T13:04:00.007-05:00

On Saturday when we went out in the garage to leave for two different social gatherings, I found two boxes that the USPS had left. One was from Hreow on Ravelry, my upstream from RSE 1. After learning that I had purchased a spinning wheel, she sent me a whole box (she called it a "wee parcel") full of fiber goodness. Included were shetland, camel, English, Bowmon Braf (blue yarn at top), Wensleydale, merino, Jacob's, Seaweed wool, BFL, Scottish llama, yak, alpaca, silk, and bamboo. Wow! Do I have a lot of work to do! Thanks, Hreow!

The other was from Knittog, my RSE 2 upstream.

Included was a lovely scarf in the perfect color of blue, some Noro Kureyon (will be used for a buttonhole neck scarf), a coffee cup sleeve, a Moonstruck chocolate bar, locking stitch markers, a coffeepot keychain, a small notepad that will go in my purse, and some salt water taffy. The chocolate bar and taffy were made in Oregon. Thanks, Knittog.

On the knitting front, I'm knitting on the Adamas Shawl. I've completed 9 of 14 repeats on chart 2..... however, the rows are getting longer ...... increasing from 7 sts to 240+ now! Hopefully, I'll have it completed before school starts. It has really been an enjoyable knit and a learning experience, too. I'm able to just rip down a few sts for 3-4 rows when I encounter a mistake and then work them back ...... only this time, hopefully correct.

The Spring Ahead socks are knitted about 4 inches out on the foot .... these are my "in the car" knitting, so not a lot of progress there lately.

Happy knitting. TLGB

Knitting Update

2008-07-24T22:33:00.004-05:00

My downstream on RSE has received her box, so I can now post the pics. The pattern was by Ann Norling and is contained in her pattern #46 Six Lace Scarfs. I used the "Lacy Leaves" pattern with 39 sts co. The yarn was Aslan Trends Class in a bright blue (cotton) with a twist of navy (viscose) to give some sheen. I used #7 (3.5 mm) KP Harmony needle. The scarf was directional, so I knitted the two halves and then did a three-needle bindoff, a first for me on a scarf. I had used the technique for years with shoulders of sweaters. Annadownya on Ravelry, a Floridian, was recipient of the scarf and was pleased. I knitted each half until a ball of yarn was about finished so it ended up being 10" x 84".

I started the Adamas Shawl KAL earlier this week, the 21st. Tonight I finished the 7th repeat of chart 2 which is half of the rows ...... but the shawl is growing .......so I'm about a third finished with it. I've found the written directions easier to follow than the charts, so have been using those. I knitting with BMFA STR lightweight in the Typhoon Tina colorway on #5 KP Options .... I just exchanged the 40" cable for the 60". I have about 1/3 of the first ball of yarn knitted, so will probably use two, possibly just a little of the third. I'm really enjoying knitting and my dh has actually complimented me on my knitting for once .... wow, that's a first (I think) in the 36 years we've been married. Here's pics of the shawl through the 7th repeat and also a closeup of the sts.

Time to get some sleep .....happy knitting ...... TLGB!

RSE Completed!

2008-07-20T15:25:00.004-05:00

The scarf for RSC is finished and almost dry from blocking. The other goodies are waiting to be sent to annadownya on Ravelry. Sorry, no hint as to what is coming. This exchange we were to make ourselves known to our downstream.......only the scarf details were to be kept secret. I found the perfect yarn in May, but not the right pattern for the yarn until almost the end of June. I did start four other scarf patterns, but none did the yarn justice. Hopefully, it will please annadownya.

The Spring Ahead socks for the STR June KAL are an easy knit. Even though the pattern calls for lightweight STR, I am using mediumweight STR so that helps. I'm doing both socks on ml and have the gussets about halfway knitted now. I hope to have the gussets finished before hitting the pillow tonight.

I signed up for the Adamas shawl KAL on Ravelry. I'm planning to using lightweight STR in Typhoon Tina colorway. I tried it on #7 and didn't care for the fabric, so I'm starting out on #5 the next time ....perhaps tomorrow.

Here is northern Iowa, it is really humid with temps in the low 90's, so really don't feel like going outside to do anything. DH is doing his usual Sunday afternoon activity ..... napping on the sofa! I'd like to go to the movie Mama Mia this afternoon, so that may delay more knitting a bit.

Back to knitting! TLGB!

Socks That Rawk KAL

2008-07-13T20:22:00.006-05:00

I realized last week that I didn't have any socks on the needles after I finished two pairs that were WIPs. Decided that I'd do the Spring Ahead Socks KAL that the Socks That Rawk group is doing this month. I chose lemongrass for the colorway, but it is mediumweight. I do knit quite tightly, so I'm using Addi 1.5 ml. I've only knitted about three hours total, but have already completed 1.5 pattern repeats (24 total rows per repeat) on both socks .... that leaves just 24 more rows until I'm at the heels. The repeat is an easy one to memorize, so don't have to refer to the pattern/chart.

I'm also working on the scarf for annadownya for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange. I've never done two halves and then a 3-needles bindoff, so that something new for this old knitter. The pattern and yarn is secret until it is received by the downstream pal, so a pic should be posted before the end of the month .... Aug. 1 is the date the exchange ends. I have all the goodies for the box, just need to finish the scarf ..... I'm about 1/4 done with the second half. I love this pattern with the yarn .... it's only the fifth one that I tried. TLGB

Latest Knitting

2008-07-10T11:14:00.005-05:00

I've been working on the Ravelry Scarf Exchange for annadownya from Florida. I have finished half of the scarf. It's secret, so can't give the yarn or pattern. It needs to be finished this month and sent. This is the 5th pattern I tried, but it is the one for the chosen yarn.

Finished the River Rapids socks from Sock Bug. These were started for a gift for one of the organizers of the DSM Metro Knitters retreat in Feb. Now, they are finally finished.

Last night was a first ..... no socks on the needles. This morning, I cast on the Spring Forward socks from Knitty in STR lemongrass colorway. The yarn is medium weight instead of lightweight, but I usually co 72 sts for my high instep, so figure the 66 sts will be enough. I'll be using these socks for the SAM6 KAL. TLGB

Back from Colorado, again!

2008-07-03T04:43:00.005-05:00

We are back from our nephew's wedding in Loveland....it was at the McC Ranch northwest of Loveland ..... absolutely breath-taking view of the mountains. And .....they loved the afghan that I've been working on for the past three months!

Also during the road trip, I worked on the River Rapids socks that has been "snoozing" for quite some time. I just have to kitchener the toes and they will be completed for the 6-Sock KAL.

Now, I'm working on the scarf for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange. I decided on the yarn early in May, but only recently decided on the pattern. Both are secret, so won't be posting until it is sent and received. TLGB

Finished Works!

2008-06-25T14:04:00.005-05:00

Wow! Two finished projects this month....first I finally finished the Jacobean Socks from SKP 2008 in Smooshy, the ruby river colorway.

Next, the afghan I started earlier this spring for our nephew's wedding in Colorado on June 28. It was knitted double-strand with Cascade 220 in three shades of taupe and three of teal. The final size is about 48" by 84". Our nephew is about 6'5", so wanted it plenty long. It is the Ombre Alpaca Blanket from Last Minutes Knitted Gifts.

Estes Park Wool Market!

2008-06-13T17:48:00.007-05:00

DD decided shortly after Christmas that she was going to the Estes Park Wool Market with some of her knitting friends. Well ...... due to the high gas prices and some wanting to go to the Iowa Sheep and Wool on the same week-end, DD would be doing the trip alone. Being the caring (maybe, protective) mom that I am, I asked her if she would mind if I went with her. So, late Tuesday afternoon, I made the 200+ mile trip to dd's home so we could leave by mid-morning Wed. to make the trip out a little more enjoyable. We stopped in Hastings, Nebraska, at the Plum Nelly and Imagiknit stores and yes, we each bought a little. I bought patterns, a wooden tatting shuttle, three single patterns, and Knitting on the Road. The latter I always wanted since dd showed me her copy.
We stayed the night in Lexington, NE, and started off about 9 o'clock the next morning after stopping for a cup of coffee and absolutely delicious scones at the Coffee Cottage just off I-80 in Lexington. We arrived in Estes Park at the Alpine Ridge Trail Inn about mid-afternoon. After unloading the car, we ate at a restaurant just adjacent to the motel, The Sundeck. I had a delicious plate of scallops with parsley buttered red potatoes and dd had the house speciality of fresh mountain trout. She did opt to not have the poor thing fileted at the table. She said it was delicious.
Shortly after our arrival, there was a brief period of snow flurries .... yes, snow in mid-June... not uncommon according to locals.
This morning we took off for The Egg and I, a delicous area restaurant chain, that specializes in serving breakfast and lunch only. DD had the French toast special of the day which was topped with strawberries, bananas, chocolate chips, almonds, and whipped cream. I decided on a raspberry granola whole wheat waffle, served with raspberry yogurt instead of butter. There was syrup on the table too, but I've never cared for that on my pancakes. Thank heavens that this was only one dinner plate-sized pancake. Even though ww, it was very light to eat with the crunchy granola and fresh raspberries added as it was cooked.
We needed exercise to wear off some of the calories, so we decided to try to find a couple of letterboxes in Estes ..... one was missing, but we did locate the one in a park-like 20-acre hill in the middle of town. Elk often mate in the wetland at the bottom, so for personal safety, the lower path was blocked until late July since elk are seen there almost every day from early spring. We didn't see any. I got the first stamp in my letterboxing journal ..... that was dd's 30+ stamp. It was fun trying to figure out the location from the clues given and then to see all the people who had found it previously.
This afternoon we just took it easy in the room to prepare for the Wool Market tomorrow. One of dd's friends who stayed at her father's condo in Loveland will probably meet up with us there tomorrow. There were classes yesterday and today, but dd didn't realize how early you have to register, so we weren't able to take any. We will see a lot of yummy fiber and yarn tomorrow, so that's okay.
I'm trying to finish the 10th stripe on the afghan that I'm knitting for our nephew's wedding later this month in Loveland. We'll bring dh along with us for that and do some letterboxing on the scenic tour, Lariat Loop, before returning home.
Happy knitting! TLGB

Now I Have Some Time!

2008-05-30T15:49:00.002-05:00

I've been working on various projects, but have been busier finishing up the year at school and then I took on the added responsibility of being registrar for the church women's convention for the western half of the state. That has been a half-time job after getting home from my full-time teaching job the past couple of weeks. I've received 330+ registrations so far and usually they have 400 at church camp for the event. This year it will take place June 19-21....that's only 3 weeks away!

The Jacobean socks will be finished for the SAM5 KAL for my May socks. I have the last pattern repeat to do and then the ribbing. I have until tomorrow at midnight, so I should make it.

I'm also well over halfway finished with the afghan for our nephew's wedding the end of June. I am just starting the 8th of eleven stripes. I can do a stripe in three evenings if I'm not interrupted. I hope to have it finished by the 15th so I can get it blocked before the convention.

That's about all that's happened in the knitting area ..... now I'm out to mow the lawn. TLGB

Progress on Jacobeans!

2008-05-06T06:02:00.003-05:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I started the Jacobean socks for the SK Pentathlon on March 26 .... usually I have them finished within three weeks. I didn't make the deadline, May 1, but they are the next socks to be completed. I have about an inch left before I start the heel. Since I've been eliminated from the competition, the pressure is off and they will be completed this month for the SAM5 KAL. I haven't decided if I will do the short row heel on the pattern or do my usual heel flap.

The past week I have been knitting on them, the afghan for my nephew's wedding the end of June, and the Ravelry Scarf Exchange. The afghan is almost halfway finished, so I'm at least on schedule with that .... besides, it will get warmer one of these days and I won't want a heavy, wool afghan resting on my lap. Happy knitting and TLGB!

Salish Sea Completed!

2008-04-23T03:34:00.003-05:00

These are the Dec. 2008 Rocking Sock Club sock, Salish Sea by Cat Bordhi .... completed at last! I started them in Dec, only to find out they were huge ..... so to the frog pond they went .... both were completed halfway through the heel. Now they fit. I also used these as my April socks for the SAM5 KAL.

The Ombre alpaca afghan (knit with Cascade 220 held double on #13) that I'm knitting for our nephew's wedding in June is progressing well. There are to be eleven strips about 7 inches wide ...I'm halfway through the 4th one.

Now on to working on the socks for the Sock Pentathlon 2008 ..... am about halfway through the first diamond repeat on, ....., yes,....another toe-up sock. I still can't say I really enjoy knitting toe-up, but I'm learning the techniques at least.

Another Great Swap!!

2008-04-21T19:12:00.003-05:00

This morning when I came home for lunch, I saw the FedEx truck pulled up in front of the house. As I got out of the car, the driver (a very pleasant lady), said, "This must be for you!" It was my Ravelry Caffeine Addict Exchange 3 package from Julie, mvknitter on Ravelry.

She sent three hanks of Alchemy Yarns Monarch (75% cashmere, 25% silk) ….. have been wanting to make some fingerless gloves from IK, but hadn’t found a cashmere based yarn I liked …. now I have it. Also included was a cup with “Knit and Sip” on it, designed by mvknitter. Can’t wait to try either of the Peeks House Blend and Major Dickason’s coffee …. tomorrow morning! She also included, a journal, vanilla almond biscotti and a gift card from Starbucks, and “streetcar” time full of Ghirardelli chocolate squares. Julie, you are awesome!

Knitting Progress

2008-04-07T17:03:00.003-05:00

I've been working this past week on the Salish Sea socks from RCS December 2008 shipment. Well,.... I now have them back to the same point as when I frogged. Am almost ready to start the heels (they are toe-up).

I hadn't posted a pic of the Socks Pentathlon 2008 sock yet .... mainly because I didn't have much done. I am knitting both socks at the same time, so I guess there is some progress. Another toe up ..... I'm trying really hard to like them ... don't know if it's working or not. Here a pic of them almost through the first diamond repeat above the toe.

Our nephew Mark and his fiance Corbi are getting married the end of June, so I decided to knit them the Alpaca Ombre Blanket from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. DD had knitted a 100% alpaca one for a housewarming gift for herself when she purchased her home. Well, .... I chose Cascade 220 in three shades of brown/taupe and three of teal. I have the first two strips done, so it is a fast knit on size 13 circ. There will be a total of 11 strips.

Jacobean Socks Started!

2008-03-27T08:18:00.003-06:00

I started the Jacobean socks for the Sock Knitters Pentathlon with the “Queen Kahuna Aloha” cast on. It’s really an easy cast on ….. I’ve tried others and will definitely be using this one again. I did increase the sts to 70 from 62 mostly to get them over my high instep. I'm using Knit in Color's Smooshy in the Ruby River colorway. I already have both toes done. Tonight it will be beginning the pattern. A lot of knitters have already finished this pair and most have said that they were "quick knits."

Weather ..... snow, again! In fact, we have a two-hour late start today because of it. I pray that all the young people make it safely to school .... it's still snowing at almost 9:30 and the visibility didn't look the best as I turned toward the high school. Time to get busy .... TLGB

SOTS 2 - Clue #7 Completed

2008-03-26T03:45:00.003-06:00

Better late than never! That's the theme of my SOTS2 ..... the KAL actually ended last Friday, but I was not close to completion at that time. So, now I can take my time .... I just finished Hint #7 last night. You should be able to see the lifeline (white dental floss) that's at the beginning of Hint 7. I decided to just pin out the area of the completed portion. Now it's on to Hint #8 ... I'm already about six rows into that (60 rows total), but it does knit quickly now. I feel a lot more comfortable with lace knitting after doing this stole. I have a couple other lace shawls that I have both the pattern and yarn, but haven't felt confident enough to do them ... now I will do them ..... sometime!

I hope to start the Jacobean Socks for the Sock Knitters Pentathalon KAL. It's a toe-up sock .... out of my comfort zone, but I plan to follow the pattern for the experience. If it doesn't fit when I'm done, I'm sure that I'll be able to find a happy recipient. TLGB

Serendipity Socks Completed!

2008-03-24T17:52:00.004-06:00

I wanted to finish the January shipment from RSC before the March shipment came ..... well, I missed it by about 5 hours. The socks are completed .... now on to the Jacobean Socks for another KAL. Here's the pic of the finished socks ... I didn't like the way the short row heel looked,so did do the heel flap and short row heel turn. I did use the star toe that was part of the pattern. I'm also using these for the SAM5 KAL for my March socks.

The March shipment is a gorgeous colorway and I do like the pattern. It's top down ... will probably wait a couple of weeks before starting. Better get back to knitting. TLGB

SOTS 2 and RSC Socks

2008-03-23T17:03:00.003-06:00

Didn't get the SOTS 2 finished on time, but I'm going to try to finish this week ..... I'm about done with Hint #7, so just have #8 and #9 to do completely. The increasing that was done has been decreased, so it's just straight knitting. I feel a lot more confident in knitting from a chart after this KAL.
DD informed this afternoon that she had received her March RSCshipment from BMFA,......so mine isn't here, yet. Probably tomorrow ..... guess I'd better finish the January socks tonight. DD had knitted the Serendipity socks, but they tended to fall down on her .... so enter Mom's tighter knitting and they will fit to a tee. I've worn the socks she knitted this past week and they are fine .... on me, that is. DD inherited the skinnier legs from DH's family .... not the abundant hips and legs from my family genes. Here's a pic of progress so far ..... about 12 rows remain on the pattern and then I start the toes. I tried the short row heel of the pattern, but didn't care for it .... frogged .... and did my usually heel flap with heel turn. These will also fulfill my participation in the SAM5 KAL for March. TLGB

SOTS Hint #6 Completed

2008-03-17T19:10:00.005-06:00

After a break from SOTS 2 this week-end when I was knitting on the RSC Serendipity socks from their Jan. club offering, I got back to the stole last night, this morning (a two-hour late start due to snow .....again!), and after school ..... Hint #6 is completed. I just pinned the stole to our drapery .... didn't feel like taking an hour or so to do it on a board as I've done previously. Now .... on to Hints #7, #8, and #9. Others who have already completed the stole said that these go fast. Well, I had done so well keeping up through Hint #5 in late March. For some reason, I just didn't feel like working on it, so worked on some smaller projects. Now, I'm ready .... well, the stole is to be completed this week. Don't believe I'll make that ..... maybe by next Monday since we have a long week-end break from school.

I've completed the Serendipity socks through the gussets .... want dd to try them on since the ones that she knitted were a bit loose for her. We'll trade .... I already have the ones that she knitted, but won't wear them until I finish hers. I'm also just starting the gussets for the River Rapids Socks that are for someone special that I just met a while back. Well, back to knitting! TLGB

SOTS 2 Progress

2008-03-14T04:59:00.002-06:00

I've been frantically working on SOTS 2, trying to catch up, somewhat. I've completed about half of Hint #6, so will do serious knitting this afternoon after school and tonight to get that completed and get Hint #7 started. Hopefully, I can get some of Hint #8 done before the week-end ends. The final hint is to be posted today, so that will have to be done the first part of the week. I was doing soooooo well through Hint #4, but fell behind when conference time came at school and a lot of other "busy"ness there. Now things have slowed down a little, so knitting will progress.

I need to finish the Serendipity socks and get another pair started ..... hopefully, there won't be any more "snow days" where school is dismissed ...... those are my knitting "marathon" times. We've had enough of those here in northern Iowa for one year. TLGB

A Late Hint #5!

2008-03-12T22:42:00.006-06:00

Hint 5 for SOTS 2 was late ... just finished it earlier this evening. The final hint, #9, comes out on Friday, so I am behind ..... but this is one item that will be finished. I hadn't done any knitting on the stole since the Des Moines Metro Knitters Retreat on Feb. 23-24 ... only did a couple of rows there. I decided to lay it aside and work on some "less Intense" knitting ..... yup, "mindless knitting". I did lengthen the stole by two repeats at the center of the stole, accounting for about 2.5 additional inches.

I'm been working on the January socks for RSC, Serendipity. I have both socks on ml finished through the heels ..... I did change the short row heel to a heel flap and heel turn. Hopefully, I can get them finished this week-end. I'm also in the SKP2008 KAL, so need to start those socks in some DIC Smooshy sock yarn.

While visiting dd last week-end in Omaha, visited the new and vastly improved Personal Threads LYS. Both of us purchased two different color groupings of Galway Worsted for the Infant/Toddler Tulip Sweater from Dream In Color. We both ordered kits with the DIC yarn, but decided to try other yarn. DD has 6+ friends that are expecting before summer is over, so she is already finishing her 3 Tulip Sweater. TLGB

What a Great Time!

2008-03-06T06:28:00.006-06:00

My dd and I met in Des Moines on Feb. 23-24 for the Metro Knitters Winter Retreat. Over 40 knitters were registered and did we ever knit. The two of us went up to the motel room around 12:30 a.m. after having started knitting at 1:00 p.m. We were down again in the morning about 8:00 to start knitting until a little before noon. There were breaks, however, especially for the snacks that everyone had brought to share. I learned a couple of helpful techniques from those present and just enjoyed talking with the other ladies to see what favorite knitting projects each had. Talking with Tamara, the area knitting "professor", she made me inspired me to try "toe-up" socks again. I have a terribly high instep, so have adjusted top-down patterns to accomodate that .... not so with toe-up for me. Well, so I started the Dec. 2008 Rocking Sock Club selection with a pattern by Cat Bordhi .... well, I CO my usual sts .... finished the toe, thought it looked a bit wide, but also thought it would draw in with the foot ..... it did somewhat ..... I finished the patterned instep, learned a new way for a toe-up heel .... really liked it .... and then tried the sock on again ..... it was huge. I contemplated just using them as slipper socks, but decided that I liked the yarn too much to not wear it more. So ..... to the frog pond they went .... back to the toe for the next smallest size. That's all I have left of both socks since I do 2 on ml .... here's the pic before the froggin' session.
The last time we visited dd, she had ordered some Tulip Sweater kits .... here's the sweater (size 2) so far .... it will be for our newest neighbor, little Savannah across the street.

I haven't been working on the SOTS2 for the past couple of weeks .... finally decided to increase the length at the very middle ..... have the first repeat done of the increase with two more to go.... am behind two hints so will work more on it at dd's this week-end. Since we had parent-teacher conferences this week, we don't have school on Friday .... I'll get an early start.

TLGB

Cascading Leaves Completed!

2008-02-17T22:59:00.003-06:00

I told my dd that I intended to finish the Cascading Leaves socks from yarn that she spun for me this week-end. It just happened, so here they are --

The pattern is Cascading Leaves by Jeanie Townsend, knit on KP #3 using ml with hand-spun yarn from Crown Mt. Farms roving in the Magic Carpet Ride colorway. These are my February socks for the SAM5 KAL.

I have some sewing to do this week, but hope to get started on Hint #5 on SOTS2. I've really enjoyed this KAL .... probably because I've been trying to stay current with the hints. TLGB

SOTS 2 Hint #4 Completed

2008-02-14T06:11:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it ..... it's Thursday and I have just completed last Friday's hint. I have about 3 yards of the first skein of the KP Shadow left .... have the second ready to add when the next hint is out tomorrow.
I'm knitting a scarf for a friend's husband who admired the scarf I made his wife for Christmas. I'm using a free-trade yarn from Peru - Mirasol in a medium denin colorway. It's 60% merino, 20% alpaca, 20% silk. A 50 gr ball contains 55 yards for $6.95. I purchased the yarn at String of Purls in Omaha. I have about 4" completed and had my friend look at it yesterday at coffee ..... she was sure that her husband would love it ...... if he doesn't, she certainly will.

I'm also working on completed socks for SAM5 KAL with yarn my daughter spun .... am about halfway out on the the feet .... doing both socks at once on ml. Love the feel and colorway of this yarn! TLGB

More Time to Knit!

2008-02-11T21:53:00.001-06:00

The principal walked in the teachers' lounge during first lunch shift, about 11:20, announcing, "We're dismissing at 1:00." So, ..... as with other dismissal days for snow, I was delighted to be knitting ..... and also, it's my birthday. When I came home, there was a phone message that the Yarn Buddy I had ordered a week ago at an LYS while visiting at my dd's home , was already in and I was given a choice of the six colors before they were placed out on the shelves for customers. Well, ..... dd had the teal color, so I chose the purple. They said it would be mailed tomorrow, so it should be here before the end of the week .... another surprise for my birthday.

I sat down to knit, thinking I only had one pattern row to do on the SOTS 2 until inserting the next lifeline (I add one every ten rows) ...... then the needle slipped in my fingers, a stitch dropped, and I frogged four rows ..... I have knitted back and even have the rows completed to put in another lifeline. I'm about 30 rows from the end of Hint 4, so should be able to finish them before Friday when the next hint comes out. I'm really liking the stole pattern and am trying to make myself do each week's hint, so this wip will be finished. Back to knitting! TLGB

Secret of the Stole II

2008-02-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

After a busy week at school and a bell-ringers workshop this morning, I was able to finish SOTS Hint 3 earlier this evening. When I can devote 2-3 hours continuous to work on it, I am able to get 10-15 rows finished. I have printed off Hint 4, so I will at least get that started this week-end.

Now I'm off to knit on the Cascading Leaves socks for the SAM5 KAL, hoping to have the feet completed within a week. Happy knitting! TLGB

SOTS Hint #2 Completed

2008-02-04T15:20:00.000-06:00

We helped our dd celebrate her birthday this past week-end. Some quality knitting time ....... along with frogging ....... happened. I wanted to complete Hint #2 for SOTS before the deadline at midnight Saturday, but didn't make it. I ended up frogging about 10 rows when I noticed a mistake. Now, I'm using a lifeline more frequently. Initially, I was only going to place the lifeline after each hint ..... big mistake! It's hard to tell an old knitter to use a lifeline, which my dd had told me to do before, ....... now I'm doing it about every six rows.

On the way home yesterday afternoon, I almost finished the gussets on the Cascading Leaves socks with yarn that my daughter spun from CMF Magic Carpet Ride fiber. They are to be my February socks for the SAM KAL5, so should have them completed before the week-end. Maybe I can even complete another pair during February.

Today school was delayed for two hours before being cancelled due to incoming ice and snow. Well, we did get a little freezing rain, pelletized snow followed by large, floating snowflakes for about 30 minutes ..... not much since ........ but, I always use "snow days" for knitting. So, Hint #2 is completed and I plan to start Hint #3 before too long.

TLGB

Thuja Socks Completed!

2008-01-31T21:01:00.000-06:00

These are the Thuja socks that I started for my dh early in December ..... really not intended as a Christmas gift. The pattern is one that I've put together from different patterns, but I used the seed stitch rib pattern featured on Thuja, from Knitty Winter 05. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill in the Java colorway, knitted on magic loop with Addi Turbo 2.5 mm, and fits a size 11 (US) foot. These were my January socks for the SAM 5 KAL. Finshed them just in time ...... 8 pm (CST) on 1-31!

SOTS 2 - Clue #1 Completed

2008-01-25T17:01:00.000-06:00

When I just ordered the yarn for the SOTS 2 last Wednesday, I never expected to get the yarn so quickly ..... this Wednesday. The clue had come out last Friday, to be completed in one week .... YIKES! This is my first, hopefully completed, large lace project. I cast on Wed. evening since DH was teaching a BLS class for some area EMS people and I could just sit and knit. I did frog about two rows when I discovered I had only knitted 5 rows instead of the stated 6 ..... I am OCD about my knitting. Was able to finish through row 12, I believe. Last night, I knitted while DH snored on the sofa and completed row 39. About 3:45 this morning, some "leftover" congestion from my sinus infection awakened me. I couldn't get much relief, so I decided to sit up and why not .......KNIT! I finished the first clue before I left for my before school coffee break with friends. I have really like this pattern ..... but it does require more concentration and being care to not catch the st in the row beneath. I have the second clue printed out, but have to sell admissions for the basketball game tonight, so won't start on that until after 8:30 or so. Here's the pic taken this morning on an overcast day. ...... maybe this week-end!

I've also been working on the Thuja socks for DH ..... am about halfway out on the foot .... why isn't dh a short person with little feet? They will be finished for the Six Sox KAL January socks. TLGB

Secret of the Stole II

2008-01-18T22:15:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I signed up for the SOTS ii KAL. I haven't done much lace knitting, so decided that it would be a good idea. Then..... that terrible sinus infection hit. Well, .... I finally got around to ordering the yarn from KP - Shadow in the Lost Lake Heather colorway .... on Wednesday. Yesterday, I got an email that it had been shipped. Better yet, KP Options fixed circs now come in 40" and 47" for those who ml. Yes, I did order those, too! Gotta get the free shipping!

I had some KP Shadow in a blue colorway (not enough for the stole), so I decided that maybe for the first time ever, I would do a swatch. I've always started my knitting, checked my gauge and if it was okay, continued knitting. I was halfway through it last night, liked the look, and frogged it. Today after the first step was published, I decided to do the complete swatch between loads of wash and letting the dogs out. The temp have been hovering close to zero all day with windchills in the -teens degrees ..... school was first two hours late and then was cancelled when there was no relief from the bitter cold. So, as I usually do on a "snow/extreme cold" day, I decied to knit the swatch. Here's the pic ..... I used #4 KP Options .... I almost think I may use #3 for the stole to give the fabric more stability. I just wet blocked it and took a pic. I have a mistake in the center pattern, but know what I did and didn't feel like tinking two rows ..... not on a swatch!
The rest of the week-end I'm going to try to complete the Cascading Leaves socks that I've been knitting from the handspun sock yarn my daughter did for me as part of my Christmas gift. The roving was Crown Mountain Fibers in the magic carpet ride colorway. I'm knitting both socks on ml on what I thought was an Addi (had been purchased as such somewhere), but there isn't any writing on the cable that's on Addis and it was a US size. Well, the socks are looking great with me just starting the decs for the gusset. I had just read on someone's blog that there was a problem with counterfeit Addis being sold on Ebay. I haven't ever purchased from Ebay, but a couple of places where I buy do get things sometimes. That's must be what happened.

Time to head upstairs to bed. Happy knitting and TLGB!

Completed Socks & Scarf!

2008-01-10T12:02:00.000-06:00

These two are a little late in being posted, but they were Christmas gifts for two of my coffee friends.
The socks are from the Socktopia Mystery Sock pattern with mods of adding 2 sts either side of the cable for total sts of 72 ..... if I did it again, I'd add one st either side and 2 sts to each cable. The recipient said they were great ..... really kept her feet warm.

The Chevron Scarf is from STR Silkie in the Lunesea colorway and STR mediumweight in Love In Idleness colorway. The recipient is only five feet tall so I have about 1/3 of each colorway left. Any ideas for its use? I ordered colorways for a CS for me .... can't wait to start.

Other knitting has been put on a hold since I've developed a severe bacterial sinus infection .... that apparently started with the "bug" that was passed around school that hit me during Christmas vacation. I know that I'm sick when I don't even feel an urge to pick up the needles. The prescriptions are doing their job, but I have had to stay home two days so far this week. The congestion, headache, ringing in the ears, and inability to get more than 45 minutes of sleep at a time contributed to that. Our school district has no substitutes that can teach Spanish, so I always have to be creative with the lesson plans.

Oh, I did start My So Called Scarf with the Knit and Needlepoint Merino, nugmet colorway, that dd brought me when she attended a medical conference in Boston last spring. It was something I could do while walking around the study hall of about 86 students that constantly need monitoring. They do, however, pay attention to how much I get finished between times or ...... what I don't get done.

Magic Carpet Ride Socks

2007-12-31T10:51:00.001-06:00

The socks are started from the hand-spun sock yarn that dd, Alcariel on Ravelry, gifted me for Christmas. I decided to use Cascading Leaves for the pattern on ml #2 Addis. So far, I have the ribbing and first pattern repeat finished. The yarn is so soft .... am really looking forward to wearing these socks.

Today I need to kitchener the toes of the Mystery Socks from Socktopia that I've knitted for a coffee friend. Yes, I had her try on the 3/4 finished socks to check the fit before Christmas. Then I can soak and block them.

Other things that need to be completed as my New Year "intentions" ..... a knitted briefcase that only needs to have handles sewn on and then be felted plus making a lining for it ..... River Rapids socks that have the legs half completed ..... Thuja socks for dh ..... and a few other UFOs or WIPs, whatever you want to call them.

Happy New Year! TLGB

SAM 5 KAL

2007-12-30T13:39:00.000-06:00

I decided to join the SAM 5 as an incentive to whittle down the sock yarn stash. I hope to get the ten pairs of socks done (three are already finished) for my coffee "buddies" and then add more to my socks inventory. I absolutely have loved wearing knitted wool socks ..... the first time in my life when my feet have been warm!

When our dd was home for Christmas, she asked me to teach her to crochet so that she could make shower puffs from dishcloth yarn. Well ..... it took all of about 5 minutes and she made three puffs before she went home on the 27th. I've made two so far .... haven't used either yet .... one was gifted to a retired teacher (she's 85 years young) who thought they were so beautiful. The pattern is available here.

One gift that dd gave me was some sock yarn that she had spun. She had me pick the roving earlier this year ..... Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino in the colorway Magic Carpet Ride. It is sooo soft, it's going to feel great on my feet. Will post a pic after I get it "caked." TLGB

Socks!

2007-12-28T19:37:00.000-06:00

Here's a pic of the Thuja socks I started earlier this month for DH .... not done for Christmas, so will probably complete them in January. They are knit from CTH Supersock in the Java colorway (dark & med brown, blue-grey, dark sage) on ml. I had DH try them on Christmas Day to make sure they would fit over his high instep .... they did, so now all I have left is two long feet and toes. I've really enjoyed knitting these although the dark color is easier in sunlight or bright light.

I just have to kitchener the toes on the Socktopia Mystery Socks that I knitted for a friend for Christmas. I had her try them on since her feet are a lot smaller than mine. They weren't going to be home for Christmas, so will get those to her on Monday. I used Fortissima Socka Jeans on #2 Addi with ml. I did increase the sts by 8 since my friend likes loose-fitting socks due to vein trouble at her ankles. These were the first mystery anything that I knitted, so enjoyed the "surprise" of what was coming, but didn't like the wait for each step. Will post the pic when I have them finished this week-end.

My December shipment came from RSC on the 24th .... beautiful yarn ....... great pattern. When I "caked" the yarn, I noticed several (12+) knots in just one strand ... one 5-inch place had three such "blemishes." My dd, Alcariel, said that I should contact BMFA because that wasn't up to their standards at all. Well, ..... this morning I sent an email that started out with my "love" of the socks club and then a description of the yarn. Within two hours, I had a reply stating that a new skein of yarn was being sent. JoAnn and Blue Moon Rock! TLGB

Last Minute Socks!

2007-12-15T10:30:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, the last minutes socks are for DH, so they will probably be wrapped as a WIP, that's what dd suggested. I took the stitch pattern from Thuja, but since I'm using CTH sock yarn in the Java colorway, I had to increase the sts to 72 from the 44 for wstd. I'm about 5 inches down the leg (both socks are on ml), so will at least get started out on the feet before Christmas comes. The sun is shining today, so should be able to get a good pic outside on the snow.

Oh, the spoiler to their completion is the fact that the high school where I teach decided to have semester tests before Christmas and finish the last 7 days of the semester with a "learning" experience left up to the individual teacher. Well, my classes are year-long, so I'm just continuing with the regular plans. It does mean, however, that I need to type my test this week-end instead of during Christmas vacation.

Today is going to be the finish getting decorations out for Christmas.... the last three years the dd has had to work (she's a nurse), so wasn't able to come home. We took Christmas to her .... even a 2:00 a.m. Christmas dinner for the floor nurses in 2004 and 2006. This year, SHE'S COMING, so I need to really get all the Christmas "stuff" out. Hopefully I won't forget or can't find something that she really remembers. Then .... there's a pile of gifts to wrap .... just about everything is purchased except for a couple of stocking stuffers.

Even with all of the "busy-ness" of the season, please remember the real reason for celebrating. TLGB

Just In Time!

2007-12-03T09:43:00.000-06:00

The Uptown Boot Socks that I hoped to finish in November, weren't finished until the morning of Dec. 2, so I guess that they will have to be December socks for the SAM KAL4. There were finished, however, just in time for the coldest day so far this winter. The yarn and sock blockers were a gift from my SP11, tryintaknit on Ravelry. Now I'm finishing the Mystery Socks from Socktopia .... just have one more repeat on the foot and then on to the toe. They should be finished in a couple of days. Then I suppose that I should finish the River Rapids Socks from Sockbug that have been on the needles too long .... only have about 3 inches knitted on the top down pair.

Our trip to Branson was great ..... really puts one in the Christmas spirit. When we returned about 9:30 last night the temp was only 7 degrees above zero with wind-chills of about -11! We had left Branson with a gentle shower coming down with temps in the upper 40's. When we stopped mid-afternoon at Miller Pecan Farm near DeWitt, Missouri, the owner said that the temp had fallen 20 degrees in 30 minutes about mid-morning. It just became colder and colder the farther north we travelled. When we finally got home, we had about 3 inches of snow encrusted on top with about an inch of ice. Our neighbor was kind enough to clean off the drive and main sidewalk, so we just need to finish the rest. I spread a corn-based ice melt on the front step and sidewalk from there to the drive. Hopefully, it will be softened, loosened enough by the time I return home from school this afternoon.(it is two-hours late this morning).

I didn't find any yarn shops in Branson. Didn't really have time. We were sooooo busy going to shows ...... absolutely loved the three-hour Danny O'Donnell show, Mannheim Steamroller, and Shoji Tubachi. The other fours shows were enjoyable, but not as outstanding as these three. As the "youngsters" on the bus, the others had our three listed as their bottom three ... to each his own.

Uptown - Almost There!

2007-11-28T05:14:00.000-06:00

The Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks have really been an easy knit for me. I just haven't had as much time as I would have liked to knit the past couple of days. These are to be my November socks for the SAM KAL. The yarn is Araucania that I received from my SP11 .... in fact, here's the debut of the wooden sock blockers that SP11 sent me. They're patterned after some antique sock blockers. Here's my progress so far ....

Early Thursday morning, 5:00 to be exact, we board a bus to head to Christmas in Branson, Missouri. We will return late Sunday evening ... that's Dec. 2. I'm going to take a pic of the finished socks with the date, so hopefully they will qualify for Nov. These will be finished on the way down since dh has said that he's going to be sleeping .... don't think that will last the 12 hour trip, though. I haven't decided which other WIP I will take .... probably the River Rapids socks that are about 1/3 complete and Pam's chevron scarf. Then again, maybe the entrelac purse that I've just started ... only have the foundation triangles done. TLGB

Knitting News

2007-11-26T06:12:00.000-06:00

Our dd came home for Thanksgiving and some fun knitting times. Since both sets of our parents are celebrating in heaven, our celebration is just for the three of us (plus our 3 dogs). The usual turkey, dressing, potatoes, yams, cranberry jello, and pumpkin pie was delicious .... even the leftovers eaten Sunday noon!

Saturday morning when dh went pheasant hunting, the dd and I headed to a small town about 40 miles away after busymomof2 on Ravelry alerted us to the existence of a yarn shop ..... I have to drive 75+ miles to get to the nearest shop ..... except all the on-line yarn goodness. The shop, Ewe-Phoria Yarns, carries a variety of yarns. The owner formerly had an on-line shop when her family lived in Denver. Now, she has come to northern Iowa, opened a shop, still maintains her online business in the backroom of the store, and dyes yarn, too! It was a very delightful experience for both of us. Across the street was a gorgeous quilt shop .... there was an overwhelming display of flannel .... didn't know they made that much flannel. Anyway, the flannel pjs (three sets) that I made dd while she was in college are losing their softness. I have two lengths of pj flannel to sew .... now I have three! The newly acquired 5-yards is in the washer, soon to go in the dryer.

Oh, the uptown boot socks that I'm knitting from yarn sent by my SP11, are progressing well. With two days free from teaching school, I was able to "power-knit." I knit both socks on magic loop, so I'm about halfway finished with the gussets .... once those are done, the rest is easy.

While dd was home, I was able to photograph the Norwegian mittens (my first pair ever made) and scarf, just used the snowflake pattern from the mitts on it. The scarf was knitted on a 16-in circ #3 and took 5 balls of Norwegian yarn (it is probably about six feet long). The set matches the colors (a dark plum and heather grey) of a Columbia cold weather jacket we bought for her when she was in college.

DH and I are looking forward to a 4-day bus trip to Branson, Missouri, to go to seven shows and enjoy the Christmas "glitter." It will be another short week at school.

TLGB

SP 11 Rocks!

2007-11-23T17:14:00.000-06:00

Today when dd and I returned from lunch at a local coffee shop, there were two boxes waiting for me from my SP 11, Cathy, also "tryintaknit" on Ravelry. In an earlier box, she had sent me some gorgeous Araucania yarn ...... she kept asking me about what pattern I was going to use, so she sent me an original (I think) pattern, Lacy Rib ..... I had already started to use the yarn for some Uptown Boot Socks that are about finished. I will use her pattern in the very near future. Also included in the box were wooden sockblockers, Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk, Divorced & Cover in Cat Hair with a silver bookmark, a lot of stitch markers in a small tin, a small covered basket, tea (green and Earl Grey's Winter White), bath confetti, gingerbread man playing cards, a calendar, a Fall Foliage can in a tin, delicious orange/mango Ice Breakers called Sour Pumpkins, a pen, a post-it highlighter (I love these since you can highlight pattern sizes and use the post-it to mark the page), and a pink journal. Thank you, Cathy, for everything that made my first SP exchange so delightful. Sorry about the picture ..... it's a cold, not too sunny day here in Iowa. TLGB

Something to Satisfy Cravings!

2007-11-20T16:09:00.000-06:00

Today when I came home from school, my dh was cleaning a pheasant in the garage .... he motioned over to the back step today and said, "You've got another package!" My upstream from the Ravelry Caffeine Addicts Exchange 2 gifted me with fabulous things.

When I saw the color of the yarns, I knew the perfect place to take the pic ... in front of some silk hydrangea flowers that my husband's Brittany hunting dog liked to eat last spring. We couldn't figure out the pieces of pink cloth that were appearing in the yard .... then I saw that Cozi had devoured one entire flower.

Included in the "haul" were two blends of coffee - Wishkah Blend and North River Blend - from the Coffee Bean Café and Popcorn Factory in Aberdeen, WA; a "to-go" appearing cup that was loaded with double chocolate espresso brownies mix (I'll make these this week-end when dd comes home for Thanksgiving); some Seattle Chocolates, actually truffles; a lovely cup with the saying "Nothing is Better than Friendship & Coffee; a tiny bamboo crochet hook that will be just perfect for picking up dropped sts on socks; Sugar 'n Cream Stripes yarn in "country stripes", actually greens and blues; some Crystal Palace cotton chenille for a face cloth; and Fly-Dyed Monarch yarn in a sport weight superwash in bright pinks. My pal, dblyouxwhyz on Ravelry, is great! ¡Muchísimas gracias! I've just started a pair of socks with yarn from my SP11 pal, but these will be the next ones on the needles for me!

TLGB

More Socks!

2007-11-19T05:17:00.000-06:00

I finally decided the sock pattern I'm going to use for the Araucania sock yarn from my SP 11 ..... Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks from Interweave. I didn't do the 2+ inches of ribbing, only 1 1/4" instead. The pattern isn't at all difficult ..... I just need to remember to always have a cable hook with me until I finish them. I've completed the first pattern of 8 rows and plan to try to do one pattern repeat each day. The colorway includes a medium denim blue along with pink/purple ... really like the way it is knitting up. Here's a pic so far.

I'm over halfway on the Chevron scarf that's a gift. I usually knit on it while I'm roaming the large study time that I supervise at school ..... last thing in the day. A few students are always checking my progress, so that keeps me going with it. I plan to start another Chevron after the holidays ... this one for me.

I can smell that's the coffee is finished .... time for my first cup of the day. TLGB