Knitnspinner

Hidden Art chapter 1

2012-02-15T14:07:00.002-05:00

I'm resurrecting my long forgotten blog to join in a book study of Edith Schaeffer's Hidden Art of Homemaking. I've read this book many times and it's time for a refresher!

This chapter is a great reminder to me of the real reason behind my desire to create things. These days I go most often to the kitchen or my fiber and spindles, but in the past, I first might have pulled up a chair to the sewing machine or picked up a cross-stitch pattern. I love learning new things-I started learning about card-making last December, and last Saturday I made my first real batch of soap!

My difficulty has been that I often lose sight of the Big Picture in the midst of all my creating. I tend to get so focused on all the neat things to make and do that I don't even see the enormity of the mess that it brings along with it. I feel the stress of it, but I am not motivated to action. My love for creating and learning new things has smothered the peace and order of our home. And, in my mind, that's where a lot of the beauty is. Because...

I am not an interior designer. My idea of decorating is limited to trying to find a place to fit another bookcase. My sister got all of the natural talent in that area. Her home is decorated with truly lovely things, and it was easy for her. I'm ready to expand and learn some skills that will make our home a more beautiful and inviting place. The first skill is the most important and it is completely free!!

I started a crisis clean/declutter of the house at the beginning of the week in yet another another attempt to get control of the piles. While it's coming along amazingly well, I don't want to lose sight of the real reason WHY I want my house to look nice. Not for the sake of "nice", but because God has given creative ability to us. I have been rather unbalanced in the use of mine and it's time to even things out a little.

I'm so excited to join in this study-it has come at the perfect time for me.

Christmas is coming

2011-12-06T21:15:00.003-05:00

I've been making ornaments for my Ornament Swap. I used a cute little crocheted ice skate pattern that I found on the internet somewhere. Wow-My chair is gonna be swallowed by clutter if I don't cut it out!

Spindles

2011-11-28T15:00:00.002-05:00

I added two new Jenkins Turkish to my spindle collection. My Holly Lark is joined by a standard in Cherry and an Agean in Olivewood. The Agean has special markings-a vining branch, a cross, and the fish symbol. All so beautiful! And great spinners, too!

New yarn

2011-06-14T15:13:00.003-05:00

I've been spinning more this week in an attempt to get some UFO's cleared away. I finished this Merino/tencel blend from Counting Sheep Farm. 454 yds of navajo ply. No plans for it yet-I'll have to wait until some special pattern catches my eye.

knitting FO

2011-05-31T19:45:00.002-05:00

My Branching Vine cowl based on a lace pattern out of one of BW's treasuries. The fiber is BFL wool that I bought from Spunky Eclectic and spun on my Kromski Minstrel. I'd been reading over Jn 15 and wanted a stitch pattern that reminded me of a Vine and branches. This one comes pretty close!

Flowers

2011-05-18T09:48:00.005-05:00

I've added two roses to my front yard. This lovely pink was given to me by a sweet neighbor who had taken cuttings from a beautiful bush belonging to a friend. Then I broke down and purchased a yellow rose this year since I figured it was only right that a native Texan should have a yellow rose. I had a good laugh when the first beautiful blooms were...pink.

My lantana that my mother gave me a few years ago has sent up enough daughter plants that now I'm sharing them with neighbors. I had some extras for our yard and some for a friend who lost a large tree in a storm and now has some sun in her yard! The butterflies love lantana and my yellow and pink bush type variety is perennial in zone 7.

The vegetable garden is growing well, but sorrel is the only thing I've harvested yet. I love it in a green smoothie! A handful of sorrel, some spinach, a banana and some kefir whirled in the blender makes a great breakfast!

January spinning

2011-01-20T14:42:00.005-05:00

Last fall I went in to my wool stash and made a DIY fiber club for myself! Here's January's selection-Corriedale and silk on my tulipwood Swan spindle.

I'm knitting a scarf/cowl out of some handspun BFL-maybe I can get it done before the cold weather is over. Not knitting very fast lately!

Knitting

2010-11-01T09:07:00.005-05:00

I'm almost done with another cardigan-this one in WOTA in the now discontinued Fog color. I took this photo late last week and finished the body last evening. Hoping I can finish that last sleeve this week!

Spindle spinning

2010-10-27T06:59:00.005-05:00

While my wheel hasn't been totally neglected, most of my spinning has been on a spindle lately. Maybe I should say spindles because I've been spreading the spinning time around thinly these days. Not very efficient, I know! This is one that I made with a bamboo skewer and a square thingy from Hobby Lobby. It's working pretty well on this Romney/mohair blend.

I also pulled out an old friend from my early spinning days-this spindle was made by Linda Diak

maybe 8 yrs ago-for a spindle swap our internet group hosted. I have Tunis/mohair on it.

There are other spindles that I'm using as well, but I'll save them for another time :~)

New!

2010-09-15T17:33:00.003-05:00

I have a new spindle. This is a Jenkins turkish-one of their Meadowlarks in Holly. I have an optional shaft on it in this picture making it what is called a Jay. I can't decide which variation I like better-the original Lark shaft or this smaller, darker one. They're both so nice!

More spinning

2010-08-19T14:42:00.003-05:00

I'm still spinning almost every day. We'll start our new curriculum on Monday so I've spent some time this week getting things (like my wool closet) more organized. Well, I have done a good bit of sorting the school items, making copies, etc. too.

I'm really looking forward to getting back in the swing of things, and the children are, too. A new Math book is making my oldest nervous, but other than that-we are eager to begin! I still have an hour reserved in the afternoon for my projects, so I hope to get some knitting/spinning done, even if it is a little slower going.

Getting ready for school

2010-08-11T15:22:00.004-05:00

We're getting ready to start Rome to Reformation(My Father's World) and I've been re-working the school schedule from last year and thinking about what things we can do to make busier school days a little smoother. Firming up our "before bed" routines will help! Those slid during the summer...

I really like the Scripture Memory System laid out here. Now this should definitely help with our review! I think some of the Psalms have fallen through the cracks...

On the fiber front...I've been spindle spinning more than wheel spinning lately! The bubinga Bossie and some combed Corriedale come on my morning walks now and when I have a few minutes here and there, I pick up my tulipwood Swan.

I'm nearly done with the ribbed cable square for the sampler afghan-hope to be done with it later tonight. Then just two more before the sewing up!

Tour results

2010-08-05T07:38:00.005-05:00

Here is my pile of yarn from the TdF. The gray is my Targhee blend(now dyed burgundy), and the purple is the Merino blend. I had barely started the Corriedale roving that is on the bobbin(yes, I dyed it purple, too)when the Tour ended. I really overestimated my capabilities when I set goals this year!

The good news is that I'm still spinning nearly every day!

Progress

2010-07-20T07:08:00.003-05:00

The Tour (well...and I) has taken this monstrous lot of wool and turned it into usable yarn! And, even better, more yarn than I had hoped I could get. I really wanted to replace a well-loved cardi(Mr. Greenjeans in a poorly chosen variegated yarn)with a nice handspun. We stopped at Smoky Mountain Spinnery last week on our way out of Gatlinburg and I bought some red dye to make the color a little more suitable for me. (Gray and I are not always the best of friends)

I've started on my next batch of fiber-the Merino/Great Pyrenees/Alpaca. I'm plying with a single of Merino top. I'd show a pic of the first skein, but apparently Blogger thinks I am nuts to want to add more than one picture to this post. Maybe next time!

Tour de Fleece

2010-07-02T15:31:00.002-05:00

The Tour starts tomorrow and I have these fibers to spin up. A Targhee blend leads the line-up, with a Merino blend next, and a near mountain of Corriedale roving waiting if I can get to it. (There's four times the amount pictured-I couldn't bear to bring it all out)

Spring photo

2010-04-20T15:52:00.006-05:00

My garden is slowly getting planted, and here's photo to show what you can end up with if you compliment someone on their flowers.
A sweet older lady across the street from my daughter's piano teacher was so generous and gave me this lovely iris to add to mine. I love the color!

Starting seeds

2010-02-17T14:10:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again! I have nearly 150 seeds in trays in my laundry room. Many of them have come up already! Lots of good things in the works for the garden so far.
For salads...
Arugula, Broccoli Raab, English Sorrell, Lacinato Kale, Mixed lettuce, Nasturtiums, Five Color Silverbeet
The tomatoes...
Gold medal and Brandywine(both slicing tomatoes), Roman Candle, Speckled Roman, Green Sausage( for sauce/salsa) Jaune Flamme(drying) and both Red and Yellow Pear. The green sausage were outstanding last year-my all time favorite for sauce. No core to speak of-just great tomatoes. They don't even need staking, and they were positively loaded with tomatoes. If you're looking for a new variety-that's my recommendation!
Regular ol' vegetables...
Cauliflower-mixed colors, Lemon Cucmbers, Golden Zucchini, Cocozelle squash, Fish Peppers, Pretty in Purple Peppers(those two are hot)and Buran, and Golden Treasure(both sweet). I even went ahead and sprouted some of my Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, because I just couldn't resist. I know pole beans grow fast(they did great last year!) and it's just as well to direct sow later on...I had a weak moment, I guess. It continued until I had started my Spaghetti Squash, the Amish Pie Pumpkins, and a couple of Marina di Chiogga Squash. I did hold off on the okra and eggplant and the other beans. Whew!
Of course I have some Marigolds sprouting to scatter around the edges of the beds, and a dozen or so seeds from a "Mixed Cutting Garden" packet that I bought several years back. I keep all my seeds in the fridge so they last several seasons.

A birthday

2010-01-24T22:08:00.005-05:00

My firstborn turned TWELVE. I'm amazed at how time flies-I well remember those newborn days-ditching the cradle notion and getting over(fast!)my uneasiness about having him sleep next to me. My mother said, "You hold that baby ALL THE TIME. " And she was right! But now I can't. At the rate he's going he'll be looking me in the eye in another year or so. He's already 5'7"! What a great young man he is becoming-Mark and I are so blessed-it's so wonderful to see God at work in the hearts of your children!

I bought some western-themed fabric a few years ago, intending to make a cowboy quilt for this boy, and I realized that I had better get to it before he's completely outgrown the rather juvenile style of some of the fabric. I had one big disappointment-my Elnasuper quit halfway through the quilting(I do all the quilting on the Elna since I have a walking foot for it) I suspect-and hope-it's just the foot control. Thankfully, I chose a low loft batting and the Viking was able to take over and finish it up for me. Now all it lacks is the binding!
Joshua likes it and is looking forward to adding it to his pile of blankets :~)

Some sewing

2010-01-16T21:55:00.008-05:00

I finished Catherine's corduroy dress this evening. Nice and basic-I've used this pattern before, and have two more cut out for wearing this summer. Seems like all of a sudden, none of her dresses fit well. My mother is sewing some-it was supposed to be one, but then last time I talked to her, she said she was 'finally on the last one', and I was so surprised I forgot to go back and clarify :~) She still wears an 8 in this pattern-I'm so glad. In today's world, once we pass a size 8, suitable styles become harder to find, even in sewing patterns :~( But then I do confess to being picky...
I also sewed up some book covers-one for my GraceWorks planner and one for my Bible. My Bible cover has pockets on the front and back for note paper/pens. My planner cover just has one front pocket. They were not hard to do and I love having the straps for easy carrying!

Home improvements

2010-01-12T11:14:00.006-05:00

Over our Christmas break I did a bit of work on our bathroom walls. This project started out in our tiny bathroom and then spilled over to the larger main bath. We had several areas on our bathroom walls that were very uneven/torn because of re-doing the shower area a while back.(We had a leak! Horrors!) They needed several layers of joint compound, then priming, and painting. (The $ for all this was one of our Christmas gifts :~) One of my favorites, actually) I sewed a new curtain and matching shower curtain to coordinate with the new paint. The actual color is hard to capture with my camera-the walls remind me of caramel sauce!
Since I already had the joint compound out...I decided to smooth out the walls of the main bath-which were painted to look like stucco(I think...) We took down the old mirror and saw this! A good sized hole! That's the brick of the chimney in the den! Looks like a medicine cabinet was once there. Thankfully, my dear husband had an extra piece of sheetrock in the garage, and he cut it to fit, and installed it for me. I used the paint that was left over from our bathroom and added a good bit of basic white to enable me to use it for the second bathroom as well.
These were big projects, bigger than I initially realized, but I am so glad to have them done! There are some imperfections-I am not a professional, but I learned a lot, and am pretty happy with how it looks. This one is my children's bathroom, and I know they are enjoying the "new" look.

In this new year

2010-01-06T10:20:00.006-05:00

I have been leaning more on my GraceWorks planner. I began using the Beautiful Life Manager pages last year but had been skipping some things. So in December I began working on implementing more steps and am really enjoying the results! They played a big part in getting two big projects broken down to more manageable levels(redoing the walls of both bathrooms!)
I recently bought one for my older two children and they are enjoying using them as much as I am! The best part about using GraceWorks is the little reminders of our true priority sprinkled throughout the pages. When undertaking the goal of becoming more organized, it is so easy to lose sight of our true goal-honoring and loving our Lord. These pages are great about keeping this far more important goal in my mind.

Finished Tomten

2009-11-27T20:06:00.003-05:00

I did finish the Tomten jacket and gave it to my little niece at our Thanksgiving celebration.
I'm only working on the socks now-no other knitting 'til they are done.

Thankful

2009-11-25T16:46:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for so many things. My Savior, the hope of heaven, a dear family, and good friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomten time

2009-11-09T14:03:00.002-05:00

Molly's yarn arrived and I am knitting away. Starting to get a weird feeling about the amount I ordered-this first skein is almost gone. Hmmm...

Breaktime's over

2009-11-06T11:09:00.011-05:00

I've started some new things, and am enjoying working on them in this nice fall weather we are having!
There's my cardigan knit from one strand of Knitpicks Shadow and one of Cloud. This is the Midnight colorway and the emerging fabric is fabulous. This pattern is my own that I am making up as I go with the help of BW's Knitting From the Top. Just a simple shallow V-necked cardi with a nice lace panel down the sleeves. I'm steeking the front because the thought of all that purling is scarier than the thought of cutting my knitting. Those are Harmony circs in 0 for those who care.
I've also knit a few squares for a sock yarn blanket. Since crochet and I are old friends, despite my replacing it with knitting, I intend to join the squares with crochet in some sort of unifying solid color once I have enough. Who knows when that will be...
Hmmm...what else...
I had to add some length to Jacob's Wallaby from last year. Note to self-always make children's cabled sweaters longer than you think they should be. Snipping that st and picking up and reknitting was nothing but grafting that staghorn cable back together was Not Easy and four tries later, I finally had to say "good enough". I wish I could have made it totally invisible! But he's four and wanted his sweater back, so I had to stop obsessing. Besides the yarn for his little sister's sweater is in the mail on it's way here! Can't wait!
Oh! And the Helgi mittens are finally done. I procrastinated way too long over that last thumb.
I'm still playing a lot of piano. In fact, I've started lessons again-after 15 years! I've played around with music for the last 30 years, and I think I'm finally ready to really learn this. So, I found a wonderful teacher who is putting me through the wringer and I am loving it. DD and I are hurrying to see who can get to the piano first when there's a free moment. :~)

School is in session

2009-10-01T08:43:00.002-05:00

And there's been no knitting. None. Spinning either. I had some great projects going that I had yet to blog about, but now-it seems rather pointless to post pictures of what I'm NOT working on.
We are having a great year in school so far though, and I'm really glad about that :~) I consider myself very blessed to have this great opportunity to teach my children! My youngest is learning to read this fall and it is so exciting to see him work his way through the lessons!
C is in her second year of piano lessons and I decided to teach my boys the basics myself. The actual result of this worthy ambition is that I am practicing piano a lot myself. I think that's where my knitting time has gone...

Knit From Your Shelf begins

2009-07-27T09:45:00.006-05:00

Since the sweater left the needles last Wednesday, I've knit and frogged a Helgi Mitten from Folk Knitting in Estonia. My first foray into serious two color knitting revealed these obvious gauge problems while I "found my rhythm". I swallowed hard and pulled it back to the thumb line and went up a needle size. However, I was so demoralized that I set it aside and knit up a pair of toddler sized CIC socks instead out of the leftover Paton's Classic.
They were really fast and soothed me immensely. I confess to casting on a larger pair this morning-no cables this time-just a simple 3 to 1 rib. Likely I'll use navy scraps for the heels and toes. I had to make myself stop after 5 inches worth or the mitten may never have seen the light of day again.

At long last

2009-07-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

my Celtic Dreams sweater is done.

Ouch!

2009-07-15T14:44:00.004-05:00

All this knitting on CD has left my right hand a little...unhappy. I'm taking frequent breaks and combing up some Merino to make up the third ply in the Polwarth blend yarn(gotta stretch that some since I have less than a pound) I had great hopes of finishing this project up before the month was out, but the hand problem may interfere.
The good news is that I reviewed my Knit From Your Shelf list and it's shorter than I thought. I forgot about having knit a Moccasin Sock (yes, one-it was not my favorite. I intend to try it again in the future though since the notion of a refootable sock is very appealing) and a Moebius scarf. So, that takes care of Knitter's Almanac and Knitting Around. Leaving only-um, five books. That's one per month. These projects better be small!

Spinning

2009-07-10T09:13:00.006-05:00

I've been doing a good bit of spinning lately. I unearthed some ancient fibers and am really enjoying them! The first is some Polwarth that I had blended with a bit of kid mohair and some angora. I keep a smallish amount of fiber near the wheel in a wine carrier that I bought at A C Moore. Let me assure you-this is lovely fiber! The wool is from Nancy Ortmann's flock-I've purchased their Targhee and Cormo as well. Fabulous! The blending was done by Wooly Knob and they did a superb job. I'm already on the third bobbin.
The next batch-you knew I'd have two batches going, right?-is this lovely gray Corriedale from Dan-Vir farm(sorry neither if these shepherds have web pages-email me for contact info) this is from a fleece I purchased back in '05. Since I bought more from them at SAFF since then, I figured it was time to get going on this one. Spinning another three ply with this fiber-just like the one above. That's what I like to knit-so that's what I spin!

And then here's a little update on Celtic Dreams. Almost to the cuff on that sleeve!!!

Sissy

2009-06-26T19:23:00.003-05:00

Now isn't she just the cutest?

Sleeves and kitchen stuff

2009-06-24T09:24:00.003-05:00

I have knit my CD pullover down to the "skirt" section, and am putting that on hold while I work up the sleeves. I've picked up the sts and I'm ready to go! The top of the sleeve is worked flat for a bit and then joined-looking forward to seeing that come together!
I am also knitting up a mitered dishtowel from the Mason Dixon book that I borrowed from the library. I plan to finish it up today and promptly hang it on my handy little towel hook right next to the kitchen sink.
We got a new puppy for my daughter's birthday. A six wk old American Eskimo. Dh took the camera to work today so I'll have to post a picture later. She is a real cutie!

Favorite skirt!

2009-06-03T07:28:00.006-05:00

I've forgotten just where I first heard this skirt pattern praised(one of those "week in dresses" records?) but I do remember the girl saying that "this pattern can do no wrong". Since it was a simple 2 hr skirt with a variation for a bias version, I started looking for one for sale. An internet store had one, so I promptly bought it and wasted no time in sewing two up with some floral rayon prints I had stashed away. For the first time, I can agree with the pattern envelope. It really is a 2 hr skirt!
Here's a photo of my navy floral(this is view B) If you are looking for a good simple skirt-try to find this one! McCalls 2029!

The last denim skirt that I made has a bit of a grease stain from a cooking spill, so I bought this apron fabric the other day to sew up some aprons for C and me. I have some plain pink cotton for contrast-that will likely be C's skirt section. We're working on her mastering my apple pie recipe, then she wants to move on to biscuits :~)

He is risen!

2009-04-12T15:35:00.003-05:00

Did the grass sing?
Did the earth rejoice to feel You again?
Over and over like a trumpet underground,
Did the earth seem to pound
"He is risen!"
Over and over in a never ending round,
"He is risen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Spring!

2009-04-03T12:35:00.006-05:00

The weather is super nice today-spring is my favorite time of year! We've had some good rain and now the sun is out and all my little plants are poking up their heads to greet the world. I moved my peonies to the side of the house, which will make dh happy. Now he won't have to watch out for them while he's mowing. I'm transplanting the pepper seedlings this afternoon into larger containers-they are ready for more space but I want to be sure we don't lose them in that one last frost that often shows up around Easter. Everything else in the sunbox is looking great! And my alpine strawberries are blooming!

I've picked the Celtic Dreams pullover back up and have almost finished a repeat, which is 24 rounds. I want to do one more repeat before picking up those sleeve stitches.
We are taking our spring break next week-I'll be refinishing a bed and chest of drawers for C's room. I'll post pics before I begin. These pieces have been waiting in the garage for quite some time-but now that nice weather is here-I can get that good ventilation that such projects require!

And here's the finished denim skirt. Simplicity 5524. Good pattern! I'm thinking of making one next winter in a black pinwhale corduroy.

Study

2009-04-01T11:16:00.003-05:00

About a month ago, I finished up a study on modesty. Nothing formal, just me looking carefully at some passages of Scripture. I began in the garden in Gen 3. Isn't it interesting that the first thing that Adam and Eve did after disobeying God was to attempt to cover themselves? The very first thing! There's no record of their first being angry with each other, angry at the serpent, or even afraid of God finding out. Now those emotions likely were there, but I find it intriguing that what is recorded in the text is that they immediately tried to cover themselves. That flies in the face of what the world says about the purpose of clothing. Fashion, hierarchy, the desire to seduce, protection from the elements-all that is secondary. We wear clothes because of sin and the shame that that brings.
So, what did they make? The ESV translates this word loincloths. And what was Adam's reaction when God came to talk with him as before? He hid himself because he was n*ked. Even Adam knew, when the moment of truth came, that he was exposed and vulnerable. God confirms this awareness of shame and provides Adam and Eve with something that was even more of a covering. The word garments refers to a tunic or coat and is the same word that is used later to describe the Hebrew priest's outer robe.
Now, having said that, I do not think that God gave a divine dress code here. I do believe that the principle of modesty was instituted here and I do infer that modesty may very well mean wearing more than we naturally wish to. Obviously we have deep spiritual things going on in the garden at the Fall. And our focus should be on the spiritual, without question. The sobering picture of human attempts to cover up sin by our own works and God's amazing provision is not lost to me. The fact that there is a wonderful spiritual significance to this event does not mean that there is nothing that we can learn from the physical aspects of it.
The NT word that mirrors this awareness of shame is translated discreet, or chaste, or shamefacedness. The idea is-one who shrinks from crossing over the line of decency and feminine modesty. We have lost this concept as a nation. I looked past the woman replacing my watch battery at Wal-Mart yesterday and saw the shirts on the racks in the Women's section. I honestly thought they had rearranged the store, until I saw the sign. Those little Tees might fit my eight year old.
I am blessed with a husband who helps me understand what modesty looks like. It is not easy to find modest clothing, but it can be done. Elementary sewing skills are also helpful if you have them :~) I bought $20 worth of fabric and have sewn a skirt for both myself and C and a pair of play shorts for T. I've seen similar skirts on the Internet for $40, so it pays to learn to sew a few things. Besides, I find it very rewarding. Much of my day is spent on tasks that will soon need to be done again-dishes, cooking, washing clothes-it's great to look at a finished project! :~)
Warm weather is right around the corner-let's enjoy it without being squeezed into the world's mold!

Lately

2009-03-26T14:29:00.003-05:00

I've not touched my knitting. I've crocheted a bit-started a small blanket out of handspun, but not much really. I did finish sewing a dress for myself that had been lying in a bag for months :~) I also cut out some things to sew up in the next few weeks. All in all, not much to show, craft-wise, for the last couple of months.
I've been doing a good bit of Bible study-one on modesty, and one on a difficult passage in the NT and that has taken up a good bit of my afternoons. God has worked some changes in my heart through them and I've been blessed as a result.
More on this next time.

Distracted

2009-01-20T21:57:00.005-05:00

I got distracted this week by the cold temps. My initial plan was to focus on Celtic Dreams and really push for serious progress just to get past the mid-way point. But then I opened my sock drawer and saw two pair of fuzzy house socks and two pair of summer anklets. (Don't worry, I did find two more suitable options in line for the washing machine) Apparently, all my socks wear out at once! I knew I'd been tossing some lately, but now that I know the true state of things I am doing some sock knitting. This first pair are just toe-up plain ones in Fisherman's Wool. After these, I have one more worsted weight pair to go and then I'll get more practical.

I did get a couple inches of pullover in though, as you can see. Those central panels are coming together!

Fraternal twins

2009-01-11T16:24:00.001-05:00

Something went wrong with the Moccasin sock, so I knit the second one my regular way. Garter stitch heel, wedge toe. I'd like to get the Knitting Around video from the library and see where I might have gone wrong. But I'm counting it done anyway!

Added

2009-01-05T16:49:00.004-05:00

the Moccasin socks from Knitting Around to my current projects. J told me the other night that his feet were so cold the night before that he had to wrap them in an extra blanket to get to sleep. Poor child has serious circulation issues. Plain ol' cotton just ain't cuttin' it. Now C kicks off every blanket I put on her-even if it's just the sheet and she is sound asleep! Weird. I'm knitting these out of the leftover Lisa Souza merino/angora. With a strand of black fingering weight at the top and sole.
I am still knitting Celtic Dreams-I'm about 2-3 inches past the underarm. So, maybe an updated photo next time when there's more to see.

I got another seed order in today-just a few packets from Victory Seed. They carry Garden Sorrel which I've been wanting for a year or so. I also got some okra, rutabaga, and radish seed from them. Most of this year's new seed comes from Seed Savers Exchange. Here's the lineup from them so far:
Lacinato and Red Russian Kale
Lettuce Mix
Lazy Housewife Pole Bean(who could resist?)
Chris Cross Watermelon
Buran and Golden Treasure pepper
Marina di Chiogga and Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck Squash
Speckled Roman, Green Sausage, and Gold Medal Tomato

I do intend to put in one more order in the spring for eggplant, flowers, and another squash/tomato/pepper variety. I have expanded the garden from last year and now have three raised beds. Two 4X14's and one 4X12 officially in vegetables, and then I'll still have the flower borders that have room for a few stray bush vegetables like the green sausage tomatoes or zucchini. I love to do all my garden planning in the winter! This year I'm paying more attention to the companion planting rules. The pumpkins didn't do well last year-found out that they dislike being near potatoes. So, I'm hoping for a better harvest this next season.

Knit From Your Shelf 2009?

2008-12-30T15:31:00.005-05:00

I am seriously thinking of taking on this challenge from Carolyn. I looked through my shelf to see just what kind of stack I would have to work through. It kind of scared me a little. I am not a fast knitter. I'm not even halfway through Celtic Dreams. We will still have school here. I'm slated to teach three classes at co-op this semester. Fourth grade Sunday School at church, too. And I have a big garden planned. That's March through October here in my zone. Plus, I will still have my normal responsibilities of feeding the family and insuring that we have some clean clothes and surfaces here at the house. So, why am I so drawn to this challenge? The six unused books on my knitting shelf have been clamoring for the last month for me to commit.
Here are the titles in order of purchase date...
Knitter's Almanac(I know!!!)
Folk Socks
Folk Knitting in Estonia
Meg Swansen's Knitting
Knitting Around
Aran Sweater Design
Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys and Arans

They are all very worthwhile titles with lovely things to choose from inside.

A few more

2008-10-19T14:33:00.003-05:00

things that I didn't mention (way back when this post started)... I'm spinning some Coopworth-dyed and natural. Very fast spin!

And then I never posted about my Marialis Shawl! I finished it in August, and couldn't be more pleased with it. I'm so glad that I stuck with it and focused on getting it done. A year in the works is long enough! Where the picture is that I know I took...don't know. I think the camera ate it.

And I also finished up my Morning Glory pullover. I decided on hems rather than ribbing. Had a moment of panic when I realized that I was short of yarn. EZ talks about shading in a different dye lot when you run out of the first batch of yarn. So I knit a couple of rows of the original yarn and then a couple of rows of a coordinating handspun for the remainder of the body and sleeves. The main yarn was a ply of Ashland Bay colonial in heathered purple and royal blue tones, and one ply of a royal blue Finn that I had purchased way back when from a long forgotten SAFF vendor. Some of the Finn I had kept back and spun as a solid color two ply. So I alternated those two yarns and I think the finished sweater is just fine. And I'm sure glad that I had that extra Finn!

What I've been doing

2008-10-18T10:17:00.005-05:00

lately...
My Mr Greenjeans cardi in Lion Wool Majestic Mountain colorway. This sweater took something like eight days to knit. I think the combination of variegated colors and worsted weight yarn did something to me. Great pattern and I would not be surprised if I knit it again!

Before that I cast on a BSJ for my new niece, but after knitting a while I noticed that I had ordered the Wrong Yarn! Merino Style instead of Swish DK. So I had to frog. No hand washables for non-knitters, friends. Especially for a baby. I've had four. It's just not worth it. Better and kinder to just change your plans.

So, instead I cast on an overdue sweater for the little niece's big brother. And here it is! A wonderful Wallaby with mods, of course. How could I not put a cable up the middle and then around that nifty hood? That's what I thought! This is knit with KnitPicks Swish DK which I liked entirely too much.

Now that that is done I have cast on the long awaited Celtic Dreams pullover for me. Not much to see here. Just the saddles and some of the upper back so far. But I love love love the cables. They are wonderful.

And that's it for me today!

The bitter truth

2008-07-28T17:13:00.004-05:00

is that I didn't meet my Tour de Fleece goal of spinning 20 minutes a day. I let the time crunch of getting those socks finished push that morning spinning time out for a day or two. However-on the other days I spun more than 20 minutes, so the end result is that I have more finished yarn than I would have if I had been a strict adherent to my original goal. So all is not lost.

For instance, let's see what's left in the ziploc big bag...

Now see. I wouldn't have finished this! And it's been sitting in that closet for years, folks. What kept me from it, I don't know-it spun up quickly and was a nice change from my super fine Corriedale project. (Still underway and coming along nicely once again thanks to the Tour)

Here's the lineup of finished yarn. And, no-I have no plans for this. So, now it will languish in the closet as yarn for a while!

Still spinning

2008-07-22T18:32:00.005-05:00

on-not a lot of noticeable progress. So, I'll show you the socks instead! They are ready to head out the door today. What a relief! Knitting for others is very enjoyable, but-the pressure! Now I can knit on my shawl for a little while. I had made some mistakes in the pattern somehow and fixing it took some time. Notice that I did not say that I had frogged it and reknit. I took the cheater's way out, I confess, and "fixed" it. Put in gobs of stitch markers and then made things right in each repeat. Hopefully it won't be too visible in the finished item! Now whether I will stick with this project until it is completed remains to be seen. I'd sure like to have it this fall when the weather cools, but other UFO's are beginning to call as well.

A new fiber

2008-07-17T14:49:00.005-05:00

Here's the Romney lineup.

And now that I'm short a bobbin, I needed to pick the gray Corriedale back up. Apparently, all the lanolin did not wash out so I am heating a few locks in the microwave in order to comb and spin them. Of course it is spinning finer due to the grease factor, which I am glad of at this point. Let's hope it stays that way!
I've been knitting a good bit in order to finish the socks. They should be done sometime tomorrow. Plus, I've picked my Faroe shawl back up. Those pics will have to wait until my next post!

On three

2008-07-15T14:12:00.004-05:00

Today I started the third bobbin. Worked on it for a while and then did some pre-drafting for tomorrow. I expect to finish this last bobbin then and start the plying. All this spinning activity has rekindled C's interest and she treadled some for me. She's eager to try the wheel once I have a bobbin free. She's acquainted enough with the spindle that some practice treadling is all she needed. Then she can try combining the two!
I finished the first alpaca/wool sock and have the toe finished on the second. I was for the package to be mailed out this weekend, but I'm starting to wonder if I'll make it. All the spinning/lessons are cutting into my knitting time :~)
While our regular homeschool is done for the year, I have started working with T. (He will be 6 tomorrow) He's doing great so far-it's amazing what chiropractic has done for him. He's always been my more quiet one, stubborn yet ultra sensitive. Kinda like DH :~) I was not sure how things were going to work out once he got to school age. We started taking him to the chiro around the first of the year and saw an immediate change in him. I've since done some reading about sensory integration and found some activities to help him develop in the areas he struggles in. So, I'm very encouraged about this next year! Once we are done with our little "summer school" I think I can bring him into our school day fairly easily. This is a huge relief to me! Just as an example...Six months ago, he had zero interest in a picture book and would completely zone out during any read-aloud. Now he is making tremendous strides. While our read-alouds are still a little beyond him, I can see him listening and trying to follow the story, and he now hurries over to the children's books on our library trips and chooses at least two for himself. He is enjoying new activities and places now and talking more and asking questions. A dear friend actually asked me (a few weeks after he began chiropractic care) what had happened to turn him into such a chatterbox. We had originally started care to see if his asthma might be improved, not realizing just how much might change. And I've learned not to think that "chiropractic is only helpful for lower back pain"!

As promised

2008-07-11T14:50:00.007-05:00

here is the photo of the finished "Bree" yarn. I made a smallish skein, because my patience with long draw ran out. I know, I know-and it is indeed perfect for this lovely springy wool. I don't know what my problem is. I'm in a rut, I guess.

Here's what's on the wheel now. I spin this Romney off and on as the mood strikes. Super easy to spin, and fairly fast, even for me, and I am not a fast spinner by anyone's standards. I zone out at the wheel and speed is not foremost in my mind, let me tell you! I just enjoy the fiber :~)
I have two of those monstrous ziploc big bags of this wool-wanna see one? I snapped a picture of the one that's now out next to the wheel. Uh huh, I heard that snicker. Don't worry, I have no delusional goals for this Tour. Didn't ya read my last post? I won't let it happen friends. This little spinning bout is all about the fun factor, and I'm letting it stay that way.

I found the missing socks for my step-father. Yes, they were missing. I took them on our family vacation back in May and they got jammed unceremoniously into a Callaway Gardens bag in my mad packing rush. On our return, I stuck this bag in plain view on the sewing machine cabinet in my bedroom-however, there were a bunch of folded papers on top of the knitting so...the bag languished there until this morning. Now what does that say about my housekeeping??? Sigh. What's worse, is that that bag might have stayed there for even longer if I had not been in a fever to find this project and torn the house apart looking for it. At some point, I remembered that I had packed them for the trip(although they never saw daylight. I only worked on my stole) and I rushed over and pulled them out. I felt like the woman with the lost coin, except that I'm pretty sure she didn't have as much clutter as I do. Or as many knitting bags to look through.
Anyway, here's how they look after today's little knitting session. Heading up to the cuff! I really like them. You can't tell in the picture, but they are just a teensy bit too long for me-good thing, too :~)

Touring!

2008-07-10T21:32:00.002-05:00

Hey! I'm in! It wasn't too late! I'm sticking with my goal of spinning 20 minutes in the AM(that is what I said, right?). As much I would love to be super optimistic and set some outrageous goal-I think that would be setting myself up for a fall :~) I'm feeling the heady adrenalin rush right now and have actually spun more than 20 minutes the last 2 days. Nah-I never was much good at pacing myself. But if I slow down early next week, my goal is still very doable.
I finished the brown Corriedale singles and navajo plied it today-I think that was Bree from Cary's flock. That yarn will make some nice mittens for one of the kids! I've moved on to some positively ancient Romney batts that I dyed with cherry Kool-Aid. I'm going for a "real" three ply with this fiber. No pics today-I'll add them to tomorrow's post, 'k?

Let's pretend

2008-07-08T19:29:00.008-05:00

that this immense lapse in blogging never happened, okay? That I've been posting at least once a week for the last three months and I've told you all about how the garden is doing,(pretty fantastic considering the drought we are in) what new beds I've planted(way too many), the sewing I've done, that I've picked up the cross-stitch picture I was working on this time last year, etc. etc.
Okay. I feel better. We can move on now.
So, even though the weather is not conducive to knitting or spinning-I'm getting the urge to pick it back up again. (Yep. The reason it's not in the above list of what I've been doing, is 'cause...well...I haven't been. It's been way too hot and dry here. But I no longer care :~)) Apparently, my renewed desire came a little late-I missed the start of the Tour de Fleece! Drat! I'll just set my own goal of spinning in the AM right after my quiet time. That's more than I'm doing now! Here's some colored Corriedale that's been aging gracefully in the stash.

And I need to choose a new knitting project 'cause I just heard from a dear friend that she is having TWINS!!! Identical even! Boys! Yeah, I'm really excited for them :~) I saw a super cute hat and sweater pic in the new Knitpicks catalog that came today. I am seriously considering it although I may talk myself in to complementary BSJ sweaters. I'll have some time to think it over while I spin.

Don't ya

2008-04-26T12:16:00.002-05:00

ripping back? I made the sock I'm working on's foot just a bit too long, so the perfectly executed heel must be re-worked. Sigh. I'm listening to These High Green Hills as I work on these. I love audio books!
I'm also smoothing the walls of my bathroom(which were left a dismal mess after dh and I hired an apparent novice to pull a cabinet out and install a pedestal sink two and a half years ago) Our current contractors showed how to do it. I went out, bought the stuff, and sailed in. I wish I'd taken before and after photos. When that room is done, I'm starting on the main bath. The previous owners tried to create a textured surface and, while they succeeded in a few places, they failed miserably in others.

Yesterday

2008-04-23T10:20:00.009-05:00

was Earth Day-I planted some Marigold, Bush Bean and Rainbow Chard seeds. My spring garden has just poked along, nothing is growing very well this year except for this Red Leaf lettuce. I'm perplexed since spring is usually my best season. Ah, well. Red Leaf lettuce is a great crop and I am picking it daily. The flavor and texture is wonderful! Take a look at these paperwhites. Mine are the last to bloom in my area. My neighbor just across the street has some and they bloomed quite a while ago. Every year I begin to wonder if mine are going to bloom at all, and just when I've given up, here they come! It gives me such a thrill to see that first bloom :~) My Iris show no sign of blooming yet either and yet there are colorful blooms in nearly every yard all over the neighborhood. Micro-climates are funny that way.
Here's that new sock toe. I'm using Wendy's toe-up pattern again-I love seeing it take shape. The yarn is one strand of KnitPick's Essential and one strand of their alpaca lace weight. The name (and tag) escapes me. I'm knitting these on the size 0, 24" Harmony circs. Hope I don't break one! They seem so slender...
In other news, here's a shot of what my kitchen has become. New counter/floor. Some cabinets were removed to open up space between the cooking/prep area and the eating area. That may be my favorite change. The area that once housed my ovens now holds our microwave and some things that once lived on the counter. There is still a bit of work in the laundry area, installing baseboards/shoe molding. Then I can begin painting. Even plain off white is exciting when it signals the end of a long project!

Hanging my head in shame...

2008-04-17T10:49:00.004-05:00

'cause it's been over a month since my last post! It's been busy here, though. No goofing off-well, not much anyway :~) The contractors we hired to replace the warped cabinetry/torn out walls/ruined counters are still at it. This is their second week-ooh, wait-maybe it's the third? It's becoming a blur, I admit. There are currently three projects going and one waiting in the queue. I had hopes that all would be completed by Friday afternoon, but...I'd be shocked. Don't think it's their fault-we've added a couple of small things and one or two presented themselves. What is done is looking fantastic, though! I'll post a photo when all the tools are cleared away!

I spent some time Tuesday spinning on that bobbin of silver Cormo. I need to wash some more locks before I can continue, but I think I've freaked out the workers enough. So, that'll have to wait 'til next week. I have another pair of socks waiting to be cast on anyway! Another pair for my step-dad, plain st st this time-fast mindless knitting. Just what the Dr. ordered!

Weeelll....

2008-03-04T13:31:00.004-05:00

Sadly, not much to report on the sock front. I received an invitation to my SIL's baby shower so have begun crocheting at warp speed in order to get the blanket done by Saturday. Details:Knitpick's Merino Style, cornflower in my favorite V-stitch pattern. At this point, it still seems doable. By Friday night? Who knows?

Remember the leak that I mentioned in the last post? The one that ran up a bill well over $6K and necessitated FOUR trips by the plumbing experts, their jackhammers and a boring(boreing?) machine? The really fantastic part (now that you are stunned with dismay) is that our homeowner's ins. did help somewhat. I nearly cried with relief. We tore out the buckled laminate tile this past weekend. Three layers down we have our current kitchen/laundry room/dining area floor. Whaddya think?

Ain't it purdy? Yep, that's our concrete slab, folks, complete with plumber's patch and leveling compound. The good news is that most of that black adhesive was willing to be scraped off, so now I only stick to the floor in certain areas. Today, we order the new floor. If it's in stock, we will install it this weekend. Stay tuned!

Who?Me?

2008-02-17T17:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I have been knitting a little, now that you mention it. Larry's first sock is done and I'm motoring along on the second. Well, OK, I'm actually just a little ways into the ribbing. But I have high hopes that I'll really get some good knitting time in over the next couple of days :~)
We had a major leak in our kitchen and have been a little bogged down over the whole"what do we do now/will our insurance help?" thing.
That's all for now-just wanted to let you guys know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth. You'll hear more about the cozy socks soon-I promise!

Time for a poetry reading

2008-02-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

Our church had our Missions Conference this week and this hymn was part of our theme. I loved it so much! Hope you will, too!

O Church, arise, and put your amour on,
hear the call of Christ our captain,
For now the weak can say that they are strong,
in the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth,
we'll stand against the devil's lies;
An army bold, whose battle cry is love,
reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war-to love the captive soul,
but to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole,
we will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on every side,
we know the outcome is secure,
And Christ will have the prize for which He died-
an inheritance of nations.

So Spirit come, put strength in every stride,
give grace for every hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize,
of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
retelling triumphs of his grace,
We hear their call and hunger for the day
when with Christ we stand in glory.

The joy of waiting

2008-01-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

Here's what you get when you aren't in a hurry, my friends. Perfect gloves!

I wore these this morning for an early(for me) walk, and they kept my hands warm very nicely!

I have a good bit left over-hmm...maybe enough for some moccasin sock tops?

My mom called last week requesting some socks for my stepfather. Apparently his feet have been cold lately. I'm knitting on my long lost faroe shawl, but will have to take a break when that yarn comes in. I want to get them knit and sent out before spring hits!

Maybe?

2008-01-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

I may have found the answer to the question of what to do with the lovely Chasing Rainbows yarn. Yesterday as I was watching The Quiet Man and knitting on the Log Cabin blanket, I had a thought. What about those sideways garter stitch gloves from Spin Off? I've always wanted to try those. And gloves don't wear out like socks do! So I cast on and have about half on one done. I'll post a photo when it's complete-trust me-it just looks like a weird knitted spider right now.

The latest

2008-01-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

WIP is C's mittens. Nature Spun fingering weight, color Plum Line. No pattern-just cast on a likely number of sts and get knitting. I tried them on her as I went, which made the whole I can't be bothered with writing out a pattern first a whole lot easier. I'm decreasing the tops, as you see, and expect to have those little thumbs knit up sometime tomorrow!

After that, who knows? I'm still sewing a bit, I need to finish my wall quilt from way back when, and have about half a dozen new knitting projects bouncing around in my head, clamoring to be first on the needles. Plus the house is trashed. The primaries are coming up, and that's commanding a good bit of my attention as well. Oh, and my trusty oven has kicked the bucket. I had lovely(albeit old)double ovens in my kitchen. Well, the top oven(the normal sized one) croaked, and I'm now using the half sized bottom oven that runs hot. I'm alternating between being overjoyed to still have one functioning unit, and half crying because the breakfast cookies are nearly burned on the outside and raw in the middle.

So....I can't decide what's up next. Guess I'm too distracted.

What's this?

2007-12-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

My goodness, it looks like someone's been sewing! These are my second and third crochet cases. The first one has already left the building-given to a dear blogless friend. The enormous one is my own and the cutesie one is a Christmas surprise for dd. I tucked some scissors inside of hers along with a set of her own hooks and that skein of Miss Babs' worsted weight. Although I honestly expect that to be knitted. She's doing more of that lately-she begged for a couple of skeins of Lion Wool yesterday to knit ds a scarf. (Well yes, of course. High time she began a stash-she'll start raiding mine otherwise)
I also sewed up some flannel pajama pants for the dc-already wrapped alas. Cars theme for the boys and Boyd's bears for C. Sweatshirts were purchased to accompany the little wonders that started the sewing frenzy. While I was turning the sewing section of the storage closet upside down in search of my Happy Lock(I have to store it in a plastic bin since one of my darlings broke the thread guide trying to reach an upper shelf) I found a bag of things that may fit B if sewn up soon. Couple of pairs of navy pants and an off white long sleeved t-shirt. Amazing how these things slip my mind. But then, I also cut out three pairs of corduroy pants for my youngest boys at the same time I cut out the pajama pants-so I guess I won't be done with sewing for a while. That's OK-haven't found a suitable pattern for the tea swap yarn yet anyway-if ya'll have any suggestions-be sure to send 'em on!

Prepare to be amazed

2007-12-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

You guys!!! I got the most amazing package from my Cup a Tea swap pal! Take a look at this...
This is Chasing Rainbows, people. Uh huh. Yeah. Thought I was gonna fall over. I am scouring the patterns, let me tell you. It's only the best for this yarn.

The teas...have taught me that I really underestimated green teas (She sent me some of her favorites) And I really like them!

Treats... YUM! Er-that blue/white tin just might be empty already. Apparently the caramel wafers from Trader Joe's and I were meant for each other. I am very sad that we don't have that store here. And check out those stickers-are they cute or what? Love those!

And to top it all off-Lookee here... Now is this me or what? I can't tear myself away, really. I had like three books going before I opened this one, and they've all been cast aside like meaningless drivel. I'm enthralled. And I've read LOTS of books on midwifery/natural childbirth. She even had it autographed by the author who is a friend of hers! This is a real treasure, I assure you.

OK, folks-I'm just now posting this because it took me forever to figure out that I can no longer upload photos using Internet Explorer. Really. No matter how hard I try. Or on how many different days. I had no trouble at all with Firefox however, and am a little embarrassed at how long I took to try that alternative.
I've finished the book, of course. I think I'll be requesting some of her suggested titles from the library! In my opinion, every woman should read this.

Busy

2007-12-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

December(and late Nov) has been busier for me this year! I'm not sure I like it ;~) Haven't had much time to knit or spin. I did stain my new stool and distaff, though. So I have been doing some spinning related stuff! I really like these pieces. Oh, look! There's some gray Corrie on the bobbins-see, I have been spinning a little! I finished my mom's socks and gave them to her before she left-sorry-no pic. She was delighted!

But here's my latest FO. Remember this yarn? My sockapalooza pal sent this. Knit up great! I used Wendy's toe up pattern-very fun and easy. I have no doubt that I'll be reaching for this pattern again. This is the one with gussets by the way...

My sweetie's company has a banquet every year in November. usually they host a ton of people and give away door prizes. This year they held a smaller party and gave out gift certificates to ALL the employees AND their spouses(both previously ineligible) Whoo-Hoo! I got one for Garden Ridge! I bought a frame for what may be my favorite print of all time. See?!? Now, ya'll know how I am about collies-and doesn't this capture the collie personality perfectly? (I had to take this photo on an angle b/c of the reflection of the humongous window across the room-sorry!) I bought another item that didn't work out-had to take it back-and whaddya know, they gave me cash back! Are they supposed to do that? I didn't ask! I graciously accepted the cash and went home and ordered this.

I'm speechless. And eager. If you don't have this book, I highly recommend it! I also got some dusk Gloss and Harmony tips.

I can't start anything new, though. My shawl is still waiting for me to pick it up again. The log cabin blanket has seen a few new rows. AND, last week I cast on some mittens for C-ultra plain basics to match her church coat. I'm knitting them both at once on two circs and haven't made it past the ribbing yet! Aack! I also bought some pretty flannel to sew a new sheet/pillowcase for B's little toddler bed.
So no new socks!!!

Let's hear it...

2007-11-15T12:22:00.000-05:00

for the Canon Repair Dpt!!! My powershot returned yesterday with a new lease on life. I put him to work right away.

Here's the finished top down cardigan. Kinda hard to show details on a black sweater, though. Please ignore J's expression. I assure you, he loves the sweater-he suffers from a genetic inability to conjure up a normal demeanor when a camera appears.

Here's how the Ribbed Lace socks are looking these days-coming along, eh? I like this pattern and may work it up again sometime. I'll certainly be knitting the garter-edged eye of partridge heel. I love it! Hope Mom does, too.

While she's been here, I pulled out the yarn from my sockapalooza pal and started these while we chatted. First one's past the heel, the second one is currently receiving a gusset. On the first one I increased by backwards loop, on the second I am knitting in the front and back. No firm decision on which I like better, but right now, I'm leaning toward the second.

Spinning update next time-I promise!

Whew!

2007-11-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

That was close! I narrowly escaped the worst cold of the season. But I'm officially over it-thanks to my dh's desperate prayers no doubt:~) Pretty neat-since I never "take steps" right away. Didn't this time either, I kept telling myself it was the field trip to the alpaca farm that was behind all the sneezing and misery. But by Monday afternoon, I was getting a clue, so I surrounded myself with hankies, echinacea tincture, Airborne, and some homemade "immune boost" glycerite. (I keep it on hand for the kiddos-but it's pretty good, and works well at covering up that tongue-numbing effect that echinacea leaves.) I am so glad that's over-I couldn't even knit!
Yesterday, I finished up the first Ribbed Lace sock. I plan to give these to my mom for her birthday early next month. She'll be coming for a visit this week-and I'd like to have them done before she heads home again after Thanksgiving. My sister lives nearby-so we'll be splitting these three weeks that Mom is here. I don't expect to post more than once though-so don't think I've fallen off the face of the earth or anything. I'll just be busy gabbing!
Hopefully my camera will be back home in time for my next post and I can prove to you that I have been getting some things done!

Saff

2007-10-29T07:08:00.001-05:00

Yes, I went to Saff yesterday. The last couple of years it has worked out better for our family if I go on Sunday afternoon. While this does insure that I get the advantage of any available markdowns, on the drive up I do always feel like some sort of vulture. Don't worry, once my bag begins to fill up, the sensation passes. There's always so much there that I slowly realize that I'm totally incapable of finishing off this thing all by myself.
Anyway, I bought a spinning stool and extra bobbin from Mary Ellen. The staining began last night. I expect to add one more coat. This stool is turning out even prettier than I thought-the grain is really beautiful. And spinning long draw will be much easier in a chair with no arms, eh?
I wandered slowly around the arena, and by the time I arrived at the fleece tables, I was ready to open up the billfold again. Yes, yes, it's true. Another (partial) Dan-Vir fleece. Four inch staple, and the (long sought after) true silvery gray color. I'm just relieved that someone else took the first half before I got there. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to leave any just sitting on the table. All alone. I don't know who that other spinner is, but she's a stronger woman than I am. After much inner debate, I have decided to finish the bobbin(you know, the one with my previous purchases from this same farm? Yeah, that's the one)and then the lock washing will begin!
One new category this year. I bought yarn. I told C I would bring her something. She has really been working on her knitting/crochet. So I stopped at Miss Babs booth and picked up some worsted weight superwash merino for her. And then just as I ran low of cash, I saw this booth. Now, I grew up just across the highway from this town. What could I do? That's what I thought. So I bought some of their kid mohair Primero. Just one skein-500 yards of sport weight. I'm not quite sure what to knit with it, but it's so terrific that I think I'd be content to just carry it around like a little fiber pet.
And yes, I got buttons for J's cardigan at Hancock's on the way home.

Edited to add: I just got off the telephone with Canon tech support and they are emailing me a shipping label and repairing my ailing Powershot!!!! Woo Hoo!

My DMV solution

2007-10-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I realized that I had NOT renewed my driver's license before my birthday. So, I went today with the perfect plan to insure that I would not spend precious time waiting in line. I packed some Corriedale roving and my Mala Spindle. Worked like a charm! I walked in, the lady behind the counter to my left asked what I had 'come in for' and things started moving. I was out in ten minutes. Tops. I had time to stop at the grocery before picking the kids up at Meme's!

In other news, the cardigan is still without buttons. I'm going to search the closet once more in an effort to find the rest of the button tins-I simply must have more somewhere-and if nothing suitable turns up, I'll just have to buy some.

The shawl received no attention from me last Saturday or any day since. I'm stuck on the dishcloth train and can't get off. I crocheted one-a simple half dc affair with a scalloped edging and then made a drying mat of sorts for the counter. With that donw, I promptly cast on for a Ballband dishcloth. Then another. Then I cast on for a Swiffer mop cover using the same pattern. It's starting to scare me a little.

I'm spinning up some superwash Merino that I dyed(a couple of times, actually)in blues and purples and finished the first bobbin last night. I navajo plyed the singles to keep the colors a little more separated. I'm thinking of Pomatomas mitts, but I'll have to wait and see if the singles change much after setting the twist.

At last

2007-10-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

I have the cardigan done. There was a little problem with the button band-as in, it was really better suited to a cardigan about five sizes smaller than the one that I knit. So, I redid it and things went much better. I wove in the ends, sent it for a little swim in the kitchen sink, and blocked it before heading to bed last night. When I checked it this morning, it was still damp. Looks good, though, and since I tried it on him at least a jillion times, I have very little doubt that it will fit.
Today's tasks will be:
Dig through all the button tins until I find suitable buttons-attach
Spin more of the wonderfully fantastic superwash merino next to my wheel
Knit a couple of rows on my shawl
Crochet a dishcloth
Bake...something

My review

2007-10-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

I am ready to give an opinion on my Harmony needles! I knit both of the cardi sleeves with the size 5 dpns. I know, I said that I would compare them to the Clovers....but, you see, I knit the first sleeve with the Harmony set and then when it came time to knit the second sleeve...I simply couldn't bring myself to do it. Yep! I love them! I am resisting the urge to throw all my other dpns away and order all the Harmony ones.
Now, the circular #5 does tend to come unscrewed if I don't really tighten it up with the tool-so be aware of that, my friends. Still, I really like them and intend to knit with this one as much as possible until I can order more sizes!
I think I can finish the cardigan today-although I won't have as much knitting time as usual. Last night I started the buttonholes! Now if I can't manage to finish up a button band in a day-there's a real problem ;~)
Actually, I did just discover a REAL problem. I missed Knitter's Tea Swap 4!!! Now how did this happen? Guess I didn't check back in time....or maybe the email notice went to my junk email box and I missed seeing it.....DRAT!
Well, wait a minute. I did get a nice package from my Mom last week and she sent a pretty tea for one pot along with some tea-maybe I'll just consider that my little unofficial swap package. See? I didn't miss a thing! Anyone who looked in my storage closet would see that I don't need any more yarn anyway. There. Talked myself right out of my disappointment! Whew!

Huh?

2007-10-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've finished the sleeves and am an inch or two away from starting the bottom ribbing. After that, it's a garter st border and I'm done. So, how come I am totally and completely obsessed with casting on this? And this? Is this just happening because I'm nearly done(and perhaps a little bored)with J's cardigan? Or is it the truest sign that fall is here? A raging case of startitis usually accompanies the cooler weather. Hmmm. Maybe a little of both, I think.
Don't think all my aspirations benefit me. I have both wool and a plan for pullovers for C and B, and the plan (along with some wool that needs to be bought) for T. Yep, things are getting a little crazy here.

Take my word for it

2007-10-11T08:28:00.001-05:00

The sweater is coming along great. I knit past the elbows last night and the body is right about waist level. Hmmm....let's see....it's black....mainly st st...yep. That about covers it!
Remember back in the summer when my camera's LCD display went out on me? Can you guess where this is going? The troubleshooting that fixed things a few months ago is having no effect today. In fact, I found a message on the site that said they are aware of some problems, and will cover repair/shipping. Sigh.
But let's not worry about that today-'cause it's my birthday(woo hoo! 36!) and I don't want to dwell on things like broken cameras! I got my Harmony needles yesterday. Great timing, eh?The 5 tips, 24" cables, and 2 sets of dpns(1 and 5) The sleeve sts are beginning to pull a bit on the 16" circs I am using so I'm switching over to dpns today. I had a set of Clovers in a 5 already, so I'll compare them with the new Harmony set. I had planned to finish this up by Saturday, so I could get back to my shawl, but there's still a lot of knitting ahead. And I don't feel like making myself crazy over it.
The main reason I won't finish is that I've been sidetracked by my spinning wheel. I bought some Colonial top in the Northern Lights colorway a while back, and I spun that up last week and then started on my gray Corriedale roving. These are two fleece that I bought at Saff and had carded together at Wooly Knob fiber mill. I've spun worsted for 7 yrs now and thought it was high time to break out of my rut. So, I'm attempting long draw! It's not perfect, but I am absolutely fascinated by seeing the twist run up through the drafting triangle. Freaky. I still love a combed prep best, though. I'm spinning a 3 ply for some mittens or something-then I'll move on to another fiber out of the stash. I'm not ready to tackle Corriedale mountain right now. I'm looking for something smaller-more manageable. Maybe that Alpaca/silk that I bought on vacation last summer.

Particulars

2007-09-25T06:57:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the details on the new sweater. For those of you interested in such things. This is Brown Sheep's Nature Spun Worsted in Pepper. I bought this batch planning to knit something for myself, but then when the seasons changed, I saw that I have several black sweaters already. What can I say? They were purchased-they didn't make a big impression ;~) Although none of them were what I envisioned making when I purchased the yarn, I still can't quite justify ANOTHER black sweater. I made an ASJ a couple of years back, and still want to frog it(due to the whole "explosion in a paint factory" look) and the main color there-yep, black. Therefore, I'll still have some black knitting for me later this season. If I can get to it. So...this yarn went to my eldest-we have similar coloring.

Anyway, I pulled out my Addi Turbos(size 3 since I didn't have any larger Addis and I wanted to use them for some reason) I chose a nice basic cable-a 13 st width three strand plait from BW's 1st Treasury and cast on for the saddles. You want a couple of inches' width for a saddle and one repeat worked great here. After working to the point of the shoulder(roughly four and a half inches in this case) I put the live sts on a strand of wool(to be worked downward later when it's sleeve time) and picked up along the side(s) for the back. I had measured my boy and knew I wanted to make a 32"sweater. Since my gauge was 5 sts to the inch, I knew I wanted a total of 160 sts around the fullest part of the chest. I picked up 24 sts along the saddle, knitted on 24 sts for the back of the neck(BW recommends splitting the back into thirds)then 24 for the opposing saddle. See? Nothing too hard so far :~) I did add three short rows along the back of the neck to shape the shoulder area, then just knitted straight toward the underarm. When I reached his underarm line, I began to increase a st at those outside edges. This gave me those extra 16 sts I needed, and soon all was ready and waiting to be joined together and knit in one long piece-front, back, side, once I had the fronts ready. I did a couple of short rows on them, too. Well, actually, I did add an extra st to each front for a selvage. So, I've got 162 sts and I plan to knit another inch or two before putting these sts on a length of wool and then picking up for the sleeves.

So, this evening I'm knitting merrily along and loving the fact that I can try this nifty piece of knitting on the recipient whenever the mood strikes. Which is pretty often, 'cause I'm just so entranced by the whole designing with Barbara thing.
J should be hiding in his closet by tomorrow afternoon.

Made it!

2007-09-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here's how things are looking so far :~) When I try it on-this is about elbow length. I really, really like how it is turning out! Even all the purling isn't getting to me. Lovely needles, special (to me)yarn-how could it? But, I still have many, many rows left before I can think about edging, and those rows are getting longer, so....

I have cast on for J's cardigan. I'm using Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top to help with all the figuring. In this pic, I have cast on all the sts needed for the fronts and have a couple inches more before I can cast on at the underarms and join. I am going back and forth on what sort of front closure I want. I-cord and a zipper? Garter st borders and buttons? I guess I'll save that one for later. I like the Plait cable on the saddles-not that you can see it in the photo ;~)

Going for three

2007-09-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

Yep, the one at a time thing is almost over. A week's about all I'm good for people. I'm hoping for three more repeats on the shawl before casting on for J's cardigan. I even knit a dishcloth over the weekend(that doesn't really count though, right? It would if it were a big project-but a dishcloth? Nah.)
Anyway, all last winter the poor boy wore the most outlandish jacket to church. Picture this, that plasticky water-repellant fabric in a bold colorblock pattern that would make a gypsy stare. My heart bled for him, but nevertheless, I could not cast on to end the misery. But no more! I've made the important decisions-top down construction/saddle shoulder(a simple plait cable from BW's 1st treasury)st st body. Possibly a garter st border, although that could change. I have some black (I know, I know)Nature Spun in the stash that will look nice on him. I should have enough for a matching cap, too.
Never fear-I will continue to knit the shawl. I really like Feather and Fan. Three rows plain and one simple pattern row is really good for me now that school is back in session. Enough going on to keep things interesting, but not so much that my brain is shorting out. I finished the tenth pattern repeat last night and expect to need twenty more, being the tall person that I am. The yarn is lovely, the color perfect-don't worry that it will disappear into the storage closet. Next time I may even have a picture for you!

Skein 2

2007-09-11T16:27:00.000-05:00

I finished the first skein today. OK, OK, it was the smallest skein-but still! I know that soon this shawl will become large and the rows will take forever, I will despair of ever finishing, etc. So, I'm making a big deal out of this little mark of progress-joining in the next skein. I've been ignoring my other WIPs since casting this on on Sunday, although this phase doesn't usually last long with me. I'm already planning to put a new marker in every week to show me the truth about how much knitting is actually taking place.

I'm using size 3 Addi Naturas for this shawl. First time I've used these and I am very, very happy with them. They are superb in every way. At least until I saw these. I think I'm asking for those for Christmas!

Marialis

2007-09-08T12:19:00.000-05:00

The yarn is really finished this time. I know I've said that before, but I decided (after seeing the neck edge taking shape) that the natural gray would look wretched on me. A dye bath necessitates having ALL the yarn that you need-no exceptions-so I had to spin up another bobbin, ply and then dye.

Tomorrow I'm casting on!

One down, eleven to go

2007-09-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

Much of this week was a crazed attempt to get ready for this morning. (The crazed part happens when you are not a particularly organized person) The kiddos and I started back to our Friday homeschool co-op program today. This is something of a stretch for me anyway since I am Not a Morning Person.
But today was the first day of teaching children other than my own. This would be the class where we try to teach ten giggling girls how to make yarn. The other teacher-good thing she's a dear friend!- was not here today. But, although my exhaustion level is a bit high due to all the late nights this week, I did survive it! (You shoulda seen me...up 'til way late, feverishly glueing hooks into dowels, fitting those little rubber grommets onto CDs, pillaging the stash for suitable "samples" to show the future yarnmakers...I think I should've started earlier)
So, I sent 'em home with a CD spindle with a couple of yards of sportweight wool yarn on the shaft to get them accustomed to spinning the spindle. That and some basic instructions to read over. I have some Romney/Perendale roving for them-I'll send that home with them next week and see how they do!

Sock package!

2007-08-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

My Sockapalooza package arrived today!!! Take a look-can you believe this?!? Melissa, from London, is a fantastic designer/knitter. Yep, she designed the pattern, too-Cathedral Arches. Isn't it great? The colors are simply perfect for me. Not only did she knit these amazing socks, she sent a super local sock yarn over, along with some Brittany dpns to knit them up! She included a nifty photo of some local scenery and a fun tape meaure card to help me get to know her a little better.

Here's a couple of shots of the socks in action... Not as easy to do as I would've liked, but hopefully, you can get a good idea of why I'm so thrilled :~)
Thanks so much, Melissa! I love them-they fit perfectly. You did a terrific job!

Everywhere

2007-08-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

My 5 yo son T asked me why Sugar (our collie) makes that* noise.

"Well, hon, she's talking to us."

"What is she saying?"

"She's saying how glad she is that we are home again"

"Well, how do you know that she is saying that?"

" I just know. God made dogs so that they have a different way of talking. They don't use our words"

"Why?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe we can ask Him when we get to Heaven"

"Yeah. We can ask Him when we get to everywhere...how come dogs don't use words."

"What?"

"Yeah, (walking away) Jesus is in heaven, but God is everywhere-so when we get to everywhere, we can ask Him how come dogs don't use words."

This is the second time he has referred to Everywhere. He's so cute, we're not too sure we want to correct him just yet.

*you know, the happy whine/growl combo

School is now in session!

2007-08-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

We started school yesterday. I was really dreading this year; our financial situation being what it is-I was unable to purchase Sonlight 3 for J and C as I had planned. I knew I would have to put in some major time to write my own curriculum and get the necessary books from the library. (Begin drum roll here) A week ago at church another hsing mom asked if we had started yet. I told her that we hadn't, but were planning to begin the 20th. She asked if we were using Sonlight again. I said that no, I needed to write my own this year, and confessed to her that I was not really looking forward to it, as I knew it would take a lot of work to get things lined up in the next week. Can you see where this is going??? Her next words were, "Well, can you use SL 3? I bought it used from a mom in my email loop, and you can just borrow it from me." (Holly faints)

Now isn't that just how He works? Any of you heard Jenny Christianson on Focus on the Family? She said, after testifying of how God had provided in a certain situation, "He's never early, and He's never late. He's always right on time."

I registered the kids for their co-op classes last night. Took the log cabin blanket, freaked some of the folks out by knitting without looking. One of the dads even came up and marveled aloud over the blanket emerging from two sticks and some string. Maybe he should come by the class a friend and I are teaching this semester. For the first class, I am bringing raw wool. A hogget Corriedale fleece from Cary. He'd really flip then. Don't worry, dear reader, I'm only bringing the fleece for them to see. They will be making a CD spindle and spinning some roving for a knitting/crochet project, though. Yay!

I knitted a dishcloth over the weekend. (Found it on Ravelry, which by the way, is back to its tricksy ways! So, if you sent me a message-I am not ignoring you! I can not pull up my messages right now.) Doncha love it?!? I have to get some more made for my mom in time for Christmas. I don't know how this woman was able to get such a clear photo-I've tried and tried and it looks like a plain blue square. Oh, well, I assure you, it's quite lovely! I have way too many dishcloths in my queue, though...
That's all for today-I am getting off the computer and combing up that Targhee!

Did you hear that?!?

2007-08-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

That comment from my sock pal??? Yay! My socks are on their way :~)

Re: Ravelry--well, I don't know what exactly happened-must have been on their end-but most of the problems were solved by this morning. I just might get organized with this little system! Love it so far :~)

I've been spinning on the Targhee. I'll need to comb up and spin a bit more before the bobbin will be ready to ply. My goal of finishing by the weekend is out. Maybe next week? I've done more knitting this week. Sitting down and choosing a pattern may help me stay focused. I will take my book to swimming lessons and choose one before I start my knitting. The socks require some concentration, so they are going slowly-this is all I have so far! I like to see what the kids are doing. :~) C is still working on going underwater, J is perfecting his freestyle-more importantly, they are having a blast!

Err....uh....er...

2007-08-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

There are days when I simply don't feel very intelligent. This is one of them. See, I finally received my Ravelry invite! However, since I know very little about how this box in front of me actually works, there've been a few problems. Oh, well. I've submitted a question to the experts outlining all my ignorance, and until I receive a response, I have determined that I will be content with my lovely blog. Ravelry will have to wait.

Real quick

2007-08-14T15:59:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this cantaloupe from the garden! And let me tell you-it was fantastic :~) We have had an unusually dry 4-6 weeks, but the plants are doing well just the same. I've only watered twice. My neighbor said the other day that his tomatoes were all very small-about golf ball size. Mine are as big as ever. Could it be my raised beds? I know he is watering way more than I am.

In other news, I've been spinning more than usual. This is some of the latest. The natural white is Merino plied with Merino/Great Pyr/alpaca, the rose is some Merino/silk, the lavendar is Romney, and the red is Romney/mohair.

On the knitting front, I am one and a half repeats into the ribbed lace pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. I'm using KnitPick's Essential in some light tan shade-Fawn, maybe? I'll be taking it with me this evening when I take my oldest two to their very first swimming lesson. Wonder how much I'll get done?

2007-08-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

Nope-no sockapalooza sock pictures. I didn't figure out the camera problemo until after they had left the building. But...have you seen these? OK, now picture them in a dusky blue with a bit longer cuff. There ya go!

I'm looking forward to getting my own socks in the mail now that I am done with knitting my pal's pair. I really had fun with this swap-it just may be my favorite! Since, you know, I've been in SO many swaps and am a total expert. snort!

I finished spinning the Romney today. I just plied it back on itself-haven't put it on the niddy-noddy/counted the wraps to determine yardage yet. Yes, it's true, I'm a dinosaur. What's worse? I actually HAD a skeinwinder and one of those fishing line counter thingys to make things easier. Got rid of them. Oh well, what can I say? I love turned wood!

OK...

2007-08-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason-I am unable to edit my posts...Weird.
Anyway! I fixed the camera after a little trip over to the Canon site. Ridiculously easy. I had hunted the house over for the user guide and found literally everything BUT that. What a relief to see my problem addressed on the site. My LCD/electronic display was not working-but after a few hits to the right buttons-we are back in business! Whoo Hoo! Now I need to re-check and see if the pics that I added in to the previous post are still there.

Fixed it!!!

2007-08-08T08:26:00.000-05:00

My camera, that is! I received the neatest package from my tea swap partner.
First-the tea! Some of my favorite summer tea-Wild Berry Zinger by CS, and another CS that I haven't tried-Perfectly Pear White Tea. I can hardly wait to try it-I love white tea :~) Two individual boxes of Revolution's Sweet Ginger Peach-I already know I love that one! Whoo-Hoo! And then some honey straws-I think-I've never used these before, but am pretty sure that's what they are-sure look like it :~) One of these will be perfect for the double whammy of Sweet Ginger Peach I'm brewing up this AM.
I also got some chocolate topped butter cookies and Ghirardelli chocolate/caramel squares. Neither of those will last long ;~)
Two skeins of Tiffany novelty yarn-perfect for winter accessories-one in a lovely purple and one in soft brown.
A super cute notebook that was instantly designated for knitting notes. I do have a three ring binder where I am supposed to write down all the pertinent info for my projects. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. This year I started a gardening journal, though, and have found that I use it a lot. Maybe I just like the rambling wordy entry type of system better, ya think? Heh.
A nicely sized bottle of hand lotion from The Healing Garden for my knitting bag...
And--The Most Adorable Little Pillow ever. It stands up on a little oval base, has a tone on tone back of rust print, a darling trim around the top and sides of novelty yarn and tiny peach rosebuds, AND, on the front, a cross-stitched 'bunny in a garden' scene. It would make a great pincushion for sewing, but I doubt I can bear to put holes in the back to do it. I'll just display it on my sewing machine!
This was a great package-Kim really outdid herself! Thanks so much, Kim!!!

Socks, etc

2007-08-07T07:38:00.000-05:00

Today, I sat down and did a little spinning. More gray Targhee for the Journey to a Shawl project. And then just a little Romney/mohair for socks.
I did get the Sockapalooza socks finished and mailed. I intended a surprise reveal-what with you guys thinking that here I've been knitting those fantastic Cablenet socks and then making you wonder if you'd lost your mind when you saw the completed socks and they were Fool's Rush. Heh. Oh, well, not having the trusty digital blew that one. Sooooo-yep, I gave up in despair on the Cablenets. They were never gonna be done on time. They're still waiting to be frogged/finished-whatever it will be-in my sock bag.
The Fool's Rush were a fun knit. Just enough pattern to keep my interest but not so much that my often overwhelmed brain went into utter collapse. Boy, I hope they fit!!! And that my pal likes them.

Sad news

2007-07-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

I am afraid my trusty Canon has kicked the bucket. We took it on vacation and when we pulled it out at the lake, the display thingy on the back-you know-where you see what your picture is gonna look like? Well, it had this weird black and gray ripple thing happening. What is that? We are so helpless in the face of technology-we tried new batteries and gave up. Dh says it is toast. I'm still trying to track down the manual. Any thoughts from the blogland?
Therefore, we have no candids of T's birthday celebration. We are having a (very)small party for him Saturday-guess I'll have to pull out the old one or buy a disposable.
Of course this also means no photos of the sock progress. There was a fair amount considering that we were pretty busy with activities-sorry, no pics, obviously. We swam, fished, took the kids on pony rides, went to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and I don't know what all. Highlights for me were finally getting to Gatlinburg and having Auntie Anne's petzels again(yes, my dears, that was plural) Mark's family used to run a couple of these stores. You know how people say working in a candy store/doughnut shop/what have you makes you not want to eat ___? This so not true of soft pretzels. And I'm getting really hungry now so I'll just move along to my other highlight right now, 'nkay? Which was-don't laugh-seeing a Mama skunk and her four babies roaming all over the area near the playground where we had taken the kids one evening. They really were the cutest things. I know, I know....and then going through the Aquarium at Gatlinburg. Truly amazing.
That's all for today, folks! Maybe I'll have a FO next time and will have figured out the camera problem.

Hopeful

2007-07-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

I'm still stitching on the towel, but today when I picked up my knitting bag to find some scrap yarn for dd-I felt some interest returning ;~)

I sewed a little nightgown for dd this week-it's plain as dirt but she loves it. I have a T-shirt for my oldest ds and a T-shirt dress for dd waiting by the machine. I had hoped to have them done by now but....you know how I am about books! I confess that this stack of library books has been taking a fair amount of my extra time lately. Plus, I've been scraping and painting the front window. Just to let you guys know-masking tape is not the same thing as painter's tape-don't let anyone trick you. When masking tape gets rained on/baked by the sun...well, the removal process takes on a life of its own.

Mark's mom gave us a week on her timeshare-so we're off to TN next week. See you when we get back! (I'm taking knitting)

Be afraid

2007-07-05T12:37:00.001-05:00

I succumbed. This is a kitchen towel. I found it when I unearthed my patterns. (You knew I was going to, right?) And what's worse-I even went to an online shop and purchased TWO patterns. A sampler (with chickens!) for the kitchen and a little kitten/butterfly kit for dd's room.

Hmmm

2007-06-28T09:21:00.000-05:00

Sigh. What can I say? Maybe I'm just not in a knitting/spinning mood these days. My youngest has been sick-I have tons of yard work to do-about 7 books from the library waiting to be read-and the knitting just isn't calling me. Now I don't mean to say that I'm not doing ANY. I have done a bit on the socks. But nothing noteworthy. Must be some kind of slump. The biggest sign was today when I actually opened the cross-stitch mag my Mom sent me.( no, she doesn't usually send them-I'm not sure what came over her...)Weirder than my perusal of this non-knitting publication was the effect that it had on me. I found things I wanted to stitch. I had the urge to get off the couch and rummage through my old cross-stitch patterns. Maybe even pick up the UFO and resume work on it. This thing has been languishing for-oh, more than five years, I think.
Yep, must be some kind of slump. Hope I get over it soon. Maybe I just need some fireworks.

My week

2007-06-22T19:12:00.001-05:00

was so busy-I've had absolutely no time to update. I'm not even reading blogs!!! Even this may not be finished today!
And it wasn't! Good grief! Well, let's just get this one over with, 'K?
I've done no knitting or spinning. My dc went to VBS last week and I rushed home and worked like some kind of lunatic until it was time to pick them up. I reduced the contents of their rooms by approximately one third with the promise that when they are consistently able to keep the remaining items somewhat tidy, then they may have limited access to the confiscated loot. I'm not holding my breath. Also I began turning the compost pile. This is actually a job for four men. IOW, it's gonna take a while. Like maybe a few weeks.
In my spare moments, instead of knitting, I've been reading. The Anne series. Again. Oh, and the All New Square Foot Gardening (wow-I was not expecting this many changes! I really like it!) and Let it Rot! That's about it for me, folks. Nothing to see here. Maybe next time though!

Experimenting

2007-06-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

Second try at this post-hope it works!

I've joined this group (yeah, I really need another project ;~) )and have started spinning for the shawl I will make. I have three blends in the stash that are earmarked for shawl knitting. Now I just need to decide which one to use first! To help with that, I'm spinning up a small skein of each. Here is a singles from option #1. The pic doesn't show just how fuzzy it truly is. This is a merino/alpaca/great pyrenees blend that I had carded at Wooly Knob(they did a fantastic job-haven't found a single nep yet!) I've started the second bobbin, which holds a single of merino top. I only have ten ounces of the blend so I'd like to stretch it. I have a fear of running out of yarn six inches from the end ;~)

I am done with the first repeat of cablenet. I am not loving it. Yarn's too fuzzy for a cable pattern to suit me-although it's certainly better than all the splitting that I had with the last yarn. I am not sure what to do. It's not that bad. I do have another yarn that might work better, but good grief! This is the third try already, and they are not exactly a fast knit. Makes me a little nervous to realize I am thinking of starting again.

Misc rambling

2007-06-07T17:23:00.000-05:00

Why yes, it was in Anne of Green Gables! I think L M Montgomery is my favorite author. I finished the Emily books last week while we were in TN. Mark and I went to Pigeon Forge. First little vacation without the children. We had fun-eating out,(I did not cook once! Still a little freaked about that one) riding horses at the nearby stables, and visiting the tourist traps. Of course, I had to go to Smoky Mountain Spinnery for my souvenir. An alpaca/silk blend. Now won't that make a nice scarf/glove set? I have a variety of things that I could ply with it. But just look at it. Click on it. Nifty, huh? Yep. It's taking all my willpower not to ditch all my current projects and focus on this instead. But-I can't! Duty calls!

I have decided to work the cablenet socks in Brown Sheep's Nature Spun for my Sockapalooza pal. I really do like the pattern, but Knitpick's Essential is spun and plied too loosely. I was getting rather hostile over all the splitting. Maybe I'll post a pic next post!

Back in the saddle

2007-06-05T17:22:00.000-05:00

All your kind condolences on the loss of the chicks were so appreciated!!! I still miss them. Saturday we received a call from a friend from church. He's the landscaping/agriculture man at the local career center and he had four young laying hens and a bunny to place ASAP since school was coming to an end. So, Mark bought the whole kit and caboodle, popped them on the trailer he uses to haul his mowing equipment to jobs and headed for home. Poor hens. They look like they've been dragged through a knothole. Apparently they spent some time with an aggressive rooster who thought they'd look more attractive with large bald patches on their backs. Really hoping those feathers grow back. :~) They are a haggard bunch. Anyway, they are completely enclosed in a wire pen, bullet-proof compared to what my little pullets were in, so I feel sure they will 'thrive and flourish like the green olive tree'. And they've forgiven dh for that dreadful ride through town and given us four eggs already. Our friend also threw in half a dozen extra tomato plants that he had. So, now I'm completely overrun with tomatoes-and after all my promises to not have so many this year! And I even gave some away!
My oldest promptly named one of the hens, Josefina. While I think that is a fine name for a chicken, I really think that particular one is Mrs. Hammond. Perhaps I can convince him to choose another of the bunch to call Josefina. If any of you can remember where the character Mrs. Hammond is found, I will send you a TREAT.

One of life's lessons

2007-05-30T18:55:00.000-05:00

Monday morning I learned that the chicken tractor was not predator proof. Sunday I saw a strange cat in the neighbor's yard, eyeing my little pullets while they pecked around their pen unconcerned. I spent the next two hours reinforcing said pen. They were so cute-coming over to see what I was doing and hoping I might have something for them. They had finally begun eating out of my hand. They were bigger than in this pic-not even two weeks and they were starting to look like miniature chickens instead of chicks.
I got up Monday morning and peeked out the window, as was becoming my habit, to see them pecking around in the grass-but there was no movement. I saw my favorite one lying in the middle of the pen-taking an early dust bath? No-too long-I ran outside. Two in the pen-one carried off to who knows where.
Apparently, the roof connectors were not sufficient to hold the weight of a stalking predator. Several gave way. I'm not over it. I'm actually hoping it was a racoon and not some fat, bored cat.

Spinning

2007-05-25T16:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for all the kind comments-wishing me a speedy recovery. I am on the mend. Lots of homeopathic tabs/tea/rest will do that. The weirdest thing? When a cold sweeps through our house, I am the one who can keep going. Not this time! I was laid out while everyone watched. Freaky.

Anyway! I did some combing/spinning today. More red Romney/mohair. Looking like socks to me.

Ugh

2007-05-22T08:51:00.000-05:00

A violent cold has taken up residence in my head! I've been sloshing* around the house with no energy to knit more than a few rows. The cablenet socks are complaining that the yarn I am using is too splitty, so I've cast on the Fool's Rush socks as well. I haven't given up the Cablenet-I'm too charmed by the fascinating pattern emerging. I suppose I'll slowly knit on both until I can make a decision. Maybe once this cold wears off I can think clearly enough. Hopefully I will have some progress to show you by next time. If I'm still torn-I hope I can count on you guys to help me decide!

*my favorite teas have been enlisted to help in the recovery process

Tagged

2007-05-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

Peggy tagged me with the seven random facts meme. So here goes!

1. I am completely terrified of those enormous yellow/brown grasshoppers. When I was little, I would walk through the fields with my Dad as he went to check fences, etc. I would not walk beside him because they would jump on us and their little hooked legs would cling to my clothes/hair. If I walked behind him, he would scatter them and thus shield me from the terrible onslaught. He used to call me his little Indian squaw.

2. I know all the words to the songs in the old Howard Keel musicals and most of the Jeanette McDonald/Nelson Eddy ones from even further back. And yes, I do sing a few lines around the house from time to time.

3. One day I would like to get back into dog obedience training. I've trained all of my dogs to some extent--the current one the least of all, because she has absolutely zero interest. She humors me with the longsuffering expression of a martyr. She knows only the bare essentials-Come when called, Sit, Stay, Down, Bed, Out, and she will sometimes bark on command. Her laid back personality is simply perfect for this busy time in my life!

4. I am pretty distractable. I went through the storage closet last week to re-acquaint myself with the fabrics/sewing misc that I have stashed away in banker's boxes. I found over 30 items that I had cut out in various marathon cutting sessions, bagged up-often with the pattern, and then forgotten. Some of these where baby things for my oldest-he's now 9.

5. I re-read a few LM Montgomery books each year. I'll never be too old for Anne! This year it was Rainbow Valley, Jane of Lantern Hill, and Emily of New Moon. I don't own the other two Emily books-I'm hoping they come up on PaperbackSwap!

6. When I was little and people asked me "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" I was always stymied because I just wanted to be a Mommy. I knew this was not what they were looking for. If I responded with an answer it was usually"maybe a teacher". Yay! I'm both!!!

7. All the dc were born at home with a wonderful Christian midwife attending. I am so grateful for God's care of us during these miraculous events. Jesus' presence was very near, and my faith was strengthened by going through that valley with Him to sustain me. I wish more expectant mothers could see what a blessed, peaceful experience birth can be. While I felt plenty of discomfort and very real pain, I can honestly say that those were peaceful, even sacred, times.

Thanks, Peggy! Now you all know more about me than you really wanted to ;~)

Peeps!

2007-05-16T11:02:00.000-05:00

I was busy yesterday, although not with knitting. I built a pen for these instead. This has been a goal of mine for-oh, 6-8 years maybe. I had called the zoning office when we moved back here five years ago, and the employee said no chickens allowed. I still picked up the occasional chicken book at the library, and did see some mention double checking the actual printed code because often people in the office don't really know. Well, last week, I found out that my gardening neighbor two doors down finally got some-yeah, we've had conversations about this before. So, I told dh and he was more receptive than I expected. I guess he figured that the chicken thing wasn't gonna go away. Got online-checked code. Just guess what it said?!? Make sure your coop is at least 18" high and that you're not bothering the neighbors with excessive stink/noise. And that was for within city limits-which we aren't. So.....three little Ameraucana chicks came home with us yesterday. You can see the third one better if you click on the pic. They're so fun to watch :~) The one with the gold head is well on her way of being the Boss.
This whole scenario makes me think of one of my favorite lines. "Once you establish yourself as an eccentric, you no longer have to explain your actions to anyone." I wonder if this is true for me yet? I have quite a list of odd quirks that the extended family has raised brows over.

These grew along the highways back in TX-I put some in one of my herb beds. I sowed the last of the annual seeds this morning-some Zinnias, Asters, Bachelor Buttons, Black-eyed Susans, and Hollyhocks. Hope they come up. I'm notorious for watering faithfully for a few days and then forgetting them altogether.

One last photo for you today. The promised shot of the sock yarn Log Cabin afghan. Pretty wild, eh? Well, yes, I am knitting this totally random-how'd you know?

A possibility

2007-05-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

I've started these socks for my Sockapalooza pal. Only a few rows into the pattern st so there's nothing to see here, folks. Maybe next time. I'm using some plain yarn(Knitpick's Essential in Fawn) from my stash so I wanted the pattern to provide the WOW factor. So far, so good. I could still change my mind, though. The yarn may not be entirely happy-it's threatened me with splitting a couple of times. I do love the velvety feel of this yarn!
When my mom was here last week, she gave me this recipe. I've made it twice so far. Now, tell me the truth, did any of you guys have this recipe and not tell me about it? Could it be any easier? More delicious? Hershey's SKOR bar has some competition as my All-time Favorite Treat. Well, maybe. I had one the other day. And I'm still thinking about it.