Can't Stop Knitting

Fresh Start

2009-01-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today dawned a new year with vivid blue skies and a very cold wind. I was up early to walk the dog and watched the dawn with blushes of pink to the sky. Hopefully this bodes well for the new year.

I'm not one for resolutions but I will try and be more regular with my posting. It's hard to believe I last posted in October! I'm not sure what has kept me from writing but I'll try to do better.This year had it's ups and downs as it did for almost everyone I know. I plan to think more on the ups than downs. Overall the kids are healthy and happy, we have a warm home and good company. I'm not sure that I can ask for more. I hope this year brings continued health and happiness to everyone.

My knitting has been plentiful. Just a few pictures of finished projects since I was last here.

Running Horses, Very Cabley Mittens, the Ruffle wrap, and Le Slouch Just a few of the things that I have completed. Yesterday I went through some of my project bags (see last post!) and pulled out some projects to finish. I am going to try to complete those as well as knit more this year from the stash. Suggestions, not resolutions!

I think I'll stop now and finish cleaning up the Christmas things. But I'll be back.....

Houston, There may Be A Problem

2008-10-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

Do you consider this a problem? Just (well, most) of my knitting bags hanging out waiting for the projects inside to be finished. Kinda scary when I see it in pictures. Does it look like this at your house (please tell me it does!).

It seems lately that I am starting more than I have finished. I have a sweater for my son on the needles. It's a boring 6x2 rib for a six foot guy so needless to say I have other projects too. I am working on the November Ruffle in grey. It too is a bit monotonous however I'm almost done and it is beautiful. It will be so warm as I am using Cascade and an alpaca yarn. Looks like I may need it this winter. And I did finish a hat for M although it is too small so I'm doing another. It's called Running Horse Hat.

The one I am working on now is made with Sheep Shop Yarn and isn't so fuzzy. I like it better as the horses and patterns are crisper. Plus I think this one will fit. I'll post pictures when I am done which should be in the next few days. And then there are some forlorn socks and other things hiding that I am sure will suprise me when I find them!

The decorating continues here. The dining room is painted, well almost. The trim needs to be finished and I have to choose a color for inside the china hutch. The color is called Winter Garden and I really love how it came out. But it is lighter and now I don't think I can do yellow in the kitchen. Paint chips are hanging all over my walls in the kitchen in the hopes of finding something I like. So far a taupe color is winning out. Any suggestions? The new dining room fixture is up and again it was a good choice. The room looks so different now. And I have to confess that while I love the orange door it may change once again. I found a new color that I thik is "the one". It's called Carmelized Orange. Seems to be just what I was looking for. So another try. Not sure how to sneak this by the husband!

The weather here has been outstanding. I've been out taking picutes and playing more with the camera. A few good shots and some "interesting" ones.

The dog-

And here is a little path in fall glory that I think I may enlarge and frame. I think it's really pretty,

I hope the weather holds out for this weekend. It's Rhinebeck!!!! My friend Wendy and I head to down to western MA to my parents house Friday night and then we hop on the Webs bus for our day at Rhinebeck. I went for the first time last year and loved it. So much to see it can be overwhelming, but in a good way. I am so looking forward to it. Should be lots of good pictures and goodies to share when I get back (I know, don't hold your breath). Stay tuned.....

This Should Come As No Suprise

2008-09-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who read this (and there aren't that many) this should come as no suprise. I've been trying to update the house. Slowly rooms are being painted. We are on the dining room now, soon to hopefully move into the kitchen. But this weekend I decided I needed to paint the front door of the house. It's been a shade of pink for a very long time. We have a grey house with white trim and black shutters. It was pretty but it's everywhere. So many grey houses have pink doors. I've been known to watch my share of the "how to dress" shows and know that grey/black/white, they are all neutrals. And you can put anything with a neutral, right? Can you see where this is going? Oh yeah, it's orange! I had those little paint chips all over the door trying to see if I thought orange would work. I thought it just might. So I chose "Tiger Stripe" and off I painted. It was ORANGE, so orange you couldd probably see it at your house, where ever you may be. I tried to convince myself and my hubby that it was all good. Nope, this morning it was still a neon orange. I love orange but it was just too much. So back to the paint chips. Back to Home Depot and home with "Summer Heat". I like it. It has more black in it which really tones it down as opposed to the yellowy orange I painted over. Might be a winner, I'll have to see. But with the pretty rust mums by the door and the pumpkins on the steps I'm liking it. What do you think?

On the knitting front I finished a few projects. The February Lady sweater is done and I've worn it a few times. It gets comments everywhere. I love it, it fits well and looks really nice. I would make it again, in fact I know I will.

February Lady Sweater

Cascade 220

I also finished a scarf in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic. The colorway is Bluegrass. I love this yarn. I can't wait for more to show up at Butterfly Yarns. We have been waiting with needles poised for it to come in. We've all come to start calling it fondly the "Blue Heroin"!

Projects right now are the Running Horses Hat from Ravelry. Making it for M out of some lucious alpaca. I am using it for my class project on learning how to trap yarn in colorwork at Butterfly Yarns. I'm a slow student and hopefully can master the process so I will have a pretty hat for M. I also started a very boring brown sweater for the eldest son. Just a 6x2 rib. It's a good mindless project. I think there are also some socks around here too.

I bought a book seen on another blog I read. It's this book on making bread in 5 minutes. That is after you do the initial prep and it doesn't count the baking time. But as I love bread almost as much as I love orange I'm giving it a try. I have my first starter batch almost ready for the fridge. It's not sourdough although the concept is similiar. I'll let you know how it comes out.

I also have the new Mason-Dixon: Knitting Outside the Lines waiting for me to curl up with. I'm looking forward to a nice cup of tea and maybe some warm bread and a quiet afternoon. Soon, very soon.

Anyone heading to Rhinebeck? I signed up for the WEBS trip however I didn't get on the bus :( I am planning on heading to my parents Friday and then to Rhinebeck from there for the day. I had such fun last year and the yarn........oh boy. My Monday Night Knitting buddy is going too. She hasn't been before so it will be fun to hang out with her. Going to get some wine too this year!

Well, it's time for a second coat of orange paint. See you soon.

September Is Here

2008-09-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

September has arrived and with it some cooler evening and nights while the days are warm and dry. I live for this time of year. Not to mention K is happily ensconced back at school. It's amazing how our food bill goes down and the house stays neat! I miss all the boys but I do admit I'm not having any empty nest feelings.

Labor Day came and went. It was actually a pretty peaceful weekend not much running around. We spent a large part of Labor Day up in Newburyport. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, warm with a breeze. I love it there, lots of little shops, good food and the ocean. A few pictures to spark your interest. I've been playing with the camera to try and get some "pretty" pictures. I'm hoping to take a photography class this fall to learn about lighting and composition. In the meantime try not to get too tired of my experiments!

We drove home on backroads, it felt like when you used to take those Sunday rides with your parents. It was fun to look at the ocean and the pretty houses alomg the way. We got to stop at one of the farm stands on the way home. Meet Buffy!

Obviously Buffy is the resident buffalo. I always think it's so funny to see him/her there, I just don't expect a buffalo to be living so close to the ocean and at a farm stand. What was even funnier this time was that in the pen with Buffy was a llama (or was it an alpaca, I can never keep them straight). Couldn't get a good picture of them together. I wonder if they sell any yarn??? They did sell some really delicious corn though, I could have had a dozen all by myself!

On the knitting front I bailed out on my shawl for the Knitting Olympics. This week I plan to spend some time playing with it without the pressure of a deadline. I'm hoping I will find that groove lace knitters seem to be in when one with their knitting. I have been doing some "lace" with my February Lady Sweater. This knit I am totally enjoying. The yarn feels right and looks right in the pattern. I'm done the body and working on the sleeves. I hope to have it done soon to wear as the weather takes on that cool edge. Here she is swinging in the breeze, not a care in the world! Today I spent some time cleaning out my knitting area. Found a "few" unfinished projects and some yarn I forgot I had. I'm sure there is a lot more of forgotten yarn around. I am trying to use from what I already have but I get so tempted when I see something new.

I'll leave with my final picture. I think it sums up the coming month. Enjoy!

I Knew This Was A Bad Idea

2008-08-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'm usually not one for knitalongs or other types of knitting together. I like doing my own thing on my own time. Same reason I don't join a bookclub even though I love to read. So why oh why did I think joining the Olympic Knitting group was a good idea? And an even better question, just what was I thinking when I picked the Flower Basket Shawl in LACEWEIGHT??!! I have now officially ripped back more than I have knitted. I can see it might be a beautiful thing when (make that if) it ever gets done. But it's taking everything I have to keep at it. Maybe that's what it takes to be a true Olympian. I think I should have signed up to be on the alternate team, you know, the one who waits in the wings at home, just in case. I'm going to keep working on it but I think to like it I'm going to need to work on it without the pressure of a deadline. My guess is that unless a miracle occurs there won't be any medal in this corner. Here's a picture of where it stands right now, pitifull!

I've been finding so many "other" things calling my name I think in avoidance of the shawl. I have some really cute socks called Farfalle Socks from Orinda5. I saw her knitting them on her blog and was silently stalking to see if she would publish the pattern. She did, you can find it on Ravelry or her blog. They really work up nicely and farfalle is my favorite pasta!

I also boought some Cascade 220 in a really pretty orangey/peachy colorway (no suprise there) yesterday. I was planning on a Knitting Pure and Simple cardigan but somehow the February Lady sweater seems to be calling out to the yarn. I have plenty to make the sweater so I think that will be in the works pretty darn soon. I just have to go wind up some yarn to start.

It's hard to believe that the summer is winding down. K heads back to school in two weeks. He's had a busy summer working and making lots of money to support his habits at school. He's been down to Patriot's training camp a number of times and even got to go to the first pre-season game (too bad they lost). But now it's time to go through the mess he brought home and figure out what goes back as well what is needed. I know we need sheets (note to moms of boys- when they go off to college buy one pair of sheets, not really expensive ones as these guys don't bother to wash them and they STINK. Throw away and repeat each semester or each year depending on the complaints of the roommates!) and some basics but I think otherwise things are good. We'll see what list of things he comes up with.

Have you looked out your windows lately, I mean when it's not raining? This is what I noticed today-

Can you see it? The leaves are starting to turn. Yikes, fall is closer that I thought!

Off to check out some fridges to replace the twenty year old model in our kitchen. Time to update and in case you hadn't heard, no sales tax this weekend in MA. Have a good one.

False Start

2008-08-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

No pictures. Alas I got bigger than my britches and decided to try and get in a few more rows. Yup, you guessed it. Screwed up, tinked back, dropped a few stitches. Now it's back to the begining. But a true athlete never gives up. Maybe tomorrow some pictures, including a lifeline!

Ready, Set..........Knit

2008-08-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Are you knitting for the Olympics yet? I cast on my lace Flower Basket Shawl this morning. I'm going to need all the cheers and support from the sidelines on this one. I'm a little cocky right now as I am up to row 20 without a lifeline. Only because I felt I had to bring it to work to cast on and forgot about the lifeline. So, should I continue or hold up until I get it home? Only time will tell.

More later...I'm at work, remember!

Returned

2008-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Back from the unreal city they call Vegas. All I can say is WOW! They aren't kidding when they say it's a city that never sleeps. There are people everywhere, all the time. Constant noise. Hot, I mean really hot. It's a big fantasy land for adults.I guess I can say I've been. Will I go back? Well I think there are other places I would rather go. A few pictures of the sites.

I didn't get much knitting done. I pulled out my sock on the plane only to find that my needle had broken. I don't know how, it was in my carry on bag and not overly packed. But there it was, broken, so that project was a bust. I of course had another project in my luggage and I managed to get in a bit of it during some of the conference. But when not actually in sessions we were at the pool and since it was so hot most of the time we spent in the water. So not much knitting there either. I made some progress on my BYOB. I will say that between the cotton yarn and the seemingly endless seed stitch this is not one of my favorite knits. It is pretty though and very practical so I'll get to finishing it soon.

When I returned I did find a package from my Sock Yarn from Your Stash (3) swap partner. It was some package! A Stitch and Pitch tote bag, a ladybug project bag filled with tools, a ladybug mitten pattern, stationary, yummy treats and tea. The yarn I recieved was from Pagewood Farms, a beautiful colorway called Crayon, bamboo/merino blend. Oh so pretty. I'm looking forward to knitting with it. This swap has been so much fun. I've "met" great people and received unbelievable packages. I'm thinking I may do round 5, if there is one. Check out the group on Ravelry.

Looks like I'm knitting up some sweaters for the greyhounds soon. A knitting buddy sent me the link to these sweaters and I think they are so cute. Awaiting word on what colors will suit Peaches and Zip and then I'll get started. Can't have cold puppies this winter!

Quickie!

2008-07-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

A quick post about my quick project. Last week found me looking for a new project. I wanted something fairly quick and easy. I had bought yarn at WEBS for the Lucy Bag (scroll down a bit to see the pattern)and I decided to give it a go. Nice easy project with great results. I started just a week ago and today it's sitting outside enjoying the sun and drying. I think this as well as some of the other patterns from Two Old Bags will make great Christmas presents.

I made it in Cascade 220 in a deep red, the picture is pretty true to the color. I like the results. Now I need to pick another one or two fairly simple projects for the upcoming plane ride/conference. Socks will be one, not sure of the other. I'm positive I can find plenty to choose from!

Vet2B is on his second week of his rotation here. I'll be sad to see him go, I'm not sure when we'll see each other for a while. We haven't been able to spend a bunch of time together as he has been at the clinic long hours and exhausted with the heat and work. I'm thinking large animals may be not his thing. He does enjoy the small animals and teaching pet parents so I think that is what he will end up doing. Time will tell. M is loving her new job at the Seeing Eye Dog Foundation. She can't wait to get to work every day, a very good thing!

Off to pack. I have to try and get organized, I have to be one of the world's worst packers. I never think I have enough clothes. I'm trying to be thoughtful about what I bring and mix and match so fewer clothes end up in the suitcase. I'm off early Wednesday morning. You all have a good week and I'll be back soon!

Cruisin' Along

2008-07-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Things are moving along these days. The summer is going well, a few humid days, alot of rain but overall enjoyable. The flowers in my yard are enjoying the weather so far, just take a look-

My widow boxes are going crazy and the hydrangea is out of control (in a good way). Don't you just love my "birds of a feather" garden stake? I couldn't resist them at the garden center. Flowers are blooming everywhere. It really is pretty. On the agenda for the rest of the weekend is taking our little fountain on the deck and moving it to the garden area surrounding the deck. I think it will look better there.

In the knitting world M's shawl is complete. I really am proud of it. I can't believe I was afraid to start it. I sent M some pictures and she loves it too, yippee! I can't wait to see it on her. M moves to NJ tomorrow to start a new job so she and vet2b will be separated until the wedding. She's excited but I know they will miss each other. However the good news is that if all goes well it looks like they will settle in the NJ area when vet2b graduates and that means they will only be 3-4 hours away. So good luck M as you start the new job!! Here's a look at the blocked shawl.

I also finished a baby sweater and some socks. My fingers seem to be moving right along these days. The projects that were overwhelming me in their bags hanging all over the house are finally being completed. Only a matter of time until it starts all over again. Meanwhile I'm into trying to finish up projects started that are on the needles.

The sweater is Helena from Knitty. I did it in the Sheep Shop 3 yarn, purples. The socks are called Order from Chaos from Fearless Fibers. Great pattern . They were done in yarn hand dyed by Kim at Butterfly Yarns. She is doing some awesome colors!

Guess that's it for the knitting news. Heading off to the airport to pick up vet2b who will be with us for the next two weeks doing one of his rotations. Almost like old times 2 out of the three boys home. It will be fun to spend some time with him. Then it's off to Las Vegas for my conference. What better place to discuss breasts! See you when I get back, maybe sooner !

It's Done!

2008-06-27T17:40:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it but I finished the shawl for M for the wedding. It ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be, I don't know why I kept putting it off. It's blocking and I know I'll have to block it again in side sections but just take a look. It looks huge and a darker blue than it really is, it's just the picture. I hope M loves it!

In Progress

2008-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

My life as well as my knitting. I've been trying to figure out the new computer and how to find and post my pictures. We'll give it a go and see what happens. I've been working on a proposal to reconfigure my job. A business person I'm not! I'm hoping what I have done will convince those that need convincing. We'll see how that goes in the next few weeks.

I finally stopped procrastinating on the wedding shawlette for M. I have ripped back more than any other project. Luckily the yarn is holding up well and I think, make that I hope, that I finally have figured out the rythm of the pattern. Here's an in progress photo.

The Summer Shawlette in Sunshine Yarn's Sunsilk (Powder)

I'm hoping that when it's done it will be perfect. Isn't that what you want in a garment for a wedding? The blue fabric underneath the shawl in progress is the wedding color, remember Penn State blue and white? I think the shawl will bring the blue in gently and complement things well. I hope M loves it.

I'm also working on a scarf in Blue Heron's Metallic Rayon in the Blue Grass colorway. I am LOVING this yarn. It is so smooth and luxurious feeling. All of their colors are beautiful. This one has a hint of gold in the fibers. I'm usually not a sparkly person but this is just soo pretty. I bought another skein in the Melon colorway, no sparkle but just as beautiful. I'm hoping to make the Flower Basket shawl or the Candle Flame shawl with it when other projects are done (see last post) are completed.

Kim over at Butterfly Yarns has been delving into some dyeing. Seems everything she does comes out beautifully. I got her to part with one of her first skeins of wool/tencel sock yarn last night. The colors are just so pretty and summery. Not sure exactly what pattern I'll use this for. Right now I think I'll just sit and appreciate it. She was so good to part with it. You can look at my picture Kim if you miss it. I'll treat it well!

Excuses, excuses...

2008-06-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Really, we bought a new computer and my husband has everything all over the place and things aren't hooked up and talking to each other. At least that is what he tells me! That and the fact that work is driving me bonkers has kept me from blogging. But I have been knitting.

I finally finished the Everlasting BagStopper from Knitty. By finishing I mean I finally put the ribbon on for handles. I love it! Be forewarned, the sucker s..t..r..e..t..c..h..e..s!!

I also finished some baby sweaters for some of my co-workers and their upcoming babies. I love both of them.

The one on the left is the Seamless Kimono. Made from Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo. The pattern is extremely well written and works up like a charm. The yarn is scrumptious. I think I will be making more of these for future babies. There is also a Kimono version that wraps with a tie. The right hand sweater is the Yarni Lace Baby cardigan. While I love the outcome I have to say the pattern wasn't as well written. There were a few errors that made me crazy. I also changed the sleeve so that the pattern just goes down the center rather than all the way around. I think I like it better and it was much easier to deal with the decreases that way. It is cute though, don't you think? The author of the pattern was quick to respond to questions which is great but I think a few more rounds of test knitting might have been helpful. This one is made of sock yarn from Ellen's 1/2 Pint Farm that I got at New Hampshire Sheep and Wool.

I did finish the shawl for M from the yarn that I bought when we went out to visit them in Minnesota. That's not the wedding shawl but a plain basic garter one that she loved. I forgot a picture (or if I did take one it's somewhere in one of these computers hiding). She loved it as did her mom, sister, and grandmother. Hmm, do I take that as a hint?

So I need to finish the wedding shawl because we are under the year mark now and you know how time flies. I also have my own shawl to finish. I'm working on another baby sweater, Helena, from the new Knitty. It's 3/4 of the way done. I'm using Sheep Shop three in a soft purple colorway. Very nice. And my new passion is Blue Heron Yarns. Oh My!! The colors and feel, pure luxury. I have a feather and fan scarf on the needles now and eventually I will make the Flower Basket Shawl with it.

Which leads me to the upcoming projects. I finally put yarn and patterns together for things I need to get moving on. As you can see the pile is daunting. I need to stop throwing in projects and get cracking on the pile. How to stay focused? And just in case you hadn't thought about this for a while, Christmas is just a little over six months away. Yikes!!!!

Awesome Swap

2008-05-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just received an awesome package from my swap partner in Arizona. We participated in the "Sock Yarn from Your Stash" swap on Ravelry. Essentially you send your partner a skein or two of sock yarn in your stash along with other goodies according to their questionaire. I got sooo very lucky, check it out-Lots and lots of chocolate (yum), chai tea, a ladybug tape measure, Zen Yarn Garden yarn in the colorway Almond Branches (too pretty to part with, don't know how she did), and a lovely bracelet with a ladybug in the center. My partner just outdid herself! Round two is under way, I didn't sign up but I will for round three. Such fun!

My knitting is all over the place, not working on the things I should be doing and starting new projects. Par for the course for me. Buying yarn and more yarn, I need to get myself under control (right). Well let's see what happens!

What I've Been Doing When I Could Have Been Knitting

2008-05-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been enjoying nature. The lilacs in my yard are finally starting to bloom. Hopefully I'll get to enjoy the lovely aroma if it doesn't rain all week!

Today I planted the window boxes and various pots around the yard and on the deck. Here's my new favorite pot, can you see why?I just love ladybugs!

And we planted a tree! A few years our neighbor put up a fence. I decided it was a great backdrop for a new tree. Due to circumstances it waited. This weekend we were looking at what was out there in one of the big nurseries near us. I loved this Pagoda Dogwood but at $150.00 it was a bit much. Cool leaves though and a flower about now with fruit later for the birds. Oh well. Then I saw a River Birch that I also liked. More reasonable and I almost liked it better, almost! So we passed and decided to keep looking. Today we went to another nursery. Just to poke around, no intention of buying. There, off in a little corner was a Pagoda Dogwood. Now it wasn't as big as the original one but it was a good size. We looked at it and then my husbamd looked at the price....$30.00!!! Yup. I stood guard and off he went for a cart, lickety split. We made sure to talk to one of the nursery guys though. We wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong with our little tree. Nope, it was just, are you ready, last year's tree! Overall healthy but an old model. Our lucky day. We gently put her in the car and off we drove to her new home. She was so thankful, I just know it. Since it will rain tonight we (by that I mean my husband) dug her a nice hole. Isn't she pretty?Grow little tree, grow

I also spent some time with K this week watching him ride and jump. Have to admit it was a little scary for me but he looked great and did a good job. I can't believe this is the same kid who used to be so afraid of horses. Now he wants to make them his career. Tomorrow he turns 20, no more teenagers in my house. I can't believe my boys are all men, and if I do say so myself, decent, wonderful ones at that. Happy birthday K!

Keith and his buddy Quill sharing a laugh

Back to some knitting now that most of the plants are in the ground. A new baby sweater is on the needles and then all those languishing projects that I keep plugging along on. Hopefully knitting pictures in the next post.

Day in NH

2008-05-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

We didn't need the boat after all. Today turned out to be a beautiful spring day just right for a drive to the NH Sheep and Wool Festival. What a great day. Cute animals, unbelievable yarn, and yummy food. Honestly it can't get much better than that.

Aren't these guys too cute? They were friendly and so curious. Some of them had had their coats shorn and they looked like they were wearing cordorouy suits. I could have taken them all home but they just wouldn't have fit in the car. It would have been fun though cruising down 93 with their little heads sticking up through the sun roof!!

This poor guy looked like he just got out of bed! Don't know why he was having such a bad hair day but I think he got the most attention because of it. He (or she) reminded me of K on an early morning!

There was yarn everywhere. It always makes me a little crazy because I get overwhelmed fast. Should I buy this now or do I wait and maybe see something else I like better? Will I be able to find it again if I don't buy it now but want it later? Oh, the pressure. I was so busy looking I forgot to take too many pictures but it looked like this everywhere.

I managed to find some really pretty yarn from some places I hadn't seen before. Sock yarn, some lucious alpaca, and a sweater worth of organic cotton that feels like butter.

The three large cakes are the cotton from Decadent Fibers, the dark brown in front is alpaca from Sweet Maple Alpacas (Lydia donated her coat for the yarn) and the multi cakes are sock yarn from ellens half pint farm.

All in all it was a great day. Good company, beautiful animals and fiber, celebrity sightings (Grumperina and Guido), and food, lamb(sorry guys) and the best apple crisp!

Just one picture of a finished object, the garter shawl for M. The picture doesn't show how pretty the yarn is but you can see a little of the sparkle. The sparkle comes from a strand of KidSilk Night and it's held with one skein of another yarn but I can't find the ball band. Trust me, it's pretty. I've been looking for a horse or greyhound shawl pin but so far no luck. If anyone knows of a source let me know.

What Can I Say

2008-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Harlot I'm not. I keep meaning to post but the words just don't find their way here. I'm going to aim for a post per week and see how that goes. A goal is always a good thing.

Knitting progress has been slow. I did finish the Garter Shawl for M. I started her Summer Shawlette but I'm taking that extremely slow. I want it to be perfect. It's been tinked a few times but so far so good. A lifeline is a shawl's best friend! Socks almost done. No pictures, soon though!

Went to WEBS last week. It was, as always, a wonderful experience. I bought some Shibui, some Northampton, Lorna's Laces, and Cascade. But ohhh, the temptation to buy so much more. Honestly it's a good thing I don't live close enough to be there all the time.

Tomorrow is the NH Sheep and Wool Festival. I can't wait. So much fun and friends to share it with. I'm really looking forward to the day. I hope the weather behaves, calls for rain in the morning. I'm going to get the boat ready.....just in case. Stand by for pictures and a report soon.

What Makes You Happy?

2008-04-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Finally getting some time to get out a post! Sorry, it's been a while. But many happy things and FO's follow so cruise on down the list of things that make me happy!

Spring!
I think it's finally here or at least very close. The grass is getting greener, leaves are starting to bud out and the weather has a hint of warmth to it. Yippee!

Minnie
Love tea and anything to do with it. So when out visiting in Minnesota what do I spy but a beautiful orange (be still my heart) beehive tea pot. Lovingly hand carried all the way back to Boston. Aptly named because she was found in Minnesota.

Finished Objects (FO's)
Finally some finished projects. The unfinished ones and ones waiting to be cast on baffle my brain but at least there are a few finally done.

The Meghan Shawl Collared Cardigan, A WEB's pattern

Clapotis in Noro Silk Garden Lite

Nutkin Socks in Koigu

Still working on the Bubbly Curtain, a plain shawl for M, the Everlasting Bagstopper from Knitty and some socks which I think will be frogged. Waiting to be cast on are M's wedding shawl (she LOVED the yarn) and a sweater for S (who moves to Chicago next month, condo finally sold).

Achieving Dreams
This past weekend we went out to Minnesota to visit with B and M as well as attend B's White Coat ceremony. This signifies the "end" of actual school and the beginning of clinical rotations. The students are "coated" with their short white official lab coats for use in their intern and externships over the next year. It is a big step and I am so proud of B. He has from the time he was born wanted to become a veterinarian. He is so happy and I am thrilled to see him able to achieve his dream. It's hard to believe in a year he will graduate and begin practicing as well as get married.

We had a great visit despite the nasty aborted landing into Minnesota, the snow and missing the Harlot (I checked the airport for her) and Franklin. It was great to meet some of B and M's friends, see where they hang out, spend some time with them and we got to meet Dory their horse and watch M ride her. M's dad also came out and we had a good time traipsing around. I even got to visit a yarn store out there, the Yarnery, which was a lovely shop. A great trip.

So just a few of the things that make me happy, what about you?

This and That

2008-04-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Somehow we have moved on to the month of April. I'm not sure how we got here but it is April. Even the weather hasn't caught up to the calendar yet. Hopefully we'll all be on the same page soon.

Work has kept me busy and I have been knitting. The Clapotis is done. I LOVE this pattern, I don't know why I am so late to the game. I'm not in love with the yarn however so I'm not sure how much this guy will get out. Someday I will learn that Noro and I just don't see eye to eye. This shawl is cozy though and I have been wearing it around the house. I never thought of myself as a shawl person but I'm finding myself drawn more and more to them. I'm planning on making another Clapotis but this time in something a little less scratchy and a little more tonal in color. I'll be hitting WEBS again in May when I am out there for a conference and I think, no I'm sure, I will find something there :) I also bought the yarn and pattern for this shawl and I just bought this pattern.

I also finished a cardigan that I had started last year. All it needed was some weaving in of ends, I don't know what took so long, but it's done now. This is the Megan (Meghan) Shawl Collar Cardigan from Valley Yarn (WEBS). I made it in their Sugarloaf yarn in a burnt orange color (suprised?) instead of the Florence that was called for. I don't like the fuzzy yarns so I made the switch. I'm quite happy with it. I love the button, it just makes the sweater.

So I'm moving along on the project list. I finished one of the Nutkin socks with just enough yarn. I am about 1/3 of the way done with the second sock. The Bubbly curtain is progressing, s l o w l y, that's all I'll say! New projects are Meghan's wedding shawl, a sweater for the oldest boy (who is moving to Chicago soon and it looks like he'll need a sweater or two), and a "jacket" that I impulsively bought the yarn ($$$$) for today. It's Blue Heron yarn, beautiful cotton rayon yarn in gorgeous colors. I hope it turns out nicely otherwise it was an expensive mistake. Here's a picture of the jacket.

In other news we head out to Minnesota next week to visit with vet2b and fiancee. B will be getting his "white coat" which means he goes from being in the classroom to doing his clinical rotations. He's just a little over a year from graduating and becoming the veterinarian he always dreamed he'd be. He'll be doing many rotations this year, all hands on now. One rotation will be spent with us, others out in MN and then one out at the U Penn equine facility where Barboro (?) was taken after the accident. It looks like he's interested in a mixed practice, small animal/equine. I can't believe graduation is a year away. It will be fun to spend some time with B and M.

Off to walk the dog and get back to the knitting!

PS I tried and tried to get pictures on but no luck. I'll post hopefully with pictures of the FO's next time, promise.

Before I Was Interrupted

2008-03-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Finally, back among the almost recovered. The horrible sore throat is gone, the nasal congestion and cough are almost gone, and the exhaustion has departed. Time to knit.

Despite the nasties I did manage to go to WEB's (any idea of what would stop a knitter from a planned trip there?). I bought some Felted Tweed in a blue for a sweater for myself, some Buckingham (alpaca and silk, yummy) in a teal color for a Silk Smoke neckwarmer and some patterns. There was so much more to buy, glad I'm heading back that way in May for a conference.

Not much progress on any of my started objects. In one of the last posts I mentioned that the Bubbly Curtain was ready to come out and about with me as I was beyond the "have to read every line as I do it" stage. Wrong! I took it to Monday night group and knit away. Came home from Monday night group and ripped it all back. OK, back to a house project.

The one thing I have been working on fairly regularly is the Clapotis. I've been sucked in. I LOVE this pattern. I do have to admit that I don't love the yarn, Noro Silk Garden Lite. Someday I will learn. It is pretty and I am going to make another one but in more tonal colors, something more "me". Trying to decide what exactly that is :)

I'm hoping for another yarn field trip soon. Off to the north this time with specifics in mind. I'm hoping for this week but we'll see.

Spring is here, so they say, but you'd never know it from the cold and wind today. But looking in the yard I see little sprouts valiantly poking up their heads. I've seen some robins so it must be so. Somebody tell the weather to move along (well with all the wind maybe the weather is trying. But it threw a big branch down which cracked one of our car's windshield. That's not playing nice).

In non knitting items, if you love food go check out this blog. Everytime I read it and the list of recipes I drool. Tonight I made the Upside Down Shepherd's Pie and it was fabulous. I could have licked the pan. I'm trying to decide what to make next!

Knitter Down

2008-03-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

I've got nothing for you except a very sick knitter who can't even knit. Surfacing briefly to check in with the world but now heading back to the safety of bed and bathroom(you get my drift). Stay tuned, this too will pass.

I Don't Think It's Contagious

2008-03-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

In looking at the symptoms I think I have diagnosed myself with of all things, startitis! I don't think you can catch it from reading the blog, I think you're safe. Lately I just can't help myself from casting on.

From left to right across your screen you will find the first of the Nutkin socks, the start of the Wool Peddler's Shawl, the Heart Scarf, the Bubbly curtain, and my first ever Clapotis. Yikes!! Those are the main projects I have going, I know there are a few others in hibernation. I'm hoping they stay wherever they are for a little while longer. I am pleased that the Bubbly curtain is progressing. I'm actually at the point that I can take it out in public to knit on and not screw up. My husband would like it done so we would have a covering for the window sometime soon. I'm working on it. I need to do another gauge swatch for the Wool Peddler's shawl. I think I need to go up one needle size to be where I want. And yes, you heard that right, me, doing a gauge swatch! And I have to say I am totally enthralled with the Clapotis. I keep working on it to see the color changes and I'm getting to the point where I drop my first stitch, ON PURPOSE! I've never done that before, I'm a little scared. Any idea what you think I'll finish first? I'm hoping not to cast on for anything else until I get at least two of these things done. But I forgot to mention that I'm going to WEB's this week. Uh Oh!!

I am proud of the organizing I've been doing with my patterns and stash. It was getting pretty ugly. So I bought notebooks and organized the patterns and tried to organize some of the yarn. It looks pretty good if I say so myself.

Looks impressive doesn't it??

Don't be too impressed there are still project bags hanging from most door knobs in the house and yarn in unlikely places but I'm working on it. It's a little overwhelming to see what I have managed to accumulate yet it doesn't seem to stop me from buying more. Is that a problem?

Still Here

2008-03-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

Our computer has been acting funky and so the posting has been lacking. This will be short and sweet, no pictures, sorry.

Listening to podcasts today and I heard something interesting. The person being interviewed said that knitting for her was giving back to herself, caring for herself. It gave her pleasure and time for herself as well as time to contemplate. I never thought of knitting in just that way. Knitting is indeed pleasurable for me. But this statement made me think. I love the feel of the yarn, watching the piece grow. I like the feel of the needles. I do find that I "go" someplace when I knit that is calming and centers me. And I know I "need" to knit. I never wondered why. I think I know now. It's one of the ways that I take care of myself. With all of the demands and pressures I need something that helps me take care of me. Knitting does just that!

Check out NH Knitting Mama's blog. She has a great etsy shop and fun blog. Tell her I sent you!

Little Bags All in a Row

2008-02-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

Took a break from knitting today to do some sewing. Ah yes, pulled out the trusty machine, had a talk so that we were on the same page and before you know it I had all these little bags ready for a new home. Still working out the kinks but not bad for a day's work!

Now back to my regularly scheduled knitting.

To SPA and back

2008-02-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was iffy as to our trip up to Maine and SPA. Today dawned cloudy but the streets were clear and the trip was a go. Two of the Monday night gals and I headed up I95 to Freeport, Maine, home of LL Bean but to those of us who knit, the SPA weekend. We headed up to check out the vendors and then a few of the local Maine stores. It's always fun to see how many stores we can get to in a day!

This was my first visit to SPA and I'm sure that by only going for the day you don't get the full feel of the weekend. But it was fun to enter the hotel lobby and see knitters and spinners of all kinds dotting the area with their crafts. The knit garments being displayed on everyone were gorgeous and inspiring. Yarn and fiber was everywhere. We headed off to the vendor area and had fun shopping. Many local farms had their fiber for sale, some buttons, spinning and weaving equipment, you name it you could have probably found it there. I did some damage on some beautiful sock yarn and a pattern for a cardigan. I also got inspired to really make a shawl, the Wool Peddler's shawl from Folk Shawls. I saw one made up and it was oh so pretty. I even bought yarn for it but not at SPA. One of the local stores aided that purchase (pictures of goodies can be found at end of post, skip there if you want to oogle some pretty stuff). Once we made the rounds a few times and satisfied ourselves that we had seen what we wanted we were off.

Lunch was next, a lovely place on the river with yummy food and good company, what more could you ask for?

Moving on from lunch we went to two more shops, The Knitting Experience and Cafe. Nice shop with a friendly feel. Very nice yarn and if we hadn't eaten already, some nice goodies for the tummy. Alas nothing sparked my interest there. Next stop was Purl Diva, my favorite shop of the trip. The feel of this shop is so welcoming and just plain cool. You could sit down and start knitting like you'd been going there forever and feel entirely comfortable doing so. The owner was so pleasant and the fiber in the shop, oh, to die for. I could have stayed there all day. I did a little damage there, the yarn for the shawl called to me here! Sadly we had to leave but I know I'll be back, it's just that good!

Onward and we were at Halcyon. Lot's of fiber and fiber crafts. Lots of books. I picked up my copy of the Folk Shawls book here, cause I'm going to knit shawls, yes I am.

Our last stop was at Tess Yarns in Portland as we headed home. Unfortunately for us the store was closed until March. Sad because I think I would have done more damage here. Oh well, another trip for another day!

Weary we headed on home with the car filled with fibery goodness. The fumes were going to my head, oh wait, I think that may have been the delicious (and healthy) oatmeal cookies M brought along for the ride. In any case it was a fun day.

Check out the loot-

The goldish yarn is Fleece Artist Sea Wool for my shawl(Purl Diva purchase). The orange on top is Shibui sock yarn from SPA. The brown is Luster from Dye Dreams for my Monkey socks (without the purls) and the bottom orange is also from them, it's called Twinkle. Bought at SPA. Hiding in the back is my Folk Shawls book from Halcyon. Not bad for a day trip!

On the trip I worked on my Nutkin socks. I'm such a copycat, saw them in someone else's cue from my Monday night group and had to cast on. They are really fun and I think they look awesome in my Koigu, how about you?

That's Nutty hiding amongst my orchid, that I haven't killed yet. I'm actually on my third set of blooms, aren't you impressed?

It's Done

2008-02-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

I did finish the Minimalist this weekend. Most of the seaming I did on Friday. I sewed in ends over the weekend and today and she is done. My first KAL. Here she is in all her glory.

Pattern: Minimalist Cardigan from Interweave Knits, Fall 2007

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool in green

I think I'll be able to wear this sweater a bit, it seems versatile. I may have made it a tad big, the shoulders droop a bit but on the whole I think it will do. Three of the four of us are done and will be showing off the sweaters tonight at our group. It will be fun to see them all together.

I also finished the Foliage Hat from Knitty. This was a really fun pattern although in the begining it kicked my butt. I frogged it so many times until I got into the rhythm. Once I got going it was very enjoyable and I do love the pattern. I did the worsted version. The color is so pretty and so me. I just wish I looked good in hats!

Pattern: Foliage Hat from Knitty

Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8 in burnt orange

I think I'll go wind some of my Koigu for a new sock and then go figure out what to work on now. I have too many projects started, the Bubbly Curtain, a scarf, a pair of socks.......yikes, maybe I better not start anything new. Who am I kidding, I'm off to wind that yarn!

Yarn Goodness

2008-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got my order from Dani at Sunshine Yarns. Oh boy, oh boy, is it beautiful!!!!! I ordered some of her SunSilk in the Powder colorway for the Summer Shawlette I am going to make for M for the wedding. It is sooo pretty. Gorgeous shades of blue with cream. It will be gorgeous with her dress and the blue and white Penn State theme. Dani said it was to reminded her of the sky and she wasn't kidding.

Look-

It's hard to see the subtleties of the color or the beautiful sheen but believe me it's there. I can't wait to get this on the needles. If you are looking for some lovely lace weight yarn head over to Dani's.

I also got some pretty sock yarn that I think I will use for a baby sweater. Quite a departure from my usual palette but oh so pretty. What do you think?

It's called Starburst and it is yummy. I don't know what lucky baby will someday get this sweater but they will have to be pretty special.

The Minimalist is dry and I've started the seaming. I got a little ahead of myself and have to undue a bit but so far so good. Pictures by Monday as it's a working weekend. Hope you all have a good one.

Every Little Thing......

2008-02-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

..... Counts!

For some reason this week has been one that has shown me that everything we do, no matter how small, counts in some way.

I work with new moms who are breastfeeding as well as those with infants in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Monday I was working with a new mom who was doing great. I talked with her a bit, offered some tips, praised her and went on my way. On Tuesday I checked back in to see how things were going. She was beaming and thrilled with herself and her baby. She told me that I had given her so much confidence that she could be a good mom by just trusting herself. She said it made all the difference in the world in the way she approached things in just a short amount of time. Before I had talked with her she thought she could never learn to be as "good" as the nurses or know as much as the doctors. She was afraid she would make the wrong choices. But when I told her that she would "know" what was right for her and her baby, to trust her instincts, something clicked and she felt good about herself as a mother. Wow, I say this to moms all the time. Sometimes I think they hear me and other times I know they are just so overwhelmed that it goes over their heads. I had thought this mom had let what I said go right on by. But on some level she listened and she became confident. From just a few words.

Another mom told me that by "allowing" her to hold her fragile premie baby for the first time, despite all the apparatus that goes along with the NICU environment and by telling her that this was her baby and trusting HER to hold her own baby, well I made her a mother! My actions, the same ones that I do all the time, saying the things I believe in my heart made this mother feel that she was indeed this baby's mother. My words and my actions did that!

Yesterday we started a monthly knitting group for moms with babies in our NICU as well as those on bedrest. I was a little disappointed as only two moms had signed up. Yet these two moms found some distraction from the stress of waiting and hoping that their babies were going to be ok. They found another mom to talk to and share with. They learned how to do something new that hopefully they can do forever. And they thanked me for putting the group and resources together. I should have thanked them because I had such fun watching them learn and listening to them talk and share!

While we were knitting at the hospital two men walked by the room. They stopped and looked in. They asked if we were busy and someone said yes. They started to walk away. I don't know why but I went out to them and asked if they needed help. One of the men said they were trying to find his wife. That they had brought her by ambulance into the emergency room. I tried to direct them to the ER but they said the ER sent them up here. I asked was she pregnant? No. Did they have a sick baby? No. A few more questions and I finally found out that his wife had had a baby ten days ago. Aha, off to Labor and Delvery we went. Yes she was there. The look of relief on the man's face when he realized that we had found his wife was beautiful. He was thanking me and hugging me. All the thanks I needed was to see the relief on his face.

This isn't about how wonderful I am (well I am but...). It's to say everything we do effects someone else. Think carefully and act from your heart and you will be rewarded a thousand times over.

If you remember last month I had a button on the blog that sent you to vote for The Mother's Milk Bank of New England so that they could win $10,000 to help establish the milk bank. For everyone that went and voted, THANK YOU! Your actions allowed MMBNE to win the $10,000. This money will be used to help buy needed equipment, pay for education and publicity, and some will be set aside to help pay for breastmilk from the bank when insurance won't pay and the family needs help with the cost. Brreastmilk is the best food for all babies but it is especially important for vulnerable babies such as premature babies and those with medical conditions. This milk is freely donated by breastfeeding moms who have excess milk. They are not reimbursed in any way. The milk bank does not make any profit from this milk. The charge for the milk comes from lab fees that need to be done on the donating mother as well as processing fees. There are under twenty banks in the US and none in the New England area. This opportunity to establish one here in the NE area is wonderful for us all. Again, your small action of voting has made a huge impact, one that you may never fully realize. Thank you.

As to the little things that matter in the knitting world. Well, blocking! Yup, the Minamalist is finally blocking. I thought I might just sew the girl up but I decided, little things matter. So I pulled out the blocking board and wires, pinned her down, and soaked her good. She's now drying. I was hoping I might get the seaming done today but probably not, maybe tomorrow. Hopefully by Monday so I can show off to the girls. I think all of us in the Knitalong are just about done. It will be fun to see all the sweaters together!

I leave with a picture of a little thing that brings joy to my world. Flowers, Valentine's Day flowers. Aren't they pretty?

Time Flies.....when you're knitting!

2008-02-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here we are into the second month of 2008. Time flies by especially as you knit. The good news is that we are making progress towards spring and some longer days, warmer weather, mmhh good!

On the knitting front my first ever Koigu arrived. After this I can say it won't be my last. There was a sale at Patternworks so I indulged. The only hard thing is choosing colors and wondering what they are as the pictures are small and there are no descriptions of the colors involved. Now I don't think you can go wrong with this yarn but next time I think I will buy in person. Here's what I thought was a brown colored yarn along with a grey blue combo-Do you see brown? Me either! It's color 856 in the catalog and tell me if you don't see brown there, go on, go look. It's not, what it is is a beautiful wine and pinkish color, beautiful in it's own right, just not brown. I was going to do my copying of Claudia's socks with this because I loved her brown but I think I will use this and it will be beautiful. Moves me from my earth tone preference just a hair. Koigu, it's a good thing!

My Minimalist is completed, yahoo! Before you get too impressed, the knitting is done. I have to get it on the blocking board and then seam it up. I love the knitting part, the finishing not so much. But that's my goal for the weekend to at least get it to the blocking board :)

I went to Butterfly Yarns last night for their sale (20% off anything with wool on the label). Bought a bit for a baby sweater and a hat (inspired by another customer's) as well as some sock yarn. If they stopped making socks commercially you won't have to worry. I think I have enough sock yarn to supply us all. Me, who could never understand the fascination with socks. Thanks Mary for establishing the infatuation!!!

K is home for the weekend so I'm off to do some cooking so he can have leftovers to take back to school.

Super Sunday

2008-02-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's Super Sunday as opposed to Super Tuesday (which is this Tuesday btw). Good day, got to leave work early. Now it's time for the big game and sleeve #2 of the Minimalist. Last hurdle before the seaming. It hasn't been too bad this knitalong but I think I won't be doing another one too soon. Ok, off to the couch, the game, and the knitting. GO PATS!!

Look What Followed Me Home!

2008-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I just went into the fabric store for some cording and closures to finish off the bag. Honestly. But I got sidetracked in a big way, see-Such pretty colors and patterns, almost as much fun as the yarn store! These bags are so quick to make. The hardest thing for me is cutting the fabric. I can't cut a straight line to save my life. I found the link for the tutorial here. The bag that she shows comes out the size of the brown and pink bag. Once you make one you can pretty much figure out how to resize. I pulled out my unbelievable math skills and pulled off a few different sizes.

The insides are pretty with the linings and it's fun to mix and match (sorry I tried to take a picture of the insides but it just didn't come out, use your imaginations!). I'm trying to figure out the "best" size for a little project bag. I'll play a bit tomorrow.

As for my goal to finish the sleeve on the Minamalist last night, a bust. I'm almost there but just couldn't stay with it long enought. Tomorrow I think I'll head over to Butterfly Yarns and knit with Kim a bit away from the sewing machine and get that sleeve done.

Detour

2008-01-30T13:48:00.001-08:00

Today I took a little detour from knitting into the world of...sewing! Long ago I learned to sew, made some clothes for me and my boys and I even made a mother of the groom dress for my aunt! But I packed the sewing machine away, it gathered dust and when I went to use it over the holidays for a gift it refused to work. The poor guy was over 20 years old, I guess it deserved to retire. So I bought a new little machine, did what needed to be done on the Christmas gift and then packed the machine away. Well today it called me loud and clear!

Some time ago while reading random blogs I found directions for making little lined bags (if I can find the blog I'll link to the directions). Looked simple and they were pretty darned cute. Bought material and thread and pulled out the old machine but no cooperation. Today the new machine proved it was up to the job. In no time my little bag was all done. What do you think?

I just have to get some cording to thread in so it will pull closed and voila, a cute little bag. It is on the small side but I think it would work well for a basic kit for knitting, you know, a tape measure, some markers and scissors. Now that I have the pattern down I'm going to make some bigger ones for project bags. I have lots of material. Watch out my friends from Monday nights, you just might find some bags coming your way!

Hats, hats, and more hats

2008-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Where do the days go. Every day I plan on writing a little something here and then, well, you know, it just doesn't happen. Honestly, I really mean to but something always seems to get in the way. Seems lately that it is work and knitting taking up the time. I'll try to do better.

I'm part of the Itty Bitty Knits group on Ravelry. We are doing a charity knit, each month we knit hats in various baby sizes from preemie on to donate to a hospital of the month. Twelve people are "hosts" and pick where the hats will be sent. The hats are sent to the host who does the final send off to the chosen hospital. I was lucky and will receive hats in September for the NICU that I work in. Anyway, I realized that I needed to get going with my January hats so I've been busy all weekend knitting a few to send. See....

The first yellow one is a free pattern I found somewhere on the web. The other two are from Itty Bitty Hats. I downsized the pattern to make them for preemies. I used some acrylic yarn leftover from some long ago project, before I knew what yarn and knitting was really all about. It's good for these hats though. I hope the little ones enjoy them!

Otherwise I've been working on my Minamalist Cardigan KAL. I've done the back and fronts and have started a sleeve. It's getting there. The KAL hasn't been too bad as we really didn't set any deadlines. I'm always afraid I'll be trailing everyone but so far so good. Not sure how soon I'll do another KAL though.

I think I'll go and ice my finger, I just bashed it into the door as I went to do some laundry. It's swelling and turning bruised and throbbing a bit. Good thing knitting is done for the night. That will teach me to do laundry at night! I'll be back soon, promise.

Didn't I Tell You...

2008-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, wasn't I saying we weren't done with winter yet? Here's the proof out of one of our little lead glass windows. Pretty especially when you don't have to go to work. It did put a hold on a trip to WEBS with a friend but we'll just reschedule. More time to "shop" the site before making the trip.

I meant to show you the altogether fabulous gift my vet2b son and his fiance got me for Christmas. Pretty good job if you ask me. There is a Della Q bag which holds a beautiful set of wood needles, two skeins of ArtYarns Silk Mohair and two skeins of ArtYarns Regal Silk, both in a pink/green combination. A pattern for a beautiful shawl. There were supposed to be some markers too but apparently they did not make it from the supplier. With or without the markers it is just sooo beautiful. I keep petting the yarn. I'm actually thinking that I will be using a different colorway of the Regal Silk for M's Summer Shawlette for the wedding. I think it would be beautiful and every girl deserves silk on her wedding day, don't you think?

Current projects are moving along. I finished the back of the Minimalist Cardigan and have started the right front. Some of the KAL group are doing both fronts together but I always screw it up trying to remember if I did both as I knit. So I'm going to do one at a time. Plus I think the shorter rows will give my wrists and shoulders a rest from the moss stitch. I did start a little baby hat for some mindless knitting and the Bubbly Curtain is sort of sitting on the back burner right now. I feel compelled to get this Minimalist done with the group. Which is the good and bad of a KAL. It makes you work to get it completed but at the same time I feel like I can't do anything else.

I did get my yarn from A Piece of Vermont. So pretty! It's the Hot Cocoa colorway that I thought I might make up in the Monkey pattern a la Claudia. However the yarn isn't quite as deep in color as I imagined it to be and I'm kind of stuck after seeing Claudia's. So I think I will be heading to a yarn store close to work where I know they carry the Claudia Handpainted Yarn. I'm just going to have to be a copycat. I have other plans for the lucious Hot Cocoa!

I did finish the baby blanket out of the Puffin yarn. I can't say I loved knitting with this yarn, it seemed like cotton, very tough on my hands and wrists. However the finished project is so soft and yummy. I know it will be well received as a gift. I can just see the little chicky snuggled under the blanket. I left off the tassels, they were optional anyway. I just didn't like how they looked. The pattern is on the Crystal Palace site(follow yarn link above)

I guess I'll head of to the couch with some hot chocolate and knitting, can it get much better?

Deceiving

2008-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know better you'd think it was spring. The weather here the last few days, well, it's just plain balmy! Yesterday I walked in the city at lunch, no coat. Folks it's January, never mind the temperature but hey the snow, it's gone baby, gone. Today the bedroom windows are open for some nice fresh air. It feels so good but I know it's only time before the cold and snow are back On the knitting front the Bubbly curtain is bubbling along. I also started the Minimalist Cardigan with my Monday Night knitting group. It's my first KAL so we'll see how well I keep up. The moss stitch is pretty but I have noticed a distinct ache in my wrist the last few days. I think I'll take it in small allotments. I'm also going to start the Summer Shawlette pattern from Knitting Daily. It's going to be for my future daughter-in-law to wear at the wedding reception. She fell in love with the pattern. It's my first time with a lace type pattern so I'm hoping it goes well. At least I have a year and a half to get it done! She wants it in any icey pale blue color maybe with some beads. I've seen a few yarns I think would work but I'll need to see them in person before deciding. It's too special a project and I want it to be right. Any suggestions?

I just bought some beautiful sock yarn from A Piece of Vermont in the Hot Cocoa colorway. It's all because of Claudia and her new Monkey socks. Just look at those socks in the rich brown, I'm just in love. I love the pattern and I love brown so guess what will be on my needles soon along with a growing number of projects. Must go knit!

I've heard tell you can't have a true knitting blog unless you post kitty pictures. So to that end here are two of the three purring critters that we live with. Oscar and Murphy, being disturbed from their afternoon nap. Oscar is the big orange guy and Murphy, well he's the other one! PK was off playing and didn't want to pose. She prefers a picture solo in the future!

What Are You???

2008-01-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Take this quiz and find out!
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/fiberquiz/index.html

My Recipe Box

2008-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

For those of you who read the Mason-Dixon blog you know they are having a contest. You show off your recipe box and where it hides, share a recipe and post to their blog comments and you are entered. So here is my box and it's hiding spot.

My box....... ......hides in the cupboard

For the most part the recipes are on index cards and clippings , a few are actually in the box. I have great aspirations of someday rewriting them and filing them appropriately but there are always better things to do. Plus I can often identify the recipe by what card it's on or the paper it was in so I'd probably never manage to find the recipes again if I try to really organize them. I think they'd lose their charm!

One of our favorite family recipes is also one of the easiest ever. It came from my mom, I'm not sure if it was originally hers or from someone else but we all love it. I made it the other day and my 19 year old told me he loved me for making it. Without further ado-

Brisket
Any size fresh beef brisket (not corned)
Box of dried onion soup mix

Place brisket on a large piece of foil. Sprinkle the dried soup mix all over the brisket. If you have a very large piece you may want to use both packets of soup mix. Wrap up in foil, you might need more pieces and seal the edges well. Place in a pan large enough to hold the package. Place in oven for 5-6 hours at 250 degrees. Yummy!

Tonight is our rescheduled Monday Night knitting group and I can't wait to see everybody. I'm off to wind up some Euroflax that I will be knitting into the Bubbly Curtain from Mason-Dixon Knitting.

Fresh Start

2008-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today starts a new year and while I won't complain about the past one I am hoping this one brings a better attitude. Per usual the best way I know how to ring in the new year is to let it creep up on on me as I am snuggled in bed and this year was no different. As for resolutions, I'm trying something new. This year my resolutions are to have fun, be happy, and like myself for who I am. These I hope are attainable and meaningful, a little different than the usual for me. What are your resolutions?

Our Christmas was quiet and we headed off to Philly to hang out with vet2b son, his fiance and her family. Can I tell you, we had a blast. M's family is so much fun and they envelope you as if you are truely a part of their family. We went to Baltimore which felt so like Boston to me. It was beautiful. I got to go wedding dress shopping, a first with three boys. Holy smokes are there alot of wedding dresses out there, some unbelievably gorgeous and others, well, I guess there is a dress for everyone! M found "the one", we could tell the minute she came out in it. It is so beautiful on her, perfect. The color makes her glow, I can't wait to see her walk down the aisle in it. I'd share more details but I am sworn to the inner circle not to reveal anything.

We went to M's grandparents for dinner one night and it was like an audition for Food Network Star! M's dad was in charge of the roast, a 6-7 lb prime rib! He showed up with it still frozen at 3:30, dinner at 5, oops! It was so funny to watch him try and figure out how to salvage the dinner without going out for defrosted meat. In the end he had the roast in the oven on a "high heat" essentially cooking and defrosting. Let me say there was just a "little" smoke. Once it was defrosted and somewhat cooked he sliced it up and finished the cooking on the grill, ingenius. While we ate a bit late I have to say it was actually delicious. Hats off Mr. D!

Our final stop before the airport was the reception site. So pretty and I can just see it in late spring. Oh, yup, they have a date, May 23, 2009. It will be a busy month what with vet school graduation, moving and starting new jobs and the wedding. M and B have pretty much decided they will be in Pennsylvania once he graduates. I wish it were a little closer but hey, it's closer than S in Michigan!

I'll close out this first post of the new year with a picture of the reception site and the happy couple in their Penn State hand holding mittens! Here's hoping the new year holds for you all that you dream about, lots of yummy yarn and plenty of time to use it.

Down to the Wire

2007-12-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Presents are opened and the wrapping in the bag. Sitting relaxing, well knitting on that one last gift. Almost done with the Penn State hand holding mittens. They should be done by tonight so I won't be finishing on the plane tomorrow. I hope. I'll be glad to go back to leisurely knitting, no real deadlines in sight. Penn State Mittens almost completed

We're having one of the most laid back Christmases I can remember, no heading off to visit, no visitors. Not even a big dinner, well at least not the "usual". It's nice for a change. I'm going to curl up on the couch and finish the mittens and relax. Tomorrow we are off to visit vet2b son's in-laws to be and share in some wedding preparations. I even got invited to go dress shopping, how cool since I have no girls. I'm going to enjoy every minute, especially as I am not mother of the bride. No pressure, just fun. Shopping ( read after Christmas sales!) and girl talk, can it get much better.? Well add in some knitting, oh yeah, did I mention I downloaded some knitting shops in the area?!!

Hope you are all basking in the warmth of the holiday!

Almost Caught Up

2007-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Let's see, the shopping is pretty much done but the wrapping remains. The cookies are baked and the fudge made, now to be packed up. I should make some breads for the neighbors but cookies will have to do. The cards are in the mail. Except for the fact that I work the next three days I think I'm in pretty good shape.

The snow has certainly made a statement this year, more than I think we've had in the last few years just in the last few storms. Right now it's very pretty even if it does make things so much more difficult!

Scenes out the back door

K is home, you can tell by the clutter at the front door, the pounding of his feet up and down the stairs and the empty refrigerator, despite going to the grocery store just yesterday. He and Tobah are spending some quality time together!

Boy and dog bonding time

Due to the snow and ice we have a lovely leak in a corner of the house. We haven't seen this happen in years but then again there hasn't been snow and ice like this in, well, years. So hubby is fighting a battle chipping away ice and mopping up the trickle that appears behind the bookcase. Ah, the joys of winter.

I hope you each have a wonderful holiday however you celebrate. I doubt there will be blogging what with the rest of the chores to finish, work and the holiday. I hope it's warm and happy. Enjoy!

A Quickie

2007-12-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Here is some of the completed Christmas knitting. I even finished the scarf (no picture yet)! So I'm down to just the two pairs of hand holding mittens left and they won't be gifted until after
Christmas. Whew, not bad!

Top: Hand Holding Mittens from Lion Brand; Hats from The Yarn Girls Guide to Kids Knits; Fingerless Gloves and Christmas Stockings from Ann Norling

At my Monday night group I was able to finish my Quant from Knitty and during the few snowy days of last week I finished the Fidget. Sometimes little projects make my day.

The week is flying by, tomorrow we pick up K from college. I've already warned Tobah that he will have to share the bed, he's not thrilled. But K can't complain, Tobah keeps him very warm. K is ready for semester break. He should be working plenty of hours at Trader Joe's to fill up his coffers.

Well I'm off to wrap and knit and maybe bake, we'll see how far I can get. There is still shopping to do and cards to get out and... and....oh boy!

Uh Oh...

2007-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yikes, where did the time go? Wasn't it just Thanksgiving? I can't believe Chritmas is just 10 days away. Ready? Not me.

My holiday knitting that had to be sent out is done. That's a first for me. It doesn't mean that there won't be knitting on gifts up until Christmas, oh there will be, but at least those gifts that have to fly the friendly skies have taken wing.

Hmm, well apparently Blogger doesn't want me to post pictures of those finished objects, I guess that will come later. So, I finished the stockings for the newlyweds (and no bleeding of the red yarn this time), hats and scarves for the nephews, fingerless mitts for my mom, hand holding mittens for the newlyweds (and I have two more pair of those to do but they go quick), socks for B's future MIL, and a scarf for my job share partner. Not too bad.

I've needed to sneak in a few other projects for me even though I said I would knit only on the gifts. But since I'm just about done I thought it would be ok. I'm working on a Fidget(www.onesheephill.com) and Quant from Knitty(www.knitty.com) in Sheep Shop Yarn color G43. Both quick knits and maybe future gifts for next year, but these are for me, just me!

The tree is up along with a few decorations but I'm just not feeling it this year. I haven't baked, wrapping still to do, not to mention the shopping that still awaits. It gets harder as everyone is older. Maybe I can convince everybody that we don't need to do gifts anymore until new little ones arrive on the scene. I mean it really takes the spirit out of it when you have to ask for and shop from a list. No suprises. Lets just make it about the food(yum) and the people we love. Yeah, that sounds good!

I'll try and post later(promise) pictures of the finished objects. Now it's time to prepare for the big nor'easter coming our way.
Stay tuned and stay warm.

Get A Move On

2007-11-24T05:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and before we know it Christmas will be here. This will be the year of actually scaling down. There really aren't any little kids (well with K around sometimes it feels like there is a little kid in the house!) in the house so no need to run out for all the newest items. The plan is to pick gifts that are really needed or wanted within reason. We'll see how that goes, we've said it before but for some reason I think we'll be better at sticking to it this year.

On the knitting front the gifts are moving along, hopefully fast enough for everything to be accomplished. I have one hat for the nephews done, one set of the hand holding mittens completed(they are cute if I say so myself) and I'm almost done with the second of the Christmas stockings. I'll try and post some pictures this weekend. I have to get moving to try and get it all finished up.

K and my husband scored Patriots tickets for tomorrow. K wants to run up to NH to get his Patriot's jersey to wear to the game, come back home, then out to Foxboro for the game. I think not! He's obsessed with having something Patriot's to wear to the game. I'm obsessed with them staying warm as the cold air has settled in. They are off to the store today for some warm mittens and liners as well as some warm packs for hands and feet. You've got to be dedicated to sit out in the cold to watch grown men running around and into each other. Me, I'm staying home where it's warm. I think I'll work on those projects, maybe run over to my LYS to check out the Dream in Color yarn (if there is any left), eat in front of the tv, and check in on the game now and then. They'll be home late and have to get up early to get K back up to college for his first class. It's all worth it he says!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Early Morning

2007-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

The sun was pretty in the sky as I walked the dog this morning. I have been fascinated lately with the way light plays at different times of the day. Yesterday coming out of a store there was such a contrast of the dark grey sky and the houses and trees that were lit up by the sunlight piercing the opening in the clouds. But no camera so no picture. It's in my mind though!

This morning I watched as the sun came up between the trees. What is left of the leaves were highlighted in that morning light.

The colors this year were rather blah but in the right light they look rather pretty! The air is getting nippy and the talk of...snow...is becoming more prevalent. It's just a matter of time. I've got to find those hats and scarves I made last year.

This guy reminds me to get to my food shopping list and once that is done back to the Christmas knitting. One hat to be finished tonight, a pair of the hand holding mittens up next, there has to be some variety. Knit on!

Trying Not To Get Ahead Of Myself

2007-11-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming in case you hadn't notice. However I think you must live in a hole if you haven't been bombarded with music, songs, ads and decorations in the stores. It seems to get earlier and earlier that this happens every year. The kids were barely in from the Halloween candy dash and suddenly the ads on tv started to appear. I think there should be a law that all the hoopla can't start until after Thanksgiving.

Now because of all the push towards Christmas I'm starting the knitting gift panic. I said this year would be the year I keep it all in control. But I'm losing control. My mind is queuing up those projects left and right. I will say there are few things finished. I did the fingerless gloves for my mom and the socks for son's fiance's mother(I know). But for everything I finish something appears at the end of the list. I have to finish a scarf for my job share other half. I have two hats for the nephews. Hand-holding mittens for the newly weds and the engaged son/fiancee as well as a friend and his wife. My "need to finish" project bag is getting bigger and bigger. I'm hoping that's it but I'm afraid that this year will be no different than the years past.

Yarn Haul....I mean crawl

2007-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Today was a perfect day, good friend, beautiful weather and yarn shopping. What more could anyone ask for? Every so often friends and I like to go off for the day usually exploring new yarn shops. It's so much fun to fondle yarn in new environments. Today was no exception.

We started the day at Seed Stitch Fine Yarns(http://www.seedstitchfineyarn.com/) in Salem. What a pretty and comfy shop. Welcoming with inviting chairs and bright space. We were told to fondle to our hearts content and being the best at following directions we did! There were walls of beautiful fiber of all colors and weights. Books nicely arranged with chairs to settle into as you looked through the books and patterns. Nice buttons and displays that made you want to buy "one of each"! It was hard to keep the impules at bay but I only bought a few things, see...

A skein of Louet Euroflax in the colorway Aqua for a window covering from Mason Dixon Knitting. We just finished painting the tv room in "Shallow Tide" so I'm hoping it will go well. The other skein is a new yarn for me. It's Sheep Shop Yarn (#3 ) for a pair of socks. Really really pretty, silk and wool.

Our next stop was at Cranberry Fiber Arts (http://www.cranberryfiberarts.com/) in South Hamilton. This used to be primarily a quilting shop, now yarn is the focus. And pretty yarn it is. Lots of pretty yarn. My favorite is the wall of Malabrigo, I could just fondle that all day. There is yarn for just about any project. They even had some Madeline Tosh sock yarn but I'm waiting for the shipment at Butterfly yarns to come in. Patiently, I'm waiting patiently. No yarn bought here.

Our final stop (after a yummy lunch at the Wenham Tea House of course) was at Yarns in the Farms (http://www.yarnsinthefarms.com/) in Beverly. A little shop we almost drove right by. But I'm glad we didn't! What a cute funky place. It oozes charm and character. It's little but packed with wonderful yarns, buttons, books, and a cute little pooch. My hands had a hard time staying out of the cubbies, everything asked to be touched, in fact, at times some of the yarn jumped out at me begging to be fondled.

No, your eyes are not playing tricks. You do see more Brown Sheep Shop yarn, and yes, same colorway. But this is heavier weight yarn for a scarf and a hat. I just love this yarn and it's even better across the different weights. I know I'll be looking for more of this in the future. The other is a skein of KidSilk Spray in a pink/grey hue that is pretty. I'm not a lace knitter but some of my Monday Night group have inspired me so I'm going to give it a try, probably after the holidays. It's soo very soft. You might also spy a new ladybug tape measure, yup. I was enabled, thanks Mary!

I did get pictures from my son's (vet2b) friend for whom I knit a sweater. It got to him just in time as the snow was flying briefly out in Minnesota. He's been wearing it alot and IT FITS! I was worried, I've never met him and well, I was worried. But all is well.

A good day, a very good day!

My Pal

2007-11-06T17:40:00.001-08:00

Am I not cute??

This is my guy Tobah. As the boys were moving on to college and independence I had the sudden desire to find something or someone who might need me. Enter Tobah. He's a Shiba Inu and just the best guy after all my two footed males to enter my life. He keeps me company, makes me go out for walks at least once a day, usually twice(my husband gets the other walks), makes me laugh and, well, he needs me. We had a dog when the kids were little but that did not go so well. At that time too many people needed me and it just wasn't a good fit. Unfortunately illness struck and our dog died. I said never again but I didn't realize how much I would need a dog later on down the road. I first saw a Shiba when my vet2b son was at Tufts Vet school for a camp. I didn't know what kind of dog I had seen and neither did my son but the picture stayed in my mind. I saw a few others as time went by and found out what breed it was. I had learned that they were like big cats, a bit shy, didn't always like other dogs. As I decided that we needed a dog I started looking at breeders. My son suggested http://www.petfinders.com and low and behold we found our guy. He lived with a family who loved him but due to changing circumstances they could no longer keep him. After phone calls and home checks Tobah came to us by way of NY. His real name is Octobah (October with a NY accent!) but we call him Tobah. He's been a great dog and I can't imagine our life without him. Now that the boys are pretty much on their own he has taken over one of their rooms for his. When anyone comes home and sleeps in the bed he is a bit perturbed, wondering who is taking his spot. He has quite the personality. We did have to teach him to be a Red Sox fan after living in NY but with two championships under our belts he is now a true blue Sox fan! He does shed enormously in the spring, I'm thinking we could build another dog with all the fur. Maybe I could have it spun and knit it.....

Pattern: Football from Itty Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson

Yarn: Karabella 8 (Blue) and Sirdar 4 ply for trim (Taupe)

Needle: size 7 KnitPicks: Magic Loop

Modifications: I didn't add the "sprout" on the top

This was a quick and satisfying little knitting project. I think it will be well received once the little guy is born. I'm looking forward to making some of the other cute hats from this book.

In other knitting news, the yarn for the new Christmas stockings is dry and wound and I'm almost done the first one. I hope all the excess dye was rinsed out. I'm a little afraid to block it but block it I must. Stayed tuned for the results. My scarf is moving along and the blanket is taking a back seat as it won't be needed for a bit. Not sure what other Christmas gifts I'll be making, there are always some at the last minute.

Tomorrow it's a yarn crawl with a knitting buddy. Should be lots of fun. Report to follow!

Red Sky at Night

2007-11-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

Red Sky at Night

This was the sky tonight from my front steps. I was going around shutting the shades and happened to catch this beautiful sunset. They say this will preceed a nor'easter here on the East coast tomorrow. We were headed up to see my son in college but figure it he can wait a day. Instead we'll run around doing a few errands early in the morning then hunker down with some football and knitting. I'm addicted to the boy's college games, not that they ever played. But for some reason I like college football. So hopefully Penn State, Purdue, and UNH will be playing and we'll be watching. I have my varied projects to work on although the yarn for the stockings still isn't dry but I am almost halfway done with the little football hat (pretty appropriate) and a scarf I am knitting for a Christmas gift is sitting patiently waiting for me to pick it up.

I'm also going to make a chicken pot pie and apple crisp to take up to the college boy, two of his favorites. Our house will tantalize us with yummy smells but the food will be off limits. I'll have to come up with some comfort food for us , it won't be fair for all those smell wafting through the house if none of it is for us. I love it when the weather turns crisper and cooking is more of a pleasure.

Off to make sure everything that might fly away in the storm is put away and make a list for the groceries for tomorrow. Everybody stay dry!

Odds and Ends

2007-10-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

A working weekend, not much knitting and obviously no posting. So today will be a day for odds and ends.

I joined the Knitters Tea Swap 4 in October, my first swap. I figured yarn, tea, it had to be good. I was matched with someone from Australia (hi Nikki) and we started our emails. It was neat to chat with someone you've never met and figure out what goodness to send them You had to send yarn that would complete a project, tea and goodies to go with the tea, and then anything else you wanted. Something you sent had to be from your local area. Nikki did a great job sending me some green tea and some Jasmine tea along with some Australian Macadamias and TimTams. There was a 2008 calendar of New South Wales (I so want to go visit). And yarn goodness with two balls of Hot Socks yarn, one in a pretty fall colorway and the other in some beautiful blues and pinks. It looks like the yarn is made in Turkey and when I tell you it is soft, it is soo soft. I can't wait to knit up some socks with it. Nikki even sent the cool bag from the yarn store, the Wool Inn. I'm a sucker for bags! It was a great swap, one I'll join again. I hope Nikki likes what I sent her.

My loot

I'm trying to work on finishing up projects and getting a few Christmas presents done. I finished a pair of fingerless mitts for my mom. I did finish a really pretty Christmas stocking, one of two, for my newly married son and his wife. I really was thrilled with it. However, when I blocked it the beautiful red color from the stocking bled right into the pristine white of the snowflake and now, well now, I have a pink snowflake! That will teach me. I figured they would not be washed so I didn't think there was a chance of the red and white actually meeting. Needless to say I was back getting more yarn today and it has been washed and rinsed a few times over now. I think, I hope, I've taken care of that problem. Hopefully the yarn will dry soon so I can get them done before Christmas is over. My husband has yet to figure out what the "weird" smell is yet!

Other projects include a baby blanket for an upcoming baby girl made from some new Crystal Palace yarn called Puffin. It is made from strips of polar fleece like material and it's another softie. I can just imagine how wonderful it will feel all made up. I couldn't resist it today and I know the mom will love it. It's white with flecks of pink and well of course, orange. I'm dying to start but need to finish a few things before it can see a needle. I also got some yarn for the little football hat in Itty- Bitty Hats. It's for a client of mine due soon with her fourth boy. I made hats for her two little premie guys I worked with so this guy will get a hat too.

I guess that's all for now, since I have so many projects I best get going on them. I'll be back soon.

(PS I suprised myself by getting pictures in here, not bad if I do say so myself!)

Something New

2007-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

I know this is old to so many people but for me, it's a new venture. I'm a mom whose boys are pretty much all out of the house, I'm a wife, I'm a nurse, and I'm a Lactation Consultant. Oh yeah, and I'm a knitter. In fact, knitting is the one constant through every one of the other things I do. It's how I cope with things (along with eating, that's a bad, bad habit!), my therapy as so many people say.

I started knitting as a teenager and made all those mistakes as I learned. The first project I remember was a pair of baby booties for my aunt's baby. Picked the pattern and yarn. No one told me anything about gauge, I picked yarn that was pretty and bought needles that the pattern said I needed, not what the yarn required. I knit away and had lovely booties. They looked like the picture. I had no idea of scale and needless to say they were HUGE! But I didn't see that, all I saw was the gift I had made for my aunt's new baby. When I brought them over she ooohed and awwed. But I kept looking at the baby's feet and back to the booties. I knew they would never fit her (well maybe now and she is 40) but my aunt just complimented me. I've come a long way from that first project. I know how to pick yarn and needles, how to read a pattern. But it's been a journey with many ups and downs, sort of like my life. I'm still learning about both!

Since the boys have grown older and essentially moved out I have really gotten back into knitting full force. Around the same time I started knitting with a wonderful group of women who have expanded my world in so many ways. I have met such great people and gone to wonderful places, all because I started knitting again. I don't think I could live without it anymore. I know sometimes I go to bed thinking about what I put down before I went to bed and other times I dream about knitting. Sometimes I pace my day by when I can get in a few minutes of knitting or a new yarn purchase or fiber field trip. I guess that's called an obsession, for me a healthy one.

So now I'll write about knitting and life and see how it goes. You're welcome to come along and see where this goes. Your guess is as good as mine!