"Nuttin but knittin" - that says it all, with an occasional deviation into the real world.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Glug, glug, gurgle, gurgle.......

Yep, there's flooding in the Midwest!  We are really having a rough time of it this year.  I'm almost afraid to wish for Fall, and Winter.....what will that be like??  YIKES!   

Personally, we/mine are doing fine.  A little damp around the edges, and my mom had a close call (as in a 2am evacuation call from the police) at her retirement home, but after closer investigation, it was discovered to be an automated call, as she was in the area of immediate concern.  So far, she remains dry.

So....besides watching rain fall, and water levels rise, what have I been doing......

I finished these just this morning.  It's a free pattern from Ravelry, "Hippa Mittens" by Taija Elo.  I struggled with these.  Perhaps it was just me, but I failed to understand the leaning stitch pattern.  I also had to make some modifications before I liked the way they fit.  It was all just my personal preference though.....I don't want to discourage anyone from trying the pattern.  The yarn is handspun Merino, from FatCats Fiber.  It was fiber gifted from my son last Christmas.
 
  I guess I must be on a mitten craze.  These are knit from a pattern available on the latest Knitty.  Again, handspun.  FatCat knits club selection from last winter.  It's been in waiting till I found the perfect project.  I had my doubts while I was knitting these, but again.....now that they are complete, I do like them.

I have also been knitting various mittens and hats for a charity drive through CIC.  I've been using up bits and pieces of my handspun.  I'll take a group shot and post it when I am done with them all.  I have till the 1st of October to work on them, so I may make a few more.  I think I have 4 sets of mittens and 3 hats.

Latest roving to be delivered is this lovely 75% BFL, 25% Silk from AllSpunUp.  It's her "Miss Crabtree".  These indie dyers really have a following with their fibers.  It can get pretty cut-throat on shop update days.  Most take pre-orders.  Amazing!!!  I just noticed that KnitPicks is starting to sell spinning fiber now.  I think spinning is just going to get more and more popular!

Well, I better hush for now.  Hope everyone manages to survive the rest of their summer....seems like so many places are having severe weather right now.  I think I'll go knit and think calm thoughts for the rest of the day.  Or, well.....until BG wakes up from his nap anyway!!!  We got rained out at the water park today, so only a few extra rides on the "round n round" (Merry go round) would put a smile back on his face.  And....that's what it's all about....keeping that smile!

9 comments:

Elaine said...

So glad to hear that you and your family are all safe Kathy! The news reports from Iowa have been just awful. Even my husband said he hoped you were all right! (I didn't think he listened to me when I talked about knitting friends!) Love the mittens! I've been thinking about starting a few pairs for the little guys. Thinking, not doing...it's still just too hot here!

Dorothy said...

I'm glad to hear that you're safe from the floods. I think we're the only part of the country that has not been having extreme weather. It is going to let a little warm here this weekend, but only for a few days. Still, I don't think I'd be knitting wool mittens!

Kay-From the Back Yard said...

Oh yes, love the mittens!

My daughter-in-law has family in Ames...they couldn't even drink the water. Yikes.

Anonymous said...

So sorry about all the flooding but happy you and your Mom are okay.

Nice mittens! I love "Miss Crabtree" too.

Marguerite said...

Glad to know you and yours are not in the flooded areas. What a challenge this summer has been for so many.

Along with the heat and humidity we've also had the "mini oil spill - only a million gallons" to concern us in SW Michigan.

Seems like every area in the US has had weather and/or environmental challenges lately.

Love the mittens, especially the second pair with the beautiful colorwork. They had to be so much fun to knit.

Judy S. said...

So glad to hear that you and your family haven't had to cope with the flooding. I was blown away by photos from my hometown in WI. Love your mittens and as usual can't wait to see the next results of your spinning!

KnittySue said...

Glad you hear your safe from the flooding...and those mittens are lovely. I can't wait to see what yarn comes out of that roving..I love the colors.
Have a great weekend.

JakkiMitch said...

Great mittens!! and I luv the looks of the "Miss Crabtree" roving :-)

We missed the last big rain that you got. My basement has "flooded" 4 times this summer. (Inches deep, luckily, not Feet) And the areas where my sisters in SoCal & SoCar live need rain desperately. Wish we could send them some.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
you made truly beautiful hippa mittens. I am struggling with the pattern also. I cant understand the leaning stitch. Would you be able to clarify it for me please? Your help would be very much appreciated.
Every time I follow the pattern I end up making a decrease. I hope to put the stitch pattern into my own "tried-and-trusred" mitten pattern.
Thank you.
Emmy