Catchn up

Wow - it's been awhile.  Where do the days - weeks go?  So, this will be a catch-up post.

First off, I think we are pretty much over the nasty bug that we all shared.  Hubby was last to get it, but seemed to have a fairly short-lived version, when compared to what both me and my mom endured.  During the first few days of my illness, I managed to break an older dental crown.  Due to coughing, I chose to wait out a couple of weeks before getting dental work started.  YIKES - it's been years since I have had a crown put on, and now I remember how much I hate the process.  I really like my dentist, but just hate being captive and out of control.  I always have those "I want to swallow NOW!!" moments.  And - thanks goodness we have good dental insurance. I was blown away by the cost!!

DH has started planting garden (peas, onions, lettuce, radishes,) and probably more are in the ground.  Due to horrible rains last year, our garden was pretty much a waste.  We are hoping for a better crop this year.  It's a lot of work, for no gain......kind of a downer last  year.

And on the knitting scene, I've been busy.  A pair of plain jane socks were recently completed. I really enjoyed knitting these with my new 2.25mm Signature DPNS.  I am a total fan!

A couple of the gals in my knitting group just purchased the new Signature circulars, and I am anxious to hear how they like them. 

 I completed the Flamboyan shawl by Stephen West.  It's knit out the 2 colors of my handspun, shown in the previous post.  I really like it, now that it's finished.  It looks really nice draped over one shoulder with the ties handing down either side on the other side.  Sorry - no personal modeling shot.  If you could see my hair you would knot why!  LOL  The fence is much better looking than am I!  ;)  It's very soft and drapey fabric, so anyway, color me happy with this one!

And currently, I am nearing the edge of a shawl/shawlette knit out of this handspun:

BG was helping me "thwack" it during the finished process and declared it to be rainbow yarn, so I just had to take a rainbow photo......

I am enjoying knitting with it.  I'm making a Traveling Woman shawlette, starting with the green and ending the bottom edge with the dark wine color.  I would bet my last dollar that I am going to run out of  yarn though.  My yarn meter malfunctioned, so I didn't know what yardage I had.  I added quite a few pattern repeats, as I wanted to use the entire skein of yarn, so.....I'm afraid I misjudged.  Oh well - I will manage to use every yard of this yarn, which was my desire.  I think I will finish the very edge with a bit of Knitpicks Pallette.  I have all those little color samples, if you will remember, so picking out the exact color will be easy.  I think there are a couple of good matches, so I'll be placing a small knitpicks order soon. Hopefully it won't be too noticeable.

And some stash enhancement....

  8oz of IntoTheWhirled Polwarth fiber.  Quercus is the colorway name.  Nice!  My comfort colors.

And for some rainy day, when a little color is needed:

Again, IntoTheWhirled fiber.  This time SW BFL, in "Mandarin" colorway.  This colorway was inspired by a photo of a beautiful Mandarin duck.

So, Happy Spinning, Knitting, Crocheting, Quilting, Sewing, Baking, Gardening, Reading or whatever makes your heart sing.....talk to you later!  (In the reading category, I've recently discovered the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher.  Fun escapism!!)
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And Three weeks later......

Sorry....MIA.  Several folks have written expressing concern that I have not been posting.  Nope - nothing wrong.  Just life getting in the way I guess.  Sorry - I'll do better, I promise!

While I personally am fine, Sofee, well you know her allergies!  She is in the middle of the worst of it.  Poor little girl.  Her eyes are really bothering her this year.  We have a new ointment, but basically she needs to stop rubbing them.  We are balancing drugs and barrier clothing items with full-attention/lap time.  We'll get through this again......  I'm just hoping for early (and frequent) frosts!

  She could be a poster child.....poor little girl!

On the knitting front, finished are the "Deep in the Woods" mittens.  They've been on my Ravelry page for a couple of weeks, so sorry if this is redundant for many of you.   I made a few changes, which can be found on my Ravelry page.  Basically they are knit as pattern is written.  I really like them!

I started a plain vanilla sock.  Opal yarns can hardly make "vanilla" socks! Pretty wild!  This colorway is one from the rain forest collection of a couple of years ago.  Stash yarn. It's a project that I can take and run with.  Mindless knitting - hmmmm - that seems to be what I need these days. 

I am nearing completion on another pair of  "Knotty" gloves.  These are out of a skein of Cherry Tree Hill - stash yarn that is several years old.  Love them.  They fit a bit tighter than the reddish pair I recently completed.  Same needle size and stitch count, just a slightly different yarn weight. 

The post-lady has been VERY nice to me this past week or so. 

This Schauht Lazy Kate came to me on Friday of this week.  My WooleeWinder bobbins are just a smidge longer than the stock Lendrum bobbins, and would bind up on the Lendrum Kate.  I decided that I would prefer a horizontal kate, and decided to go with this model.  I have yet to use it, but hopefully I will like it immensely!

I decided it was about time that I figure out what I should be doing, so DH actually, purchased these DVD's for me.  I am a "spin by the seat of your pants" type of gal.  I do what feels right.....and for the most part I have been pretty happy with the outcome.  But the recent sale on these DVD's - well, I decided that perhaps it was time to see how things are "supposed" to be done.  LOL.....  (Lots of Luck) with that!  I'll be trying to break bad habits from now on......
 
And speaking of:  This fiber was especially dyed for me by JulieSpins.  I wanted to spin some light to dark transitional yarn.  Love this fiber.  She named the colorway "Teddy Bear", which is a perfect name!

With a little bit of manipulation, it has been spun into a nice hank of yarn.  It's not been sett yet, so not really ready for it's debut shot.  Also, only half has been spun at this point. I need to find the perfect pattern. 

And, a new sock book:  I pre-ordered this one.  I have knit many of Stephanie's designs and find them both beautiful and challenging.  Little dpns have been dancing in my brain since this beauty arrived!

I am actually waiting for an Etsy delivery that I will be sure to share with you all.  Nope - not fiber!  Something really cute....and I am so anxious to receive!  Be sure to check back to see......... :)  

That's about all I guess.  BG will start his little "pre" pre-school this week.  Only 1 hour each day (Tues/Thurs) a gradual adjustment.  We have been talking about school and reading books about going to school for the last several weeks.  He keeps zeroing in on the "school bus" aspect of school.  Sadly, I am his school bus.  Hope he's not too disappointed with that.  I'm very excited for him.....I think he's going to love it!  I'll keep you posted.  

And, once again......

These socks went home with my Son-in-Law last night. He seemed pleased. He is always polite and gracious -- like a good Son-in-Law should be! (He will probably come to regret having ever asked for socks. LOL!) As the previous pair, they are from a vintage skein of Regia. 72st on 2.50mm needles, toes done on 2.25mm. The blue is much more muted and grey than in the photo. I know....I am a lousy photographer.

Yesterday, I made a stop at our local library. Usually I research and pre-order the books that I want to borrow. But not this time.....
This morning, I was quite thrilled to realize that I had accidentally picked up a very entertaining read! I am not familiar with this author, but apparently she has several other books. She lists them as being historical novels. Also, there is a sequel to this one coming out this summer. It will be a "must read" for me, I do believe! This book is "A Single Thread".

And, this little lovely came to me in the mail one day last week from my sister who lives in Idaho. Isn't that the most adorable little metal bookmark! While my sister does not knit, she is a ferocious reader and book lover. I have heard her mention a slight desire to pick up needles and yarn of late, however. Hope she does give it a whirl..... we can always use a new recruit.

I'll be sitting and knitting yet another mindless pair of socks later this afternoon.....and cheering on the Arizona Cardinals and of course, Kurt Warner! Sorry Steeler's fans..... I just LOVE a cinderella story!

As my world turns.....

Another hat finished and this time it's "Just the right size". I made it with the same needles as the larger one, but held the tension just a tad more firm. Amazing the difference that makes. It brings to mind how I used to struggle with keeping my tension constant when I was knitting as a means of relaxation. Sometimes those stress knits were wayyyyy too tight. This is made from Cascade 220 and an unknown progressive variegated. This hat is a great way of using up scraps of yarns. I just love the crown action. Quite a fun knit. Courtesy of Brooklyn Tweed, in case anyone is unaware. Size 7 needles.

An order from KnitPicks came yesterday. Included was this most delightful book. Kay told me of a Chihuahua sized sweater pattern in this book. It is a very nice book. I believe it to be the best book for small sized dog sweaters I have ever seen! They are practical and very "wearable" designs. Thanks so much Kay! (Sofee and Herky will also be quite grateful come Christmas time.)Also in the order was one skein of this "happy" sock yarn. Not sure what I will do with it....perhaps a sweater for Sofee, or something for the grand babe..... we'll see, but it just makes me smile. I will be ordering more, I am sure. It is Felici sock yarn Provence colorway. The colors are really more vibrant than this photo.

And speaking of the grand babe..... It's all about multi-tasking and time management at grandma's house. I had almost forgotten those skills, but sort of like riding a bike -- it all comes back! My days are jammed packed with grins and delightful duties! Life is good....oh so good!!!!

Ark blueprints anyone.....??

MotherNature is unleashing her furry on the Midwest this time. We are treading water here in Des Moines as fast as we can. Personally, I am on high ground, so doing ok, but much of our state, Des Moines included, is struggling with major floods. We are hopeful that improvements made 15 years ago will be sufficient to protect our water treatment plant. In the "flood of 93" we lost our water supply for over a week. When considering what others have lost, it seems a small inconvenience, but we are still hoping for the best. Major sadness surrounds the loss of the 4 young men killed by the tornado last night in Western Iowa. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those young folks. I guess ours is not to question why....but....???

Feeling sort of down the last couple of days, Sofee and I were exploring the back yard during a brief break in rainfall this morning. It helped brighten my day a little when within this clematis vine....we discovered this cardinal nest. Mom (or dad?) flew out as we were looking at the blossoms. They have a nice home hidden away amongst the blooms. Perhaps I should erect an umbrella....
What can be more cherry than a little red sweater? This will be for Baby Garret (who has only 29 more days till his "official" arrival date). DD thinks he will come early. Grandma doesn't want to rush anything.... I am anxious for his arrival, but all in due time.

The pattern is a freebie from Berroco, "Baby Poonam". The yarn is Comfort DK. It's an acrylic/nylon blend. Very soft, but very splitty - so difficult to work with. I think it's a pretty sweater. The sleeves will be textured like the back, with the cabling down the front of the sweater.
I am knitting another pair of plainjane ribbed socks as a teaching aid for my sock class. These are out of a Cherry Tree Hill skein from my stash. I don' know the colorway - but I really like it very much. No Pony Pearls however - using the needles available at the shop. I am sure you all know how I really feel about that!!
And, another book on Lace came home with me on Tuesday. This is going to prove to be a great resource I think. I really will have no excuse if I can't conquer the lace demon.

And now on Tuesday....

I have my glittens done - and no, I will not bore you with yet another photo of them. I have one more pair to make soon, and during that process I will attempt to make a very detailed step by step pattern. There have been enough people comment and write asking for such. I will just post it here on my blog, free for the taking - if anyone wants. It may be awhile before I get it done, but I promise....eventually.

A moonflower update - it bloomed again, by the light of a full moon no less. It only lasted till noon the following day, however. I have found several more buds developing - perhaps if Jack Frost does not visit soon.....

And, I ask you, how can one hat be soooooo boring?? (Or, I guess 2 hats, as it is Double knit). If it were not fitting my DH's rather large head so well, I would toss it to the wind. He has always avoided hats, as they never fit him. This appears to be a happy match for head size. (Do I need to hang my head in shame - this is the first hat I have ever made!!)
And, another good book recommendation. A Golden Retriever is a main player in this story! Cute. For all the dog lovers out there, the author is a great golden retriever lover. According to the dust cover, he and his wife have established a foundation which has rescued over four thousand dogs, mostly golden retrievers. Good read, must be a good guy.
Off to my "job" at the LYS today. Catch ya later....

And....it's a sweater!

I think we need to take a class in photography! My poor DH took quite a few shots, and really none were very good. I think it is too sunny, or something?? But - it is a sweater, none the less. And a very soft and scrunchy one to boot! My first experience with a cotton blend yarn. I have always avoided cottons, but this was pure pleasure. The stats: The pattern is "Cool Coral" by Kathy Zimmerman from an old issue of Knitter's - Spring 1998. The yarn is Web's ValleyYarn's Long Meadow - "Melon" colorway. It may not be very stylish by today's standards, but it is exactly the type of light, airy, sweater that I wanted to create. One to wear in movie theaters and chilly restaurants - during summer months. I am sure I will get lots of wear out of it.


And, of course, Sofee had to get into the photo shoot. If she looks a little "stoned" it's probably because she is! She is getting lots of rest - if nothing else!!

And, another good book recommendation. I started this one last night, a grabber from page one!We are going to take in a dog show this afternoon - but don't tell Sofee. She would be totally offended if she knew - she is FAR from "show quality" and thinks the whole concept is ridiculous!! Then later tonight and tomorrow, I have to really push it - I need to get my I Love Gansey socks (both) completed to the gusset. That is where the pattern becomes a little less hectic - and more "doable" for the hospital waiting room. Hope I manage.

Miscellaneous updates.....

I promise, the next time you see this orangey yarn, it will be in a finished sweater! Promise!In the meantime, here is a shot of the sleeves in progress. (The one on the left is the wrong side so the lace pattern looks all wonky). I re-knit the other front, correcting the error, and thankfully, the back was error free. So, I am on the home-stretch. Boy - sleeves seem to take FOREVER, don't they??

Sofee's allergy treatment is going fairly well. She is getting some relief, but we are having to curtail her outdoor time to the "necessary" times only. She hates it! But, after a few trials, I think it is best - at least for now. Did I mention she hates it? I guess she figures she will have to find her fun somewhere new, evidenced by her brave new activity..... going down the basement stairs!! She has always stood at the top and cried, never being brave enough to navigate the (what must seem huge to her) steps by herself. Not with all the coaxing we would do, not with Herky running lickety split down them..... she would just cry. But, all of a sudden yesterday afternoon she bravely trotted down, as though no big deal!! (No, I do not live in a houseboat, being rocked by waves. She was coming so quickly, not much time to steady the camera!)

And, for a good read, may I recommend:
I read a quick review in our local paper and put it on hold at our public library. Very good! From page one - a grabber. I am not finished yet, but will be soon. Debut novel by this gentleman - hope it will not be his last. He has a fan.