Can't get much better than this:

In the fun department, I am certainly having it!  First off, these make me smile....immensely!

Another set of markers handmade by WeeOnes.  Again, she honored a special request.  Her normal "Fancy Goldfish" markers consist of 4 fish - these minus the one with the black markings.  For some reason(?) I wanted one with some black on it.  So....she graciously accomodated.  I just marvel at the detail.  Total whimsy - and they entertain me to no end!

Last week, as I was browsing patterns on Ravely, I ran across the "Monster" (ravelry link) sweater.  BG saw it on my computer screen, and was quite interested.  In fact "Granma make monster" were his exact words.  NEED HE SAY MORE? .... I think not!  That very day I purchased the pattern and ordered the yarn from knitpicks.

When the box arrived, you would have thought it was Christmas.  He was totally enthused.  Of course, the real question is will he actually wear it?  LOL - time will tell, but I don't really care.  We are enjoying the process.

I have the back completed, and I'm teaching myself Intarsia on the fly.  Really, isn't that difficult, but I readily admit the chart is an easy one.  Such a cute pattern, and a total joy to knit.  The color changes are just mesmerizing.  To keep the weaving in of ends to a minimal pain, I am weaving them in as I go.  I'll be back soon with finished photos, and Hopefully....ON the body of a 2yr old.  LOL... but he's pretty opinionated, so we can only hope!

Update....

As promised....an update on Kerrara.  It's going great.  My row gauge is a little off, so a few adjustments are being made on the fly, but other than that, all is well. 

It looks a little lumpy, bumpy, and I'm not sure why?  Do all sweaters look that way at this point?  Am I being overly critical as it's my handspun?  Will it block out nice and flat?  Time will tell I guess.  It's really not as obvious as this photo portrays.  The upper back is reverse stockinette, as will the pockets be....for just a tad of texture added in. 

And while the horizontal details over my (hmmm....well you know) may not be the best choice, I do like the "Double garter stitch" that is used.  It was a new technique for me!  Fun to do, although time consuming. 

I am getting anxious to do some spinning, so I may lay it aside this weekend.  It's moving along at a nice clip, so should be a finished sweater soon.

Hope all have a nice weekend, including good weather!

Freshness, closure, and something totally new....

Our first garden bounty. It made for a nice fresh salad for dinner last night. This morning I picked a big bowl of spinach. BG gets fresh spinach for lunch (yes, he actually likes spinach or at least he did the Gerber kind) and we will have spinach stuffed chicken breasts for dinner tonight.
And the deed is done! Totally anticlimactic, actually. I hand sewed my reinforcement stitches (first a running stitch, piercing the yarn strands and then a back stitch) 3 rows away from the cutting line. Then I started snipping. It was pretty painless. Not to be feared...AT ALL! So, for those of you that have never done it before, please don't be fearful, or avoid designs where cutting steeks would be necessary. I am already thinking of how the technique can be used for colorwork in the round.......
In this particular sweater design, the cut edge is enclosed in the front band. This photo shows the inside of the sweater. This KAL is ongoing, so if anyone would be interested in knitting this sweater, the pattern is free, and the encouragement, support and guidance is abundant. It's on the Knitpicks Community page - at their website. I chose to make the sweater exactly as the pattern is written (with the omission of waistline shaping), but many people have changed a few things - different cast on methods, and knitting the hems down instead of sewing them after all knitting is done. A matter of preference. Somehow, I always feel driven to knit "as written" the first time, and make any changes on my second go around. Funny - somehow I just feel that I owe that much to the designer. Crazy, I know.....???? So I have a few changes noted for next time -- I truly believe there will be another. This one still needs a bath and a blocking. I am sure it will be even nicer afterwards.

And, I must ask those of you that spin (or anyone else, actually)..... Please give me feedback. I have been thinking about trying my hand at spinning for quite some time. Sue, a fairly new gal at TNKG (Thursday Night Knit Group), has just ordered a wheel, and is jumping in with both feet. I have turned several shades of green....... And, DH must have noticed, as during a discussion this weekend, he has suggested that he purchase a spinning wheel for me as an anniversary gift. Yes....he's a generous man! This will be our 39th anniversary, and even after all these years, he is still a big supporter of my "habits". LOL.

So.... suggestions? Thoughts? Single treadle vs double? Brand preference? Or am I just plain crazy????

This one's for the quilters out there.....

A long, long time ago (say, 29-30 years ago) I was a quilter. As BG is needing a little larger area on which to play, I searched for a larger play blanket, and found this quilt that I had made for my son's first twin sized bed.The blocks were machine appliqued (just solid zig-zag stitching - nothing fancy wayyyyy back then), with all of the quilting done by hand. Each corner block was a railroad crossing sign.

The top center block was the engine, and each block had a different car of the train. I guess it really is pretty crude, but at the time I thought it was perfect for his "big boy" bed. And, perhaps BG will enjoy playing on it when he is a little older - and knows about trains.

And, here is the promised knitting photo:The raglan shoulder shaping seems to be moving along quite quickly! Right up the center there....that's where the scissors will be traveling ...... soon! YIKES!!!! Give me strength.......!!!!

All is good.......

First off, I must tell everyone that Herky is back to normal! Thanks for the well wishes, and messages of concern. He spends Fridays here with Sofee, and last week it was a warm spring day. A Chi's work is never done - here he is watching guard over BG. Sofee is a good distance away.....on squirrel duty. BG is obviously safe!

More good news is that I have my gansey completed! And, I really REALLY like it. It fits perfectly (no modeled photo, as DH is not available today. I tried a photo, and actually got some stitch definition showing, so you get photos today. I learned so much with this project, not the least of which was that I could actually knit a sweater without a pattern, and have it fit me, as planned. (Swatch...Swatch...Swatch!) And also....that sleeves don't HAVE to be boring! Of course, all the credit goes to Beth Brown-Reinsel and her book "Knitting Ganseys". She makes the entire process easy and enjoyable. Just follow the directions, fill out the work sheet, and get to knitting...... It is probably the most rewarding project I have ever made!I picked traditional stitch patterns to use, and with the exception of using two colors, I think it is pretty true to tradition. I used a channel island cast on, which was new to me, but very substantial and long wearing. It has underarm gussets also. I guess the fit is not too traditional, as it is over sized - and traditionally they were somewhat snug. I will wear this as a jacket type of sweater, and wanted it a little big. The neckline also is almost (but not quite) boat-like, as I will probably wear a turtle neck underneath, and I didn't want anything tight. This Scottish yarn may be a little itchy.... and I wanted room for a barrier garment around my neck. It also has my initials knit in the bottom. "Tradition" once more. It will help to identify the body in case I am killed while out a-knitting (since I never go out fishing). (Color is not correct in this photo, but wanted to capture the initials).

I do have one regret. As I knit along, making a few changes as I went, I found myself making bands of seed stitch (or is it moss stitch).....and the cuffs are seed stitch also. I wish the bottom welt was seed stitch instead of garter stitch. But...all things considered, one regret isn't too bad, I guess.

So.... new projects are on my needles, or in my head - soon to be fulfilled, I hope.

Summer will be here soon, and I managed to find a little pool (and I do mean little) for BG to play in this morning. I wanted one so small that I could sit and reach across it to grab him, just in case grandma needed too. Teeny ones are hard to find. And, of course some bath toys, that will be pool toys for him this summer. Should be fun days "at the pool" ahead.
Take care everyone....... Be back in a few!

What's new....

First off, I want to thank you all for the encouraging words about the gloves. I am wearing them, and they fit so well, and provide such warmth....yes, they are keepers. I have never been a great scarf fan, but this one...well, I love it. Anyway - thanks for all your kind comments!

Last Friday I received a shipment from WEBS. It was 15 skeins of Queensland Kathmandu Aran, a dark green tweed. I was familiar with this yarn, and knew that I would love the rustic tweediness and softness that it had. I was right...instant adoration!On Saturday, I cast on for "Place Cable Aran" from the Fall 07 issue of Interweave knits. I have just completed the back. It is an easy and fun knit. I am loving every stitch! I hope I have chosen the best size, and also that I can control the amount of curl on the bottom. Always something to worry about I guess. Other than that - pure joyful knitting. And, this one is all for me...I really need to learn to take better photos. This tweedy yarn will be the end of me.... These are terrible photos, but you would not believe how long it took me to get ones even this good. So sorry..... The color is more accurately depicted in the first photo. The cables really do show up quite nicely in person.

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.

Bliss....

We have had rain the last few days, for which I am grateful. The yard has greened back up, and the flowers and vegetables are thriving. We, of course, are sweltering, (Heat + Rain + August + Iowa = Miserably high humidity) but guess it just gives me more of a reason to sit and knit.

I am soooo enjoying my current project. This is the Kathy Zimmerman cardigan "Cool Coral" featured in the Spring 1998 Knitter's magazine. I have renamed this particular rendition "Moonlit Melon". No disrespect, just seemed to fit a little better.
The lace pattern is so much fun, easily memorized, challenging enough not to be boring, yet very friendly. The yarn (ValleyYarn's Longmeadow) is soft, scrunchy ... very "caressable" My intention is to start a pair of socks as a co-project. But, I really don't want to put this aside long enough to even wind the yarn. Sigh.... such problems! LOL!

Another word for boredom....

is "Leo". I knew it would be boring -- a sweater made up entirely of ribbing -- So, no surprise. I think the finished sweater is very handsome, and that it will look very nice on my son. So ... I will persevere!!
I am knitting it in "Falk", a superwash sport wt wool by Dale of Norway. My son requested navy, so as it is.... I have myself on a schedule, of sorts, and with good behavior :) I can "earn" time to work on something else. (yes, I know...I am structured) So, I have chosen:
"Pomatomus", by Cookie. The best part of the project, is that I am using lovely Sock! yarn from Lisa Souza. Regular readers will know that her yarns are my very favorite ever. This colorway is "Wild Things". As lovely to work with as it is to look at. I am struggling with the Pomatomus pattern right now - not feeling the groove - but hoping that it will become more enjoyable the further along I get. It is a beautiful sock, and as with all of Cookie's patterns, very well written.

We are babysitting Herky this weekend, so Sofee is in doggie heaven. She loves her big brother, even though they have their usual sibling rivalry... like exactly WHO gets to sleep WHERE in WHAT bed???? She is nothing if not spoiled!!!

Sweater update....

Although Shirley and I are thinking of calling this the "Should not Make Cardigan" instead of the "Must Have Cardigan", progress is coming along. I think the concern revolves around the size. It is probably my inexperience, but I am just not sure how to measure. If I toss it down and measure it completely relaxed, it is 19" across the back (rather than the 22 it should be -- I am hoping for 20") If I touch it, and measure again, it is a different dimension. So ... who knows what size it will be after blocking. I am on gauge when I did my stockinette stitch gauge. But, with the these twists and turns.... We'll see. I think it will fit whatever size it is, I just wanted a little extra roominess. I am glad that I added a few stitches, as I obviously needed them!!

I would love to start a nice, friendly, relaxing, pair of socks right about now, but fear that it will be the start of the demise of this sweater. So - I plan to cast on the fronts later today. I think I will (again) follow Shirley's lead and knit them both at the same time. Would be great, if it works.... Wonder what type of a disaster I can create with two balls of yarn going at once... I can only imagine....!!

OK - it's a Sweater....

Wannabee!!

Let me say up front, I am not good with "big" projects. Give me socks, mittens, gloves, even sweaters (toddler size). But, sweater...MY SIZE!! Well - I am hoping that I will not become bored and lose my enthusiasm. We'll see.

Pat inspired Shirley, who inspired me. I may have to rely on them for motivation later.... :)










"Must Have Cardigan"(AKA: "Must Do Over Cardigan") from a pattern booklet by Patons. "Street Smart" is the name of the booklet. I am using Cascade 220 in "Doeskin" colorway. The current sale at WEBS made this a very affordable project.

I am happy with the color, and so far it is an enjoyable knitting experience. (How soon we forget those tinking episodes!!) I love watching the cables and patterns develop. So,....so far, so good!!