And for a change of pace......

Wow - no post since the 24th of November.  Well, I've been a tad busy.  BG was here with Grandpa and I 24/7 while mom and dad were in Hawaii.  We had a good time, but now I know the true meaning of  "bone tired"!  I spent all day yesterday knitting, relaxing and enjoying (?? - not sure about that one) the silence of our now empty home.  He'll be back bright and early on Tuesday morning, and this grandma will be ready!!! And then some.....

So, where was I, oh yes....  I couldn't talk my mom into a Terra shawl.  Instead she wants one made out of scrap sock yarn.  She has requested a garter stitch triangular shawl knit out of odds and ends of sock yarn, with a picot bind off.  I have one that she likes, (but I fail to find a photo right now).  Anyway - I held a lace yarn along with the sock yarn, which I had to order.  Actually, I don't think I have an adequate amount of sock yarn scraps to make it either.....but I'll get it accomplished.  If that's what she wants.  I doubt that it will be completed in time for Christmas, but I'll do my best.

Untill I get the supplies for mom's shawl, this is keeping me busy:

 

It's an Advent Scarf.  (just added link - sorry) Each day starting on December first, the designer has posted a section of the pattern.  I think it's probably some sadistic madness from which I suffer, but I am somewhat addicted to it right now.  The designer actually posts the clues late in the evening of the day before, due to time differences, so I get a head start on the next days assignment.  Evening is when I do most of my knitting, so so far, I have been able to keep up.  I wanted a more substantial rather than lacy scarf, so this is knit out of fingering weight (Cascade Heritage Sock yarn) on size 2.75 mm needles.  The width will be generous enough to fold over and make a nice warm neck wrap, and hopefully the length will be ok too.  I can always repeat a couple of the segments if I need to add length.  It was designed for either lace or fingering weight, but on a larger needle, so it should be more open and airy (and larger, I presume).  Time will tell.....if I can keep up the pace that is.

Off to ready my son's Christmas box.  I need to get it in the mail before the rush is on.  And house decorations will come out today.  BG will have some new excitement when next he comes thru the back door.  We visited Santa last week, and while shy at first, eventually thought he was an ok kinda guy.  He's learning "jingle bells" at preschool, and lots of other secret stuff is going on there.  Parent's gifts I presume.  Life thru the eyes of a two year old must be so curious at times!  

New and old....

Here is the scarf that I made "on the road". It's out of one skein of Malabrigo worsted weight. Finished size is 7" by 72" knit on size 10 needle. Besides being a fun little project, it produced a lusciously soft, airy, neck wrap. It was a hit at my Thursday Night Knit group....and of course the designer/pattern was discussed. When I entered it into Ravelry, I could not find the pattern listed. It is by Kathleen Taylor, who has many nice designs on Ravelry, but not this particular item. So, here is the link to her blog page with this pattern. It is called "November 28 Lace Scarf"- named after a calendar pattern page - and I really don't remember who, but I think someone mentioned it in an email to me originally. So - thanks to whomever (so sorry I have forgotten who).

Spending time exploring her blog brought to light that along with writing several wonderful knitting books, she has also written a mystery series. After reading some online reviews of her novels, well, they are next on my list of books to explore. Such a find!

I have the latest Jorid mittens completed. I am very happy with them too! Photos soon....

DH is sick today...nasty cold. So, our plans to cut down a Christmas tree have been put on hold till next weekend. Little BG and momma and daddy are doing just that - as I write this. It's a bit of a family tradition.....many snow balls were thrown between my two kids under the guise of "tree hunting". Nice holiday tradition that I am happy to see has slid down to the next generation. BG of course is too young to appreciate it this year...but daddy's video camera will keep the memories intact till he is old enough to appreciate them. And, I bet momma tosses a few snowballs at daddy.....just might happen!

As for the mystery.....

This is how it is unfolding: I like the larger design that I see developing -- VERY much! Guess I'll have to be patient till the next clue comes out next Saturday....... Sigh.....

Life's mysteries....

I must wonder, why am I in a "Hat Phase" right now? I don't wear hats, and quite frankly, I find getting them to fit a proper sized head somewhat of a challenge. So, why must I continue to make hats? Mr Cereal Canister has yet another one to model. Perhaps I should allow him to keep it....as it does fit him quite well. A human head, however, - not so sure. It's pretty large!

This is "Turn a Square" by Jared Flood (AKA Brooklyn Tweed). Lovely pattern - especially the crown. It's a combo of Galway and Noro's Silk Garden. Hopefully it will fit one of my son's friends. I plan to ship all of my hats to my son for distribution to his ski boarding friends.

And probably an even bigger mystery is why am I drawn to yet ANOTHER mystery Shawl pattern? Sort of like when I was a kid, and always spent my "toy money" at the Iowa State Fair on that unknown grab bag purchase. The suspense of it all I guess.....

This is the completed Clue1 of MS10. For the life of me, I could not get a decent photo - with or without sunshine. (hmmmm - yet another mystery!). It's out of a fingering weight yarn, so actually a pleasant knit. Love the color - a hand dyed job entitled "Latte".
I have a lifeline in, so I think I'll proceed with Clue #2. At least getting a shawl to fit is not a challenge....... And with shawls, it's all about the process anyway.....

See....

I really have been knitting......

I am now done with Clue #2 of MS9. Clue #4 is due out in two days. Opps.... guess I better hurry up!!!! LOL.... not in this lifetime will I stay up with this one! But it is a very entertaining project. I really love the coloration of this yarn.

They're haunting me......

UFOs - they call to me in the middle of the night....and mock me as I cast on yet another new project. But - I vow this will be my last..... I really MUST get some things completed. This will not be a speedy finish - so this is not included in the near future goal.
Its the Goddess Knits MS9. It's been a breeze to knit so far (knock on wood!). I am using the suggested yarn, bought from an Etsy vendor. It was my first shopping experience with Etsy - and a very pleasant one. This "Kona", which is a merino classified as "Lt wt fingering" yarn. It's very soft, and I love the subtle color variation. It is "Caramel" colorway, especially dyed just for me! I later saw a skein that she calls "Latte" which I liked even more....so yes, that was my 2nd Etsy purchase. The vendor is "Fritzl"(no affiliation-but she does have some gorgeous stuff. Also I had great service). I am knitting this on Knitpicks US 6 metal options. (It's on a Harmony needle just for the photo shoot).
I think (hope) it is error free up to this point. It's amazing - not sure if it's my newly fought for lace experience, or the slightly heavier yarn, or the particular pattern, or perhaps a combination of all of the above - but it's been a very easy project so far. I don't think I have had to tink back at all. Counts have been right on every round! (Knock on that wood again!)
And, I must admit that I feel a wee bit treasonous - yes, I have joined the mechanical world. When I started knitting again several years ago, I purchased this Nostepinde from a craftsman in Louisiana. It was just after Katrina - as I remember he was using wood from trees uprooted by the storm. I love it - I truly do! But, the LYS where I work, has this lovely "heavy duty" Royal ball winder. It is just a joy to use. So, when I realized we had one for sale - again that employee discount got the best of me. This will wind HUGE skeins...as well as small ones. It is probably the Cadillac of ball winders - but once in awhile you deserve a truly decadent purchase. And...I still love that little Nostepinde, and promise to use it on occasion.

I hope my next few post(s) include FOs. I will try to refrain from dog or baby posts for awhile - as difficult as that may be. After all, this is supposed to be a knitting blog you know...well, I guess there IS that "Ok - and Sofee too" tagged on there......

Opps - I forgot

to post a photo of pattern #6 in the sampler stole. It is the bottom one. I think Andrea, the designer calls it "Summer Wheat". The top pattern, this week's installment, is called "Blackberry Bramble."
There are only 5 more patterns left! I am really enjoying this project. I am not sure if I will enjoy the border (assuming there will be one) as much, but so far it's been quite entertaining!

BG (with parents in tow or course) is coming over this afternoon! Sofee and I have been discussing proper newborn etiquette. If he just didn't smell so incredibly cuddly!!!......

Quickly....

Just look very quickly..... and perhaps you won't notice the flaws. I know they are there...but I actually can't find them. So -- I will march onward. Two lessons learned..... avoid variegated yarns for lace work, and if you DO use them, they help hide flaws. So this time, I guess I lucked out!Sort of looks like a flattened tire, doesn't it.... ?? Perhaps not my best efforts.....

On the Sofee / BG front, several people have asked how Sofee likes the new baby. Actually, they haven't met yet. DD thought it was best to have her meet him on HER homefront. They have not taken the baby visiting yet, but I think they plan to bring him over this weekend. So tentatively, first meeting is scheduled for this weekend.

I have no concerns about Sofee loving BG. She basically loves all people. I never have to worry when a strange child comes up and pets her....she loves everyone. (Now strange dogs....THAT's another story!!) My concern is that Sofee is a big kisser (licker) and of course, we don't want her licking the baby. So that will be hard for her to understand. Perhaps we can allow just a single kiss on the bottom of his foot..... :)

Herky has accepted his new little brother very well, but at times seems a little saddened by 2nd place ranking all of a sudden. They are trying to give him his due extra special attention, but it's difficult - with so much going on. He is a terrific dog however, and will be a great pal, and a very protective one too, I am sure.

Progress on ....

my Anniversary Shawl - there it is....that lumpy thing on the table....waiting for some attention. Hmmmm.....somehow priorities are just a little different right now. I am just now finishing last week's clue....and falling farther behind each day. That's ok, moments like these are priceless. I want to be with BG 24/7! I have given my daughter the option of calling me at anytime, and I'll be there. Fortunately for me, she's called a few times!! Not sure if she really wants the help, or if she is just trying to please me.....but I am not going to analyze it too much - just enjoy the opportunity to snuggle with the little love. I know he will grow up so quickly!

I am also falling behind on my charity knitting. My new year's resolution was an item each month - 12 for the year. So to spur me on....I have joined this mitten KAL. I started a pair of preschool mittens today. They should work up very quickly. After my struggles with lace, they were a joy to work on!

I am going to try to spread out the Anniversary Shawl and see what it looks like. If it's not too hideous, I will try to post a photo. I know I have some errors - and hoping for miraculous camouflage from the variegated yarn. Hoping!

Lace, and love....

I have the 5th pattern in the Summer Sampler Stole completed. It's Spiders I guess. Or, some people see people. I think I am a people person. Looks like a choir of angels to me. It was challenging as there was a "K7tog" and then you had to keep knitting into the same stitch 7 more times. Not sure if that is called a Nub or not....but whatever, I am glad that it's only a small part of this project.

And, of course, another photo of BG. Everyone is home now, and adjusting quite nicely. Thanks to all of you for the warm best wishes and congratulatory comments. It is so wonderful to have him here...and know that he is healthy and well. Life will never be the same......
To say that I am Grateful.... hardly scratches the surface of what I feel.... but guess it's a good place to start. So very grateful!

Lessons learned:

1. The most obvious first..... stick with plain colored yarn. Sigh..... Perhaps it will be ok as it grows.

2. The stitch pattern is very hard to see up close (perhaps the variation in color makes it more diffficult to see while knitting). Now I can see it - in this photo!

3. This is going to become a huge monstrous project - very quickly - and I will never be able to keep up with the weekly clues. It is on my largest cable (47") for the photo. This will probably be it's last photo shoot. Shhhhhh..... no clapping out there!

4. And, yes - I have a problem. I just could not rest till I managed to get it this far with no errors. I think I frogged and completely started over at least 3 times. I think it's error free at this point.

5. Always remember an occasional life line and.....

5. I think I love lace....... :)

Pattern Number 4

This week's installment of the Summer Sampler Stole is complete.....complete with error.....see it about 1/2 way down in the lacey divider panel on the right. Had I seen it sooner, I would have tried to fix it..... now, I will live with it and be humbled by it each time I notice it.
Guess I could have made sure the error was in my closeup photo - but I am not that mean to myself!
Currently working on the Anniversary Shawl. I think the verigated yarn will camouflage the stitch pattern - but I think that might be a good thing. I know I have an error in Clue #1 - again I am going to live with it. This whole lace thing might be a good thing for my perfectionist's tendencies. (vbg)

Just the ticket!

Yesterday at the LYS, I found a 9" circular needle! I didn't know there was such an animal. It is a US 3, and I really needed a US 4, but figured I could deal......

So - yes, I reknit my center clue #1. I had to do the very center on dpns, but moved it to this tiny needle very quickly. No pulled spaces on my finished piece now. I am very happy with it. It is now up to 174 stitches and patiently sitting on 16" needles waiting for the next clue.

The bamboo "needle" part is only one inch in length on this needle - and very blunt for lace work, so not ideal......but... The brand is Hiya Hiya, in case anyone is interested. Oh - and yes, I pulled the center hole closed - so it really looks much better than in this photo. Lace - what fun!

Clue #1

Lace has grabbed me - with both hands! This is the first clue of Goddess Knits Anniversary Mystery Shawl. It's a KAL on Yahoo. I believe it is open to new folks till the end of June, if you are interested. Her instructions are very straight forward and easy to understand. I think I will enjoy this project very much. It is knit in the "PI" technique.
Once the very center was finished, we had to choose (blindly) one of four patterns, A,B,C, or D. This is pattern C. I did not know how to choose, so I asked DH to pick one.Edited several hours later: I just added this photo - as I unpinned it, it started to relax look a little better. Don't you think - or perhaps it's just wishful thinking??

This is far from perfect. I had problems with the areas where the two needles met. I am hoping that miracles will happen during the blocking process. I may frog and try again - I am going to order a 16" circular today so at least the next clue should be better.

The yarn is Knitpicks Shimmer. I love the colors and hope that the variegation does not detract from the lace pattern. As of now, I am hoping that it camouflages the problem areas. Perhaps when it grows, the center (and it's imperfections) will not be so obvious.

And continuing....

with pattern #2. It continues to be a fun project. I had one scare, and thought I was going to loose it all....but I managed to ladder down and repair an error. I think I will put a lifeline in the spacer before I start a new pattern. I will be anxious to get pattern #3, but it is not due till Sunday. And here are the most recent pair of socks for my mom. I call them "Vintage Opal" as I really don't know the name of the pattern, but I do know it was one of the first ones that I bought. I have a few more gems in the bottom of my stash. They are knit on Pony Pearls 2.25 dpns, with a 68 stitch count. Nothing special - just a 2x2 rib. Plain Jane sock - but very wearable.
The new yarns from Lisa Souza arrived today. They are very white - with a tiny sprinkle of color. It will be fun to knit with a Lisa yarn, as they are my very favorite sock yarns.

By Golly.....

I think I've got it!! And FINALLY - it's fun!

My son says that knitting is all about muscle memory. Well, my muscles finally remembered what they were supposed to do!

This is the Summer Sampler Study from Badcat Designs. It is being presented on her blog in weekly installments. No frogging, no frustration - just lovely knitting entertainment with this project. There will be 12 different patterns in all - separated by a spacer bar. The 2nd pattern will be posted on Sunday. I am so glad that I found this site. It will be a great opportunity for me to learn.....

The yarn that I am using is Silky Alpaca Lace by Classic Elite Yarns. It's off white. Nice and soft. 460 yds per 50 grams. I liked the fabric that I was getting with a US#3 needle - so I am using knitpicks Options. I wish I had harmony tips, but I don't have 3's - but the slippery metal ones are working out ok.

Mom's socks are completed (photo coming soon) and I will soon be starting yet another pair for her - out of one more skein of vintage opal self-striping. I rearranged my stash today, and I really need to use some of it up! LOL...and I just ordered two new yarns from Lisa Souza yesterday -- for socks for mom! Lisa has a new color that is exactly what mom asked for this spring. I couldn't resist. Yes, I know....I am weak...

blogging slump?

It's been a week since I last posted to this blog. I guess I must be in a blogging slump, just nothing much to write about. The young doves are out on their own - often seen perched on the fence close to their "home tree". As for knitting - I have not been too productive with finished knits. But, I have not been totally lazy either:

I have a rule, if I see a knitting book and after 24 hours I am still thinking about it, well - it's mine. That was the case with this book. It just has a "classic" feel to it. I picked it up at a LYS. They had used this book for a class they recently had. Darn! Too bad I missed that one....

I am still trying to get into the lace groove. This photo shows me that I need to be more careful with my blocking. Obviously some areas were stretched more taunt than others. I have so much to learn. This is a swatch for a KAL that I have joined. I think the start date will be late June. The yarn is Knitpicks Gloss in Chipotle colorway. I like the yarn..... my knitting ability is what is lacking. My patience is growing a bit however. I have invested in several Harmony needle points, in that they are sharp and not as slippery as the metal options points.
I am knitting with a small group of gals on Thursday evenings, meeting at a local coffee shop. A great deal of fun, actually. For lack of any other WIP, I took St. Brigid a couple of weeks ago. While the knitting went well, on the way to the car, I dropped the cookie sheet - sending all of my magnets flying helter skelter. I finally figured out my place and have been working on St Brigid's front panel. It really is so much more fun and relaxing than lace.

And, for a totally enjoyable, gratifying knit, I return to one of my first loves - socks! My mom is still talking about how much she likes her new socks, so yes....another pair that will eventually be hers. This is an original skein of Opal - an antique probably - that I found in my stash. She will love them, I am sure. And, I love working on them when I really need to unwind with some comfort knitting.

Sofee - remains as ever.... although she was being very independent this morning, and refused to look at the camera. It is an odd occurrence, but happened none the less. Perhaps she was just showing a little attitude!! A Chihuahua with an attitude!!!! -- Go Figure!! LOL!!

"Mom was beginning to take this photo thing for granted.... treats,
she needs to bribe me with treats.....will she ever learn??"