Likely Knitter

A New Year?

2009-12-28T04:54:00.011-08:00

Well its been a year since I last blogged. Well just about. A year since my father died (well just about) and I missed him everyday and probably will continue to do so.

Life has changed dramatically in the Gagnon house hold. Richard (the youngest) moved out. Pierce the university student moved in for the summer holidays and worked at the mine. Just when he was about to leave John's oldest daughther, Danielle and our two grandchildren...girls aged 7 and 8 moved in. Rebecca finished her nursing school and found a job in beautiful Victoria and she, Bronson and Kyle relocated.

Having the girls here is both stimulating and trying at the same time. They bring so much joy to our lives...however you have to remember we aren't used to living with a 7 and an 8 year old and our little cottage is only 900 sq feet. I'm sure Danielle feels the same way as well. Kids seem to be adaptable and don't notice the chaos so much.

I've taught them all to knit though. And my stash is being reduced at an alarming rate, into holey scarves, doll blankets, afghan squares etc.

On the other hand I have been going thru life each day pretty much the same. Work, cook, knit, cook, sleep, shower, cook, work, cook, knit, cook, sleep, shower, cook, work....etc.

I was on a knitting deadline..which I hate but yesterday...yes 3 days late, finished my last two Christmas gifts. Socks for Kyle out of Kroy and a lovely pair of Wood Hollow Mittens by Thru the loops out of stashed cascade 220 and lined with some soft angora.

For my birthday in December, John bought me a satellite that will bring me high speed. that is what encouraged me to begin blogging again. Finally I can upload pictures a little faster and it won't drive me nuts and fail all the time.

My Dad - Feb 2, 1938 - Jan 21, 2009

2009-01-26T03:47:00.000-08:00

Are you a Canadian Knit Blogger?

2009-01-11T17:12:00.006-08:00

I got this link from my Friend Eulanda and thought it would work for knitting blogs as well. Therefore if you are a Canadian (or live in Canada) and have a knitting blog email me with your Name and I'll add you to my sidebar under the heading "Canadian Knit Blogs".

Be sure to include your name and location as well as a link to your blog. Please help me out and pass the word around as well so I can get a comprehensive list going.

thanks for the help

Judith

Downloading and Babble (Thanks Meghan)

2009-01-09T05:04:00.008-08:00

Here I sit waiting for my Dishcloths to download. I don't know why...maybe it is the monthly dishcloth KAL but I am crazy for dishcloth patterns. No, I haven't made one yet... but I did order all the peaches and Creme cotton to do the complete year long KAL. Hmmm I hope I knit them otherwise I might as well pick up another plastic bin to stash the cotton in.

Although I've been thinking..I've never said it aloud ...I'm going to cut back on my yarn buying this year... I did receive two glorious bumps (?) of pencil roving in the mail yesterday. (Surely it can not count as yarn....yet). The color ways are Masquerade and Black Coffee from Fiber Optic Yarns. I've never used pencil roving before and had to go on to Ravelry and asked Meghan from the Stitch It podcast some questions before I started with it. But let me tell you it is glorious stuff. However Meghan tells me thaqt with pencil roving you don't have to draft it...you can just start spinning it. Now I am tempted to take my spindle with me to town.... I don't think I'll do lace weight though...so maybe I'll put it on the wheel. Listen to me...it sounds like I know what weight will come off the wheel! Ha! It is always a guessing game what gauge it will knit up to, until it has been spun, plied, washed and "thwacked"!

Speaking of trying to learn something I did something spontaneous the other day. I got an email from Sweet Georgia Brown and in it they listed the classes they were offering. I must be honest I didn't realize that they were Canadian, let alone only 6 hours down the road in Vancouver, so what does a beginner spinner with any common sense do....sign up for a 3 hour "Spinning Sock Yarn" course of course! I'm glad I did it. I may not be when I have to drive to Vancouver in March, but right now I'm happy. I make enough $ that I should be able to take any spinning course I want, but I never have. So I deserve it. Plus I may learn something, not to mention meet some other spinners! Just think of the info I may be able to glean! So I'm excited.

Of course I'll have to take the volkwagen down. I am not driving the truck to Vancouver and I doubt I'll have my car by then. Its good to have a mechanic for a hubby and it is good that he is frugel... but when second-hand-car-shopping a frugel mechanic is not really what you need when you just want a car.

We saw a perfectly good 1997 Ford Escort..yes I know, but it was in beautiful shape, perfect paint, clean inside, one driver, etc etc...it only had 51,000 km on it. I would have bought it on the spot (probably for the $4200.00 they were asking) but John says he wouldn't pay more than $3000.00 for it (on the high side) and the dealership wouldn't go lower then $3700.00. So we left the dealership. I must confess its been on my mind though..and I even asked again this am (as I get ready to take the truck into town and think of filling it up with gas) if I should just go in and buy the car and again he says no. Does he have some mechanic-ly reason or is it just principle now? I'm not really sure, but he has never led me astray before... so I guess I'll wait it out. Frustrating though not having a vehicle I can call MINE and do whatever I please whenever I want.

I'm sure the car prices will continue to fall considering the economic conditions. I certainly don't want to buy new, considering the main purpose for this car is to travel the 13 km on gravel roads to and from work. But I do what it to be reliable and not nickle and dime me to death. The last two I had (R.I.P.) both did me very well and I am sorry I totaled them. The thing with older cars you do pay alot of insurance for them and then when you wreck them you get so very little. Apparently that was John's issue with the little ford. He knew if I totaled it on the way home, regardless of how few KM were on it the insurance company wouldn't even cover half the cost of it just due to the age.

OK I'm off to town. I'll get pics in over the weekend of what i've been up too and the pencil roving. I have to take dear little Midge to the spa for 9 AM and the boy shopping for some new shirts, one pair of jeans and some skate shoes. (He added the jeans and skate shoes I thought it was shirts only) then to Janelle for new nails for me! (And I may go by the bead store as for some reason I cast on the Mystery sock at 10PM last night (tired maybe) and apparently the pattern calls for beads.

The Year Begins..I'm not so sure its a good start but it has started regardless

2009-01-03T15:50:00.006-08:00

Did I mention the bar in Likely has closed for 3 months? Did I mention that my husband had a hobby up until three weeks ago and that was going to the bar.

Now my husband doesn't have a hobby so he is looking for others to entertain him. It has made for some long days and nights and very little knitting has been accomplished.

When I realized I was going to have 4 days off in a row, I thought about all the things I could knit. I even thought that I was going to be able to perhaps cast on AND finish a sweater in those 4 days. I mean it is worsted weight after all...but no. I just, just this AM before our second trip into Williams Lake in so many days, cast on for the lovely Cabledown Pullover from patternfish. Now that John and Richard are attempting to put together a new futon base for Richard's gaming room..I may have a few minutes to do a few rounds. Poor Richard...I just keep telling him to smile and nod. Boy I sure hope there is a Canucks game tonight.

Talking about 2 trips into Williams Lake in two days has anyone else ever heard of Wrestling Day? Apparently it started in the 1930's in Williams Lake and it is the day after new years day (Jan 2nd) and all the stores, etc are closed. Who'd a thunk it in this day and age. I mean we've been in Likely for 8 years (on and off) but I have never heard of Wrestling Day before and didn't think for a minute that we wouldn't be able to shop! On the good side, we managed to go thru Big Lake at 4 PM, which happens to be the exact time their bar opens, so John invited me in for dinner..along with a beer or two for him. That took the edge off the evening anyway.

Welcome 2009

2009-01-01T08:56:00.009-08:00

Ahhhh... the morning dawns with a beautiful soft snow falling. Can't beat living in the woods in Likely in January. I'm in good spirits not only because of the gorgeous day but also because Betty and I convinced ourselves we don't have to go in to work on Saturday after all (we'll stay late Monday and Tuesday) so we will have 4 days off in a row. Plus John is off work this week as well so it will be glorious!

My darling daughter bought me a new travel mug for my birthday...she took my favorite saying and had it engraved and put on to the mug. I doubt it is politically correct but it makes me laugh.

I'm glad to see that they finally realized that I have a serious problem and should start to feed my habit and enable me. I think they may be off to a good start.

My oldest son (Pierce) and my (daughter) Rebecca bought me a nice new lace weight spindle. I do have a wheel and a heavier spindle, but wanted a laceweight one as well. Its fun to take along when ever I go somewhere that I can't take a wheel. I think she made a beautiful choice...I think its bloodwood?

The gorgous burgandy roving is from Fleece Artist (MY FAVORITE) and the colorway is BEET and that is exactly the color. Just imagine. As you know my photography skills aren't the best!

Note the "Christmas Green" Glittery fingernails! Not reallly my style but fun for Christmas.

I printed out a couple of new patterns yesterday... I'm trying to figure out what I should make next. I've got malabrigo for Marta, I also bought some elann Highland wool to make Snowwhite and Tang, but I don't like the hand of the fabric when I get gauge with it. So I'm thinking of something from ChicKnits like Ribby Pully or Cassidy. I'll swatch today. I still have tons and tons of different reds to do mom a cabled pullover, and although I've started so many different patterns I just can't find one that I like!

As I mentioned earlier this is an attempt of trying to blog my often. So they will be short and sweet posts. (Unless something unusual happens!)

Happy new year to all.

New Year Resolutions?

2008-12-28T11:24:00.007-08:00

Well how 'bout that...its been almost a year and let me tell you its been quite a year. I wrecked another car, the squatter got his drivers license, Rebecca's almost ready to graduate as a LPN, Pierce maintains a 4.0 gpa, Bronson turns two and is talking, we've added a new kitten to the bunch... and I got fake nails and i love them and my dads having a romance via the internet!

I won't go bit by bit thru the last year but I am going to try to maintain this blog a little better than I have been. Considering I haven't maintained it at all last year..but there are some people who actually read this and have been asking about it so here goes.

As usual I continue to spin and knit. I am seriously going to try and curb my yarn buying this year. i was on a free for all last year and though I continue to put stuff in my shopping cart I always come to my senses just before check out. Well with the exception of the 4 skeins of malabrigo sock...but come on it was malabrigo sock. I made some mitts (gallus mitts) out of the african violet color way. I made some knotty gloves for my mom out of boccelli red, (I made sme for me out of Fleece Artist Casbah (or is that Handmaiden?)and I still have a green and a chocolate brown...but I don't know what I'll do with them yet. I can't see them being socks as I don't know h0w well the malibrigo will hold up.

I didn't do much Christmas knitting...just some rattlesnake creek socks for my mom

I knit Rudy the Reindeer (still needs eyes). Be careful they are addicting and I have a bag of reindeer parts as I speak. I also did these three Santa ornaments. Adorable aren't they? and of course I started the sock blankie as did so many others.

well that is all I will bore you with for this post. I'm Judith on ravelry if you want to see more projects they are listed over there. I will try to post monthly. Wish me luck.

Moose Trouble

2008-01-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

Soooo Monday wasn't the best day I've ever had. I hit a moose when I was on my way home from work. Not too much damage but had to get the windshield replaced etc. Thank goodness my "work" car is a beater. The windshield guys also suctioned cupped out the dent she left in the hood as best they could and buffed off the scuff marks...so I'm good to go. For all you who are wondering the moose is fine, I was going fairly slow when I hit her (actually brakes were on and by the time she slid off the hood and onto the ground I was stopped....of course nothing like a huge moose stopping you) She got up and continued on down the road in front of me and I could see she wasn't damaged externally at all! Whats this got to do with Knitting? Well I had to take the car into town on Friday and therefore couldn't knit. I did take the Charade Socks and knit them while I was waiting but all that time I spent driving and I could have been knitting.

I'm sick of the charade socks anyway. They are the ones I always have "on hand" when I am out and about and to be honest its time they were finished. I guess it seems this way as I was knitting them on 2 mm and eventually had to be honest with myself, realize they were going to be too tight and frog them, so I am just now back to where I was before I frogged. It doesn't help that I got a bunch of new yarns from Red Bird Knits yesterday.

I won't put up the six skeins of Cascade 220 (my first, btw) but I will show you the Fleece Artist Somoko in popsicle, the two (2!) Skeins of Schaeffer Anne,

1 skein of Collinette Jitterbug in the colorway Lobster Pinch...being from the east coast I just couldn't pass up that colorway! (LOVE IT), and I got Robyn (from Red Bird Knits) to kit up the Lativian Sock Kit from February (07) Sock of the Month Club. Just had to have it. And I've been holding off since Feb 07. So here it is.

So you can see why the English paper has been put on hold...(what was I thinking signing up for that class???) While I frantically knit on my Pretty as a Peacock Shawl (Row 119 of 218 WOOT!) As you can see the lace is at it's "Cat Yak" stage. I'm hoping it will open up nicely once its blocked. (Gauge swatch? .... Huh? Who me?) and the Charade socks and try to get somewhere so I can can on something new. Of course you realize that I "normally" would cast on something new any time I want but as I have been listening to the knitting podcast and reading blogs the theme this year seems to be "finish". (Knit from your stash was so last year!)

Although Sharon from She-knits suggests ripping out is very freeing and counts as finishing I don't dislike my projects enough to rip them out...yet. And it seems to be a waste considering how far along I am now.

I am planning on finishing the hillswick Lumbar AND mom's red cables this year as well!

One other note: I wanted to show a pic of the new Knitting bag I got for Christmas! Its a Haiku bag and my mom ordered it from Scouts Swag. I love it. When I went to town yesterday I put my Charade socks (in their own project bag from Piddlee) and I packed in my Peacock Shawl along with Chart, reading glasses, notions bag...(also from piddlee) , pens (2) memo book, 2 toddler books I had to mail to Bronson, 1 movie I had to take back, my wallet and still had room to spare. Very, Very nice and handy. More roomy then one would suspect. Although it may take me a couple of days to find everything I put in all the pockets!

Oh and I did a bit of spinning. Tried to spin fine enough so I could do 3-ply and still have a light fingering weight. I did get this. But still need some practice as when I was plying it the singles broke quite often. (very frustrating btw) Even though when I was spinning the singles I was sure I was over spinning them. Oh well. Practice, Practice, Practice!

First Finished Project of 2008

2008-01-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Does it count if I started it in 2007? i hope so 'cause here it is done. Gwen is finished. It was a relatively easy knit. But I didn't really enjoy it because of the color. Actually the pictures look more pink. This Shell is definately red, Red, RED! I'm not a red person. But I did promise it to mom. Now for the new year I hope to finish up some of my other UFO's or WIP's and that includes another red cabled sweater - with sleeves! I hope to just power thru it. Of course I did cast on my "Pretty as a Peacock" shawl today (I got my pattern at the Loopy Ewe) and will work on that along with the other unfinished stuff and working out of my stash as well. Its going to be a good year.

I have taken the week off from work and have been knitting like a fiend while watching past seasons of the Soprano's. I always wanted to see it however didn't want to jump in midway thru. So I've gone thru season 1 - 4 this week. Maybe 5 and 6 over the weekend? maybe I'll ge the Pretty as a Peacock shawl done while I'm watching? Project 2 down?

MIDGE SAYS: HAPPY 2008 TO ALL!

Homespun and Hot Waffles

2007-12-28T15:50:00.001-08:00

Well I got my fiber order in from Dragon Fibers I got 4 oz of Merino/Bamboo roving in Solar Flames and Merino/Tussah Silk (4oz) in Purple Storm. I spun up the Merino Bamboo before I took a pic of the roving, but beleive me it was beautiful. My pictures sure don't do it justice. I decided to knit up a pair of mitts with the homespun as I didn't want to waste it, but it really isn't the best yarn. But its a start I guess. It may have been the bamboo but it plied up into a quite sturdy yarn. Probably will be hard wearing as well. I don't know if I can throw them in the machine to clean them or not. I double bamboo will shrink but maybe the merino will. the pattern is a modification of the pattern from Knit Spot and its called Hot Waffle Mitts. The pattern is actually for fingerless mitts, but I opted for addding a couple of repeats and making mittens.

I made a pair of these for Jackie earlier in the week and loved the pattern. It may become a staple mitten pattern, although the patterned colorways doesn't do the pattern justice and I have some Cascade 220 on the way in solid colors and I am sure they will be beautiful.

I also added to the yarn stash.

sKNITches in Barn colorway...this is really pretty. I thought it would be really red, but it is quite pink. But I like it...alot.

2 Skeins of Osmosis by Red Corset Designs...I got mine on line from Pick Up Sticks. One in tangelo and one in Wheatgrass. (The wheatgrass is actually brighter then this photo. The tangelo is pretty close to the real color

1 Skein of Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in Black Walnut. Again bad photo. The color is gorgeous. Black, browns and rusts. Unfortunally when I bought this from the Loopy Ewe I didn't realize that they were sold in 175 yd skeins and I only got one. I see a hat or mitts or socks for Bronson. (Only the best for the boy!)

1 Skein of Handmaiden's Casbah sock yarn in Pumpkin. This was actually a gift exchange gift and it is decadent. I don't think I can make socks from it. Maybe something from Victorian Lace Today.

Finished Object

2007-12-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished these. I put them on Ravelry so thought while I had the pictue out I might as well add them to my blog as well. They are the Hot Waffle Mitts by Anne Hanson. True they would have been better in a solid coloured yarn so you could actually se the pattern but I had the Schaeffer Lola in the correct weight so this is what it is. They are lined with Fleece Artist Peter Rabbit Angora - Gorgeous!

I got 2 - count them - two - Elizabeth Zimmerman DVD's for my birthday from my mother - God love her! I've wanted them for a while however since I already "knew" how to knit I couldn't justify buying them, but they were on my wish list and Mom grabbed them. How have I gone so long without them. I love the glossary and although I have been knitting for 30 plus years I have already learned some new techniques and garnered some new ideas.

I haven't been spinning much strictly due to Christmas knitting and work. But planning on taking some time off. I was going to be off from Christmas Eve until Jan 7, 2007 but have to go in to the office on the 27th, but then I'll be off! And I'm going to spin! Although I haven't been spinning it hasn't stopped me from buying lots of yummy fibers which I hope will arrive prior to my days off and John going back to work!

In the interim I will continue to work on Gwen and hopefully get that finished up for mom.

Joy oh Joy

2007-12-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

No matter what say below. Bronson is the true JOY in my life! And who can blame me? Look at those baby blues!

Firstly I want to post a pic of my Christmas gift to myself. It was evident I was never going to knit thru my stash and therefore John was never going to buy me a new wheel. I have been "trying" them out and the minute I sat behind this wheel at Birkeland Bros I knew it was going to be mine. Sure I've tried other wheels and the Ashford Traveller came awful close...but the Joy it was. John had no trouble encouraging me either considering he wasn't paying for it!

I've been busy doing the proverbial Christmas knitting. 4 pairs of Fleece Artist "Soft Mittens" They are made with one strand of DK BFL and 1 Strand of Fleece Artist Mo. Very, very nice. Quick and easy too! Here is one pair. This is in the colorway Earth - this photo doesn't do it justice. You can't beat the Fleece Artist's Colorways.

These are Malibrigo worsted weight mittens. I bought the Malibrigo as I have heard so much about it and had never worked with it. I don't usually use worsted weight. But it is nice and soft and knits up quickly using a pattern from Anne Budd's Book of Knitting Patterns.

Some regular- and inexpensive, when compared to the others- worsted in Turquoise and Cream. Knit from Anna Zilboorg Magnificent Mittens. I like knitting mittens with pattern. I just didn't have time to do them all in pattern. Still even though they are probably the cheapest they're my favorite. (John hates the color but I like it!)

These are Fleece Artist Woolie Silk in Hercules Colorway.

Fleece artist again. Cashlana and Peter Rabbit in Rose. These are gorgeous in real life. Soft and fuzzy. Very pretty. These are my next favorite next to the color work pair2 pairs of socks, the Ice Queen (from this months Knitty) for the girls from work. We did the Christmas exchange on the 13th so I didn't get the pics done, considering I just finished blocked the Ice Queen on the AM of the 13th. Darn though, she was a beauty. Easy too. IT was obviously meant to be as for whatever reason when I ordered the yarn from Loopy Ewe for my Modern Quilt Wrap for whatever reason I ordered 2 balls of Kid Silk Haze in Heavenly. Huh! Grace was looking down on me!

I've spun up some stuff I've had around that I had initially bought for the spindle, including Merino from Spunky Eclectic, and some stuff from Lisa Souza (both gorgeous roving's or really tops) I was told when I was spindling that I should use the best stuff I could afford even for practice and you know I think that is good advise. SO I still have about 4 bumps left in my fiber holder and I just ordered MORE from a couple of sellers on Etsy. CJ Kopec Creations and Dragonfire. I love etsy. Just can't keep away. I found both of these sellers thru one of the spinning groups on Ravelry. (Also love Ravelry)

I was so disappointed as I spun up POPSICLE colorway and it was so pretty. But - here you go newbie mistake, when I plied it I plied in the same direction that I had spun the roving! Shucks. I tried to reply it in the opposite direction, however I lost my love for it and I know I'll never knit it. I can barely stand to look at it. (It isn't balanced and even though I wet set it to set the twist it still has a slight wave in it!)

Anyway all I want to do is spin, spin, spin, however life keeps getting in the way! I bought the wheel then I had to do all those mitts etc for work so squeezed some spinning in between life and knitting, now when I have finished all the Christmas knitting my mother asks me about Gwen.! So now I'm knitting Gwen and not spinning! ARGH! If you are going to knit something for your mother it is best you don't tell her or else she'll hold you accountable.

Mom has wanted a red cabled sweater for ions. I started doing one for her last year, thinking I was going to give it to her for her birthday in Nov 2006. Of course Nov 2007 has passed and she still doesn't have it. I realized that may be a lost cause, but discovered Gwen and thought I could do it in the Louet Gems sport weight in red and it is a shell and therefore quick and easy (no sleeves you know). I last knit on it on Nov 4, 2007! However I was crazy enough to tell my mother I was making it and even sent her a picture. Now she wants it and is holding my nose to the grindstone.

I picked it up last knit and unfortunatly I wasn't as far as I thought I was. Only about 4 inches done and have to do 13 before I can start some armhole shaping! Eeek! Oh well. I'll knit only it for a bit and hopefully will get it done fairly quickly so I can spin. My youngest son has gone to Cranbrook for the Christmas Holidays and Rebecca, Bronson and Pierce won't be here until the 26th or so. I took vacation from Dec 27 to Jan 7 and really planned on having some "me" time as John goes back to work on the 26th too. So hopefully I won't have the red cables holding me back from spinning. (oh I wish I had bought her slippers from LLBean like I did for my Dad and his wife!)

Should I or Shouldn't I

2007-10-06T07:25:00.001-07:00

I'm debating whether or not I want to join the Secret of the Stole. Well thats not correct I joined ages ago. When I was just finished the Mystery Stole 3. I have yarn in my stash, I don't have any beads I can use and when I went to Williams lake I was told the bead store was closed and would remain closed for 2 weeks as the owner is on vacation....gotta love small towns. I traisped around town including the dollarama but couldn't find beads to match the jaggerspun I have upstairs. However I did receive some lovely Rowan Pure Wool Dk in the mail, enough to make a lovely cabled aran for Bronson, and when i went into work last week there was a present on my desk. Massive amounts of worsed Weight wool! I was given over 800 yds of the stuff. Its cream color with flecks of browns and golds. Beautiful. One of my co-workers went to Wales and brought it back for me. I've been searching ravelry to see what I can do with it, and probably will settle on a cabled vest or T-Shirt. 800 yds just isn't enough to do sleeves! But I feel I must knit it up and wear it to work soon. Therefore the SOTS goes by the wayside. Of course it is only clue one and I could probably whip it up in a few hours.

Its Thanksgiving weekend in Canada John has to work, Richard has a couple of friends over, I did all my house cleaning yesterday so I should be free to sit and knit all three days...well with the exception of putting in the turkey and peeling some potatoes! and of course the English Essay for my course can wait ( I did apply for an extension after all so I must have lots of time) (Oh yes and walking the dogs). So I really don't have any excuses...well except I have to go upstairs to get the Jaggerspun out of the stash. I really don't know if I want to go upstairs as I will get a glimspe of Richards room and probably have a breakdown! Maybe i'll wait until he gets up and get him to bring down the rubbermaid container that "contains" my laceweight!

I really wanted to do pics this go around, but can't seem to put my hands on my camera today. I'm hoping that we left it in the truck from the trip to Kelowna last weekend. I must have it for next weekend as we are headed to Vancouver for Bronson's 1st birthday! I haven't seen him in ages and can hardly weight. I would have went this weekend, however the weather was conspiring against me and since I haven't driver the new car yet I was nervous. Next weekend John can go with me. (He can drive the new car and I can knit...it works!)

So yeah we did pick up a new car (well new to us) to replace the one dear son #2 crashed for us in August! It's exactly the same color etc, however this one is a diesel and has leather interior and it has a manual transmission. Its shifts quite differently from the truck but it will just take me a couple of trips around the parking lot to get the feel. I drove with John the other day and he keep telling me "no! no! Put it in neutal! No now you are in 5th! You can't go up the hill in 3rd! So I felt it would be better for me to go out on my own!

Argh! I also started toe up on circ's. I cast both on and knitted away. I followed directions from cat Bordhi's book "new Pathways" however I find them WAY to big, even though my gauge was correct. Do people wear their socks that loose? Maybe I just wear mine quite snugly compared to. Anyway i ripped out the needles and cast

Well must run. Richard and I are going to watch a movie before the others get up.

Weight Watchers

2007-09-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well I've done it. Joined Weight Watchers. I'm sick of the "baby fat" I gained when I had my last child. Now that I have grandchildren I figure its time to lose it! Ha! I just started yesterday but am using this blog to track the loss and hopefully it will hold me accountable. Now if I can just figure out how to add another tracker thing like I have for Bronson.

As far as knitting goes I finished a little hat for Bronson to go with the Little Viking sweater I knit him. I didn't bother doing a chart just some garter stripes of colors. I think I'll move on to socks now.

Weekend Work

2007-09-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a chance to post this weekend mainly because John was home and that means I must entertain him. We ended up going to town on Friday so I was only able to knit Friday evening and a bit while we were driving to town and back. Saturday the paddlefest was going on here in Likely so I knit a bit in the AM and then a bit in the evening, but did go down to the pub for the Paddlefest party and didn't get home until Midnight! Today though, John read some old Westerns, it was raining and I knit like a fiend. I was able to start and complete this little sweater for Bronson.

Pattern: Little Viking - from Top Down for Toddlers book. Pattern by Megan Lacey

Yarn: Elann Luxury Merino Superwash (4 balls navy, partial skeins of camel, cream and red)

Needles: Size 3.5 circulars for the sweater and 3 1/4 's for doing the sleeves in the round.

Size 2

Made for my grandson Bronson

The sweater is a simple knit all done in one piece, neck down, knit sleeves when you get to them then continue down. The only downside is doing the pattern back and forth. I'm not a fan of purling with 2 colors. But it was only for a short time so was able to manage it without pulling my hair out.

Just joined the KAL for the She-Knits bowling bag. Its an adorable pattern and will be fun to knit along with everyone else. I had to get busy and get the yarn ordered. Cal from www.shuttleworks.com . Hopefully he'll have the colors I want in stock and I won't have to wait to long. Its great doing business with shuttleworks, their customer service is great, plus they are Canadian.

Good news the insurance company is going to pay for the Volkswagen Yes they wrote it off. we were worried since Richard didn't have his drivers license when he took it out for a ride. (what was he thinking?)

Well must run, work tomorrow and I want to work on my Cat Bordhi socks before I have to go to bed.

A Bear for Jen

2007-09-07T07:22:00.001-07:00

I just had to add this photo for Jen from Piddlee. I don't usually take my camera when I go out for a walk, but my Dad was up this weekend and so we both took our cameras. Luckily we came across this bear while on the walk. He was happily eating from an ant hill and I think we may have disturbed him a bit. Dad got the best shots, then I decided i should take one as well. By the time I decided he was starting to walk away. I'm sure dad got the best shots. I'll email and ask him to send one to me so i can post it as well.

The bears are starting to come into town, and yesterday a girl from work told me one was in her back yard. The salmon are late coming up this year yet the bears are on time and getting into mischief while they wait!

I'll also post this pic of my Tea Cozy. I got the pattern from One Skein Wonders and used left over Peace Fleece. Its a little big for my pot however I think a trip thru the washer might do the trick. I am addicted to one skein projects right now thanks to Stash and Burn.

Another Contest - I'm Hooked!

2007-09-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, OK, I know what you are all thinking "She's entered another contest?" But I can explain. I listened to Jenny and Nicole's Stash and Burn podcast....comes highly recommended....and they were talking about one skeins. Now they said "don't buy the book"... which means, to me, immediately order one from Amazon. So I ordered both One Skein by Leigh Radford and One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant (and almost preordered the next one skein wonders but stopped short) It only took amazon a couple of days to ship them out and I cast on. I've made mittens, 2 hats, a tea cozy, clutch from the book so far and have no intentions on stopping yet. I've also done a forest canopy shawl, a pair of socks and . Plus I have the cabled head band and cabled footies embedded in my brain and it won't be long before they too are cast on. Its amazing how much more you can finish if you are doing the project in worsted weight. So anyway for the contest you just have to enter your one skein (not necessarily from the book) projects to their flickr site and let them know they are there. Enjoy. Now I must go knit.

She-knits Podcast

2007-09-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

I love podcasts. I always listen. It was nice when I first got my ipod and could download all the back episodes and listen to my hearts content. Now I've caught up with all of them and sometimes have to wait to listen to some. I am hoping with winter coming some will become more regular.

Also I am NOT a contest enter-er. I just don't. That being said I did have to enter the contest for She-Knits podcast. (Sharon also has a blog at She Knits and show notes where you can read all about the contest. I love this podcast. I love everything about the host. She has a very genuine,sincere style that really warms you up. There are no secrets on She-Knits you really understand what Sharon is going thru in her daily life and that makes it so real and easy to listen to. (That and she has some hangups just like me!) For the contest you just have to link the bag you love and that you HOPE she writes the pattern for. Me... I love the bowling bag. (NOTE: Since posting this I went back to Sharon's site and see that she has created a new site that Includes this pattern. However I don't like the one with the cables as much as some of the other bowling bag styles...Like the one with the flowers.)

I think I found Sharon's etsy site first. She makes beautiful bags. Lots of work! and they are fantastic. I especially love the bowling bag. And just in case you are a knitter and choose to make your own bag you can BUY sharon's patterns. She has also gone ahead and made up kits, in case, like me again, you can't get to a yarn store and you MUST-HAVE-THAT-BAG. Have a boo and add Sharon to your favorites. Plus listen to her podcast. Its so enjoyable.

New Pathways

2007-08-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well can I blame ravelry and the dial up internet connection for my lateness in posting? I have just joined the "New Pathways" group over on Ravelry and the blog so I can knit along. Who wouldn't want to knit these socks. I have soooo much sock yarn and this book motivates me. Of course I am trying to hold off until I get other stuff finished. I did quickly cast on the sky practice socks (above) and I will do the other pair of "practice" socks as well. However I really want to clear some things off my needles. I also ordered 2 sets of 2mm circulars from KnitPicks and am kind of waiting for those to arrive as well. In the meantime I haven't ordered any sock yarn but seem to be bitten by the worsted weight bug and want to knit hats for Bronson and mitts for myself.

I was able to score some new yarns, 2 skeins of worsted, one turquoise and one pink lemonaid from Shelridge Farm, and one skein of Handmaiden sea silk lace in dragonfly (How could I resist?) from the Sweet Sheep. And while I was buying I grabbed two skeins of hand painted worsted from See Jane Knit. I also got some adorable stitch markers from her as well. They are darling.

I cast on last night for the tri peak hat from Wooly Worm Head for Bronson with the dark green from See Jane Knit. I know it isn't cold enough yet for a worsted weight merino hat, but it will be. The other skein of worsted from Jane will be the I cord Beanie. (Again Wooly worm Head)

Since I've finished my Mystery Shawl, I've been working on Forest Canopy Shawl in the Sangria Mini Maiden, again gorgeous stuff as well as the Montego Bay scarf (Interweave knits) in Rose Handmaiden Sea Silk. And here are the twisted flower from Cookie A. Its in Regia Silk. Nice to work with. But I don't love the color. I also have some plain vanilla socks on the needles as well. But don't have a photo of them. Maybe if I ever get them done I'll post them. However they seem to be taking me forever!

Mystery Stole 3 - Finished

2007-08-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well I did it. On time too. The Mystery Stole is completed. I'm not the best at working the camera and had to get my 16 y/o son to model for me. he is a good sport about it though. It's too bad it isn't in black or white, but I had this Zephyr Indigo just sitting in my stash. I'm in lace mode now though and have Leda's Dream on my needles (Zephyr again in Lady Slipper colorway). And I just down loaded the Forest Canopy Shawl by Susan Lawrence. I have one skein of Mini Maiden just begging to be made into something.

The Mini Maiden by fleece Artist is so wonderful to work with! Of course any of the fleece Artist or Hand Maiden yarns are to die for! I was knitting a scarf from Victoria Lace Today but frogged it as I wasn't getting gauge. So I searched ravelry and came up with the Forest Canopy Shawl. It's tiny, but I think the mini maiden in Sangria will be gorgous. How could it not be gorgeous using the silk?

I have to put up a pic of my boys. Richard (on the left) now 16 and Pierce 19. Pierce will be heading back to university this fall, year 2 so I won't see him for a while. It was nice having him home for the summer though. I especially had to include this picture as John just about has a fit when Pierce wears the headband. I don't think it looks bad though and you can get away with such things in this day and age! Of course he probably won't wear it in Vancouver, but Likely is very forgiving. Oh by the way this is what happens to your Jetta when you let a 16 y/o drive it! (Well we didn't let him, but he did drive it! Obviously! All I can say is thank goodness he didn't kill himself or anyone else! kids! Argh!

Meanwhile I've been knitting socks like made as well. I've been on a buying spree with the knitting project bags and feel I have to put socks (or something) in everyone of them. I working on the Twisted Flower Sock Pattern from Cookie A. (Love her patterns) out of Regia Silk. It's pretty. I had to frog a hotwater bottle cover for the yarn. But felt the twisted flower needed to be in solid yarn so you could see the pattern better. I've also got a plain vanilla in a yarn from Sunshine Yarns it is beautiful in browns, blues (waterfall colorway) ! I knit on it at night in bed before I got to sleep or when I don't want (or can't) think. (waiting in line, driving in the car and DH thinks I should be talking to him. What a doll.

Well must run...literally! I'm on week three of my running program and all seems to be going well. Sun is actually out for a change so I won't get soaked this time. Oh. I also ordered the yarn for my Knitting Pure and Simple wrap cardigan, (Debbie Bliss Merino DK) yarn for Knitting Pure and Simple bulky cardigan for all 3 grandkids (Patons Shetland Chunky tweeds) and some Patons Classic wool for a cabled purse free from Ramwools.

I also ordered the new Cat Bordhi Booked called New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I couldn't but in Canada yet... go figure as cat Bordhi is Canadian after all so had to order out of the states. But ordered thru Colorsong Yarn and while I was there I picked up a skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk Lace in Rose for the Mantego Shawl from Interweave. When I joined the Canadian Shopping group on Etsy I felt guilty for buying from the states (even though they have great customer service and ship very, very quickly) so went over to The Sweet Sheep and bought a skein of Sea Silk Lace in Dragon Fly for a Clapotis. So a bit off of my yarn diet there. But still OK. I think. Hopefully all the new purchases, including 2 new project bags from Piddlee (argh! I can hardly go on that site without ordering something!) will all arrive after Tuesday this week when DH is back to work!

Update

2007-08-12T05:37:00.001-07:00

Its been forever. But life goes on and on and on (argh). I've been keeping up with my Mystery stole though, thank goodness. Its beginning to take shape. Only one clue left.

I've also done some work on Leda's Dream.

I'm plugging away at my stash of sock yarn, so I can get my wheel soon. I've finished the Loksins (easy pattern and knits up quickly)

I've frogged my Kauni. I think it will become 2 sweaters for my granddaughters instead of one for me since my 19 y/o son told me it was a "fashion disaster".

I've been enjoying ravelry and all its glory and listening to podcasts! I don't know what I'd do without the knitting podcasts. I love 'em.

Speaking about loving something.. since I'm on the "yarn diet". I love the project bags you can buy from etsy. I have all kinds..I can't stop buying. However I must recommend Piddlee. These bags are fantastic. I love the box shape, keeps everything neat and orderly. Have elastic inside to hold your needles and comes with a matching notions bag. Heavy interfacing keeps the bags sturdy. You can also get a grommet inserted so you can feed your yarn thru the grommet and don't have to have the bag open to knit. I haven't used it yet though as I was already started my Mystery Shawl when the bag came. I have ordered two (2!) more though and will definately use the grommet next time. If you are in the market check out Piddlee. Plus the sisters are fun to deal with and include little "extras" with each order! Nice stitch markers (from other Etsy sellers), gift tags, note cards, pins....It's a fantastic package to receive! Go there now! (Piddlee)

Also got the pattern for these cute Mary janes! They may not look like much on my feet, but let me tell you once you put these on you won't want to take them off. Wonderful. Plus small enough you can throw them in you purse and have with you when you need to take your shoes off. I recommend them. They knit up really, really quickly and you can easily memorize the pattern.

So what will I work on today? I have had the urge to resurrect mom's red cables. Maybe its because the heat has backed off a bit and it also seems like a fall day (early in the AM anyway. It was only 3 yesterday at 4:00 AM) and I haven't worked on it in a while. I'm just about up to the armhole shaping. It would take no time to finish it....if I just worked on it.

I've been busy spinning as well. Dear Hubby won't let me just spin though, always wants me to create something from the spinning fibers. So I made a mitt and I probably have enough spun up to make the other. Just have to get busy. The last two balls I made I just knit into "swatches". My spinning is coming along. I hope all this spindle spinning will help me when I get the wheel! Considering I've never had a wheel or sat behind one!

I've been having Way to much fun over on Ravelry and my blog has suffered a bit for it. But oh well. I am still on dial up (I don't know if we'll ever see high speed) and if I'm posting pics its for ravelry and once they are up I don't have time (or patience) to post to the blog as well. And when you work full time, look after husband, kids and pet, (plus squeeze in some excercise for me) I have to have time to knit or I'd go bonkers. Therefore the blog usually loses out somewhat!

Mystery Stole 3

2007-07-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've been working on socks and haven't worked on lace in a while. So yesterday I dragged out the old "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" but couldn't remember where I was. I kind of guessed but ended up frogging the whole thing! But I was in the lace frame of mind and therefore went over and signed up for the Mystery Stole Along 3. Luckily I had some cones of Zephyr in my stash that was somewhat suitable...I say somewhat because in the pattern requirements they suggests black or white or some variation thereof. I had sable, lady slipper and indigo. So indigo it is. I was also able to dig up some seed beads that "match" as well. So I cast on yesterday afternoon and finished up last night around 10. Now I can hardly wait for the other clues. Boy of Boy how I miss lace. I am going to cast on for Leda's Dream because I don't want to wait to knit more lace. So I will work on this while I wait for my Kauni Yarn to arrive from the Netherlands, and my new skein of Lime and Violet's Sock yarn arrives. I also ordered a skein of Worsted Hand Paint from Zen Yarn Garden . I think I'll do mittens for myself with it.

And of course I continue to stalk White Willow for new sock knitting bags.

On my walk this AM I encountered a nice, big, fat, black bear. I really wish I had my camera. Luckily it was early and guys were on their way to work, so I asked one of them to zip me by him as he wasn't interested in leaving the ditch on his own. Even with me singing loudly! Crazy bear!

Quick Update (Or Maybe long update)

2007-06-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

Me again:

I decided I'd give this another try. I was able to get the buttons loaded thanks to Reasoning E'Bert. I have been having fun on www.ravelry.com and have added more photos to flickr so should be able to get some more up here.

I've been working away on plain vanilla socks. These are out of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn. Pretty color way ... kind of fun. I'm a little discouraged with my sock yarn stash right now as when I was buying it I was having fun knitting with the hand paints, but now I would rather do some patterns (lacy, cabled or whatever) but they don't show well on the detailed hand paint so I am stuck (not sure if that is the right word) with doing plain vanilla. As I DON"T want to buy more sock yarn. Hubby told me if I knit my stash he will spring for a wheel. True I fall off the wagon every once in a while but not too bad. (Of course just today I bought Merangue from Lime and Violets update (www.limenviolet.com) Its pink. I don't need any other reason.

I also order 4 new braids of roving from Spunky Eclectic which I will gladly spin on my spindle. I have been doing fine lace weight, but think I'll do some of this up into worsted so I can do some mittens for Christmas. I've been looking on etsy but not a lot of hand painted worsted out there. Speaking of handspun I've finished spinning the Mandy colorway by Spunky as well. As usual John insists that I knit something so here are the wrist cuffs based roughly of a pattern from Spin to Knit by Shannon Okey. The brown is some Alpaca I've been spinning up. I find it quite slippery and slightly difficult to spin compared to the sheep wool.

I am waiting patiently for my Kauni yarn to come from the Netherlands. Its too bad I ordered it before I read the yarn harlot and saw that there was going to be a knit along and someone in Canada is actually going to be stocking it! (As opposed to stalking it..which I am doing) Who knows how long I'll have to wait. I'm very eager to start. My luck the kAL will be over before I even get the yarn. It has been shipped though so it is somewhere.

In the meantime I should work away on this Hillwick Lumbar. Its beautiful and it just needs the rest of one sleeve and all of the other. If I work at it I'd get it done.

Still busy with my English Course. Have to post comments on 4 other paragraphs by June 28, 2007. I thought by forcing deadlines I might actually finish on time. (Still think that I will, however I still hate the deadlines)

I also have this lovely Frleece Artist (www.fleeceartist.com) Mo to knit into something. Probably an airy cardigan on circs.

I couldn't post a blog entry without a couple of obligatory Bronson Photos. Here he is in the Red Cables and WW.

I wasn't sure if I had posted a pic of the River Rapids socks when I finished them either. So just in case I've added them as well. Along with the Killer Tomato socks...so named after Spunky Eclectic's colorway "Killer Tomato" Also the Gentlemans Fancy Socks. They are fantastic and were fun to knit.

I've been plugging away on Eunny Jang's "Anemoi Mittens" but have realized that they will have to come out. Way to small. And since they are for my Daughter I can't just keep knitting them an find someone to fit them. Shucks! Who knows when they will see the frog pond. Hopefully before this color combination goes out of style.Since I've been "fairly" good and haven't bought "too much" (what is that?) yarn I have been frequenting etsy just the same and stocking up on project bags and small pouches. Aren't they the best. I really like the ones from WWW. whitewillow.etsy.com and stalk her shop everyday waiting for "just the right one". And this has lead to me feeling I must fill each bag with a difference sock. So for a while there I had three socks complete and not a match to be seen. I've put the kibosh to that though and have since finished them. THe hourglass; the plain vanilla (Yarn from Knittery); and Lauren's First. My daughter actually started these and I just finished them. She was moving away and wasn't sure if she was going to do them without me around. So I finished them up and sent them off on the weekend. She hasn't mentioned them yet, but I am sure she'll get them soon.

I've also finished up this scarf that was hanging around on the needles for a while. Its done in Lisa Sousa Berry Poppins colorway. Beautiful isn't it. All done with short rows. I don't know who will get this. Does anyone else just complete projects with no idea who they will be for? I do it because I like the yarn or the pattern and want to try it out. But then I don't know what to do with it. Maybe the

2007-06-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Buttons

2007-06-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here I go again. I'm trying to put up the buttons. I got this idea from Reasoning E'Bert's comments. If it works thanks Reasoning E'Bert!

Argh!

2007-06-22T22:45:00.001-07:00

I'm having trouble adding the buttons to my blog ie Stalking Lime and Violet and the Kauni KAL! I'm fairly new at all this blogging stuff. Being on Dial UP doesn't help either. It is frustrating!

But for the good news I got my invite to Ravelry! I went on the other day at work, (Where we do have high speed...satelite actually) So I will begin to add my pics slowly but surely. I guess I should remember to take photos for my finished objects before I give them away.

I ordered myself a new camera the other day. Should have it by the 29th. I'm really looking forward to that. Hopefully it will make a difference in the pics I put up on the Blog.

Lauryn and Bronson have moved to Kamloops. I miss Bronson like mad. Since he's been gone he has gotten 5 more teeth, learned to crawl and pull himself up on the furniture! And its only been 5 weeks! I guess I'm due for another trip into Kamloops. Well maybe after I've finished some of my English homework.

Was able to finish up some of my wip's between last weekend and this weekend. 3 pairs of socks and a scarf. I hauled out the fairisle, but just wasn't motivated. I have the body completed and working on one sleeve. Oh well. I've cast on another pair of socks for just sitting and knitting. I'm having a bit of a difficult time trying to find patterns that don't get lost in the hand painted yarns. Any ideas?

Well wouldn't you know it. I can't put any pics on tonight as the batteries are dead in the camera and for some reason the spares ones haven't been recharged either. Hopefully i'll get back soon and do it. I want the pics for ravelry anyway.

Socks Update

2007-04-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

I've just joined another "blog". its the Slow Poke KAL and the premise is you just knit socks at your own pace and blog about them. I decided to do it since I've been having trouble with the second sock later. I've got one Java Rib completed but haven't cast on for number 2 yet. Which is stressing out my daughter as they are to be for her.

I ordered, and received Sea Wool Sock Yarn from Fleece Artist, and couldn't resist so I casted on the River Rapids sock pattern from "SockBug". I love the pattern and the yarn. Its great fun to knit with. Goes fairly quickly as it is a bit thicker than I usually work with and the yarn feels great in the hands. Will feel good on the feet as well. Now the question is will I keep these or give to my mother. She really needs a new pair.

I really wanted to show you a picture of all the roving I spun on my hand spindle, however when I went to ply it I got it all jumbled up and decided that life was too short to worry about yarn that wasn't all that great anyway and tossed the whole cop! The first cop I plied turned out quick nice and i was able to knit up a little ruffled wrist cuff thingy...I still have enough roving to do one to match if I get to it and spin it up. The stuff I just threw out was quite nice. I've getting better and better at the drip spindle. I am hoping it will help me when I get my new wheel.

I also joined a "Monkey" kAL as well. It starts tomorrow so i hope I'll be able to keep up with them as well. I still haven't decided yarn to use. I see that Cookie has done hers with a varigated, but I would hate to lose any of the pattern. I wonder how Lisa Souza's "Gendarme Colorway" would knit up in that pattern? Great blocks of color to stripey? I don't think I would want stripes with such a busy pattern. Hmmm...maybe I'll finish this River Rapid and try swatching for the Monkey Socks.

Work day tomorrow. I'm in the midst of trying to organize a First Aid team for the Mine Rescue competitions. I've known I had to do it all year, however have procrastinated enough that now it is upon me! So I'll be busy for the next little while, but may be able to get in some knitting during the practices.

I'm Getting a Wheel! (well something like that)

2007-04-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, he did, my husband said if I knit the yarn in my stash he'll buy me a wheel! Can you beleive it? A Goal! Just what I need. Sure I could save enough money in a year (especially if I knit from my stash) to buy my own wheel. But this is much more fun! Not only will I knit my stash...and a mighty stash it is at that...but I may have $ in the bank at the end of it. However in the meantime, inbetween socks and finely knit scarves, I best be checking out different wheels and see what I like.

Hmmm. I am going to be in Vancouver this weekend. (Pierce's 19th birthday!) I should probably start looking and testing there. Anyway thats all I'm going to say today, as I just had to have it in writing, just in case, and my hubby isn't usually like this, he "forgets" he said it in the year (or two) it will take me to knit the stash.

So the yarn I bought yesterday will be the LAST ONE! Hmmmm. Hurts a bit to say that out loud. I really like the bunny foo foo on STR. But that will be the last one! Might as well disconnect the internet as I don't know if I'll be able to stay away from Etsy.

Finished my Storm Water Scarf out of Handmaiden Sea Silk. Its gorgeous yarn, however I was a bit mislead from the picture of the pattern and the scarf itself. The picture shows a "SHAWL" and what I made was definately a SCARF. (9 inches wide...severely blocked) I don't know who will get it yet as the color isn't for me. However I'll post a pic as soon as I take one.

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend

2007-03-30T05:59:00.001-07:00

Shawl Club
Originally uploaded by jandjgagnon.

I don't think I've mentioned this beauty before. Its been languishing in my UFO pile. One has to be in the mood to do lace. With my grandson, Bronson, around its difficult to get into the lace mood when he looks so cute in red cables, and Wonderful Wallaby's, and handmade socks! However I think I've been bitten again and it's time to haul it out.

I just received a skein of Sea Silk from the Fleece Artist in the Midnight Colourway. It is beautiful stuff. The minute I took it from the wrapping I could tell. It felt like real silk. Heavy and lucious! I've used lots of zephyr which is 50% silk and 50% wool, but this stuff...wow. Its 70% silk and 30% seacell and I can't believe I haven't cast on yet. I think I'll just make the Storm Water Scarf that came with the yarn. I was sort of holding back until I finished my Java Ribs and my Jaywalkers, but I realized last night, as I turned the heal of the Jaywalkers I don't like them, I don't want to knit them. Therefore they are destined for the frog pond. Soon. Today! Then I can justify that I must cast on the Sea Silk as the Java Ribs are a good take-a-long or mindless knitting and I need a project thats a little more challenging. What! The red cables? The Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Shawl? The Fairisle? Huh? But I've got Fleece Artist Sea Silk!

Destashing?

2007-03-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

I had good intentions when I planned to DeStash my sock yarns...which is all the buzz on the blogs right now. However I seem to be taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back thanks to Etsy and all the marvelous hand dyers out there.

I've acquired a few more thousand yards and about 5 more skeins I'm waiting on All from Sunshineyarns, (waterfall, camo and darkness triple dye) and then I'm going to stop....for a while...I hope. I really want to save up for a new spinning wheel. Then I can add some more fiber to my stash! ha. I also just ordered a sock knitting bag, which can also hold my drop spindle from Whitewillow. It was all I could do not to order two..or three...but thought maybe I could make these if I gave it a whirl. But in the interim I bought one!

This is what I've received recently. (1st and last) Blackberry and Muirwoods, Sophies Toes Sock Yarn, (Sophies Toes) (Glorious stuff) Lisa Souza (Lisa Souza) in the Gendarme colorway. Just because I am Canadian! I don't know what it will be .... maybe socks? maybe a little touque for Bronson?, and Avocado from Sunshine yarns. This is another Fearless Fiber additions (Fearlessfibers) (hey, why buy one when you can buy two! )

However I've made these: Basic socks in STR, (Socks that Rock ) and Slip Stitch rib from Sensational Knitted Socks out of Bruised Ego by Spunky Eclectic. (Spunky Eclectic) I've "opted" out of the STR sock club this year. I figure if I am going to spend that much $ I should pick a color I actually like. And Whoo Boy are there colors I like. I love, love, love "little bunny foo foo". Whats with me, brown and pink this year? Of course "Rocktober" rocks me as well as "Watermelon Tourmaline". I'll have to add them to my Christmas list. And I am working on Java Ribs http://stringthings.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_archive.html(in the Throughbred colorway by Fearless Fibers) and I've caved and started Grumperina's JayWalkers (Magknits) in the tundra colorway by Fearless Fibers (again) , I've started quite a few pairs of Jay Walkers but have never found the color I actually liked for the pattern. But this one I may continue.

Here is 1 (one) yes 1 sock I made for Bronson. Only one because I don't have anymore of this color. I just saw the pattern on line and thought I should give it a go. As it turns out it is a wonderful pattern and probably the one I'll be using for a while. Now I have to knit more "boy" colors so I have leftovers. And I'll have to order skeins with more yardage so I have enough left over. Both the skeins from Fearless Fibers are huge. 550 yds! So I should be ok on those.

And just in case I have too much left over I started a log cabin with the leftover (???) sock yarn. Its beautiful, fun and rather addicting! The Peace Fleece sweater for me has been frogged and turned into the Wonderful Wallaby for Bronson. I decided to do this after reading "Big Girl Knits" and thought that the heavy worsted wasn't for me. But it sure is cute as the WW.

Speaking of Bronson, (and you know I love to) he and his mother are off to Disneyland (or World) whichever the one is in California and the house has been deadly quiet. I miss them so much. However I have been able to knit alot, and finish my HR course I've been taking. Now if only I can get the studing in for the exam before they get back.

Its our wedding anniversary today. I've gotten a new jetta and rather unexpectly a new fridge out of the deal. The Jetta was a gift but the fridge just calved and a quick trip to town later I was putting the warmish food back into a new fridge. But most of all I want to thank my husband for his support and love through all the years we've been together. He is my soulmate and I love him.

Since I didn't get a pic of the red cables I made for Bronson I'll add this photo, however you probably can't see the cables much. I don't believe Ms. Lauren took the sweater with her, however I don't dare go upstairs and look for it as I have 3 teenaged boys sleeping up there right now and I don't want to wake them. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet this AM. Meanwhile my mothers "red Cables" languish on the needles. (Along with a few(!) other UFO's)

I've discovered a new knitting podcast. Its called "Stash and Burn". and I love it. Fresh and fun. It has rather inspired me to knit from my stash even more so. Good motivator. Stash and Burn . Have a listen to it. Nicole and Jenny are fresh and fun and that makes an excellent podcast! They are my New favorite.

Thats a quick and dirty on my life this month!

First Update 2007

2007-01-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Its Mid January and I'm just getting back to my blog. There were many occasions that I "meant" to do the blog, but being on dial up internet sometimes I just don't have the time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for high speed sometime in the new year! Then maybe I can update on a more regular basis. (And down load the knitting podcasts faster!)

I won't discuss what I did before Christmas, as I didn't take one picture of one darn thing....what was I thinking? I guess just to get it out the door and into the mail. But, although I don't make new years resolutions I have decided to document all my 2007 projects. So this is a start. I was able to finally make something that my 15 yo son will wear. Its the "we call them pirates" hat from www.helloyarn.com/wecallthempirates.htm

It was a quick and easy knit with telemark yarn from www.knitpicks.com.

I finished my persephone scarf from http://smariek.blogspot.com/2006/12/persephone.html. The picture doesn't do it justice. Its very pretty worked from Elann Highland Silk from www.Elann.com . I can't say I'm enamored with the yarn I found it a little splitty when doing the cables. Maybe if I had of used a cable needle instead of doing the cables without one I may not have found the yarn so splitty, but can you imagine putting a cable needle in everyone of those cables? There is lots of 'em. I don't know what I am going to do with this scarf yet. Initially it was intended for my mother, but I think it may be too long for her tastes. Its over 5 feet long. Ok if you are a wrapper, but I'm not sure if mom is. BTW it isn't blocked yet. I just got it off the needles last night and will block it out today. I'll be using the new blocking wires that my mother gave me as a birthday gift. I can hardly wait. I've wanted them for some time now as I do alot of lace work.

Speaking of mom I'm still plugging away on the red cables pullover for her. I am also to the sleeve shaping, but must confess I haven't been working on it alot due to Christmas priorities. Its one of those projects you have to want to work on as it does take thought and concentration. But I'll get to it...and it will be finished sometime this year. (Hopefully before next Christmas)

For just simple things on my needles I have this Everyday cardigan from www.peacefleece.com in worsted weight. Its a simple knit, something I can do and put down when the need arises. I much rather work in the round, but didnt' want to take the time to work out the math, so I am knitting backwards all the purl rows so I don't have to purl. lazy or what? But it is fun and a little challenging so such a simple sweater. I had to get these off the needles "killer tomato" socks from http://www.spunkyhats.com/ off the needles so I could make room for these: Etsy purchases thanks to Lime and Violet

The one on the left is called piness from www.sunshineyarns.etsy.com and the other is Shana from http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41776 I'll start with the one on the left and do up the Gentleman's Fancy Sock from Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks" . I loved those socks since I first saw them, I love them in that color...so I think they'll be gorgeous and fun to knit.

Here is a scary picture. Its just my sock yarn. (It doesn't count the two balls above or the 2 I have coming from Lisa Souza. www.lisaknit.com I joined the Lime and Violet Sock Marathon and am trying to knit at least 3 miles from my 10.19 miles!

So here is one of the reasons I haven't blogged lately. My daughter and dear 1st grandson, Bronson were visiting with us. It was such a pleasure to have him here. Its all John and I can do not to race to Abbotsford and steal him back. Oh well. I hope to get down for a visit every 6 weeks or so in the summer, a little less in the winter as it is a 6 hour drive in (usually) bad weather conditions.

Short Update

2006-10-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well I love my IPOD and I love the knitting podcasts that are out there and available. I started with Brenda Dayne at www.cast-on.com and now I can't stop. I have down loaded all of the past episodes and don't have enough room left of my podcast until I listen to some and delete them from the IPOD. But that wasn't enough I greedily seached Itunes and downloaded all the knitting podcasts out there and all their past episodes as well. I listen everywhere now. In the house while doing housework, in the car while driving to work (is it even legal?), walking from the parking lot into the building, (I usually take one earpiece out of my ear if an employee stops and asks me something...just because I was raised "right"!) etc. etc. The dogs have never been happier, I just want to walk and walk and listen. A friend even asked me if I wanted to start walking with her on Monday and I had to explain that I got a new IPOD and wasn't capable of conversation right now! It was a perfect gift for me. I love it. Thanks John!

Lets see. What is on the needles. I'm in a strange phase right now. I have no desire to finish anything. I just want to start stuff. I'm amazed at how easily I get bored. I've been doing small baby things, knit all in one piece etc, but still have to convince myself to complete each one.

This is a little blue set. Done out of beautiful yarn. Naturally "Sensation" wool and angora. I was hoping new baby would come home from the hospital in this. Well at least wear the hat.Its wonderfully soft and baby like. I don't know what the deal is with my pictures this week. They have imported strangely and I've had to "size" them myself so everything may look a bit stretched. (It isn't my knitting .... honest!;))

I know that it must seem odd that I am blogging again...already, but I think I'm on to something; Last weekI brought my IPOD into work and used the high speed internet and my lap top to download podcasts and I was amazed at how quickly everything went. I spent hours at home last weekend down loading Podcasts (only a couple, but it took hours) and when I came to work on Monday had everything I wanted downloaded in minutes. So this AM I thought well hey....its an overtime day at work, what better way to use my time then to update my blog. So I quickly took some pictures at 5:30 this AM and this is what you are getting now.

So lets see. Here is a pic of the Hat and booties I made while at the car show a few weeks ago. And another hat just for in the nursery. I know its navy and probably to dark for a newborn, but it is what I had at hand and wanted something quick. (Remember I can't finish anything lately and need small, simple projects. When in Chase for the Carshow I was able to go to go into Kamloops to a yarn store and pick up some new yarn for Mom's cabled sweater I also bought some Regia Silk and have decided to make a hot water bottle cover from it. Do I need a silk hot water bottle cover would be the question, especially when I sleep with a heat generator, AKA John, but i just didn't "feel" like making socks with it. So here it is. Started.

I was also able to complete the hood for "Ruby" sweater from Bee's Knees. I didn't show this last week as I had truly thought that i would wait until it was actually finished. But I don't know if that will ever happen so I thought I'd show you the progress.

I did knit another dishcloth. This was the first of the month "mystery cloth". Its a cat. The picture isn't overly clear and probably would have been better if done in a solid color. But you'll be seeing lots of dishcloths in this yarn as I have a huge ball of it and am in dishcloth mode.

I also got another ball of C-eye-ber fiber in the mail. I think this is part of a "Sock Club" I belong to and this is their havest colorway. I think I get two more balls in this club and then that will be it. I don't think I'll join again. Not for any other reason other then I have yards and yards of their sock yarn and haven't knit one darn thing from it. Its for no other reason then I'm not sure if i like colorways. I have one that is pale greens, one that is pale blues, and one that has pale purples. Each skein is approx. 400 yds so I know I'd have enough to make something for baby but I just don't feel it yet. You know as I was typing this I was think I could make the "Big Bad Baby Blanket" out of it. Maybe I'll try that. I don't have a baby blanket for new little one yet. I've been putting it off as I don't want to work with acrylic's but haven't found a suitable superwash wool yet. Plus I've been trying to use my stash and not spend so much$$$.

I guess that is it for now. I'm back to my desk and to reality.

Once a Month

2006-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I'm down to blogging once a month. I thought I would do it more often, but...I am on dial up. We just got off Party lines a few years ago so I don't know if our small town will ever have high speed! But this is good relaxing time. I'll make a pot of coffee, have a dishcloth on the needles and we'll call it relaxing while I wait to download my new pictures.

So we went to the car show. Here is the 57 Monarch we took.

But here is the one we liked. The owner actually made his little sleeper.

The weather was fantastic, the company better, and the hotel to die for. We had a great time. (I made booties and the Tree Elf Hat for Grandbaby). I was able to get away on Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours and picked up new yarn for my mother's request for a red cabled sweater. I chose Peer Gynt in this red (she asked for Tomato red..I hope this is it) and I'm using size 3.5 mm. This project has caused some difficulties for me as I wasn't able to find the pattern I really liked. I wanted to do it all in the round with lots of fabulous cables, but eventually I realized I wasn't going to find it and have created my own pattern. Its fun and believe it or not quite relaxing to knit. This is the second attempt. I started one a while back with Knitpicks Wool of the Andes, but found the yarn to heavy for what I wanted to make. So hopefully this one will pass the test. I've got too much "fun" stuff to do so I can't be bothered doing something I don't like. Of course everything is difficult now as the light bulb from my ott light has gotten broken ("Mom, the dog knocked over your ott light!") and we had to order another from Ontario. So at night when I am knitting cables, or knitting amethyst lace and my eyeballs are bugging out of my head and I'm leaning forward off the couch into the light..I can have the tendency to be a little cranky!

I've been busy with work. Getting the Employee and Family Assistance Program set up and meeting with all the employees about it. I'm helping to organize this year's Mine Rescue Competition (to be held in Williams Lake, June 7, 8 9 2007...Shameless self promotion), and I just got word that I can take some on-line courses towards my Certification for Human Resources and Labour Relations. (Paid by the company) So that is good news, I'm excited but I'll have to work! And of course, boys, girls (goes without saying when you have boys around) babies (no, no grandbaby yet, but soon) dogs, and husband.

I've joined yet another group. This time the monthly KAL for Dishcloths. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths) So nice to have mindless knitting on the needles as well. For those time when I have a chatty husband around or we are travelling into town for groceries etc and there is so much to see. The leaves are changing, the deer are gathering for the rut, the salmon are spawning and the bears are feeding, the swans and geese are migrating. I don't want to miss any of it. Or drop a stitch. So you can see where the lowly dishcloth comes in handy.I've made two, out of stuff I had about, but there are so many nice patterns in the group files, I can see I'll have to buy a ball or two of new stuff in the "right colors". I HAVE to. Who can resist an orange pumpkin dishcloth this close to Halloween?

So my darling husband does listen! Look at what I got. Yes its an IPOD so I can download all the knitting podcasts I want and still walk the dogs. Of course don't even try calling this house as the phone line will be busy as i download hours of info. I'm thinking I'll take the ipod to work and use the laptop and the company's satellite to make short work of it. But I can't wait until Monday.

Of course a new IPOD called for a new IPOD sweater and I quickly whipped this up on my first walk while listening to the lasted PODCAST of Cast-on. (www.cast-on.com) Ain't technology great! I'll have to make a cord for it so I can hang it around my neck while walking.

Late last night....(11ish?) I decided I had to make two socks at once and cast on with some lovely hand painted Lisa Souza. Here they are. Its fun so far, although I'm sure the novelty will wear off eventually. Yes they are two different colors, but I didn't want to get confused my first time out. (and yes they are in baby size). I guess doing them in two different colors really doesn't help the SSS (second sock syndrome) but its good practice for me.

And of course a lovely little "chunky baby sweater" from www.sweaterbabe.com for the new'un. I chose Limeade, (Lambs Pride Bulky) because I thought it would be fun. (For me, of course) Exact reason why I chose the chunky knit. One can only knit tiny baby things at a tiny gauge for so long. And since my backside was making a dent in the couch I had to do something fast!

Lastly here is a pic of our house with the new deck. Husband is finished vacation and has headed back to work. It was a long 21 days off. I got up every morning while he lie sleeping. It was difficult especially now that it is dark in the mornings. But he is back to work and I still have 160 hours of vacation remaining! Ha!

For Patricia: we just bought a new light for the front door so that white one is GOING! Today!

Spindle

2006-09-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well I did it! I actually created yarn with my drop spindle, plied it, washed it, dried it and knit with it. I created these simple booties for...you guessed it, new grandbaby to be. But all and all I am quite pleased. The white is stuff I did first and it is quite uneven, but the blue worked out alright. Probably a little too fine in some places, but still. I'm pleased. Its quite addicting. But I don't know if if could do enough by hand to make a sweater, or shawl. But I guess that is where a wheel comes into play. First though i want an IPOD (or similar) for all the knitting podcasts out there. Who knew.

Nothing big on the knitting scene this week. Working away on my Rogue Hoodie from www.girlfromauntie.com. I love the pattern, not sure about it in this purple, but fun to knit, lots of mindless knitting when watching the home improvement shows on the telly. But enough cables to keep it interesting. Especially doing them on the "wrong side". New for me. This is a project I take out and work on for a bit, then put away etc.

New ball of yarn from C-eye-ber. This is part of the PS color. This must be September. I belong to so many groups I can't keep them all straight. But I like getting the yarn on a monthly basis. Just sent in my color choices for the Shawl Club. Done in Jaggerspun Zephyer. My personal favorite for shawls.
We are heading to Chase next weekend for a Car Show. We are taking some car...i don't know what down. John will really enjoy it and I'll probably get lots of knitting done. John has been busy working on the deck. New railings etc. He had to jack up the deck in places as apparently it was not level AT ALL. I'll take pics when its done. Coming along nicely. Makes a real difference to the look of the house. Not quite so log cabin-y now. I don't know if that is good or not. I'll probably just have to get used to it.

Finally...

2006-08-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

I know its been forever but my computer was sick and I had to wait a long time to get it fixed. Lots has happened. I've discovered that my new Grandbaby is a boy! So I guess I'm knitting boy colors from now on. I've finished the Mystery Shawl KAL #4, I've been to the fiber festival in Gibson's Landing and I've learned to use a spindle and am spinning my own yarn. Can a spinning wheel be far behind? A son has graduated, a pet has died, summer has flown by and I've got more stuff on the needles than I can count! (Not really...I'm trying to finish everything up.) However there is no use dwelling on the past. I can only hope I'll post more regularly now that the computer is up and running...if only I had high speed. Anyway...here is the baby that I know all of you are dying to see. I'm sure he has changed lots already as he was only a 26 week old fetus in this picture.

and of course the new sweaters that go along with him....

I'm working on one (although I bought several patterns) now called "Ruby" by Bee's Knees. (www.beeskneesknits.ca) Her patterns are well written, up-to-date and unisex, not to mention fun to knit. I should get the second sleeve completed today and start on the hood.

I've finished the pomatomus sock, and wore it salmon fishing when in Campbell River...as they are fish scales you know. I did have a fish on...but didn't get him in the boat...so are they still considered lucky? I don't know. No pic of this right now as they are in the wash and I didn't want to show you socks that were all out of shape.

I also finished a pair done in Lisa Souza merino in the colorway Wild Things. I loved working with this yarn and love the color. These look a bit wacky too, but I did wash and dry them in the dryer (I know thats a faux pas) but they fit nicely and are comfortable. In fact I have two skeins of this colorway put aside for the "Seraphim Shawl" and several more skeins (in different colors) for socks or baby sweater or whatever.

I've unravelled the Lorna Laces "bittersweet" socks that were for my neice as I never did get her foot size and couldn't waste that beautiful yarn. But I have my opal dream catcher "walking socks" on needles. So called because I walk everyday and need a small portable project to walk with and this is it. These will eventually go to one of my co-workers.

And of course the mystery Shawl KAL 4. This was done with Kidlin Pixie. I hated working with this yarn, but once blocked it is beautiful to touch and wear. I was hoping this shawl would be going to my new grand baby, however since we've discovered its a boy, it will probably stay with me. Its been cool in the AM and I've been wearing it every morning while knitting, before the sun comes up. I don't want to close the windows as it won't be long before snow falls and I'll have to keep them closed. Sorry this is a bad pic. It looks nice when all stretched out, however it is early moring and its cold outside and I had to take it off to take this picture.

I do belong to the "shawl club" and have received my yarn and pattern for July. I've wound the skein into a giant ball, however haven't cast on yet, although I'm dying to...always like to have a shawl on the needles (The ongoing shawl from Knitpicks doesn't count as its not in laceweight) but have decided to wait until I make room in my knitting basket.

I did cast on for Chicknits lace cardigan in Fleece Artist's baby kid, but then unravelled as I knew I was fooling myself with only 900 M. To bad as it was beautiful to knit with. Maybe it will become a blanket for Grandbaby "Bronson Hayes"...but it is gorgeous stuff so if I can get something for me out of it I'll probably do that. In the meantime it sits in my bedroom with the other skeins I'm going to use soon.

Been thinking alot about the many balls of "tomato red" I have from knitpicks. This will become a nice Aran for my mother. I really wanted her to have it for fall, but I've so busy and focused on baby sweaters it may be next fall. To bad though she is making a pilgramage to Nova Scotia and I could just see her wearing it on the craggy coast. Oh well. Deadlines!

More Sock Yarn

2006-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Can any one really ever have enough sock yarn? Thats how i justify my inane purchases anyway. I went ahead and ordered some lisa Souza sock weight yarn. It arrived on Wednesday...very, very quick service I may add considering she had to dye it. (It was dyed on May 10, 2006...so it says on the label..which was after I ordered it) Its beautiful to look at, but it is destined for socks. I bought the colors South Pacific, Mahogany, Pacific and Wildthings. South Pacific will be some sort of cable, wildthings will become the cascading leaves, and mahogany...well I'm not really certain yet, and Pacific is in the process of becoming the pomatomus from www.knitty.com . This picture doesn't do the colors justice, they are darker in real life.

The Pomatomus sock is fun to knit and the pattern easily memorized. I don't know who will get these socks yet. Maybe me. I may just hold off wearing them until the fall and enter them in the Big Lake Fall Fair. I've never entered anything and it might be kind of fun.

I got another email from Renee at www.bopeepswoolshop.com who told me that the Cream kidlin Pixie I ordered was also on back order until August, so I went ahead and ordered the deep cerise. I wanted to do the shawl in pink to begin with, but since I didn't know the sex of the baby I went with Woodland, but it ended up back ordered, so I asked for Cream, now it is back ordered so I'm going for the pink. Guess I might as well ordered that from the beginning as it was obviously meant to be no matter how hard I tried to make it some other color.

Woodland Cream Cerise

No matter what I am sure it will be beautiful. Reneee does such nice work. The mystery shawl alongs are so much fun.

Oh a couple of other new yarns to report. My mother is desparately trying to track down some Koigu for me. I guess the supplier is having trouble keeping up with demand, as my mother is looking in Ontario and I believe that is where the company is situated. I also joined another sock club. This time 4 balls dyed my mama E. I haven't seen it yet...except internet pictures, but am looking forward to it. She only dyes 15-20 skeins at a time so these will really be on of a kind's. That is kind of exciting.

I will be asking for a spindle for christmas as i really want to try my hand at spinning. I've bought books and read stuff on the internet and think I'm ready. Do you think I'll be able to wait for Christmas? Toni at www.handspinning.com has some lovely ones. Although I don't think they need to be beautiful to work.

And of course this is May and I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new kit from Socks that Rock Rockin' Sock Club. I hope I love the color this time.

Well I'm going to post this now and get back to knitting the pomatomus. I'd like to be finished before going back to work. But i guess that depends on if I work Monday or take the day off.

MS3 Finished~

2006-05-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Did you think it was ever going to happen? I finally finished the Mystery Shawl along 3. I started off gung ho... but somehow fell behind after the clue from week 3, and that was the beginning of the end. It played on my mind constantly as things kept coming up that I "HAD" to do instead of knitting. (What is that all about?) But I didn't give up...I perserved and finally results...I am so pleased with it. Lace is like magic...you never know what it is really going to look like until its stretched out and blocked.

I took this baby off the needles at 9:00PM last Sunday evening, raced to the bathroom to soak and wash...then on to the floor for blocking. (My dogs love it when I am on the floor with them....hmmmm, not the easiest way to block) But got it stretched out and pinned...probably could have pulled the "scallops" out a bit more, but need a proper blocking board and wires...as the quilt I had under the shawl kept bunching up as I was pulling and pinning.

Anyway I finally got to bed, and could hardly wait until morning when I could take out the pins and lift the shawl for the true test. And I was pleased.

So here it is in all its glory. I was pressed for time taking the pics but you get the idea. I've stuffed it into an envelope and it is winging its way to Yarmouth right now. I am sure my Aunt will love it.

I got a note from Bo Peeps saying the color I wanted for my mystery shawl 4 would be backordered until August, so decided to go with another color. I chose cream this time. I know that sounds boring, but this one will be going to new grandbaby, and since Rebecca was thinking it was going to be a boy I didn't think I should do the shawl in pink. (Even though I highly suspect this baby is going to be a girl). If that is the case there will be lots of time for Pink.

Well must run. This is the only day I get off before going back to the 1st aid course. (Have to practice on Sunday) I'll be glad when I am done this...its wearing me out and little knitting time, other than socks.

Which reminds me...we should be getting our next installment of the STR Sock club yarn this month. That is something to look forward to. (Yikes is that a preposition?....Mom don't look)

Spring Fever

2006-04-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well it must be spring...I've started cleaning and can't seem to stop. I even went so far as to order a new feather duster from www.flylady.com. (and one for my sister!) Somebody stop me before I buy a robot vacuum cleaner.

Along with my cleaning comes having a glance thru the stash to see what needs to be completed etc. So I've been busy "finishing up" this week. With the exception of my Mystery Shawl Along 3. (I haven't touched it all week long.) I've had good intentions though as I have taken it with me everytime I go out...but it just sits in the knitting bag while I knit something else. Maybe I should take only it and then I would have no choice but to continue on. I'll have to get busy next week and set the timer for 1/2 hour every night. Even then it will take me 28 or 29 days to complete. I must get it finished at all costs as I have gone ahead and ordered the yarn for Mystery Shawl Along 4 from www.bopeepswoolshop.com This one starts in June which gives me plenty of time to finish # 3. I should have been cautious and ordered white or cream yarn..but no I've thrown caution to the wind ordered the color "woodland." If I'm going to knit it I want it to be fun!
www.louet.com/kidlin.htm I understand that this mystery shawl is going to be circular. Nice for wrapping up a baby.

I dug into the container holding "nearly finished" items and came up with this Poinsetta Shawl from Lucy Neatby. I ran out of yarn with about 8 inches of edging to go last August. It took me almost 8 months to get more yarn ordered in. But it finally arrived in late March. I finished it on Friday. It still needs to be blocked but thought I would wait until weather clears up a bit (we are still getting snow!) This is the secnd Poinsetta shawl I've done, this one in "Hair" by Schachenmayr. Its fun to knit and believe it or not this pattern knits up quite quickly. I did the first one in White Douceur de Soie which was beautiful and went to a baby for baptism. Of course this one will end up for my new Grandbaby, due in early November. (Things are pointing to it being a girl, but I'm not confident enough yet to start making anything pink! )

Next, I finished my Rocking SockClub socks from Socks That Rock. They are called "Cedar Creek Socks". As you know I was struggling with the color. And not really liking it at all. It hasn't gotten any better even as I completed both socks. As it turns out I didn't have enough in the skein to finish the second sock and you will see the very tip of the toe with lots of ochre color. Thats a second skein I had to use. Not STR but Nature Spun fingering. Color seems to match OK and you can't really tell when they are on one's feet. Its disappointing as I was really hoping that the skeins would be big enough for size 10's. I actually made the leg part a little shorter than I would usually make it just so I wouldn't run out. I hope I like the next yarn color that comes more. But now that I know the skeins are not big enough for me...I guess I have all my Christmas socks planned for next Christmas. I hope the recipients realize what a NICE gift they are getting! Certainly didn't have enough for the "Baby socks" as I promised my daughter. But I did cast on Lorna Laces sock weight in Bittersweet and started another pair. I was holding this yarn for baby sweater when I found out for sure that the baby was going to be a girl. But wouldn't you know it I got a new sock book in the mail (Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks )and couldn't resist starting a pair. These are the fancy silk sock. True the color "bittersweet" may be a bit too busy for the pattern. But they are fun to knit and the pattern is easy to memorize. I did most of these out walking and didn't have to take the pattern. It's a fantastic color isn't it? Of course, I know only one person who would actually wear these socks in this colorway and that is my young neice, Kelsey. I've asked my sister, Pat, to measure up Kelsey's foot and I'll complete them for her. Of course another very nice gift for a child! I must add that I still prefer Fleece Artist yarn to both the STR and the LL sockweight. (I loved the LL worsted) However in all fairness, I will give the LL another try as perhaps the gauge I had to use for this sock is just looser than I would like on a normal everyday sock. It's on a 2 1/2 mm needle and I usually do socks on 2 or smaller. I did the STR on 2's and liked the gauge. I like my socks tightly knitted.

I found a website the other day that gave me a pattern for a mobias cowl made with one skein of Fleece Artist cashmere. I happen to have a ball of cashmere just waiting to be made into something...so here it is. I really don't know the point of a Mobias other than to say I made one? Maybe I just haven't made enough of them to really understand how great they are. So perhaps this won't be my last. I do have both of Cat Bordi's books on Mobias's and think I may embark on one of the baskets or bowls she offers. I don't know..I hate too much stuff around cluttering up the house. So if I can justify it by having it "hold" something...I'll think about it.

Its Easter in this home and the Easter Bunny has found my stash of Easter Bunny and Chick covers. Can anyone really have too many of these? I think these ones will be going to work with me tomorrow to place on the desks of fellow employees for a little treat! I may whip up a couple more this afternoon...its hard to make just one!

Well that is said and done. I must add that I got to see an Ultra Sound picture of my new Grandbaby. Its a beauty already. 10 1/2 weeks and growing strong. Heartbeat 163 (points to girl!) and moving up a storm. Due date November 5, 2006. Count down is on!

A Month!!!! Yikes

2006-04-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Has it really been over a month since my last update! Yikes! Time does fly when you get older. Well where shall I start.... I guess where I last left off.

My mother received her yoga socks and says they do the job. So that is good. She was good enough to send me a pic so I could check the size etc. I think they look great. Of course I am biased as I absolutely loved working with the Lorna Laces. So much so that I purchased a couple of more balls. This time in "bittersweet" and in the sock weight.

It is lovely and pink isn't it. I don't think that I'll do socks with it though, I think it might turn into baby clothes of some type once the results of the ultrasound come back. NOT MINE! I guess I am getting ahead of myself, but I will be a grandmother in October. I can hardly wait. Of course the moment I heard the news I rushed to the stash and started knitting. This is the results so far. I never wanted to know what sex I was going to deliver however I am dying to know what Lauryn Rebecca will deliver as it will make my color choices much more fun. Since my daughter was visiting I suggested knitting a sweater or some booties but finally opted for a ripple baby blanket, yes it is crochet but its a start right? We have a long way to go. I don't think reality has set in for her yet. Just wait until she hears the heart beat for the first time.

He/She will definately get some luxury baby booties out of this fleece Artist 100% cashmere. It's fantastic. I had four balls, but two became hats and the other eludes me right now.... I'm sure it will turn up.

This Naturally Sensation - (wool and angora) will turn into the Baby Surplice by Elizabeth Zimmermann...soon.
I know these are gorgeous yarns for a baby. But hey it is my first biological grandchild. I remember when I was a new mother I bought all the kids clothes at Zellers etc. because it was inexpensive. However, my mother always sent beautiful things to the kids. Beautifully made and designed stuff. Sleepers, overalls, skirts, blouses and dresses. I loved whenever a box arrived as I knew it was something I could put on my babies and be proud. That is what I am doing for my daughter as well. It is such a good feeling to take your baby to the doctor in cashmere!

This is a picture of Lauryn Rebecca. Can't you just see her in cashmere? I think she is glowing already. Midge (the Pom)loves having Lauryn around as well and seems to prefer going to bed upstairs with lauryn at night instead of with me. Though I must say John and I aren't complaining about that at all. The cats and Sam (the lab) still love us. Unfortunately my daughter has been a little spoiled living down south and can't beleive it isn't summer here yet. I've had the fire lit everyday and her under blankets and in sweaters. And here we (John, Richard and I) were thinking it was beautiful outside. Well at least it isn't winter anymore. Handy have Bex around though as she has been winding my skeins into cakes with the new Swift. (Thanks MOM!) It too, was another lovely gift from my mother and everyone that comes to visit gets to try it. It is fun to use.

I've received my first STR package. Its going a little slowly just because I can't really get into the color. But maybe it will grow on me I made a deal with Rebecca that if she takes the socks I'll make a baby pair to match. Maybe all my STR yarn will go that route. It would be fun. Matching mother/baby socks. Even though I'm not enjoying the color. I like knitting with the yarn. I must say that my favorite still is Fleece Artist sock yarn and the Lorna Laces. But I'll keep you updated on the STR. I still have to try the Koigu. But haven't been anywhere that sells it at this point. I just can't buy my first Koigu off the internet. I MUST SEE colors.

I am still plugging away on my Mystery Shawl. I am actually on the final clue. I figure another 16 to 18 hours of straight knitting and I'll have it completed. So maybe another few weeks. Depending. I have to update my Level 3 First Aid course from the 24 of April to the 9th of May..so I know I won't be doing much knitting during that time. Of course I have to hurry as they'll be another Mystery Shawl starting in June. It will be a round shawl this time, and I'm thinking white for new baby. Round is always good for wrapping a babe. You can see where all my knitting ideas are right now.

I've also got 4 stray balls of Noro which will become a sweater of some sort. Probably toddler size. I may just create my own pattern this time.

And for myself I bought enough Peace Fleece for a simple cardigan. Although I don't know when I'll ever cast on. Once I do though it will go fairly quickly. As it is worsted weight. Something I haven't worked with in a while. I still have the Rogue Hoodie from www.girlfromauntie.com on the needles. I'm doing that in Elann 100% peruvian in a dark purple. And i don't know how many times I've started the cabled sweater for my mother just to decide I didn't like the pattern and started again. I best be careful though as I have been eyeing that red KnitPicks Wool of the Andes for something else...so I best get something started again.

And if that wasn't enough, I guess my 14 y/o was feeling left out and decided he needed a trip to Emergency. Yes here he is with a dime size hole in his skull from triping our his size 13's! (Who knew the skull could fracture so easily?) He has finished all the antibiotics now so perhaps smooth sailing. I'm a little worried over how it is healing. He still may need a trip to the plastic surgeon.

Well I guess thats a start. I am sure there is stuff I forgot. But I can't wait any longer to post. I have to knit. Its been a hectic week.

Word Cloud

2006-03-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well I had to have one...everyone else does and it is cool.

I broke down and joined the STR sock club thru www.bluemoonfibrearts.com I tried to hold off as long as I could as it is expensive...however I have just heard so many good things about it. I can hardly wait to get my first kit. I probably should have been cautious and only bought the first couple of kits...but no I had to be greedy and go the whole year! I've never used their yarn before so we will see. There seems to be some question over whether a skein will make socks large enough for size 10 feet....I hope they do, cause that is what I have and I would hate to have paid full price for the kits only to be able to complete one and a third socks!

I have no really knitting content to post as I haven't knit a stitch today. Hubby invited me out for Chicken wings tonight and I couldn't refuse a date with him. He is something I can delay knitting for....

Anyway I know it is unusual that I am posting on a Wednesday night. But I just wanted to get the word cloud up.

Yoga Socks

2006-02-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Well they are done! Yes I cast on around 12:30 yesterday and knit madly until 9:00. They didn't take long once I got started as they are knit with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. Its fantastic to knit with...I rarely use such thick yarn these days so it was nice to have a project knit up quickly.

I am sort of glad I had the opportunity to knit one yesterday and then unravel as it gave me pause to think I may want a bit of reshaping. I modified the original pattern slightly by adding two garter stitches on either side of the top of the foot as I found that the ribbing curled slightly. I also made the top of the foot shorter, in turn making the open heel slightly less open. I like it better. I should have gone an extra inch in the lenght though, and perhaps a little longer on the band around the foot, but I have to keep in mind this aren't for my wide size 10's but for my mother's narrow size 9's. Hopefully they'll fit and she will use them when doing her jazzercise!

Mystery Shawl Weekend Two

2006-02-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have finished the second Clue (3rd Chart) of the Mystery Shawl Along3. You can see it somewhat in this picture, however, I shouldn't be so lazy and actually put it on waste yarn so you can see the entire square, but hey, who has the time and patience for that. Thats cutting into knitting time. It was fun to do...but now I have to wait for next Friday for the next clue.

I spent most of the AM trying to find a small project to do. You know I don't want to finish anything...I want to start something. I would like to do a Dale of Norway cardigan for Gabby and Zoe, but unsure if they are knit in the round or flat. (I won't do that much color work flat anymore!) Therefore have emailed Bea Ellis Knitwear and hope for an answer soon. I joined Townsend Sock Knitting group and thought I may try a pair of the Spring Twists. They look fun....or perhaps a pair of Jaywalkers....I had a pair on the needles earlier, but my gauge was off...but then I fortunately spoke to my mother...read on.

While walking the dogs yesterday I completed one Yoga Sock from Mac & Me ....knit with Delicious Lorna's Laces Sheperd Worsted in Blackberry...however decided last night that I would never wear them, and it was a shame to use the gorgeous yarn on something that I will never use. Therefore this AM while chatting with my mother, I unravelled them. In passing I mentioned this to my mother, who promptly informed me that she indeed does yoga and it was just what she needed. She had even gone so far as to cut the feet out of an old pair of tights and had no idea that "they made such things". Well you don't have to tell me twice. The 3 1/2's are coming out and I'll be casting on again. Well at least I am getting good yardage out of the Lorna's Laces!

It seems Jackson is feeling neglected today as he is constantly nudging me as I type this. I guess he could use a little attention. The cats are both bored waiting for spring. A felted cat nip mouse might be in order on this cold snowy day. Sweetie just sitting beside me, Sam and Midge snoozing happily.

Well must run. Now that I have a mission and only limited time. Luckily cookies for school lunches are made and cooling, and dinner is in the crockpot.

Mystery Shawl Continues

2006-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

Ok day two of the Shawl Along and thru various trials and tribulations and some tinking I have finished clue 1 of the Mystery Shawl Along. I think its working out. Of course one never really knows until the end. All I know is I have been knitting and knitting trying to get the clue completed before starting work again tomorrow. I don't know when the next clue will be posted but I don't usually have much time during the week to knit and I hate to fall behind. This shawl will be going to my favorite Aunt Lo in NS. I have made a couple for my mother and Lois figured it was her turn. Hopefully it will be beautiful as she deserves only the best. If not, I have a couple of other patterns and yarn I could try out.

Luckily I finished the clue and have been able to complete another "UFO". A pair of "Elegant Gauntlets" from The Purl Stitch by Nancy Melville (though I think the elegant part depends on what yarn you use). I used Opal "Tiger" cause I love it. I really needed these for when I am knitting while I walk. The weather has been cold lately and my hands freeze otherwise. I can hardly stand just walking too much valuable knitting time wasted. Usually I knit fairly simple projects. Well to be truthful the majority of these gauntlets were knitted on the move. Now since there is daylight remaining, dinner is in the crockpot, dogs are asleep, boy is visiting friends, husband is out I think I'll do a few rounds on my Shetland Tea Shawl.

2006-02-18T05:38:00.001-08:00

Its Me

2006-02-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas Knitting

Mystery Shawl Along

2006-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have been inspired by the Mystery Shawl Along3 to start my own blog. Mostly because it will be fun to keep a record of my process. Plus I figured that since I like to read other's blogs, perhaps someone would like to read mine.

I have been on a knitting frenzy lately. Started many projects and finished few. Therefore have put a hold on my stash enhancement until I finish something. I'll get the camera out and show you whats in store.

In the mean time, I'm up at 4:00AM on a day off so I can have some quiet time to knit the Mystery Shawl Along3 before everyone else gets up. Thats a pic of it above. I'm only on row 23. Of course I am a little nervous that I'll fall behind as I do work 10 hours a day and walk the dogs 5 km every night....so all extra minutes will be working on the Shawl. I have chosen Jaegerspun Zephyr...just because I love working with it. Feels wonderful in the hands and glides nicely on the needles. I've done a few other shawls...mostly Fiddlesticks (www.fiddlesticksknitting.com) and have become shawl addicted.