A Keen Sock......

Yes, I've actually been working on knitting in my spare time, however spare it may be. This is the first sock in the Waterfall Colorway from Woolgirl sock club. It's a loverly color. A pretty fast knit (if you aren't swamped with work and homelife), and pretty easy to convert to Magic Loop sock knitting. I should really post those directions on Ravelry and on the Sock Club Blog.

I really enjoyed knitting this sock, and I'm on the last repeat of the 2nd sock before starting the heel. I imagine if I have my way, I'll finish the last repeat, knit the heel, do the turn, and start working on the gusset decreases today. I'm running on the nervous, "I hope I have enough yarn left" theory. Boy, that's incentive to finish the second sock quickly! Why would I run out of yarn, you ask? Well, I did the 5 rows of stockinette after the ribbing, and did 4 lace repeats rather than just 3. The sock is still a bit big as far as socks go.....but it's a nice knit, and I think it will work. I wasn't going to move up another needle size, because it would have been way too big. I made some small modifications to the pattern.

As for the color of the yarn itself - it does really speak to me, as evidenced by the close resemblence of color in my favorite pair (ok, only pair) of Keen sandals. Hmmm.......I guess Jen and Miss Babs never thought of this comparison! :)

Also, anxiously awaiting the opening of the new Wollmeise yarn shop (I'm hoping it won't be a nightmare, but I have seen everyone go crazy at TLE over this yarn). I wonder if I'll be able to order any of the yarn that I would like to have? Who knows. Not getting a certain skein of yarn isn't going to kill me - at least not yet! :) Although I wish I'd ordered before she closed her shop for the month of September......Again, it's not going to kill me if I don't get a skein of yarn. I keep repeating that mantra! :)

Off to finish Sunday dinner.......YUM! YUM!

PS - did I mention that I hate downloading snaps on dial-up access? It takes forever, and I have to download the smallest size pics - YUCK! I guess you can click on the picture to see the larger image.

Fair Winnings....

Every September brings a small annual agricultural fair to our little hometown. It's a place full of memories for me. I've practically grown up there in some aspects. When I was in high school, you sold food items the whole week, every night from 9th grade to 12th grade. When I was younger, they used to have talent contests for the kids and high school kids. I won my first trophy there for my piano solo. I was in 5th or 6th grade. I was so proud of that trophy!

Well, this year I entered some of my recent knitting projects. People enter everything from produce (fresh and home-canned) to livestock, to arts and crafts. My children entered things, my husband too. Here's some pictures of my winnings. There are (sad to say) not many knitters in this area. So, I got two 1st- place winnings, and one- 2nd place. The little lavender sweater I knit for my youngest daughter, and it's pictured at the top left. It's a simple top down sweater (of course I altered the pattern a bit), and for my efforts and first place, I received $4! WOW! A lot of loot! Hee! Hee!

Next up on the right is a pair of socks (2nd place winners they were). They are knit with Cider Moon Glacier yarn in the Winter Twilight Colorway. I love their yarn, and I hope whatever is brewing at their site is soon settled and done. Now, let me tell you about the sock category for adults (3 entries). The first place socks were pathetic - they were poorly knit (and I'm not being a sore loser, as you'll see if you keep reading). They were made with a self-striping yarn, and I think the judges probably weren't astute enough to realize that the knitter was not making yarn changes - the yarn is just magic. The were scratchy to the touch. YUCK! The third place socks (albeit a big large) were absolutely beautiful (here's where I redeem myself), and should have won first place. So, you see, I really did deserve 2nd place, just not to those crappy, scratchy things, but to the beautiful Paul Bunyan (did I spell that correctly?) socks with the cables.....

Lastly, I entered this little hat that I knitted last winter for my youngest. It won first place - and it was knit in acrylic (did I type that word?) yarn. But she loves it, and she's pleasantly pleased that her hand-knitted items won a prize. You'll once again notice my wonderful photography skills, as evidenced by some part of my hand in the corner of the snap (doesn't "snap" sound English? I just love the English!).

All in all, the fair was fun. My kids got to pet animals, eat lots of healthy food (did I mention that the first night of exhibit entries is 75 cent night?), and generally go to a small, rural fair. It's been part of my heritage since I can remember. And now (drumroll, please) the grand total of my winnings - $9. My pride in the items, and the joy of reminiscing at the fair - priceless!

Some WIP's - FINALLY!

First up - the started Chevron scarf from "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts." I've wanted to knit this for a long time, and as you can read from my last post, I just couldn't find the colors that I wanted for my first time with this scarf and pattern. I just love how it is looking, but I HATE the needles. I'm such a fan of the Addi Turbo's, and I love some of my wooden needles, but not these. I'm clearly going to search for different US #5's on my upcoming vacation. Until then, I just keep chugging away, albeit slowly, in part, because of the needles. The yarn just doesn't glide across them like it does on other needles that I own (even other wooden ones). The yarn that I've chosen is also a bit thinner than most that I've seen being used with this scarf, but I still love it! I am willing to sacrifice a little more time for the beauty of the scarf. Plus, as knitting addicts, we can relate, that when we want to start a project - we want to start it YESTERDAY.....so any dang needles will work.....HA!

Next up, the 1st sock of the Woolgirl sock club. I'm making an executive decision and knitting another round of the lace pattern before I turn the heel....and clenching my teeth throughout both socks, hoping fervently that my yardage will hold out. If not, I believe some extra yarn is available from the club. I just hate it when I have these balls of yarn left after the socks are done. I start thinking how I could have added this or that to the pattern, but didn't for the sake of yardage. That's my great dilemma with sport weight yarn. It still remains my favorite to knit with by far (unless there is some Wollmeise involved). I suppose I should just suck it up, and learn to knit toe-up, but I haven't yet. I'm enjoying this yarn, and it's been a relatively quick knit. I'm enjoying the colors immensely. There is a bit of pooling of the yarn around the cuff - not as visible on this side of the sock, but I do love the colors, and this will be the first pair of socks that I knit just for me. YIPEE!

We had a lovely bike ride today on a local "Rails to Trails" site. My husband estimates the distance to be 5 miles total. There is a really cool tunnel at the end of it - you start off riding into the tunnel, and kind of slowly make your way forward, and ride towards the light at the end. A bit scary (especially if there are some dogs roaming with you, and they cause you to stop abruptly, and your bike grips pierce your calf amidst the darkness), but ultimately fun. A lovely fall day!

I finally found it!

Ok, I've been wanting to do the Chevron Scarf for a couple of weeks.....you know, the one from "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts." Well, I would put together two yarns, and think - "OK, that's it. Those are the colors." Well, I have some color combos that I think will work well, but none that I was totally "WOW" about. Well, these two skeins are totally "WOW!"

They are from Deb at Fearless Fibers. Please visit her shop - the yarn is amazing. The colors are beautiful! It's 100% Superwash Merino, 4 ozs, and 550 yards! Sounds like I'm describing a birth announcement, doesn't it?The two colors are: On the left side - Sublime, on the Right side - Infatuation. They are gorgeous, and I hope that the next time you see them, they will be starting to form that famous chevron scarf that's sweeping the bloglines around the globe.

PS - For your enjoyment, I've added the piano as a background. Sorry about the bright spot in the middle. I think it might be the flash. Really, I need a great place to take pictures. I also need a ball winder and swift. I seem to be stuck on acquiring yarn....Ravelry is not helping matters either......

Spoiler Alert - Woolgirl sock club!

Spoiler alert! Pictures of Woolgirl Sock Club yarn ahead!

I love the whole package! Jen, I am gushing over the colorway (it's so me, I couldn't create anything more lovely). I'm all about the blue and purples....well, hey, I just love color (and yarn, oh my, how I love yarn) period! I love how Jen pays attention to detail (even the tissue paper and ribbon matched the yarn. You're so amazing!

Contents (a bit fuzzy in the picture, more later in the blog about the fuzzies):

A great skein of sportweight (also my fave) of Miss Babs in the "Waterfall" Colorway.

Woolgirl Sock Club Journal with attached pen (how did you know that I lose pens so easily?).

Mint Chocolate Chip lip balm from Naiad Soap Arts - YUM!

Sereknity stitch marker (swarovski crystals included - gorgeous cube bead dangle).

Beautiful pattern (I'm hoping I can accomplish it) designed by Miss Babs.

It was nice to have this package on my doorstep when I arrived home yesterday! I made myself look at all the other mail first...and then opened the package! :) Don't worry, most of the other mail was just junk (and one bill).

I'm picking up some new 12" Addi turbos on order this week from Mad About Ewes. I think these will be my first project on them! :) Here's a close-up (as much as I can do with my little rinky- dink digital camera. DH has the nice camera (OK, he has several), and he's a great photographer. But taking pictures of my yarn is not his idea of enjoyment (Can you imagine). He did have a gig today to do some portraits! I'm excited for him. He really is a talented photographer. Take another peak at the yarn! It's fabulous! I'm working on my other projects so that I can cast this onto my needles this week. I hope to finish my dishcloth shawl (what a name) very soon, as the fall weather is fast approaching. Perfect weather for throwing the shawl over your shoulders! Now I need to start on wool socks for me. I've never knit a pair just for me! Can you believe it!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

No pics, but I just had to comment on the lovely "fallish" weather today. It was so great to sit and knit on Nana's deck, with the warm sunshine, the breeze (a bit brisk), and just peaceful clicking of my knitting needles, my daughters laughing and enjoying my Nana and Aunt Adie. Here's a shout out for our family friend, Noreen - sign up and start a blog - you can do it!
I'm trying my hardest not to have "startitis." I need to finish some projects before putting more on the needles. I am really itching to start the Chevron Scarf from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" but every time I pick a color combination.....well, I decide on another. So today, I might have purchased some lovely yarn on Etsy (don't you just love Etsy), from Fearless Fibers shop. I've never tried her yarn, so depending on my color choices, it may turn out to be the scarf, or some really nice socks. Terrific yardage on her sock skeins - something crazy like 500 yards.....can hardly wait to get it. I've heard rave reviews.
Speaking of waiting......I left home this morning for my DD's soccer game, and haven't been home since. I hope that my Woolgirl sock club package is on the doorstep......What fun! You can check out all the bloggy goodness over at Wool Girl's Sock Club blog.
Tonight is my nephew's college graduation party - must start the pasta salad that's due in less than an hour! Oh MY!!!!
It was still, "a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood." Miss you Mr. Rogers! P.S. He was a frequent commencement speaker at our college for graduation ceremonies!
Hopefully more pics soon! :)

Remembering.....

Nine Years ago today, I married my best friend! It's a hard day for us in some respects. The 911 tragedy in 2001 takes its place in history after the day became our anniversary. I can remember going to dinner in 2001, and after being at work all day, I finally saw the trade towers on the television, and started sobbing, right during the dinner. The fact that I was pregnant didn't really help anything. Who wanted to bring a child into this world of chaos and terror? But alas, I'm so glad that we did!

Today, I want to concentrate on the good things about this day (there are many). We were married on my grandparent's 50th Wedding anniversary - So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Nana and Papa! Today, you celebrate 59! Wohoo!

I remember the whole planning up until this time, and how nervous I was. It was terrible. I wanted a smaller wedding. But now, in retrospect, as I look back at the pictures, and the people who do not share this big earth with us any longer, I'm happy that they could celebrate our day with us! I'm happy that we got married on September 11th. It was a beautiful night (a Friday night), and the music was lovely (string quartet). The flowers and church were all transformed by my talented FIL's hand with the flowers and trees. The service was beautiful and moving. The reception - a total blast! The funny boys who stayed on my little porch stoop until 3:00 or 4:00 am (on my wedding night, mind you), so dear to us! Frank, did you finally eat that WHOLE layer of cake by yourself? :)

And to my DH - you're wonderful! Everything that we've shared these past 9 years has been an adventure. You have been by my side at the worst of times, the best of times, the times where we truck on through the mediocrity of every day living. But the thing is, it's not really mediocre. You make it special. I love you with all of my heart! :)

PS - Perhaps it's the fact that you can lift turtles out of tanks with your bare hands! HA HA HA!

I've Been Invited!

Don't you just love invitations, well most of the time? I really do! I got my http://ravelry.com/ invite yesterday! I'm so excited to see the actual site....I don't even want to think about trying to photograph the stash (that would mean admitting to it all). HA HA HA!

Ok - here's blog question for anyone who might accidently stumble across mine (because I think it's still rather not a popular place). How on earth do I get rid of the whole link address and just list the word (highlighted, of course)......ie. how do I just post the word "Ravelry" and have it link to that site? I'm at a loss (see post about not being the most computer literate person around).

I'm hoping to knit some today, but only time will tell. I may include photos if there's anything to show. We went to a HUGE flea market/antique show yesterday near State College, PA. It was fun, but HOT, HOT, HOT (humid). It totally zapped the knitting urge last night. That and soccer practice and games, football games, church activities, and just buzzing about with kids' activities....well, it's all taken a piece out of the knitting. This week, work will take its fair share......

ETA - a pic of the STR sock. I finally got the Eye of Partidge heel on it, and managed to knit down to the foot of the sock, so now it's lovely knitting to the toe.....I'm thinking if I can knit fast enough that they might be a gift for my MIL's birthday on the 17th (wishful thinking). Psst.....my MIL does't read this blog, so it's OK!

Finally! FO (Finished Object) Alert!

Finally, a FO alert, and a picture to go with it! I finally finished the prayer shawl last night. I am so glad! Glad that I can finally give it to my friend, and glad that I'm back to guiltless knitting, instead of crochet.

And about that knitting - here's how silly I am. I was completely done with the 8 inches of baby-cabled rib on the STR socks (this being the second time I'd knit it already)......I nicely, or so I thought, executed the eye of a partridge heel, but I didn't frame it with some garter stitches, so when I went to PU (pick up) stitches for the gusset, well, there were only 6 places to PU stitches on the one side - creating a nice lacy-looking pick-up. WHICH wouldn't have mattered if I'd done the other side that way, but hey, I'm not that smart to think that far ahead. So I tried, really I did, to rip back to the heel flap, but I just couldn't manage to get my sock back on the needles, and so I RIPPED IT! Yep, right back to the begining. SIGH. I'm still working on achieving the 8 inches (although I felt guilty every time I worked on it - see prayer shawl above) of the leg. I hope to get these socks off the needles soon!

The Blog Ate My Earring!

I wonder if the title of this blog entry could be used as an excuse for an art student? However, it is not very funny! I finally decided at 5:00pm today to do some beading. I should mention that beading is often done best in natural light. Fall is fast approaching, and natural light is starting to fade earlier, especially near 5:00pm, EST. Then there' s the issue of dinner (I won't even admit what we ate) near that time. Lastly, my youngest wanted to make her own necklace and bracelet too! I can't discourage the arts at this young, impressionable age. My oldest looked at us in disgust (she's a tomboy), and stomped upstairs to read.

I (or rather we) plowed along. Beading (at least for me) is the fine art of putting something together, ripping it out at least 3-4 times (bare minimum), and finally getting a result that you are happy with. Once the main piece (usually the necklace) is finished, it's often easy to create a bracelet and earrings to match....creating a set! Tonight, I thought, "Great! I've finally got a beaded set to post on the blog!" So I rushed upstairs to get the camera. On my way down to the outside and minimal light source, (now about 7:30pm), I lost an earring! UGH! Silly me - why am I rushing to post this on my blog! I spent the next 15 minutes on hands and knees hunting for the earring (natural light source fading fast). At long last I found it - it was outside too. To sum up this sad and pathetic tale - no photo of the earrings. But the necklace and bracelet are at the top left.

Stats: Lampwork bead (focal point) - purchased at a bead show in Philadelphia 2 years ago.

Swarorski Crystals - Smoked Topaz color.

Tiger's Eye pebbles.

Fresh Water Pearls - Dyed dark blue in color.

Lime green seed beads.

Gold-filled findings.

P.S. In case you are reading, and worried that there is no fiber content in this post, I may have purchased some SUNDARA yarn today (I can hardly wait). I hear this stuff is fabulous! I promise to post pics when it arrives!

A Sock Affair

I promised myself I'd just get the prayer shawl done. It's progressing nicely. I want to have it finished this weekend, but I've got so many things I want to KNIT, not crochet! UGH! So, to satisfy my knitting self, I worked on my STR sock tonight (GASP - a sock affair). The lighting for picture-taking was terrible tonight, with thunderstorms and such. My current photo of the sock is not the best....not that my photo-taking skills are that advanced anyway. This is an old shot, a couple of inches ago (sock inches, I must clarify). My DH, now he's the real photographer! Seriously, he's extremely talented with his camera! I digress.

I completed the rest of the leg on my STR Pebbles sock in the medium weight sock yarn. Gosh, this yarn is awesome! What a wonderful yarn base! The leg measures about 8 inches, and it's done in the Baby Cable Rib Pattern. It looks as though it would fit only my big toe, but it stretches nicely, and the stitch definition is great with this yarn!

Other than that, I'm just waiting for Friday, and the long Labor Day weekend (in which I am NOT working)! YEAH!

The Wicked Step-Sister!

Well, I needed to make a prayer shawl, and I needed to make it quickly. One thing I am not is a quick knitter. I mentioned before that I was what's known as a "thrower." I do not knit "continental" style, and even American style knitting just doesn't work well for me, although I do wrap the yarn around the pinkie on my right hand and it feeds from there. I really don't have issues with varying tension so much with being a "thrower," despite what I've read about the "horrors" of having this label. You wouldn't believe the stuff I've read. Real self-esteem boosters they are: "You'll never reach your full knitting potential if you don't try to hold the needles and yarn like this." GEEZ! At first, being a relative newbie, I was a bit disconcerted. You know, I want to reach my FULL potential, being the Type A personality that I am. But then I realized that my tension greatly varied, my hands hurt, my neck hurt, all trying to please someone in a book with the way that I hold the yarn and knit! So, now, I'm doing my own thing, a semi-version of the American way to knit. And the funny thing is that it feels natural to me. The even cooler thing was that my Nana (a knitter from way back), was watching me knit one night, and she remarked that I held my yarn and needles just like she used to do (Sadly, trigger fingers and arthritis don't allow her to knit anymore). Now, that's something to boost my self-esteem. I knit like my Nana! :)

I've gotten a bit diverted from this post title. I really need to get a prayer shawl to my friend Ev. She's been recently diagnosed with a mass on her colon and spots on her liver - no definitive cancer diagnosis yet. So, I started a prayer shawl on Sunday - this is it so far. I've finished one skein and three more yet to crochet! It's a basic prayer shawl pattern, and a very simple double crochet stitch involved. Minimal tutelage from my crocheting guru mother. It all comes back so easily. I can definitely crochet faster than I knit............but the bottom line still remains - Crochet is like the wicked step-sister. I say that in all jest, because I've seen some beautifully crocheted pieces of art. BUT, I still love my knitting the best! If I had more time, Ev would receive a knitted shawl. I feel the urgent need to get this to her as soon as possible. So a crocheted one she will receive! WICKED!

Quince Socks - Finished!

Yeah! Here they are in all their glory! Quince socks finished. How do you like the little sheep on my coffee table? Speaking of coffee tables - why is there no coffee on the table if it's called a coffee table? Where's the logic in that? Does anyone else ever think of these things, or is it only me? Since I don't get many comments, I expect it may only be me.......

The stats: Fiesta Boomerang Yarn

Size #3 Addi Turbo 40" needles

Started - July 26, 2007, Finished August 26, 2007....pathetic time-frame! I'm a bit distracted lately (see previous posts about too much work).

So, whilst I had some daylight time (no working today - still taking ibuprofen for my upper back)......I also photographed this shawl I've been working on. Now, I started this shawl back in the end of May. I bought the lovely yarn at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival from Dancing Leaf Farm, and thought I had enough yarn. It's their Rhumba yarn in the Mermaid colorway. Well, one skein just wasn't enough (I originally knit it in stockinette stitch). So I called the owner, Dalis, and she mailed me another skein - but not quite the same variant of the colorway, so I just alternate the yarn every other row, and also switched to a garter stitch pattern. I call it my dishcloth shawl, because way back before I could even purl, I made these little yarn-over (yo) dishcloths out of cotton yarn. I could pump those babies out pretty quickly....this shawl, not so quickly. But I love the colors, and it's an easy knit, allowing me to watch a movie or TV while knitting. The only problem is that it is very thick merino wool - thicker than worsted weight, and well, the weather is very humid. So I almost feel like I'm perspiring while knitting it. Notice the choice word "perspiring" instead of the alternatives......

So, yesterday, I did not do much in the form of housework. But I did stuff all (ok, 95%) of my sock yarn into ziplock baggies and put them back into their storage. I am currently reading some new knitting books, recently acquired from Knit Picks (more about their book sale in another post), and I got scared of a possible moth infestation......you never know if it will happen, and I don't want any sock yarn destroyed because I didn't protect it! So today, I'm cleaning up the rest of that room, if my back allows......

Now, to start another sock or maybe to work on the ones I already have cast-on in the Pebbles colorway from STR (Socks That Rock). Oh, the choices are endless!

The peaches are done.....and a little knitting!

Check out these peaches! 26 gorgeous quarts of them! Hey, my back is killing me, but that's another story. 12 days of work in a row, makes for stress in the back. The ibuprofen is helping. The canning, not so much. But you can guarantee that I will appreciate these jars in the dead of winter!

I've gotten a bunch of stuff via the post in the past week or so. So check out this line-up of Wollmeise! The lighting (even though it's natural) doesn't quite capture the intensity and the color contrast, as in person. The first two skeins on the left are Gewitterhimmel - a beautiful blue with some hints of a greenish blue (not captured by the pic). They are for a shawl someday. The middle skein is that wicked (in a good way) Poison #5! It's a great fuchsia and black combo! It rocks! The next is Am Kalten Polar, and finishing off with a skein of Pfauenauge. I bought all of these skeins, with the exception of the Pfauenauge (http://theloopyewe.com/), from Claudia directly from Germany. I love international post, and Claudia was super-speedy. She's wonderful in conducting her business. The price for the total yarn direct from Germany (skein plus shipping) equals that which we pay for a skein here in the US, so not a bad deal!

I also hit Knit Picks book sale, but more on that later! For now, I'll leave you with this closing picture of the slow progression of my 2nd Quince Sock. I hope to finish it this weekend, thus ending the SSS that so many of us suffer from!

A Mother's Lament

Wow - working on my 12 th day of work in a row, no real knitting progress, although I knit the heel flap and turned the heel last night on the 2nd Quince sock. So, practically no knitting news.

Tonight was back to school night for my eldest, who is starting a grand adventure. I don't like to reveal too much about my personal life, but after the school orientation tonight, I feel completely inadequate to help her with this new adventure. She has special needs, but can function somewhat independently. Tonight however, I worry that I'll be able to "let go" properly. You know, the old mothering instincts kick in. I could feel myself tearing up in the one classroom, as I persistenly explained to all the new teachers about my daughter. She's a joy, but oh my, how I fret and worry (mostly needlessly)! She'll do fine, but what about me? How do I let go of things to make her stronger? How do I teach her about the world that I've protected her from for so long? How do I tell her that most days, I feel lost too? I don't know. Again, I don't have the words. I feel so inadequate, yet I know that she has made me a better person, and I'm proud to be her mother.

Now, will somebody help me loosen my grip? In my heart, I know that this is a good thing for us. Growth always hurts a little, but God is good. However, I still think I could arm wrestle the Incredible Hulk (dating myself with that reference) and win (that's how tight my grip is sometimes)...........

Stay tuned - I'm hoping for some pictures of knitting progress this weekend. Or maybe there might be some peaches that need to be canned (and some tomatoes too). Never a dull moment. The upside of these activities - gripping can be good, even encouraged (with canning of course, not the knitting)!

Finally - A Post and Some Pics

Ok - here's the deal. It's been horrendous, this being my 9th day of work in a row! I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally. Today I came home from work, and I went to bed. You know, nice damp, rainy weather, warm blanket, kids aren't home yet, and DH still at work. Well, DH brings the kids home, and cooks supper for us all (I'm still sleeping). How blessed I am! He's amazing! Tonight and last night I got to knit a little of the second Quince sock - hopefully pictured to your left - but you never know with my blogging skills. It might be at the top. We'll see. (It's at the left - YEAH!)! But it's coming along nicely, and I'm ready to start the heel. So, don't fret Adie! They'll hopefully be done by the time you arrive in September.

Also up on the pics - the sweater I started at jury duty selection in July (I have not worked on this on a regular basis since then). It's bright pink (Peruvian Pink, to be exact), and it's Nature Spun Worsted - "The American Work Horse." What a name! It's a simple top down sweater, and I love to knit this pattern. I can actually watch TV while happily knitting along. I have one of these sweaters finished in Platte Blue for my youngest. It's really nice. Hopefully this one will look nice on my neice, with her dark hair and blue eyes! :)

So tonight I bugged out of going to the movies with my friends from book club...I was just too tired (see pathetic story above). They were going to see "Becoming Jane." This month, we are reading the final installment of the Harry Potter Series. I'm rather impressed that we have book club and craft night in such a rural area! Again, I'm blessed.

Seeing a this has been a rather lame post, I'll end now. Hope you are all getting some knitting done and enjoying the last days of summer! I'm working, in case you were wondering.......

Frog City - Rippit!

So, there's a word in every knitter's vocabulary (one that I don't enjoy saying, let alone using), and I had to use it the other night. Not only did I use the term, but I performed it. FROGGING! For those of you who are "muggles," this means that I had to rip the project I was doing, either back to a certain point in the knitting, or completely rip the whole knitting project back to the beginning. I, being the totally talented knitter that I am, did the latter.

So, the second Quince sock is now officially back on the needles, and the 1x1 ribbing is complete. Thank heavens, because I'm what's known as a "thrower." More about that term in another blog discussion. Muggles, stay tuned.

I'm a little disgusted with myself, as I can't always fix my mistakes, and lose some knitting time because of it. But hey, I didn't even know the purl stitch last summer, so we are making progress!Sometimes a little dropped stitch is easily fixable, this was not. Magic loop involved too.

I'll try to post more pics (and click and drag them to their rightful place in my blog) soon. This is day #6 of work this week, and I only have one patient to see tomorrow, so hey - maybe some knitting time and photo time in my future. Tomorrow is my eldest daughter's birthday! So we have a picnic planned (with cake and other fattening stuff).


So for now - Frogger out...............

When there are no words.....

My soul aches tonight as I type. My sweet friend has a mass on her colon and liver, and they are not sure if it is cancer or not, and she is only in her mid-forties (as if age makes any type of cancer better). I don't have the words. I simply don't. The older I get, the more I think I don't understand anything anymore. Take nothing for granted. Live every day to the fullest. Rejoice in the fact that you can breathe, love, and laugh. Those phrases all seem somewhat hollow and empty in the face of suffering and pain.


Evelyn - you're in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace in this situation. Know that your friends love and cherish you, even when we don't have the words........

Sometimes it's all about the tomatoes.......

Isn't this picture gorgeous? My DH took it a couple of weeks ago, and we are now consuming the nicely ripened fruit of this exact plant. I love this time of year for this very reason! YUM! My boss brought some yummy tomatoes into the office for sharing, and I had some fresh cucumbers for a snack today too!

I'm planning on attending our local craft night tomorrow - it's the closest thing to a SNB group that we have. Not everyone knits, but it's cool to be with people who are crafty, or who aspire to greatness through craft.

Off to eat more tomatoes. I didn't mention anything about chocolate did I? No knitting content either. No, because sometimes, it really is all about the tomatoes.............

Christmas in August

Blogging time was limited this weekend, as as we were very busy! We went to see a show at a relatively close theatre (relative can be a pretty expansive term to use in rural PA). It was wonderful, and we had a lot of fun! A great thing about the trip to the theatre (that phrase reminds me of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"), was that I had some knitting time in the car. So, I completed this sock (just so you don't think I just purchase yarn and not knit it - because I do knit it eventually). This is the first sock knit with Fiesta Boomerang yarn.....in the "Quince" Colorway. The sock is a bit "long in the foot" for me (which is a good thing - because it is not for me). I've been a very good girl and cast on the second sock right away to avoid the dreaded second sock syndrome (SSS). Notice that it's hanging on one of our tomato plants in this picture - if I uploaded it correctly! Hee hee! How do you like it Adie? It's for you (photo in the center - well sort of center).

So, you can imagine my surprise when we arrived home later in the evening to find not one, but two packages of awaited yarn in the mail (all relative to the fact that we live in rural PA, and it doesn't take much to excite a person). It truly was like Christmas, although not a flake, of snow that is, was in sight.

The first package (photo on the left) contained a lovely skein of Zen String's SerendipityFingering Weight Sock Yarn in the lovely "Lufaloo" colorway. Zen String is fabulous - gorgeous colors and a terrific yarn base. Wonderful service from Angelina. I highly recommend her yarn!

Next package up for review (photo on the right, well sort of) - a great new item (Sounds like "The Price is Right" - doesn't it)! The first installment of Chewy Spaghetti's Sock Yarn Club - a wonderful skein of "Frivolous" in Sport Weight (my favorite sock weight as of now), a great little pin, and fabulous hand-made project bag, just perfect for socks! The bag even matches the yarn - very sassy! This is my first sock club (although I've signed up for the Woolgirl sock club too, which will commence in September. So, I'm very excited. I may even venture into knitting these "Frivolous" socks toe-up (this will be completely new for me).

So all, in all, it seemed a bit like Christmas in August, for all the above mentioned reasons. And we had a great picnic tonight with my brother and his family. See below note about not so great food choices.....it applies here to this picnic, and most of the food consumed on Saturday's trip. The company was fab on both days though!

P.S. We are not talking about the exercise, because it didn't happen at all this weekend, and we are not even going to talk about the food choices, or lack of willpower in making the food choices! :(
Back on the bandwagon this week!

P.S. #2 Obviously I'm having issues with uploading these pics - not only does it take a long time, but they all end up at the top. Notice I'm not very computer "savvy", or I would be able to figure out how to move them around in the blog, which was my original intent.

Wollmeise on the Way!

I've decided it's pretty hard to keep the complete content of this blog devoted to knitting and the fiber arts (well, I don't spin yet, but there is a spinning wheel in my house), as you can tell by the last entry. It's horrendously hot around here, and last night, I was actually sweating while knitting the Dancing Leaf Shawl. It's a pretty thick Merino yarn, thicker than worsted weight, and in my humble, relative newbie opinion, it's more of a bulky yarn. But it is a real pleasure to knit. You can check out their yarn at http://www.dancingleaffarm.com/ One can also buy the yarn at http://woolgirl.net/index.html Jen at Woolgirl doesn't carry the exact type of yarn that I'm knitting, but she carries different varieties of their wool, and has a nice selection. She's super nice to shop with!


On to the title of this post - I have four skeins of Wollmeise superwash sock yarn on the way! WOW! I can hardly wait! I ordered a skein from Sheri at The Loopy Ewe (http://www.theloopyewe.com/), another one of my favorite on-line yarn stores. I fell in love with this yarn. I haven't knit with it yet, but the colors are just fabulous! I take it out every day and just stare at it! I've heard people complain that it does twist a bit when you knit, but the colors are so fab, that sometimes things like that can be overlooked for the overall good of the project! It's a fabulous 500 + yards (almost 600). For those of you who missed Wollmeise at the Loopy Ewe, I think it's easy to order directly from Claudia at Wollmeise. It's the same cost, even with overseas shipping. Don't get me wrong, I love The Ewe, and I love Sheri, I'm just saying, this yarn is IN DEMAND. It didn't last 3 hours on the Ewe site when it was posted. Amazing! So, if you feel the need to get some before Sheri's next stocking, it's not that hard to do! But in your spare time - please support The Ewe! :)

I'm trying to get my DH to photo my projects to post, but just so you are aware, the pics take about 12 minutes each to download (love me the dial-up connection).



P.S. I did my work-out tonight, with all this heat - 30 minutes - walked 2 miles with Leslie Sandsone. I don't feel like anything is happening yet, but I'm sleeping a bit better! On to laundry and knitting (some smaller project tonight).

Knitting and exercising (not at the same time)

So, not much knitting time this weekend. I did add a few rows to the shawl, the Fiesta socks, and the top-down sweater. As you can see, I'm not always prolific in pumping out the FO's around here. To me, that's ok for some people. I try to enjoy the knitting process for what it is. Of course I enjoy wearing and gifting the FO's. But really, if I just rush through a project, I don't enjoy it nearly as much.

We had family visiting from Virginia, and we love to see them, so we spent some time visiting, playing raquetball, and family games! FUN! Oh, did I mention that we forgot to say that we ate - we always eat. This is becoming a problem as I begin to creep towards 40 - it starts adding weight! The weight doesn't come off as fast as it used to when I was 20. I didn't even think about my weight when I was 20! It's the usual lament. So I have started (maybe if I announce it publicly, or at least to my conscious, because I don't know if people can find this blog yet) to exercise yet again. I want to follow through with it. I definitely do sleep better, and feel better when I do exercise. So, last week was good - got at least 20 minutes of exercise every day, some days 30, some days 50+. It a concious choice, but definitely not an easy one at times.

I wonder if they make small weights in the shape of knitting needles or say measuring tapes? Maybe adding bricks to your finished socks? And use them during your workouts? Would that make us want to exercise more?

Inaugural Post

Well, this is the inaugural post of my knitting blog. I'm still figuring out settings and the like. So, hopefully it will get more exciting. I'm not sure how things will work, since I still live in dial-up land, although not by choice. DSL is coming, or so it is promised.
This blog will mostly be about my knitting/fiber life. So, off we go! I'm hoping to figure out how to do pictures soon! I love pictures of knitting, and reading knitting blogs in general.

Currently on the needles (it's a bit embarrassing to admit how many projects I do at one time, and each of them do get some attention at some point during the week). I'm not monogamous when it comes to my knitting. I have several projects on-the-go, so to speak. So without further ado:

Socks that Rock in the "Pebbles" Colorway - Baby Cable Rib Pattern Sock.
Fiesta Boomerang in the "Quince" Colorway - in a rib patterned sock.
What I call a "Dish-Cloth" Shawl, in some lovely yarn from Dancing Leaf Farm in the "Mermaid" Colorway.
Top-Down knit sweater (for my niece) in Nature Spun's Peruvian Pink.
And lastly, a sweater that I started, but haven't worked much on - a Lion Brand (yes I did say Lion Brand) in their Cotton Ease for my daughter - it's a striped cardi - a free pattern when I purchased the yarn.
Hopefully I can get pictures of each project up on the blog soon.

So my question to you is: Do you have several projects on the needles at once, or are you a monogamous knitter?