Knotty Knitty Kris Knits! (Say THAT Five Times Fast!)

Blogging Hiatus

2008-10-29T09:36:00.002-05:00

I won't be blogging for awhile. :) Things are busy here, family is keeping me busy, my health is keeping me busy, and I'm knitting to keep me busy at home, at dr appointments, and when picking up kids from various activities. I haven't been on Ravelry even. Yikes, and I really, really love Ravelry. I've been lax on two swap partners, and I ashamedly just sent out the last two packages to my pals...a month late. That's bad...and I've always been a great swap person to count on. Sounds silly, but I like to be dependable and be counted on.

I guess I'm trying to set priorities in the midst of turmoil, and just need to take a break from extracurricular activities right now, and trust God in all things! He is always good. :) And, I need to write some very apologetic and sincere notes to my swap pals for their waiting.

September Update

2008-09-17T04:49:00.002-05:00

It's been a month since I blogged! My how time flies. So, this is my "update", as I still don't have the time right now to blog, to "Ravelize", and such. :) Soon enough, I will. :)

1. Knitting is my friend. I'm on my 2nd BSJ with ShibuiKnits and Koigu. No pics yet! Also, working on a 2nd sock (hence second sock syndrome will be licked in the butt), and then it's onto fingerless mitts, scarves and hats for my Greenlandic son's family (Christmas). No matter what, and although I don't have much time, my knitting is with me. I haven't had time to begin my MS 4 project, but it's all in a project bag, along with clues 1 and 2...just waiting. And, at the moment, I've been tagged by a team member for DishRagTag, and I'm "IT". My dishcloth goes out today to a team member, too. Go Knitting Aces! :)

2. My eldest son had a rollover auto accident this weekend while out of state, on his way to NG training. He fell asleep at the wheel early in the morning, while raining, and flipped his 20 year old Jeep a few times. God saw that it was NOT his time to leave this world, as he's OK. :)
He looks like he's been beaten with the "ugly stick", as he's black and blue, with lots of cuts, scrapes and bruises. He moves like a 100 year old man, but he's fine. Of course, when he's recuperated, I'll give him the mom speech, sort of a "what were you thinking?!!!!" with a motherly whack on the side of the head. :) Not really.

3. Kiddos are back in school. The youngest is at a private Christian school this year, and it's working well for everyone. HS Jr is homeschooled and taking online classes, Eldest is taking local college courses, and our exchange student son is at the public high school. I've never been more busier in my life, and that's including when I was working full time as a RN!

4. I love, love, love being a host mom. R is an awesome young man from Greenland, and we're blessed to have him as a part of our family. More on this to come later.

5. Time for me to send out packages for SP12 and Yarn Thing swaps, and I have a few things to mail out for a few swapees (PIF, a cool mug for someone else, etc).

Yikes! It's 6 am, and it's time for me to get going. Enjoy Fall, Y'all!!!!!

Off the Missouri, and a Big Thank You to my SP12 Pal!

2008-08-18T07:11:00.005-05:00

I'm off to Missouri today, to see my eldest son graduate from Basic Training/AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood...it's a 17 hr trip by car. I have plenty of knitting (dishcloths, 1st BSJ and video, and socks) to keep me entertained, and my iPod is loaded and charged. I won't be online probably till next weekend, around the 25th. :) Also, our Greenlandic son, Rene, arrives later today, but I won't be able to meet him till I return! :( He'll be with us for a year. :)

I received some wonderful swap packages, noted on my Ravelry forum boards, but this is a thank you to my SP12 Pal, whom is very secretive, without ANY clues to her whereabouts! I like mysteries. I have lovely, lovely yarn, a handmade dishcloth/washcloth, notecards and gummy bears (Yum1). Thank you, thank you! I enjoy the colorways you've chosen for me. :)

I've been knitting quite a few facial cloths. This is one of them:

It's addictive, especially with the luscious cottons now available!

August 9th...and where do the days go?

2008-08-09T06:13:00.004-05:00

KnitPicks CotLin...one of my new favorites for washcloths, and below...Rowan Pure Life.

It's ALREADY August?!!!!! Where did the summer go? One minute I'm planning what to do, what to reorganize, what to knit, what to do on the lazy dazy crazy days of summer...then ..... school is about to begin. Oh My.
As you can see, I haven't taken many pictures recently. I've been knitting facial cloths and even dishcloths, and now...a swiffer cover (free pattern).

Things are hectic with kid's camp, church activities, and etc...and my knitting is well, but not worthy of photos (how many striking photo ops of dishcloths can you dream up?). However, I will attempt to photograph something to put up here. On Ravelry, I've been involved in the Knitters Holiday Swaps, Handmade Soap and Washcloth swap, the Caffeine Addict swap, and a few other things. For my Caffeine Addict swap pal, I whipped up a Cabled Mug Cozy in Noro Kureyon...so cute, that I need to make one for myself. However, the one I sent to my pal is a bit tall, so she may have to use it on a LARGE mug, or a travel mug. I'll adjust mine to fit my oh-so-wonderful Longaberger coffee mugs.
Yarns I'm using for various facial cloths (too nice to be called washcloths!) are...Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton and Skinny cotton (my very, very favorite cottons), KnitPicks CotLin, Louet Euroflax (not enjoying the feel of this while on the needles...but I'll press on), and Rowan Pure Life, another organic cotton, naturally dyed.

SP12 Question #9

2008-08-06T08:54:00.001-05:00

Here's the question of the week:

In many communities, "the fair" is a great place to visit and spend
time with your family. It's also where many have entered one product
or another (jams, cakes, even knitting)...

Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair?
Would you ever consider it?

This is a short answer. No, I've never knit for the fair...and no, I have no desire. :)
Although, I do enjoy seeing the entries!

My Birthday Entry...

2008-07-31T21:44:00.003-05:00

July 31

Yesterday
Tomorrow

1498

Columbus arrived at the island of Trinidad.

1777

The Marquis de Lafayette became a major-general in the American Continental Army.

1790

The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins of Vermont for a process of making fertilizer.

1875

Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, died in Tennessee.

1954

Mount Godwin-Austen (K2), the world's second-highest peak, was climbed for the first time, by an Italian team led by Ardito Desio.

1963 I was born!

1964 The U.S. space probe Ranger 7 transmitted pictures of the Moon’s surface.

SP12 Question of the Week...

2008-07-30T15:53:00.001-05:00

"What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening?''

nothing I have to cook or prepare (leftovers, going out to dinner for a salad, cheese and crackers, or even a bowl of cereal). Truth.

I'm in Yarn Love

2008-07-29T20:35:00.003-05:00

This is a short entry...regarding...of all things...cotton. Yup, cotton. It's my "new love" for cranking out dishcloths and facial cloths (aka washcloths).

I mentioned earlier that I ordered some Louet Euroflax, Blue Sky Cotton, Peaches n Creme cotton, and KnitPicks CotLin. I've knit up one skein of Blue Sky Cotton and the Cot Lin. The CotLin is ....nice. HOWEVER, the Blue Sky Cotton...is absolutely heavenly and soft. Sigh. I'm glad I have 3 skeins, and now I need to order the skinny cotton. Today.
Edited a few hours later: Skinny Cotton, Cotton, and Organic Blue Sky ordered. Done. Happy. :)

OH MY....AN INSTANT CHOCOLATE FIX IN A MUG!

2008-07-26T08:57:00.002-05:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons cake flour(that’s plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)
a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Mwaahhaaahhaaahhaaahhaaa!

Fabulous Fiber Friday

2008-07-25T06:04:00.002-05:00

A contented sigh...it's finally Friday! I am tired, but happy.

In my little fiber world:

still haven't stitched seams on Lace Hem Topping. It scares me, a bit.
a package from WEBS arrived...with Louet Euroflax, and 4 skeins of Blue Sky Organic Cotton in various colors. These skeins are all for my new knitting mojo of knitting face cloths.
I had to rip, rip, and rip out my Central Air sock heel flap. Why? 2 reasons: First, I followed the simple pattern wrong, and it took me a long time to figure it out...and it was such a simple mistake...and Second...I was knitting while waiting 3 hours to speak to our local school board to see if an exchange student from Greenland could visit us for the school year in our home. I knit SO tight that I couldn't even get the needle in the knit fabric. Anyway, the knitting kept me calm, sort of, so by the time my turn came to speak, I was prayed up and ready for whatever the decision was. As soon as I got home, I ripped out the tighter-than-you-could-imagine heel flap, and now it's all OK. :)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2008-07-24T05:03:00.006-05:00

Time for an update in my corner of the world. No photos. At the moment. I put my photos on my downstairs computer, but use the laptop upstairs in bed, after sending hubby off to work at 5 am. It's the nicest time of the day. :)
Updates (no particular order)

I HAVEN"T seamed my Lace Hem Topping shell. Why? Procrastination, and the fact that I haven't seamed a garment before, except for a swatch during a finishing class at LYS awhile ago. I'm a chicken.
Still plugging along on the Central Air sock #2. I must be stressed, because my heel flap is REAL tight.
I've got startitis for some round lace wash cloths. DishandWashClothMania is an enabler site...as well as all the Dishcloth and Cloth forum groups on Ravelry.
This is our last week that Mayeul, our 16 yr old French exchange student is with us. I'm already sad, as he's a delight to have in our home. He doesn't leave till Monday, but I'm already grieving his departure. :)
On the other hand...tonight I speak before our town's school board to see if they allow an exception to the number of foreign exchange student in the high school, and allow Rene from Greenland (yes, Greenland) to stay the year with us. It's all in God's hands and timing if He wants us to host Rene this year.
Our geriatric chicken, Sonja, has decided that red OR green tomatoes taste delicious, and I'm at war with her. :) The garden tomatoes are MINE!
VBS aka Day Camp begins next week. I'm a craft person along with a fabulously talented, sweet and godly woman named Jen. I'm looking forward to spending time with the kids. It's a 9-4 camp for the kids; for me...leave the house at 7:30 am, get home around 5 pm. Not my usual schedule!
Summer is going by WAY too quickly. I have so many "to do" projects and such.
I've typed up a "Count Your Blessings sheet for the ladies in my Monday night Ladies Encouragement group at church...a blank sheet with a list of 100 spaces to fill. Do you know this song? It was the idea behind this particular devotion topic that I'll share in a few weeks with the group.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
Are you ever burdened
With a load of care
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear
Count your many blessings
Every doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven
Nor your home on high
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
So, amid the conflict
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged
God is over all
Count your many blessings
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done

- Words by Johnson Oatman, 1897

What my cats would love to do...

2008-07-23T10:02:00.001-05:00

SP 12 Question #6

2008-07-23T09:52:00.002-05:00

What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit? Anywhere, anytime, any place. Favorite: on my deck, kids aren't fighting, I'm watching the birds, garden, etc. Cool or warm...but not humid or too hot. Iced tea or coffee or hot coffee at hand. Other favorite places: lake house, big easy chair in the winter, or anywhere.

What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting? Coffee. Quiet house, or at least, laughing and playing vs. whining or such (I have teens). A good movie...for me, not for the kids. The most perfect setting: time to knit. Again, anywhere, anytime.

SP12 Question #6

2008-07-17T04:44:00.002-05:00

What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/
vacation?

I take a few/many projects..."in case" I run out of things to work on. :) It has never happened yet. I take socks, a larger WIP (sweater, etc.) and perhaps something I need to concentrate on (lace, cabling, etc). The socks stay in my bag, always. My favorite take alongs are socks and lace. So I always have SOMETHING to knit!
You NEVER know where you need to wait.

If you'd like to share a story…Tell us about a time that you packed
too much knitting or were stranded without knitting.

I just always pack too much knitting, so I'm NOT stranded without knitting. Being stranded without knitting is just too painful, drives me crazy, and is a waste of good knitting time. :)
No particular story comes to mine right now, but hubby doesn't blink an eye anymore when I bring lace on our Florida vacation to the beach and knit.

2008-07-12T06:02:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite sites... icanhascheezburger.com

SP12 Question #5

2008-07-09T09:41:00.001-05:00

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday? Outer Banks, NC (we have a cottage there in Kitty Hawk) and Anna Maria Island, FL (where my parents have a condo right across from the Gulf of Mexico, and you can see Tampa Bay out the back door). Third...lake house here in NH.

2) Where is one place you'd like to go? Scotland, all of it. Especially where my distant relatives live in the Glasgow/Rutherglen area (great grandmother came over via boat and Ellis Island). Besides, I'd love to visit a small village, have lots of knitting, and have a restful vacation. :)

Have You Ever...

2008-07-08T05:50:00.003-05:00

Have you ever browsed an online yarn store, look up a pattern, check out a colorway, take a quick look at patterns on Ravely, or read someone's blog, and all of a sudden...

see a pattern that you MUST knit...

even if you have much already on the needles?

Sigh.

I went to JKnits and innocently looked up a colorway from a skein of great sock yarn I received (noted in previous blog post). Then I saw it.

The Fall 2008 pattern for the Garter Diamond Sweater. It's a must knit for me. Now to seek and search if it's available yet...or if I must wait. :)

Knitting Tidbits, Long Weekend, and Fresh Corn on the Cob

2008-07-07T04:31:00.015-05:00

Happy Belated Fourth of July! I spent the long weekend at Lake Kolelemook at the lake house here in New Hampshire, which is close to Lake Sunapee. What glorious weather we had! Friends, food, fishing (for the kids) and plenty of knitting time.

OH, and here's a photo of Sonja, the "guard chicken" who tries to keep the chipmunks away from "her" birdfeeder. Too funny. :) And, I have 10 tomato plants with nice fruit just growing and hopefully will be harvested when ripe, and before the "woodland creatures" find them!

One of the highlights at the lake:

Watching a mom and dad horned pout guarding their nest of fry (can you see them?)

Another highlight: 9 yo catching bullfrogs and sunnies.

Knitting news:

I'm still plugging along on my Lace Hem Topping

New Bag Alert: Namaste Laguna in Peacock arrived from The Loopy Ewe!

I also became a Loopy in the Loopy Groupies with my latest purchase. I received as a surprise the following: a Loopy Ewe Red Project Tote, a skein of J.Knits sock yarn, & a Loopy Ewe keychain.

A Knitter's Holiday Swap box from SaucyMinx of Ravelry arrived! July is Ice Cream Month! I received: gorgeous hand-dyed lace weight yarn (interpretation of Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby flavor), equally gorgeous sock yarn in a beautiful dark cherry colorway (Cherry Garcia flavor), Trader Joe's Vanilla Wafers with Madagascar vanilla beans (Vanilla flavored ice cream with real vanilla bean specks). I also received 2 milk chocolate Dove bars, and a Dunkin Donuts coffee gift card. My pal hit the nail on the head with this wonderful swap box and her interpretations of my 3 favorite ice cream flavors was ingenious! Thank you, SaucyMinx!!!!

Farewell Tobywankanobi aka Toby the Big Pup

2008-07-02T14:06:00.004-05:00

Today Toby, the kids and I took a trip to the Veterinarian's office. It was a one way trip for Toby, the 13 yr old Shepherd mix, who has battled degenerative hips and fought the good battle, but he was unable to be mobile and in quite a bit of pain for the past few months although he always had a cheery disposition in spite of it all. So, after a good, long cry on the trip home afterwards, I'm going to knit and think of good memories.

SP 12 Question #4

2008-07-02T12:41:00.003-05:00

The "perfect sized" stash was a tough question for many of you to answer. Maybe these stash related questions will be easier:

1) What yarn (that you don't have/haven't used) would make your stash"complete"? What an open question! Let me think...Hand Maiden Sea Silk (so lovely!), Shibui sock yarn, Wollmiese (so hard to find...but I'm on the hunt!).

2) What yarn do you never want to be without? I think I just really need to have natural yarns near me at all times. :) My favorites: Cherry Tree Hill for socks,Zephyr Laceweight Wool/Silk for lace, Cascade 220 for felting, and I like all of my stash yarn equally and I can't think of favorites right now.

Is It Really July?

2008-07-02T04:46:00.006-05:00

Yes, it IS July. Wow, where does the summer go? Garden is growing well, and hubby just constructed trellises for my runner beans and I'll be attempting to convince my cukes and tomatoes to use the trellis as well (thanks to Square Foot Gardening).

We have now had 2 days without rain, and I'm thankful. We've been spending time on the deck and I enjoy the new "room" that it seems to have become.

In knitting news, I've completed the back of the Lace Hem Topping, and working on the front.
I'm really trying/attempting to finish some UFOs this summer, despite wanting to cast on about a half dozen new projects! I have also a new knitting bag on it's way to me:

Meet Namaste's Laguna bag in Peacock:

The bag "seemed" to jump into my cart at The Loopy Ewe while I was shopping for my SP12 Pal. This is one of my favorite knitting shops online...the selection and service is awesome.

I also have a confession of sorts. Yesterday, I gathered my yarn goodies (aka stash) and placed them in 78qt totes. The yarn was discreetly hidden in and about my eldest son's room aka knitting room aka computer room while he's been at college, and now at Engineer School/Army training in Missouri. He comes home late August, and will want "his" room back. Sigh. So I brewed a cup of coffee, and started collecting the yarn and placing it in totes, before relocating my stash to stack neatly in my large closet.

My yarn filled up 6 totes, and various containers. Yes, it did. I believe I can knit quite a few sweaters, outfit myself and family in socks for a lifetime, and knit until the cows come home. Yet, my stash grows. I will be on a sort of self-regulated Yarn Diet. Reality hit yesterday when I organized the stash. I may post photos if I can bring myself to actually document the stash....my stash is not as big as some, it IS bigger than others. I joined the SummerKalCal, so I'll knit through my stash. Remember...if you see new yarn here, leave a comment and scold me. (Yeah, right) :)

Vacation Bible School (VBS) begins at my church the last week of July, and we're having a 9a-4p day camp, with God's Creation as this year's theme. This year, I'm the Craft Lady, and it's time to get the projects chosen and supplies gathered.

Like I said, can it REALLY be July already? I haven't swam in the lake, picked strawberries yet, made jam, or visited the Outer Banks in NC yet.

Slow down, summer!

Secret Pal 12 Question #3

2008-06-25T05:18:00.003-05:00

What's the perfect-sized stash? Certainly not this!
I have a few big clear plastic bins with my beloved stash. :) But the perfect sized stash? Hmmm...I think I may have it. I have enough yarn for a few sweaters, socks, lace, etc...so it feels like I'm "shopping" in my own stash and yet the yarn isn't "unloved". I really don't know the answer to this question, as I'm always adding to my stash, yet knitting out of it as well. :)

Knitting Startitis coupled with Attention Deficit!

2008-06-23T05:11:00.004-05:00

The rambling continues...I am having BIG TIME startitis (meaning I start, then have too many projects "in progress" for me to count).

Have I cast on anything on my current wish list? The Voyager Stole? Central Park Hoodie? Celtic Knot Stole? etc... Nope. I cast on the Lace Hem Topping last week, and this past weekend, I've knit approx 6 inches of the front panel.

We were at the lake house for 2 days, and I brought 3 projects, but with parents, siblings, tons of nephews and 1 niece, I didn't get much knitting time. Lots of good food, shopping, taking a fish hook out of son's finger, bullfrog catching, mosquitoes, filet mignon and corn on the cob, but not much knitting time. I tried, really I did. To knit, that is. :)

While meandering in the nearby town, we found a new yarn shop, Essential Knits in Grantham, NH. It's beautiful, spacious, and new yarns that differ from other area shops, which I'm thankful for. I picked up a cardigan's worth of Italian Hempwol, a 35% hemp/65% worsted weight blend for a Rhinebeck cardigan (by Lisa Lloyd) in a gold colorway, and a beanie's worth of allhemp for a skater beanie for my teenager. I'll definitely return there for the inspiration and the various fibers that they offer.

Secret Pal 12 Question #2

2008-06-18T12:35:00.005-05:00

In many parts of the US and abroad, school's out. Take a walk down memory lane for Week Two's question: As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

Memories! I grew up on a small dairy farm, where we also had a farm stand with corn, cukes, strawberries, and such. I loved, loved, loved working at the stand and seeing the "city folks" come by and take home the best fresh veggies around! I fondly recall the whole farm atmosphere, and helping my grandfather with the chores. When I was younger, it was the little things I remember...catching the lightning bugs, swimming at the lake, summer camp, homemade ice cream, sleepovers at friends, and such. No TV was blaring (yes, we had one, but who wanted to turn it on with so much else going on?) and such. I wish my own children had that kind of summer, although we do spend time at my parent's lake house here in the Sunapee region of NH. I'm sure there were rough spots, but oddly, they don't stand out in my mind. :)

Attention! I Have Gauge on First Attempt

2008-06-18T05:43:00.003-05:00

What a pleasant surprise. Yes, I obtained correct gauge on my first attempt with the Shire Silk yarn for the Lace Hem Topping. What a nice feeling! I didn't PLAN on casting it on yesterday, but I did. Yes, I do feel a bit guilty for putting aside my Tangerine Twist for a day or two, but the feel of the silk swatch just put me over the edge, so I cast on the silk. I couldn't help myself!

It's interesting to me that I obtained gauge on the recommended size needles (US 7) for this project, as usually I'm a very loose knitter and go down 1-2 needle sizes automatically. However, I find that this slightly textured yarn has me knitting tighter than usual (I'm using Addi Turbos as my Knit Picks are in use right now) and the swatch is soft, drapes well, and lovely to pet. If you are a knitter, you KNOW what I mean.

Last night was the first evening since last week where it wasn't raining, so hubby and I lit the "Tiki" type copper torches (citronella) on the new deck, lit the patio table candles, and sat in the rocking glider...and I knit. The youngest rocked on the hammock. Our teen was at Driver's Ed (so house was quiet).

Due to the citronella, we weren't eaten alive by the mosquitoes, and I was able to observe our early evening visitors to the bird feeders...the hummingbird to the nectar, and the cardinal pair, the chickadees and chipmunks stuffing themselves. I had to but a squirrel baffle on the bird feeder (which holds 6 different feeders, actually) to deter the ever so cute, but voracious chipmunks who recently discovered that they could climb the pole to obtain a never ending supplyh of sunflower seed. :)

Emergency Knitting

2008-06-16T18:50:00.002-05:00

Today's Mail: Emergency Knitting Bag, from illiane's corner.
Nice bag, however, an impulse buy. Still deciding whether to keep it stocked in the car, or to be nice and give it to a secret pal. Hmmm...

(Next to the bag is a skein of Noro Sock Yarn, that is for a secret pal. I'd love to try this yarn, but I've already promised myself too many things to cast on right now.)

My Ice Cream Personality

2008-06-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.

You have a wild reputation, but you're not as wild as you seem. You take risks, but only measured risks.

You are a fairly open minded person with a wide range of tastes. You are quite accepting of unusual ideas and people.

You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.

You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

The Ice Cream Personality Test

SP 12 Question of the Week

2008-06-15T14:55:00.003-05:00

What is your favorite summertime drink?

I'm fairly boring in this department...it's one of the 3 below:
1. Iced Dunkin Donuts coffee with cream
2. a bottle of Poland Springs water (cold, of course)
3. homemade ice tea (unsweetened) or lemonade (sweetened)

The Postman Strikes Again...and so does a "Bug"

2008-06-15T11:05:00.004-05:00

The postman arrived with another package from WEBS to me. I must order yarn when I'm in a fog sometimes...because I'm truly surprised when the box arrives, and I think...hmmm...what is this?
OK, this time: I ordered a few knitterly accessories and yarn for the SP12 swap...along with 9 skeins of Plymouth Shire Silk in a light/med. green colorway. It's softer than I expected. Shire Silk specifics:
Content: 100% Silk
Care: Hand Wash
Weight/Yardage: 50 Grams/109 Yards
Gauge: 4.5sts=1" #7 needles
Knitting Weight: Worsted

I plan to cast on the Lace Hem Topping by Zoe Valette from Creative Knitting Summer 08.

I've been in bed sick with something (head splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, etc. since Friday evening, and have slept almost solid since then. This morning (Sunday) I begin to see the end of it...whatever the bug is. :) God is good. The ginger ale is by my side. The house looks like a bomb hit, and that's OK). :) I missed my local WWKIP event, but things happen. :)

Enjoy Father's Day with your loved ones. I'm heading back for a nap while I can. :)

Here Comes The Postman!

2008-06-06T12:51:00.002-05:00

IF you could read the Priority Mail label, you'd see that this box that was sent to me was from WEBS, my "not really local" LYS (one state over and a 2 hour drive, to be exact). I love boxes! Especially when I know it's yarn, but I don't remember "exactly" what I ordered at the moment of yarn purchase euphoria.
Above is a cone of Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel Colrain Lace in Whipple Blue, for the Celtic Knot Lace Stole. Also pictured is 9 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in Columbine, for my Chinese Lace Pullover. Sigh. But for today, it's back to my Tangerine Twist. I've found my oops area, fixed the errors, and I'm sailing.
Other good news: During the Tangerine Twist knitting, my Knit Picks Options cable became unjoined from the metal join. I emailed Knit Picks customer service, and I received an email within 2 hours stating that my free replacement was on it's way to me. Great service for awesome needles!

"Let's Do the Twist", as the song goes!

2008-06-05T05:38:00.007-05:00

The Tangerine Twist, that is....More below... But for now, here's a bee (lower left on the catmint) pollinating. Go Honeybee!

I have an actual knitting update...on my ahem, knitting blog, which lately, has had more pet and garden pictures than anything else. A return to knitting for today.

On my needles, I sound like a broken record...Central Air socks (sock #2) with Bella colorway Blue Moon Fiber Arts mediumweight yarn. I've broken 5 rosewood size 0 dpn's with the first sock...I THINK because with this arthritis,I find that my hand grip on the tiny sized dpns has changed, and I'm not aware of the tight grip, as I'm generally a very, very loose knitter. So...I switched to some unused needles in my stash...6"Prym Inox metal needles, and things are progressing smooth as butter. Wild, huh? I have second sock syndrome, which leads me to...

Continuing my Tangerine Twist sweater by Susan Todhunter, found in the Knitty Summer 2007 issue. I'm knitting this in Classic Elite Provence, a 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton, knit with Knit Picks Options. Tangerine Twist is worked in one piece to the underarm, then divided and the upper back and fronts are worked separately. The button band is ALREADY worked into the garment, and the cables resemble tiny vines. This great little sweater was in hibernation for a few weeks over the past month due to health reasons (couldn't knit)...and now it's being picked up daily to get a few rows in.

Here is MY problem, though. It's not the pattern, it's me. I'm just about to decrease at the armholes, and notice that...my pattern is off. As I've memorized most of the 12 rows of this pattern, I didn't mind frogging a few rows. However, I've frogged 12 rows (a repeat) 2 times...which is 238 stitches times 24...you do the math. :)

My problem...I'm usually able to multitask while knitting, but when I place my knitting down, I need to be acutely aware of where I left off, and READ my PATTERN correctly, even if it's "memorized!". I've "found" the deviant row, and I'm back on track. I'd really like to wear this sweater THIS summer. :)

I'm a knitter that looks forward to the next projects to be cast on when half way through the first project. Next...one of the following, perhaps:

The Voyager Lace Stole (will definitely be cast on very, very soon)

Celtic Knot Stole (most likely saved till July/August)

Chinese Lace Pullover (umm...the ordered yarn is on it's way...I couldn't help it...really)

Now, in the garden...

My dear hubby constructed 4 4x4 feet raised beds for my square foot gardening veggie beds. Our NH soil is great in some areas, but we live...on granite, and my own soil is unworkable. I do have a nice little perennial bed along a stonewall, but the soil needed so much amending, that I find it impossible to work the soil for vegetables. On the left, is my arch nemesis...the wild raspberry. Actually, we have acres of them. A blessing and a curse. Nice wild small raspberries, but roots and thorns and shoots are everywhere, poking up their heads wherever they please. I'm always on the hunt in the garden bed for new shoots. Nasty plants with tasty fruits.

After working together a few bales of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite, various composts, and a few bags of leftover Miracle Gro garden soil, I found that I ended up with a great, lightweight soil for these beds. Eureka!

In one bed, I have some of my 9 year old's favorite annual flowers, yellow peppers, and a few green pepper plants. In another bed, it's thyme, two types of basil, and curly parsley, along with some bush and vine zucchini and cukes. Trellises for the vine climbers are to follow shortly, but hubby doesn't know he needs to get them up for me, yet.

The third bed has mostly tomatoes...grape, Sweet 100, patio, and a Big Boy variety, along with some Dahlias in the corners.

Lastly, another bed has some cauliflower, more peppers, and I planted some beets, carrots, bush beans, and scarlet runner beans (also requiring a trellis to be constructed)

The haphazardly placed beds are placed on purpose where they are. Flat ground (sort of) and the best sunlight.

Make sure to look into your local WWKIP event. It's World Wide Knit In Public Day on June 14th. I'll be at our Derryfield Park in Manchester, NH. Come join the fun!

Secret Pal 12 Is Beginning!

2008-06-03T11:30:00.006-05:00

Below is my Secret Pal 12 questionnaire answers. I'm looking forward to the start of this secret swap!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love laceweight, fingering weight, and worsted weight yarns...in natural fibers, superwash, or tencel blends. My favorites are Dream In Color, Shibui, Blue Moon Fiber Arts but I enjoy alpaca, merino, cashmere blends, sea silk, cotton... pretty much anything except acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I store my single points in a clear vase, my dpns by size in dpn holder tubes, my Knit Picks Option sets in their case, and the rest of my circs are in their packages, in a Longaberger bread basket, organized by size. It's a weird system, but it works for me.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I learned to knit as a child with my grandmother, but recently picked knitting up again a few years ago, and more obessesively about 3 years ago or so. I consider myself a intermediate/advanced knitter, except for finishing! I'm afraid of it. Lace never scares me. Neither do cables. Just finishing. :) Maybe it's not scary, but just boring to me.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Not really.

5. What's your favorite scent? Lilac, Lily of the Valley, anything chocolate, Cucumber, citrus scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I love milk chocolate, chocolate covered raisins, Swedish Fish candy, Snickers, and ...did I mention, anything milk chocolate? :)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I don't spin. I garden, read, bake and quilt (although quilting is by the wayside right now).

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like Contemporary Christian, Hymns, Gaither Vocal Band, Buddy Greene, Fernando Ortega, Celtic, Alison Krauss. Yes, I can play CDs and MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Favorite colors...semisolids, solids, or varigated ...dark reds, blues, fall colors, chocolate colors, and anything except pastels or garish neons.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have my dear Hubby, 3 sons (19, 16, and 9), 2 dogs, 3 cats, geriatric hen, etc...

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes to all. I haven't worn a poncho since I was 8, though. :)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Patterned or cabled sweaters, socks, lace shawls/stoles, felted bags...

13. What are you knitting right now? The Tramline Pullover, Central Air socks, and Tangerine Twist Sweater, Barn-Raising Blanket (all in Ravelry pattern library). Upcoming... Voyager Lace Stole, Celtic Knot Lace Stole, Chinese Lace Pullover, among others.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, they're always appreciated.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer circs (Knit Picks and Addis) for most knitting except socks...I still like wooden or aluminum dpns (sheepish grin)...I break a lot of size O rosewoods, so I'm back to bamboo and metal dpns for size O's.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes to both...I love them.

7. How old is your oldest UFO? An unfinished garter shawl from years ago...

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas! Then Thanksgiving.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn...Yankee Candles, heirloom veggie/garden seeds, whimsical garden items to put among the flowers/veggies. Buttons for cardigans.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have all the magazine subscriptions I read, and I love Knitting Pure and Simple Patterns. I own the Wrap Cardigan pattern, but haven't knit it yet.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Finishing Techniques. I have books, but I don't enjoy it. I'm definitely a process knitter. I'd like to get better at continental knitting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I am! Length 10.5 inches, 10 inches diameter.

23. When is your birthday? July 31st

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? KnittyKris on Ravelry.

New Project for Take-Alongs and other ramblings...

2008-05-24T06:31:00.009-05:00

New 8 week old kittens Abby and Shiloh

One completed Central Air sock

This is our newest visitor (actually, we have a pair) to our new bird feeding station.

The male patiently carried seed to his mate over and over, as she sat on a nearby boulder! (not his actual photo, sorry)

Gosh, what a gorgeous morning here in NH! I couldn't sleep, as I had nausea following an IV med treatment yesterday, so I've been up since 4 am, and I've already deadheaded the flowers in my garden, pulled weeds, had a great cup of coffee from my Keurig coffee maker, and caught up on email. I plan to wipe most of my scheduled events, outings, kid chauffeuring, and take it easy today, as I was told to. Yes, I'm going to knit ...all...day, or at least till I can't see straight or my hands gnarl up. It's 7:30 am, and I hope that I can stay away and not "waste" this downtime day. Annie the Schnoodle loves to curl up on my lap, and I think I'll enjoy the time with her. On the other hand, Toby (picture) is 13, obnoxious, odiferous, and ...is just like a cantankerous old man. He's 130 pounds of sweet, beligerent geriatric puppyhood.

After my treatment yesterday, I took advantage of the nice early evening hours and planted my salvia, delphinium, cosmos, pink painted daisy, asylum (picture of species below), and a white osteospermum.

Block #1 of the Barn Raising Quilt (above)

Thanks to Meghan on Stitch-It, I'm starting another knitting project. But wait! Let me explain...it's using up stash yarn, leftover sock yarns,etc...with no cost, as I have all the yarn. I figure that I can use it as my portable project as a change from lugging around my Tangerine Twist sweater, or a pair of socks. I was going to start work on the Celtic Knot stole, but I don't think I can put my mind to it right now. A friend, Dorothy, has her progress posted on her blog.

The new project? It's the Barn Raising Quilt in the great new book, Knitalong by Larissa Brown and Martin John Brown.

In more non knitting news...A childhood friend and her family is taking a once in a lifetime RV trip with 7 of their 8 children to see "The West", and their blog is awesome. Check it out! Currently, they're in Death Valley!

Quiet time is here for a few hours, time to go knit and rest.

God's Blessings in My Life

2008-05-20T11:36:00.002-05:00

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Spring Has Sprung

2008-05-19T14:41:00.010-05:00

I just love Spring...the green...the blossoms...the warmth...playing in the dirt (garden), etc. These pansies were my first outdoor purchase for this season and they're sitting "right pretty" by the front door. :)

Next, I hung my Central Air sock in my yet to bloom white azalea bush. Actually, I'm just about to start the toe now. This single sock has taken me 2 months, rather than the usual 2 weeks for a complete pair, as my hands still are often uncooperative with the arthritis. I'm learning patience, by the grace of God.

A few photos to share: my irises, front walkway plantings for early Spring here in NH...

And our geriatric chicken, Sonja, staring endlessly at her reflection in the tailpipe of hubby's cycle....

This Duncraft birdfeeder was my Mother's Day present. I love it! (I picked it out and bought it with hubby's blessings). It was originally in my front yard, but a racoon (we think) knocked it over. In the small perennial garden in the back, it now stands, and I love watching all of the bluejays, titmouses, chickadees, goldfinches, etc. I've yet to get a cardinal at this new feeder set up. Hummingbird feeder is also waiting for the hummers to return this season.

Yesterday, our beloved 17 yr old cat Grady, passed away in his sleep. He was a GREAT cat, and lived with us since we lived in Gloucester, VA. Rest in peace, Grady.
So...what did we do today? Um...took the kids out, and adopted 2 8 week old female kittens. Shoot me, I know. Yes, we did. I think the kids named them Miley and Rosie. Pictures to follow, of course. Not today, though.

NH Sheep & Wool Festival 2008 and Randomness :)

2008-05-11T21:18:00.012-05:00

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Mediumweight Sock Yarn

Pattern: Central Air by Tanya Bachman

Above, you are looking at my current favorites...my WIP which is Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock yarn and a pattern sent along with it for the Rockin Sock Club 2007. I love the pattern, and pictures are to follow, hopefully. I'm knitting these on size 0 dpns, even after breaking 4 of my size 0 rosewoods. I have 2 Socks at a Time cast on and half finished, but that particular WIP is "resting" while I work on the above....with the above beverage...my favorite...

Dunkin Donuts! (Make it a hot large coffee, extra cream and 4 Splenda). Oh my...it's my favorite. Below, a cute sheep...

Which brings me to...
The New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival, held here in my neck of the woods, at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds this past weekend. Tons of yarn, fleece, all sorts of "knitterly goodness", wheels, sheep, alpacas, etc...etc...and wonderful knitters. I was a newbie this year, and arrived at 10 am, leaving at 1 pm with only a T-shirt (see below). Although I COULD have purchased anything I wanted (being Mother's Day weekend), having a full stash, stiff fingers from the RA, and a wonderful time just browsing and chatting, I came home ONLY with a shirt. Yes, it's true.

Fleece on Earth T-shirt from Overeast Farm . I wore this shirt today while gardening.

Extra special blessings of the day, included meeting Dorothy !, a sister in the Lord and online knitting friend from Mass. It was wonderful meeting her and spending a few but precious minutes with her. :) I also saw Mrs. Tawney, my eldest son's first grade teacher (whom he adored)...the only teacher he had before we homeschooled him 2nd-12th grade. She is a wonderful woman with a gentle spirit, and I'll be sure to have my son contact her. It's amazing who God will place in your path at various times in your life, isn't it? It's never a coincidence, that's for sure! I was able to also see old friends from church, who were at the event with their great wheel and needle felting demonstrations.

NH Sheep and Wool Festival

Favorite Vendors at the event that I enjoyed:

Green Mountain Spinnery patterns (love their patterns)

Melissa Jean Handknit Designs (darling baby clothes)

My knitting is going very slow but steady, with just bits here and there while I adjust from knitting quite a bit daily to every once in awhile due to the hand pain. God has allowed me to use this time to get more close to Him, and to enjoy the many facets of parenting teens, encouraging my husband while he's again unemployed, and to get ready for our summer VBS program and family activites at the lake!

May Flowers and Knitting

2008-05-03T18:11:00.007-05:00

Hello, and Happy Spring! I haven't blogged for about 2 months, due to the difficulty of typing (the rheumatoid arthritis) and my computer trying to fry itself. However, we're now the proud and delighted owners of a new PC system (so fast and nice!), new digital camera (for blog photos and stash purchases, of course). In the RA (aka rheumatoid arthritis) department, I've begun seeing a great rheumatologist, and now a plan's in effect for this sero-negative RA/reactive arthritis and found some meds to alleviate the pain most of the time...about 75% of the discomfort is gone at the present. So...not to bore friends...but I'm back!

Spring took it's sweet time arriving in New Hampshire, and I'm glad it's here, although this past week has been rainy and cool. I've weeded my flower/perennial beds, put down the mulch, and I'm ready for some color! (flower wise, that is). One of my favorite new podcasts is Belle of the Ball podcast, where she podcasts from her garden shed, and mixes knitting with gardening. While on blogging hiatus, I've come to fancy She-Knits, Knittingatnight, Craftlit, Stitch It!, and Barknknit for favorite blogs as well. My old 2GB nano is on the fritz as well, so I invested in the 3rd generation 4GB iPod nano, and I love it! I have some audiobooks, all my podcasts, and music! :) Happy mama I am. I like to listen to it early in the morning, while kids are still asleep (sometime between 5-8 am, and after my quiet time with the Lord and Bible study).

Knitting wise, I haven't much to say. My 2-3 hrs. of daily knitting has morphed into 30-60 minutes a week, due to the hand discomfort with the RA. However, I'm able to knit almost every other day, and I've got a pair of Central Air socks on the needles for a take along project, and my Tangerine Twist sweater is on hiatus, as I left it in Florida while vacationing at my mother's in early April, and I'll be retrieving it from her in a week or two. I'd really like to finish that THIS summer to wear.

So, it seems that it's been a very busy, but very mellow few months for me. My eldest will be in Basic Training (Army) beginning next week when college finals end, and middle son (16) is giving me grey hair, while the 9 year old is like a spring colt outside and enjoying the no-snow season before bug season begins. Hubby is busy tinkering with his Ham Radio.

A good friend, Christine, introduced me to Make and Take Gourmet... a wonderful find for me! At first, I thought she was crazy (sorry, Christine) for the amount of money and time this endevour would take. Oops, my mistake... I LOVE this place! Last Monday, I went there, and in 2 hours (exactly), I created 12 various entrees for 6 people, as MY family likes them, and ready to freeze. Wow, what a great time saver, and when I go again in a few weeks, I'll go ahead and make some of the entrees in smaller containers (which they provide) to stretch the budget even further. Call me silly or lazy, but when the RA acts up in the late afternoon, I know confidently that I already have great and nutritious meals (without all the junk and preservatives) ready for the family dinner. The best part is...they do ALL the clean up. Sigh...a wee bit of heaven on earth. This was a wonderful adventure for me! On their website, it says:

"SAVE TIME!Spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen. Save almost 30 hours a month. You won't have to worry about making a grocery list and then doing the shopping. No more chopping and slicing and the dreaded clean up of your kitchen.
SAVE MONEY!This is affordable and it just makes sense! You'll have fewer expensive stops for fast food and take-out. At under $3.00 a serving it costs less than a child’s meal at a fast food restaurant. Plus you’ll spend less money at the grocery store every month.
CONVENIENCE!Make most of your meals for the month in less than two hours. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
HAVE FUN!Come in and enjoy. It's a social event. Spend time with friends you bring or friends you meet while preparing your meals together. Bring a bottle of wine or drink of choice. Think of it as a guilt-free night out!
EAT WELL!Make delicious, nutritious family-friendly meals. Forget the processed fast food, frozen or take-out options. We only use the freshest, quality ingredients.
CUSTOM HOMEMADEIt’s easy to customize your meals to your families likes and dislikes. Make it the way you like to eat it."

Well, I had a fun time while cooking. Enough said. :) And, I didn't have to do the dishes!

In other areas...

God has a way of getting my attention when I don't spend enough time with Him. My lack of knitting ability over the past few months, the newly diagnosed RA and accompanying fatigue, and having a very trying teen who's having a difficult time at the present, led me to the following book, which I'm using with my Bible study time and we're also covering at a local women's fellowship group at our church. I find the scripture verses pertinent, right on target, and I'm learning to "Count it all joy"....step by step. Book is below, for those of you struggling through various trials and hardships.

Finding God's Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth George. As stated about this book online:

"Are you facing a difficult decision? A painful situation? Drawing on God’s Word, her own struggles, and the experiences of others, Elizabeth George reaches out with help. Knowing the Bible says to “count trials as joy,” she shares the vital truths that make that positive approach possible, including:

* Trials are not punishments.

* God loves you and allows trials to help you grow spiritually.

* His grace is sufficient to get you through every situation.

* When trials become too hard, God provides a way of escape.

* Benefits come from trials, such as patience, endurance, empathy.

Finding God’s Path Through Your Trials acknowledges the hard times you face and presents practical steps for experiencing hope, joy, and meaning in your journey."

I am finding that after I go through various trials, that I'm able to help others going through the same or similar circumstances, or at least able to keep them in prayer while they're on their journey! :)

That's about it for now.

So they say...

2008-03-13T08:41:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Dorothy, I "had" to go take this quiz and see what kind of knitter I'm categorized as. :)

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Purist. You are an accomplished knitter producing beautiful pieces with a classic feel. You sometimes lament losing half of your local yarn shop to garish novelty yarns. Perhaps you consider fun fur scarves the bane of knitting society and prefer to steer new knitters towards the wool and cotton blends. Some might call you a bit of an elitist but you know that you've been doing this craft long enough to respect the history behind it and honor it with beautiful piece that can last a lifetime. http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Still Alive Here in New England :)

2008-03-11T09:11:00.002-05:00

Although it's been a month since last blogging, we are alive and well here in New Hampshire. We've had a lot of snow, ice...and more snow and ice...and we're PATIENTLY awaiting Spring and sunshine here.
Knitting News and Updates: My Tramline Cable Pullover back is completed, and I'm 1/3 finished with the front. A fun knit. The 2 at a time socks (Coquette) are a hoot to knit, and I'm on the foot section of this pair. Newly cast on: Tangerine Twist summer sweater in Classic Elite Provence cotton yarn.

Why no updates? Mostly due to the fact that I find it physically difficult to use the keyboard on the computer, as I've recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and my hands seem to be affected the most, along with fatigue and occassional fever with flare-ups. While all is fine, I feel like I've fallen off the face of the blogging world, but I'll be back here with photos and general knitting banter when I'm feeling up to it. :) Oh, and I'll be on Ravelry when able (aka KnitterKris).

I'm enjoying knitting podcasts, while I'm not able to keep up with knitting while my hands give me trouble, and I'm especially enjoying the new Belle of the Ball podcast, as well as my favorites...She-Knits, Yarn Thing, KnittingatNight, Cast On, Stash and Burn, and many more. Check them out if you haven't yet!

Knitting in Bed

2008-02-05T16:37:00.000-05:00

Do you? Do YOU knit in bed? Do you find it more "fun" than other night time activities? Now, don't think off-color here...I'm talking about reading, TV, etc. :)
I find that I have to have my "knitting fix" at night... when the kiddos are all tucked in, hubby is either watching the evening news/weather or FoxNews, and I'm...tucked in bed, trying to get in a few rows of knitting before counting sheep. However, I find myself frequently knitting in some sort of "twilight sleep", and often unconsciously! Often, I surprise myself in the morning by viewing an intricate pattern that I actually don't remember knitting by my bed, OR the opposite is true...I can't imagine WHAT pattern I was thinking I was following, and have to frog all the rows in the morning. Sigh. :)

2-At-A-Time Socks

2008-02-04T07:39:00.001-05:00

Here is my very first attempt at socks on circulars. Thanks to Melissa Morgan-Oakes' book, 2-At-A-Time socks. Woo Hoo! The above socks are "sample socks", which are made out of Plymouth wool/ stash yarn in colors that I'm um....tired of looking at, but the worsted weight was needed for these toddler sized socks for the sample per instructions. I'm past the heels, so the rest is easy-peasy. Try it!!! This WORKS!
(I'll have to find a girl toddler to give these socks to. I'm surrounded by boys.) :)
To learn Melissa's technique, 60 yrs. each of 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, a marker, and a 40 inch US4 circular needle are needed. I followed the steps blindly...and voila!!!! Two socks at one time on one circular. Thank you, Melissa!!!!!

The Knitting Homefront, Spry Annie and the Tormented Toby, and...2-At-A-Time Socks!

2008-01-31T12:01:00.001-05:00

Here are a few photos of my "Knitting Room", aka my eldest son's bedroom when he's home from college, which is very infrequent. It's full of totes of yarn, patterns, supplies, needles, and everything related to knitting, along with a rocking chair in the corner. It's my "time out" room, messy at times, but it's ...mine. For the present.

Annie turns one year old on Monday, and she's actually behaving during this shot. Toby, on the right, is usually a big softie, and tormented by the pup.

Meet My Knitting Nemesis...Annie the Schnoodle Pup

2008-01-26T07:05:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday, and time to meet (again) Annie Louise Ruth. Middle names chosen by my 8 yr. old son. I love her. She is an 11 month old Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle cross), and a joy.
Usually.

Do you see what's in her paws? A big rawhide bone...that belongs to Toby, our big and old Shepherd Mix. BUT, at least it's a "legal" toy. She can chew to her heart's content.
However, her VERY favorite "toys" are NOT of the canine variety...she pursues the following with vim and vigor:

any and all handknit socks of mine, clean or not
bamboo, birch, rosewood dpns (aka "toothpicks" to her)
stitch markers that fall to the ground (who can reach it first, me or her?)
YARN!!! Skeins that are anywhere in her reach,
or that she can grab off a table/shelf on her hind legs
Current WIP's as I'm knitting them.
Sigh.

n. pl. nem·e·ses (-sēz')

A source of harm or ruin: Uncritical trust is my nemesis.
Retributive justice in its execution or outcome: To follow the proposed course of action is to invite nemesis.
An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome.
One that inflicts retribution or vengeance.
Nemesis Greek Mythology The goddess of retributive justice or vengeance.

Yes, Annie Ruth is my Knitting Nemesis. My Arch Rival. I love her, though.
Consider the following:
Last night, as kiddos were busy, hubby watching Fox News, and pups resting, I spruced up the knitting room (aka college son's room while he's home), and was quite pleased. Shelves are stacked with my knitting supplies, needles are organized, books are all there for titles to be seen, rocking chair and lighting are adequate, favorite quilts and throws are available foruse, furniture happens to be dusted and clean, and no odor of a college boy in the room (clothes, etc. ) ...
What a great spot for knitting. Oh, and the CD player is right there, to listen to my audio books. This room happens to be right off the kitchen, so I'm still aware of what's going on in the house and I'm accessible to my family. I have a huge flexible craft cutting mat that I happen to use as a "gate" for the door, as Annie is afraid of it.
OK, I settle down, knowing that family is fine, and I have cup of hot tea next to me. I'm comfortable, and then...the whining begins. Yup, it's Annie. She sensed from somewhere in the house, that I was sitting comfortably and knitting, but without her.
I did something odd. Knowing that she can't "get" anything, I let her into the room. My knitting room. She was helpful, as she quickly located 2 dirty socks, an index card which she quickly shredded, and found nothing else. I even had some of her favorite toys in the room . NO MATTER WHAT, I was going to knit!
She settles down on the floor, content and tired. I pick up my needles. Within 5 minutes, she is on my lap and settling in. I rearrange the knitting (Cabled Scarf) and pat her gently, whispering sweet words of love. I look down in five minutes, and she's gently chewing on the skein of Cascade Bollicine Vitor, that I'm currently knitting with. Nice Puppy. :) Replay scene a few more times...
And that was my Friday Night Knitting.

Dishcloth Cotton? Yup

2008-01-25T17:12:00.001-05:00

Hubby laughed SO hard when he read the description of this. I thought it was right on target, though. :)

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Dishcloth Cotton.You are a very hard worker, most at home when you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain Jane, but you are too practical to notice.
Take this quiz!

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My Local Knitting Group... and Siamese Cats!

2008-01-25T06:40:00.000-05:00

While I've been out of the normal loop this week due to a "gastrointestinal virus"...aka tummy bug, I've had more time than usual to sleep and knit, which gave me time to think about the "new" knitting group at one of the local public libraries.
The knitting group meets on Friday afternoons, on a drop in basis. Weekly, there are between 2 and 20 knitters, ages 4 to 80 something (or around there, I don't want to ask people's ages when they're my elders!). These knitters are brand new to experienced, and I've had a WONDERFUL time meeting them, and slowly getting to know them as the weeks pass. The group started meeting in October, and I look forward to joining them, when I can. While I can talk your ear off when I know you, I am VERY shy otherwise, and it surprised me to take the initiative to join the group and participate, as I consider my online knitter friends as my "knitting group", especially on Ravelry and the She-Knits forum and Yarn Thing forum on the site. It has been a blessing to meet these local knitters in person (as well as giving me a place to give away all the acrylic and fun fur from years past to the pre-teen knitters, who love the fluffy stuff.)

What else is new? On my needles:
The Tramline Cable Pullover is coming along well, as well as the Cabled Scarf. I seem to switch between the 2 projects. On the iPod, when podcasts aren't being heard? I'm obsessed with audiobooks by Lillian Jackson Braun, specifically "The Cat Who..." mystery series. I love this author!

Regarding Chart Reading:

I can't show you the complete pattern, of course, but below is a snippet of a chart I'm using for a project. It may be known and practiced by all knitters, but I personally had to find out the following on my own, through frogging and ripping endless charted projects, when I misread or count a charted pattern.
So....drumroll...this is what I do, and voila! No more problems. I'm a slow learner.

1. Copy the pattern I use.
2. Using highlighters or light colored pencils, I color code my key and the chart. IE: specific cable patterns, unusual directions in the pattern, or when the pattern says "at the same time." It takes only a few minutes, and visually, I find it much easier to follow the chart. For example, after awhile I automatically remember "Orange! That's a 2 stitches in front, purl the next stitch, then knit the 2 stitches on hold"...or Yellow!
That's a simple cable too...Knit the second 2 stitches, then the first 2 stitches, or whatever you use to memorize your cables. This is the first project that I haven't used cable needs on, and I LOVE it.
3. I then tape this to a business sized envelope (or index card, depending on size of chart), and include pertinent information such as stitch definitions, cast on directions, and where the original pattern is located, so I can refer to it as needed. This makes it much easier for me to have a portable project. So, this is how I operate. :)

2008-01-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

I've been "tagged" by Dorothy!
7 Random Facts Meme

Here are the rules, and they must be posted to your blog.
Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (see above).
List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

1. I say "thingy" all the time, when I can't remember the name of a common object. Drives my friends and family crazy. They call me Dory (Finding Nemo) or Hammy (from Over the Hedge).
True on both accounts.

2. I saw "draw" instead of "drawer"...it's what you put your clothes in. There are 4 draws in my dresser.

3. I became a Neonatal ICU nurse after graduation, moving to Virginia on a whim, and met my wonderful Hubby. We knew each other for...9 weeks, and then we were engaged! It's been a great 21 years so far. :)

4. My favorite book series is...The Cat Who...by Lillian Jackson Braun. I especially like this series to listen on my iPod when knitting.

5. I'm a snow-phobic, now that I'm in my 40's. Yes, I'm a born Yankee, but I want my family HOME AND SAFE, and off the roads when snow accumulates in ANY amounts. I sort of freak out. I need to trust God on this one. I feel like a mother hen who needs her baby chicks safe under her wing when a snowflake is seen here in New Hampshire.

6. I love Schnauzers. I inherited one from a patient of mine who passed away shortly after I graduated from college in 85, now I'm on my 3rd Schnauzer "daughter". Current is actually a "Schnoodle", Annie, who is 11 months old.

7. I had Gastric Bypass surgery 5 years ago. It was a life saver, and I'm happy with the health results. Gained back 20 pounds, but no more. Loss of 130 total.

8 (a freebie "fact") My very first blogs that I read were...you guessed it...Wendy Knits and the Yarn Harlot. Thank you both to introducing me to the world of blogs and knitting blogger friends.

Whom I will tag:

Casey (of Knitting at Night podcast!)
Deb
Marly (Woo Hoo! of Yarn Thing podcast)
CurlyKnitter
Meghan (of Stitch it! podcast)
Barbra (great etsy shop!)
Nancy

Have fun!

Mid January, and I'm Posting! (January 24th, 2008)

2008-01-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

Can you say...Vogue Knitting... 1939?

Now, it's NOT 1939, but here are some articles from Vogue's knitting book from 1939 (Book Four). Notice the fitted garments. Most of the patterns are listed for size 16.

Next, is the Tramline Cabled Pullover by Vermont Fiber Designs. This is the "bad" project/ yarn that I had to frog so many times, due to my inability to read a simple cable chart! It is an easy pattern, and I especially like the fact that I've finally learned to cable without a cable needle, except for large and difficult cables. Yes, I do like this pattern for my first cabling except for a scarf and a bag.
OH, and here's hubby's tie...in Rowan Tapestry. It needs to be blocked better, I think. Yet, he wore it. Good guy.

Here's my Hemlock Ring Throw...Blocked and yet...not great photos, sorry. Go to Brooklyn Tweed's blog for beautiful photos of his throw, as well as other gorgeous knitting projects. It came out to be about 5 feet in diameter.

Short and sweet...
1. hubby is home (seeking employment after an early Dec. layoff)
2. due to #1, computer is not available for my whim/use. :)
3. Finished objects: garter stitch tie for hubby, socks for mom, and the hemlock blanket.
4. My latest (#3, and only since late November) trip to WEBS in Northampton, Mass.
5. On my needles:
Tramline Cable Pullover, design by Vermont Fiber Designs
Yarn: Plymouth Galway, in a light sage green colorway, size US6 needles.
Casted on 5 times, now about 10 inches are completed!
Ripped out...4 times...within a 5 day span. Fifth time was a charm...must of had something to do with PAYING ATTENTION to reading the chart! Duh, Kris. :)

Above, is the Cabled Scarf by Tanis Gray, as found in Vogue Winter 2007/08. I am knitting it in Cascade Bollicine Victor, an Italian yarn that is 3.5oz./100gr./114yds. in a darker burgundy red color than is seen here..it is actually color #24. It is a tangled cable pattern with skinny ribbed edges, and I'm involved in a KAL with the Yarn Thing forum on Ravelry. Join the fun!

Lastly, here's a magazine that someone gave me...it's Coats & Clark's Book #515 from 1957...it was for 25 cents.

Knit Fearlessly!!!!

2008-01-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

Sandi Wiseheart, the wonderful editor of Knitting Daily has put forth a challenge for 2008.. Here is a snippet of her New Year's Day entry (the full article is here):

"How about you? Did you Knit Fearlessly? What would you knit in 2008 if you were really the knitter you've always dreamed of being?

Here's some things to think about:

Is there something you haven't tried because it seems Too Scary?
Is there a technique you want to learn, or learn to do more skillfully?
Is there something that stumps you?
Is there something that you are dying to try, in your secret knitter's heart, but haven't dared because you think you're not a good enough knitter?
Are you always knitting The Same Old Things, and you'd like to try something new?
Do you always knit for others, and never for yourself? Or perhaps you only knit yourself accessories, but never a lovely cardigan or pullover to wear?

What would you knit if you were truly a Fearless Knitter?"

What a challenge, and I'm taking her up on it!
I haven't been able to put time into keeping current on my blog entries, but here are bullets of what's currently on my needles, knitting ramblings, and life in general:

I'm rambling today...the 8 yr old has a tummy bug, and has been up during the night. I'm caffeinated, but not really functional. :)
Please still keep hubby's employment situation in prayer, as he finds a new job (laid off a month ago at workplace) after 13 or so years in this particular manufacturing supervisory position . The construction business slow-down is taking a toll here.
On my needles: Garter stitch tie for hubby in Rowan Tapestry is just about completed, he'll be wearing it to church tomorrow. Trust me. He promised. Nice pattern, and a no thought project to take with you .
Sampler Gansey! 3/4 of the way completed.I'm so glad to have used Beth Brown-Reinsel's Knitting Ganseys book. She's a great instructor! I have NO photos, as I found out a half hour ago that my batteries in the camera are dead.
I received in the mail a great random drawing gift from the HolidayKalCal. It's a cute knitted aqua cell phone holder and a matching gift card/lip balm/sweetener holder. And the buttons....so adorable! This gift was from Barbra's etsy shop, All About the Buttons. Go check out her store...cute knitted organizers, pins, barettes, bookmarks, etc. My organizer set is beautifully crafted AND useful! Thanks, Barbra! :)
I actually had some "mommy"/adult knitting time this week! My friend Christine and I went to a new Chinese/Japanese restaurant in town. Good talk, great food, and no kids. Then it was off to the local knitting group at the library. This is a fairly new group, with knitters of all ages (about 4 to 80 years old!) and abilites. I'm really not a "group" person, but it's a drop in group on Fridays from 1-3 pm, and every one seems friendly. Also, my 8 yr old can peruse books for hours, so he enjoys his library time as well. I'll have to take photos next week, if I go.
No, I haven't blocked my Hemlock Throw yet. I may have said I'd do it....but I haven't. Sigh.

Well, my computer has gone black screen twice this morning so far, so I think I'll stay off for the day. My sleeplessness is catching up with me, and the coffee and Swedish Fish (yes, I ate the whole bag) is wearing off. Have a great Saturday!

Therefore, being justified by faith
we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Knitting Year 2008....Year of Projected Projects!

2007-12-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I pray that it is a year of blessings for you and yours in 2008!

Okay...Now back to knitting! And, no reason for the picture below...I just like it.

This is my future Sampler Gansey from Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel, a great book and guide on the history and how-to's of knitting traditional Ganseys. I'm making the mini Sampler Gansey as listed in the book, and then it can be used as Sam's bear sweater, perhaps. You can see it here on WhitKnits blog, or in the Ravelry patterns, if you're on Ravelry already! I plant to start it today (New Year's Day), although I said it yesterday, too. I'm finishing up hubby's tie that is knit in Rowan Tapestry on size 3 needles.

Below is some of the gansey yarn to be used for a Gansey for myself, after completing the sampler sweater. It's a local yarn in the plum colorway of Elegant Ewe Custom Spun New England 100% Wool.

Hubby and I didn't really exchange gifts this year, in the conventional manner. He's a Ham Radio operator, and would like to purchase some books/equipment when needed. Sounds good to me! Oh, and he received his annual box of Cheese-Its and a coffee mug...this year's mug is a Harley-Davidson mug. Now onto my Christmas gift...yarn related, of course.
On Christmas Eve morning, I went to a yarn store and purchased Knitting Ganseys and The Knitter's Book of Yarn. I wrapped them myself to place under the tree. For me from hubby. The day after Christmas, hubby and I went out to lunch (Moe's sub shop...a favorite of mine) and he dropped me off at the LYS to purchase myself some yarn. I came out with 10 skeins of wool for a gansey, 2 pairs of needles, a few lace scarf patterns, 101 Designer One Skein Wonders book, yarn for the Easy and Elegant Garter Stitch tie, a celtic cd for my son's 19th birthday (New Year's Eve), two skeins of a bulky baby alpaca yarn (along with pattern and needles) for my secret pal at church, and a few other goodies. Wow. I felt like I robbed a candy store, and I thank hubby for the gift of yarn store brownsing and purchasing some fiber related goodness.

This is the 10 inches of snow that arrived on the morning of the 31st, and it's starting up again today (Jan 1st) with the same amount of snow expected, more or less.

Here are 3 pairs of Giver Trends felted clogs that I knit for various friends and family members for Christmas, prior to their embellishments

And...last but not least..my January 2008 Knitting Projects (or at least to be cast on in January!)

- a tie for my hubby from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders (my LYS owner Marci is the designer) …a easy quick project
- a gansey for me…a purple one, as a matter of fact… (sampler project and full sized gansey) for myself, with the help of Beth Brown-Reinsel and her Knitted Ganseys book with local Elegant Ewe Custom Spun New England Wool in a plum colorway\
- Socks that Rock pair of socks for myself (it’s my “Year of Knitting for Kris”) in their new colorway that I received in the STR club this month.
- Central Park Hoodie! Woo Hoo! (cast on a bit after the gansey) - Lace scarf from a pattern from my LYS (Marci Richardson is a great designer and store owner!) called the Diagonal Madeira Lace Scarf in an ebony Zephyr silk/wool laceweight

So…that about covers it! I've spent yesterday afternoon putting projects in their bags…so they’re all ready to go. I like to have each project, the supplies and patterns in bags so depending on my mood, day’s events and my level of sanity, I have everything ready to go! OK, time to put a load of laundry in and swatch for my sampler gansey. Have a great New Years Day!

London Beanie for my Teenager

2007-12-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

This is a quick knit....my son wanted a skater beanie...aka the London Beanie...this one was a bit too big (um...I didn't follow the pattern), so I recast on...and followed the pattern, and it fits perfectly as intended!
I used Caron's Simply Soft, since my teenager has no regard for use and care of wool, and loses things quickly. BUT he loves this hat! Pattern is here, and with better photos!

What? It's Mid December? AND Christmas is 5 Days Away? Yikes!

2007-12-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

I feel like Charlie Brown in this comic strip....lots of snow, and I'm contemplating the "things" of life. But wait! I received a wonderful, special package from my SP11 Pal, Phyllis.
What a nice gift to receive...2 skeins (in Magenta and Henna colorways) of Manos del Uruguay, the IK Holiday Gifts issue, a skein of Noro (soon to be incorporated into a hat for hubby), Jelly Bellies (already in my belly), body lotion , organic chocolate truffles (yum), a beautiful embossed journal, and get this...3 skeins of Bitty Bunz (140 yd/25gm) in color #7...it's soft and beautiful. It's from Artfibers, and the content is 70% Angora and 30% Extrafine Merino. I will have some special knitting ahead of me! Thanks, Phyllis!

Hey! Thanks to Marly and Sharon at the HolidayKalCal, I've won a random prize of a cute mini purse from allaboutthebuttons.etsy.com. Woo Hoo! Thanks!

Next, I have my Branching Out scarf, blocked and on it's way to my Christmas Around the World Swap pal, Deb, in Georgia. It's knit in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool on number 5 US.

Next, is a "Crest O' The Wave" scarf, an Elegant Ewe pattern, knit in Zephyr Wool Silk Lace Weight and it was a joy to knit...easy to memorize pattern, and the scarf is lusciously soft in the Zephyr! This is for my secret Sonshine Pal at church. The color is actually a blue, but you can't really see it in this photo...it's more of an aqua, which is one of the recipient's favorite colors.

In other knitting news: I'm almost finished knitting my third pair of Fiber Trends Felted Clogs...pics soon to follow. They're all knit in Cascade 220...two women's pairs, and one pair for my dad. I still need to put on the suede bottoms and some embellishments. I'm also casting on a skater beanie for my middle son, in brown and blue colorways, which will hopefully be under the Christmas tree next week.
I apologize for not blogging for the past few weeks: believe it or not, I sliced off the tip of my thumb (soft tissue only) a few weeks ago (with a Costco knife), and I could NOT type with it! Nor knit. All is well now. Silly me. I pay attention when I use knives now!
Hubby also has been laid off at work as of Dec 7th after 13 years at the company, and there were 27 people in middle management who were affected. I know that the Lord had plans for us and is in control, and I look forward to what the future holds, but in His timing. Son from Norwich U is home for the Christmas break, and it's SO wonderful to have him home!
Well, time to finish the last felted clog for Christmas, and get back to listening to my downloaded knitting pocasts. Check out Yarn Thing and She-Knits, and Stash and Burn...Now, go get knitting!

Is Thanksgiving Weekend Over Already? And...did I really have to cast on my Hemlock Ring Blanket?

2007-11-26T06:29:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone...
highlights at our house included (by my perspective)...

1. A wonderful Thanksgiving feast at church (our family has helped served a free Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings at our church ever since we moved to NH over 10 years ago...so it's our family's "tradition") and I had a piece of Canadian pork pie (don't know the real name) too, that was out of this world delicious!

2. This was followed by a trip to sister's house (aka the Martha Stewart of our family)...oh my...she had the BEST sweet potato souffle, the BEST homemade pumpkin pie, the BEST homemade lemon meringue, etc...so my mom and are passing the "cooking queen mantle" to her when my mom is too old to cook, drop dead, etc. Yes, Boopie (sister's nickname) is a GREAT cook and baker. Sigh. I didn't get those family genes, apparently.

3. Seeing all the nieces and nephews on my sister's side.

4. Sneaking in wonderful knitting time early in the morning while the turkey was in the oven and watching Doris Day and Rock Hudson in the movie, Pillow Talk. I couldn't get to the White Christmas movie at that time, since geriatric dog Toby had decided to sleep in front of the dvd cabinet, and was not inclined to move himself for me at that moment.

5. Finishing my second pair of thrummed mittens, this pair for my youngest son.

6. Spending the day after Thanksgiving with my mom, and we hit the stores in New London, NH...not very exciting like the malls, BUT we had a ball! The Artisan's Workshop (great store known for "Handcrafted Items & Fashions, Eclectic Collections, Gold & Gemstone Jewelry, Silver, etc. store in PC's ), PC's (Peter Christian's Tavern) for lunch, Knit New London (two hours of yarn love, and new stash...more of that later), Spring Ledge Farm for fresh wreaths, 2 stops at the local Dunkin Donuts, lots of puppy toys, a pink fleece dog coat and such at Abercrombie & Bridge Pet store, and then more local gift store shopping. Done!

7. a new dishwasher!!!!!! Yes! My old one died approx. 2 months ago. It's not installed yet, but will be sometime this week.

8. having college boy home for the week was wonderful! Yes. Now, he's back at college for 3 weeks, and I've got to clear out my knitting stuff out of "his" room before his month long break for Christmas.

9. My friend and craft partner in crime, Christine, had me sit down at her wonderful sewing machine and cut and sew up a lap sized Yellow Brick Road quilt top, using Eleanor Burns Christmas fabrics from my stash, on Saturday morning...Really! She's quite the taskmaster, and I am thankful that she did this, as I have been frozen and fearful to start a quilt, although my quilting fabric stash equals my yarn stash. Now, my homework that she gave me is...
put the border on. Stay tuned!

10. I'm sure I'm missing more highlights of the weekend, but that's enough rambling right now.

Back to Knit New London....

OK, a great yarn store. Great assistance from the store staff and the owner...we spent two hours here...I touched everything, of course. I also signed up for the second class of the Hemlock Ring Throw and cast on, although I was strongly encouraged to wait for class on Dec 1st (easy to cast on using Emily Ocker's method).

What did I come home with?
Enough Cascade 220 for 4 pairs of Fiber Trends Felted Clogs (Christmas gifts)
2 skeins of Cascade Eco Wool for the above throw (a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, in a grey that doesn't look the same here, but mine seems lighter (color 8049, "Tarnish"). It's a great squooshy yarn, and this throw takes only a pair of skeins, for a completed $30 project!

Lobster Pot yarn for a shawl (a yummy cashmere blend)
sale yarn Rowan Biggy Print for a cabled mystery bag on the Ready Set Knit podcast KAL
a few pairs of Addis and dpns, Soak, etc...things I needed for various projects.
Um...I'm sure I've forgotten things, but that's the jist of it. :)

I Am Thankful/Grateful To My Lord For...

2007-11-21T07:03:00.001-05:00

I am truly thankful and grateful to my Lord for...
1. the Lord saving my soul.
2. my wonderful hubby.
3. Brad, the Eldest...He's great to hang around with, even if he tries the "RTD" stuff on his mom and always wins...
4. Josh the Tall...we ARE so much alike!
5. Sam the Sweet and Smiley...He always is cheerful, and my lovey

The rest is in random order...as they come to me...

6. my local Library...I love books
7. hot coffee with half and half in my Longaberger mug
8. my church family
9. my "only" friend, as the kids think...Christine (my craft partner in crime, she is)
10. people at the Elegant Ewe!
11. my mom and dad...for everything
12. Annie, my pup
13. knitting podcasts
14. a warm house and a roof over my head
15. being able to watch White Christmas after I pop tomorrow's turkey in the oven!
16. Dunkin Donuts drive-throughs
17. Normie! My sister in the Lord
18. Yarn Love (you must be a knitter to appreciate...yarn)
19. Eldest's NU roomies
20. Monica, my friend
21. Pat and Steph, for the teen ministries at church.
22. Cuddles the yorkie
23. Ravelry
24. Tammy, my long lost true sister that is my twin...haven't seen her in 14 years, though!
OK, not my physical twin, but in my heart. :)
25. Gaither Vocal Band
26. my mom's cooking
27. being able to home school my children
28. The Princess Bride
29. my much-loved Bible
20. Mr. Fowler, a great example to me
21. pumpkin pie!
22. coffee, again
23. friends of Brad
24. friends of Josh
25. Grady, the cat who knows no enemies
26. so impersonal, but the internet (blogging, etc).
27. Debbie Macomber books
28. Hymns, I love to sing them
29. Day after Thanksgiving leftovers/sandwiches!
30. snow, as long as I'm at home.
31. Danny Kaye musicals
32. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (old version)
33. Yankee Candles
34. Hearing Sam giggle
35. spending time at the Outer Banks, NC with hubby
36. handmade quilts to snuggle in
37. Mrs. Clow, for being a good testimony to me
38. walking on Anna Maria Island, FL beaches...and shell hunting
39. Yarn Shops!!!!
40. The Little Drummer Boy
41. movies on DVD
42. Christmas lights!
43. LL Bean Wide-Leg Jeans...they fit me best. :)
44. grapefruit from Florida in February
45. CHOCOLATE!
46. fellowship with good friends
47. early morning quietness and time with my Lord
48. walking in the woods
49. apple picking in the fall, pumpkin farms too...
50. Tulips! my favorite flower, along with Lilacs.
51. Lily of the Valley perfume
52. listening to Sam read Geronimo Stilton books at bedtime
53. Hannah, my pup in Heaven.
54. did I mention my church family and Pastor?
55. hand-knit wool socks
56. Eggnog
57. Swedish Fish candy
58. NYC Broadway Shows! (I've only seen The Lion King, but I LOVE Broadway!)
59. Celtic music
60. The Sound of Music!
61. Homemade Potroast
62. time home with my whole family there...whether it's football, a movie, or whatever.
63. Having sons and all their friends over and eating all the food. Really.
64. for my son's future wives, whomever they may be. They are being prayed for! :)
65. KnitPicks podcast
66. Manos del Uruguay yarn
67. The song: Be Thou My Vision
68. Chapstick
69. Sertraline, gets me through PPMD!
70. being in my 40's!
71. The Red Sox winning the World Series
72. Golden Retrievers
73. books, books, books
74. traveling to Germany, years ago.
75. My Shakespeare teacher in high school...around 1980.
76. scent of Christmas Trees and Wreaths
77. Silent Nights
78. spending time with my mom, who lives out of state
79. music of Iz
80. our American soldiers for serving, sacrificing, and protecting us.
81. the old Bugs Bunny/Foghorn Leghorn, Wile E. Coyote cartoons...and watching them with my dad.
82. Speaking of Dad...His advice, encouragement and just being my dad.
83. Tea with honey when my throat hurts
84. my Lord not giving up on me, and for His never-ending forgiveness
85. Sushi. Enough said. My fav. Oops...and Edamame.
86. my years as an RN in the Neonatal ICU and Labor & Delivery.
87. Pancakes with REAL maple syrup
88. slippers and flannel jammies
89. my special surprise, Sam!
90. bonfires/campfires and S'mores
91. my gastric bypass surgery 5.5 years ago
92. watching the night sky and stars on a crisp and cloudless night
93. Lighthouses
94. Schnauzers
95. Christmas Eve with the family
96. Addi Turbo needles!
97. Sheep
98. The ocean breeze
99. NC BBQ! It's like no other.
100. the color red
101. Blue crabbing with the kids
102. Nancy, who helped me "remember" how to knit when my kids were little
103. my knitting cyber-friends
104. Croc shoes. I have quite a few
105. spending time at the family lake house here in NH
106. Snowmen!
107. growing up on a dairy farm in CT
108. being able to know my Scottish great-Grandmother, who lived to be 101 years old.
109. Did I mention knitting?
110. rainbow, and roses, and whiskers on kittens...(you know the song)
111. being able to teach at Vacation Bible School each summer
112. French Fries with Mayonnaise! Chips with Onion Dip! who needs the chips?
113. The Old Rugged Cross
114. my bifocals/Anne Klein frames...but they're still bifocals
115. Hot cocoa made from scratch...with marshmallows
116. my youth group when I was growing up...Suzanne and Lynn...
117. playing the guitar when I was younger
118. 3 sons, and my first child that I'll meet in Heaven someday
119. days on the Lake, on an inner tube
120. vacuums! I can't imagine having kids without one. And my washer and dryer!
121. our geriatric pet chicken, Sonja...
122. Campbell's chicken noodle soup...better yet, my own homemade chicken soup with pastini
123. fresh flowers unexpected from my hubby, although few and far between! (hint, Brad...)
124. the scent of Spring, and Fall, and Summer, and the icy fresh scent after a good snowfall.
125. Sand dollars found on the beach, when you're not even looking for them.
126. my only sister, Karin...aka Boopie.
127. Sharpie markers...I use them everywhere.
128. bookmarks and tote bags, I never have enough of them.
129. The Wedding Song
130. Fox News Channel (favorite news channel) and Food Network...I watch, but usually don't cook the items shown prepared!
The List is not complete, but it's time to post...

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to All!

Changed Knitting Plans

2007-11-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

My ADD tendencies take a wild trip at the LYS...with my friend, Christine...the enabler! :)
I went up to my LYS as a focused woman, and bought thrummed mitten yarn and roving in a forest green hue for my 8 yr old, along with yarn (Ultra Alpaca) for my yet to be cast on Hemlock Ring Throw...(what was I thinking?)...as this particular LYS didn't carry Cascade Eco Wool, which I originally went there for. Happy with my purchases, I quickly exit the LYS and head home, contented. Upon arriving home, my brain kicks into gear, and I realize that the Ultra Alpaca is NOT a good choice for the Hemlock Throw, with all the blocking required, and that not one of the 354 people who knit it on Ravelry used this yarn, either. Also, my son noted that he would prefer RED mittens with BLACK roving, to match his "flame" hat.
To make a long story short, my craft co-conspirator Christine came over to knit, and before you know it, we were on our way to the LYS to exchange my yarn.
First, armed with a focused friend and a purpose, I exchanged the wool and roving for Sam's colors. Good. Next, I didn't see yarn I wanted for the Hemlock throw, so Christine excitedly asks me if I'd like to knit Fiber Trends Felted Clogs (see pic above of models) with her. Sure!
I exchange the Ultra Alpaca for...Ultra Alpaca in other colorways. I was told these would felt well. I've never knit this pattern before, but I'm casting on tonight! I've already circled all of my sizes on the pattern, and just need to wind my yarn and get my iPod in my ears.
Of course, while at the LYS for 1 1/2 hrs, my mind went crazy over project possibilities: Mittens knit with Cascade 220 and Mohair (both yarns are in my stash with pattern), a Manos Newport Shrug, Felted Clogs for Mom? Gloves for Sis? No...cabled scarf for Sis? more roving? sueded slipper bottoms for clogs? No... perhaps the new 101 One Skein Wonders book? Do I need more dpns? Well, I left there dizzy, but armed with my correct purchases. Celebrating the victorious trip, we went to Dunkin Donuts. Homework for both of us tonight: Cast on Felted Clogs and do the sole, and I've got to finish my second thrummed mitten, now that I have more roving.

My Saturday Knitting

2007-11-17T08:47:00.001-05:00

College Boy is home...I am deliriously happy, and he looks great. Norwich U. has been a great fit for him, in many ways. The June Cleaver in me made homemade muffins for breakfast, and there's eggnog, coffee, eggs, cereals, or whatever he and his roommate want for breakfast. Tomorrow...it's back to cold cereal. :)
Oh, the Knitting news...I don't have any peace about going to the Hemlock class this morning, as MUCH as I want to...besides the fact that College Boy's roomie needs to be dropped off at Logan Airport by 1 pm...in the opposite direction of the LYS where the class is being held. I've perused the Hemlock Throw pattern and Yahoo KAL site, and I'll try this on my own. ASAP.
So, to my favorite LYS I go, the Elegant Ewe, to pick up more yarn/roving for thrummed mittens, and some yarn to start the Hemlock Throw.

What constitutes "Stash?"

2007-11-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

Tonight, after picking up my eldest at college in VT for Thankgiving Break (see note about side trip to a new LYS store for me, on the way to Norwich ...), I had a delightful surprise, and saw that my new Holiday WEBS catalog arrived in my mailbox! After dinner, clearing the table and washing the dishes, I poured myself a cup of coffee and read the catalog from front to back page, and mumbled out loud about some of the items. THAT'S when dear Hubby said..."Dear, you already HAVE everything yarn-related, don't you?" I couldn't believe it. What does he know about yarn and things? :) He compared me to the squirrel (Hammie) in Over The Hedge....

and said my stash of yarn is hidden all over the house. Sigh...he's right. Here are some ramblings from last month that I wrote on the subject:

Stash Ramblings...
Does Anyone, Except Me, Care About My Stash?
October 22, 2007

Stash? Is this a word with a negative connotation? To me....no. I’ve come to terms with my stash, and although I’m a HUGE fan of those who podcast about theirs (Stash and Burn, one of my FAVORITE podcasts!), I’ve come to terms with my stash.
My stash is a part of me. NO, not physical, not spiritual (that’s for sure), nor in any other abnormal way. Really. Let me explain.
OK, let’s meet my stash. Once upon a time (in August), my eldest left for his first year at college, and I “cleaned” out his room, and turned it into a “sewing/craft room”, with a dresser, twin sized bed, desk, and night stand for his use while home for the holidays. I scrubbed the room top to bottom, and stuffed into the bookshelves all of my squirreled-away knitting books, pattern books, knitting technique books, my Socks That Rock Club notebook, and everything I’ve ever printed from Knitty and such. I do mean ALL of my written knitting paraphernalia. I gathered every knitting printed item from all corners of my home, and lovingly put it on my bookshelves.
Next, it was the knitting “accessories”. Yes, the “accessories”...every stitch marker, needle sizer, dpn holder, every Lantern Moon, Crystal Palace, Brittany, and Rosewood dpn... every Addi in every length that I could coax out of hiding...every knitting bag from sock bag to my Jordania Page messenger bag...and everything in between. Yes, it was painful...the items keep appearing from bags...tins...purses...stuffed into yarn balls...still in original bags...etc.
Once the “stuff” reached the craft room, I put on some Iz music, and arranged my straights in a nice clear vase, the dpns in a mug (I like to see them, don’t ask why) and the Addis are currently (gulp) in a large decorated Maxwell House coffee tin. Yup. (And, yes, I have lovely handcrafted needle holders to use if I choose to). This...was the fun part. Pardon my grammatical mistakes while I jot down my stash blurb.
THE yarn was last. You know the saying about save the best for last. I was a bit apprehensive about pulling EVERY bit of hidden, stashed, bagged, skeined, caked, shoved yarn into the room. I made sure my wonderful hubby was at work (he wouldn’t understand this humongous undertaking, and would gasp at the sight of any yarn that wasn’t currently a WIP), poured a big cup of coffee, and went to all of my nooks and crannies in the house. This was sort of fun. Yes.
Some of the yarn I didn’t even remember purchasing. It was like Christmas. Some of it was sad, when I realized that either the person intended for a particular garment had passed away (such as my sister-in-law from lung cancer at an early age), or a child had outgrown a particular pattern that I had envisioned him in. I didn’t write a spread sheet for my yarn (yet), not did I catalog it or even write down what I had. All that my ADD mind could handle was to sort sock yarn into a bin, felting wools (including my beloved Manos del Uruguay) into another, and the rest was also sorted by weights. Laceweight and Qiviut have their own tote, and I’m happy.
I realize that I’m not in love anymore with some of the particularly colorful striping sock yarns, and some yarns that were well-meaning (but acrylic) gifts...and I can safely say that these will find good homes by appreciative and appropriately chosen knitters.
Fondling laceweights, Indie sock yarns, my Manos and my STR skeins put a contented smile on my soul. Only knitters understand this. Not my wonderful hubby, mother, or even close friends who are not knitters. I have an outlet for my physical body (everyday life and my wonderful family), I have an outlet for my spiritual body (I am a born-again Christian, first and foremost of importance to me), but what defines me, besides being a Christian, a wife, a mother, a registered nurse, a home schooling mom, a daughter, and a sister...is ...my knitting.
My stash is not an embarrassment to me. “What I’ve chosen to purchase, keep, hide away, plan for, dream about and even fondle...is part of me. :) I am a knitter and I love yarn...and I’m OK with that. Truly. :)

Back to the side trip to the LYS that I've never visited before: It's Knit New London, in New London, NH...about an hour away, where my family has a vacation home on a nice lake up there. Nice shop, lots of various yarns, models, quite a bit of Manos...and a bit of everything...I was very pleasantly surprised, and I wil visit this store often while in the area. Tomorrow they have a class, and I want to go SO bad! AND there's room! It's for the Hemlock Throw, and done in a soft luscious yarn, Cascade Eco +. A good friend is trying to talk me out of going, as I don't really have the time or finances this week, and I'll probably come to my senses and go to her house, have some good company, great coffee, and a wonderful time knitting with her tomorrow instead. :) And...go to the Elegant Ewe, BUY the yarn for the Hemlock Throw, and cast on anyway!
I'll let you know.

Back in the Saddle and Knitting...

2007-11-15T08:27:00.000-05:00

Yes...the nasty bug has left me...Tis the season for respiratory infections/colds and tummy aches around here... is it where you live? We've kissed the bugs goodbye here for a bit.

The day the nasty cold came, a friend begged me to head to a LYS with her to exchange some dpns...she needed a shorter needle. I vowed not to buy yarn. I felt the Manos, picked up the Manos...but common sense (and checkbook) reminded me that I have enough Manos at home to make a few (or even many) more blocks for the Manos throw, or at least until after Thanksgiving.

So, I put the Manos back. Ahem...on checkout, I saw little filled bags...my curiosity got the better of me. Taking a peek inside, I noticed various rainbow shades of yarn and roving...AND the LYS store model for a nice thrummed mitten.
Well...never having made mittens before...never mind a thrummed one...I was intrigued. I saw the blueberry Mauch Chunky (Kraemer Yarn) that is 60% New Zealand wool and 40% domestic wool...along with some huckleberry color roving in a cute bag with directions, and I grabbed the bag and a short-sized stitch holder and went to the checkout. I think that's called impulse buying...right?
While sitting at the kitchen table while my third grader does his math and home school work, I whipped out a fun mitten...and feel SO good! Why didn't anyone TELL me that mittens are SO easy...and so is thrumming! These mittens will work out great for the New Hampshire winter that's bound to arrive here sooner or later. One slight problem: I think I put 2/3rds of the roving into the first glove, so it will be interesting on my second glove as I try to "equalize" the thrumming into both gloves. Here is the outside and inside of my first glove:

Note: While the LYS provided mitten instructions, I didn't find them helpful to a new mitten knitter using thrumming. So...I went online, and found these helpful sites:
The Yarn Harlot's article and photos on thrumming, step by step
Yarn Forward Thrummed Mitten pattern for 4 dpns
Newfoundland Thrummed Mittens
and the pattern that I used for Thrummed Mittens from Knitting On The Net.

I just love the warmth of the roving inside the glove...

Mind over Matter....Written Ramblings from last Month

2007-11-13T20:43:00.001-05:00

My Mental Faculties and Knitting (I wrote this rambling last month after returning from vacation) :)

Why didn’t anyone tell me that I’d be losing my marbles at such a young age? Is this a normal part of motherhood? Change of Life? Peri-menopause? My ADD tendencies? Early onset of some form of dementia? Alzheimers? (No pun intended...because I do tend to worry about my increasing lack of memory, fragmented thoughts, word associations, calling everything a “thingy” when I can’t think of it’s name, etc...) Science tells us to sleep well, eat nutritiously, and to exercise our bodies and minds. Hmm...I sleep approx 6-7 hours a night, waking up at 5:20 (I love the mornings, eat fairly OK since the gastric bypass 5 years ago, and etc. A bit anemic, but I take care of that as well. My spiritual life keeps me “sane” and grateful for what the Lord has done for me and for saving my soul. I am profoundly thankful for my family, and grateful for my friends. Next...exercising the mind.
Exercising the mind. Hmm. Experts say to learn new skills, play an instrument, read, do crosswords, Sudoku, and such. For me...I knit. Knitting with a new (to me) and challenging technique that is a step beyond my current skills keeps me mentally alert and I love the adrenaline rush of figuring out a lace pattern, counting my stitches, double checking a charted pattern, and trying a new knitting skill. Slow and steady, I frog, frog, tink, tink, and re-knit until I get the “Eureka!” moment of a correct knitted project. I get an undescribable feeling of contentment and satisfaction of “conquering” a pattern...and yet the soothing feeling of Manos (or whatever) and the repetition of a familiar pattern fills me with a sort of hormonal or endorphin type of happiness. As my lone knitting friend Christine reminds me, “knitting is a legal choice of drug or therapy.” :) Happiness often results as I think of the recipient of the garment, and knit as much love into the garment as I can. I think I am a process knitter, with the patience for finished garments. Usually.
While on vacation last week, I was knitting with Zephyr laceweight on a popular tourist beach. I think my family was a bit annoyed, but I loved the sea breeze, the satisfaction of the knitting (while others read or slept and snored), and the fact that I have a beautiful lace scarf that’s ready to be given as a Christmas present. I even had hubby photograph me with my project at the water’s edge. Now that’s love!
I may end up losing my mental faculties at an early age, late in life, or not at all. I do enjoy knitting, and as long as I remember this and get the chance to continue knitting, I’m a happy camper. Keep the drugs and crosswords, I’ll stick with knitting.

I'm a Whiny, Stuffed Head Mom...but still Knitting

2007-11-13T06:15:00.000-05:00

Bring on the NyQuil...my true friend. :) Head cold, chills, earache, bah...time for me to get jammies on and take it easy. I've been working on my Manos Throw and some thrummed mittens, and finishing up socks for my mom. Thanksgiving is NEXT week....can you believe it?
I've been listening to some wonderful podcasts...She-Knits, Yarn Thing, Ready,Set,Knit...old episodes of Unwound (I REALLY liked Kelli's podcasts!), and etc....It's a Purl, Man's new episode...etc. Rambling and NyQuiled...time to get back into bed!

Sheepish Grin...I'm Back! Anybody Miss Me?

2007-11-06T15:43:00.001-05:00

Gosh...Can it be? I haven't blogged here in 26 days? It's true. Boy, I never thought I'd be blogging so infrequently. I always think "Oh, I've got to blog this and that, link some wonderful sites, books, yarns, events, etc...but never seem to actually do it. Life has truly been hectic (who's isn't, right?) but thankfully, the Lord has blessed my family so far with good health (besides the little common bugs and germs that run rampant this time of year), my hubby and kids are fine (although incorrigible at times!...the kids, that is...wait, the middle son, that is...the 15...soon to be 16...year old), so I'm NOT complaining, and now I'm back on track. No apologies or excuses! :) Wait, I am TRULY sorry for not keeping up with things, though!
Quick backtrack:
See the photo above? It's my beach knitting project...knitting a secret pal's lace weight scarf with Zephyr, in a Crest O' The Wave pattern (not blocked yet, of course). We had a glorious week at my parent's Florida condo, which is right across the street from a beautiful beach on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Lots of beach time and eating out. Great time with my mom at 6 am breakfasts at Peaches (great grits!), a wonderful time with Hubby (celebrated our 21st anniversary and his 50th birthday), and I had a lot of time to knit while the kids and hubby fished and swam. Stone crab was enjoyed, and then it was back to real life, a trip to CT for a week, teen challenges (normal, huh?) and now it's November!
Big Thank You'Ahead:..To Joyce for revealing herself as my SP9 Pal...and she sent me some lovely hand-dyed Cashmere. Be sure to visit her at her Etsy shop or at elliebelly.com!

Then, I received a delightful Coffee Mitt that Dorothy knit me for a Pay It Forward Swap, and the pattern is from One Skein Wonders. It fits snuggly on my large Dunkin Donuts cup.

Thanks Dorothy!

Next, it was a box from my SP11 Pal... Kaffe Fassett sock yarn, Knit Picks in the Hummingbird colorway, a great color wheel, a Lantern Moon sweater keyring, a cute handcrafted tiny notebook, a purse mirrow with awesome fabric on the backing, AND two pairs of beautiful dpns!!!! Wow! Thanks, whomever you are. :)

During the past crazy week, I also received this! Take a look:

and, some cute stitch markers, handcrafted with some sort of beautiful glass beads:

Michelle is my Fall Felted Bag Exchange Pal. The bag is the Wintergarden Bag, knit with Noro Kureyon and a Lion Brand wool for the base (substituted for the Australian yarn called Jumbuk Wools). It's a beautifulbag, soft yet sturdy, and lined with a gorgeous coordinating fabric...she even made and stained the wooden dowel handles herself. It's a lovely bag, and I'm honored to be the recipient. Many beautiful goodies were included: Zephyr Wool/Silk 2/18 lace weight yarn in a sage green colorway, Addi needles AND a needle case, a notepad, pumpkin spice tea and a orange hot cocoa mix, Yankee candles in fall scents, Pumpkin Spice potpourri, chocolate covered Altoid mints (yummy!), a lovely body creme in Autumn Fest, and a pattern book for bags. Thanks again! Be sure to stop by and leave a comment of condolences on Michelle's blog, as her 13 yr old pup, Chewy, had to be put down, and it's been a rough week for her. I know she'd appreciate knowing that other dog loving knitters care and are thinking of her. :)

On My Needles:
Zephyr Silk Scarf (Crest O' The Wave pattern): done, not blocked
Christmas Moose stocking for son... 1/3 of the way done...involves colorwork (not my specialty)
Big Love right now...
my Manos Four Seasons Throw (see some FO's on Ravelry!) in various Manos colors that I have on hand. I love, love, love this yarn. A lot.
Second sock for my mom (second sock syndrome hit, I'm at the heel)
Socks for Dad (birthday present (Nove 1st) turned into Christmas present)
Mr. Greenjeans...frogged by accident, sort of. On hold right now, till after the holidays.
Forest Canopy Shawl - just needs the border rows knit, then blocked.

Um...my brain is fried, catching up on knitting and thank you's, and family will be here soon...time to get dinner going! Before I forget, here's the Noni bag that I made for my FFBE pal in beige and brown tones, with leather straps, and knit with Manos del Uruguay, of course. :)

Last word: A few new to me podcasts, besides the usuals:

Knit Naturally

and...
The Big Boo Cast

Two Southern mama-bloggers, Big Mama (http://bigmama1.com) and BooMama (http://boomama.net) talk about all the important stuff: faith, family, friends, fashion and food. Plus, of course, our hair.

Thursday Ramblings

2007-10-11T08:19:00.002-05:00

Gone are the 80+ degree days that we had here in NH last week. Hello Autumn colors, the lower temps, and fresh, hot pancakes for breakfast with REAL maple syrup...the only way to eat pancakes. Truly. :)
Knittingwise, I'm still working on my Forest Canopy Shawl, and Mr. Greenjeans top (a bit), and I'm working on a Crest of the Wave lace scarf in a teal zephyr laceweight for a surprise gift for a friend...actually, I'm casting on the scarf today, as the family and I head to Florida tomorrow, for a week of R&R on the beach on Anna Maria Island...and yes, I DO knit on the beach! And read,
and swim, and make sand castles with the youngest son.
Now, podcast wise, here's what I've put on my iPod for the plane trip, etc...Cast On, Knit Picks, Sticks & String, Yarn Thing, She-Knits, Stash and Burn...and my new favorite...the Knitting Cook. I have my iPod FULL of these people, of missed episodes, etc. It's like having a knitting group with me wherever I go. I like that.
Time to homeschool, do laundry, pack, knit, and etc. Enjoy the day!
From a quote borrowed from David at Sticks & String...Carpe Lanam! (Seize the Wool!)

MY Moose! and Knitting...

2007-10-09T05:56:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, my hubby and I were "tourists" in our own state of NH, with another couple. We had a great time...stayed at the lake house in the Sunapee Lake region, ate out (no dishes!), ate junk food, knit, slept in, went to Dunkin Donuts numerous times, and watched college football (men's choice of entertainment)...as well as taking a lovely pontoon boat ride on our small but beautiful lake. We meant to go kayaking, but ran out of time.
See the moose? I think he was "hired" for the tourists in Quechee, VT! He was very close to the road, munching lazily on some leaves. What a life, huh?
I finished knitting a Noni medium carpet bag, in brown and beige colorways from Manos del Uruguay wool...I love this stuff. I need to felt it today, with pics to follow. This bag is for my FFBE pal, and will be mailed out by the weekend.

Visit to Norwich Parents Weekend and Knitting

2007-10-01T05:23:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my family and I ...went to Parents Weekend at our eldest son's college, Norwich University in Vermont. Wonderful program for the family, good good, great Fall weather, and A LOT of knitting time in the car...as a rook, my son had a 16 hr leave and then a 28 hr leave, so we traveled quite a bit this past weekend. As a mom, I'm happy to say that our son looks great, seems to be enjoying life as a rook cadet, and all seems well. I enjoyed 2.5 hrs of knitting time each way (15 hrs. in the car), and brought along my knitting podcasts to listen to. My Forest Canopy Shawl is coming along amazingly fast (for me) and I'll be casting on Mr. Greenjeans, for a change of pace. I'm not one to have multiple WIPs usually, but I think I need to. Time to update iPod knitting podcasts for the week, and hopefully I'll download my WIPs into Ravelry.

Forest Canopy Post -Mortem Note

2007-09-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

Ahem...Today, an hour ago, my "sweet" 7 month old Schnoodle, Annie, had a tug of war with my current WIP...my Forest Canopy Shawl...about half way completed. She won. Sigh. It was all undone...during a few short seconds in the middle of the Red Sox game (Go Sox!).
Sweet, sweet schnauzer faced angel girl...the puppy that I myself had chosen over all others...LOVES to eat my string on sticks...aka needles and yarn. A lot.
It was no use, damage was done, so I rewound the skein, made a nice cuppa Green Mountain coffee, poured it into my favorite Longaberger coffee mug, and ....started again.
RIP Forest Canopy, and I begin again. Note to self: Knit with Annie ONLY if watching her every move, and secondly, I have this pattern memorized, so second time must be a charm! :)
I think the Lord is teaching me patience.

Mr. Greenjeans!

2007-09-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

Mr. Greenjeans KAL
Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson in the Fall 2007 issue of Knitty
I was pulled into this swap by my own lusts and desires...I love the pattern, and I desire to knit it! So, I will. Oh, there's also a Ravelry group, of course. I'm in.
I talked myself out of going to the LYS (although I "must" go, I said, to buy a gift for my secret pal's box...) Why not go to the LYS? Um...I need to pay the mortgage tomorrow, and I have a weakness for yarn. Duh. My bad, as my teen would say. However, I DO have a stash of Berroco Pure Merino in Bordeaux (a wine color, perfect for fall).

Do you like knitting lace? or are intrigued by it?
I do, and I am.

I came across Knitting Beyond the Hebrides (KBTH) website, which is listed as this noted below:

"Welcome to the home of Knitting Beyond the Hebrides. The KBTH website and list are dedicated to those wanting to share information and techniques about traditional forms of knitting, such as Fair Isle, Aran and Guernsey. We also discuss different designers and other interesting techniques and types of knitting, such as intarsia and lace. Although we tend towards more advanced discussions, we welcome thinking knitters of any skill level who are interested in learning and trying new techniques.

MAY 2006 brings with it a KBTH exclusive: the Online Symposium on Lace Knitting. Have you ever wanted to try lace, but have been put off by charts, fine and slippery yarn, and a perception that lace is difficult to master? Join us and find out that it's really not that hard."

At the above site is a gallery, library, links, and associated patterns...but also...I found this!
KBTH Lace Virtual Conference
The Same but Different
Shetland Lace in a European Context
by Elizabeth Lovick
It covers Shetland, Icelandic, Faeroese, Estonian, Ukranian, and Orenburg laces, keys to charts, history of various laces, terminology, and 3 lovely, lovely patterns in various yarn weights (light aran, laceweight and cobweb). Copyright says that "you may make one copy of this document for your use only." It appears to be a 43 page treasure trove of lace-knitting treasure trove of information from the author. I notice her website is at Northern Lace.
At her site, she offers free patterns for a Shetland Lace Cat's Paw Scarf in fingering weight, and an Aran Weight Gansey Scarf. You must see! :) Elizabeth also offers lovely wool, patterns, and books for sale...time for me to go shopping at her site, I see. :)
This is my next lace step after the Branching Out Scarf and Forest Canopy Shawl (WIP).
Just wanted to share this information with you. :)

FFBE Weekly Question

2007-09-27T06:32:00.000-05:00

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

Here in New Hampshire, Autumn to me incorporates: the briskness of a cool sunny day, the colored leaves on trees and lawn (which then end up in the house between the kids and dogs), apple picking, pumpkin farm visits, the need for a sweater, a rake, and a hot coffee or cider. Autumn is my favorite time of the year...perfect temps (no need for air conditioning or my sub-zero outerwear), a perfect excuse for knitting while watching outdoor soccer games, and if it's cold, dreary and rainy...it's a good excuse to bake that apple pie, make a wonderful large pot of homemade chicken (and pastini) soup, and knit, knit, knit.
Does anyone remember pressing Fall leaves between sheets of waxed paper as a child? I love the smell of the leaves! Which reminds me...the teen at home needs to rake the yard. :)
Enjoy Fall, Ya'll!

Knitterly Ramblings

2007-09-26T05:37:00.000-05:00

In my knitting world, I'm enjoying working on my Forest Canopy Shawl. I've learned to use "lifelines" in my knitting...that is a SMART thing to do, not a waste of time. I learn things the hard way. :)
This past week, I've become addicted to knitting podcasts. I can't believe I haven't used my iPod for these before now! I can even download books of the Bible, so I can have the word of God in my ear while doing housework, chores, etc. Back to knitting podcasts...I'm very new to these, but my FAVORITES are Sticks & String
and Cast On.
I also listen sporadically to CraftLit, Stash and Burn (podcasting about all things knitting and life under the weight of the stash),and She -Knits (talks about knitting, designing knits, family life (7 kids) , and balancing it all)... these free podcasts that suit my style. I subscribe to my podcasts through iTunes, so it's easy for me to use. Since no one in my family "gets" Knitting, or why I enjoy it, or enjoy touching various fibers and yarns, it's nice to have a venue to where I feel accepted and understood. I love knitting! Of course, don't get me wrong...my love for my Lord and family come first, but you know what I mean. :)
I hope to put up my projects and notebook entries (stash, WIPs, etc.) soon on Ravelry (find me as KnittyKris).
On the homefront, we're off to New England's oldest family fair...the 131st annual Deerfield Fair
On Friday, it's up to Norwich U we go, as it's Family Weekend at Son's college. He'll be home for 24 hours, and I can't wait! on Thursday. You KNOW I'll be heading to the fiber crafts, animals, and all such related areas. Oh, and for the deep fried pickles. And Kettle Corn. And Fried Dough. Enough said.

FFBE Bits of Bag Info for You...it's a Secret!

2007-09-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the lack of clarity in this photo...but it's of Manos...a favorite felting wool of mine.
I can't show you the pattern, it's an Indie pattern that I need to check with the designer with, before posting...but I LOVE the pattern, which I picked up on vacation while in NC at Knitting Addiction. Could this bag be for you? Is it YOUR color palette? I can't tell you, but soon the bag will be finished. Enjoy this last day of summer 2007.
P.S. Please congratulate Mary on opening an Etsy shop!...not open yet, according to her blog, but we should all go check it out when it does! Congrats, Mary! I've been following her blog from the 3-2-1 Contact blogging from earlier in the swap. :)

New Yarn to Try...and Frogging Completed...

2007-09-21T07:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, I did it. I bought myself a skein of Windy Valley Muskox Qiviut. Yessiree. See here. So soft.
The pattern for this Feather Lace Scarf came with it.
OH MY...I can't wait to cast on and see what all the hub-bub of qiviut is all about. Of course, after reading Arctic Lace from front to back cover, I'm hooked already! Also there's Arctic Diamonds from Interweave Winter 2006 here, to start with, if you need convincing to trace these truly gorgeous patterns by Donna Druchunas.

On the other side of knitting, I "tinked" my Forest Canopy Shawl...don't cry though, I tell myself...because I'm re-casting on today with another size needle...I didn't care for my gauge on size 6 US needles, so I'm going up to a 7 with my Knit Picks Options (I'm a loose knitter...8's didn't work for me)...and I'm using Great Adirondacks Silky Socks in the Eggplant colorway. Photos...will follow!

An Overdue Blog Update....Sorry, I'm Behind in Posting!

2007-09-20T14:25:00.000-05:00

OK, Are you ready? Big long post ahead...a lot of to show you!...

C*Eye*Ber Fiber goodness from my KVVS pal, Tammy! Beautiful, just beautiful colorway!
Here are the Vulcan Ears that Tammy sent from Vulvan, Alberta, Canada..."Just a speck
(I mean SPOCK) on the map."

Greeting from the world's biggest procrastinator...yes...me. :) It's one of my weaknesses, unfortunately. I'm working on it, really.
OK...we're back from vacation. And I have some WONDERFUL swap pals to thank! On this lovely Autumn day (OK, today is actually the second to last day of Summer)...I took photos of the Knitting goodies I received.

First, a big thank you to Tammy
in the Knitters Virtual Vacation Swap...
for this lovely package from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada!
What a package! Many travel brochures for me to peruse over, Cuppers coffee from Tammy's favorite local coffee shop, a brown leather bag made locally from an elderly aboriginal woman who donates volunteer time at Fort Whoop Up., Japanese goodies from the Gardens in Lethbridge (which Tammy tells me is home to many different cultures), Ammolite earrings, dug right out of the ground in Lethbridge, Canadian playing cards, chocolate (already devoured), many local gifts which include: a huge handcrafted wooden pencil, planner book, Japanese bookmark, origami ornament, a scented candle, stitch holders, and many other gifts...I was blown away by her generosity...and although I've never been to Canada (except to go to the border and turn around many years ago when lost), I actually feel like I've been there! So, I guess I need to go and see Alberta!

Next, but just as important...
another huge thank you to my SP11 Pal...who is...I don't know...she (or he) is a secret! But she is from California...this I know. Why? Let's see...

I received a lovely Hershey Postcard, Hershey chocolate scented candle, Hershey lip gloss, some lovely scented soap, a magnet, and 2 skeins of sock Cascade sock yarn in Autumn colors. I am now going to open the lip gloss and enjoy. Yum! (No, I won't eat it). :) Thanks, SP pal!

OK, next...but certainly not least, I thank my terrific Football-along Swap pal, Kim!
Now...what a Football Package! Kim sent me plates, cups, party bags and treats for my whole family...no dish washing for me next Sunday night! Also, sent me 2 skeins of Claudia's Handpainted Yarn in a great orange colorway (Go Dolphins!), and some handcrafted fingerless gloves...a pair each in blue and orange. What an awesome gift, especially for those of us who are already chilly this Fall! She also sent 2 extra skeins of the blue colorway so I could knit another pair. Thank you! (P.S. The Twizzlers were scarfed down on Monday Night!) Hmm...along with the goodies, I noticed a lot of red and black Georgia Bulldogs stuff...that must be Kim's team. :)

Is My Vacation REALLY over...Already?

2007-09-14T21:22:00.000-05:00

OK...I've been home for 6 days now...and I haven't "synched" back to real life yet! How long does it take?
Our vacation to Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks/NC was wonderful. My hubby, 8 yr old son, and I traveled down in our Suburban, and I knit ALL the way...all 13 hours...with an over the I-Sight over-ear book light (looks like a bluetooth, but with a tiny light)....in the car, I knit a pair of socks for my niece (Koigu...in a hot pink, picked by the recipient of the socks...she's 10) , a sock for my son (Cherry Tree Hill sapphire , chosen by my son), and half of my Branching Out scarf in Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool.

Beaches and most tourists seemed to clear out by Labor Day, and the weather was....perfect.
Our cottage had no major problems, and seems to be withstanding the winds of time well. OK...here's what was SO perfect...
Waking up...when I woke up....drinking DD coffee on the porch, basking in the sunlight early in the morning, reading my Bible and praying, then knitting until others awoke, and we went to the beach...every day. DPNs are very easy to misplace in the sand. I know. Ever rake a grid around your beach chair, looking for a size 0 dpn in the sand? not fun. And, sea spray makes bamboo needles...well...sticky. However, I knit...a lot...
Back home I am. Eldest son joined theVT National Guard while in his third week at Norwich University. He's in the Cavalry Company. Hmmm. News to me. He seems to enjoy NU's cadet program as a Rook...so far. He's carrying the flag in first photo, and on the right in second photo.

Now that I have new batteries for my camera, I'll be taking photos of my Branching Out scarf, and the 3 pairs of socks that I knit on vacation. Soon... :)

Christmas Around The World Questionnaire

2007-09-11T05:50:00.000-05:00

Are you religious? I wouldn't use the word "religious"because it's not about religion for me...it's my daily life; and I am a born-again Christian and very active in my church.
How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? I'm an intermediate knitter,I've been knitting since a teenager, but I've been knitting A LOT in the past year. It's cheaper than therapy! :)
Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Not really. Well, baking, reading, and I homeschool my sons. I quilt, but my quilting has been nil since I took up knitting again. :)
Favorite color(s)? Most! Reds, greens, most colors make me happy, except pastels and neons. I love jewel-tones as well. I also love brown and pink together. :)
Do you collect anything? Yarn (of course)...not much else. Shawl closures and unusual buttons for felted bags, too.
Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No.
Do you have any pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats, a guinea pig, a chicken, and 5 cockatiels.
Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? All.
Cookies or Sweets? Both! :)
Do you knit socks? Of course!
If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) Socks and laceweight projects...shawls and scarves. I'm starting a pattern from Arctic Lace this week.
Do you put up a Christmas tree? Yes, right after Thanksgiving if it's artificial (the years when we're out of town for the holidays, or if kids or puppies are very young), otherwise it's approx 2 weeks before Christmas for a real tree...and we enjoy cutting down our own tree, if time permits. :)
Favorite holiday treats? Home-baked cookies, eggnog...definitely home made anything!
Favorite holiday smells? Christmas tree, scented candles, spiced cider...all holiday scents are wonderful!
Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. Well, we have an early dinner with family and/or friends (depending who is where that year), and then to Christmas Eve church service...then it's home and more eating...and the children start guessing presents...although I still wait until they're asleep before I put gifts under the tree...and the kids are 8-18 now, but it's "tradition". We don't do Santa Claus, but we do everything else! I just love Christmas.
What are your favorite holiday traditions? Christmas Eve candlelight service, watching the kids open their stockings in the morning. Oh yes, I also watch Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" on Thanksgiving Day to get the season going. :)
Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” celebrating the birth of Jesus, and letting family and friends know how much I love and care for them.
If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? Wow...um...an old glass Grape cluster (it's my favorite antique family heirloom from Germany)...or...I'd be... something delicate and fancy.
What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given? Favorite gift received...homemade childhood gifts from the kids, and a "shopping spree" at the local yarn store for a few projects (that was from my hubby last year), and another favorite was some family jewelry passed down from my mother. Favorite given gift: handmade items for family (quilted or knitted).
When do you start your Christmas? I start the day of Thanksgiving, as soon as my turkey is in the oven early in the morning...it drives my hubby crazy.
Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? I try to remember to send cards, but sometimes...I forget. I've made and purchased them in the past...depending on my mood. I think this year I'll do photo cards.
What is your favorite Christmas dish? Swedish Meatballs in a sour cream and capers sauce ...family recipe.
Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Open the door and enjoy!
When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? On Christmas morning. Kids may open stockings after 6 am (allowing me to sleep), then we read the Gospel story of Christmas from Luke, and the kids open presents one at a time...while I drink my hot coffee, of course!
Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Both....sometimes we're home, sometimes at a family house in another state, and sometimes with friends at our house.

Pay It Forward Swap

2007-08-30T16:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Dorothy, I'm going to be part of a "Pay It Forward" swap, as I've joined via her blog. This is an awesome idea! The Pay it forward swap is based on the Helen Hunt movie "Pay It Forward". Here are the details, as explained from blog to blog:

"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."

If you're interested, let me know by posting to this blog, and I'll start planning your project!

Thank you, SP9 Pal :)

2007-08-29T06:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you, SP9 Pal! I love the cappuccino colored 100% cashmere yarn! I'll try it out soon. Also, my pal sent my 2 wonderful skeins of colorful Interlacements "Toasty Toes" 100% Superwash Merino Wool, along with some wonderfully scented Chocolate soap, and a pattern for a child's felted hat. Thanks again, pal. :) Yarn on the left is Toast Toes "Carbon Dioxide"(color 202) and on the right is color "Las Vegas Brights" (color 206). Colors on Interlacements website are more true to life.

Knitting at a Beach

2007-08-29T06:01:00.000-05:00

Is it really that odd to knit at a beach? I finished up a pair of Monkeys yesterday for a swap while at Pawtuckaway State Park beach, while picnicking with a friend and her children. It was a perfect day for knitting, not too hot or cold, and I had a great seat in the shade by the lake beach, watching my 8 yr old swim endlessly for hours with his friends. Within 5 minutes of "kitchener-ing" the sock toe, I knit a gauge swatch for my niece's Koigu neon pink socks.
A lot of "looks" from other beach goers, but one lady ran up to me and said "I'm a knitter too, what are you knitting?, and we discussed yarns, the Monkey pattern, tension, pooling, etc. So, it felt good to be "validated" by a fellow knitter, whomever she was...and I thank her. :)

Of course, I'm lining up my knitting projects for our vacation to NC next week, along with plenty of small projects to take to the beach every day while there. Of course.

Now...in today's papers....knitting humor just for us. I get "it", but my hubby didn't appreciate this as much as I did:

A day with my 15 year old...

2007-08-28T21:01:00.001-05:00

I love my teen. I love my teen. Yes I do. Enough said. :)
Time to go knit.

Knitty Socks are Finished!

2007-08-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

These Monkeys are for Jennie, my Knitty Sock Swap pal, and they're knit on US 1.5 dpns from a potluck Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn, in a bright and bold colorway that has no name! I tried to
match it up with their current colors, but did not find it. This wild yarn was given to me by a swap pal from last year(seen as a yarn cake above), and Jennie said I had the choice of colors for her teeny sized feet (size 5 1/2, I believe!). The photo here shows the socks not blocked as of yet. Lots of color pooling as noted in the photo, of oranges, turquoise, green and many other colors. It's like Joseph and the coat of many colors! These photos don't show the depth of the orange and turquoise. However, the pooling is unbelievable. I've never had such pooling before!

She asked for a 5" leg, 2"" heel flap, and 8" long sock...they're so teeny, compared to my large duck feet!

MY Large Duck Feet Shown Here

Outer Banks, Here I Come!

2007-08-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

Farewell, Fall leaves and acorns...and the squirrels that I think chuck them at me while I walk Annie early in the morning...Farewell dishwasher, laundry and the phone...I'm off to the Outer Banks (of North Carolina, of course!)...to the beaches....no phone...lots of BBQ at Pigman's , a great knitting/yarn shop called Knitting Addiction...and lots of family time. Woo Hoo! Poor pup will be at home while we're at the beach...she's not the type to get her paws wet and sandy. Oh yeah...we don't leave for a few days, so I need to focus on tasks, knitting, packing, and life at hand. :)

Sending Off First Son to Norwich U.

2007-08-27T15:07:00.001-05:00

We send our eldest off to college last week...he'll not like me for posting this fact, but as his mom for 18 years, I deserve the right to blog on my blog about sending my first kid off to college. It's 2.5 hrs from our home in Vermont....lovely scenery, but in the middle of nowhere (sorry, Northfield!). Beautiful campus, wonderful faculty, and I believe it happens to be the exact place where God wants him right now. He chose Norwich on his own, and it's exciting to see him start the new phase of his life as a Norwich Rook for his freshman year in Cavalry Company, 2nd squad while he majors in Criminal Justice. Rook Week and the Dog River Run are over, and now it's time for him to find out what life, college, and etc. is all about, as the Lord leads him. We were all pretty tired here in the photos, as we left for Norwich a bit after 5 am...and in these photos, after processing and oodles of events and sightseeing, we were a bit tired. Did you know that Norwich IS all uphill? I really thought it was a joke, but I don't think so. :)

I've cleaned up his room (aka the craft room for me), washed the sheets, did his laundry (you are welcome, son), dusted, and pulled out my knitting boxes of yarn to find yarn to begin Branching Out in Elsebeth Lavold, Silky Wool [65% wool, 35% silk; 190 yards /175 meters per 50g skein] or the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl in some sport weight that I picked up at WEBS a week ago...can't find the stash I've hidden from myself...not sure which to cast on yet, as I'm also on the toe of some socks for dear Jennie, my Knitty sock pal for this round. I'm knitting her socks in the _______ pattern, in the __________colorway from one of my favorite yarns, _______. Sorry Jennie, you'll have to wait to see the socks!

Socks Have Arrived in NH (actually, a few weeks ago!)

2007-08-27T12:14:00.001-05:00

As you can see, I'm "catching up" on my blogging...these are socks I've received this past month...and they're BOTH soft, gorgeous, and much appreciated! On the bottom, are Roza socks (pattern by Grumperina) from Erika, along with a great quote magnet and postcards from her local LYS...these will be hung in my craft room...they're too nice to send!
In the top photo, these are socks from the Knitty swap, and they're from Jennie...beautiful and soft in Cherry Tree Hill yarn, and in the "Wild Cherry" colorway. Jennie also sent along some chocolate expresso beans (I just opened them today, and they're awesome) and some Texas flower seeds!
The funny thing is, I knit my Sockapalooza pal the same pattern (unbeknownst to me) for Stella, but in Blue Moon Fiber Arts "Lover's Leap" colorway (photo below on the polka dot background).

This photo below has a great idea from Jennie that I need to copy....a sock band for hand-knit socks! It's cute as a button! Thanks for the idea, Jennie!

A Long Overdue Thank You to CC!

2007-08-27T12:11:00.001-05:00

Thank you, CC! I received this bag a month ago, but just recently had time to take pictures with a borrowed camera(I'd love to get myself a new one soon!), and I'm home from traveling. What a great bag this is! It's so soft, roomy, and lined with a dark blue marbled cotton fabric that coordinates with the color scheme. It's sturdy, and I love it. :) Again, thank you, CC!
CC also sent some lovely Mosaic FX yarn, a crocheted coin purse (I'll be using it to hold knitting accessories), Mary Kay Embrace Fragrance Mist, and Lip Gloss, along with a great Manicure and Pedicure Set. I've been spoiled, and thank you so much, CC!!!!

Every Month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2007-08-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

OK, here's the short and sweet of it, from me...
EVERY month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Many friends, acquaintances, church family and now close family (my mom) has been affected by this form of cancer. So...here's my part.
Go here. Do your monthly self-exam, and get your mammogram...don't cancel that appointment!
And for my knitting friends, here are some patterns: the "pink ribbon"socks ..and one for a Boobie scarf (you must see it to believe it, and it's a pattern from Knitty.

Breast Cancer Awareness Sock \Pink Ribbons Pattern
Boobie Scarf (gotta love it)

Felted Bag Exchange 2 Fun Begins!

2007-08-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why? I adore Manos del Uruguay. It's a hand-spun and kettle-dyed wool that is a delight to knit with, full of textures and softness, and felts wonderful. The colors are deep and make me swoon.
2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog. Chrissie P. is from Singapore!
3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog. I personally have Annie and Toby.
Mary B. is owned by her dogs, Storm and Lady. :)
4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog. Sarah G. has little ones!
5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why! (Yea, I know part of September and November are technically fall, but for this question, only October and November matter!) October, of course!!! Here in NH, it's THE time for peak leaf color, pumpkin picking, homemade applesauce, crisp nights and all the scents of the season. OK, Hubby's birthday and our wedding anniversary are in October, too... :)

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire

2007-08-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom? I've been knitting since a teen (from Gram) and let it go since then...and picked it up a few years ago, and now I've been a daily knitter for about a year.
What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? a Booga Bag! Why did I try felting? I couldn't imagine the transformation from wool to felt in my washing machine...so I had to try it.
What are your favorite colors? Any you hate? Favorite colors...most all colors. Personal current favorites: black,sage green, or...Bright accent colors with blacks or browns. Least favorites are pastels, orange, neon. I like Kaffe Fassett colors, too!

What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) Um...let's see. Favorites are either bags with long handles (to use as a purse or knitting bag) or an embellished tote. Favorites include:Jasperuvia Bag ( a new favorite that I adore!) and...

Wintergarden Handbag
Natalie Collection bags
Knit Kit's My Constant Companion Bag.
Noni's Urban Adventure Daily Bag or Prism Bag

5.What handbag or bag are you carrying today? Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting? I'm carrying a purse with sock knitting in a small silk knitting bag, and I just received a Jordana Paige messenger bag in the mail today...haven't used it yet.
6.What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Socks, lace shawls and scarves, felted bags. Sweaters.What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) Short Bamboo and rosewood dpns for socks, addi circs and Knit Picks Options for other. I love Addis, but haven't tried the lace Addis yet.
7.What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? Arctic Lace patterns, and some Russian patterns. I own the Arctic Lace book, but haven't attempted anything yet. Also, the English Garden Carpet Bag...I love the embellishments!

8.What are yarns that you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? You mean besides Qiviut? :) Let's see...Wollmeise sock yarn, Malabrigo yarn, Zephyr Silk Merino laceweight yarn...the list goes on and on. :)
9.What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Read (cookbooks, mysteries, knitting books), I sew (I love to collect Amy Butler and Kaffe Fasset fabrics) to make Amy Butler bags, and ... I knit. :) OH, and being a mom to 3 sons and wife to one great Hubby.

10.Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Yankee Candles in food scents (like Cider Donut, Shortbread Cookie, Oatmeal Cookie, Frosted Pumpkin, Farmhouse Apple...)

11.What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to? No allergies...I love chocolates, chocolate covered raisins, Swedish Fish candies, Dove milk chocolates, Reese's, etc...
12. Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!) 3 sons (8,15, and 18), 2 dogs, 2 cats, 5 cockatiels and a guinea pig...and a geriatric hen. Really.
13. What kind of project best personifies you and why? Socks (quick gratification, portable, and luscious yarns and colors) also.... lace patterns (for the romantic/adventurous side of me....I like the challenge and the results for scarves, shawls, etc.
14.What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! The fall leaves, the scents of the apple farm and hot cider and caramel apples, apple pie, etc. Apple picking. Raking leaves. Real Maple Syrup on hot pancakes! Fall fairs....all of Fall.
15.Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery. Um...practical things...like pay off bills, probably move to a small country home/farm in the area, and give the rest to others. Too impossible to imagine! I'd have to give most all of it away to those that have real needs. I am blessed with what I have already.

Where Have I Been?

2007-08-07T05:46:00.000-05:00

Oh my, it's been awhile since I've updated my blog! Time does pass quickly, doesn't it? I've returned home from a quick week in CT, picked up my son from college for his 2 week stint home until he returns for the fall semester, finished up my sockapalooza socks, sent off quite a few swap boxes, and frogged my beloved sweater for my niece due to knitting errors in my lacework (Bethany)...which I'll cast back on soon.
I also need to take time and take some lovely photos of a tote I've received from CC in the International Tote Exchange...it's bright and beautiful, and came with some great goodies...some perfume, lip gloss, and a pedicure set...what a wonderful treat! :) There are some photos of this tote on CC's blog if you'd like a peek before I get my photos up.
I'm also getting ready for teaching arts and crafts during our church's Vacation Bible School which is in two weeks...yikes, it's getting close! We have a Western theme this year, so I'm sewing a calico long skirt that I can wear with...you guessed it, a sun bonnet. Oh my...I think I'm having flashbacks of Little House On The Prairie!

Felted Bag Exchange 2!

2007-08-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

Dear Knitty Friends and Felted Bag Fanatics.... It is almost time for the sign up period for the
Fall Felted Bag Exchange! This event is also called Felted Bag Exchange 2. Check it out!
The first round was a blast! Join in the fun!

SP11 Questionnaire

2007-08-06T06:03:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like to knit with wool blends and silk blends. I do not care for fun fur and acrylic yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have some needles stores in a clear vase, some in cases, and the KnitPicks Options set are in their original case. I also have the dpn tubes for storing dpns while traveling. All needles are stored and safe! :)

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Learned young, didn't knit for 20 years, and picked it up again a few years ago...I'm an obsessesive knitter now. :)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Not at the present.

5. What's your favorite scent? With candles, it's food scents, such as chocolate chip, cappucinno,
sugar cookie, maple sugar, etc....especially the baked good scents. Weird, huh?
Favorite scents for body: Lily of the Valley.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Definitely a sweet tooth for Swedish Fish candies, Dove milk chocolates, Reeses peanut butter cups. Twizzlers. Yeah, I like sweets.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Are there other crafts? Um...I usually just knit and read. No spinning for me.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Gaither Vocal Band (gospel), Celtic. Yes to the MP3 and computer for music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love color in general, if not neon or garish. I fancy autumn colors right now...deep reds, greens, browns...as well as blues. OK, I like all colors! I like solids quite a bit now for socks to show off lace patterns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Happily married, I have 3 sons (8,15, 18)...2 dogs (Toby, a12 yr. old shepherd mix and Annie, a 6 month old Schnoodle) , 2 cats, a guniea pig, 5 cockatiels and one old chicken (Sonya).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes to all.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now...lace patterned scarves, fingerweight socks, sweaters...

13. What are you knitting right now? Socks for a swap pal, Bethany sweater for niece, a tank for myself, and beginning the Forest Canopy Shawl this week.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Always appreciated.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I use bamboo dpns a lot for socks, I love addis for everything else. I just purchased the Knit Picks Options set, but haven't used it yet.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? a shawl in garter stitch...it's in a lovely wool, but the pattern bores me....Knit, knit, knit... :)

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas!

19. Is there anything that you collect? Um...yarn (laceweights, socks, and felting yarns in general), Yankee Candles in food scents (muffins, chocolate, coffees, fruit and biscotti scents... you name it! No "official" collections per se.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to Interweave Knits, Piecework, Knit Simple. I love Cookie A's sock patterns, Addi Turbo Lace needles, Felting books (I own Knit One Felt Two).

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? more lace! I still need to try socks on circulars.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I am! My foot measurements: Women's sz 10 shoe, length: 10.25 inches and 9.5 in circumference.

23. When is your birthday? July 31st.

No Sheep Box from Andrea!

2007-07-26T13:05:00.001-05:00

This arrived on my doorstep today...what a nice surprise on a sweltering hot summer day...I love unexpected surprises. :)
Andrea was my secret and very gracious No Sheep For You Skein Swap Pal...this month she sent me two lovely skeins of SWTC's Phoenix in the Canyon colorway...a 100% soysilk tape yarn, that is VERY soft to the touch, TWO bags of Ghirardelli chocolates (hidden already from the kids), 4 dp needle tubes (these are great), a beautiful butterfly tape measure (can't ever have too many of these), and some Lavender scented Eucalan wash. Thank you Andrea!!!

Thank You SP9 Pal!

2007-07-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

The mailman brought me a bag of goodness from my Southern SP9 Pal! I am spoiled! I received a lovely needle case organizer, handcrafted in purple fabrics, with beautiful button closures (I REALLY need close, sharp, colorful photos to show you...and I will try...I hope to get a new Nikon CoolPix soon!), a bar of coffee soap (what a scent...my favorite!), a ball of Crazy yarn, TWO skeins of Magallanes wool... hand dyed by Araucania Yarns in Chile, and a lovely artistic scented sachet...it's absolutely divine!
Thanks, SP9 Pal!

MY kind of "Ice Cream!"

2007-07-20T05:13:00.001-05:00

Now, this is MY kind of Ice Cream Cone! This site was seen at the TKGA summer convention here in NH this past weekend...balls of various yarns atop sugar cones...and take a lot at their version of yarn "root beer floats"...too funny.

Now, this next photo is NOT true to color...we're having rainy, dark days here this week, and although I try, my camera isn't even close in capturing the citrus green and other Cascade 220 colors that arrived yesterday in the mail from Angelika's in Oregon. I ordered these yarns on Tuesday, and they arrived on Thursday! Wow...along with a free Pure & Simple pattern for the Simple Fair Isle hat, a Pure and Simple pattern catalog, some yarn sample snippets of various Cascade yarns, and a Noni pattern catalog! I will definitely order from this shop again. She carries all 250 colors of solids and heathers in the Cascade 220. A dream come true!

This pile of yarn is for a felted bag test pattern ("Shirley") for Marie of Miss Me Knits. The pattern looks great, and I can't wait to start! Go and see her blog for the picture of this bag...I can't wait to start this (said it again) and hope to begin tonight or tomorrow.

Next is a glimpse of the Love It tank from a few days ago: I need to finish it soon, before fall begins!

And here, a knitting photo I found somewhere, and it's just for fun.

Visit to the Frog Pond

2007-07-19T05:32:00.000-05:00

Rip-it. Rip-it... Yup, I frogged Bethany...the sweater, that is. Although I checked my gauge with the Valley Farms Sugarloaf yarn and size 7 circs, I must have done my gauge swatch while stressed, because once I knit 6 inches of the pattern, I measured it...and the child's size 4 sweater was going to fit ME! So...I frogged it. Do you know what size needles I'm currently using? Size 3! Quite a difference, but I truly like the tightness of the garment, and the pattern should show up wonderfully. The Sugarloaf yarn is a joy to work with, as well (shown here, in Eggplant).

Valley Yarns Sugarloaf

The microfibre gives this wool such a cashmere-like softness that it can even be worn next to the skin without that annoying itchiness. Available in an array of pleasing colors, Sugarloaf is perfect for anything from kid knits to a sumptuous sweater for yourself.

Content: 52% Fine Merino Wool/48% Acrylic Microfibre
Care: Machine Wash Regular
Weight/Yardage: 50 Grams/81 Yards
Gauge: 4.5 sts=1, #9 or 10 needle
Knitting Weight: Worsted

On The Needles and More

2007-07-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

My kiddos aren't here this week...one away at college, and the other 2 at "Camp Whatanonnie"...aka...grandma's (Nonnie) house. :) Smile. Big smile.
I haven't blogged a lot...I HAVE been cleaning closets, scrubbing cabinets, washing floors and sheets, and basically the stuff I don't get to very often....and it shows that I'm NOT Martha (Martha Stewart...who's on TV right now...discussing grilled fruits).
On my needles...um....Sockapalooza...still...but they WILL be done on time....and newly begun...Bethany (a free Berroco pattern) for my youngest neice. It's a great purple/eggplant color. With no kids at home, I took it upon myself to watch a movie...The Holiday...I loved it. However, while knitting and zoning out, I miscounted in my lace pattern...and ripped I did. Then at night, as I was nodding off to sleep while "just finishing the row", I AGAIN misread my simple lace pattern, but had to rip out 2 hours worth of knitting. Yeah, it's a learning process...I know. :)
Good news....I'm back on track. I love the Van Dyke lace pattern for this...we'll see how this particular pattern knits up as I progress. Now...this picture is from the Berroco pattern site...I only have about 4 inches on my needles!

Knitting, Knitting, I just keep knitting...

2007-07-16T05:36:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that it's already mid July? WHERE is the time going? On Friday, I spent a few hours at the TKGA (The Knitting Guild Association) summer convention held here this past weekend in Manchester, NH...right in my neck of the woods! So convenient. I mulled and roamed the vendor shops for 4.5 hours...so many yarns and such! I walked away with some Webs Valley Yarns Sugarloaf in Eggplant for Berroco's Bethany for my niece, Berger du Nord Belle silk for some secret pal gifts, and an Austrian cardigan pattern and Harrisville's own Orchid yarn (25% Mohair, 70% Fine Virgin Wool & 5% Cashmere. A single ply yarn with a loft spun twist that is warm and wonderfully lightweight) in Canyon from Harrisville Yarns. I wanted much, much more...but it wasn't in the budget. :)

The rich heritage of Austrian traveling stitches is the inspiration for the intriguing texture of this soft, elegant, white cardigan. Knit in Harrisville Designs Orchid Line yarn, a luxury blend of mohair, silk and fine wool, the design just pops out with wonderful definition. And since the twisted stitches do not require a cable needle, this design is far faster and easier to knit than it looks.

Sizes: 39(43,48,53)". Gauge 23 sts and 27 rows = 4".
Yarn requirements: Harrisville Designs Orchid Line (Mohair, Silk, and Wool) 100 gr. skeins. 5 (6,7,8) skeins White Orchid
Alternative Yarn: Harrisville’s Flax and Wool Blend.

Now, if you remember, I was at Lucy Neatby's Sock Workshop at Harrisville last month and picked up these:
Cable & Lace Cardigan (#P718)

Cable and Lace: A lacy pattern combines a simple cable and seed stitch in this sweater shirt pattern shown here in Bordeaux from the Orchid Yarns. The design has a seed stitch collar, open vent side slits and button bands. There is also a simple cropped version of the design which has no side slits or collar, just a simple seed stitch neckband.

Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 35 (43, 46, 54)" Gauge: 4 sts & 6 rows = 1"
Yarn: Harrisville Designs Orchid Yarns
(Soft Spun Mohair, Silk & Wool Blend - 100 gr. Skeins)
Tunic - 4 (5 ,5 ,6) Skeins
Cropped - 4 (5 ,5 ,6) Skeins

AND...

Roma Cardigan (#P716)

Roma Cardigan: This elegant and slender fitting cardigan has a body of open cables on reversed stockinette stitch ground. The edge rib, cuffs, neck and button bands are all in a feminine mini cable rib stitch. It is knit in Harrisville Designs luxury blend of Silk and Wool in creamy White.

Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 36 (42, 46, 54)"
Gauge 25: sts & 19 rows = 4"
Yarns: Harrisville Designs Silk & Wool Blend -
50 gr. Skeins
8 (9, 10, 12) Skeins Shown in White.
Alternatives:
Cashmere & Wool Blend or New England Shetland-100% Pure Wool - light-weight 2 ply, 50 gr. Skeins

I also picked a cone of 2/14 Alpaca Silk(laceweight) from Valley Yarns in the Sienna Colorway for a very late start on Mystery Stole 3, which is coordinated by Pink Lemon Twist. Let the fun begin...

The Mystery Stole 3!

No, I'm STILL here...and so is my yarn, of course...

2007-07-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

Monkeys are Here! Actually, they arrived a week ago. thank you, Cindy! What gorgeous socks! And, they fit perfectly! Cindy alson spoiled me with a handmade embroidered monkey sock bag, a monkey punchbag, a coloring kit for my son, and some nice circs, patterns, and directions for knitting socks with 2 circs....I can't wait! The Crystal Palace Bunny Hop yarn will make nice sock for my niece. Again, Thanks Cindy! :)

Wow! A whole week without blogging...I'm surprised, since I'm online and reading blogs, knitting sites, etc. every day! So, what have I been up to? Nothing, really. A nice picnic on the 4th with friends (and a great fruit salad!), moving son #2 into son #1's room...making son #2's room....MY CRAFT ROOM!!! MY permanent craft room!!!! Yes, that's where I've been. Unpacking, sorting, stacking, organizing patters, yarns, accessories, swap goodies to send, goodies to photograph for the blog. ...and fitting a daybed (aka bed for son #1 when home from college) into the corner with a burgundy matelasse cover and such. Oh, and THE BIRDS live there, at least temporarily. The birds are 5 cockatiels that belong to son #1...Lua, Gizmo, Feathers, Sampson, and Samantha...all have nasty bird dander, like attention, are very smart, and just do NOT go well in a craft room! What have I been knitting? I finished (but not felted) a ballband bag with Cascade 220 in a raspberry colorway, and a coordinating Noro Kureyon. I've looked at my Sockapalooza socks, but no gumption yet....only 3/4 of one sock finished so far. Project of choice: a great tank called the "Love It" tank, written by and purchased at Knottygirl in Fairfield, CT a few weeks ago. Love It is from Berroco, and is "A cool matte cotton/acrylic blend with just the right touch of elastic. Our range of 24 colors spans the spectrum from softened pastels and sophisticated mid tones to primary and jewel toned summer brights." A easy, but cute pattern for a tank...I can't find any more information on it, though! The TKGA summer conference is being held here in NH this weekend...and I plan to be there on Friday AND Saturday...as it's less than 10 minutes from my home. I hope to see many others there as well. :) Now, I really need to get my camera going, and take some photos of some swaps I received last week...from April in the Knitflix swap and from Jaana in the Super Sox Box Swap! Both were wonderful and much appreciated! April sent one of my favorite musicals that I don't own...Oklahoma!, along with a beautiful knitting bag (completing the OK theme)...take a look at the wonderful print lining this bag!, along with bee hand salve, a brass star, bandana notecards, popcorn, and sock yarn from Artsygal in Zannie Veggie Garden colorway. Wow! I was I spoiled!

Jaana was most kind in sending a wonderful box to me for this swap:
2 skeins of a beautiful Regia bamboo yarn (SO soft!), a handmade linen bag ( lined in a gorgeous pink fabric and my name is embroidered on the front!), Fiskar travel scissors, lovely green stitch markers, 2 bars of soap (one is coffee scented!), a cute magnet, coffee, jellied candies (they look like the same consistency of Swedish Fish, but I can't read Finnish! - Yum), and a cappuccino packet.

What my Son bought in Scotland (See the kilt?)

2007-07-03T05:34:00.001-05:00

My traveling son returned home Friday from a month in England/Scotland/Ireland/Wales...and here's how he arrived from London. It's so him. Go figure! He loves being Scottish. My great grandmother, Jennie Mills, traveled from Ruther Glen/Glasgow in the early 1900's, and arrived via Ellis Island when she was a teenager. Now that he's seen more of where the family still lives, I guess he's a bit proud of being part of the Gordon clan.
Knitting Wise: Felted bags, not much else...recuperating from sending son off to college 36 hrs after arriving in the States. I'll be taking photos of my wonderful swap packages from The Knitflix Swap (Thanks, April!) and the Monkey Socks Swap 2 (Thanks, Cindy!). Both wonderful!

2007-06-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

This is my Booga Bag, drying in the sunlight in the window...it's Noro Kureyon, color 95, I think. So easy, and I'm not sure whether to attach the felted straps as suggested in the Booga Bag pattern, or to use the clear acrylic handles. I have to find the right button, pin, or beaded fringe to embellish this bag, before sending it off for an exchange.
What to do when it's in the 90's, no air movement, and high humidity? Sam went swimming with the cousins at their pool, while I worked on my mother's shawl in Fiesta's sapphire La Boheme. It's a blend with mohair, so I didn't last long, knitting by a pool. The shawl is just about finished, but needs to block.

What I've Been Felting

2007-06-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

No blogging lately, I've been too busy sending out swap boxes and goodies! I've also finallly embellished my tote, for either the Spring Felted Bag Exchange, or for the International Tote Exchange IV....I have the same bag in pink tones, and not sure who to send which bag to...yet.
I'm also working on a Ballband bag, so we'll see which bag goes where soon!
I've also been winding up yarn cakes...they're so nice to hold. Hubby doesn't understand this. Do you? The Manos del Uruguay here is mostly in hues of blacks and browns, as one of my upcoming bags is for my mom, and this is her requested colorway. Too boring for me, but I get to keep the leftover Manos for myself. :)

And here is some Cascade 220 and another favorite, Noro Kureyon (both gifts from MY Spring Felted Bag Exchange Pal, JUDY!)....Ballband Bag is the projected project for these yarns.

Sock Knitting: Ummm...Sockapalooza 4 and Knitty Sock Swap socks are taking a "break" from
being knit this week. Sock knitting resumes once College Boy is off at college on July 1st.

Oh yeah...College Boy...still in Europe. Sigh. It sounds nice, and I sort of wish I was there. My mom is with him on the whirlwind tour through England, Scotland and Ireland. I love traveling with my mom, she's fun and adventurous. So is my son. I can't wait to hear details. He hasn't emailed me, but I've read some news he's sent to friends...kissing that blasted Blarney Stone, buying some sort of Welsh spoon to give to an intended down the road (can't wait to hear the story behind that one), and buying a kilt. This is my son?
They arrive in NYC Friday Evening, we drive back to NH late Friday, early Saturday, and then it's off to Norwich U on Sunday morning. THAT'S when my sock knitting resumes. Just thought you'd like to know!