I am therefore I knit

in the delaware valley

2007-04-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Jonquils huddle for warmth.

It is April 16th, isn't it? We have flooding here in the Delaware valley, and sleet and snow, and lots of cold wind blowing.

I hope the weather is warm and pleasant where you are dear reader.

Happy Monday.

crocus and friend

2007-04-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

of details and disaster

2007-01-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

First, the details, a better shot of the cables on the alpaca pullover. This picture is the front of the sweater, can you see how the cables run across the shoulder saddles and down the sleeves?

This is the back, see how the cables continue into the neck, sleeves and bottom ribbing.

And this, my dear friends, is an unmitigated knitting disaster. Oh, it all started out innocently enough ( click here to see ), but I should have known it would never work between us. Knitting the 100% silk made my arms hurt, so I was never faithful to this project, neglecting it for long periods of time while I ran brightly colored wool through my hands, knitting pairs of socks and even other sweaters. Perhaps this project was planning its revenge during those long days and nights that it languished, lonely and neglected. Most likely it is a disaster because of my lack of planning. The shoulders don't fit, the sweater's too long, there's not a redeeming feature about this design (it was all my own, by the way), so this yarn will eventually be recycled for another project, if I can ever get over the feeling that it just has bad karma.....

i didn't blog

2007-01-12T15:09:00.000-05:00

for a long time, but I did knit. Next week I'll try to catch up with pictures of more finished projects.

When my camera died, I had just signed on for the Trekking KAL. Here's a picture of my Trekking socks. These beauties were knit from the top down using the star toe and welsh heel from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. I used a simple rib with paired eyelets for the leg. The pattern reminds me of rabbit tracks, appropriate for this project I think.

And I finished this pair last night, also made with Trekking yarn. These are from the toe up using a Turkish cast on, plain stockinette with a k2p2 cuff. I love the shading on this yarn, watching the color pattern emerge as I knitted was truly a pleasure. It wasn't possible to make these identical twins, the color repeats were totally random, one has a lot more blue than the other.

Lastly, another pair of socks knit with Trekking yarn, but on a smaller scale. These little booties are going to my neighbor's new baby, along with a little hat knitted from some yarn I had in my stash. I think it was called Peter Pan.

Happy weekend to all.

new year...

2007-01-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

...new camera, new years resolution, enough said.

We had a snow shower this morning, the first one of this winter. This is what it looked like from my front door at about 9:00.

When the snow slowed down I gathered my courage and drove across the river to our weekly knitting circle. Being a transplanted southern girl I used to be a big chicken about driving in any kind of wintry precipitation. This being my third winter in Pennsylvania, and armed with my all wheel drive Pacifica (love that car), I felt like an intrepid explorer as I ventured forth onto the snowy roads. Mostly I was motivated to brave the elements because I really wanted to show off my new sweater.

Pattern: my own, based on the Dropped Saddle Shoulder design in Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top.

Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca. This picture does not do justice to the color, which is a softly heathered plum.

New technique learned: cables with no cable needle. I had tried before, without success, until I found the instruction here: http://wendyknits.net/knit/cablelesson.htm
Thanks Wendy, your instructions are great!

This is my all time favorite sweater right now, I really love it. All the snow was gone by the time I drove home.

Congratulations girlfriend!

2006-05-03T19:38:00.000-04:00

Hey girlfriend, this post is for you! Congratulations to my friend Jess who graduated from nursing school today. Now you can spend more time knitting!

I knitted this sweater some time ago, it is my own design. Though I swatched and thought I had a good handle on my guage, the sweater is considerably longer than I had intended it to be, coming all the way to the bottom of my hips. It was a little chilly on Monday morning, so I wore this to yoga class. When I visited the local yarn shop after yoga, I was pleasantly surprised when the sales clerk complimented my sweater. On my walk back to the car, two ladies stopped to admire my sweater, and one of them asked me where I got the pattern. WOW, that made me feel really good.

Today, I took a walk across the Riegelsville
bridge, a steel suspension bridge built in 1904 by the John A. Roebling Company, who also built the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the walk, which took me from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in less than five minutes.

one sock, two socks

2006-01-10T10:13:00.000-05:00

Old socks, new sock (with apologies to Dr. Seuss). I love that book, don't you? These are my old socks, aka the recently finished ones. I love the way the toe shaping fits my foot. I don't like the heel shaping, it's a little loose for me. I will have to tweak it a bit if I use this heel again. This yarn was very nice to work with, unfortunately I have misplaced the ball band and the only thing I can remember is that the yarn was called Applebutter and that it has some mohair content.

The stats
Pattern: Lichen Ribbed Sock by Nancy Bush
Yarn: see confession above
Cast on: 12-22-05
cast off: 01-07-06

As soon as these were finished, I cast on for another pair, this time using the Madder Ribbed Sock pattern. You may remember this, well, I enjoyed my first pair of top down socks so much that I frogged this baby to use the yarn for the current project. Cast on late on Saturday,this picture is of the progress made to date.

I'm going to pull the silk sweater I started last fall out of storage and see if I can make some progress on it. Knitters can live on socks alone, but I like sweaters too.

Loka Samasta Sukhino Bavantu
May all beings everywhere be happy and free

late bloomer

2006-01-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

I bought this Christmas Cactus last December, during a fund raiser for my DS's school chorus. They raise money selling cactus and poinsettias and use the plants to decorate the stage for the choral performance before delivering them to the purchasers. This plant was pretty last year, but even better this year, though a little late in blooming.

I have been knitting socks for several years now, and I've always knitted them from the toe up on two circs, using my own pattern which was a fusion of various patterns and ideas gleaned from information found mostly on the internet. I recently puchased a copy of Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. This book has inspired me to learn to knit socks in a more traditional style. Hence these, my first pair of socks knit from the top down. The first sock was started on 5 inch Brittany Birch DPNs. When I got to the gusset shaping and had over thirty stitches on one needle I discovered 5 inch needles were not long enough and I had to switch to 2 circs to finish the first sock. I started the second sock on circs and then aquired a set of 7 inch metal DPNs, with which I am finishing the second sock. So, these haven't exactly been knitted per the pattern instructions, but they have been knitted top down. I used the Lichen Ribbed Sock pattern. I really like the toe shaping on these, it fits my oddly shaped toes well. I can't wait to start another pair using another pattern from the book.

finished scarf

2005-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

This is the only gift knitting I did this Christmas, and it was done at the special request of DH. This is Natalie's scarf. I know, it looks like a shawl in this picture, but that is my 10 year old modeling, it will be more scarf like on an adult. Can you see the long pointy ends hanging from his arms? The better to wrap or tie the scarf with. I loved working with the Blue Sky Alpaca, I enjoyed the design, which was is my knock off of a pattern from Folk Shawls. The scarf was finished just in time to be washed, blocked, wrapped and delivered to the recipient. I had so little time to spend with it when it was completed. I have separation anxiety.

Cast on 12/13/2005
Cast off 12/21/2005

Happy holidays to one and all. May your life be filled with peace and joy.

as promised

2005-12-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

here is a picture of the progress I've made on the sock cast on Sunday. As you can see, there isn't much. There is a reason for that. On Monday night, DH asked if I could make a scarf for a co-worker's wife, as a Christmas gift. Being the wonderful, kind person that I am, I willingly agreed to take on the task. It had nothing to do with having an excuse to go yarn shopping on Tuesday (you believe that, right?).

i had intended

2005-12-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

to purchase some trendy colorful silk blend and do a reasonably quick and easy scarf. But this Blue Sky Alpaca cast a spell on me, I took leave of my senses and purchased two shades of gray of this sinfully soft as a cloud yarn to knit a triangular scarf/mini shawl for Natalie. After all, she's a classy lady who deserves a special gift. My choice of yarn and project has nothing to do with getting a high every time I knit a row with this yarn (did I mention how soft it is?). Since the scarf has to be finished no later than Wednesday, I guess I'll have to spend most of my time knitting this weekend. That's going to be such a sacrifice (translation: woohoot! I have an excuse to spend my entire weekend knitting!).

snow in the village

2005-12-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

This is what Friday morning looked like in our eastern PA village. The children enjoyed a weekend of sledding and building snow forts.

finished socks

2005-12-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

I did get some knitting time in, between making hot chocolate and putting wet snow clothes in the dryer. Here's a picture of the finished garter rib socks. Other than the odd striping on the one on the right (which I chose not to fix) I really like the way these turned out. They are nice and soft and warm.

Garter Rib Socks
Designed by me
Yarn: Knit picks Sock Landscape, colorway Rocky Mountain Dusk
cast on 11-22-2005, cast off 12-9-2005

Yesterday I cast on for another pair of socks. Progress pictures coming soon.

the sledding hill

2005-12-06T10:22:00.001-05:00

I am knitting around and around on the cuff of my second sock, no finished object yet for a photo op. So I am sharing with you today a picture of the sledding hill. My children think this is the best feature of our house, at least in the winter. We got snow on Saturday night, and another dusting last night. As you can see, it really isn't much snow, but because of the cold weather it's still here. The boys have spent every moment they could sledding. When they start at the top, they can get a really long run.

If you want to see pretty snow pictures, don't miss Margene's.

these socks...

2005-12-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

are the project getting all my attention this week. The first one was cast on during Thanksgiving vacation at the beach and finished on Wednesday. The second was cast on yesterday. I'm liking this Knit Picks Sock Landscape yarn. It's soft and lofty, which should mean these will be warm & yummy to wear. I need warm, today's forcast is snow showers. This was the first morning that the wind made my face sting when I walked the dog. After a mild November I think the cold weather has arrived.

raglan cardi, final installment

2005-12-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

Can you see the collar? The raglan cardi was all finished last spring, except for the collar. Then the warm weather dried up my desire to finish this project. Now she has her collar, and she is keeping me warm. Thanks to my KRSP2 pal who gave me the first two hanks of this Ashford, 100% wool yarn. I was lucky enough to score four more hanks at one of the local yarn shops, and now I have a warm sweater in my favorite colors. The buttons were knitted in, using a technique taught by Lily Chin.

the raglan cardi
started April 2004
finished November 18, 2005
pattern generated using Sweater Wizard, inspiration for using ribbed panels for shaping from Lily Chin's The Urban Knitter

mittens

2005-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Psst, psst.... anybody there? I've been away for a long time, I hope someone will come visit, now that I'm back. See those mittens? That is my first ever pair of mittens, and I'm pretty darn proud of them. I knitted them for Nona's Peaceful Palms KAL. I started with Elizabeth Zimmerman's mitered mittens pattern, and increased for the thumb so I could have a snugger fit than the original pattern. (Maybe I'll try a pair of gloves next.)

I also knit a cap, and plan to knit a matching scarf. I enjoyed using this yarn, heavy worsted weight, 55% mohair and 45% wool, hand dyed by a nearby yarn shop, The Spinnery, in Frenchtown, NJ.

I've started a pair of socks, and finally finished the Raglan Cardi, which I enjoyed wearing on my Thanksgiving vacation (pictures soon). It's nice to be back.

Iris finis!

2005-11-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

Iris, in all her (their?) glory. Cast on mid-October (didn't record the exact date, 'my bad), cast off November 6. Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Wild Iris colorway. Design: original. I really love these socks. Usually, a finished pair of socks gets worn the day after they are completed. These have not been worn yet. I just want to look at them.

oh so soft

2005-11-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's not because they are not comfortable, they are soooo soft. A special thanks to KRSP3 secret pal, who gave me this beautiful yarn.

it's finished

2005-11-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

It's a scarf! Cast on October 23, cast off November 1. Yarn, Koigu merino multi, discontinued colorway. I used an all knit version of feather and fan because I don't like to have a wrong side on a scarf. Purling the last stitch and slipping the first stitch of every row makes a nice finished edge at the sides. This was a fun and easy scarf to knit. I love the color.

my secret pal strikes again

2005-10-26T17:06:00.001-04:00

and all I can say is THANKS! I received the new Sally Melville book on color, two hanks of Knit Picks Sock Landscapes yarn in the Rocky Mountain Dusk colorway, a pewter key ring that says "Knitters love to sit and knit a bit", and some lovely beaded stitch markers. I love it all.

How's Iris

2005-10-26T17:06:00.000-04:00

you ask. Coming along nicely, I reply. Iris has been on hold since Sunday when I started a special request scarf, pictures of the scarf tomorrow. I am still enjoying Iris and looking forward to wearing her (them?). It's gotten a little chilly here lately, I need all the wool socks I can get.

meet Iris

2005-10-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

Iris is my newest WIP. First sock finished this morning, second to be cast on this afternoon (I hope). The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. I prefer making socks toe up on two circular needles, and usually use short rows for toe and heel. This sock is a new and improved version. I used Turkish cast on and increases to shape the toe.

more about iris

2005-10-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

For the heel, I worked a traditional style heel flap with slipped stitches for reinforcement, and short rows to shape the heel cup. I'm happy with the results.

captain's log, supplemental

2005-10-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

OK, here's another reason I was an AWOL blogger for awhile. I've been working on this new home page. Come for a visit and let me know what you think.

captain's log, star date 10-17-2005

2005-10-17T11:29:00.000-04:00

Do you remember that UFO I kept refering to as the koigu lace wrap. The one that was supposed to look like this (click on Poncho Loco, it's the lace wrap on page 2). Well, when I seamed my knitted and blocked piece it did not look like that. It was too wide, and too long. I'd even taken the time to knit and block a guage swatch (sigh). I was really disappointed. I'd had so much fun knitting the lace. I loved knitting with the yarn.

I could have re-blocked the piece to make it longer and used it as a stole, but I really didn't want a stole. I was standing in front of the mirror trying to envision a different seaming option to make the poncho work when I had an inspiration. Just two little seams and I could have this,

the koigu lace shrug. Now I'm happy.

2005-10-17T11:28:00.000-04:00

shrug back

excuses of an awol blogger

2005-10-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been absent without leave. I dont have any good excuse, but I have lots of them. Just skip them if you're not interested, I'll never know.

I was disappointed with my finished Koigu wrap, I still haven't decided how to fix it.
I started the same sock, and frogged it, and restarted it about 10 times.
It was my first week as a Webelos den mom and I had to prepare for the meeting.
I was nervous about being a den mom.
My mother fell (two weeks ago today).
My mother broke her arm.
My mother was in surgery for six hours last Friday, she had crushed the bones below her left elbow.
My mother now has two metal plates and something that replaces one of the small bones in her elbow to repair the damage.
It is very frustrating to be three states away when your mom is in pain and having surgery.
I do not handle that frustration well.
We have had eight days of rain and NO sun.

This is the view from my front door, as you can see, it is still cloudy. The forcast is for sun tomorrow. I hope the forcast is right.

mums abloom

2005-10-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

Do you remember this picture? Well, now they look like this and they have some ornamental kale to keep them company. They are also very soggy after eight days of rain.

knitting books

2005-09-30T08:23:00.000-04:00

I love books about knitting, don’t you? So many patterns, techniques, stitches and information to inspire one’s creative muse. I tend to prefer reference and technique books, although I have a fair few pattern books as well.

There are three books that never get put on the shelf, they are always beside my knitting chair because I refer to them often. My favorite is The Big Book of Knitting by Katharina Buss. I always open this book first when I have a technique question. I like the explanations and I find the illustrations very helpful. The other two are Vogue Knitting, and Knitting in the Old Way.
Other favorites are Maggie Righetti’s Knitting in Plain English, which made me laugh and taught me a lot about knitting; and Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitting Without Tears which was nothing short of inspiring.

And then there is Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. The first book-book-book was one of the funniest I ever read. I’m looking forward to reading the second.

Those who know me...

2005-09-28T16:55:00.000-04:00

...know that I am a Harry Potter junkie. The books, the movies, I own them all and have read or watched them all multiple times; even the ones that make me sad and angry when Ms. Rowling kills off my favorite characters.

I am looking forward to the release of the next movie. If you haven't seen the trailer for "Goblet of Fire", check it out here.

Only 17 rows to go on the koigu lace wrap!

Remember this?

2005-09-27T03:37:00.000-04:00

If you are a regular reader of this blog you may remember this little number, the raglan cardi. I started this last April, and by the time I'd completed everything but the collar the weather was so warm that even working on this project was uncomfortable (wearing it unimaginable).

So all summer the raglan cardi has been languishing in the waiting place, you know the one, that place where UFOs hang around until they are forgotten, frogged or finished. Now that there is a touch of Fall in the air and a low temperature of 47 predicted for my area tonight this little beauty is going to get her collar. Stay tuned for further developments.

The koigu lace wrap is nearing the finish line, only 56 rows to go! Here's hoping we'll have a FO picture to post soon.

Happy knitting.

Weekend activities...

2005-09-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

...unfortunately did not include much knitting. I did a few rows on the koigu lace wrap, and that was all. The weekend got a great start on Friday afternoon when I had a phone chat with my best girlfriend and knitting buddy, Jess.

Saturday started out with a yoga lesson. Then, I supervised, I mean watched admiringly as my DH installed garage door openers. After that I took two DSs to a biking park, where they turned a little more of my hair gray by "getting air" and crashing multiple times. They thought is was great fun. They said all the bruises and scrapes were nothing. What happened to that little boy (oDS) who sounded like he was dying if he had a hangnail ? What happened to the little guy (yDS) who had such a hard time learning to ride a two wheeler? My little darlings are growing up.

After the park older DS went on a boy scout camp out, younger DS had his best friend come for a sleep over.

on sunday...

2005-09-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

younger DS, his friend and I joined other parents and cub scouts, selling mums to raise money for the scouts. I bought six mums, and spent the rest of the day weeding this bed and planting the mums, which I didn't finish until this morning. Yes, the flower bed looks a little empty, but it's a start. At least it's not just weeds and grass anymore.

My blog has been discovered by the blog spammers, not exactly the readers I was hoping for. In order to put a halt (hopefully) to the unwelcome comments I am going to enable blogger's anti spam feature. I apologize for the extra step that will create for my friends who comment here. Spam is the pits.

new camera

2005-09-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

The first picture taken with my new camera.

That's my faithful knitting buddy, Sparky the Wonderdog. Isn't he a handsome devil?

knitting picture 1

2005-09-20T16:39:00.000-04:00

This is a blocked swatch of the lace pattern I am using for my Koigu lace wrap. The pattern is called ostrich plumes. Hopefully I will have enough yarn to sew the rectangle together into a poncho. The pattern is on the Interweave Knits website, click on Poncho Loco. I'm using the "Lace Poncho" by Susan Sternlieb.

knitting picture 2

2005-09-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

which shows the progress of the lace wrap. This pattern is fun to knit and the koigu is a dream to work with. I deviated from the pattern by adding a garter stitch border all around.

knitting picture 3

2005-09-20T16:37:00.000-04:00

the silk sweater, body joined and knitting around and around to the bottom ribbing, eventually.
It's great to be able to post photos again.

Happy knitting.

morning visit

2005-09-15T08:33:00.000-04:00

We had a visit this morning from two of these ladies. Not this one, this one lives by a waterfall where my guys went camping this summer, when the camera was still functional. I couldn't take pictures this morning because the camera is not functional, but two of these beautiful creatures were in our backyard this morning. We know they are around here all the time, we see footprints and other evidence of their presence, but we don't often get a close up view, so it was a pleasant surprise to start the day.

I have a yoga class today. I started yoga classes a few months ago. I love yoga, and my instuctor, she's great. Yoga is something I have been interested in for about thirty years, I'm so glad I finally took the plunge (yes, for me it was a plunge).

On the knitting front I have finished both sleeves of the silk sweater to the elbow and put the stitches on holders until I decide how I want to finish them. Now I have joined the stitches of the front and back and started knitting around on the body. After working with the silk until my hands were starting to complain I knitted a few rows on the Koigu lace wrap. Pictures of this progress coming soon (I hope).

Not having a camera

2005-09-12T15:58:00.000-04:00

certainly makes creating an interesting blog entry more challenging, at least for me. I subscibe to the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words. Since I have no new knitting photos to post I searched through my photo archives and found this shot of the moon over the Atlantic, taken during last year's trip to Hatteras Island. It's not knitting, but it is a beautiful picture.

I'm about half way through the Koigu lace wrap and about 5 inches down the first sleeve of the silk sweater. I really need to knit faster, there are so many things I want to knit. Getting back into a school routine these last two weeks has been more difficult than usual for me, probably because son the elder catches the bus an hour earlier this year, hence we rise an hour earlier. Perhaps I'll get my groove back eventually ( if I ever had one? ).

Labor Day Trip

2005-09-07T09:54:00.000-04:00

We took advantage of the four day weekend to meet up with some dear friends and visit our nation's capitol city. We covered a lot of ground and took a lot of photos and even did a little knitting. This is a view of the Washington Monument (as if you didn't already know that).

We took a tour...

2005-09-07T09:53:00.000-04:00

... of the Capitol building. Our guide was terrific and very knowledgable. He greeted a group of Chinese tourists in Chinese. When we asked him later he said he could speak over 100 different languages. Being a person who often has trouble with her native language I was very impressed.

If you look way up

2005-09-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

when standing in the rotunda of the capitol building, you will see this lovely painting, and you will probably feel slightly dizzy, it's a long way up.

The things I enjoyed seeing most were the Botanical Gardens and the National Gallery. The gardens are beautiful, being surrounded by green and growing plants always makes me feel happy and peaceful.

I only saw a small part of the National Gallery. The rotunda and the garden rooms are beautiful. I'd love to spend a day knitting in the rotunda while soaking in all that beauty. Alas, I don't think the knitting needles would be allowed.

My favorite part of the trip was spending time talking and knitting with my best friend. I miss you girl!

The most inspiring part of the trip was passing the convoy of buses, police and other personnel from New York City on their way south to New Orleans as we were headed north on I95.

I was tired of wrestling with the silk cardigan (well, that's what knitting with that yarn feels like) so I decided I needed a new project for the trip. I pulled some Koigu Painters Palette Multi out of the stash and started a lace wrap. The yarn is a black/brown/green colorway and I am using a stitch pattern called Ostrich Plume. Knitting with the merino is such a pleasure after the silk. I plan to alternate between the two projects until they're completed. I would share a picture of my progress, but the camera took a little tumble on our trip. I'll be shopping for a new camera soon.

a new project

2005-08-31T14:32:00.000-04:00

I started this silk raglan pullover last weekend. This photo shows the back. I have the stitches for the back and front on holders and am starting to knit the first sleeve. This yarn is 100% silk that I picked up from the bargain bin at one of the LYSs about a year ago. I love the colors, the rose shades to lavender and then to blue and back, reminds me of sunset. This yarn is not easy to knit though, as it has absolutely no stretch. My swatch after washing and drying was soft and had a lovely drape, so I think it will be worth the effort. My plan is for a top down raglan with a V-neckline and 3/4 sleeves. I hope this will make a nice late summer to fall transition piece.

My Tivoli

2005-08-15T20:48:00.000-04:00

Here reposes my blocked tivoli. See the original pattern at Grumperina's blog. My tivoli was knitted with Knit Picks Shine, color blush. I added a five ridge garter stitch border at the neck, armholes and hemline. I also made mine a touch longer and added a row of seed stitch diamonds down the front. I enjoyed working with Shine; great stitch definition, easy to knit with, and machine washable.

Thanks, Kathy

2005-08-15T20:47:00.000-04:00

for sharing this great pattern!

SP, you are the best,

2005-08-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for another generous gift. My sons can't wait to try the Wild Huckleberry honey and syrup, I think I'll be making pancakes for breakfast tomorrow. The cowboy cookie mix with the little cowboy boot cookie cutter is just too cute. The note pad will definitely be put to good use. As I type this I am wearing the skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock 100% merino in the Spanish Moss colorway around my neck, the better to appreciate how soft and lucious it is, and dreaming about how delicious those socks are going to feel on my feet. And finally, the pattern for Annie Modesitt's Sideways Spencer. I love that pattern, I hope I can do it justice. I can't wait to find the perfect yarn and start on it.

Thank you Secret Pal, for such a wonderful gift.

Thanks, MA

2005-08-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

As you may have read on Ma's blog, I won her contest by guessing the date she would finish her NBaT. Ma delivered the goods, I received her prize package this week. Thanks Ma! I will enjoy the sock yarn and the 1824 cotton. Wow, I still can't believe I actually won.

road trip

2005-07-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we leave for Roanoke to visit my Mom and siblings and their families. I hope to get a lot of knitting done during the trip, especially on my tivoli-t.

Until I blog again, happy knitting to you.

a day with the guys

2005-07-08T19:36:00.000-04:00

My dear husband took a day off from work today so we could have some family fun. Unfortunately, the remnants of tropical storm Cindy kept today from being good for outdoor activities. Since they couldn't play outdoors, my guys decided to spend the afternoon at their favorite outdoorsman's paradise, Cabela's.

***

2005-07-08T19:35:00.000-04:00

When my guys go to Cabela's, they like to spend lot's of time looking, because there are a lot of things at Cabela's they like to look at. When I go to Cabela's, I like to look at the shoes (they carry Birkenstocks) and then I'm done and ready to go. That means I'm usually ready to go about two hours before the guys are (the opposite of when we go to the mall). I have resolved this situation by finding a comfortable chair in Cabela's furniture department and knitting while the guys shop. This was todays chair, and it was quite comfortable.

***

2005-07-08T19:34:00.000-04:00

I sat in that chair and worked on my tivoli-t, which I cast on yesterday. Thanks to Grumperina for the free pattern. I am using Knit Picks Shine, the color is Blush. I really like this yarn so far, it has good stitch definition and a nice sheen. I washed my swatch and then threw it in the dryer. It came out with a slightly reduced sheen, and remarkably soft.

Finally...

2005-07-06T19:00:00.000-04:00

Dear gentle reader,

I haven't blogged for awhile, but I have been knitting. I've knitted at the pool while my kids swim.

***

2005-07-06T18:59:00.000-04:00

I've knitted while the Phillies defeated the Braves.

***

2005-07-06T18:58:00.000-04:00

I even did some knitting in the knitting room chair.

***

2005-07-06T18:57:00.000-04:00

I am happy to report that I finally have a finished object to show for all that knitting.

***

2005-07-06T18:54:00.000-04:00

Best of all, it fits.

Cotton Summer Shell, made with Katia Mississippi Print. Design by me.
Cast on June 12, finished July 5.

more yarn

2005-06-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

My Knit Picks order arrived. I got 3 skeins Wool of the Andes (for my Master Knitter level 1 swatches) and 10 skeins of Shine. The Shine is destined for another summer top, probably a t-shirt style this time.

...

2005-06-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist this little guy, he's adorable and he was a bargain. It's a rug made by Lantern Moon. He now graces the area in front of the knitting room chair.

Saturday in New York City

2005-06-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

Dear gentle reader,

This photo was taken from the Staten Island ferry on our journey into New York City yesterday. It was my first time in the city and I had a a great time doing the tourist thing. We saw the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Broadway, Time Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Grand Central Station, and I road the subway for the first time.

the best part

2005-06-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

My favorite part of the trip however was not one of the most popular tourist destinations, but a small showroom on the 8th floor of a nondescript building on 29th street. This is a photo of Habu Textiles sample wall.

Special thanks to the Yarn Harlot, I read about Habu on her blog. The wonderful staff here give you lots of time to look at and feel all the different yarns, and when you make your selections they bring the yarn to you from the mysterious "space behind the curtain". All the yarns were beautiful. My son was fascinated by the wool/stainless steel blend. It was hard to make a choice. In the end I couldn't resist the lace weight shropshire wool.

the score

2005-06-19T10:02:00.000-04:00

I purchased this 2,975 yd hank for less than $12. I also got 2 ounces of bamboo fiber to spin, can't wait to try it. I love New York.

progress has been made...

2005-06-17T18:11:00.000-04:00

...on the cotton summer shell. I've completed the ribbing and a few inches of the body.

2005-06-17T18:09:00.000-04:00

Though this photo is a little murky, I hope you can see three of the mini cables from the ribbing traveling up the body of the shell to add a little textural interest.

We've had a busy last week of school. Summer break began this afternoon. Yesterday was older dear son's fifth grade graduation. His Dad and I are very proud. Congratulations darling! You had a lot of challenges this year, being in a new state and a new school was tough. You showed your character and faced your challenges with courage.

We are going into "the city" (NYC) tomorrow. I hope to visit at least one yarn shop.

new project

2005-06-13T16:12:00.000-04:00

Dear gentle reader,

Yes, I have been in the blogging doldrums lately. The blogging doldrums are a direct result of being in a knitting slump. There have been many reasons for this unhappy situation; ie: post vacation blues, temperatures in the 90 degree range, the upcoming end of school for my children and all the flurry of activities that accompany it, knitters block.... well you get the picture. Nothing major, just a slump. And as all knitters know the cure for a knitting slump is buying new yarn and starting new projects.

So, while I'm waiting for my package to arrive from Knit Picks I started a summer shell with some light weight cotton yarn I pulled out of the stash. I'm still working the bottom ribbing, p5, k2 with a cable twist every 4th row. Here's a picture of the two inches I've finished. Another half inch to go and I will start the body which will be mostly plain stockinette I think.

Tomorrow I'll be helping with field day at school. I'm hoping it will be cooler than the predicted 92 degrees. Thursday is my elder son's fifth grade graduation ceremony, luncheon and festivities. Hopefully I'll get lot's of knitting done in between.

my (ahem) little secret

2005-06-06T11:56:00.000-04:00

I've heard that confession is good for the soul, I'm hoping that confession will push me into action. Last September I joined the Knitting Guild of America and purchased level one of the Master Knitters Program. I was so naive. I really thought I was just going to knit those swatches and send them in and move on to level two and it would all be easy because I've been knitting for a long time and I was pretty knowledgeable, and boy was I wrong.

When I got the instructions I started knitting those swatches. After number three I started looking at my knitting in a whole new way, and noticing that maybe I wasn't as knowledgeable as I thought. My cast ons were too loose, my stockinette stitch was not even enough. And then those questions! I was intimidated. I put my instructions away.

After reading posts from lots of other folks working on their Masters I realized I don't have to be an expert. The masters program is an "educational" program. I will learn as I go how to improve my knitting, that's the whole point. So I am knitting swatches again, with a new attitude. I have learned some new cast on techniques and that's just the beginning.

This is a photo of some of the swatches I have knitted so far, all wagging their little tails which are not woven in because I am consulting various reference books regarding the best technique for dealing with those awkward little buggers.

completed socks

2005-06-06T11:52:00.000-04:00

Finally, a picture of my completed socks. It's hard to see the lace patterns because of the varigated colors, but if you look closely you can see that the front panels on the socks are different. Certainly made them more fun to knit.

new knitting room feature

2005-05-25T16:34:00.000-04:00

The knitting room has now has the relaxing sound of falling water. My DH and two DSs surprised me with this beautiful fountain for my birthday.

And as if that wasn't enough to make me feel like a queen, my Mom and siblings gave me a gift certificate for the spa. It's great to be fifty!

it's my 50th birthday...

2005-05-23T13:12:00.000-04:00

...and I'm having a good time. Being fifty is fun, I'm feeling all grown up. Thanks to my family, Mom, Jeff, Cindy, Tony, Claudine and Rick for the beautiful balloon bouquet, you guys are the greatest! Mom, I know where you were and what you were doing fifty years ago today, and all I can say is "Thanks!"

This evening my dear husband and my dear sons are taking me out for dinner. This weekend we will be going to Raleigh to visit my best friend Jess, who also has a birthday this week. I am looking forward to our annual joint birthday celebration with our families. I am a lucky girl.

on a knitting note

2005-05-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

I knitted this shawl a couple of years ago. It is a half circle shawl, knitted with Lornas Laces wool/silk blend in the Iris colorway. I didn't use a pattern, just combined stitch patterns and a general idea of dimensions from a shawl pattern I liked. When I blocked the shawl it turned into a cape, very beautiful but not very practical for a stay at home mom to wear. It has been languishing in my closet, often admired but rarely used, since its completion.

Last week I sewed curtains for the knitting room and added the shawl as a decorative "valance". Now it can earn its keep and I can look at it everyday.

2005-05-23T13:10:00.000-04:00

closer view

2005-05-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

stitch detail

a field trip to the zoo

2005-05-18T19:03:00.000-04:00

peacock

Today my DS's class had a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and I got to tag along as a chaprone. We had a great time seeing all the sights. Aren't the colors on this plumage just gorgeous?

2005-05-18T19:02:00.000-04:00

Giraffe

I like watching the giraffes, they walk so gracefully. We were fortunate to have a perfect day for the zoo, sunny and a comfortable 72 degrees.

2005-05-18T19:01:00.000-04:00

feeding the Lorikeet

One of the favorite attractions for the kids today was the Bird House where you could feed nectar to Australian Lorikeets. This Lorikeet ate the nectar and decided to hang out with us just long enough for my son to snap this picture. The flowered bag is my knitting bag, containing my current sock project, which I lugged all through the zoo without having a free moment to knit a single stitch.

news from the sock front

2005-05-10T22:15:00.000-04:00

DS had a baseball game this evening and between the cheering and chatting I managed to complete the toe of the second sock. I have also been playing with different stitch patterns for the raglan cardi button bands, and after trying half a dozen or more the winner is ~drumroll please~ garter stitch. Yes, just plain old, reliable garter stitch. Hope it works ok.

Ida Louise

2005-05-10T22:06:00.000-04:00

My grandmother, Ida Louise, died May 10, 1999. I still miss her everyday. I want to share this picture of her as a young woman in order to celebrate her long and full life. Ida is the one who got me interested in needlework. She did not knit, but she taught me crewel embroidery and crochet, how to make peanutbutter cookies, how to wax hardwood floors, how to laugh at myself, and what it felt like to be loved unconditionally.

Happy day

2005-05-07T13:24:00.000-04:00

I am doing a happy dance because I received this package from my wonderful secret pal today. See how she wrapped all the gifts so beautifully, it was better than a birthday.

2005-05-07T13:23:00.000-04:00

When I removed all the lovely wrapping paper I had all these beautiful wonderful things! Oh secret pal, you are soooo generous. I received 2 hanks Lornas Laces Shepherd sock yarn in the purple iris colorway, 8 ounces of merino/silk fiber in a soft rose, sterling silver stitch holders, At Knit's End by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, green tea, chocolate bars, organic hot chocolate mix, and cornbread mix from the Women's Bean Project. Secret Pal, thank you so much, your generosity is truly appreciated, I LOVE everything you sent.

2005-05-07T13:22:00.000-04:00

Here, finally, is a picture of the lace panel sock. I know the lace panel is rather overwhelmed by the color of the yarn and therefore not very visible, but it was fun to knit and I was tired of just knitting ribbing. If you click on the picture to view a larger version you can see a bit more of the pattern detail. I am considering using a different lace pattern for the second sock. The yarn is Sockotta, a wool cotton blend.

2005-05-07T13:20:00.000-04:00

And here is a side view of the sock, which shows some of the texture of the lace and cables. It was great fun to knit and once I had the pattern memorized I could even work on it at DS's baseball games, at least until my hands got too cold. I am looking forward to the warmer weather forcast for next week.

Now I am going to work on the button bands for the raglan cardi. Happy Mothers Day to all.

Progress

2005-04-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

After an extended blogging hiatus I am happy to report that we have progress on the raglan cardi. Said cardi now has sleeves and is completed up to the bound off neckline. Next comes the button bands and the collar. I am not thrilled with the job I did grafting the stitches under the arms, but I think I can live with some imperfection and continue on to the finish line, that illusive FO status. If you scroll down you will see the cardi striking a pose (she's feeling a little saucy since she got blocked), and the detail of the ribbing I added to the back and front to give a little shaping. I borrowed the ribbing idea from a pattern in Lily Chin's The Urban Knitter.

I have started a sock with a lace panel on the front, which I very much wanted to share a picture of. Unfortunately my camera decided to be obstinate and all the shots I took of the sock were blurred. The pictures of the cardi aren't very sharp either, but they were better than those of the sock. I have put the camera on notice that it had better shape up or face replacement, we will see if that improves its behaviour.

DS's team has their second baseball game tonight, and I think that means I need to start a third WIP, something that requires little attention to detail. Perhaps a wrap with some of my homespun....

2005-04-29T12:09:00.001-04:00

The raglan cardi strikes a pose

2005-04-29T12:09:00.000-04:00

ribbing on back of cardi

houston, we have buttons

2005-04-19T14:21:00.000-04:00

I had to go to the dentist for a cleaning today, and since I had to go right by Joann's Fabrics I stopped to look at buttons. These are the ones I liked best, what do you think? I am working on the 10 inches of plain stockinette between the bottom ribbing and adding the sleeves, the BORING part. Hopefully I'll get a few inches done during DS's baseball practice this afternoon.

Finally, who knew that dandelion blossoms could be so pretty. The yard is spangled with them, this photo doesn't really do them justice. They look like so many suns in a green sky.

2005-04-19T14:18:00.001-04:00

Buttons

2005-04-19T14:18:00.000-04:00

can you say dandelions?

the sleeves are done

2005-04-18T11:17:00.000-04:00

Spring seems to have arrived here in eastern Pennsylvania. It is shirt sleeve temperature outside today, the forsythia and daffodills are in full bloom and the bees are buzzing about. My family moved here from the Triangle area of North Carolina last June. Winter here was certainly colder and snowier than what we were accustomed to, and we are really enjoying the spring weather.

I have finished both sleeves of the raglan cardi, now working on the bottom ribbing. Sparky, our four year old Rat Terrier is my knitting companion. He is usually on my lap or in the chair beside me when I knit.

I'm off to purchase a new #6 circ needle to replace the one I loaned to a budding knitter this weekend. I'm helping him start a hat and he is really doing well, picked up on the purl stitch really quickly. I need another #6 so I can continue on to the body of the cardi.

2005-04-18T11:15:00.000-04:00

We have twins!

2005-04-18T11:14:00.000-04:00

Sparky enjoying the sunshine

current WIP

2005-04-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

The first sleeve of the raglan cardi, current WIP, waiting to be joined by its twin, the second sleeve. I like the way the colors and striping are working so far, kind of a random effect.

I purchased the Sockatta and the Sweater WIzard at the Fiber Arts Market of the TKGA conference. Can't wait to knit up some more socks with this yarn. I love the cotton/wool blend and the colors. I have knitted three pairs of socks with Sockatta and I love wearing them. Yes, I kept them all for myself, who else would appreciate them as much?

2005-04-13T11:15:00.000-04:00

purchases

2005-04-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

first sleeve of the raglan cardi

2005-04-12T12:08:00.001-04:00

the spinning wheel

2005-04-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

my handspun

2005-04-12T12:05:00.000-04:00

the treasure chest

2005-04-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

the Teri doll

Inhabitants of the knitting room

2005-04-12T11:55:00.000-04:00

First of all, let me introduce Louise, my Louet S-75 spinning wheel. She is named in honor of my grandmother, Ida Louise, and my great-grandmother, Ada Louise. She came to live in the knitting room last December. We get along very well most of the time, though I am a novice spinner. The grey homespun is an alpaca/lama blend, white is corriedale and the black is alpaca.

The treasure chest houses a portion of my stash. I love looking at, rearranging and otherwise caressing my yarn. I have a bad habit of buying more and more and more....

The Teri doll was a gift from my dear friend Jess. Jess and her mother made the Teri doll, they are so talented and clever. The Teri doll has her own teacup (because tea is my beverage of choice) and her workbasket with yarn, needles and my favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice. I like sharing my knitting room with her, she reminds me of two of my favorite people.

My current WIP is a cardigan made with a varigated purple/blue/green yarn from Ashford. I have almost finished the first sleeve. I generated the pattern from my newly aquired copy of Sweater Wizard. Since I don't enjoy seaming this cardigan is being knit from the bottom up using raglan shaping for the shoulders. The only seaming should be under the sleeves. Pictures forthcoming when I have more completed. I purchased the Sweater Wizard software because I can never follow a pattern as it is written, I always have to alter some feature, or try to design my own, sometimes with less than satisfactory results. I'm hoping this software will improve my odds of success.

2005-04-11T16:37:00.000-04:00

The knitting room chair with the English Wool Peddler's shawl, pattern from Folk Shawls

The knitting room

2005-04-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

When we started looking for our new house last year one of my requirements was a knitting room. I love my knitting room, it houses my stash, my spinning wheel and my knitting books.