Here it is, Spring! At least it's attempting to be Spring in Michigan. Redwing Blackbirds and few others are home. The frogs are chirping. I don't know if the swans have come back though. I may have missed them flying over.
Spring: green grass, leaves on the trees, birds nesting and nothing and I mean nothing on my needles. Sort of the "I don't have anything to wear" syndrome but as in "there is nothing I want to knit". Really strange thing for me. I see inspiration everywhere, magazines, books I have or am interested in. New yarns in stores or yarn I've spun. Everything getting organized, needles, yarn (by type), hooks, do-dads that go w/ knitting and nothing.
I go into to the office/craft room and I see all this color in clear plastic containters. It calls to me and all I do is say "later", turn of the light and go back downstairs. Totally weird. I have WIPs that need finishing. I have finished or partially finished items that I want to frog - even that is not getting me knittin'.
I have a few things I want to show at a few fairs this year and not even the looming deadline of July is not getting me moving. (I'm knitting a doll w/ a ton of lace work and many, many pieces and I have a schedule I made up and I'm a week behind!) I want to knit. I really, truly do. It's not that I don't like knitting anymore. I just have no desire to knit. I mean I should work on Summer knitting. 3 months ahead just like the stores w/ clothing. No clicking of the needles.
So as Spring wakens the earth...my knitting mojo goes dormant.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Year 2013
The New Year! Woohoo! Resolution time! Time of change or attempting to change one, a few or a hundred things. As in all things change is change or change is failure. It is all how you approach it. Just the word resolution used at this time means 99% failure. I make modifications, adjustments, adaptations...never, ever resolutions.
With that being said, I've had a few thoughts run around my head...I do mean run as it seems hard to pin them down. So let's see what do I have here?:
1. Being more selfish. Being more selfish in my knitting. I have learned how to say no to many
requests in my life.
"Could you help with this fundraiser" - "No".
"Would you mind taking this to so-and-so" - "Yes, it's 10 miles out of my way". etc etc etc.
But knitty/crochet requests I'm really lousy at saying no.
"I love this, could you knit me one for my grandson" "Sure, no problem"
"Oh, when ya knit/crochet hats for the kids could you make 2 more in colors a and b" "Yes, I
can".
Add a granddaughter requesting and I'm dead...I find it sooo hard to say no to them.
So being selfish will give me a chance to knit things I want to knit and not ones that others
want me to knit. There is only one thing that I don't mind saying yes to is a skein of sock
yarn my daughter likes me to see. I get to pick the pattern and set the deadline so it's just
fun to knit socks that way.
2. Knit a few things for babies when the mood hits. That way I don't have the shower or birth
hanging over my head and I have a ready made gift for when the invites come.
3. Christmas knitting starts NOW! Picking the pattern, the yarn in regards to the recipient,
writing all the info down and when the next 25th of the month comes I start a new gift!
4. Burn through the stash. On this I am really going to harsh on myself. I will never be someone
who has 100s of skeins - mostly single skeins of many different yarns, I have a stash that is
larger than I want it to be. I like to buy by project not by yarn. So that helps keep the stash
size down but still the stash is bigger than I like. So knit, crochet, repeat.
5. Burn through the pattern stash. I mean really, I don't think I can knit through all the patterns
I've collected. Be it books, ripped out of magazines, queued on www.ravelry.com, or printed
from websites I have more than I care to admit. So just like stash - clearing them out and
keeping only my favorites. I do this every year and there are quite a few, I'll toss and others
that I keep because I still like them after 5 yrs and do plan on knitting them! Okay, most of
them. Others are meant to be admired and make me happy to look at.
6. Blog more. I love to knit. I love to crochet. I love to spin. AND I love to write. Makes sense
to do more of the last about the first thing! Blogging gets me through the "knitter's block". I
get to brag, share and dream all in one place!
7. Use my project's page, www.knitmeter.com and notebooks. These things are there to help
me keep things happening. Keeps track of where I'm at on a project. Let's me see how far
I've "traveled" with my projects by how many yards (I actually prefer miles) I've gotten
through.
8. Enjoy my changes. If I'm making them, it's because I want to make them!
These are the things that matter the most to me. These are the things that I know I will complete.
So come on, 2013 - hit me with your best shot! I'm ready with needles in my hand! Speaking of which...I didn't just pull them out of my latest project did I? See I do need changes!
With that being said, I've had a few thoughts run around my head...I do mean run as it seems hard to pin them down. So let's see what do I have here?:
1. Being more selfish. Being more selfish in my knitting. I have learned how to say no to many
requests in my life.
"Could you help with this fundraiser" - "No".
"Would you mind taking this to so-and-so" - "Yes, it's 10 miles out of my way". etc etc etc.
But knitty/crochet requests I'm really lousy at saying no.
"I love this, could you knit me one for my grandson" "Sure, no problem"
"Oh, when ya knit/crochet hats for the kids could you make 2 more in colors a and b" "Yes, I
can".
Add a granddaughter requesting and I'm dead...I find it sooo hard to say no to them.
So being selfish will give me a chance to knit things I want to knit and not ones that others
want me to knit. There is only one thing that I don't mind saying yes to is a skein of sock
yarn my daughter likes me to see. I get to pick the pattern and set the deadline so it's just
fun to knit socks that way.
2. Knit a few things for babies when the mood hits. That way I don't have the shower or birth
hanging over my head and I have a ready made gift for when the invites come.
3. Christmas knitting starts NOW! Picking the pattern, the yarn in regards to the recipient,
writing all the info down and when the next 25th of the month comes I start a new gift!
4. Burn through the stash. On this I am really going to harsh on myself. I will never be someone
who has 100s of skeins - mostly single skeins of many different yarns, I have a stash that is
larger than I want it to be. I like to buy by project not by yarn. So that helps keep the stash
size down but still the stash is bigger than I like. So knit, crochet, repeat.
5. Burn through the pattern stash. I mean really, I don't think I can knit through all the patterns
I've collected. Be it books, ripped out of magazines, queued on www.ravelry.com, or printed
from websites I have more than I care to admit. So just like stash - clearing them out and
keeping only my favorites. I do this every year and there are quite a few, I'll toss and others
that I keep because I still like them after 5 yrs and do plan on knitting them! Okay, most of
them. Others are meant to be admired and make me happy to look at.
6. Blog more. I love to knit. I love to crochet. I love to spin. AND I love to write. Makes sense
to do more of the last about the first thing! Blogging gets me through the "knitter's block". I
get to brag, share and dream all in one place!
7. Use my project's page, www.knitmeter.com and notebooks. These things are there to help
me keep things happening. Keeps track of where I'm at on a project. Let's me see how far
I've "traveled" with my projects by how many yards (I actually prefer miles) I've gotten
through.
8. Enjoy my changes. If I'm making them, it's because I want to make them!
These are the things that matter the most to me. These are the things that I know I will complete.
So come on, 2013 - hit me with your best shot! I'm ready with needles in my hand! Speaking of which...I didn't just pull them out of my latest project did I? See I do need changes!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Christmas Knitting
Happy Christmas!
Getting down to the wire for Christmas knitting. Actually have 10 days left! Awesome!
8 sets for fingerless gloves/wrist warmers. A cowl, a few hats, and scarves. (many, many scarves).
And now I find a great project on Ravelry.com - Its-a-cracker! Like I need another project but quick, easy, fresh and different is for me! It's a great left-over stash buster. (yes, I have other patterns for that but I can see knitting these all year and changing them up depending on what/who they are for!)
"Christmas knitting is such a chore".
"I am so behind in my knitting for gifts".
"I'll be knitting until the wee hours of Christmas Eve to finish".
Okay, get a grip people! You chose to do this knitting. If you're behind, don't whine, KNIT dang you, KNIT (or crochet) don't go around knitting forums complaining about how behind you are!
If you're behind - wrap the yarn up with a picture of the finished project and promise to get it done BEFORE next Christmas! I've done it and gosh darn if people still appreciate the gift! It's two gifts in one! The promise of the project and then the project when it's done!
Speaking of knitting for Christmas - have another set of fingerless gloves to finish!
Getting down to the wire for Christmas knitting. Actually have 10 days left! Awesome!
8 sets for fingerless gloves/wrist warmers. A cowl, a few hats, and scarves. (many, many scarves).
And now I find a great project on Ravelry.com - Its-a-cracker! Like I need another project but quick, easy, fresh and different is for me! It's a great left-over stash buster. (yes, I have other patterns for that but I can see knitting these all year and changing them up depending on what/who they are for!)
"Christmas knitting is such a chore".
"I am so behind in my knitting for gifts".
"I'll be knitting until the wee hours of Christmas Eve to finish".
Okay, get a grip people! You chose to do this knitting. If you're behind, don't whine, KNIT dang you, KNIT (or crochet) don't go around knitting forums complaining about how behind you are!
If you're behind - wrap the yarn up with a picture of the finished project and promise to get it done BEFORE next Christmas! I've done it and gosh darn if people still appreciate the gift! It's two gifts in one! The promise of the project and then the project when it's done!
Speaking of knitting for Christmas - have another set of fingerless gloves to finish!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Storm
July 25th, 2012 at the county fair, the goat show is done, it's evening and getting the kids ready to catch some zzz's after a long day of showing. After they crash, I watch as the storm that was expected starts it's thing. High winds, heavy rain, lighting and a little thunder.
As the storm continues I see a few tents fall under the weight of the rain. A few people are grabbing a few things, getting in their cars and leaving. I watch as the wind whips through the trees. Having been through a couple of tornadoes I keep on eye on how the trees are been blown around and am happy that there will be no tornadoes tonight.
In the camper with three kids, 11, 10 and 9 and I need something to do. Reading is out as I can't concentrate as the wind whips around...(I'm not a fan of strong winds, and nearby trees). Knitting!
I need my knitting. Where the heck is that black finger-weight aka solid sock yarn? I have the pattern for the "WesKnits" newest shawl KAL and the 1st two clues. I have my varigated yarn all set, just need the black. Searching around a camper in a storm with a flashlight is rather fun. (Hey, it's a county fair, no electric or water hook-ups) restrooms and showers are in the visitor center).
Hmmm can't find the yarn...damn...I sent it home with some other supplies that were no longer needed. Saves space in the camper that way. Oh well, next choice: My Wingspan shawl in Mary Maxim's Mohair Glitter yarn. Simple garter stitch, and short rows...perfect! I knit by flashlight and watch the storm and the kids as they sleep. Have the need to go down to the goat tent and check on things but as I'm the only adult I can't. Besides I'm not leaving the kids without me on watch.
The storm finally settles into a light rain and I pack up my knitting, turn off the flashlight and catch a few hours of sleep. Early morning after breakfast we head to the goats and llamas. Llama tent is fine and so are the camelids. Stressed but fine. Now to the goat tent.
Yikes! All the decorations are broken (castle theme with wood as the towers). Pens are soaked. BUT all the critters are safe and unharmed. Seems the outside tent poles collapsed as the weight of the rain hit the roof and the sides came down dropping part of the roof with them. Thank heaven for hog panel and t-posts pens! The pens were able to hold the weight of the outside panels of the tent and kept the animals from harm!
Cleaning up pens and decorations took a bit but all was fresh and clean by the time we were done. I got a few more rows done on my Wingspan and again I marvel at how knitting once again became part of the fair!
Now to find that black yarn!
As the storm continues I see a few tents fall under the weight of the rain. A few people are grabbing a few things, getting in their cars and leaving. I watch as the wind whips through the trees. Having been through a couple of tornadoes I keep on eye on how the trees are been blown around and am happy that there will be no tornadoes tonight.
In the camper with three kids, 11, 10 and 9 and I need something to do. Reading is out as I can't concentrate as the wind whips around...(I'm not a fan of strong winds, and nearby trees). Knitting!
I need my knitting. Where the heck is that black finger-weight aka solid sock yarn? I have the pattern for the "WesKnits" newest shawl KAL and the 1st two clues. I have my varigated yarn all set, just need the black. Searching around a camper in a storm with a flashlight is rather fun. (Hey, it's a county fair, no electric or water hook-ups) restrooms and showers are in the visitor center).
Hmmm can't find the yarn...damn...I sent it home with some other supplies that were no longer needed. Saves space in the camper that way. Oh well, next choice: My Wingspan shawl in Mary Maxim's Mohair Glitter yarn. Simple garter stitch, and short rows...perfect! I knit by flashlight and watch the storm and the kids as they sleep. Have the need to go down to the goat tent and check on things but as I'm the only adult I can't. Besides I'm not leaving the kids without me on watch.
The storm finally settles into a light rain and I pack up my knitting, turn off the flashlight and catch a few hours of sleep. Early morning after breakfast we head to the goats and llamas. Llama tent is fine and so are the camelids. Stressed but fine. Now to the goat tent.
Yikes! All the decorations are broken (castle theme with wood as the towers). Pens are soaked. BUT all the critters are safe and unharmed. Seems the outside tent poles collapsed as the weight of the rain hit the roof and the sides came down dropping part of the roof with them. Thank heaven for hog panel and t-posts pens! The pens were able to hold the weight of the outside panels of the tent and kept the animals from harm!
Cleaning up pens and decorations took a bit but all was fresh and clean by the time we were done. I got a few more rows done on my Wingspan and again I marvel at how knitting once again became part of the fair!
Now to find that black yarn!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
It Came Limping Back
My Mojo - the Knitting one- left me for over 6 weeks. I found it in Kansas during a visit with DD#2 and the two grandkids. Must have left some mojo down there. I wonder when I go back down to drive up to the mitten for their 5 week visit in a few weeks.
I just can't seem to create with a stick(s) and string. I'm working on a project...yes ONE project. It's at the end. Just need to do the edging and the shawl is done. Of course I forgot to mention that the next to last row contains 863 stitches. It's a simple Sl, K3tg, (that's 4 st.) PO, PO 1st over second st on right needle, knit chain for 9 st. repeat. That's 215.75 repeats which with 9 chain st each repeat is approximately 1941 stitches! Yikes that's a heck of a lot of stitches! That is why it seems like it is taking forever!
Still I want to knit. I buy a couple of magazines for inspirations monthly. Go visit yarn at various stores and hoping touching/seeing them helps. Nope. Nothing. Hmmm...I hope this draught doesn't continue for much longer. I have yarn and I so want to use it!
I need chocolate!
I just can't seem to create with a stick(s) and string. I'm working on a project...yes ONE project. It's at the end. Just need to do the edging and the shawl is done. Of course I forgot to mention that the next to last row contains 863 stitches. It's a simple Sl, K3tg, (that's 4 st.) PO, PO 1st over second st on right needle, knit chain for 9 st. repeat. That's 215.75 repeats which with 9 chain st each repeat is approximately 1941 stitches! Yikes that's a heck of a lot of stitches! That is why it seems like it is taking forever!
Still I want to knit. I buy a couple of magazines for inspirations monthly. Go visit yarn at various stores and hoping touching/seeing them helps. Nope. Nothing. Hmmm...I hope this draught doesn't continue for much longer. I have yarn and I so want to use it!
I need chocolate!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
What Will You Be?
Found this at a "new-to-me" yarn shop in Romeo! I will be going back that's for sure!
4 oz of BFL roving that's been sitting in its bag for the last week. I just like looking at it.
Haven't been able to think of any project other than "just" yarn. Until today!
So it's decision time:
Wheel or Spindle: Wheel.
Which wheel: production? My hickory is loaded with Scottish Black Face wool. hmmm...
Pre-drafting? yes
Long or short draw? Short
What project? Well should really figure that out first then the rest will follow. Spinning for a specific project can add sooo much excitement for the yarn! Most likely another shawlette or wrap
Singles or plied? Singles
WPI (wraps per inch)? That's a good question!
I spun it and loved it! I have to get some more of that roving! Spun 289 yds would be 1156 yds for 16 ozs. Skeined and ready for when I find the right pattern!
Where is it anyway?
4 oz of BFL roving that's been sitting in its bag for the last week. I just like looking at it.
Haven't been able to think of any project other than "just" yarn. Until today!
So it's decision time:
Wheel or Spindle: Wheel.
Which wheel: production? My hickory is loaded with Scottish Black Face wool. hmmm...
Pre-drafting? yes
Long or short draw? Short
What project? Well should really figure that out first then the rest will follow. Spinning for a specific project can add sooo much excitement for the yarn! Most likely another shawlette or wrap
Singles or plied? Singles
WPI (wraps per inch)? That's a good question!
I spun it and loved it! I have to get some more of that roving! Spun 289 yds would be 1156 yds for 16 ozs. Skeined and ready for when I find the right pattern!
Where is it anyway?
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning - SC. I normally do Fall Cleaning as being on a farm, dirt road and Spring being mud season it makes more sense. That way come Christmas my house is set and I can spend the winter knitting, spinning, creating and fun stuff.
Part of my SC is cleaning up anything on the www. From this blog, to Knit Meter, to Ravelry (cleaning up my queue, stash and project lists), Yahoo and other sites I play on I'm being ruthless and putting everything up to speed or deleted. Which brought me to my blog which I have been neglecting -total neglect. Hey, I had to use dial-up. Can you blame me? Now, my "tether" aka cell phone being a hot spot I can write and post and not worry if it actually posted.
Other things that are getting cleaned: workroom/office, basement (where I make my goat milk soap), barn, grooming pastures, (there is nothing like getting a fiber animal in your hands w/ the fiber is filled w/ pickers. OUCH), and general toss it activity.
Another area in dire need of refreshing: patterns, books, needles, yarn, fleeces, WIPs - it's finish-it or frog-it time the list is looong. But it's a chance to see what grabs my attention, or bores me to tears and adjust as needed. Rather theraputic when ya think about it. Makes ya face that Gosh-darn awful scarve that makes you cry "ugh" and put it back under the pile so you don't have to face the fact that it is ugly, ugly, ugly and you will never finish it. FROG the darn thing and get "new yarn".Yarn sitting in-waiting is fine.
It doesn't scream "you don't pay any attention to me".
"I feel so alone".
"You'd pay attention to me if I was made w/ that blue alpaca yarn".
"Yes I'm guilty of all that. I'm just not very happy w/ the way you are turning out".
"I will frog you and put you back into skeins so you can dream of being something wonderful".
"Until that time - shut it!"
So I talk, whisper, or yell to my yarn. I'm not the only one! Just visit Ravelry and you'll see what I mean. It's not like I'm holding it and making promises I won't keep just to give it attention. As in all relationships we all have said things we wish we could take back...k...some of my yarn has heard some very unkind things and I won't take it back. "I hate you" has been known to be heard. I just need to rethink the project, and the yarn I chosen. Hey don't mess w/ the lady w/ multiple sets of DPNs. Yarn should understand that!
So what the heck is on my needles?
~A shawlette in Cascade 220 Heathers Green. Have 1/2 of a row to finish before the cast-off. Mind you this finally row is over 800 stitches!
~The 1st of 3 Bulky Sweater Jackets w/ Bernat Softee Chunky.
~ a couple of pairs of socks that I have to finish!
~and a few other things that need to be blocked, sewn-up, what have you.
Speaking of the shawl...where did I put it?
Part of my SC is cleaning up anything on the www. From this blog, to Knit Meter, to Ravelry (cleaning up my queue, stash and project lists), Yahoo and other sites I play on I'm being ruthless and putting everything up to speed or deleted. Which brought me to my blog which I have been neglecting -total neglect. Hey, I had to use dial-up. Can you blame me? Now, my "tether" aka cell phone being a hot spot I can write and post and not worry if it actually posted.
Other things that are getting cleaned: workroom/office, basement (where I make my goat milk soap), barn, grooming pastures, (there is nothing like getting a fiber animal in your hands w/ the fiber is filled w/ pickers. OUCH), and general toss it activity.
Another area in dire need of refreshing: patterns, books, needles, yarn, fleeces, WIPs - it's finish-it or frog-it time the list is looong. But it's a chance to see what grabs my attention, or bores me to tears and adjust as needed. Rather theraputic when ya think about it. Makes ya face that Gosh-darn awful scarve that makes you cry "ugh" and put it back under the pile so you don't have to face the fact that it is ugly, ugly, ugly and you will never finish it. FROG the darn thing and get "new yarn".Yarn sitting in-waiting is fine.
It doesn't scream "you don't pay any attention to me".
"I feel so alone".
"You'd pay attention to me if I was made w/ that blue alpaca yarn".
"Yes I'm guilty of all that. I'm just not very happy w/ the way you are turning out".
"I will frog you and put you back into skeins so you can dream of being something wonderful".
"Until that time - shut it!"
So I talk, whisper, or yell to my yarn. I'm not the only one! Just visit Ravelry and you'll see what I mean. It's not like I'm holding it and making promises I won't keep just to give it attention. As in all relationships we all have said things we wish we could take back...k...some of my yarn has heard some very unkind things and I won't take it back. "I hate you" has been known to be heard. I just need to rethink the project, and the yarn I chosen. Hey don't mess w/ the lady w/ multiple sets of DPNs. Yarn should understand that!
So what the heck is on my needles?
~A shawlette in Cascade 220 Heathers Green. Have 1/2 of a row to finish before the cast-off. Mind you this finally row is over 800 stitches!
~The 1st of 3 Bulky Sweater Jackets w/ Bernat Softee Chunky.
~ a couple of pairs of socks that I have to finish!
~and a few other things that need to be blocked, sewn-up, what have you.
Speaking of the shawl...where did I put it?
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