It has been almost a year since I last posted in my blog here. Reason? I had hand surgery. NOT for carpel tunnel but for a stuck pulley, and they found a small cyst - benign. Then a tendon snapped. Needles, medications, therapy, taping it: nothing helped. The MRI showed no damage. But the 4.5" scar on my leg proved otherwise. They rebuilt the tendon from part of my leg.
Then more therapy, tons of restrictions, then even more therapy and more restrictions. It's amazing how when you are put on the sideline in your life, you get to join back in and realize you are no longer part of that game. When you are needed to step in for someone else though, you really feel out of place and unappreciated.
On a happier note. I can now again knit. I can now again create, I now again type. I find I missed being here, even if it was just to post a quick thought. I need to write about my journey. It may help someone so they can avoid the missteps I have made aka mistakes. Actually my mistakes usually stay in, unless it's lace, then I frog back.
So here I am again and I will be post more, learning more and sharing more.
Now where are my needles?
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Monday, September 21, 2015
Recovery - aka Driving Mama Stir Crazy
I finally got my gall bladder surgery w/ a hernia repair added! Which made my recovery from 2 wks to 3. First few days the meds kept me from doing much but sleep.
Then I had to do something. Of course it involved sticks and strings. I had figured out a few things to do before surgery and had everything set up. Then it was what do I want to do - really do. Did an Octavia the Octopus from in bright pink, black and yellow. Haven't decided if it's male or female as many octopi are naturally pink. It will go as part of my sales display for my soap and fiber business. Along with my sheep and llamas I've been collecting.
Next project...everyone seems to be doing the Virus Shawl. Started on one but really wasn't not happy with the pattern so I switched to the actually Virus Shawl. Much happier with that pattern. Used Mary Maxim's Prism in black and raindrop. Love how it turned out. One Christmas gift done!
Time to dig. Pulled out the hat I had made for my son from last Christmas. Never got Bowser on it until now. Duplicate stitch as I reallly dislike fair isle in the round. I dislike hats knit flat and seamed too so it was the usual hat in the round followed w/ the duplicate stitch for a done hat! He's happy to have it and does know that it is wool so no washing machine for that unless he wants it to fit his small sock monkey I made him.
Started a sweater for Courtney for Christmas - Ginny's Cardigan in dark green. Courtney is an owl nut so it's the perfect sweater for her!
Worked on a pair of socks. 1st one is almost done. It's blues and beige for my cousin. I added pink because it's my favorite color and not hers to be a pain! So whenever she wears them she will see me when her feet are up! Ha Jessi!
Played around with those coloring pages that are the rage - working out color combos for my fiber dyeing I can start back into again. It's interesting what happens when you add an unexpected color to a grouping. It is either a nice surprise or a dud.
The most interesting thing about recovery is I got my knitting mojo back and now I can't get enough. I am on fire and happy to be back to my knitting!
Now to get the clearance to get the okay to get back to farm life. I could let the chickens out, collect eggs and milk goats but not handle the bucket as I had a weight limit and my does are producers!!!!
ETA: Post opp visit: another week added on the weight limits building back to my farmer carrying weight of over 50-75lbs by December. Staying on a low fat diet. And the taking it easy is done. Now I can get things done before the winter!
So bring on the knit!!
Then I had to do something. Of course it involved sticks and strings. I had figured out a few things to do before surgery and had everything set up. Then it was what do I want to do - really do. Did an Octavia the Octopus from in bright pink, black and yellow. Haven't decided if it's male or female as many octopi are naturally pink. It will go as part of my sales display for my soap and fiber business. Along with my sheep and llamas I've been collecting.
Next project...everyone seems to be doing the Virus Shawl. Started on one but really wasn't not happy with the pattern so I switched to the actually Virus Shawl. Much happier with that pattern. Used Mary Maxim's Prism in black and raindrop. Love how it turned out. One Christmas gift done!
Time to dig. Pulled out the hat I had made for my son from last Christmas. Never got Bowser on it until now. Duplicate stitch as I reallly dislike fair isle in the round. I dislike hats knit flat and seamed too so it was the usual hat in the round followed w/ the duplicate stitch for a done hat! He's happy to have it and does know that it is wool so no washing machine for that unless he wants it to fit his small sock monkey I made him.
Started a sweater for Courtney for Christmas - Ginny's Cardigan in dark green. Courtney is an owl nut so it's the perfect sweater for her!
Worked on a pair of socks. 1st one is almost done. It's blues and beige for my cousin. I added pink because it's my favorite color and not hers to be a pain! So whenever she wears them she will see me when her feet are up! Ha Jessi!
Played around with those coloring pages that are the rage - working out color combos for my fiber dyeing I can start back into again. It's interesting what happens when you add an unexpected color to a grouping. It is either a nice surprise or a dud.
The most interesting thing about recovery is I got my knitting mojo back and now I can't get enough. I am on fire and happy to be back to my knitting!
Now to get the clearance to get the okay to get back to farm life. I could let the chickens out, collect eggs and milk goats but not handle the bucket as I had a weight limit and my does are producers!!!!
ETA: Post opp visit: another week added on the weight limits building back to my farmer carrying weight of over 50-75lbs by December. Staying on a low fat diet. And the taking it easy is done. Now I can get things done before the winter!
So bring on the knit!!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
2015 - The Year of Being Selfish!
It's hard to believe that I haven't written in close to 2 yrs. My, things happen when you have the best intentions!
This is the year of being selfish! Knitting what I want for who I want and not because I'm asked, begged etc by others. Pay me and I will. Don't pay- nada for you!
Started the year out right! Grabbed an idea I saw on Facebook on a knitting group. 12 lunch bags with a month written on each one. Then you put a skein of sock yarn (or two if they are the small skeins aka need two for a pair of socks), staple it and then when the month comes, open and knit a pair of socks with the yarn. I changed it up a bit. I pulled yarn for 12 pairs of socks, labeled the bags and had the kids put the yarn in the bags. That way I won't know what is in there! New Year's Day I opened a skein of Mary Maxim Tropical Tootsies in greens and pink. I love doing it this way!
So that is 12 pair of socks for the year. Pairs for DD#3, DH and DS plus a pair or two for me!
Next on my road of selfishness: Tea Cosies. I love tea pots. I hunt through the Armada Flea Market in the summer for the pots. No, I don't buy everyone I see, just one or two a year that really call to me. With the tea pots comes tea, and to keep it hot, the pots need cozies. So again a new one per month: maybe. I see some cozies able to cover a holiday and a couple of months depending on where the mood takes me. January's will be blue and silver/white. Simple but in line with my feelings of January. The rest of the year is whatever moves me.
Christmas 2015: Yes, you read that right. I am in the planning stage of Christmas knitting. Planned end date Halloween. That way I know I'll have it done. I can work on big pieces, like sweaters, and such, plus the usual hats, mittens and scarves that are requested!
Lastly, stuff for me. I love giving knitted items as gifts and rarely do I knit for myself. That ends now! I will knit for me! I have three sweaters that I have put off for a few years, that will be done before the ball drops on 2016. Not that I bother watching the ball drop. I'm usually in bed with a good book or puzzle around that time. Joys of chronic health issues. Ya do what ya got to do!
Now back to my second sock of DD#3 Christmas present - I gifted her a sock on the needles and the yarn to finish the pair. Get it done and I can cast on my January sock yarn which by the way is a color way for ME! Selfish and loving it!
This is the year of being selfish! Knitting what I want for who I want and not because I'm asked, begged etc by others. Pay me and I will. Don't pay- nada for you!
Started the year out right! Grabbed an idea I saw on Facebook on a knitting group. 12 lunch bags with a month written on each one. Then you put a skein of sock yarn (or two if they are the small skeins aka need two for a pair of socks), staple it and then when the month comes, open and knit a pair of socks with the yarn. I changed it up a bit. I pulled yarn for 12 pairs of socks, labeled the bags and had the kids put the yarn in the bags. That way I won't know what is in there! New Year's Day I opened a skein of Mary Maxim Tropical Tootsies in greens and pink. I love doing it this way!
So that is 12 pair of socks for the year. Pairs for DD#3, DH and DS plus a pair or two for me!
Next on my road of selfishness: Tea Cosies. I love tea pots. I hunt through the Armada Flea Market in the summer for the pots. No, I don't buy everyone I see, just one or two a year that really call to me. With the tea pots comes tea, and to keep it hot, the pots need cozies. So again a new one per month: maybe. I see some cozies able to cover a holiday and a couple of months depending on where the mood takes me. January's will be blue and silver/white. Simple but in line with my feelings of January. The rest of the year is whatever moves me.
Christmas 2015: Yes, you read that right. I am in the planning stage of Christmas knitting. Planned end date Halloween. That way I know I'll have it done. I can work on big pieces, like sweaters, and such, plus the usual hats, mittens and scarves that are requested!
Lastly, stuff for me. I love giving knitted items as gifts and rarely do I knit for myself. That ends now! I will knit for me! I have three sweaters that I have put off for a few years, that will be done before the ball drops on 2016. Not that I bother watching the ball drop. I'm usually in bed with a good book or puzzle around that time. Joys of chronic health issues. Ya do what ya got to do!
Now back to my second sock of DD#3 Christmas present - I gifted her a sock on the needles and the yarn to finish the pair. Get it done and I can cast on my January sock yarn which by the way is a color way for ME! Selfish and loving it!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
What to do When Your Mojo Comes up Missing
No desire to pick up your current WIP? Then don't. That's right: don't touch it. Let it sit where you left it. Okay, if it's where a pet or youngling can get it and "play" with it, by all means put it somewhere safe. But again leave it alone. Lacking the knitting mojo is no different than a writer's block or an artist's blank canvas staring back at them. Best thing for them is to get away from the desk or easel and take a break.
Maybe take a walk. Pick up that book you've been wanting to read - an actually book. The type that has pages to turn and a book mark. Tablets are great but they don't have the tactile experience that a real book gives you. How about that junk drawer that needs reorganizing? That pile of paper that needs shredding. (I admit there is something about shredding junk mail that is very therapeutic). That video game you have been secretly wanting to play: play it. (yes I play video games. No blood/horror/awful concepts, more puzzle/fun type - think Mario or maybe Lego). Watch a movie. I mean actually watch the movie without a project to keep you from actually seeing the movie. It's amazing how hard that is for me! I just can't sit there and watch a movie. I need something to do, but I make myself watch. Even if it's one you've "watched" a dozen times. You would be amazed on what you've missed! (I like Disney, Pixar type).
Try another craft, beading, jewelry making, macrame, the list is endless. The objective is to revive your knitting mojo. Restart the engine that drives your desire to knit - anything. Maybe a small toy, even a swatch of your most luxurious yarn, or a dishcloth, or a finger puppet.
Now that I've said all that, I better take my own advice! Knitting mojo, where are you?
Maybe take a walk. Pick up that book you've been wanting to read - an actually book. The type that has pages to turn and a book mark. Tablets are great but they don't have the tactile experience that a real book gives you. How about that junk drawer that needs reorganizing? That pile of paper that needs shredding. (I admit there is something about shredding junk mail that is very therapeutic). That video game you have been secretly wanting to play: play it. (yes I play video games. No blood/horror/awful concepts, more puzzle/fun type - think Mario or maybe Lego). Watch a movie. I mean actually watch the movie without a project to keep you from actually seeing the movie. It's amazing how hard that is for me! I just can't sit there and watch a movie. I need something to do, but I make myself watch. Even if it's one you've "watched" a dozen times. You would be amazed on what you've missed! (I like Disney, Pixar type).
Try another craft, beading, jewelry making, macrame, the list is endless. The objective is to revive your knitting mojo. Restart the engine that drives your desire to knit - anything. Maybe a small toy, even a swatch of your most luxurious yarn, or a dishcloth, or a finger puppet.
Now that I've said all that, I better take my own advice! Knitting mojo, where are you?
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Swatching...most all of us dislike swatching. But it is essential for knitting/crocheting a quality project. Instead of writing it myself, I'll let Liat Gat of knitfreedom.com tell ya!
Liat Gat
Your devoted video knitting
instructor
First, make it as big as you feel
like. Two inches across, if you want.
Next, make a one-row garter-stitch
edging by knitting the first AND second rows of the swatch, before continuing in
stockinette stitch. Then, when
it's time to bind off (after an inch if you feel like it), bind off knitwise on
a purl row. Voila! A minimal-purling garter-stitch edging! This will help
prevent the swatch from curling.
Third, tie knots in the
tail of your yarn to correspond with the needle size you used on the swatch. For
example, if you used a size 7 needle, tie 7 knots in the tail (see the photo
below). This will help you remember if you decide to try a few different
needle-sizes.
Fourth, block your
swatch: stick it in a glass of water with a little soap for 10 minutes, then
squeeze it out and lay it flat to dry. That way you can see how the yarn will
really look in a finished garment.
Now you can measure your gauge and jot it
down on the yarn tag. This way, when you see a pattern you like, you can say to
yourself, yes, I have a yarn that would be perfect for this! And you'll have the
swatch to back it up!
Dormant
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.
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.
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?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
On The Needles September 2011
Sitting here trying to fight the urge to CO - cast-on a new project. Hmmm...maybe if I refresh my mind on what I have On-The-Needles - (otns) I can squish the urge of "new project"
Knitting bag: Let's see....a mobius shawlette in Mary Maxim Stepping Out Sock yarn. Dark rainbow self-striping yarn. A scarf in Red Heart Boutique Sashay in Jive (teal colorway). And newest addition, a test knit/Christmas present sweater for Nolan. The sweater is the must-git-'er-done project. Deadline September 20th as it is a pattern I get to test knit for the designer on www.ravelry.com.
Basket: (next to the couch) it's a small basket! Honest. Heather Hoodie vest for Courtney...that is another gotta get it done. What else do I have here? Another sweater for Nolan. A wrap/poncho type thingy...(not happy with this project - it's going to the frog pond..basket where I put those projects that are ripped out so I can reuse the yarn).
Tote: a few projects for the holidays...these can wait.
Well, that's that I guess. But the 3 new skeins of sock yarn...oops...5 new skeins of sock yarn are calling to me and wanting to be made into lacy type socks with yarn overs, knit two together etc.
Hmmm...it actually is helping! Quick write the date down..this is historical for me. Call the newspapers, the local news...this is epic!
On September 1, 2011 I, The Knitting Apprentice, Fought the urge to cast on a new project as I have at least 3 projects that must, I repeat must get done by Sept. 20th!
Wow...now where is that sweater for Nolan?
Knitting bag: Let's see....a mobius shawlette in Mary Maxim Stepping Out Sock yarn. Dark rainbow self-striping yarn. A scarf in Red Heart Boutique Sashay in Jive (teal colorway). And newest addition, a test knit/Christmas present sweater for Nolan. The sweater is the must-git-'er-done project. Deadline September 20th as it is a pattern I get to test knit for the designer on www.ravelry.com.
Basket: (next to the couch) it's a small basket! Honest. Heather Hoodie vest for Courtney...that is another gotta get it done. What else do I have here? Another sweater for Nolan. A wrap/poncho type thingy...(not happy with this project - it's going to the frog pond..basket where I put those projects that are ripped out so I can reuse the yarn).
Tote: a few projects for the holidays...these can wait.
Well, that's that I guess. But the 3 new skeins of sock yarn...oops...5 new skeins of sock yarn are calling to me and wanting to be made into lacy type socks with yarn overs, knit two together etc.
Hmmm...it actually is helping! Quick write the date down..this is historical for me. Call the newspapers, the local news...this is epic!
On September 1, 2011 I, The Knitting Apprentice, Fought the urge to cast on a new project as I have at least 3 projects that must, I repeat must get done by Sept. 20th!
Wow...now where is that sweater for Nolan?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Testing Waterfall Lace Scarf
I am test knitting the Waterfall Lace Scarf for Zenmaria on ravelry.com.
Heres the link to flicker for a photo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22549772@N07/5580891471/not
I picked South West Trading Company Bamboo for this project. I tried 5 different times to see if I liked it...that's a big NO - in this color way. The lace effect got lost in the translation:
Back into the stash until I find a scarf pattern for you, bamboo.
Stash dived and came out with "Hempathy" in dark orange and I love it! The weight, the stitch definition, the ease of knitting. It turned out awesome! Here is the scarf blocked and drying.
It measures 5"wide by 55"long. I knit two skeins of "Hempathy" as that's all I had in the orange. It was the perfect amount. Only have a couple of yards left!
I love "openess" of this pattern! It was easy to memorize and I could just sit and knit.
Now to other projects.
Heres the link to flicker for a photo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22549772@N07/5580891471/not
I picked South West Trading Company Bamboo for this project. I tried 5 different times to see if I liked it...that's a big NO - in this color way. The lace effect got lost in the translation:
Back into the stash until I find a scarf pattern for you, bamboo.Stash dived and came out with "Hempathy" in dark orange and I love it! The weight, the stitch definition, the ease of knitting. It turned out awesome! Here is the scarf blocked and drying.
It measures 5"wide by 55"long. I knit two skeins of "Hempathy" as that's all I had in the orange. It was the perfect amount. Only have a couple of yards left!I love "openess" of this pattern! It was easy to memorize and I could just sit and knit.Now to other projects.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Knitting Vampires
It really doesn't matter what your craft is - sewing, knitting, crochet, weaving, scrapbook, jewelry: we all have one, or three, okay maybe six projects that are in the "never to see the light of day things". Those projects that were fun to create, from picking out the pattern, yarn and needles to the last making-up stitch. Then you realize that, well, it just doesn't work for ya. Whether it's the fit, the yarn you choose, or just the "yuck" feeling when you wear the finished piece. So ya toss it into the corner. Then a moment of clarity and you put the rejected project into a tote - (just because you won't wear it doesn't mean you should let it be a free meal for moths).
Every time you go near your stash, you feel the nagging feeling of those projects just sitting there. You have that excited, heady feeling of starting a new project. Finding the pattern that you really, really want to make. Next, the yarn: did you find the perfect yarn in your stash or do you need to make a run to your LYS? While looking for the yarn you bump the tote/box/plastic bag of "rejects" and you feel guilty. You cringe as you feel the excitement being drained from you.
Knitting Vampires...what the heck is that? Vampires who love creating knitted items? Can you just picture vampires having a knitting circle? Or would that be "Knitted Vampires"? That gives the image of a pile of knitted vampire dolls. I love calling the "rejects": "vampires"!
So what Knitting Vampires do I have that keep sucking the knitting mojo from me?
"If you pick out yarn I'll make you a sweater" said to my then-5-yr-old son. Well, he has since outgrown the sweater so it sits in the "frog-it" pile. I loved knitting the sweater. The boy did say it was "itchy" so a turtle neck was worn underneath.
It is Araucania Magallanes #307. A thick/thin yarn that is 100% wool. I'm thinking of making felted mittens.
Next project: a wrap with sleeves in Lily Chin's Nolita in white. A bulky yarn of, 48% Nylon, 26% Wool, 21% Acrylic, 5% Rayon. Similar to mohair, so frogging it is going to be a pain. My choice to frog, so I guess I better not complain.
The wrap with sleeves was going great. Got to the second sleeve and bingo: needed one more skein to finish the sleeve. If I ripped it back on the wrap part I would have to rip 3/4s of it out to the before the first armhole so both ends from arm to arm would be the same length.
Found a really nice hoodie sweater that is done in a larger than usual gauge so it has an airy type of effect. That is going well! I guess this one is really in the remake category, as I'm already frogging and getting "new" skeins, and on-the-needles!
Number 3 in my frog-it pile: This bolero. Enough said on that one! Don't know what I was thinking when I bought that yarn. It was 2 Hobby Lobby yarns. Have no idea what I'll make next with these yarns. No idea at all!
Number 4 in the pile is this wonderful little number. Sleeveless turtleneck out of Lion Brand Homespun - too bulky for me to be a top. Cardigan yes. A shawl - another yes. A couple of scarves - maybe.
The last item in my pile is this sweater. Lion Brand Jiffy in blue. Nice, warm and a great shade for me. It's the sleeves and neck that get me. I have redone all 3 at least 3 times. I guess llama wrangling, sheep wrestling and general farm things have given me more muscles in my arms that this sweater has stitches for. The neck is at that perfect place. You know the place, where it rides or hits that slowly drives you insane.
That's my group? Flock? Bundle? Of knitting vampires...watch out they like to grab at your ankles to keep you close! If you have wooden needles like me, you could always drive it into the project like wooden stakes in vampires. At least there is less mess!
Every time you go near your stash, you feel the nagging feeling of those projects just sitting there. You have that excited, heady feeling of starting a new project. Finding the pattern that you really, really want to make. Next, the yarn: did you find the perfect yarn in your stash or do you need to make a run to your LYS? While looking for the yarn you bump the tote/box/plastic bag of "rejects" and you feel guilty. You cringe as you feel the excitement being drained from you.
Knitting Vampires...what the heck is that? Vampires who love creating knitted items? Can you just picture vampires having a knitting circle? Or would that be "Knitted Vampires"? That gives the image of a pile of knitted vampire dolls. I love calling the "rejects": "vampires"!
So what Knitting Vampires do I have that keep sucking the knitting mojo from me?
"If you pick out yarn I'll make you a sweater" said to my then-5-yr-old son. Well, he has since outgrown the sweater so it sits in the "frog-it" pile. I loved knitting the sweater. The boy did say it was "itchy" so a turtle neck was worn underneath.
It is Araucania Magallanes #307. A thick/thin yarn that is 100% wool. I'm thinking of making felted mittens.
Next project: a wrap with sleeves in Lily Chin's Nolita in white. A bulky yarn of, 48% Nylon, 26% Wool, 21% Acrylic, 5% Rayon. Similar to mohair, so frogging it is going to be a pain. My choice to frog, so I guess I better not complain.The wrap with sleeves was going great. Got to the second sleeve and bingo: needed one more skein to finish the sleeve. If I ripped it back on the wrap part I would have to rip 3/4s of it out to the before the first armhole so both ends from arm to arm would be the same length.
Found a really nice hoodie sweater that is done in a larger than usual gauge so it has an airy type of effect. That is going well! I guess this one is really in the remake category, as I'm already frogging and getting "new" skeins, and on-the-needles!
Number 3 in my frog-it pile: This bolero. Enough said on that one! Don't know what I was thinking when I bought that yarn. It was 2 Hobby Lobby yarns. Have no idea what I'll make next with these yarns. No idea at all!
Number 4 in the pile is this wonderful little number. Sleeveless turtleneck out of Lion Brand Homespun - too bulky for me to be a top. Cardigan yes. A shawl - another yes. A couple of scarves - maybe.
The last item in my pile is this sweater. Lion Brand Jiffy in blue. Nice, warm and a great shade for me. It's the sleeves and neck that get me. I have redone all 3 at least 3 times. I guess llama wrangling, sheep wrestling and general farm things have given me more muscles in my arms that this sweater has stitches for. The neck is at that perfect place. You know the place, where it rides or hits that slowly drives you insane.That's my group? Flock? Bundle? Of knitting vampires...watch out they like to grab at your ankles to keep you close! If you have wooden needles like me, you could always drive it into the project like wooden stakes in vampires. At least there is less mess!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
That's it Stash...I'm Taking You Down!
Dear Stash,
It's time we had a talk. You are getting bigger than I like. You are taking up too much space. I need to get working on you and reducing you to a nice small pile! I keep looking at you and shaking my head at the size of you. How did I let this happen to you? I wasn't paying enough attention to your size and have been adding to your girth. I have a ton of patterns, quite a few people who would love something knitted and I will make the time to work you into a much leaner stash. I'm sorry I was lazy about working on one project in - one project out. No more waiting! Projects out - no new yarn in!
I love this time of year! Just love it. I get energized and want to get things done. Who needs New Year's Day, I have Fall. Happy I am, as I organize, organize, organize! Putting up the gifts from the garden into the freezer and jars. Clearing out paperwork, clothes and anything that is hanging around that we don't use anymore...then I look at my stash. It's contained in boxes - by fiber. In a tote for the things I want to make for Christmas this year. A few clear zipper bags hold projects that are hibernating and a few skeins are just hanging out.
I do not need to add to this stash. I've even gone into my favorite yarn shop and walked back out without a single skein of yarn following me home for 3 shopping trips! Enter the Mary Maxim Tent Sale. Came out of there with 2 new book - Son Of Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller, and Knits for Children & Their Teddies by Fiona McTague and 2 count that just two skeins of Mary Maxim Aloe Sock Yarn in Sandstone...come on give me a break - they were $1.97 each. A pair of socks for $4? Of course I'll buy a couple!
Then, there in the back of the Patons Shetland Chunky: a fantastic dark blue, a wonderful deep red and a happy dark green skeins...I could have sworn I heard them call my name. Been looking for a sale on Shetland Chunky to make my hubby and his best friend, Joe, a sweater each. Gonna take hubby this weekend to pick which of the three colorways will be for Joe and which will be hubby's. Once I buy the yarn for those sweaters I'm on a serious yarn diet.
Oh, yeah, that's right, I was talking about my taking my stash DOWN! I buy yarn for a specific purpose...(see paragraph about) even when the yarn is on sale. If I don't have a project in mind I don't buy it regardless of the price. Looking at what I have on hand, I'll be happy knitting away this Fall. Sitting outside in the early morning and knitting. In the evening, sitting outside knitting. In the house knittin'. I have too many projects I want to do. Instead of buying yarn on sale for a project I had better work on my projects I already have waiting. To me my stash is huge...to a yarn stasher elite, my stash is very small...it's all in how you see it.
One. Two. Three...jumping into my stash...if I don't come up for air soon send some chocolate!
It's time we had a talk. You are getting bigger than I like. You are taking up too much space. I need to get working on you and reducing you to a nice small pile! I keep looking at you and shaking my head at the size of you. How did I let this happen to you? I wasn't paying enough attention to your size and have been adding to your girth. I have a ton of patterns, quite a few people who would love something knitted and I will make the time to work you into a much leaner stash. I'm sorry I was lazy about working on one project in - one project out. No more waiting! Projects out - no new yarn in!
I love this time of year! Just love it. I get energized and want to get things done. Who needs New Year's Day, I have Fall. Happy I am, as I organize, organize, organize! Putting up the gifts from the garden into the freezer and jars. Clearing out paperwork, clothes and anything that is hanging around that we don't use anymore...then I look at my stash. It's contained in boxes - by fiber. In a tote for the things I want to make for Christmas this year. A few clear zipper bags hold projects that are hibernating and a few skeins are just hanging out.
I do not need to add to this stash. I've even gone into my favorite yarn shop and walked back out without a single skein of yarn following me home for 3 shopping trips! Enter the Mary Maxim Tent Sale. Came out of there with 2 new book - Son Of Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller, and Knits for Children & Their Teddies by Fiona McTague and 2 count that just two skeins of Mary Maxim Aloe Sock Yarn in Sandstone...come on give me a break - they were $1.97 each. A pair of socks for $4? Of course I'll buy a couple!
Then, there in the back of the Patons Shetland Chunky: a fantastic dark blue, a wonderful deep red and a happy dark green skeins...I could have sworn I heard them call my name. Been looking for a sale on Shetland Chunky to make my hubby and his best friend, Joe, a sweater each. Gonna take hubby this weekend to pick which of the three colorways will be for Joe and which will be hubby's. Once I buy the yarn for those sweaters I'm on a serious yarn diet.
Oh, yeah, that's right, I was talking about my taking my stash DOWN! I buy yarn for a specific purpose...(see paragraph about) even when the yarn is on sale. If I don't have a project in mind I don't buy it regardless of the price. Looking at what I have on hand, I'll be happy knitting away this Fall. Sitting outside in the early morning and knitting. In the evening, sitting outside knitting. In the house knittin'. I have too many projects I want to do. Instead of buying yarn on sale for a project I had better work on my projects I already have waiting. To me my stash is huge...to a yarn stasher elite, my stash is very small...it's all in how you see it.
One. Two. Three...jumping into my stash...if I don't come up for air soon send some chocolate!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August
Don't know what it is about August. The sun has shifted a little south. Fair is a done deal. Still going through stuff: cleaning, oiling, restocking the tack box and the like. School for the boy starts soon - sure am gonna miss having him around all day. Cleaning, organizing, rearranging, going through my queues on Ravelry and my "what to knit next" notebook. Tidying up things in general.
I look forward to the fun, lazy last days of summer. It's my recharging time I guess. Some use New Year's Day for a fresh start...I use August/September as the start of my "new year". Maybe it's a carry-over from the anticipation of all things new at the start of the new school year. Really should have become a teacher.
I find myself re-accessing my knitting project list: finding different patterns for the yarn I have and really want to use up. The yarn that was started in a sweater for Bailey is being re-knitted in a Wonderful Wallaby for Sophie.
Bailey's new sweater will be in a turquoise, black and white colorway into a Wonderful Wallaby too.The reindeer seem to like it too.
The sweater made for Jolie is now going to Zoe. I am finding a combo of yarns to make Jolie another sweater. Looking at my stash I feel the need to organize, organize, organize it! So stash diving I go: I may not come out for months so send chocolate and hot, sweet tea!
I look forward to the fun, lazy last days of summer. It's my recharging time I guess. Some use New Year's Day for a fresh start...I use August/September as the start of my "new year". Maybe it's a carry-over from the anticipation of all things new at the start of the new school year. Really should have become a teacher.
I find myself re-accessing my knitting project list: finding different patterns for the yarn I have and really want to use up. The yarn that was started in a sweater for Bailey is being re-knitted in a Wonderful Wallaby for Sophie.
Bailey's new sweater will be in a turquoise, black and white colorway into a Wonderful Wallaby too.The reindeer seem to like it too.
The sweater made for Jolie is now going to Zoe. I am finding a combo of yarns to make Jolie another sweater. Looking at my stash I feel the need to organize, organize, organize it! So stash diving I go: I may not come out for months so send chocolate and hot, sweet tea!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The "Duh" Moments
The "Duh" Moments hit most unexpectedly. While in the middle of the row. When someone calls. When you're watching the news. Or while you are ripping out a project to fix the same mistake you've made 3 times already.
"Duh" 1 - While counting the 5 stitches at the start of the 40th row on the on Wonderful Wallaby..."duh" you have stitch markers - use them and there is no more counting the 5 stitches at the beginning and ending of each row.
"Duh" 2 - Can't read the chart for colorwork? Ummm - enlarge the graph on your 3-in-1-printer. See that was easy!
"Duh" 3 - If at 1st - 10th or even the 15th time you've cast-on and work on a project and no matter how you read the pattern there is a definite mistake - "duh" the pattern has a mistake and it's not your knitting!
"Duh" 4 - Post-it notes were made for a reason. You have them in your knitting kit. You could place the Post-it where you stopped in the pattern or write a quick note as to where you're at. Trusting your memory just isn't gonna work when the grand kids, the boy, dogs, goats or others need your attention and it's days before you pick the project back up to work on it.
"Duh" 5 - Getting gauge? NO? Did ya ever think to go up or down a needle size?
"Duh" 6 - No matter what: you'll get a smack in the back of your head and many more "duhs" while working with fiber!
"Duh" 1 - While counting the 5 stitches at the start of the 40th row on the on Wonderful Wallaby..."duh" you have stitch markers - use them and there is no more counting the 5 stitches at the beginning and ending of each row.
"Duh" 2 - Can't read the chart for colorwork? Ummm - enlarge the graph on your 3-in-1-printer. See that was easy!
"Duh" 3 - If at 1st - 10th or even the 15th time you've cast-on and work on a project and no matter how you read the pattern there is a definite mistake - "duh" the pattern has a mistake and it's not your knitting!
"Duh" 4 - Post-it notes were made for a reason. You have them in your knitting kit. You could place the Post-it where you stopped in the pattern or write a quick note as to where you're at. Trusting your memory just isn't gonna work when the grand kids, the boy, dogs, goats or others need your attention and it's days before you pick the project back up to work on it.
"Duh" 5 - Getting gauge? NO? Did ya ever think to go up or down a needle size?
"Duh" 6 - No matter what: you'll get a smack in the back of your head and many more "duhs" while working with fiber!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Heather Hoodie KAL Saga Continues
And the deadline for finishing the Heather Hoodie KAL was two day's ago. I just finished the back on the hoodie. That's right the back is done. That leaves the two fronts, the cap sleeves and the hood to finish. Heck, I have to cast on first!
I guess goats kidding (1st doe had a doe and a buck), gone to Kansas for 5 days (packed socks to knit on the plane), being hit with a Fibromyalgia flare and life in general, I didn't stay on track for knitting this hoodie and getting it done!
Knitting Daily just announced another KAL. Of course I voted! The Minimalist Cardigan by Ruthie Nussbaum is the one for me as I have plans on knitting this cardi anyways.! Sad to say I don't have a yarn in my stash for it yet. Decisions, decisions: yarn shop here I come!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A Knit-a-long, I'm So Far Behind I'll Never Knit Up!
Had the yarn and needles all ready to go. A couple of extra skeins as I was still torn between a hoodie or the Heather Hoodie Vest. Then I found out that Knitting Daily was having a Knit-a-Long (KAL) of the Heather Hoodie Vest. Decision made, I'm going with the Vest!
I found out that the KAL had already started. Yikes! Let's see:
January 11 - January 25: We were supposed to make a gauge swatch and knit the back of the sweater. (I had cast on February 1st.)
January 25 -February 15: Cast on and knit the fronts. (hey, wait I'm still working on the back)
February 15 - February 22: Knit the hood and the front and sleeve bands. (I'm headed to Kansas for a few days...finally got the back done and the left front cast on - I'll pick it back up when I get home)
February 22 - March 1: Finish the sweater and post pics....(I will still be knitting).
While many others are staying on schedule, I'll be knitting when I can but like I said...I'll never "Knit" up! With baby goats being born, bringing in some new angoras and an alpaca and a new llama, I'll be lucky if I get done by April Fool's Day!
Hand me that needle, I have to knit like crazy!
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