Knotasissy

OCTOBER

2010-09-30T11:19:00.004-04:00

October is a month that seems to kick off the season of hustle and bustle. Not only do the holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas roll up in short order, but the weather becomes cool, and the energy that flagged all summer long seems to slip back into our lives.

For those of us involved with Domestic Violence Services, it is an intense month of "awareness". Now each month of the year seems to have 3 or 4 causes that want to claim the month as theirs. And colors, don't get me started on colors. With all the colors of the rainbow available, most causes share their color with 5 or 6 diseases. It's enough to make anyone turn their back on every rubber bracelet and every crisscrossed ribbon, but this is my blog and my heart belongs to the millions of women and children and even some men who suffer in silence year after year, week after week, minute after minute under the brutality labeled Domestic Violence.

This month, as a DV volunteer advocate, DV school visitor, DV volunteer resident assistant, and Chair of the local DVS advisory board, I will spend my time trying to "push mud uphill". If we are going to end this scourge in our country, we must start with our children. I mean young children, not high school, not even junior high aged children, but younger. We must teach our children to respect others, not just themselves. We have to say the words "domestic violence". It is an atrocity that thrives in silence and behind closed doors. Sometimes it leaves no physical marks, but the result is an expensive burden on our society. It leads to mental illness, juvenile delinquency, homelessness, drug use, alcoholism, violent crimes of every type, sexual abuse, child abuse,.......enough!

So in the words and melody of my youth: "teach your children well", and keep your local Domestic Violence program in mind when you consider your charitable giving. It may not be the fashionable cause, but it is a far reaching cause.

The Garden at the end of July

2010-07-29T08:48:00.011-04:00

This is why I refer to J as my "constant gardener". I love the wild loveliness of our garden. There's always a new surprise with every corner you turn. The light this morning was a little eerie, but that's one of the things that makes a garden new every day.
Thanks Jane, your photos always inspire me and this time I actually took some of my own.

CHANGES AFOOT

2010-03-13T12:37:00.002-05:00

It comes as no surprise to those in my life, that I bid a hasty farewell to 2009. I hate wishing a year away, but there are times when a year is sent to test you. I have lived through other such years and I'm sure there will be others.
This year I am determined to improve my chances of living through several more years, good and bad. I finally dug out my old determination, dusted it off and tried it on. It still fits. I have big changes in mind and I need help to get there. Nutrisystems is helping me with one change for the first few months and when I get weary of their "cuisine", I will switch to Prevention Magazine's 400 Calorie Fix. Is that all there is to it? Nope. I have the good fortune to be a student of Briala Silva of Briala Body Works. If I get lazy, she will track me down and hound me. I am ready to stop risking life and limb just getting through an ordinary day. I am ready to feel well, and secure that I can manage to get from point a to point b without disabling myself.

So have I put my life on hold until all of this comes to pass? Not on your life. I have become more involved with Domestic Violence Services, both as volunteer advocate, advisory board president, and community educator. I have two dream vacations planned for the end of summer, early fall. This is after all, a HUGE birthday year for me and if I don't plan how I want to celebrate, no one else will. Later in the fall, I will look forward to the arrival of my first grand niece or nephew, then a graduation celebration for my daughter who will wind up her long and intense schooling with the Wostep School of Watchmaking at N.G. Hayek, In between all of these earth shaking events, real life with J, my life-long love, continues to be both exciting, exhausting and filled with real life drama, thanks to his job.

I'm not going to make any promises about blogging more frequently, but I do have some gorgeous things on the needles and when they are finished, they will make their debut right here.
Look for Falling Waters Shawl, designed by my darling friend Jane and featured in another wonderful friend's book. I also would love to make the Yggdrasil Blanket for a special baby.

In the mean time I leave you with our personal scene of the winter that was.

WHY I LOVE THE ANNUAL KR RETREAT

2009-07-31T08:37:00.002-04:00

Let me count the ways
1. A veritable treasure trove knitting experiences
2. An unrivaled group of people, each one kinder, wiser, funnier, and more talented than the next
3. A long weekend away from homely cares, having my meals appear magically and just as magically whisked away, my bed made, magic towel bars that replenish themselves with fresh towels and the amazing self-cleaning room and bath
4. My annual yarn purge (without which, I would be in imminent danger of becoming the subject of an A&E Intervention episode. Seriously, how do I manage to accumulate so much yarn in a year's time? (rhetorical) We all know the answer. To date I have 10 XL Space Bags stacked and ready to go.
5. I discover all of the projects still on the needles. Some are removed, the rest will stay surfaced one last year. If at the end of the year, they are not finished, they will be cannibalized, the yarn to go to KR next year or kept for something new.
6. Seeing all of my old friends and meeting future friends. Because after all, yarn can delight you, warm you, teach you, even sooth you, but I've never met a skein that could make me laugh!

A MOP AND A LIST

2009-07-31T08:03:00.004-04:00

I have had so much time to notice my surrounding due to my tiny misstep in April. At first I was so angry, shocked, drugged, and weepy, that all I could do was resent the fact that I could not escape at will. Slowly this changed into frustration because I couldn't pinpoint the whereabouts of any particular item that I needed. It wasn't because I had forgotten where it was, rather it was impossible to map out exactly where things were, in the myriad piles of ~~crap~~ very important possessions.
I became resolved to take control of the space that other family members laid claim to 10 years ago when we bought this house. These family members, who shall remain nameless have been absentee tenants and perfectly good space is being used as Warehouse 13, or Area 51. There's a lot of unidentifiable ~~crap~~ taking up ROOMS, not closets, not corners, but ROOMS.
I haven't yet decided how to resolve the entire dilemma, but I am laying claim to the designated guest room, which will no longer be the guest room, but Rosi's aka Mom's Yarn/Knitting/Sewing Room. It is the smallest room in the house and has only one window which gets precious little natural light, but when I get done with it, it will serve my purpose and maybe, just maybe house a guest in a pinch.

THE SKELETON IN MY BODICE

2009-05-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

The CT scan is actually much more clear, but this will have to do for now. It's really self explanatory, after reading my description of its current state. J tells me that the x-ray taken at the hospital had the broken piece of bone floating above the surface but it was correctly aligned. This is why we are able to conclude that "reducing" the dislocation is what caused the pitiful misalignment. The other things shown by the CT Scan are the many bone shards hovering around the break. They're waiting for reabsorbtion. Sounds like something on the Sci Fi channel, or Star Trek. You know, like the Borg ship reabsorbing and assimilating lost members.

So what does all of this add up to? In the immediate sense, I am now a prisoner of this grotesque injury, commanded to keep it perfectly immobile for 3-4 weeks. Physical therapy will then attempt to rehabilitate the shoulder. This involves passive movement only for an additional 3-4 weeks. If all of the above comes to naught, my shoulder will be reassessed. In the mean time I can no longer be a physical participant in my own life.

TSI PART II

2009-05-14T16:14:00.003-04:00

Just as I managed to unlock the door, a gurney with two extremely large EMT's appeared. (I could have sworn they were wearing red soup bowls upside down on their heads) Evidently I wasn't calm, imagine that! One of my ~~inquisitors~~ rescuers kept yelling, "calm down ma'am", over and over, louder and louder. Evidently I must have started screaming again when they picked me up off the floor and put me on the gurney. Out from behind them appeared a gray faced township police officer, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else but at my back door. He asked if the phone in my bra might have my husband on the other end. Then I understood his appearance. J has that effect on people when he's using his official voice. Back on the gurney, they decided to put me in the ambulance s l o w l y. Turns out my blood pressure registered something akin to "barely breathing". My sister said it has to do with immense pain and shock. Even though you're screaming bloody murder, you can have a vagal incident, which sends your blood pressure into the basement.
From here on out I will refer to the EMT's as T1 and T2 (think Cat in the Hat). T1 was the calm down ma'am female who was in charge and T2 was the jolly driver who promised me the slowest possible ride to the Hospital and wanted to know why I had so many cook books. I'm not kidding here. He then proceeded to tell me in front of the baffled cop that he wanted to go to the CIA, which I understood, but the poor cop looked like he had fallen down the rabbit hole. Oh, I forgot to tell you that once I was safely on the gurney, I lost use of both arms. My right arm was holding on to my left arm, pressing it into my stomach for dear life. I'm not sure how long it took T2 to drive to the hospital, but it was long enough for my blood pressure to come up just enough to have 50mg of fentanyl 5 times. When we arrived, T1 told T2 that she would take the flack for dosing me so heavily. Seriously, the stuff never touched the pain until that last 50 mgs.

Next stop: The ER that I never knew existed

This was the ER that whisks you into a large private treatment room, no flimsy curtains in this ER. A team of medical professionals start swarming before you've been transferred from the ambulance gurney.
"No allergies, can you tell us your name, do you know where you are?.....ok, here's some dilaudid, now lets put sticky tags all over you, hook you up to machines that are going to blink and beep and bleep and warn us if you as much as sneeze."
Unfortunately Click and Clack in the x-ray department didn't get the memo that they should be quick, competent and professional. If I had a third arm, I would have attempted to smack both of their silly faces. At one point I said that I couldn't perform some contortion they devised and I would need help. Both of them looked at me like slack jawed yokels and asked what I wanted them to do. I'm afraid I lost my inhibitions somewhere between the fentanyl and dilaudid and told them to "shoot me". I then pretended to be anywhere but there, closed my eyes and let them figure it out. But I digress.
Six hours passed from arrival to discharge. The orthopod on call couldn't be f----d to come in, so he diagnosed over the phone and told them to jam my broken shoulder back into the socket..... "the piece that shattered at the top of the humeris will just jump right back where it belongs"
One minute J was there and I was awake, the next I woke up and it was all over, but the shouting, as they say. Seems that unruly broken bone decided to misbehave again and jammed itself into my humeris two inches below where it had come from.
Time to rest.....catch up with it tomorrow.

TIME TO CHANNEL BETTE AGAIN

2009-05-14T10:17:00.003-04:00

When I started this blog a few years back, I was in the midst of my first body betrayal brought to me by that oh so merciless joker, "Aging". Although Aging has thrown a few cheap shots my way between now and then, he's actually been pretty benign. I admit it, I was the model of contentment, expecting nothing more serious than the sniffles now and then. But nobody expects TSI , either.
Two weeks ago to the day, I innocently put my lunch in the toaster oven on bake (god forbid it would have been turned to "toast", the setting which switches itself off) and set the timer. Ding, ding, ding, ding and up we get, free of care and full of the expectation for the weekend black tie fund raiser for my favorite charity. I worked very hard all year for the charity and sat on the Gala committee, successfully soliciting sponsors, auction items and looked forward to spending the evening with a fun bunch at the table we sponsored. Foolish, foolish earth woman.....
The big toe of my right foot somehow got stuck in my pant leg. My eyes grew wide in surprise, I hopped twice, certain the toe would come loose. Not sure if it did, because the next thing I remember was regaining consciousness, lying unceremoniously on the floor, with my shoulder wedged up against the bar cabinet. What the???? I also heard this blood curdling scream piercing the air. Lets see now; I wasn't expecting it, I blacked out from the excruciating pain and was brought back to consciousness by my own screaming. That's three of the four. It must be The Spanish Inquisition. (Monty Python fans are the only people who will get this, everyone else, disregard)
The next hour is a piece of time that I wish to have expunged from my permanent memory. It involved a very silly crab crawl involving one arm, one foot and one ass cheek. It also involved the serious consideration of giving up and waiting 6 hours for J to return home. But alas, that pesky toaster oven was stupidly continuing to burn brightly on the other side of the wall and it was one impossible stair step away from my twisted crab crawling self. The wireless computer keyboard was closer than the phone. Five minutes, or was it twenty, later I kicked the keyboard to the chair, kicked the cordless mouse to the floor and managed to hit reply to one of J's earlier messages, typed h e l p and clicked on send. The phone started ringing about a minute later. Of course it was miles across the room. Ok, not miles, but it rang it's full complement of rings 3 times before I crab crawled over the distance, picked up a ruler from my knitting foot stool and knocked the thing to the floor. I learned later that I was screaming unintelligibly, so J had no idea what the hell was happening or had happened. Thank goodness, he didn't let his boss send a carload of agents to the house. He did, however call 911 and stayed on the phone with me as he ran to his car and got on the road for the 1 hour commute from work to home. He gently reminded me that I would have crawl to yet another side of the room, gain access to the dead bolt key and unlock the door for the emergency people who would be arriving momentarily. After uttering some very bad language, I stuck the cordless (thank goodness for cordless technology) phone in my bra and began my final crawl across the floor.
As for the rest, I'm exhausted now and need to sleep, but I'll resume later. Typing with one hand is extremely slow.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE QUEUE

2009-02-03T08:23:00.007-05:00

If you're like me, you have tons of ideas and lots of ufos, not to mention stash galore. There are also times when you purchase yarn, let it sit for a few weeks, then immediately forget what you wanted to do with it. Most of my yarn purchases are made with a pattern, or at least an idea in mind and I keep promising myself that I am going to keep a notebook of yarns purchased and the pattern behind the purchase. Never happens. However, there are always those yarns that sit either outside the main stash or on top where you can snatch them quickly to knit a gauge swatch when you find THE pattern that deserves this glorious yarn. You bought this yarn because you couldn't resist it. It sang a siren song so enticing that nothing else would satisfy. Such is the case with my KR Retreat purchase of String Theory Yarn. I'm warning you this yarn is love at first touch and colors so rich that you can get lost gazing into the skein.

I think I've finally found the pattern for my Black Tulip Worsted Silk Merino. Don't expect to be wowed by the pattern, although it is indeed a lovely pattern. I love this yarn so much that I've been searching for exactly the right pattern, that will fit and might even flatter if knit to the correct measurements.(don't want the ribbing to be snug enough to spread) You see I want this to be a sweater that I can wear every day if I so desire and I know I will "so desire", but also wear with a dressy black T-neck and slacks out to dinner. You see this yarn is so rich in color and luxurious in feel and sheen, that I believe it will imbue the sweater with mystical properties.
Ok, maybe I go too far, but anyone who loves fiber and color and dreams of that perfect pairing of utility and beauty made with your own hands, knows whereof I speak.
Now if only I could discipline myself to finish the sleeve of my nephew's sweater and make progress on the 3 projects that have deadlines, not to mention make some progress on Jamie's sweater, I could begin this "might be the one" sweater. Would that these were the only problems in everyone's life, but I'm going to enjoy this calm period while it lasts.

I DID NOT NOTICE,

2009-01-27T09:21:00.002-05:00

Did you? I find these little quizzes on other's blogs and think they might be fun. I just now noticed that I am a Lime Green Hippie High Priestess! The lime green worries me a bit, but I kinda like the Hippie High Priestess. You may call me Sister Hangover Holy Moonbeam, who moonlights as a social working comedian. I like it.

LONG TIME COMING

2009-01-27T08:41:00.003-05:00

It has been a long slow winter and it's only just started. There has been some unexpected happiness and unexpected sadness, serendipitous meetings and sad goodbyes.

On the knitting front I had a prolific year, gave all of it away to my new and beloved co-workers at the DVS Shelter. No photos, no postings on ravelry, but I did enjoy knitting some of the more trendy patterns, like the Noro striped scarf , Sivia Harding's Moebius , and several quickie corkscrew scarves in luxurious yarn, along with the really fun and quick knit Caliometry.

Speaking of beloved co-workers, it's important for everyone to know that all of your local community services, including your local Domestic Violence Shelter, are hurting under the budget contraints left over from prior political decisions. Our local budget has been cut by aproximately 20% and we are scrambling to provide the same level of service. If you have the time, think about volunteering at your local DVS or donating money, clothing, food, bedding, etc. Make sure to check with your local shelter to see what's needed. When the economic picture looks grim, women and children are the first to become disenfranchised and abused. What I've realized is that we don't see what we don't want to see. Most of the victims are either intentionally hiding, or are the "invisible women" that most of us look right through.

Now for something completely different. (quote from Monty Python) I had an unexpected sad/happy long weekend, saying goodbye to one Aunt and spending wonderful close and funny time with my beloved sister and Auntie El, who flew north to help say goodbye to Aunt Shirley.
Auntie El is everyone's zany aunt. Our family would be a much more serious bunch without her. The three of us needed Depends on our funereal road trip. I know that sounds disrespectful to some, but as my nephew says, "It's how we roll". I managed to knit my sister a caliometry for under her bike helmet over the weekend and after seeing Auntie wear the Kiri I knit her a million years ago, I started a pink (her favorite) Ishbel
I'm about to sent it but I did photograph it first. Isn't she gawgeous? So easy and fun to knit.

WHY ARE THESE WOMEN SMILING?

2008-11-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

2008-11-27T08:49:00.002-05:00

GOOD LOOKIN' BUNCH

2008-11-27T08:48:00.001-05:00

HAIL, HAIL, THE GANG'S ALL............

2008-11-27T08:47:00.003-05:00

KNITTER'S REVIEW RETREAT 2008
WILLIAMS INN, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

SMOKE RINGS

2008-09-11T13:19:00.006-04:00

WIMPLES, SMOKE RINGS, COWLS?
I haven't the foggiest, but I had such a good time knitting these two. I used the same yarn in different colors for both and it is the most glorious yarn for these patterns. Just the thing you want to swaddle around your neck and face. It's Handmaiden Fine Yarn Swiss Mountain Cashmere and Silk. I prefer the semi solids in these yarns and these patterns make the most of the suble shade differences. The pink is in the colorway Rose and the blue is the colorway Topaz. The blue has already found a home and the pink will be stashed away with other FO's for just the right recipient. If you're interested, the blue pattern is a freebie and can be downloaded from here. The Pink is a purchased pattern and was a breeze to memorize and you can find it here .
Now I remember why I have kept this dumb vase all these years. Kind of creepy, but it works.

The Secret of the One-Skein Shawl

2008-07-29T15:52:00.004-04:00

This summer has had lots of dramatic episodes, some welcome, some definitely not welcome. My knitting has been constant but my concentration has been less than adequate. What to do? I put all of my beautiful complicated lace in progress away. I went to Knitter's Review and made a copy of Clara's One-Skein Shawl pattern. I pulled out single skeins of yarn that I adore. Some I combined, some I used solo. Some I knit exactly as the pattern read, some I added twists, ribs and holes. For some, I had a specific person in mind, others I just knit without knowing who will wear it.
This has been one of the most delightful knitting interludes. Here are my little "glories". Oh, you will see one ringer among them. See if you can spot the impostor.

OUR VERY DEMOCRACY

2008-07-13T10:37:00.014-04:00

A statewide story which looms large in our house.

BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED TOPIC

2008-07-06T17:14:00.006-04:00

I lost my emotional footing once during the past week, described in the above post. I was able to attribute it directly to a complete lack of knitting that day. I'm perfectly serious. Now that I no longer smoke and try not to use food as a panacea, I truly need my knitting.
Although I have no photos to prove it, I have actually accomplished not a little knitting in the past two months. I also had the opportunity to venture outside my knitting comfort zone while attending Knitter's Connection in Columbus, Ohio last month. More about that later.

I have also started teaching knitting to young and old alike. My new volunteer career has offered me lots of opportunity to share my love of knitting. My students range in age from 7 to 67 and from English speaking to Spanish speaking. I do believe my students have taught me more that I have taught them. The women and children I have the privilege to know in this setting, are brave, resilient, determined, funny, talented, smart, beautiful, and strong. I am officially Miss Rosi when I'm there. That took some getting used to, but I've grown to love the sounds of the voices, no matter what they call me.

Next time: my adventures in Columbus and list of finished projects

THE PARTY'S OVER

2008-07-06T16:51:00.003-04:00

After all of the hoopdidoo, time and effort I spent on the "other blog", I was not able to attend my 40th class reunion after all. My family suffered the tragic loss of a young family member and I spent last week far from home, mourning with the rest of my extended family.

SHE DID IT!!!!!

2008-06-09T10:16:00.005-04:00

Some time ago, I wrote about my courageous sister and her 50th birthday. Well, she did it! I am so proud of her I don't really have words. My youngest daughter met up with the group in Columbus, Ohio and finished the last leg into Washington, D.C. to the Lincoln Memorial and finally to dip those front tires into the Atlantic at Bethany Beach, Delaware. The following pictures will tell the story.

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN? TOO LONG!

2008-06-09T09:02:00.006-04:00

I realize that all 6 readers of this blog have come to the conclusion that I have abandoned Knotasissy. Let's just say I took a sabbatical. Why a sabbatical? Because I took a vacation from one writing project to work on another more pressing. It had not a thing to do with knitting, and my personal knitting has suffered. That explanation for another post.
You see, I have been cheating with another blog. My (gasp) 40th High School Reunion is this summer. Shhhhhhh, I graduated when I was 5. The crazy thing about this blogging venture is that I was never a school spirit kind of girl and I never had a desire to go to any of the other reunions. Of course, until now, they could never locate me. The net has changed all of that. So, you might well ask how did I come to be the one to create, curate, administer, and author this communal blog. Either my classmates are the biggest bunch of con artists (a distinct possiblility) or none of them has any clue about setting up an "idiot" blog on blogger. Now, I ask you, which is the more plausible answer?
I hereby resolve to stop this foolishness and start paying attention to my first and most beloved blog. However, I have learned that I am something of a hussy and I will continue "enabling" my elderly classmates of yore. She's not nearly as lovely as Knotasissy, but there is certainly more pathos and not a little "spunk". I hate "spunk"! (Mr. Grant on MTM Show)
Did you think I was going to give you the link after that build up? Maybe I did.

Pretty grown up for 5, don't ya think?

Rosi,
who's leaving for Knitter's Connection tomorrow, so look me up if you're gonna be there

TIME

2008-03-07T07:42:00.004-05:00

Living in the heart of PA Dutch country, lots of silly half German words and nonsensical sayings written on tourist kitsch, creep into your every day vocabulary. Lately I keep thinking of the cartoon depicting a farm wife with a very large backside saying "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get". When I first moved here 30 plus years ago, I didn't get the joke either. First I was too young, second I didn't know about the curious "Deutsche/English" grammar that life long residents sneak into everyday conversation.
There are days when time seems to hang luxuriously all around you and the possibilities of completing tasks, small and large are a pleasure. But
thereareothertimeswhentimeseemstoracefasterandfasterandeventhoughyoutrytokeepup, (sigh) y o u s e e m t o g o s l o w e r a n d s l o w e r .

It's good to be busy, but I dislike it when I'm busy and out of sync. My mother always blamed these anomalies on the changes of season. I think she may be right.
Tonight I start my 40 hour training to work with Domestic Violence Services. It is something I did long ago when my children were babies and I always said I wanted to volunteer again when I had more time. Since time seems to be racing past me these days, I'd better not wait for "time".
So tonight, I start a new adventure in hopes that I can at least serve as a warm body, so that others with experience can do the very important work that happens every day in every town in this country. Would that it were not so.
Oh, and I am hoping to start a knitting class for the clients! Great way to reduce the stash, dontcha think?

A NOOK OF ONE'S OWN

2008-01-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

Virginia Woolf may have wished for an entire room of her own, but I've decided that even though that is my desire, I don't want to wait any longer. Our home consists of 6 down and five up and a fully finished third story. The basement is out of the question......did I say it's a realllly old house? You have to have an exoskeleton and have six to eight legs to live in our basement. I know I've whined about this before, so I'm not going explain why none of this space is available for my exclusive use. Instead I'm going to post pictures of my newly cobbled nook which measures a little less than 3 feet square. Most of my stash is in plastic tubs in the attic, stacked 5 deep so it takes up a very small space. I had to get rid of some clothing so that I can I have the luxury of having close access to my immediate stash in the armoire right next to my nook. Do I have to count that as part of my nook? I think not; I just recycled a space that was already mine to use, before anyone else could claim it.
This stash business is tricky when you have other family members with far more "serious" collections and avocations (god forbid I should use the word hobby for what they do in their leirious time (combination of leisure and serious). ba dum bum!

Who, What, Where

2008-01-26T11:39:00.001-05:00

I don't think I'm alone when I say that with the advent of Ravelry, I'm finding that I'm ignoring my blog. It's not that Ravelry and Knotasissy are so similar. T'hey both chronicle my knitting, but Knotasissy is much more personal and Ravelry takes less emotional energy when I'm feeling like shutting the world away. I have to be careful to resist my temptation to hibernate completely at this time of year. To that end, I'm going to bore all who stumbles in here.
FAIR WARNING!!!

First and most exciting is the news from my sister and my youngest daughter that they will be participating in Ride for World Health . My Sis will be riding the entire cross country route. My daughter will ride the final leg from Ohio to Washington, DC. I'm so proud of them both, I could pop. This year's ride will benefit Medecins Sans Frontieres Imagine that! As we know this is a charity near and dear to the hearts of many knitters. Quel Coincidence! By the way my sister is on the far left in the bottom row of cyclists.
This is a gift she's giving herself for a very big birthday. She is one of the most focused and determined people I know. She is my baby sister and I am constantly in awe of her achievements and contributions to the greater good. This is a woman who, while working as an RN on weekends, raising 3 children, caring for a home and husband, commuted 200 mile each way to midwifery school during the week. She is now a practicing midwife with a very successful practice. But hey, she's conquered that and her two sons have graduated university and are on their own. Her daughter is about to graduate High School and her life just needed a new challange. So while she is still a midwife and a community activist, social change is slow and she needed something else. Hmmmmm, how about riding a bicycle cross country for world hunger? See what I mean? I'm tired just writing about her. I'm sure I've forgotten something, but I wouldn't want anyone to think she was toooooo good.

Ok, from the sublime to the "ordinaire". What do I do when I hibernate? Knit, of course! I also remove layers of accumulated "stuff". In this big old rambling house, I had yet to find a spot for myself. I finally carved out a corner, and I do mean a corner, of our bedroom in front of the fireplace. I would say it's about 3x3 with a small cabinet and end table with a chair wedged in between. I have an ott floor lamp behind me. I haven't taken a picture yet because I must find a different chair as the one I'm using is literally falling to kindling. The result of this little change is that my knitting productivity has risen considerably. In the last two months, I've started and finished most of what is on this page.

I've decided that I'm going to the Knitters Connection again this year. Last year was the first year and I had a great time. This year, the classes are too good to pass up and best of all it means I'll be away for my birthday. Birthdays have never been all that successful for me. There was the year James surprised me with a trip to the laundromat while I was pregnant with our first daughter. We lived in a three story walk-up, so I suppose it was a treat of sorts.....but you see what I mean. This year I'm flying and I'm not renting a car. I am hoping to meet some KR people who will be there, especially the now "World Famous Clara Parkes", the Queen Bee herself. I'm just so totally looking forward to seeing her. (wink, wink)

THEY'RE POPPING OUT EVERYWHERE

2008-01-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

Seems babies are popping up all over in my daughters' lives, as well as my husband's office. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to knit baby hats. No pattern neccessary, just wing it: On the left is a simple meandering cable which looked far too plain for a little girl named BLUE. A little felted flower added just the right girly touch. The Irish cap next to Blue's hat is for a little girl named RUE. (I'm not kidding here folks) It seems Rue has an Irish Daddy, so the cable is borrowed from an Alice Starmore sweater called Inishman. The other hats were made long ago and given away, but it was fun to bring them together so that my other daughter could send samples to another new mother on the west coast, so that she can choose a style, color, etc. that suits her little girl SIDNIE?

Do you smell gas?

2007-12-06T09:52:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, it's such a strange question, but read on. I have learned my lesson from past holiday seasons that I must come up with bizarre measures to protect my knitting enjoyment and integrity. I no long promise anything to anyone. That doesn't mean that I don't have grandiose plans. I just don't speak them aloud. It's also a mistake to answer the question, "What are you knitting"?, or worse, "Who's that for"?. DO NOT ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. DO NOT SMILE MYSTERIOUSLY. Both of these actions can only lead to disappointed and recriminatory looks aimed at you during gift opening. What's a knitter to do, you might well be thinking. You could knit in the bathroom or any room with a lock, but this would cause some serious issues if you live with other people. Other options, such as knitting only when others are asleep or out of the house come with their own complications. My method has been working quite nicely. I just smile absentmindedly, peering up stupidly over my glasses and ask if anyone else smells gas.(we have an old gas boiler and two other auxiliary heating systems, so this question strikes fear into all that live here) The knitting questions have all but stopped. I think it's a sub conscious Pavlovian aversion to the cellar steps.
Below are some of my grandiose mystery projects.

Em's Graduation

2007-11-27T11:56:00.000-05:00

My oldest just graduated from the NAWCC School of Watchmaking. We are so thrilled for her. She was the only woman in her year and graduated at the top of the class. On the top left is a pic of Em and her Dad at the graduation dinner. Left to Right is Em and Ant with Bea (the three amici), Em and Bea, aka, the school Mom, and a pic of Em, Tom, and Ant, who couldn't resist hamming it up.
The job search is in full swing for all of them. Em has already weathered her first 2 day bench test at Tourneau and although she was offered a position, she has decided to explore further. After all, a girl's gotta eat. More pics and info about the graduation and the school: NAWCC

Em in Switzerland

2007-11-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

Em Hard at work

2007-11-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

2007-11-26T10:32:00.001-05:00

November Knitting

2007-11-26T10:17:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2007

Knitting and Knitting and Knitting and Knitting and Kn....

2007-11-26T08:57:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy month and one to remember.
I went to my second KR Retreat and loved every minute of it. I underwent surgery one day after returning from the retreat and found out that a dangerous appearing growth was nothing more than a harmless blob in disguise.
I quit smoking 2 weeks ago. I am officially a non-smoker. These are words I thought I would never say. J quit smoking today.
My daughters cooked Thanksgiving dinner together for the first time and excelled. I am a lucky girl. I would dearly love to write further on all of these topics, but I have literally lost two weeks because of the surgery and I'm trying to play gentle catch-up, instead of my usual frantic race to exhaustion. So instead, I will tell the tail in pictures, bad pictures, but pictures non the less.

KR Retreat 2007

What the Hell is that?

2007-11-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

What, you may ask, is that garish picture on the right. Well, you see I'm an avid reader and one omy favorite bloggers/KR buddies had this little quiz on her blog and I couldn't resist. Rho, of course was something lovely like Watership Down. And as anyone who knows me, will attest, I love bunnies. I guess if I had thought this through, it would have hit me in the head with a 2 x 4 that my quiz wasn't going to produce anything so lovely as Fiver and the "brambly ditch". So you also might ask; why the hell are you keeping this overly intense, slightly lurid pic on my lovely blog. The answer is simple, I like what it says about my character. I'd like to think that I am the person described under the book cover. You might want to take the test. It was quick and fun. If you do, let me know who you are, in the comments.
Just to push all that green and black down a bit, I'm including a couple of wonderful shots from my first visit to New Mexico.

ENE and I have reconciled

2007-10-02T12:14:00.000-04:00

These pictures look like a perfectly innocent scarf blocking and resting peacefully. Don't let her fool you. This scarf is the devil in disguise. She thwarted me in at least 10 diffierent yarns, 4 different types of needles, and numerous cast-ons in the past 18 months. I once got to the 50% stage, only to find that I was off center way back near the beginning. Why did Ene hate me? I have no idea. I know this is crazy talk, but sometimes my desire to produce a specific project is in direct proportion to how impossible that pattern becomes.
So, how did I do it? I kind of snuck up on her this time, with no expectation of a finished scarf. I caught every mistake she threw in my way and pushed all doubts from my mind. My hands were actually shaking while knitting the last ten rows! I know, I know, "nutjob".......
But at least I'm a persistant nutjob with an Ene scarf to keep me warm this winter.

Grape Soda Hegerows

2007-09-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

I just have to use this color for this post and then I'm going out to buy a grape soda. Thanks Jane, the socks were lots of fun and they fit my daughter perfectly. They will be making a trip to Switzerland the first week of October. Maybe I can get Em to take some travel shots of "Hedgerows on the move". I'm afraid my attempt at artistic photography is a bit silly, but I do love that this is the first pair of socks that I've knit that are almost identical twins, instead of distant cousins.

Grape Soda Hegerows

2007-09-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

Little Bits

2007-09-16T12:08:00.000-04:00

I'm improving my technical blogging skills. Improvement, in my case, means I have graduated to pre-novice. I managed to combine some of the buttons with the links on the right, making sure to host the buttons on my own sites, of course.
Socks are now my focus. The navy pair in STR have grown and grown and are now only suitable for a Yeti. I think the needles I used were too large. I'm using some ShiBui sock yarn in a camel almost solid color to make another pair for J. I've started the heel flap on the second of Jane's Hedgerow sock pattern. There's something about the amethyst colorway from Fleece Artist that makes me thirsty for grape soda or a grape lifesavor.
I have finished the knitting for my all over cabled cardigan. Now to assemble it (yuk) and pick up a zillion stitches to knit the border around the entire edge of the sweater. This part will probably take me longer than the actual knitting.
Looking forward to my second KR Retreat in November and my trip to New Mexico in October. The Retreat will be a no-excuse time to knit, talk, buy fiber, yarn, tools and re-aquaint myself with some of the kindest, most talented, not to mention wacky knitters on the planet AND to meet some new fiber fanatics. Thank you Miss Clara. My trip to New Mexico is a belated birthday gift to a close friend for her milestone birthday this year. That's right folks, Lin turned 21. That IS how old you are Lin, isn't it? Neither one of us has ever been to the SW of the country. Believe me, it was hard to find an area other than maybe East Chicken Jesus, that Lin had not been. And just think, Lin will be able to have a cocktail. Funny that, I seem to remember her ordering cocktails before this birthday. Hmmmmm.
Hope to have pics of socks very soon. What else? I'm such a cliche.

2007-08-27T14:14:00.000-04:00

Pre-blocked distant sock relatives
modeled on size 8 women's feet

Men's size 11 ribbed socks

NO APPLAUSE - PLEASE

2007-08-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

Here's the proof. I did it. Actually, I did it twice. There is another which I wouldn't really call a twin, more like a close relative of this big guy. I know it doesn't look it but this is one big sock to fit James' size 11 foot. The yarn is STR in a semi-solid that I bought at least a year ago. I was going to use it for a baby sweater. Hah! It seems the sock knitting voices and James' desire to have a pair of hand knit socks took care of my resistance to knitting socks.
Jane's Hedgerow pattern has been designated to a different yarn. The Somoko just didn't do justice to the pattern. Luckily I have some Fleece Artist Merino 2/16 that will be perfect. The colorway is amethyst and it's really pretty dark. I'd call it a semi-solid. I also have Bess's twisted sock going in Spirit Trail sock yarn.
I'm off to Sunny climes to visit mom, who's just had shoulder surgery. I'm sure there will be lots of knitting in the waiting room of rehab three times a week. What am I bringing to knit? Socks, of course.

MS3 DONE and DONE

2007-08-19T18:24:00.001-04:00

So, here it is, the much discussed wing and all. I'm frustrated with the pictures, but they'll have to do. There is really not a good place to photograph my finished work. I may explore the attic. The straight edges need a bit of steaming, but on the whole, I am pleased. This is the first time I've done lace with 2/18 Zephyr. I think when I use it again, I will go down in needle size. This was done on my #4 Options and I must tend to knit looser with this needle. The finished size is 22" x 84", which I think is larger than it was meant to be. The beads are almost a non-issue, except that they add weight and help the drape. I wish I had done it in a darker color. I saw lots of color and love the jewel tones and some of the tone on tones. I have to say I really dislike the variegated stoles. They just look so BUSY.
I think this will be my last Mystery KAL. There are so many beautiful shawls and stoles out there and I have purchased most of the patterns. I think I'll concentrate on what I know I will love. I've been working on Sarcelle in lace weight seacell in sangria colorway and the Waves in Squares or some such name by Sivia Harding in Lisa Souza BFL in poiple. No, that's not a typo.
I'm also working on my first socks. Yes, that's right socks. At the request of my husband, I've decided to learn how to knit what I said I would never, ever knit.

Almost Forgot

2007-07-22T14:55:00.000-04:00

Where am I? I scratched the version you see in the pic below. I started with Vanilla Zephyr and size 4 Addi lace needles last week. I'm now on first part of clue 4, row 227. Scratch the Addi's. They started to turn my lovely vanilla a dirty wash water color. I was able to spot wash the area and switch to my KP options. I just have to be more careful of stitch slippage. Try to get some new pictures soon.

Curiouser and Curiouser

2007-07-22T14:09:00.000-04:00

The Mystery Stole 3 KAL continues to roll along with the 6,000 plus members. Hard to tell just how many are actually knitting and how many are planning for a future knit. I have to say that the ones who are actively knitting are really, really, really committed. Not only do they produce a ton of posts, they have also come up with some pretty serious ways to try to get more information regarding future clues from Melanie. She just will not crack. She treats every question with respect and then goes on to tell them that she just cannot help them. I have this vision in my head of some of those questioners responding with the phrase "curses, foiled again". Their creativity and tenacity are admirable, but Melanie is a stone wall. I know I can't be the only one who is tickled by some of the questions, but I'm the only one who dared to comment. Stony silence is the only notice my post has attracted so far, which is probably a good thing. I, personally cannot imagine being so fundamentally opposed to using a life line, that I would have to be informed exactly why I was being instructed to use one, or I could not continue. These are some serious knitters in that group. There are also those that have a teeny tiny nagging doubt about the theme, who consistently point out that Melanie's other patterns are all lovely and tasteful, so they aren't worried one little bit. yeah right
I think the members that I admire the most are not only new lace knitters, but brand new knitters, period. I can't even imagine tackling something like this as a new knitter. But I suppose no new knitter ever had more generous help than these members. There are some extremely kind and supportive members who never tire of answering questions and cheering on those who have become discouraged.
All in all this is one of the most interesting group venture in which I've participated. Although, one could hardly call my membership as participation, considering my three measly posts out of over 10,000 since the second week of June. Another fascinating thing about the group is that it speaks over a dozen languages and has a group of volunteer translators. A little borg-like, if I really think about it. Resistance is futile! But then I never tried to resist.

CLUE ONE

2007-07-04T18:08:00.002-04:00

What do you think? Here are the clues for the theme so far. It will only work exactly if the stole is knit in white, off-white, black, or charcoal. The only other hint we have is that it probably wouldn't be appropriate for bridal wear and it's not Harry Potter related.
If you look at Melanie's other designs, I'm pretty sure the theme isn't too dark. Could it be.......
sheep??? I'm stumped. I occasionally ask myself why in the world I would be knitting something when I have no idea what it will look like, or even what shape it will be. I don't have an answer, because I could just as easily belong to the group and save the clues until I was sure I liked the pattern. It seems extremely odd, but I guess 5,000 plus knitters from heaven knows how many countries can't all be nuts, can they? Oh, and as you can see, I decided to go with an entirely different yarn and color. I'm using 50/50 cashmere and silk 2 ply on #6 addi lace needles. One more thing; this is a stole, not a shawl, so it has to be somewhat rectangular! Will it be on the bias, will it change direction? I'll keep you posted.

2007-06-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

COLOURMART MERINO,VISCOSE,CASHMERE 2/28
PALE BLUE 6.5 INCHES
3.25 ADDI LACE NEEDLES

MS#3

2007-06-25T15:03:00.000-04:00

COLOURMART 100% CASHMERE 2/16 DARK NAVY
7.5 INCHES
3.25 ADDI LACE NEEDLES

TOO MUCH, TOO FAST

2007-06-14T08:14:00.000-04:00

Since I last Posted:

I lost a dear friend to lung cancer.
I made a quick trip to Florida for my nephew's HS graduation.
My mother fell in the grocery store and re-injured her dislocated shoulder.
I attended a week long knitting extravaganza in Columbus, Ohio, sponsored by Knitter's Connection.
I re-connected with one of my first cousins on the way to Columbus.
I've missed 3 very important birthdays.
My face became the host for a nasty abscess, starting in a previously root canaled tooth.
I'm in an antibiotic, pain reliever, avoid all mirrors at any cost mode.
Today is my birthday.
I started an Orenburg shawl, finished the knitting on my cable cardigan, finished a Moebius lace cowl, and started another. I have a pinwheel baby blanket and baby sweater on the needles as well. (the cowl, blanket and sweater all mindless knitting) Just the thing for an "abscess head".
In reference to the classes that my mother and I took at the Knitter's Connection classes;
I learned that I adore Cat Bordhi and Galina Khmeleva
I learned to knit and purl backwards
I learned to do the Moebius cast on without thinking or looking
I learned the crochet cast on.....finally
I learned that I must knit an Orenburg Shawl
I learned so much about the fiber and knitting history of Russia

Conclusion: Life is this very moment. I may never get another, so I better make it count.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK:
My sister and family arrive and we are all going to frolic here for a couple of days, then off to NYC en masse to include our terribly sophisticated offspring in an early family celebration of Mom/Grandma's 80th year.

FAIT ACCOMPLI....NON

2007-04-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I realized that wishful thinking and continued knitting were not going to magically turn my cable down pullover into the glorious garment pictured in my mind. With the second sleeve 3/4 of the way finished, I put the stitches on a piece of yarn and tried "big blue" over my 38DD's.
I searched for the proper analogy for the fit of this garment as it glared back at me in the mirror. The words that came to mind were "gorilla suit". Yes indeed, a very loose, puffy, blue, twisty, gorilla suit.
Yes, I did a gauge swatch. Yes, I measured my chest and chose the appropriate size. So what went wrong, you ask? I can't be entirely sure, but my preliminary post mortem is that this pattern was never really scaled properly for the larger sizes. I say this because the sleeves and shoulders were large enough for someone else to climb in and make me a two-headed gorilla.
I'm not sorry that I knit the sweater. It was a fun pattern. I am currently cannibalizing it to knit a shadow cable cardigan.

Tipping Point

2007-03-19T08:04:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about that dreaded moment when a knitter knows that all of those beautiful stitches have to be ripped. If you've been reading about my adventures with the Top Down Raglan, you know that I've started over twice. Then I went ahead and jinxed myself by writing "third time is the charm". Very bad! On Friday afternoon, I realized that I was spending equal amounts of time examining the blemishes in my work, as I was knitting. I know that that's my particular tipping point. Off the needles it came. So what, you say. I'll tell you so what! I'm making the 48" bust. There were over 400 stitches on those needles. That's right, nearly twice the number than the sweater that most of you are making. So, here I am with almost 400 new stitches on my needles and I'm not spending any time looking this way and that at real or imagined imperfections. I figure that if this sweater looks awful when it's done, I'm going to impale it on a pike and stick it in the ground outside my window as a reminder. (I've been watching too much Rome on HBO) A reminder of what, you ask?
1. Lose some weight, blubber butt!
2. Don't fool yourself about your tolerance for a mistake when it's close to the beginning.
3. Fix it or rip it before you have 400 stitches
4. Don't make any mistakes that you can't live with, after 400 stitches and 12 inches of knitting.
5. If you can't follow these rules, stop knitting sweaters for yourself. Stick to other stuff or sweaters for teeny tiny bodies, like children and stylishly slender daughters.

All in all, this sweater would be finished by now, if I had followed even one of these rules. Another little irritant is the @#%&*#$ gorgeous yarn! It goes along all lovely, smooth and compact, then explodes into something akin to pencil roving. I'm getting quite good at spit splicing:-[

Imperfections=Rustic

2007-03-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

When I purchased this Silk Dream, I knew that it was a softly spun yarn. I have to admit, that although I still love the color and the feel, it is a little more imperfect than I supposed. I tried to capture the loveliness of this yarn in the new photos, but I'm not sure my camera and/or my skills are capable. What am I trying to say? This sweater is going to look a little more "rustic" than the model sweater. Is that ok with me? Absolutely! After all, I'm looking a little more rustic these days, as well.

Third and Final Yarn

2007-03-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

I have trouble with linear thinking when it comes to most things. My thoughts jump around too much. Ideas pop into my head at inopportune times. What does this have to do with knitting this sweater? Funny you should ask. When I started the pattern for the umpteenth time, this time with the Peruvian silk, I kept thinking that it felt a little crunchy, maybe even a little abrasive, but I kept on knitting. After all it came from my stash, it was a great color and I really liked how it was knitting up. This little voice in my head kept irritating me. Nag, nag, nag; this yarn is too scratchy, it said. My fingers were instigating this chant, but I wasn't ready to admit it. So I asked myself; WWCD (what would Clara do?) I decided to follow the formula Clara Parkes uses when reviewing yarn. After washing and drying my swatch, I wore it in my bra. Here are the words describing this experience: irritating, scratchy, red, chafed. Well you get the idea.
So I decided that if I really wanted to knit this sweater, I was going to find a yarn I loved. It just so happened that I had promised to go on a field trip a few towns over with a knitting friend. Within 5 minutes, the Lang Silk Dream in a blue you could get lost in, became my personal lode stone. I tried to look at other choices. The YSO even took me in the back room to look at other yarn. The pull was so strong, I pulled all she had from the cubicle into a basket and took it with me, for fear it would attract someone else.
I love this stuff. It is soft and shimmery, with only a tiny hint of a halo and the color has the kind of depth that makes me drool. It's a little irregular in some spots, and it may pill a little, but I don't care. The stitches are crisp and each stitch reflects light in an irresistible way. It seems more tightly put together that Lorna's Lion and Lamb which has the same make up of 50/50 silk and wool. Did I forget to mention that it literally glides on and off the needles?
Pictures will follow very soon because after all the practice with the pattern and my new perfectly behaved yarn, I'm almost finished with the first diamond.....AGAIN.

Cable-Down Progress

2007-03-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

My first progress snap of the first diamond, minus 4 rows. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this pattern. However, now that I've completed the first diamond, my brain has finally absorbed the symbols and the pattern itself has begun to insert itself into my fingers. It is so strange that after all of these years, this phenomenon eluded me until I began to knit lace.

Cable -Down Raglan KAL

2007-03-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

I have been searching and searching for a sweater to knit for myself. I've started at least 5 patterns and even finished the knitting on one. (a huge mohairy mess that sits forlornly, unloved, and unassembled) I haven't wanted to risk buying enough new yarn for a sweater given this track record. This past week, I decided that I had given short shrift to the new Interweave Knits. Instead of flipping each page and saying: "That's pretty, but not for my body", I tried to look at the pictures with more than my usual jaded attitude. The result is that I've started the Cable-Down Raglan. So with fingers and toes crossed, I joined the KAL and after 3 false starts, I have lift off.
I don't usually take pictures until a thing is finished, but I am determined to keep a picture diary of this one.

New Elements

2007-02-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

I wanted to briefly explain the new box on the right of my page. For those of you not familiar with technorati, it's a tool to tag your favorite blogs and receive news directly, placed in the little box. If you're interested in the list of blogs in my technorati favorites, just click on "view more", then click on the "favorite blog" tab at the top of my list on the technorati page. I'm finding it a useful tool to keep up with new posts on my favorite blogs without using a feed or my mailbox.
I also finally joined a web ring. Don't know why I suddenly thought this was a good idea. My blog is tres ordinaire, but it's kind of nice to know that some people find it interesting and even helpful. My strengths are really about what and where to find good stuff on the net. So, I'll continue to build my links as I go through my bookmarks and share new info as I stumble on it.
I'm currently working on a lace scarf with Colourmart cashmere/merino. It's an easy 10 row repeat with picot cast on and cast off. I stumbled on it in an accessory book I haven't looked at in over a year. Funny how old books suddenly offer new opportunities, after a year of honing new skills.

3 LITTLE WRAPS

2007-02-20T13:04:00.000-05:00

I haven't given up my love of lace, even though I have the itch to learn new things. The pink is the Swallow Tail done in Big Sea Silk. The red is the Shapely Shawl done in Colourmart cashmere. The blue is a version of a large neckerchief done in identical Tilli Thomas silk, one beaded, one plain. I'm currently working with another new yarn from Fleece Artist, called Sea Wool. It's merino sock yarn with just a little lyocell and sea weed. I started the Scotch Thistle lace stole from Heartstrings with it, but I'm not sure that it's really doing the pattern or the yarn justice. BTW, I have to say that the Scotch Thistle pattern is fun and easy with no provisional cast on. Very clever pattern that's not difficult and not so easy that you nod off before it's done.

2007-02-20T12:39:00.000-05:00

Now I have to confess why I was so driven to learn how to learn to do this kind of knitting. I attended my first KR knitting retreat this past fall and met lots of wonderful people and feasted my eyes on some of the most exquisite knitting. There was one piece of knitting, actually just a sleeve, that one of the more accomplished knitters and a spinner, I might add, was working on. Her name was Bess and her sleeve was referred to as part of the KipFee. What is a KipFee? I have no idea, except that it's a sweater. You can meet Bess and her KipFee here.
What is so strange about my fascination is that I'm not a Fair Isle kinda girl. It's not something I would ever wear. I just couldn't get that sleeve out of my head. I found myself drawn to that sleeve as if I were hungry! Now this little hat that I made up as I went along, is a poor substitute for that sleeve, let alone the KipFee itself, but I love it. It makes me happy to look at it. I wish I had left the off white out of the pattern, but I haven't been this proud of something since I knit my first scarf when I was 15. So thanks Bess. The second pic of the hat is the inside, of course. I had to prove that I really did it!
The white lacy hat is my first knitted bead project. It didn't think it would be fun, but it was a hoot. The blue cap is a quick lace rib in cashmere. BTW, all the baby caps are made with Shine from Knitpicks. They had to be non-wool and machine washable.

"

WHAT?

2007-02-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

Here we have 3 baby sweaters for Dulaan. The pink set is SWTC Optimum, both the stripey sweaters made from STR. The patterns were lots of fun, based on patterns from EZ. The little matching pink cap was made on Valentine's Day. No kidding!
One of my goals this year was to teach myself to do stranded color work with two hands. I'm a thrower and a very slow picker. This was not something I thought I could do. I have to say that I'm still slow and a bit clumsy, but my brain is coming along. The dvd from Philosopher's Yarn helped a great deal. I give it 5 stars. It has a good beat and it's easy to dance to. ;-) The little green and blue hats are for the local NICU and are my first attempt at two fisted knitting.

RETREAT, RETREAT, RETREAT

2006-11-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

NAMING THAT KNITTER WILL BE A DIFFICULT TASK WITH THESE *ATMOSPHERIC* PICTURES
*arty word for lousy*

I MUST LEARN TO USE THIS CAMERA

2006-11-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

NAME THAT KNITTER

2006-11-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

KR RETREAT

2006-11-20T10:44:00.000-05:00

PICS FROM THE 2006 KNITTER'S REVIEW RETREAT
HOSTED BY THE LOVELY MISS CLARA, QUEEN BEE, EDITOR IN CHIEF, HER ROYAL SKEINESS OF THE WORLD RENOWNED KNITTER'S REVIEW

STITCHES

2006-11-04T17:21:00.000-05:00

Oldest Daughter and I left for "Charm City" on Thursday afternoon so that we could be at the Baltimore Convention Center bright and early. It was a short brrrrisk walk from our hotel. I've been to Baltimore innumerable times in my life, but never to the convention center. It is enormous.
We were among the first 50 or so in line, through the doors into a zigzag roped area inside the market. Until the morning class let out, we felt like the we were the only ones there. Two hours was plenty of time to do and see everything that was of interest to us. I know that sounds like blasphemy. Honestly, the various yarn stores that set up at these things, all start to look alike. It would be different if most of them weren't available on the net.
Our first stop was Lisa Souza. I couldn't believe that she came all the way from California. She has wonderful stuff and she's a hoot. It was great to see all of her hand dyed yarns in person. She had some sinfully lush handspun cashmere in beautiful jewel colors. I also succumbed to some kid mohair and silk in a rich garnet color. After this we wandered leisurely through all of the aisles and bought a few other skeins of fun stuff with holiday gifts in mind. We stopped at Caps to the Capitol sponsored by Save the Children to drop off our baby caps. They had tables set up with yarn and needles so that people could take a knitting break and start or finish a cap. By the time we left, there were quite a few women knitting and chatting. What a great idea. If we were free to stay for the afternoon, I could have happily knit another cap.
So, two hours and out! I'm not much of a browser. I have limited shopping tolerance, so this was perfect. I do wish that I had registered early for a class, but I'm looking forward to my class experience at the KR retreat next weekend. It will be the first knitting class I've ever taken. I'm looking forward to the retreat, but I'm also a little nervous. I haven't roomed with a stranger since college.
Pics of my yarn goodies to follow.

MY PERSONAL GARDENER AND WEDDING IN CALCUTTA

2006-10-29T13:06:00.000-05:00

Etc..... AND FLOPPED BUNNIES

2006-10-29T13:05:00.000-05:00

2006-10-29T12:53:00.000-05:00

ETC.

TOP DOWN RAGLAN FOR DULAAN AND MIXED CAPS TO THE CAPITOL

2006-10-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

Top down raglan for Dulaan and mixed caps for Caps to the Capitol and Dulaan

2006-10-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

THANKS ANGELIKA

2006-10-29T12:13:00.000-05:00

Looks much better, thanks to Angelika's advice. Here are some colorful and booooring knitting pics.

COMING RIGHT UP

2006-10-23T13:20:00.000-04:00

I've taken lots of pictures of new finished projects and lots of Dulaan projects. I'm trying to find an appealing way to post them. I hate the way my posted pics look. I just need to take some time to learn about arranging the pics on the page. The blog is looking a little sad and tired. Any and all suggestions welcome as long they're constructive.

Rhinebeck

2006-10-23T12:40:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know my opinions are not always those of the majority, but honestly, I hated Rhinebeck.
Blasphemy, you say? It may well be.
Why I hated Rhinebeck:
1. People with wheelie suitcases in jam packed aisles who swung them around behind them without caution or care.
2. Several shoppers who had no problem shoving or inserting their arm and ultimately their body between you and the yarn that you were looking at.
3. People who asked rude questions and didn't like the answers.
4. People who are oblivious to all but their own immediate needs (see #1)
5. Groups that travel in packs and will not be moved to walk less than 4 abreast, when there isn't room for even 2 way walking traffic.
6. The same groups, who shop as a team. Some will get in line, the rest will do the "full contact shopping" for those in line, as they shout rudely back and forth. "make sure you grab that skein if that woman puts it down"
7. All of those above who bray and crow about their "hard fought for" bounty.

I'm sure there were many well mannered lovely people who attended. There were just too many of the kind I described above. I made exactly two purchases. Both times, the booth owners had to intervene as I was being pushed and shoved. During one purchase, another shopper grabbed the yarn from my hand and then sneered at the price, dropping it accidentally back in the basket from which I had taken it. The shop owner politely but sternly told her to notice the scarf I was wearing and said that "of course this yarn is appealing to her". The woman then decided that she needed the stand owner's undivided attention to describe each yarn type and justify her prices. All I wanted to do was buy 2 lousy skeins of yarn. Luckily the stand holder wanted to sell them to me. This might be fun for some, but not for me. I never liked Filene's basement and I didn't like this mob scene either.

I had decided to go to Rhinebeck because my daughter and her boyfriend live in Brooklyn and his parents live in Poughkeepsie. It was a perfect fall weekend. Absolutely lovely drive up from PA. It was terrific to see my daughter and BF. They even tolerated the mobs until I yelled "uncle" after 1 1/2 hours. The 3 of us met his parents for dinner at this wonderful place in Germantown, north of Rhinebeck called RESTAURANT.
"So how did you like the play Mrs. Lincoln?" comes to mind. If I hadn't gone to the Sheep and Wool Festival, the weekend would have been perfect.

That's why I've decided to go to Stitches East in two weeks!!!!!

Why Do We Give?

2006-10-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

I read a review of a book about charity knitting today. Reading this well balanced review and some of the comments that followed has emboldened me to openly state my opinions about the "let's knit some shawls for the Amish" group. I know these people mean well, but they have gotten caught up in a wave of sympathy without doing their homework.
First of all the Amish eschew charity. They are indeed accepting the fact that people want to help and they have designated specific agencies to accept monetary donations for medical bills. How many times do these people have to ask outsiders to go away?
These families are Old Order Amish. Their clothing does not even have buttons because that is too fancy. The outerwear is woven, not knitted or crocheted.
I attempted to contact the woman in New England who is organizing this and asked her nicely to contact the appropriate people and agencies before continuing. Because I got no response, I posted the contact info in a comment on her blog. They have narrowed it down to one shawl pattern that she has deemed plain enough and black yarn "because the mother's will be in mourning for a year". If she had done her homework, she would know that these women wear ONLY BLACK, no matter what the circumstances.
Don't get me wrong, I know they mean well, but what is the real motive behind this. Does she really want to comfort these people who don't want her comfort? There are plenty of deserving charities who are in need of knitted items. Guess none of those is quite so "au courant" as the Amish.
I think this bothers me so much, because I have lived among these people for over 30 years. What few realize, is that every sect and church within these sects have different rules. Please don't ask an Amish person in Ohio about the rules for the church in Lancaster County. They may not know anyone from that church or sect. One thing I'm sure they would tell you if you asked, is that they want to be left alone by the "English" at a time like this. They have endured as much intrusion as they can bear.
I guess I see this movement of "shawls for the Amish" as pure arrogance. They claim to have the input they need, including that of a part time Episcopal minister, to know what they're doing. I seriously doubt it. Perhaps the shawls will be auctioned off by the Mennonite Committe to raise money for medical bills, or for the education fund for the murderer's children.
Sorry, but sometimes fiber is not the answer.

YARN DONATIONS

2006-10-06T06:52:00.000-04:00

Susan Manning on Knitlist has offered to send some of her excess stash to knitters in need of a little extra. I left a message on her live journal offering to augment her generosity. Just leave your email address with your comment. No need to justify your need. I'll contact you for yarn destination. Thanks Susan for setting such a wonderful example.

IRISH FOR THE IRISH

2006-09-25T13:25:00.000-04:00

Nothing like seeing the finished sweater on the person for whom it was meant. I'm extremely pleased and so it appears is Keith.
We had a too short long weekend visit with him and my sister. Good food, good wine, good gin, and good laughs.

Discipline

2006-09-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

This is the result of discipline. This sweater has been hanging around since the fall of 2005. I just wasn't able to get the pattern programmed into my brain. I stashed it away for months at a time and discovered lace knitting during that time. A close friend started her second Aran sweater a couple of weeks ago. I decided to pull this guilt whispering project out of it's bag. The most amazing thing happened. I no longer needed the pattern! My lace knitting had not only disciplined my brain but it actually sharpened my ability to "read" my knitting. I also kept myself from touching, starting, or looking at any of my lace knitting. Sometimes my hands ached. I'm not sure whether this was psychosymatic or physical. THE ARAN IS OFF MY BACK! My sister and brother-in-law are coming this weekend and this big bad boy is going home with them.
From now on, if I get the desire to knit for someone, I'm NOT going to TELL. I hate deadlines of any kind, but especially knitting deadlines. This beauty took me a year of guilt and exactly ten days of actual knitting. I will always remember it fondly because of what it taught me.

MORE LACE

2006-07-28T19:41:00.000-04:00

Icarus/Blue Sky Alpaca
Icarus/Silk City Bamboo
Sea Silk/Storm Shawl

Mystery Stole #2

2006-07-28T18:56:00.000-04:00

LION & LAMB TURTLENECK

2006-04-09T15:50:00.000-04:00

Eldest Daughter and I couldn't find a pattern that had everything, so we created our own with the help of the very handy Sweater Wizard. Lion and Lamb is absolutely a delight to work with and the color is a rich chocolate brown with hand dyed variations. Delicious!

KIRI

2006-04-09T15:26:00.000-04:00

Guess I'm hooked. I love knitting lace. This is the Kiri. I found a wonderful local shop that buys fleece from local kids who raise sheep. She then spins it and dyes it. This gorgeous red is similar to Koigu, but much more special.
This lovely shawl is for my sweet auntie El. Mom will surprise her with it when she returns home in 10 days.
Now I'm on to fashion something lacey and wonderful for me with the new SeaSilk from Fleece Artist Handmaiden. It is gorgeous stuff.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

2006-03-31T09:07:00.000-05:00

Cardigan knit from the top down - Lorna's Lace Shepherd worsted
Infant pullover with side neck opening - Fixation Cotton - Elvis Buttons
Shawl collared jacket - odds and ends
Debbie Bliss Bolero from Junior Knits - Artyarns Supermerino
Split neck Baby pullover from Last Minute Gifts - Cotton Sock yarn of unknown origin
Roll Neck Raglan pullover, knit from top down, size 8 boys - Lorna's Lace worsted

2006-03-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

2006-03-31T08:44:00.000-05:00

2006-03-31T08:42:00.001-05:00

2006-03-31T08:42:00.000-05:00

2006-03-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

A FLOCK OF LITTLE SWEATERS

2006-03-31T08:40:00.000-05:00

DF KAL

2006-03-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

This is my first successful lace project. Thank you Sivia and all who are participating in this KAL. I had plenty of false starts and most certainly would have quit, were it not for this generous group of lace knitters.
The lovely model is my dear mother, all 4'11" of her. Nothing is quite so satisfying as hearing the squeals of delight from the recipient of one of your finished projects.

I haven't been idle, just an idle blogger. I do have lots of finished object pics to post. Perhaps tomorrow.

Diamond Fantasy Shawl

2006-03-30T10:02:00.000-05:00

Check Out Sivia's Other Designs

2006-03-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Yarn from ColorSong

2006-03-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

ANONYMOUS

2006-01-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

I guess the only way to answer anonymous comments is to post. So this info is for the most recent anonymous commenter. I didn't write a pattern for the cable purse, and yes 1 skein of Malabrigo is plenty.

TRADITIONAL TRADITION

2005-12-21T08:19:00.000-05:00

WE ALWAYS MAKE SPRITZ COOKIES AND SAND TARTS. THE SAND TARTS ARE FROM A RECIPE FROM MY HUSBAND'S FAMILY. DEPENDING ON YOUR HERITAGE, YOU EITHER SLICE THESE COOKIES OR ROLL THEM OUT AND CUT THEM. AS YOU CAN SEE WE ARE THE SLICING KIND OF FAMILY. THE SPRITZ COOKIES AND GINGERBREAD ARE TRADITIONS WE STARTED WHEN OUR GIRLS WERE LITTLE.

GINGERBREAD

2005-12-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

THESE ARE OUR TRADITIONAL GINGERBREAD COOKIES. NOTICE THE CHRISTMAS DINOSAURS AND OUR HOLIDAY SHARKS.

CHRISTMAS PREP

2005-12-14T11:19:00.000-05:00

GIFTS MADE AND BOUGHT - 100%
GIFTS ORDERED AND DELIVERED - 99%
GIFTS WRAPPED - 99%
GIFTS MAILED - 100%
CHRISTMAS CARDS DONE - 100%
CHRISTMAS CARDS MAILED - 100%
CHRISTMAS TREE BOUGHT AND UP - 100%
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATED - 100%
DOOR WREATHS - DONE AND UP - 100%
COOKIE DOUGHS MADE - 100%
COOKIES BAKED AND DECORATED - 100%
FOOD ORDERED, MENU PLANNED - 100%

I think I'm right about on schedule. By Monday, most of these will jump from 0 to 90. The only ones that concern me, are the ones over which I have no control. This year our family Christmas will be on Christmas Eve. Our youngest leaves with her "friendly boy" (my husband's name for him) for India on Christmas day to attend a wedding. Exciting stuff!
Our usual Christmas Eve is a raucous friends and family party, which I have loved in the past. I have to say that I am looking forward to a quiet Christmas Eve for the first time in almost 20 years. There will still be lots of wonderful food and drink, but no cooking and baking for days before, and no cleaning up until 2AM.edited 12/17/05, edited 12/21/05
I am almost to that glorious moment when I can put up my feet and just let Christmas come!

END OF THE LINE

2005-12-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

From left to right: 6ft. long swirly scarf -Linie 102 Allegro,
4ft. long slip stitch scarf with fringe - K1C2 Tartelette, 4ft. + cabled scarf - Hand Maiden 12ply cashmere
Frogged the cashmere scarf. I actually unwrapped it because the more I thought about it, the more I detested it. I am half way through reknitting it. I'm using the boyfriend scarf pattern from Last Minute Gifts. Much nicer and much more appropriate for the yarn. edited 12/21/05

I can say truthfully that I am now officially working on non-holiday items.
Aran Sweater
Ribbed Turtleneck
Shrug/Bolero Sweater
Finish Black Purl Clapotis
Winter Scarf for James (a specific request)
Junior Bolero Sweater from Debbie Bliss
All previously mentioned items not done and not listed above, will officially be moved to pre-frog status.

THE KITCHEN

2005-12-11T12:10:00.000-05:00

Spent lots of time playing in the kitchen yesterday. I should have been cranking out cookie doughs, but I couldn't resist trying a new recipe from the new Food & Wine.
Results:
1. lots of parts and lots of time involved
2. definitely a company dessert
3. grapefruit is not something I will put in
this dessert again
4. this dessert would be fantastic with
lemon, lime, or orange
Today is cookie dough day:
gingerbread, sand tarts, spritz,

Knitting:
Finished cashmere cabled scarf. Working on two clapotis that were started months ago. No deadline for either
Post Christmas Knitting Plans:
Finish Aran Sweater and Bolero
Start Mia's bolero sweater, cashmere silk wrap, merino/silk turtleneck and finally something for ME (something wonderful, don't know what yet)

THREE LITTLE MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

2005-12-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

CABLED CLUTCHES DONE!
These were lots of fun to make. Even though I hate to sew, I didn't mind lining them and sewing them onto the handles. They remind me of the flowers in the nursery rhyme; Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. I actually made four of these cuties. One is running around in Brooklyn on the arm of my youngest daughter.

Time to finish the cashmere scarf, which will be my last knitting project for Christmas. I need to get busy making cookie dough and wrapping presents. I enjoy doing both, now that I have the time.

ALI'S HAT

2005-12-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

This hat was done in about 4 hours. After speaking with my sister about a hat that my niece coveted, I feverishly created this pattern with the help of a few pics on the web. It is Knit on size 10 addis 16" and birch double pointed. Again, I used bits and pieces of Misti Alpaca, Malabrigo, Lorna's Lion and Lamb, and MCY silk/merino. I couldn't be more pleased. The final judge will be my adorable niece, Miss Ali. Have to wait for Christmas.

Almost done with my pared down Christmas list. Some things were moved to Birthday list. Having trouble with my hands and certain types of knitting. The Aran Sweater has become quite a challenge. My hands go numb after 10 rows or so. Thanks to a tip about WendyKnits, I've started using the "no cable needle" cable method. Not sure whether that helps with my hands, but it certainly helps with speed. I used to spend half my time losing and looking for the cable needle.

BITS AND PIECES of BITS AND PIECES

2005-11-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

First I want to thank everyone for the kind comments both on and off the blog.
I thought I would add a few details about the tote. First, I used the slip stitch method and just made up the design as I went according to what color scraps I had. I started by knitting a large rectangle, then picked up all of the stitches on four sides with a 24" circular and knit in the round changing yarn colors and never working with more than two colors at a time. I knit until I ran out of yarn, then felted the whole mess. Believe me, I wasn't sure that it would turn out to be anything useful. If you haven't tried color work using the slip stitch method, it is so easy and perfect for projects that you intend to felt.
As far as the leather strap goes, we have a fabric outlet that always has a large bin of scraps of beautiful leather. There are lots of different colors and the shapes of the pieces are irregular. My daughter pieced the handle together and used a walking foot on the sewing machine to sew the thing together. As for the grommets, they are industrial strength with teeth and a deep channel to hold soft fabric tight. I found that little grommets just pulled right out.
Hope this helps explain my accidental tote.
Good source for the slip stitch and color work is the Sally Melville color book, although I'm sure you can find sources on the web if you google "slip stitch".

CABLE CLUTCH - MALABRIGO

2005-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

LOOP-D-LOOP CORRUGATED ASYMETRICAL IN REYNOLDS CABANA

2005-11-17T19:38:00.000-05:00