Knitting With Samson's Hair

Knittin' and Teachin' Knittin' and Stuff

2009-04-25T18:39:00.014-04:00

Entrelac
So it seems that I've been teaching knitting about as much as I've been knitting lately. Fortunately I actually had a day off from teaching, today, so I enjoyed knitting on a couple or three other things I've had in the works. There's the Lady Eleanor in Noro's Silk Garden sock yarn - smaller, but not smaller.

I was encouraged by students to whom I'd been teaching Entrelac to move forward with the beautiful Noro Silk Garden in the sock yarn. Couldn't say no to students, could I?

Next Up
I'm working on an intarsia scarf for a class in May. It would be better if I actually used the colors the pattern suggested, but somehow I just ended up creating my own version of the pattern . . . but my students will know how to do it well now that I'm learning to do it well.

Got a New Car
Kia is the name, Spectra is the game. I tell people I have a Kuh-Kuh-Kuh-Kia (think chia pet holiday ads on Thttp://www.tagrel.com/). I feel like a grown up - there are auto windows, auto locks, I can open the trunk from inside the 'cabin'. The fact that I am a grown up has nothing to do with what I feel like. I typically feel like I'm in my late teens or early twenties.

Perhaps I would rather be THERE, but have the knowledge I have now. Isn't that many of us?

WDW
My kid sister moved to Orlando, Florida, finally. She's been dreaming of doing this for about 10 years. She always said she wanted to be there by the time she was 40. And she made it with 3 weeks to spare. I'm not going to say her name so you won't know WHO turned 40 (see Amy, I knew I could do it!!) but let's just say that she's a very special person in my life and I look forward to visiting her at her place that is within one mile of the Magic Kingdom. She writes for allears.com and is an avid poster at tagrel.com.

Crochet
I taught a Beginning Crochet class in March. I learned how to crochet over 30 years ago, so it wasn't as easy to teach as knitting has been since I recently learned knitting and I know many "hints" and methods for making Knitting work for YOU. The Crochet, not so much. But I've enjoyed getting reacquainted with this way of creating fabric. Having to THINK about what I'm doing when I'm crocheting was a lot harder. Thanks to websites like Crochet911, I was able to back up to what I knew students need to learn and how to explain the techniques. Here's a toddler's hat a friend MADE me crochet because she had done up such a cute sample at the store and had the pattern handy - right there - with the YARN that was used -- me? pass up a new pattern? of something so cute? that meant I had to get more YARN? Me? yep!

Okay. I'm gonna post some pics now so you aren't just staring at TEXT and wondering to yourself, why did I want to look at this blog again?

Mirasol Yarn is WONDERFUL !!
Here's a recent ongoing project (monogamy is not really a recurring theme for me) using Mirasol's Tupa which is 50% merino wool and 50% silk. I bought the book of Judy Ellison's patterns that included this pattern (pictured on the cover of the book in a soft green and a different Mirasol yarn) just so I could have this pattern. After finding out the pattern was a simple 3X3 checkerboard pattern I wanted to kick my self, but the shop has many other Mirasol yarns coming in this Spring so I am energized and enabled to make many other items in the book! (Thanks a lot, Susan and Maria!).

Knit-a-long
There was something about speedknitting at ravelry (or was it on facebook about ravelry or about knitty?) and I felt compelled to start on the same project. So start I did. This was when I had discretionary spending money to use on yarn so I ended up with a little more Cascade yarn in a lovely butter yellow for the project. It's hemlock and I started on it, but didn't do anything with the speed part. So here it is as I slowly move along on it:

Christmas Knitting Shall Cease Until December 1, 2009 ! ! !

2008-12-27T18:39:00.007-05:00

I love it when Christmas . . . is over !!! Okay. Not really! But I am so so so so so so so so so so very glad to have finally delivered the "Farm Animals Sweater" to my little neighbor.

Brother
Here he is modeling it for me to show that: A) It fits !, and B) He has finally received it!!!

Sister
And had I mentioned that his older sister had admired my "Knucks" when I was visiting with them in October? She admired them so that she asked for a pair for herself - and here they are. Uhm, this picture was taken moments after the half-hour weaving in ends session, after finishing the second glove which I had shown her when I delivered brother's sweater Christmas morning. These were delivered Christmas night. And were received with a big smile and a hug!

Family
We gathered at mom's on Christmas Eve and I got to see three of my four great nieces and nephew! Here are one niece's children modeling their Santa hats from great-grandma.

And here is my nephew's little one playing with her cousin.

That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you and yours all the best in 2009 !

Farm Animals Sweater

2008-11-23T01:15:00.006-05:00

Be careful what you promise!

My little neighbor boy has always loved farm animals. Instead of toy soldiers, his relatives have always gotten him some small version of farm animals. He would go to bed with a little bag of them tight in his hand each night, when
I got to babysit him and his sister.

I usually knit when I watch the kiddos. Something the boy referred to as "nutting". One day, rather innocently, he popped off the question, "Would you 'nut' me a sweater with farm animals on it?" Hesitating with any answer, I said I would see if I could find a pattern for one. Well, I never found a pattern with farm animals on it, so I was left to design my own.

Nearly a year later, I was still "working on a design", as he often heard from me when he asked about the sweater. Knowing my propensity to procrastinate, I finally told him I'd have it for him on his sixth birthday - er, uhm, that was this past July. I had been to the library and found a book I ended up purchasing for my own library: Kate Buller's Style Your Own Kids' Knits. This is an outstanding resource and has literally hundreds and hundreds of options for design, style, motif, stitch patterns, and layouts. You will use it for years!

With a good effort begun, I scoured the internet for anything I could see well enough to create designs from. While vacationing at my sister's in Texas in early July, I decided on a pattern for each animal and then thought a barn and tractor would fit right in. Unfortunately, I didn't have the right yarn with me and my sister only has a Wal-Mart as a resource for yarn in her tiny town in Texas.

I began, deciding to do the patterns with their original design of purl stitches on stockinette stitch for the outline and animal particulars like the Holstein's black-on-white markings, the horse's mane, etc. I was well on my way up the back of the sweater and well past the animals when I decided I just didn't like it. It was three days after his birthday and I was home in Louisville already.

The answer, "Almost," became my continuous reply when he would continue to ask about the sweater. Bless his heart !!!! Now I am ready to seam up the sweater and have finished the animals, barn, and tractor. FINALLY!

I had recently said I'd have it for him by Halloween and I did not. I've not given him other dates, but decided I had to have it for him by Thanksgiving. Considering the recent temperatures in the 30s and 40s, I thought there's no time like the present.

Here it is in progress. I hope to have a finished photo in the next couple of days.

Barn outline and tractor awaiting some duplicate stitch.

Close up of barn before doors are done (can you tell that's a silo in the back?).

Tractor before duplicate stitch on seat and smokestack Before the animals were finished.

The animals before duplicate stitch was added.

The animals after duplicate stitching is done. The cow now looks like the cow and is headed the same way as the other animals. (Sorry this pic is on its side - silly Blogger!)

Beyond Leap Day

2008-04-12T21:07:00.009-04:00

I had a great post all drafted up and it was waiting on pictures. Honest I did. I had waxed on poetic about Leap Day and what I did to celebrate. Alas, the draft was lost. It's just as well, since I just took pictures two days ago and will attempt to get them posted herein.

Enough Drivel . . . On To Knitting ! I seem to be enjoying adding sock yarns to my stash and starting new socks over and over and over again. Not re-starting socks, oh no. Starting a new sock, then, "uhhhhh I see a NEW sock yarn, I think I'll start another sock!" I also started a lace shawl with Jade Sapphire 2-ply Mongolian Cashmere.

Socks That Rock The yarn, not the reality. I finally ordered yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, along with the book about Fair Isle knitting. When I awoke at 3:30 this morning, it was finally time to look at the book and I was mesmerized by the possibilities described in the book. I only purchased two skeins, one lightweight and the other mediumweight. After reading the patterns, I see I'll soon be making another yarn purchase soon!

Jewel of the Nile colorway:

Rolling Stone colorway

Yarn and the books:

SockPixie I also received a lovely Merino of the color Madame Delmas today. Just look at its loveliness:

Crocheting, by a knitter?! For some bizarre reason, after seeing a free pattern on Louet's North America website, I felt compelled to purchase the Euroflax yarn and crochet a mesh bag. The name of the pattern is EuroBag. I was amazed by the relative ease it took to complete it and look forward to making some bags for friends to carry their knitting books in (since anything the size of a half dollar or smaller would slip right out. I may have to line the bag in order to carry knitting ... or just use it to go to the pool this summer.

Audiobooks and Knitting And work, actually. I recently listened to Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People while I was at work on a Saturday afternoon. The book is 7.5 hours in length and I actually heard all but the last 20 minutes. It was 11:00 p.m., though and I had to go home so I finished it the next Monday. I've enjoyed Jimmy Carter's Peace and Palenstine, Bruce McLaren's Everything Must Change, Barack Obama's Dreams of My Father, and The Audacity of Hope. The 60-Second Procrastinator was good to listen to, but I think I need to listen about 20 more times to really hear it since I'm usually working when I listen.

Itchy Knittin' Fingers

2007-04-23T21:01:00.000-04:00

To carry on from Wendy's Blogging Rules ....

Rule # 48
When you don't have a lot to blog about, use a bigger FONT!!!

Oh yeah, itchy knittin' fingers. (not dermatitis or eczema) Well, I posted a reply on www.diynetwork.com's foum on knitting answering "How Many Projects Do YOU Have on Needles NOW?" I 'fessed up to 8, or was it 9 ....

I have finished knitting one or two of those, but now I have to sew them up, so are they really DONE?

I just started on a pair of socks from Favorite Socks, but find I really have to concentrate so am looking for something else to start on (page 68 - with Crystal Palace's Panda Wool after being tempted by friend and fiber artist, Valerie). Maybe the Icarus Shawl, or some other shawl with my new Jade Sapphire's 2-ply Mongolian Cashmere lace weight yarn. But I also got a new yarn from an eBay store that I'm curious about working with. I'm not mentioning the eBay store where I found the yarn because I discovered it's "Made in China" and after watching "China Blue" on PBS's Independent Lens, I hesitate to even put my jeans on for riding my motorcycle.

Motorcycle?

Yes I did actually ride this weekend. UIIt was a beautiful day for riding and I have the appropriate "biker's SUNBURN" to show for it. It will turn into a Biker's Tan, but not yet (and I do not recommend this method for achieving any sort of tan). Proof that I rode this weekend? Sorry, no pictures. But I have to tell you that when I reached into my purse this morning to get my work badge out, I came across my motorcycle's license plate. Yes, it was in my purse. I was in the lobby at work. Not at home. In the lobby. See, when I had my little *hiccup* riding last summer on my way to Philly, I lost my bracket that holds the license plate. Well, I did get a new license plate, but am still without the bracket.

Pictures
I do still own a camera. I have uploaded knitting-related pictures to my computer. Admittedly, I'm just too lazy at this moment (again) to put the pictures on this page.

Podcasts
Have I mentioned I'm listening to podcasts lately? I love Brenda Dayne of Cast-On. Her health has kept her from regular posdcasting of late, but if you listen to her 40+ episodes done so far, you'll have at least a work-week's worth of entertaining listening. (Available on iTunes.)

Samson?
Samson, the African Grey Parrot, is well and up to his usual antics. This morning he pulled the towel off the toilet tank (he sits on the [closed] toilet lid and talks to me while I get ready for work). Today he uncovered one of his favorite toys -- the flusher handle. He knows when he's doing something he's not supposed to because he usually laughs (my laugh) and says, "What are you doin'?" Then he starts in that motherly-reprimanding-tone, "Come on. Come on. Come on." With various postiive inflctions so it sounds like it will be fun to get OUT of trouble!!!

Thanks for stopping by... I PROMISE, pictures next time.

BTW - I got into Sockapalooza 4 for the 2007 April - August tour. I couldn't tell you because YOU might get there before me and I wouldn't have been one of the 1000 to sign up for this year's exchange. Maybe I'll remind you next time. Maybe. See you soon!!!!

Let Me Sum Up

2007-03-15T23:20:00.000-04:00

You know that part from The Princess Bride after Westley has been brought back from near-death as follows(?) :

Inigo: (to Fezzik) Tilt his head back. Open his mouth.

Fezzik: How long do we have to wait before we know if the miracle works?

[Inigo forces the "miracle pill" into Westley's mouth]

Inigo: Your guess is as good as mine

Westley: [Suddenly] I'll beat you at your part, I'll take you both together

Fezzik: [matter-of-factly] I guess not very long.

Westley: Why won't my arms move?

Fezzik: You've been mostly dead all day.

Inigo: We had Miracle Max make a pill to bring you back.

Westley: (rapidly) Who are you? Are we enemies? Why am I on this wall? Where's Buttercup?

Inigo: Let me 'splain; No, there is too much; Let me sum up. ... Buittercup is marrying Humperdinck in little less than half an hour... so all we have to do is get in, break up the wedding, steal the princess, make our escape, after I kill Count Rugen.

Westley: That doesn't leave much time for dilly-dally.

So away with dilly-dally, let me sum up . . .

I've been knitting
Shocking, I know ... knitting. I had many good ideas for blog fodder, but, alas, I did not blog. Thanks for coming back to check in -- I hope you won't be disappointed.

Well, and doing other things, too. No, not riding the motorcycle, just other things. And these days I'm teaching knitting classes for beginning knitters and project classses at a couple of local shops. I've been knitting on about six projects recently: four projects for classes, one gift poncho in seed stitch, and a partridge in a pear tree (sorry, couldn't resist ... Samson's been singing FIVE GOLD RINGS still).

Anyway, very busy I find myself these days (and watching some Star Wars with Yoda who backwards talks from time-to-time).

So, I need to put in some pictures.

Certainly the Entrelac Lady Eleanor Stole is done and a favorite of many. I am writing a scarf pattern similar to it to accommodate a scarf classs. And then I've been working on some items for my fuuture great-niece or-nephew (due August-ish), which makes it all the fun.

Uhm..... and I've been staying warm, even though all our winters have been warmer than norm.

So now it's to my crunch time at work and I'm recovering from a cold, but just plain ol' enjoying life!!!!!

So how the heck are you?

And to other things since "then"
I have been listenting to some podcasts on my new video iPod. I know. It's a video iPod - I should be WATCHING something. Well, some of the podcasts have pictures with them (thanks hollyspring) and some of them have sponsors with great products (thanks Brenda at Cast-On for letting me know about Dame Candles) and someone suggested their lovely Green Tea which I am enjoying at this moment.

And I've been knitting on

Poncho for friend - like mine - Queeensland's Maldive Cathy Poncho in seed stitch in Red -- yes, just like mine. Apparently my friend is just like us knitters -- once we see the object, we fall into the trance ... "Must Make The Object" in the same color and pattern.

A friend is calling for a road trip and I think it's involving Virginia. One if by land and two if by sea -- I think we'll do this during the summer months after TNNA Market.

I have received the information from TKGA for the Level 1 Handknitters Master program.

I have been putting my hand to a drop spindle in the desire to spin yarn. Not necessarily yarn I will use, I will at least have gone from critter to garment, maybe.

And.... going to the dentist. My teeth don't exactly look like those on the website, but I was in need of some dental-ist attention. Alas, I'm in love with a man-- my dentist.

too much
so I've become like the woman I long to be like ...

Organizing my needles so I can be like Wendy Knits. I now have a a needle organizer like Wendy's because I found I was gathering a number of needles (many on unfinished objects) that I have set aside due to the allure of the sirens of other projects.

Samson Sez:
"I'm fine thanks, how are you?" in a melodic tone much like, uhm, me.

Tah Dahhhh !!!

2006-11-16T19:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't that what your family says whenever they're showing off something new?!!! Well, here it is (in its almost-complete photo). Without further ado . . .

Thee Lady Eleanor Stole from ScarfStyle

Huh? It's not done? Well as far as your picture shows, it is not done. However, I finished it Sunday and weaved in the ends and wore it to work on Monday!!! Huh? Why no picture of the finished product? Well, I have to find just the right model to wear it so you can see it as it drapes magnificently on someone (not me). An excuse? Uhmmm yes.

In the meantime, I've finished the back panel of the Vogue skirt and have begun earnestly on the front panel. Having just completed the lower section of lace-stripes, I'm ready for something more like stockinette for a bit. (Picture later.)

The Heifer Project
In case you have some money you want to use for a good cause besides getting me an Extreme Tickle Me Elmo, hop on over to WendyKnits and donate some funds to the Heifer Project. So far she's doubled her initial goal of $5,000. You have a chance to win something for each $10 you donate. I love that Lucy's waiting (daily) for some little chicks to show up ... alas she will be disappointed, but I think Lucy (and Wendy) will rejoice with all of us as good is done with the donations. Thanks Wendy!!!!

Special Friends
A shout out to blog-less Donna in Indianapolis. She's become a new knittin' buddy and has shared with me about some yarn purchases she made in Switzerland while vacationing recently. She and her sister-in-law, and my friend, Roberta, gifted me in a special way after a meaningful event we shared together last weekend on behalf of their late mother-in-law. Expecting nothing but "being a part" I received a BASKET-ful of African Violets and a yummy fruit basket on Monday. See for yourselves what beautiful gifts NICE people give (besides their friendship which, truly is priceless).

Some pics of the African Violets

(There are 10 separate pots in the basket !!!!!!!)

And the yummy fruitbasket from Paul's Fruit Market.

Thanks gals!!

Now for a word or two from Samson

Peek a boooooo!!! (er uhm ... No, I'm not one of the chicks Lucy keeps hoping for!!!)

Entrelac Progress

2006-10-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

Well, here it is. About one-third of the way done. Lady Eleanor's Stole from ScarfStyle using Noro's Silk Gardens in a variety of colorways. I suppose it's hard to tell in the photo - but from your point of view it is 24" from top edge to bottom edge. I think it will be about 6 feet long when it's done - not including the knotted fringe that goes on it.

Gassy
Gas prices dropped - again. Last week I saw a sign that said $1.97 for gas and 2 hours later it said $2.13 -- so don't blink when you see this sign because the price might jump back up again.

Squirrel on a Wire (you were expecting Bird on a Wire?)
While sitting at the same stop light where I took this photo, I happened to see a small squirrel gingerly running across the wires above this busy intersection. He's kind of small, but is right above the black sign you see the side of hanging from the thick black wires. Silly squirrels!! (As with all of my pictures posted here, you can click on the picture for a larger view to open in another window.)

PROM NIGHT
My neighbors had a prom last Saturday night. The attendees were in their late 20's at the youngest. Here's a picture of the arbor where the adults had prom photos taken. My neighbor said they raised $2000 for a scholarship program at a local catholic church school. I know they were having a good time -- the band played on until about 1:00 a.m.

Autumn is Arriving
While waiting at church for a meeting this evening I happened to catch this lovely shot of colors and the church and... well, lovely colors.

Annie
I know I teased you unwittingly last post with a note about Annie - mom's African Gray Parrot -- and Samson's sister. Alas. I did not take a picture of her while there the next two evenings, either. But, mom had given me a picture of our sweet girl so here's a picture of a picture of Miss Annie. She and Samson turn 7 years old this month!!

The Sky, Entrelac, and Superman

2006-09-26T21:19:00.000-04:00

Superman
I'm watching my mom's parrot Annie for a few days. As I was leaving her house a bird flew over - contemplating if it was a bat or a bird I decided, "It's a bird". Mom lives near Louisville International Airport and I looked westward to see a plane taking off ... thinking to myself, "It's a plane." As I got into my car I realized the only thing left was for Superman to come drifting down out of the sky in front of me. (Not sure, here, if it's the Dean Cain or the Christopher Reeve version, but either is good.) Alas. No Superman swooped.

Then I stopped at the grocery and found my superhero there. She was about six years old and was following "mom" who was pushing a race-car-cart with two toddlers in it. The coolest thing was, this 6-year-old was a superhero. Wonder Woman to be exact. Although the WW on her chest made me think more of WWF Smackdown than Lynda Carter's portayal. Nonetheless, there was my superhero[ine]. My day was complete.

Entrelac?
Oh yes - the entrelac. Gotta admit I tried this a while back to see what the stitch pattern was like. It was with bamboo (a lovely yarn but not meant for what I was doing here). So with Noro's Silk Garden I am off again. Discovered a little part of the pattern that has you make the last picked up stitch and the first at the bottom of the triangle into one. It was a magical moment. See, before, I was not reading that part and wondered why I kept coming up with about 9 rows instead of the 8 called for over and over again. So here it is. Without any further ado.

Actual knitting progress.

Granted, it is not the La Lana Wools Faerie Queen, but I wanted to try it with a less pricey yarn before I went full tilt with the beautiful handspun La Lana Wool.

Another Knitting Moment
Indeed I have been knitting on some other stuff -- holding out on you, I guess. Here's the ArtYarns Regal Silk Diamond Shawl.
Close up.

Far away and spreading its wings.

Yet Another Knitting Moment
So I'm about to get started on the Vogue Spring/Summer 2006 cover skirt, but tried a different yarn to see if it would fill the bill. It did not, but it's good to practice and get used to doing the stitches and seeing what I have to watch so I don't have to tink like I have on the sample piece. Also tried the crocheted edge to see if I understand it before I get to the "real thing". It has its moments and a friend who is a crocheter will help me out Wednesday evening.

Sky
We had some rainy weather and some neat weather and some really really neat skies. Here for your viewing pleasure and thanks to Sandy for keeping us all "looking up", here's the sky recently.

Annie Sez
Since Samson is not a fan of the red light on the camera, you get to see what Mom's Annie-bird looks like. She's a fluffy football looking girl -- but the personality far and away makes up for anything you think she is missing by not having all her feathers in tact. Tonight she was regaling me with her versions of "Old McDonald", "Baa Baa Black Sheep", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", among other great birdie hits. (oops a teaser there as I cannot seem to find any digitals of Miss Annie -- alas, an older Samson pic will have to do -- beg pardon.)

Yarn Fasting

2006-09-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

According to yarnharlot, this is when you purposely go without buying yarn. Well, I've been there. But I finally have to get some to make the skirt on the cover of Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2006 for a friend's birthday.

Yes. It was the Spring issue.

Yes. I am going to make it in the pink even though it will be gifted this Fall (did I mention her birthday was in August?).

I was going to have to wait while Koigu dyed more yarn when I ordered from an online yarn shop (OYS?). However... Thanks to Patternworks for having the yarn in stock, I'll get to start on this in the next week or so!!

More later. And pictures, too!!

To Pennsyl-RAIN-ia or BUST !!!

2006-07-25T07:42:00.000-04:00

Indeed it was almost "OR BUST", but I made it for the wedding and was so glad I was able to make the trip!!!
Here's what threatened to stop me ... (by the way, in the midst of it all I did learn to "Praise the Lord no matter my circumstances!!!")

First it was the switch to RESERVE fuel just after a potential gas-stop exit. Here are Dan (left) and Cletus looking over my bike. You may think CITGO is not a service station, but I beg to differ! (Thanks Cletus). And Dan of Ohio's DOT kept us safe with his vehicle with caution flashing lights.

Next - THE CHAIN INCIDENT

Still in Ohio, just south of I-270 and Columbus, the engine revved and then nothing. I pulled off quickly, there to stay for over an hour. I love you PROGRESSIVE with roadside assistance for my motorcycle. Thanks Shamrock Towing and Carlos for getting me safely to ASK - Grove City. Thanks to Austin and the rest of the service department at ASK for getting me back on the road by Friday afternoon -- about 24 hours after I had stopped.

Carlos of Shamrock Towing -- You're GREAT !!!

Thanks to the ladies at the Headline Styling Salon for letting me sit in their lovely shop and hear great stories all around while I knit on my Sockotta sock. Thanks to James Wheeler of Hilton's Guest Assistance for getting my hotel arrangements straightened out for me in the midst of my drama.

And a VERY SPECIAL THANKS to my cousin Jon and his wife Linda for being wonderful hosts. Their home may not look like a B&B from the outside but I found this little basket of goodies sitting in my guest room.

The Weddding
Jenny and Brad were wed in Christ Church at 12:30 pm on Saturday. I was there to read scripture as originally planned.

Here's the happy couple (and perhaps they were a little hungry by this time -- Jen is posing, actually).

The chocolate and raspberry and blueberry wedding cake.

Here's some of the goodies we had after they cut their beautiful cake.

Oh yeah, back to the people -- really what it's all about, anyway ...

Here's my brother-in-law and his youngest (oldest was the bride).

Back Home
I made it back just after midnight on Sunday. Ahh it's good to be home so I could see my little birdie. What a treat to come home to.

More to come later this ~~week~~ year. Thanks for stopping by!!

Sidetracked

2006-07-07T07:17:00.000-04:00

A shout out to Ian and Wendy - thanks for sharing about your all's activities on the 4th! It rained and thundered here. I snuck into the office and worked a bit to keep up with the week's taskings -- then was worn out and only vegged on the sofa working on the "other" two socks opting to not watch Jason Alexander with the Capitol Fourth.

I'm tempted by the Fleece Artist yarn Wendy is currently using for socks. Must knit faster...

Okay, I'm obviously blogging early to avoid getting ready for work -- avoidance is one of my biggest faults, followed by procrastination -- although it's likely the two are closely related, if not two sides of the same coin.

Nuff said -- catch ya later!!

PS Samson sez "HI" to cousin Jenny and wants to say to KOARC -- "I sprechen" (as learned from mama repeating the line from Madagascar by Marty the Zebra when asked by the penguin leader "You, quadruped, sprechen ze English??")

Thank You www.knittinghelp.com !!!

2006-07-02T21:44:00.000-04:00

Yes Indeed-y!!! I have 10 books that tell me how to do the mattress stitch, but my real hero (heroine!!) is Amy Finlay of www.knittinghelp.com !!! Her 3-minute video tells me what I needed to know to have a beautiful "invisible" seam on the sides of "the shop sample" (as we've come to call it) of Plymouth's pattern C125 - Ladie's V-Neck Shell as done in Fantasy Naturale in color 2550 (known in these parts as "UK Blue" for the University of Kentucky's school colors).

Here's a final shot of the top now that it's done.

For your reference, please please please learn from my mistake and be sure to do a gauge swatch!!! I should have been using a size US 7 needle (or maybe even an US 8). As it was, I used the size US 6 called for (4 mm) and had to use an additional hank of the heavy cotton yarn.

I had to block it before I sewed it up, which put me off a couple of weeks (at least) and then I had to get the confidence to try the mattress stitch. It's not that the stitch is hard -- not at all -- it's just feeling ready to do it. And now I've done it and am ready to sew up anything I knit that needs it!!!

Sock # 2 has begun
Work has begun on sock # 2 on the circulars. I'm doing better at getting the pattern right, but today realized I had cast on 8 less stitches than I did for the other sock. My solution? Once I'm done with this one, I'm gonna re-do the first sock (maybe). I figure I'll have them on under pants or boots and no one will see them anyway, so they may stay just the same. :-) My perogative!!

The start of a beautiful friendship
We had brunch this afternoon at our friend's home after church. Here are two gals from the Bible study class -- we're all sittin' pretty awaiting the call to feast! (and feast we did -- thanks Dottie and all!!) As I prepared to leave I was asked what knitting I've been doing, and I showed the socks around. Then someone suggested a couple of us teach the class how to knit. Now there's a project! I'll let you know what becomes of that!

Samson Sez
"Breakfast? Breakfast? Breakfast?" No really, that's what he said most of the morning today -- even after I'd given him his breakfast. Silly birdie.

Another Knitted Item DONE !

2006-06-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

Indeed, it's true!!! I have completed another knitted item! This one is a sweet hoodie from Debbie Bliss's Simply Soft book. Done in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Astrakhan with a Baby Cashmerino edging, I think my grand niece will look cool and cute in it next Spring!!

And here's Samson taking a break from his treats to say "Hi"

The Sleigh Bed

2006-06-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

The Sleigh Bed is visiting my home until it can find a new home. Height: 35", length: 80" at bottom, 86" at top, Width: 35", Clearance: 8". Currently has a slip cover on it, but the original upholstery is beautiful, too.

This label is underneath it:

Here's a foot:

The middle foot:

Some detail:

The end:

Another shot of the end:

Some detail along end:

Some detail along the top edge:

Pretty neat, huh? Let me know what you think. Is it an antique? How old is it? Mrs. Mendel, of the Strassel & Company business (closed late 1970s) travelled abroad - did she bring this back from somewhere? Or was it crafted in Louisville - as the label might suggest?

Dr. Seuss On the Loose

2006-06-25T20:30:00.000-04:00

One Sock, Two Sock ...

First, let me say that THIS is what happens when one black sock goes in the wash with the white load and one goes where it was supposed to:

One Sock, Two Sock Gray Sock, Black Sock

Fortunately, my mom gave me a pair of snazzy Laredo boots that don't allow my socks to be seen (Thanks MOM!)

One Sock, Two Sock White Sock, Green Sock

Yes, actual knitting has gone on. And, No, I do not plan to wear these as a pair -- their mates are beginning this week. The left sock is with Plymouth's Sockotta using pattern S121. Of course, after working on the sole (see below) I realized this would be a great yarn to knit in stockinette instead of a pattern to see the true beauty of the yarn. Alas... On the right is Skacel's Trekking XXL (colorway 100) with a pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. I knitted the former on 5" dpns and the latter on two circulars - my first go with circs for socks. It was pretty straightforward after I got going and the gusset decreases were not a problem once I ~~believed~~ understood what the pattern wanted me to do.

The one on the left - pattern and sole ...

The one on the right - pattern and sole ...

I learned the reason for using long circulars for socks is because the needles might otherwise be right in your way if you use 16" circs. I will have to let you know which I prefer because the circs weren't too bad, I think mostly just the learning curve was where I struggled.

Not just socks
And yes, I HAVE BEEN KNITTING other things, too, even though I've not shown you pictures lately. Here's the swatch from the Multidirectional Knitting Class with Iris Schreier at the TNNA Market. This is the "shapes to learn" for the Sheer One Piece Shawl in Modular Knitting.

And here's the actual Shawl begun with Artyarns Regal Silk (loving it!!)

Samson Sez:
"Peek-a-booooo!"

Mr. T-perch has become his favorite "hiding place". Each night before tickle-time, Samson goes behind Mr. T-perch and ducks as if I can't see him. I say, "Where's Samson?", and he pops up so his head is above the t-bar -- and I say "There he IS!!" He's quite silly about it all, really.

Eye of the Beholder

2006-06-22T22:21:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned before, cameras were not allowed inside the TNNA Market. However, I may photograph anything at all now that I have it home!!

So here are some pictures of the goodies I got to bring home. All of our caches look as good -- and we're tripley inspired to knit stuff up in the yarns from the Market using the books from the Market with the needles from the Market.

First, the books:

Then the "Uncorrected Proofs" books:

Then the goodies (see how many you can identify):

And of course -- the reason to come home again:

Samson Sez:
"Are you my big fluffy bird?"

And one of the three beauties at Judy's home ... Sierra is one good reason to come home again.

And tomorrow .... K N I T T I N G !!!!!

Name Dropper? Me?!!!

2006-06-20T21:18:00.000-04:00

He, he, he. Just when you thought I was done... I have few more names to share!!

I know, I can't believe it either. Now you might understand why I was soooo exhausted when I returned home -- still coming down off the "celebrity-meetin' high"!!!

Met the Yarn Girls: Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs and received The Yarn Girl's Guide to Knits for Older Kids.

Edie Eckman, author of The Crochet Answer Book was great! As was Margaret Radcliffe, author of The Knitting Answer Book! Maggie said her 13-year-old daughter told her her book was "very encouraging"!! Now that's a compliment!!!!!!!

When I saw the logo over the booth for Inknitiative - I suddenly felt I was at home. I've longingly looked at Natalie's designs online and got to meet her in person. I love the ruffled scarf I made from her pattern.

As I was walking through the Market, I overheard a familiar voice, and turned to see Shay Pendray of PBS's Needle Arts Studio !!! Once again - in the presence of greatness!!

Juli Dewar of Knitiot was very personable! We love her t-shirts and other neat knitting-related "stuff".

Winding down a bit now....

Met Uyvonne Brigham who shows double-knitting on DIY's Knitty Gritty. She was at Lily Chin's booth and invited me to come visit when I head to Philadelphia in July. I'm gonna try to get up to Bucks County Knitting for a visit!

Rita Weiss signed her 24-Hour Crochet Projects

Helen Gibb signed her Ribbonwork: The Complete Guide, Techniques for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings. It's a beautiful collection of history and lessons all in one!

Claudia!!! Of Claudia's Hand-Painted Yarns.

I'm sure they all got tired of me saying excitedly, "YOU'RE __FILL IN THEIR NAME HERE__!!!" Fortunately I got polite smiles in response to my zealousness!!

Samson Sez
Supper? Supper?

Talk about your one-track mind! :-)

Inspired ! ! !

2006-06-19T22:07:00.000-04:00

The word that best describes my feeling after a weekend at the TNNA Market in Indianapolis, Indiana!!! And a HUGE SHOUT OUT to Judy for inviting me along!!!!! Thanks Judy!!!!! The TNNA Market is for retailers of needle arts businesses, whether it's needlepoint, cross-stitch, or other of what I think of when I hear "needle arts", or knitting or crochet or a lot in between involving fiber and creativity!

I promised to blog when I got home, but was so worn out from being star-struck and miles-weary that I couldn't bring myself to compose. Alas, here we are...

I mentioned star-struck? You bet. I met some wonderful authors and designers and got to see and feel a mirage of beautiful fiber calling for me to talk Judy into carrying it in the shop!! They're like sirens, those yarn skeins!!!

Met and spoke to the following:

Debbie Bliss
Louisa Harding
Maggie Jackson
Marilyn Murphy, publisher of Interweave Press
Vickie Howell of Do-It-Yourself Network's Knitty Gritty and Stylicious who rocks and is as wonderful in person as she is on air!!
Kay Gardiner and Ann Meador Shayne of Mason-Dixon Knitting blog and book fame !!!
Candi Jensen, down-to-earth gal who designs great knit and crochet garments and bags (Candi, Vickie was looking for you, did she find you?)
Tara Jon Manning, who is a "real" person, too. Perhaps we can get her to hold a "Mindful Knitting Retreat" in our area?
Melissa Leapman, another designer and author I came to know through Knitty Gritty and have now met in person.
Melanie Falick, who signed Handknit Holidays for us!!
Debbie Stoller, a rockin' chick who signed Happy Hooker for us -- and was great though it was the end of the day and she was tired.
Nicky Epstein, who has more energy than I don't know what!! Book signings, bag signings, up and around talking to people for a couple of days -- you go girllll!
Iris Schreier, another "real" person who was very open to talking to folks who came by and very helpful on selections for projects for our customers to do using those hand-painted beauties. Thanks for the class on the one-piece shawl -- our customers will love the design!!
Jane Davis, who has beautiful creations in Knit Ponchos, Wraps & Scarves. Beautiful projects to tease the senses.
Suss Cousins, who signed Home Knits for us. Great projects!
Met Annie Modesitt at the Artyarns booth showing a couple of designs she's made for Iris's yarns. Annie is tall and very funny!!!!!!
Leigh Radford, who signed AlterKnits for us (I've been inspired to go free-form!).

Okay, that's enough name-dropping for one day's blogging.

Where are the Pictures?!!!
If you know anything about retailers' trade shows, you know cameras aren't allowed!!! So you're just gonna have to take my word for it that I saw these folks. I do have other witnesses, both from the store and from the book-signing lines where I made some "line-buddies" the first couple of days. "We'll always have the 1:00 line for ...."

Samson ....
Samson did not get to go to Indy with me, so Grandma came over to see him and feed him and talk to him. Samson loves grandma and looks forward to mama's bike trip next month so he can see more of Grandma again! Not only can Samson talk, but looks like he likes the newspaper, too (he's reading upside down!!). Silly Samson!

Star Struck !!!

2006-06-11T18:32:00.000-04:00

Hi from the TNNA Market !!! I'm having a great time!! Seeing beautiful fibers!! Making new friends and seeing great authors and designers!!! I have been accused of becoming a namedropper!! So be it. I'll blog more once I'm home on my regular computer instead of sittin' here on the hotel room bed with a borrowed laptop.

Shout out to Marie and Lizzie !!! A couple of my line buddies!!!!

More after I get home Monday evening! Thanks for stopping by -- I know some of you have lost heart since I've not blogged in so long. Well it's been about a year since I started and I'm ready to go some more.

Samson Singz
"Itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout... YAY!!"

[sorry no picture of the big parrot, but he's there and I'm here.]

Thanks for Checking Back

2006-03-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

You know, if I had been blogging more regularly, I wouldn't have to put such generic titles to my blog, eh? Yes, I'm still alive and kickin'. More like still alive and KNITTIN'!!! Too many projects on needles, but finally finding joy in a couple that I want to keep working on.

Currently knitting a v-neck shell for the shop using Plymouth's Fantasy Naturale. Quite a thick cotton yarn -- I like it and it makes a nice fabric.

Started my second sock class yesterday; with one student, again. God's taking care of me by not giving me too many people to work with at a time!!!! I like the pattern and felt more organized this month (sorry Evie - you were a guinea pig, I guess!!). I'm also trying socks on circs and liking it so far. The class is on DPNs ... don't want to scare away a new student.

Been Felting
I had a title for the blog I was going to post with all the felting projects pictured: If it felts good, do it!!! Well, you get the title, and some pictures, at least. I like the S 'n' B book's bag on page 172 and modified it to meet the needs I felt I had for a bigger bag. I used Noro's Iro with outstanding results! I also did a bag in Schaefer's Elaine.

Here's the Schaefer bag before and after. You should go by the shop to see it in person!!!
BEFORE:

AFTER:

And if you want to see the Noro bag, you'll have to see my sister in Sulphur Springs, TX, as she'll soon be receiving it as a surprise. (girls, if you read this, don't tell your mom!!!) Well, okay,maybe a peek here:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

Sweater?
Yes. I knitted a sweater ... a whole sweater!!!! It's a Neck-Down pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple. The shop had a class for the sweater, but I didn't sign up. Then EVERYONE was knitting the sweater and I couldn't resist. The class generously let me join them late. Oddly, I was the first to finish my sweater (although none of us finished it during the class range). Here's an action shot:

Samson Is Silly as Ever!!
While we're quickly moving into March, he's still enthralled with "HO HO HO...." to which I MUST respond, "Merry Christmas!"

I spend $$ on toys for the silly bird and what does he play with? Plastic bags from the store. I told him it could be hazardous for him to play with it (the fine print and all) but he didn't seem to care.

Cards and Letters

2006-02-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all those cards, letters and e-mails asking how I was since I've not blogged in over a MONTH!!! Okay, just kidding. Only one person has asked me to PLEASE UPDATE THE BLOG!!!! Thanks, Holly, for your continued readership. Alas, I think all others have dropped off from checking in since I've been quite remiss in posting.

So the pictures will load later today (i.e., finding the camera, capturing the pictures, uploading...).

I've knit and felted what we now fondly refer to as "the trivet" since it was an adventure in new yarn and short rows gone wild -- then felted (with exquisite results, I might add). From Schaefer's hand-painted Elaine. Pics later after I go to the shop to find said trivet and photograph it (maybe Purl will Vanna-tize it for us?).

Started teaching a sock class this weekend with some lovely Plymouth Alpaca yarn. One student who is a good student, so we'll have some fun.

Working on a sweater from Knitting Pure & Simple that is in the round with no seams when done. I love the ragland sleeve and am quite adept at kf&b now (thanks Deborah!!).

Finished reading Zen and the Art of Knitting this weekend! Had to put it on my goals for the month (January) so I would actually do it!! A good read overall. Glad I made the choice to pick it up. While you're at amazon.com, you can get a glimpse of Wendy Johnson's Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn due out April!

Okay, I'll have to locate the other objects I've knit up since last I blogged. Oh yeah, and I'll find shots of family stuff, too, to keep the rest of you apprised of what's up.

Samson?
Did I forget to mention that silly bird? He just said, "I'm fine thanks, how are YOUuuuu?" so that should tell you how he is. We've been playing "wrassling" the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately my nose has gotten bit twice so it's obvious I'm gonna have to re-think some play strategies here. How do we wrassle? Mr. Playful decides he wants to hang upside down from my hand then swings around or tucks in and says, "I tickle your belly" in his cutest little silly-mama voice. Usually he doesn't get rough, but when it gets out of hand, I find myself saying "easy" quite a bit. He's so silly and we have a lot of fun. He cracks me up with his potential threat of "I tickle your belly!" It lets me know it's time to play.

Gotta run, I think I'm about to be late for something.... laterz

Alive and Well and Celebrating My Birthday ! ! !

2005-12-23T07:23:00.000-05:00

Yes. Yes. It's true -- I'm still here. Just very busy the past few weeks and too tired to blog. I kept thinking up entries, but they didn't make it to typity-type on the blog.

Today's My Birthday!!!
After waking my mom up at 6:05 a.m. today to remind her of all the joys of childbearing she was enduring 43 years ago (actually she says I was so small I "popped out"), I got up and opened my presie from my sister in Texas.

Here it is:
First - a cute sticker I am to wear all day declaring my sister as a wonderful thoughtful person!!!

And this lovely platter for baked goodies. THANKS SIS!!!!!!

Minnesota is COLD!!!
Went to Minneapolis-St.Paul this past weekend to see family and visit a vendor on Monday. Fortunately my friends' home is warm since it was 1 degree Farenheit when we woke Sunday morning!!!! The boys like to have their mom hit the Celsius button on the van's outside temperature display -- it's usually in the negatives this time of year!!

We went to the Mall of America and it did not dissapoint.

There were beautifully decorated HUGE trees.

And Camp Snoopy was fun!!! I rode four rides and had a blast!!!

Roller Coaster

Ghost Blaster

I got a t-shirt at the Lake Wobegon store (and a CD of Pat Donahue's). And a couple of MN magnets, plus this cute Moosehead pencil-topper.

Finally, my uncle has been making birdhouses and I thought he'd like the concept presented in this store front -- a video shows the birdies flying in and out of the face's nostrils -- must tickle!!

Close-Knit Cafe
Yes. I'm still hanging out there a lot!! Even went to their Christmas party the evening I got back from Minneapolis!!

I'm going to teach a sock class this winter. Here's the start of the Bed Sock by Plymouth using the Baby Alplaca DK.

Samson Singz
"On the first...... FIVE GOLD ..... Four...... YEAY!!"

I thought the first five would be the easiest to learn -- he loves the FIVE GOLD rings part and he can sing at least some of the first day of Christmas... He keeps saying pomegranate instead of singing "partridge in a pear tree". I guess you go with what you know!!!

Wishing you and yours the best this season can bring. Blessings to you!!

Tryptophan - Excuse of the Ages

2005-11-25T19:40:00.000-05:00

While the "How Stuff Works" website may say that tryptophan in turkey is not enough to make one sleepy, I think there really is a compounding effect when combined with the chemicals in sweet potato balls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dumplings, oriental slaw, cranberry jello salad, yeasty rolls, and dutch apple pie.

Mom and my nephew enjoying dessert.

Now that Bingo is no longer the post turkey-feast activity, we were all looking for a flat surface to place ourselves for napping. Apparently not everyone indulged in the turkey like I did (after all, I made it and couldn't wait to get taste after taste) and instead of napping, our heads were filled with the "sugar plums" of the Friday-sales ads. It sounded like we did when we'd get the Sears "Wish Book" catalog as kids.

Speaking of kids, here's my 13 month old great nephew - he's such a cutie!!!!!

The Turkey?
Okay, I couldn't resist so here's a picture of the succulent bird. Third year of using the recipe from Alton Brown at foodtv.com. Always a hit!!

Do you always carry so many projects with you?
Asked by my nephew's beautiful new wife of 5 months, as I pulled out the necklace from DIY Network's Teen Knits episode with author, Jennifer Wenger:

The red hat with Twilleys of Stamford's Freedom Wool (to begin working on; here it is finished)

The woven-stitch patterned coaster (which if changed to 16 stitches wide instead of the 30, could be a wonderful belt -- the fabric is sturdy and kind of looks like fair-isle without all the yarn carrying):

The Close-Knit Cafe mascot's scarf of SRK yarns:

Is it cold where you are?
I am sitting here with Cathy (red poncho) and Gigi (Elegant Gauntlets) on as the temperature reminds us that winter is on its way. It's been getting down to the low 30s at night already. I've already begun sleeping under an electric blanket, which actually causes me to have to get up when my alarm sounds. The snooze button doesn't recognize me with the odd electrical charge eminating over me, so I have to either uncover (read GET COLD) and hit the snooze, or shut off the alarm, or get up. Unfortunately the latter is the most realistic option for getting my arse out of bed and on to the day's work.

Samson Sez
"Ha ha ha ... ha ha ha ha... oh shoot ... ha ha ha."

I'm "Dying" To Show You !!

2005-11-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

While I've not been blogging as much recently, I've been busy doing other things (forgiven?). Dying with Kool-Aid caught my attention so I had to give it a try. Using Tahki Donegal Tweed Homespun 100% Wool and four different packets of Kool-Aid, I began with microwaving the colors in: (a bit blurry, it's not your eyes, and the pan is cranberry color [how fitting?!])

Became these beautiful colors after drying overnight. Yarn with a fruity smell adds a whole new level to enjoying knitting!! Top is Ice Blue Berry Lemonade followed, in clockwise order, by Grape, then Orange, and, finally, Lemonade. It was a fun first try, and now I think the rest of the 3.5 oz. skein is going to be done in Lemon-Lime, Berry Blue, and Black Cherry. I loved the color samples shown on knitty.com

Looking Up - At Night

Knitting?
The knitting continues, but I already donated the hat knitted with Baby Alpaca Grande -- it was so soft!! I'm working on a scarf for Purl, the Close-Knit Cafe mascot. It's in what might be considered the shop's colors: purple and gold.

Chores
I have been busy with housework, since I took the day off from work. When I was doing laundry, Samson decided he needed to help. For some reason he's particularly drawn to the "red load" -- could it be his love of red (afterall his tail is certainly a lovely red!!).

Pomegranete's are in season through December and Samson is so very happy. He's been having a little trouble transitioning from saying "papaya" to "pomegranate".

Samson Sez

"Pa-pomegranate?"

(sorry for the blur - Samson hates to pose!)

Measuring Time By Knitted Items Not Days

2005-11-16T06:23:00.000-05:00

So my kid sister calls the other day and said, "Rather than say how many days it's been since we've talked, tell me how many items you've knit up since we talked." We both laughed uproariously!! Same with you, I've been away knitting and pondering and sniffling and knitting ... oh yeah, and working a lot!!

Here's what's happened since last we met...
Hat with Sockatta yarn and a provisional cast on (thanks knittinghelp.com!)

Hat with Plymouth Yukon and a little Reynolds Lopi (the gold) since I got over zealous with the number of stitches I cast on.

A woven stitch pattern using the Carousel colorway of Super 10 cotton. I'm really liking this stitch with this yarn (thanks, Shanti, for the inspiration from your socks!!!)

The nearly completed Sampler Scarf from Plymouth Baby Alpaca (psst! It's actually done, more tomorrow).

Scarf with Schulana Caramba (by Skcel) and Tahki Select Lucky ribbon - started 2004, found this week and finished!!

SRK Pom and Stylecraft's Gypsy mixed together for this big softy: (not blurry, just very fuzzy soft!!)

Gigi is fine' !!! Here's a blurry picture - I think I was chilly without them on and was shaking the camera.

Okay, more when I have a chance to type up what else has been going on in a bit.

Samson will also make his appearance later. Thanks for stopping by -- and for not losing hope that I was still around.

"Houston, We Have a Gauntlet"

2005-10-26T21:04:00.000-04:00

Indeed! We have the first of two Elegant Gauntlets, from now on to be called Gigi (Thanks, Jen!) I had a good long time of sitting in the past couple of days and was able to knock it out with little problem.

Hands down, I think it's a hit!!

I was excited to get the thumb done, too. I think I'll have to get some shorter DPNs, though, those 6" DPNs were running into everything!!

I decided to check the web to see if there were any corrections I wasn't aware of -- alas, none for these beauties, but I did find some to print out for some other books I have.

Plymouth Rocks!
Saturday I took a class at my LYS for the Ladies Sampler Scarf from Plymouth Yarn Co. I know the stitches, really, but there are a couple of cables in there. Since I never really got rolling with the Inishmore back in May, I enjoyed trying cables again with a teacher close at hand. The beautiful Baby Alpaca D.K. and the pattern were included with the class. I cast on and started the first "sampler" that day!

'Round and 'Round on the Carousel
I finished the scarf with Super 10 Cotton in the Carousel colorway. I finally decided on an edging for it to try to help the stockinette not roll in so much. After three other edging attempts, I settled on Crystal Palace's Squiggle (a favorite from last autumn's scarf-a-thon) and a nice red. I think I will block it to make it lay nice and flat, then I'll give it to the lovely lady at church who first admired the yarn as I began knitting it up.

It's Beginning to Look ... a lot like AUTUMN

Samson's Wordz
"Happy Birthday TOOO YOUUUUU! Quack, quack here."

Wet Feet

2005-10-20T20:50:00.000-04:00

Somehow I never quite get the "Isolated Thunderstorms" figured out just right. Tonight, for example, I was going to ride my motorcycle over to see my sister. There were a couple of water drops on the bike seat as I prepared her to head out. Alas, the drops multiplied as I headed south and my rain gear was at home. So I guess this one was "isolated" -- south of my house and closer to sis's. Here's evidence of what happened:

(note picture was taken from my perspective, but turned over in hopes of making more sense from your angle??)

(okay, I can't even tell my legs are wet, so I guess you're just gonna have to trust me on that one)

G.'s progress
Until Gauntlet gets a better name, I shall give her (them?) the stylish chic name of "G." At some point last evening I had an impulse to look at the instructions. I was perfectly happy in my mindset that the whole thing was done in K1, P1 ribbing. Alas, checking the instructions I found I was right where I was supposed to be to change to stockinette knitting for another 5 inches. (whew - dodged that froggin'!)

Fair skies at night...
So how does that rhyme go about fair weather and red skies? Well, here's last night's sky ...

I guess the sailor that was delighting was the one that left port this morning before the rain rolled into town.

Samson's Wordz
"Where's Samson!!?"

Back Up Three Yards and Punt!

2005-10-19T17:16:00.000-04:00

Football has always been one of my all-time favorite spectator sports. I don't totally understand everything, even today, but I do enjoy watching. I'm glad football season is here because mom and I can listen to the game while we're in the kitchen playing cards on Sunday afternoons. But today's title has more to do with the Gauntlets than football.

Last night I was finding an extra rib sort of in between two of the DPNs. Decided I'd just knit two together and go on -- first project on DPNs -- didn't have to be perfect -- was just for me... Well, when my little Samson decided he wasn't going to bed without a bite (of me, that is), I decided to wait him out and sat down on the couch at *something* after midnight.

Throwing Down the Gauntlet
Well, apparently my decision to completely restart the Gauntlet was more time consuming than I realized, or I had sat down later than I thought, because it was 1:30 when I put down the nice new start on the Gauntlet and decided to talk to Samson one more time about the value of a good night's sleep inside his house.

No go. Apparently he can survive without me actually making sure he's safe inside his house and covered up for the night - but not a practice we're going to encourage (or tolerate) one bit.

So try # 7 appears to be going splendidly along for the Gauntlet. Anyone want to name them? It seems kind of funny to just keep saying "Gauntlet."

Work Smirk
We receive ComputerWorld at the office each week. I try to read thru it when I have a moment. There's usually something useful to me or our team every few weeks. The following item, however, was a bit depressing. We figured if we added all of our salaries together, we might make what the folks in the Washington DC area are making. Maybe I'll leave them to flounder and sneak off for a job in northern Virginia ... hmmmmm

From the September 12 issue (click picture for an enlarged view):

(Oddly, King of All Remote Controls, they do not mention your place of work. Must be too busy to subscribe to or read -- or respond to surveys -- from said pub.)

Famous Last Words:
"Are you ready for nighty-night?"

Happy Birdie To You!

2005-10-17T20:54:00.000-04:00

Well, that's sort of what we sang to the birdies yesterday! Samson, and his sister, Annie (who lives with my mom) celebrated the 6th anniversary of their hatching this passed week! My mom made the birdies yummy corn muffins. Both eyed the cupcake-papered muffin with suspicion (having not seen one for about a year!).

I ended up unwrapping Samson's "cake", turning it over and putting banana pieces on top -- mmmm enticing banana!!

My little boy is growing up *sniff*.

Knitting Addiction
Or maybe it's knitting-shop addiction. I was off last Friday and spent a few hours at Close-Knit Cafe. Went there for a visit on Saturday, too. Then, by chance [I'm in denial], I took this afternoon off work. I was just gonna stop in for a bit since tonight was Knit Night and I knew I'd be back around 6:00 p.m. As I was finally leaving at 8:00 p.m., Judy said, "Gee, Heidi, too bad you couldn't stay too long today!" ARGGHHHH, they're on to me!

DPNs?
No, not adult diapers! Although I may be wearing adult diapers by the time I get the hang of using DPNs (Double-Pointed Needles for you not-so-acronymically savvy). I have now restarted my first DPN project, Elegant Gauntlets (Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch, p. 122), six times! And today I was really going well but then found I had purls on top of knits and vice versa. I tried tinking back, but I don't ~~tink~~ think it's going to save my sanity, so I may just frog it back a couple of rows instead of going back to the beginning AGAIN.

Yarn Fast
A new term I learned from Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter. It means to not purchase yarn for a period of time - fasting. I'm trying to do just this. I am on a fast until this Friday.
What?
I get paid on that day?
Really?!
How fortunate the end of my ~~being broke~~ fasting occurs on a pay day!!!

Samson's Wise Words
"It's Grandma!! Hi Grandma! I'm fine thanks. How are you? I'm fine thanks" **kissie noises**

"Get Motivated!!"

2005-10-11T18:40:00.000-04:00

I am so very ~~exhausted~~ motivated!! Our work team attended a Peter Lowe Get Motivated seminar today. It was actually a Zig Ziglar gig, but Peter Lowe figured into it, so I figure their partnering on Success now!! Got to hear Jerry Lewis, Bob Baffert, Pat Day, Rudy Giuliani, and some other persons of note in sales, investing and real estate talk.

My co-workers were very excited to be there. See?

Sorry, Phil Town, Louisville's motivation-needy do not know what a CL55AMG is - even if you show us a picture. But we are indeed not a "pick-up truck with a gun rack in the window" town, either. We have two Ford plants in Louisville though, so the fact you own a Chevy pick-up in Jackson Hole, WY, was not truly endearing to the crowd, either.

But James Smith, real-estate guru, (no website found thru Google) was a hoot. He's so deadpan and very humorous. When I was catching on to his monotone delivery being a sneaky way to get his wit out there, I was listening intently. You gotta find a guy interesting whose virtual first question upon meeting you is, "Do you rent or own?"

Do I sound a little negative? I don't really mean to be, I'm just worn out. A lot of energy created for 7 hours can wear one out.

Now for the KNITTING!
But on to the more important things occurring at this seminar. I knit a gauge swatch for a hoodie I'm contemplating (and got gauge!! [a shock to me since it's the first time I knit a gauge swatch]). And I knit a soft soft soft scarf. (Did I mention that the scarf is soft?)

Here's the gauge swatch from Stylecraft Linen Look DK:

And here's the scarf from Sirdar Wow! I only used one skein and it's smallish for an adult, so I may be gifting a child with this one!

And a close-up of the Wow! mmmmmmm

Samson Sez
"Apple. Apple. Apple. Can you say 'Apple'?"

Sittin' and Knittin'

2005-10-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Knittin'
Notice that I'm not freaking out over the past week. Work went smoothly (boss out 3 days) and a co-worker helped me get a tedious project rolled out. I've actually been knitting and am ready to tell about it!

I mentioned I was working on a scarf in Super 10 Cotton. Here's a pic (sideways):

Colorway: Carousel -- 40 stitches allow for a river up the middle (on US 9, each color is about 15 stitches wide).

I treated myself (shock!) to an Elizabeth Austen bag from Close-Knit Cafe.

The LYS had its Grand Opening Celebration Friday and Saturday so I spent a while there both days knittin' and talking to customers (there were lots!). Here's a picture of Mylinda and Judy with John Fischer of the Mayor's office.

John presented Judy and Mylinda with a proclamation that "October 7 is Close-Knit Cafe Grand Opening Day". How pleasantly unexpected it was for Judy and Mylinda (who were both worn out from preparation for the event).

Stashin'
Here's some Plymouth Royal Cashmere I got to make a scarf and I'm thinking I will border it in the SRK Pom - both are so soft!!!

I'm planning to start on the Elegant Gauntlets from Sally Melville's The Knitting Experience: The Purl Stitch (Book 2). I have two balls of Koigu KPPPM and size US 3 DPN's in my new bag ready to start!!

Sittin'
Saturday my car ran out of gas as I left it running to stop by church and snap a picture of the volunteers working the "Tour de Spirit -- Riding to Break the Cycle of Poverty" bike ride (www.urbanspirit.org). I was only going to be a minute -- 40 minutes later I returned to a quiet car. Fortunately there's a service station just a block away and I now own a gas can all my own! The tank is full and my friends and family don't have to worry (for the next two weeks) that they might have to rescue me!

Paintin'
I helped my mom paint her shed yesterday (photo cropped because I know she wouldn't want you to see her painting outfit!!). She'd actually done most of it during the wamer days last week -- I was left with the back which wasn't too bad, really. I learned we were "slathering", not painting. It made the work go much faster.

Samson Sez
"Kramer! (insert whistle for dog) Is that your big dawg? Hi there!!"

Knitting Season

2005-10-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

The temperatures are cooling. The daylight hours are getting shorter. More motorcyclists are wearing jackets instead of t-shirts ... Must be Knitting Season!!! You know what I'm talking about. The weather turns cooler and all thoughts turn to snuggling in the warm house by the fireplace wearing some toasty knitted garments.

Funny how summer-time doesn't entice knitters to knit nearly as much as the fall and winter do. Alas I still have projects on needles from last winter that got put aside as the weather warmed (on circ's, so hopefully no obvious rows sticking out from all these months tucked away!). I suppose if we all lived in Greenland or at the North or South Pole, we'd be more likely to knit regularly.

Happy Anniversary!
It's been a year this week since I started back to knitting. Did I mention my mom said I could open a knit shop with just the yarn I've accumulated in my house? Maybe not a whole store, but I could have a good yard sale (as if) with my stash. I was reading some intelligent knitter-blogger's blog [sorry, cannot remember who, but if I do, I'll put in the link!!] the other day (and Snooze today) and I think she totally gets it. She says that we have those special yarns, sometimes, that we just can't imagine exactly what we want a particular yarn to become, but love having the yarn all the same. Count me in!!

GROWing
Each month a group of us gather the first Tuesday of the month and write notes or make calls to folks who have visited our church. It's called GROW. Here's a picture of the happy gals I get to spend time with each month!

And Katie brought her new best friend, Callie! She's sort of a honey-colored Toto. (Katie's colors are pink and green, though, now ruby red slippers for her!)

Samson Sez
"Do you see the squirrels? Can you say 'Hi, squirrels!'"?

Knitting ADD

2005-10-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

Borrowed the title from Holly -- but it's so appropos for this weekend. I went travelling from LYS to LYS and picked up a little something at three out of five. Needed yarn? Sure! I was looking for a pattern (didn't want to look at the books and magazines here at home) for the cheerful Cherry Tree Hill Cotton Boucle Mini in the "Country Garden " colorway I won through the Give-A-Little campaign (see Katrina Relief button in sidebar) created by Margene and Susan.

Here's 510 yards of FUN on a STICK just waiting to happen!

Here's a close-up.

Eunice in North Carolina sent the lovely prize along with "the cutest" card!! (Thanks Eunice!!)

Close-Knit Cafe
So I went to the newest of the LYS for a spot of lunch - Close-Knit Cafe - and another look at the Elizabeth Austen project bags I've been contemplating for a few weeks now.

Here's the cafe-side.

And here's the beginnings of a wonderful future for Close-Knit customers. Judy carries freedom, GGH, Sockatta, Butterfly (a Greek Mercerized Cotton), Elsebeth Lavold Silky Tweed, and much more! (If the sheep were BLUE, it would be the sib of one of Alison's sheep pictured in her blog button!)

Sky
This evening's sky was as beautiful as the day's weather. Thanks, Sandy, for the reminder to look UP!

Samson Sez:
"Will you be okay if I leave you out while I'm gone?" Here's the apple-covered-beak lovely photographed within the past hour.

The Promised Update Avec Photos

2005-09-30T20:58:00.000-04:00

As promised, the latest, with photos. A crazy week indeed (perhaps that will now just be a given and any "difference" will be noted?). It's been a full week; let's just say that. And while I felt incredibly stressed at some points, I didn't cry. I didn't shoot anyone (don't own a gun). I didn't yell at anyone (in person). I did suffer from tunnel vision for one full work day, but can that ever be bad, really?

Started off the week dilly-dallying by the hostas when I caught sight of this HUGE garden spider (made me late to work, it did):

And here's the big honkin' spider with its shadow showing. It has an interesting zig-zag in the middle of its web. I've not seen it since so either it's foraging for food, dead, or the neighbor scared it away.

Speakin' of BUGZ
The next evening I went out to my car for something and was greeted by a VERY LOUD and VERY LARGE cicada (be glad I don't know how to upload sound, otherwise you'd get the rev-up and rev-down said cicada provided me as I stood by to photograph him (her?). [This makes me certain, too, that if my neighbors didn't already think I was a little strange, indeed taking pictures of tree trunks in the otherwise-dark, would certainly be a signal here.] No quarter to use for comparison, but the bugger is about 3 - 4 inches long!!! (And it lengthens when it sings, then shrinks as it stops!! [don't go there])

Wednesday was a wash, and Thursday was catching up on sleep time. Actually I knitted while hanging out at my sister's so I'll show that soon since it's a scarf I need YOUR advice on.

What Stress?
Did some more stash building today. (Have discovered this is my stress releasor.) AND I found a way to save money and still look through good knit books -- GO TO THE LIBRARY!!! Whew! I think I walked out of there with 8 books and my wallet is very happy about that. Tonight I did go to an actual bookstore and looked at the new Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter from the author of At Knit's End. Will purchase that tomorrow since tonight I used my 25% off coupon on The Best of Knitter's Magazine: Shawls and Scarves. I am so lucky to have FIVE LYS and FOUR Borders Bookstores in my town. Can't imagine life in a small town!!! (just kidding, sis!!)

Have I mentioned the DAWG?
Kramer is not actually "my" dog, but I live in a house behind a house, so Kramer comes back to see me for doggy bones and to welcome me home (for doggy bones) and to check on me from time to time (for doggy bones). Get the picture? He's getting older now and his hearing is going a bit, but he still "talks" to me when he wants a doggy treat -- and get one he does. Here he is laying in the hall at his house (he's part German Shephard and part Black Labrador).

Samson Sez:
"HI THERE! WHATCHYA DOIN'?!!" - when I was otherwise in take-shower mode a little gray-feathered head appeared around the corner of the shower curtain.

Here's Samson on Wednesday, when he beat me to the shower (can't stop the birdie from takin' his weekly shower, especially since it was a few days overdue!).

What a Difference A WEEK Makes

2005-09-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

Goodness, has it been a whole week since I've blogged? You betchya, but not because of anything like a vacation. Just been overwhelmingly overwhelmed. Don't know why I didn't carry my knitting with me. That always seems to help me relax a bit. But of course, working on the computer all day AND knitting don't exactly work either.

Alas, no photos today. I'm at my sister's house and don't have a way to upload my pics.

You'll enjoy them once I get them loaded, though, trust me.

Samson is getting his weekly shower in one, and I have a picture of a HUGE garden spider and a HUGE cicada that was making mega-racket outside one evening this week.

I think I have pictures of additional stash-building activities when I figured out I was not going to Disney World for 8 days in October (and had some extra $ on hand). I've performed a wedding in the time I've been away from you, too. Alas, yes, very busy.

Samson Sez
"Old McDonald had a ........ BIRD!" (Honest, I don't make these things up, but HE sure does!!)

Is Skipping Allowed?

2005-09-17T23:52:00.000-04:00

You know how it is when you're talking with a special friend/family member who speaks "your language". Well today, you are that person for a short period of time. Honored? Terrified? I understand.

I had trouble with my hard drive back in May. Still recovering with a new hard drive and some great recovery software from GetDataBack. However, I find my music skips occasionally, or hangs. Bad? No, I don't think, so much. Just occasionally noticeable. Of course, Wendy has made me want an IPod, so now I'm wondering what I'll do to convert my wma files to mp3s. But that's another post entirely.

Jammin' with the Bird
I'm sittin' here enjoying my new (to me) Bose TriPort headphones I won from ebay for half the price. At this moment, I don't think the crack in the plastic of the top of the headphones part is affecting the playback at all. Thanks, icc3! Anywho, I'm enjoying my tunes clear and pure and, well in the most Bose-way possible.

Samson is having to put up with my singing without hearing the tunes behind the "madness". At least I keep a good enough beat that he can still bob his head to.

Additions to the Yarn Stash
I promised yesterday that I would share pictures of additions to the yarn stash from our nation's capital. Here's the pic:

Then I came home and was still in the mood to add to the stash. So I went to Carma and Close-Knit and purchased some more lovelys. (pictures tomorrow)

So I forgot
to mention the wonderful gift from my sis in Texas. A L.L. Bean Personal Organizer. I saw our other sister had one when we were on a Disney cruise last Fall. Jealously, I menioned it to said sister and she quickly fixed her error by gifting me with one for my birthday. It's perfect for such travel needs, whether a couple days or a couple of weeks, really.

My mom went out of town for her high school's class "alumni" which occurs annually in lieu of a class reunion, since there were about 50 in her graduating class. So I'm taking care of her African Gray, Annie, until tomorrow afternoon. Annie's a sweetie.

Samson Sez:
"Can you say, ':Hi Oakland?'" (our neighbor boy)

Home Again, Home Again. Jiggity Jig

2005-09-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

I love to fly to places, but I also love to fly home again. I was in our nation's capital this week attending a seminar for work. The DoubleTree Hotel Crystal City where the seminar was held, and where I stayed, was simply beautiful!

Here's a pic of the accommodations:

and the beckoning message on the pillow

Oh yeah . . . and the warm cookie they give everyone when s/he checks in. I called this LUNCH.

and the view out my window (9th floor "city view").

Put a Fork In Me -- I'm Done

I actually got to go to Knit Happens IN PERSON.

And I met Holly, the shop manager, IN PERSON (pictured below ringing up my first day's purchases). It's kind of like meeting celebrities, really, to meet these people I've been seeing pictures of and reading stories about on blogs.

I also met Kristine who owns Knit Happens, and a bunch of great knitters when I attended Late Night on Wednesday. I went over budget (can you actually have a yarn budget?) while increasing my yarn stash. Some of the knitters are also bloggers so I've added them to my "must read" list (which I'll add to the sidebar in the next week). NurseLaura gave me a ride back to the Metro station, which was much appreciated!! (Thanks Laura!)

I met a teacher and a Naval officer. The gal who oversees the KH online shop, and the list goes on. The conversation around the table was quite diverse, and yes, we did talk about yarn, knitting and patterns a bit in there, too. (Stay tuned for pictures of the additions to my stash from KH. I'm tired now and gonna go look at my yarn some more.)

Haze Gray and Underway
I spent an extra evening in town to visit with "old Navy friends" whom I was stationed with in Hawaii in the mid -1980s. Their young boys (three of them) are all in their 20s now. The oldest teaches in the DODDS system in Korea, the middle is in Springfield, MO, defining himself, and the youngest is an Electrician Apprentice in northern Virginia. Mom and Dad are dear friends and it was great to spend time with 4 of the 5 folks in person (though I did talk with Evan in MO on the phone briefly).

Alas, I did not get to meet Wendy Knits or the King of All Remote Controls in person, but their spirit of kindness was in the air.

I'm home again, and Samson was happy to see me. At least I think he was. When I walked in ...

Samson Said
"Supper? Supper?"

(Note: Bird not pictured to actual size -- I don't know why, but this shot seems to make him look the size of a cardinal instead of his full 16".)

First Knitted Garment Complete! ! !

2005-09-10T19:07:00.000-04:00

Finally! It's true. I finally seamed together the Cathy poncho from Queensland Book 2 with the Maldive yarn in a beautiful red tweed color. See?:

I don't think the camera really catches its deep blue-red color correctly, but I love the finished product! Here's what it looks like on the model in the book:

Here's a close up of the seam from the wrong side:

And from the right side:

Happy Birthday MOM!!
As you've read in my recent posts, it's been a hectic week. So much so I forgot to post a picture of my mom enjoying her birthday cake and ice cream at Smokey Bones Barbeque! Mom turned 74 on Sept. 3rd. She loves barbecue and really enjoyed the baby back ribs. Then we were treated to their Chocolate Fudge Cake and Ice Cream! Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Samson Sez:
"Mom, I'm tired of you taking my picture all the time." [Well, okay, he didn't really say that, but in lieu of a Samson photo, here's a picture of my next project.]

Is It _______ Yet?

2005-09-08T23:07:00.000-04:00

You fill in the blank. Gosh what a week it's been. Everyday I awake to the news from Katrina recovery. I'm struggling to get thru the week with otherwise "normalcy" going on around me, so I can't really fathom what it has been like for the survivors and refugees from the storm.

Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Mark 4: 39 - Peace, be still.

Samson Sez:
"Go finish your breakfast."

The Red Cross Rocks !!!

2005-09-02T19:18:00.000-04:00

It just came over me that I am really really impressed with the American Red Cross. Everyday people you wouldn't really know were Red Cross workers if you passed them in the market, and there they go, packing up quickly, leaving home and family, to care for others in desperate times in desperate need. Well-trained, multi-disciplined, caring people -- I think that's the job description for these folks. Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and your families who support you back home as you venture out to care for the most basic physical and psychological needs of people--strangers, yet not strangers.

Prayers
Do you remember the scenes from the movie Bruce Almighty when Bruce kept hearing random voices in his head? God pointed out those were prayers. Thank you for adding to those voices every second as you raise up the names of people known and unknown to you by calling on our God to give mercy and support during these hard times in the Gulf Coast region.

Thank You
In our community people (hurricane refugees) have begun arriving seeking shelter. I know of a local church assisting two women who can't even access their bank accounts because the banking infrastructure is reliant on computers - thus electricity. If you have the means and hear of the need in your community, seek out a way to assist, whatever feels right for you.

Samson Sez:
"Knock. Knock."

Solving the World's Problems

2005-09-01T20:41:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe not truly solving the world's problems, but everyone everywhere seems to have solutions. Around the watercooler, in the grocery, at the local diner, everyone's talking about the havoc wrought by Hurricane Katrina. I grew up with a girl named Katrina; hadn't thought much about her until her name was said about every 30 seconds every where I turn. You experiencing that, too? Many people have been touched by the hard news coming out of Louisiana, Mississippi and other coastal states. Any solutions at your end?

One Solution
A couple of knittin' bloggers have an idea. Margene and Susan are asking those who can to donate to the American Red Cross. My favorite blogger, Wendy, alerted her audience to this solution, so I'm doing the same. Once you donate, e-mail Margene or Susan at givealittle@gmail.com to let them know what you donated so they can keep a tally -- and you might even win a prize! Go to Margene's or Susan's blog to get the specifics. If you'd like to donate a prize to encourage others to give, read their blog entries about how to do that, too. I'm tempted to give lots of $5 donations so maybe I can win Wendy's donation of her recently completed Peacock Feathers Shawl.

Glad I Ride a Motorcycle
At 50 miles to the gallon (or more) the motorcycle is looking better and better as my modus transporti. This is what we woke up to in Kentucky -- how about you?

I hear we can expect to see gas prices go over $4 a gallon. I needed to start exercising, again, more motivation.

Samson Sez:
"Seed Time! Seed Time! Yeay, Seed Time!!!"

Siroopwafels - A Wonderful European Treat

2005-08-31T19:49:00.000-04:00

All I can say is "YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!" A friend gifted me with some of these wonderful treats a couple years ago. I saw them today whilst shopping for some good chocolate (thanks Ian!!) If you can't find these delicous "siroopwafels" in a store near you, check here. Here's a picture of the treat from their website. Besides calling them "syrup waffles", they're also called stroop waffles.

I like to have one with a tall glass of milk. It's sort of like a stack of flapjacks, compacted into a delicious nosh. Or as one website put it: "two wafers stuck together with a nearly invisible caramel-honey filling". Can you imagine anything much better than that? Oh yes, chocolate added ... hmmm, I might have to try dipping a couple in some chocolate.

Speaking of Chocolate
It was indeed chocolate that sent me to that particular shop in the first place. There were no Lindt 70% Cacao chocolate bars, BUT they had Shcarffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate with 82% Cacao. I recall reading about Shcarffen Berger chocolate as one of the best chocolates when I embarked into the Foodie World. One bite of this Extra Dark tells me I'd best find a recipe to use it in because it is tooooo much for even a nibble. Too much? that can't be right.

Samson Sez:
"Papaya. Papaya. It's your favorite!"

Remiss in Writing

2005-08-28T21:42:00.000-04:00

Write or Wrong
Alas, I am indeed alive and well!! Seems like summer caught up with me and I stopped blogging. I've finally about recovered from my hard drive crash late May. My IT friend sez, "If you'd back up your stuff, it wouldn't be so catastrophic." Don't you love HINDsight?!!

Been to Texas
Actually I went to Texas before I began blogging, but now that the pictures are uploaded, thought I'd share. Rode my '94 Honda Shadow VLX to Texas and back over Memorial Day weekend for my niece's high school graduation.

In my endeavor to "collect states", I dropped down from Memphis and rode into Mississippi far enough to stop and get this shot, turn around at the next exit, and head back on my way. 850 miles in one day included this side trip.

Then went to graduation the next evening (my sis, niece and brother-in-law):

Then headed back home, dropping down out of Texarkana to see IDA, Louisiana:

Knitting?
And yes, I do actually knit. Not while riding the motorcycle, but it's a nice past time when I'm not on the road. Just finishing up a poncho, Cathy, by Queensland, using the Maldive yarn in a red colorway. I think I can still knit other stitches, but so much of the Moss Stitch has put my hands in a rhythm they're struggling to forget. (Picture soon, after I've finished stitching it together!!)

Phrase of the Day from Samson:
"Can you gargle?"

Finally !!!

2005-06-25T09:13:00.000-04:00

Finally a weekend where I feel free from obligation. Know what I mean? Yet I'm already to head out the door to go to work for a few hours, then a funeral, then a family birthday, then watch a neighbor's kiddos tonight. What's that? Oh, uhm, yes, I did say "obligation-free". I guess those things don't feel so obligatory today for some reason.

On to knitting. I restarted a pretty blue sweater that has a checkerboard pattern to it. I was frustrated as I moved up in sections to keep seeing boo-boos I did when I was new to the pattern and was too far up to fix. Frogged it!! More of a rhythm now. Going much better. Thanks.

Had lunch yesterday at Lynn's Paradise Cafe, a local kitchy-eaterie. I had a delicious spinach salad and my mom and her friend had the catfish. They spoke highly of it! We were celebrating Juanita's 88th birthday! She said it was about the 20th "celebration" this week for her birthday. I suppose when you get to be 88 everyone wants to celebrate that you're still here and doing well!

Off to carpe diem!! Ciao!

My friend's 21st wedding anniversary

2005-06-09T22:26:00.000-04:00

Yep! June 9, 1984. Boy-oh, time flies when you're having fun!!

Tomorrow's Friday and I'm sort of glad. Except I was supposed to have about three projects done by the end of the day and .... Oh, am I talking about work, must stop!!

Car Wash

So, I have been working on a scarf referred to as "car-wash" scarf because it has flaps at the ends kind of like those overhead swishy-swashers in the old-fashioned car washes (if you will). The scarf is fun -- I like the colors. It's done in Gedifra's Distrato Tutti (or as I keep trying to say - "disaster" because that's what parts of it were becoming as I moved stitches forcefully along the circular needles and kept pulling off live stitches without recovery being a possibility!!). The D. Tutti is a neat soft yarn. I love soft yarns - they're what got me started back into knitting and what make each trip to the LYS pure pleasure.

Family Visit

But I do go on... Friday some family I haven't seen in a couple of years is passing thru town and going to give me a visit. I'm thinking about tidying up -- tomorrow afternoon in a rush. Excited? Yes I'm excited about the visit, but not the tidying up.

Must Knit

Yep, I feel the urge coming over me again. Gotta go get my knit-fix!!

Day 2

2005-06-07T09:54:00.000-04:00

Worked on continental method of knitting last evening. I love the 365 Knitting Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar because it inspires me anew each day. Yesterday was "pennant stitch" which I tried out with some Kokon blend yarn in an orangey colorway. My knitting is not as tight in continental, so I'm working to find a happy medium.

All this to get back to the Inishmore sweater I began May 16 along with Wendy. You see, Wendy's the one who got me interested in going beyond the novelty yarn scarves and now I'm attempting my first garment, albeit one full of cabling (never done before) and other neat stitches. Wendy and her friend L-B challenged each other to knit the Inishmore in a speed challenge - whilst living their normal lives of work and "life". They raised over $3,300 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by holding a raffle for a completed sweater and other goodies donated by various readers and fans.

Off to knit a bit then to work!!

June 6, 2005

2005-06-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

Knitting has become a therapy for me. Therapies are supposed to be good, right? I wish I could knit all day long, but something tells me I need to go to work to earn money to buy more yarn. It's not hard to get motivated to go to work when one's parrot is saying: "Mom's gotta get a shower.... Mom's gotta go to work." Funny how he knows what mom's really supposed to be doing.

"Silly Samson," I tell him.

Two months, two weddings. What does that mean? I hadn't really thought of it until someone at work pointed it out -- "Another Wedding!!??". Yes and a high school graduation, to boot. My mom says it's not polite to knit while waiting for such events to begin. I say, "Idle hands..." heh heh heh

Well, that's so much to have said for my first day. Gotta go -- more knitting to be done. MUST KNIT