Questionable Knitting

Easter Come and Gone - Finally It's Spring

2011-04-25T16:20:00.005-04:00

Spring has really been slow in coming to New York this year. We've had very little nice weather. It's been colder than usual, and when the Hell is the rain going to stop?

Maybe Spring hasn't been much fun yet, but at least Easter brings a little fun. And what's more fun than coloring Easter Eggs? Just ask my sweet little granddaughter Mary - I don't think her little hands will stop being pink very soon! This was her first egg coloring, since she's just turning 2. And I hear she claimed all the stuffed bunnies, even the ones I sent for her big sisters!

All the fun Easter candy will be disappearing from the supermarket, and I say not a minute too soon. There's no way I can stick to a Weight Watchers way of life while all the sweet stuff's around. I really need some resolve, and I don't mean the kind you clean your carpet with.

Some Knitting Content

I finished knitting a blanket for my good friend who just had a baby. It's really pretty, and I'm kind of proud of it. This friend actually helped to re-write the pattern, but at the time the blanket was supposed to be for someone else. I liked the blanket so much I re-purposed it for her.

All I have to do is sew in some ends, and then give it a wash so it will be nice an fresh for her new little bundle of joy. Oh, and take pictures of course. I've been very lazy about that. Coming soon.

Social Networking Has Ruined My Blogging

2011-04-22T16:25:00.003-04:00

Yes, it must have been just about a year ago that I first logged onto the biggest social networking site in the world. It was very exciting to find people I knew, people I had forgotten, and some people that I really didn't want to know any more found me! And all the great games I could play for free! I've been growing crops, existing on a desert island, building towns, and clearing the frontier. And I'm still doing it.

But all this playing has ruined my blogging. I couldn't believe when I looked at my blog today that it's been over a year since I posted anything. And let's face it, life still goes on while you're farming.

I need to make a conscious effort to rip myself away from the frontier long enough to keep this old blog going. I mean, I know nobody reads it, but in the end it's supposed to be something I'm doing for myself, isn't it?

Reprieve

2010-03-29T15:02:00.006-04:00

I've been very, very lazy when it comes to my blog. Just look at how long it's been since I've been here. I guess I ran out of things to say for a while. I wondered if it was even worth bothering with, if I should just shut it down permanently. But I'm a packrat, I find it hard to get rid of things. So I thought I'd give it one more try. We'll see how it goes.

I haven't been very busy knitting either. Maybe it's a seasonal slump, but most days I don't feel like picking up any of my projects. I keep a small project at work, so I can work on it at my lunch break. Otherwise, at home I haven't felt inspired, even though I have plenty of projects OTN.

Here's one small thing I finished a couple of weeks ago. Little Miss Muffet Hat, found on Ravelry. It was a quick, easy knit and it looks so adorable on my little 9 month old granddaughter, Mary.

Such a cute hat, and isn't Mary the sweetest?

Wasn't Wednesday Anything Can Happen Day? (click here)

2009-07-29T14:19:00.007-04:00

Actual Knitting Pictures

I finally remembered to get pictures of the shawl/stole I've started. This is the Arctic Diamonds Stole, designed by Donna Druchunas, and offered in the Winter 2006 issue of Interweave Knits.

This is not even half of one repeat. Each repeat is 73 rows! I have no idea why these pictures downloaded sideways, nor can I figure out how to re-orient them in Blogger. Oh well, you can still see the basic design. In the picture on the right you can just barely see that I've added beads to the edge. These pics don't do them justice, they're a real sparkly crystal bead with just a slight shimmer of pink. I wish I could get a better close-up, but my camera doesn't do close-ups well.

The yarn I'm using is Knitpicks Shadow lace weight, color Pink Posy. I think these pictures are almost true to color.

This stole is for my DIL, and needs to be finished for Christmas. I think I started it on July 21. I had to re-cast on a couple of times until I got the gauge I wanted and got the beads just right. It's going a bit smoother now that I'm into the pattern.

And, usually, I would knit lace only at home, to prevent distractions. But this one I'm carrying back & forth, since I really need to get a move on.

Beautiful Babies

And now for two of the most beautiful babies in the world, my two youngest grands.

This beautiful little boy on the left is Michael, who was 1 year old on May 1st. This picture is him on his Christening Day in early July. He's a sweet little boy.

And this precious little darling on the right is Mary Elizabeth, who was 6 weeks old when this picture was taken. She looks like an angel, and I'm sure she'll be sweet too, once she's old enough to have a personality!

Michael is my oldest son's 6th (and last!) child, but 3rd with his 2nd wife; and Mary is my youngest son's 2nd child, but 1st child with his 2nd wife, (her 3rd) and last for both of them. Confusing enough? I'd hate to see what would happen if anyone got married for a 3rd time!

Exercise?

I still am thinking about just how I'm going to get myself to exercise. I've started re-reading YNYfw to see if there's something I've missed, some hint given about just how people who are not wealthy are supposed to start in with this program. You have to admit they have a humorous style. One of my favorite subtitles is "You Do Have to Age, but You Don't Have to Rot."

Can We Say Procrastination?

2009-07-23T15:54:00.006-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it's so long since I've been here. Last I posted, there were actually regular season shows on TV that I was watching. And the Betty Crocker cake mixes I was looking forward to? Still not in the stores. Ah well, I'm getting too fat anyway.

Right now I'm thinking about trying to get back in shape (if I ever had one!) and getting healthier. I've made an appointment with a nutritionist (RD) to try to learn how to eat more nutritionally, with taking my gluten-free diet into account. I've had my blood tests, will have a lung x-ray, and next I'm going to make an appointment with my Gastroenterologist to see how the Celiac is progressing (or not).

And I've finally finished reading Younger Next Year for Women, by Chris Crowley & Dr. Henry Lodge. It's a pretty good book, and Dr. Lodge explains very clearly how and why the body ages and they both explain what we can do to age better.

I'd like to try to follow their program, but I'm not sure how I'll begin. They suggest extreme aerobic exercise 4 days a week and weight training 2 days a week, the kind you get by hiring a trainer, working out at a gym, or riding a bike. I don't have a bike, and really can't afford a trainer or most gyms. That's the one drawback to their program: they didn't write it for people who don't have money. They seemed to have focused on wealthy people. Well, of course - Chris is a retired lawyer and Harry is a doctor.

But I know this is something I have to do. I know I'm going to be older next year, but if I can take care of myself I may be able to be older in a younger way.

Life Goes On

In the meantime, life has been happening. My 20th grandchild was born on June 5th, little Mary Elizabeth. I just saw her again last weekend, and she's a real cutie. This picture was taken the day she was born. She's much bigger and cuter now.

This is the baby I made the Noah's Ark Blanket for. Mom & Dad really love it. I don't remember if I posted a picture of it, but maybe I will soon.

And the rest of my knitting is coming along slowly. Right now I've started work on a shawl for my DIL for Christimas. I'd like to promise pictures, but I know how I forget to do these things.

That's all folks!

(edited 7/27 to add picture link to Noah's Ark Blanket)

Thursday TV Won't Be the Same

2009-05-15T15:16:00.008-04:00

Can you believe what happened on Gray's Anatomy last night? I was ready for Izzie to leave, after all it's been publicized so much. And they gave her a nasty brain tumor, so it would have been a surprise if she didn't die. But George? They didn't even prepare us. OMG, what's to become of Gray's? (Didn't George look cute in his uniform?)

I'm eagerly awaiting June 1st, when Betty Crocker is making Gluten-Free cake mixes available. They look really good, but of course the proof will be in the baking. I can't imagine the price they'll put on them. I really hope my local supermarket plans to sell them.

I'm still way behind on getting pictures of anything to put on the blog, after all the family stuff that's been going on. So it's still boring around my blog. I need to get my act together. Maybe this weekend I can get organized.

Have a great weekend!

Cheers for the Biggest Loser!

2009-05-13T14:51:00.002-04:00

I was rooting for Helen all along to win the Biggest Loser. But after seeing last night how much work they all put into it, I now think that Mike should have won it. He really looked the best of all three of them.

An how about that Jerry? It's inspiring to see an older person work so hard and lose so much weight! It also makes me wonder why I'm not doing it. I really only have 15 pounds to lose, but just can't seem to stick to any weight loss plan.

Today I have to go for my semi-annual checkup with my cardiologist, and I'll have to lie to him. Because he keeps telling me he wants me out walking. I do it once or twice and feel really great about doing it. But then I stop again. And, believe me, I have lots of excuses not to go out walking - some of them are even valid. But when I look at someone like Jerry on Biggest Loser, I wonder why I can't seem to do it.

Question

2009-05-12T15:15:00.001-04:00

Do you use AdSense? Is there a good reason to use AdSense? I almost signed up, but I got to wondering if I'll get spam calls and emails once I'm signed up.

Up to My Ears

2009-05-12T12:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, I've been up to my ears in family stuff. Not to mention Mothers Day. But I think I have a breather for a couple of weeks. Time to wash the windows, put away the heavy winter clothes, shampoo the carpet. Hey - that doesn't sound like time off, does it?

My DIL's baby shower was last Saturday. I had to drive 3 hours to my daughter's house, pick up her and the two youngest kids, drive another 45 minutes to the church in my DIL's neighborhood, and attend a shower that lasted an hour and a half. But I had to go, and I'm glad I did, because there were only about 10 adults there, and a few kids. She was happy, as a new mother should be.

So I finally got to give her my Noah's Ark Blanket. She was truly amazed, but my camera ran out of charge right in the middle of her opening the gifts. What a bummer, since I wanted to get more pics of the blanket. I guess when I go there for the baby's birth I'll be able to take more shots. Baby Mary Elizabeth will be born on June 5th, by appointment. It's great - it's a Friday, so I won't have to take too much time off work.

Now I'm working on a very pretty shawl, of which I will try to take some pictures once I have time and a charged camera.

P.S. BTW, I did not drive home the same day. I stayed overnight at my daughter's house. I don't do night driving on highways, and also it gave me time to spend with her little (and big) ones.

Back to Blog Another Day

2009-04-28T16:10:00.005-04:00

Well, we all know what Road is paved with Good Intentions. I have excuses.....blah, blah, blah. But nobody is really interested. Anyway, I'm here today.

I went to my first Gluten-Free Vendor Fair last Sunday. It was pretty crowded, and there were many vendors. I tasted some pretty good stuff, and I'm sure I must have gained at least a pound. But it was worth it, and I hope to find some of the brands in stores soon. My favorite was a baked manicotti by Ceasar's that should be coming out in December. With all this good stuff to look forward to, I'll never lose any weight!

Knitting

Well, it's not really knitting, but crocheting. I have finally finished my crocheted Noah's Ark Blanket. And just in the nick of time - the baby shower for my DIL is next week. Here's a shot:

The first picture is the whole finished blanket. And the next picture is the pig I added, because there wasn't one in the pattern, and it's just not right that Noah's Ark wouldn't have a pig. What you can't see from the picture of the blanket is that I stuffed the heads of the animals with fiberfill. It's just so cute I can't stand it. My DIL and my son will love it.

Now I can finally get back to some other knitting. I started a shawl for myself, but that's going to have to take a back seat to another shawl I have to start for another DIL. It's for Christmas, so I should just have time to get it done (I'm a slow knitter).

So another weekend. I think it's supposed to rain most of the time, but my 1 year-old grandson is having a birthday party tomorrow, so rain or shine I'll be there. I made him a cute sweater that I have to photograph before I give it to him, and maybe even after I give it to him. I also got him one of those ride-on cars he can push with his feet - that is if he's started walking yet!

Have a great weekend, despite the weather, whatever you do.

Day 8?

2009-04-08T16:56:00.004-04:00

I can't keep track any more, I just know today is April 8th, so I guess this should be day 8. It's cold and dreary still here in NYC, not Spring weather at all. But I noticed this morning that the trees have buds on them, they just don't look green yet. I think all we need is some warmer weather - at least in the 50's - and the next time it rains everything should start blooming nicely.

Last night I finally snapped soome pics of the Noah's Ark Baby Blanket I'm making. Here's a shot of the plain background of the blanket. I think the color in these pics is pretty true to what it really is. I've left the yarn attached at the top end just in case I feel it needs to be a little longer after I sew on the boat and animals.

And there it is with the boat - it's not sewn on yet, just laying there to show how it will look. After seeing the picture, I think don't like the door being brown. It doesn't look very happy. I'm going to find another color to make the door. But I love how the portholes came out. This is a cool design, I think once it's finished I'll be pretty happy with it. So will my DIL.

Day 6

2009-04-07T14:24:00.004-04:00

Well, it would be day 6 if I had been posting all along. But I'm not beating myself up over it, so please be patient - I'm doing the best I can.

With Easter Sunday coming up, I've been looking around for some gluten-free recipe I can make for Easter dinner. I'll be going to my son's house in New Jersey, and it's always my job to bring the dessert. They have a favorite cheese cake that I get from a certain bakery, but it's not gluten-free, so I want to bring something I can eat too.

I wanted something that doesn't require me to buy all different kinds of exotic flours that I don't have and can't find. I think I've come up with something that will be pretty simple: Valentines Pudding, recipe found at Pig in the Kitchen. I pretty much have all the ingredients already in my pantry. I'm not a chocolate lover (except candy), but I'm going to give it a try.

I haven't been knitting much over the last few days. I've been doing a lot of cleaning, and once I sit down I'm too tired to think about picking up my knitting. But I have to get busy, the baby shower is coming up in just 4 weeks and the blanket isn't nearly done. I still have animals to crochet!

This is a picture of one I found on the internet. My colors are totally different, but I just wanted to show what it is I'm making. I've seen lots of different ones people have crocheted, and it's pretty cool how people have their own vision on how it should look. I really have to get busy.

OK, I just found a much better picture (below) of the blankie, and it looks much more like what I'm making. The sea and sky are almost the same colors as mine, but my boat is brown. I have a green fishie, but haven't made the other animals yet.

Nablopomo Bust

2009-04-03T12:48:00.005-04:00

I hang my head in shame. Yesterday was only the 2nd day, and I didn't post. But I do have an excuse. I basically do my blogging at work, and yesterday I was awfully busy. But I did think about it, so maybe that counts?

Today is another dreary, rainy day in NYC. It's the kind of day that makes you glad you're at work. The only thing better would be being at home taking a nap. I can't do that on a Friday, so I guess being inside a nice comfortable office is the next best thing.

I've been trying to get up-to-date with my Easter Bunnies. I've got a lot of grandkids to send them to, and it's getting really close. My only problem with buying Bunnies is that I buy candy for myself at the same time. Easter candy is so delicious!

Knitting Stuff

I recently bought some beautiful Malabrigo lace yarn in a burgundy colorway, and even though I'm not finished with any of my other projects, I just have that startitis itch. In my 'archives' I found I have a Rectangular Square Cover Shawl pattern from Knit Picks. I think it will be perfect, so of course I cast on.

Then I didn't like my cast-on. So my good friend V is going to re-cast on for me, make it pretty. And then I'll have another to add to my list of UFOs.

No, I haven't finished the crocheted Noah's Ark Blanket. I keep getting stuck on yarn choices for the little fishies, elephant, giraffe, etc. I have to make. Every time I think I have the right yarn, I start making one and find out I don't like it. I'm getting to the point where I'm almost fed up with the blanket. If I had more time, I might start over on something else. But I want it to be ready for my DIL's baby shower on May 9th, so I have to get busy and finish what I started.

Reading Stuff

I'm now reading the 4th novel in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series. I'm thinking these books would probably appeal more to men than women because they're all about fighting and capturing and pillaging. But I'm loving them. I noticed that there's a fifth book in the series that was published in January. So I think it will be a while before I get to read it, since my preference is the trade paperback size. It's much more convenient to carry on the train. I highly recommend Bernard Cornwell's novels.

Excuse me while I get back to my Easter candy.

April Fool!

2009-04-01T14:39:00.005-04:00

Nablopomo Day 1

Ok, at least I'm starting Nablo on time - April 1st. April Fools Day in New York is gloomy, damp and cold. It will be raining later, and with a little luck it will start bringing the little green buds to the trees. Then maybe I'll believe it's Spring.

Last night I actually had gluten-free pizza for the first time! My lovely friend Sammy always looks for GF stuff for me in the Passover section of her supermarket. I, of course, never knew these things existed, since I'm not Jewish and I've only been diagnosed with Celiac 2 years. Sammy is so good, she even calls me when she finds something in her 99¢ store that I can eat. A real pizza lover probably wouldn't like this pizza much, but to me it was great! If you do without something for a couple of years, it doesn't take too much to make you happy!

I still didn't take any knitting pictures, but here's a picture I like better anyway.

See you on April 2nd!

Ready for April?

2009-03-30T15:46:00.004-04:00

I'm ready for April, though I can't believe it's two days away! I'm totally done with winter, and I wish the weather was too.

I'm going to give Nablopomo another shot for April, and see how it goes. I've been very lazy about blogging, since November (I can't even believe it's been that long!). I'm still trying to figure out how to get the Nablo badge in my sidebar - that's what happens when you stay away from blogging for too long. But I think I'll figure it out.

In Knitting Knews, I've actually been crocheting a blanket. I've got another grandkid coming in June, and it's been my tradition to make something for each new baby. I didn't feel like knitting a sweater, and a blanket takes very long to knit, so I'm crocheting!

I wish I had taken some pictures, but I didn't, so I'll try to explain. It's a Noah's Ark blankie, with a boat & some animals and I think it's turning out really cute. Baby will be a girl, and there's a lot of blue on the blanket, but I think it will be OK. I'm going to make a bright pink elephant, and of course a lighter pink pig - it's got to have a pig.

There will be a giraffe, but I don't know yet what color. If I can get my act together, I'll try to post a progress picture. This blankie has to be finished by June, so I think I'm alright as far as time.

I know I haven't written anything about my gluten-free journey. There's just so much about it, I don't know where to begin. For now, I guess I can say I've been pretty successful figuring out how to eat gluten-free, since there's so much help on-line. And places to order things I need. I'd be much happier though, if I could find a nutritionist who understands Celiac and the gluten-free diet. I just need to find out if I'm eating the right things nutritionally speaking.

A Week of No Posts

2008-11-10T12:08:00.006-05:00

Yes, I know I signed up for NaBloPoMo. And yes, I did intend to keep up with Project 365. But these Shingles have knocked the crap out of me. I don't feel like writing, I don't feel like knitting, and my house is complaining it wants to be cleaned.

Right now I'm lucky I even come to work, because even clothes hurt. But my sick days have run out, and I certainly ain't retiring right now.

Anway, I thought I'd just post the last pictures I took.

Here's the end of Halloween - my poor ghostie waiting to be tucked away in the cellar for another year.

Funny, we take so long to decorate, and before you know it, it's over .

And I sewed buttons onto a sweater I finished last year. I don't know what took me so long to get the buttons.

Don't ask me why this picture is sideways, it's just the way it uploaded, and I'm tired of trying to figure out why Blogger does what it does. If you really care to see what it looks like, just bend your head!

This is made of Rowan Calmer, really nice and soft to knit with.

365 Day 17

2008-11-03T10:39:00.003-05:00

This is pretty much what I did on Day 17, since I'm still hanging around the house with the Shingles. I knit this scarf a couple of years ago, and just took it out of winter storage, so of course it had to be washed. But the lousy thing about lace is that every time you wash it you have to block it. So that's what was going on Day 17. I blocked out a few things, so my house is like an obstacle course with things to step over every place you go.

365 Day 16

2008-11-02T07:39:00.007-05:00

I finally finished the blanket I was test-knitting for my friend Sammy. All ends sewn in and everything. It's always a good feeling once something is totally done. I don't know why I don't finish more things.

This is a very pretty design. I just wish I could get the pictures better. This is not the true color, just the closest I could get. It's really a dark teal. Here's a shot of the rosettes:

Again, the color is off. But the design is really pretty. Check out Sammy over at Ravelry.

I have a vest that's almost complete, except for blocking and a button band. I should work on that next. I'm also swatching for another sweater for myself. And I have a couple of babies on the way that have to be knitted for.

365 Day 15

2008-11-01T10:58:00.004-04:00

Today I don't just have shingles, I'm suffering from Shingles. But this too will pass.

Here's what I'm hanging on my front door for Trick or Treating:

It fits on my fron door nicely. But it really is more scary looking in real life. Here's what he looks like up close:

I"m afraid my camera doesn't seem to be taking very good up-close pictures. Well, maybe if I read the damn book!

365 - Day 14

2008-10-30T10:53:00.003-04:00

As I attached my camera this morning to the computer to upload new pictures, I found the battery had died. I couldn't get any new pictures off the darn thing. So I have to fall back on a picture I had on file.

This is a small part of my collection of little china pigs. Many years ago I came across a magazine ad for the "Pig of the Month" club. I couldn't believe there actually was such a thing. So of course I had to join it. I got a pig a month, and ended up with about 15 of them. I have the cuties you see here, I have some glass ones, a couple of heavy metal (no, not as in the rock group kind, just metal that is heavy!), even a couple of cloisonne. My friends at work laughed at my obsession, but they also waited expectantly to see what I got this month.

It was great fun collecting them. Each one cost about $30, so it wasn't what you'd call a cheap hobby. I finished the collection, and they gave me the shelf for the pigs. Call me nuts, but they make me happy.

I also have other little pig statuettes that make me smile. They make my husband shake his head. I should have taken a picture of them with something to compare their size. Always good for another photo.

Reading

I read a novel last year that was based on finding a crystal skull, and all the intrigue and legend that went with it. It sparked my interest, so I found a non-fiction book, "The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls" by Morton & Thomas. There are real crystal skulls, and a real legend. This is what I'm reading right now, and finding it pretty interesting. I don't often read non-fiction, but this one is pretty good.

Knitting

I'm not knitting a heck of a lot right now. The movement seems to irritate my shingles, and more irritation I don't need. My knitting is definitely suffering from this disease. But my body is suffering more. Half the time I'm itchy, the other half I'm stinging, and then throw in the mysterious pains that shoot across my skin. It's just lovely. And I have a couple of more weeks to look forward to. Grrrrrrrrr.

NaBloPoMo & Proj. 365 Day 13

2008-10-29T12:33:00.005-04:00

I've just joined the NaBloPoMo, whose purpose is to post every day for a month in November. Yes, I know, I've fallen down on the job as far as Project 365, haven't I? But I have mitigating circumstances.

I managed to take pictures last week, and planned to blog, but then on Friday I came down with Shingles. I've spent the last several days itching and trying not to scratch. I now have much better sympathy for kids who get chicken pox. It's ugly, and my husband won't even cuddle with me in bed without a blanket between us! But, believe me, I'm not going to show you a picture of this!

Here's a picture of one thing I did last week - I closed up my trailer in Pennsylvania. Normally, I'd just be closing for the winter. But this year I'm selling the property and trailer, so I had to go and make sure there wasn't anything of mine left inside. It was a bittersweet day. I spent a lot of fun years here, but the last few I haven't been using it at all, so I decided to sell.

That's the sweet part, that I finally found a buyer, after 2 years. But I really will miss the old girl. Here's my goodbye shot:

It was nice while it lasted!

So even though I missed 8 days on Project 365, I'm still going to call this Day 13, and just continue from here. (Give a girl a break, OK?)

Project 365 Day 5

2008-10-20T17:02:00.005-04:00

This is a picture of the shelf above my sink in my kitchen. As you can see by the picture of the pig above the shelf, I really do collect pigs. And if you look really close at my plant on the left, you can see a little piggie peeking out among the foliage.

I've been collecting these things for many years. Every time I say I'm never buying any more pigs, something cute finds me. My husband has given up complaining about them.

Project 365 Day 4

2008-10-18T23:21:00.003-04:00

Day 4 found me working on the blanket I'm test-knitting for Sammy. She's really a gifted designer of baby things. Those bumps that don't show up that well (still not understanding my camera) are rosettes. I'm going to be very happy to finish this.

Actually, this isn't all I did, but it's the only interesting thing I did. At least I dont' find housework interesting!

I'm finding it hard to figure out what to take a picture of for this project. But I think the main idea of the project is to get myself writing something every day. Hopefully over time it will get more interesting.

Project 365 Day 3

2008-10-17T15:55:00.004-04:00

Yes, OK, I have to admit it. I'm posting both Day 2 & Day 3 on the same day. I didn't upload my day 2 picture soon enough to get it on the blog yesterday. I used to be a lot more efficient and organized, getting things done in a timely manner. I don't know where all that went.

But at least I'm trying to stay a little ahead on my Halloween decorating. Here's what Day 3 brought - a scary window thingie:

In the past, we haven't gotten too many kids at the door, and I didn't decorate much. But now we have a little boy living upstairs, so I thought I'd better get in the spirit, since the house looks pretty lame. I'd love to get one of those giant spiders that you can drape across the front windows.

Are you getting involved with Project 365? I'm beginning to think I'm a boring person after all, because I can't seem to come up with interesting pictures, like I've seen on other blogs. Especially FabGrandma. She really knows how to spot some interesting stuff.

Project 365 Day 2

2008-10-17T14:49:00.002-04:00

This is basically what I was doing Day 2. Watching the debate. I must say, neither candidate said much that changed my mind. This is a very important election, and I'm still just as undecided as I was before I turned the TV on. Neither side is making much sense with their respective health care plans. And I'm sorry, but I'm pretty tired of negative campaigning. And discussing the negative campaigning for as long as they did wasn't helpful. There are a lot more important things to discuss. I wanted to hear what they were going to do for me, not how bad the other guy was.

Knitting

I really am knitting, folks. I promise I am. I just haven't remembered to take any pictures of said knitting. I hope to take a picture of some of it over the weekend. I just have to say I'm really tired of the blanket I'm knitting. But it needs to be finished, because my friend Sammy wants to put it up for sale. She's a good designer, and is finally starting to sell some of her patterns. Check her out.

Project 365 Day One

2008-10-15T11:49:00.007-04:00

I'm going to call this Day 1 of Project 365, because I only started taking pictures yesterday. And since I upload the pictures at home and blog from work, I will always be a day behind. But that really doesn't matter. For this project I can use the old adage "today is the first day of.....". So here are my Day 1 pictures:

This is my work area, on the job. (The pictures are a little washed out - I still have a bit to learn about my camera.) I thought these were appropriate, because this is where I spend half of my waking hours, Monday to Friday. I like my job. I guess not a lot of people could say that, but I'm very happy to have this job.

Not just because it's a bad economy and all that. It's really a nice place to work. The general staff is treated well, paid well, get good benefits, and made to feel like our job is valued. Also, a lot of the time I don't have much to do. Now, how much better can a job be?

Project 365

2008-10-13T15:24:00.002-04:00

Today I've been reading blog entries about Project 365 - taking a picture every day and posting it to your blog with some wordage. A sort of chronical of your life. This sounds like a great idea, and a way to keep interested in posting to the blog. I've decided to join. I got a new digital camera for Christmas last year, and it's been very underutilized. But since I've only just read about this today, I of course don't have a picture.

So I am hopefully making this my new project. It will make my hubby happy to see me using the camera, and it will make me happy to get back in the swing of things, blogwise.

Knitting

On the knitting front, I'm still working on the baby blanket my friend Sammy designed. I love it, but there's a lot of mindless stockinette going on between the rosette design. So it's taking me a long time. I've (sort of) promised myself not to start something else until the blanket's done, but I don't know how long I can hold out! I hope to have a picture of the blanket soon.

Reading

I've just finished another Tad Williams book - The War of the Flowers. I love this book; it's not really science fiction, but more fairy tale. And it's a one book story, so one doesn't have to wait for the next installment. Just loved it. Now I'm reading Jodi Picoult's Change of Heart. Not too far into it yet, but it's good. I admire her writing. There are so many books I want to read; so many books, so little time.

Changes

2008-09-17T15:40:00.003-04:00

Life Changes

My life has gone through lots of changes in the last year or so. I found out I have Celiac Disease, so I've been spending a lot of time finding out how to eat. Everything has to be gluten-free (GF), and it's been a hard and very interesting process figuring it all out. I think I've mostly got it under control now. So the next thing is to lose the excess weight I gained while trying to get my diet right.

That's the next change; I've gone back to Weight Watchers and am following the Core program. It's never easy losing weight, but I'm giving it a good try.

So my blog is changing. It's still about knitting, but I'll also be talking about gluten and Celiac (if you're at all interested, here's a link to explain what it is: Celiac. I won't talk about it a lot really, just sometimes. Mostly I'll still talk about knitting, so y'all come back now.

Knitting

My friend Sammy, whose business name is Fabuknits, (look for her on Ravelry: Sammy) likes to design baby knits. So I help her out with test knitting. Right now I'm knitting a baby blanket for her. The working name is "Rosette Blanket," but she might change the name. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't. Look for it on her Ravelry site in about a month. And if I take a picture before then, I'll publish it here.

I hope I can finish this blanket soon, since the cooler weather makes me feel like starting another project. Lord knows I don't need another project!

Reading

I've been reading all of Tad Williams' books, and I just love his writing and imagination. Right now I'm reading "The War of the Flowers." I'm not very far into it, but am just loving it. It seems to be a combination fairy-tale adventure fantasy. Did I say I'm loving it?

I have hopes that I will blog more often now. Let's see what happens.

It's February?

2008-02-13T16:15:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe it's been so long since I last posted. A lot going on.

I did finish quite a bit of knitting, and I got a new digital camera for Christmas. But I haven't even loaded the camera software onto the computer!

If anyone knows a way I can get out of this slump, please let me know!

Re-Entry

2007-08-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

I am a
Petunia

What Flower
Are You?

"You are a tried and trusted friend who will be there for your friends when they need you. But you have a tendency to be nervous about doing things that go against the norm."

Yes, I'm trying to make a re-entry to the blogging universe. I've been pre-occupied with many things un-knitterly, some of which I may choose to discuss here. Or not. Depends.

One of my concerns has been gluten. If you don't know what it is, then you won't care why I've been concerned. But it's become one of the main issues in my life. More on that later.

I've been knitting, although not that much. I think everybody cuts back a little on the wooly stuff in the summer. But we're coming close to nearing the end of summer, so I hope to get myself back on track again. And actually take some pictures, because I really have finished stuff. So today's post is just to help me try to get back in the mode of communication.

If anyone out there cares, I may not be Mr. Opportunity, but I'm back, and I'm clacking (knitting needles & keyboard keys).

Busy Busy June

2007-06-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

So far it's been a busy month, and I don't think it's going to get any better very soon. Birthdays, concerts, other family stuff, and don't forget Fathers' Day next Sunday. I know my Hubby hasn't forgotten it! But he's good, I think he just wants a barbecue. That's easy.

Ravelry

Have you heard about Ravelry? It's really neat. A place to list your projects, show off your finished stuff, see other peoples' projects, and even to link with your blog. But you need an invitation to join. Just go there, and you can find out more. I'm looking forward to this, because I never have time to work in the Needletraks program I have on my home computer. I can do it from work, on Ravelry.

Knitting

Still no pics. Been very lazy. But I've started another new project (what else is new!). I needed a baby thingie for a girl at work who's expecting a boy in September. I started crocheting a blanket, and I really like it, but it's not going fast enough for me. So I found the cutest little vest, very simple. And I had in stash some very boyish variegated yarn. Voila - new project.

It's a really quick knit, and I wish I had some pictures to show. I'm already half finished with it. It's for a 12 month size, so baby should be able to wear it at least by the end of next winter. I hope I can force myself to do some camera work tonight.

Reading

I'm finally finished reading The Rebels of Ireland, by Edward Rutherfurd. I do love his books. This is my favorite way to learn history, by reading historical novels. Otherwise I find it too dry.

So now I'm reading The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. I don't know why I waited so long to read this - it's marvelous. I find myself wanting to read ahead to find out how the story is resolved. I've already ordered his new book from Zooba.

Everyone's Doin' It

2007-05-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

I just had to share this one:

Which Finger Are You?

You Are the Middle Finger

A bit fragile and dependent on your friends, you're not nearly as hostile as you seem.You are balanced, easy to get along with, and quite serious.However, you can get angry and fed up with those around you. And you aren't afraid to show it!
You get along well with: The Index Finger
Stay away from: The Pinky

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/">What Finger Are You?

I had no idea I would be the middle finger, but hey, I guess someone's gotta be it.

Knitting:

Believe it or not, I have managed to take a picture of the socks I completed a couple of weeks ago. But did I load it to the computer? Nooooo. so I'm still pictureless.

Other News:

Well it's not news to me any more, but I haven't posted about it. And it's one of the reasons I haven't posted much, because I've been spending my time learning about it.

A few months ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, formerly known as Celiac Sprue. For those of you who never heard of it, it's not life threatening - unless you don't change your eating habits, then eventually you could get stomach cancer.

I'm not allowed to eat anything with gluten in it, which turns out to be a whole *&@$load of stuff. Gluten is a protien mostly found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. So breads and pastas are out, cakes and cookies, most cereals, and anything containing flour.

But you would be surprised what products contain gluten. Even soy sauce is made with a wheat product containing gluten. Malt has gluten, candies have gluten - it's the sticky binding material that makes it keep its shape.

Try shopping and reading all the labels and see how many things you can find that don't contain these products. (An aside: the product that made all those pet foods unsafe was gluten imported from Asia or somewhere that doesn't have th strict controls on their food products that the US has.)

But aside from trying to buy food that's safe for me, I really have tried to fit in some knitting time now and then. Not much though, since I've been pretty distracted.

Anyone reading this who may also have this disease, and has learned how to deal with it, I'd really love some hope and suggestions about how to do it better.

Thanks.

Memorial Day/Beginning of Summer

2007-05-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

I know it's technically not the beginning of Summer, but here in the States we've all come to believe that Memorial day is the kick-off of the Summer season. And our weather has cooperated this year, at least here on the East Coast.

For me, M.D. weekend is also when I celebrate my youngest daughter's Birthday. She was born on May 29, that year being Memorial Day. So we always view this weekend as her birthday weekend. She's married with kids of her own, so she really doesn't get the whole weekend any more, but I still visit with her.

She lives in Pennsylvania, so it's a little road trip for me. I'm looking forward to it, and seeing the grandkids.

I know I haven't posted much lately, but my mind has been on other things. Mainly, Celiac Disease. I just found out 3 months ago that I have it. It's a real challenge trying to keep gluten out of my diet, and I'm still learning. I hope to be sharing more of this as time goes by.

Knitting

On the knitting front, I finished the bead stitch socks, and am working on my red Calmer sweater. Took a photo of the socks, but still haven't loaded it to the computer. More to come.

You folks in the States, I hope you have a safe, thoughtful, fun Memorial Day weekend, whatever you do.

Hello Again

2007-05-14T12:47:00.001-04:00

Further Edited at 3:50 pm: OK, so I changed my font style, and now the bolding shows. So all the things I've done show both bold & *. Didn't feel like taking the * out. Looks better, I think.

Edited at 3:35 pm: After reading my published blog, I realized the bolding on my entries below doesn't show up, so I added an asterisk (*) to each line that indicates the knitting things I've actually done.
(Note to self: change font)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just in case anybody ever reads this blog, I figured I should post something. One day maybe I'll catch up with some things that have been going on in life that occupied my attention away from the Blog. But not right now.

I have no pics, or updates on my knitting, so for today, I'm going to latch onto the latest thing going around Blogland:

My Knitlist

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

*Afghan/Blanket (baby)
*I-cord
*Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
*Shawl
*Stockinette stitch
*Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
*Hat
*Knitting with silk
*Moebius band knitting (actually, a moebius scarf)
*Participating in a KAL
*Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
*Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn (why not!)
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with Bamboo yarn (again, why not!)
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
*Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
*Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
*Continental Knitting
Designing knitted garments
*Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
*Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
*Scarf
*American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
*Button holes
*Knitting with alpaca
*Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
*Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, etc.)
*Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
*Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
*Knitting with DPNs
*Holiday related knitting
*Teaching a male how to knit (that's what grandsons are for)
*Bobbles (hate them suckers)
Knitting for a living
*Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting (why ruin perfectly good knitting!)
*Knitting with wool
*Textured knitting
*Kitchener BO (just plain Kitchener joining, is that a BO?)
*Purses/bags
*Knitting with beads
*Swatching
*Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
*Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegated yarn
*Stuffed toys (actually, I crocheted one - a pig of course)
*Baby items
*Knitting with cashmere (cashmere blend)
*Darning
Jewelry
*Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
*Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
*Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
*Short rows
*Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
*Pillows (actually, a pillow cover)
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
*Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
*Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair (not interested)
Hair accessories
*Knitting in public

Wow, I've actually done more than I realized!

Hope to be back soon with some actual content of some kind. Happy Ides of May tomorrow!

A Short Tirade

2007-04-24T11:21:00.000-04:00

It really annoys me when someone says "I found it in the very last place I looked". Of course it was the last place, you dingbat. You wouldn't keep looking after you found it; ergo, it was the last place!

A Month is Too Long

2007-04-23T17:20:00.001-04:00

Yes, I agree a month is too long between posts. Maybe the fun has worn off blogging? Maybe I just lack the discipline? Whatever.

Knitting

Life has been a little hectic, but still I've been slogging along on my little baby sweater. Got all the pieces done and blocked out, but I haven't been in the mood to sew it up. Then I only have to knit a collar. Simple, no? I seem to have lost my edge here somehow.

Has anyone joined the Sivia Harding fan group? I tried to, but haven't received an email back, so maybe I did something wrong.

UFO Challenge

I never did post my April entry: a pair of bead lace socks that have been languishing in the UFO pile for a long time. I've actually made quite a lot of progress on these (no pic, of course). I just have to knit a couple of inches of foot, then a toe, and my April project will be finished. Good thing too, since it's almost May!

Reading

I finally finished the epic I was reading: Shadowmarch. Really, really liked it a lot. Now I'm waiting for Zooba to mail the sequel: Shadowplay. Something's up with Zooba since they redesigned their web site; I can't seem to get through to them about why my next book isn't here yet.

Anyway, that's all I have time to post for now. I have to work on getting some pictures.

It's Been Way Too Long....

2007-03-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

.....since I posted anything. Waaayyyy tooo long. Lots of life stuff going on, but I'm back.

I finally finished the Hanging Garden Stole that took me 5 months to knit. Here's proof:

This was a really interesting knit; I just loved the symmetricalness of the pattern. Sivia Harding is a genius in writing her patterns. And I am so very glad to be finished with it. If I wasn't so fickle about staying with one project, it wouldn't have taken so long.

Here's a not-so-great picture of me trying to get the old mirror shot:

I'm really not very good at this kind of picture. I hope you can at least get the idea how it looks. This picture is closer to what the real color is. Maybe one day I'll get my Hubby to attempt a picture of it on me, so I can show the true effect of this gorgeous pattern.

I've been working to finish the Crocus baby sweater that's my project for the month in the 2007 UFO Project. Here's a shot when I was working on the right front:

I've since finished the right front and am almost finished with the left front. I just haven't taken any more pictures. I suppose I'll try to take one when I get the left front finished. Then I'll start on the sleeves. And it's almost time to choose my April UFO to decide what to do with it.

Reading

I just finished reading Pursuit of Happyness. What a story! Just knowing that someone could be so far down in life and still come back and be such a success, is very inspirational. I can't wait for the movie to come on TV.

Now I'm reading Shadowmarch, a fantasy by Tad Williams. A while back, I came across the first book of his Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series and instantly fell in love with his writing. I had to immediately order the rest of the books in the series. He writes really big books. But I read them all.

And when I saw another book by him - Shadowplay - I realized I had missed out on the first of another series. So I bought Shadowmarch from the book store and am waiting for Shadowplay from Zooba (a really great book service!).

Anyhoo, I'm 75 pages into Shadowmarch and loving it. His fantasies remind me a lot of Middle Ages stories, with kings and castles and dragons for good measure. Loving it.

Time for a Photo

2007-03-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

I had such trouble trying to post this picture from my work server, that I figured I'd better try from home. And here it is:

This is the Hanging Garden Shawl right after I finished the 11th repeat. The color is very close to actual, and I hope you can see the great beads at the cast-on. I've since finished it, with the beads also at the cast-off, and just have to wash and block it. I'd hoped to do that this weekend, but some family visiting got in the way, so hopefully one night this week I'll get to it. And then I can post the finished product. I'm so happy to have this done.

And here's a picture of my March UFO Resurrection project, the little Crocus Sweater. This was taken right after I started it, and I now have the back and half a front done. I'd take more pictures now, but I'm out of battery. Just wanted to post what I have, so it doesn't look like I'm not at least trying to show what I'm doing.

The colors in this picture are also very close to actual.

Well, that's it for now, I have to go watch Amazing Race!

TGIT (Thank God It's Thursday)

2007-03-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

I love Thursdays:

It means the work week is almost over

Best TV night: Survivor, Gray's Anatomy, & usually ER (but who the heck knows where they are tonight)*

Every second Thursday it's PayDay

My work Cafeteria always has a special afternoon dessert treat on Thursdays

My knitting group meets here at lunchtime every Thurs

It means tomorrow night I don't cook

*Did anyone catch the pilot show "The Black Donnellys" on Monday night? I thought it was pretty good. I only hope that, once they decide to schedule it regularly, they don't put it on opposite anything I'm already committed to.

Knitting:

I finished my Hanging Garden Shawl!!! Started last August, it took me 6 months to knit. Because I got bored with it somewhere in the middle. But Thanks to the 2007 UFO Resurrection Challenge,

I resurrected my shawl and worked exclusively on it at home for most of February. I bound off (with beads) last night, but I don't have a photo of it yet. I still can't seem to upload my shot of the shawl after the 11th repeat, I'm thinking something must be wrong with the picture I took. So it will have to wait until I re-shoot it. Maybe after I block it.

Today, I'm choosing my UFO resurrection for March: Crocus Cardigan by Oat Couture (this is not mine, it's from the web-site):in an 18 month baby size. The yarn I'm using is Knit Picks Dancing, which is 41% Cotton, 39% Wool, 13% Nylon, 7% Elastic, in a very pretty orangey/turquoisey variegated color (It's not as horrible as it sounds!). They sell it for socks; but I like the stretchy feel of it, and it's just fingering weight, so appropriate for baby stuff. I have the back of the sweater done, and 1/2 of a front. This is my March UFO, and what I hope to complete in March.

I am so trying not to start anything else!

Reading:

I'm still not finished reading Act of Betrayal. Enjoying it, but still looking forward to reading Pursuit of Happyness.

Happy Thursday

No Title Wednesday

2007-02-28T13:30:00.000-05:00

I decided perhaps Wednesdays don't need a title. Maybe it's just enough that it's the actual middle of the work week, so there's a little something to look forward to.

Knitting:

I have a picture of my Hanging Garden Shawl after the 11th repeat, but our work server isn't allowing any uploads today. Or maybe it's Blogger. In any case, no picture right now. I'll post it as soon as I can.

I have since knit the final 12th repeat, and am ready to bind off with beads. I can't wait to be done! The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the blocking. It seems to be such a fussy thing, but of course it's necessary.

I reported that I'm in the UFO Challenge, but right now I'm not even sure if that's true. The button is there on my site (see right) but when I click into it, I'm told I may not be a member. I wonder what's up with that? Joining that challenge is what made me actually finish my shawl. And I have something picked out to be my UFO for March, so I hope they make up their minds soon. Whoever 'they' are.

Reading

I finished up my Sara Donati novel (which was excellent, btw), and was waiting for my new book from Zooba to arrive, The Pursuit of Happyness. I didn't come when expected, so I picked up an old paperback that was laying around: Act of Betrayal, by Edna Buchanan. It's a sort of detective/but really a reporter novel set in Miami, with stuff about Cuba and stuff that goes on in Miami. The time setting is the mid 90's, and it's funny to read about people having beepers and having to find a public phone to return calls. How far we have come! It's pretty fast-paced, and I'm kind of glas I read it. Although, I'm impatient to read The Pursuit of Happyness. This book should only take a couple of days to finish.

Be back when I can post pictures.

Hanging Garden - Getting There!

2007-02-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

I have just finished the 11th repeat on my Hanging Garden Lace Shawl! The pattern says there are 12 repeats, and I hope that's true because I'm really looking forward to having this baby done. Sadly, I do not have a picture - again.

I guess joining this UFO ring has been a good thing for me; it's helped me be a little more cognizant of how I need to stop letting things fall to the wayside, and just finish them up. And that goes for other things in my life, not just my knitting.

But I wonder if this is more of a Winter blahs thing? I do find that I tend to hibernate in some ways during the winter: I avoid the phone, I avoid people, I avoid paying my bills, I've even been avoiding my food plan - with the obvious result that I'm going the wrong way in my weight loss quest. Note to self: Get a Grip!

I hope Spring comes on time!

UFO Work

2007-02-14T11:32:00.001-05:00

Knitting

I haven't been blogging, and I haven't been taking pictures, but I have been working on my Hanging Garden Shawl. I've finished the 10th repeat (of 12) and am on row 16 of the 11th repeat. There are 47 rows to the repeat.

It's getting so long now that I have to fold it up in my lap in order to work on it. Seeing it grow, I'm really feeling good about finishing this up.

I just wish I could knit faster. (Isn't that what all knitters say?) I look around at my stash and imagine the knitting I could do, 'if only'.

Reading

Right now I'm reading the 4th book in a series by Sara Donati, the Bonner Family Saga. This is historical fiction. I do love me some historical fiction, especially when it's American wilderness fiction.

I discovered the first one by accident a few years ago, and fell in love with the story line. It supposedly picks up in the time right after the James Fennimore Cooper novel, Last of the Mohicans. The characters in this series are the descendants of his character Hawkeye.

Of course I had to buy all of the series I could find at the time. In order, they are: Into the Wilderness, Dawn on a Distant Shore, Lake in the Clouds, Fire Along the Sky. There's a 5th one - name I can't remember - but it's not in paperback yet. Since all my others are paperback, I won't buy the last one until it's also in paperback. When I have a series, I like them all to be in the same format.

I'm about halfway through, and loving it.

Did anyone read Cormac McCarthy's The Road? I read it in two days. Quite a chilling and easily believable story. His writing makes me want to look up his other novels.

That's all for now, folks. I hope to take some pictures soon to prove that I'm keeping up with the 2007 UFO Challenge.

Finish Those UFOs!

2007-02-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

February UFO: Hanging Garden Shawl - I'm going to work on it.
This is what it looked like sometime last September. I'm working on repeat #10 of 12. It's kind of hard to photograph now, so I'll just post a picture whenever it's finished.

Wish me luck.

I've joined this: UFO Ressurrection Challenge

I seldom sign up for things in the KnitBlogospere, but this looks like one I can do.

Each month I have to pick one unfinished project and either rip it or finish it. I'm not expected to finish it before the end of the month, however I must work on it diligently (along with my *other* projects) until it's finished. I think I can do this, at least I hope so.

Kat will be giving away small prizes each month, and another one for the whole year. I won't qualify for that one, since I didn't join in January.

But, even though I didn't officially start in January, I did rip something in January - just can't remember what it was.

I really want to finish my Hanging Garden Shawl, and this will hopefully give me some incentive.

Update on the Vest

2007-01-31T13:06:00.001-05:00

I know it's been a long time. I have no excuse.

Knitting Content

The Vest

I did get that nasty hole in my vest repaired. Here's before and after pictures:

I couldn't repair it myself because the right side fabric is reverse stockinette. My good friend "V" spends a lot of time at her local knitting store, and her friend - who also frequents the store - is a professional knitter/seamstress. The pro is the one who fixed it for me. Granted, it's not perfect, but if you weren't a knitter you wouldn't even notice it.

Donnac368, you're right. Most important, finish it, then either wear it or give it away. After I found that moth hole, I went through most of my UFOs and had to decide on prioritizing or ripping. I only ripped one thing. And, sad to say, I haven't been entirely successful in finishing up UFOs.

I'm still working on that Calmer short sleeved sweater, and (ohno!) started a little sweater for a baby. I can't help it, I always have to have some baby thing OTN. I also haven't finished my Hanging Garden Shawl, but I am on repeat # 10 of 12. More pictures when I can force myself to take them.

Reading Content

I just finished reading The Traveler, by John Twelvel Hawks (a pseudonym). A very intriguing story about a society where the government knows everything about us because they can track our credit card usage and National ID card (sound familiar?). Makes me think more than twice about letting our own government give us those ID cards. I can't wait for Twelve Hawks to write the next book in his 4-part story.

Right now, because I couldn't find anything else to read, I'm reading EdithWarton's The Age of Innocence. A look back on "society" in the late 19th, early 20th centuries. Very amusing and enlightening.

Out for Now

About That Vest

2007-01-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned a vest knitted last year that I had to fix. This Elesbeth Lavold celtic vest pattern from Knitter's a few years back, was very popular with blog knitters.

My work knitting circle buddy, V, and I also both loved this vest, and made it in the same color. Hers fit better than mine - she made the medium and I made the large.

It's hard to tell from this picture, but the shaping under the arms was a bit too pronounced for me. See how it slopes outward? When I wore it, the underarms stuck out. See, I had made the larger size so that I was sure to be able to button it. Wrong idea.

Unfortunately, while I was knitting, I didn't realize how the underarmage would look, or I could have just not done the shaping. Once done, I loved the vest, but not the way it looked on me, so I put it aside for some future steeking. But I kept not doing it, because the thought of cutting my knitting sent shivers down my spine.

Over the New Year's weekend, I picked up the vest, set my jaw, and took it to task. After all, why all that knitting never to wear it again, right?

Here's the vest with the preliminary basting. All I did was make a straight line up from the body of the vest. Next step is c.u.t.t.i.n.g. OH NO!

I took a deep breath and put the scissor to the seam! This is definitely scary!

Done! I did it! I can't believe I had the courage. Next I took my trusty crochet hook and hooked up a seam inside the baste line. A little sewing down of the seam, and a little steamin of same, and voila! The vest now fits me the way it's supposed to, and I love it again.

I laid out the finished vest to take a look at my work, and just look what I found:

The vest had sat so long in the basket waiting for me to take courage, that a nasty old moth must have gotten hungry and left me a nice hole. There's no way I can fix this -- I tried and it was a disaster.

More on this disaster next time...................

Goals and Finishing

2007-01-08T16:50:00.000-05:00

Goals

I refuse to call it a Resolution - it's a Goal.

2007 Goal: I will not buy yarn for as long as possible. I last purchased yarn on Jan. 2, 2007. But, technically, I don't call this a purchase. My friend needed to get some Debbie Bliss cotton/cashmere that was on sale at Elann, and of course it would be a shame to pass it up myself. So I ordered some for her and some for me. But the reason this isn't technically a purchase? I qualified for my $50 bonus. WooHoo!! Therefore, for me the yarn was free!

Knitting From Stash

Alert the media: I'm knitting from stash. Over the weekend, I "rescued" my red Rowan Calmer from a failed CeCe sweater. The pattern was written so confusingly that I hadn't touched it in months. There was no hope of un-confusing the pattern, so I figured it was time CeCe and I visited the frog pond.

I love my Calmer, and I remembered I had a pattern in stash (see? knitting from stash!) that would suit Calmer. It's the "Neckdown Summer Cardigan" from Knitting Pure & Simple. Perfect for the cotton in Calmer. This is knitted top-down in the round, and I do expect it to take lots of time to knit, but so does everything else. I'll try to photograph the pattern photo as soon as I get a chance.

Finishing

I have finally finished up another entire baby set I've been making out of Wendy Peter Pan yarn, from a Pingouin pattern.

Pics:
What in the world is this?? I never knit anything that looked quite like this. Well, it does end up making sense.

Here's the finished product, which of course is a sweater :

Cute, no? I then made the matching hat, and a pair of booties from a free pattern I found online some time ago:
I'm really pleased with these, especially the booties. The hat pattern was written for flat knitting, but I adapted it to knit in the round. Much easier finishing up, with no seam. It's all garter, except for the toe part of the bootie. The whole set will fit a 3 month old infant.

And here's the whole set together, with label sewn in:

This is destined for a girl on my job whose baby boy is due in February.

Tomorrow I hope to post some pictures of the Vest I knit last year and had to fix this year. Huh? Suspense.................

Year-End Finishing

2007-01-02T17:18:00.000-05:00

Over the New Year's weekend I decided it was necessary to get busy finishing up stuff that's been on the needles for too long. I'm happy to say that I've finished a couple of things.

But I only have time for one right now!

This is a scarf made from Misti Chunky Alpaca that my friend gave to me for last Christmas (2005). She thought she might like to see me wearing it this year, so I got busy finishing it up over the weekend. I didn't have time this morning to re-orient this picture, so it wouldn't look like a flag. So, if you can't make sense of it, just turn your head sideways and it will look more like a scarf.

There's been more finishing up besides, but I didn't have the time today for saving more pictures, or anything else. So, enjoy the scarf, and I'll try to post more tomorrow. Happy New Year!

(BTW, Blogger still gives me a pain in the neck with the spacing!)

Catch-Up Pictures

2006-12-28T13:02:00.001-05:00

I managed to download the pictures I haven't posted to the Blog. If Blogger cooperates*, I'll try to post them all.

*(It seems Blogger Beta is gone, so I hope I've been moved over to the new Blogger, and hopefully I'll have some luck with the photos)

Here's the little gift bag knitted from Firefly's pattern. The picture is a bit dark, so it's hard to see that it's actually a dark red Debbie Bliss Chunky Merino. But the angels with my grandbabies' names on them are clear, that's why I'm posting this one. The Christmas tree angels went inside the bag. I'm so in love with this pattern. I ran out of knitting time this time around, so I didn't put any french knots or other embellishment around the top, like Firefly does. I like it anway, and so did the babies' mom.*

(*Little Megan, who's only 2 & 1/2, thought the bag was a sock puppet :-))

I finished up the Almost Argyle Socks, which I gifted in another one of the little knitted bags.

Here's a shot of the socks. The pattern was a lot of fun. The argyle diamonds kept me interested enough that I finished these socks in 2 weeks - unheard of for me. And I love the color. The yarn was from KnitPicks (and I might remember what it was if I search my Blog entries) and so was the pattern.

The sock recipient was thrilled with the socks as well as the bag.

Here's the socks with the gift bag. As you can see, I actually took the time to embellish the top rim of the bag - although I couldn't manage french knots the likes of Firefly's.

The color of the bag is plum, in some kind of chunky merino that's not Debbie Bliss. Sorry the photo is so dark. Sometime in 2007, I will get myself a better camera.

Christmas Gifts

A camera wasn't on my gift list, because I really don't like to ask my Hubby to spend so much money on me. I asked for less expensive things: Bose Tri-Port Earphones, a simple 18-20" gold chain.

He did get me the earphones, and some nice smelly body lotion stuff. But I should have known better when I asked him for a "simple" chain. I'm afraid he spent more on that 18" chain than he would have spent on a camera. It's a really lovely chain, and I appreciate all he does for me, and he just loves to show how much he loves me with jewelry. But (since he doesn't read my blog I can say this) I really, really would have liked to get a camera more.

He's a great guy, so I always tell him how much I love his gifts, and then buy myself what I really want. As long as he never catches on, this makes for a great relationship.

(Blogger is still giving me trouble about the paragraph spacing! And the typeface!)

Back for the End of The Year

2006-12-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

(Have I mentioned lately how much I dislike this new Beta version of Blogger? Any formatting I do - like simple spacing between paragraphs - disappears once I publish. So if my blog looks weird and the spacing is weird, that's why. I wish I could go back to the regular Blogger! Just sayin.)

So, I never came back to blog after vacation. Some things changed at my job, and I didn't feel comfortable posting from my new desk. And I never get around to it from home. But things have settled down now at work, so I think I'll be able to blog again. And it's so quiet now after the holidays, I haven't much to do.

I did some Christmas knitting. I made two really quick shrugs for two of the granddaughters. Here's some pics:

This is the photo of a free download from WNW: the Patons Brilliant shrug. That's the yarn I used. I made one in white (with silver thread running thru it) and one in black (with silver thread).

The black one is adult size, for the 15 yo, and I down-sized the white one for an 11 yo. I must say I was very happy with them, and they were a quick knit.

I only took a photo of the white one, because the black wouldn't show up well in a photo. Cute, isn't it? It's basically just a set of sleeves that connect across the back. I put them in the mail to arrive by Christmas. So far, I haven't received any reply to let me know if they got them and how they liked them. How could they not like them? I see a lot of teenagers wearing shrugs.

In other Christmas knitting, I made another one of those cute gift bags from Firefly's pattern. But I forgot to download the picture to the computer, so I'll post that shot later. Into the bag, I put two little angels with my son's babies' names on them. They really like them, and the bag too.

Yarn Purchase!

OK, just like everybody else, my New Year's Resolution is to promise myself not to buy any more yarn in 2007 unless/until I knit up some stuff from stash. I really need to try to honor that, because my stash is just as out of control as everyone else's. But it isn't 2007 yet, and didn't Elann go and put some delicious yarn on sale yesterday:

Diamond Desire, 75% Silk/ 25% Cashmere,

22 st/4 inches , 4.0 mm (US 6), 150 m (163 yards),

50g (1.75 oz) ball, $4.98 USD

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I ordered 10 balls in cream color, and my *friend* (enabler) ordered 20 in black and 2 in cream. We (of course) have never seen, handled, or otherwise known this yarn, but the Cashmere spoke to us and we just had no choice! So, it's Elann's fault, isn't it?

Reading

I've been doing some reading too. Right now I'm reading Amy Tan's Saving Fish From Drowning. It's a delightful book, but then I wouldn't expect anything less from Ms. Tan. I've read a few others over the last couple of months, but nothing worth mentioning.

S'all for now.

More Vacation Coming Up!!

2006-10-27T15:25:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have another vacation coming, and this time we're going someplace: Universal in Orlando! We're actually staying on-site, the Hard Rock Hotel, and have unlimited access to the 2 parks, and I got the tickets to the special Halloween Party! I'm not really a fan of roller coasters & such, but I know I'll have fun anyway. We fly to Orlando on Monday morning, and fly home on Friday afternoon. I'm psyched!! So I'm sure I won't be blogging for another week. (What else is new?)

I managed some photos of stuff I've been working on. Here are the Almost Argyle socks, from KnitPicks:

You can see how I've been knitting the 2 at the same time (on separate circs), to avoid 2nd Sockitis. It's working for me; I've never knitted an entire pair of socks so quickly. I got the pattern at KnitPicks, and the Palette yarn, in color Pool. I like the yarn, and it knits up nicely, but I used a size US2 needle and I feel the fabric's not tight enough. And the socks are really big. (I'll post a comparative pic once they're done). If I made these again I'd use at least a size 1 or smaller. I know they'll be too big for me, so they'll be a gift.

And a finished item - a real FO! I got the pattern for these over at Firefly's site.*:

Go to her 'Patterns' page, it's called 'Small Knitted Gift Bag.' I made mine out of some Dale bulky yarn I had laying around, with contrasting DK yarn for the ties and trim. Firefly made hers with French knots around the top, but I couldn't manage those. I think I subbed pretty well with my X's.

They're so easy and fun to make. That Firefly is a genius. These will be great for putting small Christmas gifts inside. Much more personal than wrapping. I've sort of become obsessed with them - I just finished another one in a gold color that only needs trim.

I wanted to post one more picture of the bags, but Blogger isn't working with me on that one. But you get a general idea of them, no? Go see Firefly's, it's really cute.

So, Happy Halloween, All!

* Firefly's has become one of my favorite blogs. She's a talented writer with such a spiritual outlook to her life. I feel peaceful after reading her. Oh, and not to mention she's a fine knitter!

Monday Catch-Up

2006-10-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

I think I promised to blog more often. But I do have mitigating circumstances. One of my feet went painful last week (chronic heel spur) and kept me laid up. I did all the stuff I have to do: soak, ice, Dr., cortizone shot, wrapping, aspirin.

I'm on the mend again, and just in time: I'll be on vacation next week at Universal in Orlando, with lots of walking to do. I think I'd better bring my cane, just in case. Oh well, as a last resort, they always have wheel chairs!

I did take some pictures of knitting, but didn't quite make the transfer from camera to computer. I know I keep making excuses, but I'll try to get them on soon. 'Cause it's nice to post pictures.

So, just to have something to blog about, I stole this from Iris:

Don't hate the blogger, hate the meme

1. FIRST NAME?
Mary
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My maternal grandmother. Her first name was Louise, and so is mine,
but I was never called anything but Mary. Kind of redundant, eh?
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Last tearjerker movie (can't remember the name).
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes I do, it's rather neat. I'm all about neat.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
I don't do lunch meats. If I had to, it would be roast beef.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so, I'm kind of likeable.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
No.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
No: my sister needed hers out when she was 12, so my Dad decided
to do a twofer, whether I needed it or not.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Never - I'm afraid of heights; I don't even do roller coasters!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Oatmeal (honest!).
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Always.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
No, I'm a weakling, both physically & mentally.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Rum Raisin.
14. SHOE SIZE?
8 1/2 or 9, depending on how much I'm willing to spend.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My teeth; the parental units didn't do right by dental work.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Theresa.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Nah.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
B&W (tiny)checked pants, black shirt.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Butterscotch candies (after lunch!).
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Nothing, I'm at work; actually, it's the FAX machine I hear.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Turquoise.
23. FAVORITE SMELL?
Lilies.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My buddy at work.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED
TO?
The smile; I can tell if it's a sincere smile.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON YOU STOLE THIS FROM?
Never met her, but I admire her anyway.
27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Tea.
28. FAVORITE SPORT?
No into sports.
29. EYE COLOR?
Blue.
30. HAT SIZE?
Average.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Never. I'm afraid to put anything in my eyes; I even flinch when I get
my eyes tested for glaucoma.
32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Popcorn.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Scary movies; scary seems more real than happy.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I can't stand extreme heat or cold, so why couldn't the choices be
Spring or Fall? I that case, I dunno.
36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Definitely hugs; less sloppy.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Strawberry shortcake.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
Knitting Under the Influence, by Claire LaZebnik.
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Not using one.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, The Monastery (sort of
interesting, but too religion oriented).
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Wind chimes.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?
Not too much a fan of either, but if forced to choose: Beattles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Seattle, WA. Or is it Mexico?
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
Annoying my husband by making him pick up after himself.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Springfield, MA.
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Swiped from Iris.

Nothin for ya

2006-10-17T12:41:00.000-04:00

That's right - nothin for ya today. I tried to take some new pictures, but the camera ran out of battery. So they're home recharging today. Most of what I'm knitting can't be scanned, it has to be shot. So until the old camera is ready, I got nothin for ya. But I'm posting anyway, because I don't want to stay in the bad habit of noblogging.

I spent last night knitting on the Almost Argyle socks. Here's what they look like: KnitPicks. I'm using the Palette yarn in the color Pool. Even though I'm using the recommended needle size, my socks are looking bigger than I think they should be. That's OK, though, I'm not ripping them out - because I can use them as a Christmas gift for someone with bigger feet. I hope I get the camera working tonight, and maybe post a picture soon. For the first time, I'm knitting both socks at the same time; i.e.: knit one section on first sock, knit same section on second sock, and repeat back and forth. It's reallly working out nice, I've never knitted a pair of socks so quickly. Also, having an interesting pattern makes it go faster. Stockinette socks get very boring in a jiffy (to me).

I'm kind of excited to maybe have a hand-knit holiday gift to give. I usually don't commit to holiday hand-knits, because I'm so afraid I'll lose interest and not get them done on time. Yes, it's a small project, but that's how my confidence grows.

I also want to post an update picture of my Hanging Garden Shawl. It's real pretty.

Reading

Anyone read The Memory Keeper's Daughter? I just finished it. The blurb made it sound really exciting and different. All I can say is, if you think you want to buy it, don't. I'm not sure if this was Kim Edwards' first novel, but it sure reads like someone who hasn't had a lot of experience. The suspense I was expecting just wasn't there, and the ending was very anticlimactic. I'm sorry, but I just don't feel like recommending this book. Sorry, Kim.

Right now I'm reading James Patterson's 4th of July, the latest of his Women's Murder Club series. There's nothing bad I can say about Patterson's books.

Hope to have more interesting stuff tomorrow.

Well, it's about time.................

2006-10-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, and I was supposed to resume blogging after vacation, wasn't I? It's amazing how easy it is to become complacent about something after you don't do it for a few days. Like exercising. Stop for a few days and excuses just pop up. Or not even excuses, just nonchalance and non-desire to do that thing you know you want to do, but just can't force yourself.

Oh well, enough of that.

Knitting

I've been doing a bit of knitting. Before vacation, I was rolling right along with my Hanging Garden Shawl. But I find patterns can become boring and I yearn to do something else. So I put the shawl aside for a bit and finished up my socks in KnitPicks Dancing yarn:

I think they're cute. They're small-child-sized, so they'll go to one of my little granddaughters. No particular occasion, just because I felt like making them. I rather liked the yarn, "Dancing," because it was very elastic. I have a feeling they'll be comfortable. I made both socks from one skein. So I have one more of this color left, and I also have 5 in a color that is more coral-ey in shade. I think it'll make a cute baby sweater. Yes, I do have a weakness for little things.

I also started a pair of "Almost Argyle" socks, also from KnitPicks. And I made a couple of little gift bags, the pattern for which is on Firefly's* site. I tried to take pictures, but the camera wasn't cooperating. I will post them as soon as I can.

*I hope that link works, I'm not very good at this

Well, that's all I have for today. I hope to be back here more often.

Vacation Posting

2006-09-06T12:05:00.000-04:00

I took a week off work. Woohoo! I still had 3 weeks left and no vacation planned, so I figured I should use some of the time. So this week is just a 'whatever' week: whatever comes up I'll do. My hubby doesn't have the week off, but he really only works half a day. So he's being very kind, coming with me different places.

Monday (Labor Day) we went to the Pow Wow at the Shinnecock Reservation on Long Island. I've only been to a few, but this is the biggest one I've attended so far. So many vendors, and the native dancing was wonderful, the costumes beautiful. It turned out to be a lovely day, too, weatherwise.

Our next outing for the week will be Bally's at Atlantic City. I got another free night voucher, so what the heck. I usually qualify for one of their 2-fer dinners, so that takes some cost out of the deal. And I just love the slots!!! I probably don't spend enough to even cover the room, but they invited me, so what the heck. We're leaving Wednesday night.

Knitting

I'm working on the I-cord edging on my Cutaway Tank top. Finishing is not my favorite thing, so it's slow going, even though it's so easy. I know I'll be finished with it before I have to go back to work, but I don't feel urgent about it.

So what did I do instead? I started another project. This one has been sitting in the wings calling to me, and all I needed was a moment of boredom to answer the call. I'm sure you've seen this one on many blogs: CeCe by Bonne Marie Burns. I have about 4 inces of it done:

I'm using Rowan Calmer (everybody else seemed to be using Calmer) and it's red #469, although I don't exactly remember the name of the shade. You can't see the lace pattern very well in this picture because I took it on my scanner, so there was no way to block it out even a little.

I have to say that I didn't consider this pattern as 'brilliant' as everybody else thought it was. I'm certainly no expert, but I have followed some intricate lace patterns successfully and gotten the expected results from those well-written patterns.

Here is my opinion, and since this is my blog, I feel free to say what I want. I did write to Bonne telling her that I was confused by the pattern, and asked her to explain further. Instead of offering to enlighten me, she chose to berate me in the belief that I must be an inept knitter who has never knit lace before, or I was just too stupid to follow directions. I felt really badly about that, and wasn't even going to bother knitting her pattern because I didn't think a merchant should be so vindictive to a customer. In the end, I put aside my personal feelings and decided to try it anyway; after all, I did pay for it.

These pattern instructions were not very clear at the start. The explanation for the set-up row could have been written better. There was no indication that there would be certain stitches that were outside of the actual lace patterning, and would remain stockinette. And these stitches would increase in number as the piece grew. Once I realized this, I placed additional markers where the patterning ended and the pattern now made more sense to me. With this simple fix, the lace pattern is coming along nicely. The lace part is really a very simple pattern. I still feel a lot of confusion could be avoided with a little more verbiage in the pattern, in compassion for the knitter who has to figure it out.

Blogger Beta

I had more photos to show, but Blogger Beta seems to have a problem with me loading them. The one photo I loaded, loaded faster. But it won't let me load any more. And there seems to be some kind of glitch in the editing mode. In order for me to get some of the effects I want, I need to go back and forth between Compose and Edit Html. This never happened before I went to Beta. Well, I guess there's no going back now, so I have to work around it. Since there was one reader who asked, I would say stay with the regular Blogger until they force you to change.

I may not post again this week, after all I really am on vacation. If not, see you on Sept. 12th, when I return to work.

'New' Blogger

2006-08-29T15:28:00.000-04:00

So I've switched over to the new Blogger Beta. I'm not sure yet what advantage this is, since some of the functions are not available yet. For instance, I tried to update my template, but it said that function wasn't available "right now"; I wonder when.

I wouldn't have bothered, but it seems that eventually they'll be moving everybody over, so I figured I might as well be in the forefront, so to speak.

But for me, being in the forefront probably doesn't mean diddly. I have this problem of always 'trying' to figure out some product that's new to me, but don't quite 'get' whatever I'm supposed to get.

For instance, I found a site where I can download music for free (legally), and I did so. It plays nicely on my computer, but I can't figure out how to get the music onto my MP3 player. If only I had a grandkid around to figure it out. It always seems to me that you need to be somewhere between 12 and 30 to figure these things out.

Knitting

Last night I finally finished up the knitting on my Cutaway Tank. Here's the proof:

This picture on the left shows the whole thing, one
piece on top of the other. Well, they are basically the same, no? As I said yesterday, my digital doesn't take nearly as good pictures as my scanner. So I took the picture on the right at a different angle (still with the digital) to try to show the design element a little better.

Now I just have to sew the pieces together and then make an applied I-cord around the neck opening. It really feels good to be (almost) finished with this top.

Now I can finally get back to my Hanging Garden. It's feeleing lonely. That one I can only knit at home, since I can't pay attention properly when I'm knitting/talking with my group here at work. So maybe I'll pay some attention to a pair of socks (still only the one started) that I have at work already. Got to get some of these things off my list.

Reading

Still enjoying Toni Morrisoon's Jazz. Things are so slow at work that I'm doing some sneaky reading. Just a little guilty pleasure.

I've been trying to upload a picture of my latest grandkid. Blogger tells me it's done, but it isn't here. What's goin' on? Is it because it's a bmp file? So much I don't know!

Rainy Day Blues

2006-08-28T17:22:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've ignored my blog for another week. I wish I could blame it on the rain, but it's only been raining for 3 days. I did have some foot pain problems (spurs, fasciitis, etc.) and was generally not in a great mood, spending a lot of time with TV and foot bath/massager. I am happy to say my foot is now back to normal, whatever that is. On with life.

Pictures

I just found out my scanner takes some pretty decent pictures. I've had my (new) computer for over a year now, and never got around to trying the scanner. I had the mistaken thought that only a digital camera would give me bloggable pictures. I actually think I got a clearer picture with the scanner. See for yourself:

I've been knitting this top exclusively the past few days, attempting to get one thing finished and off my list. Also, I'd like to wear it this year. I used the edge pattern here near the top of the front, just to give it some interest and make it match the sweater more. I have about an inch to go before shaping the neck, and then it should go more quickly, because I bind off the center stitches and work each side separately. Once the knitting is done, I'll put applied I-cord around the neck, and the armholes have their own edging knit into the pattern. Just sew in those pesky loose ends, and voila!

My Hanging Garden Shawl has been suffering from loneliness, but I do have 4 repeats finished. And I will absolutely get back to it as soon as I finish my red top. I already had the urge to start another project over the weekend. Thank goodness I couldn't find the pattern I had in mind, or there'd be another addition to my list. What's with this project fickleness?

Reading

I finished reading Harlan Coben's The Innocent. A wonderfully suspenseful book, as usual. This guy is such a good writer, I pick up his new stuff as soon as I can. Now I'm reading (or maybe re-reading, I can't remember) Toni Morrison's Jazz. I just love her writing.

Not Much Knitting...........

2006-08-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

I had a baby's first birthday to go to on Saturday, so I really did not much knitting this past weekend. But Sunday felt like a lazy day, so I watched movies and knit.

Progress on the Hanging Garden isn't much. But I now have 3 1/2 repeats done, and I still love it. Once I re-knit after tinking back the 15 rows, I tried to insert a lifeline. I got the lifeline inserted on the purl row, but once I tried knitting the next lace row, it had to come out. There was no way in Heaven or Hell I could knit those decreases and double decreases without tangling the lifeline into the knitting. So it served no purpose at all. I pulled the sucker right back out. And it doesn't upset me not having one; I just keep counting the repeat stitches on every purl row, and I'm fine.

But for some reason, I didn't feel like knitting HG much this weekend. Sometimes I need to take a break from my regular knitting. So instead I picked up an alternate knit, the Pingouin garter stitch baby sweater. Here's what the sweater looks like in the book:

It's a simple knit because it's all garter stich, so I'm practicing my continental style knitting with it; the simple truth is I can't catch on how to purl continental. But I need to practice if I ever want to knit a fairisle. I find my guage is very tight knitting continental. That could cause a problem with fairisle, since I'd have to use both Continental and English styles.

Well, I did say this is for practice. The hope is to get my guage to loosen up a little if I do more of it. I have the back of the sweater finished, and have cast on for one front:

This is the same pale aqua Wendy Peter Pan yarn I used for the waffle pattern sweater a few months back. Once I have all the pieces knit, I'll have to find a nice contrasting color for the finishing (see above). There's no hurry for it, since it's one of my just-in-case baby sweaters. It's great to have them hanging around so that when a new baby is on the way I don't feel pressured.

Reading

I'm getting near the end of The Naming. It was written in the Tolkien tradition, so a lot of the elements are familiar. I really enjoy it, and look forward to the second book. Ever since the Lord of The Rings, I've been so into fantasy I can't believe it. In fact, those are the movies I was re-watching yesterday.

I've always been a reader, but only lately have I come into the fantasy phase. And it's not a bad thing. I've always felt that it wasn't that important what you read, as long as you read.

Another Lame Friday Post.......Again

2006-08-18T17:08:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been quiet all week. I just haven't had much going on.

We're getting some really nice weather here in the NE, and I say about time. Summer may as well go out with us liking it.

Knitting

I made some progress on my Hanging Garden Shawl. After I tinked back the 15 rows last weekend, I made the supreme effort to re-knit them. I'm now about half way into the 4th repeat. I'm still loving the pattern, and the yarn, and not sick of knitting it yet. But I'm sure it's still going to take a couple of months to get it done. Here's a progress shot:

The color is pretty close to actual in this shot, just a little more greeny. I love it. And aren't the beads great?

I'm trying not to think so much about how long it's taking, just trying to enjoy the process. Because I think that's what my knitting should be about. If we don't enjoy the process, then there's no reason at all to knit. We could just buy stuff.

Speaking of stuff, someone in the Yahoo group mentioned that they buy these little rubber rings from Cutler Supply that are meant for tying up poultry, and they use them for markers between their repeats. So of course I had to buy them. I bought two sizes, small and medium, for use with different size needles. I got them this week, and I think they're cute:

This picture is a bit blurry, but maybe you can see that they're not smooth rings - they kind of wrap around on top of themselves. See it? They come in all these great colors and are pretty, but I'm not exactly sure how useful these will be. Won't they grab onto the next stitch? And of course, being a true packrat, I couldn't just order a pack of 50, I had to order two packs of each. So I have 100 in a size that will fit needles up to about US4, and 100 in a larger size. I just have to have my gadgets. And I suppose I have enough of them to last my lifetime, even if I lose a lot of them.

Have to go home now, have a great weekend all.

Nothing

2006-08-14T17:20:00.000-04:00

That's what I have today - nothing. No pictures of the next item on my OTN list. I was away in my trailer for the weekend, so no time to take pictures. I did bring my knitting with me, but didn't have much time to knit. It's tough work sitting by the pool, how can I be expected to knit too?

I knit a couple of inches on the Cutaway Tank, which I think is pretty good progress. And, once I got home, I almost finished repeat #3 of the Hanging Garden. Then a stitch decided to jump off my needle, and slipped down a couple of rows before I could even get to it. Needless to say, I couldn't figure out where that stitch went and had to start ripping back. Did you know that it takes twice as long to tink one row of lace as it does to knit one row of lace?

Reading

I finished that little Le Guin book and started a new fantasy book. I don't know why the interest lately in fantasy, but I'm enjoying it. It's The Naming, by Alison Groggon, the First Book of Pellinor. The second book is due out this fall, but I try not to buy the hardcover. It's not so portable on the subway.

And I have to have a book for the subway. I can not just sit and watch the people, and I can't knit because there's not enough time to get started and then have to change trains, etc. So at least it's a way for me to get in a couple of hours of reading each day.

I hope I'll have some show and tell tomorrow.

Next Project

2006-08-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

The continuing saga of my projects OTN..........

I snapped this picture of the sleeveless cardigan. I'm sorry it's so fuzzy. You can see the shape of it and, fuzzily, the lace panels. But the cables aren't very clear. And you can't really see the bobbles (in the cable spaces) at all. I'm not at all fond of bobbles, so I'm just putting them every other cable. After I started doing that, I realized the bobbles actually held the cable spaces open. By then it was too late, I wasn't ripping it back just to put in some stupid bobbles. I'll call it a "design element".

Here's a (bad) photo of the Cutaway Tank pattern I'm using for my tank top. I'm following the basic pattern, and putting in some additions for it to match the Flower Boxes cardigan I knitted last year. Which I didn't think to snap a photo of. I'll do that if I ever get done with this piece.

So far I have the back done, and I'm about halfway done the front. Here's a (boring) shot of the completed back: you can't see much besides the shape of it. I'm not showing you the front, because it's just the same! But I do have a shot of the detail at the bottom edge.

It's a little dark, but you can see the checkerboard effect. This is the same edging as at the bottom of the Flower Boxes cardigan. I may put some more if this patterning at the top front, just to give it a little excitement beyond plain stockinette.

I've been knitting this tank top since last year. It's my work knitting group knitting, and it goes so slow because I only work on it a few times a week at lunch. And it's boring; stockinette is boring. The cardigan I knit in a month, because it has an interesting pattern. But I wanted to keep the tank a little plainer so as not to compete with the beauty of the cardi. Look for this to be finished by the end of the year, and then I'll show pictures of the whole set.

I didn't work on my Hanging Garden at all last night. Horrors! I was actually casting-on/swatching for a merino lace wrap. I've cast on three times so far, because I can't settle on the right needles, right cast-on, and how the heck to get some markers into the lace. I've tried without markers, but I keep losing my place. I didn't make any progress on these huge decisions, so I guess it was just a waste of good time that could have been spent with Hanging Garden.

Oops! I wasn't supposed to start anything new, was I?

Have a great weekend, all.

PS: I forgot to add, the Cutaway Tank is being knit in Elann's Endless Summer Lara, 100% Combed Cotton, in brick red.

Camera Blues

2006-08-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

I got up this morning prepared to shoot pictures of my next listed project : Cutaway Tank Top. But the camera batteries just died. And I only replaced them 2 days ago! So, while they're re-charging, I present to you the next project on my list: Sleevless Cardigan in Harris Tweed - because I already had a picture of that.

This pattern (which I could/might have taken a picture of) is in an old Pingouin pamphlet, and of course it called for a yarn no longer made. So I substituted with Harris Tweed. The HTweed feels kind of stiff to knit with, but I'm told it will get very soft once it's washed.

As you can see, it's a lacy pattern, but what you can't see in this picture is that it also has cables & some bobbles. I hope to get some clearer pictures once the batteries are charged.

This is really more of a vest, but I guess its called a 'sleeveless cardigan' because the body is shaped the same as a cardi with dropped shoulders. It just has no sleeves. I've loved this pattern for a long time, but obviously not enough to stick with it after I started it.

Plodding Along....

That's how I feel about my knitting - I'm just plodding along with everything. Slowly. I really hope one day I'll finish up a lot of UFOs, then maybe that plodding feeling will go away. I need to feel more excited about my work.

Well, the Hanging Garden does still excite me; it's such a beautiful shawl. I finished up 12 more rows last night. I know I'm not going to be able to finish it in a month, but at least I'm having fun with it.

Hopefully more pictures to come tomorrow.

More Project Review

2006-08-09T16:11:00.000-04:00

I decided to start a one-at-a-time review of my projects OTN.

Today I have pictures of the Gothic Leaf Lace Stole, by Sivia Harding.

Here's the whole thing, so far. I cast this on some time last year, and just got bored, as usual. The yarn is Jaggerspun Merino, fingering weight, in a plum color. It came on a cone (from Elann), and even after I finish this baby I should have a lot left over. Whatever's left, I'll donate it to someone.

This picture shows the pattern and color a little better. It starts out with a garter border, and garter borders are knitted at each side as you go. I love that I won't have to add anything once I'm done knitting the pattern. It's a 16 stitch/20 row repeat, and not difficult.

The pattern calls for knitting 12 repeats, and then knitting (on a separate needle) another 12 repeats, which you then Kitchener together for a mirror image. I'm not going to do that - I loathe Kitchenering. I'll just continue knitting until I have 24 repeats, end with the garter border and call it done. It won't have the mirror image effect, but I'm not obsessive enough to Kitchener two stole pieces together. Right now, I have 9 repeats. 15 to go.

I knit some more on my Hanging Garden last night, and am not quite finished with repeat #3. But I still love it! It's a good thing the KAL doesn't give us a deadline on when it must be finished. I'm slow!

Reading

I finally finished Until I find You. I enjoyed the book, but I feel like it just ended - kind of flatly. Like it just had nowhere else to go. Now I'm reading something just a little bit lighter: Ursula K. LeGuin's Gifts. I think it's really a book meant for teens, but so what. That just means I'll read it faster. When I read a terribly big book, I need to balance with something that reads a little more quickly. In the meantime, I have my eye open for what will interest me next. I can never be without a book.

All My — Projects

2006-08-08T15:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I really hate Blogger! I wrote up a really, really good and long post, and it went to NeverneverLand. Grrrrrrrrr....It was a list of all the projects I have On The Needles. I made a pdf of the list, but I can't seem to get Blogger to upload the pdf file to the blog. So I'm recreating the list here.

I'm thinking about how slowly my projects get finished. Well, there's a good reason for that - I just can't seem to stop myself from starting stuff. So here's my list of things that are OTN, sort of in order of what I'm working on most:

Hanging Garden Lace Shawl (Sivia Harding KAL)
Esprit Print Lace-Up Tank (free Elann pattern)
Gothic Leaf Stole (Sivia Harding, but not a KAL)
Cutaway Tank Top (me) (to match Flower Boxes cardigan made last year)
Raglan Cardigan (baby)(a just-in-case project)
Kati Tank Top (me)
Infant's Fancy Sock (just-in-case)
Baby Socks (to match a hat I made last year)(j.i.c.)
Baby Romper (j.i.c.) (only buttons & trim to finish)
Alpaca Scarf (me)
Aberdeen Cardigan (me)
Seascape Shawl (me)
Sleevelss Cardigan (lace)(me)
Bead Stitch Anklets (sister)
Emozione Pullover (me)
Silver Treasure Cardigan (daughter)
Cropped Top (me)
Round Baby Blanket (j.i.c.)

Do you see a pattern here? How most of these things are for moi? I wonder if I would finish faster if they were for someone else? OK, the socks for my sister, and the cardigan for a daughter - but I never made a commitment to have them finished for a certain occasion.

I wish I had dates for when I started each project. And pictures of each, too. Maybe I'll try to make some room on my camera and get shots of each thing. Hmmm.... sounds like another project.

Blogging Questions.....

There's so much I can't figure out about how this blog thing works. For instance,

how do you get your blog to automatically refresh when you or someone else opens it? I know it can be done, because certain blogs I read don't require me to press the refresh button when I open them. And then there are others (like mine) where, if you don't press the refresh button, you get the post from the last time a person wrote.
How do you create another page where you can post all your finished projects and pictures?
And is it possible to upload a pdf file to the blog?

If you can help me with any advice, please comment.

Reading

I'm getting to the end of Until I Find You. All I can say is, John Irving can really write a strange book. And everything has changed. I especially like one line from his book:

"So much of what you think you remember is a lie,
the stuff of postcards."

Testing

2006-08-08T15:30:00.000-04:00

Please ignore any sounds or signals you may see - This is Just a Test (I lost my previous post and want to see if I lose another one before I do all that work over again.)

Friday, Friday, Friday

2006-08-04T16:35:00.000-04:00

Ah, TGIF! Our heat wave is officially over, even though it's still very humidly hot. The terrible thunderstorms we were promised didn't reach my part of NYC, and I had hopes that a good t-storm might take away some of this stickiness. But then, these are the 'dog days' of summer.

OK, some research:

Dog Days: The hot, sultry period of summer between early July and early September; A period of stagnation.
Dog Days or dog days of summer are typically the hottest and most humid times of the year. These days usually fall between July and early September but the actual days vary greatly from region to region, depending on latitude and climate. Dog days can also define a time period or event that is very hot and/or stagnant. Also many religious cultures believe that dog days are holy.

I don't know about holy; at least it's Friday.

OK, Laceforallseasons update: I found out that Snow (the listmom) totally deleted the Yahoo lace group because too many freaking annoying people were bugging the crap out of her. I don't blame her. People just don't get it that, when you're doing them a favor, they shouldn't tell you how they prefer said favor to be done.

Knitting

Not a whole heckavalot of knitting done last night. Just a few more rows of HGS. I'm almost finished with repeat #2 (10 more to go); and I didn't pick up Esprit at all. I should get more quality/quantity knitting time this weekend, because I'll probably visit with the grandkids in NJ (Hubbo can't come with me because he works weekends).

That's what I do when I visit the GKs, knit. They love to watch me knit, and they try to practice knitting too. As long as the patience holds out, anyway. Kayla is 12 and is almost too bored to knit, and Kevin is 8 and easily frustrated.

(Confession here: I ordered some patterns and a few skeins of Schoeller Stahl Merino Stretch yesterday from Elann. I don't know why. I just 'had' to. It might arrive Monday - I get everything sent to my office so I don't get any flack at home. I'm such an obsessive!)

Have a great (and cooler!) weekend, all. Here's a cute button I stole from someone. If I only knew how to install it permanently, I would.

Thursday Ramblings

2006-08-03T13:36:00.000-04:00

Whatever happened to the LaceForAllSeasons Yahoo Group? I was a member of that group since the beginning, and suddenly I stopped getting my group emails and when I tried to log in at the group site to find out why, the group doesn't seem to exist any more. Strange.

I've finally managed to upload a picture of the Esprit tank top I've been knitting:

I like this yarn, it's fluffy and stretchy and just plain fun. The variegated black, white, gray, and pink reminds me so much of my teenage years (which decade that was, I won't admit). It's hard to see in the picture, but the bottom band is garter, while the rest is stockinette. And there's very subtle shaping done by switching needles. I started with a 10, went to a 7 and am knitting up to the top band with a 9. This is what the pattern calls for. Well, actually the pattern calls for needles in just slighly different sizes, but these are what I had. Oh well. We all improvise sometimes.

This is a photo of the free Elann pattern designed especially for this yarn. It's the darndest pattern I've ever seen. You knit up a rectangle (actually 2), and then the bodice is knit separately in one piece, then attached, I don't know how yet. It should be interesting. But I'm not knitting too much on this right now, because my attention is mostly riveted to my Hanging Garden Shawl. I just pick this up every now and then when I need a break.

I won't show any more pictures right now of the shawl. It still looks the same, just a little bit longer. But I'm really having a ball knitting the HGS. I love the yarn so much, I just wish I could knit faster!

Hopefully, our heat wave is going to break tonight. It's just been a sauna here in New York. Who ever thought I'd be grateful for 80's temperatures?

Vengeance Continues

2006-08-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

Summer continues with a vengeance here on the East Coast. We've been warned about heat stroke, brownouts, blackouts, you name it. Even New York's state parks are staying open - for free - for the next couple of days. Boy do I wish I didn't have to work so I could take advantage of a free swim at Jones Beach.

More Knitting

I did knit a few more rows on the Hanging Garden, and even got a much better picture of it.

I was mistakenly thinking I could get a better picture if I put more light on the subject. Well, this one had less light, and I like it much better than the other pictures I snapped. You can really see the texture of the piece here, and the beads showed up better too. This is closer to the real yarn color.

I guess I just need a whole lot more practice with my camera. (My Hubbo, by the way, thinks I'm completely nuts taking pictures of my knitting. I haven't explained the blog to him - I don't think he'd understand that.)

I also knit a few more rows on the Esprit tank top. I took a couple of photos, but foolishly forgot to upload them to this computer, so I will have to wait until tomorrow to show progress pictures of that one.

I'm feeling like I need more progress, more finishing. But I can only knit so fast. The need to finish has still not overtaken me to the extent that I can only knit on one project until it's done. How boring is that? Instead I choose to complain. Hey, it's my blog and I'll complain if I want to......(mucical notes reverberating in my mind).

Since I have no cat to take up the slack in my blog and show gratuitous pictures of, I guess that's it. Now grandchildren I have plenty, but I'm sure I'd be stoned out of the blogworld if I started posting those pictures!

Stupid Things People Say

2006-07-31T17:00:00.000-04:00

I think I'm going to stop saying things like "I can't believe July is over!" Well, it always happens, doesn't it? And it's no shorter than it was last year, is it? And "Summer seems to be just flying by!" Well, no, it really doesn't. It goes at the same speed every year. Let's pay attention, people. Time doesn't change, just the things that happen. So I'm going to make an effort to think about the stupid things I say.

On Knitting

Friday night, I cast on with beads for the Hanging Garden Stole. It took a couple of tries before I got it just right, and I'm really happy with the result. Here's my finished first repeat of the stole:

This yarn is my prize from the Diamond Fantasy KAL. The color is so much more beautiful irl, and my camera can't really capture how great this pattern is. I tried to give the shot as much light as I could. Maybe I need to try an outdoors shot and see if that shows the color better. Also, the beads are very pretty, and they don't show up here as well as they should. The pattern calls for drop beads, and these are quite a bit larger. But I love it.

Let's try a closer shot and see if it shows clearer:
the color is a bit better, but the beads aren't clearer. The whole pattern is 12 repeats, and this first repeat took me approximately 2 days. So if I can sustain my work on it, the stole could be completed in a month. We'll see. My official start date was July 27. I'll be very happy, and maybe surprised, if I can finish this by September 1.

I'm also still working on the tank top I began in Elann Esprit. It's pretty mindless stockinette on big needles, and I pick it up whenever I want a few minutes of no-thought knitting. It would be fun if I can wear it this year. I haven't taken any pictures of it - even the pictures would be boring.

And as for pictures, it looks like Blogger only wants to let me post two. I was trying to post pictures of the finished Romper, but it keeps giving me an error message. So those will still have to wait until another time.

Reading

I'm almost 500 pages into Until I Find You. Interesting, and now we're at a bit of a turning point, where everything Jack (the main character) knows seems to be changing. It could end up being a surprise.

This side of the US is knee-deep into a heat wave, and it's supposed to last a few more days. Try to keep cool, people.

Long Overdue Post

2006-07-28T16:43:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been very blog-lazy lately. I've been doing a lot of blog-reading instead of blog-posting. Maybe I have the summer blahs!?

On Weight Losing

I've been trying (somewhat) to stick to my WW eating program, and I think - after a year and a half - my body finally shows that it's losing something. I've been at this (off and on) for a year and a half, and so far have lost a little over 8 pounds. How ridiculous is this? Most people lose this much in a couple of months! Well, I guess I have to be truthful and admit I've been more off it than on it, so even losing 8 pounds must be some kind of miracle. I only have a little over 4 pounds to go to reach my goal. If only I could make myself not want sweets!

And Knitting

But there definitely has been knitting going on, even in this awful summer heat. The baby romper I posted about awhile back is finally finished (except for buttons) after a bit of fiddling and re-knitting.

I had found the leg openings to be a little too tight, so I inserted a circular needle just above the row I would rip back to:

It was pretty hard un-knitting from the other end. But having the needle already in place helped, and I got it ripped back, and then re-knit that sucker back a little more loosely and the legs became much stretchier. I'm glad I did it.

I wanted to post some more pictures of the finished article, but Blogger is throwing a little tantrum right now and won't upload my photos. I'll have to save it for another day. Maybe by then I'll have the buttons I need and you can see a truly finished object.

Under the subject of Startitis, I've started a Hanging Garden Stole, to KAL with the Sivia Harding Yahoo group. I'm really psyched about getting this stole under way. It's very pretty. I also have some pictures of that, which will have to wait as well, until Blogger stops throwing its hissy fit.

Reading

I've been reading John Irving's Until I Find You. This is a weird book. I'm enjoying it, but when people ask me what kind of story it is, I truly can't figure it out. It's not a romance, it's not an adventure, it's not a fantasy. I can only say what it isn't, not what it is. Maybe you'd call it human interest? Is that a category? Also, this is a long book, over 800 pages. It's a good thing I like it, or that would be a lot of pages and time to waste.

So have a great weekend, and hopefully next week Blogger will let me do my picture thing, and I'll have a little shawl stuff to show off.

Getting Back on Track

2006-07-19T17:10:00.000-04:00

I've been reading other people's blogs and thinking, 'why don't they post more often?' Uh-oh, (hanging my head) I'm guilty of that too! So I've got to make an effort to get it back together again.

Sure, I was on vacation. But that was from June 30 to July 11. Plenty of time for me to get back after that, right? It's amazing how quickly we can fall into apathy when we stop doing something.

Anyway, here I am making another effort.

Knitting Progress

I haven't finished any one piece of knitting. I do have the baby romper near completion, and have some pictures of how I resolved the tight leg bands. But, given the time of day and the fact that I have to leave work soon, I'll make that project my next post. Here's a picture of the front, just to add some color to the blog:

One reason the baby romper isn't finished is I've been hit really bad with startitis:

1) I started a top with the Elann Collection Esprit variegated, in the free Elann pattern that matches it.

2) I won a beautiful ball of hand-painted yarn in the Sivia Harding knitalong for Diamond Fantasy Shawl; so I'm going to use that to join her knitalong for Hanging Garden Stole, with beads. I ordered the beads today.

3) I got some pretty silver-gray lace wt. to make a pretty stole, and cast on; I'm still not sure if I'll go ahead with that, because once the beads come for my HGS I'll want to cast on for that.

And aside from startitis, I still have socks, tank top, vest, another shawl/stole, a baby blanket, another tank top, on the needles -- OMG, I can't even remember all of it!

OK, time to go home. Hope to be back tomorrow.

Yarn with Glitches

2006-06-23T13:22:00.000-04:00

No pics today of anything.

I'm still waiting for my new needles to arrive. The ones I ordered so I can start a new project? So just in case the needles come today, I brought a skein of the yarn to work with me.

I'm going to attempt this project (which will remain nameless for the time being) with Knit Picks Shine (60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal) in the color Cream. It has a nice soft feel, and this lacy short cardi (oops!) should feel nice in this yarn.

But as I looked at this skein of yarn, I noticed a large slubby spot that shouldn't be there. I hate when brand-new-unused-yarn has glitches like knots & slubs. It just doesn't seem fair. So I decided I'd better remove it.

This particular slub looked like it was very near the end of the skein, so my thought was I'd pull the skein to there and cut it. But after I started pulling, I realized it was just a little too long to discard. I unwound and wrapped a ball about 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

I surely have to cut this slub out, it's way too big and noticeable. But I don't see any way I can just tie a knot in this yarn. Cotton isn't very forgiving, and the knot would most probably migrate. So I guess I will have to cut anyway, and just keep this little ball aside for emergency use. Maybe for seaming?

I am always disappointed when new yarn has this kind of glitch. But then again, the yarn is rather inexpensive, so I guess in that case you just have to suck in in and accept.

Hey - I've even had knots in very expensive yarn too.

Have a great weekend!

Color Changes

2006-06-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I've just discovered that my blog pictures aren't that bad after all.

I do my blogging at work, since that's where I spend most of my time, and our computer network is much faster for uploading pictures of my knitting.

Today the firm distributed new flat-screen monitors for our floor. I took a look at the pictures on my blog, and wow! What a difference. It turns out my pictures haven't been that dark, my old monitor was just showing them very dark.

I will now stop complaining about my poor camera. (Although I still think I'm going to get a new one for Christmas - this one's only 2 MP)

I have no new knitting content today; it was too hot last night at home to knit, so I ironed instead.

And today I got a couple of little packages at work.

Sometimes I go into the "I gotta have something" mode, and order stuff I really could do without.

From Knitpicks, I got one more skein of the Dancing - Color Tap, and 5 skeins Dancing - Color Rumba. The Tap will augment the yarn I already have for the little socks I'm knitting. I can't even remember why I thought I needed the Rumba, no less 5 skeins of it. I must have been thinking baby sweater. That's enough for a baby sweater. But it's stretchy yarn, so what was I thinking?

And from Carodan (heaven forbid I pass up a sale) I got 5 skeins of red Katia Mississippi 3, another fingering weight yarn. It's 60% cotton, 40% acrylic. Also, 1 skein Sirdar Salsa Wool/Acrylic, DK weight, in a heathered light gray; and 1 skein red Debbie Bliss Wool/Cotton. What in the world will I do with one skein of each of these?

And all because they were on sale. Perhaps I'd better buy that book that has 1 skein projects.

This really is a sickness, isn't it people?

Sharing a Little More of My Projects

2006-06-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

First of all, I hope you all had a great day keeping the Fathers in your life happy. As for me, Hubbo & I spent 3 hours Sunday assembling the new gas grill I bought him for Fathers Day. It was a hot & sticky job, but the barbecue afterwards was good. And he's happy with it, which is the whole point.

I took some more pictures of a couple of the projects I've been working on. I keep trying to do a little bit on each of a few projects so maybe one day soon I'll have some finished stuff.

First, here's what's completed so far on the lilac tank top I've been working on. My pictures always look so dark once I transfer them to the blog, but this is really a very light lilac ribbon yarn. The content is acrylic, but it feels like cotton. I should have taken a picture of the pattern, so you could compare, see what the finished item should be. (to come)

This (dark) picture should show better the ribbon effect on the edge of the tank. It's really very cool. It's accomplished by slipping 3 stitches with the yarn in the purl position, and then purling the next 2 stitches, across. This is the back of the tank, so this stitch is just on the bottom edge & at the armhole shaping. The front of the tank has a lot of this stitch all across the lower half, until the neck shaping.

This is practically flying off my needles, because the pattern stitch is interesting. And I couldn't have picked a better yarn. The ribbon shows up the stitch, which I don't see how a regular yarn could do.

Next up, a Lacey Romper, which I'm knitting for whatever little somebody comes along. I think it's a 6 month size, and the yarn is Wendy DK, in a bright turquoise.

First, here's a photo of the Romper, so it's more clear what the heck it's supposed to be. I'm not sure if you can see the crossed-stitch bodice clearly, which is really a sort of double cabled stitch. It's pretty easy and fun to do. The most time consuming part of this romper was the bubbly body part, because it's all in one piece and ended up being a whole heck of a lot of stitches.

Here's a pic of the front, with the second back piece almost finished & the front stitches on a holder. This is a little bluer than actual, but the color is very close. Can you see the pretty gull wing lacey pattern? This held my interest for a couple of months, then I laid it aside for a few months. Just the other day it caught my eye, and I said, 'why am I not finishing this?'

This picture is one of the leg edges. See the lighter aqua color bands? The color contrast is pretty IRL, but I'm not too sure if I'll keep it. The lighter yarn I used seems to be a lighter weight, even though it was labelled DK.

The thing is, the leg edge feels a little tight, and not stretchy at all. Not a good thing for little chubby baby legs. The romper will have buttons or something at the crotch, but I think the leg is tight enough that the bottom button would have to stay open. I will have to re-think this one.

The sleeves are supposed to have the same 2-color effect at the edge, but I'm considering making it plain, to see if I can get a more stretchy edge. If that works, I can always undo the leg edges and knit down. If that doesn't work, I'll have to re-think something else.

So, all in all, I think I'm beginning to accomplish some finishing stuff. But remember how I said a couple of days ago that I felt a new project coming on? Today I ordered some new needles I would need to start that baby.

Friday!!!

2006-06-16T16:17:00.000-04:00

It's great to be Friday:

End of the work week
I don't cook on Friday nights
I can sleep lat(er) tomorrow morning
No more rain: we're having summery weather this weekend
Sunday is Fathers' Day, a good excuse to think up something fun to do
Maybe we'll go to the beach
More knitting time

On the other (negative) side of things, it's going to be a super weekend and I can't go to my trailer home in PA because it's Fathers' Day. Hubbo has to work, and it wouldn't be very nice of me to say "seeya" and leave him behind on a day that should be celebrated for him.

I have this little place in a community in PA, with a clubhouse, pool, and lots of relaxing under the trees. How great it would have been to go in the pool! I can't really get to my place much any more, family things keep getting in the way. So I'm actually trying to sell it. But while it's still mine, it would be nice to enjoy it once in a while. Since neither Hub nor myself is in a position to retire, time to enjoy stuff like that is at a minimum (whine, whine, whine). Ah, well, we'll find something else fun to do.

On the knitting front, the lilac top I'm knitting has been photographed. And then the battieries died! So the blogpics will have to wait until I put the newly charged batteries back in the camera. If I get any time away from my super fun weekend, I'll upload the pictures to the computer and download them to the blog. Phew! Sounds like a lot of work just talking about it!

And as if I didn't have enough stuff OTN, I've been thinking about another project. Just say no! Just say no! Just say no!

Happy weekend, dear reader.

Turned the heel......

2006-06-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

I love that phrase....turned the heel. Before I got into knitting socks, it sounded so mysterious, like an inside thing only sock knitters knew. Well, I guess it really is. Now that I know what it means, it's not mysterious any more, but it does mean something to me. Like, wow, I'm actually half-way finished with this sock! Here's the proof:

I 'turned' this little heel last night. Now for more boring stockinette for about 5". One thing I definitely like about this pattern is no Kitchenering for the toe. (I loathe Kitchenering.) It just decreases way down, and then draws the end thru the final loops.

I tried to take a picture with more light, but somehow that didn't work out very well. I think I see a newer, better camera in my Christmas future.

Here's a picture of the cuff. Just because I wanted to have one more picture to show. There really was a lot of light shining on this sock; I guess the camera just really does suck.

I gave some thought to photo-ing the lilac top I've started knitting, but it was just a thought. Maybe tomorrow.

Some Progress

2006-06-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

The attempt to finish up old projects is stra(u)ggling along. While I do have progress, it's just a little.

I have a pair of child's socks OTN, knitted from KnitPicks Dancing, color Tap, 41% cotton, 39% wool, 13% nylon, 7% elastic. What a great value, each 50 gr. ball is 253 yds. I'm making a child's sock, because I wasn't sure how big a sock I'd get out of it. The yarn is nicely stretchy. I love it.

Of all the pictures I took, this one shows the color best. My camera isn't the greatest, so it looks a little fuzzy. But the yarn actually has a tweedy effect to it, combined with the multi-color effect. My favorit thing about this color is it doesn't pool or stripe much. The pattern I'm following is a Child's Sock from Vintage Socks, but I'm making it plain stockinette rather than patterned, because the patterning doesn't show up well with this variegated yarn (duhh). Otherwise, I'm sticking to the pattern as written.

This picture (color not so good) shows how I knit my socks: inside-out. I've been doing this ever since I knit my first sock, and it suits me. I tried knitting them right-side-out, but the needle placement bothers me that way. It just makes much more sense to me my way. And hey, if the sock comes out right, who's to say I'm doing it wrong?

I started this little pair of sock* back in March. Other people can knit socks in a week - I can't. Like a lot of things I start, I got tired of it quickly. But I think I'm gonna try to knit at least a couple of rows on this each day.

See, my problem is, once I get sick of what I'm knitting, I find a real good reason to start something else. (Do you identify???) That's what got me started knitting on this pretty lilac-colored top with some ribbon yarn I had 'layin around' (which means I started something else I didn't like and ripped & re-started somthing else). But more on that when (if) I get some pictures of what I started.

And one of these days I really will publish the list of what I still have OTN. What amazes me most about this list of things is the amount and variety of needles I have & forgot I have!

And lest I forget, I went back & got the close-up picture of the DFS I finished:

It's dark, yes, but at least it's a close up. And if you look really carefully, you might be able to see some of the beads I put on the points. One day I will actually take a picture of it on me.

* I say 'sock' because there's been only one for a long time. It will become 'socks' if I start the second one.

Back From Nowhere

2006-06-13T17:22:00.000-04:00

Hi World - I'm back!

I don't know exactly what it is that makes me go into lurkdom. Maybe a case of the Spring blahs. All I know is, I wasn't interested in writing at all. And I noticed several people whose blogs I regularly read had the same problem with the writing blahs. Well, maybe it's over, and I can resume my life as usual.

At least I didn't stop knitting over the last couple of months. I kept up with my Diamond Fantasy Shawl, and actually finished it. Two months! I'm amazed at myself - my first complete shawl, and finished in 2 months! Here are some pics:

Here it is blocking.
This is about as close as I can come to the real actual color. On my computer it looks all dark and washed out, but in actuality, it's a very pretty dark teal. The yarn is Elann Baby Cashmere, which is wool, alpaca & cashmere, and it was great to work with. It will be comfy in the winter, but probably a little warm for a summer shawl.

I tried to upload a close-up, but couldn't find it. Anyway, here's a pic that shows the diamond pattern a little better. Maybe tomorrow I'll find the close-up pic to show. You can't tell from these pictures, but I didn't make the full 10-repeat shawl. I knit 8 repeats, because I haven't really been a shawl wearer and I didn't want the darn thing hanging down below my tush. As a result, it looks a lot wider than long. Like a couple of bat wings. I need to buy myself some blocking wires and try again for a shape that I like.

OK, this is about all I can do for today. I congratulate myself on coming back into the blog world, and hope to do better after this.

New FO Finally!

2006-04-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

The Pingouin baby layette is finished! And I actually have some pictures to post.

Isn't it cute? I started the leggings that go with it, but knew I would never have it finished for the baby shower, which was last Saturday. At this point, I'm not really sure if I will make the pants at all. In any case, it's a 12 month size, so if I do decide to make the pants, I have until next winter.

Now that I'm finished with this outfit, I'm wishing I could start something new. But I'm trying really hard to control myself, since I have so many unfinished things OTN. And I have the Diamond Fantasy Shawl, which it would be fun to finish. I also finally cast on for the second orange lacy sock of a pair I'm knittting for my sister. Even though it seems like something new, it's actually just the continuation of a project I started last year.

So I'm going to keep knitting away on the things unfinished, and maybe soon I'll have pictures of more things.

I'm Still Around

2006-04-10T16:18:00.000-04:00

I don't know why this inertia sets in, the lack of interest in blogging and many other things. Can it be Spring fever? I'm not sure. I have been keeping up with my knitting and reading, but that's about all.

I'm just about finished with the sweater set for the new grandchild. That's good, because I just found out there's a baby shower coming up in two weeks. All I have left to do is finish up the neck band on the hat and find some buttons. I'm not worrying about knitting the pants that go with the outfit, since I know I'll never finish them in two weeks. I'm not even sure if I ever will knit the pants. They're so boring to knit. But the size of the outfit is 12 months, so I'll have plenty of time to decide before the baby is big enough to wear it.

No pictures yet of this outfit.

I also joined a shawl KAL, over at Sivia Harding's yahoo site. I don't know why, it just seemed like the thing to do. That I do have a couple of pictures of.

This is the Diamond Fantasy Shawl, knitted in Elann's Peruvian Collection Baby Cashmere, color Dark Teal. I'm using size 5US circs. I wish I had played with the color a bit, because this doesn't show the beautiful teal color at all. You also can't really see, but I'm adding some beads at each of the points and in the center of each of the middle diamonds. So far it's been fun to knit. It's also going pretty fast because this isn't lace weight yarn, it's fingering.

Here's a close-up, and if you look real hard, you can see the two center beads. And you can almost see the color. I really have to try harder to get proper pictures.

I just love the cashmere of it. I've never worn shawls, but the cashmere of this one is yummy, so it may cause me to change my habits.

Enjoy the spring weather - more of it coming up later this week.

Addendum - Hyperlinks

2006-03-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

Please be patient with me - today is the first time I've played with hyperlinks and I can see I didn't do it exactly right. I'll get better, I promise.

Bad Blogger!

2006-03-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

I've been bad - it's over a week since my last post. But it's more accurate to say I've been lazy. I've been knitting for sure, but writing? photographing? Zilch.

I just read about Turkish cast-on over at fluffyknitterdeb's blog. I know I've probably read about this cast-on before, but this time somehow it gelled. I've been wanting to knit toe-up socks, with no luck (can't manage the crochet cast-on), but this looks like I can work it. I can't wait to try it - after I finish about a dozen things.

I do have a photo I can post: the pattern shot of the Pingouin baby sweater I'm working on. I didn't want to show it until I took shots of the actual knitting for comparison, but I feel bad that I've been lazy, so here it is:

I've wanted to make this pattern for a long time, so I finally went for it. I have the back and fronts done, and I'm just about finished with the sleeves. I've been meaning to block everything for sewing up, but there you go, lazy again. The button bands and neck band get added after the other seams are sewed, but otherwise I'm feeling pretty good about being near the end.

Then I think I'll start the baby socks (in the picture). I have to do the hat too (not in picture), but since my trial/swatch of the pattern was the hat (in purple) a couple of months ago, I think I'll save that for last. The mystery is gone. There are pants too, but right now I'm not promising I'll knit them. I might be at the point of being sick of this pattern.

It will be so nice to complete this, since I want to get to some of the other things on my OTN list. I re-did the list yesterday. Even after frogging a sweater I wasn't happy with, I still have 16 knit items otn, and two crochet afghans. Maybe tomorrow I'll post the list.

Reading

I'm nearing the end of The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova. I find it fascinating, and recommend it to anyone who likes a good Dracula story. Although, it's not really a typical vampire novel, it's very different. The story is approached more from a historical point of view. Believe it or not, it really is a historical novel, according to the author. Read about it at Amazon.com. I love it.

And I finally picked up a copy of Stephen King's Cell - a novel. That's probably going to be my next read.

Getting Things Back on Track

2006-03-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited: I got my camera to work properly! I found the manual that was trying to be lost, and read a little bit of it. I'm not sure what I did to make the camera work, but it does, and I'll say no more. So now I can show you what I've been doing.

This is a baby hat I knit out of Sock it to Me! Collection Colori (from Elann). The pattern: Harlequin Hat, is free on their site. It suggests using two different colors of sock yarn, because it's actually reversible. But I didn't have different colors, & I love the way this came out. Those colors are pretty accurate. I've just cast on for a pair of little socks to match. I just hope I'll have enough yarn left for both socks.

Here's the basket pattern baby hat I knit when I was testing out the yarn to use for my baby layette. This is Sirdar Snuggly, which knit up very pleasantly, but I couldn't see myself knitting a whole layette in this color. I did order the Snuggly in white with speckles, which didn't do justice to this pattern. And I couldn't find any other pattern I wanted to use. So instead I ordered some Peter Pan Wendy in a light aqua. Pictures of that to come. (I hope!)

And finally, here's the pink furry scarf and fingerless gloves I made for my GD's birthday. The scarf is about 5 feet long. They're made from Brazilia Fur, and the yarn was easy to work with.

I absolutely loved them! I had to put them into the mail for her, because the family were away somewhere, so I don't know her reaction to them yet.

Next I'm going to try getting pictures of my current projects. More tomorrow.

Winter's Back

2006-02-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

Here in New York City, we got so used to mild winter weather that it feels like a surprise that it actually got colder than a.......(you supply the adjective) over the weekend. I had to leave the house to shop on Saturday, and I don't think it was too awfully cold. But Sunday I spent in the house, knitting whenever I got the chance. So imagine my shock when I left the house this morning for work. I did bundle up, but I was reminded of how grateful I am that I don't have to work outdoors.

Knitting

You know how sometimes you just don't want to do much of anything? Well, because of that, knitting progress isn't all that much: a couple of inches on the baby sweater fronts is all. And I did some cooking, so that took a bit of time away from the knitting. I really did want to review my projects OTN, but the time never seemed to come. Feels like I'm getting into winter hibernation mode.

Photos

I fiddled around with the camera yesterday, and I still don't know what I've done wrong. To make matters worse, I can't for the life of me remember where I put the camera documentation - like the operation manual? I am taking pictures just fine, but when I try transferring them to the computer I get a weird type image instead of the photo that I can see on the camera. Funny thing, all my old photos will still transfer as pictures, but the new ones are silly images. So until I find the documents, I guess I won't have any pictures. I hate it when I put things away, I can never find them again.

And don't you know, I never got pictures of the furry fingerless gloves for my GD? Wouldn't it be a shame if I had to go buy a newer, better camera????!!!!!

Oh well, tonight's another (knitting) night, so maybe I'll get some more work done.

End of The Week

2006-02-24T17:06:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to check in because it's Friday!!! And just in case I don't get around to checking in over the weekend. It was a short week, but didn't it feel longer?

So last night I succeeded in getting the ripped-out-band of the baby sweater back onto a stitch holder. My friend cut just a little too much off, and made it difficult to get to the row I needed. I haven't actually ripped out a bottom edge before, and I didn't realize how difficult it might be getting the stitches to align. They are, after all, going in the wrong direction now. But I think it will work out OK once I knit a row or two down. Updates to come.

The Olympics will be over this weekend, but I will definitely not be finished with my baby sweater. I need to remember in future not to get myself into these things. What was I thinking? But I've been enjoying the Olympics, and Sasha came really close!

Over the weekend I'm going to try to evaluate my extensive (ridiculous) list of projects OTN, and maybe assign them an order of finishing preference. And maybe decide to frog something. After all, 16 projects is a little too much.

Have a good weekend!

Afterthought Post

2006-02-23T17:19:00.000-05:00

My Projects

Here's a list of what I have on the needles:

Baby Layette - Pingouin - sweater half done.
Baby Romper - 1/3 done
Aberdeen - Dale - in progress
Fur Headband - in progress
Bead Stitch Anklets - 1 sock done
Sleveless Cardigan (Vest) - Pingouin - approx. 4" of back done - stalled!
Rimini Cardigan - Jaeger - back almost done - stalled!
Cutaway Tank Top - cotton - stalled!
Emozione Pullover - Elann - stalled!
Silver Treasure Cardigan - in Patons Brilliant - stalled!
Bistro Shirt - Oat Couture - stalled!
Gothic Leaf Stole - Sivia Harding - stalled!
Seascape Shawl - Fiddlesticks - very stalled!
Cropped top # 5081 - Sirdar - stalled!
Child's Sweater - Sirdar - extremely stalled!
Round Baby Blanket - stalled!

I'm afraid there may be more. I think maybe I should frog something, but I don't know what! Perhaps a decision tomorrow.

Knitting Olympics??!!!!

2006-02-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've obviouxly been forgetting that my Pingouin baby layette is what I decided to make for the KO. I don't know why I signed up at all, since I usually have trouble keeping up with a KAL. I inevitably drop out and just finish whenever. I mean, I really will finish this layette anyway, but not in time for the end of the Olympics. I guess I knew that from the start, but maybe I thought the KAL would spur my work along. Face it, I can't knit any faster no matter what.

Today my knit buddy cut off the twisted bottom band from my baby sweater. I was simply going to rip back from the original cast-on to the start of the basket pattern, then knit down in garter until I get the required length & bind off. But my bud misunderstood; she thought I was going to rip out the whole back & start over in garter. She said it would be so much easier just to cut the whole thing off and start knitting down.

Well, what with crossed interpretations, we were really talking about the same thing. Only, I would have used the same yarn that I wanted to unravel & she cut it off so now I have to use new yarn. Whatever, it's still going to accomplish the same thing, and I have plenty of yarn. I'll just pick up the live stitches and start gartering along. This just goes to show you, we must be more specific when we speak. Also, we should be more specific when we listen!

Progress.......

2006-02-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

Knitting/Photos

My knitting progress continues, but there's no progress in picture posting. I truly have to admit to being lazy about finding out what's wrong with the camera. I get home from work, make dinner, watch TV & knit. I could blame it on the Olympics, couldn't I?

But I did successfully become a member of the NYCKnitters Ring. For whatever that's worth. That's progress!!

Anyway, the knitting. I completed the back of the Pingouin baby sweater. I love the basket pattern, but am not loving the twisted stitch border/band. It still curls up. (A photo here would help.) So I'm starting the two fronts (together at the same time) with a plain garter band, and if I like that better I'll rip out the band on the back and knit down a garter band to match. I guess I should just have done that in the first place, considering how much trouble that twisted stitch gave me anyway. Well, 'they' do say: you learn from your mistakes?

And I finished the two fingerless gloves in furry stuff. I'd really better fix that camera so I can get a pic before I have to gift them. The B'day is on the 28th. I'm still working occasionally on the romper, and the alpaca scarf came out of hiding (need to finish that before winter's end). My list seems endless, but don't you know I'm already getting itchy to start something else? What is up with that?

Reading

I just finished reading perhaps the worst book I've ever read: Disturb Not the Dream, by Paula Trachtman. It was written around 1980(?) and is supposed to be a gothic horror/romance/thriller. Awful book. Every chapter has someone getting seduced, raped, incestized, etc. The only reason I finished it at all is to see if it ever got any better. It was recommeded by someone who thought it was 'the best book (she) ever read'.* I have no comment on that, except that if I was assigning stars to review the book, I'd give it -***** (that's a negative number, folks.)

*I must remember to consider who's giving the recommendation.

Happy George Washington's Birthday!

FO's.....Still No Pictures

2006-02-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

First of all, I'd like to thank my one anonymous reader (Jess) for her advice on how to post the blogring HTML on my site. It worked! and that makes very me happy. It's only thru help from individuals like that, that I can finally understand what the heck I'm doing.

Knitting

I've been knitting up a baby storm lately. I think I mentioned that I finished the layette in pink Wendy, and the only thing missing is buttons. I finished two hats. And finally decided (after buying $$ worth of Snuggly) to make my Pingouin layette for the new GD from pale aqua Wendy DK. It's a very light DK, so I'm getting the gauge expected from fingering weight, by going down a little in needle size.

I made the attempt with the Snuggly, but I got the white with colored sprinkles and it hid the pattern - that's why I went to the Wendy. Then the bottom band pattern gave me problems, & just when I decided to just go with garter stitch I finally got it! I've gotten about 6" into the pattern now, and really like the look of the whole thing.

I also finished up the furry scarf for my GD's birthday next week, and the fingerless gloves to match. I just love them! And I know she will too. Now a friend found a site that has a free pattern for a headband out of the same kind of yarn. I have so much fur left over, it would be a sin not to make some headbands. So, if I get to it within the next week, that's what the GD will get too.

My only regret is that I have no pictures to show. I just haven't had the time at home to fiddle with the camera. I hope I can get to it this weekend, because a knitting blog without pictures just ain't the same.

Reading

I just finished James Patterson's Mary Mary. His books are always quick reads, but this one was ridiculously so. I finished it in 3 days, partly because I had nothing to do at work and nobody complained about me reading. Now I'm reading this old novel a friend recommended - Disturb Not the Dream, by Paula Trachtman. Her friend told her it was the best book she ever read. Well, maybe it is, if all you want is seduction, seduction, seduction. I prefer a little more to my story, thank you. Note to self: always remember to put it into perspective, who is recommending the book.

We have a wonderful 3 day weekend coming up. Right now I wish I could just spend the 3 days in bed, but I have to baby sit Sunday Night/Monday. That's not too bad, because the two GC's are 7 & 11, so it's not like running around after tots. But it so would be nice to have the three days to myself. Note to self: Grandchildren are only young once & it's nice if they know who you are.

So, that's it for the weekend, unless I have any further groundshaking news (like winning the lottery!).

Changes

2006-02-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

I couldn't figure out what in the world I did wrong to get all the strange changes I had yesterday, like centering etc. I wasn't able to change it back or fix it in any way, so I just chose a new template & voila! it looks almost normal now.

I've also tried again at adding the Blogring HTML. It shows up, there at the top, but I'm not positive that's how it's supposed to look. I guess I'll hear from the ringmom after she looks at it, and see if it's acceptable.

It really would help a lot if I knew anyone who knew how to manage blogs, but I don't so I'll just muddle along.

Knitting

My Snuggly yarn arrived yesterday and I'm all psyched to start the Pingouin layette for my new GBaby. I cast on and knit a few rows, but it's slow going. Because - the bottom border is a kind of twisted rib (not a rib): it involves picking up & knitting the second stitch and then the first stitch.

And I don't have the right size Inox for it. I'm using an Aero, but the point is not pointy enough to pick up the stitch without a fight. I so hope the new Inox I ordered comes today!

Pictures

I wish I had taken some time last night to look at the camera and find out why my pictures won't transfer to the computer. But I didn't, and so I have no pictures to show of the new yarn and the start of the new project. (I know, I was supposed to wait until Friday to cast on - because of the Knitting Olympics; but alas, I couldn't resist!)

Since Survivor is on tonight, I'm not hopeful that I'll look at the camera tonight either. But without pictures - hey, I'm boring myself to tears on this blog without something to show.

In lieu of pictures, here at work our Thursday knitting group does a show & tell. I've brought in all the little thingies I finished up over vacation to show the group. At least someone will see them. Drop on by!

Vacation's Over!!

2006-02-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

Right now it seems like I never was on vacation. Life just gets back to normal a little too quickly, doesn't it? And I didn't bring any money home from Atlantic City. Well, did I really expect to? Uh....no! But I did have fun.

Knitting

I finished up a few little things when I was at home: a couple of baby hats, a 3-6 mo. layette for a baby girl, the pink furry scarf. And I started a couple of other things too: wristlets to go with the pink furry scarf, a baby girl romper. And I finally ordered the Snuggly yarn for the outfit I'm going to make for my new GD. It should arrive any day now, and if it comes before Friday I'll cast on as part of the Olympics knitalong. Since I'm going to knit it anyway!

I tried taking some pictures of the items I finished knitting, but my camera's having some kind of hissy fit and wouldn't transfer the pictures to the computer. I have to take a look at it and see what's wrong. Maybe I need a new flash card.

Gifties

I got a belated Birthday/Christmas gift from son #3: a 7" personal DVD player. I love, love, love it. Feels like I'm actually joining the 21st century, with all the new electronics coming into my possession.

Joining

I'm trying again to see if I can get into a Blogring. Let's see if I did it right this time. I should know in a few days. Sheesh, everything seems so complicated.

I'll check back in once I figure out what's wrong with my stuff. Reminds me of an old song (and I can't remember the group), where one of the lines goes "my possessions are causing me suspicion, but that's no proof".

Better Pictures

2006-01-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

I've gotten a better picture of the Basketweave Socks I finished. I think this shows them off better. I'm rather proud of them. I have more pictures, but I think this shows them the best. And after all, just how many picture of the same socks do you want anyway?

And here's the Furry Scarf & Hat set on the granddaugher I made them for. She really does love them. And it looks like I couldn't have picked a better color. Below is a picture of the hot pink one I started for her older sister. That's approximately 14 " of scarf there. But I think it's way too wide. It's only 40 stitches, but looks a lot wider I guess because I'm using size 10 needles. I believe the needle size is OK, but I'm going to rip it out and start over with 30 stitches. The girl is 15, and the wide scarf just won't cut it. But I have to hurry it up - her B'day is the end of Feb.

I finally decided I'm going to use the Wendy yarn to knit the baby layette for my future GD, and I bought what I needed. But I started the edge of the cardigan, and I'm not happy with the way it's coming out. Another rip-out. I have a feeling I might have a Snuggly purchase in my future. I did like that yarn better, but the extra price held me back. Ah, what the heck, if I'm not happy with what I'm knitting, I should just go ahead and spend the bucks.

But now I'm stuck with a whole load of Wendy. Who am I kidding? When did a knitter ever cry about having too much yarn. I'm sure I'll find something to use it for. But I do have to make my mind up soon about whether to purchase different yarn.

I'm on vacation this week, so who knows when I'll post again. We're off to Bally's AC tomorrow, so wish me luck. I didn't win the Lotto, so maybe I'll win something in the slots. Hah!

Picture Failure

2006-01-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

Knitting

Last night I took a picture of the furry scarf I'm working on. But the camera said "memory card full", and in disgust I put the camera aside and didn't do anything else about it. You can see I'm easily frustrated.

But I finished the first skein of fur, and so far the scarf is about 14 inches long. I am mucho optimistic that this baby will be done for GD's birthday. If I finish it relatively soon, I'd like to make fingerless gloves to go with it. I really think she'll like that.

My fickle mind is now questioning whether I really need to buy all that Snuggly (layette will take 12 balls), or if I can get away with the Wendy. The little sweater I knitted with the Wendy is a kind of drapey fabric, but then again, it called for a size US6 needle. I think I'll try a smaller needle & knit up maybe some booties and see how I like the fabric.

If this keeps up, I won't have a sweater set by May.

I've almost finished the cute little basketweavey hat I knit up with the Snuggly (techically, it's not basketweave, I just don't know what to call it) . Just have to cast off, sew up the neckband & find a couple of buttons. If I get over my frustration with the camera, I'll post a picture of that too.

One day I'd like to get back to some of my more 'serious' knitting. Whatever 'serious' is. The Seascape shawl I started last summer watches me from her nest atop the hope chest, but I'm ignoring her right now. That's something that needs my concentration, and I don't think I have that much of it right now, judging by my fickleness with the baby yarn.

Reading

I've just finished a Gail Godwin novel, The Good Husband. I've never read Godwin before, and I was very surprised at my range of emotions while reading it. First I hated most of the characters, as pompous literary types. Then I caught onto how all the characters, each in turn, assumed they knew what each of the others thought or meant by what they said or did -- even though their assumptions were wrong. What a catalogue of human beings not paying attention to each other. I'm glad I read it.

But now I'm going back to fantasy; I'm going to start Narnia, all the stories in one huge book. One good thing about a book like this: if I get bored with it, I can leave it after finishing a story & go on to something else and come back when I'm ready.

Blog Ring

I never heard anything from the Knitting Bloggers ringmaster, as to whether they accepted me. So I've taken that silly box off the top of my blog. Maybe I'll try again after I learn more about managing the stuff in my blog.

Update

2006-01-25T16:55:00.000-05:00

I'm still trying to update my blog, get it to look the way I want it. It seems to be a slow process, mostly because I do most of my blog managing at work, in between other stuff they want me to do. Like work. Once I go home, I'm too tired to look at the computer.

I applied to join a knitting blogring. That's what that silly looking thing is up under my blog title. I am so not sure that I did that right. The blogring instructions said to 'copy from the box below', and paste it into my blog. And that's what I did, but it doesn't look right to me. Their moderator, or owner or whoever that person is, is supposed to take a look at my blog to see if I've posted the dratted thing. You'd think they'd email me and let me know if I did it right.

So I have no new pictures.

And I still haven't made a decision about what baby layette I want to knit. But I do have 10 inches knit on the furry scarf. At least there's some progress somewhere.

I'm taking a week vacation next week. Not doing anything spectacular, just a couple of nights at Bally's in Atlantic City. I love the music of the one-armed-bandits! After that we'll probably just sleep late, watch a lot of TV, maybe take in a movie. Maybe I'll even approach my computer and get some more pictures uploaded.

We'll see.

Some Knitting is Done!

2006-01-24T15:11:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally gotten some pictures of finished objects. For Christmas, I made my 10 yo GD this hat and scarf from Brazilia fun fur. I fell in love with the color (deep teal) and was lucky enough to finish it in time to give the set to my GD for Christmas. She absolutely loved it! Isn't it cute? Plain, but cute.

I also have a picture of the set on her, but it's sideways & I can't figure out how to rotate it so it can be seen straight up. What a computer moron I am.

And now, her older sister 'needs' one for her birthday, at the end of February. I've gotten the same yarn in hot pink, which is her favorite, and am in the process (7 inches worth) of knitting it. I should have taken a picture of it for comparison. Maybe tomorrow.

Here's one of the basketweave socks I made from Kroy Socks light green, and the dark green (also heel & toe) is some unknown sock yarn I had in stash. That's my foot, by the way. The leg part only comes just above the ankle. That's OK, I don't like my socks too long. I had a picture somewhere of both of them, but this is all I forwarded to this computer. But you get the idea. They were kind of fun to make. The basketweave was made with slip stitch. They fit well, and feel really comfy.

I still have a pair of orange Kroy socks that I haven't finished. Actually, I haven't even cast on for the second sock. They're destined for my sister. She's in Las Vegas, so it's not like her feet will get cold if I don't hurry up and finish them.

Anyway, right now I seem to have this drive to knit baby things. I need to start an outfit for a Grandchild expected in May, so I'm testing out different yarns to see what I'd like to use.

So for testing purposes, I knit up a tiny baby girl sweater in pink Peter Pan Wendy. It's nice, but maybe not as firm a fabric as I'd like. So I tested out Sirdar Snuggly (I need to use acrylic -- busy Mom) by knitting the hat to the outfit I thought I'd like to make - from a Pingouin book. And I do like the fabric the Snuggly makes, and will probably use it.

But now that I've knit up the hat that's part of the originally chosen set (a kind of basketweave), I might decide on a different pattern altogether. It's cute, but I'm over it, I think. I might settle on a more plain outfit that utilizes garter stitch. However, I've read that garter uses up more yarn. I'm so confused. I'd like to start something before the damn baby is born.

Anyway, at least I've given some pictures. Hopefully I'll give more tomorrow.

What am I doing?

2006-01-23T17:25:00.000-05:00

We've had a nice three day weekends for a while, and a normal weekend this week. Now it feels like I've been gypped of something. Getting back to a regular work week sucks.

I haven't been doing much of anything, except knitting little baby things that aren't even needed very soon. Just avoiding my regular knitting. Don't know why.

More anon.

My Blog Needs Work

2006-01-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it does, and I haven't taken the time to read all the material that should tell me how to clean it up and make the changes I want. I'm still palying around, trying to get stuff to work.

I just got this cute avatar, and I wish I knew how to make it appear all the time in the blog. Well, it really doesn't much look like me anyway, but it's the closest I could come. But that's not the point. I'm really, really dumb about blog stuff, and I can't ask anyone to give me tips because I haven't told anyone I know about the blog. I don't want to out myself yet.

Knitting

I finished up my green basketweave socks last night. The basketweave part is a really cool slip stitch. More info when I get foot pictures. I'll try to post a picture of them soon, I hope. My digital has been giving me trouble transferring the pics to computer, and I may have to buy a new USB cable. (All my electronices are ganging up on me!)

I'm working on finishing up a lovely lavender baby alpaca scarf. Very simple pattern (made it up), but boring. But one of my goals this year is: finishing! Then I'll need to start a hot pink furry scarf for a GD whose B'day is end of Feb. That's a simple one too: plain garter - but b.o.r.i.n.g. However, I did promise.

Reading

I'm coming up on the end of The Princes of Ireland. I'm enjoying it a lot. The next book, I think, will be one loaned to me by my office mate: The Good Husband, by Gail Godwin. I've started my list of books read in 2006. I find it's necessary to keep a list, because it's so easy to forget I read someting and then try to read it again. So many books, so little time!

On Diets of Different Kinds

2006-01-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

It seems most people I read in blogland are on yarn diets. And some are on food diets. Well, January is the time of year when people think they're supposed to make fresh starts. Funny, because there really are other times in the year for that.

Springtime is notoriously the time for renewal. But I don't recall quite so many people swearing off yarn or food at the beginning of Spring. And a lot of people feel like September is a time for new beginnings - coinciding, I guess, with the beginning of school as we remember it from childhood. Some might think a birthday is a good time to start fresh. And actually, a good hangover is definitely a great time to start (or promise to) an altogether different kind of diet.

So then why do we all make such a big fuss over making 'resolutions' for the New Year?

I'm admitting to being guilty of that too.

My food diet (ah, excuse me - 'eating program') actually began a year ago. That was last year's resolution. And after a year, and a whole bunch of down-three-pounds, up-two-pounds, I'm down 5 lbs of weight in total. That really sucks. But I'm still going to try.

I've joined the National Body Challenge, in which you get 8 free weeks at a Bally's club of your choice. So that's my second resolution, which actually will help me with the first - providing I actually do exercise, that is.

And without a doubt, the perrennial yarn diet. I actually am embarrassed by how much yarn I've bought. And the cost of it! I can't knit fast enough to actually finish things and start the new yarn once I've bought it. So it goes into the stash, of course.

So there I have three things that are priority on my list of new beginnings. Oh! And what about not spending money needlessly this year!!?? Really, once you start to think about things you can or should change, it seems like there's no end!

And who am I to say it's stupid to think that, just because it's January, we should all start over? Isn't it great that we can, if we want to? How depressing it would be if we thought that we couldn't change a thing!

One More Try

2006-01-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Is the Blogring # here yet?

A Little Update

2006-01-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

I've applied to joing the knitting blogring, and am supposed to post the blogring # here. Did it work?

A New Start

2006-01-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

With the start of the personal change season, I've joined the National Body Challenge. I'm not even seriously overweight, I just have my weight pooling in the wrong places. So joining the NBC allows you to get 8 free weeks at a Bally gym.

I've never used any kind of gym equipment, so I'm just a little intimidated, but they're supposed to give me one free hour with a trainer to show me the ropes. I'll be doing that tonight at a facility near my job.

I figure if I can come in early in the morning, I can work out before work. If I like working out, then after the free weeks maybe I'll joing a gym near my house (if the price is right). I could join the gym near my job, but I'm not really a morning person, so I'm not sure how that will work out. Nearer to home would mean I can go home, start dinner for the Hubster, and then change & go work out.

Wow! I think I'm finally learning some stuff about posting images to this blog! Who said you can't teach an old dog?

I've been working on finishing my green basketweave socks. Hopefully that can be my first completed item of 2006, and I'll take the foot picture and post it. I'd like to make finishing my new habit. That would be progress.

Today I received another package of yarn that I ordered as my last-of-2005 cramming spree. Hopefully it's the last. It's Debbie Bliss wool/cotton in rust color that I purchased from Herrschnerr's at a good price, and I have absolutely no idea what I'm making with it. I just went on a buying spree because I said I was going on a yarn diet, and I guess I felt like I couldn't do that without having enough. Whatever "enough" is. I now have so much yarn under my desk here at work that pretty soon I won't be able to move. I dread taking it home, because I have nowhere to put it. This really is a sickness, ya know?

And I still have to buy some baby yarn to make an outfit for the new grandchild due in May. It's hard to believe that, out of all the yarn I already possess, I have nothing to use for a baby outfit!

At least I'm getting some enjoyment out of working these little icons into the blog. Sometimes it takes very little to amuse myself,