Kimberly's Korner

November News

2008-11-04T21:11:00.003-05:00

I really thought I'd be back to blogging before now. Many times I planned to post but something stopped me.

Unfortunately, one of the relatives I mentioned in my last post died. It was a shock to the entire family. Although it has been months since her death, it still feels like yesterday. Of course, we've all managed to go on but there is a void without her.

In news of civic duty, I cast my vote today. I am proud to say that a record number of people voted today. I hope it is a sign that as Americans we are taking the steps to move forward to work together, and have our voices heard, no matter who wins the elections for each office.

On the crafting front, I finished a scarf. While it's true that I'm not really a scarf knitter, I was happy to just be knitting. Given the amount of projects I've finished this year, one may doubt I knit at all. I've not been able to capture a decent finished photo but hope to do so soon.

I've begun swatching for the Gibson Girl Pullover by Shirley Paden. Once it's finished, my plans are to either begin Christmas ornaments, Indigo Ripples, or the Ribbed Yoke Sweater from an older Debbie Bliss book.

Before Knitta-Palooza in March, I'm hoping to also make a shawl, a vest, and possibly one other item to wear during the event.

Hopefully, I'll be back to blogging regularly soon. This particular entry is short but I really just wanted to jump back into the saddle. Maybe for the next post, I'll actually have a progress photo of the Gibson Girl and a finished photo of the Lace Leaf Scarf.

It's Been a Long Time

2008-06-29T10:05:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you think you have stepped off of a roller coaster. You feel like you've gained knowledge and you start to move on. Then, you find you've either only been coasting on the deceptively smooth part of the same ride or that you've actually stumbled onto another roller coaster.

I have lost a few people recently.

Now, two of my close relatives are in extremely poor health. Both were in ICU but in different states. A few days ago, both seemed to be making great strides. Then things turned.

Now, we've been told it will take a miracle to save one of them. They had to put her in a medically induced coma. Now her kidneys are shutting down, and...

I sit with regrets of not communicating with her more because I don't know what will happen from here and it truly doesn't look good. I know that she knows I love her. I just wish I had told her more often because the chance to tell her again may gone. While she lives on the West Coast and I on the East Coast, as children we once lived in the same house.

Sometimes I feel like I need another me to get done all the things I need to do, to see all the people I need to see, to give love and support to all the people that mean so much to me. I am but a broken vessel, myself.

I feel somewhat lost.

I'll get it together, though.

Healing Hokies

2008-04-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

It has been a year today since the terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech.

It is my hope that we will all band together to help one another in an effort to prevent such horrible losses.

May the healing of the Hokies continue.

Knitta-Palooza 2008, Entry 2..almost

2008-04-03T22:10:00.005-05:00

I haven't been able to get my photos to post. I will keep trying.

Hopefully I'll get some posted soon. I did manage to post a few in Ravelry.

Meanwhile, I'm about 40% done with the Eyelet baby dress and the socks are pretty much hibernating.

Knitta-Palooza 2008 - Entry 1

2008-03-15T12:39:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick Knitta-Palooza entry.

The teachers this year are Melissa Leapman, Annie Modesitt, Margaret Fisher, Myrna Stahman, and Barry Klein.

I'll have lots of pictures to post soon.

Currently on the needles I have the Breast Cancer socks by Lisa Lloyd. Once those are finished, and possibly before, I will be knitting the eyelet baby dress by Debbie Bliss.

I'm headed back to class now!

Go Red For Women

2008-02-01T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today is "National Wear Red Day!"

The American Heart Association is trying to raise awareness of risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer of women, and also educating people on what they can do to reduce their chances of heart disease and related illnesses. For information, please go to their site: Go Red For Women

Since several less than desirable risk factors for me were inherited, I'm working on living in a manner that helps to put me at a lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Learn what you can do to lower your risks!

In knitting news, there is little to tell. Instead of knitting, I've been exercising. I have not yet figured out how to fit both into my day. It's hard enough to fit in one or the other.

Once I figure out how to work knitting back into my routine, I plan to cast-on for The Vest of Many Stitches by Sally Melville or a baby gift for the many new babies born to my friends. It's entirely possible that I will begin knitting something during the Superbowl.

In other knitting news, KnittaPalooza is 20 days away. I'm looking forward to it. Annie Modesitt, Melissa Leapman, Myrna Stahman, and Margaret Fisher will be teaching. Although I thoroughly enjoy the classes, I think I look forward to seeing the fashion show and all the different knitters more than anything else.

Tempting remains on the needles. Unfortunately, it's just not tempting me any more. I might get motivated to finish before KnittaPalooza so I have something else knitted to wear.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying Ravelry and SparkPeople.

Wishing everyone beautiful days ahead.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a safe and happy season!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Due to pain, fatigue, and life in general, there has been very little knitting to report. Hopefully, I'll have some decent knitting posts in the coming days!

I did finish the Fetching Fingerless Mitts. Unfortunately, the Christmas ornaments did not come to fruition. If there's any free time at all during the coming week, I still may try to crank out one for my mom.

Happy Holidays!

Another Quick Post

2007-11-07T21:12:00.001-05:00

Since the fun never stops in my "real life," I've been a little behind in posting. Here's a quick update.

The Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl is complete. My son took a couple of photos of the shawl while we were out visiting. The sun was setting fast and the selection of pictures is not vaast.

Specs:

Pattern - Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl by Sarah Bradberry
Yarn - About 430 yards of worsted weight
Began - October 2007
Finished - November 2007
Knitting time - About 3 weeks or so
Modifications - I did not add the single crochet to the top. Fringe was also an option I skipped.
Satisfaction - I may block the edges out more

I'm now knitting Tempting and about to cast-on for Icarus. I'm looking forward to both for different reasons.

Back soon with better photos.

Any Day Now...

2007-10-29T14:46:00.000-05:00

A quick post before I head to the store to pick up more tissues:

I have a bad sinus infection, so bad that I have coughed so much I've strained my back. Nice, huh?

In more uplifting news, I'm approaching the end of the shawl. I'm very excited to be finishing something else this year. Who knows? Maybe I can crank out two more items before the year ends.

Roughly speaking, I'm at about 80% on the shawl. I

My moms doing so-so. She goes for more testing Friday and then, for some insane reason, she won't get the results back for about 2 weeks. I need to do more research but I didn't think biopsy results took that long.

Anyway...I'm trying to decide what to cast-on once the Comfort Shawl is finished. I'm debating about the Flower Basket Shawl, Icarus, or Kiri. I was all set to knit Icarus but now I'm back to my fickle self.

We also have friends who are now the proud parents of a new baby boy. I've been thinking about kniting baby booties and a hat. I may eventually make a blanket but I just can't right now.

Recently I promised my son a sweater but not with a specific deadline. He hasn't mentioned it again but I know he remembers. I've thought about casting-on again for the Wonderful Wallaby or even Fife.

I'll think about it tomorrow.

A Little Knitting, A Little Frogging

2007-10-22T16:42:00.001-05:00

Greetings and Salutations!

I've begun a few posts only to delete them. Unpredictable as life is, I thought I would seize this quick quiet moment I have for a short update.

I've been knitting contentedly on the Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl. Because I've been somewhat distracted lately, I keep making mistakes which has made this project take much longer than it should. There are several rows which have been knit 5 times, maybe 6. Fortunately, there has been a lesson learned. When I embark on an intricate lace pattern I will use stitch markers and not rely on my memory for row count.

Currently, I'm on row 116. I think I will need to knit 186 rows to get the size I want. Since the yarn I'm using is a cotton blend and I won't be doing any heavy blocking, I'm knitting more rows than I would if I were knitting with a material that were more responsive to the blocking process and if I didn't actually want a heavy shawl.

I'm hoping to finish by the end of the month. I have quite a few commitments and knitting is not my number one priority.

Once this shawl is finished, I had planned to try to knit a shawl in a lace weight yarn. The plan was to knit something pretty and lacy for me. My mother's health is not the best right now which means I may instead just knit something for her.

For October, I had planned socks for Socktoberfest as well as a couple of other items. However, with my knitting time being so limited, I have surrendered to the fact that it might be best for me to concentrate on one project at a time. All other knitting irons were removed from the fire.

Speaking of irons that were removed, I thought I'd give another glimpse of what should have been comfy little sockets/footies. It still pains me that I had to frog the pitiful little subject.

It felt wonderful on my foot. The splitting, unfortunately, was just to much to bear. I'm still undecided on the fate of the yarn and which yarn I want to try for this pattern.

There will be more socks in my future. I just don't know when.

At least I'm knitting.

So Sleepy

2007-10-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

I look forward to each weekend thinking that I'll get lots of rest AND lots of things accomplished. With each passing weekend, instead, I seem to get busier. I don't remember my parents having so many commitments and functions to attend.

The knitting is progressing slowly. Now it seems I only get to knit for a few minutes during breaks at work. This is not condusive to speed.

After helping my son with homework, it will be time for bed as I can barely keep my eyes open. It's been this way for a few days.

There will be a full post after I'm well rested...and after I stop looking at people's projects in Ravelry.

Socktoberfest

2007-10-01T18:26:00.000-05:00

Socktoberfest 2007 officially begins today. This year, it's a little less structured with those wishing to participate posting their pictures in Flickr. My plans were to finish the Breeze footies and to knit the Eastern European Footlets. By my guesstimations (I know that's not a word)I'd be able to finish both projects before the month ended.

Things have changed.

First, I no longer love Panda Cotton. The honeymoon is over and I'm not sure if we'll be seeing one another again. The balls I have in my stash my have to find a new home.

Eager to be able to slip the soft sockettes/footies on to my feet, I merrily knit. The yarn would split. I'd retrieve the stray plies and reknit the stitches. It kept happening, sometimes causing me to rip out the progress I'd made to start over.

Today, with the heel turned and the gusset finished, although I was knitting carefully, I somehow dropped a few of the plies when knitting a stitch. I didn't panic considering the yarn plies had been retrieved countless times before. This time, unfortunately, as I tried to pick up the lost plies, I dropped the rest of them. Then the stitch ran. Then more stitches came off the needle and were dropped while I was trying to fish for the original lost stitch. It just kept getting worse from there.

Now, I'm feeling a little torn. I had come so far. I had even begun to knit a few rows of the lace pattern. I can't begin again. Not now. It's just happened too many times. If this yarn didn't feel so good I would probably hate it. I can't decide whether or not to try to rip back farther back to the beginning of the gusset to try again or if I just need to pick a new yarn for this project.

I'll post pictures of the fiasco laterr.

Until I decide, I think it's time to pick a new sock project. Since I don't have the proper yarn for the Easter European Footies I think I may try the Crooked Cable Socks by Sockbug, Feather and Fan Socks by Judith Sumner, or Dublin Baby Socks by Ryan Morrissey.

A Finished Baby Surprise Jacket, Breeze, and Shawls

2007-09-27T17:57:00.000-05:00

I was very happy to finish the Baby Surprise Jacket. I'm one who is not fond of seaming but the seaming of this project was not bad at all. I did become a little annoyed with having to weave in ends from the color changes. I'm guessing that's one of the reasons I shy away from color work.

I still haven't decided if I'm going to felt the sweater or not. Until I decide I won't be blocking the sweater or adding buttons.

Specs:

Pattern - Baby Surprse Jacket, by Elizabeth Zimmermann, found in Knitting Workshop, the Opinionated Knitter, and there is a DVD devoted to this pattern

Yarn - Paton Classic Wool in three different shades of Denim. I believe I have enough left to knit another BSJ.

Modifications - None, though I may add a collar later

Began - End of June

Finished - Early September

Recipient - I knit this out of interest in seeing the jacket magic happen. Currently, there is no intended recipient.

Notes - The pattern is written in a chatty fashion so sometimes I wasn't sure if I was following the pattern correctly. I performed my increases in a manner that I don't like and when I knit this pattern again I will change the way they were done.

Satisfaction - I'm pretty satisfied. I'm planning to knit the pattern again at some point. I feel more comfortable with the pattern and EZ's writing style. I bought a skein of Sockotta to make a light weight BSJ for a newborn or a doll. Now I'd want to try to tackle some of EZ's other items as well as writing a personal pattern based upon measurements but will probably wait until I have a few more items knit to use as a reference.

Meanwhile, I've cast-on for the Breeze footies at least 10 times. I keep doing something wrong. Either I drop a stitch, split the yarn, or knit the wrong row of the pattern. I think I'm back on track now. Photos will be posted...eventually.

Until I'm sure I won't have to rip again, I'll probably hold off on pictures. In the meantime, here's a photo of the first error which happened because my row gauge changed. I had a heel flap that was almost twice the size it needed to be because I failed to measure the thing and blindly knit the specified number of rows.

Maureen of Batty for Yarn asked about how I liked the Panda Cotton. Wholeheartedly, I love it! It's so very soft. Unfortunately, it incredibly splitty. The plies don't stay together well at all. The knitted swatch feels wonderful, though. Because the yarn is so soft, I'm a little concerned about durability but I'm told bamboo is strong fiber. I'm looking forward to finishing these footies!

Coming up are the Icarus Shawl and the Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl.

I've been wanting to knit a shawl for way too long and now is the time to just start. I have to choose the yarn for the Icarus Shawl. I have some Jaggerspun Zephyr in a few colors and I'll choose soon. I thought I had decided but, finicky lady that I am, I changed my mind.

For the FF Comfort Shawl, I decided to knit it in Cotton-Ease for ease of care. I want a worsted weight yarn for a thicker shawl as my office is always freezing. I also wanted something washable and to be able let my son who has ultra sensitive skin use it as a blanket on car rides.

On the home front, we had a birthday gathering for my son and once again we're swimming in cake.

Breeze Progress

2007-09-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

I'm almost finished the heel of the first sock. My kniting time has not been as plentiful as I would hope but I am happy to be able to squeeze knitting in when I can. I'm knitting the Breeze footies in Panda Cotton. Although I really like the yarn, the cables are a little lost in the colors. My first choice to knit these socks was a solid color in this yarn but I discovered I hadn't purchased any.

The Panda Cotton is extremely soft but splits very easily. I've managed to work around this drawback.

I'm becoming somewhat of a one-project-at-a-time person. Since I don't get much time to knit, this is the only way I get anything projects finished.

I'm looking forward to seeing a finished sock. I'm wondering if the pattern in the foot portion will be lost in th yarn color as well. If they are, I'm okay with it. I just want to knit.

I haven't had a chance to upload the photos of the finished BSJ. ONce I have, I'll post them with pictures of the Breeze progress.

...And there were pictures

2007-09-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

A quick but photo-packed post...
(Click on any photo for a larger view.)

As promised, pictures:

First, the BSJ. This is a photo before the blocking and seaming.

I discovered what I was doing wrong on my increases but I will not be frogging. Plus, it's not too bad.

Next up, supplies for the current project, Breeze.

I'm swatching with 3's but will probably need 4's because I knit very tightly. I like the Panda Cotton in spite of the splitting issues.

Happy Birthday to....lots of us!

August is a big birthday month for us. We actually have a quite a few in July and September as well.

The first cake you see here is the cake from my husband's birthday party which turned into an event for five of us.

The second cake is my husband's personal cake. As you can probably tell, he's quite the Mets fan, hence the Mets cake.

Thirdly, my cake. A friend of ours surprised me with this adorable cake. I did not want to cut it.

Last, but not the least of the August cakes is the cake for another relative. It was made by the same person who made the hat and yarn cakes.

In case you couldn't guess, we're swimming in cake...and my son's birthday is in September.

Wishing you all happy days ahead!

Tomorrow, I think there will be pictures

2007-09-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

I finished knitting the BSJ. Now I have to seam, weave-in ends and decide if I want to add buttons now or later.

I'm planning to post pictures either today or tomorrow, as soon as I find that doggone USB chord to upload the pictures. I could probably take out the memory stick to upload the pictures but I don't like doing that. I'm always to concerened about accidentally damaging it, inserting it incorrectly into the camera or the computer causing a jam, or mispacing it.

It's important now that I decide what to start next.

I went to Knitting Sisters to pick up some Panda Cotton to start Breeze socks but they had sold out of all of it and had not reordered any. I do have some in my stash but I had ear-marked it for a different project. I have some Jaggerspun in several shades to use for a shawl and the yarn for Cheesylove is just waiting...

Speaking of Knitting Sisters, they are celebrating their 4th Anniversary. I went Thursday specifically for the Annniversary Celebration and to look for Evelyn Clark's book and the Panda Cotton yarn.

Hopefully, I'll get the BSJ seamed today or tomorrow and will finally make the decision on the next project. I have no idea why making this decision is so tough for me right now!

It's Been a Long Time

2007-08-26T20:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, I had no idea it had been this long since I posted.

I've been quite occupied with the new job, my family reunion, health issues, and juggling way too many things at once.

I had made great progress on the Baby Surprise Jacket but decided I didn't like the way my picked-up stitches looked. For whatever reason, I haven't pulled out those stitches so that I can finally finish it. Once I finish my reunion items (name tags, calendars, wrapping door prizes) I'll be picking the sweater back up to finish it. I plan to add a little collar to it but I think I'm going to wait until I choose a recipient before I add the buttons.

This is the most recent picture of it but this is an older photo.

I'll try to take a picture tomorrow to post since it's been quite some time since there was a picture.

I had planned to start a shawl after I finished the KBJ. I had been looking at quite a few patterns but now I want to make one in a worsted weight because the office where I currently work is almost always cold. I'm told that the office is even colder in the winter. I want to be able to put something nice and warm around me no matter what I'm wearing.

I'm also debating about when I should start Cheesylove. The temperature will begin to drop soon making the Tempting and Tempting II patterns drop a few places in the knitting queue.

I'm off now to work on the calendar. I don't know why I volunteered to do it. I have so much going on and absolutely should not be taking on these additional task. Wish me luck!

A Sun-Shiny Day

2007-07-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

So much is happening, but today was a sun-shiny day.

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been busy with helping with the planning our family reunion, learning things for my job, and trying to stay reasonably healthy.

We had another meeting for the reunion today and the meeting lasted almost 4 hours. In reality, we probably could have met for even longer because we still have some loose ends.

I accepted more duties. I must have a fever or something. Normally, my judgement is better.

As for knitting, I've made a tiny bit of progress on the Baby Surprise Sweater. Originally, I had planned to donate the sweater for the Dulaan Project but failed to finish the sweater in time. Now, I'm considering giving it to a family member. I took the sweater with me to the hair salon knowing I would have a golden opportunity for knitting. Unfortunately, I left the pattern at home.

I pulled out yarn earlier today so that I could bag it with the corresponding pattern I had chosen for it. I was going to take pictures and post them so you could see my plans but ran out of time. I had to hot-foot it to my meeting.

I'm determined to keep organizing and purging. Soon, I will once again know what yarn, patterns, needles, and books I have and will better be able to schedule/coordinate my projects. I'm looking forward to that day. It's not that I have a large stash. I'm just looking for more order in all aspects of my life.

I'm hoping to knit a few stitches of the Baby Surprise Sweater tomorrow. If I am able to knit on it at all, I'll post a progress shot. My hope is to finish the sweater by next Sunday, the 29th.

Waiting in the wings for me to start them are Tempting, Tempting II, Cheesylove, Wavy Lace Tank, the Shapely Shawlette, and many socks. A few shawls are waiting as well but I keep changing my mind on the pattern to start.

I have become quite knitting podcast fan. In addition to the podcasts I listed before, I have found I rather enjoy Sticks and String.

Sending my best regards to you all! I should be posting again soon, once I catch up on my blog reading!

Back Later Today...Really

2007-07-22T08:44:00.000-05:00

I'll be back with a post later today. I promise.

I'm trying to catch up on my blog reading but I'm very behind.

Hope all is well in blogland.

Knitting Podcasts and Books on MP3

2007-07-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

A long while ago, years really, someone posted on Knitter's Review about how they listened to Knitting Podcasts on an MP3 player. Someone chimed in that you didn't have to have an MP3 player to listen to the podcasts but could listen to them on your computer.

Intrigued, I downloaded a podcast and eagerly anticipated listening to it. Much to my dismay, I could not get the file to open. I decided that I wasn't really missing a whole lot and dismissed the idea of podcasts from my head.

Fast forward several years: My husband decides he wants an MP3 player. I began researching them and decide that maybe I want one as well. After all, it's been years since I first heard of knitting podcasts. Therefore, people are much more familiar with the concept, technology has advanced, technology is more readily available, meaning there must be a few podcasts now that are either entertaining or compelling, maybe both.

I have found a plethora of podcasts. Some of them are incredibly boring, as one would expect. A few, however, have captured my attention, though most of them are not knitting-related.

A Few Knitting Podcasts I like:

Cast On
KnitPicks' Podcast
Ready Set Knit (Webs)

Since I've been working on our family reunion, learning things for work, and fighting exhastion, all I do is listen to things about knitting and read about knitting. I am still considering knitting up a few mug mats for my desk at work. Those would be pretty quick to knit, quite useful, and would satisfy my desire to just knit something.

In the meantime, I'm finding some very interesting podcasts to listen to when my mind is just frazzled. I had no idea there were so many podcasts on so many topics.

I just downloaded NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. I'm looking forward to listening to this and several of the other hundreds of podcasts I have found.

...Yes, I did say hundreds. Yes, I could have a problem.

Be that as it may, Angel on KR asked about audio books. If you download books for your MP3 player, what services do you use or do you import your books form CD's? I'd love to know.

My son running the bases before a Nationals game!

A Sick Kid

2007-06-25T19:35:00.000-05:00

(My little man as a baby)

There's nothing so pitiful as a sick kid.

Although my son has some medical issues, he doesn't usually pick up the flu or stomach bugs. Normally, he'll get a cold, he's had pink eye a few times, but he normally misses all the other stuff.

Today, something has him all out-of-sorts. I'm hoping he'll be feeling better soon.

I have several deadlines and a sick child. Of course I'll be taking care of him, then tackling the deadlines. This may mean very little sleep!

I'm hoping he won't be sick for very long and that neither his father or I will become ill!

Working again!

2007-06-21T22:04:00.000-05:00

I'm working now. It has been WONDERFUL!

Granted, I've only been there about 2 weeks but so far I'm really enjoying it. I'm learning new things, I get off an hour earlier, and my phone barely rings. Although I'm not used to getting up earlier in the morning, I actually look forward to going to work right now. I'm really hoping things work out.

Knittingwise, I've got nothing. I did, however, wear knitting needles in my hair for four days straight. I misplaced my hair clips and I needed something to secure my hair after I put it up. I kept waiting for someone to ask me why I had knitting needles in my hair but no one did.

I haven't knit a stitch in probably over a week. I miss the knitting but I'm too busy working, studying for work, taking my son to events, etc, to get any knitting done. Maybe the weekend will allow a few stitches to be executed.

Another person I "know" has been diagnosed with cancer. She's a cyber friend but we've been conversing for almost seven years. I'm prayerful that they are able to successfully kill the cancer with as little damage to her immune system as possible. I know she's going through a lot right now. Facing this can not be easy.

I'm on a mission to try to take better care of myself. I'm going to try to prevent the preventable things and myself stronger for the things that are a little harder to avoid.

This means heading back to the gym, eating more fruits and veggies, and cutting back on the sugar and saturated fats. I don't know how I'll find the time for the gym but I already have my salad ready for lunch tomorrow.

Until next time, may you have brighter days ahead!

Did I mention that my grandmother recently turned 95? Her cousin, also her best friend, is 97...or maybe 98.

Gotta found out their secret to longevity.

Tomorrow

2007-06-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

I'll post tomorrow. I promise.

Life is just hectic.

Hope all is well with the knitting world and the world at large!

Short and Simple

2007-06-08T12:20:00.001-05:00

Today's post will not be verbose. It will actually be pretty short as I'm tired and not feeling very chatty.

Baby Surprise

As promised, here are a couple of photos of the Baby Surprise Sweater/Jacket. If I finish in time, I'm going to try to make a matching hat and possibly baby socks. I'm debating if I want to try to make the Adult Surprise Sweater/Jacket in the future.

Sock

As mentioned in an earlier post, I've swatched for a sock, just for a little pattern to make up on my own, for fun. I'll need more stitches in the cuff for it to fit me. I do, however, like the colors of the yarn.

Employment

I am once again employed. The location of the job is probably less than two miles from the place where I used to work. It's looking like it could be a great opportunity. Wish me luck!

Fun in the Sun

Summer has begun. I'm hoping to see more days like this one.

We're off to Busch Gardens for more fun in the sun...and I may stop at Knitting Sisters.

Some Knitting and a Funeral

2007-06-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

Good-bye to a Gentleman

Back in 2000, when I was pregnant with my son, I started working at an office and met some very nice people. One of the nicest was Mr. S.

I was only working as a temp, so I didn't go back to work at the company for a couple of years after the baby was born. When I went back, M. S was the manager. He told me he really wanted me to come back to work for him.

I worked for him and he was always pleasant, positive, generous, and kind.

He was diagnosed with liver cancer. The prognosis was not good. He has now passed away.

I, and many others will miss him dearly. He was such a good man.

Cancer

Another gentleman with whom I used to work told me his father has been diagnosed with cancer. My cousin's wife just loss her brother to liver cancer and now she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A friend from church has had his cancer come back.

I know we can't all have sunshine and sweetness every day of our lives, and I know that eventually we all die, but I just really feel like we HAVE to do something about cancer.

In Hopeful News

I decided to knit an item for the Dulann Project. I have cast-on for the Knit Baby Suprise Sweater/Jacket. I'm about 1/2 way through the piece and I promise pictures once I can figure out what I did with the USB chord. If time permits, I'll be trying to crank out a pair of socks and a hat to send as well. I'm a little late in the game, since the deadline is July 1, so I will be mailing out whatever is finished on June 25.

Other Knitting News

I started swatching for another pair of socks. This pair, however will be done from the cuff-down. I'll get back to knitting a pair from the toe-up by the time July rolls around.

I'm planning to knit either Tempting from Knitty or Diana from Hot Knits next. Plans could change since my life seems to be constantly changing.

Life in General

Any minute now my big break is going to happen, I'll have a life-changing positive experience, or I'll meet someone that is so incredibly inspiring. I know it.

After storms, the sun comes out. If you survive, you rebuild.

7 Random Things

2007-05-30T09:55:00.000-05:00

Madalyn tagged me. I think everyone in the blogland who participates in meme's has done this, so I won't be tagging anyone else.

Here's the rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1. I like taking random numbers and making factor trees. Generally, however, I have to be REALLY bored or frustrated to do this.

2. I don't understand how the talk shows that do all the paternity tests, infidelity confessions, and scandals stay on the air. Why do people continue to go on televison to air their dirty laundry, especially in a setting that is not one condusive to healing your bad situation?

3. I regulary contemplate cutting my hair to just a bit longer than what some call peach fuzz.

4. When I was in school, my teachers frequently told my mother that I was not living up to my potential. They sometimes also relayed this information to me. As an adult, I see what they were saying. As much as it frustrated me as a child, it's even more painful to think about it as an adult.

5. When my son was really little, he used to like to watch Rolie Polie Olie. I think I enjoyed the cartoon more than he did.

6. I am a light sleeper. In college, I would wake from hearing someone touch the doorknob, even if the tv was on.

7. Some random foods that I don't like are: gelatin, custard, stewed tomatoes, bananas, jelly donuts, and candy corn.

Back to knitting on the next post.

Craving Mexican Food

2007-05-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Tank
First, thanks for much for the compliments on the Fixation Tank. It is extremely comfortable. The next time I knit one, and I will knit another one, I will probably make the straps a bit wider and a bit shorter. As much as I love this tank, I feel slightly naked in it and will always wear it as a shell/underneath another item.

Life
My lay-off is finally official. Technically occurred a while back but I was kept on part-time for a while. Since the circumstances at the company haven't changed, my part-time stint is over.

The switch on the door that opens my gas tank is now broken. I cannot put any gas in my car. Our mechanic has found a part so I'll be getting that fixed muy rapido!

Knitting Toe-up Socks and other Knitting Related Items
I'm ripping the Hurricane sock again. Let's just say there was an unfortunate incident with the sock and attempts to recover have not been successful. This poor sock just does not wish to be knit by me. At least I've mastered the Magic Cast-On.

Now, I need to decide if I'm going to start another sock or move on to something else. With the way things are going around here, I'm thinking it may just be time to move on to something new and to revisit the Honey of a Hurricane socks at another time.

Fighting Cancer
In non-knitting news, I walked for at least 3 hours at the Relay For Life event. Our team raised over $4,000.00 and we're trying to raise more before the office closes the books on this year's Relay donations.

At the relay, there was a camp site where a woman had crocheted pretty scarves with eyelets in that formed commemorative ribbons. One of our team members admired it, so I may try to find some pink yarn to knit one for her. I can't imagine it would be too tough to chart out a scarf with eyelets forming the shape of a ribbon. I just need to decide on yarn, edging, length, and width of the scarf.

Back to Reality
Well, I'm off to update my resume, work on cover letters, scour the internet for employment opportunities, and to cast-on for a project I may choose randomly. Maybe now's a good time to knit up some of my Cotton-Ease.

Then...I'm either going to cook or purchase a little Alimento Mexicano. I've got this incredible craving for salsa.

There's also the matter of the burning desire to actually finish a sock that is knit from the toe-up...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-05-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

I was unable to get a good picture since I was in a hurry but the Cascade Fixation Tank is finished. As a present to myself on Mother's Day, I wore it to church, under my suit coat.

I'll try to post a better photo another day when I have someone to take a good photo or when there is more natural light available.

Meanwhile...

I ripped the Hurricane Sock beginnings and restarted...about ten or more times. I finally have something workable.

If I can find some time in this crazy life of mine to actually accomplish some knitting, I'll soon have a progress shot worth seeing.

Just for Fun
Taken from Natalie at Keeping Me In Stitches

Items in bold are those I've done.
Items in Italic are those I aspire to do.
Plain items are items I have not done and/or don't interest me.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up (actually working on this now)
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with bananafiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffitti 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
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone elses handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with selfpatterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
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/armwarmers
Pillows
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
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Where's the Comfort Food?

2007-05-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

I have once again commenced knitting the hurricane socks. I decided to have a little fun by attempting the Magic Cast-on another time. Having stopped knitting for a while, it felt good to knit, even if the item wasn't turning out properly. As you can see from the photos, holes abound!

I haven't decided yet if once I rip if I will attempt the Magic Cast-on or if I will try the Figure-Eight. Chances are, I'll try the Magic Cast-on again, three or more ADDITIONAL times if that's what it takes. After that, if it doesn't work out, I'll try the Figure-Eight.

I'm incredibly indecisive. Because of this, I have not cast-on a project yet to try my Denise Needles. I'm debating about starting the shawl that I speak of incessantly, another tank, or Cheesylove. A decision will be made very soon.

Speaking of tanks, I do need to post a photo of the finished Cascade Tank, except I haven't finished it. I still haven't done anything to the bind-off stitches because I change my mind over and over about keeping them or reknitting them. Give me a few days to clear my thoughts and I should have the stitches from the bind-off completely bound and woven.

Since making a concentrated effort to be positive, so much crap has been thrown my way. Why does this happen? So far, I'm maintaining a pretty positive outlook but I kind of lost it a few days ago when this happened:

Suffice it to say, someone backed into me, in a parking lot, on a rainy evening, while I was waiting to get into another space.

I can't say much more about it than that without getting upset but I've just got to tell you.

I was sitting in the car waiting for another car to back out of a space, with other cars behind me, when this car started backing towards me, on the driver's side. Because of other cars, I couldn't go backward or forward. I had nowhere to go. I blew the horn several times but the car kept backing up. I was yelling "NO!" and blowing the horn as the other car smashed into me. I thought it was going to come through the door. I was fastened into my seat belt so I couldn't move even to another seat if I wanted to do that. I had nowhere to go.

Still, the accident didn't kill me. I'll go on.

I just need someone to pass the chocolate pie.

A Knitting Must-See

2007-05-05T08:44:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this ?

It's a giant knitted glove.

What an inspiration for making your own patterns!

Life is Good

2007-05-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

Things are not miraculously or mysteriously better today. I've just decided that life is too short to dwell on the negative, even if there is a lot of it.

Therefore, life is good.

My son graduates from kindergarten in June. I located a job vacancy that interests me. My car is almost full of gas. One of my favorite people will be visiting soon to help celebrate my grandmother's 95th birthday. My photo editing software is newly installed on the computer.

...and it's time to take these babies for a test run!

I'm not Functioning Properly

2007-05-01T20:52:00.000-05:00

I keep starting things and not finishing them. It's as if I've lost my stamina, leaving a trail of unfinished projects (knitting and non-knitting) to tell the tale of dysfunction.

I have still not woven-in the seams from the tank top. I have no idea what the hold-up is. I want to do it. I sometimes carry the doggone thing around in the car with me, even taking it into the office sometimes. Yet, the ends just dangle.

I have not knit a stitch in quite some time. I've carried around the sock yarn and the needles but haven't cast-on. I really want to start but something just keeps holding me back.

I recently lost my job in a lay-off. The company hired me back part-time. They say they'd like to bring me back full-time but can't right now. Unfortunately it's timer to seriously start pounding the pavement and pushing the resumes.

Someone else dear to me has been diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis isn't good. They're trying a new treatment now.

I did manage to go to Knitting Sisters to spend my gift certificate from Christmas. Among other things, I picked up a set of the Denise needles because I've been really disappointed with the tips of all the other needles I've tried when starting lace.

I'm hoping for some good news for my next post. Maybe I'll have a tale of triumph, how I've found a new job or how I've followed-through on things I've started...

Maybe...

Hokie Hope

2007-04-24T19:46:00.000-05:00

Friday, April 20, 2007 was Hokie Hope Day.

In Virginia and Pennsylvania it was declared a day of mourning.

President Busch declared it a Day of Prayer.

I don't know what happened to the young man who shot so many people. I wish someone had been able to help him earlier in life. I mourn for all the families.

It's many years since I attended VPI. My niece is currently a student there. She is friends with a victim of the shooting. She was on her way to class when cops ran at her with guns. They were trying to protect her, to get her to a safe place. She was fortunate.

She took it hard, her friend being shot, but she is now doing much better.

Hubby and I wore our orange and maroon on Friday with pride.

I hope the healing will now begin.

We are all Hokies Today

2007-04-18T00:39:00.000-05:00

We are the Hokies
We wil prevail
We will prevail
We will prevail
We are Virginia Tech
--Nikki Giovanni

Finished Knitting but...

2007-04-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

I finished the knitting on the Fixation Tank. Since it has been quite some time since I did a three-needle bind-off, I forgot what each side looked like. Therefore, instead of performing the bind-off on the public side, I should have performed it on the private side.

I'll be pulling out those few stitches today and reworking them. Then I'll get the ends woven-in. Hopefully, by the end of the day I'll have a wearable garment.

Knitta-Palooza 2007, Entry 3

2007-04-04T19:18:00.000-05:00

Friday, continued:

After breakfast and the Fashion Show, classes began. I started with Sally Melville and enjoyed her immensely. I had never tried the crocheted cast-on and was very pleased with the look of it. I found Sally Melville to be pleasant, patient, and positive. I'd take classes with her again in a heart beat!

Friday evening involved desert, shopping, and there may have more but I spent all my evening time in the actual Ewe Knit Kits shop that was opened up for our shopping pleasure from 7 - 9 pm. I picked up some Cascade Fixation for a little shell I've been wanting to make along with a hank of Helen's Lace for a shawl.

Show-and-Tell was scheduled for Friay night but ended up happening later. I think so many of us were just too busy shopping our little hearts out to show anything.

Saturday:

Judy Pascale is lively. She was so incredibly approachable, had a great sense of humor, and gave personal attention to anyone who needed it. While taking her Shawlette class, we experimented with different beads, learned a different bind-off, talked about different items that could be used to make shawl pins and closure-type pieces. I took this class because I thought it would be fun and it really was. I ended up learning a few new techniques and if I have the opportunity to take classes with Judy Pascale again, I will.

Saturday evening we were treated to a lecture by Sally Melville, followed by Show-and-Tell. Although I took three items with me, I chose not to show any of them. I'm not really sure why. Maybe I was just too tired.

Of the people that did show their items, here are a few:

(The blanket pictured is over 40 years old. The lady who knit it made a chart up of things she thought would be cute for blanket for her baby, then knit it. It was her first experience with intarsia and she had no idea what all would be involved, had no concept of what difficulties she could encounter, but went boldy forth.)

Sunday:
The last day of the event was bittersweet. I was enjoying myself but I was also a wee bit tired. I debated about missing the Creativity lecture since I wasn't feeling quitle like myself, but decided to go because I found Sally Melville such a great teacher that I thought she'd probably be an inspiring speaker.

I was not disappointed. If I had missed this lecture, I would have been very sorry.

After the lecture, people scattered quickly. I got to say good-bye to most of the people with whom I interacted but I missed a few. I sat next to a very sweet lady in the shawlette class but failed to find her name, which is just crazy since we were all wearing name tags.

Am I going to Knitta-Palooza next year? I was the first to sign-up!

In current knitting news:
I'm about 80% done with my Cascade shell. If I'm feeling any better, I'll try to get a little bit of knitting done on it tonight. I'm a little bit larger than I thought I was so I may have to wait until after I've dropped a few pounds to wear it.

Once the shell is done, I'll probably jump back into the socks because I still don't have needles that I like for lace.

Hoping to have a photo of the shell up soon!

****Blogger having issues will try to upload photos later!

Knitta-Palooza 2007, Entry 2

2007-03-28T09:07:00.000-05:00

Brief Synopsis with Photos

Thursday:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to arrive at the hotel in time for the Meet and Greet. I was a little disappointed but decided not to let it ruin my weekend.

After checking into the hotel, I spent the evening unpacking and organizing so that each day's class supplies would be ready to grab-and-go. I debated about walking around to see if I saw any other Knitta-Palooza attendees, especially since I was making a special effort to see Dawn, Barbara M from Knitters Review, and Linda before the weekend was over. I decided against going out since I had both over-packed and under-packed.** I needed instead to get a grip on what items I needed to acquire.

I was attending the weekend's event with a friend who was arriving on Friday but who had generously sent items for me to use in my classes, including some Koigu for my shawlette, by her son. I packaged up the items I had for my friend and sent them back to her through her son, who was quite gracious.

Then, after knitting a few rows, I went to bed, hoping I'd be able to get up in time for the beginning of the festivities since I felt grossly unprepared.

Friday, Partial Post:
I awoke suddenly, feeling quite tired. I made it to the Breakfast/Fashion Show in good time, even after stopping to pick up my name tag. Waiting for the attendees when you picked up your name tag, like the previous year I attended, were Knitta-Palooza tote bags. Inside the bag was a tape measure, information about the weekend's events, and a little information about a few items in the Va Beach area. I put all paperwork in my Knitta-Palooza 2007 Binder for easy access.

Bobbie greeted us, gave us information about class locations, information about Knitta-Palooza 2008, and then the Fashion Show began. A few highlights are below.

Since this post has laden with pictures and the computer needs a little break, I'll continue with more pictures and information later tonight and tomorrow.

***Over-packed and under-packed - I had too much stuff but not necessarily the stuff I needed.

Knitta-Palooza 2007, Entry 1

2007-03-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

I promised a Knitta-Palooza entry, so I thought I'd better hop onto the ailing computer to post a little something. I'm still working on getting the photos uploaded. Believe it or not, I think over 100 pictures were taken over the weekend! I'm still weeding-out the pictures that aren't worthy of printing OR posting.

So that I don't leave you without just a little taste of the weekend, I'm posting a few photos from the event. Some day I'll be able to add captions to my pictures again.

The first picture is of Bobbie, owner of Ewe Knit Kits. She's pretty much the hostess abd mastermind of Knitta-Palooza. The second and third pictures are of Judy Pascale and Sally Melville, respectively.

More pictures and information to be posted this evening. I'm still struggling here.

Back on the Block

2007-03-20T15:35:00.000-05:00

I'm back from Knitta-Palooza and it was incredible.

Details and pictures to come very soon...

Happy People

2007-03-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

I'm counting down. For Knitta-Palooza, there are only a few more hours to go before I'll be knitting my cares into oblivion with people who enjoy knitting just as much as I do.

I'm trying to gather up all my supplies tonight.

Looks like my next project will in fact be a shawl.

If I'm able, I'll try to post infomation from the venture.

Have a Happy Weekend!

It's March

2007-03-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

It's March and that means that daffodils and jonquils should be popping up soon. Each year I consider attending the Daffodil Festival and each year I find myself doing something else. Will this year be different? I'm not sure. I just know I'll be so happy to see those beautiful flowers in bloom.

I've still been torn about what to knit next. I've been really wanting to knit my socks but my heart just won't let me. I feel like I need to do some comfort-knitting.

I thought I might try the Adamas shawl, the Peace Shawl, or the Seaescape Shawl. So far, I haven't started any of them. I just look at the patterns and the yarn, and then go work on stuff for my family reunion instead.

I have managed to finish two squares for the Blanket of Hope that Rebekah is assembling at Knit-Knack for a friend of hers named Kevin. I'm planning to knit one more. If you can help, It would be great.

In life news, I lost my job, again, and was re-hired, again, but part-time. The job hunt has officially begun. So much for a shopping spree during Knitta-Palooza!

A Few Not-So-Great Pictures

2007-02-28T19:08:00.000-05:00

I have managed to upload a few pictures. As previously stated, the blanket is approximately 70 X 50 inches, just slightly smaller than the top of a queen-sized mattress.

This blanket was quite an undertaking, with may stops and starts. I noticed as I was knitting it that my cables looked better and better as I went along. The coined phrase about practice proves true once again.

Since there is very little Knitta-Palooza homework for me this year, I'm free to start my next project. Trouble is, I'm not sure which item to choose.

Chances are, the choice will be a shawl or socks...especially since I'm supposed to be knitting my "First Toe-Up."

I have enjoyed the Fall Cable Knit-Along 2006. There are very nice projects to be seen if you decide to take a look.

Cabled Blanket

2007-02-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Cabled Blanket it finished. It is approximately 70 X 50 inches.

We're still having serious computer issues so I'll although I have taken a photo, I'm having trouble uploading the photos to the computer.

Stay tuned. I haven't given up hope of posting a photo just yet.

I am free now to work on my Knitta-Palooza homework. Yaay!

In Memory of Brian

2007-02-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

Brian was a wonderful man. I will never forget him. Because of him, I learned lessons in faith and in hope. I was a part of a miracle.

Brian was talented. He was intelligent and such a good friend.

His funeral was a Celebration in Life where his brother tried to make the focus on the good rather than focusing on the loss of this kind man.

He will be missed.

The picture above is at Relay for Life where hit carried the torch and lit the cauldron. I will never be able to watch the torch lighting without thinking of him and wishing he were there.

I still have the yarn for his blanket. I think part of me believed that if I waited to knit it, nothing really bad could happen. Now I just feel bad about not knitting it and the yarn stares at me, asking me what it will become. I may knit something for his brother. I just don't know.

May Brian rest in peace.

Brian is Gone

2007-02-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

I finally spoke to Brian's brother today. Brian was pronounced dead at 8:30 am today.

He was doing so well. We were all so hopeful.

At least all his suffering is gone.

Thank you to everyone. He was amazed at how many people visited, called, prayed, and spoke kind words while he was ill.

If I can get the computer in better working order, I'll try to post the picture from last year's Relay for Life.

Thanks again for everything!

I'll be sure to talk about knitting in my next post.

A Little Progress on the Blanket

2007-02-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

Knitting
I made a little progress on the blanket today due to an extra-long wait at the hair salon. It's looking pretty good for finishing the blanket by the end of the month so that I am free to work on my homework for Knitta-Palooza.

Computer issues are still being resolved but I think I really will have a picture of the blanket progress before the weekend is over.

I'm also looking forward to getting back to socks, or just something different. Although I'm enjoying the blanket, I really do need some variety in my knitting.

Brian
I haven't received an e-mail from Brian's brother recently and the phone call I made has not yet been returned. If I have learned anything from the past months, it's to remain positive and to continue to pray. That's my plan.

Thank you everyone for the kind thoughts and prayers.

I'll update as soon as I know something.

Brian's Getting to Go Home!

2007-02-02T11:14:00.000-05:00

From Brian's Brother: "Hi everyone. Brian is doing great! The doctors and nurses have admitted that what has happened to him in the last 2 weeks is a miracle! He has been eating solid food ever since he came off the ventilator and they moved him out of the cancer ICU about a week ago. The swelling is completely gone in his feet and legs, and a little is left in his upper right arm. He started physical therapy last week and has been making excellent progress! And the best thing is he is coming home tomorrow! One of the the doctors told us he was going to die in ICU and that he would never be coming home. Well I guess God showed him! Keep on praying for him because he still has recovered fully yet. God is so good!"

The computer issues still abide. I think I may have a photo of the blanket to post by tomorrow. I'm a little behind in my hopes for rows-per-day but I'm hoping to get a few done during the Superbowl.

ALSO--Today is Go Red Day or National Wear Red Day. Encourage and support Women's Awareness of the risks and preventative measures for Heart Disease and Strokes.

Happy Knitting! Enjoy the upcoming weekend!

The News Gets Better

2007-01-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

From Brian's brother: "What has happened to Brian in the last three days is miraculous! Because of your faithfulness in your prayers for him, he is no longer on a ventilator and his lungs are completely clear of fluid! He isn't connected to any machines or IVs. He is eating solid food and spending most of the day in physical therapy, and sitting in the chair in his room. The doctors and nurses are amazed at how quickly he has recovered. Any time now they will be moving him out of the cancer ICU to a regular room. God is good! Continue to pray for him, because we've won some battles but the war isn't over yet. He has pneumonia that is being treated successfully and his arms and legs are still swollen. Thanks again for your prayers and support!"

The blanket it now about 34 inches in length. I'm making a teeny bit of progress every day.

Good news is a great thing!

Great News about Brian

2007-01-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

I received an e-mail from Brian's brother today.

Paraphrasing:

"Brian has been on a ventilator for 16 days and his doctors have been very reluctant to remove him from it because they feel he is not strong enough to breathe on his own. This has become very frustrating for Brian and he has attempted to remove it himself. His arms have had to be restrained. Last night Brian somehow removed the ventilator and he is breathing perfectly on his own! The doctors are amazed and did not think it was possible! God is truly answering our prayers! Don't stop praying!"

This is the best news I've had in a long time!

I did a little knitting on my husband's blanket at lunchtime today. I didn't have the tape measure with me but will try to get a good measurement on it tonight.

Knittapalooza is only 7 weeks away and I really need to be finished with this blanket by then so I can concentrate on any homework we'll have and anything I may want to take for show-and-tell.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers for Brian. Please continue!

Some Good News about Brian

2007-01-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

I received an e-mail from Brian's brother on Wednesday, the 17th. To paraphrase him, "Brian has showed considerable improvement over the last 3 days. The doctors have cut back on a lot of the medicine. Yesterday they removed him from the ventilator for 2 hours to allow his lungs to breathe on their own. Also he is no longer heavily sedated. Since he is no longer on sedatives, the breathing tube is starting to irritate him. Please continue to pray that the ventilator can be removed from him permanently. Thanks again for your prayers and support!"

I'm hoping for another update soon. Depending upon how the day goes, I may try to get back to the hospital today.

I've begun to knit again on my husband's blanket. I'll try to measure it later to post dimensions. If the pain in my hands subsides, I may actually finish this thing before St. Patrick's Day. I haven't given up all hope for Valentine's Day but statistically speaking, I'm more likely to be finished in March.

The computer issues are still present but I'm hoping for pictures this week.

Progress on this project (Honey of a Hurricane) is stalled. I'm currently not able to focus enough right now to work on more than one project at a time.

Thanks for all the continued wishes and prayers for Brian!

January 15 Update on Brian

2007-01-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

I went to see Brian in the hospital Saturday. I had been warned by a few people that they were shocked when they saw him, so I had prepared myself for seeing things that might be disturbing.

Although he has lost his hair, is definitely thinner, and shows signs that his body has been through some tough things, all the distinguishing features are still there. I don't know if maybe the other visitors were not anticipating any changes or if I was just overprepared for seeing changes.

Brian is heavily sedated, so he slept the entire visit. Since I wasn't sure if he wanted me to see him in a weak state, I thought that it was good that he did not wake while I was there. The nurses said that it was important that he was not excited or startled so I simply stood quietly beside him and prayed silently.

Meanwhile, I'm praying that he'll be able to breath on his own.

Although I haven't started a hat or blanket for him, knitting anything at all is helping me cope with this and other things in my life as my mind just won't let me start anything new.

Wishing you all health and peace.

**Still having computer issues so my posts may be erratic.

Thursday, No News is Good News

2007-01-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

Brian's brother has been updating me by e-mail. I haven't received one for a few days. Although I'm praying and trying to remain positive, I'm not as strong as I'd like to be, and have not called for more information.

No news is good news, right?

The yarn for the blanket arrived. I really had darker colors in mind. I'm thinking about making a hat instead, for now. Before he went in the hospital, Brian told me that this time he had lost his hair.

I think a hat will be good.

No news is good news.

Tuesday's Update

2007-01-09T18:28:00.000-05:00

Brian, my friend, is still on life-support.

His heart and blood pressure have stabilized. Although he's not breathing on his own yet, I'm encouraged by the changes he has had.

I love good news and hope I'll have more good news to report soon.

I ordered the yarn for his blanket. I'm way behind but I still plan to make it and give it to him.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

Today's News

2007-01-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

My friend with Hodgkins is in ICU. He can no longer speak.

That's all I can say right now.

Thanks

Happy 2007

2007-01-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping that 2007 is a happy and healthy year for everyone, including myself.

The 2006 year was full of ups and downs. While it was not my best year in general, it was a great year for beautiful changes in my child.

I'm not really a resolution person but I have been trying to set goals. If I don't reach all the goals, it's okay. Detours are expected for the types of goals I'm setting since I reserve the right to change my mind.

Crafting Goals for 2007

Learn more knitting techniques
Knit Cheesylove
Knit a shawl, since I've been planning to knit one for at least a couple of years
Knit more socks
Finish my husband's blanket
Knit mini sweaters

Health Goals

Re-lose the weight I loss earlier in the 2006 year
Get back to working-out at least three times a week
Eat more veggies
Drink more water
Drink less soda / pop

Blogging Goals

Begin to learn HTML
Change the banner of my blog
Revamp my sidebar
Post regularly

We're having major computer issues so my posts my be a little sporadic and pictures are out of the question right now. Hope to get it all resoved soon.

Happy New Year!

Just another quick post

2006-12-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

I've started and restarted the toe-up sock with the Magic Cast-on. Once I get the stitches cast-on, I have a little trouble knitting them because no matter how hard I try I always seem to cast-on tightly.

I have cast-on what I think will be the final cast-on for the first sock.

I'll be back soon.

Hoping your Holiday Season is still a Happy one!

Checking-In

2006-12-22T00:53:00.000-05:00

Still crazy around here. I'm not finished Christmas shopping or almost anything else that needs to be done.

Since I don't have a lot of happy news to report right now, I'm going to come back to post in a few days.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Crazy Days

2006-12-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

There have been some crazy days this week.

I'm working on the socks and the blanket during my free moments this weekend.

Hope to have a full post in a few days after things settle.

17 Days 'til Christmas

2006-12-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

Is there Progress?
I have ridden around everywhere with my cabled blanket and sock yarn. So far, this past week, I don't think I've knit an entire row of any project. Basically, there's no real knitting progress to report.

Sharing
When I went to my eye appointment last week, I took the blanket with me in hopes of finishing at least two rows while waiting. One of the nurses/assistants commented on my blanket. She said she had never knit cables before and thought they might be too complicated for her. While I sat in the holding area waiting for my eyes to dilate, I demonstrated how she had nothing to fear. She was visibly pleased and said she felt like she would now consider cables for an upcoming project.

At the office where I work, a woman who knits quite a bit visited and we discussed a few different techniques to try. She said she was doing some modular knitting and loved to watch the project take shape as she knit. Since she's planning to bring the project with her on her next visit I think I'll be able tell whether or not modular knitting is something I want to try. It never really appealed to me in the past but neither did sock knitting. Keeping an open mind can be very rewarding.

Things that won't make you smile...unless you are sadistic
My friend was supposed to be released from the hospital last Friday. I've been trying to call him but have been unable to reach him.

Life has been hectic. I'm having unexplained nausea daily. My son's allergies are in high gear.

On a positive note, the Honey of a Hurricane Socks will definitely be cast-on tomorrow. I don't know how, I don't know when, but I made a promise to myself.

I'm still on a quest for the yarn for my friend's blanket. I'm starting to think I may have to venture into unknown waters because the yarns I really which are machine washable and dryable don't really come in many shades of brown. I march onward in my quest.

For at least the third year in a row, I'm behind in my Christmas shopping and decorating. My goal now is to have the tree up by the 15th, to have the majority of my cards mailed by the 18th, and to have my shopping done before the 22nd. The shopping goal doesn't sound very ambitious but with all I have going, it's probably about the best I can manage.

Yes, there is a little sunshine in the rain
My mom bought me a "knitting bag." She called it a knitting bag but it's more of a case. I'll be giving it a good inspection soon so I can decide just how much yarn will fit in it. Once I recharge the camera I'll post a photo.

A question
Has ANYONE tried the yarn Filatura Di Crosa Adhoc Maxi? I'd really love to hear about it if you have.

World AIDS Day 2006

2006-12-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. Be aware of the risks. Be aware of how to protect yourself.

Not-So-Good News

2006-11-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

My friend is not doing very well. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance yesterday morning, then admitted. He's doing much better than he was but they have not yet released him.

Since I'm sure he could use a pick-me-up, I'll be trying to finish this project a little earlier than I had first planned. His brother says he likes browns, so I'm on a yarn hunt now. Depending upon what I find, I may have to add another complementary color to the brown pallet but that decision is one that will have to wait until I have assessed the various shades available in soft, washable, reasonably priced brown yarn.

Thank you to all who have volunteered to help.

I still don't have all the details worked-out yet but I'm hoping to have clear specs by Friday. So far, I believe the decision to make 8x8 squares will stand.

I'm hoping to check with my LYS in the next few days to see if they can recommend a joining method that is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.

When I talked to my friend today, he sounded tired but not defeated. What a trooper!

The Blankets and the Socks

2006-11-28T20:19:00.000-05:00

Chez Kimberly has quieted down a bit now that Thanksgiving has passed. As thankful as I am for family, I am also thankful for peace, quiet, and privacy.

I have not been able to get my friend's situation (Hodgkins) off of my mind. I have placed a call to his brother to find out if he thinks a Healthful/Hopeful Throw would be well received or if my friend would rather have something else. I have not been able to catch up with him, which concerns me, so I have left a message.

If I get the green light for this project, the blanket will be made up of 8x8 squares. Although the final color decision is dependent upon an answer from either my friend's brother or mother, I'm thinking that navy blue will be one of the colors used.

I have had some volunteers from online to contact me about making squares. You don't know how much I appreciate this. As soon as I have some real information, I will post it or contact you!

The few locals that I have contacted have agreed to make squares and I'm a little hesitant to contact too many more until I know the blanket is "approved."

The other blanket, of course, is the blanket for my husband. I have estimated that if I knit four rows each day it will be finished in time for the requested date. With each row consisting of just a few stitches less than 300, it is taking me longer to knit than I anticipated. Fortunately, the cabling process has become more smooth for me and those rows are taking about half the time they were when I first started knitting the project.

The blanket is now slightly over 20 inches in length and slightly over 60 inches in width.

I finally decided I'll be knitting the Honey of a Hurricane socks. Had it not been for my crazy life, I would have cast-on for them already.

I had planned to try the figure-eight cast-on but now I'm tossing around the idea of using the Magic Cast-On. Hopefully there will be pictures of a started sock, or at least tales of an attempt tomorrow.

The Letter "H"

2006-11-22T21:38:00.000-05:00

Today's Message is brought to you by the letter "H."

H is for Horrible.
H is for Horrendous.
H is for Heartbroken.
H is for Hurt.

H is for Hodgkin's Disease.

My friend who was doing so well has had relapse. He's now undergoing intense chemotherapy. He sounds very discouraged this time. I'm feeling quite helpless.

I need to remember that H is also for Hope.

I working on being positive for him so that I can be encouraging. I've asked what he needed and he just said he wanted prayers and for people to be positive and upbeeat so he could be positive as well.

I want to try to give him something tangible, a visible sign that people care. I'm considering asking a few people I know if they'd be willing to knit and crochet squares for a Healthful Throw. I'm just at a loss for what to do now except pray and keep contact with him.

I HATE CANCER.

I need to remember that H is also for HOPE.

First Toe-Up

2006-11-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

Back in January I set up a few craft goals for the 2006 year. Among other things, I said that I would try to:

crochet something,
knit a shawl,
knit socks top-down,
knit socks toe-up,
knit mini sweaters,
knit a bear for my son,
and knit a blanket for my husband.

So far, I have knit the socks top-down and started the blanket for my husband. Other than that, I'm not doing very well in with accomplishing the things on the list. I'm thinking a few things will end up being goals for 2007.

In order to be able to check of at least one more thing on my list, and because I enjoyed knitting the first pair of socks so much, I have decided to make the next pair of socks in a toe-up pattern. Currently I'm looking at Honey of a Hurricane Socks, Sherman Socks, Wendy's Toe-Up Pattern , Toe-Ups for the Family and Anastasia. I'm leaning towards the Hurricane Socks.

For a little support and for the useful information posted, I have applied to join the My First Toe-Ups KAL.

I'll probably practice the figure-eight cast-on tomorrow and possibly the provisional. Hopefully I'll be knitting the new socks by Saturday.

In the Fall Cable KAL news, the blanket is now a little over 15 inches long. I guess this makes me a little less than 1/4 of the way finished. I think I can have it finished by Feb 14, hubby's requested date, while I knit small projects on the side.

Speaking of small projects, once the toe-up socks are under way, I may have to try a few mini patters. I've seen them for socks, hats, mittens, and sweaters. I promised my mom a mini sweater ornament to hang on her tree so I'll definitely be making that.

Unfortunately, my health has been less than stellar. Knitting has been a comfort to me. Hoping to get stronger to get some things done. After all, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I did want to bake something.

Two for Tea

2006-11-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

That's right, I finished the second sock.

There are now two and I'm planning to have tea, probably Tazo tea or Harney and Sons.

The second sock would have been finished long ago. Much to my dismay, however, as I was about to start knitting the toe portion, I noticed a glaring error in the beginning portion of the foot. Of course I had to pull out all of those stitches but as I did I kept dropping stitches. The task kept growing and growing.

These socks are definitely fraternal twins. Although I measured as I went along, somehow one is a wee bit longer than the other. Also, one has a little heel/gusset hole that is more visible than the other. I'll probably go back in and try to close it up with some creative stitching.

It was still worth it. Now I'm just wrestling with which sock pattern to try next. Until I decide, it's time to work on the blanket.

...unless I decide to just put on my socks and dance!

No Second Sock Syndrome Here

2006-11-05T18:25:00.000-05:00

After finishing the first sock, I couldn't wait to cast-on for the second. If only I had more time to knit I might actually finish the current sock so I could actually wear the pair.

I've finished the cuff and knit several rows of the heel before it hit me that I had forgotten something. I took a peek at the pattern and found that I was supposed to slip the first stitch in each row. I debated about leaving it but decided that it would probably help to have the slipped stitches for when I have to pick up stitches later.

Sooooo....

I've ripped out those stitches and I'm now back to knitting the heel. It won't be long now before I'm wearing my first pair of hand-knit socks.

I'm already trying to decide on the next sock pattern to try. I don't think I'm quite ready to try to make up my own just yet but I'm feeling more confident about the idea. After a little more reading in Maggie Righetti's Knitting in Plain English I just might be ready.

I need to ge back to knitting the blanket for my husband. I'm sorry that I have left it with very little attention for so long. Much to my chagrin, that last time I did knit any stitches on the blanket, I messed up something so there's correcting to do...again.

At least I'm knitting. Through struggles, through crisis, through pain, I'm knitting.

Who's Smiling Now?

2006-10-31T01:23:00.000-05:00

Aaah, Socktoberfest!

This has been the most fun project I have ever knit.

As October comes to an end, so does my very first sock!

Too bad it could be a pair of socks but I'm as happy as if were!

Since I was a little nervous about the heel and gusset, I took pictures of the finished cuff. I knew there was a possibility I'd flub up, so I wanted proof of a finished cuff in case I had a mad ripping seesion.

No one could have told me reaching this point would bring me such happiness, however fleeting.

After finishing the sock, I wanted to dance! Since I've never finished a sock, ever, I had no idea what a good angle would be for photographs. Therefore, posted here are four different shots of one humble little sock!

This baby needs a mate. Gotta get to work on that, and the blanket, of course.

There's Hope for Me Yet

2006-10-26T18:46:00.000-05:00

After just a wee bit too much aggravation, I gave up on the Magic Loop. I haven't given up on the ML completely but as far as these socks are concerned, the Magic Loop does not exist.

I cast-on the stitches last night before heading to bed. Much to my delight, I managed to knit a few row with out any incidents.

Pleased with my progress, regardless of how slight the progress was, I took it to work with me and knit more rows during my lunch break.

This brought me to about 1 1/2 inches.

While my son watched a little television, I knitted a few more rows, bringing the sock cuff to just over 2 inches.

I love the yarn, Sockotta, but my sensitivity to wool is making my fingers itch. This, however, will not stop me from completing this project. I'm hoping my feet won't be as sensitive but it may truly be wishful thinking.

With a little perseverance, I might have a sock before the weekend ends! Of course, I haven't gotten to the heel or gusset but there's no reason why I can't just be happy about getting this far.

The blanket isn't getting quite as much attention but I did manage to knit a few rows of it yesterday.

With a little luck, I'll get to knit a few rows of it tomorrow.

I'm rather enjoying these two projects.

Thanks for the kind words of support in my sock efforts!

Missing the Magic

2006-10-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

I've stated before that I have previously had trouble with dpn's when trying to knit socks. Becauses of this, I thought now would be the perfect time to once again try the Magic Loop. There was most certainly a loop but the magic was clearly not there.

After about six failed attempts, I finally stopped trying at about midnight. This is what I had.

It's about two rows of very humble beginnings of a sock. I may just have to go back to the dpn's because I'm still not happy using the Magic Loop.

In other knitting news, the blanket is still lengthening. It's around 12X58 now. At least something is going well.

Navy blue yarn is difficult to photograph well. I'm sure better photographs will be acquired as I continue to with this project.

**I'm still not giving up on the socks. I will find a way to have at least one sock before this month is done!

Since there are only so many more days in October...

2006-10-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

After knitting a few rows on the blanket, a realization hit me. October is almost over and I have no sock to show for Socktoberfest. It's past time for me to get going on my socks!

Tomorrow, there will be a photo of the beginning of a sock...

Just for fun, I thought I'd share a few photos from our vacation, since I had planned to take sock yarn with me on the trip. I left the knitting bag sitting in the living room, however.

By the way, the blanket is now approximately 11 X 58 inches.

Just a Small Error

2006-10-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

Much to my delight, the blanket for my husband is progressing well. I've been trying to knit every day, even if it's only for fifteen minutes. Until a few days ago, that plan was going well.

Then, to my chagrin, I noticed a problem a few rows down in the knitting. Unfortunately, the error occured on a cable row, making it difficult to correct without pulling out rows. Rather than risk making the error worse in my correction attempts, I ripped out about four rows.

Progress Shots:

The first photo, of course, is when I first cast-on. The second is a photo of when I finally felt like I was making some progress. The third photo, shows how the blanket looked before I had to rip out a few rows. I had left my tape measure at work. The dpn was used as a reference for length. (The blanket is currently about 9 inches in length.)

I'm almost finished fixing the problem. I made the mistake of putting the knitting into the bag without point protectors on it, while in a hurry. This caused a few dropped stitches that now need to be fixed and then the journey to gift knitting will once again be back on track.

In the mean time, I've been reading Knitting In Plain English by Maggie Righetti. I started reading it years ago but was a little put-off by some of her opinions or her writing style. I don't remember which one. I remembered that there was really good information in it and decided that I could use some real advice about making knitting really work for me.

When I first started knitting, I had imagined I'd learn the basics. Then, I thought I'd just learn a few stitch patterns, "do the math," and just knit whatever I wanted. I assumed that most patterns were written well, and in clear language, and also that knitting a few written patterns would help me learn more about knitting fabric, knitting techniques, and garment construction.

Fast-forward a few years and even though I know more than I did when I first started, I don't know half of what I thought I would. I am now committed to learning more. I'm starting with reading this book, then possibly Sweater Design in Plain English or Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee. I plan to pull out my Elizabeth Zimmermann DVD's and videos since I enjoy them much more than her books. I'll be practicing the new things I read and watch so I'm looking forward to the days to come.

Hopefully, one of these days I'll be a much more confident knitter.

Until then, I'm using what I know to knit what I can, and I'm enjoying that!

Not Leukemia

2006-10-18T18:19:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce that my god-daughter does not have leukemia!

More tests are needed to clarify a few things but the doctors feel they are on the right track!

This is some of the best news I have had in a while.

Thank you to Sara and all who thought of her (my god-daughter) and who prayed!

Hopefully, I'll have a knitting post later tonight!

Change in Focus

2006-10-15T07:21:00.000-05:00

I just found out that my god-daughter may have leukemia. I'm shocked and my emotions are going crazy.

The testing results don't come back until Tuesday, so I still want to believe that it's not leukemia.

Please pray for her and her family. Please pray for me to be strong so I can be helpful and supportive.

Thanks

Socktoberfest Questionnaire

2006-10-12T16:57:00.000-05:00

Socktoberfest 2006 Questionnaire

1. When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I believe my first ATTEMPT at sock knitting occured in February of 2005. No one really taught me. I read the instructions on a few patterns and was familiar with the terms and techniques. Because of that, I decided to just jump in and try.

2. What was your first pair? How have they held up over time?

Again, my first ATTEMPT was the Florida Sock by Lynn H. They were never finished. I kept dropping stitches, dropping needles, and I could not get used to the Fixation yarn I was using. I kept pulling it to tightly. Then I'd rip and try not to pull as tightly but still ended up with something awful. (Fixation yarn is very stretchy.)

3. What would you have done differently?

I would have started with a different yarn. I really like Fixation but I need to practice with it so that I hold the yarn without stretching it. I also would have tried another method besides DPN's, which I love, because I seemed to keep dropping stitches.

4. What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I have only tried Fixation and Sockotta. So far, I'm feeling better about the Sockotta which I'm using for the current sock.

5. Do you like to crochet you socks? or knit them on dpn's? 2 circulars? or using the Magic Loop method?

Since I like DPN's, I thought I would prefer to use them for socks. For some reason, I just can't seem to manage the DPN's when knitting a sock, though I use them for hats and dishcloths. I'm not a big fan of the Magic Loop, but after a recent failed sock attempt on DPN's, I'm planning to try it for my current sock. I'm hoping to pick up the shorter circular needles to try at some point.

6. What kind of heel do you prefer? (flap or short-row?)

The jury is still out on this for me, since I've never completed a sock. I have knit short-row heels but never the flap heels. I seem to have a problem AFTER the heel.

7. How many pairs have you made?

I have started socks about six times...maybe more. I have never finished a pair. I have to believe that this will be that time.

Wish me luck! It's looking like I'm really going to need it!

Don't Put Sugar on your Fries

2006-10-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

KAL's, and a Few Photos

As mentioned in my prior post, I have joined the Fall Cable KAL and Socktoberfest. For Socktoberfest, I have chosen the Basic Ribbed Socks from Spun Magazine. For the Falle Cable KAL I have chosen to knit my husband a blanket. At first I was planning to modify an existing pattern but then decided to consult a stitching pattern book to make up blanket on my own. I have cast-on twice after reviewing swatches but am back to the drawing board until I can decide on a border. Borders don't always have the same impact on a swatch as they do on a larger piece.

There should be pictures of the start of the blanket after the digital camera is recharged.

As far as the dischloths go, I have two photos which were uploaded previously. The first is the basketweave and the second is the apple dischloth.

A couple of recent acquired items are my Knitting Sisters Bag and my yarn for my Flower Basket Shawl, which I will knit some day.

Hold the Ketchup

In case you're wondering about my title, I stopped by a fast food place yesterday to get a quick meal. The last time I stopped at this particular eatery, the fries, which are usually just about perfect tasted as if they were barely salted. As a precaution, I requested a packet of salt from the drive thru associate.

Once I arrived at my destination and began to eat, I discovered that, once again, the fries were quite bland. I reached into the bag and picke up a red and white packet and sprinkled a small portion onto my fries. Fortunately for me, I did not use very much.

I put a fry into my mouth and tasted something I never want to taste again. Since I had only used a very small portion of sugar, I was able to mask the sweet taste by adding a little salt to them.

Sometimes, wonderful flavors are discovered by mistake. This was not one of those cases.

Traveling, The Frog Pond, and Other Pond-ering

2006-10-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

Journey to a Richmond Store

A few days ago I traveled to Richmond. We had several meetings but I was able to run out for about an hour. I was excited to find that I had about five yarn stores available to me. Unfortunately, time was only permitting me to visit one of them. I chose The Yarn Lounge.

It was wonderful. I was greeted immediately when I entered the store. I was offered a basket to carry around my items as I shopped. The store was neat, well-stocked, and items were clearly labeled. There was a table at the front where two very pleasant persons were knitting. At the back of the store there was a very inviting sitting area with chairs that called out to me to sit down, relax and knit.

With little time to spare, I picked up a couple of balls of yarn for a hat for my husband, an older Rowan magazine, a pattern book, and since I've never tried Addi Natura, I purchased one so that I could see if I would have a preference.

Hopefully, I'll get back to the store again when I have more time. It was such a great place. Of course, my heart still belongs to Knitting Sisters.

Tales from the Lily Pad

Since I hate the idea of the UFO's hanging over my head, especially when I'm unhappy with the current state of the items, several pieces, including the Wonderful Wallaby have been sent to the Frog Pond. I will restart the Wallaby again but it probably won't be before January 1. When I start it again, I'll be knitting the larger size. The Fair Isle sweater will also be frogged. I have no idea when I will resume this sweater. I, however, see no reason to just linger, ponder, and fret over these items any longer.

Out with the old - In with the new

Now that the frogging is almost done, I can begin other things. Both items that I plan to start are right in time with a couple of KAL's. I have decided to enter Socktoberfest and the Fall Cable KAL's if approved.

For Socktoberfest, I going to finally use the Plymouth Sockotta that has been frogged more than I'd like to admit. For the Fall Cable KAL, I'm finally going to knit the blanket that my husband has been requesting for while. Both projects are to be knit in yarns in the blue family.

Dishcloths

Now some of you don't consider discloths real knitting but when I'm forming those stitches, it feels like knitting to me. It has been so convenient to carry the cloths around in my purse for whenever I need a quick knitting fix. I have four cloths finished and one that's quite close to completion.

For three of the cloths, I just picked a simple stitch pattern that I liked. I cast on a random number of stitches and just knit until I felt like the cloth was big enough, the yarn was running out, or until I was ready to knit a different stitch pattern. One, as mentioned in a prior post, is the basket weave. One is seed/moss stitch. The third is double seed stitch.

The fourth completed cloth is the apple pattern, which I will make again.

The fifth cloth, which is just waiting for a few rows is the double flower cloth. While it is entirely portable, whenever I take it with me I seem to drop a needle from the waiting project. I have been too lazy to replace the dpn's with a circular. Hopefully, I'll get to switching the needles soon because right now I'm very much in a mind-set of completing things.

Pictures

I've been pictureless for quite a few post and hope to remedy that in the next few days with pictures from my recent acquisitions and my upcoming projects. With a little luck, I'll actually have a progress photo of a sock or the beginnings of a blanket.

Wish me luck.

Quick Post on a Stormy Evening

2006-09-14T17:00:00.000-05:00

Although Saturday was a hectic day, I was able to make it to Knitting Sisters for the Anniversary!

It's always nice to be greeted by name, by smiling faces. With the day I was having, the warm greeting was even more appreciated than normal.

There was sparkling apple cider, cake, cookies, and drawings for prizes every hour. I arrived about an hour before closing and they actually let me pull the name for the winner of the last prize, which was a sweater's worth of yarn!

While there, I picked up a Knitting Sisters tote bag, which I am happily carrying to work every day now.

Hope to post again soon.

Knitting Sisters

2006-09-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

My favorite yarn shop is turning 3! Hooray for Knitting Sisters!

With a little luck, I'll get a chance to pop into the store to celebrate. Here's a little info about events and classes for September. http://www.knittingsisters.com/ClassSchedule2.htm

I'm still feeling kind of crappy and I have a laundry list of things to do BUT I really want to make it there, even if only for a few minutes.

I was thinking about picking up a little Koigu to knit a pair of socks for my husband. We're celebrating ten years of marriage and I thought this might be something else nice I could do for him.

If you are in Williamsburg, today or any day other than Sunday, it's worth the time to visit.

Caps and Dishcloths

2006-09-04T19:56:00.000-05:00

I finished the basketweave dischcloth and have started on Yvonne's Double Flower Dishcloth since my mom said that she would like a few of them. I am still enjoying the portability but something about knitting them just isn't as enjoyable for me as other items.

For the sake of charity, portability, practicality, and also my enjoyment, I have decided to contribute to Caps to the Capital. More info found HERE in PDF format. Knitting Sisters is collecting hats now through December 10 to send to Washington DC. Check out the cause and see other ways you can help in addtion to/instead of knitting/crocheting a cap.

I also forgot that I had volunteered to knit an item for a silent auction. Looks like I need to decide on a pattern and get started on that too. I'll be contacting the people in charge of the charity tomorrow for more details so that hopefully I can get a better idea of what they can use.

I hadn't planned to post pictures of the dischcloths but I've changed my mind. I should have pictures of dishcloths and caps up soon.

Our yard is still quite wet from Ernesto. Our electical power came back on Friday afternoon, our phones came back on Saturday, our cable came back on yesterday and our internet service came back this evening. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit with someone who did not lose any of their services over the course of the weekend which made things much easier. Although we had power on Friday night, the water was still too high.

Today, there are fewer and fewer signs that Ernesto was here. Hoping he's the last big storm of the season, considering meteorologists didn't really classify Ernesto as a really big storm.

Ernesto

2006-09-01T16:56:00.000-05:00

Ernesto has come through and really surprised me. We got a little information on the news that there would be some rain but I don't feel like I was really sufficiently warned for what we got. Maybe I didn't watch enough of the reports.

We were still really lucky. We only lost power for about 8 hours or so and the rising waters didn't make it inside of our house.

Hopefully all the water will be gone tomorrow.

Some For someone who thinks about knitting as much as I do, one would think there would be a lot of knitting done at my house. The contrary, however, is the truth.

The time I used to use for knitting, I've instead been working out. Although I've lost quite a few pounds, I have missed knitting.

I decided to knit something I never thought I would: discloths / coasters / mug rugs / doilies.

I started an apple one Wednesday. I knit a few rows whenever I found spare moments. It really helped with the stress I've been feeling. Once I finished the apple cloth, I started one in basket-weave.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not excited about these items. I'm just happy to knit something that is extremely portable and also if I make an error on it, I really don't mind ripping it out or just chucking the project all together.

I also want to play with stitch patterns and techniques so the cloths are a nice option for me. I honestly never thought I would knit them. I reconsidered after another knitter gave me a couple of knit dishcloths to try. I did like them better than store-bought cloths but still couldn't get excited about knitting them. At least now I understand the motivation.

I plan to start my Flower Basket Shawl soon. I haven't decided whether it will be before or after I finish the Wonderful Wallaby. (I'm still debating about ripping the Wallaby and starting over.) Right now, I just need a stress reliever and something as simple as a cloth/coaster fits the bill right now.

There's still the matter of knitting the blanket for my husband. Statistically speaking, I need to get started on that by the endo of the month if I want to finish it before the year ends.

Hoping to coordinate things so life is more manageable and I have time to do more things I enjoy.

Posting attempts failing

2006-08-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

Experiencing technical difficulties. Hope to make a post tomorrow.

It's been...

2006-08-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

It's been a roller coaster ride. Hopefully, I'm headed towards a more pleasant way of life.

I have had so much going on that my knitting has just been cast aside. I've been hoping to pick my Wallaby back up to finish it but just haven't had time.

I haven't been reading blogs, I haven't been checking my e-mail, and I've barely been to the Knitter's Review Forums.

Hoping to get back to posting something positive and knitting related soon.

On the Needles

2006-05-02T06:12:00.000-05:00

We've been having internet issues here at Chez Kimberly. Normally, we start to believe all is well. Then, we lose all access. I'm hoping the issue is finally resolved. If not, I could be spending another day at home waiting for the technician to arrive in one of those huge time windows they give you.

In any event, I'm trying to get this entry in quickly. Therefore, I'll be making this post a short one.

I'm working on the Wonderful Wallaby. I'm enjoying it. I'm knitting the size 6 which is smaller than I thought it would be, even after I did the math.

The pictures posted today will be of the progress made about a week ago. I haven't wanted to upload any new ones since I wasn't able to post them to the blog.

Since I'm not a big fan of seaming, though I aspire to be, I love the way the pocket is knit right onto the sweater. For the next Wallaby I knit, I will be rethinking the stripe placement and thickness. I wil probablyl have the stripe placed either just below or just above the area I used this time or I'll thicken the stripe. The pocket placement covers part of the stripe and I don't think I like the look.

The conversational tone of the pattern was not a problem for me. I think, like most people, I'm used to getting specific numbers and directions. Due to fun I'm having knitting this sweater, I picked up a few more of the Cottage Creations patterns.

Hopefully, I'll eventually make the Big Sven Sveater. I'm also looking forward to the Babies and Bears Sveater/Sweater.

If you're not a fan of lots of stockinette stitches, this pattern is one you may want to skip but I find that many sweaters are endless steams of stockinette with a few increases and decreases for shaping.

My son doesn't believe the sweater will fit him, as I continue to comment that I thought it would be bigger. I'm hoping he'll get to wear it at least once. If not, he's already got a recipient in mind.

Knittapalooza - A Brief Description

2006-04-23T14:58:00.000-05:00

Knittapalooza 2006

I enjoyed Knittapalooza 2006 so much that I've already signed up for Knittapalooza 2007!

The event took place Thursday, March 30 thru Sunday, April 2.

I arrived on Thursday in time to register (pick up nametag and information packet) and attend the Meet and Greet session. It was very informal and we all just mingled a little with one another and familiarized ourselves with the set-up and schedule of events.

Each morning afterward, Friday thru Sunday, we had breakfast together in the hotel where information about the day's events were presented, a fashion show took place, and door prizes were given.

After breakfast, I usually went to peruse the "store" that had been set up in one of the meeting rooms of the hotel. There were wonderful items on display including items shown in the fashion show and examples of the finished products of different patterns that were available for purchase.

I was fortunate enough to take a class with each of the guest instructors but wish I had taken Linda Johnson's class which included a segment on steeking. She is very helpful on the KR forums and even more personable when you meet her.

Class sessions were three hours long. The guest instructors were Edie Eckman, Lucy Neatby, and Lynn Worley. I took a class with each of them.

Some of the classes were quite intense. I hadn't had enough sleep so a few things, especially with double knitting, will have to be practiced at home. When I was double knitting with two colors in class, my hands just refused to cooperate, whether I tried it with one color in each hand or with two colors in one hand. I do love the idea of the double-sided fabric so one of my purchases was Lucy Neatby's Cape Spear Blanket pattern.

Because so many of us looked forward to the event/trip for a little shopping as well as classes, we were very happy when the owner, Bobbie Reich, opened the store on Sunday afternoon for a few hours for us to shop. I picked up a few more patterns and a little yarn there too.

I'm looking forward to next year. You can get information HERE and HERE!!!

I'm knitting an item from I pattern I purchased at Knittapalooza now. More on that next time.

Since Knittapalooza took place the same time as my son's Little League activities, there are very few Knittapalooza pictures. I thought I had taken pictures but I guess I was just too tired.

***The keychain is actually a tapemeasure/keychain.

Back from Knittapalooza

2006-04-04T06:44:00.000-05:00

I'm back from Knittapalooza!

We had a great time.

Details to come...

Out of the shadows, suddenly, she appeared

2006-03-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

I've been sick again. It was really bad this time. I'm hoping that the antibiotics have cleared everything from my lungs and everywhere else.

There hasn't been much knitting or anything else crafty happening. It's been a chore just to try to keep up with laundry.

Work has been hectic. Almost all of us are working overtime. A check with overtime pay is good but it sure wears out an already weary body.

Since I'm still feeling tired, I'm making this a quick post.

Knitting:

It has taken a back seat to every day life and just feeling well. The socks, the hat, and the egg cozy are still all on the needles waiting for me to give them attention. While I haven't been doing much knitting, I have been reading posts at Knitters' Review and checking out a few blogs. I've also made a commitment to make it to my next knitting meeting.

I've decided that I'm not loving the way the socks are going so I'm ripping them to either alter the pattern or to try a new pattern altogether.

I'm planning to attend an upcoming knitting conference so it would be really good if I could finish something to take along with me for the "Show and Tell" segment. I'm also awaiting receiving the homework assignments for the conference.

Crochet:

Inspired by Vera of Vera's Crafty Blog, I've decided I'd like to make this bag at some point in 2006. I've also decided that I'd like to actually complete the ABC blanket.

I don't know about anyone else's luck, but as much as I like to crochet, I seem to have trouble finding crochet books and magazines with patterns that I like. In January I found Essential Crochet and it is now on my list of books to purchase. I'm hoping there will be more books like it in the future.

Life and Death:

I had a death in the family. I traveled out of town for the funeral to the area where my grandparents and many of my relatives lived/live. I had not been there in about 20 years.

It's always painful to lose someone you love. My uncle was lost unexpectedly. A fall caused brain damage, which ultimately killed him. He had been in the hospital for an unrelated illness and was scheduled to be released. Instead, he fell, hit his head, and never regained consciousness.

Back in my uncle's home town it was incredible to see the sea of faces with all the similar features. I met cousins I had never seen or even knew existed. It was wonderful to hear stories of how he touched the lives of so many.

A sudden death can change your views and priorities so quickly. We, as a family, have made a decision to keep better contact with one another and to plan more family gatherings.

I'm reminded now, more than ever, to enjoy today for everything beautiful with in it. Tomorrow may be a day that I do not see, or even a day when someone else I love is taken from me. It's so important to give the love within us every day of our lives.

National Wear Red Day

2006-02-03T07:38:00.000-05:00

Show your support for educating women about heart disease.

Make yourself aware of your risks.

Today is National Wear Red Day.

You can bet I'm wearing red.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth/wrd/

...and I started knitting my sock.

Pink Eye, Strep, and a Fever

2006-01-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since my last knitting post. My health has been declining so there's been little time to knit. Lately, I've been just trying to get restful sleep and to get a few household chores done.

I have pulled out my sock yarn and my needles over and over. Each time I do, I'm either too tired, in too much pain, or faced with an interruption.

The young lady at the restaurant where I had been regularly eating lunch has asked me to bring in the basket-weave blanket. Trouble is, I can't remember where I put it! Once I remember the whereabouts, I will post the finished picture here and take it to the restaurant as promised.

My interest in knitting and crochething has not wavered. I've brushed up on knitting with two circulars and refreshed my knowledge of a few cast-ons, and the magic loop method. I'm planning on playing with a little Fair Isle, intarsia, and with a few increases and decreases to see if I have a preference for their appearances.

Meanwhile, the socks are still calling me. I left my knitting bag in the car. I'm too tired to even go it out of the car.

In less than great news, my son has pink eye, strep, and a fever. This has left both of us a little tired and grumpy.

I'll be home helping my little man get better tomorrow, so while he naps, if he naps, I'm really hoping to get started on my sock.

A Me-Me

2006-01-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Madalyn has tagged me.

Here we go!

Four Jobs You've Had in Your Life:

Billing and Collections Rep
Retail Management
Receptionist
Fund Raiser

Four Movies You've Watched Over and Over:

Lion King
Blue's Big Musical Movie
A Soldier's Story
Wit

Four Places You Have Lived:

Frederick, MD
Buffalo, NY
Christiansburg, VA
Blacksburg, VA

Four Places You Have Been on Vacation:

Toronto
Bahamas
Hilton Head
Orlando

Four Websites You Visit Daily:

Four of Your Favorite Foods:

Strawberries
Roma Tomatoes
Fresh-Baked Bread
Chocolate

Four Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:

Nowhere, really

Four Bloggers You are Tagging:

Kim of Adventures of a Busy Mama
Maureen of Batty for Yarn
Michelle of Plush Knits
Michelle of Always Casting-On

Only One

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

Happy New Year to you!

I spent my New Year's Eve countdown knitting the last few rows of my son's blanket. I still have to weave the ends and toss it into the washing machine but it feels like it's finished to me!

Since I'll technically be still finishing it today, it will be my first finished item of the 2006 year. In 2005, I only finished ONE thing.

I find this to be shocking! I'm alarmed. I'm really not getting in enough knitting time. Granted, the one item I finished was a large one, it's still only a single item. I started and stopped a few items and I got seriously bogged down with general every day life. This year, I can't let that happen.

This year, craftwise, I'm going to try to do the following:

Crochet something
Knit socks toe-up, top-down, and with different heels
Knit a blanket for my husband
Knit a bear for my son
Knit at least one shawl
Knit mini sweaters in different patterns for small, quick, portable fun knitting
Update my inventory sheets so I know exactly which needles, hooks, books, and notions I own
Make more time for knitting and crocheting
Start scrapbooking
Make time to do do the things I enjoy to relieve the stress and pressures of every day life

Number 9 on the list takes a back seat but I'm really hoping to get started at some point this year.

I find that, generally speaking, New Year's resolutions don't work for me. I make changes all during the year at the time I see fit. Making them at the start of the year, just to do it, has almost always worked against me. For this reason, I haven't made "New Year's resolutions" in over 20 years. I taking a slight detour from my rule for crafts only. The detour also features the word "try" rather than the phrase "I resolve."

Still, as always, I'm hoping to grow, give, learn, and love every day of my life.

Wishing you all a bright, beautiful, safe, and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Purging and Planning

2005-12-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Purging

It has become very clear to me that it is indeed time to purge. I've donated a few items to a local charity and given a few items to a neighbor. However, a major expulsion is needed.

This weekend, in between Christmas shopping, decorating, and normal household chores, I will be packaging items to be removed from our home. I have so many items of my son's that I had been saving that just need to go. There's no room for them and a child somewhere could use them. My intention is to donate or give away whatever I can bear to let go, in an attempt to achieve more order, more space, and to be a charitable citizen.

Among the things I'm debating about purging are these lovely skeins of Silk Garden.

I hate Silk Garden. I love the way it stripes but I really don't like the yarn at all. Originally, the yarn was planned for knitting Klaralund. I purchased a lone skein to test it to see if it bothered my hands. Because it was so pretty, I kept trying to convince myself that I really liked this yarn. The truth is, I never want to knit with it again.

Somewhere, there is the beginning of a Klaralund sleeve. I'm debating about frogging it to knit another hat, as I do think the hat I knit with SG came out nicely. It was my first dpn project.

Now I must decided whether to sell the remaining skeins, swap them, or figure out something I'm willing to make with them.

Planning

In the planning department, I've gotten this urge to knit a few of the mini sweaters. I thought it might even be nice to hang a few on my tree. I played with the idea of making one for a few people in my office. Most appealing to me is the cabled pattern I found at A Good Yarn. It appears to only take a small amount of yarn and looks like it could be a fun project. Now I just have to find/make the itty bitty hangers.

I still need to finish the last few rows and weave-in the ends on my son's blanket. He's ready to put the blanket to good use, so I need to just pick a day and get it done. I'm thinking Monday will be the day.

Christmas shopping is looking better. I've made the list of all persons for whom I'm purchasing/making gift. On the list, beside each person's name is a block for gift possibilities, stores to find the item, one for marking when the present has been purchased, on for when it's wrapped, and one for when it's shipped/delivered. With that done, I'm still probably going to be wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.

I'm still planning on baking with my son most of the day on Christmas Eve, so I really have to plan the days ahead carefully. On Christmas Day, I'm hoping to watch my son and other family members open presents, then knit happily in any spare moments.

Right now, I think I'll try to knit those last few rows of the blanket. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I think it will help me feel better.

After or possibly during the knitting, I'll fall asleep. It's been that kind of week.

No Dead Ducks

2005-12-11T22:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I asked my husband to tell me something that he would really like to have for Christmas. I had asked him several times before but yesterday he readily and easily gave an answer. It was almost as if he had been waiting for me to ask again.

This afternoon, after researching the aforementioned item, my son and I set out to acquire the requested gift. Once I had purchased this gift and a few others on my list, I started to feel some disturbing pain. I decided to cut my shopping trip short.

On the way home, as I approached a curve in the street, two ducks had stopped in my direct path. Because the street is not a straight path, nor well-lit, I didn't see the ducks until it was almost too late. They appeared to have walked from separate sides of the street because each had it's body turned in a different direction. When my headlights hit them, both looked up at me and froze.

I prayed to God in Heaven to please not let me hit these ducks. I stopped probably two feet short of hitting them.

It would have ruined my day to have hit those ducks. I can't imagine it would have been the highlight of their day either.

Now my nerves are shot so I just need to do something to calm down. Folding clothes didn't do it so I'm getting ready to try a little knitting.

I'm just really glad I didn't hit the ducks. I don't think I could have explained it to my son. Glad I didn't have to try.

Knitting content tomorrow...

It's not 33

2005-12-01T19:28:00.000-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. Know your risks.

I think of those I have lost to AIDS and those I know who have suffered because of it. I honor their fight and hope we soon find a cure.

In knitting news, the Stork yarn I bought is definitely not color 33. It's color 30. I'm hoping to get back to Knitting Sisters this weekend to pick up the brown, if they have it in stock. If not, I'm going to have to order it.

Sine I'm knitting the Pismo hat for my husband, I may let him decide. If he follows his normal pattern, he'll opt for the brown. Fortunately, I have sock yarn to keep me busy if I'm unable to acquire the brown yarn in a timely manner.

The Sockotta yarn is 40% wool. I'm hoping it will not bother my hands. I knit a little bit with Zephyr, which is 50% wool, and I seemed to be okay. I'm still deciding upon a pattern but I'm anxious to get started. My husband will likely be the recipient of the first pair. My feet are very sensitive some I'm a little apprehensive about using any wool at all on socks for me. Since I'm quite drawn to this yarn, I may chance knitting a pair for myself using it. If I break out from the yarn, I can always give the socks to my mom.

I saw a few colorways of the Sockotta that I really liked. I'm going to check Wise Needle, then Google to see what others have to say about their experience with this yarn. My hope is that knits up nicely, wears well, and doesn't get crappy looking from being washed. I'm willing to wash hand-knit socks by hand if necessary.

I'm also still holding out hope for mastering knitting with Cascade Fixation. My tendency was to stretch it to tightly. Of course it would pull itself back into the unstretched state. This created a tiny item that was not wearable. I may need to just knit a few more flat swatch-type pieces with it just to get the hang of holding the yarn in way that is comfortable but still produces a nice fabric.

I haven't stopped knitting the blanket yet. Last night at the knitting meeting they joked about how I kept changing my mind about the length. They asked how tall my son was. When I told them, they laughed again because, for a child measuring under four feet tall, the blanket is more than long enough.

When I explained that I wanted the blanket to be something he could use for a long time, they all agreed that making it longer was a good idea. I didn't need anyone's approval but it never hurts to have someone tell you that you are right.

Meanwhile, I'm knitting until I decide it's done.

54 and Still Going

2005-11-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was nice. Normally, it's extremely hectic but this year was a little better. I am very thankful for so many things and I'm am truly thankful for a less stressful holiday.

Thank you all for the kind comments on the blanket. It is now measuring 54 inches in length. That seems plenty long for a small child's blanket but I can't seem to stop adding to it.

Originally, the plan was a small blanket for my son. That was the plan. Plans change. After about the sixth skein, I kept telling myself I was going to add about 3 more inches and then the blanket would be done. I said this over and over. I'm still saying it. Only now I think I really mean it...but I could be just kidding myself.

I want my son to be able to enjoy the blanket for a long time. He's just a little tyke right now and he's going to grow. I don't want it to be too small for him to use next year. So the blanket continues to grow, I continue to measure it, and I continue to keep knitting.

I'm not sure where I'll stop.

I managed to get to the not-so-local yarn store on Friday after work. (Yes, I had to work the Friday after Thanksgiving.) I picked up some sock yarn with various shades of blue. I also picked up some Stork to knit Pismo. I should have asked for a specific color number because I think I brought home the wrong shade. I was too consumed with deciding on a sock yarn. Therefore, when I chose the yarn for the Pismo hat I figured the beige was close enough to brown. Now, I regret that I didn't ask about the brown. I'll be trying to pick up the brown later.

I've actually been making it to the Wednesday night knitting meetings. I've been enjoying them. I'm looking forward to the meeting tomorrow. Maybe I'll finish the blanket by the end of the meeting.

Don't count on it, though!

Moving Right Along with the Blanket

2005-11-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

The Blanket

The blanket is coming along well. Right now, it's about 31 inches long and about 42 inches wide. It's definitely more than half done which makes me feel really good.

The more I look at the pattern, the more I think about making something else with the basket-weave pattern in it. A kid's sweater or man's sweater in this pattern might be nice.

I had planned to make a trip to Knitting Sisters today to pick up a few things but was just too tired. I decided to take a quick nap and woke up hours later. Maybe I'll get there this coming week.

Lately, I've been taking the blanket everywhere in case the opportunity to knit arises. Recently, I was knitting during my lunch break and one of the ladies at the restaurant commented on the blanket. She has a four-month old daughter and would like to learn to knit so she can make things for the baby. I told her I'd try to help her and invited her to come to our knitting meetings on Wednesday nights. Hopefully, she'll be able to make it to a meeting so she has several people with varied experience to help her.

The Cabled Sweater

I have picked out a pattern for my son. It's the Aran Fishing Shirt from Classic Knits for Kids, by Debbie Bliss. Since I've heard her patterns are frequently published with errors, I visited the errata section of her website. I was pleased that the sweater was not on the list. Yarn will be evaluated soon so that I can make a good choice.

Holidays

I'm looking forward to the holidays this year. Frequently, this is a stressful time for me but I have decided that this year will be different. This year, I'm just going to take everything slowly and say "no" when needed. Since I'm still feeling like crap, I'm thinking I'll be saying "no" a lot more.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

Cabled Sweater

2005-11-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

My son has a cabled sweater that I love. I purchased it when he was almost two years old. He wore it the very same winter. He even wore it for two subsequent winters. This year, the sleeves are too short. It breaks my heart.

Now, I think I want to knit one for him. I'm feeling a little like Iit could be a bad idea since the GRAND UFO of mine is in fact a sweater I started for him. In reality, however, the only reason I stopped knitting the sweater was because the pattern directions were minimal, at best, and the teacher of my Norwegian Sweater class never went over how to really do anything. (See entries from May 19, here and here, for more details.)

I'm a little more experienced as a knitter now. I am more confident in my knitting and I've found a few more resources for learning steeking and cutting. Since I'm not a fan of using a sewing machine, I may never, ever use these techniques but there is a part of me that really wants to learn. There's a part of me that really wants to go back to finish the original sweater but I'm not sure I know where all of the yarn is any more.

I've looked for a few patterns. I'm going to check out Celtic Knits and Great Knits for Kids, by Debbie Bliss to see if there's something that strikes my fancy. I'm still peeking around different online yarn shops to see if I see an appealing pattern too.

Hopefully I'll find something soon. I'm guessing, it may not be knit until the new year. I told my husband I'd make him an afghan, I want to make socks for me, and there's still a shawl calling me.

At least I'm making progress on the current blanket. I'm about a third of the way done. I'll try to get a progress shot soon as I'm taking a road trip Saturday.

I've been shopping for sock yarn too. I'm going to try to order some before the month ends so I'll be ready to start my socks in December.

In the mean time, I'm dreaming of future projects and of finishing projects from the past.

Hopefully, my son will get a hand-knit sweater before he turns six.

Sudoku and a Little Knittng

2005-10-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

While at work the other day, one of the gentlemen showed me a puzzle he was working. I was intrigued, so I tried to solve the puzzle as well. I'm hooked.

It's Sudoku. There's one published in our local paper each day. They are slightly similar to crossword puzzles, only you use numbers and logic. There's no math involved, but being able to count couldn't hurt.

Puzzles come in varying degrees of difficulty. There are games online and even Sudoku books. If you're interested in a little information, check out www.sudoku.com , http://www.websudoku.com/ , or http://www.sudoku.org.uk/ .

Each day now, I grab the morning paper so I can grab the puzzle. I suppose the novelty will eventually wear-off, but not necessarily. Believe it or not, I still like to do factor trees for fun.

In knitting news, I'm making progress on the blanket for my son. He checked on it today, giving it a slight approval. He felt that, "it was getting better but needed to be finished soon." Talk about the microwave generation. This kid should know better. We had a short talk about how long Grandma's blanket took to knit. He smiled knowingly as if he had said the words just to yank my chain.

The Pismo hat for my husband is still part of my plan but he has now requested a blanket for himself. I'll be hunting for stitch patterns an yarn for him. The thought of another blanket after making my mom's and my son's feels like it could be too much. I think I need a few small items in between to break up the blankets. I've got socks on the mind.

Maybe I really will try socks again.

This, That, and the Other

2005-10-18T20:09:00.000-05:00

Just a little bit of info since I'm feeling yucky:

I've cast-on for my baby booties several times. Each time they look too tiny. The piece is so small it's hard to really get an accurate read on gauge. I'm going to pull it apart once more but restart on size 4 needles.

I'm planning a Pismo hat for hubby, as soon as I can get down to the LYS for the brown and black Stork yarn.

Still debating about socks and shawls. I'm thinking the socks are going to win right now because I probably don't need to have too many large projects back-to-back.

I've been debating about other things but at my son's insistence, I've cast-on a blanket for him. I had not finished charting the blanket I wanted to make for him. Since I like making blankets anyway, I figured I'll just make him another one, a larger one, after this one is done. The current one is dark green, as he requested, in the basket weave stitch.

Going for another medical test tomorrow. I've been taking my knitting to my appointments and one of the nurses has been complimenting me on my projects. She's also commented that every time she sees me I'm working on something new. Of course, I've only seen her about three times.

A few folks have work have started becoming interested my knitting. One of them had never seen a project being cast-on before. Since my son's blanket is a mossy green, she actually thought I was wrestling a snake when I held it up to assess the how much yarn was left for my long-tail cast-on. She said she had no idea that knitting started out that way.

Going to miss the Knit-Out again this year due to the wedding of a relative.

Visited a new LYS and was sorely disappointed.

Going to miss my knitting meetings tomorrow...

Still, I'm knitting happily, whenever I get the chance.

Special Delivery and Lesson Learned

2005-10-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Il est fini!

I finished my mother's blanket last week. I tossed it into the washer on the gentle cycle and the blanket showed no signs of stretching, fading, or tearing. I'm also pleased to say that it was machine-dried, on the normal settings, with no problem. I was a little concerned since this is a lace pattern but I needn't have worried.

Late yesterday afternoon, I delivered the blanket to my mother. She was very excited. If all knitting gifts will be so well received by my mom and my son, they'll always be on the list of people for whom irons will be on the fire. I'm already thinking about what I can knit next for her.

Dishcloths and Washcloths

When I first started knitting, I figured a dishcloth/washcloth would not be something I would ever knit. Sure, some that I saw were pretty but I figured if I was going to knit something pretty, it would be worn or displayed.

Then, a few weeks ago, we visited with someone who knits dishcloths regularly. She pulled out a few that she had recently knit and they were indeed lovely to see. She told me that the hand-knit dishcloths cleaned so well and dried so quickly that she wouldn't use anything else. My curiosity was piqued. I decided then and there that I would knit at least one so that I could decide for myself. Maybe I had written-off too hastily a project that was portable and could possibly provide solace for me in times of the desire for a quick-knit.

A few days ago, I cast-on for my first dishcloth. I chose one knit in the round rather than the little squares one often sees. Since I want to make one of the pinwheel blankets one day, I chose a dishcloth pattern similar to it. The pattern, "Doily Style Dishcloth," is found HERE.

Oddly enough, it reminded me of knitting a hat from the top-down. I may try doing this at some point. I'll start with fewer stitches than this pattern. It could be interesting to do the increases (as opposed to decreases when knitting from the brim up) and stitch patterns this way.

This is a progress shot, showing where I left-off yesterday. Most likely I'll be finished it today, if I continue it.

It was engaging to knit, but I kept thinking about how it was a dishcloth. I just couldn't get really excited about it. I kept think of other things I could make knitting from the inside of the project to the outside. I was thinking about how many patterns there were that maybe worth converting. It could prove useful in the event you are a little unsure of just how long you want your hat to be, or the circumference of your shawl/tablecloth/doily.

During this experiment, I also learned that I don't like having over about 25 stitches on a size 7 double-pointed needle. I seem more prone to losing stitches from the needles not in use. I know now that for me, although I enjoy dpn's, that's the time to switch to circulars. I also know I need more practice on projects that use dpn's with a small number of stitches. The needles feel very unstable for me and I need to use them more to get comfortable with that scenario. I don't want to be frustrated every time a start a project on dpn's that says "Cast-on 8 (or less) stitches and join."

It's not likely that I'll be knitting many more dishcloths/washcloths. I'm sure I'll knit at least another. They are good practice for me with the small stitch count on dpn's.

I do understand, a little, the appeal of the little cloths. I don't knock making them. I just think they aren't really the project for me. If the one I'm making turns out to be a little miracle worker in the kitchen, I may change my mind.