Knit 1- Pugs 2 ( and slip a kitty )

End of blog due to Facebook and no time

2010-07-13T12:12:00.001-04:00

No time to keep this anymore because Facebook has taken over along with babysitting grandbaby.

new grandbaby due in March

2009-10-05T22:27:00.002-04:00

hey Liz you can't be peaking if I post baby stuff here. sort of waitIng till Oct 29 to see if I should knit pink or blue!!!

Knitter's Day out

2009-09-28T14:57:00.002-04:00

I went to this again this year with my sister. I always love seeing her and going to this by Harrisburg Pa. My classes were entralac and tatting. I was not too successful at either but still had a wonderful day with my sister and niece.
My Sprout baby blanket is about 2/3 done and going slowly. I started a Paton's Monkey Business today . My Kindle continues to take away from knitting. I have been reading like crazy instead of knitting. This too will pass once I find out the sex of the next grandchild...

TJ 5 months old in my Pea Pod sweater

2009-09-10T22:52:00.003-04:00

I went to visit the little guy today while my son was babysitting. We went to Trader Joes' shopping and it was chilly outside today. My son put this sweater on him that I made..the Pea Pod one from Interweave that was one tricky pattern....

Isn't this little guy the cutest? I love being his grandma!

summer comes to an end

2009-09-07T12:33:00.003-04:00

It is September already..................

scary Life is going by so fast one season after another. Another school year starting this week and hard to believe I will be retired 3 years now. In 3 years I have accomplished a lot of knitting and a huge stash !

Knitting mojo has started up again. I am making this baby sweater called Duck Soup found on Ravelry. It looks like a blob here without a sleeve and frog closings plus hood needs to be finished. I made a size 18 months that is huge. This pattern is really interesting with hardly any finishing. I am using up my stash with this Blue sky organic yarn I bought while on vacation last year.

This month is Knitter's Day Out down by my sister's in Lancaster, Pa. Next month is Rhinebeck bus trip with a local yearn shop. I am afraid the stash may get bigger!

I had to try the new Knitpicks acrylic needles so bought a few pairs this week and will try them with next projects. I love the new stand to hold the Knitpick needles too. while I was ordering got the Knitted Gifts Book by Ann Budd and love it with So many projects to choose from!

I want to look for a Christmas stocking kit to make for TJ. I saw him yesterday..5 months old and so alert and happy. Maybe TJwill have a cousin soon???hint hint hint...

pictures of Sprout Baby Cardigan

2009-08-18T14:47:00.002-04:00

not sure of sex or buttons yet..but looks pretty girlie..
outside picture shows the color better.

Just started the Sprout Broken Rib baby blanket . Doesn't this looks bigger than a 6months size?

August 2009

2009-08-17T22:11:00.004-04:00

This month is flying by and my knitting progress continues to be slow. But - Tonight I finished up a baby sweater from Clara Parkes book called Baby Soft Cardigan and used lime sprout yarn. right now Stinky is plopped on top of it not letting me wash and block it yet. I am not so sure this was the best pattern for this nubby cotton yarn. I would not do this pattern again as it involves way too much sewing for me .
Someone on the facebook ravelry group mentioned mouse hunt - an addictive game about 3 months ago. Well- I am an official mouse hunt addict and it is taking up way too much of my time.I am up to hero level which involves many sounding of horns and buying the correct trap and cheese combination. I have made mouse hunt friends form all over the world. My kids are teasing me because I am always checking my blackberry to sound my mouse hunt horn. Bejeweled Blitz is another game that has me hooked. This is crazy as I am not even a game person!

My new electronic book Kindle from Amazon has taken away from knitting too. I have read 2 books in the last few days. Some knitting books are even on the kindle ....
August 29 there is a Fiber Festival down the stress at Fort Delaware. I am going to sell some of the items I have t hat have not given away as gifts. This is a new event in the area and it should be interesting.

I am going to make a baby hat to go with this sweater and if enough yarn maybe a small easy baby blanket that I can do without thinking while I am reading my Kindle or mouse hunting!

I am in a funk!

2009-08-02T15:18:00.002-04:00

Last few weeks I have been suffering from some kind of blah blah feeling. I have not had the gumption to even knit. This last few days I forced myself to take long walks to get more energy but think it is more mental. Also- Facebook , Mouse Hunt and Bejeweled do have me addicted.

I did get some good news though yesterday which made me go and pull out my baby patterns. Maybe this will bring back my knitting feeling ....I don't feel like doing my lace projects or Sally Mellvile Topher sweater that was started at camp. Instead- I am starting
Clara Parkes ' Baby soft Cardigan in lime Sprout.
I ordered a Kindle yesterday....

lazy blogger

2009-07-15T12:45:00.003-04:00

This is the toddler sweater started at knitting camp after learning Sally Mellville's tweed stitch. Look at all the mess keeping 6 different working yarns going.yes- I need to cut 2 yard lengths instead of using big balls that get tangled.

This was fun to learn and it does look better than this picture -I think

I made this little sweater while driving to Fla. It has pink ribbon to put in eyelets. It is the nursery color Encore. It looks sort of limp to me although the pattern was very well written. I would like to do it in a thicker yarn.

I am way......behind on the summermysteryshawl 09 Kal. Only on clue 2- could not work on it at camp while chatting and drinking the wine.

Here are the other amazing knitters at Knitting Camp.

Have not been blogging and feeling lazy last month in general. Knitting is being done but very sporadic. I was away in Fla for 16 days ; had to get caught up at home and then just got back from knitting camp. This years theme was Sally Melville's Styles book and I learned simple fair ilse and the tweed stitch .

kitty pi- Stinky likes it !

2009-06-16T11:08:00.003-04:00

I made this once before for my daughter's cats and is about time I made one for Stinky. The pattern and a gallery of pictures are free on Wendy Knits site or in her book . I am using my stash for this and not even done but can tell Stinky loves it. I leave the room and find him inside it. Can you tell I love this little guy? He just keeps me laughing and happy! I just hope it is not too small after I felt it. I have about 5 more rows to go .

Tote - dry and handles on

2009-06-15T09:16:00.003-04:00

double pictures for some reason and can't cut?

I am so happy with this cute tote and the colors are me!

felting in progress

2009-06-13T15:43:00.002-04:00

Still needs to dry and then put handles on..

Cabin Fever Fair isle Tote- done using 2 hands- so cool and fun

bulky Lambs Pride knits up fast on size 13 needles

Next I am making a bed for Stinky because the whole time making ithe just wanted to sleep on it.

Did I metnion I am still addicted to MouseHunt, Bejewled and Facebook?

I can knit with two hands....<3

2009-06-02T22:12:00.002-04:00

I took a class at JillDeal in Milford Pa. I went because my sister and friend were going with out any expectations of following along. I am not good at these classes because I get frustrated very easily and need lots of visuals with my hearing loss. Well- Jill is an amazing teacher that made it easy even for me! This is a Cabin Fever pattern called Fairisle Tote that was part of the class along with a delicious lunch.

P1040881.JPG

2009-05-29T22:03:00.001-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Owl vest done!

2009-05-28T10:40:00.003-04:00

This is an adorable litte vest for a baby boy . Mine came out more toddler size which is perfect for TJ next fall or winter. I used KnitPicks Comfy which is a nice washable yarn for babies. Pattern is free at Ravlery.

One mistake showed up in back that looks like a purl or dropped stitch. I am going to try ti put a small stitch in there if it will make it look less noticable.

Now I am off to East Stroudsburg to the Annie Modesitt class on Embellishments. I hope the class is not too big and I will be able to hear. I don't know anyone else going and it is a 2 hour drive. I am leaving early to check out Knit and Purls Shop.

dont play mouse hunt

2009-05-26T19:16:00.001-04:00

someone on Facebook group in ravelry told me about this game..If you want a life without checking the computer every 15 minutes - dont be like me and dont even start..it is so addictive! I knit with a timer next to me..pathetic!

әuop ɟɹɐɔs ʞu!d

2009-05-24T10:17:00.004-04:00

Pink scarf was completed last night while watching tv and playing MouseHunt.hat is where I learned how to write upside down...my computer educations continues while playing games.. Now I need to block scarf and finish owl vest. Knitting mojo very low..

I have to get it back for knitting camp next month. Oh I am taking two more class this week so maybe that will help too.

mouse hunt

2009-05-22T08:43:00.002-04:00

still not blogging like old days... still addicted to Facebook. Someone on ravlery mentioned Mouse Hunt on Facebook and how addictive it was..oh well now I spend every 15 minutes setting my traps and buying new cheese. crazy! no wonder I am so chubbly and not losing that winter flab!
Off to Havestraw to spend a few hours with the baby TJ. Trafffic will be a killer coming back so wont stay too late. 2 hours down and 2 hours back to spend 2 hours there ..but worth every precious minute with him.
Knitting is still going very very slow...At night I don't seem to have the motivation or energy that I had before. I hope I snap out of it soon..I need to clear my plate of ufo's' to start Summer mystery shawl 09 Kal in June.

knitting

2009-05-18T11:23:00.003-04:00

So I have not been blogging lately. Blame it on Facebook or this nasty emotional funk I can't shake lately. I have no energy and my back still is keeping me awake at night. PT is not helping. I feel old..

I took a class this past Sat at Milford Pa ( JillDeals) and made a pretty beaded scarf on the diagonal. It was fun and met my daughter afterwards for dinner so very nice time.. Scarf is almost done and good pattern to use up your stash with only 200 yards needed. I signed up for 2 more classes this month. One is at the same shop learning fair isle using 2 hands, ) This one will be a challenge for this uncoordinated left handed person. The other class is with Annie Modeset in Stoudsburg working with embellishments.

I decided not to do the GoddessKnits Anniversary shawl that looks like Dracula's Bride. That is not my style at all. Instead -I am doing her Summer Mystery Shawl that can be square of triangular. I ordered the yarn she suggested for the group in dark green and now patiently awaiting the first clue on June 20th. I will be away then but will have to find a place where I can print the first clue .

radiating star

2009-05-09T07:53:00.003-04:00

well- it is done but not my finest work. . The Radiating Star ( free ravelry) with cheapo Lion Brand yarn. I don't think all those extra holes ( YO's) are supposed to be there. This is a reminder to check my work more as I go along. sort of embarrassing..............

Still working on the Owl Vest but knitting progress has be

4/27/09

2009-04-27T08:47:00.004-04:00

TJ 6 days old (so close up makes him look 3 months but not really in person)
DH totaled his his brand new Honda Ridge- line truck but who cares because he is ok. Truck can be replaced.He fell asleep and luckily ended up hitting a huge sign and the side of a hill.

I am feeling a bit nostalgic this am. 28 years ago my daughter was born on a Monday just like this beautiful sunny morning. Who would have know how important that little baby would become in my life. My daughter is so beautiful, hard working , creative and such a caring human being. She is my best friend that I love unconditionally ( even when she was a teenager)

I think this bout of "where has the time gone in my life" was a result of looking a baby pictures and baby books that I pulled out yesterday. My daughter -in -law wanted to see baby pictures of my son to compare them with the new baby. I can't remember some of the info and people but smart me had written everything out and wrote on bottom of pictures.

Such an e motional week last week with being a grandma and almost became a widow. 1 am call on to inform me DH had fallen asleep at wheel driving home from Fla . He was less than an hour away. I dorve over there not knowing what I would find with ambulances and all kinds of fire trucks flashing and firemen.

Spent all night and the rest of the day in the Er but he is ok. His back and chest are painful but that is improving fast. He is up and about and no fractures.

with all this week - not calm enough to do much knitting . Plus neede dto catch up on my sleep so went to bed early instead of knitting.I did work onRadiating Star last night and frogged out the Owl Vest becuase I noticed a mistake and want it perfect.

back to kntting

2009-04-21T12:01:00.002-04:00

I actually was knitting Friday night in the hospital while waiting for Tj to arrive. I was working on the Radiating Star Blanket that I am bored with - not the pattern but with the yucky Lion Brand yarn that is too thick and stiff.
Last night I started the Baby Owl Vest http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-baby-vest that is not boring. This Knit Picks Comfy Sport is very soft and the Cashew color is very boyish. This is made in the round which I love! I only have the ribbing and a few rows of stockinette done but think it should be an adorable vest for the baby. What size he will be in the fall is tricky as he is so big already at 9 pounds! The pattern says 9-12 months so think it should be big enough. He has a closet full of adorable clothes from all the showers but wonder if some will even fit him!

welcome Thomas Joseph 4/18/09 9 pounds 1 oz

2009-04-18T21:50:00.004-04:00

Here is his first picture- Mom and baby are doing well. He was big and had some fluid issues so in ICU today - Hoping he is out tomorrow. I could only peak at him but already love him . Watching my son become a father is some special feeling.Thomas is special as it is my son's,dad's, husband's and brother's name.

I am pooped after staying up all last night. I am off to bed with a smile on my face.

Grand baby taking his time

2009-04-17T21:52:00.003-04:00

This little guy was due Sunday but still has not arrived. Waiting and waiting and not planning anything till this happens. They will induce next Wed 5pm if she does not deliver by then.. My daughter has been visiting..lots of eating, talking, dvd's and shopping- very little knitting...

tax day baby??

2009-04-15T10:29:00.001-04:00

maybe he will come today??? They will induce next week if he does not come soon...

come on Baby!

2009-04-13T14:27:00.003-04:00

My son's baby and my first grandchild was due yesterday. The suspense is driving me nuts. I worry about not hearing the phone call in the middle of the night or while I am showering.. needed groceries so left today for awhile. Cell phones don't work up here so have to keep that in mind.The Boy is still in Fla going on two weeks so he is not here to listen for phone in middle of night so I am waking up all hours checking the answering machine in case I missed a call. I feel sleep deprived... Poor Daughter -in - law is really ready!

So come on little guy .....let's get hatching! You were supposed to be an Easter Baby . Seriously just hope this little boy is healthy. ( actually big boy according to last sonogram he was 8 and half pounds!)

Day before Easter/ I COM

2009-04-11T06:33:00.005-04:00

I am up very early today .. it is still dark and this is not me! One of the joys of retirement is sleeping in but these pugs don't remember that. My son's is the main culprit. He is here until after his new baby is born and settled. I stayed awake to check the phone and email in case they called during the night.Without the Boy here to listen for phone - I am afraid I wont here it. I have the phone next to my bed as close as possible but without my hearing aids on - I barely hear anything. This started at age 30 and has continued to decline . Anyways I am awake to if that baby phone calls comes I am directly off to Nyack Hospital which is about 2 hours away.
anyways this little guy is due tomorrow on Easter so maybe that will happen!

Technology for people with hearing loss has continued to improve. I am so lucky to live in a time of closed captions, cap tel on computer and now my new I com. I am trying out new hearing aids this past week which sometimes can be a struggle. Eye tests are so much more black and white - you can read the letters or not.Hearing has so many different levels to it so not easy.

With these new ones: I can hear for the first time in a long time the pugs snoring , footsteps , wind , the dishwasher ect but forget hearing anyone in Applebees because the aids pickup all the back ground noise that smoother out the sounds needed to carry on a conversation.

But the thing I am so excited about is the Icom which is a Blue tooth necklace I wear under my shirt. I now can answer my Blue tooth land line and cell phone with just tapping this necklace and the phone goes directly into my hearing aids. I don't even lift the receiver cell. The cell can be in my purse. The best thing about it is hearing so much better on the phones .. It is like clear fm sound. I wont get a ticket either because it is hands free! My Blackberry Storm has the Slacker.com App and so I can listen to music on Slacker.com via the cell phone and my Blue tooth ICom. This is just so exciting for me because I have not really listened to music in ages because it sounded like noise- not music. But now every night I have to charge my cell phone, my I Com and my hearing aid remote.....lots of paraphernalia to carry around but so worth it! I ordered a Bluetooth usb adapter for my computers so I can hear video and sound on them too hopefully. Figuring all this out is a major accomplishment on my part.

Yesterday I was in Milfrd Pa and stopped at JillDeal Yarn Shop. My will power for using my stash up has gone out the window as I purchased this yarn called Sprout. I just fell in love with the gold and green Color 3 colors. I have had my eye on a DellaQ bag for long time along with 10 skeins of another baby yarn. I had been in the Monticello Yarn Store last week and spent way too much . Gotta get back on track and use this stash. Best to stay out of yarn stores for awhile!

April 2009

2009-04-09T09:50:00.004-04:00

Ravelry, facebook and yahoo mail seem to take more of my time and less is going here.

It is not intentional just happens .

Knitting progress has been slower this week due to a hand that is hurting, doctor appts and having to take care of everything in the house because the Boy is away. We bought a condo in Pine Island, Florida and he closed on it last week. He loves it so much down there that hope he comes back! It is a fishing area so he is in fishing heaven. The reason I am not down there is the waiting the arrival of my first grandson due this Sunday on Easter. As soon as he is settled Hope to make a quick trip to Florida if I can make some kind of last minute pet sitter arrangements. So next year I will be an official snow bird. MANY things to work out though like pets and parents.

Thanks to Sue from NJhttp://craftitagain.blogspot.com/ I am working on a practice baby blanket called Radiating Star.( free from Ravelry) I am using worsted weight Lion Brand in white. The yarn is too thick and awkward but going to finish it and give it away .

I am knitting the other Fleece Artist Legging. for Sea Baby Set. This sea cell wool is reviewed this week by Knitter's Review. I love the colors of the yarn but have this issue with the yarn always getting tangled up and little nubs all over the place that don't look so pretty . I am putting off finishing this legging for some reason it is not fun.\

Happy Easter and Spring to all! I hope my little grandson arrives soon and mostly that he arrives healthy.

sea baby pics

2009-04-02T18:00:00.004-04:00

still working on leggings
actually looks better than this awful picture. Needs some blocking.

sea baby messed up assembly

2009-03-31T11:38:00.004-04:00

Remind me - no more sweaters that involved lots of sewing.. seamless from now on!

Last night I worked so carefully putting on this one sleeve and had enough for one night. This am I look at it and realize it is sewn to the wrong ( narrow cuff end next to shoulder ) I tired to take it out this am but can't even find a place to start ripping as I did such a good job weaving in ends. The yarn changes color so cant' tell which is the sweater or the sewing yarn. I blocked it and tried to stretch it. I am leaving it the way it is although it looks a little weird.

oops pictures wont upload on this #*!@ Gateway and the Boy has the Dell in Florida.

spring yarn cleaning..

2009-03-29T19:02:00.004-04:00

Stinky - my helper ....

This past week my knitting stuff was reorganized again. The whole closet is officially taken over by this hobby. This was not an easy task and took 2 full days to sort and clean. My stash is slowly going down ;tring to be practical and save money . It helps to know what I actually have!

Before I had a desk in half of the closet that kept papers, passports etc.. Well- that was moved to the other room and this space is totally dedicated to KNITTING. Even the spinning wheel is out of it now. I found 2 cubicle storage ( wine) shelves in Target. They are on top of each other. An old bookcase in the garage was carted in for books and bins. The green cloth bins were found in Target on sale for 5.99!

I took all my sock yarns out of the bins and put them in one of the hanging shoe holders.

My Knit Picks Options , Harmony,Denise and new Addi click are all put back together and in the green bins . Button boxes and gadgets in a bin with all my baby patterns in one too.

All my project bags were emptied and organized with only 3 ufo's now.

Looking at this photos ;it still looks messy but what an improvement. All my lace yarns are in one row too.

I use natural Moth-A- Way but need to get some new replacements. I missed Rhinebeck this year and wont be going to Maryland so have to search for it someplace else?

Sea Baby

2009-03-25T23:15:00.003-04:00

I bought a Fleece Artist Kit called Sea Baby while I was in Nova Scotia this past fall. It is adorable and made with Sea Cell and Merino. I finished one sleeve tonight while watching Idol. The neck edge had to be ripped and redone because it looked sloppy where the stitches were picked up..also problem with little holes. Maybe there is a better method of picking up stitches.....
The baby is due soon so have to get hat and matching socks done pronto. It is almost midnight so off to bed. Pictures will be posted soon. It has been a marathon of baby knitting this past 8 months.

FISH

2009-03-20T13:46:00.004-04:00

This is what I am working on all morning. Taking a break from all the *#!^ sewing. Did I mention I hate to sew because my skills are so awful.

HOPING....Will this will look better blocked and hoping the neck opening and sleeves are big enough? sleeves sort of long....I love the colors and the GGH fuzzy yarn that came in this kits BY MELISSA. She was very helpful when I contacted her and the price of kit was cheap. The pattern is called Fish . Her site is www.melissa.net

The fin of the fish flaps...cute huh? I did not add tail that came with pattern ..looked too big on mine..

piglet done just in time for shower today

2009-03-15T19:20:00.004-04:00

My d- in law due April 12, 2009

one of my sweaters....

my daughter, son and d in-law

my firstborn and me

piglet

mouse done - now on to piglet...

2009-03-12T20:20:00.004-04:00

Mr. Mouse
Lion Brand color: Linen

the family

mouse in works

2009-03-12T09:19:00.002-04:00

I am working on mouse puppet. Last night at my knitting group we did more talking than knitting. Today I am checking out another knitting group that is meeting at Roasters , the local coffee shop in Narrowsburg , NY. It is a short walk over the bridge into NY to get to shop. Hope it works out .

Way too much of my time has been spent on Facebook lately! It is very addictive. You find one friend , then another from that friend etc... I have found many of my former students whom are all grown up!!

My knitting has been mainly new grand baby stuff.. Shower is this weekend .This is going ot be so much fun!
After the puppets are done I need to go in another direction. The lace shawl for Aunt Dottie needs finished and I love the new pattern in Interweave Knits by Susan Pierce Lawrence Fountain Pen Shawl.
I love her Forest Canopy pattern.

lion puppet done (: cute

2009-03-11T09:20:00.002-04:00

I am on a roll with these little guys. Next it is the mouse and elephant. There is extra patterns on line from Creative knitting for piglet too. I have till Sunday for the baby shower so hopefully can get at least 2 more done.
This one does not look so lion like but still is adorable. A cute tail with the Lion brand eye lash yarn is not in the pictures. I used more of the Lion Brand yarn for this. With one skein you could make 2 puppets so I have supplies to make another little zoo for next grandchild..

puppy puppet

2009-03-07T15:59:00.003-05:00

another fun puppet done..using up my scraps and Creative Knitting magazine march 2009 Parade of Puppets. I am starting Lion next roarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.. No plastic eyes for safety reasons .

projects done!! photos

2009-03-04T20:35:00.003-05:00

basket weave baby blanket

froggy puppet Creative Knitting march 2009 issue

Pea Pod Interweave

lace panel baby blanket

5 hour baby boy sweater ( took me way more than 5 hours)

working on some more puppets next!

March madness

2009-03-02T12:26:00.002-05:00

crazy snow storm here in NE Pa and to make it not so nice we did not have heat or hot water all weekend.The plumber could not get the part till today. He drove in the storm to fix it- what a nice guy!!!

Still unpacking from being away 3 weeks and sorting mail ect . Now it is back to reality with taking care of parents , doctor appts and house stuff .

I did a lot of knitting in Puerto Rico to the point I had to stop. My neck and right shoulder are in some kind of mess with pain.
2 baby blankets, one frog puppet completed and 2 baby sweaters started .

for some reason this blog won't let me post photos today... but got them up on my ravelry ( katomliz)

addios Puerto Rico

2009-02-27T17:42:00.002-05:00

It has been a relaxing 3 weeks here in sunny Puerto Rico but vacation is coming to an end. I have internet for the first time because we are staying in the Best Western at the airport tonight.
My Black berry Strom did not get sufficient service to go browse the internet. We were in a very rural area but survived. I knitnonstop ; so much my neck and back hurt and now need to limit it. 2 baby blankets done and one puppet along with a baby sweater started.

way way too much sangria, ice cream and eating out..I am scared to even go near a scale...diet time now but Dh and I had a wonderful time together so all worth it

Pea Pod/ Home

2009-02-06T20:21:00.003-05:00

Is this sleeve too small? to rip or not?

I am home from hospital feeling relief I don't have a heart condition but would feel better if they could figure out what is making me have these spells that come again. I have been taking it easy and trying just feel better all week.

We leave Monday for PR. I am excited but will feel better when I am there. My track record for traveling this winter has not been good.

Speaking of track records- while I was in the hospital I was bragging to my kids and other knitting visitors that I never in my whole life got a speeding ticket. Well- should have kept my mouth shut because coming home tonight a few miles from my house on the NY side a snotty state trooper pulled me over and gave me a ticket. He said I did not stop at the stop sign - just slowed down.. to tell you the truth I was not paying attention and should have noticed he was behind me..sort of scary..

still struggling with the Pea Pod ( 2nd one started - other one hibernating)

I tried to change the sleeves picking up stitches using another pattern. I did one and it looks small. I hate hate hate to rip so still studying it. I started the hat tonight.

LPlans disrutped.......

2009-02-01T11:31:00.003-05:00

good news - my hospital has free wifi my BB Storm works here . My knitting was in the car before I came here. So not totally bored all weekend here. Had 3 project in my bag to keep me busy.

bad news- won't be leaving for PR on my birthday - Tuesday. Having a heart cath Monday due to chest pains after a stress test. Flying the next day is not an option.
DH wont be home from golf trip till tonight- thank god my kids have helped take care of pets and me.

after tomorrow I will know when and if we can leave for PR. I wish they could figure out what is causing these spells that last for periods of time.This one started Jan 12 after going to the gym doing old lady stuff but then coming home all full of energy to clean the floors. Cleaning the floors did me in.. good excuse to justify that I am officially getting a cleaning person and not doing any more floors.

Pea Pod

2009-01-24T21:50:00.002-05:00

Knitting along on the Pea Pad and was loving the yarn. Sometimes your gut tells you something is not right but you keep knitting along...and knitting and trying to figure out what is not right...click click click at midnight you think " oh maybe I should go on ravelry because this does not seem right "

you look at all the pictures very closely and you figure out what has been feeling not right-damn the leaf pattern was only supposed to be done once but I continued doing it several times with those left over 7 of stockinette... for the whole front section

but then again you look at it and want to salvage it after all the( misguided ) concentration and work . I am leaving it for awhile before doing anything and starting another one the correct way. In someways I like it because it looks like a little Irish sweater but weird.. Maybe I can continue with it this way but then again the sleeves may look odd ?.DH has my camera so can't take pictures till he is back from his golf trip.

Lucky me

2009-01-22T10:12:00.004-05:00

My blogging has been slow lately with ravelry and facebook taking up more of my computer time. DH thinks I spend too much time on the computer and makes faces as he goes by me. Maybe he thinks I should be cleaning or cooking more? or maybe watching football (now basketball) and CNN financial gloom and doom .

My bags from cancelled cruise are getting refreshed as in 2 weeks we will be leaving all this snow and cold to stay for the month in Puerto Rico. We have rented a house from a friend that lives on the ocean..that is why I say I am lucky!!! so this week I my job is to figure out all the packing and details involved with leaving pets and house for a month. Trying to pack one suitcase for a month is another challenge. But like I said- I realize how very lucky I am to be doing this and being retired. Many friends my age are still juggling stressful jobs and all they have to do to keep their medical benefits or have no pensions . Working all those 32 and half years at public schools has paid off in later life. I am also grateful to DH who has manged our finances successfully.Without him - I would not be able to do these things.

Knitting news: Still on same shawl and growing baby blanket but started Pea Pod baby sweater last night and very excited about it. For some reason blogger.com is not letting me post pictures today but here is the link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pea-pod-baby-set I am using pale green Sublime ( oh- love this yarn). The pattern is a little ( very) quirky . When this was started in the fall -while away- but had to stop because of not figuring it . But looking at Kate Gilbert Ravelry group resolved my problems and loving this little sweater.

still cold and snowy

2009-01-18T07:49:00.006-05:00

fire has been going nonstop for several days..

thermometer reads minus 10

This has to be a record winter with cold, snow and ice. As I blog more snow is coming down . Although it is so very pretty - I slightly resent it because of dangerous roads . Today my daughter and son were going to take me out to lunch in Middletown but not sure if that will happen with all the snow. Reports said to expect one inch but there is at least 5 out there now.Now the reports say some clipper system is moving in. Oh- but I am so very grateful that I don't have to commute one hour to work this winter. Panic attacks strike me if driving in bad weather.

Yesterday we walked over to the Eagle fest..http://www.dveaglealliance.org/. It was an enjoyable day seeing friends and listening to different presentations. My favorite was Bill Streeter with his live birds and an owl lady from NJ. Despite the frigid weather record crowds attended. Eagles were flying overhead which is something that is pretty common around here but I am still always amazed at these majestic birds. From my house one can see a nest of them in a huge conifer on other side of river.

Knitting progress on the shawl is slow because gave my arm a break this week and only do a few rows a day . Deciding which baby item to knit next is a challenge with so many to choose . Nothing is shouting at me yet. Maybe a quick knit of hat or scarf would get me back on track .This shawl is turning into work.

Freezing out

2009-01-15T19:40:00.002-05:00

This has been the perfect week to be away to some warm and sunny place but over my disappointment of not making it to the ship.. I am lucky that not working and staying home is like a vacation but too chilly here in NE Pa with temperatures in the single digits. This is not my type of weather. I never set foot outside today just did those repetitive chores inside.

Last night was the first time in a month our knitting group was able to meet with the holidays and bad roads . It was nice checking in with my knitting friends and seeing what everyone is working on. I need some motivation - my knitting karma has been blah lately with still working on the Kal Shawl( 3 clues to go) and the never ending baby blanket . I have so many baby patterns and stash yarn to start another project but want these finished first. Plus- My right elbow has been hurting when knitting -this limits my knitting time drastically.

Last week I bought a new toy , the Blackberry Storm. This is so addictive being able to check emails and facebook even in the car. The frustrating thing is that we can't get any cell phone service at my house or even outside of it.. So I drove 15 minutes to Honesdale to sit in Wendy's to figure it out. I was hoping to use it on our cruise and when I go away in Feb for the month. Really , really wish we would get some cell phone towers around here. Can't they make them look like tall trees?

My Christmas present finally arrived last week- the new Addi Click system.

What a huge and impractical box they come in so had ordered the Della Q organizer recommended by the Addi Ravelry groupies. Only 3 cords come with this so only 3 ufo's can be going at same time so Addis please come out with the single cords soon. I have not started a new project to use them but thinking that maybe I just jumped on the bandwagon too fast. I love Addis for lace but the Knitpick wood Harmonies are my all time favorite and so pretty besides. (also cheaper and no problem on airplanes)

The lack of sun is getting to me- I am feeling tired and no energy and can't see, to snap out of it..Sick of cleaning, cooking and not being able to go outside . I was doing so well eating and going to the gym but this week bad...bad.....bad...

#@%*!

2009-01-11T16:14:00.003-05:00

A huge snow storm yesterday caused us to miss our curise ship..we couldnt get out of here..I was looking forward to sun and - instead ice and snow.. I am hoping some of my money gets refunded...
grrrrrr wasted my time packing and getting a pedicure for 50$ now unpacking all my stuff and pretty toes are covered with warm socks..yes-
could be worse things happening in my life - just venting and getting it out for few hours.. Stinky and pugs are happy to have me back so quick- not sure if the DH even notices...lol

2009is here already

2009-01-03T10:37:00.005-05:00

My new mini laptop to take on trips ..weighs only 2 pounds. It came yesterday and it was easy to get started..

It seems like last 9 years have flown by....2000 had such big hype and now way past that... what this year will bring?

2009 will be a year of my new grandson ....the most exciting news

Same resolutions are made to get healthy by eating right and moving more... I plan on enjoying life's precious simple moments as they come because time whizzes by me.

2009 is starting out with another cruise next Sunday with my knitting friend to Belize and Guatemala. I have a big pile of clothes put out now have to decide what to take along with my knitting stuff. Knitting is the hardest and most important to decide ..

I really would like to this KAL shawl done this week so I can give it to my ex-aunt on her 90th but my hands are really hurting ....might not happen..I am only on clue 3 out of 7 or 8.

holidays (:

2008-12-26T12:51:00.003-05:00

Best gift of the holidays was having my both kids and spouses together .It will be harder to do this with in-laws and future babies on the way. S o this year was another wonderful year although the kids had to juggle and drive all over the place to accomadate both sets of families. My day included visiting my elderly parents. Life is one big scary cycle

I started the Klabauter mystery KAL shawl last night. It is a fairly easy ( so far) rectangular shawl kal. I love doing these but just wish my wireless printer would print.. to make copies of patterns to write on. Instead =I am doing it from the computer. When time is available have to redo the router setup to get this going again..
My ex-aunt Dottie will be 90 this January so want to give her this shawl for her birthday.
Still spending too much time at Facebook. Amazing who can turn up in your life again! Many former students are in there and they have changed in many ways since 6th grade .

done!!!!!! snow

2008-12-20T10:27:00.003-05:00

neck wrap with leftovers

Stinky checking out snow

Cabin Fever pattern baby sweater done...not so thrilled with it (buttons are not sewn -crooked now)

might keep this instead of giving away. It is so warm and soft..

snow...facebook..exercise

2008-12-19T11:57:00.006-05:00

view from my window..the snow is coming down strong but not showing in picture.

boys messed up hat.....

bracing for another snow storm here in NE Pa..It is coming down fast already

can't drive to gym ..so just did a show taped from Fit Channel..I have been good doing some form of exercise everyday but still no weight loss........ I do feel better and less like a fat slug.

First- it was ravelry and now addicted to Facebook...finding lost friends and former students.. amazing how small the world has become.

Made a hat for the boy but ..came out a tad bit small. and messed up...Today I will start another one with longer ribbing.. oh yeah big mistake in the ribbing but just pretend it was suppposed to be there. boy does not know..drinking wine and knitting don't mix..

Last night my knitting group had a potllluck holiday dinner..good on what I ate but drinking was unlimited..wine never counts with diets..

Happy Holidays

2008-12-14T19:44:00.002-05:00

Can't believe only 10 more knitting days till Christmas.. I wanted to make more gifts but running out of time.

knitting ufos excuses

2008-12-13T07:50:00.004-05:00

baby hats and bib ( need to be blocked )
neck wrap ( needs buttons)
I bought the brown crochet neck wrap at an Alapaca event last month. I made this pink one last night .
TThis %#&@ sweater has been very frustrating as I rip and redo each section. I love the soft yarn and have great buttons for it so wish this one was done!

I am in another one of those sluggish knitting periods where I knit everyday but nothing is getting done except a few in between small projects
Still working on these ufos:

Irish Hiking Scarf - this I only work in doctor's offices or road trips. I have decided what I hate about it is the black yarn making it so difficult to see my stitches. It is about 2/3 done.

Basket Baby blanket using my sister's sock yarn she hand dyed. - when this is done it will be lovely and washable so it will get plenty of use. The problem is sock yarns takes forever to knit compared to using some thicker worsted or bulky weight yarn. This is about 1/2 done. This goes to my knitting group on Wed so I can talk and knit at same time.

Lace Baby blanket- I plan to take this on vacation in Jan or Feb. No action lately.

Cabin Creek top down baby cardigan pattern in blue Italian cashmere from Halifax ( cruise) I made 2 other baby sweaters from this easy baby pattern but this time around it is a frustrating experience.
The sleeves have been ripped and now the whole back because mistakes are noticed way too late. The yarn was so costly and it is for my son's baby so hoping to make it special. Solid colors tend to show up mistakes and twisted stitches.

Maybe next knitting projects needs to be in worsted weight variegated yarn and maybe it will get done?

pugs shots, ear coning and putting up tree

2008-12-07T15:36:00.005-05:00

Peek-A-Boo and her Mommy love to cuddle up these chilly days.

gross - is this some of the ear wax in my ear or is it just from the candle? My hearing has been especially worse lately so I went to the spa and paid 50 bucks to have my ears coned. I am not convinced that this procedure really gets the wax out . I did not notice a difference in hearing and was scared to death with that candle on fire in my ear.

I am pooped from putting up Christmas decorations. This seems like too much work so I am going to finish tomorrow.. Stinky was our tree supervisor today.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T11:36:00.004-05:00

Not much knitting done this holiday. Spending time with my kids and family is priceless. It seems the kids were your whole life for years and you never think about when they grow up they have spouses, jobs and their own houses which limits our precious times together. I miss them ...they are my greatest accomplishments turning out to be honest and loving adults .
My dd -Liz and I did get some quality time after cooking dinner together and then hanging out . Liz keeps me young! She got me reading Twilight and today the sequel New Moon. It is definitely for the younger set but fun and easy to read.

We knit Mason Dixon Baby Bibs together. The plan was to get early Black Friday like we did when she lived home- some how sleep won over.
Harder for my son to stay here now with pregnant wife and and in laws to visit. It was a wonderful weekend but nostalgic thinking how fast life can speed by without you even realizing it. They have all left . The house is very quiet and picked up- but sort of sad.

Let it snow!!

2008-11-25T08:54:00.004-05:00

Lots of pretty snow here in NE Pa with schools closed and snow plows working overtime. Myabe we will have a white Thanksgiving- but hope not as we have to drive..

Stinky is fascinated with the white stuff~

Happy turkey day to all!

brrr cold here in NE Pa

2008-11-20T09:04:00.003-05:00

It record breaking cold weather here so pulling out all my fingerless mitts , hats and scarves. The wood stove ( and The Boy)is working overtime to keep this house warm.

Last two days have been spent trying to make Christmas gifts and use up the stash. Sometime forcing yarn into patterns wastes time. I spent all day making a scarf using some stash but by the end of the night frogged the whole thing.
Two sets of fingerless mitts are completed using Wendy Johnson's pattern (free on Ravelry) Next I am going to try making a scarf to match one set. My camera is charging so will post photos later.

On my side bar there is a new list of patterns to make for future grandson. My Ravelry queque is bursting. Today I found this Boys Brimmed Hat that is adorable! Cute boys patterns are not as abundant as girl ones!

Hold that baby stuff....till 12/25

2008-11-16T17:12:00.005-05:00

This idea hit me today to get going on Christmas presents for many reasons but mostly because:

use up stash

save money

have personal gifts

so slowing down on baby stuff and making mitts and hats for as many people.. started these today in Misty Alpaca from stash.

another rabitto! It is a boy!

2008-11-13T20:06:00.009-05:00

I got a call from my son tonight and looks like the baby is a boy.. forget all that pink Sublime and cute girly patterns... I am knitting all boy from now on...

rabitto is so soft and fuzzy...

here is another one done today--addictive little Lion Brand blanket buddy rabbits! This time the head is done correctly- not flat..

I started the Lace Paneled Baby Blanket free on Ravelry in yellow sidar Click yarn. Only have 5 rows done but love the pattern but not so sure about the yarn.

bunny buddy

2008-11-10T13:16:00.005-05:00

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bunny-blanket-buddy---knit

maybe bunny needs a face? This bunny blanket was knit because it reminded me of my daughter. She used to carry around Fisher Price ones that had silky edge on it which was rubbed on her face while she sucked some fingers. Multiples of these were on hand in case they needed cleaning or got lost.

Speaking of my daughter...

I had a wonderful weekend with her in Albany .What fun we had going to a wine tasting event , shopping and just hanging out together. She has grown up so much since those bunny blanket days. No mother could be prouder or love her more! ( hi , Liz!)

This bunny is a very modified ( messed up) version of the free Lion Brand pattern that is supposed to be easy? My bunny head came out flat instead of being able to stuff it.

telephone tester/ hearing loss and phones.

2008-11-07T10:22:00.005-05:00

A few years back I was at a Hearing Loss convention in Orlando . I was speaking with a representative from a phone company and signed up to be a phone tester. Every year I get a new set of phones so my collection of phones is getting larger!

These two came in the mail last week. My task is to try them out and then decide which one I want to keep. This time around the survey form took about 10 minutes so not much work involved besides setting them up and figuring them out. My phone expertise is becoming exceptional and even the bathrooms have phones..

They know I use hearing aids but when attempting to use both of these it was impossible. .grrrrrr- they are not hearing aid compatible so can't hear the dial tone over the annoying interference hummmmm buzzzz......caused by my hearing aids. s

I did choose to keep the VTech because I discovered that the speaker phone is loud and clear so I can use this phone in that mode.

It is is ironic that I am a tester..I depend on reading lips and visual cues so phones make me nervous.No phone is ever perfect for me because some voices just don't register in my brain . The noise is heard but brain can't decipher what is being said especially with deep male voices and accents.

Recently this helpful and free site was discovered:

http://www.hamiltoncaptel.com/.

Using any phone and computer I can read what is being said by the other person. I use it to call doctors, business or other calls that may not be clear . You still hear on the phone but can use the captions if you are missing sections. You can even print the conversation.

The annoying part of this like my cap tel phone ( I no long use because the screen is not as big and clear like this http://www.hamiltoncaptel.com/ is that there is a delay in waiting to read what the person is saying. I have become a speed reader after all the reading of closed captions on TV but the person/computer who types needs a few seconds so a delay.

Hot pink mitts

2008-11-03T18:04:00.006-05:00

not blocked yet..label says hand wash but never blocked rabbit ?

When at St John's on the knitting cruise this hot pink angora from Fleece Aridest caught my eye. I thought they would make adorable lacy mitts for Christmas presents. This yarn has 20% nylon with the angora so my thinking was that it would have some give to it but not really.!I started several mitt patterns but was not happy with the results so went back to my old standby.Because my yarn was a different gauge the pattern was major modified using 40 to cast on and the ribbing was increased. Pray the second one ends up matching this one!I have not used dpn's in awhile and had trouble with all these ladders showing up in the mitt even though stitches were moved around and were tugged at between dpn's. Maybe I tugged too much? These are going to Liz.

Wendy Johnson's fingerless mitts ( free ravelry pattern if you don't have her book)http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fingerless-mitts-2

Fleece Artist Angora is ......
Oh so soft and warm but not fun to knit or frog . All that fuzzy bunny stuff sticks together

Scrunchable Black scarf done

2008-11-03T08:26:00.007-05:00

Someone forgot to close the computer!
Misty Baby Alpaca - very soft and hairy!
Scrunchable Scarf
my feline assistant loves alpaca!

This Scrunchable Scarf was handed over to my son yesterday. This is a no- brainer- very easy pattern that looks impressive !.

happy halloween

2008-10-31T14:42:00.003-04:00

Wed on the way to knitting this red tailed hawk was devouring some unfortunate critter. Good thing Stinky is an indoor cat!

I ( slightly)miss being on school on days like today. Halloween was one of my favorite days to dress up and have fun with the kids .Pumpkins and Halloween theme were tied in math and reading lessons so kids ( and teacher) were motivated . All the candy corn and goodies added to the festivities. Instead -DH and I went to Walmart to get stocked up for the month like a couple of old farts. DH mentioned that it was slightly depressing seeing all the old people there (of course- he didn't mean us ). All the employees were in costumes and at the local restaurant where we stopped to eat.

Knitting is finishing the black scarf my son has asked for the last year. I had started an Irish Hiking Scarf several times this year but each time I ripped it out because of width or yarn . Last week I got half the scarf done in some Knit Picks Peruvian wool but it became work and not fun so it was sent to UFO pile. Maybe it was the pattern with cables using black yarn making it hard to see work? This week some Misty black baby alpaca was found in stash so another scarf started. Ravelry had an easy pattern where all I do is *K2 P1* and it is looking perfect for a male. This one is half done and working up much faster. My son never asks for anything and is the sweetest kid a mom could ask for so don't know why this has taken me so long ? Pictures will be posted to celebrate completion!

Next on the needles will be some fingerless mitts using the angora yarn purchased in St John's at Cricket Cove Yarn Shop.

small baby stuff with my feline assistant

2008-10-28T10:16:00.016-04:00

These were done last two nights while watching tv. They are practice ones because they turned out very tiny and with a messy button loop. I love to knit but hate to sew( especially buttons) but they are so damn cute - .

The pattern does not suggest how to make button holes so a crochet chain was used. The results look crappy so last night I found a group just for these on Ravelry with suggestions and visual links to make button loops.

The whole pattern is similar to an EZ pattern where the designer assumes the knitter knows more than I do.
Stinky helping me take photos...rearranging stuff..

This hat is the Umbilical Hat from Stitch N Bitch book to match the BSJ. It too came out rather small.But maybe newborn babies are that small? I have not been close to one in( 27) years.

sorry .....Photos are not in correct order but bet you can figure them out.. Every time I drag on my computer freezes up. There must be an easier way. oh is there a way to download several pictures at same time from my computer/disk. I hold the control button down and highlight them but that is not working so have to do each one individually...

Can you believe schools were delayed/closed here today . First it was an early ice that put power out in several places( not us ) but now several inches of snow expected so they stayed closed. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

How I spent my Friday night!

2008-10-25T08:41:00.003-04:00

Stayed up till 1 am to finish this Plymouth Top Down Jacket. I have not steam blocked it yet and still looks adorable. What a fun little project! It took less that one skein for Encore Worsted. I may have enough left to use on Saartjes booties http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saartjes-bootees . This delightful pattern will be used many times in future.

early Christmas present

2008-10-24T09:04:00.011-04:00

yes- The new Addi Click interchangeable set is pre -ordered...Thank you- Sue!!! I am on the second list so don't know when they will arrive but hopefully around the holidays. Each LYS only gets 10 at first and then don't know what happens after that so I may have a very long wait. I love my Knit Picks but curious to try these out. For some reason -I never have enough needles . Maybe it has something to do with UFO"S?

It is Friday already. Where did this week go?

DH spent the whole week getting rid of the tons of leaves in our yard. Me- I don't know what I have been doing except picking up and doing wash. brrrr it is too cold outside for me ( 30-40's)Yesterday was a bus trip to Westchester Dinner theater to see the Producers. Of course, I knit the whole way on trip. I am making another hat to match the BSJ. The Norwegian Baby one looks huge!

Finally- the Top Down Baby Jacket - Encore Worsted 1354 was started. I have one skein of yellow for newborn size and hope it is enough. My generous blog pal Sue from NJ sent me this pattern . It is easy and looks adorable so far. It knits quickly using the Encore Worsted. After doing much lace this is a joy to see such quick progress.

speaking of Sue from NJ ...She told me about this new set from Addi.( bad, bad influence hahahaha)

w0w some projects are done!

2008-10-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

Here is the Slow Bee shawl . I stopped at clue 4 and did a different bind off. It ended up slightly weird shaped but still pretty. Major issue occurred with cat getting hold of it and making a big hole. I sewed it up somehow is not too noticeable.

My knitting friends in St. John's (Canada) after shopping at wonderful Cricket Cove Shop (notice the polka dot bags full of Fleece Artist yarns) I am on the right top of moose with dark sunglasses.
Peggy's Cove was the prettiest place we visited on the cruise!

my very modified Slow Bee Mystery shawl - DH says it looks like a Batman cape! this needs to be blocked again because too many points.
EZ's BSJ done... The shoulder seams may need to be redone to make it looser about baby's neck . It looks small to me but maybe can do it after a baby tries it on.

This was practice Norwegian baby Hat( search Ravelry) another is being made to match the BSJ

back from the Cruise.

2008-10-18T15:35:00.002-04:00

I am back from the cruise after having a fun week filled with shopping, knitting friends and sight seeing. Our group made 6 yarn shop adventures with the Cricket Cove in St John's and Windsor Button of Boston getting lots of my money. While my room mates spent their money on drinks and the spa - mine went exclusively on addictive Fleece Artist, Malabrigo and Sublime and several other gorgeous yarns. I can't afford or need to go to another yarn shop for next 5 years!
Tomorrow I will post more details and photos. Right now Stinky and Molly need my attention for next few hours. The Boy is still away golfing at a college reunion in Florida so I must put away (hide) these purchases before he gets here.

another knitting cruise

2008-10-07T12:32:00.004-04:00

BSJ half way done

Stinky has found a new spot to sleep. If my laptop is not closed -I find him passed out on it.

Maybe the keyboard is warmest place in the 60 degree house these days. Maybe he just wants me to stop knitting this shawl and give him attention? The computer to read and enlarge the charts for Slow Bee Mystery shawl.

Still getting ready to leave Sunday for the New England /Canada knitting cruise. After this post my next task is to get the knitting bag packed and along with all ( some) of those clothes piled on my suitcase. I have been knitting like mad woman on slow bee mystery shawl to have it for the cruise but don't think it will be done . I have 2 more rows of chart 4 and then 8 rows for border and then casting off. Each row takes me up to an hour along with doing purl so that is another 10-12 hours of knitting where I have total concentration and no distractions.
When I can't concentrate I turn to the baby blanket which I had major frogging to do yesterday - not so mindless at all if not paying attention.
My 2nd Baby Surprise jacket was started : If you decide to make it ; the Ravelry forum / group dedicated to this helps mucho!! Without the DVD or this group it would be very difficult to decipher EZ pattern.

Mexican Hat Sweater
Pattern
Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Size
6 - 12 mos.

Needle
US 6 / 4.0 mm
Yarn
Schoeller + Stahl Limbo Mexiko Color

3 skeins = 405.0 yards (370.3m)
Colorway
2529

About this pattern
Baby Surprise Jacket
by Elizabeth Zimmermann
from The Opinionated Knitter

My next post will include knitting cruise fun . The yarn shops at Boston and Halifax are on my to-do list.What could be more fun than traveling with your knitting friends and sharing adventures with another 75 fiber addicts . Oh and being able to travel when they have the cheapest rates. ..My life is wonderful with knitting, good friends ,being retired and most important a supportive, loving family.

introducing my new grandchild

2008-10-02T19:43:00.004-04:00

due April 12- sex unknown yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am so excited..

Stinky still loves lace

2008-10-02T08:21:00.004-04:00

Yesterday after the knitting photos were taken Stinky snuck up to snuggle on my lace...what a funny cat! Stinky keeps me entertained.

If you want to make cute and cheap sock blockers go to: http://simpleknitsjo.blogspot.com/ She is so creative and resourceful!

I went to the mall yesterday because DH had to go to Dicks for something for golf . At Border's they had the new Mason Dixon book which looks real interesting. With book in hand I headed towards the cashier but stopped suddenly as the complete price of 29.99 was noticed..! Trying to practice my new economic saving restraint the book was placed back on the shelf. When it is reduced somewhere or with next Border's coupon this book is on top of my list. But the full price will not be paid.. Now if I can continue to have this self control; we will see.

What's being knitted?

2008-10-01T09:00:00.004-04:00

This is the slow Bee Mystery Shawl extracted from ufo pile
Beads and 7 charts going on at the same time make this challenging. Half of clue 4 is completed with 6 more clues to go. Really not sure if I will get this done in near future but will plug along. But honestly -not putting my heart into it;not even frogging for some mistakes. Seriously thinking of making it shorter than it is because the posted photos show this huge shawl that I would never wear. Right now it is about the same size of the Forest Canopy unblocked but not sure if this silk will block as big as the Knit Picks Gloss.
This is one skein of my sister's hand -dyed yarn that we call Woodstock.
This blanket will is for my future grandchild.It is cool how the basket weave pattern changes the colors.

This week these two projects have shared my attention. One is mindless but can get boring while the other is extreme opposite. Just wish I would get something finished!

economy worries

2008-09-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

The present economy situation is so frightening . Everything is crashing down like dominoes one by one. The worry about my kids, my retirement and all the whole country makes this lump in my throat permanent..

9/23/08 Stinky's new blankie and KDO

2008-09-23T08:33:00.009-04:00

see Stinky's new ugly blanket !
don't you love the big run that popped up after washing !

I spoke to a vendor at Knitter's Day Out that sells Plymouth yarn and she said she won't even carry this in her shop because it catches on everything and has no bounce- just limp! She encouraged me to contact Plymouth so I did. This is what I wrote:

I recently purchased around 15 skeins of your Oh My yarn while on vacation in North Carolina . This yarn looked so soft to make things for my first grandchild due . But I will never buy this again . I had to give the baby blanket I made to my cat it looked so limp and caught on everything. What a waste of money and time!My lys does not sell your brand but have heard good things about Encore.I bought some of that with patterns but not used yet? do you use that foam insert in all your yarns..sort of made me feel cheated with the amount you get.

This is their response..SO what do I do drive down to NC and find my receipt somewhere where I spent way too much for this yarn?? No -no just chalked it up to a learning experience to never ever use Oh My Yarn again!! Stinky does love his new blankie so that makes me feel less disgusted...

Dear Kathleen,
Thanks for your message and especially your interest in Plymouth Yarn.
We were surprised to hear about your experience with our Oh My! yarn. Plymouth Yarn stands behind all its yarns 100%. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we ask you to contact your yarn shop of purchase for complete satisfaction. Encore is one of our best selling yarns and has been for more than 20 years.(my issue is not with this ; have not tried it yet)
Very few of our yarns have the foam insert and the reason for this is to support the yarn and to help keep it intact.
Sincerely,
Pattie

now on to the fun stuff

Knitter's Day Out is my favorite knitting event. It is cheap, not too far away and takes place in the fall weather . To top it off I get to spend precious time with my best friend and sister who got me hooked on knitting in the first place. Sorry -I was having too much fun with so much to carry to use a camera.

Knitting skills have improved vastly since the first KDO 3 years ago. This year no problems were found with the classes and understood everything that the teacher was saying. The first 2 years were a struggle but always learned many new things.

My shopping was limited as trying to use stash and save for next month's knitting cruise but still came home with a few things. My sister gave me this beautiful yarn she hand dyed . It is being used to make a baby blanket. She also lent me a few books with baby patterns that look like future projects especially the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino one.

This Everlyn Clark book was purchased too..http://www.knittersreview.com/article_book.asp?article=/review/reading/070906_a.asp

Knitter's Day Out/Simon

2008-09-18T22:10:00.006-04:00

This weekend is the Knitter's Day Out Weekend. Two of my knitting friends and I are leaving tomorrow to go Friday night this year. Friday night classes have been added this year and I have one called Sock Party. I signed up for that a long time ago during my time of socks but have not completed a single pair this summer . I am interested the baby socks by Wendy Johnson in the recent Creative Knitting Magazine .

Sat I have a lace knitting class and then all afternoon to check the market out. Not sure if that is good or bad with trying to use up stash and cruise coming up soon. We are staying at my sister's and having one big party( think wine) so should be another great knitting adventure.

The Plymouth Baby blanket I made with the Oh My really is ugly now. I washed it tonight as it is machine washable in delicate cycle. A huge run is all the way down the blanket...so frustrating with all the time and money. I am not sure why this happened? It should go in garbage but will go in cat bed to make it softer just because I hate to waste all that money.

The slow Bee Mystery shawl has been pulled out to start again.Damn next time - leave some notes to myself about what the markers mean and where exactly I left off . I spent a few hours on Ravlery and reading past clues to get this straight. I am too tired to even start it but will try when I get back. I have to find the mental stamina to get back in the swing of it.

Sad news- one of the black pug puppies I bred died this week. The poor owner, Nicole is feeling so awful telling me tha the was th ebest dog she ever had and how she misses him so much. His name was Simon and he was was only 7 . Buddy was in ths same litter.She sent me pictures of him and he looks Magoo.

stash form NC

2008-09-15T09:16:00.005-04:00

Thanks Sue for the pattern . The small size will be made because they only had one ball of this .

so here is what I found at the Knitting Addiction Store
This Plymouth Yarn called Jelly Bean planned to be used for a Baby Surprise Jacket
3 piece Baby set using Blue Sky Organic Yarn
this is to make a blanket ..The yarn is very soft and washable for babies so that is why it was chosen but hate this stuff!!! It is limp and has no bounce to it .I don't know what gives on why this blanket looks very tacky like with gaps and obvious places where new yarn is picked up. I am embarrassed to give it as a shower gift. Maybe it is me?
and what is this hidden inside the yarn ball? Every time I hit one of these it annoys me thinking It is deceiving thinking there is more yarn than provided. #%^! Ugly blanket ends up costing over 60$!

How can fall be here already?

2008-09-13T14:04:00.004-04:00

Just got back from Whale Head - North Carolina late last night. It was a nerve racking drive going down with strong winds and trees blocking some roads but after we got there it was just perfect. What an ideal place to go in September with no crowds, lovely beaches and dogs welcome on the beach and at many rentals. DH was golfing while I walked, sat on beach and did some knitting. oh yes- Spent a small fortune on baby yarns and patterns at Knitting Addiction in Southern Shores, NC. The store was very bright and open with ladies were friendly and helpful!

I started Pea POd 3 different times and each time it did not seem right with lace pattern not showing or stitch counts off.. Finally I go to Internet at local library to search Ravelry forum. Seems others were having a the same problem so I put it off till I was home and could use computer. Instead -I started a baby blanket which was supposed to be mindless knitting.
More on that later this week...

Now= today it is cleanup time here with dog hair all over, no groceries, tons of wash and serious need to get to Weight Watchers!!! NC had sunny hot weather and now returned to damp fall weather . It seems weird to have leaves turning colors and falling while I just was walking on a sunny beach yesterday.

off to NC- with hurricane warnings/Pea Pod

2008-09-05T11:25:00.006-04:00

Doing the final packing for the beach today. Hurricane Hannah may cause complications but we are heading south no matter what. All the pet arrangements have been made so taking advantage of the week being pet free. This place allows pets but now with the possibility of evacuations - we don't want to worry about an animal .

Trying to decide what knitting to take has been my morning task:

A single sock started long ago

the beaded bracelet almost done

finally will start the the Pea Pod Baby Set in a green Hempathy . Two projects in Ravelry used this yarn so we will see. This Hempathy yarn was purchased in green and white in Saratoga , NY a few months back with no particular project in mind but they had an adorable baby sweater using this yarn- before I knew about expected grandchild.

Name
Pea Pod Baby Set
Pattern
Pea Pod Baby Set by Kate Gilbert

Needle and yarn
Needle
US 5 / 3.75 mm
Yarn
Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy
How much?
2 skeins = 306.0 yards (279.8m)
Colorway
Sage
Color family
Green

//

groups
Interweave Knitters
About this pattern
Pea Pod Baby Set
by Kate Gilbert
from Interweave Knits, Summer 2006

About this yarn
Hempathy
153
by Elsebeth Lavold
DK / 8 ply Cotton, Plant fiber, Hemp
I remembered seeing this adorable pattern in Interweave 2006 but when I went back to find the pattern it was not in the magazine. I looked on line where is was supposed to be but was not there anymore. Luckily- by some miracle - I had downloaded the pattern on my old computer although I don't remember doing it!

Goddess Anniversary Shawl done

2008-09-02T10:57:00.008-04:00

done blocking.....have to fix very bottom scallop where grafting was done but otherwise mistakes will not show up and it is very pretty. Thinking little baby hands may get caught in this so perhaps it will be a shawl for me..(: yep- those mistakes pop right out but have to focus on whole shawl

I just blocked this early am and deck had lots of shadows .

Stayed up to 1am till this border was done. This shawl's border border took days to complete. Most of my knitting summer was spent on this shawl. This is an amazing feat for me!

Yarn used :

2 skeins of Knit Pick Gloss Bare

size 6 needles

Clue 1 B

clue 2 B

Clue 3 B

Clue 4 A

Back to school- NOT- let the fun begin

2008-08-29T07:51:00.009-04:00

After teaching 33 years this time of year still brings that nagging feeling that summer is over and back to the craziness of teaching. After 2 years of retirement - I still need to remind myself that summer is not over and that this is really the best time of year with warm days and cooler nights.

So to celebrate summer not being over - first week of school will be spent at the beach in Outer Banks NC where it will be cheaper, less crowded and we can bring a dog! I even found a knitting shop ( love Ravelry) located there called Knitting Addiction. I will go there while DH goes fishing or golfing.

To extend the summer vacation even further my knitting group is taking a Norwegian Cruise Oct 12 to Canada/New England. It is sponsored by the Embraceable Ewe Shop Hamburg NY. Picture over 70 knitters swarming yarn shops in Halifax and Boston!

Life is wonderful especially being retired. Only thing missing is a paycheck...

Stinky loves lace

2008-08-26T07:43:00.004-04:00

Every time this Goddess Mystery Shawl KAL is out -( which has been a really long time) Stinky wants to sleep on it. As it gets bigger there is more space for him to get comfortable.Trying to take this picture was a challenge because he immediately pounced right into the middle and wanted to stay there. After this post I must remember to get that old afghan ( removed for wedding cleaning)that I had on his chair so maybe he will go there instead. Those nails can be hazardous to lace.
Now with this Goddess Mystery circular shawl the knitted- on edging was very advanced and overwhelming with provisional cast on and using another needle but with Ravelry forum and yahoo group I figured it out..sort of! After being about one third done I realized the second rows are supposed to be all purls . Reading the chart showed knits but the written directions must have said purl. DUH!!!!I am not one of those knitters that has the patience to pull days worth of work out when very ready to be done with this shawl. The garter border will work- right?.

With blocking this should look 100% better and maybe the incorrect border won't be even noticed. Just one more week of finishing up the border which takes forever even though pattern is memorized by now.

wedding wind down- sigh!

2008-08-20T17:11:00.007-04:00

matching just married shirts...from me....

Bride , groom , pug and all their stuff left just now. What a whirlwind of excitement this week! Now back to knitting and getting my knitting supplies and projects organized. Everything is hidden in closets and who knows where?

wedding dress story

2008-08-19T08:57:00.004-04:00

More wedding photos-( sorry they won't rotate for some reason)

The wedding dress was really- really too expensive like 3,800!!I know - crazy! The week before my daughter took it to a dry cleaner in Middletown Ny to get steamed because after getting altered it needed it.. It came back full of wet looking spots. The cleaners admitted they did something wrong..she was really upset bu tgot over it...

more wedding shots

2008-08-19T07:03:00.003-04:00

Here is where the ceremony took place.What a cool place to get married withlots of entertainment ... People in their kayaks and rafts watched..A couple of guys were swimming with nothing on..cars honked as they went over the bridge..
Here is Liz wearing the Forest Canopy shawl I made her. Thankfully -It was such a nice day she did not need to wear it.She was so thoughtful to include it in the pictures.

wedding -WONDERFUL!

2008-08-17T20:04:00.002-04:00

yeah the wedding of my beautiful daughter took place yesterday and everything went smoothly.. food , friends , family and weather made it perfect.. My daughter had everything organized and the tents and setting looked fantastic..16 young adults ended up staying over here last night.. they danced partied way into the night..

5 more days till wedding-yikes

2008-08-11T22:40:00.003-04:00

Weather reports for Sat look good. Last few days have been really damp and cold here. Hope for the wedding it is warmer and no rain. Today the tent people came to set up and it was pouring rain. Good thing is they don't leak!

My daughter is home now and doing last minute arrangements.. Today was final visit with caterer and a stop at bakery. Tomorrow we will set up tables and chairs that were dropped off with tent. Linens and dance floor will come Thursday. Port a pottie comes Friday..check , check , check off our lists...
Knitting is still the Goddess Mystery Shawl. I am on the final Clue 5 which is a knitted on border which will take forever! 1/12 done and will be lucky if I can finish it in 12 days ..I am ready to be done with this ....

collective twist

2008-08-06T14:50:00.001-04:00

check this out http://twistcollective.com/

weekend excitement

2008-08-04T14:09:00.007-04:00

practice run for wedding day hair...at Apple Day Spa in Honesdale, PA

The bridge on Sat right before hail storm. Those cliffs in background are our property and house is hidden. I had to chase some stupid kids off them as they were jumping into the water which is very shallow and has dangerous rocks protruding....
Deck covered with hail!
they were marble- sized!

Another exciting weekend getting final chores accomplished for upcoming wedding. I sat and knit while Liz had her practice hair done for for wedding . She looked beautiful and now she is relieved . This is t\not where she lives so it is a new beautician.Thinking back on my wedding none of these things took place and things were much simpler because of it.

Saturday we had such an amazing hail storm here come from out of the blue. Marble sized pellets were pounding down and bouncing all over.

SO -What's up with knitting??
Sunday my friend Nora and I took a class at 4Corners LYS in Narrowsburg, Ny. We met some new knitting friends that connected thru Ravelry and started an adorable pink knitted bead bracelet. With chatting so much not much knitting was accomplished but that didn't matter one bit.
Maybe it will get done today. Last night I was snailing along on Goddess Mystery Shawl. Not much progress on that with my daughter being here to hang out. I can knit anytime but when your kids get older your time alone with them gets limited and even more precious.

wedding FAVORS /sick Stinky

2008-08-01T11:35:00.006-04:00

These pralines from http://www.leahspralines.com/ New Orleans are the wedding favors.

The label will be personalized and they will be larger. New Orleans and pralines are special to us.We owned a time share there and shared wonderful family memories .One of our wildest New Years with the kids was celebrated in the French Quarter. The last time we were all there was a week before Katrina.

Poor Stinky got his shots Wednesday and has been sick ever since. I am waiting for the vet to call me back. Poor guy is in hiding , not eating and cries in pain when I pick him up. After I called this am he did come out and used the litter box and was looking out the window for a bit at the birds ( his normal activity) .So while I am waiting for them to call back he seems to have improved. I hate the thought if having to put in in his carrier and drive all that ways to further traumatize him. Tomorrow they are closed probably but will ask if I can wait now. DH said I shouldn't have taken him in for shots if he is an indoor cat but he does sneak out once in a while.

We took 3 pets in on Wed for a tune of $576 ! They want to clean 2 of the pugs teeth for over $ 500 each- not now .They make you feel guilty if you don't but that is an awful lot of $$$.

Molly needs to go on a diet (beside teeth cleaned ). I KNOW already.we both have to stop snacking. She ( and I ) are too fat and it is not healthy so when SHE barks and begs I will ignore her.

lace break- felted purse

2008-07-30T21:29:00.003-04:00

A vacation was needed from lace work .

It was a nice break making an easy felted purse with bulky yarn that was part of a Sunday knitting class at 4 Corners Yarn Store in Narrowsburg, Ny. Anything is easy now after this summer's challenging lace marathon.

The colors ended up a little wild. My original plan was to make a conservative plain purse with the tweed black yarn but yesterday the idea came to make it longer so needed more yarn so added color from stash.

Now all rested up a d something actaully got finished so ready to get back to lace .

Hey, teach!

2008-07-29T06:44:00.004-04:00

This new pattern posted in Knitty caught my eye. The name and style are adorable. No way can it can be started now but will put it in my queue......http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTheyteach.html

dogs in wedding- hilarious

2008-07-25T14:13:00.005-04:00

Carmella -the bride..
Buddy's outfit modeled by Carmela (adustable velcro will make it fit chubby Buddy)

My daughter is having her pug and Buddy in the wedding party , AUGUST 16TH. My step- grandchildren will walk them in the procession to the ceremony.

She is getting marrried right here on the river with no church so ideal for the dogs. My mother is somewhat shocked about the whole idea of having dogs in a ceremony with no priest . I love it!

lace present and future projects

2008-07-25T09:02:00.004-04:00

These rubber holders have prevented lost stitches . They were only 25 cents at LYS. What a lace saver!
This came in mail this week to be used for Secret Stole 3 starting August 15th..Sarah's Yarns arrived only 3 days after order! This store is one of my favorites along with Knit Picks. The theme of this stole is pale colors so this is a pretty pale pink called Lady Slipper .. The beads match perfectly but might not show up. After I do a swatch we will see.. it may need some contrasting silver ones from stash.. but ..................

No time to start this until Goddess Mystery is done..

Clue 4 is taking forever and very challenging. 2 rows take one hour! Counting after each section makes it go slower but is much safer that way avoiding major mistakes.

crappy picture ----very hard to take pictures of circular shawls.

I was wondering how you wear a circular shawl? do you fold one end?

My goal is to get this done before August 15th but not sure if it will be feasible with wedding cleaning and details but will strive for it anyways.

The last clue seems complicated with making the border using dpn's or something .I will have to research this in all the past emails in group or over at Raverly

bridal shower

2008-07-20T18:59:00.005-04:00

I am so proud of my kid

My best sister( who introduced me to knitting) ,daughter and mother= all the special women in my life.
Liz .....

Forest Canopy Shawl

Sat. was my daughter's family bridal shower. Family, friends and delicious Italian food made it a very special time. Yikes- only 3 more weeks and she gets married..

Secret of the Stole 3

2008-07-18T16:00:00.004-04:00

I signed up for this...Secret Of the Stole. It starts August 15th...Hopefully godess mystery will be done by then. I am starting clue 4 out of 5 - but long long clues now. This theme is pale colors so I ordered pale pink yarn and beads from Sarah's yarns and my favorite bead place on ebay.http://myworld.ebay.com/jacksmommy2003/

wedding chores.... knitting cruise

2008-07-15T21:48:00.004-04:00

The wedding will be one month from now. I am pooped from cleaning all day. Seems all I am doing is cleaning and gardening and then doing it all over again. This has been my only exercise. My house will be in great shape for this wedding probably will never ever be so good again. Nothing like a wedding at your house to get you motivated and cleaning. Last time our windows were cleaned were two years ago for my son's wedding. Who knows if they will ever all get cleaned again?

Still working on Goddess Knit Anniversary shawl Clue 3. Clue 5 is the last clue and looks really scary as you are doing an edging with live stitches some how. Still not sure if I will stop after this clue is done and go back to Slow Bee 1 .

The Slow Bee must done by October so I can take it on my Knitting Cruise . My final payment for that was mailed today. The 5 day Norwegian Cruise to New England and Canada is sponsored by the Embraceable Ewe Yarn Shop located in Hamburg, Ny. Erin runs the summer knitting camp in Bradford , Pa. I skipped camp this summer because of the wedding, My sister still went and loved it . Next year I will be there!

hamburg , Ny.

Lace knitting is addictive but these shawls take forever to finish and therefore not much else is accomplished for months . I signed up for Secret Stole group but will wait till one of these ufo 's are done.

pooped from the party

2008-07-09T08:50:00.006-04:00

Goddess Anniversary Mystery -circular shawl makes it hard to take photos without falling off needles

* need to put longer cable on Harmonys before last row which is an increase row.

setting up the deck before party ..we ended up with 40 people!

two of my knitting friends ( both seated)
My daughter setting up the drinks.

After all the work with the party combined with this humid weather- I have no energy this week. I have to force myself to water the plants , make the beds and the rest.. so last few days not to much has been accomplished besides the everyday stuff. Knitting has been working on Goddess Mystery Anniversary Shawl but that is starting to become slightly overwhleming and I can only do it if I can concentrate ..so after each row is done breaks are taken doing something else.

The last two clues are huge! I am only on clue 3 row 16 but will plug along on that this am.DH left for golf so I am staying in my PJ's and just knitting. I really want to return to Slow Bee Mystery 1 which was put down after clue 3..
I am debating whether to get back to Slow Bee after this Goddess clue is done .. This goes against my personality which eats one food at a time on my plate so feel like I should be doing one project at a time let along with all the other ufo's!

I did get this done yesterday. These were worn around the house most of the day to break so they wont give me blisters on day of the wedding.. yeah ...The socks wont be worn then!!

happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:40:00.004-04:00

Not too much knitting will get done this weekend. Our 4th celebration will be tomorrow the 5th. Our house is the ideal spot for viewing the fireworks as they are put off directly across the river from our deck. Now it is an annual tradition to have a big party .Every year it gets bigger and bigger and is a blast! But- now must get busy cooking, cleaning and setting up. I did all the shopping..and spent mucho $$$$

My daughter is coming from Albany and will help me like she always does. Oh I love this kid! There is an appointment with the caterer for the wedding today a..The numbers are a possible 146 for the wedding but many people have not RSVP 'ed but they still have time