Chilly Fall Has arrived

Brrrrr - it was below 40 degrees last night Everyone is cuddling up to get warm here. The Boy is bringing in wood today for the wood stove. The heat stays off as long as possible.

The Pugs know what to do to conserve heat..

Handspun Baby Hat/ Pug shots/Kalamazoo progress

Molly, Peek-A-Boo and Magoo
Stinky and Molly

Buddy needs a dentist

Kalamazoo progress


Hand spun Baby Hat
(Not the best picture as the purple and pink rows look off ..It is still wet )




I bought this Cool-Aid dyed hand spun and pattern at Rhinebeck. One is done and is adorable. Two hats will go to my 54 year( really) old friend who has 1 year old twins. How big are 1 year old heads? It was such a long time ago that mine were babies.I love doing these quick projects that give me instant gratification.





Have to get back to this because when we meet for Thursday Knitting group I don't want to be behind.

Perfect Rhinebeck Weekend

Rhinebeck Activities

Admired many yarn producers

Got some books signed by The Yarn Harlot

Have the Mason Dixon already but took their photo
and

Just love Clara Parkes new book ( Knitter's Review)The Knitter's Book of Yarn

The Sheep and I

plenty of pumpkins

Trip there admired all ranges of reds...


and

glorious golds

What a perfect weekend! The wool shopping, two days of browsing and limited hours of sleep have totally wiped me out but it was well worth it.

The trip north in the Mini was quick and beautiful. My sister and I talked nonstop the whole way only to pause briefly in between the chatter to rave about the glorious fall foliage.

It is amazing that so many people come to this Sheep and Wool Festival. Traffic was backed up coming and going both days but much worse on Saturday. Attending both days was less stressful because we could wander at a slower pace. Last year I rushed around afraid I would miss something.

I did not buy a wheel but my sister did ! After trying several she had to decide between the Hitch hiker and the Dt Lendrum. The Hitch Hiker salesman was extremely helpful and patient. But, because she needs a main wheel -not just for traveling -she went with the Lendrum. Bending over and having some back issues was the main reason. Also,when viewing the Sheep to Shawl spinners the majority of them had Lendrums. Last night when we arrived home - the first thing we did was unpack her wheel and set it up. We spun a bit while the Red Sox beat the Indians. At first my sister tried spinning with the free roving they gave her along with the wheel. I don't know what it is was but it was too soft and smooth for beginning spinners. Switching to some gray Icelandic roving from my stash quickly solved the problems.



The only negative part of the trip is that I missed out on the Ravlery party. I saw some knitters with Ravlery buttons and T- shirts that must have come from the party. But, no way I would missed going to visit out my daughter Sat night to help her with her new house. Some painting and several trips to Home Depot were accomplished . Buying your first house is such a big deal .

Off to Rhinebeck

IT IS 11:14 pM .I am still waiting up for my sister to arrive. I am all packed and ready to go to Rhinebeck bright and early. Hope she gets here soon so I can get to bed. The heavy rain must have slowed them down. Good news - Yahoo says the weather at Rhinebeck should be just perfect- in the 70's and sunny!

Rhinebeck

woopeeeee...... It is getting closer to Rhinebeck.. I live about 2 hours away from this. I would be there as soon as it opened but I have to wait for my sister to come that morning from Lancaster. She is bringing her husband who will be staying here with the Boy so some golfing will take place.

Packing will be started tomorrow. Our hotel will be in Albany area so I can over to my daughter's first house. She is closing on it on Friday afternoon so it will be a very new house. I promised to help her clean the kitchen on Sat night. oh yeah.....I must remember to bring WINE. But not too much as Sunday at Rhinebeck will need more energy.

My goal at Rhinebeck is to find some roving that is good for spinning sock yarn. This is needed for the Sock Spinning Retreat. I would like to try some wheels out but will not buy one as the Lendrum is idle enough as it is. No more sock yarn will be bought as my sock yarn bin is overflowing. Sock yarn is so easy to buy because it is the only project I know the amount of yarn needed.100 grams of yarn

Yahoo does Text messaging!!Yippeee

Yesterday my Yahoo email changed and improved.

I now have the option to text message from my email to cell phones. This is such wonderful news for me mainly due to my hearing loss. My son has such a deep voice that is difficult for me to understand on the phone.
I tried it out last night and sent text messages to both my kids and to my brother. I am so excited to say it worked! But, I have not checked my cell phone because we don't get reception here. I will be in NY tomorrow see what it looks like.

Yahoo also changed in that days are having dots under them so you can put them on your calender. I don't use the calendar but maybe should consider using it. Yahoo says searching has changed but have not noticed it yet. I gotta keep up on all this as it is changing so very quickly... It is just amazing to me all the new advances in technology.
sort of makes me feel old. Younger kids don't understand much has changed in the last 30 years.
For example-When I started teaching a calculator was a big deal. So when I figure out something like this text messaging from my computer to cells ; it is such a big deal for me.

so no knitting content. Really I am knitting . Just got back from the LYS from 1-3 to get help on my Kalamazoo sweater.The arm hole on this was difficult to figure out so got help to get passed it.

Knitting at Hearing Loss Convention

Harrisburg was great this weekend. The weather was perfect and the convention informative. I did plenty of knitting while waiting for sessions to begin or during them . I did worry if the speaker would think I was rude so stopped most of the time.Besides -I had to read the live captions so knitting was not as easy then.



I belong to The Hearing Loss of America Association which sponsored this. I love going to these for several reasons. Mostly because of the networking that goes on between other people who can't hear and encounter the same problems that come with hearing loss.



For example: I attended a session on Hearing dogs. Then I talked with a lady who had one and gave me pointers on the process. I am seriously considering getting one in a few years after my pug population has declined. Right now Molly is by my side at all times so it would not work with having her. Some groups do not let you have other dogs at home. Hearing Dogs let you know if the phone rings or if someone is at the door . If someone says your name they give you a signal and will wake you if the alarm goes off. Most hearing dogs are smaller dogs for that reason and because of their acute hearing skills. The dogs have to be with you 70% to 80% of the time and have to go though a strict training program. I will continue to research this.

This is Laddie.

He is not a hearing dog but an assistive dog to help this lady with her MS. He retrieves the phone for her and helps her get up.

Live captions. A lady types as she hears the speaker . It is miracle to me they can listen and type at the same time

Most lectures, movies or presentations offer a big challenge for me. I usually miss half of what is being said but at these conventions they have wonderful sound systems that are looped, live closed captions and a sign interpreter. It is so wonderful to be able to follow along with the presenters. Learning more about Cochlear implants and a technology hall were my favorites. An excellent speaker from NYU spoke about gene therapy and hair cell rejuvenation which is exciting stuff for the future. I am not quite a candidate for an implant becauseI hear more than 50% with my hearing aids . In the future they will be able to help me before I get to he point of needing an implant.







Verizon had a booth there. http://aboutus.vzw.com/accessibility/products.html I tired some new cell phones out and could hear better on a few of them . I may switch over some time soon but am holding out for a few months more. I want to be able to send text messages on a new phone and maybe have the GpS option. But, being able to hear on it is the most important factor.

Leaving for Harrisburg

We are driving to Harrisburg today. Rather the Boy is driving and I will be knitting for the 3.5 hour trip. I am attending this convention http://www.deafworld.com/events/?id=76 . The Boy will be golfing while I go to meetings and whatever to keep up-to-date on hearing loss news. Usually at these things all the new technology is displayed and can try them out. This is how I learned about my closed- captioned phone .
I am searching for a better cell phone and maybe I will get to try some out or find out what is new. Right now I use a Nextell phone and usually put it on speaker. It is so loud though that the sounds becomes distorted and often I can't figure out what people are saying- but what else is new? This phone is a few years old and does not do text messages -which should be helpful. But ,before I make a change and buy those new phones I want to have my research done. You never get to try the phones out at the cell phone stores unless the sales person has the phone for his or her personal use . Plus- I definitely need to get rid of Nextel. Every time I go on a trip all the people get service -except me. Honestly-At my house - no cell phone gets reception which is a real pain. The people in charge around here don't want to have cell phone towers destroying the beauty of the river but I say get one of those that are disguised as a tree and go for it!

more knitting projects/ Harmony Knit Pick

My arm has been hurting again so I took a break from the Baby Shadow Sweater. I started the Karabella Loose Fitting Jacket . I have about 5 inches of it done so far. It is an easy 2 row pattern . I hope the 17 skeins are enough. I used one skein already. The Karabella Super Wash Merino is extremely soft and easy to knit.

Then my knitting group is starting this http://www.berroco.com/264.268/268/268_kalamazoo_pv.html on Thursday. I am making mine in Peat, a green color. More $$$$$$

I ordered the Harmony Needle Set from Knit Picks this morning . I have been drooling over these the past month and before I knew it -they were ordered. My logic- I needed more cables because of the cat chews and I needed more in my cart for the free shipping ....The individual needles were not in stock so I had to get thishttp://www.knitpicks.com/Options+Harmony+Wood+Interchangeable+Needle+Set_ND90306.html

Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool plus Country Wool Spinning Retreat

Only a few more weeks till Rhinebeck NYS Sheep and Wool. Look herehttp://www.sheepandwool.com/ in case you are interested. My sister is coming up on Friday so we can take off early Sat am. The fall weather and foliage should continue to be beautiful like it was last year. We plan to stay over night in Albany at my D's and then stay the whole day again on Sunday. I am so lucky! Life is good.

My sister is calling in sick Monday so we can take our time browsing and do some shopping. Although- I need to limit the $$$ with all the knitting spending /travel I have been planning and doing. My teacher friends ask me what I have been doing since I retired and mostly what I have done is knitting related things. They laugh and definitely don't understand how addictive knitting can be.

Below is another spinning/knitting trip my friends and have booked this week.It is not too far away and it is reasonable price -wise. This year we decided against Stitches and may not go to Maryland Sheep and Wool. The hotels and other expenses for these are very costly. Plus- I really, really do not need any more yarn ..

Welcome to the RipVanWinkle Spinning Retreat sponsored by COUNTRYWOOL

Socks from Fleece To FootFriday through Sunday May 16, 17 & 18, 2008
Love making socks? Have you considered the satisfaction one can have to spin the very yarn you knit with? Immerse yourself in 3 days of spinning with others of like mind. May in the mountains is full of bird songs, clear mornings and flowers. Feel the stress fall away as you sleep in the mountain air. Start and end your day with a hike on the mountain or a swim in the indoor pool.
FRIDAY: 2:30 - 5:30 pm ...show and tell...choosing fibers for socks...carding and color blending7:30 pm ...wheel spinning (for beginners)...learning more about your wheel (for the rest)
SATURDAY: 9:30 - 11 amTips for creating/blending/spinning the perfect diameter yarnfor your socks2:30-5:30 pmPlying 7:30Washing and conditioning yarn for knitting
SUNDAY: 9:30-11 am Knitting a wee sock Come and unwind in the beautiful Catskill Mountains (see MAP to Winterclove Inn here) and learn to make the most BEAUTIFUL of sock yarns in YOUR favorite colors! Those of you who are new to spinning will enjoy an evening session all to yourselves on Friday night where you learn spinning basics, while old timers can work through an exercise that will build skills for fine tuning yarns on your wheel. Learn to work with different wools and explore the entire process of turning clean fleece into a finished sock.
.
The WINTERCLOVE INN will be our host for the gathering, and you may make reservations for your room directly with them. Three meals a day are included with your room rental, and there are single as well as double rooms available, so register early to get your choice. Please ask for second floor rooms if the stairs will be a hardship for you, as some are on the third floor. The Inn is very accommodating, so feel free to call (518)622-3267) about any special needs, including foods, you may have.
Want a brochure to look over? Send an e-mail to
RVW Spinning Retreat
and include your name and postal address
If you would like to attend,
E-mail your intention to
RVW Spinning Retreat to see if there is space
Call the Winterclove Inn (518) 622-3267 to reserve your room.
Once you have heard that there is indeed room in the Retreat, send in your Retreat Class Fee of $160.00 to: Countrywool, 59 Spring Road, Hudson NY 12534 Please note: no refunds after April 15, 2007

COUNTRYWOOL WEEKEND RETREATS
Rip Van Winkle Faroese Sweaters Knit Retreat November 2007 in the mountains, Round Top, NYRip Van Winkle Sock KNITTING Retreat February 2008 in the Mountains, Round Top, NYCape Ann Reversible Sweater Knit Retreat March 2008 by the ocean, Gloucester, MARip Van Winkle Circular Knitting Techniques April 2008 in the Mountains, Round Top, NYRip Van Winkle Sock SPINNING May 2008 in the mountains, Round Top, NY
Yarns

Fall Colors /King Tut/ Baby Shadow

What amazing architecture was by our downtown hotel! This week we took a fun overnight trip to Philadelphia. The Tut exhibition at the Franklin Institute will be ending next week and i did not want to miss it.. My teaching career started with teaching 6th grade social studies and ended with it so Ancient Egypt was taught each year. The students and I were always especially fascinated with Tut. The exhibit was interesting but only included small items from Tut's tomb like his knife and some bottles and a chair . Most artifacts were from another tomb of the Pharaoh they hint that could be Tut's grandfather. I was sightly disappointed not seeing bigger items .


We took a side trip to the Market with all kinds of food and produce !

The steps had Tut's mask..cool huh?



Still working on the Baby Shadow Sweater. It goes very slowly using sock yarn.
I am multi-tasking watching Net Flix and knitting at same time. I am up to Season 5 of the Sopranos

Driving in the car I took this photo of the magnificent fall colors.
It was a little tricky driving on the highway 75 miles an hour and clicking the camera at the same time.

Can't see the glorious colors( maybe because of my dirty windows )...but it does show my Mini Minis





Stinky keeps stealing my computer chair but he leaves enough room for me.

Scottish Seagull steals chips- funny!

This was also on CNN... ....He knows what he is doing...
A seagull in Scotland has developed the habit of stealing chips from a neighborhood shop.The seagull waits until the shopkeeper isn't looking, and then walks into the store and grabs a snack-size bag of cheese Doritos.Once outside, the bag gets ripped open and shared by other birds.The seagull's shoplifting started early this month when he first swooped into the store in Aberdeen , Scotland , and helped himself to a bag of chips. Since then, he's become a regular. He always takes the same type of chips.Customers have begun paying for the seagull's stolen bags of chips because they think its so funny.


FWIW, I just checked on Snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/seagull.asp and not only is it true, but there's another video of the same seagull, but taken from inside the store.

Stitch N Beach Cruise 2008/ Fiber RETREAt

Yipppeeee I sent in my deposit for this knitting cruise today. Knowing I will be going away somewhere hot in FEBRUARY makes me so happy. This is the same cruise I took last winter with my same friend.That is the one where we went on a side trip to a nude beach with all the rum punches we wanted which made us very silly ( but not enough to take our suits off). After that she decided to start knitting socks after seeing me do it on the cruise. We had lots of fun last winter but this should be even better with knitting classes and new knitting friends to meet.

Last weekend my sister and I sent our deposit in for a Fiber Retreat Jan 18-19 located in Quarryville , Pa . Another event to look forward to this winter. 3 other friends from my knitting group are going . This should be one big slumber party where we sit around and spin (and sip a bit of wine)

BabyShadow Sweater

At Knitter's Day Out I spotted this adorable sideways baby sweater hanging at Mannings. .I bought the 2 skeins of Tofutsies to make this baby sweater. Mannings gave it out free with the purchase of the socks. When I came home , I noticed it was free on the SWTC website. I am making in the same colors as the pattern. It is easy- but looks pretty fancy. Using the light color pink to knit two rows makes a pink garter ridge that looks like a shadow. Because it is sock yarn it is going rather slowly . I am only on the sleeve after 2 nights. I will post photos after I get more done.

Knitter's Day Out/ Completed projects

Softy Baby Sweater and Hat ( Not too thrilled with this costly yarn)

Fleece Artist Socks done on my new Pug Blockers

Mason Dixon Baby Kimono done

Linda Montgomery -teacher of Double Knitting
Shopping !!!



Another fun weekend was had with my sister at the Knitter's Day Out. Quality knitting time ( and wine sipping)was spent with my sister, did some shopping and learned a few more knitting techniques.

Two classes I registered for were Bavarian Knitting with Beth Walker. She was a no show but the disappointment of this would not ruin my weekend. The sub teacher taught us how to cut a steek which was something I had heard of but sounded pretty scary. I still think I will avoid them along with all the twisted stitches involved in Bavarian Knitting . But the class was still interesting and I also picked up a ribbing I will try with my next pair of socks where you knit thru the back loops.



My other class was very exciting .The teacher was dynamic and very helpful and this is something that I may try to do more of. .We started a 2 color coaster in class but mine did not get finished I would love to learn more about double knitting but when searched it not very much shows up.

Double Knitting: Two Sides/Two ColorsLinda MontgomeryAdvancedThis class will cover the basics of double knitting. You will learn how to simultaneously knit 2 sides of fabric at once to produce a single piece of fabric. We will cover how to choose the patterns to use for double knitting. Pattern will be provided by instructor.Prerequisites: Ability to read charts and have knowledge of how to work with 2 colors of yarn






C oming Soon - my shopping purchases and a new baby pattern I found using Tofuoties sock yarn at Mannings

Knitter's Day Out

My Mini and I are off to Lancaster, Pa today. I am staying with my sister tonight and will be going to this. The suitcase is packed along with supplies needed for the classes. My homework for the Beth Walker class was to make a 4 inch square where you cast on 21 and then do two rows. Pow 1 was K7, K7ttbl, K7 and Row 2 was P7, P7ttbl, P7. The swatch shows where the twisted stitches are in the middle. Mine looks like crap as the P thru the back loops is messy and inconsistent. I hate doing P ttbl for some reason.I don't think Bavarian Knitting will be for me but it will be interesting to check it out.
Packing for these events is difficult.I take too many clothes and many knitting things even after going through them and putting half away. I end up carrying too much.

My camera is packed so no photos today.

This is what I have been knitting:

The Pink Softy baby sweater and hat- almost done
Mason Dixon Baby Kimono- just needs ribbons added
Mason Dixon Bib- halfway done.
After all this baby stuff I plan on starting the Karabella Jacket.