Mobius retreat photos

making a paper mobius first
Cat and I after she signed my her books for me......

This a group of people that were from Lancaster, Pa (including my sister in the navy sweater far right). I am in the front in pink next to Cat Bordi holding the mermaid .

Cat Bordhi Mobius Retreat (-:

I was wondering if I would ever make it to this retreat..Negative things kept popping up like my poor Dad being so sick and having to move into a rehab section of a nursing facility. My wonderful son helped my mother do that on Friday so I could continue with my plans to go to Maryland for this retreat. Then on Wed my front tooth where I had this very expensive implant put in- fell out! So an emergency visit to the implant specialist had to be made on the way to my sister's house on Thursday. Of course ,the dentist is in New Jersey 2 hours out of the way.

But we made it to the retreat. My sister and I had a special time together swimming, eating, taking knitting classes and socializing with all the other knitters. Cat Bordhi was an absolute hit with everyone! I will post more this week. I made a green mobius this weekend and worked on my Seduction Sock from Interweave- not a go0d project to work on while talking with others so I quickly switched to the mindless knitting of the mobius.
It snowed all weekend and on the way home but it was beautiful and not too slippery. I got home late last night - very tired out from driving home for 7 hours.But, it was all worth it!
Today I had to go visit my mother and take her to see my Dad. This is all very depressing seeing her fall apart mentally as he deteriorates physically.

Knitting in the hospital

My dad is still in the hospital with pneumonia. While he slept most of the day my knitting kept my nervous hands busy. Knitting has added more to my life than I ever expected!
My plans for the Knitting retreat this weekend are still up in the air depending on his status. I am going to pack tonight.

I lost 2 pounds at Weight Watchers yesterday !!!! there were 4 of us knitting away duirng meeting..

Snow !

Baby shower presents for twins are wrapped. The hats look so adorable along with all the other cute baby stuff I found on sale at Marshall's and Babies R US.

2nd mobius practice will be done today!

snow from deck

living room view of snow
Lots of fresh white snow covering the ground this am. I love looking out at it from my windows but the thought of driving in it is not so pretty. This means I can't visit my dad in the hospital and he will be alone all day. So I will just try to relax and finish my new mobius I started last night.

Due to snow covered roads probably no Weight Watchers tonight. I have been very good with eating the correct amount of points and increased activity but the scale is not moving too much. I feel much better so that is positive . I am not giving up!

yarn addiction

After yoga class I darted out to visit my dad in the hospital. It is an hour drive but one of the exits off 17 has a yarn shop. I don't know how I ended up there but my credit card has another 200$ worth of yarn on it! The shop is in Monticello and has soft and different yards. I found these cute ebony sock needles in a case from Lantern Moon, unique sock yarns , and lush hand dyed silk to make 2 mobius scarves. Nothing like yarn shops to make you feel better!

Dad has improved . His fever is gone and he was up and talking today. He is still very weak and frail but on the mend.....

I finished the matching baby blue hat today
It is brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr outside.

Mobius magic...

Mobius practice scarf done !
This is doubled around the pug's neck !

I figured out the mobius cast on. Lion Brand Homespun was used for practice but for the finished one it needs a yarn that drapes more unless you just want something for warmth. I finished it at the hospital and it turned out much longer than it was on those needles. I have to double it around my neck . It curls up so it is thinner than expected. Although I just knit; half of it turns out purled.MAGIC ! Maybe I should try steaming it to get it thicker and to stop the curling?


Dad is not doing so hot. The fever is still there and he is coughing now. I am not going in today due to predicted snow but my sister and mother are with him. Plus, they still have the 24 hour sitter with him which is amazing. Hospitals are frustrating places. Talking to a doctor is almost impossible and the nurses only know so much. I waited all day yesterday till finally at 6pm we caught up with a doctor. He has a strong accent so it was very difficult trying to communicate with my hearing loss -but they basically do not know what is causing it.

Yesterday I finished my Dish cloth Kal. It was a lace pattern and I had to rip a few times. It is good to practice on small projects like this .That is why I am enjoying this KAl so much.

ups came today

A good day with mail deliveries.! Nothing like a few knitting deliveries to cheer you up. My Amazon and Yarn Market purchases both came today. Now, I am ready for the Cat Bordhi Workshop with both the Cat Borhdi books, Addis in size 8 with 60' cable and size 10.5 with 47 ' cable and Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in Pea Green.

dad update

good news. My Dad knew me today and was able to get out of bed. They took his restraints off and his fever is down. .. such a feisty old guy. No doctor came in all day so I am not sure of his overall status but he is on the mend.
Bad news. I gained a .5 pounds at WW tonight. It was all that wine and wonderful dinner I had at my knitting teacher's house last night. I am back on track today.
Worked on my sock at Weight Watchers and the hospital today. Finsihed my daily fix of Dish Cloth KAL too which is a nice lace pattern.

My elderly Dad

This is a picture of my dad at my son's wedding this summer.. Yesterday he fell in his bathroom and got hurt badly. I spent the whole day and night in the very wild and busy ER. He has an black eye and broken nose and bruises all over.The worst part is he has a high fever and is not lucid. He won't stay still and wants to get up. I had to hold him down most of the day.Finally, at 10pm they hired a sitter to stay with him.He kept pulling his Iv tubes and wires out . It is so heart breaking to see him that way yelling and out of control.By morning they moved him into the hospital room. SO far things have not changed .Now dealing with my mother is another challenge..

I did take time to bring my knitting when I got the call. My wrist is not quite as bad so a bit of a sock got done. Knitting is therapy!

Cat Bordhi Mobius Retreat (-:

Mobius stripOne entry found for Möbius strip.
Main Entry: Mö·bi·us strip Pronunciation: 'm[oe]-bE-&s-, 'm&(r)-, 'mO-Function: nounEtymology: August F. Möbius died 1868 German mathematician: a one-sided surface that is constructed from a rectangle by holding one end fixed, rotating the opposite end through 180 degrees, and joining it to the first end

March 2nd weekend my sister and I are going to the 2007 Retreat in the Mountains at the Will O 'Wisp Resort in Maryland. I get to knit and be with my sister- priceless!The supplies we will need for the the retreat are interesting.. Cat Bordhi will be teaching so we need one of her books on mobius knitting. I had to order Addi turbos that come in extra long cords ( 42" 0r longer) I am hoping the books arrive soon from Amazon ; I need a jump start on trying to figure out her cast -on method. While searching to find out more about this cast-on method I found out that Knitty Gritty will have an episode with her tomorrow at 4:30. I hope they clearly explain how to make the cast -on. I read the directions at the site -but got lost quickly. You put your slip knot in the middle of the cables and and hold the knot with your right hand.You are using the yarn and needle with your left hand and twisting somehow to cast on.T hat is where I got lost. Hopefully ,if I see it it - It can be figured out before I attend.. Having only knitted for one year ,I feel a bit intimidated at these workshops on top of my hearing loss which makes it even harder .

Knitting is hurting my wrist

My body is betraying me. Just when I discover something to do with my hands- it hurts my bones in my wrist and arm.

It is not just an ache - it is pain radiating up and down my arm. SO I am letting up on my knitting for a few days. This kills me! I have to find some books to read to fill this void.

Snow Day

Today is Wednesday, February 14, 2007Pine Bush Central Schools are CLOSEDdue to inclement weather

Lots of snow here.Schools and roads are closed. As a teacher, I loved snow days to get caught up on things, enjoy my own kids and just to hang out.
Now ,being retired I can do that everyday so they are not as special to me. Still it is a beautiful site with all the snow !
I wanted to knit all day today but my hand is killing me. I overdid it using this Bates plastic circular needle from a garage sale on the sleeve of the sweater. The sleeve had to be ripped out due to gauge issues and this needle was used instead of Addi Turbo( that was a bit slippery with the alpaca._ ..Big mistake..my wrist and the area below elbow are killing me. I am afraid to aggravate it so if I knit tonight or tomorrow it will be something that is easier than sweater pattern.

Flaming on Dish Cloth Kal

Oh -my I can't believe how ignorant and prejudiced some people are !On my Dish Cloth Kal an unnamed person blamed Walmart's stopping of the craft sections on some "gays and lesbian"owners.Wow- lots of comments were flying back and forth . This person who made this statement had all these religious comments ( about Jesus)at the end of her posts. This is so scary to me that people would post something like that in the name of Jesus and one person actually defended her.I am not gay-but have several gay friends who are truly loving and wonderful people.

baby hats

I made an adorable and easy baby hat this weekend in pink for the female twin my niece is expecting. The matching blue one for the male twin will be started this week. The pattern is from Stitch N' Bitch page 188 "the Umbilical Cord Hat", I used an Italian Classic Elite Yarn called Duchess .( 40% merino,28% viscose, 10% cashmere and 15% nylon, and 7% angora.) This yarn has to hand washed -but hats do not get as dirty as other baby things. It was on sale for 7$ a skein of 50 yards.
I will post photos once both hats are done..
Good news at my Weight Watchers meeting. I lost another 1.6 pounds. It is going very slowly - but a total of 6.4 pounds in 3weeks is enough to make my pants almost fit comfortable again. Of course, I knit during the meeting and rush home to watch 24 .

Delaware River Communuty Gathering

Another wonderful thing about this Delaware River community (besides the library, local Yarn Shop, Yoga Center etc. ) is the people. Since we moved here a few years back we have attending many of the monthly pot luck dinners . Everyone brings a dish and wine so it is a interesting selection of food ,and after dinner people socialize or talk about community issues like power lines or the development that is going on along the river ridge.Tonight is the night we are hosting it so I have very little time to knit or spend at this computer. Vacuuming tons of pug hair and hiding all my knitting clutter are top on the list of chores. I am making sausages and peppers in the crock pot.

Weight Loss favortie DVD/tapes

YIPPPEEE I have lost a total of 4.8 pounds as of weigh -in last Monday! My will power is back and the energy that goes along with eating healthy and moving around.Finally, I am back to doing several exercise tapes a week along with my yoga class on Friday.

My favorite exercise DVDs:

1. Total Mix Quick Fix where you can customize your workout.Each section is 10 minutes with a time counter in the right -hand corner. Three sections are for abs so I do all 3. My friend, Brandi, has been coming over and we do them together which helps to motivate me. I hate ab stuff but desperately need it.
2. Prevention's Fat to Firm. This is an easy 20 minute weight lifting tape that includes some crunches. I feel stronger after doing this easy tape that has not 'so young and fit' women working out.
3. Leslie Sansone's walking tapes..I have to revisit them. Some older ones are funny to watch - some are better. I have not done them yet but I will get to them soon.
4. McDonald's gave out some free DVD 's this summer called Yourself Fitness. They have a cartoon- like character, Maya, that guides you.They are short and only 15 minutes so I pop them in the computer once in a while .
5.Windsor Pilates series. These were a gift from my sister several years ago. The ab one really works . These are my favorite ones -but not all that easy.
6. Forget these....Yoga and Pilates for Dummies.Rodney Hui(spelling?) and Denise Austin's I should sell on EBay ..

Knitting progress

I finished the back of the sweater started this summer. Hopefully, I am going to stick with it before doing a Elizabeth Zimmermann BSJ .

The Friday Night Knitting Club

http://www.fridaynightknittingclub.com/

This book was started today while taking my father to his doctor appointment.It is is so wonderful that using the computer and knitting will be postponed for the rest of the night! I will probably stay up all night to finish it - It is that good!

Feb Dish Cloth KAL/ THe Friday Night Knitting Club

Kate Jacob's The Friday Night Knitting Club was a birthday gift from my son. I look forward to reading this and then seeing the movie (starring Julia Roberts) that is due to come out next year.
Knitting has seriously cut into my reading time. One of the reasons I looked forward to moving here was that I could walk to the libary and that they had Book Talk groups.Now knitting and going to the LYS seem to have taken over. But, I will find the time to read this book .
Last night during the Super Bowl I finished the book talk selction Good Grief by Lolly Winston. If you have ever been depressed - you can relate to it.But, it sort of made me depressed just reading it..I am getting picker about the books I read lately. Before I read everything I could get my hands on.

http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/

This is up to DAY # 4

see the cute hearts?

Love doing this...http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/ I am going to do Day #5 shortly..This friendly KAL is a simple way to make small gifts, learn new stitches/knitting info and not too costly. Little things like this give me such pleasure..

Tonight I weigh in at WW. I had a harder time this week with all the birthday dinners. I won't gain at least. I have been doing my yoga and ab tapes though so I am feeling healthier.

Sheep and Wool Festival Rhinebeck

Look who is in the ad for next year! The blonde is my knitting teacher and friend.Boy, was she surprised to see this..http://www.sheepandwool.com/

here is another picture fo her at Stiches dinner.

Happy Birthday

My birthday is today. It is a relaxing birthday but it is frightening to see the years go by so fast. One year ago today I retired..It has flown by and been a calm year with not having to work or commute- not counting my family crises.Knitting has been a blessing this year helping fill the void of not teaching after 32 years .

Ole ole... finished Fiesta Purse!

My house is situated on the Pa side so I cross this bridge on the Delaware to go into New York. This is our first real snow fall of the season. Eagles were soaring this morning but my camera is too slow and not enough zoom to catch them. But, you may catch them on this live video cam they have here. http://www.poconoweather.com/vidcam7.html

Peeky and Molly snuggling to get warm to day...

Fiesta purse- my first purse -

Pleasantly surprised on how this soy/wool felted.It seemed so thin while knitting it on my new Options needles.

This pattern started in the front of the purse and then you sew the cast on together. At first -I was confused with the pattern- but just followed the directions, and it all clicked and made sense.

lost 3.8 pounds

wwwooppeee...lost 3.8 pounds at weigh -in tonight!!! Tracking points and moving around paid off...now 13.2 more pounds to lose.........

interchangeable needles- Knit Picks or Denise?

Denise needles on my JAN Mid-month KAL - 3 Cable Dishcloth

Fiesta Purse kit using Knit Pick Options

Ouch... those sharp Knit Picks hurt!!!!


What a nice surprise open these last week! Perfect birthday present from my sister.http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Needles_Options.aspx

Knit Pick Options

Using these on the Fiesta purse that is coming along so -so. The top and the handles should be finished this weekend. Next project is the fingerless mitt gift I need by 2/4/.



Anyways- back to the needles. All the positive reviews made me want to purchase them. Actually, I bought these for my sister last year and she loves them. This is my very first project using them -but I have mixed feelings.

Here is why: Knit Pick Options

1. My fingers are in pain from the very sharp points. My knitting technique with throwing the yarn results in the needle poking my finger..ouch ... I think it is ready to bleed. My thumb hurts too- but not as bad. A band aid last night helped a bit.



2. The sharp points and sleek needles make knitting go faster and easier to pick up stitches..very much like the pair of Addi Turbos I love.



3. Now the key? No directions were in the kit..What do you do with that little thing? My friend said I supposed to tighten them with that.I did it manually instead which resulted in the needles coming lose and catching the yarn .Several times I had to wind them up again. The key will be used next time..


Next :The Denise Pink Set


My son and daughter -in-law gave me Denise Needles for Christmas. LUCKY ME- huh?
http://www.knitdenise.com/

I have this month's 3 Cable Dish Cloth KAL( late because) started on these needles but only 6 rows so ..so far I like them but the thicker cord is not as easy to maneuver as the Knit Picks. I like how they snap in place to make me feel a bit safer about them not coming apart. No hassle about using or losing a key..

The bottom line is I will use both! They will both come in handy for traveling and keeping needles organized . Extra band aids will be stored with the Knit Picks.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr It is so cold

The Delaware turned to ice over night! My husband was fishing a week or so ago with such mild weather. At first I took a picture from the inside windows and then gathered up enough courage to go outside.

I went to my Yoga class this am. Noone else showed up but me..My body feels good but was disappointed that the scale has not budged. Next,bundling up and walking to the library. Too cold for the dog's feet to take them on a long walk.

Attended knitting last night . Thursday night is the highlight of my weekdays with this group and Grey's Anatomy. Two young, refreshing high school girls were there. I don't miss working as a teacher- but I miss the kids....

The yarn shop soon will be carrying new lines of yarn (Berreco ? spelling)Many oo's and ah's over the samples and patterns in the book .

Diet progress

After several unsuccessful attempts to diet the shock of weighing at WW my will power is back. A weight gain of almost 20 pounds in 2 years is really disgusting because it has settled mostly in my middle..I don't want to be ROUND!

Excuses?( My husband blames it on knitting- not me )

1.Being retired almost a year with not having to dress up makes you not realize that your clothes are not fitting. Those comfortable black pants and fat jeans still fit ...but nothing else.
2. Being so happy and contented with husband going out to lunches and dinners- did I mention the Racetrack buffet ? cruise food?
3. Lazy kind of routine with no work stress besides parents/ brother illnesses that make me want to eat more. No standing up hours teaching and going up those stairs all day.
4. Knitting and snacking at night...

So- my plan to restore my healthy weight

• The yoga class on Fridays and doing tapes at home help restore my healthy weight.
• More long dog walks instead of just letting them in the yard
• no more snacking with nightly knitting..cups of tea instead..
• 20 points of eating using WW Flex plan

I should lose on Monday weigh in. I feel better already and the stomach muscles are feeling it from the Pilates tape.

yarn washed by mistake

I did such a stupid thing..Hidden in all the dirty clothes pile from the cruise was this mohair yarn to an $$$$$$expensive scarf kit ..Dam it came out so perfectly felted.Maybe it can be a necklace...?

Knitting progress 2007

Another cruise highlight..

This is me after I swam with the dolphins in Tortola . I did not buy the pictures because they were awful and cost mucho

Really ...I have been knitting::

one sock completed (purple striped Opal)

unfinished lace scarf ( almost done)

Fiesta Purse kit purchased at Stitches

Here is the bag and my progress this past few days. I am disappointed in the soy/wool yarn as it seems so thin. I hope it felts ok?

I would like to make a pair of fingerless mitts before 2/4 for my friend's birthday.Don't know if that will happen..

ON cruise when the KAl Dishcloth started so missed that and too busy getting caught up..Next month -but may try this one soon because it has cables and would like to learn how to do them..

get this fat off

The only bad thing about knitting is the 15 pounds gained since I started less than a year ago. Off to Weight Watchers tonight and I AM going to try to get back in my preknitting exercise routine . I feel disgusting and eating all that cruise food caught up with the scale this week! I am wearing same black pants cuse only ones that fit...........

Back to Reality

It is back to reality with having to sort through mail, get caught up on wash , cooking and cleaning...But, very nice to be home with husband and dogs.
One of the highlights of my trip was the nude beach at San Marten. My friend and I went on a Rum Punch excursion to this beach. Several rum punches in me -but not enough ever to go naked! . There were topless women of all ages and sizes but this couple really caught my attention as they came strutting toward us..Thought we would die laughing as the well endowed man was really baring all! The couple came passed us again from their walk and we got an eyeful . You had to be there with the sun and rum punches to really appreciate why we were laughing so much

back from the Cruise

I am back..all rested, tanned and well fed...I am busy getting caught up with mail, unpacking, etc...will post highlights of my trip later this week.
I was knitting everywhere on the ship while waiting for shows to start, at the beach, on the decks etc. Finished one sock, one lace scarf and a pot holder finished for the Dishcloth KAL...

All packed for my 11 day cruise

Lucky me leaving in Saturday for a 11 day cruise to the Caribbean.http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/itinerary.do?selectedItin=20070106:N700:CSW011&dest=C I have been packing and repacking all week. I have to leave room for knitting projects. My friend does embroidery so we plan to do our crafts, walk the decks, eat light and do lots of talking.Sounds like a perfect vacation !
I have had 2 suitcases packed and unpacked . I really want to go light since husband won't be there to help me carry them all like usual.(:.he gets to watch all the pugs. He hates cruises...
so what do I bring? Friend and I agreed black pants can be dressed up in all ways with my different scarves and wraps. My problem is with shoes too..sneakers, sandals and dressy?
and there there is what to bring for knitting...So my new Denise needles will come, Knitters handbook, Wendy Knits and I will have to use the Internet to finish up my Dish Cloth KAl while on the ship, finish another lace scarf, start a sock, purse kit from Stitches,gray fingerless mitts for son. Seriously- too much knitting to bring but just in case my mood changes and need to change projects.

KAL Day 2 and pug shots

more pug shots ..they love to snuggle in the bed..Dish Cloth KAL

Day # 2 of dish cloth KAL ..I can't wait to see what it will look like. It is like a mystery where they do not tell you what it is - just gave you 8 rows today so took less than half hour. It takes 7 days to complete and they do 2 a month. This is a fun way to learn more about knitting.

DISH CLOTH KAL

Just joined this knit-a-long that sounds like fun where I can learn new techniques without doing a huge project.http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/ Plus, the patterns they have done in the past are adorable ..great gifts for holidays.
The EZ knit-a-long I am a part of is fun -but it is much more advanced and some of the projects I can't even attempt. But , I do love the Maltese fisherman hat I made and plan on making the Baby Surprise Jacket when they do it next.Right now they are starting Norwegian mittens that sound just too difficult using 2 hands for the different colors of yarn. Using one hand is still hard for me!
I started day #1 of the Jan dishcloth today which took me about 15 minutes.You get bit by bit of the pattern over a 7 day period which already I am excited about doing tomorrow's section.

New Years Day cleaning out

Trying to remove the Christmas clutter and decorations today.After doing all the last minute knitting my yarn/knitting closet is a mess. Realized today that officially have a yarn and needle stash that needs to be used up before I start anything else.

So going to try to do what wendyknits.net is suggesting to knit from my stash.... but no way for a whole year..Can't do that yet...

happy New year

.... not doing any special this New Year 's Eve

just hanging out with my husband and the dogs...
doing some knitting too