Finished object alert! These are not the best pictures (cell phone camera) but you get the general ideal. I love the yarn...Lorna Lace's Shepherds superwash. Just yum. Unfortunately the first pair that I made were a little big but fit A. perfectly. I used size 8's which were to gauge but went down to a size 7's for me. I have one more to make and I will finish them tomorrow because I will need them on Monday. We are supposed to have a cold blast.

I would have worked on them tonight but A. and I went to Barnes and Noble to read (and mock) magazines. I didn't find any knitting magazines to buy. :( I did see a pattern or two in a couple but 1 pattern isn't really worth buying the whole magazine.

Off to knit, have a good night all.

Christmas baking! Ginger gems. So good and vegan. It's actually the vegan holiday here. I did all the cooking this year. I am tired though.
The sweater is finished! Was seaming it up at 11:00pm. I will sleep well tonight. Made Moroccan "meatballs" over couscous, candied lime sweet potatoes (from the Vegan YumYum site) which are absolutely fabulous!! A dip and a "cheese" ball and a carmel apple bake. Just have to make brunch tomorrow and then no more cooking for a few days.
Hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas with lots of yarn and needles!!

New shiny,red Croc feet. Bought them for myself for Christmas. Sssssooooo warm....I loves them!

I should have never said that I was all finished knitting for Christmas because Wednesday m. asked me to knit a cardigan for K. And could I have it finished for Christmas? Well, sure, why not. I only have the sleeves left to knit and then put it together. I should be able to have it finished. We shall see.

Be back soon.

Here is the Puffinstuff pin and Freddie the magic flute earrings that A. made for herself. She borrowed the pin that she made for me and copied it. They are polymer clay and isn't she talented?

One cold day today! 16* with the wind chill so I ran across the street to Krogers for the paper and some groceries and a couple of movies from the $1.00 movie rental box. Watched "License to Wed" and "Oceans 13". Enjoyed both of them but am tired of staring at the tv. On the upside, I did finish knitting A.'s soon-to-be felted bag. Now I will give it to her so it can be felted and then she can give it back to me for sewing together.

Well, off to knit on my fingerless mitts for awhile so keep warm and knit!

AAAAAHHHH! "ALBINO BRAIN SUCKERS"!!! It's not the snow that is the problem, it's the ice that is underneath that turned into slush when it rained this afternoon and then turned into more ice and then the 1-3" that is coming overnight. Yuck,yuck,yuck. I am glad to be at home. We went to the Chinese buffet(mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm) and then came home. That was enough out for me. A. wore her new birthday socks (yah for me) and I would have taken a picture of them but I was so busy stuffing my face with scallion pancakes that I never got around to it. But they looked cool. And she seems to really like them. So that makes me happy.

I'm glad that I have knitting and some movies so I don't need to go anywhere but in the kitchen to get myself some more tea!

Knitting going on like crazy here. Finished the "giant" socks for A. and gave them to her yesterday for her birthday. Happy Birthday A.! I think she really liked them. The second sock was much easier on the Bryson flexibles so they went alot faster.

Have been doing some Christmas knitting so haven't gotten alot of other stuff done. But here's a peek at my new sock yarn. Isn't it purty? I won it from www.romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com and I call it "Barbra" for it's former owner. Just doing a generic sock pattern but I think that I'm going to branch out next sock and do a pattern. I have to decide which one. Something simple but a little challenging. I am still working on the toes-up sock,which is fun, so maybe I'll do another one of those. Anyone have a good suggestion for a sock pattern?

Finished object alert! I sewed together the felted bag that was for me but decided that it isn't big enough for me so m. decided that she really liked it. Yah. I'm glad it will have a use for someone. I don't like the yarn as much as the Cascade 220-this was the wool that I bought at Yarn Market. It is the house brand from Lambikins and I don't like how it felted. It puckered up and slightly buckled in places. I won't use it again though. I hope that the one being knitted for A. felts up better.

SNOW!! Yes, we had our first snowfall this morning. Just enough to be pretty without being too annoying. I would post pictures but the cell phone won't send them right now. So I will show you some other pictures.

Knitting anyone?

First one of the socks for A. It is made from Red Heart Strata, knit on size 3 dpn's, using generic sock pattern from the Yarn Harlot. Very easy knit but the only thing I am doing differently for the second one is to use different needles. I was using the only pair of 3's I had -bamboo-but felt like I was going to break them because this sock is THICK. So went to the lys and got a pair of Bryson flex needles, which are not ideal because I don't really care for plastic and they flex(I know, I know...it's in the title) but at least I'm not bending my bamboo needles.

It's going to be a cold one tonight--15* --brrrr. I am in my pink jammies with penguins on them, drinking a cup of icewine tea. It's a tea from Canada, where they let the grapes freeze and then make wine from them. The tea smells like wine when you open the package and makes very good tea.

Working on some Christmas gifts so I can't tell you what I'm working on now but will post some pictures soon.

Here's a hat that I just made for myself the other day. It's from Hip Knit Hats and is very easy to knit and came out cute.

Here's a not-so good close-up of the Irish hiking scarf. Today was COLD! Windy and some sleet. Had to run to lys and get another set of dpn's-size 3-and wore my scarf, mittens, and the "beast". Boy, was I warm. And wore my hat that I knitted from the first issue of Knit1.

Finished the first big sock and started on the second. And some other things that will have to wait for awhile to post them.

Put a new handle on the screen door today and was it cold. I mean, my fingers were so cold that I couldn't hardly feel the screws to put it together. And, of course, it isn't working so I will have to go out tomorrow and try and fix it. At least it will be warmer tomorrow. I hope I can figure out what is the problem.

Going to rain here tomorrow but at least it isn't snow. Not yet anyway.

Here's a peek at what I've been knitting on this week.

I know, I know. That's one crazy looking sock! It's made from Red Heart Strata, a magical self-striping yarn. I found some at Wallyworld for 25 cents a skein. Who could pass up that kind of bargain? These are for A. and they are knit on size 3's. I should have done them on metal but only had the 3's in bamboo. But I do like how they stand up on their own. Very sturdy acrylic. They should be good and warm though. I may make myself a pair.

The metal pot in the background is my wonderful coffee/tea "butler" that holds about 14 cups and keeps tea nice and hot for several hours. AAAHHHH...nice tea.

The picture on the top is a close up of the "beast". Boy, is it warm. Especially with the Irish hiking scarf and the cabled mittens. I look like a walking ball of yarn with it all on....heeeheee.

Here is a shot of "Mike" before it was finished. You won't see any more shots of them because I finished them last night and gave them to A. this morning. I think she was pleased with them. I just used the Yarn Harlot's generic sock pattern and size 3 needles.
Went to one of the lys yesterday and bought....sock yarn. (gee,what a surprise). Got a lovely ball of Trekking XXL in a purple colorway, and Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca light in a teal blue color. I'm not sure why I picked that color, I have nothing it matches but is so pretty it had to go home with me.
Went to Belluvue,Ky today for their Christmas walk. Actually went to go the knitting store--www.knit-on.com and bought.....sock yarn. I'm getting nothing if not predictable. And some more dpn's. The yarn is Online supersocke 100 Sierra color (a beautiful fall colorway) www.online-garne.de. I just can't decide what to make first.
Thanksgiving was nice. We ate and watched alot of movies. Just what the day ordered. Nice and lazy! But I did get knitting done. A small hat and worked on my wristlets. Aaahhhh.

The view coming back from the library. See the lovely fall trees? I'm glad you enjoyed them because the trees are almost bare now. A day of wind and rain has stripped them. But at least it was warm. In the 60*s but tomorrow it is going to be cold. But the good thing about that is ...my mittens are done!! I will need them tomorrow. Of course I'm not going anywhere except to buy the paper. All the cooking for turkey day is finished...a. and m. eat all the traditional turkey stuff and mine is all vegan. I made the most fabulous Carmel Apple bake. mmmmm. I will definately enjoy that. As will everyone else.
Now that the mittens are done I am going to finish A.s sock and then knit on my toe-up socks. I will have pictures of the mittens. Hope everyone has a fabulous turkey day and gets to eat until we all pop!!

Went to a Christkindlmarket today -http://www.germaniasociety.com/. I thought it was going to be alot better than it actually was. I was rather disappointed. A cold, grey day....brrrr, very damp but at least it was sort of heated inside the tent. We did get to see some animals at the petting zoo...here are some shots. Isn't he just the cutest little piglet? You can't really tell but he was so small. A. and I wanted to scoop him up and just squeeze him. And the goat's name is Marie. They also had a Donnie.

Finished one of the cabled mittens last night. Would have been nice to wear them today since it was 41* and damp. Brrrr. I did have a pair of alpaca wristlets but lent them to A. since I just put my hands in my pockets. I am going to try and finish them tomorrow.

Having a nice cuppa...vanilla apple white. Very good and relaxing while sitting here in my yellow snowman pj's. Sometimes pj's feel so nice and comfy that I just can't wait to get them on and just sit back with my cuppa and read or knit. Last night I watched "Hawaii" with Julie Andrews. I loved the book (I read it for the first time in high school) and had seen the movie years ago but really enjoyed it. Love getting free movies from the library.

Here's a blurry picture of the "beast". The camera phone doesn't take the greatest pictures but you get the general idea. I do actually like it alot...very warm especially with the Irish hiking scarf wrapped around my neck. I made it a size too big so it would be good and roomy and it closes like a double-breasted coat. I think I might get some toggles to put on for closures. I didn't make any buttonholes because I didn't think it would work well with it.

I have started the cabled mittens to match and am about half finished with them.

Pattern Specifications:

Pattern is from the Lion Brand website and is the One stitch adult jacket.

I didn't change anything to the pattern except leaving off the buttonholes.

Would I knit it again? ...maybe. It was an easy knit, all garter stitch but booorrrriiinnnngggg. But I do like how it fits. So comfortable and warm.

Off to knit on the mittens. More later.

MMMMMM.....Indian for dinner. This is mine on the bottom...aloo vindaloo. Absolutely fabulous. And I had some garlic naan. I always save some of the vindaloo for the next day because it's soooooo good. I will have the buffet for lunch but not anything that I will eat for dinner so vindaloo it is. But so good. A. and m. had the buffet because they like the chicken tikka masala and the vegetable korma. Here's a picture of A.'s dinner on the top.

No knitting content tonight. Although I did finish the hat that I was working on yesterday and I will post pictures soon. ('cause I have some...heehee).

Ta dah!! Pictures. I finally figured out how to send from my phone so here are some. This is my new mug...pretty isn't it? Right now it's full of Cranberry-Autumn tea mmmmm)www.harney.com. Go there now...I'll wait. I think their tea is the absolute best. They also let you order up to 5 samples @ $2.00 each so you can try them. Which one is my favorite? Depends on what I'm drinking. I think my absolute favorite is the White Christmas tea. Just delicious. Of course, the cranberry-autumn is very tasty. The Paris is so smooth and subtle but then again the Bangkok is fabulous. Okay,okay. I like many, many of them. Order a free catalog and peruse at leisure. While knitting of course.

Go here for a contest (and it makes you want to overcome your fears and knit!) www.lotusknitter.blogspot.com

I know, I know. My poor pictureless blog!! I told A. that she needed to send me some pictures that I've taken (I am camera-less so I use hers...thanks, sis!) and hopefully she will send them soon.
The big news is...hold your breath...the "beast" is finished. Everyone sing and dance around!! Seamed and ready to wear. Whew. I am so glad to have it done. Nice and warm too. I have about a half skein left and picked up another one today to make a pair of mittens. Might as well have a pair to match since I already have the scarf. And I loves the scarf-the Irish hiking scarf was fun to knit and looks good. I found a pattern for cabled mittens in the new 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders that I found at the library. So I think that I will knit those.
Hopefully there will be a picture soon. Although I have to get a picture of the "beast", so everyone can ooh and awe in wonderment. Heehee.
Got my new Christmas Starbucks mug. Since we were meeting for art night at 'bucks it would've been wrong not to buy one. It's really cute, white with jolly written on the outside with a peppermint for the O and red and white stripes on the inside. The sad thing is that the Tazo tea that I really like (Berryblossom white) was just a special and now is gone. If I had known that I would have bought a couple of boxes. Now I shall have to hoard it....sort of like yarn.

Mini disaster ahead. So, last night I'm blithely knitting along on the "beast" and watching a movie, feeling smug because I only have 4 more rows to go before the bind-off and then finished. I looked down and...gasp...horrors of horrors, I was out of yarn. What?? There is no possible way. I was so sure that I had gotten enough yarn. Where did it go? At least I found out another skein today at Hobby Lobby (whew) and am going to try and finish it tonight. Then I have to figure out what to do with the rest of the skein. Maybe a pair of mittens to match? Hmmmm. I will have to think about this. At least I will have the sweater finished.

Knitting progress has been made. I am almost finished with the "beast" ...yah...just have to finish the right front and then, put together. Whew. Over half way through the front and I think I can probably get it done tonight. I won't knit that pattern again because it is sooooo boring but I hope it looks good. And fits. We shall see.

Cold tonight again. In the low 30*'s and breezy. A nice night to be sitting home in my flannel pj's, having a nice hot cup of white berryblossom tea and contemplaiting which movie to "watch" while knitting.

Well, A. felted my burgandy/orange bag for me the other day and I am not as happy with it as the others we have done. I used the Yarn Source Sol and it didn't felt up great. The I-cord bind-off around the edges seems to have bunched up some and the purse is not as big as the others. The colors are good together but didn't seem to felt up without pulling up. Even the pockets didn't felt like a straight line but rather curved. All in all I'd have to say that I am a little disappointed but I'm sure it will still be a nice bag. If I'm unhappy with it as a purse I can always use it as a knitting bag. Which may not be such a bad thing.
Haven't been doing much stamping lately since I've been on a knitting kick but I have made some stitch marker/odds and ends tins out of empty mint tins. They hold stitch markers, pins, various little sundry items and then I have some of my favorite papers on them and will always have them. I am also making a DPN holder from an old cigar box that is going to be pretty cool...at least to me.
Almost finished with the right front of the "beast" and going to cast on for the left. I wasn't sure if I was going to have enough yarn but I think I will have plenty (heaving a huge sigh of relief).

Got a lovely surprise from Jill on art night. Tea! She went to Boston and brought us all back some tea from this place called Tealuxe-www.TeaLuxe.com. So nice...thanks Jill!! She's the best.
Everyone got some different. M. and I got a total of 4: Green Tea with Pear, Kir Royale, Gingerbread, and Creme de la Earl Grey which smells absolutely fabulous. I had a pot of the Gingerbread today, which is a great tea for fall and the smell....mmmmmm. Also had the green with pear which was different. The smell was very reminiscent of ? what? I'm still not sure. I liked it when it was hot but when it cooled some I didn't really care for it. But hot it's pretty good.

On the knitting front I have finally finished the back of the "beast" or the garter-stitch cardigan. Whew! And almost finished with the first of A's sock. Maybe I will get those done this weekend and can cast-on a pair for me. Oh...still working on the toe-up pair so I suppose I should finish those first. Sigh...oh alright.

Drizzly, gray, foggy, chilly today. Perfect fall weather to put on a pair of Perry Ellis lounging pants...aka..pj's, slippers and making a pot of Jasmine tea. MMMMM. I have been making some progress on the garter stitch sweater-finally! I have decided that I don't really care for knitting a sweater that have the sleeves cast on while knitting the piece. It seems like it takes a week to finish one row. I only have about 3 1/2" left on the back and then bind-off. Woohoo. And I am almost finished with the first sock of A.'s. I think there will be enough yarn for a pair of short socks for me as well. Always a plus.
Went to Williams-Sonoma the other day and picked up some of their Spiced Chestnut hand lotion. It is a great hand cream and the smell...absolutely fabulous. Also got a nifty little peeler that rests in the palm of your hand and a nice paring knife. Used them to make sweet potato fries and portobello mushroom pizzas (vegan). Yum. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

Not too much knitting content today. Spent alot of the day running errands...Trader Joe's for some vegetables and food and Coffee Emporium for tea for me and COFFEE for A. Yeah, 'cause she can never have enough coffee. Did stop at one of the yarn shops because I have been looking for reinforcement yarn for my socks and only one local place carried it. I got the last card of it...yah for me!
I did go to one of the other shops the other day-yarnsandfabrications.com and picked up another skein of (wait for it.....) sock yarn. It is Lana Grossa Meilenweit 100 Fantasy in a beautiful red/orange colorway. Very bright. Can't wait to knit with it.

This is the sock yarn that I am using for A.'s socks. I call it "Mike" although I don't know why. I am about halfway through the first one. I went up to a size 3 needle for hers.

I also have started knitting a pair from the toe-up from the left over yarn from my first socks. The pattern is very easy to follow but I had to rip it out because I couldn't "unzip" the crocheted provisional cast on.

I haven't really knitted too much today because I was painting around the outside of the house and my arms are sore. Took some arnica and will knit tomorrow!

First socks!!! I LOVE them. So soft and warm. The leg shot is an obligatory Starbucks' shot...art night but I had to show off the sockies.

Pattern: generic Yarn Harlot pattern.

Yarn: Opal sock yarn

Needles: size 2 dpn's

Once I got over my fear of turning the heel it was a very easy,fun pattern to knit. I knit the second one in a day. I think it went so fast because I was excited to have finished the first one.

The next pair on the needles are for A. Same pattern but went up to a size 3 needle to make them a little bigger. I also have some of the Opal yarn leftover (since I had no idea how much yarn it would actually take to make a pair) and I am using a toe-up pattern to make a short pair. I am using the generic pattern from http://wendyknits.net and once I finally master the wrap and turn it will go much smoother.

The weather is supposed to be nasty tomorrow-stormy and cool, so a good day to knit socks.

Just a quick note...I am wearing my lovely new socks as I type. I finished them last night and they are the most comfortable things I have ever worn. I have taken a picture of them but have to wait until it's sent to me. Then I will post a picture of the most bee-u-ti-ful socks ever!!!

Have I mentioned how much I love knitting socks? I have finished...that's right...finished the first sock. I am calling them my "I didn't ever think that I would be able to finish them but here they are" socks. I finished the first one on Sunday evening and was so excited that I immediately cast on the second as well as a pair for A. I will need them in a few days as the weather is turning cooler...finally! In the 60*'s tomorrow and in the 40*'s at night!!

Here is the Tofutsies sock yarn that I bought at Yarn Market that seems to be calling my name to knit. What do you think? Should this be the next pair? And should I try knitting from the toe up following a WendyKnits pattern? Maybe I'll just stick with what I've tried for a few until I get it down.

I lovesssssssss knitting socks. So cool and fast. Thanks to the Yarn Harlot for her nice, easy pattern that made me go ahead and just knit them! Love them. Can hardly wait to cast on the next one.
Found a great swap-http://www.wintercoffeeswap.blogspot.com. Go and sign up...registration opens October 24th. Coffee, yarn...can't get much better.
Still so HOT. 91* today. This is ridiculous. It's October. I want to wear long sleeves....sweats...nice comfy blankies. Not stupid shorts and sandals. Tired of them.

Doncha' just "lurve" this yarn? I have it on the list to make a pair of flip-top mitten/gloves. It is Lorna's Laces in colorway "Flames". I just think it is sooooo pretty.

It has been a little cooler these past few days but tomorrow it is going to be in the upper 80*'s and humid. Oh goody.

Finished my "Hilda" hat from "Hip Knit Hats" and I will have to see if I can get a picture of it. Tres cute. Made one for K. as well because I ended up having another ball left over. I think she'll like it.

Since it was cooler today I made a few fabulous dishes. Asian slaw with chinese noodles and vegetables and curried greens and pasta that was fabulous. Used collard greens which were very good and just a great dish. I never really enjoyed cooking but since becoming a vegan it's hard to find things to eat I have had to resort to *shudder* cooking. Luckily, I have found alot of great vegan cookbooks that are easy without alot of ingredients. So far, so good.

I TURNED THE HEEL!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I'm not too excited...heehee. So easy, as I knew it would be, but just couldn't seem to make myself do it. But do it I did and quite proud as well.
Almost f.o. tonight. Have been knitting a hat from "Hip Knit Hats" the "Hilda". Very, very easy and cute. Only have to make the pompoms and seam it up the back. I think I am going to leave part of it unseamed so my ponytail can stick out. I think it will a cute look.
I am going to finish the sock this week and start on the second so I can have a pair when it cools down. It is somewhat cooler this week and we had RAIN today. The weather is "a-changin'". Finally. Still in the 80*'s during the day but has that fall feeling that is somewhat different...more moisture perhaps.

Much cooler today. Yah! Very enjoyable. Enjoying a nice cup of Jasmine Estate tea...mmm...and getting ready to knit some more today. I have been working on the slim-line tunic from Lion Brand which is knit side-to-side and is a v-neck. Made one for A. and one for myself in a beautiful autumn colorway and it turned out so nice that I decided to make myself another one. This one is in shades of blue.
I did work on the heel flap of the sock yesterday. I am getting ready to turn the heel soon. I just got Ann Budd's new sock book from the library yesterday and the pictures of turning the heel just made a light go on in my head. I know how to do it but just couldn't really "see" it but now I am raring to go.
Since the rain all day yesterday it smells like fall out now. Very damp and fallen leaves. I love when you get that first whiff of fall. I do hate that it gets dark so early though. Now it's dark by 7:30 and cooling down fast. Going to be in the 50*'s tonight. Yah! Will be good to sleep when it's cooler.

This is the lace weight yarn that I bought at Yarn Market. It's 800 yards and I have no idea what to do with it but it was sooooooooo pretty and soft that I had to have it. I'll have to eventually find the perfect pattern. But for now I will just pet it and tell it how lovely it is.

Finished the Irish Hiking scarf yesterday and I must say....it is very attractive. Used up all three skeins so it is long enough to wrap around, which is how I like my scarves.

It RAINED last night and alot of today!! Woohoo. It was somewhat cooler also but still hot and sticky. But the rain was so nice. Even had thunder and lightning which was almost a surprise since it had been so long. It was a wonderful "nap" day but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to indulge since I had to take the van to get new tires because one had a slow leak. So I knit on the sock while waiting...I am now working on the heel flap and am girding up to turn the heel. (I know I can, I know I can). Tomorrow I have to have AAA come and jump the Honda as the battery is dead, dead, dead. Nothing like having 2 broken cars. Hopefully it is only the battery and not the alternator. We shall see. And I suppose I will have some time to work on the sock while waiting for that.

Started on a hat today-"Hilda" from Lion Brand Just Hats. Unfortunately I must have made a mistake when writing out the pattern because I can't figure out how to get to the next part. I went to the library to see if the book was there (hahaha, I really knew it wouldn't be, but hope springs eternal). It wasn't so I had to put a hold on it. Hopefully it will be here in the next couple of days.

Is it ever going to cool down???? I don't think so. Or rain. We are 13 1/2 inches short and it is sooooooo dry and dusty. The heat broke a record today...over 94* and hasn't been that hot on this date since 1939. And we have had over 50 days in 2007 over 90*. Just awful. Happy first day of fall (insert sarcasm here).
The Irish hiking scarf is almost finished. 3 skeins and it looks nice and good and long. I ordered more yarn for a sweater made of it. I think that I am going to knit it just in garter stitch because the yarn really doesn't need any fancy stitches. I picked the Lion Brand one-stitch cardigan to work so it should be pretty fast.
Art night was fun tonight but I do hate when it starts getting dark so early. Makes me just want to put on some jammies and curl up under a blanket with a good book and a cuppa tea. Having some right now. It's called "tropical surprise" and the base is roobioos and lots of cinnamon, cornflowers, and other fruits and herbs. Very different and tasty.

OOOOHHH! Pretty Noro. And mine, all mine!! (insert crazed laugh here). I think that I am going to knit Argosy from Knitty. I am making one for A. and it looks quite nifty. But it will look even better with this yarn. Just yummy.

Still so freakin' HOT. In the 90*s and that is just ridiculous for this time of year. Supposed to be in the 70*'s and I can't stand it. I am ready to wear sweats and curl up under a blanket. And finish making the crocheted afghan that I am making for m. Started it last winter but quickly got too warm for having that lying in my lap. But it doesn't take too long since I'm using a size S hook. That's right, an S hook. It's like crocheting with a fireplace poker. But fast.

Pictures!! Here is the yarn for A.'s socks (never mind that I haven't finished a sock yet...I'm still working on it). It's so purty.

Later, gator. These are the mittens for A. A very fun knit and sooooooooo cute. Don'tcha just want to pet them?

Still working on the Irish Hiking scarf but it is going fast. Had to work on something that won't be in my lap since it is back in the upper 80*'s AGAIN. Supposedly going to be cooler next week but I don't believe it at all. Went to the park for awhile to knit but it was just hot with no breeze so home again.

Casting on for the large felted satchel for myself with the burgundy yarn (I will post a picture next time) and will have that to work on for awhile. Going to go and knit on that for awhile and listen to a book on cd; Fannie Flagg's "Can't Wait To Get to Heaven". Not as good as her other books but still funny.

I am excited to report that the weather (at least today) has cooled to a lovely mid-60*'s and is just lovely. It will be in the 40*'s tonight...ahhhhhhh...and it feels wonderful to put on cotton pajama bottoms. Long ones yet. I always enjoy when the seasons change and it's time to pull out different clothes. Of course, it is going to be back in the 80*'s next week so only long pj's tonight.
Finished m's sweater this week and I'm glad to be done with all of them. I have same pattern now and that's enough. At least for now. I started on the Irish knitting scarf www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingscarfpf.htm and it is a really fun pattern. Very fast knit and,oh so pretty. I am using the Lion Brand Vanna White acrylic yarn in the autumn colors and it's just so nice. I will have to see if I can get a picture of it. The cool thing is that I've learned to knit cables without a needle which was scary at first...loose stitches!...but quite easy once you get the hang of it.
Tomorrow we are going to one of the local parks to see raptors up close and personal. Well, as close as I care to get anyway. M. likes the falcons and hawks and I like "wols" so it's kind of fun.

The only thing that I really hate about having dial-up is that it takes so long to download podcasts. Takes an hour just to get one that is about 15 minutes long. I should bring my knitting and sit here with it. But there are always other knitting blogs to read. And the vegan sites with lots of good recipes. I am almost finished with the left front of the big sweater for m. and only have sleeves and the hood to do. I am tired of knitting this pattern after making 4 so it will be a relief to work on something else. I am going to make another v-neck knit side to side because I tried the other one on that I made and I think it looks very nice. So another one is always good.

I "have the sinus" so no knitting to speak of today. Ran to the library early as it is in the mid-90*'s again and spent the rest of the day staring at the tv/wall. More later.

I just don't have enough time to knit everything and do all the rest of the things that need to be done. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have sunlight for 24 hours, like in Alaska so there would be more time. At least I can knit while m. drives.
Tomorrow is a trip to Jungle Jim's www.junglejims.com to pick up some produce and items for some recipes. It's cooling down a little so I will cook a few things. Now I have alot of really super vegan recipes so I have loads of choices to make. Yum. I will have to tell you what I picked to make in my next post.

Ooooh I do hate when my post disappears. Not that interesting, but still. You take the time to write it and "poof", gone.
M. found out on Saturday that she also won a door prize from the Yarn Market...sorry Jill. Got it today in the mail. A cute little kit with raffia yarn (color: Dirty Denim) and instructions for crocheting flowers. Should be fun to play with soon.
Been knitting another pair of wristlets-pattern from lys called "Ribberta". Knit in Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in a purply-tweed. They are fast to knit and it is so hot, who wants to have yarn in your lap? Hopefully it will cool down soon. Still so hoooooooooootttttttttt.

Here is the razor scarf that I've been working on. It is made fromCrystal Palace Kid merino and is impossible to unknit. So don't make any mistakes. As I'm sure you know, I haven't made any mistakes on it....hahahahahaha. But I think it will still look good when it is finished and blocked. It's not too noticable.

Tuesday night was YARN Market and I marketed. I don't have any pictures of my stash...yet...but I can tell you what I bought.

Okay,ready? I bought yarn for another felted satchel for A. and me.

*Yarn Source Sol 100% wool-black and cream for A. and burgundy and burnt orange for me.

*A beautiful lace weight (drool) by Conjoined Creations-http://www.blogger.com/www.conjoinedcreations.com .Called Pastimes Album Collection, color-Love Child. 800 yards. Now I have to decide what pattern to use.

*DP Needle Tube-Telescopic DPN case

*size 2 5" Dpn's Brittany Birch

*ooohhh,ooooh, this one is gorgeous--Lorna Laces Shepherd Worsted 100% superwash Color-Flame.

*The Lizard Ridge pattern (actually the lady at the booth gave me the pattern free)

*Spiral Short Row Scarf pattern-a sock weight pattern and Mohair Spiral Scarf pattern (knit with Crystal Palace Kid Merino.

*A skein of Tofutsies by SWTC in a pink/purple colorway.

*A wonderful book-Knit Kimono-18 Designs with simple shape by Vicki Square.

*And....tahdah! I won a door prize. A Skacel Circular Needle Case,which is nice because I have been keeping all of mine in a plastic bag in a knapsack.

I am sure that if I had stayed longer I would have gotten more but I am pleased with what I bought and can't wait to start new things.

Here's a picture of the ill-fated tee-shirt sweater. It just looks awful. But I'm glad it's all done and I don't have to look at it anymore.
Still so HOT! Have almost finished the back of m's sweater and have started (don't judge me!) the alligator mittens from one of the Stitch 'n B***ch books for A. They should be really cute. And pretty fast.

Got to go to Stampaway yesterday but was feeling kind of cruddy because I had done something to my neck. Ouch! My poor neck. It looked really kind of creepy because one side of my shoulder was much lower than the other and just hurt all over my shoulders and back. Very tight and bunched up. But I had a good time anyway and got some really good "loot". And held back a nice amount for Yarn Market....woohoo! Have several projects that I am looking for yarn but otherwise I am going to see what tickles my fancy. Probably several fancy-tickling things will be looking for me, I'm sure.
And it is still hot! So far it's been 14 days straight over 90*. A few more days and we will break a record. Oh goodie.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSooooooooooooooooooooooooHHHHOOOOOOOTTTT.
Just the hottest,yuckiest ever. 100* and with the heat index it feels like 108*. I've been in the house but still have been dragging around. I did knit for a while but just couldn't seem to concentrate. I found a bunch of Vegetarian Times at the library and they have alot of vegan recipes so I have been copying some of those. Too bad it's too hot to turn on the stove or oven. So it's watermelon or cereal 'cause it's fast and cold and doesn't have to be prepared.
Saturday is Stampaway so A. and I will be heading out to do some shopping. I am not getting alot of stuff 'cause I'm saving up for the Yarn Market on the 21st. That's where I got alot of yarn last year.

Woohoo!!! I think I have fixed the computer problem, Praise Jesus!!! It was some kind of Internet Explorer problem not connected with the Panda security software. So far, so good.
I have been working on my "harlotty" socks and am now working on the heel flap. They knit up really fast and have really been enjoying them. If I need help I think I might go to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble tomorrow night and oops...the new Interweave Knits is in. How handy! And the new anniversary Vogue knits. Gee, maybe they will have to come home with me....heehee.
It is still so bloody hot. Had to get up at 7:30 this morning to get the lawn mowed. Those few days of some spotty rain showers obviously made the grass grow. Whew. Glad to have that almost done. Still have to mow inside the back fence but no one can see it, so who cares? Besides, I am almost afraid to go back there since the coyote is coming into the yard and eating some "snacks" and leaving bones....eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Nasty. And the snake that I almost picked up when picking up limbs. I like nature, but mostly from the window.

"Watch it, she's a biter." Jill.
Heehee. That's a quote from Monday night "fight club". Still haven't gotten the ''box'' fixed yet, but think we're on the right track. So we'll see.
So HOT. Almost too hot to do anything but sit and knit and watch some PBS dvd's. And listening to the Yarn Harlot's books on cd's. Quite amusing. Went to 'bucks for a venti iced soy latte....mmmmm. Also got a few new mugs (when they are on sale it's such a good deal) and a sample of a very wonderful smelling tea-Berryblossom White. It is described as "A delicate tea with enticing hints of blueberry & white cranberry". I haven't tasted it but it smells quite lovely.
I am off to watch an episode of "Rosemary and Thyme" a very good British mystery series and knit on my sock. Knit away!

Finished A.'s big sweater...all the sewing up is done...woohoo! And the stupid cotton sweater. I am glad that is done.
I am not happy with this ''box'' right now. Had to spend at least an hour and a half working on the phone and online with AOL because we were having all kinds of trouble including not being able to sign on. Everything seems to be fixed except I don't have any of my favorite places. But I am sure they will be back. GGGGRRRR!

Okay, I know that I said I would finish that %@#^^%$ sweater this week but (I do have an excuse!!) I haven't knitted in 3 days. I had some sinus/allergy/cold stuff going on and just laid around and sneezed and blew my poor, red little nose. Feeling better today so I will probably work on the sweater tomorrow. I did re-do one sleeve and will only have the other and the neckline to do. So I will buckle down and get it finished. I promise. ('cause the sock yarn is calling).heehee.

Ooooh, oooh, ooooh! I just received my yarn prize from http://www.romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com/. It is 2 skeins of Gedifra Fashion Trend Sportivo in a beautiful black tweed/sunset colorway and I can't wait to make socks from it. Of course, I have to finish my first pair. lol.
Worked on the tee sweater last night and had finished one sleeve...Sheri, cover your eyes if you are reading this...and tore it out when I got home. I didn't like how it looked when it was bound off so I ripped it out and started it again. The directions said to cast on 25 stitches before starting the sleeve and then pick up 16 more but ended up having this extra "wonky" bit that was sticking out and no where to sew it together so R.I.P. But it looks much better now. Just can't give it away without having it be the best I can do.

I knit and knit and knit and still am not at 21" on the sweater. I see it increasing in length and don't understand where all the knitting is going. I am going to finish it this weekend or know why not. Got some PBS dvd's from the library so I can knit away. Keep your fingers crossed.

A lazy kind of weekend. Getting quite hot so staying in is quite alright by me. Did go to ....wait for it....'bucks last night for an iced soy latte...mmmmm! Also got 2 pretty cups/mugs. A very pretty paisley pattern, one in blue and one in red. Also got to work on the harloty socks as I am now calling them.
Still slogging away on the t-shirt pattern and it's moving right along.

Here's another shot of the carillion tower...Eyore is in the foreground...teehee.

I've been knitting on the sweater in the round and have come to the conclusion that it is too small...gggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrr! What a surprise. I think it will fit Sheri though (hi Sheri!) so at least it will have a home. Why,why,why, everytime I make something for myself it just doesn't come out right? Maybe I'll just make socks. Sigh.

You Are a Soy Latte
At your best, you are: free spirited, down to earth, and relaxed.At your worst, you are: dogmatic and picky.You drink coffee when: you need a pick me up, and green tea isn't cutting it.Your caffeine addiction level: medium

Funny, a soy latte is my favorite drink. Teehee. I could use one about now. I have been working on the t-shirt in the round and have just put the sleeves on a holder and am working on the body. It's going fast but I think it's because I am having alot of fun knitting it. As a matter of fact I think I'm going to go and work on it now. See ya later. Knit away!

Obligatory yarn shot! This is my felted messenger bag that was from knitty.com. I decided that it should have some flowers so I hand-felted them...I guess they are ''fulled". I think it came out looking quite nice, don't you?

A beautiful day today. A nice breeze and much cooler. We went to Jungle Jims's junglejims.com( a grocery/specialty store) for some groceries and various sundries. They have a wonderful tea section in their England section as well as a Chinese tea section, a Japenese, Indian...tea section. I bought some tea....quelle surprise! An almond tea from Benchly (cheap but usually good), Autumnal Darjeeling and Tropical, which is a black tea with cornflowers, hibiscus and other flavors from an inn in Kentucky called the Elmwood Inn. Can't decide which to have first. Also got some good sushi. Well.... not so much sushi as it is the vegetable combo but still sushi.

Then decided to drive down and listen to the carillions in Mariemont. Stopped at Starbucks for a "holiday" treat...an iced venti soy latte...mmmm. The music was wonderful and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I knitted on my sock ( the pattern from The Yarn Harlot is fabulous) and they played one of my favorite pieces of music, Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. All in all just a wonderful day.

Also finished A.'s sweater, cast on for m's and cast on for my knitted from the top down tee-shirt style shirt. Think that one should be fun. I can't remember the pattern right off the top of my head but I'll look and post it next time.

I've spent the last few days mostly napping....had some kind of sinus/bug grunge. Didn't even knit for 2 days. :( Feeling alot better but still a little tired. I have however, been knitting. Finished a round dishcloth and now working on a parallelogram one that is alot of fun. I am almost finished with A.'s big sweater- just working on the second sleeve and then the hood and voila! finished. Then I'm going to make a short-sleeved cotton sweater for myself. I am going to knit it from the top down, which I haven't attempted before. I have a dvd to follow also if I get stumped.
Just a short post as we are expecting more rain...YAH... and thunderstorms. Which is why I didn't post last night as I wanted. Lots of lightening so I watched a dvd instead.

Oh so sad. Remember the lovely sock that I have been working on for quite some time? I just could NOT figure out how to turn a heel from the pattern that I was using. So I took a deep breath, pulled out the entire sock and cast-on from a pattern from the Yarn Harlot's book "Knitting Rules". It looks to be a LOT easier and hopefully I'll have a sock soon.

Here is one of the washclothes that I have making lately. This is a smocked pattern that was alot of fun. I gave it to m. but she won't use it because she thinks it is too pretty. Um, okay but it is a washcloth.

Went to Starbucks earlier and had a venti soy latte....mmmmm. It was delicious.

Here's a fun meme that I stumbled on the other day (I know....I am incredibly behind in this things) so here goes:

The Knitters' "Been Around" meme.
KEY: Bold=done, Italics=Will Do, Normal=No Way

Afghan
I-Cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks:top down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens:cuff up
Mittens:Tip down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own homespun yarn
Slippers
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (including Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths,washcloths,tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or any other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpn's
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting 2 socks (or other small tubular items) on 2 circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchner BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public


If you haven't seen this feel free to play.

Just got back from Barnes and Noble looking at the knitting books and vegan cookbooks...yum. I found lots of vegan cookbooks including "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World". I think that it's definately a must buy. I also found Mary Krueger's newest knitting mystery so I have something good to read tomorrow. Going to be in the 90's for the next few days so will lay low and stay cool.
Robin....your email to me was in my spam folder and I didn't realize it...sorry I didn't mean to ignore you. If you send it again I will certainly take a look! Thanks for reading.

Haven't been on the computer much this last week but have gotten knitting done. Worked on A.'s sweater last night during the game...GO SPURS! Tonight is art night and we now have a new member. I am going to get on later tonight and post more. Okay, I'm back. We had a productive art night...everyone played with using bottlecaps for jewelry or embellishment for their artwork. I didn't knit but did get some cards made. Which is always good for the stockpile.

Explanation of last post's quote: A glass sculpture at Summerfair had some of the most beautiful glass vessels. Some of them were matte and almost looked as if they had been crumpled. A. asked the artist if she could touch one and he said "Sure, it's better than the woman who asked if she could lick my art." He told her if she bought it she could do whatever she wanted. We just thought it was very amusing.

Yesterday we went to Mariemont to listen to the carillons. It was a beautiful evening and really enjoyed it. Here is Eeyore at the carillons with his program and his venti iced soy toffee nut latte....(shhhh! don't tell A.....it's hers).

" Can I lick your art?"

Not much knitting content today. Went to Summerfair yesterday and am just worn out...physically and mentally. So much inspiration and art! J. and S. went with us and we had great time. The quote above is from a customer who asked an artist there that very question. He didn't have any problem as long as she bought it first. I will post more later.

Okay, enough teasing. Here is the picture of the mysterious triangle put together. It is supposed to be a diamond...tilt your head to the side to see it...lol. I am working on the Celtic poncho/sweater lately. I have to knit 72 triangles for the basic piece...I have 30. woohoo. I figured I better get moving on it or another fall/winter will go by and I still won't have finished it. I am still slogging along on A's other sweater and finished the front left section last night during the Spurs-Jazz game....booo! Too bad they lost. Since I don't have cable, just regular t.v. I only get to see 1 or 2 games and I really want to see my team win. I am sure they will go to the playoffs though.

Non-knitting picture content! I also rubberstamp and do alot of mixed media pieces. This is a piece that I did for a "challenge" that a group of us "played" together. The challenge was that you got a bag of all kinds of stuff and had to make something using at least half of the things in the bag. This is mine. I enjoyed making it and probably will do some of the techniques again on something else.

Just read this on the blogteaandcakes.net and decided to play. Anyone that wants to be tagged you're it!

7 Random Things about Me:

1.I can't stand my hair down or on my face--it must be "scraped" back in a ponytail, no matter how severe it looks. Can't stand little flyaway bits and pieces.

2.Even though I really like coffee (hot and black), I almost always drink hot tea at home.

3.When I'm concentrating on something-like putting something together (like a vaccuum) I always have my tongue sticking out.

4.I like to fall asleep with the light on.

5.If I can't fall asleep I listen to the soundtrack from "The Blue Lagoon"...don't judge me...out like a light.

6.When I'm knitting for myself I will leave some mistakes but if it's for someone else I will tear it out and restart or go to before the mistake.

7.I love basketball...NBA. GO SPURS!!! I don't play any sports and only watch basketball and golf.

Here is the sweater that I finished this week. Yah! good for me. Actually it has sleeves but A. stopped by and had her camera so I grabbed it up and snapped the picture. I think it came out really well.

I have also managed to work through some lace patterns and obviously it was just me and not the patterns. heehee. I also am finishing sewing together my felted satchel andmade some really cool knitted flowers to sew on the flap. I used the same wool that I used to knit the bag and I hand-felted them in the sink. They are more "fulled" than felted but look really nice. I will try and get a picture of it next week.

FINALLY!! I think that I have broken the "lace" pattern block...I have managed to make a dishcloth in the Baby Fern pattern and it's doing really well.
I found this quiz on someone's blog...I don't remember which one.. and I couldn't play because I didn't have a MP3 player. But now that I have I-Bob I will play.

Open music library or MP3 player, place on shuffle and answer each question. When answered, hit next for next one.

Opening Credits: 18-Moby
Waking Up: If I Could Be Where You Are-Enya
1st Day of School: Broken-Belly
Falling in Love: Deliver Me-Sarah Brightman (very appropriate)
Fight Song: Bus Driver-Caedmon's Call
Breaking Up: Autograph-John Denver
Heartbreak: Anakin's Betrayal-Revenge of the Sith ( I swear...this is how it came up..no lie)
Prom: Calypso-John Denver
Secret Love: Cecilia-Simon and Garfunkel ( I don't know why)
Life: Don't Talk-10,000 Maniacs
Stress Day at Work: Don't Forget Me (when I'm Gone)-Glass Tiger
Mental Breakdown: How-Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories
Driving: Fire-Chocolat
Life's Okay: Candy-Johnny Mercer
Flashback: Car Song-Elastica
Long Night Alone: Long Gone Lonesome Blues-Sheryl Crow
Final Battle: Cool for Cats-Squeeze
Death Scene: Dream Weaver-Gary Wright
Funeral Song: How Can I Leave You Again-John Denver
End Credits: (I just) Died in Your Arms Tonight-Cutting Crew

I thought this was just funny how some things really seemed to go together.

This is something that I've been working on ...and off...and on ... for the past year. It doesn't look like anything now but the next picture will show more of what it will be when it "grows up". I have put it aside to work on various other things...mostly for other people. As if it makes it alright for it to be languishing in it's bag because they were things for other people. It watches me reproachfully as I go blithely past to pick up some other knitting and creep back by it as if it doesn't know I'm ignoring it. But...this is the only ufo I have...well, the crocheted afghan is still a work in progress but that doesn't count because it's not knitting. Well, and the sock, but I have worked on it some. I am almost finished knitting on the sleeve and then put it together and that's done. And then I will work on the above piece.

I cannot get the lace patterns correct for the washcloths for anything. I thought maybe the pattern was wrong but I tried another and it's obviously me. I guess I will have to go to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble on Tuesday. How sad...heehee.

Crazy weather these past few days. And chilly,grey and drizzly today. Went to the library this morning and stocked up on some videos and new release books...woohoo. Since it's going to be a long weekend (not much to do) I will watch some cool PBS and A&E videos. It's nice to be able to get those from the library since I don't have cable.
www.bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com


Does what you read vary by the season? For instance, Do you read different kinds of books in the summer than the winter?
If so, do you break it down by genre, length of book, holiday, or...?
I read all types all throughout the year. Although sometimes it is fun to read a Christmas book during the holiday. It doesn't matter when, I read it.

On the knitting front. I have been working on some dishcloths and are enjoying them but have gotten stumped on the one pattern. It is the horseshoe pattern and I keep losing stitches on the last line of the repeat. I think that maybe there is a mistake in the pattern and will have to look for corrections on the website. I also have been working on the sock...getting ready to turn the heel...keep your fingers crossed.

I feel I am, I only know I am,
And plod upon the earth as dull and void;
Earth's prison chilled my body with its dram
of dullness, and my soaring thoughts destroyed.
I fled to solitude from passions's dream,
But strife pursued: I only know I am.
I was a being created in the race
of men, disdaning bounds of place and time;
A spirit that could travel o'er the space
of earth and heaven like a thought sublime;
Tracing creation, like my Maker free,
A soul unshackeled like eternity:
spurning earth's vain and soul-debasing thrall-
But now I only know I am, that's all.
John Clare


Okay, I will try posting again. Last night I just couldn't seem to get it right so I just gave up.
The knitting is going along...the sleeve of the v-neck is over half finished right now. I have been making dishclothes this week. They are fun and fast and I can learn loads of different stitches while making them. Now that the weather is warming up I will have to take my knitting to go....al fresco if you will. So the washclothes and socks will be good for that.

When stars are in the quiet skies,
Then most I pine for thee;
Bend of me, then, thy tender eyes,
As stars look on the sea!
Baron Lytton


Just an update on the drat-ed v-neck sweater. 6 more rows and ready to bind-off. I figured that any mistakes I can cover up when I pick up the stitches for the neck. I don't know why it isn't working because I made it once before. GGGRRRR!!!

"When he shall die,
Take him and cut him
out in little stars,
And he will make the
face of heav'n so fine
that all the world will
be in love with Night
And pay no worship to the garish sun."
Anonymous

Knitting is still going along. I am almost finished with the front of the v-neck sweater so hopefully the increases will have worked out. I did finish a dishcloth today from the Mason Dixon knitting book. M. took one look at it and decided she really liked it and I gave it to her instead of A. but she gets the next one. The only problem is that m. will not use it as a dishcloth as it is "too pretty". I guess I will just have to throw it in the sink.

Happy National Poetry Month! In honor of that I shall post a poem every post in April. Some are well-known, some maybe not so much and just maybe....one or two shall be mine. So here we go.

Green, green, and green again, and greener still,
spring towards summer bends the immortal bow,
and northward breaks the wave of daffodil,
and northward breaks the wave of summers snow:

Green, green, and green again, and greener yet,
wide as this forest is, which counts it leaves,
wide as this kingdom, in a green sea set,
which round its shores perpetuated blossom weaves--

green, green, and green again, and green once more,
the season finds its term--then greenest, even,
when frost at twilight on the leaf lies hoar,
and one cold star shines bright in greenest heaven:
but love, like music, keeps no seasons ever;
like music, too, once known is known forever.
Conrad Aiken


On the knitting front....not so good. I had the front on my v-neck sweater almost finished last night when I took a good long look at it and realized that the increases and decreases did NOT match. GGGGRRRRR! So I ripped it all out and started again. Maybe this time it will work.

Crazy weather. It was in the 80's on Monday and now in the 20's. Just ridiculous. This morning the expressways were shut down due to black ice and they were asking people to stay in until mid-morning. It was cold but not too unbearable until the wind kicked up. BBBBRRRR! I've been knitting since it's too cold to do anything else. Half-finished with the front of the v-neck sweater and started working on the sock. Time to turn the heel....kinda scary. But I can't wait to try it.

Here is a picture of A.'s Doughboy jacket that I cross-stitched for her. She loves it and I did one on a short-sleeved denim shirt as well. Grilling in the back yard!

I know, I know....bad blogger. I haven't done much of anything this week including much knitting. Wednesday night I went to a new knitting group-well, new to me. A. drove me in the new, fancy car and waited until S. showed up. The group starts at 7:00 so we looked around for awhile-all the time being ignored by the owner's daughter who was quite rude and never once spoke to us. At 7:35 we decided that we could have gone to Starbuck's across the street. So we looked at each other, grabbed our knitting bags and split. Still without a word from rude girl. Yeah I'll be back....NOT. Had a lovely time at 'bucks, except the part where I spilled coffee on A.'s computer bag and felted bag. Niiiiicccceeeeee. Although the felted bag held up well. So no knitting group there. So much for that one. Plus, the one at the library is no longer. I would like to find a new one so I can have a knitting "sensei" when I have the need. So I will keep looking. And knitting.

Here is a picture of A's felted satchel ( the green one) and mine pre-felting. Her's is actually a very large size but looks small next to mine.

Went on a small road trip today. Since A. got the new car we have been driving all over. We went over the river to Knit On in Bellevue. A small store but packed with loads of stuff. I didn't buy any yarn but sure was tempted. They had lots of Noro and sock yarns of all kinds so next time I will be prepared and take extra money so I can add to the yarn stash. But did buy a set of circulars so I can knit a sweater from the top down. I've never done that before so it should be fun.

"We sheep are not alone."

Now that the warm weather is here I have my poor, lonely wristlets lying about looking rather pathetic. They are so lovely and warm it's too bad the time to wear them is just about over. I enjoyed knitting them, very fast and easy. They are made of Berrocco Ultra Alpaca and I got 2 pairs out of one skein. Which is a good deal, I think.

Nice warm weather today but windy. I suppose I can pull out my short-sleeved sweater tomorrow. It's a lovely coral color but I'm not sure how good it looks while on.

Here is a picture of A.'s new car. Isn't it pretty??Like her sweater, it suits her "marvelous much". I am giving it a welcome to the family hug.

It was the one nice warm day and was lovely not to have to wear a coat or sweater.

Speaking of sweaters, I just finished sewing my "big ole sweater" together and wore it today. I think that I shall put buttons on mine though. It came out quite nicely and was an easy knit. Which is good since I am making another for A. I also have been working on my v-neck sweater that is knit side to side in beautiful autum colors. Should look very nice. I have more pictures to come.

It was a beautiful day today! Supposedly winter is over but you never know. Sunny and warm-ish but just a great day. Went and had a double decker sandwich at a place we haven't been probably since summer and mmmmmmm! it was fabulous. Sliced egg and tomato on rye with mayo and onion. Yum. Followed by a venti soy cinnamon dolce latte. I don't usually drink the sweet drinks but that one is just like a melted cinnamon bun in a cup. Didn't get much knitting done today but still might later.
Spent a few hours watching season 6 of Northern Exposure. Great fun but too bad there aren't any more. I own 1 and 2 and eventually would like to have the whole series. Good knitting shows.
I think that I shall take my tea-Jasmine Estate-and do a little knitting. Good night all!

I got my package from KnitPicks the other day and the sock yarn is even prettier in the "flesh". I don't know which pair to knit first. I am almost finished with the big ole sweater...just have to finish the hood, knit the pockets and crochet the drawstring. Just a quick post because I have been lax about posting...will do more in the next day or two.

" I am alone with my sheep, but they are not alone with me." Wonderful things abound today! Even though it's rainy,windy and quite gruesome outside it's fun in here. I found out today that I won Regia sock yarn from Romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com. It's a beautiful brown colorway and will look great with A.'s sweater. Yah for me.
Yesterday I went to the lys and found the KnitKlips that I've been wanting. And if I go on Sunday and take a few things that I knitted from yarn that I bought there I will get a 40% coupon for each item. Then I can buy some more KnitKlips.
I also placed an order from KnitPicks....I wish it were here. I ordered a dvd-How to Knit a Sweater from the Top Down, 2 balls of the Memories sock yarn in the color Rocky Mountain Dusk (which will go beautifully with my new lavender Crocs that I also bought yesterday) a set of KnitPicks ID tags, a sweater stone (yes A. your sweater needs to have a nice "stoning") and the book- I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Socks. Should be fun when the package comes.
Almost finished with the second front on my sweater. Got alot done today while watching ''Fiddler on the Roof". I hadn't seen it in years and enjoyed it immensely. Just found this blog and it looks quite good:
Booking Through Thursday

A couple weeks ago, we asked about how you take care of your books, with one of the questions asking whether you write in your books. Well, what about books that are meant to be written in? Like, say, a journal or diary? Do you keep one? Obviously, if you're answering this, you have a blog--do you just let your blog be your journal? Or do you also keep one for private stuff also?

Yes, I keep a journal, I've kept one since I was in junior high back in the 70's. I do blog but I have several journals as well--one that is more of an everyday "art" journal for everything and then a private one only for me.

Yes, yes I know. Bad blogger. I have neglected my blog for I-bob. I can't help it...I am enamoured with it. It's just the coolest toy I've had in quite awhile. But I have knitted some although no pictures yet.
I did embroider a pair of jeans that I finished today and I think they look really cool. I may do another pair eventually. I do want to turn the heel on my sock soon so I think that I will probably work on that in the next day or two. Still working on the sweater but am about half way through the second front. If I buckle down and really work on it I can realistically have it finished by next week.
I am thinking about going to the knitting group that meets a lys here. A friend of mine goes and I thought it sounded like a good time. It depends on the weather as it is supposed to rain tomorrow with some thunderstorms...yuck. Maybe I will just download a few more podcasts into i-bob. We shall see.