Monday, January 15, 2007
I've Moved
Well my ADHD kicked in (see #5 of wierd things) and I've moved my blog over to Typepad. Please check it out and update your bookmarks, subscriptions, etc. I am now here!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
What a day, the Bears win and 24 is on in 5 minutes!
Tag You're It
There is a little girl at school who whenever she sees me in the hall taps me and says, "tag you're it." I have been tagged again this time by Linda.
THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
I am tagging Amy, Kayleen and Emelia, then anyone else who is reading this and hasn"’t been tagged.
I found this interesting on Robin's blog: The Rising Sign Quiz
I definitely find many of my traits in the results especially the first three.
Six Weird Things About Me
- Have you seen the trailer for the new movie coming out Catch and Release? There is a scene where Jennifer Garner says, "I can put my hand in my mouth."” Well I can put my hand in my mouth too. And when I was a teenager I would tell people and show them. This could almost count as two, I can put my hand in my mouth and that I would actually show people.
- I often read magazines from the back to the front turning the pages backwards.
- Probably all you knitters won'’t think this is weird but I knit while I drive. I only do it while I am alone in the car (don’t want to set a bad example for my children) and straight roadways usually work better. It has to be a simple pattern. The ballband dishcloth works well it is also a great place to knit swatches.
- I borrowed this one from Amysatx. I always bring my pillow with me when I go on trips. I can't sleep on another pillow. (I have left several in hotels on my travels so I always take an old pillowcase).
- I have self-diagnosed myself as ADHD. My teaching partner will confirm this. I can'’t keep my focus on one thing and am extremely distractible.
- I have an obsessive personality. This can work to my advantage or not. My current obsession is knitting and blogging. This is good. There have been times when I have been obsessed with the internet. This is bad, it is a time sucker. I have been obsessed with dieting, good and eating, bad. I need to become obsessed with exercise! Other obsessions are yarn and books (I have learned to use the interlibrary loan so I can usually find all the books I am looking for without buying them).
THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
I am tagging Amy, Kayleen and Emelia, then anyone else who is reading this and hasn"’t been tagged.
I found this interesting on Robin's blog: The Rising Sign Quiz
I definitely find many of my traits in the results especially the first three.
| Your Rising Sign is Sagittarius |
 Happy and upbeat, you are always optimistic. Even when you're in a bad mood, people find you friendly. On the flip side, you're very restless and bored easily. You've been known to pick fights just for the fun of it. You've got a great sense of humor and a quirky outlook on life. Aggressive, wild, and unconventional, no one knows what you're going to do next. |
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A Fresh Start
I have been trying to lose weight and returned to Weight Watchers in October. I haven't been very successful. However after the holiday season I am down two pounds from when I started in October. So at least I didn't gain weight. I used to run but when I moved I got busy and then just couldn't get back into the routine in my new location. I think about starting back almost daily but never do. So I am going to try something different. I purchased two Walk Away the Pounds DVD's at Sam's Club Thursday night and at 7am I am going to try it. That is 50 minutes from now. The reason I chose 7am is originally my girls would be at swim practice so they wouldn't be around to interrupt me but they are sick so they probably will just sleep through it.
Over winter break I did a lot of knitting, I will gradually post about it to catch up. I finished these for my Winter Wonderland Swap pal, Kate
I purchased the patterns here.
I then assembled this package to send to her.
This swap was really fun to do. I hope there is another one. Thanks Tracey and Holly! Now, I am off to get my exercise clothes on.
Over winter break I did a lot of knitting, I will gradually post about it to catch up. I finished these for my Winter Wonderland Swap pal, Kate
I purchased the patterns here.
I then assembled this package to send to her.
This swap was really fun to do. I hope there is another one. Thanks Tracey and Holly! Now, I am off to get my exercise clothes on.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Two More Dyeing Experiments
Before vacation was over I did two more experiments with dyeing yarn. This is what happened:
I liked the results of Lily Pond so I thought I would try it again but experiment with different dyes. At first I thought I would try for a deeper blue and green using Wilton Dyes. When I got to Michael's to purchase them I just got Royal Blue and then some white. I thought it would be nice to have white to tone down some of the colors. I really wanted to try for a pastel blue and green. I love those colors.
Color: Apple Blueberry Pie A la Mode
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Merino (100 grams)
Gauge: stitches on #5 needles
Dye: Royal Blue Wilton'’s Icing Dye
Wilton'’s White - White Icing Dye
3 packets Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid in 1 cup boiling water
I started with the blue and dissolved ½ teaspoon Royal Blue Wilton's Icing Dye along with an undetermined amount of the white icing dye in ¾ cup water and ¼ cup vinegar. I could tell while I was mixing that it looked like the white would separate from the blue. So I was skeptical about ending up with pastel yarn. I then put a dry wound ball of Knit Picks Bare Merino in the mixture and decided the liquid wasn't deep enough so I added more boiling water. I then put it in the oven to set. Periodically I would turn the oven on to warm to keep the water warm but after 4 hours there was still dye left in the water. That was the point I took it out. Originally, I was going to mix some of the white icing dye with the Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid but I discovered after I had dissolved the Kool-Aid in the water that the green color was a milky light green, very pretty. It only took a short time for the yarn to absorb the color leaving a milky liquid behind. The yarn was a brighter hue but not the same color. I then bathed the ball of yarn in tepid water, a little shampoo and conditioner. Then I wound it into a hank and rinsed it for a while since the water had a bluish tinge.
Notice the white on top separated from the blue.
Unwinding the ball and making it into a hank.
Now for a bath.
I send this yarn to my Winter Wonderland Swap pal, Kate. She is knitting it up into a One Skein Wonder for her mom.
Color: Rainbow Sherbet
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Merino (100 grams)
Gauge: stitches on #5 needles
Dye:
Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid
Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid
Melon Klass Aguas Frescas
This is going to be my last dyeing experiment for awhile. I am almost out of yarn to dye and the last hank I think I will experiment with mini hanks for color swatches. My plan was to pink, peach and lavender. I shopped at Super Walmart and Pick n Save looking for more Kool-Aid and also what might be available in the Hispanic section of the grocery store. I picked up some Klass Aguas Frescas in the Melon, Guayaba (possibly a pinky peach color) and Horchata flavors. I wanted to try the Horchata because it looked white and I thought it could soften some of the colors. When I prepared to dye. I mixed up 5 bottles of dye putting I packet of Kool-Aid for 8 oz. of water in an empty water bottle. They were grape, blue raspberry lemonade, and pink lemonade Kool-Aid. The other two were melon and horchata aqua fresca. I didn't like the way the grape was turning our colorwise so I mixed it with some horchata. I still didn't like it so I tried adding some other colors to make it a lavender (instead of mud). It just wasn't going to happen so I poured it out and got my Artic Green Apple Kool-Aid and made up a bottle. I soaked the yarn for about 30 minutes and then gently squeezed out the extra water. I laid my hank out on plastic wrap and poured the colors, one at a time over the yarn.
You could see the color being absorbed very quickly as the liquid under the yarn was clear. I then wrapped it in the plastic wrap and coiled it in a microwave safe bowl.
I microwaved it for 2 minutes checked it and then for 2 more minutes. Then I let it cool to room temperature. Last was a bath with a little shampoo and conditioner followed by a rinse.
It turned out very pretty and I determined it a success.
I also started knitting up The Joy of Pink into socks for Joy. I really like the way the color knits up.
I liked the results of Lily Pond so I thought I would try it again but experiment with different dyes. At first I thought I would try for a deeper blue and green using Wilton Dyes. When I got to Michael's to purchase them I just got Royal Blue and then some white. I thought it would be nice to have white to tone down some of the colors. I really wanted to try for a pastel blue and green. I love those colors.
Color: Apple Blueberry Pie A la Mode
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Merino (100 grams)
Gauge: stitches on #5 needles
Dye: Royal Blue Wilton'’s Icing Dye
Wilton'’s White - White Icing Dye
3 packets Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid in 1 cup boiling water
I started with the blue and dissolved ½ teaspoon Royal Blue Wilton's Icing Dye along with an undetermined amount of the white icing dye in ¾ cup water and ¼ cup vinegar. I could tell while I was mixing that it looked like the white would separate from the blue. So I was skeptical about ending up with pastel yarn. I then put a dry wound ball of Knit Picks Bare Merino in the mixture and decided the liquid wasn't deep enough so I added more boiling water. I then put it in the oven to set. Periodically I would turn the oven on to warm to keep the water warm but after 4 hours there was still dye left in the water. That was the point I took it out. Originally, I was going to mix some of the white icing dye with the Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid but I discovered after I had dissolved the Kool-Aid in the water that the green color was a milky light green, very pretty. It only took a short time for the yarn to absorb the color leaving a milky liquid behind. The yarn was a brighter hue but not the same color. I then bathed the ball of yarn in tepid water, a little shampoo and conditioner. Then I wound it into a hank and rinsed it for a while since the water had a bluish tinge.
Notice the white on top separated from the blue.
Unwinding the ball and making it into a hank.
Now for a bath.
I send this yarn to my Winter Wonderland Swap pal, Kate. She is knitting it up into a One Skein Wonder for her mom.
Color: Rainbow Sherbet
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Merino (100 grams)
Gauge: stitches on #5 needles
Dye:
Arctic Green Apple Kool-Aid
Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid
Melon Klass Aguas Frescas
This is going to be my last dyeing experiment for awhile. I am almost out of yarn to dye and the last hank I think I will experiment with mini hanks for color swatches. My plan was to pink, peach and lavender. I shopped at Super Walmart and Pick n Save looking for more Kool-Aid and also what might be available in the Hispanic section of the grocery store. I picked up some Klass Aguas Frescas in the Melon, Guayaba (possibly a pinky peach color) and Horchata flavors. I wanted to try the Horchata because it looked white and I thought it could soften some of the colors. When I prepared to dye. I mixed up 5 bottles of dye putting I packet of Kool-Aid for 8 oz. of water in an empty water bottle. They were grape, blue raspberry lemonade, and pink lemonade Kool-Aid. The other two were melon and horchata aqua fresca. I didn't like the way the grape was turning our colorwise so I mixed it with some horchata. I still didn't like it so I tried adding some other colors to make it a lavender (instead of mud). It just wasn't going to happen so I poured it out and got my Artic Green Apple Kool-Aid and made up a bottle. I soaked the yarn for about 30 minutes and then gently squeezed out the extra water. I laid my hank out on plastic wrap and poured the colors, one at a time over the yarn.
You could see the color being absorbed very quickly as the liquid under the yarn was clear. I then wrapped it in the plastic wrap and coiled it in a microwave safe bowl.
I microwaved it for 2 minutes checked it and then for 2 more minutes. Then I let it cool to room temperature. Last was a bath with a little shampoo and conditioner followed by a rinse.
It turned out very pretty and I determined it a success.I also started knitting up The Joy of Pink into socks for Joy. I really like the way the color knits up.
Friday, January 05, 2007
The Liberated
While exploring Kool-aid dyeing I discovered Scout's Swag. She was posting about frogging and inspired me to look at my UFOs. That is why I added this button: 
to my sidebar. I then started to go through my UFO/stash containers in my closet. This is what I came up with so far.
Robin at Yarn Crawl switched her blog over to typepad. I am thinking of doing that. If so I will post the new url here.
to my sidebar. I then started to go through my UFO/stash containers in my closet. This is what I came up with so far.To the Frog Pond
- Hoodie for baby Averi which I abandoned. 4 balls Plymouth Yarn’s Baby Rimini
- Cabled Headband for Joy – I made up the pattern and halfway through I decided it was too narrow. Will save the ball of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky for another headband, probably for next Christmas.
- Multidirectional scarf for Michael – Love the yarn, Misti Baby Alpaca Chunky. I will be looking for a new scarf pattern for Michael. It needs to be two colors (I have black and gold). If anyone has any ideas, I am open.
- Sea Breeze vest from the Spring 2005 Knitter’s – This yielded 2 balls of Fiesta Yarns La Boheme. It is good I frogged it because it was going to be way too big. A lesson for not checking gauge. I also discovered my needles were too big. The pattern called for 13’s and the ones I used were 15’s in fact they are the same needles that I was using for the Hoodie in #1 (what am I now going to do with two size 15 addi’s)?
- Some scarf I started a few years ago that was made out of a novelty yarn that was meant to be carried with another yarn. I hadn’t gotten very far and it was pretty much abandoned. I had already taken the needles and put it on a stitch holder.
The Frog Pond:
Set aside for summer knitting:
- Joy’s headband (frogged see above)
- Poinsettia wreath
Robin at Yarn Crawl switched her blog over to typepad. I am thinking of doing that. If so I will post the new url here.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Dyeing In the New Year
So I spent New Year's Eve driving my girls around, watching the Bears lose or the Packers win depending on your prospective, and dyeing yarn for the first time. Over the summer I researched Kool-Aid dyeing and I acquired a variety of colors of Kool-Aid and some Knit Picks yarn for dyeing. I stumbled across a blog that talked about dyeing yarn in a crockpot and I thought "that is something I could do tonight." So I jumped in! I did 3 projects which I am detailing here.
Color: The Joy of Pink
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 3 packets Slammin' Strawberry Kiwi Kool-Aid
1 packet Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid
Soaked in warm water 1 hour
Crockpot: The Kool-Aid was mixed with about 4 cups of water then added yarn. I covered it and put it on high, after 30-40 minutes water was clear. So I turned off crock-pot to let everything cool. I hadn't stirred while it was in the crockpot because I thought it would take a few hours. So I figured the yarn would probably have variations in hue.
Color: Lily Pond
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 2 packets Berry Blue Kool-Aid
3 packets lemon lime Kool-Aid
I got this idea from Helen F.'s post on the
Helen suggests using boiling water and letting it sit for 3 hours, I thought I would speed it up and use the microwave. So I microwaved it for 1 minute and let rest for a couple minutes, then micro for 2 more minutes. The yarn looked like it was in the microwave a little too long and was beginning to felt so I took it out and let it cool. 
I then mixed 3 packet lemon lime and 1 cup water and turned the ball over. I switched the microwave timing 2 minutes, rest then one minute. In both cases the color looked strong at the bottom. 
After it cooled I rinsed it in tepid water with a little shampoo and conditioner and then clear water. I gently squeezed out as much water as I could and then wound the yarn with my swift into a hank. Next time I will try the suggested method of just soaking it in boiling water. I have to say it came out much better than I thought it would and looks very pretty as it is drying. I am calling this color Lily Pond. Lily suggested green and blue.
Color: Inferno
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 4 packets Blastin' Berry Cherry Kool-Aid
3 packets Orange Kool-Aid
For my third I decide to go back to the crockpot and try the sprinkle the Kool-Aid on the yarn that is covered with water method. I then used a wood spoon to mix in the crystals by gently pushing down on the Kool-Aid covered yarn careful not to mix the dyes too much. My original plan was to use Virginia Tech colors maroon and orange. I thought I had Black Cherry Kool-Aid but it was Blastin' Berry Cherry. I used 3 packages of orange in the middle and 2 packets each of Blastin'’ Berry Cherry on each side. I used a lot more dye than the first time and it took just over an hour for the yarn to absorb the dye on high.
The color ended up being red (instead of maroon) and orange with a predominance of red, thus the name Inferno.
Here is what they looked like hanging to dry (I actually hung them in the basement but an outdoor picture is much nicer):
This Christmas gift has sure come in handy.
Here are some of the sites I used for my dyeing research:
Gaea Creations
Wool Festival.com
Knitty.com
Koolaid Dyeing at the Lunatic Cafe
There are lots more just do a google search.
This is very addicting. I have to go check on my latest dyeing experiment!
Color: The Joy of Pink
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 3 packets Slammin' Strawberry Kiwi Kool-Aid
1 packet Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid
Soaked in warm water 1 hour
Crockpot: The Kool-Aid was mixed with about 4 cups of water then added yarn. I covered it and put it on high, after 30-40 minutes water was clear. So I turned off crock-pot to let everything cool. I hadn't stirred while it was in the crockpot because I thought it would take a few hours. So I figured the yarn would probably have variations in hue.
Color: Lily Pond
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 2 packets Berry Blue Kool-Aid
3 packets lemon lime Kool-Aid
I got this idea from Helen F.'s post on the
Helen suggests using boiling water and letting it sit for 3 hours, I thought I would speed it up and use the microwave. So I microwaved it for 1 minute and let rest for a couple minutes, then micro for 2 more minutes. The yarn looked like it was in the microwave a little too long and was beginning to felt so I took it out and let it cool. I then mixed 3 packet lemon lime and 1 cup water and turned the ball over. I switched the microwave timing 2 minutes, rest then one minute. In both cases the color looked strong at the bottom. After it cooled I rinsed it in tepid water with a little shampoo and conditioner and then clear water. I gently squeezed out as much water as I could and then wound the yarn with my swift into a hank. Next time I will try the suggested method of just soaking it in boiling water. I have to say it came out much better than I thought it would and looks very pretty as it is drying. I am calling this color Lily Pond. Lily suggested green and blue.Color: Inferno
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Peruvian wool (100 grams)
gauge: 4.5 5 stitches on #6-9 needles
Dye: 4 packets Blastin' Berry Cherry Kool-Aid
3 packets Orange Kool-Aid
For my third I decide to go back to the crockpot and try the sprinkle the Kool-Aid on the yarn that is covered with water method. I then used a wood spoon to mix in the crystals by gently pushing down on the Kool-Aid covered yarn careful not to mix the dyes too much. My original plan was to use Virginia Tech colors maroon and orange. I thought I had Black Cherry Kool-Aid but it was Blastin' Berry Cherry. I used 3 packages of orange in the middle and 2 packets each of Blastin'’ Berry Cherry on each side. I used a lot more dye than the first time and it took just over an hour for the yarn to absorb the dye on high.
The color ended up being red (instead of maroon) and orange with a predominance of red, thus the name Inferno.
Here is what they looked like hanging to dry (I actually hung them in the basement but an outdoor picture is much nicer):
This Christmas gift has sure come in handy.
Here are some of the sites I used for my dyeing research:
Gaea Creations
Wool Festival.com
Knitty.com
Koolaid Dyeing at the Lunatic Cafe
There are lots more just do a google search.
This is very addicting. I have to go check on my latest dyeing experiment!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Been busy knitting and shopping for sock yarn
Since Christmas I have spent the majority of my time knitting, shopping for yarn (mostly for my new obsession, socks) and buying knitting magazines. Because most of my two week vacation comes after Christmas this year I still have another week to go. Lots of knitting time. My children think I am crazy about knitting which I find humorous because at least two of them have similar obsessive personalities where they become totally immersed in their current passion. For one, it is Harry Potter, and the other it is James Spader/Alan Shore/Boston Legal.
I have been busy knitting for my Winter Wonderland swap pal. I should finish the second dishcloth today (my goal is to finish it before the January dishcloth KAL starts tomorrow). I purchased both beautiful patterns from Knitwits Heaven. I always have a dishcloth in the car to work on at traffic lights, waiting for kids etc. Usually it is a ballband. I finished one yesterday which is a belated gift however the recipient has been out of town since the 22nd so I have forgiven myself for the lateness. I now need a new project for the car so I am looking for a simple lace patterned dishcloth that I can memorize for my car knitting.
I had some Barnes and Noble gift certificates so I went there looking for Nicky Epstein's book Knitted Embellishments. They had it in stock however with the cover price $10 more than Amazon I decide magazines, which I couldn't purchase at a discount would be better. So I headed over to the magazine section to check out the knitting magazines. One called Knit Today caught my eye and as I thumbed through it a photograph of knit Christmas ornaments (titles woolly baubles) hooked me. I have never really seen any knit ornaments that I have wanted to make but two of them were cute. I started to realize that this wasn't a US magazine and looking at the ad on the back cover I realized it was from the UK. Having lived in England for a year in the 90's I became nostalgic and had to buy it. There was another knitting magazine from the UK so I got it too. I have only read the Knit Today so far but there is a pattern for a cable sweater that is to die for. A quote from the magazine "It's all in the detail...This jumper (sweater) is full of interesting textures. The moss stitch and stocking stitch cables compliment the reverse stocking stitch beautifully." I think I have to quit my job to have time to knit all the thing I would like. Since Barnes and Noble was on the way to 3 Bags Full and came home with On Line Supersocke 110 and Fortissima Socka. Now I am definitely committed to some sock knitting and hopefully not just stash enhancement. By the way I did finish my first sock for the test-a-long.
Since 2006 is about to end I think it is time to attempt to switch over to the new blogger. Wish me luck. I hope this won't be a huge pain or worse have my blog disappear!
I have been busy knitting for my Winter Wonderland swap pal. I should finish the second dishcloth today (my goal is to finish it before the January dishcloth KAL starts tomorrow). I purchased both beautiful patterns from Knitwits Heaven. I always have a dishcloth in the car to work on at traffic lights, waiting for kids etc. Usually it is a ballband. I finished one yesterday which is a belated gift however the recipient has been out of town since the 22nd so I have forgiven myself for the lateness. I now need a new project for the car so I am looking for a simple lace patterned dishcloth that I can memorize for my car knitting.
I had some Barnes and Noble gift certificates so I went there looking for Nicky Epstein's book Knitted Embellishments. They had it in stock however with the cover price $10 more than Amazon I decide magazines, which I couldn't purchase at a discount would be better. So I headed over to the magazine section to check out the knitting magazines. One called Knit Today caught my eye and as I thumbed through it a photograph of knit Christmas ornaments (titles woolly baubles) hooked me. I have never really seen any knit ornaments that I have wanted to make but two of them were cute. I started to realize that this wasn't a US magazine and looking at the ad on the back cover I realized it was from the UK. Having lived in England for a year in the 90's I became nostalgic and had to buy it. There was another knitting magazine from the UK so I got it too. I have only read the Knit Today so far but there is a pattern for a cable sweater that is to die for. A quote from the magazine "It's all in the detail...This jumper (sweater) is full of interesting textures. The moss stitch and stocking stitch cables compliment the reverse stocking stitch beautifully." I think I have to quit my job to have time to knit all the thing I would like. Since Barnes and Noble was on the way to 3 Bags Full and came home with On Line Supersocke 110 and Fortissima Socka. Now I am definitely committed to some sock knitting and hopefully not just stash enhancement. By the way I did finish my first sock for the test-a-long.
Since 2006 is about to end I think it is time to attempt to switch over to the new blogger. Wish me luck. I hope this won't be a huge pain or worse have my blog disappear!
Posted by Jeremy
at 12/31/2006 07:14:00 AM |
Permalink to Been busy knitting and shopping for sock yarn |
2 Comments |
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Post Christmas Knitting
Well, I didn't finish knitting all the gifts I wanted to so I will either give them late or next year. I am currently working on finishing the cow I knit for Carolyn (I hate finishing), the second dishcloth for my Winter Wonderland Swap pal, and a multidirectional scarf in Purdue colors for Michael. Today when I went to Larissa's blog Stitch Marker , I discovered she had a new KAL for her book posted. Here are some brief details, she supplies a new sock pattern and a maximum of 101 knitters are going to test knit the pattern for her book. You must use Manos de Uruguay wool (which luckily Mary stocks in her shop only 5 minutes away). So once I was in I was off to the shop and picked some up in the color Uranium (what I would consider a moss green) and the latest issue of Knitter's which I had been eyeing for some time. I am excited to start the new KAL because one of my goals after Christmas was to knit socks. If you are interested in this KAL go to the sitesite and sign up. The number of participants is limited. She also has another KAL for the book that I passed on but check it out if you like to knit/wear wraps.
Michael had his wisdom teeth taken out today so I got some Dr's office knitting in. Towards the end a man came in and sat near me and commented that the chair I was sitting in must be the knitting chair because he had been to the office earlier and another person was knitting in the same seat. He also shared with me that his mother taught him how to knit as a child. It was a nice conversation. I love the way knitting is such a conversation starter. Afterwards I realized he must have been in the knitting comment chair because the woman who sat in it before him also commented on my knitting.
With Christmas over I almost forgot to comment about my present from my children. A swift and ball winder. They do not understand (and they don't need to) why I love it but I DO. And I am so happy and grateful they gave it to me.
Michael had his wisdom teeth taken out today so I got some Dr's office knitting in. Towards the end a man came in and sat near me and commented that the chair I was sitting in must be the knitting chair because he had been to the office earlier and another person was knitting in the same seat. He also shared with me that his mother taught him how to knit as a child. It was a nice conversation. I love the way knitting is such a conversation starter. Afterwards I realized he must have been in the knitting comment chair because the woman who sat in it before him also commented on my knitting.
With Christmas over I almost forgot to comment about my present from my children. A swift and ball winder. They do not understand (and they don't need to) why I love it but I DO. And I am so happy and grateful they gave it to me.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Last Minute Knitting
Friday, December 22, 2006
Some FO's and a Swap Package
I finally finished my baby gift for Averi. Thanks to other knitters in "blogland" I felt it was OK to set aside the sweater I was knitting (or not knitting as the case was) and do something new. So instead of a color coordinated layette and sweater she is getting the MD bib I knit and the snowman hat I adapted from the Ann Norling fruit hat pattern. I think it turned out really cute.
I received my winter wonderland swap package from Debi (twominions). She sent me a beautiful package filled with all sorts of goodies. I received sent two dishcloths, a lovely lace pattern in a peach color and the snowflake illusion cloth (which I couldn't get a picture to show off the snowflake pattern). She also included a star coaster in Christmas colors, the cutes felted mini bag with a cat ornament inside some Fancy Feet Soap from Biker B’s Homemade Soap and a Seattle tote since lives in Washington state. Thanks again Debi, I love everything!
And another view of the hand knits.
I received my winter wonderland swap package from Debi (twominions). She sent me a beautiful package filled with all sorts of goodies. I received sent two dishcloths, a lovely lace pattern in a peach color and the snowflake illusion cloth (which I couldn't get a picture to show off the snowflake pattern). She also included a star coaster in Christmas colors, the cutes felted mini bag with a cat ornament inside some Fancy Feet Soap from Biker B’s Homemade Soap and a Seattle tote since lives in Washington state. Thanks again Debi, I love everything!
And another view of the hand knits.
Posted by Jeremy
at 12/22/2006 06:25:00 AM |
Permalink to Some FO's and a Swap Package |
2 Comments |
Monday, December 18, 2006
A Knitter's Night Before Christmas
I found this on another blog awhile ago and was saving it. for now. I wish I could remember where I found it so I could give credit.
A Knitter's Night Before Christmas
~Author Unknown~
'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.
And though I was tired,my brain was a bit thick,
I knew in a moment,it must be Saint Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I had expected
"move, Ashford; move, Lopi; move, Addie and Clover
Move, Reynolds; move, Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over"
"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.
Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!
I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.
And then,in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
For the first time I thought I'd really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks
While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June.
-Author Unknown
Posted by Jeremy
at 12/18/2006 06:19:00 AM |
Permalink to A Knitter's Night Before Christmas |
2 Comments |
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Meathead News
The meathead hats have been selected by Larissa and Martin . They are trying to get the publisher to agree with including 32 in the book, if so mine is in! It was selected as one of the bonus 14 (if they get to have 32 they'll include it). Mama Urchin’s Holly hat was selected in the top 18, congratulations to her.
I got more knitting done this week than I thought. I threw my back out helping my mom with my dad. He has PSP and is wheelchair bound. So I spent a lot of time resting when I stayed home from work Monday and Tuesday. Got some of the snowman hat done and Joy's headband.
I got more knitting done this week than I thought. I threw my back out helping my mom with my dad. He has PSP and is wheelchair bound. So I spent a lot of time resting when I stayed home from work Monday and Tuesday. Got some of the snowman hat done and Joy's headband.
I am now a lot further on both. I am using my knitpicks options for the headband and I am loving them. I love the price too.
Then I finally started my Christmas shopping. The kids all want big things (dollarwise) and their dad said he would pay half. That makes shopping easier, fewer gifts. Carolyn is the tough one because she doesn't know what she want and isn't home yet. The great thing about Carolyn is she can love little things if it is the right thing. One Christmas when she was young, she wanted a nutcracker. She loved that nutcracker. Also I think she really like the blueberry and cherry pies I knit her (scroll down to 8/13). If I had time I would knit her a cow to go with the bag balm I gave her over Thanksgiving. Maybe I will stop by Mary's (my LYS) and see if she has a pattern. If only I had more time.
And the greatest thing was I contributed the Cousin It bag I knitted over the summer to the White Elephant exchange at our Christmas party at work.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sometimes I am a Kid at Heart
And this just cracked me up...
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Posted by Jeremy
at 12/11/2006 02:07:00 PM |
Permalink to Sometimes I am a Kid at Heart |
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Sunday, December 10, 2006
Option Needles Arrived
Lily was supposed to work on a project with a friend yesterday so I waited around until 1:00 so she could make her plan. The girl never answered her cell or called back (heaven forbid Lily would call her home) so I got a late start on my errands. I picked up the grapevine wreath and some eucalyptus for the felted wreath and also some Lion Brand wool in gold to make the centre of the poinsettias. Then it was off to "I'd Rather Be Knitting" to make a return and see if I could take advantage of their sale. I did get a few things but I was disappointed that Noro wasn't included in the sale. This is what I got: some Classic cotton, white for a snowman hat for Averi, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky in somerset to make a headband for Joy for Christmas, some more Plymouth Encore to make a pair of socks after Christmas and Ann Norling's Adult Basic Socks pattern (which wasn't on sale). To get your discount you spin a "Wheel of Fortune" type of wheel. I came up with 20% off which I got to add to my take an additional 5% off coupon. After my return I ended up spending a little more that $20. One of my cheaper yarn expeditions. I also stopped and got a couple movies for a hunkering down and knitting sort of evening. This is what I came home with:
and this is what was at my door when I got home:
My Knitpicks Options Needles!
So last night I watched The Lake House, which thoroughly enjoyed, minus the fact that I dosed off at one point. I haven't read the book but it is now on my list. It reminded me of two of my all time favorite books, Outlander and The Time Traveler's Wife. They all deal with relationships and time travel. I was able to almost finish all the holly leaves for the wreath before I went to bed.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Sixteen Days Til Christmas, Oh My
My tree now looks like this:
This weekend I will start putting the ornaments on. I like to do it in stages, one box at a time. That way when I have to do something (laundry, hunger, work don't stop for the holidays) it is easy to clean up and later come back to a new box. This will be the second Christmas in this house, our old house had cathedral ceilings so we always got a tall tree. There won't be enough room for all the ornaments we have so I'll just put up my favorites. I had forgotten that Bear ate (tore while trying to get the candy out) Michael's stocking last year. Looks like repairs are in order. Yuck! I finished a second meathead hat, the one will holly leaves. An idea I got from Mama Urchin
I have also started knitting holly leaves for the felted wreath. I think I will make a smaller version than the pattern calls for and use a grapevine wreath. I am very frustrated that we are not getting out of school until the 22nd. That gives me two days before Christmas. Usually we have a week and I get a lot of holiday knitting done. I also started a multidirectional scarf from Modular Knits by Iris Schreier I was using Plymouth Encore but I just don't like the feel for a scarf. I am making it for Michael in Purdue colors, black and gold. I decided to frog it and get a softer yarn. If anyone has a yarn suggestion, worsted weight, I am open to your ideas. So I am off later today to "I'd Rather Be Knitting" one of my not so local yarn stores, that is having a sale this weekend. Another decision made is I am going to put aside the baby hoodie that I cannot pick up and make a snowman hat for Averi and give it along with the bib I already made. Then there isn't pressure for me to finish something I DON'T WANT TO KNIT. I needed to get that off my chest. I also ordered Knit Picks Options needles last weekend so I am excited to get them and try them. Maybe they will come today. I feel like I am rambling and I have a lot to do! So happy knitting, shopping etc. to everyone!
Posted by Jeremy
at 12/09/2006 09:23:00 AM |
Permalink to Sixteen Days Til Christmas, Oh My |
2 Comments |
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Saturday's Outings
I went to the library and got these books.
Next I was off to my LYS. My mission was to get red Lamb’s Pride Bulky for a Red Scarf Project scarf. The Red Scarf Project is a project of the Orphan Foundation of America, or Orphan.org. They collect red (and other unisex-colored) scarves to send in Valentine's Day care packages to college students who have aged out of foster care." I chose the color spice because the scarf is supposed to be unisex and it was the only red she had. I also decided after I saw this Meathead Hat picture I wanted to make one for my self (details of the hat are on Mama Urchin's blog). That meant another two skeins of Lamb’s Pride Bulky this time in cream. When I told Mary the owner of my LYS of my holly felting plan she putted out the holiday copy of knitsimple and opened it to this:
A poinsettia and holly wreath designed by Nicky Epstein. So I also picked up some green Lamb’s Pride Worsted for the leaves but I didn't need any red because I had some at home in my stash. The good thing was last weekend when I was home Michael bought me a gift certificate so I got to use it. This is what I got.
- Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick (I love this book for the knitting class I teach)
- Modular Knits by Iris Schreier (I joined her Multidirectional Knitting Group, see the sidebar)
- Knitgrrl by Shannon Okey (I always like to get a new book for my knitting class)
- Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee(for my reading pleasure)
- Love Actually (a movie for my knitting pleasure)
Next I was off to my LYS. My mission was to get red Lamb’s Pride Bulky for a Red Scarf Project scarf. The Red Scarf Project is a project of the Orphan Foundation of America, or Orphan.org. They collect red (and other unisex-colored) scarves to send in Valentine's Day care packages to college students who have aged out of foster care." I chose the color spice because the scarf is supposed to be unisex and it was the only red she had. I also decided after I saw this Meathead Hat picture I wanted to make one for my self (details of the hat are on Mama Urchin's blog). That meant another two skeins of Lamb’s Pride Bulky this time in cream. When I told Mary the owner of my LYS of my holly felting plan she putted out the holiday copy of knitsimple and opened it to this:
A poinsettia and holly wreath designed by Nicky Epstein. So I also picked up some green Lamb’s Pride Worsted for the leaves but I didn't need any red because I had some at home in my stash. The good thing was last weekend when I was home Michael bought me a gift certificate so I got to use it. This is what I got.
In my travels I also managed to pick up a Christmas Tree, a six foot Fraiser Fir. Here it is up and still frozen. Tonight I put the lights on.
I then got to work on knitting up some holly leaves and berries and a few rows of my second meathead hat.
