World Wide Knit in Public Day

It's that time again folks. World Wide Knit in Public day is coming around again. On June 10, join knitters all over the world as we knit in public and show off our craft. Get more information by clicking the "show your sticks" button on my blog.

Frustration

Well I shouldn't have talked so big about making progress. Soon as I did I started to have trouble with the socks. No matter what I did I kept messing up the gusset. Don't know why, it's hardly my first sock. Finally in frustration I frogged the damned thing to the start. I decided that it was just cursed and took it as a hint that it might be time to try something different than plain vanilla socks. So I am breaking out that copy of Sensational Knitted Socks I bought the other day and will try something from it for a change. Wish me luck.

The observant among you will see a new button on my blog for the Knitter's Tea Swap. I just joined and look forward to what I'll be getting. You are supposed to send a box of your favorite tea, something to eat with it and two skeins from your stash. Sounds easy and fun. Give it a go yourself.

My two newest purchases are some Lorna's Laces sock yarn off of Ebay in green, and a toddler vest pattern that I intend to use for Children in Common. I saw it mentioned on the CIC list and could not resist. Please consider lending your talents to this wonderful organization. More information can be found by clicking the Children in Common link on my sidebar.

Productive Day

I got a lot done today knitting wise. I finished a vest for Children in Common, But I'm not sure about how the shoulders look so I may have to play with it a bit. I also got to the heel turn on the Lorna's Laces socks. I really enjoyed the vest and learned a new technique while doing it, the Thee Needle Bind Off. Now I know another way to join shoulders in sweaters and vests.

Went to the LYS yesterday and scored two new balls of sock yarn, Lana Grossa Cotton Fantasy. I've been wanting to try this yarn and the samples in the shop looked so yummy I couldn't resist. (yes I know I should have pictures with this and I will as soon as DH digs out the camera for me) I also got some needles, a couple of sets in bamboo in size 1 for socks and an Addi Turbo in 10 1/2 for mostly charity knitting. Last but not least is the book, Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I'd seen it mentioned on the Socknitter's list and it looks as good as everyone said it did. Lots of socks in some basic patterns so you gain confidence. Directions for 4, or 5 DP needles and also for 2 Circs. I recommend this book, my next pair of socks is coming from it.

The Lorna's Laces sock would be much further along if I hadn't had to frog the gusset. I am very picky about my socks and just didn't like the way it looked. So I pulled it back to before the heel turn ( the only way I know I'd get to the right place in the pattern.) It was frustrating but I'd rather frog than have lousy socks.

Waiting excitedly for the start of Secrect Pal 8. I sat out round seven as I was changing jobs and didn't know what my situation was going to be moneywise. Round 8's rules are a little different, you have to contact your pal 3 times each month by email, package or snail mail. It used to be only one package a month and that's it. I like this way better and it's one of the reasons I joined. If you've never done secret pal, give it a try you won't be sorry. I am also considering doing a knitting and tea swap that's being offered in the RAOK web ring. I've not made my mind up about that one though.

I'm still listening to podcasts. Mostly while I knit. Have you tried any from my list? I'll be adding more this week sometime. I highly recommend Cast-On, KnitCast, and Knit Tunes (no knitting content just wonderful music to knit by). The others are great but these are my particular favorites. If you find a podcast you like please let me know. It doesn't have to be knitting related either. I'd also ask you to tell me about blogs you particularly like so I can add them to my Bloglines list.

Sweater Problems

I've been working on DH's sweater, or more accurately trying to work on it. It's an Aran and the directions aren't charted so it's a little confusing. The first attempt to start the pattern resulted in not enough stitches being left to finish the row. In an effort to figure it out I actually went through the pattern and counted how many stitches it would take to get through the pattern repeats and it came out OK, so I know that there's no problem in the pattern itself. So I bravely started working again, hoping it would come out OK this time and in the middle of the row my son called and I lost my place. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out where I am but it's frustrating. I will never again buy an Aran pattern that isn't charted. I never appreciated how important charts are until now. Being able to see visually what's going on would be helpful right now. I don't have the patience to go through the pattern and chart it myself and besides I'm afraid that I will make a mistake and screw it up.

I finished a premie hat from some left over Magic Stripes sock yarn and it's just darling. I will post a picture very soon I promise. Not as fast as a premie hat from regular yarn but almost an instant gratification project, with the bonus that it helps someone. I plan to make a few more of the hats from this yarn as well as the yarn I mentioned in my last entry. Not sure where I will send them to quite yet but there's time for that. I'm also going to try and do some stuff for Children in Common. Most likely some mittens as it's been a long time since I've made any.

I've rethought my position of finishing the red sweater at all costs. I am not sure if I'd have enough yarn to finish it if I go to another pattern. DH keeps saying to me that I shouldn't finish it if I am not enjoying working on it and he is right. I will make it into smaller projects instead. The yarn is lovely and one of these days I will make a sweater out of some Knit Picks yarn.

Going Riding In A Car

I did something today I've never done before, I knitted in the car while DH drove. I'd always thought that it would make me nauseous but it didn't and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I have something to do on those long car rides to visit DS at school (DS has special needs and attends a boarding school for kids with developmental disabilities about 3 hours away from us) I worked on my socks and got a lot done.

People have been noticing that I have trouble with my right shoulder. Two people today asked me if there was something wrong with my arm due to the way I've been holding it. I didn't realize I'd compensated to that extent. My shoulder is painful when moved and sometimes just at rest due to the fact that I have a form of arthritis. I guess it's time to have it looked at by a doctor if people are seeing a difference in how I carry myself.

DS has been in for a visit the last few days and it is a joy to have him at home. I know that they are helping him at school and that he is happy there but I do miss him. He's nearly 16 but he's still my baby and I can't help it. I wish there was a school that would help him here at home but there just isn't one. Sad, but disabled kids just don't get what they need from the schools in this area.

I have not re-started the red sweater yet as I worked on the socks today. OK, didn't work on it because I was too disgusted. I admit it. I am determined to get this sweater done. No matter how long it takes.

I will post a picture of the socks when they are a little further along. I just love the way the colors are working out, striping along in a spiral pattern as I go. I am excited by this yarn, it's so soft and a pleasure to work with. I am going to have to get some more Lorna's Laces. I've also decided what to do with the yarn that kept having breaks in it. I am going to use it to make premie hats. I've done premie hats in the past but haven't done any in a while. I think it would look lovely to have some of those tiny hats in a patterned yarn, rather than the usual baby colors I've used. I encourage you all to try making premie things, it's a wonderful way to give back by using your knitting. Try clicking on Carewear on the sidebar for more information.

Help! My Sweater Is Driving Me Crazy.

I took out the red sweater today to work on and damned if I didn't find a reason to frog the stupid thing yet again. Loose stitches, and a mistake that I found. Honestly I don't know why I don't just chuck the thing for good. No matter what I do I seem to come up with a problem. *sigh* In the morning I'll try again. Or maybe finally start DH's sweater.

Listened to a new podcast today that I just loved. I've had it listed on the sidebar but not heard it until this evening. (I'm trying to keep a comprehensive list of fiber podcasts on the sidebar so if you know of one I don't list PLEASE tell me) It's called Knit Tunes and it consists of music to knit by rather than knitting content per se. But the music was wonderful and very nice to knit to so I recommend it to you all. I also rather liked At The Yarn Shop. She talks about what it's like to own a shop, which I found interesting, as well as product reviews. Check this one out too, I think you'll be pleased.

The socks have had to go by the wayside. The yarn I complained about proved to be even more annoying than I had anticipated. It kept having breaks in the yarn and if I'd kept using it I'd have had a thousand knots which I didn't want to have in a pair of socks. So I put the yarn away for a possible future use as an accent and took out some Lorna's Laces that I had in the stash. Wonderful color, the Amish colorway for those of you who know this line. Purples, blues, black, and a flash of red from time to time. Just gorgeous. I've not knitted Lorna's Laces before so I am really looking forward to working with it. I've heard so much about it. I'll of course keep you posted on how this goes.

Things I Do While I Knit

Do you just sit and knit or do you do something while you are knitting? If you're like me than you usually are doing something in addition to knitting. I've read while knitting, (only possible on easy patterns) listened to music and podcasts, and of course watched TV. I've also walked while knitting if it's a small item like socks this is very easy to do. One of the things I like to do is burn candles when I knit. I love the different scents of Yankee Candles and always have them on hand. I just enjoy the fragrance and it kind of sets the mood. OK, I admit it I'm a candle addict and burn them all the time not just when I'm knitting. I ought to sign up with one of those direct sales companies that sells candles so I can get them cheap. :)

I am enjoying my socks a lot but there are problems with the yarn. I keep coming to places where one ply is broken so it's thin in that spot. I hope it will be OK when it's finished. After these socks I think I am going to try a pair that is toe up. I've never done that before and really want to give it a try. The technique junkie in me rides again I guess. I had thought to do the next pair for DH, but now that I've decided to do it toe up I may not. We'll see how I feel when the time comes. I am a slow knitter these days for some reason so it' will be a bit till I get to it.

I highly recommend the Knit Cast with Anne Modeseitt. I've been listening to it and it's fascinating. She talks about how she learned how to knit, her designing philosophy and much more. You can get it by clicking the Knit Cast link under podcasts on the blog here. KnitCast was the first pod cast I ever listened to, many episodes back, and it continues to be one of the best knitting podcasts around.

Quick note about DH. He finally recovered completely from his accident although he had pain until sometime in March. Thanks to those who asked about this.

Long Time No See

Sorry it's been so long since I updated this blog. I promise more updates in the future. Right now I'm working on socks my favorite knitting project and still am working on the multidirectional knitting. I had a problem with the scarf I was trying to do in the technique, so I stopped it and will instead go through the lessons you can get for free from the multidirectional knitting group where I lurk.

I still haven't started DH's sweater but the next pair of socks are his so that will partially make up for it. I may have to go out and buy some yarn for it as he will probably not like the stuff in my sock yarn stash. My what a sacrifice that will be :). I am working on the red sweater still, but it's boring so it's going slow. Note to self and any other would be designers, don't design a stockinette stitch only sweater. It's slow going and boring. I should have done some panels of seed stitch or something. Not too late I still may work it on the front.

I mentioned podcasts here on the blog, and I am still listening to them. I am happy to say that there is a wealth of knitting podcasts out there most of them great fun. In the next few days I'll be adding a new block to the sidebar listing some podcasts for you to try. Give them a go and remember you don't need an Ipod to listen you can always play the podcasts on your computer or burn a disk and listen on a CD player. I've done both and it works well.

Well I'm off to a hot cup of tea and a perusal of the new KnitPicks catalog. Till next time.

Multidirectional Knitting

Technique junkie that I am I've now taken up multidirectional knitting. Inspired by a need to find something to do with the wonderful yarn my Secret Pal gave me in my last package I posted a question to the knitlist about what I could make with it. Trying this technique in a scarf was one of the suggestions. A lot of fun. My library is trying to get the book Modular Knits for me so I can learn more. I can't wait!

Another technique on the back burner right now, but that I want to try is Shadow knitting. I have the book out of the library but it may have to go back before I get a chance to give it a try. Has anyone out there tried this? What do you think of it? Is it easy to design your own patterns?

I've been a little blue the last couple of days and once again I have to say that my knitting has been a real help to me. I don't know what people do who have no creative outlet. Having my knitting keeps my mind occupied when I am down and makes me feel like I've accomplished something. Two things that really help lift spirits. That's one of the reasons I picked up the multidirectoinal knitting. A new technique will also help me when I'm down in the dumps because I have to concentrate on it. Like I said I consider myself lucky to have the outlet. Better than drinking at any rate!

Secret Pal Update

A wonderful package from my secrect pal arrived yesterday. This woman really knows how to spoil! A bag of sour gummy bears (YUMMMMM! I lurve sour anything), a bar of Pre de Provenace soap in Ginger Spice and best part three count them three skeins of Noro Kureyon in varied greens and blues (sorry no pics camera is in the shop :<) The only dissapointment was that she didn't reveal herself in the very nice card she included. I always thought the pal revealed herself in the last package. Oh well, she shall stay a mystery and a very well thought of one at that. I've enjoyed Secrect Pal 6. I think I will sign up for #7 when it gets going.

The blanket for my nephew's son is only 12 inches away from being done. I think I may finish it this weekend and finaly, finally get going on DH's sweater. Yes the sweater I keep talking about and don't get started on. My red sweater has not been touched for a bit, but I've been so busy with the blanket that there just hasn't been time for it. I ought to start a rotation schedule the way some people do. You know work on one project this day, project B another day and so on. Problem is that I am not that discipled in my knitting. It's always been an as the sprit moves me kind of thing.

DH is doing quite well these days. His main problem now is that his energy is not back at full force yet. The lung was injured in his fall and that will still need time to recover so as a result his energy is impaired. The doctor cleared him to go back to work at reduced hours and that's excactly what he has been doing. So far so good. He's happy to be back, as he said there's only so much daytime TV a person can stand.

Quick Note

DH is out of the hospital and doing better. He's in pain but able to move about some. Thanks to everyone who commented and emailed their good wishes. They were very appreciated.

Hospital Trip

DH took a bad fall this morning and ended up in the hospital. He was coming out of an ATM and slipped on some ice. Ended up with a collapsed lung. He'll be in the hospital for a few days and laid up for a few more. The truly stupid thing about this is that one of the EMT's told him that he'd seen the bank's lawn sprinklers on that morning. Now in our area it was below freezing today. It's been time to turn off sprinklers for weeks. We had the sprinkler guy come and winterize ours awhile ago. We aren't the sort of people who sue but this is a clear case and we are going to.

DD and DS were fortunately at home, and not with him, when it happened. I was at work. I dropped everything, hang the consequences. Went home for a short while till DH was checked in at the ER and I actually located him. Then a friend got me over to the hospital and picked up the kids. We sat for hours. I am thankful for my meditation practice, because it enabled me to sit for all that time without being bored. Yes I was worried, but I was able to stand the wait with some manner of equanimity. It was hard to see DH in so much pain, and hard to understand why it was taking so long to get a room. It is now nearly 12 hours since he went into the emergency room and still no bed. I had to leave him there to deal with my kids. And when I left 2 hours ago they told me they had a bed. I will never understand hospitals or how they work.

If you have the minute think good thoughts for DH would you? It would be appreciated.

Knitting The Blues Away

I've been working away on the last of this batch of baby blankets. Several of my nieces got pregnant at around the same time so I've been making baby blankets the last few months. I've been using my favorite feather and fan stitch on them all. It knits up fast, and looks great when done. This last one is being done in blue as we know that this last baby is going to be a boy. I still haven't started DH's sweater. I've been real busy at work and haven't had the time for it. But I hope to get to it soon. I really want to as I love cables and want to make something for DH.

Not enjoying the job very much. I am lucky that I have this craft to give me some solace. Do you all find that your knitting helps you through some bad times? I know that at low points in my life my knitting or stitching has helped me enormously. When my father was dying many years back I went through this thing where I obessively knitted mittens for project I found out about. Now I find that at the end of the day, at a job I don't like, taking up the needles calms the nerves and lifts my mood. Me, my Ipod, a cup of tea and my knitting what could be better than that?

Things I do besides knitting

Obviously I'm a knitter but I have some other hobbies that I thought I'd talk about a little bit here. One is beading. I got started doing stitch markers and then branched out into earrings and I've made the odd attempt at necklaces and bracelets. I'm not that good but it's fun. This weekend I'm going to take a class in basic beading where I hope to learn some new techniques or at least what I'm doing wrong :). I also make extremely poor attempts at scrapbooking. Now this I wish I could do better at but I keep getting blocked. I will have to go to one of those parties that people have that are like tupperware but are for scrapbooking one of these days and learn more about it. I get sooooo stuck on how to lay out a page. But it's fun, there are so many little things to buy and play with in scrapbooking and it's so creative. I've got an album going for my DD and am trying to get one started for my son, but it's slow going. Especially now that I'm working more hours.

It's worth mentioning DD's new obsession hobbywise, chocolate. We discovered melt and mold chocolate at AC Moore the other day and she has really gotten into the whole idea of making chocolates for friends, family and self. Frankly, I hate her. I am about to embark on yet another diet (I've an appointment with a nutritionist tomorrow), and the stuff is delicious and fun to make. She even has made two tone lollipops. Quite good at it actually, but as I said not good for Mom who has to lose a ton!

My Thanks

To the many people who expressed their condolences on the loss of my Mom I want to say thank you. It means a lot to me to have you express your support. The power of this internet community never ceases to amaze me.

One of the things my Sister-in-law told me was that my mother left behind some two dozen baby blankets that she had crocheted over the years. When she was bored my sister-in-law would buy her yarn and she would crochet a blanket. I knew this but was stunned by the number she left behind her. Each baby in the family has a blanket from her. I've kept up the tradition, each baby that comes along gets a knitted blanket from me. One thing she handed down. The blankets will be donated to good causes, with some kept for future babies in our family.

Sad News

My Mother passed away this past Saturday night. She'd fallen down and broken several ribs a few weeks back and went into a steady decline afterwards. In a lot of pain she slipped into heart failure and they could not get her out of it so she slipped away. She was 83. We were not close but yet this is hard. You miss the things that might have been the lost chances, and lost time. We never did seem to be able to talk to each other but only at each other. We saw life in different ways and could not seem to meet in the middle. So sad, for us both.

Do not miss the chance to keep your loved ones close. Fight like hell if you have to. One day it will be too late.

Secrect Pal update

Got my first SP package and it was yummy I must say! Two lovely skeins of Regia sock yarn in a lovely autumn shade, a set of bamboo dp's, and CHOCOLATE! The woman read my mind totally. Now I have been a bad pal on my end. So busy with work that my package has yet to be mailed but I hope to make it worth the wait for her.

I've been very stressed out as I've been working, essentially, two jobs. My regular freelance special projects gig, and a new steady job I just took on. Getting hard to find time for myself, or anything else like knitting for that matter. That's why this blog is so neglected. I've just not had the time for it. But I will try to mention the big things and the important ones at least.

I've not yet started DH's fisherman sweater that's going to be this weekend I think. I am really looking forward to it, it's been a long time since I've done cables and I really like them. They are a lot of fun and really not any trouble. I have a book in the house that shows you how to do cables without a needle but I'm not using the technique on the sweater. I want to practice it on something smaller first. I don't like to use something that new on a major piece. I like to learn on a small item first.

That's it for now more later.....

Long Time Away

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I've been VERY busy with work, which is a good thing for the pocketbook but not such a good thing for blogging and knitting. I've been working on the infamous red sweater and plan to start on a fisherman sweater for DH, purchased on vacation, this week. It's in a denim colored yarn and should look just yummy made up. He was very difficult about picking it out, don't know why but he can get like that at times. No socks in the works right now, but that's about to get started this week as well. Here's the questions for secret Pal 6

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I prefer natural fibers but will go with blends. I don't like Red Heart at all but will use Lion Brand. Especially Wool Ease.
2. Do you spin? No, but I'd love to.
Crochet? Just a bit.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) Cigs are a major no no
4. How long have you been knitting? Since I was 6 years old. Too long to say :)
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? An Amazon and a Knit picks
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Clean woody scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? You better believe it!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I dabble in paper crafts but it's really knitting that I love.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Jazz, Classic Rock, Folk, World Music. Yes I can play MP3's. I'd love them as I've an Ipod
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love earth tones and dark green is my favorite color
11. What is your family situation? I live with my DH and my daughter, my DS goes to boarding school, I have a sweet little guinea pig named Midnight
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I'd like the time to be creative and to learn to design. Maybe go back to school
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love knitpicks Wool of the Andes.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Plasticy acrylics
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? sweaters and socks
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks, socks, and socks
17. What are you knitting right now? a red drop shoulder sweater of my own design
18. What do you think about ponchos? Not much
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? both depends on project
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter? YES!!
22. How did you learn to knit? My mother taught me with help from family friends
23. How old is your oldest UFO? Not sure, years at least
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Penguins
25. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
26. Is there anything that you collect? Penguins
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? See my wish lists
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Not really

That's about it. Hope my secret pal hasn't been kept waiting too long! See ya all soon

Living in the Frog Pond

I feel like I've been living on a lilly pad on in an actual frog pond the last few days. I've been working on my red sweater and one thing after another has gone wrong. I've tinked, and frogged it so many times that I've lost count. First the knot where I joined the second ball of yarn came loose, then there was a dropped stitch, then a split stitch, I could go on but it's too painful. We are going on vacation for a week and I'm bringing it with me. Maybe the back will actually get finished while I'm away.

DD and I have been enjoying some quality time together. My business has been slow the last week after being quite busy, and she is done with camp. It's been nice being lazy with her. Hanging around watching movies and just being together. DS comes home on Friday so we are enjoying the girls only time while we can. This Saturday is my BDay, no real big plans. We'll probably go out to dinner and I may go off by myself for a few hours. Every year I get myself a present, I haven't decided what it will be yet. I'm thinking of a massage, as I am saving my fiber fix for vacation.

See you all when I get back!

All Figured Out

Well the book was as we know from the comments a wonderful unexpected RAOK! It was from Bethanie Frank who is my own angel now. I had been having a little bit of a rough time physically, as I've reported. So getting an RAOK was just great. My Secret Pal also came through in fine style I must say. I got a very nice assortment of bath goodies, a beautiful skein of Opal sock yarn, and a lovely bookmark. God the woman knows how to spoil me!

I've been feeling much better the last few days. I attribute this to the fact that I've been very serious about exercising and stretching. I've been doing both daily and it really does help. My very deep thanks to knitnana and kelly d for their comments and offers of help. I am truly touched by the spirit of sharing in the community. Knitnana my mother has lupus so I have some idea what you are going through. What I've got is nothing compared to what you and kelly have to deal with. As the doctor said it's more annoying than anything else. Though I do have to watch out for the eye infection. I'm wondering if either of you or anyone else out there has Raynaud's phenomenon. It's a sensitivity to the cold. Many people with auto immune disorders get it and some who have no problems too. Your fingers go white and then blue in the winter (numb as well) toes sometimes too. It's just awful sometimes. I walk around with a hat and scarf on indoors during the winter.

Not too much knitting these last few days. Had to frog a ton on my red sweater, discouraging but necessary. I'm being picky as it's my first self designed sweater. I don't care how many times I frog this thing. It's going to look right one way or the other!