Knitting with Two Kitties

Swatching, Still

2008-01-30T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am not going to win any speed records with this mystery shawl. Not that I was interested in that anyway---and it is sure a good thing!

My Knit Picks Shadow, in Jewel Heather, arrived in good time. I got one skein of it rolled into a ball and was ready to start. Well, after I made a side trip to Joann's and got some smaller size circulars with longer cords. The smaller sized ones that I had were only 16 inches long and I knew that wasn't going to work.

I really hoped my size 4 needles were going to work, as they are the Knit Picks Options and I love them. They are so nice and sharp! I started a swatch with them, and knit several rows---till I made a mistake that I found I could not fix. I had knit enough that I already realized that size 4 wasn't going to work. Too big a needle for the way I knit.

I started over--another day---with the size 3 circular. The difference was almost immediately apparent and I knew this was the right size needle. I also knew, while knitting the first row, that I needed Knit Picks needles, and I think I had ordered them before I had knit 3 rows. I have sort of gotten used to knitting the swatch with the blunter needles, but it is a chore and makes those decreases much more tricky. I did keep working on the swatch, for the experience. I got to "that" row, I don't remember which number---it is the one with the s1k2togpsso. I got to the end of the row, knit the purl row, and found I was two stitches short. I put it away for a day, then tinked back. I do not yet have enough experience to successfully tink back a row of lace with so many decreases in it--especially with this fine a yarn. Especially with dull, blunt needles. I frogged the swatch, and will try it again after the new needles arrive. I should go ahead and use life lines in the swatch, if I ever want to complete it. I am not sure I really care about completing it now? I can successfully knit the required stitches and have found the right needle size, and those were the main reasons for doing a swatch anyway.

I think any further knitting on this project will have to wait till after the wedding.

Secret of the Stole 2

2008-01-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

I really needed something else to do, right? Jo mentioned that she had signed up to do this KAL, and it sounded like fun. So, I signed up too! The first part of the directions are up and I am waiting for yarn to arrive.

I had considered using some alpaca cloud that I have, but I saw a scarf that Penny from knitting group is working on, made from alpaca cloud, and it is knitting up fuzzier than the yarn looked like it would knit. So, I will be using Knit Picks Shadow, if it arrives--haha.

I still need to put photos up, I will get to it eventually!

Our knitting group went on what Anne calls a "yarn crawl" on Wednesday. We went to Orlando, to check out a yarn shop, a fabric shop, Joann's and Michaels. We had a good time! We had lunch at a place called Sweet Tomato and I highly recommend it! They have a great selection of fresh foods--they specialize in salads, soups, and pasta. They have a great selection of low fat foods too, so it is a great place to eat healthy.

Well, there will be more later, and I promise I will get photos off the camera and onto the computer so they can be put on the blog!

WIP's

2008-01-01T23:36:00.000-05:00

I guess I am getting the new year off to a good start. I ended up the old year by actually finishing both Christmas stockings and getting them in the mail in time for Christine and Michelle to actually use them! I did take photos, they are still on the camera instead of on the computer. That will be remedied soon and I will post pix.

I started a mindless knitting project last year. It is a baby blanket, in pink acrylic, to work on at knitting group. I am doing it in basketweave, and that takes more than enough attention as it is--lol.

I just wound up into a ball a skein of alpaca cloud from Knit Picks. It is going to be a lace scarf when it grows up. It should be really pretty?

I will take pix of everything that hasn't already been photographed and will get them up soon!

Do you think the earth will stop spinning if I start knitting the scarf? (haha)

Knitting Done

2007-12-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

Yep, the knitting part of the stockings is complete! I had a great and productive day today---I finished the foot of the stocking, including the toe. I then took a break from that and wove the ends in on Christine's stocking. Later, I got back to Mitch's, and got the heels finished before 10 p.m. As much as I would have liked to have finished up more of it, it will have to wait till tomorrow.

I think I will go ahead and get Christine's blocked first, then weave ends on Mitch's. Then hers can be blocked and as soon as Christine's is dry, I can get it stitched up. I figure it is best to get them on a staggered schedule so I can make progress on one while the other sits. I hope to get them in the mail on Tuesday, will see how it goes!

I was busy today, made fudge and karamel korn. Plus the knitting. It was a good day!

The Stocking Progresses

2007-12-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

That is about the gist of it all. I am past Santa's face now, so I can stand to knit longer. It drives me nuts to have too many balls and holders of yarn attached at one time, and they get tangled so quickly, too. I am down to three now--two skeins of red and one of angora. It isn't nearly as bad to deal with. Needless to say, the knitting goes faster too, with not having the change colors as much.

It is definitely time to make hay while the sun shines. I am thankful for air conditioning, as it would be the pits trying to knit this otherwise. As it is, the stocking is getting big enough to create a lot of heat--haha.

Well, I have no other news, so will go....and will hope to have more to report next time!

Yikes!

2007-11-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

How did I go a whole year and some days/weeks between posts?

It isn't that I haven't done any knitting at all during that time. I guess things just got to busy, and there were too many other things to do, rather than blogging, taking photos, etc.

But, I am back and I hope to keep up with it all this time!

No pix this time, but.... The knitting is completed on Christine's Christmas stocking. It just has to be blocked and sewn up. Mitchie's stocking is coming along. I got a start on it last year--knitting was completed through the name and year section and a little bit more---while I was trying to find an appropriate pink for Santa's face on Christine's stocking.

Galway has discontinued the green we have been using for the stockings, so Jo kindly checked her local store and found some for both of us. I have ordered the other colors needed for more/future stockings (including one for the soon to be son-in-law), and I have ordered the angora too.

I had forgotten, till I got to the Santa's hat section on Michelle's stocking, just how lovely the angora is to knit with. I might have to think about something else to knit in angora some time....

A Future Spinner, Knitter, Crocheter in the Making

2006-11-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

We had a fabulous few days in Texas. Neither Anne nor I took any knitting with us. Anne's desire to knit was not to be denied, and she had yarn and needles in hand long before the end of our time there.

I know our lovely Michelle has already been exposed by her mom, but we got photos of exposure while in Texas. First, a photo of Michelle with her mom's crochet hooks.

Next, a photo of our lovely girl touching knitting needles, in use. That has to rub off harder, right?

We had a close call with spinning, and didn't quite make a photo. Jo did some spinning on her drop spindle, and Michelle showed definite interest. I believe there was a hand put out to touch. The digital camera was not fast enough and the moment was lost. Oh well.

Final fiber related photo, our girl in bodily contact with a KnitPicks catalog. I am sure she is doomed/blessed.

Anne has been busy knitting baby hats, some preemie sized and some more new born sized. Some are knit from some neat yarn she got in Texas, and it is interesting to see how much different the yarn pattern knits up with the different sizes.

I am getting geared up to knit Christmas stockings, which have been denied for much too long. I will get them done!

I truly hope to post more regularly on this blog and to actually have knitting/spinning content to write about. It has been too long.

Sadly Neglected

2006-10-15T12:55:00.000-04:00

That is what this blog is. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day, and I haven't done much along the crafty lines.

I did get the alpaca fiber out of the plastic bags. What a real relief! I was worried about moths, for starters. I have heard that they can eat through the plastic bags, but will leave paper bags alone. I hope that is true. All the fleece is in paper grocery bags now. It took 4 bags for each plastic bag of fleece. I folded the tops down twice and paper clipped each one with 3 large paper clips. I hope it is sufficient? The weather is getting a tad bit cooler---hahahahaha. It is in the lower 80's for a couple of days, but the forecast has it back up into the high 80's by Wednesday. Still, it will get a bit cooler, and will be more comfortable for washing the fleece.

I want to start knitting again, so that is a good thing. I think there is still a bit too much going on right this moment, with another trip to the Mayo this week. Perhaps after that, I can get started.

Meanwhile, I at least think crafty things, so that is better than nothing, is that right?

I am reading more, a good series of books. I think I am going to have to read all the Anne Rice books and the Terry Pratchett books too. However, I need a slight break from engrossing books, so I can get things done--haha. The house still needs work, and if Brian's are able to come for Christmas, the house has to be ready for Michelle. It makes a lovely excuse and need for getting things done, doesn't it?

I hope to get back to this soon with progress of any kind to report!

Wonder of Wonders

2006-09-21T12:36:00.000-04:00

First, I am posting on this blog. I know, it has been a long time. There hasn't been much crafty stuff going on. Like, none. That will change, soon.

Second. How many times have I taken part in the FabShopHop? More than I can remember, off the top of my head. How many times have I won anything at it? Even though almost every time I have participated, I have gotten all the bunnies and have been eligible for all the prizes? That is easy---zero times. Never. Nunca. Not at all. Not once.

So, I did start out doing the July hop, found a bunch of bunnies, but finally had to give it a pass. There was too much going on. I couldn't spend enough time on the computer to hunt for all those little bunnies. I called it a day, and figured that was that. Till earlier this week, when I got an email about the prize winner list being up. I figured I would check it out, just for grins. There is always a chance someone I know might have won something. I decided check the Florida section of the list. Wow, there was someone in Melbourne! OH---IT'S ME!!! Can you believe it, I won a $10 gift certificate from The Quilted Dragon! Wow!

No, I Haven't Fallen Off the Face of the Earth!

2006-08-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

It just seems like it! Too much going on, and not enough crafty stuff happening. It will get better, right? It has to, right? Any time now though!

I really liked Jo's suggestion, and I will be adding photos of Meggie and Mickey to the sidebar. I just have to find photos that I really like first, that show them off properly--haha!

I did get some work done on one of the little socks. I got the stitches picked up and the gusset well under way. It is going along nicely, but I spent some time on it and then put it aside again. Oh well. It will get done, there is no rush.

I did pretty well finish reading the Ashford Book of Spinning, and really learned a lot from it. It is one of those books, that I know I will refer back to a lot.

Well, that will be enough for now, and I hope to have some good FO's and such to write about next time!

Title Change

2006-07-16T14:55:00.000-04:00

Yes, as you will have noticed, I have changed the title of this blog. I always have a hard time coming up with titles. I guess that doesn't bode well for me if I were to become an author--except that I hear that publishers often change the title the author has chosen. Anyway...... I have wanted to change this for a while, and hadn't thought of anything I liked. I thought of this the other day, thought it sounded okay, and Anne agreed it was not bad! Hurrah!

The content will remain the same. The blog will still deal with knitting, quilting, spinning, etc. It only seemed fair to mention Meggie and Mickey, since they are always so interested in these pursuits, having a great interest in anything having to do with fiber of any sort!

Just as an interesting tidbit of information, I have often considered changing the name of the other blog, currently listed as Sally's Stuff. Anne came up with a great title months ago---A Tale of Two Kitties. Two days later we saw a preview for the Garfield movie---A Tale of Two Kitties. Drats! She really did think of it before we ever saw/heard anything about the movie.

Nothing fibery done lately, except that I did open the bag with the quilting in it, and found that as I suspected, the last bit of quilting for Michelle hasn't been pinned into its quilt sandwich yet. It is in sandwich form and is sticking together quite nicely. I have to find a large enough empty space to do my pins, and then I can start quilting it. I want to wait till all the quilting is done before I start putting binding on any of them--might as well do all the sewing at one time, or at least have all ready to go at one time.

Slack, Slack, Slack

2006-07-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

What can I say? I finished the shawl. I took photos of the shawl. I don't know if I am "allowed" to post them yet, and it still sits here in the house, waiting for Anne to get it ready for the post office. I could do it, I guess, but I don't know if she has other items to go with it? I don't know the address? Not that I fault Anne in the least. She has so much on her plate right now, with all the final bits and dribs being worked out for her to go back to work. The trauma/delight of going back to work--the job isn't great, but it will be nice for her to get out of the house and actually see real people again. Other people to talk to---what a concept! Someone other than doctors and their staff people. What a switch that will be! Add to that she is still suffering from the sinus infection she has been taking antibiotics for. We are contemplating another trip to the doc's--these pills aren't working?

I still haven't finished my bobbins yet. I guess I have been sort of waiting for Anne to go back to work before I really start anything. Not really a good plan, is it? My fingers are starting to itch for crafty projects though, so that is a good thing. Best to wait till I really want to do something, rather than to push it, right?

I am thinking really hard about getting the alpaca fleece out of the plastic bags and into brown paper grocery bags. I have heard/read that this is the best storage material, as moths won't eat the paper (I hadn't known that) but will eat plastic. Wow. I am really going to get that done. I think I want to get some of those great Rubbermaid tubs with cedar worked in, for long term storage of wooly type things. Or maybe it is best to get more regular type ones and just put in some of the little cedar balls, etc? What do you think?

After seeing Anne's blog, and her comments about her new wooly fleecy stuff she got for her latest birthday pressie, I am going to encourage her to go ahead and paper bag the mass of scoured wool sitting on the table in the screened patio. Then she can go ahead and scour the new wool. We have to remember to order the carders I promised her for her birthday, too.

The quilt projects are starting to call a little louder, and I think I will be heeding the call quite soon. So many projects, so little time, and so many fun things to do. I really need more hours in the day, so I can do more of the fun things I love to do.

Take care and wish me luck at actually getting to work on something!

The Shawl....

2006-06-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

she is done! No photo, as I don't know if that is allowed yet. Not for us, you see. The ruffled edge was actually pretty easy and rather fun, although the fun part didn't really come till the binding off, at which time the ruffle actually showed. Till then, it was just increasingly unwieldy, with more and more stitches being formed and stuffed onto the circular needle! If there had been one more increase row, it wouldn't have stayed on the needle. It was a good thing the needle was bamboo, or it wouldn't have stayed on anyway!

Anyway, a good pattern, looks nice, was easy to knit, and the ruffle is actually quite fun and looks nice. A success, all the way around!

Now, I just need to get into the garage and get those bobbins finished, and de-smelled, and I can think about spinning again!

And I do still have little socks to finish. I have heard them softly calling to me, so I think they might be next on the list, although the quilted wall hangings and little quilt for Michelle are softly calling too, maybe a little louder? At least I am not so unfortunate as to have nothing to do. What a curse it must be, not to enjoy reading, or doing crafts (knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc, etc, etc). How horrible it must be to get no pleasure from life unless you are out roaming, looking for ways to get into trouble.

Okay, enough of the rant! I'll let you know which project called loudest and snagged my attention, so ...... tune in next time, same bat time, same bat channel!

Knitting Edging, Long Term Project

2006-06-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yep, the other day I got with it, and got the stitches picked up along the edges of the shawl. I have one and one-half rows left to do, then the bind off. It is quite a long job getting through one row, as the stitches are increased (doubled) most of the knit rows. I haven't had the courage to try to count the number of stitches now. I am glad this is the last increasing knit row that I am on right now, as the circular is about as packed with stitches as it can get, and I am just past the halfway point. I usually don't like to stop knitting mid-row, but I have no choice with this. I still don't like it, but sometimes you have to bow to practicality, which I have. I think I am getting close to that "2 hours to knit a row" thing that Jo mentioned not all that long ago! But, it has been fun, and it is almost done, and I am thinking about what I want to do next. Although actually, it will probably be those lone little socks that need to be finished up. They won't take long, though, and then I will have to seriously think about Christmas stockings.

Meanwhile, the quilting for Michelle still sits and waits, and I have to get at that. She is getting old enough, she will probably actually recognize Pooh and his friends, so she will be quite ready to have them on her walls. And now that she actually has a house and a room of her own again (well, her mommy and daddy have a house---hahah!).........

So, anyway, things are progressing and I have taken a break from reading again--except for my bit before bed each night, which I absolutely can not dispense with.

Oh, the bobbins haven't been finished yet, they are sitting and waiting patiently, and the tung oil is sitting in the garage, and the rain and humidity have kept me out of the garage, waiting for drier weather before attempting to get them done. It takes longer for these things to dry when it is really humid, so makes sense to wait a little bit, eh?!!!!

Bobbins!

2006-06-10T21:23:00.000-04:00

Voila! Bobbins and the Ashford Maintenance Kit! I pulled out one bobbin so you can see what they look like, the other 3 are exactly the same. The maintenance kit has everything one might need for the spinning wheel--new drive belt, springs, hooks, etc, and spinning wheel oil, with a nice long tiny spout! Hurrah!

The bobbins are unfinished, so Anne and I got tung oil at Walmart on Friday. Jim, from the Yarn Barn, recommended tung oil and various other similar products, for finishing the bobbins. The tung oil is pretty smelly, even through the can, so it is out in the garage and the bobbins will be dealt with out there, and left out there till dry (??), then I think I will move them to the screened porch in the back till the smell dissipates. It will be great to have them all finished and ready for use!

Not much going on. I enjoy looking at the bags of alpaca fleece. It will be so much fun to play with it! I have a feeling it will spin up really nicely. Hurrah!

Well, not much going on, so I will bring this to a close and write more another time. Oh, before I go, I finally got back to the lace, at least to the extent of "spit felting" (or in my case, "water from the sink" felting) the one end of the knitting to the yarn for the edging. I am letting it have a good drying period and hope to get the stitches picked up this evening or tomorrow. Hurrah!

Alpaca!

2006-06-08T12:35:00.000-04:00

This arrived in the mail on Friday! Three pounds of alpaca fleece, from Sacha, a male huacaya alpaca who lives in Washington State. Blanket cut--the good stuff. It is unbelievably soft. I took this picture the other day.

Today, I got smart, and opened the bag for a better photo! What we suspected looking at it through the bag is confirmed--the fleece is very clean with no visible veggie matter. A little dusty, but that is to be expected, as alpaca like to take dirt baths. Isn’t it gorgeous??!!

Another box arrived yesterday!

This is 2.5-3 pounds of alpaca fleece, from Fancy Dan, a male suri alpaca, who also lives in Washington State. It is also the blanket cut. I skipped the “through the bag photo” this time—haha! You might notice that it doesn’t look like there is nearly as much fleece there. The volume of fleece in the bag is much less than in the other bag, that is true. But, this one feels just as heavy. This fleece is much denser—the fiber is very long and silky. You will notice the different colors in this bag, Fancy Dan is a two-toned alpaca! Isn’t it beautiful???

Anne and I will be splitting the alpaca fleece. I will admit it is a little harder to do that, after having seen and touched this fleece, but a deal is a deal! And it is Anne, after all---who better to share with? It is raw fleece, so there will be cleaning to be done, although many sources say you really don’t have to scour this fleece. There is no lanolin in alpaca fleece, and all that needs to be washed out is any dirt, etc. I have read that some people actually like to spin first and then wash, for the added traction from the dirt. Whatever. I think the dirt/dust would be likely to bother my allergies, so I will wash it first!

I think I can safely say that Anne and I are both looking forward to working with these fleeces!

Blocking!

2006-06-01T16:33:00.000-04:00

Yes folks, we are blocking! We are home today. I know Anne would have loved to get out of the house, but we do have to go out tomorrow (her Dr. appt, final one with Greenspoon --actually Glatter the PA, but...). I was sort of on a roll with getting stuff done here at the house, and really needed a day of rest (haha, is it rest when you spend most of the day catching up on things?). We really didn't have a need to go out, and with gas prices the way they are now, sometimes not needing to go out is a good reason not to, right?

Anyway, after putting a load of wash in very first thing this morning (BEFORE COFFEE!), spending hours on the computer, doing more laundry, etc., I suggested to Anne that maybe we should go ahead and block the three projects waiting to be blocked. She agreed, thank goodness, and we got to it. I decided it would be just as easy to put a comforter on my bed and block on that. There is a fan overhead, to help with quick drying, and all would be well. I think it took us a good 45 minutes to get the items pinned, even with the great job Anne did on putting lines in. Oh well. Blocking wires are seeming more and more attractive. I guess they will move right on up the list of good things to buy.

Anyway, I then gave them all a good misting of water to thoroughly dampen them, and they are doing their thing. It wasn't nearly as tedious as it could have been, so I am happy! I will be glad to get my knitting project finished--it still has to have a ruffled edging added. Should be really cute when it is done.

On the spinning front, am checking info prior to buying more bobbins for the spinning wheel. Then we can both spin and not get in each other's way--as long as we don't want to spin at the same time--haha! Also, have ordered a stretchy drive belt, and a niddy noddy. Anne especially has sorely missed not having one. We also have a box of about 3 pounds of alpaca fleece on its way to us! Hurrah! One of my favorite quilt shops, in Washington State, is owned by a family that also runs a farm with alpaca, and Saturday was shearing day. I know Anne and I will have fun with the fleece!

Will post photos of the shawl, when it is done, and the alpaca fleece, when it arrives!

All Quiet on the Eastern Front.....

2006-05-26T12:37:00.000-04:00

On my end of things, anyway.

No knitting, although I have been thinking about it.

No spinning, although the wheel does call to me sometimes. However, since Anne has got the knack back, and has almost filled two bobbins, I think I will go ahead and order that second set of bobbins before I think about using the wheel. It looks like she will need all 4 of the ones we have! By the way, she only showed one bobbin on her blog, but she also totally filled another one too. The singles look great and she can be very proud of herself! She is doing great work!

No quilting, although I have been thinking really really hard about that. Sad to say, the Pooh Bear items for Michelle still aren't done yet. I really would like to get them finished and off to her soon after they have possession of the house. No sense in sending it before, since they are in temp quarters, but once they are moved in and have their things, it would be a good time to have the little wall hangings and quilt for Mitchie's room! So, I think it is more than past time to get the sewing machine oiled and cleaned up a bit (just easy stuff I can do), and get the binding sewed onto the items that are already set for that (2 of them!) and get the quilting done on the last little hanging. It won't take long, it is just getting set to do it. (Well, of course, I still have to cut the strips for the binding too, and sew them together, and press them, etc, before I can sew them on..... oh well.)

Anne has been busy dying wool again. She really has the bug. She is a much more energetic crafter than I am. She always has several (more than several?) projects on needles at one time, and often will work on two or three of them during a given day. She has been playing around with different dying methods for days now. And she has been spinning.

As much as I enjoy knitting and quilting, I obviously have a different crafting personality. I really prefer one knitting project at a time, although I can stand having two or three going. I do have several quilting projects in various stages of completion and that doesn't bother me a bit. Go figure? But, although I do find it all relaxing, etc, I really don't like to do any of it if there are a lot of other things going on. I guess I need peace and quiet to get started. A shame, as it makes it much harder to get started on new things, or even to work on already started things. Oh well. I guess we all have to accept our own way of doing things?

Knitting Hiatus

2006-05-21T12:10:00.000-04:00

Just for a bit, of course!

I finished the body of the shawl I have been knitting, finished it days ago. It is waiting to be blocked, before having its edging knit on. That means it is waiting on Anne. She knows how to put in string so we don't have to use a bazillion pins. She has not been greatly motivated to do that right now. She has been busy spinning on occasion (trying to recapture her spinning mojo--it is easier when you have a master spinner sitting right next to you. She is doing well though!) and knitting, and dying yarn, and all the other things she likes to do to occupy her time. But, it will get done! I think today might be the day!!!

Then I have the fun of picking up all those stitches and knitting the ruffled edging. I sure hope it doesn't take me as long as Jo's edging is taking! Heavens! I think there are only a few rows to knit on this edging, so it should be a relatively fast project. Photos later, once it is all done.

No socks. I took them to VA and MD, and never touched a needle while I was gone. I thought about it, but there was so much to see and do, that I didn't. They will get done eventually.....

I have to think about the stockings, the Christmas stockings, that really will get done this year! That will be the next project.......

Festival, Sunday

2006-05-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

Okay, time to move my brain back into the past and see what I can remember of the day, now that so much time has passed us by.

First off, the weather was clear but very chilly. I was outside first and grabbed my sweater from the car. Brrrr! I think it was in the 40's. But it was pretty clear and sunny, good news for festival going!

We were on the road and at the fairgrounds before 9 a.m. The parking area was not nearly as full as it had been on Saturday, and we got a spot right on the first row. I don't even pretend to understand how they decided to direct people to parking rows, but it worked out great for us! I guess looking back on it, a spot closer to the activities would have been even better, but this spot was easy to find again, and had super easy access out of the area, so it was great.

There were a lot fewer people there, so that made it much easier to see things, and get around in general. We stopped by and watched part of the Sheep to Shawl contest. I think there were 5 teams competing. The sheep had already been shorn, and the spinners and weavers were already at work. Each team had a shearer (who only sheared the sheep, and wasn't allowed to do anything else), 3 spinners, who also carded their wool, and one weaver. I did notice that the spinners didn't fuss about their yarn---some of the spinning was rather rough. There is a 3 hour limit for the whole contest though, so no time to be fussy. The wool was spun, and transfered from the spinning bobbin to the shuttle bobbin. It looked like the weavers already had a good foot or more of shawl woven already. We never did get a chance to check back again. When we got home, I check and found that the group from Mount Vernon (yes, in VA!) won the contest. Here are some pictures of them in action!

There were points given for costuming, and I am sure this group got the max on that. Some of the groups didn't seem to be in any special kind of dress or costume at all, and there was one group that was all dressed in red, white and black. It was very striking, and the wool they were working with was white and black.

We went through all the barns, I think. Some just had sheep and goats, although mostly sheep! Others, of course, were full of vendors, selling yarn, rovings, fleeces, and there were even vendors selling pottery, plants, photos of sheep, etc.! We saw some very interesting things, I must say!

Here is a woman trimming the fleece on the legs of a sheep. She was using hand shears. I wish they had come out better in the picture. I never noticed any electric shears the whole time we were there.

Here is a sheep in his coat. A good number of sheep were in coats, but many more weren't. Some people like to keep their sheep in coats, as it protects the wool, and also helps keep it cleaner and free of vegetable matter. They can often get a higher price for their fleece.

Here is a sheep, I don't remember what kind, but I can find out if anyone wants to know, as it is in the catalog. Notice that it has 5--yes, count them, five, horns. All his friends and family had 4, or two, and we might have seen one who had 3? But this guy had 5.

We think this woman was cleaning her sheep for a competition. We came out of a barn to hear and see the sight. The hose she is holding shoots out air, like a vacuum cleaner with the flow reversed. She was giving this critter a good going over, and happened to be on the rear section! You probably can't quite imagine just how funny it was. The sheep was pretty tolerant, but not really happy about it all, it seemed!

I have more photos, but really too many to show. If you want to see more later, let me know!

We finally went back to the big barn, the sight of so many spinning wheels, and off to the booth of the Yarn Barn people. Jim was not busy at all, and spent a lot of time with Anne. She is much more immediately hands on than I am, I prefer to watch a lot first. First she tried out the Ashford Traditional, which is a very nice looking wheel, I really like the looks of it. It was a double drive wheel. Jim told us a lot, and gave Anne lots and lots of practice time. He loves the double drive, but as he says, it isn't for everyone. You have to be able to go at its speed, and some people can't get in sync with it. Anne didn't find it as comfortable as the Lendrum she had tried on Saturday. Next she tried an Ashford Traveller. It was a single drive, double treadle--you use both feet to turn the wheel. This was a much better fit! Anne made real progress after the switch, and really liked it a lot. A good number of people stopped by and watched, and a number thought she was an experienced spinner, thanks to the great instruction she had from Jim! We learned a lot, probably at least as much as we would have learned from one or two spinning classes, and maybe more! As you already know, if you looked at the other blog and saw the saga of putting the wheel together----we got the Traveller. It is a nice little wheel, easy to move and transport, and looks pretty too! Can't ask for much more than that, right? And it doesn't take up a lot of space. Even better! Here is a picture of Anne and Jim, during part of the lesson.

We got the wheel bought, and headed for the car. It was only about 11.20 by the time we left the barn, but we had seen and done plenty and were ready to go. We liked getting a good early start for home. There were a lot of things we had hoped to be and didn't, but we saw more than enough to keep us happy! And we came home with a wheel, so what more could we ask for?!

Assembling the Wheel

2006-05-11T17:27:00.000-04:00

See Sally's Stuff, link in side bar, for photos and description!

Check back here tomorrow for Sunday at the festival!

MARYLAND!!!!!

2006-05-10T08:53:00.000-04:00

We arrived at the festival just a tick after 12 noon. Traffic wasn't badly backed up, but there was a bit of a line of cars going in. We turned onto Fairgrounds Road, which is absolutely "right there" and saw a huge sea of cars parked in the fields. Our thoughts at the time included, "wow!" and "how will we ever find our car again?" However, luck was on our side, and we got a spot right at one end, and had no trouble finding it when we were ready to go. Hurrah!

The fairgrounds are pretty spacious, with a good number of buildings, and a lot of vendor tents too. It was very overwhelming. As we first walked in, I really did think at that point that this might be a nice, "one-time deal" kind of thing. I got over it! There was so much to see, and of course, there was no hope of seeing all of it, by any means. So, we just relaxed and saw what we could.

So much yarn, so many beautiful colors, so many different kinds of yarn.

Some randoms shots of yarn! Anne is holding ---- hummm, looks like her cone of lace-weight yarn, and the bag of unprocessed wool she chose. Just a little one! It will be fun to play with, without the worry of having a whole fleece to deal with. The colors are interesting---I am sure she will blog about it later!

By the way, as you might be able to tell from the photos, the weather was lovely. It was sunny and comfortable. Not hot, but warm enough not to need a jacket.

There were spinning wheels, often masses of them in close quarters, at some of the various vendor booths!

Alpacas and llamas

Sheep....

and even angora bunnies!

We had a great time on Saturday. I quickly decided that I could see making future visits to the festival. People were really nice---they would often suggest another shop that had a better price listed for something you were looking at. The vendors were very helpful too! The colors were amazing. There really wasn't much smell at all, which we found amazing considering the number of animals there.

Anne had a chance to spin on a Lendrum Traveler, which she really liked. Some other festival visitor was spinning on it when we came up, but she had just goobered up the spinning, and had to go as her bus was about to leave. She turned it over to Anne. The man at the booth was busy, so she was trying to get it going on her own. A woman stopped by and offered assistance and advice. I saw she was wearing a name tag, and got a good look at it---it was Amy Clark Moore, the Editor of Spin-Off, the spinning magazine. She was extremely helpful! She also said this vendor was great---she knows the people and they have a great shop in Kansas. By the way, the vendor/shop is Yarn Barn

At the end of this very long barn that we were in, there was a spinning area set up, with a number of wheels and ladies spinning. They were happy to let people watch, and try spinning. I tried out two wheels. One I had trouble with, as the wheel had gotten unbalanced, and the winder kept going in reverse--mostly my fault, as I was having trouble getting the treadle going. They switched me to another wheel, which was a little bit better, although I still had the winder-in-reverse problem some of the time. The big thing was getting a chance to try out some wheels, and finding that I could actually spin pretty well on them, when I could get the winder going in the right direction!

I didn't buy much, leaving it to Anne to do most of the shopping. Mike had already brought up the subject of buying a wheel, and I didn't want to go overboard. I picked up some business cards and also made notes on the list of vendors, of places that had things I especially liked---there is always the opportunity to buy online later. There will be photos of the stash additions in another post!

We called it a day by 5 and had no trouble finding the car. We had no trouble getting out of the area either. Traffic control was well handled, with police directing traffic at the important intersections, and when coming into the parking area, Boy Scouts directing the cars. Really worked out well.

I guess this is more than long enough. I will leave Sunday's activities for tomorrow's blogging!

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

2006-05-08T19:05:00.000-04:00

Wow!
Awesome!
Huge!
Tons of sheep!
Tons of knitters!
Tons of yarn!
Tons of roving!
Tons of spinning wheels!
Tons of spinners!
Too much fun!
Finally home!
Too much to do!
Too much to tell!
More tomorrow!

Maryland????

2006-05-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

It looks like we will be able to go! Yes, to Maryland, to the sheep and wool festival!!! We have heard so much talk about it, and I know we will have a great time. Anne is really looking forward to it, even more than I am. We will be the slow-moving, often sitting ones! Can't get her worn out too badly, while she is still trying to recover from the mono. If it weren't for the amount that we can learn there, and that we can take our time and go slow---we will be so overwhelmed, and already know we won't be able to see it all---AND being able to combine the trip with a visit to sister-in-law (more like a sister though!!!!) Jo, I don't know that we would have bothered going. Anne really needs a break from things right now though, and she has been wanting to go for ages now. So, we will go.

Meanwhile, the lace progresses. I think I have about 26 inches of the required 30, so it is really coming along! Anne and I stopped at Joann's today and got more pins, just in case we need them for blocking. Anne feels confident about running a string through to block (for both her scarf she needs to block, and the shawl)and using few pins. We figured, extra pins never hurt--I use this kind of pin in quilting too, so always good to have more. I will let you know how it goes! I have faith in Anne, she will tame the unruly lace!

Pictures soon, once there are more finished things to photograph, or when we get back from Maryland! Hurrah, Maryland!

Slack, But I Have Been Knitting!

2006-04-28T11:06:00.000-04:00

I guess it is more than past time for a progress report?

Little sock has still been cast aside, in favor of working on the lace. Not that I don't like knitting little sock, or prefer lace. It is just that lace needs to be done sooner and there is no deadline at all for little sock. I am sure he will be patient!

The lace continues! I knit two days with no mistakes, and felt I was really on a roll. I did incautiously make comment on it, but was careful to knock on wood, etc. Alas, the wood knocking didn't work, and the very next time I knit on it, I made a mistake. However, I only had to tink a row or two, and was back on track. I do continue to put in a life line every eight rows, for safety's sake. Last time I checked, I had about 18 inches of the 30 inches required by the pattern. That was several knitting sessions ago, so perhaps I am as far as 2/3's done by now? Or even further? Neglecting to consider that it gets wider and wider, being knit from the bottom up, and it is a triangle. Oh well. The pattern is so easy though, it isn't a chore at all that it gets wider and wider, and more and more stitches. There will be a photo here at some point.

I learned a new skill! I am sure this is actually small peanuts to the rest of you, but it was big for me! I am finally nearing the end of the one ball of yarn involved in lace production. Last night I finally reached the point of having to join yarn. Anne had told me about felt joining, and I had noticed that her new book, Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle, had directions on how to do a felted join. I did it, it worked! I hope it is still working. I gave it some good tugs, as directed, and it held. I put it all aside last night, to let it dry. Not that it was really wet---it was just a little damp. But, I didn't want to mess anything up, and I really had sort of had enough knitting for the night anyway!

No spinning going on, although I would be jealous of Franklin and his lovely green yarn, if I were inclined to be jealous. I look forward to having ---some day----calm, peaceful days, with plenty of time for spinning, knitting, quilting, etc. Right! I do hope some day to have lots and lots of pretty handspun yarn to show though! Some day......

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back....

2006-04-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

That is what this knitting of lace feels like. I guess that isn't uncommon? Or am I just a freak? It is such a simple pattern, and I actually do try to pay attention to what I am doing. I still make mistakes. I usually find that out while doing a pattern row, as I get close to the end and find I have an uneven number of stitches left. Oh dear. I do continue to put in life lines every 8 rows. I have only had to use one life line, and I think I was only about 3 rows past it when I had to use it. So, that wasn't so bad. Since then, I can usually correct things by tinking a row or two. I have never tinked as much in my life as I have tinked with this project. Not even while tinking for Anne! Just teasing!

Anyway, it is coming along, and I really am making more progress than I am tinking out! I am still enjoying the process, and I might even attempt a more difficult pattern sometime? It will definitely have to be a time when there is very little going on in our world---Anne will have to be healthy and we will have to be confident that she will continue in that state for an extended period of time, etc. I have been taking a break from the little sock, since I want to get this lace project finished for Anne. I am channeling her, you know. I am definitely trying to keep after it and make progress on it each day.

No spinning in a while, but it is a temporary lapse. I will be back to it before too long---after the lace for sure!

Pictures sometime soon, but not today......

Knitting Lace

2006-04-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

It is not quite my usual trend, but I have 3 works in progress. This is knitting, I am talking about, of course. As far as quilting goes, works in progress are always in multiples, aren't they? Despite ones best efforts? Oh dear.

If you want the funny take on the knitting of lace ala Sally, go see Anne's Wrapped in Chains blog----link in sidebar!

I am actually quite enjoying it! The knitting of lace, I mean. Once you get over the looseness, and the messy look, it is rather fun. I don't try to knit it while there is something on the TV that I really want to see. Even though it is an easy pattern, it takes a bit more attention than that. I try to count the stitches as I complete each row, or at least every other row, to make sure I still have an even number, since that seems to be the big thing with this pattern. Fortunately, I quite often catch mistakes as I am making them, and that is a huge help!

Little sock update--it is progressing! I had finished the heel flap and had just turned the heel when Anne asked me to do the lace knitting for her. I was happy to put little sock aside and oblige her---she really doesn't ask for too much! I have everything set for picking up the gusset stitches on little sock, and when the mood strikes that can be done. Then I will be in my brief DPN stage of sock knitting. Is it weird to use circs for all but that part of the sock? I don't like using DPN's in general, but don't want to do the gusset section with circs. Go figure?

Anne's wrist warmer--which it turns out she wanted as an arm warmer, so I wasn't nearly as close to done as I thought I was--is progressing slowly. Oh well! The smell of the yarn bothers me, but fortunately there is a window of time I can knit it. For some reason, it takes a little while for the smell of the yarn to come to my notice, and even then, I have a little bit of time before it starts to bother me. So, it is handy to work on when I have just a little bit of time! It is getting there!

No spinning for a while, but I haven't given up on it. Jo let me know that Knitty had some articles on spinning, and I enjoyed reading those! I liked the one about spindles, and had to go to the site I bought mine from to find out how heavy it is. Wouldn't you know, I have a 3 oz spindle, for spinning thicker yarn. Which leads me to wonder, as I think my singles are probably a bit thinner than I should be able to get on it. Which confirms (I think?) my thought that I have way more twist than I should in my singles? Oh well...... I can already see a collection of spindles in my future, of different weights, and whatever. I do hope to soon be at a calmer stage of existence and be able to spend that 15 minutes a day spinning, that is supposed to make the difference! I am looking forward to it!

Knitting Again!

2006-04-09T14:22:00.001-04:00

Well, this isn't actually the first knitting since the knitting olympics, as Anne had handed me some of the bulky wool-ease and asked me to knit in rib till it was about 6 inches long. I have a good bit of that done, but had rather given it up for a few days because the smell of the yarn was giving me headaches. I really must get it done though. I think she said it was a handwarmer, and I think she was working on one too---this was all begun pre-op on the wrist. The idea was to help keep the little wrists warm on cooler days, while the arm was/is bandaged, casted, whatevered.

I got back to work on the little socks last evening, so that is my real official end to my knitting draught. I got the cast on stitches joined properly this time, and got a good bit done, while "watching" tv---I am almost half done with the heel flap. Another good bout of knitting time will finish the little dickens! These little socks are so easy to knit and take so little time. I am really glad I got back to it. It does make me wonder why it took me so long to get back to it. I guess it does show that I really do hate to do any craft on demand (as in, with any kind of deadline, as in the knitting olympics), even if it is self-imposed. I am not sure why I am that way, it is a real hinderance sometimes. The only time I haven't had a problem with this was when I knit Anne's blankie, but then I didn't initially have a time at which it needed to be done (that was supplied later on), so maybe that made the difference?

Time to go read the paper, and then I will have some knitting time!

Knitting, Not

2006-04-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

This has been a lost week as far as knitting goes. And spinning. I had such high hopes for getting a lot of spinning practice done this week, and it just didn't happen. I have high hopes for next week though. I know I can't expect Franklin to kindly leave a comment to spur me on. I do still go back and look at the one he did leave now and then though!

Anne is so anxious to get a spinning wheel, I think she can taste it. I expect she will be checking eBay often, looking for superb deals. I have to admit, I think I would really love to have one too. A nice simple one, classic design, clean lines, not too fussy, etc. They are definitely out there. There are so many designs for spinning wheels, it could make your head spin. Really! I have to admit, I am not in love with the quite modern ones, that don't look like spinning wheels. Many of those have the advantage of really clean lines, and a lot of portability, but they just don't appeal to me. Go figure.

I found my modified pattern for the little socks and got it all written out in usable form the day before Anne's surgery. I had hoped to work on one of them while waiting, as it would definitely have been something I could do while she was still waiting to go back, etc. I got one cast on, but forgot how I had connected the round last time, and so connected it wrong. I then found that I was knitting it from the inside, and I tried to turn it right side out too soon. I decided it was not meant to be, tinked it back to the cast on, and put it aside. I hope to get back to it this weekend!

I was amazed that they had two of the surgical interns (residents?) knitting on Grey's Anatomy last Sunday. One was doing it well, the other not so well. But they were knitting! Hurrah!

I hope to have photos showing little sock progress soon, and more spinning progress. Jo has been corrupting me with more and more web sites that sell fiber, etc. It is possible to get spinning work or even sell one's work on eBay, etc, so perhaps it might become a cottage industry for us one of these days?

Slow Weekend

2006-04-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

That was the name of the game. After actually getting things done--space for the bookcases, etc---I didn't actually get much of anything done during the weekend. I did think about spinning, but not hard enough to actually do any--especially since I would have had an observer. I found a copy of Spin Off magazine this past week, and I read a good bit of it. There was a very interesting article about teaching spinning. It was written by a woman who teaches it, and one of her students had been asked to teach a class. Part of the article dealt with her advice to the student. It was almost daunting to read this. The class wasn't to be taught till 5 months in the future, which the author thought was enough time for the student to prepare. She recommended spinning an hour a day in preparation. An hour a day! I imagine that once one is really in the spin (sorry), an hour a day is no big deal, and probably something one would do anyway. I guess part of my thought was.....how much fiber/rovings/stuff would you have to have to be able to spin for an hour, every day, for 5 months??? The mind boggles. I hope they have an inexpensive source for fiber, and I wouldn't mind if they would give a hint or two!

The magazine was quite interesting and I was glad I got it. I still have articles to read---I like to spread it out (the same applies with quilting magazines). It is no fun to read it all the way through right at the beginning. I like to take my time! It was amazing to see the number of ads for places that sell spinning wheels, and all things to do with spinning. It is definitely not a dying art any longer. The number of wheel designs are amazing too. It is possible to spend an immense amount of money on spinning, but it also sounds like spinners get an immense amount out of spinning, too. I know I always get a bit of a thrill seeing handspun yarn on blogs. It is so inspiring!

On the other hand......Anne and I saw some "yarn" at Joann's last week. We hadn't been in there in ages, and Anne needed to look for some needles---yes, there are actually some sizes she doesn't have yet! This yarn was 100% wool, a manufactured thick and thin type yarn. The thick was amazingly thick, more than 4-5 times thicker than anything Anne or I have spun. The thin was so very thin in comparison. And they wanted $9.95 or something like that, for it. With a little bit of effort, any beginning spinner could spin that roughly. I don't know that they would want to, but they might be able to! I guess it just goes to show that there is a market for almost any kind of yarn.

Anyway, talking about spinning has gotten me energized to do some more! In any case, I will definitely try not to go as long without spinning as I did this last time. Regular practice seems to be the key, and I really do want to master this!

I still haven't cast on those second socks, but I am gettng closer to it. I actually thought about it several times this weekend. Anne brought me some yarn and a circular last evening and asked me to start something for her. I have no idea what it is, but it is close to half done! I put it aside when I found a knot. I untied it just as I thought, "oh crap, I bet they tied two pieces together", and found that was exactly the case. I want to see what she wants me to do with it---I put the ends together and knit double for a tiny bit, but thought she might like a different solution better so will wait and see what she thinks before I knit any more.

Well, I think I will go spin for a bit, or maybe cast on those socks!

Finishing

2006-03-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

This has been an exciting morning. Well, not morning any longer, but it was an exciting morning. It doesn't get much more exciting than to find a comment from Franklin on your blog. I figure it must be like getting a letter from your favorite movie star or favorite dignitary, only better!!! Wow!

I have been meaning to get back to the spinning, and how could I possibly not, after that? However, I decided that I really should finish up the little hat that I knit during Anne's after surgery PT first. It was still on the circular needle, which I hadn't realized till last night, when Anne was looking for some size 8 needles. The little hat was further exposed when Anne wanted something to put the kitty pi bed on to dry, and we discovered that the brass container that I keep the week's newspapers in was just the right size. So, I decided it was way past time to finish this little hat. Here it is!

It is just a little hat, sized for a small child. Oh drats, I will go ahead and put up another photo. I had thought that putting a skein of sock yarn next to it would help give some idea of the size of the hat, but the photos I took then didn't come out as well as I would have liked. Here we go...

Anyway, the hat came out pretty nicely, and will keep some random child's head warm some winter.

After completing that finishing work, I decided I was clear to spin. I found that I had used all the short bit of roving Anne had initially given me from the big bag. All except a little bit that had been spun and I had been unspinning so it could be redone. I didn't really like the way it looked for actually spinning, and decided to use it for a future leader or something.

That meant I got to start in on the much longer hunk of roving that Anne had ripped off for me. I just realized I should have taken a photo. Oh well.... I followed the teachings of the I Can Spin video. I cracked it like a whip. From both ends, since it was so long. Little tiny pieces of fiber flew through the air. No, it wasn't as bad as that sounds! Just a little fiber here and there. Then, I divided it down the middle lengthwise, and did the same again with one half. Then I divided off one little section. I once again followed the teachings, and went down the length, gently pulling section by section, and seeing and feeling the fibers slide along each other. So, I was set, right????

I got it connected to the last spun bit, after thinning and respinning most of the long end that was left on the spindle. That process was not encouraging, as I think too much time had passed, and it all seemed so uneven and fat. I found that it did go some better with the new longer hunk of roving. I still have a lot of difficulty getting it to draft and flow nicely. I also have trouble getting the spindle spinning well enough so that it will actually spin long enough for me to get anything done! I do have the height problems too, with being 5'2". My spindle seems to love going in reverse. But, I feel that things will work out eventually. I haven't lost faith! Without further ado, here is what it looks like now.

My beginning yarn will definitely be kept rather than used. I hope it doesn't take too much longer to reach that "got it" level!

Spinning Along Slowly

2006-03-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

I still don't have it yet. That is the bottom line. However, I have not spent enough time, especially in one stretch, to have really had time to "get it" I don't think. So, the process continues.

I did go back and looked at almost every video and read almost all the text from the different choices at I Can Spin. I really thought that would help a lot, and it did in theory. I think I understand more now. It didn't help in practice yet! I guess it might have helped that I tried spinning again yesterday---and although it didn't go as well as I hoped it would, I think I have a better understanding now of why it didn't. I can't seem to get the fiber to sort of flow, as it seems to for the various spinners I have seen online. I did much more preparation yesterday, to get the fiber ready, but I am sure it still isn't enough. I think I will be much better prepared now, for the next time! It is all part of the learning experience, and I will get it eventually!

Here is a photo of my spindle, with the total accumulated results of my spinning efforts to date.

Here is a closer shot of it:

Sorry the photo isn't any clearer, but I think you can get a good idea of what it is looking like. The light really reflects off the singles, and makes it hard to get a good shot of it.

That is how it stands. I am not discouraged, although I will be really glad when I finally get it all sorted out properly and can spin consistently!

Spinning Photos

2006-03-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well, that is rather a teaser of a title, no? I have taken photos. I will post photos. Even though my spinning is typical beginner spinning. Maybe not as bad as some, maybe way worse than some? I have little actual visual experience to go by. In the long run, it doesn't matter, eh? Beginner single is just that, right? It is all part of the learning process.

This is what my spindle looked like when I posted last. The biggest bumps are where the leader is tied onto the shaft, and where the end of the leader is looped and knotted so that the single could be attached. It is not at all unobtrusive! I think part of the problem is that I started spinning the leader with way too much roving fiber. Oh well, it serves the purpose, and that is the big thing, right?

This is what it looks like today. The only differences between this photo and the last one are: I re-wound the single on the spindle, and I cut off (very very gently!) the halo I mentioned before. That little halo of fiber that could easily be moved up and down the length of the single. I carefully, so as not to lose the twist, unwound the single, winding it onto my hand. When I got to it, I snipped off the halo, and I am glad I did! Once I had the shaft above the whorl clear, I started rewinding onto the shaft. I had read somewhere, I don't remember now exactly where, how to wind the single onto the shaft for optimal space and balance. I will probably do better with this part too, with more experience, but I think it is immensely better than it was, so I am happy with it. I have a lot more space now too! I do find that the end really does lose its twist and fuzzes out, so I do a half hitch near the top of the shaft, and then wind the fiber around the hook. One more picture!

Here is a close-up! It really doesn't look all that bad, I don't think???? As mentioned, the very fuzzy bump at the bottom is the beginning end of the leader, and the fuzzy bump about half way up is the other end of the leader and the joining with the single. I do feel confident that I will actually be a "spinner" some day!

Spinning Along

2006-03-21T15:56:00.000-05:00

I finally made (as in "purposefully took the time") another chance to spin. After the good luck I had with relatively smooth spinning on the leader, all went to h*** in a handbasket. Oh, it isn't really that bad, I don't think? But, not nearly as good as I would have hoped. I still haven't done nearly enough for it all to click, and I am sure that is part of the problem.

I really like the low whorl spindle, but I do like the mechanics of the high whorl spindle better, at least in theory. At least as far as the leader situation and the winding on of the spun singles goes. That long leader is the problem. Well, not really a problem, I guess, but it makes it a tad bit more difficult for the beginner? No photos today, but I will try to put one or more up tomorrow. Then you will see what I mean, perhaps?

I do find that drafting is hard. I expected that, but after reading so much about it, I had hoped it wouldn't be as hard? But it is hard. I also feel that I tend to get too much twist into my singles, and I really have to re-read Spin It again, as she addresses that problem, and I think she also talks about how to know if it is too tight or not tight enough.

For the most part, I think my spinning for the day tended to be thinner than I wanted, and a bit bumpier! One of the bumps was caused when trying to smooth a bump---I ended up with a little halo of fiber that can be moved up and down the length of my singles, but does not wish to be removed. I would have to cut it off.

I imagine next on my list too, is to do more looking around online. I wish I had found a little bit more info on all the beginning things. Even when you have a leader, it isn't always clear, from site to site, whether you just spin onto the end of the leader (which is sometimes what it seems like) or if you loop it through, and then have to cut it off when you have finished winding it onto a bobbin or whatever. Or just what you do at some of these points of the process. I guess it is this kind of thing that is made easier by working with an experienced spinner. On the other hand, I am willing to bet that there are almost as many ways and views as there are spinners. I don't imagine all those ancient and not as ancient spinners worried greatly about it, they were happy to have yarn/thread for weaving, knitting, etc. and knowing that clothing would be the end result. Maybe I should worry less about this kind of thing and more about just enjoying the process and looking forward to the day when it all clicks and "life is good!" Not that it isn't already, but in my spinning world, it isn't there yet!!!!

That is it for the day. I have been busy around the house. I got Mike's cave cleared so the new bookcase can go in when it finally arrives. Have also been working on laundry, balancing the check book, etc. It has been a good "putter around the house" day.

Jo---I sent an email to your regular email addy. It was good getting your email from the folks email address! Sounds like you all are having a good time and getting a lot done!!!

Follow The Leader....

2006-03-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

Success, with some help from Anne!

I did, bravely but with some hesitation, give the spinning a bit of a go in the family room, where Anne could see me. Well, I did start out in the computer room, hidden away, but switched rooms. I did try out her spindle, and I actually don't find it easier, and in fact, I think I find it harder to use. I don't know if I had already become accustomed to mine, in the tiny bit of time I have spent with it, or what. Anyway.....

I went back to my spindle, and got to work on spinning a bit of singles long enough to use for the leader. I had made a similar attempt on Anne's spindle, but it was awkward, and the result was not long enough---I stopped too soon. I managed a long enough bit of spun wool, and got Anne to hold an end for me so the twist didn't come out. I got the one end tied to the spindle and got it wound around the shaft as required. I decided that was my goal for the day and it was sufficient! That means I didn't feel up to spinning any more in front of Anne--I know she is good about not snickering at me, but I didn't want to risk it!

So, here is the spindle with the leader on. The knotted end is quite fat and fuzzy, as it fluffed once the twist was able to relax a bit. And the other end, through the hook, is fluffed out too, since it isn't being held by anything. I need to make a loop in it for attaching fiber for spinning.

I don't know if I will actually get any spinning done today, but I am all set if I decide to. I am talking to Brian on IM right now, and that might take a while!

I guess that is all on the quilting/knitting/spinning front, so I will go for now. I think I will blog on Sally's Stuff too, so go take a look!

Edited to add: oops, that photo is a bit bright. Sorry about that. I am afraid you can't really see the leader that well, too much light there. I hope to have bette pix soon.

Okay, I Bit

2006-03-17T12:48:00.000-05:00

What kind of knitting needles are you?

You are "turbo" charged.Fast moving and classy, you get things done with power and grace. Your expensive tastes can be deceiving, since what you really value is quality and efficiency. As you're careening around those corners in life, finishing a dozen knitted objects each month, stop and smell the roses. Don't miss the beauty of process!
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Well, I am not sure how that came out, especially about all the knitting projects each month. Cute quiz though. Anne had it on her blog and I tried it out.

I had to run to the post office today, after getting a box ready, birthday cards ready to mail, etc. I haven't spun yet, but I may still get to it? I do have the rovings and both spindles in here with me, but it is also getting late. I may just address the leader issue, and save any other attempts for later today or maybe over the weekend---I guess I will wait and see what happens. I really am not procrastinating or avoiding, some things really did have to be done. Meanwhile, my brain continues to analyse the spinning process, and that can't hurt, right?

Slow Going

2006-03-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

The spindle arrived in the mail yesterday! I think I already told you that?

Back up to earlier in the day yesterday. I asked Anne about her spindle, the one I could not find to photograph along with the rovings she ordered. It actually was on the sofa, and I just missed it when I looked. I tend to forget how little it is, it makes it easy to get lost among things. Oh well.....

Her's is a top whorl spindle, and mine is a bottom whorl. We will see how it goes.

This is my spidle (laying on its side)! I will like it a lot more once I can actually use it properly. It is unfinished---I don't think they have to be finished? I am not sure about it. I don't think Anne's is finished, but it does have a certain patina from use.

Here are the two spindles together. You can sure see the difference in sizes. The red yarn on Anne's is her leader, which you attach the fiber to so you can start spinning. I am having a little bit of difficulty getting started along that line. The Spin It book suggests hooking some fiber, spinning a bit, and then take it and wind it around the shaft of the spindle, and then snake it up the shaft and through the hook. I have sort of managed a couple of times, but didn't really like the way that worked, it didn't seem secure enough. The online directions at Joy of Spinning, where I ordered my spindle from, says to make a leader by tying on some yarn, and shows how to tie it to the shaft, take it down below the whorl and wind it around that part of the shaft, and bring it back up, etc. It looks like a really good method. My problem is getting a long enough single spun, and keeping it spun long enough to do all that! I have tried, and although the spinning of the 18 inches recommended isn't a problem, keeping the spin in it to do all the rest is! Maybe it doesn't matter if the spin partially/mostly comes out of it? But I think that weakens it, and that it would make a difference. So, I am still playing with it. Anne did empty out her spindle again yesterday, after deciding to spin, and said I could try hers too, and see how I like it. It might be easier to start learning on the high whorl instead of the low whorl?

I had planned to spend some time working on it all this morning, and that didn't happen. I made a trip to the base today, had to make Anne's insurance payment, and pick up a few things at the commissary. Glad I did, strawberries were down to 59 cents a pound. I will definitely make some freezer jam, got the pectin today too.

Anyway....I have checked some more sites, have watched some more video on spinning, and I hope that once I get the leader situation under control, things might go a little easier. I did really think, I guess, that I had a very good handle on it all, after watching some online video before hand, reading the book, etc. I imagine I had this idea that I had it all in mind, under control, and that it was going to be so much easier than it actually is. That wasn't very realistic, was it??!! I don't think I am going to get around to trying today, but I plan to give it a good go tomorrow, while everyone else is either out of the house or asleep! This is definitely not something to do with an audience, even a kind one--I get too self- conscious.

Check back tomorrow!

A Gentle Teaser.....

2006-03-15T11:03:00.000-05:00

No, this isn't my stuff--it is Anne's latest ball of singles and the rovings she ordered---I get a share of them of course!!!! The hunk of darker red rovings in the front is the sole unspun remainder of the rovings her friend sent her. This is the hunk of roving that went walk-about, that she finally found hidden on the sofa! And the only reason you don't also see her spindle is....I couldn't find it! It normally lives in the family room, in a box that the "rovings from her friend" lived in. Hunk of roving in box, spindle not. I checked under her stash of stuff on the sofa, I looked on the floor, I looked under the bags of rovings pictured above. Could I find her spindle? No! Surely she isn't hiding it from me? She did offer to let me use it, and I did assure her I would wait. All I wanted was to photograph it. Maybe she has hidden it in her bed, to protect it? Just in case I have changed my mind, now that my book has arrived? I will have to wait till she is up to get the answers to this and other life altering questions!

Oh, would you like another, closer photo, of the lovely rovings? Yes? Okay, here we go!

Pretty, no? I hope my spindle arrives today!! I am thinking of re-reading the book, and maybe giving the "spinning with just the hand" a try. Just to try it out. We will see........ Check back here, I will keep you posted!

The Book Arrived!!!!

2006-03-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yes folks, the book arrived before the spindle! Hurrah! I have read it cover to cover, not that it is a huge feat, as the book has only 32 pages. But, they are packed full of info on dealing with fleece--washing, carding, etc, but most importantly, all the important bits about spinning! I can even do some beginning stuff now if I want, as she first shows how to spin using just your hands and the rovings, and then with a hooked stick (made with wire hanger!). We will see. Oh, by the way, the title of the book? It is Spin It, Making Yarn from Scratch by Lee Raven. Packed full of information! I am sure I will read it again and again before actually trying anything. Now the spindle can come, and I will be really happy! haha. Once I do get started, I will try to record my experiences and progress here, as I did with the Olympic socks.

Well, I had best go, as the bug guy is due any time now, and I don't want to miss the knocking at the door! More later!

It's On Its Way!

2006-03-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

My spindle has been shipped! I got the email about it today. Hurrah! It will be fun to try it out. Now, if the book will just arrive before the spindle, or the same day, or not long after, if it has to be that late!

I looked at the hand spinning on a spindle videos on the Joy of Handspinning site click here, and she makes it look so easy. I know it won't be that easy, but it was good to see the videos. I am sure I will be checking them again before actually trying any spinning. By the way, if you go to the site, read about the gal who does it. Really awesome.

I am catching up on newspapers today, and doing some laundry, so no casting on yet. Maybe later? This looks like a really bad week for television, so I do have a feeling that I really will get back to the knitting!

Go see Jo's sock if you haven't already, the link is in the side bar! So cute!

Oh Dear....

2006-03-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

I have been so slack. No knitting started. The fingers are itching a bit, so I guess I will get started soon. There has just been too much going on. There was the fridge, which took up hours of time. Throwing away thawed things from the freezer, perishables from the fridge, carting it all out to the garbage cans in the garage, it all seemed endless. I had to put out both garbage cans, both full, for the garbage pick-up on Friday. Still, it was a really good exercise in clearing out both the freezer and fridge, and getting rid of things that probably should have been gotten rid of ages ago. How is that for the optomist's outlook?

Then there were 3 doc appts for Anne this week. It just worked out that way. At least the eyes are good. You have probably already read on Sally's Stuff that she will have surgery on her wrist in April. She is still recovering from the mono, and the nurse-practitioner has ordered a new ultrasound and new blood work to be done the middle of April, to see how things are going, and will see Anne again in May. She is feeling a little better, but still has a ways to go.

Is it any wonder that I haven't cast on yet? I know, I know, some people do crafty things as destressers. And I get that. I think I just have trouble starting things when there is too much going on. If they were already cast on, that would be fine. I could just knit away and that would be fine. Or, if the bindings were already cut and machine stitched on the little quilted bits for Michelle's room, it would be the same thing, I could sit and do the hand-stitching to finish them up. But, the fabric for the bindings still sits on the ironing board, in the dining room, mocking me. It is much easier to just pick up a book and read, and that is what I have been doing. Oh well!

I have moved beyond inertia, however, and ordered a drop spindle earlier this week! Hurrah! I can hardly wait till it comes! Anne has been spinning, and keeps improving. Her good spinning friend tells her to enjoy these days of thicker spun yarn, as it will be harder to achieve once she is in the groove and her yarn is thinner. She has been working on the un-dyed rovings that came this week, and her yarn is looking nice! She has kindly offered me the use of her spindle, to give it a try. More than once. I really don't want to mess up her spinning though. I am not quite ready to give it a try yet. I really want to read the spinning book I ordered from Amazon, which should arrive next week. I like to read first and know what I am getting into before I actually try it. I know, there are plenty of places online to read about it. And I probably will check them out. But I also like something that I can sit in my chair and read, can easily refer to when I am trying it out, etc. I think I will have a couple of weeks at least before the spindle comes, so there will be plenty of time to read up on it before I am able to give it a try.

Maybe those little socks will get cast on and knit soon after all!

As Promised

2006-03-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

I was taking pix anyway, so I got out the things I knit while Anne was doing physical therapy after her surgery. The ends aren't woven in yet on the blanket, and I forgot that I hadn't finished up the one little hat (solid navy) yet. The knitting is all done, although the final stitches are still on the needle. It has to be sewn up the back and the top closed. So, almost done. The bigger hat is a slightly modified version of the quick hat that the Yarn Harlot had on her blog before Christmas. It is made long enough to cuff, which I did--cuff it, that is! The smaller hat is an even more modified and smaller version of the same pattern. I will take another photo when it is totally done!

No new knitting going on, although I feel some coming on soon. I am debating whether I should press on with the socks, try out some of Grandma's slippers, or work on some fingerless handwarmer mitts, as CIC has a challenge going on and they hope to have 150 pairs by sometime in April.

I do have something fun to write about though! Tiny, tiny circulars! Size 1 (US), 12 inch! Cute as the dickens! I worried about how short they looked when I first took them out of their envelopes, till I remembered I would be doing the 2 circular method! In any case, now I know I will be able to knit socks, with sock yarn, without fear of ladders or loose stitches at the junctions from dpns. (Not that I have left ladders, etc, but I do really like the 2 circular method better than the dpns!) Hurrah! I think they show up better on the table so I photographed them there. Be sure to click on the photos so you can see the enlarged versions!

I guess I should have put something to show the size, but I didn't think of it. They are 12 inches (total length), so that will give you some idea! I think they will be really fun to knit with.

Olympic Knitting, Revisited

2006-03-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Edited to add: I meant to first and foremost, thank Franklin for the lovely and totally fitting gold medal he designed. How appropriate to use a classic Greek design and adapt it to the knitting motif! Having lived in Greece for 3 years, I especially appreciated his inclusion of the Olympic's "roots."

I realized this morning that I never did post a photo of all the socks I completed during the Knitting Olympics! So, I am here to remedy that slight error. I do have the excuse of jury duty, right? Two long days at the Court House makes it hard to keep up with the other chores and joys of life! Anyway, without further ado, here they are!

I am really pleased. Especially since I wasn't at all sure I could complete one sock, let lone a pair, or even more. My only regret is that I spent so much time trying to master the short row heel, rather than continuing to knit what I already knew from my first sock--the heel flap. I am sure I could have completed at least another pair or two. I do still have to knit the mates for the little socks, but I hope to get that started this weekend.

I have a feeling there will still be enough of the yellow yarn to knit more little socks (after mating the shown little socks), and I have the green kool-aid dyed yarn Anne gave me to knit up into little socks too. After reading on the CIC site that most often the socks are worn indoors, without shoes, I realized that knit slippers really are of value to them too. I think I will knit up some slippers from the slipper pattern my grandmother used to make.

I still have to weave in ends, photograph, and show you all the things I knit while Anne was doing the pt for her neuropathy after her surgery. I knit a baby blanket, and two hats. Look for them soon.

Two Little Un-paired Socks

2006-02-28T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here they are, Sock One and Sock Two. Oh dear, that sounds like something from Dr. Seuss! I guess they could be called Rib One and Rib Two! I will be taking just a very small break from knitting, since I don't totally live and breath knitting --gasp!--and since there is the jury duty thing this week. But, once things calm down again, I will get the mates to Sock One and Sock Two knit. I really like the little socks, they are cute, quick to knit, even fun! Who would have thought? I am so glad that Stephanie proposed the Knitting Olympics and that Anne and Jo gently talked me into joining in! Having knit 4 socks now, I really don't understand what all the sock fuss is about. Although I did suffer from the same fear of socks that so many knitters also seem to have. I think anyone who tried and failed to knit a sock just chose the wrong pattern. I can understand why some people might not enjoy knitting socks, but I no longer worry that they are hard to knit. (Of course not, since I have knit 4 of them now!) It will be nice to have cute little socks on needles, in progress and always ready and willing to be picked up and worked on as time and inclination allows.

There is the side benefit that I will feel up to the challenge of knitting the Christmas stockings for Christine and Michelle, that I have slackly put off for so long. That will be my next big project, to get those knit and have them ready for this Christmas! I am just so glad that Christine has been so understanding about the delay--what with the retirement, the big move, hurricanes, pituitary tumors, etc. Heavens, what a strange 2-3 years we have had.

Two Little Socks

2006-02-27T20:01:00.000-05:00

No photos, so picture two little socks, like the one shown the other day. Except....one has a knit 1, purl 1 rib top, and the other has a knit 2, purl 2 big top!!! They aren't a pair, but will ensure that I knit two more little socks!

The deal was, they were started from different patterns, and I forgot, briefly, when I thought they would end up being a pair. Not a problem, and in any case, they are both completed, so I am happy. I managed to knit 4 socks during the knitting olympics, which is way better than the one that I hoped and planned for. Hurrah!

Little Sock One and Little Sock Two are identical except for the ribbing, so I know I will be able to recreate each one again, so that they will both be paired. They are so cute! They are way too little for the sock model to model for photos. I am too tired to photograph them, and I want to be off the computer in about 2 seconds--boy am I ever tired, after a day at court. So, maybe check tomorrow for some pix, and hurrah for the knitting olympics, and Steph, who despite insurmountable odds, did manage to complete her totally awesome sweater!

First Little Sock Done!

2006-02-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I finished Little Sock One. Well, I guess he is really Little Sock Two, as LS One is the one with the heel problem? Anyway, LS Two is done! I finished him last night, and would have gotten back to work on LS One, but the Olympics are on, and exciting things were happening, like speed skating, etc. So, I had to watch, right? Anyway, here he is!

Humm, can't tell what size he is, can you? Well, here is a pic of him with one of the Olympic socks, for comparison!

Quite a difference, eh? I hadn't realized how much till I put them next to each other.

I do, despite the late hour of the afternoon, with the day rapidly getting away from me...plan to finish LS One, and have hopes of finishing him before the Olympics end. We will see. I will, at least, be glad to have two pairs of Olympic socks completed for the orphans! Anne gave me some green yarn, wool, to use for more socks, so my knitting for orphans is not over, by a long shot. Not that I expected it was. It isn't something you just do for the Knitting Olympics and then just quit.

Well, off to blog on the other blog and then back to knitting!

Heels, Heels, Heels....

2006-02-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

That has been my focus. I feel like I spent most of yesterday focused on heels. I am learning a lot, so the time isn't wasted. I do wish I had just skipped the short row heel sooner, and spent more time knitting little socks! Oh well. I will still knit all the little socks I can get out of the bright yellow wool, they just won't all be done during the Knitting Olympics.

I have found that there are three ways (that I have found so far) of doing the short row heel, and so I will try them all. Well, I have already tried the bane to my existence, the wrapped stitch version! I took out the trusty bit of practice knitting yesterday---the one that Anne had started 2 circular ribbing in the round on, and that I had added to, then practiced the wrapped stitch heel on. I added some more plain knitting to it, and then tried out the yarn over short row heel. It worked out well, is easier than the wrapped one, but I still got holes when I joined to the front of the sock. I think more practice and a couple of added stitches will take care of it though? I still want to try the Japanese short row method, as I read that it is even better. This is all for later though, as I have put aside the Poor Little Sock, and cast on another one. My intention was to just knit the class sock in Sensational Knit Socks by Charlene Schurch. I have been modifying it though. Actually, so far it is very much like the Poor Little Sock that has been put aside. I am referring to the heel section of the Olympic sock pattern for guidance on the heel flap, since the class sock is ribbed all the way down, and mine isn't. It is all a good exercise in adapting, changing to suit me, etc! I started on the heel flap last night. Once I finish this new little sock, I will have to decide whether to start his match from scratch, or use the Poor Little Sock, ripping his heel once again and putting in the heel flap. By the way, the yarn has held up really well, the poor little short row heel, with hole on each side at joining, looks just as nice as ever, as far as the yarn goes. This yarn is really great! However, I will only knit his heel one more time, and this will have to work, which is why I am considering just putting the heel flap on him!

In the long run, the Knitting Olympics has been a great learning experience for me. I finally bit the bullet and knit a sock, two actually! I have learned a lot about short row heels, and will learn more and master them! Stephanie, aka the Yarn Harlot is a constant inspiration, and I am so glad she came up with the idea of a Knitting Olympics!

Poor Little Heel

2006-02-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

It has felt like an exercise in futility. After practicing on the sample knitting, as mentioned, I thought I had a good handle on the wrapped stitches, and hence the short row heel. I blithely took the little sock to pt yesterday. I knit the heel. Yuck! I ripped it out, and reknit it. Yuck. I stuck it in my bag, determined to get it to work when I got home. It didn't come back out of the bag till evening, and I thought it was all going to work. I had read online, I finally had the wraps well under control, remembering which way to pick the loop up on each side of the heel---it seems to be different on each side, you know! I picked up extra stitches between the heel section and the front section, to avoid holes. And I still got holes. This side is the worse. Sorry, the photo is out of focus, as you will see when you click to enlarge it. But the hole shows up nicely!

Here is a shot of the other side. It is better focused! You might actually be able to notice the relatively neat and tidy line formed by the short row method. However, there is a small hole on this side too. It isn't as big or as noticeable (except in the photo) as the one on the other side. Still, it is there.

So, I will now choose a new heel to do, and replace this one. I still want to do a short row heel, especially since I will want it for my socks. I plan to check online and try out the different short row heel patterns, to find one that will actually work for me. On the plus side, the directions all make so much more sense to me now, since I have mastered wrapping stitches, and am getting the hang of knitting them. Once I find one I like, I will just replace this little heel with the new one, and all will be good!

On the rest of the sock front....I took the Olympic socks to pt with me again, as the gal who asked me about them last week hadn't stopped by to see them on Tuesday. Chris, one of the therapists, did see them on Tuesday and really liked them. The gal stopped by yesterday and asked about them, so I pulled them out. She loved them, and Shauna came over to see them too. Chris came over and mentioned that he had already seen them! They were a big hit. Nice to have one's work appreciated!

Working on Heels

2006-02-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

That sounds funny, doesn't it? Yesterday, I decided to work on the short row heel on a different sample, rather than risk having to rip out the little kid sock heel once again. With Anne's approval (since she started it up), I went to work on the sample that she had started using the 2 circular needle method of working in the round. It was all in ribbing, so I knit 3 rows or so of straight knitting, then started the heel. I feel like I have a much better understanding of wrapped stitches and how to work with them now. Although, I did go into it all with it pretty well understood, in my head! The first half of the heel went really well, but the second half was a little puzzling, with re-wrapping, and the directions seem to have led me to continue on too long, perhaps, as then when it was all finally joined with the other part of the sock, there were gaps on both sides at the join--just at the top/last knitted row. However, all the wrapped area/short row stuff, looked fine, no holes. I was careful to pull the yarn nice and snug at the places were there were gaps, which is part of what leads me to think that I did a row or two too much on the heel section. I understand the urge to keep the patterns from being too long, and condensing information, but when it already prints out to 4 pages, and there is just a little bit of information on page 4, why not take the time to write out more detailed instructions for the heel? I know that experienced sock knitters, those who are pros at the short row heel, won't need that extra info, but those of us new to the technique could sure use more detail!

Enough of that! I never did get back to the yellow little kid sock yesterday, as I was busy (haha, did laundry, read while the washer was washing and the dryer was drying, etc) until evening, and so only worked on the heel on the knitting sample. Today will be the day to conquer the short row heel, and maybe finish the sock, since it is so little! Anne has pt today, so I have prime knitting time with very little distraction. Tune in tomorrow for a photo of the yellow little kid sock--maybe he will be done and his partner started?

Added to note: Isn't Google wonderful? I did a google search on short row heels and got tons to look at. I have only looked at a bit of it, so far, but already feel I know a lot more than I did. The first site I went to was a treasure trove of knitting how-tos. Here is a link:

Toes and Heels

Tons of info! I looked at several of the methods, and with the bit of knowledge I had already gathered, it all makes sense. I think I will be able to complete the heel as written in the directions I have now, and then for later socks I can play with different techniques, etc. There are some toe methods that look really interesting too!

New Sock Started!

2006-02-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

I am still in sock knitting mode, as I said I would continue to work on socks while the Olympics are still going on...and for a long time after that, I am sure! But, these are the orphan socks, with the bright yellow wool, that will be worked on during the Olympics and till the yarn is about done, I guess?

Since I had finished my Olympic knitting socks, and I wanted to knit during Anne's pt, I checked online for a more specific child's sock pattern. I found one that looked cute, just a plain sock, but definitely for kids--in 3 sizes. I gathered up needles, yarn, and off we went.

I started off with dpns, and did several rows with them. However....I was constantly nervous that the needles would fall out. The sock requires a cast on of only 32 stitches, and even spread between just 3 dpns, that isn't a huge number. It all felt so tiny and also so prickly, with so little knitting and so many pointy ends sticking out! So, after a few rows, I switched to the circulars. I do feel I will be able to master dpns, which is a good thing, as I do plan to make socks some day using sock weight yarn! But, for this sock, I think, the circulars are working best. I am getting to play with a new method, as this sock pattern has the short row heel, with wrapped stitches. I just about had the heel finished last night, but had to rip it out, as the directions weren't as complete as I needed, as a knitter new to wrapped stitches. Oh well! I at least understand the whys and wherefores of wrapped stitches now (I think!!) and am ready to give it another go today!

So, here is what I have so far. The dpn in the top side is my safely line, that I inserted before ripping the heel.

As you can see, this pair of socks will be much smaller than the other pair!

FINISHED!!!!!

2006-02-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

Today, Monday, the 20th of February, I have completed Sock Two, and have more than met my Olympic goal---my first sock. I have now completed my first pair of socks! Here they are!

Anne models socks

Despite the appearance in the second pic, Sock One and Sock Two are actually the same size! I checked! It is just that little magic that happens when one thing is closer than the other thing.

I finished at just after 9 p.m. this evening. All ends woven in, etc. It is such a relief! I will continue to knit, probably smaller socks for younger children. There is still a skein of this yarn, and I have a somewhat decent amount of yarn left from this first skein--not enough for another sock this size, but maybe for a little little kid sized sock! Hurrah!

Meanwhile.....CONGRATULATIONS, CANADA, ON YOUR WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY GOLD MEDAL! What a game, and how exciting it all was! I am so happy for you all!

Be sure to scroll down and read my original post for the day, if you haven't already seen it! By the way, by the time I got off the computer from posting the first time, the sun was out. So pretty!

Sunday's Knitting!

2006-02-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

Here is Sock Two at the end of day, Sunday. All the gusset and heel shaping are done! The picking up of stitches on the heel flap went well again. The design is really simple and easy to follow. It sure helps for a first time sock knitter! All the decreases are done, and I am ready to knit the foot. My only decision to make is whether to continue with the dpns or to switch back to the circulars. I am thinking the circulars at this point, mostly because that is what I did with Sock One. I am trying to keep them as similar/identical as possible!

I am looking forward to learning more ways of doing toes and heels, and finding a sock that I especially like for me. I imagine we will have a quiet day today, with plenty of time for knitting! Mike is home for President's Day, and we have no plans, no errands to run, etc. The washing machine is calling my name though, so I won't have uninterupted knitting. It is cloudy out today too, so no sunshine to try to draw me outside. Just as well! Happy knitting!

Saturday's Knitting, Heel is Turned!

2006-02-19T13:11:00.000-05:00

Sock Two is coming along! I finished the leg, did the heel flap, and have turned the heel. Thanks to the comments I jotted down while doing Sock One, I was able to avoid the too-long-heel-flap this time around. It makes like easier not to have to frog!

I did get through the newspapers yesterday and watched some of the Olympics--some out-right, some while knitting! I talked to Brian on IM yesterday, they are all well.

Well, today's knitting includes picking up the stitches for the gusset, and getting to work on the foot. This part all seems to go much faster, I think. Tune in tomorrow for more exciting news on Sock's progress!

Friday's Knitting, Sock Goes to the Beach!

2006-02-18T12:08:00.000-05:00

Anne and Sock Two go to the beach

End of day Friday

Sock Two is coming along nicely. I didn't do much knitting during the day, as I was finishing up a book I was very much engrossed in. No, this is not the equivalent of that silly girl in the snowboarding cross competition, who grabbed her board, fell, and lost the gold, getting silver instead! Sock One is done, all else is bonus for the orphans! Woman does not live by knitting alone, although it might be almost possible!

Anyway.....Anne felt the urge to visit the beach, and I was happy to take her. We hadn't been to the beach in ages, and it is always so pleasant there! Sock Two decided she wanted to come too, being an adventurous soul (sole?). Sock was knitted on at the beach, and it was a pleasant experience, too! Anne kindly held Sock for a commemorative photo at the beach, even though the sun was right in her eyes.

The knitting is going well. The second sock is easier, although the first was pretty darn easy. The pattern is good and easy, so that is a help. It is sure nothing like the intricate pattern that Jo is knitting!

My plans for the day include catching up on 6 days of newspapers---just the good bits, the weekly sections, and the funnies (!)--- exercise, and, knitting! I expect to finish the leg part today, and perhaps complete the heel flap? Check in tomorrow for photos of Sock in her newest stage!

Thursday's Knitting, One Sock Done, One Begun

2006-02-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, Sock One is done. Not without trial and retrial! Also, note Sock on the foot of our lovely sock model!

After a morning of computer, errands, etc, I didn't really get much time to knit. I did get a start on the second sock, so I could work on it at pt, if there was still time after redoing the toe on sock one. Dumb thing to do, as you will see.

I had grabbed the dpns and put them in my bag, along with some tiny ones, for threading the stitches on, in preparation for frogging the toe of sock one. That worked out just fine! Then I realized that the directions called for the stitches to be divided between 4 dpns and that was all I had. Oh dear. In a case of mild insanity, not wishing to give up on sock one--and for some reason, not wanting to just put them on three dpns???--I used one end of one of the circulars (with sock two cast on and joined) as one of my dpns. It actually worked out quite well, and all would have been fine, except I started to worry about running out of yarn before the end (should have frogged a couple more rows?) AND a woman who works at the office there came and talked to me about the knitting (she used to knit years ago when she lived up north, but had never done socks). I was distracted enough that a dpn fell out! Then, while trying to recapture the elusive stitches, another one fell out! This was at the next to the last decrease row! I really thought I was knitting tightly enough that it wasn't likely to happen once, let lone twice. I wisely called it quits, put all the knitting back in my bag, and Anne was almost done anyway, so I just had a short, non-knitting wait.

I repeated my saving line with tiny dpns last evening, placing them a tiny bit lower down the knitting, and frogged again. (you don't know how thankful I am that I read the book I did ages ago, that talked about putting a needle through and catching up the stitches, so you could frog with impunity) This time, all went well. I used the circulars to knit the toe this time . Before that though, I once again decided I didn't like the way the start of sock two was looking--I think mostly having forgotten just how awkward I find the beginning of the knitting of socks to be. I ripped it out, went to the computer, found that lovely site, cast on and got the sock started again. I then returned to the world of Olympics, etc, and knit enough so that the top was looking right. I then transfered to dpns to hold it, so I could use the circulars for the toe of sock one.

I realize that very few people, if they even read this, will find it at all interesting, but I realized that at the very least, I have a record of what I did, and who knows, I might have to refer to it sometime?

Anyway, sock one's toe was completed without any problems at all, and in no time flat. The sock model was eager to try it on. She does report that the toe isn't as comfortable as the wedge toe was, but we both agreed that it might be at least partly because the sock is a little shorter now. I do like the look of this toe, and it was very easy to finish off. I am determined, though, that I WILL do the wedge toe again, and I WILL master the Kitchener's graft. My brain has been quietly working on it, reviewing it, thinking of ways to do it, and I know it can be done -- surely without those ridges. (The thing that bugs me most is that I had the stitch done just right, it was the placement and the resulting ridges that defeated me this time.) I have my own thoughts on that, and will be interested to try it again sometime. I do think though, that I will try it out on some samples knit specifically for the exercise, that can lay flat and aren't at the end of a narrow toe!

By the way---I had the interesting experience of seeing a chart in a shoe store (Italian) at our local newest outdoor mall. Don't think lovely designer type shoes. Think comfortable (???) but rather old people looking shoes? I didn't see anything that I would want to wear. Anyway, I already knew my European shoe size, thanks to years of wearing Birkies. According to this chart, the average 7 year old wears the same size shoes I do. Can you believe it?????? I really find it hard to believe. Does that mean that Mom Walters wears the same size as your average 5 year old???? Are children young giants these days? I guess I can be sure that any sock that fits me will fit an orphan, in any case?

Sock Done, But Not......

2006-02-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

I finished the sock yesterday evening. Yesterday turned out not to be a knitting day, so all I did was graft the toe. I tried casting on the second sock, and I found that I don't like the info in one of Anne's knitting books on the arrangement of the stitches, connecting, etc, for knitting on two circulars---I will have to cast on again and consult the computer. Not a big deal though.

As to the grafting on the above shown and modeled sock (thank you, sock model Anne!), I put the stitches on tiny needles, so I could better see what I was doing. I got the method and stitching of the Kitcheners just fine. However, I don't like the way it looks. The directions all said to be sure to go under the needles, but I am sure that can't be right in the long run, as it leaves two ridges, one on each side, from the stitches picked up and grafted. I don't really like the look of the wedge part of the toe either, to tell you the truth. I can see that there are advantages, etc, but I don't like the aesthetics of the look. Also, Anne commented that the sock felt a little snug. Being a person of skinny foot, that is something to consider. Although I don't imagine the poor orphans will be fat-footed. Still, the combination of not liking the toe, and the sock being perhaps a bit narrow for the length has led me to the decision to make some changes, hence..."But Not."

I rechecked another sock book, and I really do like the look of the round toe. It is a shorter toe, so I think I can shorten the sock length some (to make the sock width more in keeping with the length) and change to a round toe, and still have enough yarn to complete it--since I had already cut and woven in the end. This will work!

Meanwhile, I need to run to the base, so will bring this to a close, and will hopefully be able to show you the new and improved finished sock, and the start of sock two, when I blog tomorrow!

Tuesday's Knitting, Driving Anne Nuts

2006-02-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

Note: I have twisted the sock so that the needles lay flat!

I took the knitting along with me to PT on Tuesday and knit till I measured 6 inches on the foot section (from the heel ridge), knit a few more rows and stopped so as not to go too far. I didn't want to get into the toe decreases there.

That evening, when I finally got back to knitting, I found that I had actually hit it spot on, as the directions called for that measurement to be 6.5 inches. I went back to the dpns, since the directions for the decreases were written for them, and it was just easier to deal with!

The sock is virtually done, I just have to graft the toe closed. I did give it a try last night, but the directions in one of Anne's sock books were not the greatest and I couldn't quite get my brain around it. Fortunately, I was able to undo what I did try to do, and recaptured my stitches! I do see/understand how to do it, but couldn't quite get it to work in real life. But, I figured I was tired, there were shows I wanted to watch on TV, etc, so I would let it percolate in my brain and do it on Wednesday.

So, today, Wednesday, I have spent some time looking at all the sock books, reading other blurbs about grafting (Kitchners), different ways to do toes (I was actually wondering if one of the books might say something about that figure 8 cast on I have mentioned before---no, they don't). But, I did find another toe method that looks comfortable, the author/knitter calls it a round toe, and it is decreased to the point that you can just run your yarn through the loops and tie it off. The look is quite aesthetically pleasing, and I might have to try it soon!

I did consider going ahead and casting on sock number two last night, but gave it a pass. Although my Olympic challenge was just my first sock, the orphan will, of course, need two. I plan to go ahead and keep knitting socks for the duration of the Olympics, and will see how many I can do. I think I got really lucky with the pattern I used ---- Terri Lee Royea's "Super Simple Knitwit Sock Pattern", and using a thicker yarn for warmer socks, instead of sock weight yarn.

By the way..... the yarn is Nature Spun, 100% wool, spun and dyed by Brown Sheep Company, Inc. The color is #305, Impasse Yellow. Anne got it in a trade, I think? She got two skeins of this, and 4 of a lighter yellow that she really loves, and is a lovely color too!

Monday's Knitting

2006-02-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

This is how the sock looked at the end of the day, Monday. As I mentioned yesterday, I did some knitting in the morning, before the doc appt. I didn't do much more knitting during the day/evening, as I was busy on the computer, did some household stuff, Anne and I made a trip out of the house, per her doctor's orders (!!), etc! I even watched a good bit of the Olympics in Torino.

I think the foot length (from ridge at heel towards the toe) was about 4 inches at this point. Anne was curious last night and made a guess of 4 inches, then measured it and was spot on. Isn't she good?

I have knit another inch onto it today already. Alex Anderson's show today was something I wasn't interested in, so I put the TV back on the Today show, and my fingers were itching to knit, so I did! Haha. Then it was computer time, and talking to Brian on IM, so I haven't had time to do any more knitting. That will come this afternoon when I take Anne to pt---I almost forgot I would take my knitting!

Take care, happy knitting, and I will be back tomorrow!

Sunday's Knitting

2006-02-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

Here is the sock at the end of Sunday. I started out the day's knitting by threading a dpn through to catch the stitches at the "guesstimated" row of knitting, to correct the overly long heel flap. I always find it a little bit more challenging to pick up the stitches when it is not straight knitting, and this had alternate knit and slipped stitches. But, I figured that in any case, it would be close enough to be able to fix. I was lucky and got all the stitches just right, whew!!! I then ripped. Don't you just hate it? I re-knit the heel turn, and it was just fine. The heel looks a good length now, etc. Success!

The process of picking up the stitches along the heel flap went fine. I did that with a dpn, for ease of operation, and then figured that it would be easier, with the decrease directions, to just stay on dpns for a while. Which I did. Once that was all done and it was straight knitting again, I decided that I would go back to the 2 circulars---as I didn't feel that I was maintaining good enough tension between the dpns. I made some more progress on that last night, as seen in the photos!

I took my sock with me to the doc's this morning. I arrived way early, as I was worried about early morning traffic at the base. I knit in the car for a while, knit inside for a while before signing in, knit while waiting for the doc to come! It didn't add up to a lot of time, but I got a few more rows done!

Saturday's Knitting

2006-02-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

The knitting is going well. I finished the leg section and moved on to the heel flap. I don't think I personally would like this, especially if they were to be worn with shoes. Although Anne suggests that it might be much more comfortable than it looks. This pattern uses slipped stitches, making a more durable heel.

Anyway, I knit the directed length for the heel flap, turned the heel with no problems at all, and then found that the flap is evidently way too long, and there are way too many loops for picking up stitches. The pattern says that the slipped stitch at the beginning of each row provides a handy loop for picking up each of the 10 stitches that are to be picked up. I have more than 10 though! And the heel flap looks very long. I was careful to err on the side of too long rather than too short when I was knitting the flap, and I guess I shouldn't have been. It would have been so much easier had the directions just said "knit ____ rows".

Oh well. I will frog back and reduce my rows. I think the heel flap will look much better, and the sock will too, and I will redo my heel turn! I haven't been knitting a lot each day, partly so as not to strain anything (haha!) and partly so I don't finish too soon. There are household chores to do, Olympics to watch, etc, too! If I don't have any major problems later on (but bearing in mind that I could), I should easily be able to do a whole pair and maybe more? So far, socks are pretty easy, and I am not sure why I thought they would be hard. I am sure that is the cue for it to become horrendously difficult now, with nothing working as it should. Talk about tempting fate!

Olympic Knitting

2006-02-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

So, here is what I have at the end of day one. To recap......

First I tried out the figure 8 cast on, which would not work for me. Rather than waste time, I dumped that, and decided I would knit from top down. Not a problem! First I decided to go ahead and try dpns, since the pattern I had printed out used them. I did get it all cast on, etc, and it was fine, and knit a few rows, but it all felt so pokey with the dpns, and also, I didn't feel I was getting the junctions tight enough. It just wasn't feeling good. So, I ripped it out, cast on again on a circular, and went to consult the computer, as it had suggestions on connecting the knitting, and getting the second circular in use. All fine there, and I got to work.

The knitting is going well. It felt a bit awkward at first, but once a few rows had been knit, it went along much better. I really got into the swing of it, and am enjoying it. I can see that shorter circulars would be nice, these are 29 inches and it is way more length than I need. On the other hand, it doesn't make a huge difference, and I haven't grabbed the wrong end yet. I really like the knitting on two circulars, it is quite comfortable.

Details! I decided to knit on size 4 (US) needles, and I am glad I did. I think my knitting tension is loose enough that size 5 needles would have made the socks looser than I would have liked. I chose to continue the ribbing down the leg, it is a K2, P2 rib. The directions gave a number of suggestions, but I felt ribbing down the leg would provide more hold for the kid who wears them some day! I don't remember the brand of yarn, it is in the photo. The yellow is nice and bright and cheery! It is 100% wool.

The Florida buttons are listed on Kat with a K's button list now! It will just bring you back here though, so.....

Well, I have been up how many hours now and not a stitch of knitting done yet. I am going to have to get off the computer soon, I have been talking to Brian on IM. And, speaking of the Opening Ceremonies, which I wasn't (haha), I loved the part with the guys in costume manipulating the flags the best, as it is something I have seen before in Italy, so it brought back happy memories!

Knitting Olympics Buttons!

2006-02-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

My mentor, Anne, foreswore sleep long enough to show me how to put the buttons on my blog, and then also took the time (I knew she couldn't resist the temptation to do it right away!) to make buttons for Florida, since a quick check of

Kat With A K's

blog showed no Florida buttons yet.

Here are the buttons she made!

Cool, eh?????

So, no photos of yarn yet, and I just realized that I forgot to have Anne get the yarn for my socks out of her room for me before she went for her nap, which means I still can't cast on yet. Rats! I may have to sneak in there and see if I can find it--hahahaha--while she is sleeping. Oh well, I guess I can wait till she wakes up? Or not, as her naps are of the marathon variety, with the mono.

On the plus side, I did get a chance at PT today to try knitting on the sample Anne started using two circular needles. It worked out fine! It really is quite easy. Her PT session didn't last too long, and I did some other things first (took care of some cards to go out in the mail, etc) and so didn't have enough time left to try out the figure 8 cast on that the toe up patterns seem to use. I may give it a try while Anne sleeps, especially if I decide not to try to recover the yarn from her room! Otherwise, I will just do a top down sock pattern and save the figure 8 for another time!

If you see this Jo, I did have a tiny bit of trouble with Blogger.com while working on this, and even lost the connection to the internet once, but fortunately had time to save most of this post to word, and was able to retrieve it. Most of the time today (while we have been home) it has been fine though.

Knitters, warm your needles!!!!! Best wishes and good knitting to you all!

A Decision at Last!

2006-02-03T17:32:00.000-05:00

So, the great debate has been which sock pattern to use, which yarn to use, etc, for the first pair of socks---or actually first sock, unless there is time for a second sock! I have read, researched, pondered, mused, etc, and was still having a time of it deciding.

Then, I visited sockbug and looked around there. I was intrigued by the lesson for knitting two socks at the same time, on 2 circulars. That would be neat! And, the more I thought of it, I liked the suggestion made there, that unwanted socks could be donated to CIC, as long as they were made of yarn that is at least 75% wool. The directions are for a medium sized child, by the way. I figured that might be a good way to go, a little bit smaller sock, a good way to get an introduction to knitting socks, and one in which I wouldn't care as much which pattern was used, and it would do something nice for child somewhere. Anne offered yellow wool yarn, which she was willing to part with, and so my project is decided! I have read through the lessons, and have to wonder if I will ever be able to "get" it. But, I am sure that it is very much one of those things, that as long as you have the knitting in front of you while reading it, it makes much more sense! I sure hope so, anyway! And, if not, I know Jo will be willing to give me support and instruction as needed!

I am so glad to have all this sorted out, and now just have to do the swatching thing, and I will be ready to go! Hurrah!

And, before I go, have you seen the latest numbers for the Knitting Olympics? Over 2500!!!!! Isn't that wild! We outnumber the real athletes now.

Yarn, Yarn and More Yarn

2006-01-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe not really! But, my yarn choices have arrived, and Anne has wound two skeins of it for me. Very pretty! I have two more that she can do up when she is in the mood. I still have to decide on a pattern, and try out the sock tube gauge deal. I think Jo's suggestion is perfect, and I will definitely have to try it out. I also have been on a bit of a non-knitting jag. I think I will definitely get over it for the Knitting Olympics. I think it is wild that there are now over 2000 knitters on the list, and more still being added!

I am sure there was something more I was going to write about. Oh yes! Jo's comments about the things going on at the park that she will be volunteering at! The sheep, but more specifically the lambs, were adorable! See her blog if you haven't already! The Floats, Knits and Purls one! I am fighting to maintain a disinterest in spinning, despite having wanted to learn for years and years. It gets hard, especially when I hear/read about it so much now! Maybe once my life settles down a little bit more, the boxes are unpacked---yes they will be! Really! The day will come that there will not be a box of stuff left in the house, and anything that is boxed will be nicely packed and labelled and stored over the garage! So there! Ha ha.

Oh well, it is something for the future, in any case! I sure don't dare let Anne get sucked into spinning! Although, she does go into these things whole-heartedly, and I am sure she would excel at it, as she does most everything she tries!

All Signed Up!

2006-01-23T10:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I am sure Steph, the Yarn Harlot, had no idea what she was starting, when she blogged her idea of a Knitting Olympics, to run in conjunction with the upcoming Winter Olympics! I sent in an email to sign up, and have been checking the list on the "Olympics" page watching for all the names to appear on the list! Today is finally the day. Anne has been on for a while, and I have been since not too long after Anne. I saw Anne's friend Kimberly listed too! Today I finally saw Jo's name, and also Anne's good friend Tandy! The total number to date is finally listed again too, and it is a mind staggering 1366. Pretty darn impressive, I think!

I will knit my first sock, as I think I have already mentioned. I am still thinking about patterns, yarn, etc, although not too hard yet. I did order yarn, two kinds, so I can decide once I see them (Anne had things she wanted to order too, and was anxious to combine the order and get it in!). Anne has also offered me sock yarn from her stash, and one of those might win the battle, you never know. I had thought of "training" by knitting the little practice sock listed in one of Anne's sock books, but have had second thoughts. Since my entry is knitting my first sock, I don't think knitting even a little practice sock is quite right. However, I do think I might use that pattern to cast on and try knitting in the round using the different sock options---4 dpns, 5 dpns, 2 circulars, etc, and see what I like best. It would be a shame to lose knitting time by finding the one that I randomly chose doesn't suit me. And, I think that is well within the framework of "training"!

I haven't done any knitting lately. I am still sneezing and coughing more than usual, although not nearly as much as I was. I don't want to risk any allergy reactions again before things are more settled. There is always plenty to do in the house, so it sure isn't like I sit around doing nothing!

I do have a feeling that I had best decide on a sock pattern, find out which needles I will want to use, etc. The Olympics will be here before we know it!

Knitting Olympics

2006-01-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, Okay, I know when I am beaten! I should have known that between Anne and Jo, I would get sucked into the Knitting Olympics. I did resist for a while. I figured it was fine for Anne, Jo, Stephanie (aka Yarn Harlot), and hoards of other knitters to do it. But, I was in a quandary as to what kind of project to tackle, and it was easier to bow out and not do anything. However, Jo emailed and asked if I was up to it, and Anne twisted my arm--gently! Anne did have a good suggestion, since she had already looked at the list on the Harlots Knitting Olympics blog, and I decided I can try a sock. That may sound wimpy, but I haven't ever knit a sock, and I have no idea how long it might take me. I did do a large Christmas stocking once, a very simple pattern, but that was years and years ago, and I have no idea now just how long it took me to do it. So, a single sock is my aim. If I find that I complete it way too soon (not bloody likely, but who knows?), I will add the second sock. Does that sound fair?

Meanwhile, no knitting, quilting, or anything crafty has been coming from me. Anne continues to knit almost all the time, when she isn't eating or on the computer, and sometimes she does actually knit while on the computer. Go figure. She has posted, renamed, and made other changes to the blog formerly known as "The Daily Drudge." I guess I will have to change its name on my blog links!

Back to me though. I guess I am still sneezing and coughing just enough that I hesitate to mess with anything that could cause further allergic reactions. Which is actually another reason I hesitated about the Knitting Olympics. Anne has offered me sock yarn from her stash, and I will probably accept that kind offer, since after all this time, perhaps there will be less chance of smelly chemical eminations coming from the yarn? We will hope! Meanwhile, I have Christmas stockings to knit, and Winnie the Pooh wall hangings and quilt to complete for the adorable grandbaby, Michelle. I really haven't forgotten you, darling. Grandma is just really slow, and Tia (Anne) did get sick, and and and.....

Yarn, Yarn, All Over The Place!

2006-01-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

Anne and I finally made a trip to the base on Thursday for the first time in ages. Our timing was good, as it was the BX's last day of a sale on Rubbermaid storage containers!

Anne has quite a collection of yarn in her room, in bags, in a stacked storage cube thing, here and there. She mentioned that she was having trouble with her eyes itching whenever she was in her room. She does test as allergic to dust mites, and we figured yarn in the wild has to be a good dust collector. So, the plan was to corral the yarn into storage containers!

Now, you see why our trip to the base was such good timing! We got a number of the latch-top type containers, in three different sizes. The yarn is now corraled, and is no longer out where it can collect dust mites! Hurrah! Her room is also a bit tidier, but that is just a side effect--haha. It is amazing how much yarn will fit into these containers--that natural yarn "squishiness" really comes in handy! Next on the to-do list will be to get her closet into more "organizationally friendly" mode. It would sure make her room more "user friendly" to say the least.

I don't remember now if I had mentioned that I finished the hat at pt the other day and have started another one? The newest one is smaller, same pattern but my own modifications. We will see how it goes. Pix will really be coming eventually!

No New Episodes

2006-01-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

Pix will be coming, of the baby blanket, the hat I am working on (almost done), etc, but for now, just an item for those of you who may not have heard. I wouldn't know about it but for some of the quilt shop newsletters I get online.

HGTV has declined to purchase new episodes of "Simply Quilts", hosted by Alex Anderson. All the episodes shown in 2006 will be repeats. I don't always watch the show, and I don't always like the guest she has on---some types of quilting just don't appeal to me. However, I usually enjoy the show, and it has exposed me to all kinds of techniques, interesting patterns, interesting quilt designers, etc. I would hate to see an end to new episodes. If you feel the same way, there are online petitions that can be signed, and there is an address for snail mailing an actual letter. Real letters often carry more weight than the online petitions do. I mailed a letter yesterday!

Here are the links and address:

petition HGTV

petitions/Simply Quilts

HGTV
Viewer Services
9721 Sherrill Blvd.
Knoxville, TN
37932

Blanket Done, Hat Started

2005-12-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

Well, the blanket is done (bound off at pt on Friday, 23 Dec!), except for working in the ends and taking a photo. I really will have to do that! Everyone at pt asked about it on Tuesday! It is still very strange to have so many men asking about my knitting projects.

Anne wisely suggested I make "Steph, the Yarn Harlot's" hat for my next project. It is her quick and easy last minute gift hat pattern, as featured on her blog. It is just a K2,P2 pattern, with the appropriate decreases at the appropriate times, so very easy to do while out of the house. I am using the navy yarn from the blanket project, and size 8 needles. I might add a single stripe in it, of red, or white, or maybe the red,white and blue variegated yarn we have? It will go into Anne's stash of give-away hats when it is completed.

I am thinking about trying a pair of socks sometime. So many people seem to love knitting them. They are so portable, too! And, since I now know that I can handle the required dpn's, that isn't a factor. I guess time will tell!

Next time, a photo of the totally completed (ends woven in) blanket!

Anne's Dish Cloth

2005-12-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

As promised ages ago, here is the dish cloth that I was going to finish for Anne, but ended up ripping out and starting fresh on. I worked on it while she was in the hospital during/after her surgery. The colors are a little off, I think. As in, they look a bit different in real life!

Let's see, cotton yarn, I don't remember the color or the brand--Peaches and Cream, maybe? The pattern I do remember, it is the Bee Stitch. It came out pretty well, I thought. I found it interesting the way it striped--so clear on the sides and more mishmashy in the middle. Strange things that these variegated yarns do!

Next up will be the baby blanket!

Blankey Almost Done

2005-12-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't taken much time for knitting or anything like that the past few days, but I do continue to work on the baby blanket during pt. I did spend a little bit of time on it Wednesday evening, finishing up the white stripe, and starting the red for the final stripe. I like to go ahead and get a little start on the new color, as it is more awkward there at pt to get it started. I made good progress yesterday at pt, and am working on the final bits---the few rows of garter stitch that edge it and keep it from rolling up. I guess I will finish the last couple of rows at pt today and bind it off.

I guess I will have to take a picture later and put it up sometime, so you can see it!

Blue, Blue, Blue

2005-12-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

I won't say I am blue! That is the color of the large---double-sized---stripe on the blankey brigade blanket, and that stripe is done! I did take it along to pt on Friday and worked on it till a quick rough measure (fold in half, is the blue as wide as the white and red together? Yes, then stop!) showed that it was surely 10 inches long. I will have to be sure to officially measure it and do a row of white so it will be ready for pt on Monday.

I did think about working on it for a little while today, but decided not to. I know that it will get done next week, at pt. Might as well go with that, finish it there, and let those interested see it finished there.

I really need to get back to that dishcloth, the one with the evidently overly dyed yarn, and get it finished. I have been a bit headachy though, and the dye/chemical smell bugs me enough not to want to work on it when I am already headachy. If need be, I guess I could always give it all a quick wash in the sink and let it air dry? Still, a nuisance that I would rather avoid!

I still have to photograph the second dishcloth/next item completed. I really will get that done and show it eventually! And I still have Pooh Bear quilting to do, that I truly kind of forgot about in the midst of all that has been going on. I really do have to get my act together.

An Interlude of Laughter

2005-12-14T23:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, we take a break from our regularly scheduled descriptions of bouts of knitting, etc, to bring you a hilarious posting from our beloved Yarn Harlot!

Yarn Harlot

(Edited to add: My apologies. My mentor has gone to bed, and so I am unable to fix what I have messed up. I tried to get fancy. The link to the Yarn Harlot's blog actually used to work. However, it was in a very light color. I got the bright idea of trying to fix it by myself. I changed some colors, but it seems not the one I was interested in! To make matters worse, I can no longer get the link to work, despite all my best efforts. So, it will have to wait till another time. I guess we all still know how to copy and paste, so it can still work. I am so embarrassed!)

(Edit 2: Okay, I came up with a partial solution, and the link works. I am not as hopeless as I had begun to think I was! Hurrah!)

Anne came into the computer room to visit, and I had "tuned in" to see what the harlot had blogged about this time. Towards the end, we hit the funniest bit, and after 10 minutes of trying to laugh as quietly as possible, so as not to wake Mike, in bed on the other side of the house, and laughing further after hearing the sound of Anne spitting her mouth-full of pop back into her cup---a good 10 minutes passed before we were finally able to speak without bursting into laughter once more!

I did work on the baby blankey again today, as Anne made it back to pt today. Although, we arrived, Steve found that she still isn't totally over her bug, and he asked "why are you here?" He took it easy on her, and he decreed it is best for her to miss the appt they made for her for Thursday (they did that in an effort to maintain that 3 times a week deal). So, we have a free day tomorrow for her to work on getting better and get rested up, and I can continue doing the things I have been doing the past few days!

Oh, back to the blanket. I am making good progress on the blue stripe, and it will soon be ready to start on white again. Since that is the case, I will be sure to measure and knit as needed to get the white going before Anne goes back to pt on Friday.

Blankey Continues Yet Again

2005-12-10T00:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I am several inches into the blue section now. When last I wrote, I had done one row of the blue to get it started, so it would be ready to go for pt. I have worked on the blue during the Wednesday and Friday pt sessions, and am making good progress. Since this section is much bigger (twice as big!) as the other sections, I am not working on it at home. I get a lot of comments and questions on it at pt. It is rather amazing the number of men who ask about it. One thinks it would drive him crazy to try to do it. One asked I was doing "knit one, purl one or knit one, purl two!" I guess that says something that guys even know those phrases?

A couple of people today were talking about it, and mentioning how neat it is to see it getting bigger and bigger each time Anne and I are in there. I figure in the long run, it is good therapy for everyone! I enjoy the knitting, and talking to people, and they are enjoying watching, talking about it, and it gives them a bit of distraction! I think just about all the staff--including the big boss---and most of the patients, have asked what I am knitting. Who would have thought so many would be interested?

Anne made a really cute dishcloth/washcloth today. It has an animal on it, I won't tell which, since she might blog about it herself later? She did have a good idea, she said there are patterns with other animals too, and it would be cute to do them in a different kind of yarn and make a baby blanket with them. I agree! It would really be awfully cute!

I hope to have more time for knitting and quilting before too long. I really don't like to take time from the things that have to be done right now though---shopping to be finished, boxes to be mailed, presents to be wrapped, Christmas cards to be addressed and sent, sun room to be rearranged, elusive item to be found for Anne, etc. I do hope to have it all done and the tree up in plenty of time to be able to relax a little bit before Christmas! I know in any case that even if that is not the case, that week after Christmas is usually a really good one for vegetating with good books, knitting, tv, etc! Hurrah!

Blankey Continues

2005-12-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the PT/Blankey Brigade blanket. I am doing it in 5 inch wide stripes, using the red, white and blue as mentioned before. I can't get the whole 5 inches done at a pt session--I guess things are too distracting there? As usual, I finished off the white at home last night, and I went ahead and did one row of the blue so it is already started and ready to go.

I did find, in finishing the white stripe, that a yarn cake from Anne's ball winder is just the right amount for one of these 5 inch stripes. I had just a little bit of yarn left when I finished the stripe. Always a good thing to know! The skeins of red and white are huge, so it is handy to have a cake wound and take that instead of the big skein.

I haven't gotten any other work done at home as far as knitting or quilting goes. The sun room has been keeping me busy, and the impending Christmas time has too. I remind myself that it will all (both!) be done eventually and I will have much more time to work on things!

Knitting at Physical Therapy

2005-12-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

I am briefly skipping over the next completed project, since I don't have a photo yet!

I don't remember if I mentioned the cotton dishcloth I started, that I had thought I would take along to physical therapy to work on. I changed my mind about that, as the yarn seems to be excessively dyed, and residue is left on my fingers when I work on it. So, I decided that a better project would be the baby blanket I had started knitting ages ago for the Blankey Brigade. It got put aside for Anne's blankey, and the Pooh costume, etc. I have now taken to it pt twice, and it is coming along nicely. It is just a simple stockinette, with a border of garter stitch. It will be striped, red, white, blue, white, and red again. It makes a great project to take along, as it is so simple to work on and no pattern to deal with. I am doing it on circular needles, because of the width.

The Christmas stockings for Christine and Michelle will wait till next year. I didn't want to mail them and especially not overseas, just in case they should get lost in the mail. It would be too heartbreaking. They both have stockings to use till they come back this spring, so they won't be stockingless at Christmas! It should be a lot of fun to knit them!

Dishcloth

2005-12-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I had thought I would start a dishcloth, and would have it to take to work on when I take Anne for pt over the next days/weeks/??? times. I checked the book for a pattern that wasn't too complicated to do---only because I didn't want to have to be constantly referring to the book, while out and about. I found a nice one, and chose yarn that actually was more fitting than I realized. Anne was the one who decided it was a nice choice, it is white, blue and dark green, well, with some lighter green too---all a variegated cotton yarn---Lion cotton. The pattern is Crocus Bulb. I don't know that I think it looks like crocus bulbs, but I guess we have to allow poetic license?

I got it cast on and have gotten a good start on it---12 rows or so already? I don't think I will take it out with me though. It is one thing that the yarn seems rougher than the Peaches and Cream-- or is it Sugar and Cream?-- that I have used before. However, I noticed when I stopped that I had dye residue on my fingers. From the dark green, it looked like. I imagine it was just one of those things, and perhaps the excess dye accounts for the feeling of the yarn. I am sure it will feel lovely once it is washed? However, I will keep it as something to work on at home, where I can wash my hands with unscented soap!

Next time, I will post a photo of the second dish cloth I did, which was the one I finished for Anne, done in the Bee Stitch Pattern. It came out quite nicely, and I really like the yarn color more than I thought I would! It was my next completed project, anyway!

Comment

2005-12-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

No photos today, or really anything new. One thing that was interesting, that I didn't mention about Michelle's costume. It has to do with my increasing abilities with knitting!

In doing the collar for the top, I used dpns for the first time! I was amazed at how well it went. It felt a little bit awkward the first round, but after that was fine. I can really see getting into that!

I have read a number of knitting books, some of them recommended by Jo! Thanks to them, I have become braver in things I will try, and have learned a lot. I am quite good at tinking, and almost always do Anne's tinking for her. She has a hard time seeing well enough to even begin to take care of that herself. I have even learned how to go back and correct a mistake (sometimes!) without having to rip it all out!

My biggest or at least most tedious repair job was when I was working on Anne's blankey. I found an error many many rows back. It was something that she definitely wanted fixed, even if I didn't! Even if no one else ever noticed, we would. It would have taken forever to tink, but I had read about life lines, and had also read enough and retained enough to have an idea of what loops to pick up. So, what I actually did was take a smaller size circular needle, and threaded it through the stitches a row below the mistake. The worst part of it all was the basketweave pattern in the blanket. It was easy to see which loop to pick up on the stockinette, but harder with the purl side. I did manage to pick up each stitch, although some of the ones from the purl sides were backwards. Easy enough to correct that though. Once the circular was in place, I madly ripped back, and saved an immense amount of time.

I almost forgot, I have used circular needles for knitting in the round now too---although right now, I can't for the life of me remember what I was knitting? Anne had read about the little loop thing you need to do when your circulars are longer than the thing being knitted, which works amazingly well. Okay, I had to ask Anne and she figured it out!!!! The pants for Michelle's costume started out with circulars, knit in the round. I totally forgot! The pattern called for using circulars till the point where the pants are split for the legs. I can't believe I forgot. Oh my, too much going on, and I was in such a rush to get it all done at the time too. Anyway, that was my first time using circulars for something other than straight knitting (when regular needles weren't long enough!)

So, thank you, Jo, for kindly suggesting some really good knitting books! I have really learned a lot!!!!!

The Next Finished Project!

2005-11-26T00:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, you have seen this before, but it is so cute, and it does fit here! Have you guessed? Yes, it is Michelle's Halloween costume, Winnie the Pooh!

Anne came up with the idea, and started things off by starting the hat, in crochet. She was able to use her expertise from crocheting another Pooh project, and did a great job! She got me to knit the top and bottom. I did delay getting to work on the project, trying to decide just what patterns to use for the pants and the sweater. Also, I had an idea of trying to arrange the top so that the "red shirt" had actual edges of its own, so it would all look more "Pooh-like." I spent a lot of time thinking of just how to do it, and actually ended up doing it differently than I had planned. I still hadn't come up with a good plan on the sweater when I went ahead and knit the pants, since they didn't need any special treatment.

To do the top, I started with the sleeves. I knit both at the same time, so I wouldn't have to measure so much and try to get both sleeves the same! I still hadn't finished my plan for the edging of the red shirt, so when the time came, I just made the color change to red. That looked pretty good all by itself! I knit the front and back at the same time too, on a set of circular needles, but using them to knit back and forth. Ditto with the color change. I finished the neck by knitting in stockinette instead of doing the ribbed collar called for. I then went back and brought up stitches with new yarn, along the color change on the sleeves and then along the front of the sweater. I worked those all in stockinette, long enough to curl and add the kind of edge I wanted. It worked out better than I dared to hope. I didn't add the edging to the back of the sweater, as I felt it might be uncomfortable for Michelle.

The top is big, but it actually worked out well, as I think it gives Michelle a bulkier look and gives a more Pooh-like appearance! The sleeves and pant legs are long too---I figure there is a good chance she can wear it next year too.

Dishcloth

2005-11-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

So, this is the first knitting project that I started, after years of not knitting, and the second knitting project completed. It went well, was easy to do, and is useful too. Can't lose, eh?

It is done in cotton, and is a diamond pattern, although I don't think the pattern shows up very well in the photo.

I have some little quilting projects that are on the back burner, that need to be finished They were started before the knitting projects were. They were meant to be done for Baby Michelle, before I went to Germany for her birth. That didn't quite work out. I will have to get them back out and finished, and will showcase them here soon, I hope! I did get an Ott-type light at Joann's today, and so there is a much more realistic chance that I will get back to work on the quilting projects too, as I just didn't have enough light before. Now I won't have that problem and my eyes will be happy!

Idle Needles

2005-11-21T00:14:00.000-05:00

In the interest of adding something to this, I decided to blog with what I have been reading. I can't always knit or quilt, can I???? I know some people would give a resounding "YES!!!!" to that question. I think breaks between projects are good though!

Last week I was busy catching up on newspapers, from the week of Anne's surgery and the week after, when she was in the hospital. I am still keeping busy enough that I don't generally take the time to read for pleasure during the day, for the most part. I somehow don't consider reading the paper to be reading for pleasure. Go figure?

I do read at night before bed, and that does help to satisfy the reading urge. Somewhat. Enough to get by. Ha ha ha ha!

So, what have I been reading? The current night reading book is Colin Dexter's Last Seen Wearing. You may remember that Colin Dexter writes the Inspector Morse mysteries. Before I started this, I had been reading Orson Scott Card, and, in fact, I have one of his in progress too. It is for the odd moment when I have a chance to read something during the day!!!!! I don't remember the title right off. I have also barely scratched the surface of a book on Osteopenia, which is something that Anne already has at the tender age of 24. I have read enough of the book to know that this isn't as uncommon as we might think. Add that she suffers from lactose intolerance, and her body type puts her at huge risk too, and it isn't a surprise.

Next posting, I will actually show some knitting or quilting! What a concept!

The Blankey

2005-11-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

I had not knit in ages. Years, many years. It seemed like eons ago! But, there were going to be Christmas stockings to knit, and I actually found I missed knitting. So, I got out the knitting needles. This isn't actually the project I started with, but I have realized that it is the second started, and the first one completed. So, I will show it first! Only fair, right, since it was the first completed?

I first started knitting a cotton dishcloth. However, Anne put in a request for a knit blankey when she found she had a pituitary tumor. She had been wondering why she was always either freezing cold or broiling hot. We figured that helped explain it, in part anyway! I think when we first got the yarn, she had planned to make it, but before ever even casting on, she asked if I would knit it. I was happy to do it!

Anne had started a basket weave baby blanket and really liked the pattern. We used that pattern, just multiplying all the numbers by 3? I don't remember the exact number now. I think the finished dimensions of the blanket are 50" by 54". Anne crocheted an edging, just single crochets, all around, with a darker yarn.

I started it here in Florida, took it to Ohio when we went for Anne's friend's wedding, and finished it at home, in time for her long ACTH test in a very cold room in the endocrinologist's office! It also spent some time in the hospital with her. It has definitely seen some hard use. Not the least of which are kitty claws. Oh well.

eureka!!!!!

2005-11-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

no title? How strange. We will have to see about that.