the knitting buzz

distracted by color

Usually I tend to gravitate to yarns that are more tonal in naturefor myself,  but recently I was bitten by the Miss Babbs Yowza Whatta Skein bug. I'm not sure if its the generous 560 yards or the captivating colorways......or maybe its a bit of BOTH. 

One skein is enough yarn for a hat & scarf, or a hat & mittens. Honestly, I think this is all the justification I need.

 
Colorway: Deep Sea Jellyfish

 

Colorway : Suit and Tie

 

 Colorway : Train Ride

I have been on a 3 year NEED for a hat.  My old hat was warm and cozy but had seen some miles.  Hats are funny.  They don't take that long to knit, but for some reason for me, its an easy project to postpone.  Until now.....

I recently finished a Tam/Beret out of the Yowza in theTrain Ride colorway. and since I don't make hats that often for myself, it was a bit of a learning experience.  Here is what I learned:

1. my head is not as big as I thought it was
2. I don't need to make it quite as floppy
3. I will try another method for decreasing that is more subtle, perhaps the spiral decrease.

The good news is that.....

1. I will be ready for Winter 2012 with a new hat and have enough yarn leftover to make a matching scarf or mittens.
2. I am almost sure, I have gotten over my hat hurdle
3. I have two more untouched skeins of Miss Babbs Yowza to play around with......it doesn't get better than that!

Happy Hat Knitting!!!!

sweet georgia tough love sock yarn

Sweet Georgia Yarns are a nice find. 

Sweet Georgia is hand-dyed yarn out of Vancouver Candada. I especially like the Tough Love Sock yarn, cute name for a sock yarn.  It's an 80% superwash merino wool & 20% nylon fingering weight yarn, 425 yards, I chose colorway Lakeshore Drive. Sadly, the photo of my finished socks does not do it justice.

Sweet Geogia's photo is much better.

 

 

These socks were apart of a birthday gift.  They were planned to match up a color theme of bright turquoise blue and bright green. 

I hazard to share the story....because it just may confirm something ...... about me. YIKES!

It all started with a Dodo case for the iPad....so socks are always a natural choice as a gift compliment, right? ......not really...... but for those of you who know..... I know you understand.

Fun right?

I also added a couple of knit tops in the same colors.   Yes, that's right.....everyone wants to match there Dodocase to their outfit to their socks.  My dear friend is such a good sport.......

But it really didn't end there....... while in Target, I found a perfectly matching desk set of paperclips, binder clips and push pins...... which would coordinate with the Dodo case on her desk.......how geekey is that? (I wish I had taken a picture of them, because you wouldn't believe it)

AND.......you guessed it, they ended in the box too. 

My dear friend told me that she got a bit of ribbing over the coordinating desk accessories to her Dodo case.....but I'm guessing, she didn't share with her co-workers that she also had matching knit tops and socks that matched too. Who could blame her.

Moral of this story....

Choose your friends carefully....becasue you may end up with a friend like me....BEWARE!

 

 

some hard lessons

My Carly Linen Lace Wrap has been finished for a couple of weeks and I do love it.... EXCEPT.... I made a couple of grave errors.

First of all, I determined the knit finished length based on past lace wraps and didn't take into account that the linen doesn't stretch like wool blends.  Soooo.....its really shorter than I would like.

So for the past week and a half, I have had it draped over a door, perhaps hoping it would stretch..... to no luck, I might add.

Till today, when I made the decision to take out the bind off and add the additional length that I truly desire.  This felt liberating, I had plenty of lace linen yarn left over and soon I would have the lace wrap I wanted. Right?  WRONG.

Which leads me to my second error....

Of course, I had woven in that end so well that it was impossible to find. So I decided to cut it, I have plenty of linen, no problem....right?

I don't no how to describe, without using a plethora of curse words, just how difficult it is to take apart the bind-off edge.  The linen lace has no give and of course I didn't do a simple bind off...............This may take the better part of today or days to do it.

Kind of reminds me of my Dad's words of wisdom......MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE.

In the long run, I knoiw I will be super happy. Stay tuned for some updated Carly pics.....hopefully soon.

In the meatime, here is a totally random picture for your enjoyment.....

He looks like how I'm feeling ......

Happy Knitting!

 

 

twitchy

I don't know what it is ..... but I'm getting twitchy.

My Pebbly Mesh Shawl is about 70% complete in length or about 50 inches long.  I should be driven to get it completed, the end is near. And I am anxious to get it finished........BUT...... I find myself getting distracted by yarn  ......especially newly purchased lace yarn......

and the thoughts of casting on another lace shawl/wrap or even a scarf. 

I find myself matching up the yarn to the design, only to get twitch twitch twichy fingers to want to start winding the yarn into a ball and grab for another set of needles.

F O C U S

But which color first...... should it be the beautiful coral or the blue green or the marine blue or the mossy green or the steely blue.....

F O C U S

F O C U S

F O C U S

You have to admit..... they are pretty.  Does James Brown get down?

RIGHT!!!!

Back to the Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap/Scarf...... it will be done before I know it.

Happy Knitting!

frugal

Feeling very frugal and I'm not sure why.

Frugal is not something I would say is my nature naturally, but definitely something that I grew up with...... (we re-used aluminum foil at my house).

In my search for a particular yarn in my stash, I came across many little bits of cotton yarn that was leftover from a multitude of face-cloth projects.  OK. True confessions, I do knit and/or crochet my own face-cloths because they are just sooo much nicer than anything store bought.  I know you are probably thinking I'm pulling your leg or just plain flipping out.... but its true.  I digress.

ANYWAY..... for some crazy reason, I got the idea to make a face-cloth out of all of them combined together for a homespun-y thing.  Can't explain it.....really.  In fact, I'm shaking my head in my own disbelief while I write this post.

 

Crazy! Right?

Getting back to my yarn search and to make this crazy story go on and on......... the yarn I was looking for was Jojoland Melody, a self-stripeing fingering weight yarn. 

My dear friend recently told me about all the compliments she got at work when she was wearing a lace scarf I had knit her. And also recently, after showing her the scarf and mitts I made for Xander, she told me how much she loved the self-stripeing yarn.  So I got to thinking......always dangerous.....thought I could put them together for another scarf for her.

 

I promise to keep you entertained by showing you pictures of both of these projects as they near completion.  

Hope you had a good week and wishing you a relaxing weekend.

Happy Knitting!

 

social knitting

I love getting together with friends and fellow knitters to knit, share, compare, learn.....and of course,.......gossip and solve the worlds problems.  Yes, I said gossip.....I always loved Olympia Dukakis' line in "Steel Magnolias",.........

"Well you know what they say:  if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me".

 

I have been involved with knitting groups (commonly referred to "stitch n' bitch") that got together weekly, whether it was around lunchtime or in the evening, during the week or on the weekend.  I found I looked forward to it every week, to see the regulars and to meet newcomers.  Some times treats were shared, then recipes followed. But always a good time that seemed to end much to quickly......not to be trite, but time flys when you're having fun.

The evening groups sometimes got a little more social with the addition of ones preferred libation.  And as fun as this is, I have always found it to be a little dangerous to my knitting.  Or rather what I have to unknit/rip-out the day after.

So what's the harm in a glass of wine or a beer.....probably nothing.  But to delute the effects on my knitting and to be able to have more than just one (its like Lays potato chips, no one can have just one..... oops.....perhaps I have said too much), I have taken to finding the merits in a wine spritzer, a shandy (looking forward to trying this one) or a michelada to put the "social" back in social knitting.

A wine spritzer is a combination of red or white wine, sparkling soda and ice.  Making wine spritzers at home is a great way to reduce alcohol consumption and cut calorie intake too. Follow these easy steps to make your own wine spritzer:

• Combine 4 oz. (118 ml) red or white wine, 2 oz. (59 ml) club soda or seltzer water and ice cubes.  And if you are feeling extra fancy, add some fruit for a garnish.

A shandy is a combination of beer and ginger ale or 7-Up. Since I have not tried this one yet, I'm not sure if ice cubes are added or not.   To make your own shandy follow these easy steps:

• Combine 1/2 glass beer and 1/2 glass ginger ale.  Ice cubes optional.

A michelada is the cousin to the bloody mary, utilizing a beer base potentially less alcohol, but all the zip. I had this at TNNA and found it quite nice, but I think you have to like bloody mary's to appreciate it. Warning.....its kind of a big drink.  Follow this recipe to make a michelada at home.

• Combine 12 oz. of beer, juice of 1 lemon, 2 dashes of worcestershire sauce, 1 dash of soy sauce, 1 dash tabasco sauce, a pinch of pepper and salt to taste. Serve in a tall glass with lots of ice. Stir and enjoy.

Enjoy your knitting and stay social. 

 

And last but not least......a random photo for your enjoyment....

Keep on knitting, keep on knitting, knitting, knitting, knitting......

 

the 3 day mistake

It happened so quickly........everything "seemed" like it was going so well. 

Until I spotted it, two rows back, two side-by-side decresed done a stitch out of sequence. Within the intricacies of my knitted lace wrap, it all seemed so minimal and would not be noticed....right?  Besides to go back and fix them would have required me going back stitch by stitch or un-knitting. Every other stitch was a twisted (on purpose) stitch and the yarn seems to be-on-the-move when left unattended......therefore leaving me less confident to rip back.

So it was a judgement call..... right?  

So I proceeded to knit my heart out and two and a half repeats or 10 rows later came my "day of reckoning". My simple mistake looked HORRIBLE and stuck out like a "sore thumb".

How could I have made this blunder....... I totally know better.......OOFDAH!!!!!!

So instead of working unknitting stitch by stitch for 2 rows..... I now have a 10 ROW MISTAKE..... taking out each stitch one by one.

Oh....the shame.... OH THE PAIN....... and yes three days later, thats right, 3 days later, I fixed my mistake and am back to knitting...... more carefully, I might add.

Moral of this story...... 2 rows which seemed ever so painful at the moment, paled in comparison when it turned into 10. 

OR ....

A STICH IN TIME SAVES NINE!

 

Another random picture to share...... Enjoy!

 

Happy Knitting!

 

san francisco treats

On a recent trip to San Francisco, it proved to be just chock full of San Francisco treats..... and I'm not talking about Rice-a-Roni.  I enjoyed doing some of the tourist-y things.  Here are some pictures of a few of them,

 

 

I did get to ride the famous Trolley cars.....it was quite fun but those hills....so steep....wow wee.

 
 

Sourdough bread or sourdough anything?

 

Oops ..... sorry about the missing bite..... I just couldn't resist...... yum yum.

 

The fog.  It was very foggy and I took tons of pictures that are masked with the haze.

 

The flora.  I am a sucker for beautiful flowers and here are a few I just have to share.

 

 

 

 

The painted ladies.  They are beautiful.  However, I was surprised by this famous (Full House) landmark....they seemed like they could use a fresh coat of paint. 

  

The road to Twin Peaks........ curvey

 

Tartine's Morning Bun. INCREDIBLE! And highly recommended.  I was lucky enough that a customer recommended it to me, when she heard I was going to San Francisco and planning on visiting ImagiKnit (its just down the street).  I had the squash and sun-dried tomato quiche and of course, the famous Morning Bun.

  

And of course ..... a yarn store..... ImagiKint

 

 

 

It  was a super great trip with lots of shopping, eating, sightseeing and exploring.

Lastly, one random picture to share.....

Happy Knitting! 

 

 

love the farmers market

I got a tip that Hoosier Mama Pies  is now selling her pies and other bake goods at the Green City Farmers Market.  I love pie and I have been wanting to get to her shop for nearly a year, but had not managed it. 

So today I set out early for the Farmers Market in search of pie.  So excited..... ok this may be a little sad that someone, mainly me, would get so excited about pie......BUT HEY, we are talking pie now.  Still excited.

I found Hoosier Mama and she had 4 pie choices today:  Blueberry, Raspberry, Chess with Vinegar and Apricot Raspberry.  Hard to choose just one.... but I am a sucker for Blueberry, especially if its warm....yummy.

 

Apparently, I had a rough journey home, I did choose a different bus, which had me walking 4 extra blocks.  Note to self: take the picture at the market.  Even though it doesn't look so pretty, it was pretty tasty and well worth the journey.

Much to my delight I had an unexpected find..... FARM FRESH EGGS.  OOOOLALA!!!!! I have not had these in forever, so I was so excited to buy some.  These eggs come from the Grass is Greener Farm (isn't that the cutest name) in Wisconsin.

 
Arn't they pretty? You may have noticed that there are two missing.... yep, I had two as soon as I got home. they were soooo tasty.  Grocery store eggs just don't hold a candle to these. (However, if you are lucky enough to find Phil's Eggs...they are pretty good too).

The fruits and vegtables were all beautiful and it was hard to resist buy one of everything.

But as I was leaving, I spyed these beautiful brioche buns which seemed like they would be the perfect compliment with my straight from the farm fresh eggs.....

......and they didn't disappoint. What a yummy morning.

 

A quick knitting update....

I am delighted to report that my It's Native by Dream in Color knitted lace shawl/wrap is off the needles and blocked.  I just need to get some pictures taken, finalize the pattern and put it into a pdf.  Hoping to get it published by next week.

 

 

 

feeling independent

After celebrating the Fourth of July, I was feeling quite independent, perhaps even a little rebellious.

START AS MANY NEW PROJECTS AS I CAN..... that's my new motto.  I'm not talking about indiscriminately knitting any old thing with any old yarn. Instead, starting new mindful projects or new designs, as the creative burst arises. Keeping a steady stream of of creative energy flowing.  Throwing caution to the wind....

Previously, I tended to be stricter with myself, keeping the number of projectsto a minimum and focusing on finishing as many projects as possible.  This was practical, but I found myself spending hours and hours getting distracted by new ideas. Then frustrated by getting back to those few projects that needed finishing. 

Don't get me wrong. I do like to finish projects and I do like to wear them, use them or give them as much as the next person. BUT there is a point, when warding off starting new projects because of the pressing UFOs (unfinished objects) turned against me. Trampling all over new ideas, visions and the relative enthusiasm, all for the sake of finishing.

So..... when the idea/vision is matched up with the a great yarn, in a color that is just right..... that's when I will cast on the next project.  I will not wait till the three projects (figuratively speaking) are finished before starting something new. I won't put it on a list of design ideas for the future, I will do it now!

With this new found freedom, I have also entitled myself to NOT finish those projects that no longer thrill me or I'm not connected with the initial inspiration.  

Some projects deserve to saved and definitely will get finished because the desire and inspiration is still there. For the other projects, that I know deep down that they will never get finished..... I will either repurpose the yarn (if its worth saving) or simply destash/trash.

I feel liberated and refuse to feel hostage to the undone. I have decided to not feel a bit guilt when it comes to the undone..... life is too short.

Knit anything and everything you want! 

 

one of those weeks

Happy Summer Soltice!

Ever have one of those days weeks where you feel like you are just off your game..... that was me this last week.

I can actually pin down the cause(s).  And you won't believe it.  I bought a new netbook (its so little, lightweight and cute) for traveling, so I didn't have to lug my 17" laptop (definitely more cumbersome). I was so excited to blog and share lots of news, trend, direction, new items and photos of the knitting famous (like Barbara Walker, Norah Gaughan, Ysolda Teague to name a few) from TNNA.  Then it happened....

The first day started with only about 4 hours sleep, early travel with crazy storms and lots of classes. I think the lack of sleep took its toll.....result no blogging....but not the cause.

Next day, started early, chalked full of classes and speakers (which were all great) that lasted all day.   Came back to the hotel, ready to write and load all the photos I took and that's when it happened......

I went to download the photos I took and my new netbook would not allow me to select the photos to download.  It would only give me the option to download ALL photos....which is like a gajillion and I knew that my cute little netbook had limited memory, which I was certain a gajillion would blow it up.  (Later I found out that my netbooks memory could have handled it.....argh).

BUT that little setback of downloading photos is what I am blaming the cause of the tumble.  Going from "so excited" about sharing all the great new things at TNNA.... to nothing.  This translated to a week of no blogging and worse yet, no knitting.  I have not knit or had the desire to knit for more than a week.  TAKE MY TEMPERATURE, PLEASE!!!!!

I hope this post will snap me out of it..... on all fronts.

Hope you have a good rest of week and a lovely weekend.  By the way, Taste of Chicago starts this weekend..... always lots of fun!

 

and then there were two

Charlize Shawlette is finished and on the blocking board. I think it turned out quite nice, even with some initial struggles. Its a great and quick way to get thru some of the growing stash of fingering weight/sock yarn that I have accumulated. I knit it with Madelintosh Tosh Merino Light, color Norway Spruce. The second photo is truer to the actual color, the first appears a bit washed out.

 

 

 

 

It will make a nice gift for someone special, so nice that I have already started Charlize #2, for another special someone. This one I am knitting in Malabrigo Sock, color Alcaucil. So far NONE of the initial struggles with this pattern, clearly it was me, the pattern is written beautifully.

 

My wrap that I'm knitting with the Incredible "It's Native" from Dream in Color has been on a little hiatus. I guess the quickness and ease of Charlize was a welcomed break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life interrupted

Planning  a day trip by train for a change of pace.  I'm looking forward to getting a break from the city, especially when gelato is involved.... yum yum.

So a quick train jaunt is the perfect time to get in some knitting. Surprised? Travel knitting is my favorite, whether its train or plane.  But I like train knitting best because of the opportunity to spread out, not quite as crowded and has occasional stops.

What to take to knit does require some consideration. I don't dare take the knitted lace wrap I am knitting,  that has all the makings for a disaster, knitting disaster that is. 
Which leaves me the socks I have been knitting off & on.....lets be honest, its been more off than on.  So I'm all set & ready to go, right?

UNTIL, I spy Evelyn knitting Charlize Shawlette by Vanessa Smith. Yes, you guessed it, there was no turning back. It was perfect!  For all the right reasons..... I have some very special girls/women in my life that would look great in this piece..... and..... I have tons of gorgeous fingering weight yarn that is just yearning to be knit.......and ...... its lace, I love to knit anything lace ....and..... its simple enough that I could work on it on the train......and...... and ....... and.... and......

I told Evelyn that I was going to "blame" her for getting another project on the needles, BUT instead I must thank her. Its a great piece and thrilled to start it.  So Evelyn, here is a big THANK YOU for you.

distracted or too many pretty things

Its not possible to have TOO MANY pretty things, so it must be distractions or my knitting ideas far out pace my actual knitting.

I'm blessed with having multiple hanks of Wollmeise Lace Garn (its heavenly) and I promised myself that my next project would be with Wollmeise. 

 

THEN, I got a new pair of green shoes and how does this relate to knitting? Well, a coordinating lace scarf or wrap would be just the ticket to complete the ensemble....right? 

 
 

I don't have the right green in my Wollmeise stash to compliment the shoes....SOOOO... I was on a mission to find the right green.  And I did.  I found two beautiful hanks of Madelintosh Tosh Lace yarn in the color Thyme.....perfect.

 

Now here is where it gets messy..... I received a sample hank of the new lace yarn from Dream in Color It's Native Lace Yarn and its double heaven.  In fact, I think I died and went to heaven.  Its American Merino and American Mohair that is spun in the US and dyed by the Color Masters at Dream in Color. A veil dye technique that neither landscapes or pools... guarenteed beautiful every time.

 

Lets put it this way..... its so nice, I abandoned all of my previous great ideas to work with it..... Really, who could resist?

distracted

How does this happen?  Once my trip to Portland was cancelled,  I have lost my focus on my Venetia Shawl/Wrap project .....and I was doing so well.  Now that the deadline or rather goal has been removed, I find myself taking on new projects. 

I have started crocheting a pillow cover, testing out some patterns in the form of cotton facecloths and to top it off, I spent a good part of the weekend, swatching some knit lace designs for my next lace shawl/wrap design.

I can explain...... The distraction could happen to anyone.  I have recently acquired some beautiful laceweight and fingering weight yarn. A couple of hanks of Wollmeisse Lace Garn, Madelintosh Tosh Lace and Tosh Merino Light.  Ok, ok, ok.... who wouldn't be distracted by that.

Happy Knitting!

who knits?

Did you know....

Julia Roberts, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Winona Ryder, Dakota Fanning, Daryl Hannah, Brooke Sheilds, Tyra Banks, Kristin Davis, Debra Messing, Justine Bateman, Russell Crowe, Uma Thurman, Kate Moss, Sandra Bullock, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Tim Daly, Bridget Fonda, Tracey Ullman, Sally Fields, Caroline Rhea, Laurence Fishburne, Madeleine Albright, Eartha Kitt, Karen Allen, Joanne Woodward, Stu Bloomberg, Elizabeth Taylor and Goldie Hawn all knit and find knitting as a satisfying pastime. 

I'm sure my findings are not exhaustive,  but its still fun to think that they share something in common with us. 

Feel like a celeb and knit often!

4 letter word

What's happening?  I just started to crochet an afghan with Katie in our retro afghan-a-long.  And then out of no where.....

I see a sign in the window ..... it speaks to me.... SALE .....and...... then it happened....

Those 4 simple letters S  A  L  E 

They have such power

Any sensible reason goes out the window....swish.....

Do I need it..... no

Do I need it...... no

Do I need it...... no

Do I want it ......yes

Do I need it ......yes

If you haven't guessed by now it is yarn.  It's always yarn.  But not just any yarn, its 50% Baby Alpaca and 50% Merino Wool, it a beautiful tonal shades of Tealing Blue, its Misti Alpaca Tonos.  Its 218 yards of soft goodness.  Sweet!

OK. Here is the part that normal reasoning may be questioned....

Normally, 1 - 3 hanks would curb the need for a hat and a scarf.  But noooo, I had to have all 11 hanks that remained because I HAD to have it to make ANOTHER AFGHAN.  Yes I did!  The last time I made was more than 5 years ago....hence not an avid afghan knitter or crocheter.

Now wait... it gets better.  I had to come up with a pattern and knit the first hank to make sure that 11 hanks would be enough to get the width and the length I wanted.  Or would I have to design it with some well thought out, planned and engineered stripes in a different solor to extend the yarn to get a blanket that just the right size, really a blanket that was not too small.

Here is the the start of blanket #2 =)

The yarn is beautiful... right?  You would have done the same thing.....right?  OK then. Here is the piece de la no-resistance.

And 11 hanks is perfect!

 

More later.....

 

sweet

I love going to the Farmers Market and lucky for me there is one just a block and a half away from where I live. I love getting the freshly picked fruits and vegetables from local growers. Baked goods are also available and I'm a sucker for the wide selection of breads, rolls, muffins and scones.

However, on this day a discovery was made. That's right, a discovery..... perhaps its not new, but its new to me. Ok, ok, enough. The discovery is that there is a special corn that can be eaten raw just like a fruit. It can also be grilled, boiled or microwaved BUT it can be eaten raw. The corn hybrid  is called Mirai Sweet Corn from Twin Gardens Farms in Harvard, IL

 Well the grower was brilliant to husk the corn and break off a sample for us. It was simply incredible and SWEET.  Xander loved it too. 

 
  And 12 ears later, I couldn't be happier. I will definitely get more next week.....oh know, what if he's not there......he better be, I'm hooked. I wonder if I can freeze it.....I will ask Farmer Twin Gardens next time. Crazy, right?
 
 

midwest fiber and folk fair

Journeys of the traveling sock.....

 

This weekend was theMidwest Fiber and Folk Fairin Greyslake IL.  Meg, Audrey and I rented a car and whisked ourselves out of the city and into the county. This was my first Fiber Fair and it was truly a treat.

There were 134 exhibitors showing beautiful  fiber (Megs favorite), spinning wheels (Audrey wants one), weaving supplies (Meg is totally into it) and YARN (my personal obsession), especially some of the amazing hand dyed ones, as well as, the sheer beauty  of the spun fiber in its natural color.

 
   

While Audrey was taking a test drive on some spinning wheels.

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Kimber from Fiber Optics and instantly fell in love with her fiber, sock and lace yarn. Her dye work is breathtaking.

I wasn't expecting to see any animals, but had the pleasure of seeing a couple of darling alpacas and one giant angora rabbit.

It was a perfect day with a perfect ending, check out this sunset..... with the promise of a beautiful tomorrow...... "red sky by night, sailors delight....."

  

 

 

 .

interruptions interrupted

 Do your interruptions ever get interrupted? If not, lucky for you.....because it happens all the time to me.  OR perhaps its just that gift giving dates sneak up on me.

After coming down from my tunisian crochet frenzy, I was all set to get serious about completeing my latest wrap design. THEN......I realized that my Mom's birthday was a week and a half away. OH NO!!!!

I decided to try to knit up my Bubbles design as a summer scarf for her. I'm using a linen lace that she can accessorize with in the summer and during her snowbird winters.  I personally love the color and I think she will too.

 I started it this morning, I will give it till the weekend to see if I can manage to get it completed in time......otherwise its off to Amazon.

hooked

I had mentioned previously that I learned how to Tunisian Crochet in a class at TNNA. Well now I'm hooked....ba-dum-bump.

Since I have been home I have made 8face cloths. Most are in the Tunisian basic stitch and one is crocheted. They go so fast and I love the stitch pattern and the fabric it produces. Did I need to make face cloths? No .....but it did inspire some gifts.... so watch out....one may be for you.

Several are already gift wrapped and ready to go....

Its time for me to get back to lace knitting and my fishing nets inspired shawl.  After about a good 24" or better I came to the harsh realization that it was really coming out too wide and I wouldn't have enough yarn. The horror! And yes, I riped it all out with the plans to start again.  Since this was not my first time to start over, I managed to stay strong and not burst into uncontrollable sobbing. But it did open the door, to possible changing my yarn choice......

So with one repeat underr my belt, I am still toying with the idea of another yarn selection.....or should I make two...

This is always dangerous for me.

updates from TNNA and more

Back from TNNA in Columbus and worn out.....lots of walking, selecting yarns and accessories to sell in the shop, did I mentions lots of walking and lots of Jenis.....I certainly had my fill of Jenis ice cream ...... it really was spectacular.  I had several pints shipped home to share with the family. They are liking it too....how could they not.....seriously.

This year we stayed at the Hampton which was perfectly located across the street from the Convention Center and within a block from the North Market (good eats).  Its a nice hotel with a very friendly staff. I would recommend it

We were very busy and on the go go go the entire time.  I really thought I would get alot of knitting done, but sadly this was not the case.  The one thing I had to get finished were Katie's birthday socks. Mission failed. Luckily for me Katie was very understanding when there was only one sock in the package....she actually laughed and said she completely understood.

 

 

 

 

off to Columbus

 

The day started off with a beautiful sky. It was destined to be a great day. Our flight to Columbus was perfect and better yet, uneventful. Got to work on the sock and ready to start it mate,

Some perks of the day were finding jeni's splendid ice cream and oohhh what a find.

 
 Vicki and I did a lot of sampling but couldn't resist getting a scoop or two or three or.....

I had to get the Queen City Cayenne, its so unusual, starts out sweet & very yummy and closes with a very spicy bite. Only a Cincinnati girl (or boy) could truly appreciate this love fest.

Its the dark chocolate one in the back.

After some planning and getting a global overview of the market, it was time to head to dinner. We decided to hit a Mexican joint, La Fogata Grill.  I had the most delicious fish tacos.....boy, do I love fish tacos..... but these were exceptional. Deeeelicious!

Now.....   I would be totally  remiss, if I didn't mention  Michelada .....ooolala. This is where Mr. Dos Equis meets the handmade spicy Bloody Mary . That's what I'm talking about. It was my first and looking forward to a second. I only had one since I have a super long day tomorrow, but I enjoyed every drop.

So that is my epicurean journey in Columbus.

 

 

Where did the week go

I moved this week and after a day of moving and movers, then another day of unpacking, it was time to go back to work. Can I just say.... that moving is tops on my list of unpleasant tasks... oofdah! 

Getting ready for the move is an un-daunting task but yet somehow cleansing. Its the time to purge those things that have accumulated but don't really need or rather desire to carry to the new digs.

BUT then there is the unpacking ( which is where I am right now with about 10 boxes to go) .....all goes well until you have run out of room..... How could this happen? I got rid of so much stuff and yet it still doesn't fit. Where did all these books come from? Oh....did I mention the yarn.

Yes, 10 boxes to go and where will it go....... that is plan for my "fun filled" day. Will it be "creative" organization or edit...... "when in doubt, throw out" may be my mantra of the day.   

Oops!...I Did It Again

Feeling very deadline rich these days and .....

Yes, I did!....added another knitting project (a project of love, of course) to my very full knitting plate.  And did I mention I am moving in less than a week and there is still a lot to pack....oofdah.

My daughter, Katie's birthday is June 13th and she must have some beautiful Malabrigo Socks....which is why I just had to start a new project.  Its just socks right?

So, I have selected the color Indecita (which reminds me of Monet's Water Lilies) and one of my favorite sock patterns Heather

 

I guess its time to get back to packing.....argh.....and all I really want to do is knit.....blush

 

 

 

 

 

on your mark, get set.......

PACK!

That's right, moving day is looming and the packing is going slightly slower than I had hoped.  I'm not sure if I dislike packing or unpacking more.  At the moment (since I'm in the throws of packing), I guess I would say packing. 

But WAIT..... I think I am looking at this all wrong.  I do like the fact that I am now forced to re-evaluate the accumulation of yarn, clothing and general stuff.  I was able to giveaway at least an entire large plastic tote of yarn.....not easily I might add, why do we want to hang onto each and every strand..... perhaps this is my own brand of some kind of sickness. But I'm guessing I am not entirely alone.

As for unpacking.... its the perfect way to get re-organized to be more productive and efficient. I am looking forward to this part. Of course, the packing must come first..... blush

Another chapter of life interrupted.

 

I

 

Life Lessons thru Knitting

Knitting Life Lessons...... Life interrupted...... and Don't turn your back on Yarn Lovers.

My sweet Xander, oh my sweet Xander.... he loves to watch me knit or rather grab at my projects while I'm knitting.  Usually I can distract or outwit him..... but not today.  Turned my back for a second or two..... and yes, it happened...... another Knitting Life Lesson. 

GUARD YOUR YARN or look for the humor  or admire the love and passion of another yarn enthusiast.

More deadlines and life's interruptions

Do you ever feel like your "plate" is full and then.... the next thing you know there is another "course"?  

That's kind of how I'm feeling. I'm moving June 1st, knitting project deadlines, design/publisher deadlines and oh by the way, a full time job.

I am moving to a larger place (this is a good thing....more room for, dare I say, yarn...blush).  I know I have a decent sized stash and purchased three plastic totes from Target to store it and to get it ready for moving day.

Three?  Really?

Now... 8 totes later the yarn is finally all together.... sadly and this doesn't include needles, notions, patterns and books (OMG.... I forgot about the bookcases of knitting books.....getting more stressed out here).