Jewel's Purls

Well, Hello There!

2012-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

Yessiree. It's been since May that I've posted anything. Life has kept me busy!

I've been tackling the Knitting Room, or wanting to, for quite some time and today I made a huge step in the right direction. Last Christmas I was given a gift card from a very generous friend and I finally spent it on something to help organize my tons of circular needles.

So, today I put on my big girl panties and just sat down and did it. It took all afternoon too.

Big Bag O'Needles

I started cataloging them in Ravelry and of course, I had a lot of help from a very helpful cat. How would I ever have managed without him?

"What?"

I got out the labeler and finally finished it. Not bad, eh?

Three little Namastes, all in a row!

What's next? My pile of DPNs. I have to turn them from a pile of sticks into something much more organized.

Happy New Year everyone! 2012 is going to be a fab year for me!!

Busted!

2011-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

He Said She Said The Giants Are Doing Great!

2011-05-23T11:35:00.001-07:00

Have you ever tried to take your picture when you're talking? Well, I'm cheering the Giants on at the same time as taking my picture. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment as most of the time I can't walk and chew gum. But, I wanted to show off my He Said She Said hat and cowl by ChicKnits. I used Cascade superwash yarn. It's not the 220, but the chunkier kind. This is my second set. Earlier this year I made a red one. It's packed away for winter, though. These knit up really quickly and they're super warm. Edited to add: (I think the guy right over my shoulder is posing for the camera too. ha ha)

The AT&T Stadium is outstanding. Here it is outside the park at night. Where else can you see palm trees wrapped in orange lights but San Francisco??!

If Looks Could Kill

2011-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

So, I finished Meems' Giants sweater. She doesn't look terribly thrilled, does she? I figure it's payback for all the 3 a.m. meowing and trying to get me up to play and feed her.

I consider this my swatch to see if I like the yarn enough to make a Giants sweater for myself. The jury is still out.

Meems is a Giants Fan Too

2011-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Meems is getting a Giants sweater. She's a stylin kind of cat, yanno. This is my time to play around to figure out how I want my Giants sweater.

Moving Forward

2011-05-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Apparently I got caught in a time warp and life has brought me all this way since the last post.   Unbelievable!

Life has definitely kept me busy, but not too busy to knit. Part of my lack of posting is the feeling of being overwhelmed of where to even begin. I miss my online knitting buddies and the comraderie. Last night I decided that I'm going to just start with where I am and bring up projects that I've done when I think of them.

I've also been busy working on the house and painting.   Since buying the house last June (gasp - has it been nearly a year??!!) I've painted one of the bedrooms, the entry/hall way, and the dining room. We've had two major holidays in our dining room and many people have enjoyed the meals fixed over the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. Again, pictures and tales to be told as I come across them.

I also bought a new laptop so all of my photos and files are still on my old one. I've been busy going to the gym and I'm very happy to say I've lost a few pounds in the process. I feel much better.

The blog looks kind of like a mess right now, but I'll be getting that fixed, hopefully sooner than later. Anyhoo - just a quick post and more later. Again, hopefully sooner than later. :-)

A Post From Meems

2010-11-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I thought I'd let you guys know that my Mom is still alive and kicking. She's still knitting and sometimes I get a little upset that she doesn't pay more attention to me.

She's been busy painting the house getting it ready for our Thanksgiving guests. I didn't bother Mom much while she was painting but I thought my paw paint prints were cute on the hard wood floor. Mom didn't think so.

I think I overheard Mom saying that we would be locked in the office while the humans are having their Thanksgiving shenanigans. I am not pleased.

Sent from my iPhone

Beyond Bed Bath and Beyond

2010-08-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend Alan's nephew is getting married. They were registered at Bed Bath and Beyond so we went there. We picked out two sets of dishes and then went to the register to pay. Here is the conversation and what followed.

Cashier 1: Because you purchased something from the registry, wrapping is free!
Me: Oh that's great. Thanks!

The cashier then pulled out two purple plastic bags. I was thinking to myself how horribly ugly those were and that she wasn't going to use them for OUR wedding gift! I was wrong. I watched as she struggled to put the heavy box inside the hideous purple plastic bag.

Me: Oh, that's okay - I can wrap those at home.
Cashier 2: No - no - it will look really nice. I promise!
Me: (thinking to myself - it's free) Oh, okay.

Alan then came to the counter and I told him that I was going to go to another store and that I'd meet him at the car. He was pushing the cart to the car with these boxes wrapped in purple garbage bags that were tied at the top with purple ribbon. We laughed all the way home.

I can't believe that any store would consider this acceptable by any means! When I think of a wedding, I most certainly don't think of purple plastic garbage bags! I went to the Hallmark store and bought proper wrapping paper and bows and here is the before and after. Yes, we are still in boxes - so I apologize.

BEFORE

AFTER

Being the environmentally responsible person that I am, I found a use for the purple bags. One was for the offerings that were left in the litterboxes and here is the other:

On the cat front we are continuing to have a huge problem with Pinhead. We have been on poop alert as he doesn't think the litterboxes are meant for him. We have confined him to the office and Meemers comes out for visitation. Sometimes he tries to get a little "frisky" with her. What followed after this picture was a hiss and a quick bite to Pinhead's ear. Meems is such a good girl.

I have managed to finish the grey Hap Shawl. I just need to find my tapestry needles to graft the edges together. I know they're in one of these boxes, somewhere!

Happy Knitting everyone!

The Other Side

2010-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well we're here. Can't say much more than that. This move was one giant mess. It didn't matter how much time I spent planning and choreographing everything. It was a huge clusterfuck. But, it's over mostly. Still have to go back to the old place on Saturday and vacuum and there are a few more things in the garage.

Moving the cats to the new house the morning of the move was comical. We had them in carriers and Kyle sat by them. It was a meowing trio. It's funny because I couldn't see the cats because I was driving, but I knew each cat by their different meows, even though they were meowing in distress.

Here are some photos to finish out this post. It's all I can do right now. The WIP box is still MIA but it's somewhere here in this pile o'boxes in what is supposed to be the dining room. Do you see the cat? Find the cat.

Now do you see it? Meems' kitty butt. And because it's often Monkey See, Monkey Do around here.... You can just barely see Meemers' little kitty ears at the top. Tippi is here passed out.

And so I don't get accused of leaving anyone out, here is ~~Pinhead~~ Poppy sleeping in the sun after finding a nice box of cables to cuddle up with.

Here he is in a sun-induced coma.

That's about it for now. Maybe there will be knitting progress. Some day. But that some day is not today.

19 Years

2010-06-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 19 today. He was greeted this morning with his traditional birthday donuts. No candles this year. They're in a box somewhere and I wasn't digging around for them, nor was I going to buy more as it would require more packing. He wanted a Honeybaked Ham for his birthday dinner and since it didn't require cooking or finding something to cook it in I very gladly accommodated!!

Kyle, June 1991

Happy Birthday, Kyle!!

See You On the Other Side

2010-06-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Escrow closes the 25th. Things are happening very quickly. The boxes are adding up and the piles are getting higher and higher. The cats are in distress that their kitty beds have moved. Something's up, but they just can't put a paw on it. Their world is coming to an end and there are many changes for them, the little darlings.

The last VGA monitor possibly on the planet is going bye-bye as Dad is getting another flat screen to match the other one. (He has two.) Tippi is going to be extremely upset as that has been her warm perch. She and Dad spend quality time when he works from home. Currently the garage is HER domain. She inspects it regularly after a human uses it. She is the Garage Dominatrix. In the new house the garage is Dad's office. It has nice pergo flooring, a window to place their perch so it's going to be quite nice. But it's not going to be hers. How will she survive?

Stay tuned. See you after the move!!

Mia's Perspective on Moving

2010-05-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

"I really don't know what all these boxes are for, Mom. I'm packed, ready to move. Wake me up when it's time." - Mia

Yippee!

2010-05-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Just Hangin Out

2010-05-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

We are busy packing boxes getting ready for the move next month. There aren't any knitting photos to share but I promise you I've been knitting and spinning.

Here is ~~Pinhead~~ Poppy hanging out with Dad. There's so much excitement here we just can't stand it.

It's May? Seriously?

2010-04-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, Batman! Where did April go? Life has been seriously busy for me, both at work and at home. Knitting and spinning has kept me from the looney bin. I moved my office from the 2nd floor to the 3rd floor. By myself.

This month we were kept busy preparing the paperwork for buying a house and we are actively looking. Since I'm the kind of person who doesn't wait for anything, we've started going through ~~our crap~~ stuff and throwing and giving away. If I don't need it for several months I've packed it. I've even started packing knitting books and patterns. I haven't started sorting through the yarn yet. We're going with the Realtor tomorrow afternoon to look at a bunch of places.

On the knitting scene, I'm still working on Sharon Miller's Hap Shawl, although I think I may have to frog a few rows. I'll work on that tonight. On the other hand, maybe I'll spin. Who knows? Right now I do whatever brings me the most pleasure.

Meemers' birthday is in May. I think I may think up some kind of contest in honor of the Birthday Girl. Stay tuned!

Marching On

2010-03-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd try to get a post here given this is the last day of March.

Life has kept me incredibly busy both at work and at home. Spring cleaning has commenced and this time it's different as I'm tossing and cleaning with the mindset of moving in the next year. If I haven't used it or touched it in 2 years it's going. Of course, yarn and spinning fiber is exempt from this rule. :grin:

I've managed to find time for knitting but not as nearly as much as I would like. I picked up the Ice Fantasia shawl and got to the edging until I managed to totally screw it up. I stuffed it in the bag and set it in the time out basket. I might pick it up and frog back. I might not. I don't have the patience or mindset to make that kind of decision right now.

I've also been working on Lake Louise. I'm just about finished with the main lice pattern but again I haven't had the patience or mindset to work on the detailed charts yet. It too is sitting in its plastic bin waiting patiently for me to return to it.

I did cast on the 2 Ply Grey Hap Shawl. It's plain simple garter stitch knitting in the middle and I'm about 2/3 done with the center square.

Sometime (hopefully soon) I won't be having my brain sucked out from work and stuff at home and I can get back to these projects and finish them.

Hard to believe that tomorrow is April...........

The Reindeer Have Arrived

2010-02-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have Lappland finished! I was bummed that the clasps I bought for it were too small. But I ordered some new ones and they should be here this week. Other than that, it's done! I even sewed a patch on the sleeve.

So, what's next? Lake Louise!! I cast on during the Olympic Opening Ceremony but there isn't much to show yet! When I do, I'll post some photos.

Woo hoo!

2010-02-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

I drove home today with the sunroof open and mah hair blowin in the breeze.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Sleeve Increases

2010-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

The instructions say to knit two stitches, increase, knit the round to the last two stitches and then increase and knit the last two stitches. I've chosen to knit these 4 stitches (2 stitches at beginning of round and 2 stitches at end of round) in the background color. It makes a nice "seam" going up the sleeve. It makes it easier to see where the increase row is too. I am constantly losing track of where I am and it's nice to be able to find my way again.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Sleevitis

2010-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am well into my first sleeve. My "placket buddy" and I are setting the goal to get our sweaters done before the Olympics start. I want to get it done so I can start Lake Louise during the opening ceremonies. For those alert enough, you will notice that Lake Louise is coming from my Dale stash and is listed on the left. I'm stash knitting at last! Yay me!

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Arrival of The Deer

2010-01-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the body of Lappland. I shouldn't say "finally" as this is the fastest I have finished a body in a while. I ran out of the natural yarn and had to order more. Thankfully Susan from Spinblessing had more in the same dye lot, but I suspect a different dye lot would have been fine.

I don't do color work knitting back and forth. To me, that's insanity. So - I created steeks for the front and back necks so I could keep knitting around.

The back looks the pretty much the same, just a wider steek. I generally add an odd number of steek stitches, knit the first two stitches and last two stitches of the steek in the same background color and then alternate colors across as I carry the colors across. I do a K2 together (to decrease one stitch) or a K3 together (to decrease two stitches) and knit one stitch on the right side of the neck (as you're looking at it), knit the steek stitches, knit one stitch and then SSK (to decrease one stitch) or a SSSK (to decrease two stitches) on the left side. Usually I would leave the front neck and back neck stitches on a holder. But in this case there is going to be a front placket and it will be cut down the red rectangular area. The back neck stitches are on a holder and will be put back on the needles when I'm knitting the neck. When I pick up the stitches for the neck there will be a nice curved neckline instead of the jagged stepped neckline that would have been created by knitting back and forth.
When it comes to the sleeves, I basted where the sides are and will use this as a guide for sewing and cutting the steeks.

So here I am. Body done. Off to sleeve hell. Stay tuned!

My Stash of Shame

2010-01-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I have a ~~big stash~~ huge stash. It's embarrassing, actually. I have so many Dale of Norway projects stashed I don't even remember what I have. I am going to create a list on the side somewhere. Maybe if I see what I have I will be more interested in knitting them. I don't think I have them listed on Ravelry. There is probably more than I've listed and as I find them I'll add them. Embarrassing, I know. Hush, Lorraine.

Color Me Happy

2010-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be attending a class taught by Janine. Janine and I go way back; she taught me how to spin and loaned me her Ashford Traditional wheel.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday I will be attending her 3 day workshop. I'm SO excited!!!

The Ernie Project

2010-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Last summer, Bev and I met up in San Francisco. There, we met up and made the great fleece/sock yarn exchange. I swear, I got the better end of the deal; I got around 4 or 5 pounds (not sure on the weight) of luscious creamy chocolate brown Ramboulliet roving and Bev got a bunch of sock yarn that was tucked away in a bin. This fleece came from pretty boy Ernie. I have been spinning for about 6 years now and I have never spun anything so soft. I will 3 ply this and it will be aran weight. Ernie is definitely going to be a sweater of cable-y goodness. I don't have a clue how many WPI I'm spinning and I don't have a clue as to how much fleece I have. I'm truly spinning blind here. Ernie will become the sweater he's meant to be and I will be designing an aran just to show him off. I will post photos later and will put up "Ernie Project" progress-meter on the sidebar. Right now I'm just spinning the first bobbin so there isn't much to show.

Meanwhile, I'm just about ready to start on the main pattern of Lappland. I think I can get it finished at lunch and be ready to go tonight when I get home from work. Yippeee!!

The Never Ending Part

2010-01-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

While my other fellow knit-a-longers are well into the upper body charts I'm still whittling away on the body. Did I mention this is the XL size? Sigh.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Lappland at First Glance

2010-01-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my Lappland so far. 10 inches to go. Ugh.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

No New Year's Resolutions For Me

2009-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

Two thousand and nine was a year of challenges for me but I learned a lot about myself in the process. I learned to let go of a lot of things too.

In July my job shifted so that I ended up acquiring more work. A lot more work. However, with the economy the way it is I am most grateful that I still have a job. I learned that I could handle the work load and challenges that came my way.

I also learned that I like having my blog and it's okay to write whatever I want. I am not here to please everyone. It is important to make myself and my family happy. Okay, the cats too. But other than that, I honestly don't care any more. I let go of wondering what others think of me.

I'm also learning to let go of the things that just don't matter. I'm letting go of the fact that I have such a huge yarn stash. I enjoy looking at it and it makes me happy, so isn't that what matters? Several years ago I sold some yarn that I just wouldn't use and I haven't missed it one bit.

This year I am not going to make any resolutions. I am not going to make a promise that I will not buy yarn. I am not going to make a promise that I will knit projects A, B, and C. I plan on knitting whatever the heck I please when I please. Knitting is very pleasing for me and I find it a great comfort when I come home from a long day at work. Spinning is another pleasure spot for me too. In fact, I've been spinning Ernie. I will tell you about Ernie later.

This year I'm going to do whatever I feel I need to do. Losing weight is going to be a big thing for me in 2010. I'm not setting a weight loss goal. I'm just going to lose what I can when I can. Life isn't a race. Sometimes I try to make it so, and get frustrated in the process.

The bottom line for me is to enjoy 2010 however it may happen. I wish you all a very Happy New Year and hope it is a great one for you too!

First finished project of 2010

2009-12-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

Well, hopefully it will be. Tonight when I get home from work I will be casting on for the Norwegian Knit-a-long we're having at Ravelry. I'm doing the Dale of Norway Lappland out of Dalegarn Falk. I've chosen the adult sweater knit in the colors of the child's sweater. I've knit one of these before but out of Brown Sheep Naturespun sport. I really didn't care for the yarn knitted for this project. But, it's all I had at the time. This time it should be a lot different as I really like this yarn. Falk is the superwash version of Heilo, for all those who were curious but afraid to ask. ;-)

Here are photos from the Dalegarn booklet:

Handsome Men of the Silver Screen*

2009-12-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

I was reading a blog and there was a post about the handsome men of the silver screen. I just love the classics (black and white especially) and I have my own silver screen hunk favorites.

How about Cary Grant? The dimple in his chin. :swoon:

I loved An Affair to Remember (1957) and Bringing up Baby (1938)??

And then there's Rock Hudson. What a hunk. Pillow Talk (1959) with Doris Day. I loved that movie!

......... and then there's Sean Connery. There must be something about Scottish men. I married one. (hee hee). Sean is my favorite 007.

Okay - there you have it. My top three movie hunks. They don't make em like they used to. :sigh:
*This was post was inspired by C-Dot.

Giddyup!

2009-12-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Santa was nice to me this year. He brought me a new iPod and yarn. Lots of yarn! He brought me some Hebridean 3 ply for St. Brigid and yarn for two hats. One hat is the Appaloosa Hat. I was so anxious to start it that I cast on on Christmas Day and finished it the next morning. The yarn is Dalegarn Falk in colors Copper and Off White.

I am a loose knitter and went down a needle size. The resulting fabric is a bit loose for my taste even going down a needle size. This was a great exercise for me to work on gauge for the upcoming Norwegian Knit-a-long. The pattern calls for one skein of yarn of each color and this photo shows how much was left.

I finished the "Oh Ruby" scarf but haven't taken photos yet. That and the details of the upcoming Norwegian Knit-a-long on Ravelry will be coming soon.

I hope you all had a terrific Christmas!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

Finished Knitting Update

2009-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

If you follow along on Ravelry, you will have already seen these finished knitting projects. Several years ago I started Luskentyre. It sat for one year only needing one sleeve. One day I decided enough was enough! I picked it up and decided to "gitter done".

Here is Bee Fields Shawl by Anne Hanson. It's knit from The Woolen Rabbit's Tupelo Honey.

That's about it for this update. If I remember to get pictures of the other projects I'll add them.

Kisses For Everyone

2009-12-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

There is much holiday-making here at chez Purls. We got the tree decorated and this is one of my favorite ornaments:

I've made two batches of my mother-in-law's shortbread but they're in an air tight container hidden away from sneaky hands. Here are two batches of Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Go ahead. Take one. You know you want one.

And now for another reason why I started blogging again: Cat Cuteness. Here is Meemers with trying to take a nap with her Serta Sheep #5. Sheepie #5 is in her bed in the living room. Sheepie #2 is in her bed next to my side of the bed.

Time to get ready for bed and tomorrow off to work for a lot of merry making with my coworkers. I hope you are all having a great holiday. Next time, photos of projects I've recently finished.

A Missing Spot

2009-12-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I discontinued my blog at Typepad because it just became too much. At first it was a relief - kind of a vacation. Here and there I found myself saying to myself, "Wow! This is blogworthy." Oh. I don't have a blog any more.

Some of the things I wanted to post weren't necessarily interesting to all of my readers but it was interesting to me, maybe my husband, and perhaps a knitter friend here and there. I'm only blogging for myself so who cares if what I write isn't entertaining? Sometimes I write about things that are stupid, silly, and corny. However, that's why my husband loves me and I love that I can be my silly goofy self with him. (Because we all know he's done some mighty stupid stuff too.)

I have some dear knitting friends that blog too and I miss sharing my stuff with them. I'm very thrilled that another dear knitter is back on the blogging wagon again and I can see the funny stuff that goes on in her life too. It makes the eleventy million miles between us shorter.

We are in the holiday season now, so be of good cheer! I'm back.

Tudor Roses Knit-a-long

2006-05-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is my old blog and boy was I surprised to find it was still up and running! As you can see from my old posts it's been a while.

I needed a Blogger account to be able to join the Tudor Roses Knit-a-long, so this fits the bill!

I am going to be knitting Henry VIII. In fact, I have already started and I hope by being in this KAL it will cheer me along to finally get Hank finished. I am about 10 rows from beginning the arm steeks.

Is it a sleeve?

2004-11-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

Here is Mia, modeling the Sparkle Plenty sleeve. Not many can pull this off, but doesn't Mia look gorgeous in her poncho?

We have all recovered from the hustle of the Thanksgiving holiday. My MIL visited us and Tippi made it clear she loved having her Granny visit!

Hope you all had a terrific Thanksgiving. The countdown is on for Christmas!

I was just reminded by my 20 year 11 month and 15 day old son that his birthday comes before Christmas and he will be 21. :gasp: I feel so old.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2004-11-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

A very happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

It's 1 year old!

2004-11-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yup. My blog's first birthday was Nov. 13. I missed it. However.......

Unconscious Mutterings

2004-11-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

Reconnect:: Modem
Gearshiift:: grind
Mania:: crazy
Manhattan:: drunk
First date:: too young
District:: school
Yearbook:: long ago
Breakup:: adios
Episode:: again?
Costume:: halloween

Play along! Go to Unconscious Mutterings.

There's a whole lotta sparklin goin on!

2004-11-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

I sparkled in traffic yesterday.
I sparkled in my office at lunch too.
At breakfast this morning I sparkled with my coffee.
I even was prepared to sparkle at the DMV this morning, but I didn't have a chance.

Tonight, I sparkled at the dining room table with my husband!!

This is Dale 9006. I don't want to call it 9006. My friend Junie showed me this and I fell in love! I like how there are white lines going up - like rays of light. I have named this sweater "Sparkle Plenty" in honor of Junie's baby doll she had as a little girl.

I am doing the sweater in Dale Heilo with Indigo bought from Elann. I am making the contrasting colors in off white, light brown heather and medium brown heather. There will also be a light celery and medium celery color. Right now, I'm just at the stockinette stitch phase. Boring, but ya gotta do it to get to the good stuff.

I'm sending get well wishes to Junie! She has PINK EYE!

I'm going to go sparkle for a little bit and get to bed. I cleaned carpets and upholstery all day today. I'm exhausted!

3 years in the making

2004-11-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

I knew when I saw it I just had to make it. I didn't know who it would be for, didn't know how long it would take, but I just had to make it.

That was 3 years ago. It was carefully packed away before the last move, carefully unpacked and put with the rest of my knitting things and has been languishing in the basket since. I finally took pity upon it and finished it. It is the Hooded Pullover from Paton's Weekend Retreat book. I knit it in Paton's Classic Merino, dusky lavender.

When I got it all put together I instantly knew who it belonged to - my sister, Marlys. This afternoon it will be wrapped and put in a package on it's way to Virginia. Wow. Hope she likes it! Wow. I'm glad it's done!!

My babies

2004-11-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Pardon the blurry picture, but sometimes you just gotta take what you can get. Here is my human baby (Kyle) holding my fur baby (Mia).

Boo!

2004-10-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's a Rogue!

2004-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

It has taken about a month, but I have finished Rogue. I made this out of Jamieson's Aran in chartreuse. I think it's a bit thick for winter in Northern California, but I'm glad I made it. I definitely will be making another one but a lighter weight yarn.

Wool is very forgiving and there are a lot of puckers and imperfections that I'm hoping will disappear. Here is Rogue, before blocking.

Full side view:

Here is the hood:

.... and the side....

What's next? My Iceland Lopi-along. Stay tuned for more specifics.

I'm busy!

2004-10-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

I've been busy knitting up Rogue. I have had so much fun with it, I can't put it down long enough to take a picture or post anything blog-worthy. I am really going to be sorry when this is finished. By the time I finish most projects, I'm really glad to have it finished! But not this time. It's a nice relaxing pattern, yet enough cabling to keep me interested. I am knitting it out of Jamieson's Aran in Chartreuse. It knits up very thick which is nice. I'm hoping that when I wash and block it, it will soften up a bit. However, I think next time I will knit it so it's not so thick.

I've already got my next project ready to go. I got Lopi-ish yarn from Elann - Gjestal Naturegarn. I'm going to be doing Sigradur from The Best of Lopi. I'm not doing it in the colors pictured as my Rogue is about the same color. I have chosen winter blue as the main color with rust and cream as the 2nd and 3rd colors.

Enough for now - back to my Rogue!

I've got the blogger blues

2004-10-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've been busily knitting away on my Rogue. I know I haven't posted pictures, but it's nearly completed! I just have to do the sleeves and block it. Pics soon. I promise.

Until then, I'll hopefully have pictures up of knitting and da cats.

Button, Button - Who's Got the Button?

2004-09-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

I do! I do!

For my fellow ASOF'ers, here are the buttons for the Lopi-Along or the Iceland project of your choice. Please PLEASE copy them and save them to your own site. If you could please leave comments and let me know which one you are using, I would really appreciate it!

Condiment Queen

2004-09-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Uh huh. That's me. I'm the Condiment Queen. My drawer at work is filled with all kinds of varieties of ketchup, mustard, hot chili, salt, and pepper, and ketchup. It's mostly ketchup. I go to McDonald's or Wendys often. I'm sure it's obvious. When asked if I would like ketchup I say, No!" But it never fails - there is ketchup at the bottom. Sometimes a handful of ketchup packets. I just can't seem to throw them away, so I toss em into my drawer.

What in the world is the difference between ketchup and fancy ketchup??? One ketchup packet I have is from Wendy's. It has a picture of the Heinz ketchup bottle on the front. It says "Heinz Tomato Ketchup". It's ingredients are tomato concentrate made from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder, and natural flavoring. The other packet is the fancy ketchup and is clearly from McDonald's. It has the McDonald's logo on the front and says "Fancy Ketchup". It's ingredients are tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavors. It does not mention a name brand, however, it says it is made in the USA for exclusive use by McDonald's Restaurants. So, the plain ketchup has MORE ingredients than the fancy ketchup. By not having spice and onion powder it is fancier than the one with those ingredients?

If the Big E ever happens while I'm at work and I get trapped in my office, please by all means search and rescue the others first. I will most certainly be able to survive quite a while because I have been squirreling away these condiments. With the red ripe tomatoes in the ketchup and all the corn syrup I should survive the Big E nicely!

Introducing......

2004-09-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

(drum roll, please)..... Alan and Alan!

Or, is it Alan in Alan. Maybe it's Alan on Alan?

For those who haven't been reading my blog, this sweater didn't have a name. It's a Dale of Norway pattern with no name. I couldn't possibly knit something that didn't have a name. Since it was for my husband Alan, what better name than, Alan??! (I wonder how many more times I can use the word "name" in this paragraph?)

And a close-up of Alan in Alan....

In case you couldn't tell, he's Scottish. Yeah, I love him anyway. :-)

I absolutely LOVE this yarn. It was made from about 2100 yards of Bendigo Aran wool. Stitch definition is GREAT and the wool is very very soft. I converted the called for crew neck to a V-neck. Other than the fact that I asked him to model this for us during a heat wave, he is very happy with this sweater. If he's happy, I'm happy.

Hot stuff!

2004-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wool is hot when it's 90+° outside. Fortunately I'm still struggling along with Alan's sleeve, so I don't have a pile of wool sitting on my lap.

Poppy says, "Do whatever it takes to stay cool!"

My partner in crime

2004-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

I certainly have no shortage of desired new projects hanging around. Lately I've been very good in staying focused on finishing my projects and NOT starting another. I'm about 1/4 of the way done on Alan's 2nd sleeve and was looking forward to getting it done, blocked, and put away. However, a small package arrived from my partner in crime the other day. It contained small bits of various colors needed for the Interweave Knits Floral Felted Bag. I fondled the colors and oohed and aaahed at them. All I needed was to get the background color. No biggie. But, could I resist? For the moment, yes. I found the background color I wanted and that was it. I just had to cast on. My intentions were good but it was just calling for me. I have been feeling very knitty lately.

One down, one to go

2004-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

.....sleeves, that is. One more sleeve and I'm finished with Alan! I just finished the ribbing and am now working on the sleeve and have started the increases. I am always surprised at how quickly sleeves go.

On the school scene, my baby started 8th grade yesterday. He came home excited about one of his new teachers, his science teacher. It always makes me happy when he likes one of his teachers. Maybe there's hope for him yet??!

I plan on enjoying my last week-and-a-half of my summer before school starts on September 7. I'm only taking 2 classes, one of which is done on the internet. I'm starting at ground zero so I'm starting off with English 1A and Introductory Algebra. Betcha I'm the oldest one in the class! Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to finishing Alan. I need to get going on the Oregon again. Don't know why, but it's lost it's "umph" for me. Maybe because I know I have to go back and re-do the front and neck bands? I'm looking forward to starting my Rogue, though. I'm doing it in Jamieson's Aran chartreuse color. Yummy.

My daily therapy

2004-08-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

You know the saying - you can't please everyone. Well, that certainly holds true for me at work. I just can't seem to get everything done at a pace that is satisfactory for everyone. By lunch I have turned into a beast. Fortunately I can close my office door, eat my lunch and knit a few rounds of whatever I have thrown into my bag. Right now it is a pair of socks knit from yarn from my stash - Fortissima Colori in color 545. They're knit on Clover Takumi 2.25 mm.

This is one reason why I love knitting. It calms me - it soothes the savage beast in me.

My new sweetheart

2004-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

I finished my Sweetheart hat! The design is by Anne Featonby. I knit it in Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift in colors Crimson (525) and Shetland Black (101).

This hat was SO much fun to knit! It would be a great project for someone wanting to try their hand at fair isle. It was a great project as a break from my Oregon Cardigan and my husband's Alan aran.

Well, back to the aran. Thanks Anne for a great pattern!

Let's all say, "Awwwww"

2004-08-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it. I'm a proud Aunt. Around the 4th of July I taught my niece to knit. I didn't hear much more about it and thought she had given up. However, to my surprise she decided to make a little blankie for their new puppy. Today my sister-in-law, Kris, brought her girls Elizabeth and Katylee to my work and we had lunch. During lunch I showed Elizabeth how to cast off. Did I remember to bring the digital? Yepper! Miss this opportunity? NEVER!

Here is Elizabeth proudly showing her knitting. Sister Katylee is in the background modeling her Cheshire Cat grin. Mom is hiding on the left. She thought she missed the camera - sorry Kris!

I think she did a spectacular job! It got me thinking about the very first thing I knitted. I knitted this awful dishcloth out of cotton. I wanted to think of something that could be used and wouldn't turn in to this dust bunny collector shoved under my bed. I made a dishcloth. Elizabeth made a puppy blankie. We all started with something. What did YOU start with?

Couldn't resist

2004-08-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Yup. Another quiz. Being that I married a Scotsman, I figured this was the closest to finding out how Scottish I am. If anyone knows of a Scottish quiz, I'd be happy to take that one too!

Jolly good, wot! Anyone for tennis? That'll be ten ponies, guv. You're the epitome of everything that is english. Yey :) Hoist that Union Jack!

How British are you?

this quiz was made by alanna

What kind of sheep are YOU?

2004-08-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna

What is it?

2004-08-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

What weighs 2 pounds 10 ounces and has no arms?

Why, Alan's Alan, of course. I just cast on the first sleeve. Hopefully it won't take too long to get this finished. For those who don't know, this is an unnamed Dale of Norway pattern. So, I gave it a name. Alan.

My next textured project is Rogue! It's of Jamieson's Aran in the chartreuse color. This baby is gonna be mine - all mine!

As you can see from the top left of my blog, I'm feeling rather accomplished today. I have managed to get the basic blog necessities up and running. All the bells and whistles will follow, such as a new header at the top and my works in progress completion section. I learned a lot about HTML and spent nearly an entire day learning as I went. Of course, I would be a horrible person if I did not extend a sincere thank-you to all of you fellow bloggers who gave me help. Thanks Jen for the lesson on how to center. Hey! When you're just learning something as rudimentary as centering it's a BIG deal!

I finished the El Tigre socks and have cast on another pair in Opal, one of their millions of colors. Another thing I need to do is to get all of my links back up that link to my finished projects.

That's about it for tonight. The picture for tomorrow night will be one of the Oregon in progress.

Here's another close up of Alan's Alan for the road....

Tomorrow is Monday. Try to have a good one!

You've come to the right place!

2004-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Yes. It looks different. My old blog was having problems. Some posts were not showing up and my graphics were all askew.

It will take some time but I will get all of my surf ring buttons back up. Please bear with me.

Thanks!

Blog catch up

2004-07-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. I've been busy knitting and working. I have managed to get quite a bit done on Alan's Alan. I've finished El Tigre socks and have cast on another pair.

Also, I'm working on Estonian Lace scarf from zephyr in the ruby color.

Pictures will be posted this weekend. I promise. Until then, use your imagination.

2 steps forward, 1 step back

2004-07-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

That's what I'm doing with my Oregon. I picked up the stitches for the sleeves and just didn't like the fact that the "v" was pointing the opposite way as the rest of the sweater. So, I frogged it and cast on for the sleeve to be knit from the cuff up. I'm happier doing it this way as I can then knit the facing for finishing off the sleeves much like I do when I do Dale sweaters.

Also, I am going to have to frog the bands as well. I need to pick up the back of the neck stitches and knit up about an inch and then do the bands again. The back of the neck is much too low. This is my plan. Whether or not it will work remains to be seen.

I'm watching some buttons on e-bay that will just be perfect with this. See?

I know, I know!

2004-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've blogged. Sorry. I've been busy having a life. :-)

I got the front bands of Oregon done and the back neck looks awful. I picked up the stitches of the first sleeve and all seems to be going well with that. I've been asking for help on from the KBTH group regarding suggestions for the neck band, but so far no responses. Anyone else have suggestions or problems with the back of the neck being low? If so, please contact me!

This post will have to do until I have more time.

Potpourri Blog

2004-06-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

So, where did I leave off? Oh yes, last weekend my husband was discharged from the hospital just in time to get us home, showered, dressed, and to my daughter's graduation from UC Santa Cruz.

While sitting in the hospital with my husband I managed to finish my Fiona bag, which was my birthday present to myself. I followed the pattern, but I changed a few things. I didn't make the cell phone pocket as long as my cell phone is a really small one. Also, I lined the inside of the bag as well. Here you can see a photo of the outside and the inside. I didn't feel like dumping my purse, so pardon a peek at the contents inside.

Didya see the cute sheep pin above the flap?

Fortunately this weekend has been a lot more sane than the last two weekends. I have had a nice time working on my Oregon Cardigan. The colors are magnificent!!

I only have about another 3 inches and the body is finished.

Well, that's about it to bring my blog up to date. Of course, Alan still is in the basket waiting patiently. I'm having too much fun on the Oregon to stop!

My, how time flies!

2004-06-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Wowzer! Lemme see where do I start?

Last I had written, my husband was in a bike accident. We returned to the doctor to check up on his fractures and they found cellulitis in the opposite leg. Of course, straight to a hospital bed he went with mucho IV antibiotics on board. He wasn't a happy camper but once he realized this could spread to the point of losing his leg I think he seemed a little more compliant. I guess the given nickname of "Peg Leg Pete" didn't seem so funny anymore.

The hospital sprung him merely hours before my daughter's graduation from UC Santa Cruz. We rushed home, showered and dressed and zipped on down highway 17 and over the mountains. I can't believe she's all grown.

While spending time in the hospital with him I made myself a Fiona bag. This was intended to be a birthday present to myself, but with the accident it was slow going. I made the cell phone pouch on the side not as tall as my flip phone is much smaller. I lined my bag as well.

I was so glad that he got home because that meant I could pick up the Oregon Cardigan I've been trying to work on.

I will post pictures of my finished Fiona and progress on Oregon in the next few days.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2004-06-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yep. It's my birthday. My age? I'm 29 and I have some Enron stock for sale too.

My hubby was in a bike accident yesterday and broke his patella and has numerous scrapes and cuts. I've spent a nice afternoon reading through my birthday presents.... books! Here is what my family has given me for my birthday. They're all WONDERFUL additions to my library.

I have been working on the Oregon this afternoon and it's nice to just be able to knit. I took today and tomorrow off work to enjoy a nice few days of doing whatever I please.

Alan bought the ingredients to make an incredible chocolate cake. He insists on going into the kitchen to make it for me. However, the orthopedist said that he is to be non-weight bearing and to keep his leg straight. The brace keeps it straight, however, standing in the kitchen making a cake is NOT considered non-weight bearing. Of course, we won't mention the elbow he can't move or the fingers that have been crushed and have bandages on them.

So, I'm off to make my birthday cake. Quickly. Before my husband decides to be more noncompliant than he already is.

I'm such a happy birthday girl!!

Four Sons

2004-05-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

Roger.
Charles.
Maynard.
Marlowe.

Those were my Grandma and Grandpa Ray's four sons. I don't remember my Grandma and Grandpa Ray as they both were gone before I was born. However, I have pictures of them and stories retold by my family.

The Rays were a close family and Grandma and Grandpa loved their boys! Being a mother of 3, I can only imagine the emotions when their four boys served in World War II. Yes, all four. They all returned home safely.

Major Roger Ray, served in England and France as a pilot on a Martin Marauder B-28 bomber. He completed 62 missions. He held several well-deserved medals and citations, among them the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded May 11, 1944, the Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Air Medal with ten oak leaf clusters.

Sgt. Maynard Ray was a radio operator with the 20th Air Force ground to plane radio communications with B-29 Superforts. He had been stationed on Timon in the Pacific area.

Sgt. Marlowe Ray (my father) was stationed at Yusku, Japan before occupation forces. He was discharged November 24, 1947 and recalled into service March 1951. He was with MacArthur's First Calvalry on his first hitch. He was then stationed at Topeka, Kansas, 90th Maintenance Squadron, Forbes AFB, Topeka, Kansas. My mother joined him and found a clerical job at the base.

Captain Charles Ray, Jr. entered the service as an air cadet February 1943 at Creighton University, Omaha Nebraska. In 1944 he received his wings. For a short time he was stationed at Romulus Field and was sent overseas in June of 1944. He served in the Air Transport Command and flew a Curtiss Commander C-46.

My dad, Marlowe Ray

Roger Ray and Maynard Ray

Charles Ray, Jr.

Boy a lot has changed. Where there were B-28 bombers and C-46s, we now have B1 bombers, DC-10s, and 747s. Hand-written letters to home that sometimes took weeks to arrive have been replaced with the internet and e-mail.

Technology has changed the way we live and the way we fight wars. But the love families have for their loved ones has never changed. It's important to remember the service men and women who gave their lives so you and I can continue to enjoy the freedom that we enjoy in America. However, we need to remember there are other sons and daughters who are currently fighting for our country too.

In honor of Memorial Day, it is to the four Ray boys that I dedicate this blog post.

Ragna swatch and photos

2004-05-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

I finished the Ragna swatch today in the Black Water Abbey yarn in rust color. The pattern says to use size 8 needle which I did in the pink heather. The fabric was.... eh.... and when I washed it I was greatly disappointed. It bloomed and I lost some of the detail in the side cables, although the plait still looked okay.

I did the swatch today in rust on size 7 needles and after washing it still bloomed a bit but I think the tighter gauge kept a lot of the detail lost on size 8 needles. The fabric is perfect and the gauge is right on the money. Before on size 8 it was a tad off, but I would have been quite happy having it a bit bigger.

Here is the swatch I did today:

Nice, huh? I think this is a winner for Elsebeth Lavold's Ragna!

Now.... on to the Oregon. I am pleased with its progress and it's moving along quite nicely. As noted earlier I put down Alan for a while as I needed a change. I was ready for some color again. Here it is:

And to show you the color that is totally amazing to me, here is a close up. These are the colors that attracted me to Oregon the first time I saw it:

That's about it for now!

I'm still here!

2004-05-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in quite a while so here's a catch-up post.

I finished the front of the Alan sweater and it's turning out very well! I have started on the back. Getting rather bored with it, so have put it aside and picked up Oregon again last night. It's amazing how many different colors there are in this sweater and how many different subtle shades of the same color there are.

I received several one ounce skeins of Black Water Abbey Yarn to swatch with. I swatched the pink heather using size 8 needles for Elsebeth Lavold's Ragna sweater. I just about got gauge, perhaps a little bigger. I washed it and was disappointed that I lost a little of the stitch definition in the smaller cables. The plaits, however, turned out really nice. The color of this yarn is incredible! Today I am going to do the same swatch but this time in Black Water Abbey Yarn color Rust. I will do it on size 7 needles this time. I just love that sweater so I'm determined to go through my stash and find the yarn that will work the best for it.

Still working on Mom's Bedjacket. After I get Mom's Bedjacket and Alan done I will cast on for my sister's Abalone sweater. However, none of this is in stone and these plans could change at any time!

I will post pictures of the above progress when I can.

2004-05-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

You are a Dubliner.

What's your Inner European?
brought to you by Quizilla

Weekend update

2004-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

I managed to begin the front of Alan's sweater this weekend. It certainly is different going back and forth instead of around on the circular. I figure I'll be done with this in no time!

This weekend was the annual Osugi Birthday Bash. Jennifer and Sydney's parents, Kim and Richard, throw this incredible birthday party for their girls. They are 2 years apart and Jennifer turned 7 and Sydney 5. As usual, there was a ton of most excellent food. If you leave this party hungry it's your own fault! We won't mention the birthday cake. This cake is ohmigosh incredible. We loved it so much that we had the same bakery make our wedding cake.

We arrived at the party today and like every year I quickly scan the masses of kids for Sydney and Jennifer. Unfortunately we only get to see them once a year so it's a challenge to find them as they have grown! Each year they have the coolest toys for the kids to play with and this year it was bubbles. Oodles and oodles of little toys that produce millions o'bubbles. Of course, I have to remind myself that I'm the adult and I just watch the kids. But I get to have fun by taking pictures of them.

Tonight I'm not going to put up a picture of one of the cats doing a cutsie belly-up shot or of a sweater in progress. I have something that is much more adorable.... Sydney (left) and Jennifer today at their party.

I thought it would never get here...

2004-05-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

...Friday that is. What a week it's been!

I'm not going to blog again until Sunday afternoon at which point I will post a new picture of whatever I'm working on. It will probably be Alan. I'm ready to split to work either the back or front. I think I'll get the front out of the way first.

In case you haven't done so, you really need to see these books. I just checked them out from the library and are now on my wish list. (Hint to my husband there.)

The Best of Knitters Arans and Celtics. There are a lot of yummy things to knit here.

Knitting in the Old Way. This book is definitely for the advanced knitter. It shows in detail how to make any kind of a sweater to fit anyone. This is a definite for any knitters library and it certainly is my #1 wish on my wish list. Do you think my husband will get the hint?

I hope you all have a terrific weekend.

I'm up to my armpits in Alan!

2004-05-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I will be in about 2 more inches. I have now knit 16 inches of "Alan" and will separate for the arms in another 2 inches. Here... I'll show you:

Wanna see a closeup of the stitches and bobbles? Hey, save your comments on my bobbles - I'm a bobble virgin, okay?

I don't know if it's burn out, but lately I haven't felt much like knitting. So, I've spent my time organizing my books and patterns, and might go through my stash once again to re-organize everything.

I did get my "pretty in pink" gift socks done and the recipient was thrilled.

I'm still chugging along on my mom's bedjacket. It's done in stockinette stitch so it's rather boring. However, it's a very small and short jacket with three-quarter sleeves. If I would just sit and do it, it would be done in no time. But as I said earlier, I feel kinda "blah" about knitting right now. If anyone else ever feels like that I would LOVE to hear from you. Is this something that needs therapy? Will my knitting libido ever return to its normal passion? Hmmm... I wonder if they make a drug for people like me when their drive for knitting has gone limp..... :gasp:

I watched the Sharks vs Calgary game tonight. Tsk tsk tsk. They lost. They're down 2 games to 0. Even Poppy was upset - he just couldn't bear to watch the last period.

Well, knit on everyone! Someone around here has to. :sigh:

My wonderful day

2004-05-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter is nearly 23 years old. She is my oldest child and only daughter. This evening she was going to a formal dance and I was privileged to help her with her hair, dress, and makeup. I clipped roses from the garden and made some boutonnieres for her date and a few other friends she was meeting.

I realized that other than her wedding, I probably will never have this opportunity again. I savored every minute of it. I remembered all the prom dresses I made and the nights up late fretting it wouldn't be done in time. The nights spent up awake worrying and hoping that she was safe and sound.

Next month she graduates from UC Santa Cruz and she is a grown woman now. As her mother, I am so proud to have her as my daughter. Of course, I am proud to have my two sons as well.

I love being a Mom and I couldn't ask for 3 better kids! Happy Mother's Day to everyone.

One done one to go

2004-05-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I managed to get one sock done and the other started. However, I sewed a skirt for myself and got other things done too.

I took this picture of my baby, Mia. Is she gorgeous, or what? Mia thinks she is!

I'm in the pink!

2004-05-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Can I do it? Can I actually start a pair of socks and have them finished this weekend? Yep. I believe so. I started a pair of socks last evening in a pink and white variegated wool. It's from Joslyn's Fiber Farm in Sheep's Gift. I'm don't know of the name of the colorway. These are going to be a gift. Fortunately, the recipient has little feet (adult little feet).

The San Jose Sharks play against the Colorado Avalanche. If the Sharks win, they move on. I figure there will be some quality knitting time there.

Can I do it? Stay tuned!

YAWN

2004-04-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling sort of "blah" about knitting lately... Tonight I knitted the ears of Shaun but that's about it. I watched the Stanley Cup playoff games between the Avalanche and the Sharks. I'll actually be in bed asleep before 10!

Last night I didn't do much knitting either. I don't know if it's burnout or what....

I have been putting other energy into getting signed up for my fall classes at San Jose City College. Yep. I'm headed back to school to see if this old dog can learn some new tricks. After finishing up my general ed classes I'll go to San Jose State University for my BSN degree. I figure it'll take about 6 years. Any knitting I do will be done before I go to San Jose State. I have a feeling that once I start nursing school there will be no time for anything else as I will be working part time as well.

So many projects - so little time. On the other hand, once I finish nursing school and start to work as an RN - I'll be making more $. More $ means more yarn. More yarn means more knitting! What a wonderful thought. Only my knitting comrades know the excitement this brings. Well, my hubby does too, but I think he's cringing.

Goodnight y'all. Happy Thursday to everyone!

Bedtime post

2004-04-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

I was cruising around the net reading blogs and found this. This may answer many things.......

What Finding Nemo Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

90 degrees

2004-04-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

That's the temperature as of 5:15 p.m. "Alan" is big enough that it sits in my lap when I knit. The last thing I want sitting on my lap is wool. I already put Oregon away and it's wool too, so I'm not getting it out either. El Tigre socks are wool too.

So, I dug out a new project. It's a simple one, though. I'm making Shaun. Being a Wallace and Gromit fan, I find Shaun irresistable.

Trading Places

2004-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's not that Oregon is boring - it's very entertaining. I have been a little under the weather for the past few days and my brain and eyes need a vacation. Here's a picture I took before I put it away.

Time to bring "Alan" out to play. :-)

Icky sicky week

2004-04-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

I seem to have some sort of gastrointestinal funk going on. In spite of feeling like blech, life pretty much went on as usual this week until this afternoon it came to a screeching halt. I just couldn't handle the nausea. I won't go into the other accompanying symptoms but I won't be going to work tomorrow.

As you read in my last post I went to San Francisco with my family to meet my niece. I took tons of pictures, but this one I took with my knitting blog and the readers in mind. This is a bronze statue called "The Shaking Man". It is outside the Sony Metreon. Yes, you see it correctly. The guy has 3 pairs of hands and 3 fpairs of feet. I don't know about you, but it's the hands that impress me the most. Can you imagine how much knitting we could all get done if we had 3 sets of hands? That would mean all my current works in progress would be just about done!

Speaking of works in progress, I haven't picked up "Alan" in quite some time. I am enjoying working on the Oregon so much. I haven't been bored yet and it's coming along well. I'll post an update sometime this weekend.

I now have a website! There isn't much there but it will be a continual work in progress. I have links on the right side bar to my completed projects page and my future projects page.

Happy knitting everyone and I'm SO glad tomorrow is Friday.

Big weekend

2004-04-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

My niece, Lindsay, was in San Francisco over the weekend so we all went to visit her. We had a wonderful day with her. Needless to say I didn't get much knitting done over the weekend. I captured the key events of our day here.

My yarn for my Mom's bed jacket arrived today (Thanks Val). So, I have yet again put two projects I love doing away for now as I want to get this bed jacket done.

For now, "Alan" is on hold. :sigh:
For now, my Oregon cardigan is on hold. :sigh:

Perhaps this will motivate me to get my Mom's bed jacket done. Fortunately it's not that long (just to the waist) and the sleeves are just below the elbow.

That's it for now. Have a terrific Tuesday y'all!

Henry VIII

2004-04-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

No, it's not a new sweater I'm working on - it's a PBS special Alan and I watched about a week ago - about Henry VIII and his wives. I took a little quiz and found out I am Catarina of Aragon. Sure, right.........

Which of Henry VIII's wives are you?

this quiz was made by the groovtastic ghouls at Spookbot

Oregon and Alan

2004-04-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for my enabling friends on the KBTH group! Putting "Alan" aside for a while and beginning a new project was hard for me to rationalize. I posted my dilemma on the KBTH group and they came through for me. I was told that it is important to work alternately on projects of different yarn weights and needle sizes, to avoid repetitive stress injury. Of course, who am I to argue with that???!?

Without further delay, here is my progress on Oregon:

Poppy has been watching television and is exhausted. He says, "Goodnight!"

My trip to Oregon

2004-04-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I decided I needed a break from Alan so I spent the evening in Oregon. No, not a break from Alan, but a break from "Alan". You know, the knitted Alan.

No, I didn't really go to Oregon, the state which is above California - the state where my friend Martine lives - but I escaped for a few hours to THIS Oregon....

This is one of my future projects, Oregon cardigan. It has been calling me for the longest time and I was just itching to swatch it.

Tomorrow I will return to my regularly scheduled knitting. Happy Wednesday to everyone!

And then there were 3...

2004-04-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Three diamonds with bobbles in the middle, that is. Here is the latest pic of "Alan".

They say good things come to those who wait. So, I am patiently waiting for Dale of Norway to release the new pattern for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. I saw somewhere that it should be out late summer/early fall. If anyone reading this might know, please leave me a message. Thanks!

Do you ever wonder what your cats do all day while you're at work? I certainly do! Here is Mia stretched out on the floor relaxing after an exhausting day of whatever it is that cats do while their humans are gone. She is wishing you all a good evening and by all means - don't work too hard tomorrow!

Wow

2004-04-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

I hadn't realized it was a whole week since I last blogged! Unfortunately that week didn't turn out to be a very productive week as far as knitting goes.

I have a nephew, Alex, who is cute as a button and simply irresistable. He is a very active child which only adds to his cuteness. I'm sure his parents don't see it quite that way but I figure it's a pre-test to me becoming a grandmother some day; you get to spoil and enjoy them and then send them home. Here's Alex in action - thus the blurriness....

Alan update

2004-03-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

I had a very nice relaxing weekend. I knitted. I slept. I knitted some more and then I took a nap. Yeah, I did some laundry but in between loads I slept. I knitted. I folded laundry. I knitted and then napped. Get the picture? :-)

Here's how far I am on Alan.

Well, it's time to get ready for another work week.

Mia woke up long enough and came out hiding to wish you all a happy Monday.

Coneheads

2004-03-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

I received some yarn that was on cones, however, the cones were dirty and a bit musty smelling. So, as it's a gorgeous day here in sunny Sunnyvale, California I decided to take advantage of that. I wound them off the cones onto the swift and will wash them and hang them in the shade outside. Of course doing this task definitely requires help. Here's a picture of my my little coneheads working very hard.

Bob-bob-bobble'n along

2004-03-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I got through the first round of bobbles on Alan. This is going along smoothly. This pattern is a lot of fun to knit and I really enjoy watching the textures come alive. It hasn't even been a week since I've started this and I've managed to get quite far considering how much frogging I did earlier. It was difficult to get a flat picture. I had to slide enough stitches out of the way to show this, and then the cables kept curling. It will be easier to take good pictures when I have more done and it will lay flat. Until then.... here is my progress.

Alan update

2004-03-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle of the first repeat in the sweater. It's so neat to watch the pattern evolve. I am just about ready to do the rows that have the bobble. The yarn is knitting up like a dream. It gives the stitches a crisp definition. I wish I would have ordered from them long ago!

Not much to write tonight as it has been filled with knitting and now sleep.

Alan's ribs

2004-03-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

I have visited the frog pond too many times to count so far with this sweater. However, I finally made headway, finished the ribbing and have started the main body. Here is my progress. Amazing how much one can get done when you don't have to frog every other row! Have a great Monday everyone!

6027 has been named!!

2004-03-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

I bought this pattern with my husband in mind. This evening when looking through a web site for male Norwegian names, I came across this. It describes my husband and also the sweater. They're both handsome. :-)

ALAN: Celtic name meaning "harmony" or "concord." Also said to mean "handsome."

So there you have it, folks. 6027 is now "Alan".

A slow knitting day

2004-03-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

You know it's really bad when the most exciting thing you can find to post in a knitting blog is a picture of your handsome 20 year old son. This is my son, Kris, this evening just before he went cycling.

I'm still looking for a name for the sweater pictured below. Suggestions are still welcome!

I have been working on 6027 but became frustrated last evening when I had to frog it 4 times. I finally got it on the needles and got the ribbing going. It actually looks like the ribbing as shown in the picture! It was looking pretty funky and I'm sure that it wasn't what the folks at Dale had in mind.

I'm off to bed. Hopefully tomorrow will be a more productive knitting day - that is, after housework is done. :sigh:

Yarn from Down Under

2004-03-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

Last week I ordered yarn from Bendigo Wool Mill in Australia. Today it arrived. It is simply beautiful. I ordered this yarn in anticipation of making a sweater for my husband. I had a pattern in mind but it called for Freestyle yarn. I swatched and it was a perfect match! I fiddled with the numbers and officially cast on a new sweater this evening. The color is "Magnolia" but to everyone else, it's a natural color. The pattern is Dale of Norway 6027 Aran. Here is a picture:

The yarn is very soft and I think it will define stitches extremely well. Dale usually names their sweaters. This is a beautiful sweater and I think it needs a different name instead of just "Aran". Suggestions anyone?

So, what's next?

2004-03-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Many have asked what is next in line. I will be knitting a quick project - a yellow bed jacket for my mom. Then I will be doing Frogner for my mom. She can't decide yet on which combination - red/white, black/white, dark gray/white. Sometimes giving people a choice is a dangerous thing. I showed my sister several sweaters to choose from. When I asked her which one she wanted she said, "I like the albacore one." Albacore, as in tuna?? She meant Abalone. It will forever in my mind be her "tuna" sweater. :sigh:

Before I get started on any of that, I decided to dust off a project that has been 2 years in the making. I only have one sleeve to finish, put it together and pick up the stitches for the hood. It's been so long I can't remember the name of the sweater! However, I will dig it out and put the proper name here. I remember it's a pattern by Paton's and knit out of Paton's Merino.

Don't forget - my new friend will be making his debut here this weekend some time.

I did it! I did it!!

2004-03-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

I'm finally finished with Lappland. My first Dale of Norway sweater!

The whole sweater...

The front....

The back...

I'm still here

2004-03-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

I've been working hard on Lappland. I have both sleeves finished. I steeked the sleeves and have one sleeve in the sweater. When I sewed the shoulder seams the back neck didn't quite line up with the front neck. I realized that in playing around with the number of stitches I didn't do it correctly for the back neck. So, I steeked the neck a little more to match the front neck. It looks okay, but as a nervous expectant mother I'm worried about my first "baby". I noticed that my sweater, when compared to the sweater in the picture, the neck is lower in the front. I think it will turn out okay, but not exact. I learned a lot from this sweater which is good. Next time if I want exact, I will fork out the money for Dale yarns and not substitute. But all in all, it's still turning out beautifully. The first sleeve went in like a dream. I picked up the stitches for the front placket without problem. I could possibly get this sweater finished this weekend, however, I do have work that I need to do. Yes, I brought work home. If I wasn't so behind at work I wouldn't have.

The sooner I get my work done, the sooner I can get back to Lappland. Are you still wondering about my new "friend"? He's still not ready and no....... it's not Lappland. I'll give you a hint. His name is Eustace.

Long time no see!

2004-03-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know. It's been a while. Gosh, nearly a week since I've blogged. I have finished one Lappland sleeve and am about half through the second.

This weekend I crashed when biking and well, the pavement won. I'll spare you all the details, but suffice it to say, my left elbow is now shades of blue and purple and black I didn't know a live human could become. A few other nasty scrapes and sore muscles, but other than that I'm fine. I've been hobbling about but managing okay.

Anyhoo - I will be introducing a new friend hopefully in a week or so. You'll have to stay tuned to find out what it is!

Percentage Bar

2004-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

I added a percentage bar on the right side. It's not as pretty as I would like it but I will tweek it this weekend when I have more time.

I have nearly finished the first sleeve of Lappland.

For now, I'm going to go to bed and read. I'm reading The Art of Fair Isle Knitting by Ann Feitelson. Nice book!

A Swatching I Will Go!

2004-02-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

I started the sleeve for Lappland and it's about half done. I ordered a skein of yarn from Moondance Wool for my hubby's Aran sweater so I could swatch. I've played around with a few designs, but I have frogged them all! We've picked out a few patterns so I pretty much know what we wants.

Anyway, that's all there is for this weekend. A half-finished sleeve and swatches that have been frogged. I feel like I've done nothing this weekend. Oh. Well, I slept a lot! Have a happy Monday everyone!