Huzzah!

    I think I'm saved! Yesterday whilst digging through a stash pile, I found a WIP that I haven't seen in a good, long time. "Perfect!" I thought. "Now I have something to knit at the parade tomorrow!"


    It's a shawl, made with Lion Brand's now-discontinued Moonlight Mohair. I even have someone to give it to when it's done. One of the other karate moms wanted it, way back when I working on it at the karate school. It's a long rectangle wrap type shawl. And it's almost finished, as I was on the last skein of yarn that I had.
   

 

    This yarn is so pretty, with sparkles. But it's a bit too scratchy for my taste. I can't wait to see how it looks and feels after I wash it.

 

 

    P.S. My fellow Stitch n Bitchers Jan and Kim as well as myself, always knit as we watch the local parades every year. This will be the last parade for Jan, however, as she is moving this weekend to Portland, Oregon. I envy her so much! I spent time there with Hubs a few years ago, and it was awesome. I would love to go back. Now we know someone who lives there, and it gives Kim and me an excuse to go.

 

Stitch n Bitch Report!

    Today was our first official Stitch n Bitch session since June, and school let out for the summer. We had a blast, as usual. In attendance were myself, Kim (OFL), Jan and Cheryl. It was especially nice to see Cheryl, since she comes the furthest. All the kids got off to a good start on their respective school years.


   Kim is working on a sweater for her Cherub, a lacy, short sleeved, cropped cardigan. Jan is still working on her beaded shawl. I am almost finished with the pastel rainbow baby blanket. I was worried it wasn't going to be big enough. HA! I shouldn't have worried. I will measure it and have that number and a photo tomorrow!


    Cheryl cast on some cotton, and looked like she was working on a dishcloth or washcloth. It was a pretty colorway.


    We had breakfast first, then broke out the crafting, and got down to work. The nice ladies at Cranberry's told us how much they missed us this summer. Ah, but it's nice to get back into our regular routine!


    

Shawl/Stole Progress Update!

    I am making slow progress on the lace stole. I am trying to be very careful, so I don't frack it up, as I have done in the past. I took a few photos this morning, here it is from a distance:

A little bit closer:

And even closer!

    I seriously considered getting my blocking pins out and pinning it down so you can see the pattern better. But then I thought it would be better to wait until it's all done, and blocking, and then I can take a great photo! So these are just teasers.


   And of course, I worked on it a bit while Miss Malia was napping today, so it's even bigger now.

I Found a Great Pattern!

    After searching Ravelry, which has waaaay too many patterns available btw, I finally found a pattern I thought I could do! All this happened last night. So I downloaded the pattern, found a circular needle, and set to work!


    The pattern is called Easy Lace Stole, and it's from Arlene's World of Lace. I cast on the 61 stitches, and did the first four rows to get me started. I am looking forward to this one, as I have yet to master lace knitting.


    I put the pattern on my little stick drive thingie, and have to take it somewhere and have it printed out at some point. I also put the pattern in my documents on my laptop, so I can take my laptop with me babysitting later, and still work during nap time. I will take a photo when it's further along, so you can see how it's coming.


    As for my new tattoo, it's healing up nicely. Today I start applying the lotion to it, according to the directions I was given. Yesterday, I washed it gently three times, and patted it dry with a paper towel.

In Which I Change Mind....

    I know, I know, I said I had decided on a pattern. But after I got about 6 rows into it, I remembered that I've tried to make this shawl about 3 times before, and never finished any of them. I didn't like how they looked for some reason.


    This is how far I got today:

    I haven't frogged it yet, but I will. This yarn is too gorgeous, I will find just the right shawl pattern for it, I promise. Maybe it's time for another Pi Shawl....


    In the meantime, friend Kim has been doing some awesome crochet work. She has inspired me to get my stash of Sugar and Cream out, and go through it. I know I have a bunch of the different shades of denim....

Finallly Decided on a Pattern!

     That's right, I finally decided on a pattern, after days of searching in my binders, I have two giant ones. I also searched Crochet Patterns Central, as well as Ravelry.


    The winner is a nice crocheted shawl, called the Butterfly Wing Shawl. It was designed by Holly Miller. I've had it printed out since 2008. But I am excited to do it! I am using some white Alpaca that I bought at Rhinebeck last year. It is so soft, I can't wait to see it!


    I started the shawl last night, did a few rows to get started before I went babysitting today. I couldn't decide whether to use a J-6mm hook, or a K-6.5m hook. I decided to start with the smaller hook, and if it's not light and airy enough, I will frog it and use the bigger one. I really want the shawl to be light and lacey. I will take photos when it's big enough for you to really see it.


    Another thing I am worried about, is having enough yarn. I bought one big hank, it is 8 ounces. It wound into a huge center pull ball, but everyone knows that crochet is a big yarn sucker. I have other white/natural really soft animal yarns hanging around, so if needed I can use them. Or, I have a second Alpaca hank, but in black.  I won't have to decide for a while yet. I will keep you updated.

Not knitting today

    Nope, I am not knitting today. I think. So far. First of all, I got to sleep in this morning, until after 9! That's huge for me. I am still, at 11:22 a.m. drinking my coffee.


    Second? There is nothing currently on the needles that I wish to work on. Not the Baby Surprise Jacket, not even the Wingspan Shawl. I am not in love with either of these projects at the moment. I was thinking maybe I'd look for an old project still on the needles, a shawl I started when we were in Fishkill, I was using Paton's Lace yarn in the Patina colorway. Very pretty stripes.


    Later on, I shall look for it. Here is a photo I took of my progress at the time:

    I think it's safe to say that I haven't made any more progress on it that the photo shows. Looking at the photo really makes me want to go find it.... I want it to be huge, and I know I have more yarn in my stash.


    Wish me luck in finding it! Looks like I may knit today, after all....

How My Day Went

    This morning started out with me in the middle of a really interesting dream, when BEEP BEEP my alarm went off. It was 5:45 a.m. Not my favorite time to get up, not even my 10th favorite. But I do what I have to do for a friend, and I am getting paid, so I get up.


    That job is only 2 hours long, two mornings a week. It won't kill me. And Cherub is a sweet tempered child, whose birthday is quickly approaching. Three days, as she reminded me more than once this morning. Then she will be in the double digits, age-wise, a huge deal.


    After I got home, I made myself some coffee, chocolate, of course. That's all we drink. I even made it full caff. Hubs has to drink half caff, so that's what I usually make. I felt I needed the full caff to get through the rest of the day.


    Somewhere along the line, during the three and a half hours until I had to go sit for Miss Malia, I forgot to set the coffee maker up for Hubs. That is one thing I always do for him. So when he gets up for work, all he has to do is turn on the coffee maker. As a stupid boy, I figure he can handle that.


    Today Miss Malia was not having nap time. I have a sneaking suspicion that someone spiked her morning bottle with some sugar. The past two weeks, that child had fallen asleep before noon, and mostly slept for up to two hours. Today, however was different. At 2:45 p.m. she finally climbed up onto my lap, grabbing her blanket on the way. I swear to you, she passed out as she leaned her head on my chest.


    She was still sleeping at 3:20 when her dad came. So I didn't get my planned knitting time today. I was disappointed.


    I kind of figured that Hubs would be a little perturbed at me for coffee maker thing. He wasn't! Since it's his first night back to work for the week, he was up a little early, and was able to make it himself. He made a full pot, and I got to drink the last cup. So I have enough energy to stay awake for a while this evening.


    After Hubs left for work, I sat here and knitted a little bit, maybe three or four rows. I broiled the sirloin tips. Now I just have to make some garlic mashed potatoes, and eat my dinner.


    I have been thinking, sooner or later I will have to buy a thesaurus. I've caught myself wishing for one in recent weeks. I'm betting you'll notice when I finally break down and do it.

Go Big or Go Home

    I wonder why I was surprised about having to abandon plans A, B and C... I have never liked working on a small scale. Before I started knitting again, my hook of choice was the N size, which is pretty big. Big enough that when you crochet with it, you usually use two strands of worsted weight yarn.


    I like the instant gratification that comes with crocheting with a bigger hook. You can make so much progress in so little time! It's perfect for satisfying that creative urge.


   When I started knitting, I was willing to work with small needles. But it turns out that sock or lace weight yarn is just too darn tiny for me to see the stitches. Especially in black, and in my house. We keep my house kind of dark, since my Hubs works the night shift, and sleeps during the day. Minimum light works best for this.


    A few years ago, I crocheted a shawl, it turned out to be most awesome, and it was HUGE. Of course, I used a bigger hook than recommended. Now, I am fairly tall, at 5' 8". When this shawl was done, and I wore it to Rhinebeck last year, the point actually dragged on the ground.


    I recently gave that shawl away, and made a new one, which turned out smaller. I love it just as much. I haven't yet had an opportunity to wear it out, but I am looking forward to it.  Stay tuned to watch me make a fool out of myself over and over again. It seems that it's inevitable. But I hope it's at least fun!

And the winner is... Plan D!

   Well, none of the plans, A thru C, worked out. So I went with plan D. To knit the Arachno Shawl by Jennifer Dassau, in acrylic worsted weight. I did do the largest stitch count one, 301 cast on stitches. You know me, I like 'em big.

    In my stash dive, I found  several skeins of Caron's Simply Soft, in light gray. I also found one in black, and one white. The other day, I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased four skeins in dark gray. So my plan is to do the cobweb border in the black, then switch to the dark gray. If I want to, I can go to the light gray and even to white. But I'm thinking I'll be sticking with the black and dark gray.

    The fact that it's acrylic makes it machine washable, and no blocking. I am possibly the worlds most reluctant blocker. I haven't blocked anything since my Lena Sweater, over a year ago. The wool sweaters I made before that, my friend Kim blocked for me.  I simply don't have the patience.


    The best thing about using the worsted weight is that the stitches are nice and big, therefore visible! I don't need a microscope to see them! So far, I have completed just over two pattern repeats. It's coming along, and I am pleased. And there's nothing better than a pleased knitter!

Change of Plans Due to Epic Fail

    Well, I tried. I really did. I cast on all those 301 stitches, really loosely so it wouldn't be too tight when it was done. I was about halfway through the second row when I realized I was beyond my skill level. So right in the middle of the row,  > gasp < , I put it down.


    You see, it's kind of dark in my house. I figure if only I could knit outside, where it's nice and bright, I might be able to do this project as planned. The dark makes it very hard to see the black yarn stitches, and the fact that the stitches are so small doesn't help matters.


    After thinking about it the rest of the evening, and then again this morning, I have decided on an alternate plan. First, I will wind up the (possibly) Tip it Ewe Lush, and try that for the cob web border. It might be easier to see, and the black can still be used for the body, as it's all stockinette with decreases.
   
    If that doesn't pan out, I do have a plan C. I will forget about the black all together, and use some beautiful natural that I have somewhere, in one of my stashes. I am pretty sure I have more than 1000 yards of it, so it will do.


    A wiser knitter than myself pointed out to me that it was brave to try and use black for this project, it turns out I wasn't brave, but foolish. I remember when I bought it, I was planning on making black socks. I doubt that will ever get done either. I will probably crochet something with it, if this plan B doesn't work out.


   The stitches are still sitting there, glaring at me on the needles. I can't bring myself to frog them yet.

  

In Which I Go Stash Diving!

    Yup. Today I went stash diving. I was looking for something specific, a pair of crocheted pot holders that I had made for my MIL and that we got back when she passed away. I wanted to show them to Kim, my knitting buddy. I couldn't find them. I've looked all over this house and still can't find the stupid things.


    However, while stash diving, I did make a very interesting find! I pulled out a skein of  > gasp <  black Malabrigo sock yarn! Then a second. Then a third! And OMG there was a fourth! I was in sock yarn heaven! Much to my surprise, I also pulled out a skein of AtKnitsEndYarns sock yarn too! I'm not sure which colorway it is, but as it's dark red and black/brown, I think it might be Tip It Ewe Lush. It's probably a skein she rejected as not "perfect", I am the luckiest minion on the planet, to know a dyer who gives you her "failures"!!

    This discovery got me thinking, I could make another Arachno Shawl, by Jennifer Dassau!! A black one! I think I could also work in the Ewe Lush, between the cobweb edging, at the beginning of the main body.


    So I got out my swift and ball winder, and started winding. I did two of the Malabrigos for now. If I can get the edging going without any mistakes, I will wind up the Tip It Ewe Lush. So there I was, casting on 301 stitches of sock yarn on a size 7 circular needle. I put stitch markers every fifty stitches, because hanging around with someone who can't count seems to have rubbed off.

    As you can see in the above photo, one of the little buggers gave me a harn time while I was winding him. That's why the left one is so small, and why I'm using it first.


   I have completed the first row of the cobweb edging. It's a bit difficult working with the black sock yarn, as it's hard to see the stitches because they're so small. This may take a while.

    I love going diving in my stash, I never know what goodies I will find! Somewhere in there are the two big hanks of Lace weight, one natural one back, that I bought at Rhinebeck last fall. And who knows what other goodies I've bought and forgotten about!! It really is like Festivus in July! So watch this space for photos of my progress, if I dont' have to frog and start over....

Arachno Shawl is Done!!

Last night:

  Tah-dah!! The Arachno Shawl is finally done. I just bound it off a little while ago. It was a fun knit, I have to say. Now I just have to block it, and hope it can stretch out to a decent size. You see, it seems it's a bit on the small side. I personally prefer large shawls, hence my favorite motto, Go Big or Go Home!

I will post pics of shawl post blocking.

This Weeks Knitting Report

    The Arachno Shawl I've been working on is really progressing nicely! It was difficult unraveling the dropped stitches of the border, because of the yarn. Once I got past that, the transition ribbing was only four rows, then it was on to the main body of the shawl! Here is a photo of my progress so far! I took it just a few minutes ago:

    Here is a closer shot of the center area.

    As for the Elizabeth Zimmermann Baby Surprise Jacket, it has been put on hold for the time being. The Universe decided, I guess, that it wasn't to be created at this time, at least by me. My buddy Kim and I couldn't co-ordinate our schedules to get a decent chunk of playdate time. I totally understand, and know that the Universe is wiser than I shall ever be. There must be a really good reason for it.


    I must say that I'm pleased to have gotten this post done so early in the day! I'm sitting here drinking my coffee, and watching (listening) to The Graham Norton Show on BBCAmerica. I know that there are some days that my post doesn't get written until much later into the evening.


    So now I can enjoy the day, with no pressure to write a post! I hope you all enjoy your day too!

Shawl Progress!

    The shawl I've been working on, Arachno Shawl, is coming along nicely! The border is done, and so is the transition section. I started working on the main body of the shawl last night. It has taken me such a long time to unravel the dropped stitches in the border! Almost as long to unravel them as to knit them in the first place!

Here is a photo of the border, before I started unraveling:

    And here is a close up shot of the shawl, with the border unraveled:

    I think I had trouble because the yarn I'm using is Malabrigo, and it's notoriously sticky. The colorway is 616 Plena. I thought it would look pretty for this shawl, it looks like I was right! I will be able to wear this shawl with my everyday jeans.


    It took nearly a full skein for the border alone. But I have four, so I will not run out. While searching through my stash, I found some really pretty yarns that I forgot I had! I love when that happens, it's like Festivus in July!


    I tried to take better photos of the shawl, but after I take a couple of shots, I start shaking, and all I get is blurry photos. Hopefully the ones I have are good enough for you to get the idea!


    Today, I've been sitting by the pool, with Hubs, knitting in the 90+ degree heat. The water temp is about 80, so it's nice and cool. I'm sure that if anyone driving by were to see me, I'd get the puzzled look!

Keeping Cool in the Heat

    Today is another scorcher, high to reach 93ish. Tomorrow will be worse, they say, high to be 94 to 99 degrees. It makes me really glad we have a pool.


    This year, we have been really slow getting the pool up and running. It's usually ready by July 4th, but with getting the Fishkill house ready to be lived in, the pool got neglected this year. Finally, today, it is swimable. And as usual, I was the first one in.


    Poor Hubs has been battling with the algae, this year it's been really horrible. Right up until yesterday, the pool was green. This morning, when I looked out the kitchen window, I saw right away that the pool was no longer green. So, we went down, tested it, adjusted the chemicals, and a little while later, we were in!


    I even got our floats and noodles out, and Hubs blew up our mattress float, and my lemon slice float. I had an orange slice too, but last year it went missing.


    This is what poor pool looked like, not even at it's worst:

    Now, it's a little green again, Hubs had to scrub some algae off the left wall. But we added more shock to the water,and chlorine tabs in the skimmer basket, so it should all be out very soon.


    It was so hot down there today, as soon as we came back in, we had ourselves a Klondike bar. Yummy yummy. Now we can relax in the air conditioning, and wait until the sun is off the pool. That's my favorite time to swim. Usually by 4:30 or 5 p.m. the pool is mostly in the shade.  AAAHHHH. This is how to keep cool in the heat!


    P.S. You should've seen  me knitting a wool shawl, in my bathing suit, by the pool!

An Almost Perfect Day

    Today will be one of those. I got to sleep late, and now I'm having my favorite chocolate coffee. I really don't want to go anywhere, or do anything. Just sit here, drink my coffee, and knit.


    Oh yeah, and keep an eye on the pool filter. And finish the laundry I started last night. And there are some dishes that could use a washing. I guess it never really ends, does it? But if I'm lucky, maybe I can get a few good knitting hours in.


    I am currently working on the Arachno Shawl by Jennifer Dassau. (Available on Ravelry) My bestest knitting buddy, Kim, had started it, and I thought it was really cool, so I bought the pattern too, and started it a few days ago. I know, I am making the Wingspan shawl, but I am taking a break from that. I'm using that for my purse project right now. You know, the one you keep in your purse for when you travel? In my case, it's for if I get stuck somewhere, or the Jeep breaks down or something. I always either have my nook, or a knitting or crochet project with me at all times.


    I have the next few days off from babysitting Miss Malia, so that's nice. Even though she is a sweetheart, it's nice to take a break. I go back Wednesday.


   I am supposed to visit with friends today. But I just don't want to leave the house. I went to Bonny's last night and we sat by the fire pit and talked. It's fun when we do that. But I can't do it too often. Being that my lungs are bad, I can't take the smoke too often. In the Winter, she uses her fireplace, and I can't visit then, either. The smoke makes it really hard to breathe.


    So, for as long as I can, I am going to enjoy this almost perfect day! I hope yours is perfect as well!

Year End Craft Report

   This year, I made a lot of stuff. Sweaters and shawls, and afghans too. Even a few scarves. But as of a few weeks ago, I have stopped knitting and crocheting. I don't know why. I just lost the urge to create. So I am taking a break.

   However, I am looking forward to making some new things next year. I have plans for a do-over on the sweater for my granddaughter. It just wasn't working for me. I also am nearly ready to cast on a new shawl. In fact I was going to do that last night. I got out my swift and ball winder, and wound the skein of gorgeous lace weight yarn from my friend Kim, of atknitsendyarns.etsy.com. The pattern I want to make uses two different size needles, and I borrowed the size 11 circular that I don't have, from Kim.  I know I have size 6 circulars here somewhere. I looked for them last night. I even remember that Kim had given me a spare set that she didn't need. But I have yet to find them. When I do, I will cast on the shawl.

   So that's it for this year. Nothing on the needles or hooks right now. Actually that is misleading. I have an entire large tote bag full of partially finished projects. I had just decided to put them all away for the time being. So I think that they don't count. Out of sight, out of mind.

    Isn't it amazing that I can still find things to write about! And darn near every day! I guess I have a lot to say. I am looking forward to what I can come up with next year.

Got a lot of knitting done...

   I spent most of this evening with my best 9 year old friend, and her mom. We sat around watching the Disney Channel, and while we grown ups worked on our latest knitting projects, Miss Mellie put on a "pageant" which included her guinea pig, Fluffer. Her mom and I were the judges, so of course, Fluffer won, hands down. And I actually got a lot of knitting done! I am almost done with the knitted on border that goes on forever! Now I'm looking forward to blocking this shawl on my son's bed, while he's gone all day!
   Now I'm home in the land of grown ups, and watching one of the shows I like, Burn Notice. And I'm cooking my dinner, left over pizza. I am splurging tonight, and actually heating it up in the oven, not just nuking it in the microwave. Big treat for me.
  My most generous friend Kim gave me some more yarn while I was visiting! She is keeping me supplied while my spending is suspended due to lack of funds. What a great friend to have! And she gets to feel good too, since she can call it de-stashing! My Hubs doesn't approve, he says she's enabling me. But I love her in spite of this enabling and mean-girl-ness that I hear she has...
   Now I have to go, because my dinner is ready, and I'm hungry... Here's wishing you  a hot pepperoni pizza and garlic knots to all!