Graduation Day

I've graduated from a simple straw basket (lined, as it is) to a new, improved BagSmith bag. Wow, am I organized! It holds all of my knitting equipment, and as of now, three projects--the vest, and two sock projects. You can see that it would hold a lot more, so I have to resist the urge to fill it up. The back pocket can't be seen in this picture, but it is long and wide and will hold lots of patterns. It also has a shoulder strap that clips on to the handles. I took it to house sit yesterday at DD's while workmen put carpet in the newly finished upstairs rooms. I had plenty of knitting with me, and several recorded episodes of The Closer to view, so I had a nice relaxing day--right? Wrong! Every 10 minutes I had to run upstairs to answer a question--which was usually, "How does this look?" Man, they were a bunch of prima donnas.

I finished the Sockapalooza Sock Pal socks, and am very happy with them. The size requirements seem right-on, and the color is gorgeous. I'll post a picture of them next Tuesday for the update. So, now I'm knitting some orange Blauband using a double strand and a US #2 so I will have a tight weave, and a little thicker sock. After that, it's on to the new skein of Blue Moon in the Carbon colorway. At the same time, there is a bunch Regia waiting for me...could life get any better.

Close--But No Cigar

I thought I would be posting photos of two finished socks this week, but a lot of things have gnawed away at my knitting time. I came close--just three more inches to the toe of sock number two. I think I'll be posting finished photos next week. I hope so, because I just got my second order of Socks That Rock yarn, in the Carbon colorway. I have enjoyed the Blue Moon yarn so much that I can't wait to start the second pair. I have already started thinking of goodies I can add to the box that will eventually go to my sock pal. Everyday I think of something else--watch out sock pal, this is going to be a really big box!

On the missing pattern front (see previous post), the pattern is well and truly missing. My designing pal, Kris, has offered to create a pattern for the front of the vest so I can finish it. It's not that I can't calculate how many stitches to cast on for the front, and how many rows to knit, but it just has to look better if a designer does it! I'm into the knitting and Kris is into the designing. Works for me....

Missing In Action

Have you ever lost a pattern? I have lost my sweater vest pattern. Here’s a picture of what it would look like when finished, if I had the pattern.

It’s not as though I haven’t been working on it right along, because I have. When I decided to do it all in garter stitch, Sally Melville style, I knew it was going to be slow going, because I’m not fond of garter stitch. So I had to make a firm commitment to work on it at least once a day. The back of the vest, is nearly finished, and is very pretty and different. That is partly due to the teal and purple variegated Encore yarn, but the stitch pattern does lend something to an otherwise blah design. The pattern was from Knitter’s magazine, Winter 2005. Wouldn’t you know that I cut it out and put it into a plastic sleeve, rather than copy it and leave the original in the magazine. Now it is missing from my knitting basket where it has been since I started working on the back. What to do—what to do?

I have never lost a pattern before. I am somewhat obsessive-compulsive as far as organizational tasks are concerned—okay, in everything! I put patterns, in their little plastic sleeves, into a thick notebook, arranged by classification, i.e. sweaters, socks, shawls, etc. I have eleven of those big books, and I’ve been through all of them—no pattern. All of my magazines are in one place—no pattern. So, do I go into “design-your-own” mode? Do I rip it all out and start over with another pattern? Do I search for that magazine all over town and the internet, hoping I’ll find one intact that no one has cut a pattern from? I need some input here people!

I’m going online now to knittinguniverse.com to see if I can get a back copy of the magazine. But I’m asking myself if it’s worth it. What would I do without these big decisions in my day? Knit, that’s what.

One Down, One To Go

The first Sockapaloooza sock is finished, and I'm ready to cast on the second sock. This is pretty good considering the stack of paperwork on my desk at the office, and the fact that I worked most of the weekend. This yarn just sort of knits itself! It was so nice to pick it up and knit for a half-hour at lunch and any time I could grab later in the evening. I completed this sock with my #2 silver Comfort Zone needles, but the new purple and orange needles are in. Here you see the purple needles I will use on the second sock. Why? Because They look pretty with the yarn. The height of luxury--Blue Moon yarn and Comfort Zone dpn's that match your yarn. Life is good....

Life Is A Race

They’re so cute! These are the cashmere blend socks—anklets with ruffles around the top. I tried to get them ready for Valentine’s Day, but I had too many things going on, and was racing against time on two projects at work.

I’m feeling a little like my whole life is a race, and I’ve been keeping up, dancing as fast as I can for many years—a lot of years! I got the tee shirt for keeping-up at around 30, the medal at 40, a trophy at 50, and I’m working on the lifetime achievement award…. When I heard about “Knitting Olympics,” I cheered just as I did when a US athlete won the first gold medal, and then I said, “Not for me!” So, this is me cheering all of my knitting sisters and brothers on, but not joining in because, well my whole life is a race.

Part of the race is getting up in the morning. (I actually slept through a half-hour of the alarm ringing yesterday morning, as did DH). Another part is getting ready for work—looking in the mirror, putting makeup on wrinkled skin, and moaning about my roots getting gray again. Part is working all day when I would rather be knitting, and only mentioning retirement occasionally. It’s not just this time of my life. I have always raced against something; my kids eating taffy with braces, those term papers that the dog ate, the missed school buses that required me driving them to school and being late for work—ahhh, those were the days. Thinking about it, I realized that then I would have probably tackled something like Knitting Olympics. I had the stamina—the non-aching body—the oomph—miraculously, the time. That’s right, then I had more time. What’s wrong with this picture? The older I get, the fewer hours there are in a day. A friend said to me recently, “You don’t suppose that it’s because we are slowing down?” Nahhh, that couldn't be it.

So GO OLMYPIC KNITTERS!!! I’m with you in heart and mind. I can’t race fast enough anymore to keep up, but wait for me at the finish line and I’ll get there eventually—if I don’t sleep through the alarm!

Progress In Yummy Yarn

My sock pal’s first sock has been cast on, ribbing done, and three repeats of the pattern completed. The pattern I’m using is Yukon Leaves by Lela Conrad, and can be found here.... I cast on with US#3 and switched to US#2’s for the ribbing and the rest of the sock. The Blue Moon handpainted yarn is the ultimate luxury yarn. I have never used any like it. It just feels so good to knit with that I want more-more-more! Actually, I did order more in Carbon (a stormy mix of sky colors with green mixed in), but it is out of stock, and I have to wait two weeks for it. That will give me plenty of time to finish these socks and the red socks I’ve started in cashmere blend. Life is good when there are socks on the needles, and Sockapaloooza is in full swing.

Ho, Ho, Ho....

Other than Sockapaloooza, and starting Christmas 2006 knitting, what’s up with you? Yeah, yeah, I know it’s too early for Christmas, but I decided that if I don’t start now I will be beating my head against the same brick wall at the end of the year. It sounds like a good plan on the surface—knit those afghans, socks, scarves, shawls, gloves, hats etc. now and stay ahead of the game. But am I going to be tired of Christmas by the time it gets here? Is it really necessary to rush, hurry and just about run out of time every Christmas? Maybe I will, and maybe it is, but I’m going to try this for at least one year, and see if there are universal repercussions.

So, I’m starting with red cashmere blend socks for DD. They have ruffled tops and are amazingly soft and comfy. This will be followed by an Aran afghan for same DD, and a prayer shawl for DIL who drives a long distance to work everyday, requiring a lot of prayers on my part! Add to that all the family members who are grousing about not getting socks this year (5), an HP scarf for youngest GS, green cabled leg warmers for the Irish dancer, and the golf club covers I didn’t finish this year for DH…well, you see why I’m starting early.

I have to admit though that this is the kind of stress I LIKE! It gets me away from the approaching threat of tax season, new accounting clients, and all the other day-to-day things that drop in on us and make us want to yell, “Hey, can’t you see I’m busy here?” This time of year I develop a total inability to multi-task—it’s all just too much for me. So adding Christmas knitting makes me feel better all around. I just have to keep my priorities straight—knitting first, work second!

Ready, Set, Knit

It's SockapalOOOsz time! I have the yarn--Blue Moon Fiber Arts handpainted, superwash merino, in the Cobalt Bloom colorway. I am tossing around two patterns in my mind. Don't know which I'll use yet, but I'll let you know. I've never knitted with this wool before, but I love the softness and texture. I think it will make yummy socks. I may have to order lots more of this.

My Sock Sister said in a message this morning that there may be knitters out there who have finished their socks already. I'm fast, but not that fast! Anyway, I want to finish my Opal Dreamcatcher socks before I start. It's not that I'm a project purist--you know, finish one before you start another. I am far from it! I have about five projects going right now. But, I really like this Opal and the pattern I'm using, so I want to finish them so I can wear them. I am turning the heel on the second sock, and expect to be finished by tomorrow night. THEN, Sockapaloooza sock here I come.

What more could any knitter ask for, luscious yarn, Comfort Zone needles, and a sock pal eagerly awaiting my creation. Life is good!

I Missed It....

One of the things I hate about this time of year is that we're so busy at work that I miss all the good stuff. By the time I read my favorite blogs it is late at night and too late to address subjects of interest--plus, I can't think straight by then. So, I totally missed the bloggers (silent) poetry readings. Late or not, I would like to share one of my own works, from when I was very, very, VERY young and did crazy things like write poetry. This is for all my cat loving, knitting friends...

SAGA OF WEE WILLIE
Wee Willie was a wondrous cat
Of wildly vibrant fur.
A fat cat blessed with ego bold,
And rasp instead of purr.

Wee Willie won the cat fight
Weekly held on alley fence.
He waged the fight of wilder cats
Who prowl in jungle dense.

There was no match for Willie Boy...
No other cat his equal.
Which is precisely why this story
Does not have a sequel.

The drama started late one night
Behind the garbage cans.
there was the sound of wailing,
And clang of pots and pans.

Wee Willie took on Tiger Cat
Of fierce and savage stock.
Willie's spunk in battle
Was really quite a shock.

He slashed old Tiger with his claws...
Bit him with his fangs.
The Tiger rose to run away...
On that Wil's victory hangs.

As Willie reached out with his paw
To slash old Tige once more,
a withered shoe came flying through
An open alley door.

Tom Simpson yelled, "Take that you cat!"
At Tiger, as it hit.
Then Willie had the title won
Cats present would admit.

With forepaws poised, he shoved Tiger
right on off Tom Simpson's fence.
The cats joined in the mirthful squeals...
With details I'll dispense.

Except to say poor Tiger
Landed face down in the dirt,
And wanting to avoid more shame,
Pretended he was hurt.

He always said Wee Willie didn't
Fight a fair Cat's fight,
But no cat questions Willie's power
to rule the alley night.

And no cat wants to fight him,
Just in case old Tiger's right.
Katherine Myers

Opal!

The first Opal Dreamcatcher sock is coming along. I'm knitting with US #2 dpn's--not my favorite thing to do. I don't like to knit with anything smaller than a #3, but I do it when necessary. Using Comfort Zone needles helps a lot with comfort, but it seems like a project on #2's just goes on and on and on. I can't imagine how long it takes to knit a sock with #0's, and I'm not going to find out! I have to say, the Opal is great. I'm still loving the colors even if they are mostly a dull gray.

I got the yarn today for my Sockapaloooza socks. It's Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Socks That Rock yarn in the Cobalt Bloom colorway. Sooooo soft and yummy, I can't wait to start--which I will do as soon as the gray socks are finished. I may cast on sooner, but the "head-down" knitting will begin after the Dreamcatchers are on my feet.

I was really tickled by the comment on yesterday's entry. It's from my sock pal--the one who is knitting socks for me. I'm so excited about the promise of "over the top" socks, and I am one who enjoys over the top stuff!! I am currently wearing the Koolaid dyed lime green "Kiwi Waffle" socks. I had my hair cut this morning, and you know how your socks show at the bottom of your jeans when you sit down. Another customer came and hiked up my pants leg and said, "those are wild!" Yup, that's me, wild woman. Just ask my kids. Having six of them will make anyone wild.

Next--Dreamy Socks

Finished the blue variegated Baby Soft socks, and have started Opal Dreamcatcher socks. I’m so taken with this yarn. To begin with, it’s OPAL. Then there is the fact that the color is so deceptive. On the surface it looks gray and gray with a little off-white thrown in. But in a good light you see a subtle lavender emerge. I’m using the Cozy Socks pattern from Knit It! Fall 2005 magazine. The pattern is a four row repeat that creates triangles.
Row 1: K4, P1
Row 2: K3, P2
Row 3: K2, P3
Row 4: K1, P4
You can see that the purl stitches correspond to the row number, so you can knit this without looking at a pattern or even memorizing a stitch sequence. So easy, and so interesting.

I’m excited about Sockapaloooza starting tomorrow! I haven’t joined a KAL before—formally that is. I have knit-along with a couple groups—watched others progress and grabbed the free help to complete the project. Yes, I guess that makes me one of those lurkers everyone talks about. So I decided to “just do it.” I donated myself as a sock savior in Sockapaltwoza, to knit socks for someone whose sock pal dropped out. That was such fun that I wanted to do the full KAL this time.

I am free to join a KAL because I have finished end-of-year reports and W-2's, and have not yet officially entered tax season. I have about, um-m-m, two days to breathe and knit. It's these moments in between trouble and catastrophe that make it all worthwhile. Life is good!

One Sock, Blue Sock

One blue variegated sock finished, and one at the heel. Ten-year old granddaughter Samantha picked it up a few days ago and tried it on. We were amazed to see that it fit her. The conversation went like this:
“Grandma, this sock fits! Are they for me?”
“No, these are mine.”
“But you never knit socks for me. You’ve knit a lot for my mom. When are you going to make me some?”
“Well…I guess I could make you some next. Okay?”
“But these fit really well….”
And on, and on, until we went to my stash and picked out some yarn that she likes, put her name on the wrapper, and I promised to make them next. I talked her into some yellow WoolEase, because I think that will hold up under kid damage better than wool.

I’m a lucky Grandma because all my kiddos love my knitted objects. But it does put pressure on me to knit faster, since we have six grandchildren, and if one gets socks, they all want socks!

After this encounter, I dreamed that night that I own a yarn shop, and in a back room I have several people knitting all those things I can’t find the time to knit. I wasn’t standing over them cracking a whip, but I was demanding, “Hurry! You have to knit faster!” They were complaining and saying, “Yeah, yeah, we hear you.” (Good help is so hard to find). My dreams are obviously telling me that I should quit working and knit all the time. Whenever I bring it up to DH he plays the “how would you pay for yarn” card. Not fair! I guess Sam is going to have to wait for her socks like everyone else…I’m knitting as fast as I can.

Sock Duo

It’s not often that I knit two pairs of socks for myself at one time. I feel like royalty. Especially coming on the heels (pun intended) of the Kiwi Waffle socks I feel so pampered--and just a little bit selfish. I knit so much for other people, mostly family members, that I forget how nice it is to say, “These are for me.”

The pink socks are anklets in Knit Picks Dancing. The yarn is a cotton / wool / nylon and elastic blend that manages to be both stretchy and soft. You can’t see it well, but there is one row of lace stitches after the ribbing and before the ankle. They will be perfect for spring and summer…light and airy. The blue, white, mint green socks will have a longer leg—maybe as long as 10 inches. These are plain old acrylic (Baby Soft). I never use acrylic yarn as gifts, except for my daughter, who happens to like acrylic socks as I do. They wash and wear well. (I think so anyway).

I’m also continuing to work on the sweater vest, and making my peace with the fact that I probably won’t be able to wear it this year. The weather people say it will be 80 degrees here again today. (Toto, we're not in Chicago anymore). They promise colder weather for the weekend, along with rain. Ha! If you believe THAT I have some land in Arizona I want to sell to you. I think winter has deserted us, and we are going to roll right into spring and summer without ever having to put on a coat. I guess the weather is Fort Worth’s love-it-or-leave-it thing. Most cities have something you would change if you could, but you can’t so you learn to love it.

So, I L-O-V-E Fort Worth weather! Really, I do—I really do—really. I am not convinced yet, but I’ll keep trying.

Kiwi Waffle Heaven

Who said it's not easy being green? Kermit aside, I love having green feet! The Kiwi Waffle socks are finished and (now) on the feet. BTW, the pink, blue (yes it’s really blue not green) and purple variegated seen on the lower right is for another LeBeret. I started another pair of socks in pink and purple Knit Picks Dancing sent to me by Kris for Christmas. I have never knit with Dancing before, and I think the socks will be a dream to wear. The yarn has some stretch to it.

But, before more socks, or I should say in addition to more socks, I am taking a side trip into cables and twists with an Irish Seaman’s scarf. I started this one twice. On the first try something went wrong, or I just wasn’t understanding the pattern as written. I ripped it out after five or six rows and started over, and this time it seems to be going fine. Don’t know why I wanted to do this, especially since I am knee deep in the variegated sweater vest (the back is almost done), but the pattern was calling out to me. I may be calling out for help before it’s over.

On the work front, I wish I had kept my mouth shut when I mentioned
W-2 printing always being a dramatic event. I have angered the form-printing gods, and they are causing end-of-year form printing to be more than dramatic…they are going to be the end of my career. Oh well, I wanted to retire anyway! I know, I know, I’m whining. According to DH it’s what I do best. But I happen to believe that I knit better than I whine. Maybe....

I've Bottomed Out

There were some surprises waiting for me on the bottom of my “current project” knitting basket. I have about ten baskets, bags, mesh barrels and plastic containers around the house with yarn and projects in various states of completion. But the one I keep with me all the time, and carry from room to room with me was empty for a brief time yesterday. What an awakening! I realized how much I “live” out of my knitting basket. I shove stuff into it and forget it for, ummmm, years it seems.

Seen in the photo:
1. Scissors that have been missing for at least a year.
2. Yarn bobbins I bought during the summer when I was going to knit mosaic socks, and didn’t because I couldn’t find the bobbins.
3. A large marble. Go figure.
4. A stuffed penguin. Think about that while you are contemplating the marble.
5. A pretty chain with a yarn cutter attached.
6. Lots of Comfort Zone dpn's.
7. A miniature sock. I can only assume that a Barbie somewhere is running around with only one sock on.
8. And the big shocker, a Coach bag with bunches of knitting tools inside: needle checker, Chibi full of needles, tons of stitch markers, two stitch holders, two cable needles, and on and on.

I’m taking a poll. Does anyone else have their knitting accoutrements in a Coach bag, or a Louis Vuitton, or any designer bag or pouch? Is that the height of arrogance? Is that just too, too posh? I considered getting a brown paper bag to put the things in and finding another use for the Coach pouch—like cosmetics, or my mp3 player. But I had to ask myself, “Is anything more important than knitting?”

The stuff is still in the Coach bag, under the knitting project I have now put in the basket. So, I guess the answer is pretty clear! Nothing!

Block Party

Le Beret is blocking and hanging out with Whirly-Curly, which was started in November and put on hold for Christmas knitting. With this (and Kiwi Waffle sock almost finished) I have officially made contact with the bottom of my knitting basket. What a strange feeling--having an empty basket. I dropped the first six inches of the Plymouth Encore, purple/blue/green varigated vest on the US#8 Addi's into the basket, along with the two skeins of Encore I had already wound, and I felt much better. But first I took pictures of the empty basket, which I will post tomorrow, because I am sure there are more knitters like myself who have not seen the bottom of their "current project" basket for years. I had forgotten what it looked like, and there were several things hiding there to surprise me. I won't ruin the surprise for you. Tomorrow!

I like the hat even better now that it is blocked and shaped. It really looks like a beret. I've decided to keep it, but the Whirly-Curly scarf is already gone. DD claimed it last night when she stopped by, saying, "I know just what I'll wear this with tomorrow." I complain a lot because the things I knit disappear as fast as I knit them. But the truth of it is that I love to have family and friends claim them as their own, and love them as much as I do. At Grandparents Day at school recently I overheard a woman say to DD, "I love your bag. Where did you get it?" She replied, "Isn't it great? My Mom made it for me." Wow!! Give me more yarn, and more knitting time. I have to make more stuff. Life is good!

And, I Don't Even Like Hats!

Here is Le Beret hanging out in the bathroom where it is about to be hand washed, blocked and shaped. It is so cute I want to keep it, but I don't like hats. I don't wear hats except for our one ski trip to New Mexico every year. Then they are on and off ASAP. So, I can keep it and wear it once this year, or I can send it to a cold-country-family-member. It's in the 80's here in Fort Worth today, which gives you some idea of why I don't wear hats or mittens or coats or.... I do wear scarves on occasion--and strictly as a fashion statement. I guess I'll keep the cute little hat and wear it when it's 40 degrees for 10 minutes in February.

Also, the black man-socks are finished and on the feet of DH. He really likes them and wants more. I said okay, because I really love to knit things for him. But I warned him that the next pair WILL NOT be black! Maybe a nice dark wedgewood blue, or even a silvery gray, but NOT black! I almost lost my eyesight over them. I couldn't find a light in the house that was bright enough. I think I need one of those horribly expensive natural lights you see in yarn shops and catalogs. Better start saving my pennies.

I am two inches into the waffle pattern on the Koolaid dyed lime green socks--the kiwi waffle socks as I am calling them. The finished sock is so soft and fits so well that I was tempted to wear just the one until the second is finished. Can't wait. So, you see, the knitting goes on. Here we are on January 8th, and two projects are finished and one almost done. Good progress for a new year. Now if things just go as well when I start printing w-2's for payroll clients tomorrow. But, it has been my experience that w-2 printing is never without drama! Wish me luck....

Yea--Le Beret!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, is a blurry picture worth five-hundred? Just a thought. This is a pic of the first 20 rows of Le Beret from Morehouse Farm. It didn't photo well for some strange reason--maybe the stars are in the wrong position for hat photos. Anyway, the pattern called for a 16 inch circular. I wish I had chosen a little longer circ (like a Denise with one extra section), but now that I have started on the 16" I'll keep it on this needle a little longer, since I only have 20 more rows before I put it on dpn's and start decreases for the top. I like the shape and the color, and I'm making it more softly rounded than floppy. Nice soft wool, nice soft shape--it should be a great hat to wear!

I was reading a blog yesterday which compared toe-up to top-down sock knitting. Wow, it's amazing what we get used to and cling to in knitting. This knitter is a toe-up person, and I am a devoted top-down person. She found it grueling and boring to knit through a heel flap and gusset, although her stated three hours is unbelievable. I tried a toe-up once, however, and it took a long time to get three inches up from the toe, and then it didn't fit properly. So, it may have even seemed like three days to her. Then, there is friend Kris who knits both toe-up and top-down socks, and loves them both. Go figure! I could make a new year's resolution to knit a complete pair of toe-up socks. But n-a-a-a-h, why would I do that when I can knit a top-down pair in two days to a week, depending on the amount of knitting time I put in. I guess it's all in what you get used to, and I say...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Happy New Year

I tried to tell Macy that it's 79 degrees outside, but I think she has decided to hibernate for the winter--cold or not. This has been such a quiet, slow, do-nothing-but-watch-TV-and-knit weekend that I was tempted to join her a couple of times as I started to nod off. THEN, things became busy as DH found several projects that I didn't really think were critical, but joined with him, in the spirit of the new year. Rah, rah, go me!

And then there's football--which is only good for knitting:
"Did you see that play?"
"Yes dear."
"Are you sure? Do you want me to run it back?"
"No need dear, I saw it, (over the tops of my glasses during a s1, k2tog, psso stitch sequence)."
"It's so much fun watching football together!"
"Yes sweetheart is surely is."
Well at least knitting through the game was more fun than all those projects.

I've made a good start with the beginning-of-the-year knitting projects. I have finished one black man sock for DH, and cast on the second sock. Finished one lime koolaid dyed sock and cast on for the second. And, I started the Le Beret in hot pink wool from Morehouse Farms. The Clapotis has hit the back burner, as have all other projects until these are done. I went to a wonderful shop in North Richland Hills called The Knitting Nook. Beautiful yarn, good prices, and great customer service. I'm definitely going back there! It inspired at least ten ideas. One is a long vest in Plymouth Encore that I bought the yarn for.

Just want to say Happy New Year to all my friends and family. I love you all! Thanks for all your support and patience with my knitting and needle-sales projects last year. We're going to do great things together this year--I can feel it coming.

I Can't Stop!

I'm still at it--sock knitting that is. All that Christmas sock knitting wasn't enough. Now I'm down to the toe on the first lime waffle sock (Koolaid dyed by friend Kris). Also, another pair of black man-socks. Click on the photo and look at the cool teal I knit into the ribbing. I had to do that to keep it from being so boring, and it is little enough. I used a teal/black varigated yarn to perk up the top of the socks. I mentioned to DH that I could also do the heel and toe in the varigated. He nixed the idea as being not masculine enough. Phooey! Men are so touchy about their socks--as if the top, heel or toe shows at all. He said, "What if I'm wearing them when I change from my golf shoes into my regular shoes in the locker room?" I told him that all the other men would probably stand up and applaud.

Christmas was wonderful, and the week between this year and that year is so far quiet and calm. Only one client meeting planned, and the rest is knitting/play time. I need all the rest I can get during this one week sandwiched between Christmas preparations, and the year-end reports due in the first month of the new year. But we come to the new year with a load of good vibes from a Christmas that was truly memorable. The grandchildren were all happy; we spent time with old friends; we ate the best of foods and didn't care about calories, and we finished everything off with a nice long nap. That's the best of the best. Hope yours was the same!

Partridge On The Needles

You know how the Partridge In The Peartree is the last thing in the song? Well, I've got a partridge on my needles--one of those oops, last-minute gifts I didn't expect to have to knit. My firefighter son asked me on Sunday (three days ago!) if I could knit him a thick, wooly pair of black socks to wear with his boots. Of course, they had to be black so I had to go buy the yarn on Sunday afternoon. But I decided to knit a little grey into the ribbing where no one would see it, but it would give them some character. I finished one sock last night, and now here it is Wednesday before Christmas and I have finished the ribbing and am starting on the leg of the second sock. I just might finish it if my accounting clients stop wanting end-of-year stuff. I say let's stop everything but knitting right now and catch up the rest of it after the first of the year!

I really didn't expect to be knitting anything else until after Christmas. I have gift wrapping to do, and baking to do, and Christmas plays to see, and visions of sugarplums to contemplate. Here's the thing...when a son asks for a special knitted gift, you stay up nights to finish it . It's so special and wonderful that one of my guys actually would cherish, and take pleasure in something that I made for him--you just don't say no to that. My greatest concern is that I will have to give him the second sock with needles in the toe. I swear I'll sit there Christmas morning and finish it while I watch everyone open gifts! It makes me realize that the reason we knit is to make ourselves happy by making others happy. Isn't that the essence of Christmas giving? Life is truly good!

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, and as always, happy knitting.

Hoorah! It's Finished....

Lest there be any doubt that I really knitted 12 bags, here are seven of them. Number 8 is blocking, and 9, 10, 11 and 12 have been mailed to Chicago. Yes, I did cheat by making the bodies of the bags on my Bond knitting machine, but seaming, handles, and felting were all done by hand. The Bond really helps with straight knitting. I've never played much with intarsia or lots of hand minipulation on the machine. I like hand knitting too much to jump into nothing but machine knitting. It is a means to an end--large quanties done fast!

I am so pleased with the things I have finished for Christmas.
* all the bags (12)
* son's heavy "snow trudging" socks
* itty-bitty sock earrings
* Gryffindor scarf/tie
* Snow Angel socks
* black fingerless man-mitts.
It makes me happy to share a bit of myself with my family and friends. If I had it all to do over, and had the time, I would do only one thing differently. I would knit the Griffindor scarf ( shown above) in the round, if that's possible. I'm going to have to investigate that possibility with Alison Hansel, whose pattern I used. The back of the flat scarf isn't as neat as I would like it, but it's still pretty and soooo fashionable!

It's not over yet. I still have shopping to do for stocking stuffers and special requests. But, I am closer than I have been since October, to being finished. Now I can sit back, eat too much chocolate and too many cookies, and wait for the big day. Wonder what Santa is bringing me?

And On, And On, And....

Son's socks are done, and the last gift scarf is about 12" from being finished. The itty-bitty earrings for DD are done--just have to put them on earring wires, and the last bag is being felted. What am I going to knit now? That's what a friend asked me today. I suddenly became tongue-tied. For a few seconds I really couldn't think of what I would knit now that Christmas knitting is almost done. I thought, "maybe that's it for me...the last hurrah, the final knit bit, the exit FO." Then it hit me, I have one lime green sock done and another cast-on, there is the sweater that will be a shawl if I listen to its pleadings, and there is the whirly-curly scarf that has been on the needles for what seems like forever. Yes indeed, there is plenty to knit after this! Boy am I relieved! My whole life passed before my eyes.

Have you ever thought about what you would do it you didn't knit? I really don't know what I would do. No, not crochet! Needlepoint maybe. Read definitely. But life certainly wouldn't be the same! How could I ever watch TV again? What would I do for socks? Buy them? Surely not! And most of all, what would I do with all that yarn. Yeah, that's it--it's the yarn that keeps me knitting, and if I'm going to keep knitting until I run out of yarn, I'm going to live a v-e-r-y long time! And that's okay with me.

What Was I Thinking?

At least I can post a picture of the Snow Angel socks, because they are for a long-time friend who does not read my blog. In fact, she claims to be blogging illiterate. Once again, if you click on the pic you will see the snow sparkle. Now, isn’t that pretty?

So, that makes ten bags, three pairs of socks, two scarves, and a pair of itty-bitty sock earrings. I started in October and still it’s going to be close. I still have to finish one scarf, one pair of men’s fingerless mitts, and one more bag—an add-on for the same old friend getting the above socks. Then there is all the in-store/mall shopping for grandchildren to do, and a whole bunch of cooking. I said Santa was tired. Well now he has gone out for a drink and I don’t know if he’s coming back!

I know why we do this to ourselves! We love it! It’s fun and it produces memories that last all year. I still remember things from last Christmas. I won’t try, however, to duplicate them because this year will have its own outstanding memories that will stand alone—without parallel and without need to duplicate.

Well, I have to go. The phone is ringing. It’s probably Santa, and he wants more money. If I find out where he is—I’m there!

Feeling Photo Deprived?

Pictures are sadly lacking on this blog right now. If I post pics of all the things I'm knitting, my family readers will know what I'm knitting for Christmas. They have already started talking among themselves, "I know she is knitting that for me," "No, no, she is knitting that for me. The----is for you." Note to family: you better be good or Santa will sleep through Christmas. Santa is feeling really tired right now!

Why is it that life goes into fast forward during the last month of the year. I know it is a busy time by nature of the short time between Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. But sometimes it seems like work, preparations, shopping, parties, and closing EOY as we say in accounting jargon, all goes into overdrive. Well, my overdrive is kaput and my "get up and go" has "got up and went." A few days ago I said to DD, who was sprawled on my couch at the time, that I was feeling my age. She stared at me for a moment and said, "then I'm older than you." I think she meant that she is also feeling tired right now, but I decided to take it as a declaration of my youthful appearance.

Well, responsibilities, obligations and priorities aside, I have decided to not let it all make me enjoy the season less! This is a time to remember all the wonderful blessings that have been given to me--a time to thank God for a year, like many others, of beauty and light, of family love and support in all my endeavors. Busy or not, life is good.

The Bird Is Dead

Yes, the turkey is well and truly done--stick-a-fork-in-it done. Also its bones chewed on a bit! We had a marvelous dinner (it's always better when you don't have to cook it). DS did an outstanding job of cooking as usual, and topped it off by having an elegant "sit-down" for all eleven of us--a real accomplishment! Now, as I write I am reminded that I STILL have not had the nap required by all turkey eaters. Yawn....

If you are wondering about the picture above, it is Tah-Dah! the size #0, #1, and #2 Comfort Zone double pointed needles. This is what they look like without the color added, and I just got my hands on them yesterday for testing. I have been promised some of these little babies with color on Monday. I will be adding them to the Knitting-On-The-Go website tomorrow, along with the size #7, #8, #9, #10, and #10 1/2, also new to the CZ line-up. In all my years of knitting I have not been as happy with knitting needles as I am with the Comfort Zone needles. They have kept my hands from cramping during hours of knitting, and the residual hand aches and pains, that once were a constant annoyance, are gone! Don't know what I would do without them--especially since I am addicted to sock knitting. If you are interested in adding to your dpn collection, or just trying the best of the best in double pointed needles, you can reply here, email me at knittykat@sbcglobal.net, or go the the website link on the left to order. I am told that Comfort Zone Circulars are next!

It's A Done Deal

We finally bought a car--a Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS. It's a fun car to drive with good pick-up, great breaking, all around airbags and curtains, and lots of goodies we hadn't even thought about. Best of all, the ride is so smooth that I can knit without being jostled about.

So glad that's over and I can get on to more important things like knitting, and Thanksgiving! I'm really looking forward to Thanksgiving. Ours is not going to be on Thursday. We have a family of nurses and firefighters who all have to work on Thursday. The rest of the family is in Chicago, and while I wish we could be with them or they with us, I guess it's not going to happen this year. So here is the meeting and eating line-up: Friday we have dinner with SIL's father and his wife, and Saturday our Dallas son is making a gourmet dinner, which he does every few years. What a treat!!!! I don't have to cook at all!!!! (Yes, that deserves three blog's worth of exclamation points!). I plan to sit in front of a roaring fire with feet up and knit--in between helping in the kitchen, and helping to serve and clean up. Some things never change.

You all know that it's not about the food. It's all about family. Although the food becomes about family very quickly. I was telling a friend today that my Mother always made fruitcakes for Christmas. She would make them in early November, wrap them and pour whiskey all over them, and let them "steep" until the week before Christmas. We would all joke about the fact that we hated the cake, so we would wring out the whiskey soaked wrappings, drink it and throw away the fruitcake. But the truth of it is that right around this time of year I start craving fruitcake--and I hate the stuff. I guess what I really crave is time with Mother, baking and joking, and waiting with anticipation for Christmas with the family. This time of year life is better than good--life is spectacular!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families.

And Another Thing

This is something I didn't plan to add to my Christmas gifties, but I will now. I found it stuffed away, 2/3rds done and just begging to be finished and given to someone. I don't even know what the yarn is--maybe Lion Brand Imagine, which I think is a mohair blend. It's really pretty and so warm I would be tempted to keep it if I still lived in Chicago. It makes me feel good to pick up and finish something I started umpteen years ago. I can't even remember why I didn't finish it then. It was probably too warm for Texas and I had socks to knit instead. I think (hope) it will be liked by the person who receives it. Christmas knitting is coming along!

We spent the day driving new cars. We really liked the Ford Five Hundred. That's how it's written on the car, not Ford 500, but FIVE HUNDRED, and for that they charge you a whole bunch more money. It's an SUV pretending to be a sedan--unique and totally plush. Still, it is a lot more than we expected to spend. Then we drove the Ford Escape, sort of a mini-SUV and again, a totally pleasant driving experience. Our son insisted that we try the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, another mini-SUV with good performance and a five star safety rating. The safety rating is more important to me than to the guys (DH and our two good cop, bad cop negotiating sons). I have a real need to be in an M-1 A-1 Abrams the next time someone comes out of nowhere and involves me in their accident. The bottom line is that it only takes money. Add to that the fact that car salesmen just don't understand "We can't afford that," and it makes car shopping the pits! This too shall pass....

Woe Is Me

It happens to a lot of people...you're driving along, finishing your errands for the weekend, looking forward to curling up on the couch with your knitting. Suddenly, BAM--CRASH!!! That lady in the other Toyota crosses three lanes of fast moving traffic and appears right in front of you. You lock up the brakes, brace for the impact and wait for the slap of the airbag. That was my Saturday morning. How was yours?

My DH did a masterful job of driving, but our poor little Toyota is toast. So, it's off to car shopping we go. I really don't need this right now with all the Christmas knitting I have to do, but at least I can sit in showrooms and the back seat of test cars and knit. Can't you see it now, "How do you like this one dear," he says. "Oh it's nice. The ride is smooth enough for me to knit in the back seat. I'll have to try it in the front." "Do you like the color?" he asks. "Hmmm? Color? Oh, it's okay too." Do you get the picture--that I don't care as long as it will get me to the yarn shop and back? The most important thing that happened this weekend was that we all (the two of us and the people in the other car) walked away from what could have been a really bad accident. New cars can be bought, but not new lives! Life is good!

Speaking of knitting (yes I was!). I'm finishing the "sock savior" socks for a sockless pal, and they are beooootiful. The sixth bag to be felted is coming off the machine tonight (only three more to go), and #2 sock for DS is well underway.

H-M-M-M-M ! ! !

Something on my mind--knitting groups. I have my pet groups, the ones on which I contribute and learn equally. I also enjoy the ones I lurk on, mostly because there is good information and the knitters are generally on target and sometimes even brilliant. Some of them are so good and so real, that to add anything would be only to concur and say "yea, you're great!" The information is good and the ideas stimulating.

THEN, there are the ones that seem to constantly put people down because they don't "stay on subject." The contributors can't seem to say, "it's a nice day" without the moderator saying "stop it, you're not talking about knitting." I've read two today in which the contributor made a statement about her wrists hurting from knitting so much, and another on a sock knitting list group about something other than socks. In both cases, the moderator slapped--so to speak--the writer down for not staying on subject.

I don't know about the rest of you, but knitting is part of my life. It's impossible to talk about knitting without talking about life in general--my family, my dog, the weather (bulky or lace weight?). I would like to see every knitting group share life, which includes knitting, whether it's socks, lace, machine or...just life! Idealistic? I guess so. Impossible to manage? I don't think so. Would I have to start my own group to prove it could work? Can't! Life would get in the way!

Busy, Busy, Busy

This is the first documented case of Bird Flu in the United States.... (I had to look at that for a few seconds before I realized what I was looking at). This was sent to me this morning and made me laugh so I wanted to share it.

I haven't posted for a week, and the way things are going posts will be scarce between now and Christmas. We all get so busy around the holidays. Why is it that work seems to speed up at the same time? I guess everyone wants to get everything cleared up before the end of the year. So I have been working and knitting, then knitting and working, then knitting some more. I am making progress though, and I am starting to think of the things I will knit after the holidays.

I was asked to knit socks for a sock pal who didn't get socks. I am so excited--and making great progress! I am turning the heel on the first sock and hope to finish both socks by next Wednesday. I won't tell what they look like now, but will post a picture when they are finished and mailed to the giftee.

All in all, I guess things are going okay, and any time you can say that--well, life is good!

Snow In Texas

Click on the pic to enlarge it and you will see the sparkles. It looks like freshly fallen snow, glistening in the sunlight. I love this yarn so much I went back for three more skeins this morning. Don't know what I'll do with them, but when I think of it they are in the old stash-a-roo. I'm once again knitting the Super Sock, because they keep my feet warm, and because I never seem to get tired of knitting them. I'm also turning the heel of the second Pansy. I have some Opal Zebra calling out to me from the knitting room. The yarn is talking to me again--"come and knit me!!" Help!

Speaking of the stash calling out to me, only one more day to this work week, and I get to play in the knitting room all weekend. There are no plans, except to play among the yarn balls, and finish another bag. I'm making progress on DD's scarf, and DS's socks too. Knitting's great--life is good!

Getting It Done

Yes, I do knit two different pairs of socks at a time--just not on the same needles. I've tried the two circs, and don't even get me started on Magic Loop! I am so ...u-m-m-m- crazy that I knit two different socks on two different sets of dpns. I get bored easily, just doing round after round. So, even if there is a pattern I often just have to look at another color for a while, and switch socks, sometimes a couple times during a knitting session. Then, when I get really tired of going 'round and 'round, I head to the knitting machine for a real diversion. Hense, the bag (yet another). I am so happy with these bags, which are Wool of the Andes from KnitPicks done on the Bond USM and felted. I can't seem to stop knitting them, so everyone I know will have one before long.

The socks are one Sock Gardens Pansy colorway, and one WoolEase fushia. I love them both and can't wait to finish. These are for me, and since it is cooling here in Texas (although they say it will be back up to 80 next week) I wore my blue Super Socks yesterday and my feet were toasty all day. Get my feet warm and I'm a happy camper! That's my knitting report for the day. What's happening in your neck of the woods?

I Am What I Am

"You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes."

Have you ever answered the questions on one of those quizzilla thingys? I took a test to see what kind of wool I am, and I knew I was merino wool before I took the quiz. Sure enough, it said I am just that--but the reasons it gave were really off...easygoing and sweet? Anybody who knows me will tell you that ain't so! And yes, people like to keep me close, not because I am calm and gentle, but so they know what I'm up to. The only thing it got right was that I love to be warm! Today we are having a typical Texas Halloween--chilly rain and dropping temperatures. I would love to curl up with an afghan and a good book tonight, but all the little munchkins will be ringing the doorbell. DH and I take turns handing out candy, while the other controls Macy, who loves all kiddos no matter how they are dressed. Her scared--no siree!

OTN: One Pansy sock is down to the toe, and the other has been cast on. A new bag has been started and the Harry Potter scarf is started. Christmas is moving right along.

One Done - One Started

Purple waves are done, and Field of Flowers started with KnitPicks Sock Garden in the Pansy colorway. The Pansy color is so pretty that I decided to just knit a plain sock with no lace or pattern, so nothing detracts from the beauty of the colors. Then, last night I selected the next "sock makings." (Gotta have the next pair ready).

Moving right along--I am also knitting the Harry Potter tie/belt, and working on another bag as previously reported. I'm making up for the two days I didn't knit at all--catching up on Christmas before I get so far behind that I'm knitting on Christmas day.

How about those White Sox!!!! (Yes four !!!!) Living in Texas and calling Chicago home makes it hard. I can't say "yea" for the Sox on the street for fear of being mobbed. The last two games were really fun to watch, and I'm a happy Sox lover! Go White Sox.

Pup Fashions

This was just too cute to resist. Macy the Jack Russell Terrier has a new sweater--a gift from friend Kris. For a big bad hunter type dog she sure is prissy! She loves to have a sweater on, and wears her bandana everyday. This month's bandana (which marks her as a working dog) has little ghosts and boos all over it. I wish I'd made this sweater, or at least I hope to be able to make some like it in the future. I've never knit a dog sweater (I have to get control of this sock mania). But if I knit them, she will wear them!

OTN - I cast on for "Fields of Pansies." Knit Picks Pansy color with purple, yellow, lavendar, and almost black is beautiful. I finished DD's purple waves (pic next post), and what a pretty design. I'll have to use that design again--there I go planning socks to the exclusion of all other knitting. Someone stop me or I'll have to borrow feet to knit for. I did cast on and start the Harry Potter tie/belt, so maybe I can put the socks down for a while. Sure, that's going to happen!

New Toy

No knitting going on here today (or yesterday). I've been playing with my new BlackBerry toy--no, not really playing but trying to figure out how to use it. I've owned a Palm PDA for a long time and a cell phone since they were as big as shoe boxes, but put them together, add the internet and email, and you have a whole new ballgame. AND this is not a game I recognize. Not only does it do things without my asking (like type in words I haven't yet told it how to spell), but it gets together with my computer and coordinates my days and organizes my tasks like two office assistants I didn't know I'd hired. I hot-synced that puppy with Outlook, and it promptly told me I have a meeting tomorrow that I'd better not miss. Have you ever wondered if these high tech gadgets own us or do we own them? We shall see!

So, when I do get a chance to knit, I will be starting the Harry Potter tie shown in the picture. It's from Alison Hansel's Blue Blog, and so cute I know I will have to arm wrestle GD for it. I did some stash enhancement yesterday. In addition to the burgandy and gold WoolEase for the tie (which can also be worn as a belt), I bought plain navy sock yarn, red wool for a felted hat, and emerald green Fun Fur for a cute hat band. I'm good-to-go if I give up trying to figure out Trixie the new gadget, and just start letting it run my life.

Especially For Linda

I've had a request for the "I Love This Sock" (also known as Super Sock) pattern. This is the Knitty Gritty pattern, and it's so easy you won't believe it--and fast too. The worsted weight yarn knits fast, and it's really nothing but a few inches of ribbing, a heel, and a foot--done!

Materials:
*I used Lion Brand WoolEase, worsted weight but I think any worsted weight yarn would work.
*US #5 dpn's. (I cast on using #6 needles to give the top more stretch, but #5's can be used throughout).

Cast on 40 stitches and distribute evenly over four needles.

Knit 2 1/2 to 3 inches of ribbing. I used knit 3, purl 2 ribbing because it give you two sets of 3 X 2 ribs per needle. I'm lazy and I don't like to purl across two dpn's. Plus, I think this is a substantial and pretty ribbing, so I use it often.

Heel Flap:
At end of ribbing knit one row plain and begin heel flap as follows:
Beginning with a purl row, *Slip 1, purl across remaining stitches on the purl side.*
Knit row: *s1, k1* repeat across the knit side
Continue this pattern for 2 to 3 inches (depending on the required depth of the heel flap from ankle to floor).

Turn Heel Beginning on a purl row:
Row 1: S1, purl to midway plus 2 stitches more (10 stitches + 2), p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 2: S1, k5, k2tog, k1, turn
Continue across each purl and knit row, purling or knitting to the gap created by short-row turn, then purling or knitting 2 stitches together across the gap (k2tog or p2tog). Purl or knit one more stitch and turn, until all stitches on the needle are finished. When the heel flap and cup are completed, start the gusset.
Finish the heel on a knit row, and begin to pick up a stitch under each of the long slipped stitches along the side of the heel flap. Starting with end with the live yarn, pull a yarn loop through each of the long stitches created along the side of the heel flap by the S1 stitch at the beginning of each row.

Knit across the 20 stitches on the two front needles. When you reach the end of the front row, pick up at least the same number of stitches along the other side of the heel flap with your extra needle. You should now have 10 stitches on each of the front two needles, and something more that 20 stitches (the original stitches plus the picked up stitches) combined on the heel needle, which you can now distribute evenly over two needles.

GUSSET (Instep decreases):
Round 1: Knit across front two needles with 10 stitches each.
On needle number 3: K1, SSK, and knit remaining stitches.
On needle number 4: Knit to within three stitches from the end of the stitches on the needle, K2tog, K1.
Round 2: Knit plain around on all needles.
Repeat these two rounds until there are 10 stitches on each of the two heel needles. You should now be back to 40 stitches altogether. Continue to knit with no further decreases until the foot is as long as you want and you are ready to decrease for the toe.
HINT: For foot length – measure your foot from base of heel to end of big toe. Begin toe decreases two inches from the length of that measurement. (Mine is 10 inches, so I knit the foot for 8 inches before beginning the toe decreases).

Toe: Use the same decreases you used on the heel gusset, except now on all needles.
ROUND 1:
On needle number 1: k1, SSK, knit to end of stitches.
On needle number 2: knit to within 3 stitches from the end, and k2tog, k1.
On needle number 3: k1, SSK, knit to end of stitches.
On needle number 4: Knit to within three stitches from the end of the stitches on the needle, K2tog, k1.
ROUND 2:
Knit plain around.

Continue these two rows until only a few stitches remain and you can no longer knit decreases.

Cut the yarn, leaving enough of a tail to thread through the remaining stitches. Pull the threaded yarn tight and knot on the inside of the toe. Weave in ends, both top and toe.

I hope I haven't left anything out. If you have any questions please let me know. It's easy to knit a sock you have knitted a half dozen times--harder to tell someone else how to do it. But it really is easy and soooooo comfy.

Enjoy.

Riding the Waves

I was going through a book of patterns and out fell a slip of paper I had written a stitch pattern on some time back. Hmmmm, waves...could be neat. So I tried it and here is the first four inches. I think it is very pretty, so I've decided to keep it, and continue on. At the same time I started another pair of Super Socks in hot pink just because I love that sock. You may be able to see my purple #3 Comfort Zone needles in the picture. I'm using pink #5's on the pink (WoolEase) socks. I love having needles in a complimentary color. It's so Zen-like. Before I even pick up the knitting to start, I look at it and say a-h-h-h-h-h.

I was reading a survey the other day that asked if you can even think about knitting in the summer heat. If I didn't, I would never knit in Texas. I like to knit year-round. I don't understand the seasonal thing. How can anyone who knits, NOT knit all year? I know I'm obsessed. So much so that I dream about knitting, think about it a lot of the time, and when I'm not knitting or thinking about it, I'm shopping for yarn. I love playing with new and interesting yarns, expensive and cheap yarns, thick and thin yarns.... I've been trying alternative yarns for socks lately. I've tried microspun, worsted weights, baby yarns, doubled lace yarn, etc. They're all good. If it's yarn it's good--it will knit. So I challenge all of you to try something new. Don't sell acrylics short, and try something other than sock yarn for socks. It's fun!

New Name-Same Sock

Now known as Dashing, we see the completed pair frolicking in the ivy. Friend Kris of Knitting Little Bits renamed this dashing design, and it stuck. The pattern has been added to Knitting-On-The-Go web site, here. Now on to DD's purple socks.

I placed a big order with Knit Picks, my favorite place to order yarn online, and can't wait for the sock yarn even though the order was for the last of the wool to knit Christmas bags. Don't know how that sock yarn got in there, but it's sneaky stuff. I have to watch it or it will sneak into every yarn order I place. The bag wool is going to finish off the Christmas knitting nicely--fog and mist with a smidgen of daffodil thrown in should be pretty.

I had a call from GD#1 last week. She is a journalism major at Winona University, Minnesota. She, more than anyone else, got me interested in blogging. I read her online journal as often as possible, and now I hope she reads my blog. Not that she is at all interested in knitting. I can't get any of my grandchildren interested in the art--they are all too busy. Jessica is working at the newspaper there and studies hard to keep her grades high. She is a talented writer who started writing beautiful poetry at a young age. One day I'll post one of her poems here. All that and she is beautiful too. Oh to be young again and have the world at our feet--able to do anything we set our minds to. You can tell I am living vicariously through each of them. What a blessing grandchildren are!

Dashes No Dots

Beginning the second "Dashes No Dots" sock. This pattern came about through sheer lunacy. I wound my new yummy yarn into a ball, and got my dpns. Then I cast on, knitted two inches of ribbing and realized that the pattern that I was going to use was in my office. Since I was sitting on the couch with the dog and the knitting in my lap, and well into a recorded episode of Firefly, I was not going to go get it, especially when Mal was sitting on a rock in the desert--well--um--naked. So I created on the fly, knitting the first thing that came into my head. It didn't turn out so badly.

My "creations" run about 50/50. Half the time I wish I had done something else, and the other half I'm amazed that I produced a fairly interesting object. Actually, I guess 50/50 is a stretch. There's that small percentage of the time when I end up asking myself, "What the h*## was I thinking?" It makes life interesting--all those times when we flub whatever we're doing and know that we are among the ranks of thousands who are messing things up at the same time! Yup, one more time..."Life Is Good."

All Good Things

All good things must come to an end. The Hollyberry socks are done, and these socks were a joy to knit. Now that they are finished I can't wait to start the next pair. I have a pastel pink and green varigated yarn that I want to start, but DD told me yesterday that she needs something with purple in it. I'm planning to do a lace heart pattern down both sides of the socks, and since the design won't show to full advantage with the varigated yarn, I am on the way out now to buy purple. Purple and hearts??? I guess it could work. I also have some WoolEase in white with a bit of glitter added to make another pair of the "So Cute Super Socks" that I love so much.

Lest you think that I am stuck on socks again, I finished another bag. So there. This one is the bluebonnet blue and hot tulip pink (pictures after felting). It's really pretty, but bright. I haven't quite decided who it will live with--me, me, me. No, no, no she says, these are for Christmas gifts. Me, me, me doesn't get one until after the gifts are all done!

Just have to say that I am truly impressed with the way JoAnn's is improving their yarn assortments. The wool yarns available, and the fingering yarns that can be adapted to sock knitting are getting much better. There is still a big gap in the true sock yarn, but if we all send email messages about "more sock yarn" it might help. They seem to want to adapt to the market--and the nice thing is that almost everyone has a JoAnn's within driving distance. It could become the next best thing to online yarn ordering. Okay, I can dream can't I?

So Many Faces, So Little Time

This is by far my favorite face cloth so far. I have one more to knit--well, really two because DH said this morning that he thought he could use "one of those cloth things." He likes the masculine colors and designs on the ones for the guys in the family (dark green with a deer, red with a maple leaf, grass green with a frog, etc). When I tie them up with a glycerin soap of the same color, and dump them into the toe of their Christmas stockings, I hope they will think, "Wow, that's different--and really nice!" Isn't Christmas knitting fun?

I am about to post the pattern for the ribbed hollyberry socks on the Knitting-On-The-Go website. Thanks to all of you who have made such kind comments about the patterns already there. The comments indicate that it is nice to have simple patterns for hand and machine knitting, that can be adapted to an endless number of variations. The ribbed Christmas socks (KnitPicks Hollyberry is a red and green merino wool) are simply knit two, purl two ribbing from the top, all the way down the foot. But you can try different heels and toes, or maybe putting the knit side of the bottom of the foot on the inside for sensitive tootsies. Instructions for all will be given.

It's a beautiful day in Fort Worth, Texas! A cold front is moving in this evening, and it is already cooling from yesterday's 91 degrees. It's too pretty to work--wish I could sit on the patio, drink coffee, and knit all day. I wish you all a day of knitting.

The So Cute Super Sock

They are so cute that I want to make several pairs. This is the Knitty Gritty pattern, and is extremely easy. You just knit ribbing for two 1/2 to three inches, knit the heel in your favorite method, and sail to the toe. Both socks done in two evenings using #6 dpn's--how easy can it get? Because they are done using Lion Brand WoolEase they are very warm and cozy. Winter is coming and I need warm and cozy for my feet. I tried them on with sneakers and they felt great. Then, I tried them on with ankle boots, and they were even better.

So, I bought red WoolEase, and yellow sport weight WoolEase, and started making some in heather green for my son who walks to work from the train station in downtown Chicago all winter. It took one skein of the marine blue for the socks shown, but I got two skeins for the much longer socks I'm making for DS. I'm making his socks with an eight inch leg, including two inches of ribbing. Still, it only took one evening to knit the leg and heel, and get about an inch into the gusset.

I'm starting a pair of pink lace socks now (sock weight yarn and #2 needles), but I can't wait to get back to what I'm calling the "Super Sock."

Ladybugs All Wear Sunglasses

I didn't know that ladybugs wear sunglasses until my 9 year-old GD Samantha told me. During a stop at Starbucks with her Dad, she won a discussion about whether Grandma needed a bear disguised as a ladybug, and I became the ladybear keeper. But before she brought her much loved gift to me, she had to scare up a pair of ladybear sized sunglasses, because as everyone knows, they all wear them. (How else can they stand to fly around in the sun all day, or find their way home)?

Samantha is our little actress--a member of Fort Worth's Kids Who Care group. They travel around the city and all over the US and world, performing in "happy" plays that make you feel like singing yourself. I have never seen a more talented group of kids. Of course, being Grandma to one of them, I cry everytime Sam comes on stage!

I know that knitting is the subject of this blog, but at one point or another I will have to talk about my beautiful grandchildren--one by one so I won't totally alienate any readers. Grandchildren are the greatest thing in the world. I adore each one of my children, but the grandkids are clearly why we have them in the first place. We have seven of them and each one is so unique and talented in their own way. As I watch them grow I have to repeat my mantra--life is good! Ah yes, so it is!

Love This Sock

I really do love this sock. It is the pattern from DIY's Knitty Gritty program on sock knitting. I used Lion Brand WoolEase in Marine blue and cast on 40 stitches. Knit a 3 x 2 ribbing for 2 and a half inches, and start the heel flap. It took me around three hours to knit this sock--so easy and so fast. I could do a bunch of these for stocking stuffers. Like I need something else to knit for Christmas, but I could do it. I'm going to knit the second one tonight and cast on for the second American flag sock.

I also started blue and hot pink bag--boy am I stuck in a rut. Bags and socks, bags and socks. I did get a new sweater pattern from Patternworks in the mail yesterday. I'm looking forward to knitting its fitted raglan yummyness ASAP.

So, is there anything else going on in my life other than knitting? Well there's hubby, grandchildren, family, friends, work, and more knitting, and more knitting, and more knitting. Yes, I'm stuck in a rut, and I like that way.

What's Next?

There's another bag on the knitting machine. They are all turning out beautifully, and slightly varied from bag to bag. I've made them big and small; round and square; with handles and clutches without. I'll post pictures when I have handles on the last two. What's on the needles:
1. One American flag sock is all red, white and blue stripes down to the toe, which will be blue.
2. The second Hollyberry Christmas sock is ribbed to the heel, and ready to start the heel flap.
3. The sixth face cloth is half finished. It's baby blue in a lace pattern. That is what is now on the needles and in progress.

So, what's next?
1. Four more face cloths, the next one in red, with a maple leaf--for my Canadian SIL.
2. Some lovely hunter green wool and silk blend for a Clapotis.
3. Anklet socks in orange Blauband.
4. Knee socks with shamrocks for my Irish dancing GD.
4. Three more bags--the next one in marine blue, tulip pink, and periwinkle.

The big question is, will I finish before Christmas? October is looming, and I am feeling the pressure. But it is such sweet pressure. There's a big difference between saying "I have to do three months of data entry to put together a set of financials for a client by next Monday," and saying "I have to knit." BIG difference. One is stress and the other is, well, really nice! If only I didn't have to work. (Sound familiar?)

More Knitting Thoughts

I think about knitting a lot. I wake up thinking about patterns, yarn, needles and such. I go to bed thinking about things I saw at the LYS. I do accounting and word processing, all the while thinking about that great yarn I just bought, or the pattern that has been rattling around in my head. I know for a fact that my DH does not understand my absorption/obsession with all things knitting related, but he is accepting of that which he cannot change.

So, I wonder if I am all that different from others who knit. I know a few who are as obsessed as I am, and a few who are downright looney on knitting. There are others who can take it or leave it--see, I just don't understand that! How can you NOT love knitting, and love it so much that you are looney on the subject? This passion for knitting is an amazing thing. I guess I'm going to have to think about it some more....

Is Bigger Really Better?

This is DD#1's bag before felting. I mentioned before that she was about to grab one of the smaller bags I have finished, but I encouraged her to let me knit her a really big bag. Well, this one is really BIG. I don't have the handles on it yet because I don't know what kind I want to put on it. And, I think I have to line it too because if she fills this baby up with junk it will be stretched out of shape (and she will need a cart to carry it in). But she needs a huge bag since she does carry a lot of junk.

Over the years I have pared down the contents of my handbag. It started with my back hurting and advanced to "just can't pick that thing up again." So now I carry a large "knitting" bag with a wallet on a strap thingy inside. I leave the big bag in the car and put the wallet over my shoulder so I don't really have to carry anything.

There has been a trend to smaller bags in the last couple years, but it still amazes me the things women carry in their bags. Every now and then a family member or friend will empty their bag in my presence and I wonder why they are carrying half of the stuff that was inside. Some of it is habit and fear of not having something with you that you have carried for so long. It took a lot to break myself of that, and I was a hard nut to crack. I used to carry a big handbag AND a briefcase. Now I'm all for women being good to themselves. Too many of us carry the weight of the world--in our bags and on our backs. My new motto is "The less stuff the better!" Be good to yourselves ladies.

Random Thoughts

Berroco has a new pattern out for a Suede Knitting Tote that I have fallen in love with. I figured what it would cost in the Berroco Suede at $9.99 per skein plus handles etc., and it's more than $60. Since I wouldn't go out and pay sixty bucks for a ready-made bag right now, it follows that I need to find some cheaper suede yarn. Lion Brand suede yarn runs about $7.50 a skein, but contains more yardage, so it would only take 3 skeins instead of 5 Berroco skeins. That's cheaper, but I'm still looking. I'll make a trip to Michael's later today.

DH asked why I don't just buy a yard of microsuede at JoAnn's and sew the bag. I looked at him like he was crazy--sew? "Did you say sew what is supposed to be a knitted bag? You still don't get this whole knitting thing do you?" He admitted that he doesn't, and we went on making plans to swing by Michael's later. I can't complain though. DH never argues when I say I have to buy MORE yarn. He never whines about me knitting at times when he probably wouldn't (like movies or waiting to be seated in restaurants). And, he stops by the chair where I knit every now and then and says "That's pretty." He is a jewel in many ways. I prayed for my daughters to find husbands who were as calm, loving and easy-going as their Father, and they did (Thank you God). So, as I've said many times before, life is good! Now if I could just find that suede yarn....

Two Down and Eight To Go

Another felted bag finished, and only eight more to go--that is if everyone who walks through my knitting room will let them alone. This one I filled with tissue and deposited in a plastic bin with "don't touch" on the top. Also, my Christmas Central sign is up and visitors are no longer allowed in the knitting room. Santa's Elves can get really testy if you annoy them!

I love doing these bags! They are so easy on the knitting machine, and so pretty. I ordered two of almost every color KnitPicks has in Wool of the Andes, so the color combinations are going to get interesting! The next one I do will be the mail carriers bag with a flap and long/wide strap. I not only love knitting these bags, I love starting Christmas in July or August!

I also finished another face cloth in Bernat's Cotton Tots. It's so soft. This one is for GD #3, and is pink with hearts on it. Don't you think they will make great stocking stuffers? I'm going to try soap sacks for the guys as well. My Canadian SIL's will be red with a maple leaf on it. What fun!!!

Friend Kris sent me a box with lots of Cascade 220 in it, to make scarves for Katrina victims. We have 10 to 12 kids in each of the schools around us, and the Chamber of Commerce has asked for hats and scarves and other clothing items to be delivered to the school for them. I made one in a pretty violet color and a lacy pattern. Some little girl will enjoy it I hope. I'll knit a hat to match before I go on to another in a more masculine color. Yup--Christmas in September makes me happy!

Missing...

...in action! It's been an odd week. I can't believe it is 9/11 already. Mixed thoughts today. Where was I when.... What was I doing? On the other hand, happy thoughts, my sweet DIL Michelle's birthday, my dear Mom's birthday this week--I miss her so much!!! Add to this mish-mash, I've been sick all week with a fluish bug, and am just beginning to feel like me again. Top it all off with the unbelieveable amount of work I will have waiting for me at the office when I get back after a week away. HOLY COW!

On the knitting front--I finished another face cloth. This one is in navy and has a rooster on it (as in rise and shine!). It's for GS Christian. I started another one in white with a big center flower. Finished a pair of socks (pictures next time), and another bag on the machine. This bag is in red, orange and chocolate. Daughter, ER Nurse, Bethany walked into the knitting room and saw it a few days ago. She goes in there to scrounge for new socks, and this time she got lucky. She saw the lime green striped Parade socks and said, "Oh beautiful! I'll wear these to work tomorrow." Then she saw the bag blocking and was reaching for it when I convinced her that she needed a bigger one. She carries more junk in her purse than anyone I know! I think it's time for me to put up my annual sign on the knitting room door, "Christmas Central. STAY OUT!! The penalty for entry will be coal in your stocking."

So, it has been quite a week, but I can accomplish anything now that I feel better. FO pictures next time, and until then cheer up everyone--Fall is coming!!

I Think I'll Take A Nap

I've been working on the knitting machine today. I'm still making the machine knit and felted tote bags. I guess I shouldn't have been working on Sunday or something, because it's been anything but smooth! I attached a different color yarn to the umpteenth row and didn't clear the yarn from the bottom of the knitting plate. Those of you with USM's know what that does. It drops all the stitches off the needles and the whole thing lands on the floor. So I picked it up and ran a circular needle through the stitches--rehung them on the needles, and started again. Yep, that's right, I did the same thing a second time. Wouldn't you think I would have learned to clear the yarn--but NO! So I picked it up again and this time some of the stitches had ripped back about four rows. So now I have one circular needle through the ripped back stitches and another through the upper stitches. I put it on the work table and decided to try again tomorrow.

Why is it that some days nothing works. We are the same people from day to day, same intelligence, same vision, same manual dexterity, even the same stresses. But some days I can't think past the end of my nose, and forget doing anything requiring keen thought and sharp reflexes. The next day I wonder what could have been wrong with me. I guess we all say and do things so completely out of character that we later wonder who that person could have been. It's like some force is directing us to do totally dumb and clumsy things. So, I won't wish for the "force to be with you" today, because I've had enough of it for both of us!

A Pixie is Always Right!

Just received a comment from Pixie who suggested donations to Red Cross. She is so right! They do wonderful work, and need all the help they can get. DH and I have already donated to Red Cross, and will again during the days and weeks ahead. This is great advice for anyone and everyone--please give what you can to Red Cross and volunteer in any capacity you can. There will be plenty to do!

And--thanks Pixie for the reminder!

Rub-A-Dub-Dub

I've been watching TV, crying a little, praying a lot, and knitting these little babies. I guess I should be making something besides face cloths, but for the life of me I can't think where to begin! The people of Louisiana need so much more than afghans, sweaters, SOCKS--maybe that's it!!! Their going to need socks I think. Am I the only one who feels so helpless? There is so much devastation and pain. I'm glad they are being moved to more secure, dry and clean places, being fed, but that just isn't enough. I know this helpless feeling is going to go on for a long time, and we will have the chance to contribute for a long time. This is just the beginning for all of us. But, we are Americans! We pull together and come through things like this fueled by our spirits and our love of all Americans. People of Louisiana we are with you. This fight belongs to all of us!