Cecilia Knits

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

The year is off to a good start. Christmas was great - so much fun with all the family.

I finished a few projects toward the end of 2008. I actually got 3 very nice FO's out of one (very large) skein of Interlacements Rick Rack II which I picked up at the 2006 TKGA show in Oakland. What a great deal that yarn turned out to be. The colors are just beautiful and it was lovely to knit with.

The reason I bought the yarn in the first place was that I feel in love with the sample feather & fan shawl on display. Just gorgeous. So I knitted up one of those:

Then, there was still plenty of yarn left so I knitted up a Montego Bay scarf. And, since there was STILL lots left, I knitted up a second. What a lovely, simple pattern. It is perfect for showing off the colors of this yarn.

And now for a gratuitous baby shot. Henry loves to have his back massaged. (Who doesn't for that matter?!) So here he is enjoying a New Years back massage:

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

Peace and Joy to you and yours!

Holiday Elf Baby

2008-11-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

How about some holiday cuteness?

Candy cane hat from Itty Bitty Hats.

I love my boy!

Mmm...Turkey...

Twice in One Month?!

2008-11-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

So it's still November and I'm posting again! Yay me!

And I've actually been doing some knitting, with some actual FO's to show for it. I knitted up two February Baby Sweaters for a friend who is expecting twin girls in the next month or two.

Details on Ravelry.

Also, I am so NOT a photographer. Such a crappy photo that is. Not really the actual color of the sweaters at all. But you get the general idea.

I liked this pattern quite a lot once I finally figured it out. But that took me a bit of figurin', which means that the first sweater (the purple one) has some mistakes which did not reappear in the second sweater. They match pretty well, aside from a few mistakes, and I accidentally did the buttonholes on different sides for each sweater. Oops! Lame, I know. Still, I'm quite pleased with the overall result. It's a sweet pattern and the yarn is a lovely soft superwash wool, Fibranatura Baby Merino which I got on some excellent clearance at Webs. And there's enough leftover to make two more baby sweaters...or something of that sort.

Now onto more important photos. And, although I am obviously terribly biased, I think there's really no denying that this is one very beautiful baby:

He's almost 4 months old already, and is growing so fast. My little angel boy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-03T16:13:00.001-08:00

Wow, how quickly the time goes with a baby at home! I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since my last post. Yikes. So all is well with Baby Henry. He's a sweetie and I am so in love with him. He's learning all kinds of great things - such as how to suck his thumb, to reach and grab toys, to talk in his most excellent baby language, etc. We do struggle with some things, such as daytime naps, feeding, and some body stiffness. He's getting physical therapy and occupational therapy to help with those and I expect that before long he'll have it all figured out.

As for knitting, just a teensy bit of that going on. I'm amazed at how little free time I seem to have these days for knitting. But I do have a few pics to show:

These are some basic 3x1 ribbed socks I made for my husband. I lost the yarn label and I cannot remember what it was, but I'm pretty pleased with them. I was looking for a Trekking-like yarn and this seems like a pretty good substitute.

And here's Henry in his awesome wool diaper soaker. Obviously it's a titch big for him, but he'll grow into it. I find that I don't use these as often as I thought I would. The velcro closure diaper covers are just so much more convenient (and more waterproof).

I'm currently working on a February Baby Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I'm hoping to make two of these for some friends who are expecting twin girls in December or January.

And here's my two favorite guys!

My Favorite Baby Products

2008-09-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

So we've had our boy home with us now for 4 weeks. He's doing great. We're doing great, still figuring out all the things you have to learn with a new baby - like how to get enough sleep, how to get stuff done, etc. There are so many fantastic inventions that make life easier with baby. Here are a few of my favorites...

Henry loves his rainforest bouncer...sometimes I think he loves it more than me. When he's crying inconsolably, the thing that will surely settle him down is setting him in his bouncy chair and turning on the vibrator and the little waterfall thing and the forest sounds.

Henry's sleep savior is the Miracle Blanket, a brilliant little baby straight-jacket. Henry loves this thing and he can really only get a decent night's sleep when he's swaddled up tight in his miracle blanket. I know babies can be swaddled in regular receiving blankets too, but this thing is virtually impossible to break out of, so he just relaxes and doesn't even try to free his arms. Brilliant! And then there's the Moby Wrap, a super comfy baby carrier. It's really just a very long (like 15 feet or so) piece of fabric that wraps around to create interesting ways to carry baby. Henry loves it because it's soft and stretchy and holds him close to me.

Another great invention that has turned out to be surprisingly useful for us is this Homedics Sound Spa...when we're putting Henry down to sleep we turn on the ocean sounds and set the timer for 15 minutes so we all fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves. It's super soothing for all of us. It makes other sounds too, like a heartbeat, or lullabies...but we like the ocean sound best, and I think it must be a little like the sounds of being in the womb.

And as for books...The Happiest Baby on the Block has been a great source of helpful info on calming and soothing an upsest baby.

So there's my list of just a few of the fantastic baby products that have really helped us.

Not much knitting going on here. A teensy bit of sock knitting now and again, so someday I will finish the pair of socks I've been working on for the last 2 months. Here's one last picture of Henry in his Baby Kimono sweater...

Baby's Home . . . Finally!

2008-08-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here's baby Henry!

Poor little Henry got off to a very rough start in life. He was born by emergency c-section early Wednesday morning, July 30th after some oxygen deprivation issues during labor. He had some seizures hours later and was sent to the Intensive Care Nursery at UCSF where they took amazing care of him for 2 weeks. He was very very sick but has made an amazing recovery and we are so happy to finally have our boy home with us.

Here is a picture of me holding him for the first time, when he was 4 days old. How happy I was to finally have him in my arms!

And here's a couple more of his sweet face..

Baby Kimono

2008-07-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

I finished the baby kimono sweater, and I love it. It was such a fast and easy project and it's sooooo adorable. Mine came out smaller than the pattern called for - it's probably about a 0-3 month size, but that's perfect, since most of the sweaters I've made are a little bigger, so it'll be good to have something the munchkin can wear when he's just a new babe.

Pattern: Baby Sachiko Kimono Sweater by Erika Flory
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus light blue and sage
Needles: US7
Size: Small (about 3 month)

I made a little coordinating hat in the sage color, but it seems a little silly to me so I didn't picturize it. But even silly hats can look pretty sweet on a baby, so we'll try it out and see how it works. This may even be his going home from the hospital outfit if it's a cool day, and if it fits.

So no baby yet, but I do feel like it's going to be soon (but maybe every first time mom feels that way). My due date is still 10 days away, but my body is feeling quite ready. I had my last day of work on Thursday, so this is my first week off and I'm loving that. We did some serious hill walking over the weekend - the first time I've attempted that walk in months. It felt like such an accomplishment. Today I'll probably stick with swimming, just to give my achey body a break.

Hopefully any day now our little guy will join us in the big wide world!

Countdown

2008-07-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Just 2 1/2 weeks now til my due date! Exciting! I'm really beginning to feel ready, but not too impatient yet. I would like to get through at least one more week before baby comes. My brother and his wife are coming to town (from Venezuela) on Thursday, and we're having a family barbeque on Friday, so I'm hoping baby will hold off til after that to make his appearance. But I'll be thrilled, whenever he comes! Just 4 more days of work til I begin my leave (until January). Hurray!

I finished my Bird's Nest Shawl. It took almost two months, but I loved working on it. The yarn is so beautiful and soft, and the pattern is just lovely - not too complex, not too boring.

The shawl came out quite large (80" x 21"). It's surprisingly warm too.

Pattern: Bird's Nest Shawl by Cheryl Oberle from Folk Shawls (Ravelry Link)
Yarn: Indiecita Baby Alpaca from Peru (5.5 balls)
Needles: US6 and US5

When I finished the shawl I decided I should put some more energy into knitting baby stuff, which is so much faster. Love that instant gratification.

Pattern: Wool Diaper Soakers (Ravelry Link)
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Needles: US7
Size: 0-6 month

And my current project is a baby kimono sweater. Ohmygoodness this thing is so tiny and adorable. It works up pretty quick too. Pictures of that soon I hope.

The Zoo

2008-06-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday hubby and I decided it was time for a trip to the San Francisco zoo. We wanted to take some cool animal pics for the baby's room, and to scope out the place for future trips with the little one. Plus, it just sounded like a fun idea. And it was!

Hubby took lots of excellent pics...

They have an awesome new grizzly bear exhibit, which lets you get pretty up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

And these prairie dogs just cracked me up.

Here I am, with baby inside, on his first trip to the zoo.

I'm still plugging away at my Birds Nest Shawl, and I am still loving it. It's taking me forever, but I'm fine with that. I'm almost 2/3 done, so hopefully soon I'll be able to wrap it up and move on to some fast and rewarding baby knits. Meanwhile, I really do love working with this very soft yarn and this lovely, but fairly simple pattern.

Happy Fathers Day to everyone, including my honey, who is a truly remarkable dad!

Some Pregnancy Updates

2008-06-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

I don't have much knitting to share. I'm working on a Bird's Nest Shawl from Folk Shawls, by Cheryl Oberle. I love love love this pattern. I'm about 1/3 of the way through it, and it's moving slow for me, but I really enjoy working on it.

In other news, the pregnancy is progressing very well. I'm 32 weeks now - just 8 weeks (give or take) to go. Very exciting. My amazing friends hosted a wonderful baby shower for us a few weeks ago and it was so much fun.

We got loads of wonderful baby gifts -lots of precious onesies, toys, books, etc. And a great jogging stroller for walks around our very hilly neighborhood. Here's a picture of the coolest hand-crafted gift ever- a fabulous quilt made by my friend Donna with adorable sock monkey fabric. I made sock monkeys for her boys years ago and she made this wonderful quilt for me. How sweet is that! And look how big it is....big enough for our boy to use for many years. I'm sure this quilt will get a lot of love for many years.

And here's a current picture of my big ol' pregnant belly. Funny thing is that people tell me that I don't look very big for being so far along. To me this just seems ridiculous. I am in fact, feeling plenty huge, but whatever. I find it a little surprising whenever someone comments on my size anyway, especially random strangers. I mean, people don't do that to non-pregnant women, right?

So we're feeling pretty ready for our little one, though he's still got to cook for at least another month. We've got most of the supplies and equipment we need; we're pretty much done with our childbirth classes; and now we just chill for the next month or two and we'll be good to go. Very exciting.

Back With a Couple Knits

2008-05-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but I'm here again. Been doing some knitting, not lightning fast or anything, but I have finished a couple things. Finished the Lacy Hug Me Tight from Knit 2 Together. Not sure I totally dig it though. I mean it'd probably be cute if I were skinnier and a lot less pregnant, but for now, not so much. But maybe someday it'll work for me.

Also, I whipped up some sweet diaper soakers. Love them. Such a fast and easy pattern, and if they actually work as effective cloth diaper covers I'll be stoked, because they are way cheaper and more fun than buying diaper covers. I've read that you should lanolize the wool to make it waterproof. (Anyone know anything about this?) So I'll give that a shot. And I'll definitely be knitting up more of these cuties.

I started the Bird's Nest Shawl, from Cheryl Oberle's Folks Shawls. I'm using some beautiful baby alpaca that my brother and sister-in-law brought me from Peru. It's soft and luscious. The shawl is knit lengthwise, so the rows are very long - 346 stitches and therefore move a little bit slowly. So I'm still working on the garter stitch edge, but so far I'm enjoying it.

I'm enjoying a couple days in Monterey, where it is unusually hot - over 90 degrees! But beautiful. Who could complain about a day in Monterey?! Walking along the coast in Pacific Grove we stumbled across a beach with a bunch of mama and baby harbor seals. Many of the babies were nursing. How sweet is that?

My pregnancy is progressing nicely - I'm bigger every day, which still shocks me when I see myself in the mirror. But I'm feeling good and everything seems fine, so hurray. And in 10 weeks or so, our new baby will be giving up the comfort of his watery cushy home for the real world. I am so looking forward to that moment!

Baby Daisy Hat

2008-04-13T15:01:00.001-07:00

I'm still plugging away on my Lacy Hug Me Tight from Knit 2 Together. It's a lot of 2x2 ribbing, so it's a little tedious, but I'll get there. I'm a little discouraged because I'm going to run out of yarn - I'll need 2 more balls I think and I'm not sure where I'll get it. But I'll keep working away at it.

Meanwhile, for a little instant gratification I knit up an Upside Down Daisy Hat from Itty Bitty Hats. So fast and so cute.

Pattern: Upside Down Daisy Hat from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus, medium Rose
Needles: US7
Size: 0-6 month

It's for my husband's cousin's new baby (due next week). They have another daughter who is around 3, so I think I'll make a matching big sister hat. I'm so pleased with this little project.

In baby news... the little guy's very active these days, which is so fun. Lots of kicking going on. I'm feeling good and enjoying this stage of the pregnancy very much. We are gradually putting the baby's room together. We assembled the crib and I dyed some curtains the other day, and that worked out nicely. There's still lots to be done, but it feels good to make a little progress.

Have a great week!

My New Best Friend

2008-04-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

So, about a month ago I started with the pregnancy aches and pains. But it was mostly caused by sleeping as far as I could tell. So I ordered myself this awesome (both in size and comfort) pregnancy pillow. And I tell you what, this thing is my new favorite thing. Soooo comfortable. Like sleeping on a cozy cloud. Now I'm a happy pregnant lady!

And in knitting news...I knit up this precious elephant. Sooooo cute. And fast and easy. The only challenging part for me was the ears, which are crocheted. And since I don't know how to crochet, that took a little figuring. But I figured it out and I think they came out okay. And really I love this little guy.

Pattern: Elefante by Susan B. Anderson (ravelry link)
Yarn: Cheap Blue Acrylic
Needles: US 4 double points

Li'l sweaters

2008-03-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

I found this sweet little baby cardigan pattern and I liked it so much I had to make a second one. The first one is for our new baby boy, the second will be a girl baby gift.

Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple, Easy Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino - Rich Red (about 300 yards)
Needles: US7
Size: 6 month

Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple, Easy Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Moda Dea Dream - rasberry (about 300 yards)
Needles: US7
Size: 6 month

Cute cute cute. This is a great, easy baby sweater pattern. I'm going to make some booties now to go with the pink one. And if the booties work out, maybe more of them for other baby gifts.

And speaking of baby, all is well with the pregnancy so far. I'm at 20 weeks now, halfway there! My belly is getting big and the baby is strong. We had our 18 week ultrasound and everything looks healthy. We're beginning to collect some baby gear (crib, bassinet, carseat), and are getting more and more excited about our new little one, set to arrive at the end of July.

Hemlock Ring at last

2008-03-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have been working on the Hemlock Ring blanket since December. For some reason I really struggled with completing this project. I grew bored with it at times, and it just seemed to move so slowly. Then, when I was finally approaching the end, and was feeling motivated to wrap it up, I couldn't get over how long the bind off row took me. 3 days! Blocking was another challenge too! I struggled to make it as symetrical as I could, but it is far from perfect. And still, I love it. It's a very pretty, very soft lap blanket.

Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket
Yarn: Cascade Eco-Wool, color #8063 (about 1.75 skeins)
Needles: US10.5
Modifications: I knit to row 60 of Brooklyn Tweed's chart (106 rows altogether), then did the bind off row. It measures about 54" across.

And, since it's been so long since I've posted, I never did post about my birthday. I turned 40 on February 19th. We celebrated with a trip to Santa Cruz and Monterey, which was wonderful as always. One of the highlights was our trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is just so spectacular. So here are some beautiful jellies from their incredible jelly exhibit:

Aren't they beautiful!

Baby Knits

2008-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

All I want to knit these days is baby stuff. I'm working on a cute and simple hooded cardigan for my little one.

And I whipped up a little hat to go with the baby baseball tee, which I'll be shipping off to a friend who is due next month.

And the baby socks of course, they just keep coming. I've done at least 5 pairs now. The blue ones are for a friend with a new baby boy, and the green ones are for my babe, to match his mama's Embossed Leaf Socks.

I'm just giddy with excitement over all the baby knits. And the actual baby too of course! We're finally sharing the news with friends, coworkers, etc. and it's so fun to witness their surprised reactions. We're heading to Santa Cruz /Monterey/Pacific Grove next weekend to celebrate my 40th birthday (the 19th). I'm so looking forward to a fun coastal getaway, and a gathering with our Santa Cruz friends, and visiting my favorite Pacific Grove yarn shop.

Really Big News

2008-02-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

We're having a baby! I have been wanting to say that for ages, and now I'm almost afraid to say it. But I am sooooooo excited about it, though still struggling to believe it's for real at times. I am a bit of a late bloomer, what the doctor's like to call "Advanced Maternal Age". I'll be 40 in a couple weeks. 40! And yes, this is my first. I have two adult stepdaughters who are fabulous. But I am so thrilled to be growing a baby from scratch. It took us two rounds of IVF and a lot of emotional ups and downs to get to this point. I am 14 weeks 1 day today, due July 31. We did a CVS to check for chromosomal abnormalities, which we passed; a HUGE relief! One of the side benefits is that we got to learn early on (like at 12 weeks) the sex of the baby. And....it's a boy! I'm having a baby boy! Woohooo! Perfect. The whole thing still seems like such a huge miracle to me. A big ol' scientific miracle of course. But magical and amazing nonetheless.

So of course I've been working on baby knits, mostly tiny socks Also some gifts for a couple friends who are soon having, or recently had babies, also boys. I love love love the baby knits. Fast, easy, and way cuter than grownup stuff. If anyone has good baby boy knit ideas, send them along because I'm looking for suggestions. I'd like to start on some baby sweaters very soon.

That's my news. No pics today. Have an amazing weekend!

Returning to Blogland

2008-01-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

Once again, I'm back after another extended absence. All is well, and I'm happy to be blogging again. I see that it's been almost a month since I've blogged, and it was a fairly eventful month indeed. Let's start with our New Years gathering at Lake Tahoe. It was sooooo beautiful. Snowy and sunny and gorgeous. Perfect really. My brothers and sister-in-law skied. Hubby & I hiked in the snow. And we took Mom up the gondola to the top of Heavenly. So beautiful! Lots of handknits were worn:

That's me in my center square hat and mom in her sunflower tam.

And this last weekend I had a wonderful get-together with my high school girl friends. We gathered at the coast and had a great time catching up, walking the beach, yarn shopping, and knitting!

(And some crochet too!)

And yes, I have been knitting too, though at a much slower pace for some reason. I've been plugging away at the Hemlock Ring Blanket. I just finished the first skein of yarn in fact, so it's time to wind the second. I WILL finish this thing...eventually.

Also, baby socks. This is about my favorite thing to knit these days. They are so fast and cuuuute. (It's the Better Than Booties Baby Socks from IK.)

I am about ready to expand my baby knitting to slightly more elaborate items...hats, sweaters, etc. I have a couple friends with new or expecting baby boys, so I gotta get busy with that soon.

Anyway, all is well. I'm happy to be back. I'll do my best to post a tad more often in the near future.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

And Merry Christmas too, to those of you who are so inclined. I, once again, apologize for my blog flakiness. I'll make up for it soon, I promise. Big stuff going on. Bit stuff. More on that later.

Christmas was great. We had a super fun time with my husband's (large) family. Lots of music, games, gifts, food, etc. They do a super fun white elephant gift exchange that is just soooo amusing. We played some Cranium - what a fun game! And we sang lots of silly carols, led by some outstanding musicians (my husband, his sister, and her friend). And the food.... to die for, of course. And best part, we scored the ham bone (with plenty of meat still on it), with which my hubby made the BEST split pea soup. Which is tonight's dinner (once again). Love the split pea soup.

That all took place the weekend before Christmas. On actual Christmas we had a small brunch gathering at our house which was also just lovely. I made this insanely unhealthy egg bake thing which was such a hit my mom made me promise to make it again this weekend.

And the fun continues. This evening my brother and his wife arrive from Venezuela. And on Sunday we're all heading up to Tahoe for a few days of New Years fun. I'm not a skier, but my two brothers are (or used to be back in the day), so that should be fun for them. And I'm looking forward to some relaxing by the fire surrounded by snowy beauty. Maybe a little hiking too.

My dvd tips for the week are: Once. Loved it. That's all I can say. Loved it. And the Namesake. I read the book, but also loved the movie, as did my husband. So that's my tip for the week. Oh how I miss the Daily Show, and the Colbert Report. Wish those writers and producers would settle their differences so I can be entertained and informed once again.

And that's my update. Sorry, not much knitting to share. I started the Hemlock Ring Blanket, but am kinda struggling with the pattern. Once I get the chart figured out I think I'll be good to go. Guess I should join the yahoo group to see what kind of tips I can find.

Here's my one knits in action picture - my husband's nephew wearing his Utopia hat. He liked it and wore it all evening.

Long time no blog

2007-12-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

I see that it's been nearly a month since I've blogged. That's bad. I didn't realize I've been gone so long. I did do a fair bit of knitting in that time, small stuff - holiday gifts mostly.

Pattern: Sophie from Magknits
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino - Royal Purple and Dark Gray
Needles: US 10 1/2
This was a quick and easy knit. It really felted up small, but it's still a pretty cute little bag. I made the straps quite a bit longer than the pattern called for, and added a loop closure and a button.

Pattern: Utopia Cabled Hat from Smariek Knits
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino - Dark Gray
Needles: US7 for ribbing, US8 for the rest
I loved this pattern. So cute and easy. I liked it so much I cast on immediately for another in purple.

Also, I finished another Wisp. It's pretty much identical to the first one I made so I won't bother with pictures.

Sorry to be gone so long. I'm hoping to get back on the blog train more regularly soon, if not right away. Hope everyone's holidays are happy so far!

Earflappiness

2007-11-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

There is something about an earflap hat that just seems fun and joyful. I see that they are also quite practical, but mostly they just scream out playfulness to me. I learned so much doing this hat - it was my second ever fairisle project and a wee bit more complicated than my first - the Center Square Hat. But still, pretty simple, and this hat knit up quickly as well. Only thing is, it came out a little too big, even for hubby's man-sized head. So, I decided to give it a little felting - ran it through the washing machine, inside a pillowcase on a short cycle on hot water. Still too big. So I stuck it in the dryer with a damp towel. That did the trick. It came out nicely sized and I really like what the felting did to tighten up the stitches and create a little fuzziness. Plus it'll be super water-proof now. So I guess it's about time for us to take a trip to the snow!

Here it is before felting:

And after:

Now isn't that fun?!

Pattern: Ryan's Hat from Interweave Knits (Winter '05 - staff project)
Yarn: Valley Yarns - Berkshire in Coffee Bean, Stone Blue and Mistletoe
Needles: US 9
Modifications: None, aside from the felting at the end to shrink it a bit. I'm not super thrilled with my color choices - the green and blue are a little too similar so the pattern doesn't stand out as much as I'd like. But overall I'm pleased with how it came out.

Finished A Wisp

2007-11-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

I finished a Wisp, from Knitty.com. This was such a quick and fun little lace project. I happened to have a bunch of brushed alpaca laceweight in my stash - not as fuzzy as the Kidsilk Haze (which I haven't yet had the pleasure to work with), but it has a nice, soft halo about it. And I think it worked nicely. It knit up in a couple of days and will make a nice, lightweight (but warm) scarf for a holiday gift. I think I may make more of these!

Pattern: Wisp from Knitty.com
Yarn: brushed alpaca laceweight (a gift from a friend who purchased it in Argentina) - I used maybe 300-400 yardsNeedles:
US 9Finished Size: 60" x 13"
Modifications: I skipped the eyelets along the size, since I wasn't planning to add buttons anyway, and that was just one more thing to keep track of. I used a larger needle size and it blocked out to be larger than the pattern intended, which was fine with me since it will be used as a scarf.

Also, my yarn arrived from Webs today - it's Valley Yarns Berkshire and it's for Pete's Ryan's Hat. The brown is a little darker than I pictured, but I still think the colors will go together nicely to make a lovely hat for my hubby.

Have a great weekend!

Target Practice

2007-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Recently my husband asked me to knit him an Andean-style earflap hat. Now, since he's never really asked me to knit him anything before, there's really no way I could refuse. I gave him some patterns to look at, and he liked Ryan's hat from Interweave. Only trouble is, I have never done fairisle, or stranded knitting. So I had some learning to do. And I thought maybe I should learn on something other than his hat, get a litle practice first. So I looked around for the easiest fairisle project I could find, and I came up with Center Square from Knitty.com. This turned out to be an awesome first fairisle project! Super fast and easy - it knit up in less than one day. And it really helped me build my confidence about stranded knitting. I ordered some yarn for the earflap hat and now I can hardly wait for it to arrive so I can get started.

Pattern: Center Square from Knitty.com
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool Merino in red & white
Needles: US 9 (the biggest knitpicks options tips I have. I have since ordered 11's as called for in the pattern)
Obviously, I did not mean for my hat to look like a Target ad, but it totally cracks me up that it does. It just happened to be the colors I had available. I will definitely make this hat again in more carefully selected colors.

Now I'm inspired to try other fairisle projects too. Like maybe the We Call Them Pirates hat. I'm not into pirates myself, and it seems like that particular trend must be fading, but maybe my 11 year old nephew might like it.

While I wait for my yarn and needles to arrive, I decided to start on another holiday gift - Wisp from Knitty.com. This is such a great, fast and easy lace scarf/wrap. I started yesterday and it's now about half done. I'm using some lavender alpaca laceweight yarn that my friend Katy gave me. It's got a little fuzz to it, so it works nicely with this pattern, though I bet it would be even more beautiful with some actual Kidsilk Haze.

So that's all I've got for now. I just downloaded an audiobook from Audible.com to keep me company while I knit. It's called "The Short and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao", and so far I love it.

Parsnips are our friends

2007-11-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Parsnip-Apple Cupcakes were surprisingly delicious. If you ever find yourself with some parsnips you don't know what to do with, I can recommend this recipe.

I finished my Shedir last week, but only just had some pictures taken.

The top of the hat is especially lovely. When I wear it out in public I will be sure to keep my head down so people can admire the top of my hat.

Pattern: Shedir, from Knitty.com
Yarn: Rowan Calmer, 1 ball (with almost none leftover)
Needles: US3
Modifications: I elminated one of the cable pattern repeats. Otherwise I would have run out of yarn.

Next up...my husband wants me to make this hat. I, however, have never knit any fairisle before. For some reason this technique has always intimidated me. So, while I'm waiting for his yarn to arrive, I decided I should try a simpler fairisle hat, for practice. So I cast on for the Center Square hat from Knitty.com. Turns out the fairisle thing is not too hard at all. And this hat is awesome. It knits up very fast on two strands of worsted weight wool. It will make a thick, warm hat too. I think I'll be done in no time at all.

Slipper Gifts

2007-11-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

So I decided to try these felted house slippers from Knit 2 Together. It's really my first felted project and ohmygoodness I am in love with it! They knit up so fast and easy - 2 days, lickety split. And it was super fun watching them grow, and then shrink. And I think they're pretty darn adorable, and a great way to use up the stash yarn. This is my new favorite little gift knit.

Pattern: House Slippers from Knit 2 Together
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino - red - 3 strands held together (1+ balls)
Knitpicks Merino Style - cornflower - 4 strands held together (1 ball)
Needles: US13 straight and US 9 circular

So, we belong to a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm co-op thing, and we get a bin of veggies every other week (because we split with a friend). And, this week, among other things, our bin contained parsnips. And I suspect that might be something we get often during the winter months. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never cooked with parsnips before, and frankly don't have a clue what to do with them. But I found this recipe for Parsnip-Apple Cupcakes, and now I'm dying to try them. Doesn't that sound fun and different? So tonight's baking project is cupcakes. Also roast chicken with yams. I love this farm basket program because it makes us try out different vegetables and diffrent recipes.

It's nap time for me. So have a great weekend everyone! Don't forget to leave me a comment. Other parsnip ideas would be appreciated too.

Friday Sock Wrap Up

2007-11-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am not a fast sock knitter. It always takes me at least a couple weeks to finish a pair of socks (though I rarely work exclusively on socks). These took closer to a month I'm afraid, but I quite like them now that they're done.

Pattern: Hedera, by Cookie A. from Knitty.com
Yarn: Knitpicks Essential, Dusk
Needles: Knitpicks classic circular size US 1

I'm still working away at my Shedir. I'm pretty close to half done. I'm starting to freak out a bit about whether I'll have enough yarn. I'll decide after I finish this repeat if it might be long enough to skip one repeat. Right now I'm thinking probably not. It's a very cool pattern. I think I'm going to be very pleased with the end result, if I don't run out of yarn that is.

Have a great weekend all!

Some good karma

2007-10-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

I whipped up this hat for my brother - his birthday is next week.

Pattern: Cap Karma Hat by Smariek Knits
Yarn: Wool Ease Heather - grey
Needles: US8
Modifications: I used Brooklyn Tweed's modified crown to continue the cables on up to the top.

It's a great pattern, and a super quick knit. I can't wait to see it on him!

I am addicted to Ravelry

2007-10-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself. I spend hours looking at other people's projects, other people's queues, and searching out interesting patterns. I have plenty of projects in my own queue, but I can't help myself. Yesterday I discovered the Hemlock Ring Blanket. I don't know why I didn't pay attention when I saw it on Brooklyn Tweed's site, but when I look at all the beautiful versions of it in Ravelry I am in awe. Must knit one. Today, I somehow got caught up in looking for toys to knit. There are zillions in Ravelry. I added a few to my queue. Yesterday I decided I should try to knit a hat for my brother's birthday (October 30th). So I searched around for a suitable pattern and came across, the Cap Karma Hat. Again, Brooklyn Tweed's version is fantastic. If you have not signed up for Ravelry yet, please get yourself on the waiting list. Trust me, you will not regret it. It is really fuelling my knitting passion.

Also, my other newest love...Audible.com. I don't know why it has taken me so long to get into Audiobooks, but last month I signed up for an Audible.com membership and downloaded my first book, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, who also wrote the Kite Runner. I am enjoying it so much. It's a beautifully told story, and the narration is perfect. The deal that I signed up for includes one free book per month. I'm thinking of downloading the Friday Night Knitting Club next, but I'm open to other suggestions if anyone wants to leave me one in the comments.

I knit up a ballband discloth. Seems like everyone was making these for a while there. I don't have Mason Dixon Knitting, but I found the pattern online for free here. I may make a few more of these for stocking stuffers. They're quick and mindless - perfect tv knitting.

I received the yarn that I ordered at the TKGA Knit & Crochet Show. It is soooo beautiful. Interlacements Rick Rack II. Now I'm excited about starting a shawl in it.

Here's a couple pics of my cute hubby modeling the sunflower tam.

Sunflower Tam

2007-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I knit up a quick Sunflower Tam, from Knitting Nature. What a fun, quick and easy project. It took just two days, and I loved watching the design develop.

Pattern: Sunflower Tam from Knitting Nature, by Norah Gaughan
Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool - free (in a gift bag) from the TKGA knit & crochet show in Oakland. It is a lovely yarn.
Needles: US 8 for the ribbing, US 9 for the rest
Modifications: I cast on 96 stitches for the ribbing, but in retrospect, 90 would have been plenty.

If I can find someone who will actually wear this, I'd love to knit it again. I received Knitting Nature as a gift last Christmas and I love looking at the pictures, but this is the first project I've knit from it.

Third time's the charm

2007-10-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

I finished my third Wool Peddler's Shawl. The first one was for Pete's mom, then one for my mom, and this one is for Pete's aunt, who loved his mom's so much she wanted a matching one. Fortunately it's an easy and very comforting shawl to knit. The yarn is soft and squishy, the garter stitch is soothing. And the result is warm and lovely. So I'm pleased. It's still blocking, but here's a preview shot:

Pattern: Wool Peddler's Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle
Yarn: Knitpicks Andean Treasure, Lilac - 6.5 balls
Needles: Knitpicks Options US 7
Finished Size: 72" x 36"

I'm now excited to start something new. I'm thinking about trying this Sunflower Tam from Knitting Nature, or some other fun hat project. Woohoo!

Our mountain getaway

2007-10-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my little mountain paradise getaway. We spent 3 days at Sorensen's, a sweet little cabin resort 20 miles south of Lake Tahoe. This place is so awesome, surrounded by beauty and quiet and thousands of miles of spectacular hiking trails. When we arrived, the fall colors were in full display. The aspens were just gorgeous. And when we woke up on Wednesday morning, it was snowing! The world became a winter wonderland. So beautiful. We did some really great hikes. The dogs had a blast, and the whole thing was super romantic and relaxing.

Our cabin at Sorensen's.

Fall colors in Hope Valley.

We opted to head toward Mexico... but we never did find the lake we were looking for.

Fresh bear tracks!

I did accomplish some knitting. I made good progress on my Wool Peddler's shawl for Aunt Nancy. I think I can complete it in the next couple days.

I ordered (and received) a copy of One-Skein Wonders from Amazon. I was hoping to find some good, relatively quick Christmas gift ideas, and other ideas to use up random balls of yarn. I don't know yet though. So far I'm not extremely inspired. Anybody have any favorites they've knit from this book? I'm in the mood for some quick projects.

Mystery Solved

2007-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

I completed my Mystery Stole 3 (aka, Swan Lake), and I'm quite pleased with the results. Not perfect, but still, quite beautiful, and plenty big. I was concerned that the stole wouldn't be big enough, since I was making the symmetrical version by knitting two halves (without the alternate center panel) and grafting them together. I may have slightly overcompensated for this concern by blocking aggressively. The stole came out to a lovely 89" x 21", which I will admit, is a little long. But I love it. I love the sparkly little beads and the delicate ivory lace.

Pattern: Mystery Stole 3/Swan Lake, by Melanie, Pink Lemon Twist

Yarn: Zephyr Wool/Silk laceweight, ivory, about 950 yards

Beads: 8/0 clear ab

Needles: US5 (Knitpicks Options)

Started: June, 2007

Completed: October, 2007

Finished Size: 89" x 21" blocked

Modifications: I knit the symmetrical version, by knitting to row 287, twice, then grafting the two sides together.

Comments: I really struggled with this project, mostly because I was not fond of the wing in the original design, so I set it aside for some time. But when I ultimately decided to complete the symmetrical version, it really moved quickly. I knit the second half in just over a week. And I think the end result is just beautiful.

I also got started on a Wool Peddler's Shawl for Pete's Aunt. It is such a comforting, easy knit after all that lace. It's all garter stitch at this point, and the yarn (Knit Picks Andean Treasure) is luscious soft.

I have finally figured out how to add photos from flickr to my blog! I really struggled with this for quite some time, but I think I've finally got it worked out.

Here's a picture from our drive to the coast yesterday. Gorgeous!
We're going away for a couple days to a beautiful cabin in the woods south of Lake Tahoe. I'm hoping to get a lot of knitting done while there. And also a lot of hiking. And relaxing.

A Good Day of Looking at Yarn

2007-09-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the TKGA Knit & Crochet Show in Oakland. I had such a good time! I met up with my good friends (for 26 years!) Katy and Andrea. Katy's a knitter and Andrea's a crocheter; both are, sadly, blogless. In some ways I enjoyed this event better than Stitches West. It was MUCH less crowded, which is a huge plus for me. I get a little overwhelmed by the crowds. It was quite a bit smaller (fewer vendors), but that was fine too, since again, I am easily overwhelmed. Highlights for me:

We got goodie bags when we arrived (free yarn!), and that was quite thrilling.
I fell in love with this shawl, and the yarn is just beautiful, but they were out of it, so I ordered some. It is Interlacements Rick Rack in Colorado Treasures . It's a simple feather and fan pattern, but I just thought it was so stunning in this yarn. (Sorry about the sorta crappy pictures.)

I also fell in love with some beautiful silk laceweight yarn from RedFish Dyeworks. I did not buy any because I have so much laceweight yarn waiting to be knit, but I will definitely keep them in mind for future projects. This 100% silk yarn (20/2) is so gorgeous, and vast array of colors are just stunning. Their sample project was a Print O'the Wave Stole in a lovely variegated yarn.
And, of course, spending time with my high school girl friends! I was just astounded to realize how long we've been friends. We've been through so much together; it was such a treat to get together for a day of yarn.
And a big highlight for me was getting inspired. Seeing all the beautiful yarn and projects really made me want to finish up my current projects and get working on some others. I love that feeling of being excited about what's next!

On the drive to Oakland I listened to a couple podcasts. The She-Knits podcast is one of my new favorites. I can't even say exactly why I like it so much. Sharon has a friendly voice and a chatty, comfortable style. She talks about her knitting, her felted handbag design business (gorgeous bags!) and her family (she has 7 children!). If you like knitting podcasts, you might want to check this one out. My other favorite knitting podcast these days is Stash and Burn. I love those guys!

Have a great week all!

Back on track

2007-09-27T07:32:00.001-07:00

I'm back in love with the mystery stole project. I've started the second half, and it's moving right along. I think the thing is that I have a fair amount of emotion wrapped up in this stole, and I just wasn't ready to let it go. I worked on the first half of this stole through some pretty extreme highs and lows this summer. Now I'm determined to finish it. And it really is a fun lace to work on. Here's my progress so far on the second half.

Now I'm also really feeling inspired to start some other knitting projects, after I finish this one. Here's my latest must-knit list.

Wool Peddler's Shawl for my husband's aunt
Lacy Hug Me Tight from Knit 2 Together (for me)
Muir Shawl from Knitty
Print O' the Wave Stole from Eunny

There are plenty of others too, but getting back into this stole has really reinspired me to knit more lace.

I did decide to plant a little winter vegetable garden after all. And I do mean little. It's just 2 big pots, in which I planted beets, onions and chard. But it's right outside my back door, next to a concrete walkway so I don't have to worry about traipsing through the mud to tend the garden. Also I planted a rhubarb out in the yard. I'm hoping that will be very low maintainence because I have no intentionof maintaining it until next spring at least. I have such fond memories of eating rhubarb crisp as a kid - it was my dad's favorite. I have always wanted to grow my own. Here is the "garden" so far:

Not too impressive, is it? We'll check back in a couple months and see how it's looking.

I have to say that I am so happy it's fall. I LOVE this time of year. Love it. I am ready for the rain to start up again, but right now the weather is perfect, sunny and warm but not too warm, just perfect!

What next?

2007-09-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm ready to begin a new project, or I could pick up the ol' mystery stole (aka, Swan Lake Stole). But I'm feeling a wee bit stuck. I'm frustrated with the stole, though I am about 2/3 of the way through with it. But I have to rip back to about the halfway point and then knit the second half. I have given up on the wing design. I am just not feeling the love. But truth be told I think I might want to rip the whole thing back because I don't think I'm even loving this thing without the wing. Oh how I hate to frog. Hate it! What should I do?! Maybe I'll just let it rest for a while longer til I'm feeling motivated by it again. I don't really like to allow my projects to hibernate for any length of time. Don't like having unfinished projects (unless I am actively working on them of course). Anyway, I'm just not sure what to do with this one. To make matters worse I can't remember which size needles I was using. Pretty sure it was 5's, but I'm just not positive.

My husband's aunt asked me to make her a Wool Peddler's Shawl (from Folk Shawls). I've made this shawl twice before, once for my mom, and once for my mother in law. So Pete's aunt (my MIL's sister) would like the exact same shawl, same yarn & everything as the one I made for my MIL. I offered up some other colors, and other patterns, but she wants one identical to her sister. Pretty funny. So I ordered the yarn - Knitpicks Andean Treasure (which is a dream to knit with by the way) and will start on that when it arrives. It's a super easy pattern; it was my first shawl and my first lace, but much of it is garter stitch, so that gets a little tiresome. Still, I love knitting with that yarn so much, I think I will enjoy working on it. Here's my mother-in-law with her shawl.

Today begins my weekend, so hurray for that! I am suddenly in the mood for some vegetable gardening, just about 5 months too late. Doh! I am thinking about trying to grow some winter veggies this year, but it'll have to be in containers because I'm definitely not motivated to traipse through the muddy yard once the rains start. So I may see if I can find some suitable veggie boxes or pots this weekend. Fun.

Oh, and one more thing... I just discovered this knitting/crochet show that's happening next weekend in Oakland. Doesn't that look like a fun way to spend a day & a little cash?!

Baby Baseball Tee

2007-09-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

I finished another baby knit. Those tiny items sure are fast and satisfying.

Pattern: Babe Baseball Tee from Knit 2 Together
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus, 1 ball each, yellow and light blue
Needles: Knitpicks Options US size 6 & 4

Comments: This was a quick, easy knit. It had more seaming than I thought necessary, but I really like the end result. The yarn and needles I used were both a bit bigger than those recommended so the whole thing is a wee bit bigger, but that's fine; baby's grow fast.

I'm having a great time with Ravelry, but I have only entered a few projects, yarns, books, etc. so far. I'm going to have to spend some serious time with it one day soon to get my projects up to date. I can see that it's going to be a valuable resource for me though. I love being able to see other people's projects and read about their experiences knitting them. What a brilliant website it is!

I'm in!

2007-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

I got my Ravelry invite! Wooohoo! They must have made some huge progress, because just a couple days ago there were 15,000 people in line ahead of me. I'm psyched. My Ravelry username is Smeelia. (Cecilia was taken.) I've done nothing with it yet though and probably won't until next week. I'm excited to be in though.

New Look

2007-09-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I decided to give my blog a bit of a makeover. I realized that I find other people's blogs easiest to look at when they have a plain white background, and san serif fonts. So why on earth would I not use that look for my own blog?!

I found myself in a decluttering mood this morning, and I started going through boxes in the garage. There is lots of stuff out there that we just never found a place for when we moved. So I did a lot of tossing of things that had no sentimental value, and no apparent place in our home, recycling and consolidating other stuff. I was able to get rid of two large boxes, with one more almost ready to be tossed. That's satisfying work!

Tomorrow we're heading out to attend a family wedding. So of course now is when I should be checking to see that I have something suitable to wear. But I like to live dangerously, so I think I'm just going to wing it. Hope I don't regret that decision.

Have a great weekend all!

Sloth

2007-09-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

My back has been really bothering me lately, just aching all the time. I decided it might be because I've become such a sloth recently*, for a variety of reasons (aka, excuses). I have terrible posture, and I mostly just slouch at my desk all day, and then go home and slouch on the sofa. Slothy Celia. So I thought, maybe I need to be a little more active, and maybe I should even try to find some exercises that will specifically strengthen my back and abdominals. So last night I popped in my "Firm and Burn Pilates" DVD. It's really more aerobics than pilates, but it uses some pilates principles and moves (or so it says) so it does tend to focus on "the core" (mid-section, abs, back, etc.). I like this workout - not too bouncy or jumpy, but definitely challenging, especially to sloths like me. So today my back might be feeling the teensiest bit better, but the rest of me is aching from using some long out of practice muscles. My thighs and butt are especially sore. I guess it's a good kind of sore, but that's a little hard to distinguish from a regular ol' back ache. I almost called my chiropractor today, but I think I'll tough it out for another day or two, and keep exercising my core, and maybe the rest of me too. I really ought to try some yoga. That would probably be just the thing. And, for other reasons, I will be starting acupuncture next week. How exciting for me, no?

Check out this picture of a big ol' bee hive/nest spotted while hiking last weekend.

Ain't that somethin'? It was just hanging there about 7 or 8 feet from the trail. Zillions of big black bees flying in and out. And it's huge! Probably at least 2 feet wide. Doesn't it have a beautiful finish on it.

*To clarify, I'm not always a sloth. Normally I get quite a bit of exercise, usually in the form of walking, but this has been a particularly slothy summer for me. And ask me if I care if "slothy" isn't a "real" word!

Next Up

2007-09-09T17:01:00.001-07:00

I struggled for a bit about what project to start next. I enjoyed working on that Pea Pod Baby Set; it was the perfect balance of interesting lace and a quick, fairly easy knit. So I leafed through some books and found this sporty baby ensemble in my new Knit 2 Together book:

I started on this immediately, and it's moving right along. As I said before, I do love the baby knits. They're so quick and safisfying. I don't even have any babies to knit for at the moment, but I'm sure some will come along soon, and I will be good and ready. Because this sweater is pretty much all stockinette, I'm using it as an opportunity to practice purling continental. I am very comfortable with the continental knit stitch, but I still really struggle with the purl. I'm getting better at it, but still have issues with keeping a consistent guage. Soon I will have it mastered though.

We bought ourselves a Prius on Saturday. They're not the sleekest looking vehicles, but it is fun to drive and it has some really nice features, not the least of which is the amazing gas mileage. Here's our fancy charcoal gray model.

Today we decided we needed to take that baby out on the road, so we went for a drive through Napa County. The city of Napa seemed pretty darn quiet at noon on a Sunday so we just did a drive through. We stopped for lunch in Yountville, and then on to St. Helena for some walking around. Turns out they have a very nice yarn store in St. Helena, with a very helpful and friendly owner, and a beautiful selection of yarn. And, lucky for me, they were having a huge sale. Lots of their yarn was 40% off. Woohoo. Score! So I picked up a few items...

Some Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette to make this "Lacy Hug Me Tight" from Knit 2 Together. The pattern calls for Blue Sky Alpaca Silk, which, as it turns out was also 40% off. I'm kicking myself now for not getting some. But I think this yarn will also be lovely.

A ball of pink Rowan Calmer to make a Shedir hat. I never see the Calmer on sale. So I'm very pleased to have scored a ball for 40% off.

And 5 balls of Elsebeth Lavold Cotton Patine, which is a lovely, soft light worsted/dk weight cotton . I don't know what I'll make with this, but I was thinking some sort of summery tank or tee. I'm open to suggestions.

Oh how I wish my turn would come up at Ravelry. I'm thinking that will help me answer my what should I do with this yarn questions in the future. But for now there are still 16,048 people in line ahead of me, so I will be patient and try to figure it out on my own.

The Prius and the Pea Pod

2007-09-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Pea Pod Baby set is done! Well, all except the buttons that is. Oh my goodness what a cute little sweater/hat set this is. I love it!

Pattern: Pea Pod Baby Set, free from Interweave Knits
Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun, color: Leaf
Needles: Knitpicks Options, size 5

I don't know how well this yarn will wash and wear, but it sure knit up beautifully and it is sooooo soft. I'm very pleased with it. The pattern was interesting and knit up pretty quick, as baby knits usually do. I'm quite pleased with it.

Now I must admit that I'm at a bit of a loss about what to start next. I was thinking about starting a pair of Hedera socks, in a sort of denim blue color. Or some Monkeys out of Collinette Jitterbug in a bright blue variegated yarn. I think I'll wind that this evening and see how I feel about it. I am also thinking about returning to the Mystery Stole, aka Swan Lake Stole.

So we're preparing to buy a new car. Probably a Prius. We've tried out the Civic Hybrid and the Prius. Nothing else even comes close in terms of fuel efficiency. So probably this weekend we'll become the proud owners of a brand new car.

Sweet Pea

2007-08-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Oh darling baby knits, how you charm me. I've been wanting to knit the Pea Pod Baby Set from the day I first saw it. Now I'm finally working on it and I love it. The color is not right in this picture - it's a little more olivey, and not so dark. I'll try to better capture the color when it's done. I'm starting to feel more inspired about starting new projects. I'm still stuck about the mystery stole. Just letting that one marinate in the basket til I decide what to do with it. But I'm looking forward to starting something new too - maybe a sweater for me. It's hard to think about starting on some wool knitting right now, since it's almost 100 degrees, but soon it'll be time for that.

I just ordered Knit 2 Together, by Tracy Ullman & Mel Clarke from Amazon just because it was on sale so cheap. $5.50! How could I not give it a try? The thing is that I never knit anything out of the books that I already have. I'm just not a very prolific knitter I guess. I mean, I've done a few shawls out of Folk Shawls, and socks out of Favorite Socks and Sensational Knitted Socks. But I've been meaning to do a sweater out of Knitting Nature but haven't got around to it. I won Domikitrix in a drawing from Craftsanity, but haven't seriously searched through it for something fun to knit. Heck, I'd love to knit something from Interweave Knits, but it's like I'm the slowest knitter in the world or something. I guess I'm feeling a little guilty for accumulating knitting books (and magazines) and not knitting anything out of them. And frustrated that I'm not producing more beautiful knitted items. But what the heck...I'm working on it at my leisure, right. I'm trying to create more balance in my life - spending time exercising, reading, etc. which might otherwise be all knitting time. So it's all good, right?

Precious

2007-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

I don't care what you say, these booties are about the sweetest thing ever for tiny feet. And they knit up as fast as can be. I'll for sure be making more of these. They are the perfect quick little baby gift.

Pattern: Saartje's Booties (free download!)
Yarn: Knitpicks Essential in Pumpkin and Trekking XXL, color #110
Needles: Knitpicks Circulars size 1
Comments: This pattern is seriously brilliant!

Green

2007-08-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Look I finally have something knitted to show you! I am so very pleased with myself for completing a project (even if it is just socks), and I am so excited about my beautiful new socks.

Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks from Favorite Socks

Yarn: Knitpicks Essential in Grass

Needles: Knitpicks circular (magic loop), size 2 for the cuff and first repeat, size 1 for the rest

I loved this pattern. I really liked the 16 stitch, 16 row repeats. It made the socks really zip along. The toe is crazy and fascinating, and I do kinda like it. I will definitely make this pattern again. I think they are so pretty!

The deep blue sea

2007-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I do still knit. Just so you know. I have been in a bit of a slump for sure, but I haven't given it up or anything. Maybe I'll even have some FO pictures soon. I'm totally stuck on the Mystery Stole. I'm not loving the whole wing thing. And I'm not so inspired to start a second identical half and graft just now. So I set it aside. I'm working on some super fun socks. Then maybe I'll start on some baby stuff. Gotta love the speed of baby knitting.

Last Sunday, we took a drive to the coast which was so beautiful and peaceful and healing. Iam sometimes just shocked and amazed at how spectacular the Sonoma coast can be. There were waves of fog was just hugging the shore which made for perfect temperatures, and the sea was the most stunning blue.

Checking In

2007-08-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my spotty blogging in recent weeks. I am going through a bit of a rough spell in my life and at the moment I'm not even too inspired by knitting, though I haven't completely given it up or anything either. I have made some progress on the Mystery Stole, though I have fallen a bit behind. There's a wee bit of controversy about the theme, (released on Friday) which is Swan Lake, and the design, which is a wing shape. The alternative is to repeat the first half of the stole and kitchner the halves together for a more symmetrical look. I haven't decided which option to follow, though I am inclined to follow the design as written. I think Melanie is a brilliant designer and I think I will trust her instinct. Her other designs are just gorgeous. I'm looking forward to seeing other people's progress on it so I can make a more informed decision about how I want to continue.

I finished, well all except the finishing, some precious baby booties from this pattern. They are precious. I'll post pictures at a later date.

For now I leave you with a picture of me and my beautiful stepdaughters wading in Mono Lake.

Go With the Flow

2007-07-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

I actually really liked this sock pattern. It's Go With the Flow from Favorite Socks. It was easy, repetetive, but not so boring as plain stockinette. And I like the result, a stretchy, comfy, simple sock. The yarn is Knitpicks Essential in Pumpkin.

And tomorrow it's time for a new Mystery Stole clue!

I'm back!

2007-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

After a very fun mini-vacation, I've returned to blogland. The vacation technically only accounts for 4 days of my absence, but I'm going to go ahead and use that as an excuse. And where, you might ask, did I go on my mini-vacation? Well, we did a nice long family vacation style road trip with my hubby and two 20-something stepdaughters to Mammoth Lakes, which included some fabulous sight seeing opportunities, including Mono Lake, Bodie (the coolest ghost town ever!), and Devil's Postpile. Also a drive through Yosemite, only because it is on the way. Lordy was it a lot of hours of driving. But oh so much beauty to be experienced on the Eastern side of the Sierras. Gorgeousness. We stayed at this fabulous chalet, which was spacious and beautiful, and quiet as all get-out. I loved that!

And I did get a fair amount of knitting done too. Finished my Clue 3 of the Mystery Shawl. And I just finished my Go With the Flow Socks from Favorite Socks. Pictures of that next time. Here are a few vacation photos.

Devil's Postpile

That's all I've got for now. I may post a few more photos soon. Yay for vacay!

More Baby Socks

2007-07-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

More baby socks. You sure can get a lot of baby socks out of some leftover sock yarn. These are so fun and fast. Yarn is J.Knits, North Carolina colorway. Socks are 40 stitch 2x2 rib with short row heels. Couldn't be easier!

Productivity

2007-06-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

I was sort of house-bound for a few days this week, so I had a fair amount of knitting time. I made another Vine Lace Baby Hat - a very sweet little project from Knitting Daily. This is the second one I've made, and I enjoy it. I'll probably make one or two more. I used the recommended yarn (Cool Wool) in a minty green color. I also began a "Go With the Flow" sock from Favorite Socks. It's a nice, easy stitch pattern, 6 stitches in a 4 row repeat. Super easy to memorize, and I'm liking how cushy and stretchy they're coming out.

I also got started on my Mystery Stole. I think this is going to be a beautiful pattern. Melanie is a brilliant lace designer and I'm confident that this design will be gorgeous. So far I'm liking it quite well. It's my first experience in knitting with beads, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a shot. It's not nearly as difficult as I had imagined, and I think I will be very pleased with the result. (The beads are tiny and mostly clear, so you can't really see them in this picture, but I think they will add a nice sparkle once the shawl is done.)

And, today, to celebrate my return to the greater world, Pete and I took the ferry to San Francisco. I've lived in Sonoma County for 10 years, and this is the first time I've taken the ferry to the city. It was great fun! The trip is beautiful, and on Saturdays there is a wonderful, huge, farmers market at the ferry building, so we had a great time wandering around, eating, and shopping for produce.
Hurray for Saturdays!

Kimono Shawl Complete

2007-06-28T10:03:00.001-07:00

My Kimono Shawl is complete! It's a crappy picture, but it's the best I can do for now. I'm very pleased with the result. It was a lovely pattern, not too difficult, engaging enough. Details below.

Pattern: Kimono Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle
Yarn: laceweight alpaca, a gift from my friend Katy who got it in
Buenos Aires
Needles: Knitpicks Options, size 6
Finished Size: 72" x 24" blocked
Modifications: I did 18 instead of 25 repeats.
Completed: June 25, 2007

Quick Update

2007-06-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have no interesting photos to share today, but I hate to let a whole week go by without a blog post, so here I am. I am very nearly done with my Kimono Shawl. I expect to finish it tonight or tomorrow and block tomorrow evening. I'm working on more baby socks - they are so cute and gratifying. I'm going to have a couple days at home this week so I'm hoping to get some more knitting done. I'm debating whether to start the Pea Pod Baby set, or another Vine Lace baby hat, or maybe some of these baby booties, or some more socks from Favorite Socks. I suppose I can do all of the above. The Mystery Stole Knitalong starts on Friday, June 29th so I'll probably stick to small stuff until then.

I had a very nice visit with my brother this week who was visiting from Venezuela.

Have a great week!

Okay, maybe I AM a slacker

2007-06-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm having a little trouble lately keeping up with regular blog posts. I guess I just have too much other stuff going on right now, which I will talk about one of these days. But I have been knitting some. Making good progress on my Kimono Shawl. It seems huge to me already, but I've only done 15 out of 25 repeats, so I still have quite a ways to go. I still like the pattern quite a lot. It takes just the right amount of concentration for my tired brain (which is to say, not that much). I can knit on it while I watch tv, movies, etc. So it's perfect for me right now.

Also, I made this adorable pair of baby socks. Lordy those baby items just knit up so fast and are as adorable as can be. I think there will be many more of these socks in my knitting future. All that leftover sock yarn can amuse me by becoming tiny socks. Sweet!

And that's all I've got for now. And here's a request, if you're reading this and you know me in real life (truth is, hardly anyone who knows me in real life knows about or reads my blog, but if you do), leave me a comment so I know you're out there. If you don't know me in real life, feel free to leave me a comment too so I'll know you're out there as well.

Waving Lace Socks

2007-06-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

I FINALLY finished my waving lace socks. I don't know why these took me so long, but I'm very pleased with the result. Actually I'm going to go ahead and acknowledge that these socks would work better in a solid colored yarn, but I do love this J. Knits sock yarn so I'm happy with my socks. And I ordered a bunch of Knitpicks Essential sock yarn in a variety of solid colors so I can make some other socks from this book.

Pattern: Waving Lace Socks from Favorite Socks

Yarn: J.Knits in Boston colorway

Needles: Knitpicks Circular, size 1, magic loop

Modifications: I used an eye of the partridge heel.

And, I just got word that another Mystery Stole knitalong is beginning soon. I've never done one of these knitalongs, but I think Melanie designs beautiful lace, so I signed up. And, as luck would have it, I happen to have the right amount (1200 yards) of the same yarn as she will be using (Zephyr Wool-Silk Laceweight in Vanilla) in my stash. How handy is that?! I don't have a big stash, so this is actually fairly miraculous. Anyway, I'm looking forward to starting that, but I better get some work done on my Kimono Shawl before I get distracted by this new project.

Vine Lace Baby Hat

2007-06-05T19:14:00.001-07:00

I finally have a finished object!

It is the Vine Lace Baby Hat, from a recent issue of Knitting Daily. It was a fast knit, and the yarn is lovely. It is the project recommended yarn, Lana Grossa Cool Wool 2000, in color #471. This one is for my friend Katy, who asked me to make it for a friend of hers with a new baby. I bought a ball of the same yarn for myself, in color #494, a paler green. Each ball will make 2 hats. I will definitely make at least one more of these. I also bought some yarn to make the Pea Pod Baby Set. Cute cute cute. Those baby knits are so quick and satisfying.

I had a great time this weekend hanging out with my friend Katy, who is a new knitter. We visited a lovely yarn store, Marin Fiber Arts, where we bought the above-mentioned yarn, and another yarn store, where Katy bought some super bulky yarn to make a feather and fan baby blanket.

Here's a lovely buckeye tree engulfing a big ol' oak at a state park that we visited over the weekend. So much beauty!

Mission Accomplished

2007-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

The yard is thoroughly and completely wacked! What a relief! It was a hard-working weekend.

To reward ourselves today, we took ourselves on a hike we've been talking about doing for years. You see, this is the view from our house:

Isn't that pretty mountain? For as long as we've lived here we've said that we'd climb to the top of that mountain one of these days. So today, on a whim, before we could talk ourselves out of it, we hopped in the car, with the dogs and set out to hike to the top. And what a fabulous hike it was! It's about a 2,000 foot elevation gain (top of the mountain is 2,730 ft), in a pretty short distance (I would guess no more than 3 or 4 miles), so it was a fairly steep climb. From the top there were gorgeous views of all of Sonoma Valley. We couldn't spot our house from there, but I guess that's not so surprising. Here's the view back toward our house (which is somewhere along the top of that ridge):

A happy Jasmine. She loves to hike and her energy always amazes me.

So those are my major weekend accomplishments. Oh, and I finished one waving lace sock and got started on another. They're taking me forever, but I feel like I'm on a bit more of a roll now so hopefully this second sock will go more quickly.

I am NOT a Slacker

2007-05-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've been a blog slacker lately, I know. But I have a pretty good excuse. Taking up much of my time these days...is weed-wacking season. Oh how I love to wack those weeds! Our yard consists of a little more than 2 acres of weeds that need to be wacked once a year. It is a very big job, and I love the challenge, though I will probably feel differently about it after another week or so of this. Everyone thinks we should get a riding mower, or some other heavy duty yard maintenance equipment. Believe me, we have tried a lot of different tools, and the weed wacker has turned out to be the right one for the job. The yard is fairly rocky, and not level and the grass gets to be more than 5 feet high in places, so everything else we've tried has failed, but I do love my trusty, industrial strength weedwacker. It makes me feel powerful, and destructive and all in a good way. Somehow the weedwacking has come to be my responsibility and I love the challenge. I usually try to wait until we're fairly certain that we've had the last rain of the season, and til most of the grass is good and dead, dry. But my goal this year is to complete this job by the first weekend in June. So far I've only put in an hour or two at a time, usually after work, but I'm going to have to put in some longer shifts at this if I'm going to meet my goal.

Here's my progress so far. It is less than 1/4 of the yard, but still it feels like an accomplishment.

As for knitting, I'm working on a waving lace sock from Favorite Socks, I'll post pictures of that when I've completed one. And I'm slowly making progress on the Kimono shawl. I'm taking a very relaxed approach to both projects. No manic knitting for me right now. There's just too much else to do this time of year.

Simple Stripey Socks

2007-05-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

I finished my plain ol' 64 stitch striped stocks in Knitpicks Simple Stripes. Boring boring boring. But I have to say it was nice to have an easy peasy project to carry around with me. And they're really very comfy, and the colors are quite cheery. So no complaints.

And now I'm almost to the end of my sock yarn stash. I've got one pair's worth of J.Knits left and that big tangled mess of Shaeffer Anne (which I hate to even count at this point since who knows if I'll ever conquer the untangling trauma. But fortunately next week I'm heading to Monterey for a few days and there is a lovely yarn store in Pacific Grove where I will surely find some very nice sock yarn to take home as a souvenir.

And here's the start of my Kimono Shawl (from Folk Shawls):

I am LOVING this pattern. LOVE it. It's a 10 stitch repeat so it's easy to memorize and it seems to move along quickly. I'm a little concerned that it may come out bigger than intended, but I guess a lovely large shawl is not such a bad thing.

Happy Mothers Day to all!

Winding Down

2007-05-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I got in a yarn winding mood on Friday and really went crazy with it. My friend Katy brought me two huge skeins of this lovely lavender laceweight alpaca from Argentina, and two big skeins of laceweight wool too. So I went to work on all that beautiful Argentine yarn, along with some skeins of sock yarn. Thank goodness for the yarn swift and ball winder. I do love cranking that baby up and winding away. It is so satisfying to watch them both spin and the little yarn cake magically appearing on the ball winder.

So here's my successfully completed yarn cakes. Aren't they beautiful! The top two are J.Knits sock yarn in the Boston colorway, and everything else is from the Buenos Aires laceweight yarn collection. Look at all the lavender! Lordy that's going to make a lot of shawls. I immediately started a Kimono Shawl from Folk Shawls in the lavender alpaca. It's wonderfully soft and pleasantly fuzzy.

My one failure of the day, and yes, it's a big one, is my Shaeffer Anne. For some reason it became hopelessly tangled on the yarn swift. I am so disappointed! It's going to take me the rest of my life to untangle this mess. I've been patiently working on it, little by little, but at times I am tempted to toss the whole thing. I bought it at Stitches West and it wasn't cheap, and I've been looking forward to trying this yarn so I think I will persist in my efforts to untangle. It is indeed trying my patience though. Just look at the mess!

Sock Monkey Love

2007-05-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of sock monkeys. My great aunt made one for me when I was little, and I still have it and display it proudly along with my brother's sock monkey of the same era. And I've made a few for the children of friends and family. I even dressed as a sock monkey for halloween one year. God that was hillarious! So you can imagine my delight when I got a surprise package in the mail today from my friend Donna and this is what was inside:It's a fabulous sock monkey quilted bag! How cute is that! Here's the back side:

Here is a closer up of the fabrics. I can't get over how cute it is!

Years ago I made sock monkeys for each of Donna's two boys and they both seemed to love them. So much so that when I went to visit a year or two later they showed me how they had made stick on mustaches for the monkeys, which I thought was super clever and adorable. Sock monkeys in disguise. Kids just crack me up!

Here are my childhood sock monkeys, circa 1974ish:

Nerveracking

2007-04-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

So, you know when you're knitting on a project and you start to seriously worry about running out of yarn? Well that was me in a big way earlier today. But all is well. I managed to bind off with tiny bit of yarn to spare.

Here's a closer look at all the leftover yarn:

And here's the shawl blocking:

Pattern: Leaf Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark, from Fibertrends

Yarn: Zephyr Wool/Silk laceweight in Ice Blue from Sarah's Yarns, just 2 ounces (630 yards) For the record, that's less than $6 for the yarn!

Needles: Knitpicks Options size 6

Size: I knit the smaller size. It blocked to about 70" x 35"

This is my second Leaf Lace Shawl and I do love the pattern. It's a great beginner lace pattern. The instructions are excellent, very clear and thorough. This one is a gift for a friend.

I'm looking forward to my next lace project. Still deciding which one. First I may do some quick and easy stuff - more baby hats, socks, etc. for that instant gratification.

A Regular Tuesday Evening

2007-04-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm moving along on my leaf lace shawl. I'm getting to the point where I'm starting to worry about whether I'll have enough yarn to finish it. Pretty sure I will though. I think I will finish this repeat and then move on to the edging lace pattern. And hopefully it'll block out to a decent size. I think it currently has as many repeats as the one I made for myself, so that seems alright. I wouldn't mind if it were a little bigger, but I'm not going to push it since I'm already cutting it pretty close on the yarn. I only ordered 2 ounces (630 yards) of this yarn. Cheap cheap. I'm very pleased with it though!

And here's the scene at home this evening. Good dogs . . . and singing husband . . .
...and me happily knitting my lace. All is well.

Room Redo & a Simple Sock

2007-04-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been awfully quiet here lately. I've got lots of non-knitting stuff going on these days and it's consuming a lot of my time and attention. It's all good though.

We finally finished painting our office room. The wallpaper removal and subsequent wall repair turned out to be a bigger project than we anticipated, but now that it's all done I am ver pleased. We painted the walls a color called "Provence Yellow" and the trim is a cheery teal/turquoise called "Surf Blue", plus a few brownish accents, a color called monkey king or something like that.

Here's the before picture:

I'm pleased with the end result. We still need to get rid of some of the furniture that was in that room and add some decorative touches, but so far it is a huge improvement.

And on the knitting front, I've been working away on my leaf lace shawl. For some reason every row seems to take me much longer than it ought to. But I'm not in any hurry, so that's okay too. And I started a basic sock in some knitpicks simple stripes that I've had for ages and was not too thrilled with the colors, but lately it feels like just the thing - happy and bright colors, easy peasy knitting to carry around with me.

I see that our local knitting guild is putting on a "Sock Symposium" next month. I'm thinking maybe I'll make an effort to go to this event. I joined the knitting guild recently thinking it would be good for me to meet some other knitters and go to some of their "Knit at Nights". But I still haven't worked up the nerve to attend any of those meetings. I am so lame! I'd like to connect with some other real life knitters, but I just hate going to stuff where I don't know anybody. I'm painfully shy. But this sock symposium sounds like it might be a structured enough event that I may just be brave enough to make an appearance. Anyway, it's a whole month away.

And last weekend's movie roundup... we watched "Children of Men", which was a little bit disturbing, but very engaging and thought-provoking. My husband was more troubled by the movie's depressing depiction of the future and I think was left feeling troubled by the film. "Happy Feet" - we almost shut it down after the first 20 minutes or so because it just seemed so sappy. But then we kinda got into it and really enjoyed it more than we expected. Those South American penguins were a crack-up. We also watched a very charming documentary called "My Date with Drew", about a 27 year old guy in LA who has had a crush on Drew Barrymore since he was a kid and he wants very much to meet her so he makes a film about his impressive attempts to get a date with her. It's really a pretty sweet and funny movie.

Tonight's my favorite TV night of the week - The Daily Show, The Office, Grey's Anatomy. Oh how I love Thursdays! Plus, I don't work on Fridays so this is the beginning of big weekend fun. Have a fabulous weekend!

Tidal Wave

2007-04-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Tidal Wave Socks - free pattern from Southwest Trading Company

Yarn: Tofutsies - color #730, Light Foot

Needles: Size 0 Addi Turbos - 40" magic loop

Thoughts: This was a fun, easy pattern. I love the yarn. It is so soft and luscious. Next time I will add a couple more pattern repeats for a longer leg. These are not for me, but I will definitely use this sock yarn again. This color may not be ideal for my scary white/pink legs.

Leaf Lace 2

2007-04-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

I finished my Tidal Wave Tofutsies socks... will post pictures later. And I started another lace project. Oh how I love thee lace.

It's Evelyn Clark's Leaf Lace Shawl in Zephyr Wool Silk, in Ice Blue, ordered from Sarah's Yarns (a great deal by the way).

It's for my friend Bette. I am so pleased to be working on another lace shawl. I have loads of laceweight yarn now, and a list of other lace shawls I'm dying to start. I'm doing this one again because Bette loved the one I made for myself, and because I only ordered 630 yards of yarn. I hope it's enough. Others on my list are the Arctic Diamonds Stole from the Winter, 2006 Interweave Knits, the Kimono Shawl from Folk Shawls. Maybe the Bird's Nest Shawl from the same book. There are so many fabulous lace patterns out there! I'm open to suggestions too, so if you've got ones you love, leave a comment!

Oh, a couple quick movie reviews . . .we watched "Volver" last night. It was wonderful! Last weekend we watched the new James Bond movie - "Casino Royale". Hated it! I seriously do not get how that managed a PG-13 rating. I thought the violence was pretty awful. But I'm a little sensitive that way. Up next . . . "Children of Men" and "Happy Feet".

Happy Easter to all!

Selling Sonoma County

2007-03-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my good friend Jean and her daughter Kirsten came for a visit.

Kirsten wanted to take a look at Sonoma State University. (I can't believe she's old enough to go off to college already!) I would love for her to go to school there because that would mean I'd see more of Jean, and she'd probably even move here. So we spent Saturday morning touring the campus, and in the afternoon we did some touring around Sonoma, trying to impress Kirsten with some of the local charm. First we went to this fabulous sculpture garden/gallery where there were tons of beautiful, fun and creative sculptures, and a very sweet bulldog who looked a little like one of those frogs we dissected in high school biology when he rolled over onto his back. Next we did a stroll around the square in Sonoma. I do love that town. Check out this fella we came across in front of one of the shops:

Alas, I think Kirsten is still leaning toward University of Nevada, Reno. Whatever! It was still a great opportunity to see my friends and show off our hometown.

My knitting has been pretty limited lately. I've got some other stuff to occupy my mind at the moment. But my current fast and easy project is baby hats. So here's the latest - simple simple simple. Just a little leftover Knitpicks Crayon knit on size 6 circulars (magic loop) into a 64 stitch roll brim hat with a little top knot. It's soooooo soft. I don't know if it's sized appropriately for an actual live baby, but knitting it up amused me to no end and I think it looks pretty cute on teddy.

Tidal Wave Sock

2007-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

I found this pattern on the Southwest Trading Company webste, and decided to give it a try in my pink Tofutsies sock yarn. And ooh, boy am I loving it! I am using my size 0 Addi Turbos (magic loop). This is my first time using the addi's, and they are wonderful. I also find the magic loop to be easier with a 40" circular than with the 32" knitpicks circular. This yarn is fabulously soft and seems perfect for spring/summer weight socks.
On Friday mornings I go to the local elementary school to volunteer in a couple of classrooms. This is such a fun thing for me. This morning in the first grade class, we're doing paper mache. How fun is that?! Of course it might be messy too but I'm prepared for that.

Last weekend we completed our wallpaper stripping project in the office. Ugh, what a big job it turned out to be! That stuff was welll-adhered. The wall will now take a little repair work and then we can paint the whole room. Hurray!

Halfway there:

Finished! (Don't I look relieved?)

Book Meme

2007-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting meme that's going around. I took it from here.

Look at the list of books below:
*Bold the ones you’ve read,
*Italicize the ones you want to read
*Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in.

1. The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver) - I loved this book!
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
9. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger) -another of my all time favorites
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According to Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

There are so many great books still to be read. And I gotta say, I sure don't read much now that I'm knitting all the time. But I am fortunate that my husband reads to me most evenings while I knit. And I do listen to the Craftlit Podcast too, which is a wonderful way to get your books in along with a little education and some entertaining knitting chat too.

Daylight Savings Happiness

2007-03-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have a tiny FO. It's a baby hat, plain ol' roll brim, 64 stitch, stockinette, in Knitpicks Crayon. So soft and so quick. A satisfying little knit. I want to make another one right away. I've got a little orange crayon leftover from something. I also want to make one of these peapod baby sweaters. It's just too cute not to knit!

I am so pleased with the switch to spring weather and daylight savings time. I LOVE having daylight time after work to go for a walk, dine outdoors, and just enjoy the view a little bit. Here's a couple scenes from our walk "around the block" the other day. A walk around our block is about a 3 mile loop which involves a pretty good elevation gain. But it's a lovely, quiet walk with lots of nature to be spotted everywhere.

I love outdoor dining season! This is our first outdoor meal of the season. Look at how happy Pete looks!

Sock Catch Up

2007-03-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

I have a couple sock pictures to offer today. First, the Dublin Bay socks in J.Knits, North Carolina Colorway. I never did post a finished picture of these. I love this yarn. Not so wild about the pattern - only because it's just got too much stockinette for my liking. It is, however a good pattern for a busy yarn.

Next is my waterfall rib socks in Trekking color 110. It is one of the great stitch patterns in Sensational Knitted Socks. I'm down to the foot on the second sock so I should finish it up in the next day or two.

I am having some trouble deciding what to work on next. Maybe some baby stuff. I have the Itty Bitty Hats book and there are so many sweet hats in there. And that'd be quick and satisfying. Then maybe another lace shawl. I have lots of great laceweight yarn now. I better get busy working it up!

It is so beautiful and springy today, so here's a couple pics from around the yard.

I love camelia blooming season!

Here is my tiny peach tree. It is about 2 feet tall, planted last winter. It's supposed to be a dwarf, but I'm hoping it'll get to be substantially bigger than it is!

And now I must get to work on a little wallpaper removal project. Ugh!

Laguna Beach

2007-03-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend Pete and I went flew down to Laguna Beach for a quick overnight getaway. Actually it was a work thing for him, but a relaxing getaway for me. We stayed at the Hotel Laguna, which was charming, and our room had a lovely ocean view. I had a great time walking around the town and hanging out on the beach. I even saw a pod of dolphins!

I visited the local yarn store, Strands and Stitches, which I enjoyed tremendously, but I did not make any purchases. I am just not too much of an impulse yarn buyer, and I didn't see anything that I really needed.

Saturday was the big Patriot's Day Parade in town. What a sweet old-fashionedy event that was! It's been a long time since I've been to a parade and boy was I charmed by it. There was the marine corps marching band, some high school and elementary school marching bands, loads of boy scouts, girl scouts, local politicians, veterans, large groups of dancing children, garden clubs, a vegetarian group, and all sorts of other home town goodness. I was so impressed and amused by the whole thing, I was just cracking up the whole time!

Today, after reading Grumperina's rave review, I ordered Favorite Socks from Overstock.com. Ooh, I can hardly wait for it to arrive! So I'm looking for some suggestions for nice solid or nearly solid sock yarns. I so far have only knit one solid-colored pair, and I used Knitpicks Essential, which I actually liked just fine, but I'm interested in other people's favorites. I like my socks to be machine washable and preferably to have a little nylon in them.

Yarn Overload

2007-02-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Guess where I was yesterday? Stitches West! Yep, my friend Katy, a new knitter, agreed to accompany me to Santa Clara for some overwhelming yarn exposure. We did not take any classes, just attended the market and wandered around, a little bit dazed, admiring all the beautiful yarn, books, tools, garments, etc.

I am not a good shopper by nature, and I am overwhelmed when confronted with loads of merchandise and crowds of people, but I did manage to pick up a few items.

An Addi Turbo 40" size 0 for some magic loop socks. I've never tried Addi's, but since everyone raves, and I'd like a longer sock needle than knitpicks makes, I figured it's time to give it at try. Also some Tofutsies sock yarn and some Shaeffer Anne. I am really on a sock kick now and am looking forward to trying these new yarns. I really don't have much of a sock yarn stash at this point - just 2 or 3 skeins before this purchase, so I've got no guilt about my acquisitions. I wish I could go back for another day of Stitches, but I'm a little sickly again and I don't have the energy for another day of it. But next year I'll definitely plan on attending again.

Here's the latest sock I'm working on:

It's the waterfall rib from Sensational Knitted Socks in Trekking XXL color #110. I'm loving it. I was reluctant to knit a pattern from my Trekking socks because I thought all the lovely colors would get lost in it, but I cannot stand to do another stockinette sock right now, so I gave this a try, and I am loving it.

My kind of weekend!

2007-02-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a spectacular weekend at the coast! I hardly know where to begin. We headed down to Pacific Grove on Friday, checked into Borg's motel at Lover's Point. This place is really kind of hillarious. The view is to die for - just perfect. Full on frontal ocean view. Unbeatable. But the room was bordering on divey. As in, not much in the way of updates since the 50's. And the bathroom was comically teensy. A 26" square shower, with the shower head at about shoulder level, so I had to do some pretty deep squats just to get my head wet. Were people much shorter back in the 50's or what? And I swear to god, every time I sat on the toilet I was afraid I would knock my chin on the sink. Just weird. But you know, it was so worth it! I LOVE being able to hear the waves at night, and our room was just perfect for that, and it was warm enough to sleep with the window open, so really, it was unbeatable.

And Pacific Grove is just the most charming town. We went for some gorgeous walks along the waterfront, saw tons of seals, sea otters and other cool water creatures. We dined at some fabulous restaurants, including one with belly dancers! How fun is that?!

On Saturday we took a drove to Point Lobos State Reserve, which is now very high on my list of most beautiful places in the world. It was so stunningly gorgeous. Really incredible. There are wonderful hiking trails with amazing views in all directions. Indescribable really. Just go there.

Then we took a drive to Big Sur, which was itself breathtaking. Maybe my favorite experience of the whole weekend was driving down the coast with my honey, the windows down, warm coastal breezes blowin, listening to Stevie Wonder singing "As" (what a great song!) - I was kinda teary with all the love going on at that moment. Lunch at Nepenthe to top it all off, then back to our cheesey motel with the million dollar view! It just doesn't get any better than that.

Oh, but wait, yes it does. Monday morning, AKA, MY BIRTHDAY, my honey gives me my birthday gift - it's an elph! I am in love with it. Look at how preciously tiny it is.

And it takes great pictures too! Here's one from the car, as we were heading home, about to go over the Golden Gate bridge.

So there's more... but it'll have to wait for another post.

Birthday Weekend Fun Ahead!

2007-02-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

Pete and I are heading to Monterey this weekend for some birthday fun. We're staying at Borg's Ocean Front Motel in Pacific Grove, and I'm hoping to do a little exploring of Big Sur and Point Lobos, and maybe a lunch at Nepenthe. It looks like the weather will be fabulous, at least on Friday and Saturday. And a little rain after that will be just fine with me. On the way home on Monday we're stopping in Palo Alto to visit some friends. I'm super excited about celebrating my birthday in a beautiful coastal setting with my Love.

Two and a half socks

2007-02-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

I had a couple friends over on Saturday for a knitting lesson & brunch. It was so great to spend time some time catching up. The knitting wasn't as easy as I had hoped though. Funny how you forget how challenging it can be when attempting it for the first time. My friend Andrea really struggled, but when I realized she was trying to hold the yarn in her left hand (she said this is how she crochets), I decided to teach her to knit continental, and that seemed much more natural for her. Still, it was a lot to take in. I suspect it'll really click with her on a second lesson. Katy had done it before and picked it up easily.

I finished the Monkey socks and I love them! I want all my socks from now on to be monkeys.

But instead I immediately cast on a Dublin Bay sock. I had started this sock 3 or 4 times in different patterns. I love love love the yarn. It's J.Knits in the North Carolina colorway. After my failed attempts at various patterns from Sensational Knitted Socks, I finally decided something simple would be the best way to show off the fun colors. But I can't stand plain stockinette, so I found this pattern and it seemed just perfect. And I do like it quite a lot. I am using 64 stitches, instead of the 72 called for in the pattern. And this is my first magic loop sock. And I'm digging it. I'm pretty sure this will be my preferred sock method from now on.

One week from tomorrow is my 39th birthday. Woohoo! I'm working hard at changing my attitude about turning 39. Life is good!

monkey dreams

2007-02-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm making good progress on my second monkey sock. I'm looking to wear these socks by Saturday. Hurray! Here's the current state:

And that's a Dreamweaver training book they're resting on. I'm taking a Dreamweaver class on February 24th. See what I can learn about web design. It's been years since I did any web design work, and I used to love it, but what little knowledge I had about it all seems pretty obsolete now. So I will learn what I can. Career opportnities ahead? Maybe! Go me!

I just watched a really excellent movie, "The Secret". I'm still taking it in, but it was powerful inspiring. I'm going to definitely give that some energy and attention and make some positive changes in my life.

My friends Katy and Andrea are coming over on Saturday to have a learn-to-knit lesson. Ooh I'm so excited! Can't wait to do some teaching! Can't wait to have some knitting friends too. Katy may go to Stitches West with me too! Probably on Friday, the 23rd, but maybe Sunday. I don't so much want to make the journey by myself (it's a 2+ hour drive), but if she'll come with, that'd be grand!

And here's a gratuitous Jasmine photo:

Samus Done!

2007-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

I finished my Samus cardigan! Still needs a zipper, though I like it as it is for now. It's a little bit big for me, but I think I will still wear it. This sweater was a great learning experience for me. It was my first real cable project, and it turns out I really enjoy the cable work. The stockinette took patience for me, but I'm really happy with the result. I did add a little bit of waste shaping.

Here's some pics:

Pattern: Samus Cardigan from Knitty.com, Size M
Yarn: Knitpicks Wools of the Andes - Grass (14 balls I think)
Needles: Knitpicks Options, size US8
Started Jan 1, 2007. Completed Feb. 2, 2007.

Jasmine sleeps in the fireplace. . .

2007-02-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

. . . while I sleep on the sofa surrounded by kleenex and cold medicine.

But I did get a little slow motion knitting done on Samus. It's ready for the zipper, just as soon as I am well enough to drag myself to the store to pick one out. That may have to wait a few more days. But hurray for progress.

Sock knitting and head colds

2007-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

So, Christine from the Pointy Sticks Podcast (which is excellent!) is having a podcasitversary contest for some fun prizes, and asked for people to leave her a comment about sock knitting. So, of course, I did. And I'll repeat my feelings about socks here. I do like the sock knitting quite a lot, mostly because socks are a nice, portable project, but also because I love to wear the handknit socks. I'm not a fast sock knitter, so I don't really knit them for other people, but someday I'll be faster at it, and also more generous about it. I can only do the top-down, heel-flap socks. I simply can't figure out short row heels to save my life. I do intend to learn the magic loop method very soon. And my current sock status is... I finished one Monkey sock, and started a second, but it doesn't fit me at all. I worked it on too small a needle, and too tightly, and also the heel flap's not deep enough. So my dilemna is, should I continue with the second sock and find someone to give them to, or should I rip out the first and start over. I am so not inclined to do that at this point, so maybe I'll find someone to try out the first sock and if I find a good fit (Cinderella?), I'll do the second sock. Meanwhile, I have some lovely J-Knits sock yarn that I'd like to wind up and start a new pair, magic loop style. I've been wanting to try something from Sensational Knitted Socks, so I think that's what I'll do. Tomorrow I'll get out the ball winder and swift and wind some yarn!

I'm working on the icord trim for my Samus cardigan. Then I just need a trip to a fabric store to find a zipper and ribbon and then I'll be able to wrap this baby up. I LOVE this sweater. And it seems to fit me quite well, except I think the sleeves are a little too big/baggy. But I can live with that. I can't wait to be able to wear it out in public.

And as for the head cold....I am feeling so incredibly crappy today. This cold hit me so hard and fast. I could not sleep last night, in spite of my nyquil capsules. I just couldn't breathe. And the sudafeds are not helping a bit. And of course the new forumula is just not as effective as the real stuff. Damn those stupid meth addicts for ruining sudafed for us sickies. Looks like I'm gonna need a couple days of work (boo hoo), but I hope it clears up before the weekend.

Weekend Roundup

2007-01-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

I had a super relaxing weekend, hanging out with family. Went to hear some music at an Irish pub, took a little road trip to Hopland, and even went to church. I think this was our first return to church in over a year. For a variety of reasons we had been taking a break from it. The service was excellent. There was a really great guest minister, Chris Michaels, from Kansas City. What a great speaker. He also has a book, which I'm thinking I should read.

So last night we watched Jesus Camp, a documentary about evangelical Christian children learning to be soldiers in God's army. Fascinating. I found it pretty troubling, but I'm sure others will have a very different take on the movie. It was a very well done film though, and I highly recommend it.

As for knitting... I finished the body and sleves of the Samus cardigan. The pieces are blocking now. So tonight I can sew it all together and then begin the icord edging. The thing is, I've never really learned to sew my knitting well, so I better do some studying up on that today before I begin.

100 things about me

2007-01-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well, almost 100...

1. I was born on February 19, 1968 in Hayward, CA.
2. I was named after my grandmothers, Cecily and Ann, and St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
3. I have blue eyes, and freckles.
4. I grew up in Castro Valley and Hayward.
5. I have a B.A. in Psychology from U.C. Santa Cruz.
6. I loved being in college.
7. I hated being in high school. I felt like a social outcast.
8. I have 2 brothers.
9. One is 16 months older than me, the other is 16 months younger.
10. I am very happily married to the man of my dreams, Pete.
11. We were married on June 19, 1999 in Healdsburg, CA. It was an amazing day.
12. We honeymooned in Fiji. It was, predictably, very romantic.
13. I have two stepdaughters who are 23 & 27.
14. I have no children of my own. Lately I feel sad about that.
15. I have an incredibly boring government job.
16. I would love to have a job that had more meaning to me, but I don’t know what that is yet.
17. I am envious of people who have careers that they love, or even care about.
18. I am struggling with turning 39. This is unusual for me.
19. I normally love birthdays.
20. I feel like I should accomplish a lot more before I turn 40.
21. My dad died in 1995. I was 27.
22. I still miss him so much it makes me cry.
23. My mom is an amazing, strong woman – a nurse, an activist, a super compassionate person.
24. I hate caraway seeds, green olives and dill pickles.
25. I love pizza, tri-tip, chocolate, and sweet pickles.
26. I was a vegetarian for many years.
27. Now I love meat.
28. When I was 14 I broke my collarbone by falling out of a window onto my bedroom floor.
29. I live on a breathtakingly beautiful semi-rural property.
30. I love to be at home.
31. I walk 3-5 miles most days.
32. I prefer walking to driving most of the time.
33. I carpool with my husband to work most days.
34. I drive a 1993 Geo Prism, but not often. It is more than adequate to meet my driving needs.
35. I am obsessed with knitting.
36. My mom's mom, Grandma Lennon taught me to knit when I was a child.
37. A few years ago I re-learned by reading various knitting web sites.
38. My favorite TV shows are: The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Office and Grey’s Anatomy.
39. My husband reads to me in bed every night while I knit.
40. I have almost completely stopped reading since I started knitting.
41. I do listen to books on my ipod and books read to me by my husband.
42. I went to Catholic schools from 2nd grade through high school.
43. My parents were devoted Catholics.
44. My father was even a priest before getting married.
45. The Catholic/Christian beliefs didn’t really take with me.
46. I attended the Center for Spiritual Living for a few years, but have lately been “taking a break”.
47. I don’t know that I believe in God. But I am not ready to rule out the possibility either.
48. I think I would like to be a writer, or an artist, but I don’t have much confidence in my abilities or potential.
49. I was overweight for most of my life and still struggle with my weight.
50. I believe in Weight Watchers. It works for me.
51. I have two charmingly neurotic dogs.
52. My younger brother and his wife live in Venezuela.
53. We visit them there in 2005. It was a fabulous adventure.
54. I love to travel.
55. I want to go to Europe with Pete – to Ireland, Italy and France.
56. There are a million places I want to go to Pete – both near and far.
57. One of my very favorite things to do is sit by the fire and knit while Pete plays his guitar and sings to me.
58. Also to hike with the dogs.
59. I used to love to go to concerts when I was younger. Now the crowds stress me out.
60. I was a huge U2 fan in high school/college. I still like them a lot.
61. My musical taste has mellowed. I now like a lot of folk and acoustic music.
62. Musicians I dig: Lyle Lovett, Cheryl Wheeler, Mark Knopfler, John Hiatt, Indigo Girls, Paul Simon.
63. I listen to a lot of knitting podcasts.
64. I have been blessed with some very dear long-time friends.
65. I do not find it easy to make new friends though.
66. I think of myself as a very shy person.
67. I wish I were more social.
68. I like monkeys and have a festive collection of stuffed monkeys at work.
69. I eat the same breakfast nearly every day – Organic Morning Light and Kashi GoLean with Silk.
70. Most of my relatives live in Ontario, Canada.
71. I have only met most of them a few times in my life.
72. I wish I had more family nearby.
73. I buy lottery tickets regularly.
74. If I won I would quit my job in a heartbeat.
75. I wouldn’t want to move though.
76. I am a liberal.
77. I despise George Bush.
78. I also loathe raccoons.
79. I had 2 chickens until recently, when they were killed by raccoons.
80. I get terrible motion sickness – more so than anyone I know.
81. My fingers go numb when I am cold or anxious.
82. I believe in love. (What else is there?)
83. Yosemite is one of my favorite places in the world.
84. Sometimes violent films make me throw up – in the theater.
85. Sometimes they make me faint.
86. I don’t generally care for violent films.
87. I did like Pulp Fiction though. And Fargo.
88. The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies.
89. I am deathly afraid of public speaking.
90. My favorite childhood story was Heidi, which my dad used to read to me.
91. When I was a child, a horse once stepped on - and broke - my foot.
92. I love the outdoors.
93. But I don’t so much like tent camping. (I prefer a real bed and a bathroom.)
94. I usually go to bed at 9:30 pm. I don’t like to stay up late.
95. I am a morning person.

"Don't believe in yourself too much."

2007-01-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

I swear to god, that is today's message on my uplifting page-a-day calendar. I bought this calendar at Barnes & Noble one day because I was feeling blue and I thought I could use some daily pearls of wisdom about ways to improve my life, my outlook, etc. And, since it was the second week of January or so when I was shopping for this ray of sunshine, the selection of calendars was a little on the sparse side. And I have to say, I'm not too terribly impressed with this one so far. But it does kinda crack me up. (And no, it's not meant to be funny.) I find these page-a-day things unreasonably entertaining, though I wish I had a different one now (maybe the stitch&bitch one). But you face the day with the calendar you have, not the calendar you wish you had.

I'm working on my list of 100 things about me, and I'm stuck at 70. Does that make me boring, or what? I will continue to ponder it and post it when I come up with 30 more moderately interesting things about me. It doesn't seem like it should be this much of a challenge.

It is another gorgeous day here in California. I suppose it's unfortunate that we've had so little rain, what with the water shortage and everything, but lordy I do love the sunshine. And after last year's deluge it kinda feels like we've earned ourselves a nice sunny winter.

Getting there...

2007-01-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Finished the body. Working on the sleeves, both at the same time - because if I did them separately, there's no way they'd come out matching. But it's going slower than I would have thought. So...onward.

Tedium

2007-01-15T10:28:00.000-08:00

I tell ya, this stockinette knitting can be a bit tedious. I'm making prety good progress though, considering how distracted I get when faced with another row of plain old stockinette. I've got the whole lower body and right side front done, and am moving on to the upper back. Then left front and sleeves. I'm looking forward to returning to some cable work for the sleeve cuffs. And when I have finished this sweater, I will return to some lace knitting, which will make my heart happy. I do love my lace.

Actually, despite all my whining, I really am liking this sweater. I am so excited by the cabley thing at the bottom and I love the over the top green color. It has got a lovely Irish look about it (which is just so me). Strangely, I have almost no green in my wardrobe at the moment, so this will be a great addition. I can hardly wait to finish it up and wear it.

It is a gorgeous day outside, not quite so freezing cold as its been. I'm hoping to get out for a hike in the great outdoors at some point today. Yay sunshine! In January even!

Slowly She Grows

2007-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly working my way up the body of Samus, but lordy this stockinette stuff is boring as all get out. I have done all the decreases for the waist shaping, so it's onward for a few inches, then increases, etc. It's good mindless TV knitting though. I'm home today, so I'm hoping to make a little more progress on it.

We had a couple earthquakes this morning that have left me feeling a little shaky. One was at 3:30 this morning and was a 3.8, then a smaller one (2.9) at 6:30 am. Plus we had one on Sunday morning, also about a 3.8. All three were centered very close to our home, which I have to say kinda freaks me out a bit. I used to enjoy the earthquakes now and again, but after the Loma Prieta quake in 1989 I am much more aware of how scary and devastating they can be, so I get a wee bit more anxious when the shaking starts.

Starting the Body

2007-01-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

It took me 2 hours last night to pick up the 192 stitches I need to start on the body portion of Samus. Yikes! But I did it, and I knit a couple rows. I decided to add waist shaping, as seen here. I was a little worried the sweater might turn out to be too big and blobby, but I think the waist shaping will solve that problem nicely. Plus, it's a good thing for me to learn. Last night I received Sensational Knitted Socks and my size 1 Knitpicks circular needle. Now I am ready to start learning the magic loop method of sock knitting. Sensational Knitted Socks has some really excellent instruction in various sock knitting techniques and a nice selection of different stitches. It's really a great resource for learning to construct socks, and gives the tools to design your own. I'm looking forward to exploring it further. I really need to make that other Monkey sock too. I can't decide whether to rip back to before the heel and make the heel flap bigger, or just complete the other sock and find a suitable owner for them. I think if I let them sit for a while it will be easier for me to rip them back.

Green Cable Grows

2007-01-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

I'm making good progress on my saxon braid for Samus. I am halfway through the 7th repeat with just one more to go. Maybe I'll finish it up tonight so I can start on the actual sweater knitting tomorrow. I am really loving this cabling thing. Now I'd really like to make the Shedir cap fron Knitty. I must admit, the "extraspicy" description intimidates me a bit, but it seems like a popular knit, and it's so beautiful, I may just have to give it a shot.

Two Projects Progressing...

2007-01-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm making good progress on my Monkey socks.

I am loving this pattern. It is fun to work, looks very cool, and knits up quickly. Only thing is, I'm afraid they're going to be too small for me. I used size 1 needles, instead of the 2's called for in the pattern, and Knitpicks Essential sock yarn in tan. So, I may end up giving these to someone with smaller feet than me. But I will definitely make this pattern again, probably using some of the J-Knits sock yarn I won in Wendy's Heifer International Prize Drawing.

My other project, which is progressing much more slowly, is the Samus cardigan, also from Knitty. I'm working on the Saxon braid that runs along the bottom, and it is taking me forever, mostly because I'm new to cabling, and just last night learned to cable without a cable needle, thanks to Wendy's excellent instructions. Still, I'm really enjoying working on it. Here's my progress so far:

I'm home today, but feeling kinda sickly. I'm going to try to get in to see the doc to make sure I don't have strep throat, but otherwise plan to hang around close to home all day, and hopefully accomplish some knitting.

More Holiday Knitting Goodness!

2007-01-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

We had a grand time in Turlock, celebrating with Pete's family. I was gifted by Pete's sister Nancy with some wonderful knitting items:

A lovely tapestry knitting bag, Vogue's Stitchionary Volume 1, 365 Knitting Stitches A Year, row counters, scissors, chibi's, and some festive yarn. It's all just perfect, and most of it was on my Amazon wishlist, so there you go. I am looking forward to trying out a bunch of new knitting stitches, and maybe one of these days venturing away from patterns a bit.

My one knitted gift, a Wool Peddler's Shawl (in Knitpicks Andean Treasure) for Pete's mom was well received. I think she really liked it. Here she is with her new shawl.

And here is my mom in her new Wool Peddler's Shawl (made in Knitpicks Elegance):

I'm making good progress on my Monkey socks. They really do knit up quickly. I'm a little concerned that they're going to be too small though, since I'm using a size 1 needle instead of the size 2 recommended in the pattern. They're so cute though. I finished my plain Trekking socks and I love them. I ended up really liking that yarn. I'd use it again for sure.

I'd like to get started on a Samus cardigan, maybe even this evening. There are so many projects I want to start, but I think I'm going to make this my next one. I'd like to finish a cardigan before the winter is through. I better get started...

Christmas Knitting Bonanza!

2006-12-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

The knitted gifts were a hit, and I scored a couple of nice knitting books - Knitting Nature from Noelle, and The Knitting Answer Book from Mom. Both books will get a lot of use I am sure.

My current New Years Knitting goals are:
1) to learn to knit continental and
2) to learn to knit socks using the magic loop method.

I've tried a little continental knitting, learning from online videos, and I get the knit stitch, but still haven't mastered the purl. I'd like to find someone who knits continental to give me a quick lesson so I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

As for magic loop... today I ordered for myself a US size 1 32" circular needle from Knitpicks, along with Sensational Knitted Socks, so hopefully in the next week or two I'll be able to give this new (to me) technique a shot.

I am just about done with my plain trekking socks. Lordy it seems like I've been working on these forever. I had nearly completed a pair of feather and fan socks and wasn't happy with how they fit, so I ripped them out and started some plain, top-down socks. Much better.

Tomorrow we're off to Turlock for some more christmas celebrating!

Holiday Gift Knitting

2006-12-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

I've been busy with holiday gift knitting....here are a few samples...

For Hatti (my mother-in-law), a Wool Peddler's shawl in Knitpicks Andean Treasure, Lilac:

For Mom...another Wool Peddler's Shawl, in Knitpicks Elegance, Wild Rose:

For Virginia...a Falling Water Lace scarf in knitpicks shimmer, turquoise.

More photos to follow.

This Amuses Me...

2006-11-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.
The Midland
Boston
North Central
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The South
The Northeast
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

It is, of course, correct.

Swallowtail!

2006-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

I completed my Swallowtail Shawl! I used about 270 yards of Knitpicks Gloss in burgundy. Size 7 Knitpicks Options needles. It took me one week to complete (a record for me). Size: about 64" x 38" I am sooooooo pleased with it. It's a beautiful pattern, and really not difficult.

And, as promised, here's Lauren's Nautie:

Completed Falling Water Scarf

2006-11-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here's my Falling Water Lace Scarf in Knitpicks Shimmer. I was sorta hating it while I was working on it, because I didn't think the yarn worked too well with the pattern. But, thanks to the miracle of blocking, I am now quite pleased with it. I used US size 4 (knitpicks options) needles, and it took maybe 250 yards. Love it!

I immediately cast on for the Swallowtail Shawl (from Interweave Knits, Fall 2006). I'm using Knitpicks Gloss in Burgundy, and size 7 needles. So far I think it is lovely. I think I am really going to like this pattern. Here's my start:

I also finished a super cute Nautie for Lauren. I'll post pictures of that later.

New Blog!

2006-11-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Lacevember blog, I finally decided to create my own. So here it is.

And to start it off, I'm going to answer the questions from the Lacevember blog contest:

The knitting questions, or the usual suspects
How long have you been knitting? a couple of years (though I knit occasionally as a kid)

How did you learn to knit? Originally from my granny, as a kid, but more recently, from the internet - I can't remember which sites though.

Favorite thing about knitting? I love always having a project to work on, always looking forward to a new FO. It's all very exciting for me.

How long have you been knitting lace? About 3 months. I'm still a newbie

Favorite thing about knitting lace. the blocking. I love that drama of really seeing the lace pattern for the first time.

The yarn questions, or flash your stash

Favorite lace yarn? I'm still new to this, so have only used a few different knitpicks yarns. I like the "Shimmer", but am looking forward to trying others.

variegated or solids for shawls? solids.

Favorite lace color? red. (I haven't done anything red yet though!)

Technique, or show us your skillz

Circs or straights? circs

Favorite lace knitting trick? count often!

Lifelines? If so with what? nope. live dangerously.

Fancy blocking wires, or just sewing pins stuck in your carpet? wires. welding rods from the hardware store - 67 cents each. Makes the job a zillion times easier.

Pattern, or can you follow directions

shawls or lacey items? shawls!

triangle, rectangle, or circular shawls? so far I've only done triangle, but I'm looking forward to doing a rectangle or two.

Charts or printed instructions? charts.

Favorite lace you've knit? Evelyn Clark's Leaf Lace Shawl.

Favorite lace you want to knit? Shallowtail Shawl, Kimono Shawl

Just Fun, yup that's right, just for fun

Favorite jelly belly flavor? popcorn

Tell me everything you know about Eric the Red..... huh?

Coke, classic or with lime? Diet Coke

Holiday carols, sing along, or wish they would be banned from all public airwaves? I gotta say, I'd ban 'em.

What is the definition of irony? the Colbert Report

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? More than I can count, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Why is my cat always puking in front of my son's bedroom door? Cats have issues that we humans will never understand. It's trying to send you a message, but it needs to communicate more clearly.

What is your superhero power? I can tune out to survive the most long & boring meetings, while still appearring attentive and interested.

If the laundry is 9 foot by 11 foot (just dreaming, that's a big laundry room), and the walls are 8 feet tall, and you are going to tile the entire room in tiles that are 3 inches by 5 inches, what color should those tiles be? That's a big laundry room! And tiles are pretty permanent. I'd go neutral personally - cream, or something kinda slatey looking.

What's for dinner tonight? turkey meatloaf & roasted asparagus.

What is clogging my children's bathtub drain? a small plastic submarine