Just Another.....Knit!

2010-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

Trio.....The Legumier was not available until after Christmas...and I did contemplate waiting until next year....but just couldn't. The mini-Legumiers are too cute and I can think of so many dishes I will create and serve in them! This is probably my last Le Creuset pot purchase for myself...but I will be happy supplying Joan and Bobby with pots and stoneware for many years!

2010-12-31T09:44:00.000-08:00

Feast..... Bobby brought the Melting Pot chez Kirchgessner. He planned an amazing dinner! Surprisingly, the dark chocolate raspberry fondue was my favorite course...although I didn't think he could top the first course (cheese!) or the Chinoise! Fabulous!

2010-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Dress............... Blocking is not the greatest....but hopefully...no one will notice any imperfections with Maggie in it!

2010-06-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

Lotus Flower.......

This was a test knit....Mistakes made: soaking and then blocking...which made it impossible to block it with the scalloped edging...it wanted to be round and I can't say I did a good job with that. I would never use Baroque again...full of knots which means lots of ends to weave in.

It was a fun knit and not difficult....just the blocking was a fiasco.

2010-03-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

Easter in Bunnyland....

2010-02-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

The Big Spin..... Last week, I decided to spin instead of knit....Finally finished spinning and plying some Louet Shetland....367 yards...of hopefully fingering weight yarn.

I am not sure what this fiber is....I think it is merino/tencel. This is 767 yards of lace weight. Not enough for a shawl...but...I did enjoy spinning it.

The weather in Florida is wonderfully chilly - perfect for spinning!

2010-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

Angee..... Opal Sock Yarn....size 2.5 needles...a quick and easy pair of socks.

2010-01-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

First..... finished project of 2010....and the first socks I have knit for Bobby since he was 9 years old. Hopefully, they will fit.

2010-01-03T03:46:00.000-08:00

Annual Review

Not an impressive list, considering I felt like I did knit a lot!

Sweaters

Stornoway - most of the actual knitting was done years ago!

Cherished

Tulip Sweater w/ Matching Hat

Setesdal

Shawls

Wing of the Moth

Ice Fantasia

Irtfa'a

Lacewing

(I love Anne Hanson's designs!)

Dresses for Maggie

Clara

Dale Christmas Dress

Socks

Gregg's Socks

Joan's Socks

Maggie Socks

I have to say...I love my Nook! I have no way of comparing it to the Kindle but....at least I am reading again! My only complaints....the dictonary is terrible (Merriam Webster) and 99% of the words I actually do look up are not in it. And...even though 700,000 books are supposedly available for download....many of the books I want to read are not available as ebooks. Also, the type size is limited to the size of the print in the actual book....so...Time and Chance and The Devil's Brood are both too small for me to comfortably read even with the extra large print size selected. (I am sure a good light would help.) I understand this is not an issue with the Kindle and I have registered this "complaint" with B&N for the next generation Nook. Other than those issues, I love it. lol

Currently reading....The Girl Who Played with Fire....

Loved....The Girl with the Green Tattoo, Child 44 and did finish Her Fearful Symmetry which is more than I can say about The Time Traveler's Wife. Just could not reconcile the time issue.

While I normally do not "do" resolutions, I stopped smoking on January 1. So...my goal for 2010 is not to gain 20 lbs from stopping smoking...and...to avoid a new crutch/addiction to replace the old one. Sigh.....

2009-12-20T02:34:00.000-08:00

Sock a Doodle Do.... This is the first pair of socks for the Mags that actually fit her! They are a tad big...but...at least the heel fits! This pattern will be my "go-to" pattern for Maggie socks. Next time, I'll go down a needle size....

Almost decided to keep them! These were a very quick knit (Rock-a-Bye from the "Joy of Sox") mainly because the length is shorter - 6".

These socks do look huge, no? But..I am sure they will be perfect ; )

2009-10-31T02:37:00.000-07:00

Good Times....

2009-10-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween..... What a fabulous pumpkin!!!! Gregg is so talented!!!!

2009-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Dress....... I'll block it tomorrow.....If it is chilly or hot this Christmas, Maggie will have a dress to wear!

2009-10-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

Tulip Time..... It was chilly last Monday and the Mags arrived wearing her Tulip sweater and matching hat. So sweet! (The hat was off in seconds!)

2009-10-13T07:23:00.001-07:00

It's About Time...... The Clara dress is finished.....and overall....I am pleased. Since I couldn't get gauge with the Isager yarn, I used Jaggerspun Zephyr held double. After blocking, it has beautiful drape and sheen. Now to find the perfect button.....

Gregg's Christmas socks (and one of Maggie's) are finished.

2009-09-12T02:42:00.000-07:00

Days of Summer...

Although I haven’t posted in a while….I have been knitting. After watching Maggie during the day, I am usually too tired to knit at night, however, I do try to spend one day/week just knitting with small breaks for cooking, eating and an occasional load of laundry.

All three shawls were designed by Anne Hanson/Knitspot. I love that she provides written instructions as well as charts.

Although I posted the same picture twice (didn’t feel like starting over) the first shawl is Ice Fantasia knit out of my handspun. I am crazy about it!

Irtfa’a was next. Jackie had a fabulous weekend getaway planned and through the years has hinted, “Why don’t you knit me a shawl,” so I did.

I love the yarn – Valley Yarn Alpaca Silk. Wish I had it in every color! The shawl is soft and airy and has fabulous drape.

I just finished Lacewing which I plan to dye black for the holidays. There are plenty of purl 2 togethers through the back loop – a pain in the ass if you ask me – but – much easier to accomplish in natural colored yarn.

My summer of lace is now over….I have socks to knit for Christmas as well as Maggie’s Christmas dress.

2009-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Maggie.....

2009-07-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Fantasia.... One of the perks of being sick and unable to sleep.....lots of knitting time.....

Pattern: Ice Fantasia by Anne Hanson

Yarn: Handspun Louet Merino/Silk

~1200 yards

Needles: 3 and 5

Finished Measurement: ~30" X 72"

Ran out of pins while I was blocking it....so I'm not real pleased with the shoulder/left and right upper edges. I used blocking wires. Not sure how it is going to look once it is unpinned....

2009-07-06T02:50:00.000-07:00

July 4.....

A little fun in the sun......

Minjeong rolling the Kim Bap!

Bobby loves cooking too!

A beautiful creation - and tasty too ; )

2009-06-21T15:36:00.001-07:00

Family..... Miss Maggie is mesmerized by Baby Einstein's "Farm Animals".....and Missy Sof is enthralled by Maggie!

Such a cutie!

Bobby and his girfriend, Minjeong, came down for Father's Day and to celebrate Gregg's birthday. I think this was the first time Bobby held Maggie!

Minjeong is a lovely young lady. She is learning English and doing quite well!

A quiet moment....

Minjeong modeling Wing of the Moth........

The lovebirds : ) July 4 should be a lot of fun! Bobby and I will be collaborating on the menu!

2009-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Wings of a Moth.... I love the fact that my blocking board distorts the color....

....It truly is just plain black. The shawl is for Minjeong...knit on size 3 needles...which means the shawl is a lot smaller than the original pattern. The finished measurement is 62" X 32". Hopefully, it will be okay. It really is an easy, quick knit. If it is too small, I can always knit it again. : ) If I knew what the yarn was....I would definitely buy it again.

2009-05-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Almost.... Finished.

What I learned...........steeks can and do run.....I cannot use a sewing machine (I already knew that but tried anyway).......reinforcing buttonholes should be done with thinner yarn.....buy the buttons first.....and.....finishing may be tedious....but I like the results.

2009-04-23T14:19:00.001-07:00

Love.....

Just adorable......

2009-04-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

In Pieces..... Once I have it blocked, the fun part (finishing) begins! Maybe I'll start a matching hat instead : )

2009-04-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

Wrong Again...... Dale of Norway fair isle patterns are apparently a lot different than traditional fair isle.

What I've learned so far.....stranding looks better than weaving in Baby Ull....always hold the pattern color in the left hand and the background color in the right (not how I'm doing it - of course). Can't wait to decrease knitting backwards....or purling in fair isle if that is a disaster.

So...another sweater that won't be perfect...but at least I'm learning something new with each project.

2009-03-30T02:28:00.001-07:00

Am I Having Fun! I am officially addicted to fair isle knitting.

"Cherished" was a fabulous first fair isle. The pattern was well-written and the charts easy to follow! Even steeking was pretty much angst-free!

I read (somewhere) that Classy stretches like crazy....so....I didn't stress over my too-tight gauge....hopefully, when I wash it...I will be able to easily block it to the correct length and width. If not, it will fit Maggie this year...instead of next! The knitting was quick and easy although the finishing details are a little sketchy. I attached the i-cord with the wrong side facing and am pleased with the outcome.

2009-03-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Clue.....
"Little Pea" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

2009-03-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Potpourri One down....one to go....

Started the Tulip Sweater a few days ago....wonderful, mindless knitting!

Miss Maggie has a serious side.....

2009-03-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Sweet....

Maggie's personality is just as sweet....

Such kissable little lips....

2009-02-21T03:15:00.001-08:00

Maggie Elizabeth Dean

2/19/09

8 lbs 12 oz

21" long

My daughter is an amazing woman. Where she found the strength, I do not know. I am so proud of her.

With 30 doctors/hospital staff in the delivery room, "your wife deserves diamonds" says it all. She deserves that and so much more!!!

2009-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Waiting.....
"Cherished" by Froggie Meanie Designs.....

If Maggie keeps this up....I'll be finished before she gets here!

(The sweater is like a cross stitch sampler....I've done fair isle the Philosopher's Wool-way (weaving) and stranded. Decided little fingers might get caught in the floats so went back to weaving.) It won't be perfect but it is a lot of fun!

2009-01-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

A Finished Product.....

Pattern: Stornoway
"Fishermen's Sweaters" by Alice Starmore
19 skeins - Brown Sheep - Nature Spun - Sport Weight

....if you don't count weaving in a million ends....and then steaming the ribbing....At least the knitting is done!

The sweater is really teal blue.....

One of these days, I'll either have to figure out how to adjust this camera....or buy a new one....for Maggie.

2008-12-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Cupcake!

Aside from being unable to crochet the cherry,(made a pom pom instead) it is just too cute.

2008-12-10T05:26:00.000-08:00

A Wonderful Wallaby for Maggie!

Yarn: Cascade Bollicine Maxi

Decided to knit a wallaby while waiting for my baby yarn to arrive....it still hasn't arrived....but it has shipped! One step closer....

2008-12-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

February Baby Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmerman
for
a (Maybe) February Baby!

Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight - Dixie Chicks
Needle Size - 5

Ran out of yarn....so didn't finish the sleeves properly. Will probably use pretty ribbon as a closure. It also needs to be blocked....It was a very fun, quick knit.

2008-11-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Oh Happy Day!

Beautiful Baby Knits - Sirdar

Twining Vine Strip-Knitted Afghan - Sivia Harding
Louet Gems Baby - Willow/2 Cones (Fabulous yarn!)
Finished Measurement - 40" X 40"

2008-11-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

C.U.T.E.

2008-09-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Missing in Action

Although I haven’t posted in quite a while….I have been slowly knitting.

When I signed up for MS4, I seriously thought I could keep up with the group. Won’t be happening. I’m printing the clues and will eventually knit it. I love the color of my beads and yarn….so maybe March, 2009.

I have completed one strip of Sivia Harding’s “Twining Vine Strip-Knitted Afghan.” I love the pattern but wasn’t crazy about knitting the strips. After completing the first strip, I cast on the entire afghan – but – I failed to take in to account the 2 extra seaming stitches built in to the pattern. So….I ripped it out and cast on for strip #2. I should make some serious progress now.

Cute, no?

Bob’s afghan is sewn together….just have to add the border and sew in the ends. The first week in December will be dedicated to finishing both afghans. We’ll see how that plan turns out.

2008-07-30T05:11:00.001-07:00

GAA - #17, #18, #19

Julie H. Levy

Ginger Smith

Janet Martin

2008-07-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

GAA #14,#15,#16

Suzanne Atkinson

Ann McCauley

Dana Hurt

I am currently knitting the border and blocking has begun. One final square to choose and knit.

2008-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

GAA - #9, #10, #11, #12, #13

Wendy Sacks

Susan Z. Douglas

Dagmara Berztiss

Jacqueline Jewett

Bette Anne Lampers - Such a fun square!

2008-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

GAA #5, #6, #7, #8

Sidna Farley
Sally Melville

Ada Fenick

Lily Chin

Still enjoying the knitting!

2008-05-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

GAA - #2, #3, #4

Kathy Zimmerman

Traci Bunkers

Melissa Leapman

2008-05-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

GAA - #1 - Julie Hoff-Weisenberger

I love the squares in this afghan! One is prettier than the next.

Cascade 220 Superwash is lovely to knit with - and I love the olive-heathery color.

This is going to be a fun, fun, fun project. I doubt I will stick to 3 squares/month.

2008-05-01T07:33:00.001-07:00

Best Laid Plans.....

So close.....yet so far away.....

Sleeve knitting on Bobby’s gansey continues.....I plan on switching to Magic Loop for the remainder of the sleeve. It will go much quicker and be less painful. (My pointer is a mess!)

So.....I started a sock....."Narragansett Bay Socks" from “A Fine Fleece.” I just happened to have some targhee spun specifically for socks. I haven’t found much information on how targhee holds up.....but I am enjoying the knitting. (The socks will be for me to wear on spinning days.)

Cascade 220 Superwash

The yarn for the “Great American Afghan” should arrive on May 5th. I wasn’t going to start anything new.....sigh.....I love the color! I plan on knitting 3 squares/month so that it will be comfortably finished in time for Bob for Christmas. I’ll be combining my favorite squares from “The Great American Aran Afghan” and the “Great American Afghan.”

Let's see what causes this plan to go awry!

2008-04-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Buy The Book!

These absolutely fabulous designs are knit with handspun yarns, however, equivalent commercial yarn is also given for every project.

I LOVE EVERY SWEATER - VEST - SCARF - SOCK in the book!

Off to check my handspun yardage….

2008-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

GAAA - The Border

Love it!

One of these days, I'll figure out how to adjust the camera!

2008-04-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

GAAA - Finished - With Some Issues

Aside from having to weave in a few (million) ends…..the afghan is done.

What I would have done differently?

1) A few squares came really large…if/when I knit the afghan again (Bob would love one) I would go down a needle size on Rainey, Vincent, Hewitt.
2) When I was seaming the squares together, I had a hard time “easing” these larger squares to the smaller squares. I am not happy with those seams. The light bulb didn’t come on until I was done fudging. USE PINS! (Which I did use sewing on the border and it went off without a hitch!) I’m hoping a little steam and time will relax them. I used a light hand when sewing so it isn’t the sewing that is causing the puckering, it’s the lack of proper easing.
3) I love the border!

Bob was cute. “Won’t that disappear when you block it?”

Overall, I am pleased with the afghan, the yarn choice and the color.

And, it’s basically done.

2008-04-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

GAAA #20 - Georgia Vincent

There is nothing "right" about this square. I was so looking forward to knitting it and it became my nemesis.

Rows 20 and 21 have issues...In my opinion, even the errata has errata! I opted to make small bobbles to go with the big center bobbles instead of as designed. (I did try 3 times before admitting defeat!)

Then, her bobbles and mine looked totally different. Mine were ugly and unacceptable...So, I omitted them.

I'm glad I saved this square for last...otherwise...I would never have knit the afghan!

2008-04-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

GAAA #19 - Jay Campbell

This is what it looked like off the needles. Hmmmm.....

Here it is...blocking....Sigh....There are quite a few issues with this square and I probably won't be using it in the afghan. The needle size is too small (6)...couldn't get a rhythm knitting it whether I used circulars or dpn's due to the S2KP2 at the end of the rounds....and I had to stretch it like crazy to get it near the 12" measurement. It is closer to 11".

Once it is dry, I'll make a decision. So not happy....

2008-04-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

To Be Continued.....

Two years ago, I started knitting "Stornoway" designed by Alice Starmore.

When it came time to attach the shoulder straps to the live shoulder stitches, I was extremely intimidated so I set the sweater aside.

While waiting for my knitting needles to arrive, I had to knit something so I pulled this sweater out of hibernation.

With a little help from Beth Brown-Reinsel ("Knitting Ganseys") the shoulder straps were fun and easy.

The big decision now....continue knitting the sweater or go back to the afghan. My needles arrived yesterday ; )

2008-04-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

GAAA - The Border

In order to knit the last 2 squares, I had to order knitting needles. Typical.

The majority of squares are blocked...now the border is knit...so I'll begin seaming.

2008-04-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

GAAA #18 - Kathleen T. Carty

I started this square a while ago....the border is worked first and then stitches are picked up around the inner edge. I wasn't crazy about my grafting job...so I set it aside.

Looking at it with fresh eyes, it looked fine...so I completed the square today. It is actually nicer in person...and...I must need a new digital camera since the square is a wine color - not orange.

2008-04-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

GAAA #17 - Janet Martin

This square was listed as one of the most challenging squares. It was pretty straightforward and fun to knit.

2008-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

GAAA #16 -Susan Rainey

Have a bit more work to do on the square...the sweater needs to be blocked...and then attached to the square....

2008-03-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Couple....

It was wonderful of Bruce to stop in Orlando so that we could share in their happiness!

Bob couldn't be happier for them!

As are Joanie and Gregg (and Dori!)

Bobby came down from Gainesville! He's thrilled Jodi and Bruce found each other again after so many years apart.

Welcome to the family, Bruce!

2008-03-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

GAAA #15 - Patt Tanton Hewitt

The picture in the booklet doesn't do this square justice. It was a lot of fun to knit as well!

2008-03-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

GAAA #14 - Meredith K. Morioka

2008-03-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

GAAA #13 - Marian Tabler

2008-03-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

GAAA #12 - Dagmara Berztiss

Different.

2008-03-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

GAAA #11 - Ada Fenick

Fun. Fun. Fun.

2008-03-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

GAAA #10 - Carol Adams

Easy. Easy. Easy.

2008-03-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Finished!

Final Measurement - 48"

Neither color is accurate....the yarn is more of a taupe color.

Would I knit it again? Probably. But - would make it much larger. Would also consider another edging. Maybe. We'll see what it looks like without the pins.

2008-03-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

An Exciting Finish...

If all goes according to plan, I will have knit 110 rows in pattern....then do the bind off. I would like to knit the blanket as large as possible using the 2 skeins of yarn.

Since I am pessimistic about yarn (will there be enough?) I unscientifically figure (postage scale) that each row uses ~one half ounce of yarn....I have a little more than 5 ounces left....3 more knit rows = 1.5 ounces leaving 3.5 for the bind off. Sounds good!

2008-02-29T03:08:00.000-08:00

A Little Hemlock

2008-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

GAAA #9 - Suzanne Atkinson

2008-02-21T09:57:00.001-08:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Purist. You are an accomplished knitter producing beautiful pieces with a classic feel. You sometimes lament losing half of your local yarn shop to garish novelty yarns. Perhaps you consider fun fur scarves the bane of knitting society and prefer to steer new knitters towards the wool and cotton blends. Some might call you a bit of an elitist but you know that you've been doing this craft long enough to respect the history behind it and honor it with beautiful piece that can last a lifetime. http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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2008-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

GAAA #8 - Ginger Smith

2008-02-18T05:33:00.000-08:00

GAAA #7 - Ann McCauley

2008-02-16T03:13:00.000-08:00

GAAA #6 - Barbara McIntire

2008-02-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Next Step.......

I started blocking the squares....easier than I anticipated...

The yarn is extremely soft after washing...I'm hoping the afghan doesn't feel and look limp and lifeless when I sew it together.

2008-02-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

GAAA #5 - Hanna Burns

2008-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Taken By Surprise

Yesterday, I received the most wonderful present for my birthday!

Janice, who learned to knit when Jackie and I started, “Chip ‘n for Dale,” KNIT ME THE MOST GORGEOUS PILLOW! The yarn is heavenly (can’t walk by without caressing it), the embellishments amazing (the rosettes are FABULOUS) and the pillow is further complemented by the most magnificent mother of pearl buttons! The knitting itself is WONDERFUL!

It is the perfect gift from one knitter/friend to another : )

In addition, Janice sent a beautiful lace wood shawl pin from Knitting Notions. I hope to wear it tomorrow to knitting (even if it is 86 degrees and humid!) If I’m having a good picture day, I’ll have Bob snap a photo ; ) What are the odds…..

The funny thing about getting older...when I put my make-up on in the morning, I think I still look pretty good but when I see photos of myself….there is a definite disparity among realities....I'm basically okay with this.

2008-02-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

GAAA #4 - Dana Hurt

2008-01-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

GAAA #3 - Julie H. Levy

2008-01-27T04:17:00.000-08:00

Bigger is Better?

Three-Cornered Shawl in Clover Pattern
"Victorian Lace Today"

Unblocked, the shawl measured 72" X 34"....in a very relaxed state...no pulling or stretching.

Blocked - 82" X 50"....49" if I don't count the edging....

I didn't stretch it as much as I could have....love the width...am a little concerned about the length. Will it end at my knees?

I used 2.5 balls of Jaggerspun Zephyr in the copper colorway and size 5 needles. This was an extremely easy pattern aside from a few errors in Chart E. The only difficult part was casting on 624 stitches.

Would I knit it again? Absolutely!

2008-01-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Greatest Gift!

Joanie and Gregg stopped by tonight to have a few beers....and brought Bob and I the most wonderful present!

The first book is a wedding album....

And the second....a year in review....culminating with the purchase of their new home!

They are both fabulous and will be cherished forever!

(Check out www.mypublisher.com to create your own books! Now I have another project for 2008!)

2008-01-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

GAAA - #2 - Ginette Belanger

I ended up knitting this square twice. As recommended in the pattern, I knit the square on size 6 needles. When I realized I had messed up the trinity stitch way back in the beginning, I took the square off the needles and measured. Way. Too. Small. Reknit on size 7's, it is pretty close in size to square number 1.

2008-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

GAAA - #1 - Ann Strong

Now I'll go back to knitting my shawl : )

2008-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Class.....

Patsy Z. is a fabulous spinning instructor and a pretty funny lady! (http://www.spinninguru.com/) Our class was called, "Color Options" and I had not a clue what we would be learning.

Patsy guided us through the importance of making samples....so there is no disappoinment in the final resulting yarn. I would like to think I will be a "thinking spinner" after attending her class.

I loved making the cabled yarn...the boucle....and even the faux boucle was pretty nifty.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday....

2008-01-18T05:07:00.000-08:00

Can't Hardly Wait.....

The yarn and pattern arrived yesterday. The Northampton looks like a great choice and Joan will love the color. I did pick my first square, Ann Strong. It is listed as one of the easier patterns but I just love the pomegranates!

Once I finish my shawl....knit my swatch....I'll be working on square #1! Can't hardly wait!

2008-01-17T03:58:00.000-08:00

'Till the Garden Grows.....

Bob knows me so well! I have always loved the "idea" of a garden...but hate gardening. I loved my rose garden until the month of May...it is just too buggy, hot and humid in Florida to enjoy gardening - for me anyway.....

So for Christmas, Bob gave me the Aero Garden. (I had never heard of it!) It requires 2 minutes of gardening per week in the comfort of my kitchen. Love it! I'll be harvesting some basil later on today....oregano and parsley won't be far behind....

2008-01-17T02:41:00.000-08:00

Quick and Easy.....

Just not quick enough....I had hoped to finish the shawl in time to wear to the spinning class on Saturday....not going to happen...but...it is a very enjoyable, easy knit.

2008-01-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Picture Day

Aunt Shirlee sent a photo of Brogan wearing his sweater! What a cutie and only 7 months old!!!!

2008-01-13T03:43:00.000-08:00

Do the Math.....

On Friday, I decided my shawl was looking a little small. (The pattern calls for 2200 yards and so far…I have only used one ball of Zephyr. This is definitely a red flag!) I didn’t swatch…I know I like Jaggerspun Zephyr on size 5’s….Anyway…I googled “Three Cornered Shawl” and found 2 bloggers who had finished it. Both mentioned how large it is.

I measured the one side of the triangle…45” unblocked. I asked my son how to figure out the sides of a triangle when you only know one dimension. He couldn’t remember the formula. So again, I googled it…and I did the math! According to my calculations, the top of the shawl, unblocked, will be 78”. Since I knit tight…it won’t grow by one-third when I block it. I like it! Is it correct? Not a clue!

I’ll be knitting like crazy to end the suspense ; )

2008-01-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Always a New Beginning.....

200 yards of beautiful fingering weight Louet/Shetland roving....Yet to spin....gray...brown....black. Hope to design my own Shetland-style socks.

New Year's Eve, I cast on the "Three Cornered Shawl." We were all so emotionally and physically exhausted from house hunting....we ate dinner...played one game...and that was that. Pretty funny.

I too have compiled a list of items completed in 2007.

Knitting
1 Sweater
2 Baby Surprise Jackets
7 Pair of Socks
2 Scarves
2 Dog Sweaters
5 Shawls/Stoles
1 Baby Blanket
1 Fingerless Mitts
1 Hat
4 Mini Christmas Ornaments
1 Cell Phone Case

Spinning
12 oz Alpaca/Merino/Silk - Oriental Poppies
1 lb Alpaca/Merino/Silk - Shades of Green
4 oz Merino/Tencel - Moonlight Serenade
12 oz Alpaca/Merino/Silk - Clematis
12 oz Seacoast Merino/Silk - Sea Pinks
4 oz Merino/Tencel - Biscotti
3 oz Merino Pencil Roving

Knitting slowly continues on Cobblestone....still up to sleeve #1....the yarn is just so hard on my hands....

One future project I am considering is "The Great American Aran Afghan." The only drawback....we live in Florida...so far, this winter, we have had 3 chilly days. Just debating if it is a waste to knit....because I can envision Dori enjoying it instead of Joanie and Gregg.

2007-12-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Recipe for a Perfect Christmas..........

(Not a picture of my rice balls but they look like mine)

Rice Balls

3 cups of Arborio Rice - Boiled 20 Minutes Exactly
3 Eggs
6 oz Grated Cheese
8 oz Mozzarella - Diced
Bag of Parsley

Bread Crumbs
Salt and Pepper

Cook rice and add grated cheese while the rice is still hot. Let cool completely. Add parsley and eggs, mixing well. Add 2 tsp of salt and some pepper to the rice mixture.

Season plain bread crumbs with salt and pepper. Make a ball out of the rice (the size of golf balls.) Stick in a piece of mozzarella. Roll in bread crumbs.

Deep fry (370) until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.

2007-12-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

La Miniature II......

Pattern - http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/free_knitting_patterns/2007/06/knitted_mini_ch.html

2007-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Touch of Italian....

It wouldn't be Christmas without Struffoli! (and rice balls!)

Struffoli

4 cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
5 eggs
½ cup butter melted
¾ cup sugar
Zest of 1 Lemon

Juice of One Lemon
Two Cups Honey

To the flour, add salt and then eggs one at a time. Melt butter and add when cool. Add vanilla, sugar and lemon zest. Mix.

On a floured surface, knead until smooth. Let rest. Dough will be a little sticky. Roll out ”pencils,” adding a light dusting of flour if needed. Cut "pencils" in to ½” pieces.

Deep fry(360) until a light golden color.

Heat honey and the juice of one lemon. Add struffolis a little at a time. Coat well and place on platter.

Dust with sprinkles.

2007-12-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

La Miniature....

Too cute! I think it took me longer to weave in the ends than to knit!

http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/minisweater-pattern.shtm

2007-12-18T04:40:00.000-08:00

The Whirr of the Spinning Wheel.....

184 yards of squishy merino...although you can't tell by my crappy picture, the yarn is a pale celery green....very pretty...Jackie gave me 3.3 ounces of pencil roving to try and it was a dream to spin. I wasn't obsessive about the singles or the plying...I just wanted to spin...and had a great time doing it. I definitely see more merino pencil roving in my future!

I opted to spin instead of clean....and wrote out a schedule...which will allow me to clean/shop/wrap and knit and spin. Sounds good, no?

2007-12-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

Nuts.....

In 2001, while Bob was spending 99.9% of his time in Gatlinburg, I took up bead weaving. Although I purchased 3 looms, thousands of beads and spent hours beading, I only finished 2 bookmarks and one beaded bag (just need to weave in the ends – where have you heard that before?)

I really love the way beads feel so decided to start a little beaded cell phone case for Joan. Will I finish it? Probably not. Just wanted to fiddle with beads. It isn’t very artsy or creative….but…it’s fun (aside from threading the beading needles which can take up to 20 minutes with my very bad eyes.)

I should be knitting though….or Christmas shopping…or cleaning…that would be nice! And, I haven’t even thought about baking!

2007-12-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Funny Things....

Joanie requested I knit her a cell phone case....I spent 3 hours yesterday looking at beading books, gathering up looms, obsessing over the 11/16" depth of her phone...when on my desk I spied an unfinished sock...knit years ago...that I set aside. It was the perfect dimensions! I did a 3-needle bind off, crocheted a tie, wove it in and voila! A prototype for the black cell phone case I will knit her.

The only difference? I will choose a cable pattern...and decrease at the bottom for a gently sloped bottom that won't flare.

I think it's a pretty nifty idea with oodles of possibilities!

2007-12-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hideous Kinky....

1045 yards of Susan's Spinning Bunny Mohair/Merino/Silk in the Clematis colorway.

I started spinning it in September....and....it had some issues...or I had some issues. One 3-oz ball was difficult to pre-draft/spin...I tossed quite a bit of it due to really overspun, kinky singles. Just glad to have finally finished it!

Next up? 3 oz. of merino pencil roving.

2007-11-28T03:12:00.000-08:00

Temptation.....

Jackie is having a fabulous yarn sale....and I just couldn't resist....

The green yarn is Schaefer sock yarn....earmarked for Gregg....The remaining yarn is Louet Gems fingering weight...which will either become this.....

or this....depending on Joan's choice.

2007-11-28T02:51:00.000-08:00

Trapped in a Purple Haze....

I love everything about these socks....the yarn (Schaefer)...the color...the pattern....

Two different patterns are used which makes for an interesting and fun knit.....

"Folk Knitting in Estonia" by Nancy Bush...Ellen's Stockings

2007-11-25T08:07:00.001-08:00

Your Passion is Pink!

You're the type of woman that would never get described as passionate...

Oh but you can be passionate at times - you just don't let it show.

Your passion most shows through in your sweet and optimistic attitude.

And chances are, most people are very passionate about you!

What Type of Passionate Woman Are You?

2007-11-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Mistake....

Jackie's niece recently gave birth to a teeny, tiny baby girl (3 lbs)....I immediately cast on another Baby Surprise Jacket using sock weight yarn. Unfortunately, when I was weaving in the ends of the pick up stitches, I must have pulled the yarn really, really hard and the surrounding stitches are funky. I. Am. Not. Happy.

I seamed the one shoulder and am conflicted about sewing the other.

If you blow up the picture, you might be able to see the funky part...lower, middle, right side....

I could weigh the remaining yarn and see if I have enough yarn to knit it over. Sigh...and that's the way I'm leaning.....So. Not. Happy.

2007-11-23T04:18:00.000-08:00

A Day of Thanksgiving....

Jodi and Bruce, we wish you were here too!

Fun in the kitchen.....

Hard at work....

It was wonderful having everyone in the kitchen cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Joanie's first cheesecake saga will now forever be replaced with the parsleyed potato story! It is good to know that whether you put a handful of parsley or 2 bunches, potato pie cannot be ruined ; )

Father and son....and turkey....

Mother and son....

We laughed a lot, drank a little (too much maybe?), and ate too much!

And...we get to do it all over again today....with a whole lot less work!

2007-11-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

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