Thursday Was Such A Good Day

In short, I knitted all afternoon at Norma's with the Daytime Knitters. We went to dinner. Then we joined all the other Radical Knitters out to Knit 4 Together in Dunlap and knitted all night.

It was a good day.

It's A Good Feeling

Both are finished. One is blocking, the other I'll block tomorrow. I tried both on and they fit reasonably well. Cobblestone on the left did not need even one of the extra balls I ordered to finish, but I am sure glad that I got the same dye lot. This was fun to make.


Cottage Creations Adult Babies and Bears Sweater from Cascade Tweed also. I do love this yarn, but now it is time to move away from it.


Today, it is back to the Taos Diagonal Jacket. It's interesting when you finish a couple of things. Now, I am wondering what I'll start next? The Mermaid jacket? Perhaps, and the Gansey needs attention too! And of course there is that holiday gift I still need to finish. But, that is the only one for now that has a time frame. I like this no pressure stuff.

Unplanned Time Off

I felt a bit off Monday after I got up. I went to work. I was talking to a co-worker telling her how I could have used one more day off to the weekend and wishing I had. All of a sudden, 20 minutes after arriving at work, I decided, rather my gastro system decided I was getting an extra day off. Nothing major, just enough to keep me home for Monday and Tuesday.

So, I took advantage of the forced time off. Monday, in between running to the bathroom, I finished a couple of easy scarves. Yesterday, still feeling a bit off, I stayed home. Feeling good enough to knit, I finished the green tweed Adult Babies and Bears Sweater. I love it and will show pics later this week after I find some good buttons to go with it. I am not crazy about my buttonholes on it and I will need to do a little work on those. But, despite it all, it fits well, and although I like it, that is the last one I'll do for a while. I've made two so far this year.

After finishing the Babies and Bears, I picked up the Cobblestone and hope to finish it tonight or tomorrow. Then, it is back to some holiday knitting and the Taos Jacket. They are both on the last of my Focus on Five list I made last week!

Then it will be time for a new Focus on Five List.

The Pelerine

From Knitting Workshop out of Unspun Icelandic. I tried Elizabeth's on at camp last summer, and knew that I would have to make one for myself.

I love how the colors work together. I do have to say that while it is blocking, it smells a little of wet sheep, not that I ever got close enough to a sheep to smell it when it is wet, but as it dries, the smell is going away.

I could not resist throwing it on before it was blocked. So, it will look a little better once it is, but I loved working this.

This is going to be great to toss over the shoulders at work. Especially since it goes with just about any color black, brown, beige or even navy.

No Pics No Pelerine

Only four more rows to go and the Pelerine will be finished. I hope to be done with it by now, but I have gotten side tracked the last couple of days. And who would know 8 ridges would take so long! I do hope to be done with it today.

I spent most of yesterday and all of this morning, cleaning and packing up in anticipation of Christmas decorating later next week. Normally, I would try and clean, put stuff away and put my Christmas decorations up all in weekend (except for the tree). And then I would be as bitchy as I could be. So, this weekend, I decided to clean and pack up and save the decorating for after the first of December. What a job! But, finally, it is clean, well as clean as it is going to be this week.

We bought three of those Rubbermaid tubs and in one went all of the normal stuff I would have sitting around. The other two, has yarn in them, that was in various bags sitting around. I made a list (really!) and now I can add it to Ravelry or my Palm and I will know exactly where it is.

Just another load of laundry to do today and I will be done. Tonight, is for sitting and knitting and enjoying the rest of the long weekend!

Hope you all had a good weekend, cause tomorrow (for some of us), it is back to work! Except I am taking Thursday off for a fun day!

What Are The Chances?

Look what showed up in the mail yesterday! The yarn to finish Cobblestone. Now, look at the tag on the right. This is the new stuff. Look at the tag on the left, this is from what I bought at Webs over 3 years ago at Stitches Midwest.

The one on the right is from Ebay. What are the chances that they would be the same color and dye lot?

I am feelin good. Mom got a new furnace installed yesterday. And I got the same dye lot. Better, quick play the lotto!

Pushing The Limits

Today's blog post is about limits and pushing them. Yesterday, I pushed a couple of them. Eating too much (didn't ahere to a word the Weight Watcher Meeting told me), but, it was all good and today it is back to normal. The other limit I pushed yesterday, was how long the Tall Guy could hang around his family. We had not planned on staying much past 2 or 3, but I was having a good visit with my nieces and nephew, that I just did not want to leave. So, we ended up having dinner and then coming home. What an enjoyable day.

My mom is pushing the limit today. She is having furnace issues that have been on going. She called me no less than 7 times on Wednesday night about the furnace. At 9:30 pm, her furnace man came by (the guy never sleeps) and gave her what now is a temporary solution. Now, this morning the problem is back and I can see the start of a day of phone calls about the damn thing. She is pushing the limit on what is supposed to be MY WEEKEND! No wonder I have this annoying pain up my neck!

And the final pushing the limit for today (and it's a good one)-- the Pelerine. It is on tap for finishing today. I am on the last colorway (10 ridges to go) and then the icord up the front. I am not sure how many stitches I have on the 24 inch needle (I'll count them right before it is done), but it sure is alot. I keep having to push and shove the stitches around.


I am ready for this to be done, so I can wear it. Well, and yes, because then I can work on finishing another project. Next project to finish -- the Cobblestone.

Do you think I can do both this weekend? Limits.

Happy Thanksgiving

No, I did not knit this. And no, I am not going to. But, somewhere someone did.

I just want to say I am thankful today for family, knitting friends like you, and good health. We are Blessed. Enjoy the day!

Be safe and don't eat too much. Happy Knitting after the Feast!

What A Dreary Day


We got out of work a little early today. So, I'm baking my pies and doing a little laundry. Sure glad this is rain and not snow. I think it is definitely going back to sweater weather.

There is a chill in the air, and who knows what will come tonight. Everyone is home tonight or at least close and I am thankful that I don't have to go out tonight. Hopefully.


But, I have my knitting to keep me warm. Doesn't that sound like something Meg would say? In my case, I have some scarves to knit this weekend, and I would like to finish the Pelerine. A scarf will be nice to take along tomorrow. We don't plan on it being a long day, but I like to be prepared!

Okay It's Here!

What do you think the chances are that I wait until Thursday night to start watching it? I am chomping at the bit right now.

I found my yarn to finish Cobblestone on Ebay. I am hoping it comes this weekend so I can wind it and finish Cobblestone.

I have so much planned for my four day weekend. I can hardly wait for it to get it here. But, before that, I gotta work one more day. And is it going to be hard to do that tomorrow. It is going to be a lonnnnng day.

It's The Yarn's Fault


You see it calls me. No, really it does.

I really was in a finishing mood yesterday. But, that lasted about one hour after finishing the baby sweater. My Taos yarn just sat there calling me to start it.








So, I did. One day later, here it is. The color name is Sea of Cortez. I'm just a tad disappointed in the way the colorway. I don't think the original color swatch I had showed this much purple in it. I was actually hoping for a little more navy.

It's not a real problem, I like purple.

Fini! Finally! Yea!


It's Done! And am I pleased. The baby is due any day now. Not exactly a great picture, because it is plain white with a little shine to it. Since, we did not know what sex the baby was, I went with white, which will coordinate well with Norma's beautiful afghan.
I found these cute buttons to go on it so it doesn't looked so plain.

Not exactly great pictures either, but that is what you get today. I feel like doing a little finishing today.

It will keep me from casting on yet another project, maybe.

It's Here!

My Mermaid Kit! When the boys told me I had a box, I figured it was my Schoolhouse Order. Imagine, when I noticed it wasn't. Then I get an email from Schoolhouse. My order should be here on the 20th. Just in time for Thanksgiving vacation and knitting.

Yippee Skippy!

Stash Is Good

Eeek! I said, I am missing a color, there should be 7 and I only had 6. But, smart me, I remembered years ago when I bought my first Unspun Icelandic for the Dubbelmossa hat that there was a darker gray that I don't think I had ordered. Sure enough, and since I had not finished the Dubbelmossa yet and because it is the contrast color, I pulled it and used it my Pereline.

I love the way the Unspun Icelandic looks and feels on a number 9 needle. So fluffy! I am thinkin seriously about a sweater knit in the round on a size 9 needle.

Every time I go to Knit Camp, I come home with one sweater that I am so excited and I just have to do. This is it.

Ding, Ding, Ding

The pact is over. That's what the tall guy said when he saw me taking pics of my latest yarn acquisition. Where was he last week or so when I bought the yarn from Knit 4 Together? And I guess, I have not told him yet about the two yarns I have on order for them. But, he does know about Mermaid that he and a friend of mine bought me for my birthday
The Unspun Icelandic came from Meg on Friday. And I cast on the Pelerine from Knitting Workshop on Saturday. I love working this.




This is EZ's finished sample that I took a pic of last summer at camp. I wanted to make sure that I had the color combinations right, so I got real up close for the pic. I liked the way it fits over the shoulders and just sits there, very nicely. And the Unspun Icelandic amazes the Tall Guy. He still does not see why it does not fall apart. Of course, I had to give him a little knit instruction as to why I don't wind it with my swift.


Ah ha, he is paying attention to my knitting. Maybe that is not a good thing.

50th Birthday - Finished!

I could go on a couple of more days, but there is soooo much knitting to talk about starting tomorrow, so this is it.

Day 3 of the 50th started with breakfast with the guys. A little obligatory grocery shopping and then dinner at a local pub here (Goodfella's, where Baby Boy B works on Saturday night). Baby Boy A bought beer and pizza and Baby Boy B cooked it.

Day 4 and the conclusion of the 50th celebration had lunch with the Tall Guy's family.

The final day brought (coming soon to my mailbox):







It was a good birthday! Thank you to everyone!

50th Birthday - Day 2

I love the people I work with. I have a great boss. And have made some really good friends there. Can you tell?

I went into work a little early on Friday, because you never know what to expect with them when someone has a major birthday. They do wheel chairs and walkers. But, I was spared. The day started off with major treats with coffee and just a shower of cards and gifts. With a 50th tiara and boa I wore periodically during the day.


We had a fantastic potluck at lunchtime and they sang happy birthday to me. The camaderie, for lack of a better word, just was amazing.

Then after work, I was "supposed" to meet two of my good friends for dinner. I was still stuffed from all the food at work, but I met them anyway. And those little turds, with the help of another very dear friend who worked really hard at setting it all up, through me a surprise birthday party down on the Riverfront at Kelleher's.



I was so surprised at how many of my co-workers showed up. I was overwhelmed again, at how many friends I have made at work. This party included beer and eats and balloons and more presents and cards.


One of our ex co-workers showed up and it was great to see her. She even has an outfit that I can use for the wedding! And many of the spouses of people I work with came to join the party. We had such a group.

The whole entire day was just simply amazing and a day that I will always remember.

Did I say how truly blessed I am? I am. And I am grateful.

50th Birthday - Day 1

Bear with me the next few blogging days. Today is my 50th! I love birthdays and I have since I was a kid. Mainly, because way back then, the day after my birthday was a holiday from school. Now, they celebrate the following Monday. But, wayyyyyy, back then, it was always the day after my birthday, so I got like an extra day off. I loved it! I thought it was special.

This year is just one big celebration as you will discover over the next few days. It started Thursday, with dinner with my dear friend Norma. And it was Knit Night and she had cake in my favorite colors! Look at what great gifts I received! A little bird (Carol) told her I was liking this scarf pattern and voila!

What a great way to start the celebration of 1/2 of a century. Knitting with my dear friends. I am truly blessed. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I am blessed.

It Ain't Over Until

The Radicals Sing....or at least give me their opinion. You know I had it all planned as to what I was doing with the new yarn? Now, I am re thinking it. So, tonight, I'll take both options to the Radical Knitters and see what they think.





In the meant time, I am knitting on two of the many choices.

Isn't There A Song?

"I'm all out of yarn, I'm so lost without you...." Here the Cobblestone sits. The yoke that goes on forever....and I am out of yarn. Now, the hunt will be on to find the color/dye lot or even something close. This means a trip to Morton on Saturday to see if they have the color. I'd be happy with something close.

I've Spent Alot Of Time Planning

First, I measured a sweater that fits well and I like wearing. That's how I want the new one to fit.

Next, I hauled out the books and patterns. I put them away, I pulled some back out. I thought I would make the same sweater that Nancy was knitting on Saturday. But, after all looking at it a couple of times, no that wasn't what I really wanted. I didn't really want a cardigan for this one.

So, I continued knitting my swatch. I really wanted to do a EZ/Meg Sweater. So, back to the books and magazines.

And settled on the Hybrid Pullover. Instead of a rib bottom, which is NOT flattering at all on me , I am going to try my hand at a hem.

I Was Positively Giddy!

"I'm going yarn shopping, I'm going yarn shopping" That was my little tune as I made my way to Knit 4 Together yesterday. What will they have, what can I buy? Will the Taos be in? Can I cast on as I sit there?

Nope, it is on back order. Nancy shows me in person the color I am getting. Cool. And I can wait cause I have two, no three sweaters that are real close to being finished. So, maybe I will just buy needles and be out of there!

I saw a gal in Walmart on Friday night that had a below the waist knitted bolero jacket that looked really cool with jeans. It struck me that I could knit that. While, congratulating myself for still being on the yarn diet, Nancy shows me a flyer from Brown Sheep that has a varigated that would be just perfect for the bolero. Heck, I don't even know where the pattern is or how much I need, but I order it. Now, I know I'm getting out with just needles! At least today!



But, damn, I came to buy yarn and I did. Thought I had a clue as to what I was going to do with it, so I bought it.

Norma and Jean just happen to stop by and Norma sees what I am buying. She trying to help (read as save me from myself) gives me insight "aren't those the same colors you bought for the other cardigan?" "Well, yes, BUT, this is going to have black in it is my reply."

I've been too long without a new yarn purchase, I don't recommend it! I feel so much better after having an infusion of yarn. So much so, that I may go back again next Saturday.


Hi, my name is Penny and I am a yarn addict. And I want to remain one.

I Love It!


http://www.peoriamagazines.com/as/2007/nov-dec/knitting-revival

A couple of weeks I blogged about how knitting was showing on commericals and in magazines. Our boss at work gets the Chicago Tribune and he always gives me the articles that show up with knitting related material in them. He also keeps an eye out for snoopy related articles for me. It is so cool when he does that it, and I get a kick out of it.

The fact that I knit and that I am a Snoopy collector is well documented at work so when I got an email with a link in it that mentions knitting, I feel oh so special!
Check the one out above.

I love it when local shops are mentioned as my fave Knit 4 Together is mentioned it. I just happen to be going there today. Getting those needles I need don't cha know!

It's Getting There

Just the arms, sewing the buttons on and blocking. I'm hoping for the weekend for it to be complete. But, first, I have to go to Knit 4 Together and get some size 8 double points.

Good excuse for going out, don't cha think? Besides, I hear they got some new yarn in recently! Gotta check it out and encourage them to buy more.

I'm all about supporting my local yarn shop!