It Made Me Buy It


Really it did. I couldn't stand it any longer. After Knit Nite, at Dunlap last night, I had to go and buy one.

Then today, after weighing in (yea, I loss), it was back to the knit shop for the last day of their sale. Yes, I bought yarn!

Tonight, we are off to finish the Christmas Holiday with the nieces and their kids.

Then, we'll finish the night with New Year's Eve here at home.

Nothing Feels Better

than trying on a sweater that fits. At least the body portion. The proof is in the gauge swatch AND while knitting the sweater, paying attention on how/if the gauge changed.

Mine generally does and on Chic Knits Mondo Cable Pulli (from the top down), it did change from my gauge swatch. When I measured it to check the gauge was about the cut off for the sleeves. Which is an okay thing, since I need a smaller size through the shoulder area, but need it to increase right after the waist. I just changed the needle size up and got gauge and knitted on my merry way.

The result - a good fit through the belly.


I love this yarn! Have I said that before. It is so soft and scrumptuous. Which is a good thing for the Mondo Cable Pulli, which looks really good without a turtleneck underneath. I am anxious to wear this.

Rolling Rolling Rolling


Two skeins become four balls. So what's the big deal? Well, in a fit a couple of weeks ago, I tried winding my EcoDuo. Two skeins in a row snarled all up and in a fit (yes, I have those sometimes), I tossed them on the floor. Now, when I am getting towards maybe needing them, I decided it was time to get them in order.

After a very good night's sleep, and during the watching of Match Game 75, I managed to get them untangled and into something that results skeins. And only one &*#+ during the whole process.

I think it went smoothly because there is absolutely no stress this week. My day consists of getting up, tuning into the Game Show Network, and watching a couple of hours of game shows that were taped over 25 years ago. I start with 25,000 Pyramid and end with Match Game. What a hoot! I love Match Game. Then into a shower and doing a little putzing around until General Hospital, The Drs and a little Oprah.

In between, I'm checking in at work and responding to some emails and working on the Mondo Cable Pulli, which hopefully I will be onto the sleeves today.

It's been a great week this week, doing absolutely only what I have and a no stress week. But, I am going to say this very quietly....I kind of miss work!

Phew!

It's over. Well, not exactly. My niece from up North is coming down on Friday to celebrate Christmas with us. Then it will be over. My little tree is still up, but I hope to get it down today. The snowmen collection is partly up. I put them up from now until Spring Training and then the Snoopy Collection goes up.

And one of my little finds on line a couple of weeks ago, is this darling lighted knit shop. Mine came and the heads of the knitters were broken off. Called the company, they couldn't replace it, but gave me a credit and let me keep it. I super glued two of them on kind of...the other was gone, so one of my knitters has lost her head...probably over some yarn.



As I have said before, I am off this week and enjoying it. I told myself I was going to spend the whole week doing whatever I want, especially knitting. So far, I have been doing a little knitting and alot of trashy romance novel reading. The Tall Guy had the nerve yesterday to want me to go to the bank with him. I looked at him like he had sprouted horns...no way...I'm on vacation!

Seriously, I have been staying up late, getting up at a fairly decent hour and spending most of the day in my jammies, until I am forced to get a shower and get dressed in time for dinner.

Today, I might have to venture out and do something or maybe I'll wait til later in the week when it is 50 and the snow melts away.

Mom Would Have Been 80 Today

It Was A Nice Christmas

But for us, Christmas Eve is really our celebration. Thats what happen when the kids grow up and there isn't any little ones around.

Christmas Eve day started as the weatherman predicted...snow. The tall guy went out before noon to try and get some of it up with the old snow blower. He had been having issues with it since the last snow a couple of weeks ago.

After way too many tries of getting it started and failing, I yelled out the back door for him to just go buy a new one. Enough. He did. The snow continued to fall all afternoon. We were going to be a small group anyway, but my niece and her fiance thought the roads were too much to come across town.


The Tall Guy's sister, brother-in-law and mom braved the weather and we had a pleasent evening with them eating chili and horse derves.

Christmas Day, was a quiet day, the three of us just sat around. I played with my new ebook reader and ate my self silly and finally got out of the jammies around 3. I had an epiphany about 10 pm. Since we are all off next week, why didn't we think ahead and go to Memphis. We could have late this morning and been down there and spent a couple of days with the kids. DUH?! Must pre-plan next year. We could have been back in time for our Christmas Get Together with my other niece on New Year's Eve.

Now, that Christmas is over, it's time to get back to knitting and on track with Weight Watchers. Thats what is on schedule for me, starting this morning.

You Know How It Feels

No work until January. After Christmas Eve at our house tomorrow night, it's all about me. Feels good to know that I don't have to be anywhere.

Ahhhhh.

2nd Thought

I ripped the Mondo Cable Pullover back to the first cable. For now, I am going to motor along and see what happens next. Maybe the striping isn't as bad as I thought in the beginning. I'll give it a couple of days of knitting and see what happens.

Ahhh, only one more day of work and then about 10 days off...can you hear the giddyness already?

There Are A Couple of Things Going On


This is my Mondo Cable Pulli out of Cascade Eco Duo. I love the yarn. It is so darn soft. But, two things are happening. I screwed up the first cable. I was at the shop on Saturday, and must have missed something like about 10 rows. The first cable is way too short.

The more I look at it, I'm not sure about the striping on it. I'm just not happy about it. I am thinking about converting it to mittens, a scarf and a hat for my brown coat.

I'm bummmed.

Okay, I'm Ready


My tree is up. The presents are wrapped.

Later today, I'll clean the porch up and put my lantern collection out there, to be lit (not candles, but some really cute mini lights that are battery operated) on Christmas Eve. On Monday, I'll take the kids in Memphis presents to work for shipping out. Serious cleaning will be done by Tuesday night, cause Wednesday is nail day. Wednesday night, the Tall Guy and I will go out and do our grocery shopping for the weekend. Thursday after work (I'm planning on cutting out early), I'll pick up these really good dinner rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree and one last little something for the Tall Guy. Then, I'll come home make some chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies and scrub the kitchen. Friday after showers, I'll clean the bathroom and sit back and wait for company.

Christmas Day, it will just be the three of us and we'll just cool our heels and enjoy the day. Last year, the Tall Guy made homemade pizzas and we had beer and pizza. This year, who knows, but it looks like, maybe that will be the way of our Christmases for the next few years til there are some grandchildren.

Yep, I'm ready...I think.

Sure I Could Make My Own List

But, why? That would take time. I would just advise you to go over and read The Purl Bee's post for 12/14/10. http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/12/14/whits-knits-just-in-time-neck-cozy.html Last minute gift ideas to knit. Scroll down to the rest of her list and check them out. And patterns appear to be free.

I am looking at the Just In Time Neck Cozy out of the Manos...seriously maybe for me. Okay, maybe for next year for my purple friends.

And there is a great article in this month's edition of the Smithsonian magazine. Okay, I'm done. I'll not mention that I am in the Smithsonian again....this year.

The Final Scarf

Not really. But, this is the last one that I have to do. Sure, there is the Manos Moebius I was going to do for my DIL, but I've decided not to. I don't think it is her. Never really saw a scarf on her. So, I'll save the yarn for something else.

This one is for Baby Boy B's co-worker. Finished in time.


This yarn is for me. I'm going to use the Palindrome Pattern for it. The pattern can be found at http://www.cometosilver.com/patterns/palindrome.htm
I'm hoping that Santa brings me some gloves to match the color. I put a sliver of the yarn with my Xmas list on the refrigerator for color.

Weather Update, it's snowing again, blech.

Baby It's Cold Outside

It is 0 degrees in Central IL. Ouch.


Scarf 2 is done, but we both think it is too short for her. Thank goodness, I had another one in progress that I keep in the car for just in case. Finished it and that it was she is going to get. I'll add this one to the baggie for next year.

Next on the agenda. A Moebius scarf for DIL, if I can figure how to do the cast on. It requires looking at the Cat Bordhi You Tube and casting on. Or mabye I'll just do provisional one instead.

Batten Down The Hatches

The wind is a blowin, theres snow and the temp high for tomorrow is 11 degrees. I'm going nowhere today. Going to stay in and do a little work, finish the laundry and finish scarf #2. Oh yes, and read a little.

Or really look at a new book I have received. There are some really neat sweaters in this book with potential. As I usually do, I'll check them out on Ravelry to see what others are making out of the book and what yarns they have used.

Stay warm Central IL.

One Scarf Done

The red scarf for great-nephew up North is done. I finished it today at the shop. I'll UPS it up on Monday, so his mom can give it to Santa to give to him.

It's rainy and cold here in Central IL, so now that I am home from the shop, I'm staying in and going to do some laundry, knit on the next scarf that has to be done by Friday, watch some goofy movies on Lifetime and Hallmark, drink some coffee and just be happy in the fact that I don't have to work today OR go out again.

Speaking of scarves...check out Bonne Marie Burns freebie keyhole scarf pattern over on Chic Knits.

What A Week

It has been one of those weeks at work....I'm so glad it is the weekend. Tomorrow, off to WW to weigh in and then the yarn shop providing the weather stays calm.

While thinking about scarves last weekend, I happened upon these two books. These two books have some really cool scarves in them. I'm going to give them some serious thought after the holidays.

Time Out For Scarves


Have to take time to knit some scarves for the holidays.

First up - an infinity scarf for DIL
Second - a rib scarf for my great-nephew. He wants Santa to bring it, so I've got to get in in the mail at the end of the week
And not really last, because I have one I want to do for me, is a Fashion Scarf for Baby Boy B's co-worker.

And A Great Sunday!

So many things to do and so places to be. But, I spent a great afternoon. One wonders after the Aunts are gone, if we'll ever see the cousins again. The Aunties keep us from totally losing touch with the family.

Chili tonight and now some knitting in front of the t.v. with Fa-la-la-la-lifetime!

A Perfect Saturday

We've had just a little snow here in Pekin. Normally, my Saturdays mornings are WW and then knitting at the shop in Dunlap. But, since I have been gone every night since Wednesday, and I am going to a needle felting class at the shop for most of the afternoon, I thought it would be a good day to just enjoy...and I have. The orginal intention was to take down the Thanksgiving decor and start a little Xmas decorating today...maybe later.


It's almost 3 pm and I am still in my jammies, trying out some different coffees that I ordered from shoffee.com and my Keurig that I bought a few weeks back.
I am still trying to master the perfect cup of coffee from it. Today's new favorite is Wolfgang Puck's Creme Caramel.

It's starting to lightly snow, so armed with my IK Gifts and my Creme Caramel, I think I'll go take my shower and start the day....I love days like this. No pressure, just do what you want.

Be Careful What You Say


Just a couple of weeks ago, I was patting myself on the back, all the while tellin myself that I didn't have to knit anything for Christmas. Then, over Thanksgiving, I decided to knit a red scarf for my great nephew.

Do you see a red scarf here? It's next on the list. I just took a side trip on this headband and cowl...aren't they cute?

Scarf It Up

Finished and delivered for this weekend's fundraiser.

Happy Hanukkah

This Was So Much Fun

Saturday Stash Enhancement

I'm about a day behind which is pretty good. Last week, I was a week off!

This Debbie Bliss book has a couple of really cute sweaters in it. I especially like the front cover sweater. It is good for baby boy gifts...And no, I have nothing report, just like the book and figured it was time to add it to my library.


The Sublime stuff at Knit 4 Together has been calling me and even though this book won't be of much use for my great niece and nephew, it has some cute ideas that I am going to use for them, only size them up.

Love these colors. Jenny has knit a blankie out of them and they have just been calling me. The dark pink is going to be a head band from the book above with flowers. Then, the plan is to knit some sort of scarf and incorporate the flowers on it as well.


The start of my bouquet....I was up way too late playing with these flowers. What fun!

Nickel Waiting For Mom And Dad


to come back from brunch. Poor guy, he just kept looking out the window waiting for them to come back. We had a great, short Thanksgiving with the kids and grand dog here. It went by way too fast for all of us.

On Tap For Today

My Scarf It Up scarf. I will finish it today, so I can drop them off on Monday. I'm sorry I put that dark purple stripe in it, but I am not ripping it back. I am giving some serious thought to weaving a strand through one of the yarns over towards the left to balance it out.

There Every Where


Two weeks ago I couldn't figure out what to do with my new Eco-Duo. This week every where I turn there are possibilities.

The new Interweave Knits has a men's sweater out of it which could be adapted to a women's. I was watching a movie this week on Net Flix - Beautiful Girls and Timothy Hutton had a sweater on that I think I could duplicate....I feel a design coming on? All kinds of possibilities.

Hey, I Don't Need No Help!


I have friends that will shop for me for stash enhancement! Friend Debbie was in Florida a couple of weeks ago and brought me home some Gulf of Mexico yarn. I think this is going to grow into a Moebius, but first I have other knitting to take care of, mostly for me, but one for the Tall Guy!

Stash Enhancement Saturday


You know I think when you obssess over a yarn for a couple of days you really should buy it. I saw this on Thursday night. Most of my Friday night was spent searching my patterns and Ravelry trying to find something to make with it.

I had in mind that I wanted to just a plain reactanglular wrap that I could wear with anything, but when I looked at the yardage it would take, I just wasn't willing to spend over a hundred dollars for it.

I bought three to make a little shawlette, but this morning I am giving some thought to adding some yarns that I have and make a wrap ala the Scarf It Up scarf....here I go thinking again.

Wednesday Websites

Another one of those hmmmm, why didn't I think of this?

http://www.schoolhousepress.com/barbarawalkerdolls.htm

My Cupcake


Isn't this so cool?????

My friend Jenny presented this cupcake to me yesterday at knitting for my birthday. She knit it for me! I love it! I was so surprised...I have great friends that I have met through knitting. Thank you Jenny!

Scarf It Up




Several years ago I started a Color Box Jacket. As you can tell, it hasn't gotten very far. The yarns and the first pieces of the jacket sit in a bag in the yarn room. I like the yarns and the colors, but right now don't have the time to knit on the jacket.

So when I heard about a fun raiser that is happening in Peoria called Scarf It Up, I decided to use some of the yarns and colorways in a scarf to donate.

I like it and I am having some fun with it.

10 and 11

Yesterday was the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps and today is Veteran's Day....and no, I don't get it off, I am a state employee not a federal employee.

In My 53rd Year


I will be at my goal weight. I will empty a bin of yarn. I will either run the Komen and Steamboat or stop saying I will. I will knit more and be on the computer less. Thats All.

Slowly


In the past, when I have gotten my Knitters magazine, I have thumbed through it quite fast, looking at the patterns. The articles really didn't call me to read them much. I thought my subscription had lapsed and I figured since my LYS carried it that I would just buy it there when something caught my eye that I might want to knit....how's that for downsizing?

About a week ago, there was a message from Benjamin at Knitters on Facebook that we could download the 100th issue free. I did. Wow! I was impressed. I figured reading it online would really cut down on the amount of space that I needed downstairs for magazines. Problem is, I wasn't really wild about reading it online. It is difficult for me to get the full effect from the computer screen and I like having paper in my hand. Combine that with there a several sweaters that I liked that I was thinking about printing off in color.

Anyway, at the shop on Saturday, they had their issue and I bought one...remember I thought my sub had lapsed...when I got home there on the table in the plastic wrap from the mailman was my issue. It seems that I still have an issue left.

I've started reading the 100th issue, not just looking at the patterns (because I saw them on line, remember?) I am reading it slowly and enjoying the two articles I just finished.

The 100th issue is a keeper. Its okay that I have two. I might have to rethink my subscription

Luscious With A Capital L



Eco-Duo Scarf. OMG this yarn is so lovely. I am knitting a scarf, but this yarn would be fantastic in a sweater. I'd never take it off!

Nothin Like Seein Your Name


Here I am with my name at the Smithsonian....unfreaking believable.


And here is my piece of crocheted coral. I just know she is pointing at mine and saying what lovely colors they are.

Just In Case You Are Interested

I don't have any vested interest, but this is where I go on Saturdays for knitting.

Easy Lace Shawl* Make a magnificent and very wearable shawl, which looks much more complicated than it really is. time and date TBA (awaiting alpaca-silk lace yarn) three sessions taught by Nancy C.

Stuffed Mittens* The warmest mitts you will ever own, these mittens are fun to make and a joy to wear! Great for walkers and snow bunnies! Tuesdays, November 9 & 16 1:30PM-3:30PM taught by Marilyn
Beginning Knitting Learn to cast on and knit. Tuesdays, November 16 10:30AM-12:30PM and November 23 2-4PM taught by Deb F.

Two at a Time Toe Up Socks* What a great gift! A pair of warm wooly socks, made one pair at a time! Two sessions: Saturday, November 13 9AM-11AM and TBD by class members taught by Debbie P.

Basic Glove Class* Much easier that you would think, gloves are fun to learn and quite impressive when finished! Two sessions: Wednesdays, November 17 & December 1 10:30AM-12:30PM taught by Debbie P.

Kauni Knit Along* Join the fun in selecting yarn and project, and knitting your one-of-a-kind Kauni garment! Wednesday afternoons in November and December…and ? Marilyn’s sweater is growing rapidly! Please let us know if you wish to join. Free!

Felted Purse* A great easy project which makes a great gift. Fridays, November 12 & 19 12:30PM-2:30PM taught by Claudia

Bead Soup Bracelet* Back by popular demand, the knitted bracelet class! Learn a few tricks and make a wonderful bracelet. See the samples in the shop to make your choice. Friday, December 10 noon-2PM taught by Susan

Needle Felt Father Christmas Natasha from Esther’s Place, near Chicago, is coming to teach needle felting. This special make and take class will culminate in a finished Father Christmas figure. (Come and see the photo of this handsome fellow.) Learn some terrific techniques and take home a stunning Father Christmas that you will treasure! This promises to be a splendid afternoon of learning, fun, and fellowship! Sunday, December 5 1-5PM class size is very limited


209 N. Second Street Dunlap Illinois 61525 309-243-9499
*Must be able to cast on and knit.

Now He Wants Me To Knit

The Tall Guy knows I am knitting his sweater. He expects me to be knitting on it all of the time. Huh?He thinks it will take me til January or February to knit.

Ya know I do have other things that I want to knit on.

Finally!

We can watch regular commercials again...no more political ads....at least for a month or two. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Ta Da!

Do You Know What This Is?