Only 196 Steps


Starting out, I didn't think it looked so bad. However, it wasn't until about the first 20 were done, that I really thought I should have trained for this event. As Sue and I made our way up, she kept telling me, "don't look up, just keep going!" She could actually talk! Me, I thought I was going to lose a lung or possibly my crackers!

Half way up, under the guise of taking a picture of where I had come from, she let me rest.


By the time I got to the top (almost) the chest was hurtin and the legs were like Gumby's.


No rest for the wicked though because the bed and breakfast had stairs too! Beautiful curved stairs with a cherry banister. Not only did we get to knit all weekend, but we got a work out as well!

It Was A Success

I've never been to Galena. It has some great shops and despite the snow and cool weather, it was nice to walk through the town. I never realized they had flood gates that actually wall the street off so the river doesn't spill over into the town when the river rises.

Sue, Kendra and I started out Friday and went on a little yarn crawl which took us into Iowa and finally to Galena. I am pretty proud of myself that I didn't buy any yarn souvenirs on the way and in Galena. Not that I didn't try, but no yarn was purchased. I did manage to buy some new SmartWool socks that I love and a new needle holder for my Harmonies that I show later this week.


We stayed at the Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast. We had wine and cheese on Friday night while Charlie and Rita told us about the history of the house and Galena. So much history. Grant stayed in the same room that Sue and I were in, although it was called the Lincoln. Go figure!

The mansion had two parlors. The first night we hung out knitting in the ladies parlor, but we learned on Saturday that it is right above Charlie and Rita's living quarters so on Saturday night we moved to the Gentleman's parlor so as not to disturb them. They found us brighter light bulbs as the room was a little dark for knitting. What a difference that made.

Jenny designed the logo for our knit away and had it put on sweatshirts and tote bags and I had fun filling them with things. Later this week, I'll show the group with their sweatshirts.

It was a great weekend for knitting! Had some good food, slept in a comfy bed and just had fun knitting with friends! What a great way to spend a weekend.

Knitting Get Away

I'm with some of the ladies from Knit Four Together for a weekend of knitting in Galena. We are staying in a bed and breakfast. I'll report when I get back. I am armed with warm sweaters (we got a little snow), lots of knitting and these cupcakes that my friend Heidi from Cakes by Heidi made for me. There for dessert tonight and a surprise.



Aren't they cool!

In My Next Life

I want to be tall. My friend D can wear these kinds of things with tights and skinny pants. This is a Elsebeth Lavold design out of Cascade Venezia. Nice huh?






Photos taken at Knit Four Together in Dunlap IL.

Wednesday Website

http://nickyepstein.com/blog/

Sorry About The Sheep

I was so excited to take J's picture on Saturday. Basic Picture Taking 101 would dictate that you check and see what else is going on in the picture before saying it looked good. I was so busy looking at the sweater and making sure that J's eyes were open that I failed to see the sheep on top of her head.

However, a quick edit and the feet blend into the curtain.

J took advantage of the Knit to Fit Class at Knit 4 Together and used the skills learned there to create this great looking sweater. The buttons really compliment it. I am sure J is going to get alot of wear out of this one!


Love this back! I'm going to use the shaping for a future sweater!


Pattern and yarn is from Sunday Knits.

Good Job, Good Fit J!

I'm Thinkin Spring

The heck with winter...it's time to tear the winter knitting sheet out of my notebook and move onto Spring. We've had record breakin temps this week and although, today is not going to be one of them, the sun is shining and 40 is looming ahead. I can deal with that.

These are two from the new Nora Gaughan #8 book that are making my list. Really, truly, I want to knit stash as much as possible until Stitches in August, so I'm not so sure about this first one since it uses Linsey yarn from Berroco and I am not so sure I have anything like this. So, this may be a spring yarn purchase.


This one uses Pure Pima from Berroco. And I actually have a cool green yarn that I think I can make it out of.


What are on your Spring list? I have more than two, what about you?

I Was This Close

to placing an order for yet more tips for my harmony needles set....and then I didn't.

I said to myself "Self, you don't need to order more needles, you just need to knit what is on needles and then you will have plenty"....so I am. I am knitting wips for the next month to see how many needles I can get back in the set.



Well, I thought it was a good idea!

New Additions To The Library

Addendum To Wednesday Website

Take a listen to On Point with Tom Ashbrook

http://onpoint.wbur.org/2011/02/15/knitting-resurgence

describes knitting as finger yoga.

Wednesday Website

http://www.yarnista.com/

Not only do I love knitting and all things related, but I get a kick out of great pictures. Yarnista's post for Tuesday makes me think of Spring and has some great pics to look as well.

Can you believe we are half way through the week???

I'm In!

I got the email yesterday from Schoolhouse Press. Char, Linda and I made it into camp this July. So now, the knitting begins hot and heavy.

The year's camp contest theme is Musicals. My favorite is Dirty Dancing. What to do?


What to do?

Happy Valentines Day!

Just Need Buttons


The Rasta Cowl is done, it just needs perfect buttons for it.

I Just Need A Scarf Now

I've been knitting this yarn to death. I am bound and determined to use it all up. It started with the Mondo Cable Pulli.


Next up was to knit Caliormetry. I wasn't sure that I would wear it, but I am likin this one. Simple look.


It helped to get the button sewn down on it. Ah ha, so thats how it looks.

I like it!

And today, I finished the mittens from Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders. It's Cheryl Oberle's mitten pattern.


I didn't plan it, but the striping on both mittens is on the same place!

This Eco Duo by Cascade is a scrumptious yarn! I think I have just enough for a scarf which I am going to do my best to finish this weekend!

Unimpressed



Thats all I'm sayin.

In My Mail Today

The new spring issue of Interweave Knits....more this weekend.

Wednesday Website

http://techknitting.blogspot.com/

A wealth of technical knitting information.

The Start of Something New


Pastaza, 50%Llama, 50%Wool. Can you say hug?

The Bottom of the Needle Barrel


I had to go back to when I first started knitting to find some needles that would work for the Rasta Neckwarmer I'm knitting. I started with size 13s since I'm a loose knitter. When that didn't work, I switched up to 15. Still not getting gauge, I went to the stash of needles in the basement for 17s.... could only find one of each of plastic and aluminum. And they are both straights and long.

Do you know how long it's been since I knitted with straight needles?

Last Week's Find


Some Malabrigo Rasta. I bought it to do a little Moebius for DIL originally. But, maybe I'll make it for me and keep it.

Thats how I'm feeling tonight.

Wednesday Website On Thursday

Found this one yesterday through facebook. This one bares going back and watching past video/interviews.

www.LetsKnit2gether.com

These Photos Are For You Norma and Jean

You got out of Dodge just in time. Today is a snow day from work. Baby Boy B and the Tall Guy are out clearing the drive. The Tall Guy is pleased that I mad him buy that new snowblower on Christmas Eve. It was a good investment.

Me, I am watching old game shows and about to start back to knitting. Other than looking at emails, thats the only work I am even going to think about.

It's A Snow Day!

Major Snow Coming

And I am home at this typing. Brought some work home, but not going to touch it today. Going to knit and get caught up on my DVR.

More than likely we will have at least 18 inches before it is over. If that happens, I'll be home at least tomorrow. More knitting planned for then.

I'm okay with that!

Be safe all.