Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Finished But Not Blocked
I'm still not sure about this one. Everyone tells me that the linen will soften up after washing. I sure hope so and that it tames itself down. It sure was a wily one to knit.
Even though the calendar says almost September, which for me says, this is it start knitting fall/winter, I have one sweater sitting over in the corner that has two sets of needles in it. I am going to haul it out tonight and work on finishing it. Partly to get the needles out, and with still some 90 degree weather coming our way this week, there is a chance that I will be able to wear it a couple of times this year yet.
Then, seriously, I'll put the Spring/Summer knitting away, even though I did not accomplish what I had intended to. There is a hope for next year!
I'm still not sure about this one. Everyone tells me that the linen will soften up after washing. I sure hope so and that it tames itself down. It sure was a wily one to knit.
Even though the calendar says almost September, which for me says, this is it start knitting fall/winter, I have one sweater sitting over in the corner that has two sets of needles in it. I am going to haul it out tonight and work on finishing it. Partly to get the needles out, and with still some 90 degree weather coming our way this week, there is a chance that I will be able to wear it a couple of times this year yet.
Then, seriously, I'll put the Spring/Summer knitting away, even though I did not accomplish what I had intended to. There is a hope for next year!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
What A Great Time
Left on Thursday, got to Stitches in time for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I've had their pizzas from the grocery store and loved them. I did not realize that they actually had a restaurant that you could eat at it. Every year, my knitting friends introduce me to a new restaurant. How cool was that?
I took another class from Susanna Hansson this year. I learn so much from her. This year it was jogless stripes. Now, Meg has talked about them at camp, demonstrating them as well. I have read about them and watched them on videos, but never actually done them. Never really grasped the idea until I actually took Susanna's description and did them this year. It's really cool and I am anxious to do a little hat to do it over and over again.
Last year at Stitches, I bought the variegated Miss Babs yarn for a Wool Peddler Shoulder Shawl. This year, I deciced that I needed a solid to do a ruffle on it when it finally gets finished. Miss Babs herself helped me pick it out. It was nice to have the actual dyer, pull the right one off of the rack for me. This is now my fave piece of idiot knitting.
Years ago, I bought Jean Frost's first Jackets book and took her Jackets class. I loved it then and I can't wait to sit down and really peruse this one and see whats in it. I might have to save it for tomorrow, cause I am tired tonight.
I found this book and yarn in the Isager booth. The jackets in it are all done out of a very fine yarn and the needles for me are probably going to be around a 1, but the jackets all to die for. Plus this one is out of my norm for me.
Finally, I searched the show over and ended back at Webs for this great yearn from Cascade, Dolce. I have never heard of it, but it has the criteria that I was looking for. Pink but not bubble gume pink. Soft, definitely.
We had a great time at all of the events. I'm making notes for next year in my book as to remember things. Like where long sleeves, take sweaters to wear, long jammies, a robe and some knitted slippers for the pajama party.
I'm tired tonight, but it has been a great weekend so far.
Left on Thursday, got to Stitches in time for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I've had their pizzas from the grocery store and loved them. I did not realize that they actually had a restaurant that you could eat at it. Every year, my knitting friends introduce me to a new restaurant. How cool was that?
I took another class from Susanna Hansson this year. I learn so much from her. This year it was jogless stripes. Now, Meg has talked about them at camp, demonstrating them as well. I have read about them and watched them on videos, but never actually done them. Never really grasped the idea until I actually took Susanna's description and did them this year. It's really cool and I am anxious to do a little hat to do it over and over again.
Last year at Stitches, I bought the variegated Miss Babs yarn for a Wool Peddler Shoulder Shawl. This year, I deciced that I needed a solid to do a ruffle on it when it finally gets finished. Miss Babs herself helped me pick it out. It was nice to have the actual dyer, pull the right one off of the rack for me. This is now my fave piece of idiot knitting.
Years ago, I bought Jean Frost's first Jackets book and took her Jackets class. I loved it then and I can't wait to sit down and really peruse this one and see whats in it. I might have to save it for tomorrow, cause I am tired tonight.
I found this book and yarn in the Isager booth. The jackets in it are all done out of a very fine yarn and the needles for me are probably going to be around a 1, but the jackets all to die for. Plus this one is out of my norm for me.
Finally, I searched the show over and ended back at Webs for this great yearn from Cascade, Dolce. I have never heard of it, but it has the criteria that I was looking for. Pink but not bubble gume pink. Soft, definitely.
We had a great time at all of the events. I'm making notes for next year in my book as to remember things. Like where long sleeves, take sweaters to wear, long jammies, a robe and some knitted slippers for the pajama party.
I'm tired tonight, but it has been a great weekend so far.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Off To Stitches Midwest
As usual I couldn't sleep last night. I get so geared up re-thinking clothes and knitting. Then once I get both in my mind, I think about them as to not forget! Oy, it's a cycle.
Only going for a couple of days since I have other committments this weekend.
But, I am sure it will be just enough time to get me in some trouble, even though I tell myself I am going to be frugal on the yarn side.
As always, I have a list of a couple of things that I am looking for. I'll report when I get back.
Have a good knitting weekend blog readers! Talk to you soon.
As usual I couldn't sleep last night. I get so geared up re-thinking clothes and knitting. Then once I get both in my mind, I think about them as to not forget! Oy, it's a cycle.
Only going for a couple of days since I have other committments this weekend.
But, I am sure it will be just enough time to get me in some trouble, even though I tell myself I am going to be frugal on the yarn side.
As always, I have a list of a couple of things that I am looking for. I'll report when I get back.
Have a good knitting weekend blog readers! Talk to you soon.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Ugh!
I did something to my back. Truly do not know what. I was sitting in my chair watching t.v. Thought it was indigestion. It just stayed. Tried to lay down in bed, but that didn't help it much. I could barely stay standing yesterday. Today has been a little better. Going to go to work tomorrow. Got to do some work so I can go to Stitches later this week.
I'm really getting tired of these things that cannot be solved with a pill.
Ok, I'm done whining now.
I did something to my back. Truly do not know what. I was sitting in my chair watching t.v. Thought it was indigestion. It just stayed. Tried to lay down in bed, but that didn't help it much. I could barely stay standing yesterday. Today has been a little better. Going to go to work tomorrow. Got to do some work so I can go to Stitches later this week.
I'm really getting tired of these things that cannot be solved with a pill.
Ok, I'm done whining now.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Playin Around
Thats what I am doin. This is that in between time, not quite Summer, but you know not quite Fall. The lazy days of a knitter who really should not be so lazy.
I am swatching my Wistful yarn that I bought from Chris at BriarRose Fibers. This stuff is sooooo soft. In my mind I see a cardigan, but I just can't decide what one I want to knit. There are so many possibilities out there that my mind is just boggled by it.
So, I've been toying with finding a stitch pattern that I like and using EPS, kind of sort of designing my own. The jury is still out on that one, since it would be so easy just to use one of the many patterns that I have. I've thought about it so much that it's kind of overwhelming....I will take suggestions. I think the yarn lends it towards some sort of stitch pattern.
About a week ago, I thought I would knit one of two last Summer sweaters. The yardage on each of these balls is relatively small. I thought I could knit a ball a day and have a sweater to wear for Stitches Midwest which is a week from today. If I get my butt in gear and do two a day, I could maybe make it.
Over on Ravelry, in the Knit One Knit All, we are doing a KAL on the Hand to Hand Cardigan. I'm using Rangely yarn which is a stiff wool, unlike a not so stiff one, so the knitting is slow going on this. I love the Lake Blue yarn. I told myself that I would knit on it every morning and I was doing really
well for about two days. Tomorrow, I gotta get back at it. I am going to wear this one this year when the weather turns chilly.
It's kind of fun to play around. No baby sweaters to knit for now, so I might as well enjoy my "me" knitting.
Thats what I am doin. This is that in between time, not quite Summer, but you know not quite Fall. The lazy days of a knitter who really should not be so lazy.
I am swatching my Wistful yarn that I bought from Chris at BriarRose Fibers. This stuff is sooooo soft. In my mind I see a cardigan, but I just can't decide what one I want to knit. There are so many possibilities out there that my mind is just boggled by it.
So, I've been toying with finding a stitch pattern that I like and using EPS, kind of sort of designing my own. The jury is still out on that one, since it would be so easy just to use one of the many patterns that I have. I've thought about it so much that it's kind of overwhelming....I will take suggestions. I think the yarn lends it towards some sort of stitch pattern.
About a week ago, I thought I would knit one of two last Summer sweaters. The yardage on each of these balls is relatively small. I thought I could knit a ball a day and have a sweater to wear for Stitches Midwest which is a week from today. If I get my butt in gear and do two a day, I could maybe make it.
Over on Ravelry, in the Knit One Knit All, we are doing a KAL on the Hand to Hand Cardigan. I'm using Rangely yarn which is a stiff wool, unlike a not so stiff one, so the knitting is slow going on this. I love the Lake Blue yarn. I told myself that I would knit on it every morning and I was doing really
well for about two days. Tomorrow, I gotta get back at it. I am going to wear this one this year when the weather turns chilly.
It's kind of fun to play around. No baby sweaters to knit for now, so I might as well enjoy my "me" knitting.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Another Beautiful Weekend
So much was accomplished this weekend. The kids from Cedar Rapids were home and we had a great time with them.
We went to the Peoria Chiefs game and at the end they have a short fireworks display. This is better than going out to the Pekin Park on the 4th of July. There are no bad seats in the stadium really.
The consensus was that next time we would get approximately the same place. We are protected from the fly balls by the home base back net. We are close to the beer, popcorn and bathrooms.
Even the Tall Guy enjoyed himself although, it was iffy in the beginning.
The weather was just right for a ball game, not too cool and not too hot. The Chiefs lost, but still we saw some good ball playing, despite the know it all from behind us. Ah well.
So much was accomplished this weekend. The kids from Cedar Rapids were home and we had a great time with them.
We went to the Peoria Chiefs game and at the end they have a short fireworks display. This is better than going out to the Pekin Park on the 4th of July. There are no bad seats in the stadium really.
The consensus was that next time we would get approximately the same place. We are protected from the fly balls by the home base back net. We are close to the beer, popcorn and bathrooms.
Even the Tall Guy enjoyed himself although, it was iffy in the beginning.
The weather was just right for a ball game, not too cool and not too hot. The Chiefs lost, but still we saw some good ball playing, despite the know it all from behind us. Ah well.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Scarf Mode
When I just want an idiot project I am working on scarves for our Girl's Holiday Bash in December. This year the theme is Comfy and Cozy or something like that. The plan is to have a scarf at everyone's spot for a giveaway. That means about 45 scarves. My friend Norma has been supplying me with some and I have been knitting some as well.
These yarns just jumped at me to be knit into scarves for the party. I'm kind of excited to see them done up. Most of the scarves I am knitting are just straight garter stitch, these two may be as well, but I am thinking long ways with some fringe off of the ends.
When I just want an idiot project I am working on scarves for our Girl's Holiday Bash in December. This year the theme is Comfy and Cozy or something like that. The plan is to have a scarf at everyone's spot for a giveaway. That means about 45 scarves. My friend Norma has been supplying me with some and I have been knitting some as well.
These yarns just jumped at me to be knit into scarves for the party. I'm kind of excited to see them done up. Most of the scarves I am knitting are just straight garter stitch, these two may be as well, but I am thinking long ways with some fringe off of the ends.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
This Is Some Beautiful Weather
we are having in Central Illinois. Just like a Fall day. Now, I know it is only the middle of August and we could have some very warm days to come, but it days like this one that makes me thing that Fall will be here before we know it.
Where did Summer go? Well, for me it was spent working and going to Memphis to pack the kids, and going to Cedar Rapids to unpack the kids, then Knit Camp and then back to work and today, I took a day off. It has not been too long since my Knit Camp vacation, but today was a lot about getting some chores/errands done.
We have had an ongoing problem with our air conditioner for a couple of years and with the new bathroom in progress downstairs, we needed to have a pipe from it rerouted so we could put a door on the new bathroom. That guy came this morning.
And then a half an hour later the guy who owns the company that is going to remodel our upstairs bathroom came by to give me the damage. Crimey, it's a lot of $$ but it's time to bite the bullet. I can only imagine what the kitchen is going to be!
It will be around 8 weeks before all of the stuff is in, so we are going to have to live with the current bathroom until Fall really is here.
After they left, I headed off on some errands. Bed Bath and Beyond is becoming my new favorite store. Oh the stuff, got part of a birthday present there. Bought a smaller Keurig for my office at work. Picked up a squigee for the bathroom downstairs. Found a Chai Latte for my Keurig that will be perfect for those afternoons when I need a little sweet but don't want to raid the candy machine.
Believe it or not, I went to the Hyacinth and came out with no new Vera Bradley. I was actually looking for a birthday present from a discontinued pattern which they didn't have, so I didn't buy a thing. Thats a first.
And finally, after several weeks, went out to Sam's Club to get my official card. Now, I can buy Mystic Chai Tea online from them at their price.
Came home, had a spot of lunch, caught up on some things I DVDed, did a little knitting and now just kicking back. Only checked work email once early this morning.
Now, this is what I call a vacation day!
we are having in Central Illinois. Just like a Fall day. Now, I know it is only the middle of August and we could have some very warm days to come, but it days like this one that makes me thing that Fall will be here before we know it.
Where did Summer go? Well, for me it was spent working and going to Memphis to pack the kids, and going to Cedar Rapids to unpack the kids, then Knit Camp and then back to work and today, I took a day off. It has not been too long since my Knit Camp vacation, but today was a lot about getting some chores/errands done.
We have had an ongoing problem with our air conditioner for a couple of years and with the new bathroom in progress downstairs, we needed to have a pipe from it rerouted so we could put a door on the new bathroom. That guy came this morning.
And then a half an hour later the guy who owns the company that is going to remodel our upstairs bathroom came by to give me the damage. Crimey, it's a lot of $$ but it's time to bite the bullet. I can only imagine what the kitchen is going to be!
It will be around 8 weeks before all of the stuff is in, so we are going to have to live with the current bathroom until Fall really is here.
After they left, I headed off on some errands. Bed Bath and Beyond is becoming my new favorite store. Oh the stuff, got part of a birthday present there. Bought a smaller Keurig for my office at work. Picked up a squigee for the bathroom downstairs. Found a Chai Latte for my Keurig that will be perfect for those afternoons when I need a little sweet but don't want to raid the candy machine.
Believe it or not, I went to the Hyacinth and came out with no new Vera Bradley. I was actually looking for a birthday present from a discontinued pattern which they didn't have, so I didn't buy a thing. Thats a first.
And finally, after several weeks, went out to Sam's Club to get my official card. Now, I can buy Mystic Chai Tea online from them at their price.
Came home, had a spot of lunch, caught up on some things I DVDed, did a little knitting and now just kicking back. Only checked work email once early this morning.
Now, this is what I call a vacation day!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Isn't this cool? Chris' daughter made our Ravelry banner look really cool and not so stretched. Chris is owner of Briar Rose Fibers. Not only is Chris a generous lady, but her yarns and fiber for spinning are unbelievable.
I have two of her rovings to spin and three of her yarns to knit. If you are at a Fiber Festival and you see Briar Rose Fibers, stop in and say hi to Chris for Penny.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Pure and Simple
I had a somewhat epiphany tonight. A friend of mine (Linda) will say, duh, haven't I been telling you this all along?!
Saturday nights lately for me seem to be the night I do laundry into the wee hours. While doing laundry, I surf the net and ravelry looking. Looking for possible new patterns. Like I don't already have enough, but looking all the same.
I've got a couple of projects that I am still working on for summer and early fall wearing. I intend on finishing them both. One will have to be sewn together, I hate sewing together or weaving or any of that fussy finishing business. Hence the reason the Bias Top sits on the coffee table where it landed after camp. The other project I have converted to knitting back and forth. It's out of linen and on a really loose gauge and is not my fave sweater, but I will finish it all the same.
I know earlier this month I said I was going to start knitting fall/winter, but today I realized while getting dressed that some of my over sweaters for both work and play are getting a little worn. And I have cotton yarns that would make great transition pieces.
So in my final look at the internet I wandered over to Patternfish, plugged in topdown women patterns. Hit upon some really cool top down patterns and some from Knitting Pure and Simple that I have not seen before. Some real contenders there for not only my cottons and some for the fall/winter season.
The Epiphany?! I like top down knitting. Really I do. Neat thing - KPS is converting all of their patterns so you can buy them in the middle of the night on Patternfish.
How cool is that?
I had a somewhat epiphany tonight. A friend of mine (Linda) will say, duh, haven't I been telling you this all along?!
Saturday nights lately for me seem to be the night I do laundry into the wee hours. While doing laundry, I surf the net and ravelry looking. Looking for possible new patterns. Like I don't already have enough, but looking all the same.
I've got a couple of projects that I am still working on for summer and early fall wearing. I intend on finishing them both. One will have to be sewn together, I hate sewing together or weaving or any of that fussy finishing business. Hence the reason the Bias Top sits on the coffee table where it landed after camp. The other project I have converted to knitting back and forth. It's out of linen and on a really loose gauge and is not my fave sweater, but I will finish it all the same.
I know earlier this month I said I was going to start knitting fall/winter, but today I realized while getting dressed that some of my over sweaters for both work and play are getting a little worn. And I have cotton yarns that would make great transition pieces.
So in my final look at the internet I wandered over to Patternfish, plugged in topdown women patterns. Hit upon some really cool top down patterns and some from Knitting Pure and Simple that I have not seen before. Some real contenders there for not only my cottons and some for the fall/winter season.
The Epiphany?! I like top down knitting. Really I do. Neat thing - KPS is converting all of their patterns so you can buy them in the middle of the night on Patternfish.
How cool is that?
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
This Is It
Even though today was 100 degrees, I am starting to think Fall/Winter. But, before that happens, I'll need to/want to finish this last summer sweater. The rest of the yarn will go back into the bins for early next year, when the snow and wind is still flying, I'll take them out and work towards some Spring sweaters.
I'm hoping before that happens to be at my goal weight and to have made a dent in the wool yarn this winter. It would be great if my bins could hold some sweaters and if the stars are aligned the yarn room could hold a crib for a grandbaby, maybe?
We'll see.
Even though today was 100 degrees, I am starting to think Fall/Winter. But, before that happens, I'll need to/want to finish this last summer sweater. The rest of the yarn will go back into the bins for early next year, when the snow and wind is still flying, I'll take them out and work towards some Spring sweaters.
I'm hoping before that happens to be at my goal weight and to have made a dent in the wool yarn this winter. It would be great if my bins could hold some sweaters and if the stars are aligned the yarn room could hold a crib for a grandbaby, maybe?
We'll see.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Stick a Fork In It
Oh yea, I could give oodles of more knit camp pictures, but it's the first of August and time to put it to bed for another year! I've already put my time request in at work for my days off in a year...do you think I am ready to go again?
Greg's contest entry - The King and I-Cord
Al and his wife LeeAnn. Al is our photographer and kindly sends us all a DVD every year.
Mable knit two different vests, this one has the cutest do on it with the sheep.
Shirley and this unbelievable knitted dress. She is one amazing knitter!
Cully talking about the new book Knit One Knit All
A view from the inside row this year.
What a great camp this was. It's just like family now!
Oh yea, I could give oodles of more knit camp pictures, but it's the first of August and time to put it to bed for another year! I've already put my time request in at work for my days off in a year...do you think I am ready to go again?
Greg's contest entry - The King and I-Cord
Al and his wife LeeAnn. Al is our photographer and kindly sends us all a DVD every year.
Mable knit two different vests, this one has the cutest do on it with the sheep.
Shirley and this unbelievable knitted dress. She is one amazing knitter!
Cully talking about the new book Knit One Knit All
A view from the inside row this year.
What a great camp this was. It's just like family now!
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