I've Been Swatchin

I got this book from Schoolhouse Press last week. There are several to choose from, but most of them are vertical designs and Meg suggest keeping it horizontal for women of a certain age. I think I'm probably one of those women.

So, I'm testing a few of these out. 1, 3, 4 and 6. I don't like the looks of 2 so I am not even trying it. And I like 5 but am not going to swatch it for now. I know I'll like it if I decide to add it to my Guernsey. Problem is there is a pattern I like in the Knitting Workshop too. Who would have thought it would be this hard to decide on a pattern.

I'm using the yarn I bought from Arhnild when at her camp in February. When I was doing a little research on colors of yarn that were available, I happened onto a site that had Guernsey Yarn in a cream, a gray, a blue and a red. I figured the red could be used for mine, but I am not sure that the textures of the stitches are showing as much as I wanted them to.

I Didn't Knit At All Tonight

I finished reading The Friday Night Knitting Club. All I can say is --excellent. It reminds me of everything some of the Thursday Night Radical Knitters dream of. And of things some of us hope to never have to go through. And of great women who become friends. You have to read it.

I Was So Proud

I did the kitchener stitch on this sock, without turning off the t.v. and without having to give it a lot of thought....it was short lived. Just as I went to further pat myself on the back, I noticed a dropped stitch way down from the start of the toe shaping. Ugh!

I thought some time back a stitch seemed a little loose. I should have investigated it more. But, now I have finished it and sockie #1 looks good. On to it's brother.

This Is What I'm Reading

A Tale Of Two Gauges

A little less than a week ago, I bought yet another baby yarn in blue. I did not need it, but the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino felt so soft and I could only imagine what a soft sweater it would make.

I did a gauge swatch according to the pattern I had chosen and was all the way down to a size 1 needle and still a bit off. But, I refused to go any smaller and figured the baby could stand it to be just a tad roomy. So, I cast on the sweater on the right. Funny, how un-soft it feels when you go down all the way to a size 1. I was going to give it up and even looked at other patterns.

I was close to chucking the project for now, when I decided what the heck, I'll go up a couple of sizes of needles and see what that gauge look like. The sweater on the left is the result. It is softer and I think I am going to like it. I just cast on the smallest size of the pattern on the larger needles and the measurements are right around where a 9-12 month baby would wear.

Easter is the plan end date, yes this Easter!

One thing is for sure, I do not need any more baby yarn. And I realized something when I was knitting on the size 1 needle, I don't like knitting baby things, they take a lot of knitting despite their smallness.

Russian Prime

I wanted to show a picture of my progress on my Russian Prime sweater today, but unfortunately there is none. You see I ripped it out last night. Yes, I said ripped it out.

Uncharacteristically for me, I shut the t.v. off last night after the Bradley basketball game. I have to post that I NEVER watch Bradley basketball. The reason, many years ago, our local t.v. station started running the games even when they were playing in town. IT always was on a Thursday night and Hill Street Blues was re - routed to 1:00 am. Do I hold a grudge or what? But, because there was nothing on t.v. that I wanted to watch, I tuned into the last ½ of the game. Basketball, for me can be nice background to knitting. When it was over, I thought what the heck, I'll turn it off and work on my Russian Prime for just a little while.

It has been awhile since I worked on it. I think, I knew that there was a little problem with it and subconsciously that it was kept me from picking it up. Amy D., uploaded a file on Yahoo of the chart that I have been kicking around using, because it also has the side panels chart on it. So, I popped it into my new KnitPicks chart holder. I'm not real keen on the chart holder. I think I like my old metal one and the block of wood holder better. But, I digress.....

Back to the Russian Prime (can you tell how I am feeling about it?) I want to start the Guernsey from the new Woolgathering. But, I am not sure that I want to use my Apple Green Galway for it. And I have definitely decided NOT to use the purple Galway. After all, I can't keep making the same color sweaters that the model's are knitted out. Besides purple really isn't my color! And I cannot pull out the Circumnavigated Cardigan that already has about 6 or more inches to it. But, I wonder if Galway makes a nice Caribbean Blue? You know I never checked that out! And, I am going to Morton tonight......where was I?

Oh, yes, the Russian Prime (those two words as my other conscience reminded me, a.k.a Char). I worked a row around and discovered that I was missing two stitches. No, not dropped two stitches, but more like did not cast them on. Not a big deal, they can be handled later when I increase. So, I keep working. I am using a 24" needle and a 24" just does not seem to be long enough, to spread out the stitches to see what it is really going on. So I dig through my needles. All I have is a bamboo in a Size 5 and it is about 27 inches. So, I used it for the next round. I just don't like the way it drags on the bamboo. And I am not a 100% sure that I did not twist the join 5 rows ago.

So, I started ripping it out, and then got so frustrated, I just snipped it loose, tossed it and tonight when I go to Morton, I'll buy a 32" Addi, re cast it on with the correct amount of stitches and begin again. I've learned a couple of things from my first cast on of the Russian Prime and now it will give me an opportunity to get them right the second time around!

That is if my trip to Morton, doesn't get me into trouble!

Does This Not Just Scream My Yarn?

The latest Woolgathering just screams make me out of my purple Galway. The only problem? The purple Galway is two skeins into the Circumnavigated Cardigan. But, I do have some great Apple Green Galway that would look pretty cool as a Guernsey Pullover too.

The best news, there is a video just out at Schoolhouse Press on it. After posting, I'm off to order it!

I Might Just Have To Bid

The ensemble is so cute! I have named it St Patrick's Day in the Caribbean.

I'll keep watch on the bidding and if I see that it is going kind of slow or not going for a decent amount, I'll bid on it myself.

Can You Believe It?

My box of yarn from Arnhild arrived on Saturday as I was walking out the door to the Basketball Tournament. It still sits un-opened.

Unbelievable!

I'm working on my silent auction items for work. Finished pictures tomorrow. Thanks to Linda for the yarn for the downsized version of the booga bag. And Norma gaves me the Encore Chunky for the scarf. It is going to be hard to give it away. She had to have bought it with me in mind! It really is going to look great with the bag.
I found just enough of the eyelash to go around the top.

And if the bidding does not go high enough, I might just bid it all back into my hands!

Wearin of the Green

Every year at work, we do a silent auction at St. Patrick's Day. Last year, I knitted a felted bag in green with eyelash. Added a eyelash scarf and some green lia sophia jewelry. Most of the pieces that are auctioned off are in gift bags are wrapped pretty in green paper. I put mine in the felted bag. It was a hit.

This year came too fast and there was no time to do anything. So, I ignored it. Then, yesterday, my friend who is in charge of it, whined. How last year's mine was such a hit. Wouldn't I please consider doing something again? I have no time to shop. I had no stash. I went to my friends, they have no stash either! So, I figured I would shop at Hobby Lobby tonight and maybe in between ball games on Saturday and then knit like a fiend come Sunday, felt on Sunday night, take it to dry in front of my heater at work on Monday and have it in the case by Tuesday. Oy!

So, I slept on it! And remembered my one skein book, my dear friend Jo gave me. It has some possibilities! And then, I remembered some one skeins stash that I do have.

Here they are. I think I can do this and NOT have to felt any of it.

I see a scarf. I see a couple of washrags. I see a small little purse. One of the greens are not exactly kelly green, but I thought I could maybe get a way with it. Stay tuned.

The Last of Arnhild - for this year
My final purchases at the store that brought Arnhild's yarn and patterns (Purls). This baby yarn is so soft, I could not resist, even though I have a similiar color in Dale. This is for my great nephew for Christmas next year! Arnhild is only doing wholesale now, so she has Martha, the new owner of Purls sell the products.
This is my baby Circumnavigated sample from Marcia's class. Ignore all of the strands hanging. They are holding stitches or my guide stitches for the saddle shoulder. The pockets are very interesting, they are fused. Now, I know unless you actually see them being done, you are asking huh? I started a big version of it last night, and so I hope to have a couple of the future blogs that will show you the fusing in action.

The cool part of the sweater, is that when I am done, there is no sewing together. And you know how I like no sewing! Stay tuned for more on the Circumnavigated Cardigan in the weeks/months to come.

And so we are coming to the end of what I can tell you about Arnhild's Knitting Retreat. Oh, there is so much more, but, I don't want to bore you with for another week. Suffice it to say, I am going back next year. The cost is just right, the food is good, there was real hot chocolate one afternoon with marshmallows, tea breaks in the morning, some great show and share items to see one night all laid out for us with the info on each one, and of course a nice hotel to sit and watch the snow come down. It was a great weekend.

And the Mexico clothes are still sitting where I left them when I unpacked almost two weeks ago. Oh well, back to reality! When is Meg's camp?

Souvenirs

As a child whenever we would go on vacation, I would have to have a souvenir of the trip. So, it is no wonder that as an adult, I would need a yarn souvenir to remember my knitting vacations. And Arhnild's would not be any different, would it? Even though the WIPS and Stash are now to the point of a sin.



Even though, this appears to be a young person's size, I tried the hat on and I am going to make this for me for next winter. The dark color in the picture is a dark teal.




I am currently swatching the cardigan and awaiting for the rest of the yarn to make it's way to me. I tried on Arnhild's sample while at the Retreat and fit really well except for the sleeves that were a little long. Arnhild's daughter designed this sweater and she is the one on the left.


And last but not least, I bought this book for the mitten patterns. No yarn, but the book screamed, buy me.

Tomorrow, the last of the souvenirs, a pic of my little Circumnavigated Cardigan and a final wrap up of Arnhild's Knitting Retreat.

Classes At Arnhild's Knitting Retreat

I did the Circumnavigated Cardigan all weekend. We knitted on a very small version to get all the techniques. The instructor was Marcia Carlson. I am so glad I took this class because without it, I never would have made it through a big one. Medrith Glover is the designer and her pattern was in Knitter's years ago.

I first stumbled across the pattern when I was at my first Meg Swansen Knit Camp. I could not get the issue of the magazine from Knitters so I ordered it from Medrith Glover. I always intended on knitting it and never quite got to it.

I am anxious to start on a big version of it now, but it will have to wait til the weekend, because I just can't concentrate on it right now. The yarn I had planned on using for it all weekend is a Cascade 220 Tweed. Now, I am not sure I will have enough of it. This sweater to me screams tweed or variegated.

Back to classes though. Arnhild had four classes for our choosing. And the nice thing, is if you wanted to get up from where you were and go off and listen to another one you could. No problem. And the equally nice thing is that for three of the four classes, Short Rows, Shadow Knitting and the Cardigan, all of the class materials were included in our folder when we registered. The other one was Arnhild's clinic, where you could bring your problems and get help from her or others or just sit and knit.

I just can't tell you how relaxed the classes were. What a great feeling it was. The most stressed part was not having my yarn to start my sweater with while I was there!

Arnhild

I met Arnhild once at Stitches Midwest when I bought her Poncho Kit. I wore it Friday night. Two things happened almost simultaneously. She personally greets everyone when you see her. I held my hand out to introduce myself and she says "no (in her delightful Norwegian accent), I get a hug. At the same time, she is saying to me, you are wearing my poncho, you bought that at Stitches Midwest, no?" I am amazed!

Friday night during dinner, Arnhild lets us know what the weekend will be like. Very easy going, do what you want, bounce from class to class, knit whenever you want enjoy. She personally introduces everyone and makes them stands up. Tells us how long you have been coming to her knitting retreats, where you from and she mentions to the crowd that I am wearing her poncho that I bought at Stitches Midwest.

Arnhild did not teach any classes, but rather was in a clinic where you could take your knitting problems whatever they may be and get help with. She is such a sweet lady, and I love to listen to her speak. She is very open about her life, family and trips to come. She is currently selling her trip to Norway this summer and talked to us on Sunday at dessert break quite in depth of future trips. By the end of the time I spent with her, I am seriously thinking about going on her Knitting Cruise to Norway in two years!

I know I'm going back to her Knitting Retreat next year. It is already on the calendar!

It Was A Beautiful Weekend in Iowa

As long as you did not have to go anywhere! And I didn't! If we were not talking about knitting, we were watching the weather outside. And fortunately for me, I could call my boss on Sunday night and let him know I was snowed in in Iowa and did not feel bad about it.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of Arnhild's Knitting Camp. Not that I couldn't have took some, but while in Mexico, I got too close to an ocean wave. It slapped up at me, must have hit my little Fugi camera just right and seized it up and now it will not work. I will have to investigate having it repaired or start looking for a new one, but that subject will be put on hold for awhile.

Julie and I made it just in time on Friday night for the start of knitting camp. The weather started in full force after we got there and for the rest of the weekend, whether it was from our hotel room window or from the classroom, we kept tabs on a quite beautiful storm. We all felt we were quite lucky that we had electricity the whole weekend. Some places in Iowa still did not have any yesterday.

Anyway, that will all I will say about the weather. The real purpose of my visit was Arnhild's Knit Camp. Camp is held every year the last weekend in February in Ames, Iowa. It took us a little more than 5 hours going and 5 hours going back. People who attended this year had been new people like me and some who have been going for 11 years. We came from Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. As far as I could tell, no one is turned away.

Cost for me was $335. I paid a $100 deposit last year, and did not have to pay the balance until I was at Camp. I can't believe what all I got for my money. I shared a room with Julie and her sister which brought the cost down a bit. The bed was so fluffy, I had four pillows on my bed and a fantastic comforter that just swallowed me up. The room was really quite nice! Also included, in the weekend, was the classes, my meal on Friday night, continental breakfast on Saturday, lunch on Saturday, Dinner on Saturday, brunch on Sunday, and dessert bar mid Sunday afternoon. I was pleased with what I got for the money.

Tomorrow, Arnhild.

It Was A Beautiful Weekend

I Have Alot To Tell

But, at the moment, I just want to sit in my chair, drink a diet coke and do nothing!

Short version - Julie picked me up on Friday around 12:30. We went off to Ames, Iowa to Arnhild's camp. We stopped at a yarn shop on the way. The weather turned into rain, hail, freezing rain, back to rain.

Friday night, it began to freeze rain. Saturday afternoon, after a morning of freezing rain, it commenced to snow. It was what they were calling a two sided storm in Iowa. It snowed another 10 -12 inches on top of the freezing rain!

We could not get out on Sunday, so we spent another night! It took us over an hour to clean off the car and get the doors to open. I just got home.

I had a great time and Julie and her sister and I have already put it on our calendar for next year.

More info to follow in the days ahead! Suffice it to say, I'm glad to be home and after just a bit of a rest I am going to swatch for a new sweater!

I Have To Go Back To Work

I could get used to this not working. But, then I would not be able to go to Mexico or to Knit Camp or to Arnhild's this weekend.

My friend, Julie is picking me up tomorrow at work around noon tomorrow and we are off to Ames, Iowa.

So technically, I am only working 11 1/2 hours and then I'll be off for the weekend.

Next week, however is going to be one LONNNNNNNGGGG week!

I'm Back!

And no, this is not a flattering picture! But, I was a little tired this last day in Mexico, and really ready to come home!

We had a blast! I've got everything put away this morning. Went through the mail, paid the bills and filed the rest. I still have laundry to do, but the nice thing is none of the laundry needs to be done for the trip to Arnhild's this weekend! So, it will wait until I get back.

I am glad I only took sox with me to knit. I think I knitted only about three rows the whole time I was gone! Now, I'm ready to knit. I think that is what I'll spend the rest of the afternoon doing.

Tomorrow it is back to work!

My Bags Are Packed

I'm ready to go. And boy are the bags packed! I was packing light this year, right! Then why does it seem like I have everything I own, but yet don't? I did however decide on just these sox. Because when given alot of thought, I know that they are doable in a week.


Adios All, see you in a week!

Finally At Gauge

I have knitted this convertible mitten up this far three times. I started with the size called for needle, size 3. Then I went to a four. Then, what no #5s? So I went for the six and that is what it is going to be.

This is just one of the projects that are going with me to Mexico. I figure when we fly back into Chicago in a week, I am going to need the mittens to wear home on the bus. And I am taking my sox, for the same reason. And finally, I am taking a spare. I never do that. But, I feel like tomorrow may bring a lot of knitting in the airport (if all that snow comes our way).

Now, why couldn't it wait until I at least fly out before it starts? Answer me that one!

Do I Look Like A Jewelry Salesperson?
This is the new stuff that I have added to my lia sophia jewelry samples. And yes, it was hard to decide what is going with me to Mexico. It is just about as bad as what knitting/books and shoes to take! One must be ready for all contingencies. After all, it the lia sophia business that allows me to take these trips.

Tomorrow, decisions must be made....well not the shoes or books, or jewelry, I've packed them. Tomorrow, I decide on what knitting will accompany me. If we get the snow they are predicting for us on Monday pm/Tuesday am, I may be sitting in the airport in Peoria knitting.....and bitching about the weather too.

Think good thoughts and that the weather man is once again wrong!!!

What to Take?

The convertible mittens I just started? I am taking them to Mexico to work on because I know I will need to wear them when we fly back in. I am still wondering if the cuff is too small. It fits on my little wrists(one of only two of my body parts that I can say is small). I just keep knitting waiting to see what color comes next. Soon, I'll be at the stockinette portion and then I'll see what the gauge is. I may need to go up to a size four needle.
Or shall I work on these sox that are a past due gift?
Or shall I take sox for me so I can also wear them when I get back into the country? Up until today, they sit at work, as a just in case project.

All other projects are off the table until I get back from Mexico.

This Is Just Too Much

Even if I do like wearing my sweaters!!! All of next week is supposed to be like this. That means another chance to wear my sweaters again!

To NancyJ --Yes, the Icord will be a trial! Thats a whole lotta icord that has to go on this sweater. I am letting it veg their for awhile, cause now I want to start my Russian Prime. I am doing the KAL, so if you get a chance, check it out over at www.russianprime.blogspot.com

Everybody, be warm! I have to go out tonight and I am NOT looking forward to it.

Finally Two Pieces

Now, I have to do all of that Icord. It could take awhile.

I'm Almost There!

I am on the last turn of the Round the Bend Jacket. Then, all I will need to do is weave the sleeve to the last piece, deal with the center back and do the icord touches! That should take me about a week.

I am hoping to have it done so I can take it when I go to Arnhild's after I get back from Mexico. I really need to get hoppin on it.

Have not ordered my yarn yet for the Russian Prime KAL. Need to do that tonight!

I've Spent The Weekend Reading

And now it is time to turn to knitting. I have not knit a bit since Knit Night on Thursday. There must be something wrong with me! Not really, I just felt like reading.

So, now I am catching up on blog reading and I'm trying to decide on what to take to Puerta Vallarta in 15 days. I usually take a pair of socks, because I know I could come home with a pair almost done. I very rarely knit around the beach or the pool, but do alot of knitting at the airports and on the way home and back. But, I am giving thoughts to taking something else this time. I'm thinking about starting the Clapotis Shawl out of some Koigu that I had for one of Candace Eisner Strick's Look at Me Poncho. At some point I thought the yarn would look good in a shrug pattern that I have. But, I don't think I'm the shrug kind of person. Now, I'm thinking about swatchin the yarn for Clapotis to take with me.

Decisions, decisions!

I've Gone And Done It

I've joined the Russian Prime Knit Along. I'm going to spend the weekend working on my swatch (taking a break from knitting on the Round the Bend) and then come Monday, I'm going to order the yarn from Meg!

This is going to be fun!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

But, you know the good thing? I have worn my sweaters to work all week long. And I still have more for next week! Isn't that cool. I started with the Suspender Sweater on Tuesday. I like it. Wednesday, was the Ara Yarn Cable Sweater and I have a cool piece of jewelry to wear with it. Today, was the brown chevron sweater from one of the Shetland books. And tomorrow is the Weekend Sweater that has my favorite colors (caribe blue and lime).

Keepin warm!

What A Great Weekend It Was

We really did not get the weather that we expected. But, just the same I hibernated most of the weekend, well at least until Monday, when I went out just as it started to snow!

But, it was a great long weekend all the same. I sat around, knitted, read some books (one that I was just going to see if it was good enough for a beach book), and then ended up reading it til it was finished!

I watched my new DVD on the Baby Surprise from Schoolhouse Press. At first, I wasn't all that thrilled about doing it, but once I got to the end and there were all those extras that Meg threw in, I am seriously giving thought to it. BUT, not until the Round The Bend is done. Where am I on it? working up towards the shoulder. Soon, I will be ready to join at the shoulder, then the back seam and then the Icord finishing. It's going to be a while, maybe a couple of weeks, but I hope to have it finished by the time I leave for Mexico.

No, I'm not taking it with me, but when I get back from Mexico, I'm going to Arnhild's the next weekend, and I want to take it with me then. I already have the turtleneck for it!

It's A Three Day Weekend For Me

Yep, I off on Monday. The weekend (including Monday) promises nasty weather here in Central IL, ice, freezing rain and snow.

So, I am hunkering down, staying in and taking care of some stuff.

Have got to get my lia sophia stuff in order. Am going to sit and knit. Gotta clean a bit. And am going to start pulling things together for my trip in a little over 30 days. Just a few things mind you that have to be found in their various places.

Good news, I read over on another blog. Lion Brand is producing Cotton Ease again. It only comes in 11 colors ( and none of em are caribe blue, but there is a pretty lime green). I liked knitting with this yarn a couple of years ago and will try it again. I got the new Lion Brand catalog the other day. I have not really looked at it other than the Lion Brand page to verify that it was available, but the cover is pretty (lime of course).

Be safe this weekend, knit friends, why not just stay in and knit! I'm going to.

I've Got This Wild Hair

For a sarong for the Mexico trip to knit. But, now, with the help of some knitlisters I am thinking about a lace ponch ala Meg's Mananita, knit back and forth instead of in the round.

Or a variation of a collar only longer like a skirt that can be buttoned up on the side.

Only the yarn would have to be cotton, right? And a light weight one (read as not bulky to pack) right? And if I use a cotton, wouldn't it need to be blocked when finished?

Any suggestions on yarn brands? I know it isn't do able for this trip, but wouldn't it make a great project to work on at the beach?

Searching for the Perfect Turtleneck Color

Now that I have finished The Suspender Sweater, I am searching for the perfect color turtleneck for it. It has to be a dark sage, at least that is what I have my mine set on. I'm going to have to try Lands End.

I found the perfect one for my Round the Bend Jacket. I just need to finish it. I must say the second half is sending me around the bend. It seems like I have torn it back to the sleeve more times than I care to admit. I must not be paying attention to the short rows, because the last time it fell short of the first side.

I have ordered the clasps for it in anticipation of finishing it though.

Happy New Year!

Suspender Sweater Done

I love it. I loved knitting with Berroco's Ultra Alpaca. And I have two skeins left. With 215 yards on each skein, I'll have enough for a scarf. That should be nice and cozy.

I had to start over a couple of times on weaving the garter stitch side seams. I had never done it before. I got the Glossary DVD out and Handknitting with Meg to see how to do it. Finally, after almost weaving one whole side seam, I figured out, mine looks best when done from the wrong side. Then the right side looks much better. I am not sure if I missed that along the way or if it was just me.

Last night I started back with the Round the Bend sweater. I need to find something that is some mindless knitting for Knit Nights and at lunch work knitting.

Today, is the last real vacation day. After today, everybody will be back at home for the weekend and it will just be a weekend. I am going to haul out the baby yarns and decide on options at least three baby sweaters that I need for this Spring. One I know will be a girl's and one for my great nephew that I have talked about before. The other I won't know for sure for another couple of weeks. This should be fun!

Had A Little Scare Last Night

I finished knitting and sewing up the last sleeve seam with about 12 inches left of yarn. And I still had the side seams to weave. I was sure I had at least one extra ball left somewhere. I distinctly remember telling myself that there was no need to worry.

Do you think I could find it? I searched all the camp stash twice. I went through bags that I knew it wouldn't be in. I did find another sweater in progress that I want to finish for knit camp, but no Alpaka.

Then, right before I sat down to go online and see if Schoolhouse Press could send me a skein, I checked one more spot. I did not think it would be there, because that spot is reserved for other stash. But, low and behold, there they were, two skeins of it! Yippee Skippy!

Today, I weave the seams together. I don't think I have ever done that. Time to get Schoolhouse Press' Glossary DVD out!

Christmas 2006

We had a great Christmas! Except for when my niece announced that they were thinking about getting married in July?!!What, did I not tell her that was Knit Camp month?

I am off all this week and enjoying the heck out of it, even though, the first day was spent taking the tree down, bringing out my snowmen (at least the ones I could get to) and bringing out a little of the yarn collection. I have a stash that I want to knit on before Knit Camp this July. Okay, I was at her first wedding, I may not make it to the second wedding.

I did not get to knit at all yesterday. And today, is errand day. I have to exchange my coat in Peoria , the tall guy bought me. I have a nail appointment (broke one yesterday all the way to my nail, it bled, it hurt and it still hurts!) Then this afternoon, evening, am heading to my mom's to celebrate her birthday.

Which after today, leaves just two official vacation days left in the week and I am being selfish with them. I want to just sit at home and knit and plan my projects for the new year which includes the above mentioned pre-knit camp projects and at least two baby gifts. Not to mention, I still owe something knitted for my great-nephew, but I think a nice Spring sweater is really what I want to do.

The new baby with his Cousin A. Notice the hand knit bib. My neice likes how absorbent it is. I'll have to make some more in a larger version for her.
The new baby with his Cousin B.

I like Christmas, but I love having the week off in between when I can pretty much have the house to myself and get out the pajamas when I want to. Yesterday it was 3 in the afternoon, today, I gotta get moving!

I'm On Vacation

Not the kind of vacation where you go away (that's a little over 50 days away).

This one is just from work. I don't have to go back until January 2nd. I know it will go fast, but I am going to enjoy it. I have a list of stuff I want to accomplish and alot of it is knitting. I hope I get some of it done.

It just feels good to be free to do what I want. Knitting included.

Merry Christmas

I've Got a New Book

The only problem is there are no yardages of how much yarn is used for each? Not yet that I have found. Needle sizes yes, but no estimated yarn, hmm?
I used a gift cert that my boss gave me for my birthday to order this book. I saw it at my local yarn shop and was taken by the simple sweaters with great yarns.


As I read through it, I think maybe I should give it to Willie's girlfriend for Christmas instead of the Knitting Without Tears that is wrapped for her. But, I am not going to.
As I pen a little note to the girlfriend explaining why I am giving her a EZ book, it validates why she needs to know about the "godmother of circular knitting" as I put it.

Someday, I hope she "understands it" and wants to learn more. The designs in my new book are built on two simple patterns with great yarns.

This book screams one of our knitting friends!




One thing that I noted early in the book, Kitty has her local yarn shop finish (for a fee) the sweaters she knits. Hey, Linda we could use a local yarn shop that did that for us couldn't we!!

I'm Ahead For Next Year

I spent alot of time working on this scarf the last few weeks, just to decide that there was no way I was going to get it done in time for this year's Christmas present to the gal we work with. So, now I can work towards finishing it for her for next year.

It is a knock off of a scarf that I saw in the Athleta catalog. Or a narrower version of the pocket shawl that Knit Picks had a free pattern for. I had the yarn forever and knitted until it was gone. I think, now I will trim the pockets with a navy rib.

Boy, it feels good to be ahead of the game! VBG

There Comes A Time

when you just say enough. Enough. The new baby does not need anything knitted for Christmas. I'll knit a Spring sweater for him. Then, I don't have to feel guilty for not giving something to the other two for Christmas. The red scarf will look better on my gray coat then the intended recepient. Besides, jewelry is always good for a 50th birthday!


These flip flop socks have been given absolution. They don't have to be done before Christmas.

Now, I can return to knitting for myself.

I feel so much better now!

If You Could Have Seen Me

I spent the entire weekend with knitting needles in my hand. And probably every waking moment this week after work you will see the same thing. I have paired down the list of what MUST be done. One pair of flip flop socks, one scarf and one hat and mitten set.

Accomplished this weekend, three scarves, two of which did not have to be done, but I spent time knitting them anyway. Heck none of them really had to be done, I could of not. The two outside scarves ended up being shorter than I really wanted them to be, but I kind of knew that going into them. But still I knit them.

And a pair of mittens, to go with one of the scarves. Again, I didn't need to do them, I already had something for the intendee, but her scarf from last year, had an accident, so instead of trying to repair,Walmart had the same yarn and I made a new one. And since I was doing mittens for other friends, I figured she'd be disappointed if she did not get some too.

Oh, the rationale!

Absolutely No Knitting Was Done Yesterday



And I doubt today either. It's another full day for me, a meeting first thing, then mostly eating-two potlucks at lunch to attend and a dinner tonight! And that is even the Unit Party yet. And I have to weigh in at noon. Am I tired? But, this is the worst of it. I still have shopping to do and loads of knitting, but after tonight, I should be able to get back at my regular schedule!

But, I did get my tree up and some packages wrapped. I was so pleased about that! But, now I think they need some of those cute little mittens for decor on the top. You know the pattern...it was on the Knitting Calendar a few days back....Someone stop me please!!

Holiday Knitting Still To Do

This bag contains everything that I would like to accomplish for the Holidays. Realistically, at this moment, I'm ready to chuck one of them. It's not a gift, it is something a coworker asked me to knit for a friend of hers. Its not crucial as far as I'm concerned.

Tomorrow night, I'll make the decision. Tonight I shopped. My feet burn. Never again will I be this far behind and not know what I am shopping for! Never again!

I Went Shopping On Saturday


I'm glad I did. Because the yarn shop will be open next Saturday but not the two Saturdays after that when I really would want to go and shop JUST FOR ME. I could make a trip out there when I'm off between Christmas and New Year, but I intend on spending that week KNITTING WHATEVER I WANT!


What did I buy? Yarn for a scarf for a friend of mine's 50th birthday celebration the Saturday before Christmas. I've got to get my fingers busy with this one.


A Dale Baby Book I don't have. Which has this cute little hat and mittens set in it.I would like to get it done for Christmas Eve for my new little great-nephew. I think it would be a nice tradition to start for the little ones to get a new knitted hat and mitten set each Christmas from their Auntie Pen.


Sounds like something out of a book doesn't it. I can just hear them when they are 20, "every year even now when we are 20, our eccentric Auntie Pen knits us hats and mittens"


And this is for after Christmas, Alpaca Twist for a shawl for me. The feel is just scrumptous. And do you notice the color? It is not blue or green. It will go great with black and gray and blue. For now it sits and waits for me.

Two Weeks And All Will Be Given

At this time in just two weeks and Christmas Eve will be over. All of the knitted stuff will be given away. I've got way too much to accomplish in the next two weeks. I cannot sit and read like I did this weekend. I must knit whenever possible!

Updates later this week.

Another Christmas Gift Done
Gazillions to go. And I have rethought a couple too.

No time to chat, too much to accomplish tonight. You know how it is....

It's Cold Outside!

But, if you are where I am at, you know it. We are all going back to work today. The good thing about cold weather is that I have plenty of sweaters and scarves to wear this week and I will! The bad thing is it is to work and home, cause I'm not shopping when it is this chilly and the roads bumpy and snowy still. Cold weather is good for the gas companies though isn't it!

Snowed In!

Could not make it to work today. The tall guy did get the older twin to his job at the prison this morning, but that is it. He and the younger twin are out now picking up prescriptions for grandma and picking the older one up from the job.

Our stupid neighbor has his van stuck right in the middle of the road, and has pretty much abandoned it, so no one can come down the street from the main road. What an idiot, but that is the way they are.


I got up at the regular time, got all but dressed and decided that I was not even going to try it! Do you think I spent the day knitting? No, spent the day cleaning my living room and dining room and putting away the Thanksgiving decor and putting up a little Christmas stuff.

And since I did put some Christmas out, I have to find a spot for this that was up on the dry sink in the dining room.


Once I get that done, I'm done for the night. I'm going to watch Polar Express tonight, drink some wine, knit a little and read a little if I get that far. Tomorrow, I'll tackle the laundry and maybe by Sunday, we'll be able to get out. Us and the 39,000 people in the city.

Be safe my friends this weekend!