Twist Your Stitches

a fine fleece book review

2012-01-25T09:38:00.000-06:00


photo from Amazon.com

A Book Review on

a fine fleece by Lisa Lloyd

This large hardcover book was given to me by the wonderful hubster as a Christmas gift. I also received a beautiful bag of alpaca fiber. It's shade is a chestnut brown and I came to find out later, from a friend's farm. A gift of inspiration.

The pictures in this book makes one drool.

I'm not kidding.

From the history of fiber collection, processing and spinning...to the wonderful cable filled patterns you can try with either your own hand-spun yarns, or commercially bought yarns, the possibilities are not limited to just spinning folk. There are options for both hand spinners and non-spinners on each pattern presented.

With natural inspired names like; "Town & Country" or "October Frost" and my favorite, "Ancient Oak" this creative imagination sparking masterpiece would be a true gem in your knitting library.

The writing is superb and the beginning section of the book goes into much detail on knowing about what you are knitting, why you are knitting it, and the background as to how the designer did what she did on design elements of each project. It reads like a story though, and not just a bunch of technical information. The play on words is exquisite as your senses are lit with all aspects of color, textures, taste and smell. I felt like I was in an old English field with sheep grazing and dew on the grass.

I also felt a renewed interest in my own blending of fibers and empowered to experiment more. The author goes into detail about how she blends her fibers and the results of those blends.

The sizes given for patterns in this book looks to fit us folks who aren't um, let's say, a size 0, and the pictures actually show some models swimming in their sweaters. While some may take that as a criticism, I'm offering it as a neutral observation.

The difficulty of these patterns varies, some would be very advanced in my opinion with several finishing techniques I am not familiar with. (not that I am an advanced sweater knitter, of course!)

Don't let that discourage you though, if you wish to peruse this book and make some cabled masterpieces of your own.

I have several patterns marked and yarns put aside for when I have "oh-so-much-time" to work on the dreams inspired by this book. This pretty scarf is one of them;

twilight

You can find the patterns included in the book to browse pictures on Ravelry.com right here: a fine fleece and I recommend taking a moment or two to look through them.

I cannot put down this book. It's a page turner. A few facts;

26 projects in all

chunky yarns plus finer lace weight

difficult cable charts to simple twist cables

Published by Pottercraft

If you are a beginner knitter, you will be inspired to take your knitting to a higher level, but I recommend this book the most to those cable lovers that aren't daunted by large cable charts or major finishing on their sweaters.

If you are a spinner, this book might not have enough technical info to produce the exact yarn pictured in the book, so it may take one experienced to copy the project. But half the fun of spinning is putting your individual twist into the pretty string.

a fine fleece.

Why yes, yes, it is.

Winter has Arrived in MN

2012-01-18T07:21:00.000-06:00

Snow and cold. Winds. Blustery drafts and red chapped cheeks.

Walking on a frozen lake for the first time is very fun. You slip and slide...even the dog was skating at a couple different moments.

I am not a winter person.

Winter is for knitting...

But behind the camera and watching others enjoy the snow and the cold is fun.

I have a big project starting this month.

REALLY big.

So I am holed up in the house and quietly slipping in work moments when I can.

I will continue to review yarns as they come up, and post when I can, but my energy is pointed on this project.

Sneak peaks and little bits and pieces I will share with you when I can.

Stitch by stitch...inch by inch...we'll get there.

Yarn Companies and Browsing

2012-01-13T10:49:00.001-06:00

In browsing different yarn companies this morning, I am impressed by how much work is put into a website.

This is often the first impression a customer/potential client has of them.

I have mentioned before the lack of concern of some companies have for the Internet and media that so many of us use. Why is that? Are they so busy making the yarns, they are not so up on selling their yarns?

Some sites are just downright BORING.

To be ahead in this business, not only is media presentation an art, it's a necessity.

Check out Lorna's Laces.
Simple and not distracted by too much "bling"...beautiful pictures rotate just enough to capture your attention, but not so fast that you can't study it for a moment. Not so painfully slow, you are bored. The yarn and pattern pages do the same. I like that.

Of course, I've always loved Blue Sky Alpacas and Spud & Chloe's websites. They work hard on their design and media presentations. Detail is a must.

Some the more frequent places I visit are here:
Quince and Co
Grundl
Rowan
Skein

And one of my favorites: Wollmeise. (its in German-but really cool graphics)

Browse some links and look for yourself. I often find inspiration in peeking in at a company's images and it really is a representation of who/what they are and how they wish to be interpreted.

Skip the "busy" sites. They can be overwhelming. What are some of your favorites? Please share...

A Few Words Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:12:00.000-06:00

In the rhythm of the needles there is music for the soul.

(Old Sampler quote)

Handspun knitting during piano lessons this week.

Christmas Knitting Recap...

2011-12-30T19:06:00.000-06:00

As I review some of my knitting projects of December, I am really awed at how much more relaxed my holiday season was. There is something very soothing in winding my yarns and weaving the strands around each other to create a unique gift.

Spinning some wool/alpaca blended fiber that I hand carded produced these lovely skeins I've named, "Africa" with it's wild-themed scheme.

Sarah's winter hat showed me why I love charts and can't seem to follow a color sequence in abbreviation form. The top part of the Fair Isle didn't turn out. I was so fed up with the directions, I just finished the hat. I wanted it done to get wrapped and put under the tree. This is a good reminder to myself to thoroughly read through a pattern before I embark on the project. I need to remember that if it isn't enjoyable reading through it, it won't be any less enjoyable knitting it up.

I also knit some lined mittens for a friend. These are for alittle girl who loses her mittens frequently, so I also secured an I-cord on them.

The liners are a sport weight alpaca, which made the fit much better as the outer mitten is worsted weight. I stash busted with these and was able to use up some pretty pink leftovers.

Notice the mistake on the cuffs? One is k1p1 and the other is k2p2...LOL! This would be alittle "too relaxed" in my knitting...or, knitting right before bedtime.

I hope as you review your own knitting this month, you have lovely things that were made from the heart as well.

I love giving gifts that were knit especially for someone. I think about them, pray for them, and just generally hold them close to my heart as I create for them. It's a personal connection.

As 2011 winds down and we move into 2012, I am looking forward to new changes, to renewed health and to more wonderful knitting projects.

Happy New Year's!

Winner of the Christmas Yarn!

2011-12-27T07:48:00.000-06:00

These lovely skeins are headed over to cguard as her comment was picked by Random Generator last night.

cguard said:
"The Apple for the Teacher is my absolute favorite. (and apropo as I am a teacher) I love that your dyes are eco friendly as I have realized I need to think through every purchase of yarn or needles and just like with clothes ask did the making/buying of this make our world a better/worse place to live."

I love that! I too am trying to buy more "local" and also pay attention to what my items/products are made out of. It's not only about making our world a better place...but it effects our health too! As a cancer survivor I've made alot of changes that effects not only my health, but that of my family's.

Thanks again to Kate at Knits In Class, as she so kindly offered these lovely yarns as a give away here on my blog.

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and if you are anything like me, you are breathing a sigh of relief as another year of frantic Christmas knitting is over.

I have revved up the spinning wheel again as the hubby scored big points with me for gifting me an alpaca fleece. I have carded it with some pure wool and am experimenting on the wheel with the blend. So far, I'm totally smitten.

Long term goal: to spin enough (consistently enough!) to knit a sweater for myself.

More on that later...

In the meantime, keep on knittin' friends!

A Christmas Gift for YOU!

2011-12-16T14:34:00.000-06:00


Guest yarn: Local Indy Dyer Kate from Knits in Class Fiber Studio

Pattern used: World's Warmest Hat by Dove Knits. Free Pattern on Ravelry.

A double thick warm hat with a brim bearing just a few twists of cables. This pattern showed off the single ply strands perfectly.

The colors compliment each other perfectly and together this lined hat is a treat for cold, windy Minnesota winters. With the generous yardage, I had lots of yarn leftover.

The top of the hat shows best some variation of color in the darker blue. The lighter blue was pretty consistent in shade, but there are some tonal hues as well. Enviro friendly yarns and dyes are what she uses. You can knit with confidence. I had no dye leak into the water during soak blocking. So it was set well.

Kate's Bio: (her blog is here: Knits in Class)

"I have been knitting for years, and had just started spinning when I got hooked on hand painted yarns and fibers. Since I was having so much fun working with hand dyed supplies, I thought it might be fun to try it out for myself. So, I ordered a kit of primary kit of acid dyes, plus black, and a set of basic instructions. I turned my old crock pot into a dye vat and set to work with some un-dyed yarn and wool. And then I got hooked (obsessed might be a better choice of words...). And, since I couldn't possibly every use everything I was dyeing myself, I decided to share it with the rest of the world and started the Knits in Class Fiber Studio in early 2010. The name "Knits in Class" actually stems from my past life as an art history professor, when I would knit when my students were watching a film or taking exams. I realized that teaching wasn't for me - I couldn't wait for film or test days so I could pull out the knitting needles - and Knits in Class eventually became my full time job.

Almost two years later, the shop continues to evolve - I'm now a reseller for Greener Shades dyes (which I discovered while looking for safer dye options while I was pregnant with baby girl) in addition to selling my own hand dyed items, and I did two craft shows this fall, and I am planning for several more next year, too. I love my job - I'm able to spend quality time with my three kids while working in my home studio. They think nothing of the fact that there are racks with skeins of yarn drying all over the yard. I'm constantly studying colors in everything wondering what it would look like hand painted on a yarn or carded into a batt.

I've explored a lot of different kinds of yarn, and the two that I've selected for the review and giveaway are really my two favorite yarn bases. I love the single ply texture and the way the merino soaks up the colors.

Here's the specs:
Worsted single ply
225 yards (about 4 ounces)
100% merino wool
US 7-9 is recommended by the manufacturer, but I really prefer to knit this on 8 or 9 for a more flexible fabric. Although I'm using 7s right now to knit one of Rebecca Danger's monster patterns, and it's creating exactly the kind of fabric I'm looking for. The merino single ply will felt very easily (which is great if you want to felt something, not so great if it's unintentional!)

Merino Silk single ply
225 yards (about 4 ounces)
60% merino wool
40% silk
US 7-9
The silk merino is some of the softest yarn I've ever worked with - and it becomes even softer as you knit with it - like butter!

Both of these are definitely "hand wash in cool water" yarns."

So, you would like alittle something for yourself this Christmas? You have a chance, or two, or maybe THREE to win these beautiful skeins of yarn. Here's the deal:

1st chance: Leave a comment on this blog

2nd chance: Visit Knits in Class' etsy store and name your favorite colorway that she is currently offering

3rd chance: Take your pick, either Tweet about it on Twitter with a link back to her store and this blog, or Facebook link on your status so others can see Kate's beautiful yarns.

That's it! Don't forget to check out Kate's special she's running at her store until New Year's Day.

The winner will be picked by Random Number Generator and I will close out the giveaway on December 26th in the evening. Make sure you post links so I can contact you after it's over. Ravelry name or email, blog address or Facebook. If no contact info is left, I will generate a different winner.

Good Luck!

Witching Hour and Copper

The Case of the Missing Presents...

2011-12-09T08:49:00.000-06:00

Remember my nice Salsa Scarf I made for our pizza angel in Texas? The one who sent Domino's to our door and my kids just thought she was THE coolest person in the whole wide world? It went into a box to Texas last week along with these...

Salsa driving mitts made with the leftovers from the scarf. Nice baby alpaca along with some Sport Weight Blue Sky Alpaca yarn extras I had in leftovers. Love stash busting.

I also included for our angel some pickled peppers. Cause you know, in Texas she'd probably get more use out the peppers than she would the scarf and mitts. These peppers are pretty strong--my husband swears his hair was curly after eating them. They are great on crackers with cream cheese.

Well, I am here to tell you, insure your boxes NO MATTER what they contain inside of them if you are sending USPS. Because my box was under a $100 value, I didn't spend the extra $6 to insure it. Silly me. I put trust in our postal system.

Not only did someone STEAL the contents inside the box, they filled them with Postal Coloring Books and re-taped the box and sent it on.
Tampering with the mail is a Federal Offense.

I am sad about my friend not getting her intended items...I am sad that it appears to be a post office employee that did this.

And got away with it.
So the moral of this story? Buy the insurance, or use your UPS man.
Trust, it's a fragile thing.

I visited my LYS over the week end and guess who came to visit?

Yes, I've been a good girl this year Santa. And what did I want for Christmas?

I want to be cancer-free.

This nice kind Santa told me he wishes that was the one and only gift he could deliver this Christmas.

If you are like me, you are knitting like crazy in spare moments to get those gifts finished in time to wrap up and get under the tree.

Happy Christmas Knitting my friends!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAYS

2011-12-07T08:15:00.000-06:00

Alittle Bit of This, Alittle Bit of That...

2011-11-28T09:13:00.000-06:00


Discontinued Maypole Nehalem Weaving Yarns perfect for little projects

Company info:
Oregon Worsted Company

9701 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Portland, OR 97222
Tel: (503) 786-1234
Fax: (503) 786-2022
Email: sales@millendstore.com


Latvian Mini Mitten in progress on Size 0 needles

What have I been up to?

Well, as today's post suggests, alittle bit of this and alittle bit of that.

My knitting mentor has hooked me onto these tiny Latvian Mittens. She made over 200 pairs of these for the famed Latvian Knitter, Lizbeth Upitis for her book tour. She said she could make a pair while watching the evening news on TV. I find that absolutely amazing. It took me all day yesterday to get this far on the picture above. After casting on several times and trying to get the needles situated, I am almost at decreasing for the top.

With my knitting friend's help I did complete one mini mitt here:

There are a few mistakes, don't look too closely, where I had to "tink" back, but she urged me to continue, to get one finished. I did it! This little mitt fits my thumb.

She gave me a pair of genuine 0000 metal needles, but those little guys kept slipping out of my stitches and I would drop the needle mid-round. I switched back to my bamboo 0's at her urging, to to get used to using such small needles.

The needle on the left is the 0000 one, the bamboo one on the right is the 0 size. It's hard to tell by a picture, you'd have to feel these both in your hands...the little metal one feels like it is a sewing needle. A small one. A bitty one. Crazy people use that small of a needle to knit with.

So my bright idea? Because you know, I have SO much free time on my hands, is to make some pairs of these little mittens to give on Christmas gifts this year. Never mind that half those gifts are still un-knit and sitting in my yarn basket. No, we won't go there.

Oh we knitters have big dreams, don't we?

So, the yarn used in these experimental mittens?

I was gifted some old weaving yarn from a friend's grandma. What would I use weaving yarn for I wondered at the time?

Mini Latvian Mittens of course!

It wouldn't be fair to give these yarns a full review, as they are no longer available. I can say this though, knitting on little needles with weaving yarn is quite fun. No splitting, no problems other than little bitty stitches that like to slide off of metal needles.

If you can get your hands on some Maypole yarns, this is the yarn very much like what the Baltic countries knit with in the old days.

My knitting mentor has her stamp of approval on that statement.

Another FO:

This cute little sweater stretched me from mittens over to sweater techniques. I need some work in that area. Setting in sleeves was not very fun for me, and trying to gather "extra" stitches into the armpit areas proved to trickier than I thought.

This is a pattern called Baby Cardigan that I can't find on Blue Sky Alpacas website. Here's a link to the Ravelry location of the pattern.

I used some Blue Sky Alpacas worsted weight Cotton for a slightly heavier, bigger sweater for the recipient.

I included some froggie buttons and a Ribbit in the gift bag.

Little froggies and little baby boys just seems so appropriate. His room is in spring green, so it fits.

Another recent FO is for a friend in Texas. She was our "pizza angel" while I went through treatment for breast cancer this past year. She sent Dominos Pizza right to our door and the kids thought she was the coolest person ever to do that.

I used some stash basket leftovers all sport weight yarns and of course, baby alpaca.

This pattern is called Sideways Scarf by Libby Bruce and can be found here: Take-Along Knitting. I'm calling my scarf, Chili Pepper Salsa scarf. She is going to get a jar of my pickled Banana Peppers to go with it. I'm guessing living in Texas, she'll get more miles out of the peppers than she will the scarf...

I will have a sneak preview of what I am working on next in a few days...I have a lovely review for you of a local Minnesotan yarn dyer that has some very lovely yarns for sale at her Etsy shop. There's a contest for some yarn in this one too...so stay tuned for your chance to win some Christmas yarn for yourself!

As always, keep on knitting!

Yarn Review: Reynolds Lite-Lopi

2011-11-21T08:08:00.003-06:00

Name: Reynolds Lite-Lopi

Weight : Aran / 10 ply (8 wpi)

Yardage: 109 yards (100 meters)

Unit weight: 50 grams (1.76 ounces)

Gauge: 16.0 sts = 4 inches

Needle size: US 9 - 8 or 5.5 - 5mm

Fibers: 100% Icelandic Wool

Texture: Rough

Contact information:
Reynolds
JCA Crafts, Inc.
35 Scales Lane
Townsend, MA 01469-1094
Phone: (978) 597-8794

http://www.jcacrafts.com

This is a yarn review on a "classic" yarn I have heard about over and over again in sweater circles called Lopi yarn.

I was constantly hearing about Lopi when looking through traditional mitten designs or Bohus sweaters, so curiosity got the better of me and I made the purchase when I found some on sale at a craft store. It is known characteristically as a single ply yarn, with thick and thin variations.

It was time to try it out as my Christmas knitting has kicked into high gear.

I used two skeins in white and dark blue for my sample and I did not use the bulky, I chose the Lopi-Lite version.

Texture wise, this is rough wool. It slightly reminded me of Rauma Finullgarn in feel but the weight of the strand is of course, heavier.
So if you have dry hands (as I did now that winter has hit) get out your lanolin and lube up. This stuff will stick to your hands.

I also found shedding while I knit. Especially with the white skein. You might want to take note of that if you are wearing dark pants--you will look like Fluffy sat on your lap after knitting. I took this project out for knit and chat and regretted it by the end of the evening.

I used a mitten pattern of my own making, using a plate from Mirzda Slava's Latvian Mitten Book. This book is out of print.

Because this is a heavier yarn than traditionally used in Latvian mittens, I chose a much simpler design and went with plate #181. I kept the colors shown, white and dark blue. This link will take you to a website that has some of the graphs in the book, not all. My graph is not listed there.

The yarn itself is the Old World "sticky" feeling, so it really does grip your wooden DPN's. I had no trouble dropping stitches on US #5's for my mitten. Suggested needle size is US #9, but for my mittens, I wanted a denser fabric. Ravelry lists this as an Aran weight yarn, and I would agree with that over the Worsted weight listed at other stores online.

Because this is single ply yarn, you do have to watch that you don't split it while knitting. The white color was splitty, the blue, not as much. I do know from past experience with working for a yarn company, that white dyes do not bind fibers together as well as color dyes. SO alittle splitting is to be expected with white yarns. This was slightly more than "alittle" overall. I had to watch my k2tog's that they weren't separating the yarn.

I chose not to do a traditional thumb or mitten top, I rounded mine out so I deviated from a traditional Latvian style mitten even though I used a Latvian mitten graph. I have a slight gusset in my thumb. I also stranded the base of my thumb in pattern and should have used a loose tension in this area. My thumb draws in a bit where the stranding is.You can see that in the following picture.

For blocking my mitten, I soaked it in a wool wash for about 20 minutes and squeezed it out in a large thirsty towel. No bleeding or color leeched into the water or into the white areas. Laid them flat and shaped it a bit and forgot about them.

What I wasn't counting on the next day when I checked them for dryness, was how soft they had become. Gone was the "stickiness" factor and it was replaced with a slightly hairy texture. My stitches were not as smooth looking but they were not blurred or lost in the pattern either. The mittens did block larger than originally measured before wetting them, and it was enough that the size of the mitten was affected. So the fibers did relax quite a bit after blocking. I did not stretch these or over block them. You might want to take that into account when knitting up a sweater. I would suggest a swatch first and include your preferred blocking method in that same swatch. You might want to knit a smaller sized sweater and soak block it to your preferred size. This yarn looks like it would felt well. Because this is a gift, I do not know if it wears well, or if the mitten will relax even more upon use. My experience tells me that with yarns that relax much after blocking, this might be true. I also used a smaller sized needle than suggested which could also be a factor in the relaxing after blocking.

My only beef about this company is they are hard to locate. JCA Crafts distributes this yarn, but their website is lacking in much interaction for the consumer. They boast on their website that the site was newly launched in March 2011, but it looks like they haven't touched it since then. They also have more needlework yarns than knitting. I did find alot of links for discontinued Lite Lopi, so one can assume maybe this line is being phased out? I was a bit disappointed when I went to research it. You can expect to pay about $4.00-$6.00 per skein.

Would I use this yarn again?

Honestly, no.

My yarn snobbiness is showing a bit here. I enjoy knitting with less splitty yarns, and while the final project proved to be acceptable, the knitting it up part was a bit painful. If an Old World fiber flavor is desired, this is your yarn. Be forewarned that you will have shedding and you will have split issues. Do not use sharp points on your needles with this yarn, and forget the black pants.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, nor was I given this yarn by the manufacturer. I always present my honest opinions to the best of my ability and own my own words. Even if occasionally I have to eat them.

Yarn Review: Heirloom 8 Ply

2011-11-14T08:21:00.001-06:00

Three skeins in a light brown color screamed at me in the discount bin at my local LYS. They languished in the knitting basket since last year, but this fall they screamed again to be used. I love a good deal and wasn't sure why my LYS discontinued carrying this brand, but they did. I usually have reservations about that, but because these were on sale at such a discount, I made the purchase. The yarn itself is from Australia and is distributed throughout the USA by Russi Sales. I think I paid about $6.00 a skein, sale price.

This review is on Heirloom 8 Ply Easy Care.

Brand

Heirloom

Weight

DK / 8 ply (11 wpi)

Wraps per inch

Yardage

107 yards (98 meters)

Unit weight

50 grams (1.76 ounces)

Gauge

22.0 sts = 4 inches

Needle size

US 6 - 4.0 mm

Fibers

100% Merino

Texture

crepe

Machine wash?

yes

So let's get off on the right foot, shall we?
I am by all rights, a yarn snob.
I enjoy natural fibers and the like, acrylics just rub me the wrong way. That's not to say I won't USE man made yarns, I will. In the right application.

This yarn made it into my stash because of this pattern: Fits Like a...GLOVE by Nancy Lindberg. Her website is here: Knitting Patterns by Nancy Lindberg. My LYS offered a class on knitting gloves and this pattern was the featured one along with this yarn. I did not take the class, but was intrigued by the glitten flap feature.

The glittens are made on US size 4 and 6 DPN's. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I will be using this pattern again, as it offers many different options for gloves, half mitts and the like. Small, medium and large sizes are offered as well. These are in a size Large and modeled on an 11 year old's hands. (thanks son!)

Here are the glittens knit up before blocking...

And here they are after drying. My model's hand were positioned differently so I could remember the sequence of application in the pictures.

My initial thoughts on this yarn?

Very easy on the hands. Not overly soft, not splitty. Previous comments on this yarn on Ravelry suggested a splitty yarn, and I didn't experience that. There is not a fuzz or halo factor at all so stitches are crisp and very defined. The yarn flowed on my wooden DPN's easily without being overly slippery. No knots or flubs. No shedding. If the label didn't say 100% Merino wool, I would have guessed it was a blend.

The DK weight seemed accurate and I was able to meet gauge with the needle size and yarn weight the pattern suggested. After knitting my swatch, when I ripped it back to start the glitten, the yarn wasn't overly crimped with memory. It re-knit fine without splitting much and my needles were neither super sharp, nor blunt. I expected more splitting then there was, and after the swatch yarn knit into the glitten, it was smooth clicking of the needles.

The glittens shown here were lined in the flaps and cuffs for my recipient (intended for ice fishing in Minnesota) with some yarn in my remnants basket. I believe it is Cascade 220 in Heathers. These two yarns married very well for having slightly different weights and textures. My goal was to have a softer liner and this was accomplished easily.

Would I recommend this yarn?

Yes

Blocking:

Because this is machine washable yarn, or super wash as indicated, I did send it through the washing machine on gentle cycle with some other wintry apparel of my kids. They came out and dried looking just like they did going in. No piling, no change in texture. My stitches relaxed a bit after blocking, but my gauge still measured pretty much the same. The other articles in the load did not have any shedding on them from these glittens.

Final thoughts:

This yarn would work perfectly for garments that might be subjected to wear and tear. While it doesn't scream COLOR or TEXTURE, in this application it worked very well for me. I hoping the recipient will come back to me with a good report of how they held up the rigors of ice fishing. If my research on it proves true, this is accessory that will hold up for a long time.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, nor was I given this yarn by the manufacturer. I always present my honest opinions to the best of my ability and own my own words. Even if occasionally I have to eat them.

Some Changes are Brewing...

2011-11-11T11:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, so today's adventure of updating and revamping the blog included several hours of research that I didn't count on...which is OKAY. After spending the past year fighting a life threatening illness, its time to get back into the saddle. Pony up cowgirl! And...

It's a learning curve.

My passion: yarn

My obsession: knitting

My goal: review a yarn once a week with either a knit project to share and an honest "how I really interacted" with the fiber review.

What's in it for you: check out the yarn review, enjoy a pattern link or two, share it with others. Look for the yarn at your LYS or online and know alittle bit more about that skein than just what the label looks like.

Welcome to the new and upcoming changed : Twist Your Stitches.com

So, stay tuned, the 1st Review is coming on Monday November 14th.

Keep Knitting!

New Look

2011-10-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

My blog home here is needing some tweaking, updating and a fresh new look.

I've googled, I've browsed and I just can't seem to find something I am happy with that will show the "knitter side of me" in a blog designer...and I'm turning to you.

Recommendations? Suggestions? What you like, don't like on a knitting blog? Any feedback in this area is much appreciated.

Resurrecting Old Projects

2011-10-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

So with the cooler weather, I resurrected those Latvian Mittens of my Grandmother's. Motivation helped with the meeting of a GENUINE Latvian Knitter. A chance meeting in my LYS (Shepherd's Choice) gave me the biggest blessing.

This Latvian Knitter happens to be an old family friend. She knew my grandparents, way back in ancient history days. She was more familiar with some of the particulars of my family origins, than I was!

This Latvian Knitter is private--and wishes to keep to herself, not to "put herself on others" so I can't really give you too many details about her life here. But I can share with you that she was one of the knitters in the Minneapolis Group talked about in Lizbeth Upitis book, Latvian Mittens. There are only 3 of them left alive today. Back 20 or so years ago, they were a thriving group of 14 ladies.

Not only is she a gem, she's all alone now. The last of her family passed away last Christmas. She is a widow. And she is an awesome knitter. Meeting with her last week, I was inspired to keep digging at my family roots, to keep searching for those long-forgotten knitting techniques and customs. She woke in me the joy I get from knitting 2 or more colors together and creating a design that stirs the heart and hands to warmth and care. My new dear friend has graciously offered to help me learn "Old World Latvian Mittens"...meaning, the authentic ones used in Riga of long ago.

We researched together my Grandma Velta's Mitten graph, scribbled in pencil on some old weathered graph paper.

As my new friend pulled out her copy of Latviesu Rakstainie Cimdi by Mirdza Slava, we couldn't find the graph anywhere in it. "Was it an original?" we wondered.

So my friend surprises me even further with pulling out the typewritten copies in a folder for Latvian Mittens. "It's a manuscript of a kind," she explains. It contains all recorded graphs of the different districts of Latvia. "WOW!"~ says I, very impressed. The author of this research and work was Irma Lesina. All is written in Latvian, but a few English words sprinkled through out. The title of her research is: Ornaments in Latvian Gloves and Mittens.

After much comparing, looking and discerning, we located it! It is from the district of Kurzeme, with the plate # of 195. It is almost an identical match. We figure that Velta must have found this in a book and copied it to make at a later date. Although there were a few mistakes in the scribbled graph, the manuscript held the answers on how to correct the drawing. Velta did share with me she remembers the pattern for her days at Textile School in Riga. She doesn't believe she ever made the mitten, or if she did, she doesn't have it anymore.

What an adventure and what a fun way to research!

Latvian mittens are done for my elderly friend. Old arthritic hands at age 86 and difficulty holding such tiny needles have ended her mitten knitting. But she can easily explain that which she wishes to share and pass down to the next generation of Latvian knitting. She has kindly offered to help me on my quest.

So now, armed with research and history in hand, I embark on some genuine Old World Latvian knitting. Dreaming of graphs and colorful woolen yarns, bright colors and traditional motiffs, I am excited to get going. I am now past the thumb area on my first mitten. The graph is now going surprisingly well. My floats on the wrist area "could be looser" my friend instructs. "You will have to block these wider," she suggests.
Of course I will follow her advice. "Block between two damp towels until dry," she tells me.

I have also resurrected my TKGA Level 2 work. My goal is to complete this level by Christmas. No Christmas knitting for me. I will be immersed in learning proper technique, reviewing magazines and books, and trying to get my swatches straight for review. Onward to Level 3 hopefully, in 2012.

So the swatch I worked on this earlier this week is the seaming of stockinette swatch.

Using bright yellow yarn, I attached two swatches together.
I admit, it did take 3 tries to get that yellow yarn not to peek through on the front side. The backside shows a thicker seam than I'd like, but I am using Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted, which is a heavier worsted weight yarn. More bulk. But in Level 2, I will be using a variety of yarns. I don't want to use a yarn that just makes my knitting "look good"...I want my knitting to make all yarns look fantastic. I want the confidence that it's not the yarn that is making me an expert knitter, it is the knitter mastering her yarns.

Looking around your stash basket this week, what project can you resurrect? Post a link here if you'd like to--I would love to see your UFO.

Knitters are COOL People

2011-09-29T15:52:00.000-05:00

A delightful package landed on my door step last week. A friend from Ravelry dropped something in the mail for me that she thought would perk me up. She was right! Homemade Raspberry Jam (yummy!) a nice lace scarf and a skein of sock yarn. A sweet sheep card as well.

Melissa~thanks so much!

Speaking of cool gifts from knitters--check out my other cool book I received from my friend Carolyn...

It had me so excited I finished my Silk Shrug...(it's blocking) and I picked up a sleeping UFO (unfinished object) so I can cast on for yet more stranding fun.

Velta's Mitten is going to be worked on tonight with another Latvian knitting friend, Valda. I will let you in on that visit soon and hopefully have some pictures! Remember this project? I stopped because I now know why my grandmother never made the mitten. There's some mistakes on her handwritten graph. I'm going to work them out and complete this mitten ASAP. It's been hibernating way too long...

Must cast on for more stranding fun...maybe a sweater? A pillow??? More mittens??? Oh the choices...

A Day @ Koru Farm

2011-09-15T05:33:00.000-05:00

Fall wasn’t yet in the air earlier this September and right before school was to start, some ladies wanted to get together and play with wool. Fiber. Dye. And crafting.

My friend Janis kindly offered her farm for a day of experimenting and learning how to dye wool.

I have been gathering walnuts from our new house and fermented them in a pot filled with water for a few weeks. A soupy, brown concoction has developed. So had a serious odoriferous smell.

Janis bravely cooked this concoction in her big pot and also had some green/blue concoction of her own going next to it. Hers smelled better than mine.

What did the guys and the kids do while we ladies were getting ready to play with fiber…?

Dogs and talking. Fetch and stretch…you know. Good stuff!

Back to the fiber at hand…

So what did I have to play with? Some of this…

Janis kindly gave me a WHOLE fleece off of one of her sheep, Stormy. I wanted some silver/grey wool and this stuff did NOT disappoint. Stormy was so kind to fill my request.

So sorting that fleece and picking out the ick in the fibers here:

Yeah, I know, that’s me with the expensive lawnmower cut hair-do. It was too hot for a hat…

After picking out the coarse rough hair and the major matting, and of course; sheep waste, it was time for a good soak.

In the mean time, we put some wool in the walnut pot that I had that was old and a very flat batt. A dull off white color. I was hoping to get a nice brown or at least perk up the wool a bit so I’d be more likely to spin with it…

Unfortunately, it came out a rather sallow brown. I think it should have been in longer. We boiled it for about 30 minutes.

The wool smelled awful after it dried here on the racks. I could barely stomach handling it. I tried then soaking it in some wool wash and re-drying it. But then the wool felted. So it’s now in the “kids craft bin” for anyone that is inspired to use it. At least it smells a little better. It was a good learning experience—and I am glad I didn’t ruin any of the “good stuff.”

My other friend Patty, sat down and showed us what she was doing with her scrap homespun.

She’s hooking it into a picture drawn on flannel cloth of an American flag.

I had never seen this type of “hooking” before and was very intrigued. She had a continuous loop that was pushed through front and back. NOT the little yarn scraps I was used to seeing with a latch hook as a kid.

Another thing to add to my list of “want to learn how to” items.

We dodged a thunderstorm that day, had record temps and watched sheep dogs endlessly fetch balls and sticks. My youngest was awed by the peacocks, red in the face from all the running with the dogs and very excited to get a popsicle afterwards.

I finished soaking my silver fleece at home, spun it out in the washing machine and dried it in the sun.

I couldn’t wait to hand card some rolags and get spinning.

I haven’t plied anything yet, I’m savoring every spin. This stuff is so amazing to spin up.

Easily jumps onto the bobbin and the texture of it my hands are loving.

A sweater?

A hat, mitten, scarf trio maybe?

A lap blanket?

I’ve gone over dozens of patterns in the last 2 weeks trying to think of what this wool would like to be.

I haven’t decided yet.

I should have a skein picture to share with you soon.

Keep on spinnin’…

The Recovery Project

2011-09-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Endless Stockinette on tiny needles.

Yes, you too can do mindless knitting after chemo and radiation. In fact, I encourage it. The think tank needs to recoup and remember how to count stitches correctly.

The easy flow of back and forth is somewhat soothing.

The feel of some nice Blue Sky Alpaca Royal in your hands and on your needles is refreshing.

My color here is #704 in Cameo. This is a Silk Shrug pattern by Bobbi Intveld.

My shrug will be my Recovery Celebration sweater. And my first time wearing it will be photographed very soon. I'm almost done with the ruffle. I am very happy how it looks right now, even unblocked. I am adding a bit of whimsy on cuff and at the base of the ruffle.

I'm excited about this one--my first "sweater" and now with forecasted weather cooling temps...I'll be motivated to finish quickly.

Stressful Week?

2011-09-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

So for most of us, school started this week. Life is no different for home schoolers, although some choose to home school all year round. We don't. We follow the School District's schedule. With 2 eighth graders, a 6th grader and a brand spankin' new kindergartner, life kicked it into high gear this week.

Did I panic?

No.

Life after chemo and radiation, no matter what fatigue may throw my way, I am still thinking the hills were alive with music!

It's amazing how different you handle stress when going through such a life changing event.

I did however, have a "bad" day on Thursday. I am looking at another surgery. I still have some pretty major decisions about how much surgery. So there was stress.

Think of poor Beaky Buzzard here. He's got it much harder than me.

What do you do when stress hits your week?

Ya knit.

Nifty Gadgets

2011-09-01T06:18:00.001-05:00

Tabletop Skein Winders

Do you have one of these? I got mine off of eBay about 2 years ago. With a recent move into a new house and slowly uncovering our packed-away-goodies in boxes, I found I needed my "nifty gadget" and couldn't locate it. This little tool I valued way more than I realized. See the pegs sticking out of the arms? The unwound skein rests around those pegs. You take your leader strand and thread it into a ball winder. (pictured below) and then the skein winder twirls around deleting the need for some willing victim to to do the airplane while your skein is wound into a ball.

I can rest mine on a tabletop, stool, floor, or whatever is handy while I am winding. I usually rest it on the stool and clamp my ball winder onto the table.

How do you wind up your skeins?

I'm All Done!!!

2011-08-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

Thursday marked the last day of my treatments for breast cancer. I am slowly recovering and trying get my feet back under me. The spirit is so willing at times, yet the body is weak. I am continuing to knit on my "Recovery Project" and have the second sleeve almost done. Hopefully by this fall I will have a new shrug to wear.

It's good to be back.

Pink Knitting

2011-06-06T08:57:00.001-05:00

For the Twin Titties Trekkers craft sale coming up. Raising funds for the Walk in the Cities in August.

I have been knitting alot...spinning even more. This therapy is good for the soul. It knits together emotion, hopes, dreams and most of all, courage.

My heart goes out to some newly diagnosed friends. For them, their journey is just beginning. For me, I am close to the end of chemo, and onwards to radiation.

At the same time, I have other "closure" on things in my life...and some days, that's hard.

Remembering that life is what we make of it and how we look at things.

Knitting it together, one stitch at a time.

Twin Hoodies

2011-05-03T16:28:00.000-05:00

Seeing double?

I know, me too. I see double alot when these two are around. They both loved my Camp Hoodie I made for myself last fall that they asked for one for themselves. What knitting mom wouldn't be flattered to have their 13 years old ask for some handmade clothes?

The each wanted the Toast color as the main one, but differed slightly in colorway for the fair isle work. I was okay with that. We aren't "pom pom" girls so we opted again for some wood beads knotted into the ends of the hood ties.

Leah. She's so easy going and fun to photograph. NO worries with Leah around.

Sarah is my pretty pretty girl. She loves details and wants to be an artist some day.

These two daughters are more wonderful than a mom could ever ask for. I am blessed by having them in my life. The pattern is Susan B Anderson's Camp Hoodie knit in Spud & Chloe Sweater yarns. Perfect for a campfire, a walk in the park, or any time a layer is needed that says "FUN!"

When Pigs Fly...

2011-04-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

See this little piggy?

He has wings, and he can fly. I'll be making lots more of these little guys to raise money for the Susan G Komen walk for the cure in August. This little piggy is so cute and easy to make. Susan B Anderson is the creator, and she made this pattern for Spud & Chloe.
I kinda like their yarn, as you may know...anyways. I'll have a few on hand at the big fund raising garage sale over Memorial Day week-end. All monies go to Susan G Komen. They'll be some donated crochet items and other hand knit things to pick from as well.

Speaking of yarn...I've been busy making some of my own. The latest is called the 2 AM Blues...

No blues here though...me and my little guy hanging out on the fort last week. We have Tuesday afternoons together while the older kids are at co-op. How I cherish this time with him. By Tuesday, I'm feeling almost back to normal. 5 Taxol treatments down and 7 more to go!!!

Have a great week knitting friends!

More Riga Pictures

2011-03-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

Here is a better front picture on the artwork of Riga, my spinning wheel. These are Latvian designs taken from some weaving and knitting pictures in a 1930's school book of my grandma's. Blues and greens are my thing--so Patty kept with the theme and colored them in special for me.

This is the bottom front with a weaving from my grandma when she was in her 20's as a student at the Riga Textile School she attended. It was "unfinished" and the tassel at the bottom I think is a lovely touch to the wheel. My Latvian heritage on this wheel is what makes me so proud of it. I have more "artwork" to share later on this beautiful wheel. I am having so much fun getting to know her and look forward to many, many more hours on her.

My thoughts today are with my spinning friends that are at a sheep shearing today. I am hoping those sheep are warm enough after their clippings (its cold out there today!) and the wool is freely flowing.

Now for a recipe:

I used Sylvia's base recipe and tweaked it a bit.
You can find the recipe here: Fresh Maked

I tweaked the butter sauce to include some frozen raspberries from last years raspberry picking, and a handful of cranberries cooked right into her sauce. We did wind up topping this with some fresh whipped up cream. It was quite tasty and used up some GF (gluten free) flour that I had left in the freezer by mistake.

Speaking of flour! I was gifted a Wonder Mill and some wheat berries. I now have really good for me *us* flour to play with. IN the bread maker later today will be some fresh wheat bread to go with some Wild Rice Soup.

Hoping your wheels are spinning, your needles are clackin' and the eats are yummy!

One Green Bear

2011-03-22T17:17:00.000-05:00

Baby Bear Pattern from Itty Bitty Toys by Susan B. Anderson. This little guy is going to a friend's triplets. I am slowly getting some knit things together to send to her soon.

I am taking it easy this week as I have another chemo treatment this Friday and I've been slow to recover from #4. The transfusion I had last week has helped with "foggy chemo brains" but knitting and having to frog alot is very discouraging.

I am finishing up Sarah's Camp Hoodie (which will make #3) and will have pictures of both girls soon. They've turned out really cute and I am pleased as punch that those two wanted something hand knit in their closets from Mom.

I have several projects I am wanting to get to, just thinking that the easier the better right now.

My TKGA Level 2 has been calling to me, but again, frogging and looking at things the next morning has put this endeavor on hold, again.

Spinning has certainly been easier and more relaxing of late. I can just spin, spin, spin and let the mind wander as needed. And wander it has. Too many projects, all the time in the world, and limited brain space to handle it all. What a problem to have!

Have a great week!

Spinning Tales

2011-03-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

An alpaca blended mix from Patty. This was my last spinning "batch" and I've improved to the point where this might actually look nice knit up.

Blue waves of sea foam. Greens and blues mixed.

A mixture of singles that I plied together to try "thick and thin"...calling this one "Mish Mash"...

Taking the spinning in small sessions as dizzy spells last week limited my spin time. But I'm still going!!!

~M e e t R i g a~

2011-02-19T11:09:00.002-06:00

Wheel Video Part 1

My brand new custom made Spinning Wheel. This is my therapy during chemo. Riga and I have logged in many hours already, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning while the family sleeps. Riga is the name of the city my family came from in Latvia. This wheel was made in memory of my mother, Gunta and a tribute to my textile artist, and grandmother, Velta. I am very proud to show this to you....

I posted earlier this fall on another wheel made by Radja here. This wheel named the Patriot is the Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon winner of 2010.

For contact info to get a unique wheel of your own:

Radja's Wheels
Unique and One of a Kind Personalized for You
Radja Lohse
email him at:charlotteandre@usfamily.net

Wheel Video part 2

Wheel Specifications:

made from imported micro-ply birch
sealed ball bearings are used on wheel and flyer/whorl assemblies requiring no oiling maintenance
included are 4 bobbins featuring viewing openings to aide in uniform filling of bobbin
unique bobbin tensioning allows for simple micro-adjustments
double treadle design with polyurethane hinges are quiet and require no maintenance
flyer has orifice for both fine and bulky spinning and includes a simple sliding loop for even filling of bobbin
six wheel to flyer ratios of:

5:1
6.5:1
7.5:1
10.1
13.5:1
16.5:1 all with simple adjustment of whorl

flexible & strong urethane drive band
traveling wheel feature available
total weight is approximately 7 pounds
no assembly required

All wheels come with an attachable three bobbin lazy Kate and skein winder. Skein winder is 1 1/2 yards per revolution.

Chemo project #2 finished

2011-02-05T09:02:00.000-06:00

Recovery from treatment #1 brought a pair of socks and a fair isle Alpaca hat. The hat is made out of Shepherd's Choice new multi colored sport weight alpaca and goes beautifully with Blue Sky Alpaca's solid sport weight. I used some BSA leftovers in the hat to give is some pop. It's a very soft hat. Since the hair is starting to fall, I'll be wearing alot of hats at home. Alpaca is great because if you are allergic to scratchy wool (or have a sensitive scalp) alpaca is warmer than cotton and should the job for you in a MN cold February.

The socks are just an easy basic pattern cuff down pattern. Schoeller and Stahl standard striping yarns. These warm babies are for me. Goes well with jeans. And blue sweat pants.

Cast on for a man's scarf today. I have a hoodie almost done for a daughter. It's waiting for a hood. Trying to keep the projects varied and a minimum for chemo-brain and stress free knits.

I'll be back soon to update you on my newest member of the family: RIGA

She's my brand new awesome spinning wheel!

FOs for Christmas...

2011-01-01T12:21:00.000-06:00

Why I Have the BEST LYS in the whole world...

2010-12-18T09:33:00.000-06:00

My get well care package. New Spud & Chloe yarns to play with, all natural bubble bath soak, roving to spin up, How To spinning books (3!) and a gift card. A wonderful card signed by my Thursday night knitting buddies--what more could a knitter ask for?

I am truly blessed.

Recuperation

2010-12-13T07:04:00.000-06:00

Why not test knit something while recuperating at home and on pain meds?

Using Blue Sky Alpacas sportweight leftovers from Olga's Mittens, I am testing knitting an Estonian Sock Hat.

Who knew this yarn would knit up so lovely and dense on size 0's???

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

Blog Interruption

2010-11-20T07:05:00.001-06:00

Interruption diversion can be found here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachelruss

Please know this is a personal journey link. The knitting updates here will now be limited.

(link fixed now!)

The Patriot

2010-11-11T10:25:00.000-06:00

My temporary guest...meet the Patriot.

Patriot is a custom handmade wheel from a local Minnesota hand crafter. All parts are manufactured by him. Each wheel he makes is one of a kind. No two are alike, although the design elements remain true. This wheel has been a dream to learn on. I have found another passion. Spinning!!!

You will notice Patriot does NOT have an orifice. After my first experience spinning on Old Blue, this was strange to me, but such a relief after a few spins. No orifice is needed. I can spin fat yarns, skinny mini yarns, ply as many plies as I'd like, the possibilities are endless. She's quiet and smooth, double treadle...and the drive band is easily adjusted. A few tweaks to tighten here and there after transport and she's running as fast as I want her to.

Patriot is an American wheel. She embodies freedom, justice and truth. She IS the American way.

See the white "handle" on the lower left of the second picture? This is so I can safely fold Patriot for travel. Yes, Patriot can go any where I do. And she's light. Very light. I can carry her one handed by the handle.

She has 3 bobbins and a homemade lazy kate. There is an optional skein winder that attaches right onto the maiden. No crazy knitty noddys to fight with.

The bonus part of Patriot is I am spinning on the 2010 MN State Fair Blue Ribbon winner.

Can you believe this?

I can't.

I am a blessed woman.

Now off I go...I have fibers to spin!!!

Something that Makes my Heart skip a Beat...

2010-10-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Oh the possibilities!

Don't you love bins of yarny goodness bursting with color?

This gets my creativity going and the itch to cast on yet another project. After finishing my Top Down Raglan (blocking, pictures forthcoming) I now have the anticipation of digging into some Christmas knitting.

I can't wait...

(maybe I won't!)

What Christmas knitting are you planning?

Fall Vest

2010-10-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

Finally finished the Spud & Chloe Camp Hoodie that I worked on over the summer.

I love the pinks with the dark brown accents. Not a pom-pom girl--so I put wooden beads on the ends of the ties and knotted them. Picked pink, because while I enjoy pink, I don't wear alot of it. I wear so much blue, it was time to put on a different color.

The embroidery work on the bottom was a bit tedious, but SOOOO worth it. It really makes that colorwork **POP** and there's a "3D effect" up close.

And here, last night, I was contemplating on finishing my Raglan sweater for 2 new knit-for-me-things to wear this season...but my girls have decided this Hoodie is so cute--they need one too!

(that's 2 vest promised for Christmas gifts...better get knittin'!)

Thanks to Susan B Anderson for such a wonderful pattern to sink my "big stuff" knitting needles into!

Falling, falling, falling leaves...

2010-10-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

soon to be a distant memory.

Caught Red-handed!

2010-10-11T21:24:00.000-05:00

Spinning this week-end at the yarn shop...here I was watching a friend card wool. She made it look really easy! Of course, all of these ladies make this craft look EASY. I enjoyed just sitting in the sun and soaking up the wisdom from them all. Such talented and kind women. It was a fantastic afternoon.

The red, white and blue wheel is The Patriot. Blue Ribbon winner at the Minnesota State Fair this year. I was so thankful to be able to borrow her to try and make some knots, errr, string, or something resembling yarn. Being such a novice I know it takes practice--but this wheel is so smooth, so forgiving. I've fallen, and I've fallen hard. I knew I would.

Is spinning in my future? I sure hope so. But future, key word FUTURE, as presently I am up to my eyeballs in UFO's. Level 2 vest is almost finished, but I've realized it may "not qualify" as my neckline and hoodie is hidden by a placket? I'll have to check on that little detail.

My Raglan Sweater is waiting patiently for the last sleeve. It'll look great with my new grey pants.

A Christmas stocking design is 1/2 way finished and awaiting some final pattern adjustments.

One half finished brainless sock.
An almost finished mitten pair needing to be felted for a Christmas gift.
A Calendar Scarf with some frogging needed for a huge mistake when knitting at 2 AM...
Latvian mittens that need guidance on a pattern mistake in the thumb area...let's see...anything else lurking in the UFO basket??? (that makes 7 projects folks)

Well, enough of my dangling, unfinished laundry...what's happening in your basket?

Some Inspiration...

2010-10-05T08:43:00.000-05:00

A Tuesday Morning start-it-up Rev that is Caffeine Free:

Galina's Design Sketches

Cool, eh?

In the works is

Spinning soup:

And my current status is:

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-30T13:13:00.001-05:00

A temporary guest...

Birthday and Apple Pie...

2010-09-28T07:29:00.003-05:00

A Birthday Boy and homemade Apple Pie rounded out our week-end. How was yours?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T08:46:00.004-05:00

Sock Class for October

2010-09-21T07:48:00.005-05:00

Join us for Beginner Socks on Saturdays, October 16, 23, and 30th 1 PM - 3 PM @ Shepherd's Choice in downtown Anoka.

Learn the basics of sock construction on dpns
Lots of tips and tricks for creating your own socks that will fit YOU
Easy, casual atmosphere
Socks make GREAT Christmas gifts plus they are WARM and unique

For more classes and to check out what's going on at the local yarn shop please visit this site here: Shepherd's Choice

FO's and an "almost FO"...

2010-09-13T19:37:00.004-05:00

Finished Alana's socks--here's sock #2 (a much better picture than #1) and they are so easy and fun. Perfect for the Spud & Chloe Fine sock yarn in Clementine. This is Shepherd's Soles KAL for this month, by the way!

And October's first sock is hot off the sock blockers, Arenda's Tipsy Triangle socks. Another fun one, this pattern can be found in Cast On's issue for May-June. A short row heel and a knit purl combo with a few yarnovers creates this "triangles" zigging and zagging on the sock. Very stretchy in Kaleidoscope hand painted yarns. These are superwash and SOOO soft after blocking. I am anxious to see how these beauties hold up on wear.

Raglan update: still on the first sleeve.
I am adding shaping on the sleeves also.
You can spot the waist shaping I have in this picture, running up the side, I am very pleased with how this fits so far. It has been very painless (not at all what I was expecting) and its my "take along" project at the moment. I have more piano lessons, co-op time and horseback riding to work on this sleeve and hopefully, start sleeve #2.

And last to share with you...poor Baby Billy Bear.
A victim of "Naughty Dog's" revenge for leaving her alone so long yesterday. Poor Billy will never be the same. Now how to fix it???

Hmmmm....

Graduation

2010-09-09T12:52:00.001-05:00

"Crash" has graduated to helmet status. Tried convincing him I could knit knee pads for him--but he didn't buy it.

DING DING!!!

2010-09-06T12:45:00.005-05:00

Ringing that school bell Tuesday morning.

I can't believe it's back to school time already.

That means my current knitting projects will be on hold for a bit. I have a crazy week planned already--after promising myself NOT to do that again to the family during the first week of school. Oh well.

There's always before-bed-knitting.

My Raglan has sleeves and a neckline left to go and it'll be finished! My vest has finishing work (neckline and ribbing on the sleeves) waiting in the wings as well. 2 fall pieces for my wardrobe--made by ME!

My garden is still cranking out tomatoes left and right so I think I'll be dehydrating some this week since temps are projected to be cooler and more fall-like. I really do need to learn how to can. And make salsa. The jalapeno peppers I planted this spring are so hot even the hubby has a hard time with them...I'm thinking they wouldn't appreciate those in salsa this year.
But drying stuff makes it easy to add to stews, casseroles and quick additions to skillet dinners. Time to get busy!

OH, then there's piano, AWANA, horse riding lessons, knit nights and small group Bible study nights to add in there this week.

Hmm....I'm banking on some knit-waiting-times to get me through all of it. Maybe those projects won't wait, but just be completed little bit by little bit.

How about you? Busy fall time, or do you slow down and watch the leaves fall?

Raglan Update:

2010-09-02T16:49:00.001-05:00

Ready for waist shaping~yay!

Going in 2 inches, (rounded to 12 sts. total to decrease 3 X every 3 rnds.)

It looks like its going to fit...!

Wednesday Sunshine

2010-09-01T08:28:00.003-05:00

My favorite yellow.

Rootbeer Summer Raglan

2010-08-29T18:25:00.004-05:00

Yeah, so...I've always said "NO" to sweaters...see I am a small-ish things knitter. Complicated Fair Isle mittens, FINE! Cast me on bay-bee! Hats, even lace scarves...no problem-o. A quick toy or two--or give me a sock any day of the week. I'm there!

So, Susan starts this KAL on the Spud & Chloe blog. Nah...too much work.

Then I read she's going step by step on how to modify this sweater to fit YOU. Not just you, or her--but me. And I'm knitting it myself? And I can adjust it for ME???

Hmm....how can I swing this?

I had some yarn $$ saved up @ the LYS so I stopped in just to look. I mean, I wasn't a sweater knitter...but I could just calculate costs of skeins versus my store credit and see if it would work...ummm...it did.

Now what?

Well, cast on of course!

My daughter was with me and talked me out of the Moonlight...as I tend to buy and wear alot of blue in my wardrobe. So brown was decided...I almost got Chipmunk. But we opted for Rootbeer instead. So dark brown it is. AND I said to myself, if the sweater doesn't work, I'll just frog it and make a baby blanket for my friend expecting. Twisted my own arm into this one.

Okay--so my sweater is going to have zer0 ease--making for a 36" bust with some waist shaping. Wendy Bernard is tag teaming with Susan to keep everyone on track and busy--and I am loving the pictures people are posting of their sweaters. Mine is ready for leaving the sleeves on waste yarn and going forward with the body. Its moved along quicker than I anticipated. I actually like it so far...this mod thing is easy when you know how to make those mods. Susan and Wendy are offering alot of helps and why you are doing what you are doing. A light bulb moment!

It's not to late to join in...the KAL notes and pattern recipe will be on the blog even after all the knit along parts are posted. Feel free to cast on and join in at anytime.

In the meantime, I'm off to work a few more rounds on my Rootbeer Raglan. Cause you know, I'm NOT a sweater knitter...:GRIN:

Signs of the End of Summer

2010-08-21T13:02:00.003-05:00

Looks innocent enough, doesn't it?

From Wikipedia: Many species are difficult to distinguish. Probably due to their bright, golden yellow flower heads in late summer, the goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing hay fever in humans. The pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod, but is wind-pollinated. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is thus mainly pollinated by insects.^[2] Frequent handling of goldenrod and other flowers, however, can cause allergic reactions, leading some florists to change occupation.^[3]

^{View in my backyard:}

Ragweed or Goldenrod woes? I am suspecting both. As both species are identified in the picture.

Cure for the summer time aaaaaachoooooooo's:

Summer's last project on the needles is almost done!

Revival Time

2010-08-18T09:20:00.007-05:00

Yes, it has been awhile, hasn't it?

I've appreciated all the notes, encouragement and "miss you's" that you've sent me! Truly, you cyber friends are why I keep going with blog posting. That, and I guess I love having a way to reach out to my knitting world friends through blogging. Thank you!!!!

So...now that the cobwebs have been cleaned out of my brain from a nice summer break let's catch up, shall we?

On a personal note, I'm happy to announce we ARE NOT moving to Oklahoma. I am greatly relieved about this on many fronts. Family, to name just a major one.

I am continuing to have faith that all will work out in the end. :-) Those loose ends are in the process right now of getting tied more neatly into a bow.
Bows make me smile. Patient, supportive friends are another bonus.

ON the knitting front, I have been lazily knitting whatever has tickled my needles the past few months and I have quite a few fun projects finished. I have 2 patterns ready for Rav and my blog here--I just need to polish them up and get the pictures inserted.
So stay tuned...I'll have those links soon!

The Baseball Socks are done and sitting in Shepherd's Choice. This August KAL sock is advanced and has alot of sweat and frustration worked out into it. The chart was made by the designer to honor the Twins logo, but the 3 color stranding and carries were too much for this Fair Isle fanatic. I chose instead to do 2 colors, then duplicate stitch in the red. That, after much frogging with 3 strands trying to make it work. I really wanted to make this work! After all, Stitch N Pitch is coming up and this sock would be perfect for the event!

Here, you can see the start of my duplicate stitching in that red at the top column...

Now, one issue I had is that I had to go all the way down to 000 (triple 0's) to meet gauge. And I'm considered a tighter knitter. I couldn't go any smaller. I wanted these socks for my son to wear. The cuff was still baggy on him, but not overly so that he couldn't wear them. I foraged on.

2nd big issue--the heel area is too small to fit his foot into the sock. I can't add to or take away from the chart--so I would suggest going up maybe 2 or 3 needle sizes just in the heel/ankle area, in order to give it that little extra to fit a foot into the sock. I wasn't going to frog AGAIN, so I just kept going.

Last issue, the shaping on the bottom of the foot as written, had to be modified to fit his foot. The different sizing you have in a sock should be flexible and this pattern really is more for a standard woman's foot. Adjusting it to fit a child (or, in my case, a typical woman's small foot) or a larger man would be tricky. The designer suggests adjusting with needle sizing. In my case, this didn't work out. Either changing the gauge itself, or adjusting with yarn weights and needles is a MUST. For a larger size, adding in another logo repeat might be an option. But numbers and striping would have to be adjusted later in the foot though--so keep that in mind when knitting this pattern.

Using the Spud & Chloe FINE yarn worked out okay--but I did find with stranding, the white color was a bit splitty. Especially after all that frogging. The colors looked BEAUTIFUL together--true to the MN Twins team spirit--and the sock softened up so nicely after blocking. Washable socks are a must in my house.

Will I be knitting sock #2 for this pattern? Eh, no.

I am HAPPY to report that the September Shepherd's Soles Sock is a much more enjoyable knit. I was able to use some leftover Spud & Chloe FINE yarn for this sock as well and made a pair of Clementine Amelies in the shorter version. The designer, Alana Dakos, kindly offers this pattern for DPN enthusiasts, Circular needles nuts, and those Magic Loop ladies. Options, gotta love options.

The sock sample is at Shepherd's Choice as well--with pattern available here: Alana's Storefront, or of course, at the LYS.

Spud & Chloe FINE was perfect for this pattern, and I tried the new Kollage Square Needles (dpns) for the first time. Have you seen these? There's a great review of them here.

I give them 2 thumbs up--with the cautionary, don't think lacework would do well with these, as the tips aren't very pointy. The squareness did hold the yarn wonderfully--they were lightweight and very easy to handle. For lace, my trusty Addi's or I suggest Blue Sky Alpacas double points. Either of those are perfect for getting into those stitches for double decreasing.

Okay, last link and then I have to get on with my day.

Shepherd's Choice is having a special guest at the State Fair this year. Please come August 27th and meet Jenny Wilder and check out her new book, Fiber Art Almanac 2011. I can't wait to get to the MN State Fair coming up. Many good things to eat and fibery things to look at!

Happy knitting dear friends. Be groovy!

Blog Break

2010-05-26T11:09:00.002-05:00

Due to life's unforeseeable circumstances...this blog will be on summer vacation.

Remember to laugh and knit often--I will catch you all on the flip side of summer!

Where have your flip flops been?

2010-05-20T12:46:00.001-05:00

Here there and everywhere...

I blew out my flip-flop
Stepped on a pop-top
Cut my heel had to cruise on back home...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T10:02:00.002-05:00

Rainy Day Blues...

2010-05-13T13:09:00.003-05:00

The gray man sock...its taking FOREVER (big feet!)...but passes some time.

Kids stuck in the house and can't go outside to play makes for another long day.

Wet Hostas waiting for sunshine...their bright spring green color is prolonged for lack of warmth.

And the blooming Crab Apple waiting for the bees to come and do their jobs.

The sun I hear will make its appearance anytime now....soon, I hope. We're waiting...and we're ready!!!

May 9th...

2010-05-10T09:15:00.005-05:00

Sock mates finished for my therapy knitting time...I am very happy with these.

A trip to the lake for some shell finding...

or throwing leaves BACK into the water...

looking for fish and just collecting sticks...

A picnic with grilled burgers and root beer...the boys handled the food details. I was so grateful.

It was a week-end filled with good memories. Some of the past, and of my mom. She would always come to the Cities for Mother's Day week-end. Tea and shopping were squeezed in there somehow. I missed that. I didn't get any tea this year or go shopping or to the Shepherd's Harvest Fiber Fest, but maybe next year. Maybe just me and my girls.

What I did get, was a relaxing day by the lake, fun times watching the kids play and some good knitting time in the evening. I had lots of kisses and hugs through-out the day. Lots of smiles and laughter. I still remember my mother's laugh. We always gave her those same hugs and kisses on her special day.

Now, I am the mommy. And I get the rewards. My, my how things change. Change can be good. I see that.

Mother's Day brings blessings from our children.

I hope you were blessed too.

April showers bring...

2010-05-04T12:50:00.010-05:00

Handmade gifts for my birthday!

This apron was a lovely surprise. I have one holiday apron that I use only around Christmas.

Now I have a nice spring/summer one. There's a fabric detail pic--love the prints!

The covered notebook was hand knit by my lovely daughters. They designed and knit this removable cover for me as I always have notebooks I am forever scribbling in around the house. This one has a braided "tie" to close it and even a handy pen holder! They are so creative.

I also received a recycled summer bag...this one from an old tablecloth who's motif I just LOVE. Very Norwegian, huh? I had fun this year turning 29 again...LOL...and had a great evening with the hubby after the gift opening event. A perfect day, which also included some knitting...

I finished another pair of socks. These are more for spring/summer. They are seamless, start toe up with a provisional cast on, and have an alternative heel. They were different, I enjoyed them and the yarn is Aslan Trends Santa Fe hand painted yarns. I enjoyed knitting with it very much. NO splits, even after a frogged heel, and the colors were just lovely. This sock will be the Shepherd's Soles sock knit along for the month of June. I am very excited to be a part of this new sock knitting group!

Hope April showers brought you some wonderful moments as well...

Blossoms

2010-04-22T07:56:00.003-05:00

The last sock sample for my LYS is finally done and blocked. I really like this pattern by Evelyn Clark. I think it will be a great first sock for our new sock club: Shepherd's Soles. It starts the 1st of May, I hope to meet lots of sock knitters through this new venture at Shepherd's Choice.
The heel in this pattern is a bit different from the traditional ones I am used to and the gusset has an interesting "twist" which, of course, I love! I used the wonderful Spud & Chloe FINE sock yarn and the brightness of Glowworm certainly looks spring-ish to me. This one differs from the Cricket colored sock in where the yarnovers are placed--this one looking like "blossoms" while the other one looks like "butterflies."
My girls have claimed these socks as their knitted birthday gifts from mom...I don't mind one bit! These t'ween years makes me appreciate that they LOVE something I have made as fashion finickiness has finally creeped in.

On the homefront: we've been busy with the horse, had a bout of the flu make its rounds in the house, and I had a wonderful trip to Rochester for the home school conference. No knitters this year, at least none I could spot.
My garden has wonderful beginnings, and I was gifted a dehydrator! Oh for joy~there shall be fresh banana chips once again in the picnic basket.
Ruby, the little rascal, got into the little guys Easter basket this week and consumed a large amount of chocolate. As dog owners know, chocolate can be fatal to dogs, especially puppies. I wound up on this site: JustAnswers.com and had a wonderful vet give some advice that saved Ruby's life. She is fine and very sorry she snacked on those pretty foil covered chocolate eggs. This of course, happened at the height of MY flu bout...so I am very grateful for diverting any extra trips to emergency rooms and such.
So, this is the year of the sock. I have many more in my future, I have scribblings and drawings of some sock design ideas, and I am having FUN when I can!
Knit time has been cut in half, so I am taking what time I can and loving every minute of it. I'm knitting for for the fun of it again. No assignments, no commitments, just fun knitting.
The early spring in MN here has really put the hubby into hyper mode and spraying lawns is top priority of the day. BioGreen has been a big hit so far, with him spraying as much as 10 lawns per day--leaving me to handle all the paperwork, calls, printing and literature needs, mailings and details.
We are almost done with our school year at home here, so things will free up a bit in another month. I am looking forward to my sanity again! But I am also very grateful for big and little blessings. Sometimes the seasons are plentiful, sometimes, not so much. Its what you do in those seasons that count. Keeping perspective is sometimes hard. What a time of growth this is for me.

So grateful for knitting time at night. The needles are a clickin'...what do you have on yours?

SCORE! More sock yarn?!

2010-04-14T14:50:00.002-05:00

We Interrupt this Knitting Blog with...

2010-04-12T13:25:00.004-05:00

a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park...

in pictures.

For every good knitter remembers to stop...

smell the flowers, or look at the trees...

appreciate and be inspired by what you see around you...

laugh and get dizzy once in awhile...

be playful and free~

and always, always...clean up after yourself.
(or pack doggie bags for those just-in-case-moments)

Have a great week friends~remember to stop and feel the new grass under your feet.

Crickets and Butterflies

2010-04-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Life's Extras

2010-04-06T10:01:00.005-05:00

Yep, life's extras. YOU know what I'm talking about, all that "extra stuff" that is somehow added into your day? Learning to embrace those "extras" and roll with the punches.

My Pagewood Farms sock yarn (above) is a dream to knit with. The colorway is called "Peaceful"...and it really has lived up to its name.

I am really enjoying the pattern. It's kept my attention, but I've also found it needs enough attention that I can't talk on the phone while I'm knitting on it. :GIGGLE: Yes, the frog pond was visited several times in one repetition on the ankle area. Thank goodness for the busy colors, I have a few stitches that are "twisted"...they'll stay in this one. Only I will know they are there.

And these socks will be for me. I'm totally in love with the blues and I think it'll be perfect with my favorite pair of Levi's. Yes, I am a comfy wearin' girl at heart. Love my old blue jeans!

On the same sock theme: I have some great news to share with you!

There's a new sock club starting at Shepherd's Choice in Anoka called Shepherd's Soles. It's going to be really fun! The first knit along will start May 1st and I am knitting some samples up for Kathy here in Spud & Chloe FINE (Cricket colorway):

Yes, it's lace...and it's a really easy cuff down pattern.

We'll all cast on together May 1st and then show off our FO's (finished objects) May 27th at Knit Night. If you join the club--you get free help, ask away, and you can join in on whatever months you'd like. The sock kit is only available at Kathy's shop. It's going to be a blast...I'm really excited about it! Socks are so portable and easy to take with on-the-go...so I'm squeezing in a pair or two this summer. Won't you join us?

In other areas, I am finally going through some of the boxes we brought home from my mother's house. It's been a slow and painful process taking out "her things" and making them my own. But it's been healing too...many pictures and many memories have been tied to happier times and places throughout my life...and I really think its been helpful for me. I'm not rushing it--everyone grieves and processes their loss differently. I have my "days" but they getting are far and fewer in-between. Easter this year made me really miss her. I can't believe she just passed away this Christmas. Now spring is here...and normally she'd be driving down to the Cities alot to see the grand kids. (my kids!) Easter just wasn't the "same" this year...her presence was definitely missed.

I did have a wonderful tribute to her though...a Peace Lily plant from her funeral decided to pick Easter week-end to go into full bloom here (see the second bloom almost ready in the upper left corner?) :

And to get me out of the doldrums I decided to whip up another Rabbit with some extra scrap yarn I had. This one knit up a little looser than my other bunnies. We had him on the table as a centerpiece for Easter.

My relocation of the seedlings proved successful. I now have sprouted parsley (this will be my indoor supply) in a pot. Sadly, I know I will have to thin them a bit. I always have trouble pinching off those delicate, new little seedlings. They will choke each other out though, if its not done.
My Russian and Brandwine tomatoes have all sprouted.

I am so pleased! Last year's tomatoes were such a disappointment, I have high hopes for them this year using the heirloom seeds given to me.

I am going to learn to "CAN" with my aunt Z this summer. She is the canning queen of the family. I will drive up north for a weekend of canning lessons and hopefully lots of salsa and homemade ketchup. I'd like to dry some tomatoes and jalapenos this year too for chili.

I'm walking on the treadmill again, (finally!) because I'm thinking shorts season is not that far ahead of us. We've had some unseasonably warm temps in MN lately and the kids are itching for summer clothes and flip flops. I sleep so much better when I exercise during the day. I'm going to keep this up. I set my alarm early now in the AM and I'm up with the birds now slap, slap, slapping away on the endless moving track-to-nowhere. It's all good!

I am thankful this week for wonderful friends and family.

Your encouraging comments, your thoughtful words make me smile through out the whole day. Please know that you are appreciated!

Now you go and have a wonderful Tuesday!

Animal Expressions

2010-03-31T21:28:00.002-05:00

Socks...

2010-03-29T09:53:00.003-05:00

So what have I been twisting lately?

Well, I've gotten into a sock knitting kick again in my "spare" time...

I say "spare" because time lately has gotten so precious. This skein of Pagewood Farms "Peaceful" jumped onto my needles and I'm working Wendy D Johnson's Riding on the Metro socks. I'm thinking maybe this is for moi...they are turning out lovely and sock #1 is almost done. Other projects have been set aside again, until concentration time is back in longer intervals. Short attention spans and short times available to knit.

Things are moving rather quickly in the household, and I've been up to my eyeballs in setting up tax schedules and formatting invoices for the hubby's new business. Labels, literature and printing costs. YIKES! I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when I agreed to help him with this. But it is definitely a learning process, and we're in this together.

Of course, there's still homeschool and life in general. The dog popped all of her stitches after getting her "surgery" for making sure she doesn't become a mommy--so that was a real treat for an additional recovery week. How to make an 8 mo. puppy not JUMP, RUN or in general, PLAY. Hmm...I did alot of creative activities for dogs and kids that involved chew bones and story books. (one for the dog, one for the kids to keep the dog quiet) Riled up kids = riled up puppy.

Spring has almost sprung here and I've got my peat pots started with seeds. They are slow going so far and I've moved them to a sunnier window hoping to wake those little sleeping guys up. We want tomatoes this year! I am hopeful.

Another piece of evidence this week that spring is here officially is SPRING BREAK! YAY!

Yes, homeschoolers do take breaks too! We will have a week of no lessons but "catch up" around the house with chores of spring. This would include the dreaded "clean out your closets" chore.

My girls don't mind this at all. They are happy to make room in their shared closet and get rid of that which doesn't fit anymore. Hopes of new spring/summer attire is their motivator.
This however, does NOT motivate boys. I find myself doing most of the closet cleaning, adding to the throw away bag, and in general, yelling alot. I might sweeten the idea this year with a motivational "we - all- get - a - DQ - treat - after - our - closets - are - clean" bribe.

Eh, pick your battles, right?

And alittle ice cream is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

What are your spring projects and how is it going?

Happy spring knits my friends~

Tuck Meets Trixie

2010-03-18T11:51:00.008-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a Russian Tortoise named, Trixie.

She was a very friendly tortoise, and she loved her new home in the Land of Ice and Snow. She wasn't very old, only 8 yrs. and she was expected to live to be up to 65 yrs old!

Trixie had a boy that took care of her, and while it was fun to follow him around the yard, go through endless mazes he made for her, and eat up all the greens in the yard she could...she was lonely. No other tortis to play with. Not a one!

Along came Tuck, a turtle created by Susan B Anderson, and made in Spud & Chloe Sweater yarns by the boy's momma in the colors of Grass, Toast and a touch of Rootbeer for detail.

The boy's momma thought it would be fun for the boy and his torti to have a little friend. So, she got to work.

It turns out the boys momma couldn't sleep that night, so Tuck was created rather quickly.

It was time for the big day! Trixie has somebody to meet...

Trixie was a bit unsure of this new friend...as he didn't seem very interested in eating her food. In fact, he didn't seem interested in doing much at all. So she went on over and investigated.

She gave him a playful nip, as all tortoises do--to see if he was friend or foe. Hmm...Tuck didn't taste very well either. And he didn't nip her back. He looked okay, well, except for that one twisted stitch on his beak...wonder what that was all about?!

Tuck's underbelly didn't quite look like hers and they both agreed they didn't like being on their backs very long. After all, if they stayed that way too long, it's a very bad PREDICAMENT. If one can't flip itself over, it dies.
HELP!
Luckily, someone came along and fixed the upside-down-on-your-back thing...

Then Tuck decided to tuck himself inside his shell...but Trixie was having NONE of that business. Someone might flip her over on her back again...

After a nice morning romp in the yard looking for dandelions that hadn't come up yet to nibble on...Trixie and her new friend headed back into the house to the torti table. This is where they hang out for most of the day.

Tuck looks like he made himself at home here on the torti rock--so Trixie sunbathed under her heat lamp. The Land of Ice and Snow today has only a temp of 55 degrees, and being a reptile, you need to keep the warmth on your back as much as possible.
Otherwise, its time for a nap!

And that's the end of this torti/turtles' tail!!!

Stash Envy

2010-03-17T07:34:00.002-05:00

So I'm reading blogs the other day, and I was catching up on some of my favorites. I enjoy Wendy the sock knitter extraordinaire (Wendy Knits) and this post caught my eye: Tales from the Stash.

Do you find yourself doing this: "Hmmm....I don't have THAT yarn/color/weight/type in MY stash..."

or

"What I could create if I could just have THAT yarn..."

And then you try to figure out what you are not going to eat that week so you CAN purchase that yarn/color/weight/type of not needed yarn to stash in YOUR stash? How can I sneak it into the house without hubby or kids getting suspicious? Excuses for WHY I need this lovely skein of lavender or pretty blues...or even the justification of how I DESERVE this pretty fibery confection of goodness...ever been down that road?

Me, never!!! :GRIN:

Well...NO MORE.

I'm trying to be grateful and happy with the stash I have. I am not going to add to nor lust after that which I don't have--or necessarily even need--to my yarn drawer.

Yes, we must learn to be satisfied with that which we have.

Avoid temptation of skeins jumping into our arms, and eyes full of envy when we are allowed to view another's stash drawer...even when blog hopping. Entering the LYS for Knit Night yet coming home with even more yarns to knit. Complaining about our never getting our knitting done because we are forever looking at other yarns for knitting...IE yarn shopping on the Net or Ravelry stash drooling... :WHO ME???:

The knit down your stash resolution revives itself every January 1st here and there...and while I didn't intend this post to be a "resolution" of sorts...I am going to try to look at life this week as grateful for WHAT I DO HAVE and not ungrateful for what I don't.

We are given much--it's what we do with what we are given that counts.

RIGHT?

Happy knits my friends...till next time.

Dishcloths in Skinny Cotton

2010-03-11T07:16:00.006-06:00

I haven't had much of a chance to knit with BSA Skinny Cotton, but I had some yarn ball leftovers from a work project so I whipped up these 2 Easy Peasy Dishcloths (free pattern linkie) for a quick gift for a friend. I used the Skinny cotton doubled and it turned out rather funky. I like the feel of this type of cotton over the traditional "cotton" and I think these dishcloths are going to hold up nicely. Perfect for the recipient. Pair it with some yummy homemade soap and you've got a gift any gal would love...I love homemade gifts, don't you?

Spring is in the air and I am getting ready to start some of my garden plants inside. I ordered with a friend some Victory Garden Heirloom Seeds and I am so hopeful this year for some awesome veggies! Last year's was a big disappointment, as I did not yield much nor did I have any great success with my tomatoes. I know weather played a big part of it and we have no control over that. But split tomatoes that are not the enormous ones I remember in my youth got me suspicious of my local nursery. No modified seeds for me! This year will be different. So jump start the growing a bit with some old fashioned potting soil and egg cartons. The kids helped and it was a great afternoon project. Pictures of seedlings to come soon!

Little Biz Plug...

For those of you in the Twin Cities area--hubby has started a new business and would love to help YOU with your lawn and gardening needs. Organic fertilizer (yes, 100% organic) and honest, reliable service. Check him out here: Biogreen and click on Minnesota. He's up and running now and we hoping for a successful growing year for all of us! Give him a call and tell him Twisted sent ya...

Friday Humor

2010-02-19T07:25:00.003-06:00

Hamburger Dress

Hamburger Dress, August 2005.
Assorted fibers, nylon, crocheted and sewn.
http://joykampia.com/fashion/hamburgerdress.html

"Style is not what you have, but what you do with what you have." quote from Emilie Barnes

Reading corner...

2010-02-12T07:03:00.006-06:00

I've been reading quite a bit again and I wanted to share some treasured knits with you. Piecework's latest issue has a wealth of information on traditions in hand knits and also includes enough mitten patterns to make me search out the magazine and order it online. Thanks to all of those that pointed this issue out to me! After browsing through and reading the articles, I did cast on for the Ice Harbor Compass mittens--(check out Caravan's Mitts on the Rav link) and I'm planning on felting them just like they were done traditionally. Knit on size 8 needles they are going quite fast, which is a good thing, because Ravelympics starts today!

I will cast on another project later in the day and work on some promised gifts for the family. I've only committed 3 projects to Team Itty Bitty (I held myself back!) and I'm looking forward to cheering that team onto FO (finished object) victory!!! GO TEAM! I'm excited to see what they accomplish during this year's competition.

Did I just get sidetracked again? Reading, reading...yes reading...more links for you...

Knitting Traditions is a special issue by Interweave Press. I ordered this one online after getting to browse through a copy from work. This issue will NOT disappoint! Those of you fascinated by history of knitting and how traditions originated, or the story behind the technique, will enjoy this copy immensely. This is from around the whole world. Too many patterns to list...lots of big name designers. Heavy hitters like Nancy Bush are included and several that I have in other knitting books, but there were a few patterns I didn't recognize at all from other sources or from anywhere else online.

On a little field trip over to 1/2 Price Books yesterday I scored two great knitting reference books:

First up is Knitting Handbook by Viv Foster

Spiral bound, this book has covered all of the basics, sprinkled Professional Tips throughout, and includes a nice little stitch dictionary. Its a small compact book that would fit in your knitting bag. I would suggest it to any level of knitter. That's where my copy is going.

Second find was The Knitting Directory by Alison Jenkins:

This is a tabbed reference tool that includes the basics plus finishing details. Pom poms, decorative edgings and embroidery round out the information offered in this one. The simple stitch library is not as extensive as some of my reference books, but it has all the common stitches found in basic patterns. This is a great beginners reference book as it is not overwhelming at all.

I am mentioning I paid only $6 for these two books. Knitting reference books do not have to be a huge money investment, if you know where to look. I have found other books at garage sales or the sales rack at little book stores. Many times I think knitters forget to keep their options open when establishing their reference libraries. The huge sales at Knit Picks or other online companies are great, but remember, you have to pay for shipping. If you are out bargain hunting for things anyways, don't forget your knitting shelf. You never know what treasures may present themselves!

Before I dash off to cast on for a balaclava for the little guy...let me remind you of two events also happening on Ravelry in addition to Ravelympics...

The new Spud & Chloë forum is wrapping up their welcome raffle today (FRIDAY!) and all you need to do to win a chance at the prize is to join the group. Thanks to Brandy for organizing that and getting the forum off and running at a fast pace!
Click the link here:

Spud & Chloë Welcome Giveaway

A brand new contest starting is here on the Blue Sky Alpacas yarn lovers spot:

High Fiber Forum Contest

This one is going until May for a chance to win some of the new Blue Sky Alpacas Multi Cotton (super dreamy colors!) and a sweet pattern for babies from Cheryl Nelson. This is a super packed prize including the Pretty Cheap bag! I love my little project bags and use them for quick knit grabbing for on the go. Pick a project, knit it and post a picture on the link provided. That's your chance to win. Projects must use BSA yarns to eligible.

I love to see what you are creating! My fellow knitters are my inspiration. Get those creative juices flowing and get those FO's posted!

Alright knitters, let the knitting commence~

Country Girl at Heart

2010-02-08T07:47:00.005-06:00

In cleaning out closets, I came to browse this magazine-- MaryJanesFarm.
Have you seen this?

It's a throw back to times gone by. Specifically for farm girls. Now, I grew up on a horse farm, which is a bit different than a farm here in Minnesota...but there's the animals, and the barn chores just the same. Besides browsing wonderful sewing crafts and thinking MAYBE, just MAYBE I need to learn to sew, I found an article on chickens. Now that the girls and I have barn duty for the horse...why not chicken coop duty too? We have room on our land for a chicken coop...and think of the fresh eggs each morning!

Staying with my aunt at her farm over Christmas proved that the kids LOVED chickens...although the 4 year old chasing them caused them to stop laying...eh, it still was a love relationship as they found all kinds of excuses to go out into the barn and play. They hung out with the chicks. Those chickens got more attention that weekend probably then they've have in their whole little chickie lives!

So, in trying to convince the hubby this would be a GOOD IDEA, I found these: Chicken Coops that are already made. How wonderful! And I love all the different styles...

I liked this one: Cedar House the only thing I didn't like was the price...GULP!

Well, hubby could build that. He's a carpenter. He builds all kinds of things...

I didn't take a picture of the look he gave me when I suggested this. Nor his smirk on his face when he said this:

"What do you know about chickens?" he asked.

"Everything I need to take of them from Cindy's Chicken site here," I answered.

"Really, how hard can raising chickens be? C'mon, we're raising children and that's much harder than birds. Right?"

I don't think he bought it...and I was trying really hard to sell it...

What kind would I want? You know, there's a ton of different kinds of chickens...

But what about this kind:

The Leghorn variety!

White leghorn
Weights: Rooster: 6 lbs Hen: 4 1/2 lbs.Egg color: White

A very active chicken that can fly for some distances. This chicken is used for their eggs. They rarely go broody. In the morning they fill the coop with their songs. They lay at least an egg a day.

I was hoping to stir a few childhood memories of Foghorn Leghorn cartoons with the hubby...

Sure, we'd have to have fencing because of the coyotes...well, and the occasional fox we see running around. But I am SURE it wouldn't be any trouble at all...now would they? Course, there is chicken coop cleaning duties...but we don't need to dwell on that...do we?

Now all I need to do is convince the hubby...hmmm....any suggestions?

I think we'll have Quiche tonight for dinner...:GRIN:

Rav Friending

2010-02-04T07:42:00.003-06:00

Ravelry is such an incredible resource to the knitter...why? Because not only can you browse their massive pattern database, Net shop the yarns and yarnies' stores, make friends across the world that like to knit like you do...you can find endless things to keep you busy! I am still diligently knitting on my lace scarf for the Calendar Knit Along during the week...alittle bit here, alittle bit there, and although I am the "LAST" one still working on her scarf...I am so pleased with the results! The Royal yarn I am using is not only making my hands extremely happy, I am envisioning some major scarf envy when I wear it. You know scarf envy...you spy that beautiful wrapped up neck on someone else and you say to yourself, "well, I could make that..." and you proceed to grill the ensconced person about their neck adornment.
"Is that handmade?"
or
"Who made this?"...
"What yarn did you use?"
"Is the pattern hard?"
"What? This is your own design?"
"Well! We've gotta talk girlfriend!"

I love talking to other knitters. They are everywhere, you know. We're infiltrating all areas of normal life. Grocery stores, libraries, gas stations...you spy them much easier in the winter months--as we all wear our handmade articles with much enthusiasm and frequency. You always smile big when someone approaches you and asks about your handknits.

So, Ravelry again, has got me hoppin'...so much so that I need to share with you all about a brand new forum over there...Friends of Spud & Chloë...

Jump on over and join the forum--a chance at a welcome gift awaits you just for joining in on the fun...

Alana Dakos designed this cute beginners vest for girls or boys...it's called Li'l Man Vest, and its a very fun and easy knit for anyone! The Spud & Chloë Outer is positively wonderful to knit with--it's quick on a size 10 to size 13 needle and it wears extremely well for the little ones in your life. It'll be fun to chat with other "friends" over there about one of my favorite yarns. And with Susan B Anderson joining in...you never know what will happen! Lots of good stuff for sure!!!

Okay, another FREEBIE is this month's staff pick from Blue Sky Alpacas called Lusekofte-sque Mitts. This is a free download on Ravelry. These cute mitts jumped right onto my TO MAKE list because I just adore Fair Isle. And mitts...well, mitts just jump onto my needles effortlessly. Unfortunately, I have so many UFO's that are calling to me at present, these mitts will have to wait a bit...but maybe you want to cast on today??? If you do, please share a link or a pic with me...I'd love to see yours!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T08:06:00.001-06:00

Blowing the Dust off...

2010-01-25T18:17:00.004-06:00

of TKGA's Level 2.

I settled on another lace swatch pattern and just went for it. I am pretty happy with this swatch. It blocked exactly 7" which is the maximum length/width that you can submit. With lace and stretching it out...I have to remember to allow for blocking growth. :GRIN:

I am also reading like crazy these last few days--researching and learning about the history of knitting and wool in different areas of the world. I find that all very interesting. It also connects me with my family roots.

On a personal front, I am also going through my boxed up things from my mother's house. This is healing, but painful at times as well. I miss her so much! She was such a big part of my life and not only my mother, but my friend. I have a hole where she used to be. I promised her to keep going with the Masters program and my goal of becoming a Master Knitter...I have found my motivation renewed on that front, but the time factor a challenge. I need to get a "knitting" schedule in place, balance out the work knitting with the "school" knitting and then we have "leisure" knitting added in there too. Promised "give away" knits...those things I promised to make for family and friends. I have many projects on the needles, and many things I want to make...then there's life that gets in the way of knitting...so, I guess this is a funny place to be in. I find my knitting to be a sanity distraction, a brain break if you will, so I can just focus on how the yarn is flowing through my fingers and how its creating fabric. I love watching how things come together and do what it does! I find it very relaxing in a creative kind of way.

Be creative--be warm and happy knits this week friends!

Da' Winner!!!

2010-01-22T07:32:00.004-06:00

Yarny goodness is headed towards Melissa, comment #39 who's favorite book happens to be one of my favorite knitterly friends--here is Melissa's comment:

Great giveaway! My favorite book is definitely Itty Bitty Hats. I have yet to branch out of hats and scarves but some of these links have got me thinking. http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Hats-cuddly-babies-toddlers/dp/1579652956/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3220192-0486209?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185310882&sr=1-1

Melissa, I have emailed you...please contact me within 3 days and this basket of yarn is YOURS (plus a few more goodies thrown in for good spoilin') to enjoy.

Thanks all for your comments readers! I love all the links and favorite books/patterns you've shared.

Have a great week-end!

Mitten Lovers Giveaway and Goodies

2010-01-14T15:18:00.003-06:00

An Itty Bitty Birdie and the reversible...

egg!

Very cute and quick knit from Susan B Anderson's book Itty Bitty Toys. I highly recommend this book if you are a beginner knitter in the toy department...the book is so informative and the patterns so easy to knit...anyone can make these toys!

Latvian Mittens and Socks from Olga! My great grandmother Olga's hand knits found in mom's closet. A treasure to behold indeed! Her socks--the cuffs are too tight (the fair isle parts) translating that she didn't have her stranding technique perfected quite yet when she made these...(comforting to think one can improve on the technique!). My aunt thinks she made these when she was very young. And the mittens look to be knit on size 000's which gives me something to strive for. Yes, triple 0's and perfect tension. She does have some fair isle inconsistencies in the pattern on the thumb...she fudged a bit to make those triangles fit...but again, woohooo! She was human and it wasn't a perfect mitten! See all the old magazines in the back? Another treasure found in the closet. Old Latvian fashion magazines with lots of knitting graphs and weaving charts. Oh, the ideas of creativity, the possibilities...hold me back!!!

Speaking of knitting treasures...I have my first giveaway from cleaning out the stash basket ready to go today.

Too much mitten yarn! Yes, low and behold, the colors are many and the time is short...I have way more than I will use.

This giveaway will include: 3 skeins of Knit Picks Palette, 4 skeins of Jamison's, 3 skeins of Nature Spun and I'm throwing in a bar of Shepherd's Choice soap (all natural) and maybe something else if I can find another goody to spoil you with.

All you need to do to enter is leave me a comment with a link to your favorite knitting book or pattern. I will use random generator to pick a comment on January 21st in the evening, so make sure to leave me contact info so I can let you know if you've won! If I don't hear back from you in 3 days, I'll pick another comment--good luck!

Lace crazy, or holes in the head...you decide!

2010-01-02T15:51:00.001-06:00

Calendar scarf finished and started...

2010-01-01T10:58:00.004-06:00

A great way to end and start a new year...

My first time blocking with wire and anything LARGE with lace...

The end result I am very happy with. I am sad I ran out of yarn and am missing several sections...but I will have enough yarn for the next knit along that I cast on last night for...if my calculator is correct, that is!

Scarves

2009-12-31T08:15:00.002-06:00

'Tis the season for scarf making...

This easy peasy scarf is made out of Blue Sky Alpaca Silk in Flax, which if you haven't tried this yarn...it's simply decadent. Very smooth to knit with--so wonderful on the hands...not splitty at all and holds up well with frogging. (what?! ME? Frog???) Alpaca Silk, I will be back! The pattern is from the Yarn Harlot One Row Hand spun Scarf
which I used because the row was so easy to memorize.

Speaking of scarves...

There's a new knit along blog I am participating in and I am inviting you to join us if you can...

The Calendar Scarf Knit Along II is already under way! I am casting on bright and early tomorrow morning...but please, feel free to join in at any time. We will knit this together and share any snafus, frustrations, oohs and ahhh's as a group.

What about last year's Calendar Scarf you ask? Remember Insomnia? Remember my frustration that I ran out of yarn and it sadly sits waiting for its last 2 sections to be complete? It lies in a time out in my room as I haven't the heart to admit defeat in being short 4 days in the pattern. And thanks to the wise counsel of a fellow KAL friend...I would have sadly been in the same place for this year's scarf. You will need LOTS of yarn. Lace eats up yarn. Yes, it does. Must be all those holes.

Find lots of yarn and join us!

Happy knits and the best to you in 2010~

Mom's Funeral...

2009-12-29T11:46:00.005-06:00

was yesterday. It went well. Well, as funerals can go.

Kids and hubby were snowed "in" with me up north on the farm over Christmas...which really wasn't a bad place to be snowed in at! Snowmobiles, fishing ice houses and chickens to chase, stalls to muck out and animals to feed each morning...snowball fights and sledding all made for a very joyful Christmas. A few sad moments as we wished my mom could have been there with us...

And the camera was at home! NO pictures of the activities...but I have lots of great memories. I am still in awe of the support and care all her friends and community extended to me and my family. Food and well wishes, gift cards and cookies...they were all freely given with love and warm hugs. We are very blessed.

I have been asked about the obituary from a few people...so I copied and pasted here:

Gunta Stegura

Gunta Zunde Stegura, 61, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

She was born March 17, 1948, in Bamburg, Germany, the daughter of Edgar and Velta (Roze) Zunde. On December 10, 1949 she emigrated to America with her family through Lutheran World Relief, and they settled in Greenville, Ohio. In 1961 the family moved to Minneapolis, where she graduated from Edison High School.

In November of 1968 she married David Stegura in northeast Minneapolis. In 1981 the family moved to Texas, returning to Fridley in 1987. In February of 2001 she made the move to Fergus Falls, most recently working for Otter Tail County with Child Support Services.

She loved horses, and was a member of the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Posse. She was also a facilitator for Beginning Experience, and had written and published a book. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Gunta’s joys in life included a love of dancing, music, her family, and life.

Preceding her in death were her grandmother, Olga Roze; her father, Edgar; and a nephew, David Sundby.

Survivors include two daughters, Rachel (Scott) Russ of St. Francis, and Stephanie (Michael) Moore of Shakopee; four grandchildren: Sarah, Leah, Jacob, and Nathan; a sister, Rev. Zinta (Alan) Sundby of Underwood; her mother, Velta Zunde of Underwood; a nephew, Timothy (Mary) Sundby; and a niece, Kari Sundby.

Visitation: 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a 2 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2009, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls

Clergy: Reverend Jon Olson

Interment: Aurdal Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com

Hospital Time and Joy

2009-12-18T06:12:00.005-06:00

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT : JOY

The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope; the second is the candle of Peace; the third is the candle of Joy.
We lit this candle to remind us that Christ is the bringer of true and everlasting joy.

As I sat with the kids and we talked about what this candle means to us at this particular time. The kids are now aware that Grandma Gunta is not going to be with us much longer. The twins are much more in tune with what's going on then the boys...but in their own ways too they understand about Grandma. How do you find JOY in losing a loved one? How do I tell or explain to the kids that we will joyfully see her again some day? Well, little concepts at a time. The kids called Grandma earlier this week and I put them on speaker phone. They chose to sing to her "Joy to the World" in the their funny, off-key way. The smile on my mother's face was priceless. That brings me joy. Joy in knowing that the battle is soon over. We are down to hours now.

As I sit here in the hospital, and I watch every breath she takes, count seconds in-between those breaths, I am much more aware of how fragile our lives are. How we need more joy in our lives. Yes, more joy even in the midst of trouble and trial. Though you may see tears on my face today, I do have joy.

My mother has one foot in the next life, and one foot in this life. Each hour that foot is less and less stepping back into this realm.

Today, is her benefit.

Today she will dot that final "i" and see to completion that final milestone she so wanted to be a part of in this world.

Her friends will carry on without her in the celebration. Her friends will carry some of Gunta's joy into the event. How can you not? Even in pain and in her struggle, she always whispers a thanks to the nurses, and she attempts a smile.

My sister found some scrapbooks my mom had in her house that we didn't know she had. She compiled some books for the grand kids, one of her horses, and one of her past. Each book told her story, each one has snips of poems, songs and sayings that she so loved. In one book she had forgiveness for an alcoholic father. In another book, she shared the pain of watching 2 of her horses die within days of each other. The pain of leaving Texas and life full of rodeo and horse events with us kids. Every chapter was a prelude to a new chapter, a new beginning and she met each one bravely. With joy of anticipation.

Hope, Peace and Joy.

What I will remember most about my mother, is her smile. Her cup that is eternally full. Her love that is for everyone, not wishing anyone any harm or ill will. I don't ever remember my mom talking bad about anyone. She never gossiped or gave into criticism. Oh sure, she could complain once in awhile, but it was never in a mean way. And it was never about herself.

She reminded me this last night of my promise to finish my knitting in Level 2. She whispered to love the grand kids for her, and help them to remember. She whispered that I was the best daughter she could of asked for, and how proud she was of me.

How proud I am of her!!!

I will remember her determination, her bravery and her strength.

I will always remember, mom.

The Three Merry Men

2009-12-15T17:04:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday!

No Pictures...

2009-12-14T06:25:00.005-06:00

No pictures today friends.

I left Thursday to go be with mom who was back home from the hospital since Monday. It was another very difficult week-end, but I am so glad I was able to spend that time with her.

Saturday at 2 AM I drove her back to the hospital and into ER. We sat there for quite awhile. I was able to knit while they got her pain under control, and I now have 3 hats to donate to her benefit on Friday. I love Spud & Chloë Outer...it knits up so quickly! Mom has a stomach blockage now and will be unable to return to home to finish her last days there. Fortunately, good drugs and lots of sleeping is able to alleviate her discomfort and side effects with this new complication. Things are starting to shut down. Sleep for her is very good and a welcome luxury. During one of the longer sleeps later that Saturday, my aunt and I walked into town to visit her local yarn shop. A small place called Crates of Yarn. A very quaint shop--packed with wonderful fibery goodies! A beautiful storefront window right in downtown invites you to come and sample their creative atmosphere. The owners of the shop are wonderful--Mary was so helpful as my aunt and I picked out yarn for a super girl "cape" for her 5 year old granddaughter. The one picture I have on my cell phone, and if I can figure out how to upload it here, I will--it is of a tree in front of the shop wearing a knit stocking...of sorts? It's amazing! Their knit group did this with ladders and tools as the stocking reaches up very high on the trunk of the tree. My stress therapy was squeezing yarns and looking at beautiful fiber colors. And yes, I do! I sniff yarn. I am one of those! My aunt knew exactly what I needed after such a stressful night with mom. Those of you in northern MN- Crates of Yarn is definitely worth a field trip.

With this new turn of events, I'm not sure where I will be later this week. My sister is now in from California so it is good my mom will be able to have some time with her. I am so ever grateful for awesome nurses, compassionate doctors and such a supportive community. I am thankful for a local yarn shop near the hospital that enabled me a wonderful "mental break"...I am thankful for good coffee. I am ever thankful for my online friends and commenters on my blog that have left supportive comments/notes to me through this difficult time. I am so grateful for 31 "extra" years with my mom since her first cancer diagnosis. This is just a small step in my mom's life here on earth, and while it's hard, I am glad to be able to go through this as an adult, and not as a child. Timing can be everything, eh?

I am grateful for Christmas time that is reminding me with death, we have life eternal with our Savior. We have hope. We have a promise. We have Heaven and a new body to look forward to. No pain, no tears. What a celebration it will be!

And, as always, I am grateful for great yarns, fast needles and a GOOD KNIT!

Merry Christmas friends. May your needles be busy, busy, busy!!!

2009-12-08T06:25:00.002-06:00

Advent: Week #2

The Bethlehem Candle

Realizing God's Hand was in EVERYTHING that surrounded the Savior's birth is very comforting to me now. There's a specific reason why Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem in order to fulfill the prophecy. The census that took place was all part of God's plan. Joseph returned to his place of birth and that was Bethlehem. Just as the prophets talked about in the Old Testament. How humbling for Mary to give birth in an animal stable.

My mother's insurance company is not cooperating with us. She is home for 2 days with limited Hospice care and then she is packing up for the nursing home. God's plan is in this--I know, but it is extremely humbling to know that I am not in control. My wish for her final days was not this. As I am sure, Mary's wish for the birth of the King was not that in a stable.

Comforting the Christmas Story is...especially now for me.

Are you finding comfort this busy Christmas season?

Comfort Knitting...

2009-12-06T07:35:00.002-06:00

More comfort knitting...swatch playing.
I still have my Level 2 for TKGA simmering on the back burner...might as well play with stitch patterns for lace.

These pieces when completed will remind me of some major events while caring for mom this weekend...

Making funeral plans with mom while she's alive...(sock knitting-no counting, slight distraction from thinking about a funeral while someone is still alive)...I have 2 small mistakes in my heel turn. But all things considering, its a good heel.

Finishing another section of the Insomnia shawl (she may want to wear that for her funeral outfit). We didn't decide because then she had a breathing episode and we had some panicked moments with the nurse until it regulated again. I put the shawl away.

And the little elf who I did his legs while laughing with knitting nurses on their break. (two of whom are going to start elves of their own) I remember laughing till I almost cried over something funny and then felt guilty for "laughing"...?

Oh the range of emotions right now are all over the place.

Mom's friends are holding a benefit for her at the VFW on December 18th.

I hope she makes it till then.

I better get to more knitting. I will donate a hand knit item for the silent auction.

So far, therapy knitting goes very well with therapy praying.

Christmas Knitting

2009-12-03T06:27:00.003-06:00

Christmas knitting is fast and furious over here this week. Not only am I going at it with needles flying, my daughters are as well! I love that they are making this a handmade from the heart holiday. Yarn doll production has slowed a bit now and we have scarves, cowls and a hat in progress.

Me? Well, I have lots of knitting happening too...several pairs of socks, a lace scarf to finish, lots of mitts and toys.

Here's a cute little update on the Spud Says little knit along.

Not sure who this cute little guy is going to go to yet this Christmas, but I'm sure someone will be needing a little cheer-up--and he'll be perfect for the need.

Now...I'm off to do motherly and knitterly things. Baking and piano are today's list. There's more details on mom's care to attend to--and I am as always, so thankful for all your well wishes and prayers. She is resting comfortably now. I will see her this week-end.

Have a great Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T06:38:00.001-06:00

Up for a tiny knit along?
Tiny Elf on Spud Says the Blog

Saws and Lace

2009-12-01T05:51:00.004-06:00

Oh these fleeting days of fall!

We are going to get some snow today and I just had to put up this picture taken two weeks ago of the little guy working in the yard with Daddy. He brought out his plastic saw and got to work on a stump. He really "worked" on it for about 15 minutes, which prompted me to take the picture. Isn't it amazing how when we are young, we dream BIG and don't think twice about the impossible? To capture that once again. To have such hope! I am in awe of my children sometimes, and I cherish their place in my life.

Here we have that Insomnia scarf...remember this one?
Oh...I do!
I have been working on it on and off since January. I have to work on it with no children around, (which with four of them, is tricky) because I have to count, I have to concentrate. I love it! Why has it taken me so long? Because I really like a long stretch of time to work on it--not short snatches of knit time. Hence, insomnia hits, so I hit the scarf. It is almost done, as I am going to be short on yarn. I have about 2 or 3 sections left and then my yarn will be spent.

So, why am I re-living my-longest-project-ever on the blog today? Because of this one:

The 2009 Calendar Scarf.

Day 1 is up. And I want to make this one too! I have yarn stashed, I have the first day printed out...but I am holding myself back to the knit along in January. This pattern is available in English online until December 25th...then it goes away and you have to pay for it. The blog for this knit along will be revived, refreshed and updated. Please join us if you'd like!
Now...off I go to work on my 2008 Insomnia Scarf before the kids get up...

Advent Week #1

2009-11-30T06:07:00.002-06:00

Advent means "coming" and it refers to Jesus' comings--His "coming" into our hearts everyday; and His "coming" at the end of our time in the world to take us to be with Him forever.

The first candle we lit last night as a family is the Prophecy or Promise candle--symbolic of the long years of waiting before Christ's birth. It reminds us that God's promise of a Savior came true. From the very beginning we are told of a Savior to come and it was because of sin. (Gen. 3:15)

While we as a family believe Jesus' birth took place in fall sometime, (because of the shepherds in the field and when John the Baptist was born) we observe Christmas as a time to remember and recognize the reason for the season. Jesus' birth and His death served a purpose. It was for me and it was for you.

This Christmas season is a special one for my family. We are focusing more on how we can serve others this year. Not with presents and goodies but with service and helping. In a world full of ME, ME, ME--how can we take that focus off of ourselves and serve our fellow man?

A visit to the nursing home for some piano music is on the schedule. Helping at a local shelter is also another one. We are hoping to ease up on the home school schedule a bit to allow some service type activities to take place. We are going to bake some cookies for 2 widows that live on our block. I am knitting one of them a pair of mitts that was admired on me last week when we chatted "over the fence"...

And what about those extra THINGS we all seem to accumulate during this time of year?

The kids are going through their closets this week. We are not just cleaning out clothes, and things that don't fit anymore. But we are going through toys, books, and movies that aren't loved anymore. How can mom and dad set a good example? Dad is going through the garage (yay!) and mom is going through her scrap booking supplies and yarns to see what she can donate or give away. (yes, I am feeling fine!) We are all taking the trip to donate these things next week.

Might you be smelling a yarn give-away on the blog soon....?

Stay tuned...

Thanksgiving Therapy

2009-11-28T08:58:00.004-06:00

For the drive up north on Thanksgiving Day, I got to knit. This is a nice change from me making the 3 1/2 hrs. drive both ways myself...so I got to actually enjoy the car ride. (drive to Fergus Falls is pretty boring, lots of corn fields!) I made this easy snake from Itty Bitty Toys. Major stash buster on odds and ends I have from sock making. This Curly Snake will go into someones stocking for Christmas!

It was a great day! See the snow in the background of this picture? They have snow up north?! The kids got to play outside in the barn with their cousins and lots of animals, the grown-ups got to talk and catch up...eat, and talk some more. Here's the girls with their little cousin, Lily. She's a creative ball of energy and has got quite the personality. She's in Kindergarten this year and LOVES the twins. That "older cousin-itis" thing is pretty cool to see!

Here's the boys. Who I had to sit on to get them to take a picture...and still, we have major goofiness going on. I told Nate to keep his eyes open, so he closed them, Ben was told to SMILE big...which he did, and the little guy, Matthew, was not going to have any part of the shenanigans. He was outta there after the click. Notice the red ears on Jake, in the back? He wore his hat out the door, and lost it somewhere in the hay mow in the barn. Time to knit another one. :SIGH: Those boys!!!

This was an awesome picture hubby snapped of me, mom and my grandma! Mom looked great for Thanksgiving! We were so happy she sat at the table with us and even ate alittle! Her energy level was higher than I've seen in weeks, and being with the kids, was all the "therapy" she needed...as evidenced here:
What a great 2 days! It was so awesome to see family that we haven't seen in a long time, to eat and share stories, to laugh at the kids, and most of all, to see my mom sparkle. That holiday shine is hard to beat!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving also!!!

More Therapy was Needed...

2009-11-24T05:39:00.003-06:00

Another pair of Brushed Suri Mitts quickly made and blocked.

These are so light and extravagantly soft that I have several requests from family now for Christmas gifts. That list I made last week for Knitting TO DO's for gifts will have to be updated!

One Twin's Tootsies done, with a million mistakes. Hospital knitting without a computer or a pattern. Distracted? Alittle bit...but I just kept on knittin'...and got one sock finished. This is made in color Calypso, Spud & Chloë Fine, my favorite sock yarn. One Twin is going to love them--crooked gusset and all!
Day 2--found my book and started a toe up sock. This is out of Wendy D. Johnson's book Socks From the Toe Up. I picked the Diamond Gansey pattern, which I love, for Twin Two. But this sock is going to be too big. I had my size 2's with me and I think it's going to have to be frogged and done on 0's or 1's. Also notice the 2 big holes on the increase side of the toe. Can't stand those. So a froggin' I will go...
Couldn't resist casting on for another sock though...knitting ADD showing? Could be...but I sure was having fun. Here is a cuff down with some Online Sock yarn in Sienna. These will go to someone in the family I know that LOVES red. She bought me the yarn--so no color stressing or wondering if she's going to like them or not. I'm just knitting them up! Easy stockinette knitting with the self striping colors, but I'm adding a purled "seam" on each side of the sock for a little detailing.

And, for that INSOMNIA that seems to infiltrate me on "Mom duty" during the wee hours of the AM...alittle lace knitting. I got another section done and I loved this one. The picture isn't real clear, but the little peaks on this one really was fun. There's another Calendar Scarf knit along to start real soon rumor has it...for the 2010 Calendar Scarf and I am trying to hold myself back not to join in. I need another side project right?! If it goes in January maybe I will jump in with both needles. I am already stashing some wonderful yarn to use. Luxury yarn, and I've worked hard for it...of course, it sure would help to finish the 2009 Scarf first, wouldn't it?

Therapy knitting.

Yes, it works. Highly recommend it.

Yarn Dolls

2009-11-18T17:17:00.003-06:00

The Twins have been busy!

This will enhance some Christmas gifts this season. Find this easy fun kid-sized project here: on Spud Says.

Making a list...

2009-11-16T07:29:00.004-06:00

and checking it twice!

Is it crazy to think of all those knitting requests from friends and family, only 2 weeks before Thanksgiving? And seriously think that I'll be able to get it all done? I did make a list. My eyes bugged out just a bit.

So far I have:

3 prs of mittens, 1 bulky pair, 1 worsted weight, 1 fine (Latvian variety)

4 prs of hand warmers/fingerless mitts, sport weight and fingering weight

1 hat, Fair Isle of course!

4 prs of socks, 1 plain knit w/self striping, 2 texture, 1 Fair Isle

4 mini mitt ornaments, stash yarn busting

1 lacy scarf, lace weight cashmere

2 Itty Bitty Toys for kids

Am I panicked yet? Not really. I am really looking forward to the holidays, I love to give hand knit gifts for Christmas. If I complete this list, someone commit me to the white walled padded room because only an insane person would get this done in time for Dec. 25th, even if I started today.

I wanted to share a pic of this stamp that a friend sent me. It's from Latvia and Vidzeme is the area my great grandmother was born in. The more checkerboard white and green mitten in the background is exactly the style my great gram knit. I love the folk costumes! How awesome it is to have this family heritage. There are more of these stamps, and I would love to get the entire series. I'm not sure how to find them, but browsing eBay was suggested to me. I hope they don't cost a million dollars! I don't stamp collect really, so I have no idea.

A knitting gene?

Could be.

Knitting Therapy week-end recap #4

2009-11-10T06:22:00.004-06:00

Thursday night brought some lace knitting and finishing the next 2 sections of my Insomnia Scarf. Thursday night was a rough night, as it had been just a short while since I had last seen my mom and was not prepared for how far downhill she has gone in that short time. It's been 4 weeks since finding out her cancer has spread to everywhere in her body, and 4 weeks has many changes physically. Only 2 treatments of chemo, when over the years she has had so many, but these 2 treatments have been the worst yet. She is trying to buy some time.
These yarn overs stand for focus on something other than the "beast" raging inside of her. And the helplessness I feel inside.

This turkey brought so many smiles to my family and to the nurses at the hospital! This knit along is done now, but I have to "catch up" and get his feathers done and attached. I didn't have Internet access at my mom's house, so I could only do up to what was current when I left. I have many other turkey "parts" in various stages, as these guys will show up at my LYS soon! Turkeys, now how can you not smile looking at a turkey? Definitely therapy knitting done here.

Top section of mitten as of now:

My mitten. Or, should I say, Velta's mitten. This was therapy for my 86 year old grandma. See, this is her pattern. She can't see anymore. Once upon a time, 68 or so years ago, a textile student in Riga wrote a mitten pattern for a final in her school. She didn't think it was "good enough" and didn't wind up knitting the pattern. She then tucked away in a school book. 68 years later, she finds the book, and the pattern and hands it over to her knitting granddaughter. She now has the pleasure of knitting this mitten up, and sometimes filling in a few blanks on the chart with her almost blind grandma, who cries every time she sees the mitten. This is therapy for her too. She remembers the Old Country, the occupation, the burning down of her yet-to-be-opened weaving shop, the flee, the capture. The concentration camp. She remembers the fear of day to day living and not knowing if she'd make it out outlive. She gave up her dream of weaving, of textiles, when she and my grandpa came to the States. A dream un-lived, is a dream unfulfilled. She has given me her dream now, she says. It will live in me. I'm not sure about the weaving part...but I do know the knitting part is alive and well in me. We are creating these mittens together, and that I cherish so much! Here is the next section, again, 3 color carry on 3 rows.

Mom wound up in the ER on Sunday. I started a sock for one of the girls for Christmas out of Spud & Chloë Fine.

And a test knit for BSA that I can let you peek at...these are made out of the wonderfully soft Brushed Suri. This is a different yarn to knit up--very fuzzy and soft, but softer than cashmere. These mitts are extremely easy, so many of these could wind up as Christmas gifts for your loved ones that enjoy luxury items.

Whew! Lots of knitting. I also did lots of cleaning, lots of cooking, lots of "nurse tending" to my mom. Talking with her was so precious. We laughed, we cried and we did alot of reminiscing. I was awake every 2 hrs with her during the night, so this gave me all that "extra" mom time.

Give your mom a call today. Write her if you can. Hug her if you are given the privilege. Our moms are forever connected to us, no matter how far away. They do so much for us, not only as children but as adults. I am so blessed to have a mom. She will always be a part of who I am. Let your mom know that too, if you can.

You will make her day, I promise.

A sneek peek...

2009-11-04T19:06:00.005-06:00

This cuff almost kicked my knitting needles to the curb. Yes, 3 colors in one row. FOR LOTS OF ROWS. Tension issues?! WHO ME?

Ayup.

I think I got somewhat better after the 3rd time frogging.

Call me stubborn, call me crazy.

All for the love of a Latvian mitten.

I am now full of projects other than just THIS mitten and shall be off to mom's again this week end.

May YOUR week end be full of knitting and fun.

Till next week...

Happy knits!

Another Knitting Therapy Week end Recap

2009-11-02T07:34:00.013-06:00

A week end that was full of unexpected surprises.

My mother had an unexpected admittance in the hospital for some complications. I wasn't able to be with her this week end so I did some knitting. ALOT of knitting. It was indeed therapy. I have some mittens for my LYS as samples. The OUTSIDER mittens knit up quickly in Outer and are a new free pattern from Spud Says and Susan B Anderson. I also finished the Java Cloche hat that is a the new free pattern on the Blue Sky Alpacas website. This hat knit up very quickly and was a great knit for watching Jane Eyre on Netflix.

I have jumped in with all 4 needles with a little knit along on Spud Says.

This is a mystery knit along (just a little one) that Susan is having for the month of November. It's a Thanksgiving themed little toy and my girls are suspect that it will be a turkey. My son thinks it's going to be a monkey (?) and I am saying I have no idea. It's just the thrill of each step of the way and the "it's going to kill me" of what's up for us next, you know me and PATIENCE...go here to participate for step 1 and step 2 looks to be up already this AM on Spud Says! Link on over and check it out.

Stay tuned for more FO's...I'm in for more knitting this week end.

It's Friday?!

2009-10-30T16:41:00.003-05:00

Where did the week go? It was here a Tuesday ago...

On my needles for more therapy this week end is the Java Cloche by Grace Akhram. The latest free pattern offered by Blue Sky Alpacas. 1 skein of sport weight or melange for the MC and little bits for the contrast color. This will go for my mom as chemo is starting to show its ugly head. She deserves some pampering and some luxury. Alpaca is about as soft as you can get!

I am finishing up a sample knit for my LYS of a free pattern as well...Susan B Anderson Outsider Mittens in Outer. I'll post those pics soon. I have another pair of test mitts on the horizon and not only am I super excited about them--(want a pair for myself) you all will LOVE them too...! Serious mitt love.

Have an itch to finish that Calendar Scarf from last year as I have completed a few more sections on it this month. I have about 6 to go and its done! I just need QUIET mommy's counting time...that's tricky around here. I hope to wear this over the holidays.

Then there's those SHHHH secret Latvians that are formulating in my knitting basket. I have the first cuff finished. I have to graph out the body of the mitten and figure out the thumbs yet. It's my toughest mitten design so far. I have another mitten simmering on the back burner, all graphed and waiting for my size 0's to free themselves. Oh, and more TIME?!

I also have a sock request from 2 other family members and I am anxious to start on some Christmas knitting. Yes, the list grows longer around here. But the knitting is such a welcomed distraction right now, how can this knitter say no?!

How's your FO's going?

Twisted In Stitches has...

2009-10-26T05:46:00.004-05:00

caught THE COLD!

One of the results of Therapy Knitting Weekend #2.

This kitty is going to be a Christmas gift. I used buttons for the eyes because the intended recipient has a country style home and this will be a decoration. NO buttons for babies. That's a NO NO. Buttons for decorations...okay. The pattern was okay--but kitty sure has a floppy neck. I think the head is so heavy it makes it worse. I would reinforce this somehow if I ever made this again. The ribbed scarf helps alittle.

I also worked on my Insomnia lace scarf and got 2 more sections finished. I did a silly thing though. I did it while watching Jane Eyre. I know, I know...lace and movies? But I didn't drop too many yarn overs. It was slow, but it looks pretty good. I also decided Addi Lace Turbos are pretty nifty. I want to try some Signature dpns next.

I also got some test knitting done.

Now, will someone please pass the Kleenex?!

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2009

2009-10-23T08:40:00.009-05:00

Have you received your issue yet?

Holidays will be here before you know it...panic has not set in yet at my house...although my gift list for homemade stuff is getting pretty long. Reality will set in on Dec. 20th or thereabouts.

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts is now available. Go check it out.

Funny, I've found 2 fab ideas for myself...

Some great Fair Isle mittens that have a double liner inside...can you say toasty?! I'd love these in black and white--navy and cream, even red and white.
I really could use a warm pair for myself as I seem to give all my Fair Isle mittens away.

And a sweater! A sweater!
Somebody slap me...
I only make LITTLE things...right?!
This Ripple Cardigan would look great in BSA Brushed Suri. I'm thinking Earl Grey.

I would wear this! Really!

Okay, the reason I got this issue was for gift ideas, right?

You can leave me in my little ME KNIT world for a bit longer, kay?!

Twist Your Stitches

a fine fleece book review

Winter has Arrived in MN

Yarn Companies and Browsing

A Few Words Wednesday

Christmas Knitting Recap...

Winner of the Christmas Yarn!

A Christmas Gift for YOU!

The Case of the Missing Presents...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAYS

Alittle Bit of This, Alittle Bit of That...

Yarn Review: Reynolds Lite-Lopi

Yarn Review: Heirloom 8 Ply

Some Changes are Brewing...

New Look

Resurrecting Old Projects

Knitters are COOL People

A Day @ Koru Farm

The Recovery Project

Stressful Week?

Nifty Gadgets

I'm All Done!!!

Pink Knitting

Twin Hoodies

When Pigs Fly...

More Riga Pictures

One Green Bear

Spinning Tales

~***M e e t R i g a***~

Chemo project #2 finished

FOs for Christmas...

Why I Have the BEST LYS in the whole world...

Recuperation

Wordless Wednesday

Blog Interruption

The Patriot

Something that Makes my Heart skip a Beat...

Fall Vest

Falling, falling, falling leaves...

Caught Red-handed!

Some Inspiration...

Wordless Wednesday

Birthday and Apple Pie...

Wordless Wednesday

Sock Class for October

FO's and an "almost FO"...

Graduation

DING DING!!!

Raglan Update:

Wednesday Sunshine

Rootbeer Summer Raglan

Signs of the End of Summer

Revival Time

Blog Break

Where have your flip flops been?

Wordless Wednesday

Rainy Day Blues...

May 9th...

April showers bring...

Blossoms

SCORE! More sock yarn?!

We Interrupt this Knitting Blog with...

Crickets and Butterflies

Life's Extras

Animal Expressions

Socks...

Tuck Meets Trixie

Stash Envy

Dishcloths in Skinny Cotton

Friday Humor

Reading corner...

Country Girl at Heart

Rav Friending

Wordless Wednesday

Blowing the Dust off...

Da' Winner!!!

Mitten Lovers Giveaway and Goodies

More Lace and Linked Thursday...

Lace crazy, or holes in the head...you decide!

Calendar scarf finished and started...

~M e e t R i g a~