KnitSanity

Mr. Purple Greenjeans AKA The Dissertation Sweater

2010-01-21T09:20:00.004-05:00

I haven't actually taken a full two-year hiatus from knitting. I knit two shrugs last summer, neither of which really fit well. But, graduate school has consumed the last 2 years. I'm finally finishing my dissertation. It's a really lonely and frustrating process. It's hard to stay motivated. I decided I needed something to calm me down, help me think, and reward me when I get over a writing hump. A quick venture into Ravelry led me to Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson. As you can see, my Mr. Greenjeans is actually purple. I'm knitting it with Rowan Calmer 493 (how appropriate). It is affectionately known to me as THE DISSERTATION SWEATER. I hope to wear it when this dissertation is but a distant memory. For now, I'm in the beginnings of the cable rows. Wish me luck.

Knitting Again

2010-01-21T08:24:00.002-05:00

I'm knitting again. Just thought I'd let you know. More to come...

The ultimate inspiration to return to my knitting

2007-04-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

My knitting has taken a back seat to my Ed.S project over the past month. But, there's nothing like the Big Apple Knitting Guild (BAKG) Retreat to recharge the knitting needles. I took three wonderful classes with awesome teachers and the most amazing women I feel honored to call my friends. Friday night was a crocheted bracelet with Tatyana Mirer, a knit/crochet genius. Saturday was Aran Knitting with Janet Szabo of Big Sky Knitting. Nicky Epstein did a great class on Fair Isle Sunday morning. I have always been afraid of knitting with multiple colors, but this was really fun. So here's my list of projects to get started for the summer (and months beyond).

First aran sweater
Silk shell
Some small Fair Isle project - suggestions?
Tatyana's Rosette Lace Shawl

So much to do, so little time!

Same yarn, different pattern

2007-03-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

Look familiar? A whole two weeks since my last post and not much progress. Yes, I know this doesn't look quite as sophisticated, but I'm enjoying it a lot more. I decided I would never complete the second sock in Conwy. In fact, I was already hating it and I wasn't even close to the heel of the first sock. (The pattern looks great, but it was just too slow for me.) So, meet the Twin Rib Sock. It's a simple pattern...Row 1: K3, P3. Row 2: K1, P1. I love how the light purple makes little "waves" of color.

Lorna's Laces and Video Worthy of Oscar

2007-02-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

I'm knitting with Lorna's Laces for the first time. This yarn was a wonderful gift from one of my secret pals. I definitely see what everyone is raving about. The colors are beautiful. Yarn is lucious. The pattern is "Conwy" from Nancy Bush's "Knitting on the Road".

In honor of the Oscars...
A big THANK YOU to Comfy Bev for posting a brilliant YouTUBE video, "Knitting vs. Crochet". You really must take a peek. It's fresh and funny. I give it two thumbs up.

Another Finished Fetching

2007-02-19T19:39:00.000-05:00

Yet another Fun Finished Fetching. This was a great little knit to help me get over my sweater. I love knitting these. I hope Gayle enjoys them. My sister arranged for all of us to take the kids this Thursday evening to see the Florida Orchestra perform music from the "Lord of the Rings". I'll give them to her then.

The Closest I got to Maine

2007-02-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

We were supposed to be in Maine this weekend. However, our flight was cancelled on Friday due to the cluster &^%$ taking place at JFK and within JetBlue Airlines. Apparently, their problems were bigger than our cancelled trip. I must admit, I would rather stay home than sit on a runway for 11 hours. Ouch! But, just think how much knitting you could get done!

Anyway, here's a shot of the progress I've made on my Log Cabin throw. In honor of our big weekend (may it rest in peace), I took this picture on top of an old lobster pot in our back yard. The colors (green, brown, and blue aka khaki, cork, and slosh) remind me of the colors I see out my back window. This is slow going, and I do get a little bored with the garter stitch. But, I think I'll really enjoy it if I ever finish. The Rowan Calmer is very nice to work with.

I've also been knitting a pair of fetching out of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (black) and a new pair of socks out of Lorna's Laces. (My first time with this great yarn.) I'll post some progress on those a little later.

FO Woes

2007-02-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this sweater look great? I had so much fun knitting this beauty. It's cashmere. Sooo soft. I posted this with the flower as a remembrance of sorts, a funeral for a friend (thanks for that tune, Elton). I frogged this the first time around after finishing the back. I realized that it wouldn't be big enough. My dear sister-in-law, Susan, helped me cast on the right amount of stitches. I gleefully re-knit from scratch - 42 stitches on size 11 and 13 needles. It even fit. That is to say, it was the right size. There's just one teensy, weensy problem. It looks RIDICULOUS on me! I now remember why I knit so few sweaters. It just seems impossible to know whether the damn thing will fit. This is one of those knitting life lessons. You have to kiss a few frogs (or is that frog a few FOs) before you get a really good sweater. I have to take a break and go back to my log cabin throw and a quick pair of Fetching for a friend. This puppy will soon be laid to rest in the back of my closet until I get over the trauma and rip it out to knit something better. &%$%$#@!!!

On a lighter, non-knitting note, I picked up the pretty flowers for my tea tasting. What's that you say? Yes, I had a tea tasting today with my family and a few friends. I thought I was being so creative with the tea party concept until I read this in the St. Pete Times last week. That's right...tea is the new wine! Cheers!

Happy birthday to my sister and my blog

2007-01-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

My sister decided to have a girls weekend in Maine for her birthday. We ate, we drank, we laughed til we cried....and....we knit. In honor of my sister and the one-year birthday of the KnitSanity blog, I spread the knitting love. Gayle just needed a cast-on refresher. Anna is a knitting newbie. As you can see, she's still smiling. (Not pictured: My sister and I in our jammies.)

While in Maine, I had to visit Pine Tree Yarns in Damariscotta. Elaine Eskesen always has the most amazing colors and natural yarns. I wandered in just in time for the first shipment of her new book, Silk Knits. I was honored to get the first signed copy. I'm looking forward to knitting this lace shell in Garnstudio's Silke Tweed. It's 52% silke, 47% lammeull.

What is Lammeull?

I have to finish this first (among other UFOs). Voila...the back of the Tank from Classic Knits. This is knit in Classic Elite Cashmere. Unbelieveably soft!

Dave Cole's Knitting Machine

2007-01-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

I thought I had seen it all, but every knitter should see this. Is your project overwhelming you? Is it just too large to think about? Perhaps you can borrow Dave Cole's Knitting Machine. What size would you give those needles? Size 1000 US? Larger?

Boogie Vest FO

2007-01-15T16:34:00.000-05:00

Finished the Boogie Vest with a small change to the pattern. After reading a few other blogs, I decided to shape the v-neck by decreasing one stitch on both sides of every right side row. It seems to give it a much more finished look. I still have to weave in some ends and crochet around the arm holes. I'm hoping to wear it up to Maine this week. Check out the hint of the glorious, crystal clear weather we are having on this MLK day in Florida. Still too hot for sweaters, yet I knit on.

I purchased some beautiful Classic Elite cashmere to make the tank top in Classic Knits. My sister-in-law is making it, also. We discovered this weekend that the gauge was incorrect. It is showing 18 stitches/12 rows = 4 inches. We believe it should be 8 stitches/12 rows, in other words 2 stitches to the inch in super chunky. I need to figure out how to send the publisher an email. Anyway, I'll post pics once I get started.

It is GREAT to be a Florida GATOR!!

2007-01-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

National Champions again! What in the world does this have to do with knitting, you say? Well, I knit like a crazy person watching this game. There are those moments in sports when all the planets align in perfect athletic harmony. That's just what happened. I'm so proud to be a part of the Gator Nation. Success is even sweeter when you're the underdog. GO GATORS!!!!

Classic Knits Book Review for Unwound

2007-01-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

A very big “thank you” to Kelli at Unwound for the book give-a-way. I selected...

Classic Knits, Fifteen Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever, by Erika Knight.
Publisher Potter Craft, Copyright 2006

Amazon offers the book for $13.97, not a bad value for an aesthetically pleasing hardback book. The pages are all a soothing blue. There is a nice section of color photographs at the beginning of the book with a blue and white (versus black and white) photograph with each pattern. Most of the photos give you a nice view of garment details and pretty good idea of what the finished product will look like. The only exception is the Wraparound jacket. The model is leaning back on a pile of pillows with the jacket fanned out around her. It’s impossible to tell how this piece will look when a person is standing up in it.

Classic Knits is true to its word. The patterns are all classics with very subtle updated twists. I agree that these are pieces you will wear again and again.

Fifteen patterns are offered in “Classic Knits” which include pullovers, cardigans, a vest, scarf, socks, glove, jacket, turtleneck, camisole, and shoulder bag. My personal favorites are the casual sweater, the deep “V” vest known in the book as a tank top, and the mademoiselle jacket.

Yes, there’s a lot of stockinette stitch in these pages. However, that is to be expected with classic patterns. On the other hand, there are well-placed details included throughout. For example, the scarf is a single cable scarf with a pass-through slit. The Mademoiselle jacket has two different pocket styles with lovely ribbon details.

Sweater sizes are provided in inches and centimeters. You are first given the “to fit bust” sizes, then the actual bust size. I like this because it gives you an idea of the desired fit. For example, if the “to fit bust” size is the same as the “actual bust” size, your piece will fit snuggly. Whereas, the cardigan shows a “to fit bust” size of 36” with an “actual bust” size of 38. This indicates that the sweater will fit a little more loosely.

Many of the projects call for Debbie Bliss and Rowan yarns. Of course, you can use the yarn of your choice if you take care with the gauge and try to keep with a similar yarn weight. The suggested fibers in “Classic Knits” include wool, wool blends, cotton blends, silk, and mohair in various weights.

I’m very happy to have this book in my collection. It’s one of those titles that you will always be able to grab off the shelf and use for classic projects and gifts. Thank you again, Kelli.

And the winner is...

2007-01-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

Imagine my surprise to find that I won the book drawing on the "Unwound" Podcast. The only catch is that I have to do a book review. Not a bad deal at all. If you haven't tuned in, give it a listen. The format is very interactive and fun. Enjoy!

New Year Knitting

2007-01-01T19:57:00.000-05:00

Three new projects are on the needles for the New Year. I say "new" projects because there are many unfinished projects on the needles from years past. I'm actually working on these. First, the Boogie Vest by Amy King. The back is almost finished. Paton's Shetland Chunky Tweed is inexpensive, knits up quickly, and has rich specks of color against the brown. I know I'm a little behind the times on this one, but it's been in the back of my mind for a while. I'm hoping to finish it in time for a trip to Maine in 2 weeks. Heaven knows I won't be wearing it here. It's SO HOT! (Don't get me started on that rant.)

I started a lace chevron scarf with the qiviut I received for Christmas. You can just start to see the holes. Unfortunately, the color is not well represented here. It's actually a deep burgundy color. This yarn is soft and luxurious to knit.

I'm also still plodding along on the log cabin. For those of you wondering about the next color...(drum roll please)...it's blue. The center panel is really a cream color, but it appears as a pale pink on some computer screens. I'm only using cream for the center and the border. Each of the other colors (blue, green, brown) will spiral out from the center. I asked my husband what color was coming next, and he immediately blurted out "blue". Talk about spatial sense! I had to draw a picture to figure out how this thing was going to work. He saw it in his mind instantaneously.

Happy New Year to all. I go back to work tomorrow, but I'm going to try to post more often than I did this fall.

First Log Cabin

2006-12-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

This will be that project that sits in the basket by my chair. Easy mindless knit, knit, knit. I definitely agree that these Mason Dixon Log Cabin designs are addictive. Next time I plan to use more colors. I wanted to start simple. I actually started with the Moderne baby blanket pattern. But, I knew I would be more engaged if I changed the colors more often.

The yarn is Rowan Calmer, 75% cotton, 25% microfibre. Can you guess what color I'll be knitting after this brown row?

A Merry Knitting Christmas

2006-12-26T23:05:00.000-05:00

I was blessed with some great knitting gifts this Christmas! My very cool sister-in-law sent me the book "Unexpected Knits" by Debbie New. It is a beautiful book with amazing photos of the most creative knitting I have ever seen. It is truly fiber art. Susan also sent me an ounce of Qiviuk (Arctic muskox). The yarn is just lucious. I can't wait to knit this stuff. I'm thinking about making this Wavy Feathers Qiviuk Scarf.

Twas the day before Christmas Eve...

2006-12-23T16:01:00.000-05:00

and the last Family Sock Challenge sock is FINISHED!!! My fingers are a little sore, but all the women in the immediate family will get a pair of socks this Christmas. It only took the whole year to finish five pair of socks. Happy Holidays everyone!

Early present for hubby

2006-12-23T15:57:00.000-05:00

I finished this One Skein Double Cable scarf just in time for my husband to go to Maine last weekend. I made it from bulky alpaca that I bought at the alpaca farm last summer. It is so soft and warm. I think he liked it. I had to give it to him early because he'll never use it here in Florida.

Christmas MEME

2006-12-20T20:57:00.000-05:00

Egg nog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate, hot tea, or wine

Does Father Christmas wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Presents must be wrapped.

Coloured lights on tree/house or white? White

Do you hang mistletoe? No, I never see it around here.

When do you put up your decorations? Around the first part of December. Sometimes they're up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Not this year. It came too early.

What's your favourite Christmas dish? My inlaws have Plum Pudding. We light it up and sing "Deck the Halls". It's a neat tradition, and the taste is really growing on me.

Favorite Christmas memory as a child?. I grew up in Florida. When I was in fifth grade, we went to Pennsylvania for Christmas to visit our extended family. I saw snow for the first time. I still love it. Sadly, it's in the 80's here this week.

When and how did you learn the truth about Father Christmas? In 4th grade, I found my toys hidden in the closet. I think I already knew about Santa at that point, but I remember that my mom cried. She was more upset about it than I was.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I used to as a child. I usually don't do that anymore.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? We have a real tree with white lights. There is a large velvet ribbon that drapes down the sides. There are many unique ornaments, all with sentimental value.

Can you ice skate? Yes, I first tried it that winter in Pennsylvania. But, I really learned as an adult at a rink here in Florida.

Do you remember your favourite gift? I appreciate everything I get. I remember getting a "Baby Tenderlove" and a "Mrs. Beasley" that I really loved.

What's your favourite Christmas dessert? Tollhouse Cookies

What's your favourite Christmas tradition?I love going to church on Christmas Eve, setting up the Nativity, and watching "A Christmas Story".

What tops your tree? A crafty handmade angel.

Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? I love giving, but I agonize over buying gifts. I'm not very good at it, and I don't feel like I have enough time to be as creative as I would like to be.

What's your favourite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells. I've been learning how to play it on the piano for the last 4 years. I think I've finally mastered it.

Candy canes? Definitely. They hang on the tree, then I spend the month of January eating them.

Almost 3 months to the day...I'm back!!!

2006-12-20T20:44:00.000-05:00

Hi World. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. As always, the fall has been hectic. Teaching and grad school definitely put a dent in my knitting, but I'm off for 2 weeks and madly trying to finish the last family sock gift. My fingers are killing me. Anyway, I'll be posting pics soon. I'm hoping to keep up with the blog a little better in the spring.

Nice surprise when you're too busy to knit

2006-09-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

I completely understand when real life commitments threaten the things you really want to do. With teaching and grad work, I haven't had a chance to knit in a month. Imagine my surprise to come home to a groovy tote crocheted just for me by my One Skein Secret Pal. The fact that she kept it going, even as she was looking for a new job, makes me feel even more special. I don't consider it late at all. For me, it came at just the right time. It reminds me how much I miss my knitting.

Knit a Tube

2006-08-31T20:12:00.000-05:00

I have an original look and feel. I decided a change would be good to make the blog unique. Missa of Moon Arts did a great job. I still haven't had time to return to my UFOs, but I did attend a class this evening at Knit n Knibble . It was called "Circular Options". I learned how to knit in the round with two circulars, and Magic Loop with one circular. I think I might try to use the magic loop on my next pair of socks. (Hopefully, sooner than later.) Happy Labor Day.

Unfinished Business

2006-08-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

I promised to pop in today and flash a few of the items I'm NOT knitting. Last week was completely INSANE, even more so because I didn't have a chance to knit any sanity at all. Before you feel too sorry for me, I spent the weekend in Key West. Timing was good since we just missed the evacuation for Ernesto. Hopefully, things will calm down in the next few weeks (that goes for hurricanes and my school schedule).

The bags include all unfinished business. The middle picture will hopefully turn into a short sleeved linen sweater. I'm not thrilled with the rough feel of the linen. But, it's perfect for Florida. The picture to the right is the beginning of another family sock present. Last but not least, the yarn I bought for another pair of clogs. These are for me, so they'll definitely fall to the end of the list.

Sorry, I'm buried....

2006-08-25T12:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry guys. As a teacher, the first weeks of school are an insane time. I haven't knit anything since I went back. On Sunday, I will try to post pics of all the things I'm not doing. Hope to be back in the knit of things soon!

After Clogs

2006-08-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

Here are the "after" clogs. (See post below for the giant "before" shot.) They fit perfectly. Hopefully, they will fit my sister, too. I think I'll give them to her and knit up another pair for myself. Side note: wet wool is a little smelly. Then again, sweaty feet wool is probably even smellier. Oh well, I'm not going to worry about that right now. This is a great summer project that knits up quickly and felts nicely with Cascade 220.

FEE FI FO FUM! That is one LARGE clog!

2006-08-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

This is just hilarious. I couldn't resist putting up the "before" picture a little early. These things are HUGE. I'm taking a Felted Clog class at Knit n Knibble. We will be felting on Monday. Hopefully, there will be "after" pics in a couple days. In the meantime, it looks like a one-legged giant is heading for the flower bed!

Dock Socks

2006-08-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, another pair for the Family Sock Challenge. I went out in the sweltering heat to take this shot on the dock because the toes look like they've been dipped in the water. Socks are great to knit in the summer because they're small. Still, it's hard to think about wearing wool socks in mid summer. I have 2 or 3 pair to go on the Christmas gift list. The ones for me keep taking a back seat.

I've also been working on some felted clogs and a linen sweater. More on those once I get a little more knitting done.

Some of my teacher-friends are knitting squares for another teacher who is getting married in the fall. I've been shamed by one who just wrote to tell me that she finished 10 squares over the summer. I'm on square one, or should I say "back to square one" before I work on anything else. I'm going to use this square project to practice some Vogue Stitchionary patterns.

Thank You One Skein Pal!!!!

2006-07-31T17:18:00.000-05:00

I returned from Maine yesterday to this nice OS surprise. I'm going to hang the angel in my classroom. I'll try to plant the lavender once it cools off a little. (Geeeezzzzz, it's hard to believe anything can grow in this heat.)

I really love the Luna Endless Summer yarn, and LOOK! - TWO skeins. Green and black are great together. I'm trying to think of something I can make with the 2 skeins or some way I can use this to enhance another project. Thank you so much Secret Pal.

Secret Pal 8 Contest Questions

2006-07-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Here are my answers for the Secret Pal 8 Contest:

1. What is your favorite season?

Fall or Winter. It's too $%&# HOT in Florida during the summer.

2. Where is or would be your favorite place in the world to take a vacation?

Maine, USA

3. If you could have any job in the world and not worry about finances (everything would be taken care of), which means you'd be doing something you actually like, what would it be?

Well, I love being a teacher, but I've always thought it would be cool to have Christiane Amanpour's job.

4. What is your favorite project to knit or crochet?

I love socks, fingerless gloves, mittens, and felted objects.

5. What is your favorite food - whether it be a main dish, dessert, snack, whatever?

Chocolate goes well with everything. So does red wine.

6. What is your favorite way to relax and unwind?

Knitting, of course. I also like walking, listening to my iPod, and geocaching.

Winters Gone Farm

2006-07-24T09:03:00.001-05:00

Visiting these beautiful animals made me want to start my own alpaca farm. Sunday was "Open Farm Day" in Maine, so I herded the group (my husband and friends, Trish and Rick) together and convinced them that it would be worth the trip. They loved it! We visited the Winters Gone Farm in Wiscasset, Maine. It was delightful. We watched a video about alpaca, and earned our Alpaca Diploma signed by Snowball (above left) and Harry the dog. Then, we visited the store where I HAD to buy some yarn. (below) It's pictured here with some flowers from our yard in Maine.

Big thanks to my secret pals

2006-07-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

First, I must send a belated thanks to my One Skein secret pal for the nice note and "Twining For You" sock pattern. I'm looking forward to finishing all these UFOs so I can give them a try.

Also, in the mail this week...a Chinatown surprise from my other secret pal. These are all little treats from NYC. The goodies were great fun. I had to wrestle my son for the Chinese gummies. Also included here: Issues of "The Village Voice" and "The Onion" as well as a groovy little tape measure. I heart NY! Thanks so much secret pal.

For my One Skein Pal

2006-07-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

Before and After Felting...
Here's the One Skein project for my One Skein Secret Pal. Shockingly, it's finsihed early. I won't be sending it until August. It was another quick knit and fun to make. I really enjoyed picking out the buttons. I purchased three from my LYS, then added some vintage buttons I have in my collection. I really hope she likes it. I completely understand if she doesn't want to carry it as a clutch. It would also make a great bag for DPNs. I used two strands of Cascade 220 held together on size 13 needles. I also added two additional rows above the opening. I picked up this tip from fellow bloggers who thought the top was too thin with only two rows above the opening.

Fetching Left Finished

2006-07-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

Fetching Red left is finished. The most hilarious part of this FO shoot was trying to play hand model while my son played photographer. Even more hilarious would be the look on anyone's face who saw me wearing this coat in Florida in July.

These knit up VERY quickly. If I knit another pair, I think I would knit them more tightly across the hand and top bind off, rather than more loosely as is called out in the pattern. They are oh, so soft.

Join the Fetching KAL here. Knitty Pattern can be found here.

Fetching Progress

2006-07-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

This is so much fun to knit. I decided to go with red (since it's the "new black" which means it will go with everything). My LYS did not have the Debbie Bliss, but Louise Herding Kashmir Aran gave me the same gauge. So far, so good.

Flip Flops for Winter

2006-07-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

The Flip Flap Mittens (pattern by Tatyana Mirer) are finally finished. I felt compelled to get these done before embarking on the "Fetching" KAL. These are the mittens I started at the BAKG Retreat back in April. I had to put them on hold when I ran out of yarn. Now I have to wait months to wear them. :-( Oh well, one less project to haunt me. They'll be so cozy when I visit Maine.

Is she out of her mind, or what?????

2006-07-09T09:12:00.000-05:00

I can't help it. The Knitty Fetching Gloves are just too cool. I have to add one more thing to the needles.
Check out the Fetching KAL here.

Sponsored by Chrissy, from Chrissy's Random Life Blog.

Independence Day in PA

2006-07-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

The 4th of July trip to Pennsylvania was quite fun. My cousin liked the baby booties, and she had a great time at her shower. Somehow, the yarn didn't exactly match Gram's poncho. So there you go, dye lots. But, it was close enough.

I couldn't leave without visiting Victoria's House of Needlecraft, Duncansville's own local yarn shop (no link available). I enjoyed chatting with the owner and managed NOT to leave empty handed (even though I DO NOT need any more yarn. I hope to make a tank out of the three skeins of Wool in the Woods. This yarn is hand dyed in Biglerville, PA. The Gypsyknits Travel Sock Yarn has a little stretch zig-zag to it. It is SO soft when knit into socks. And finally, very pale pink yarn for some future project, no clue what. I have way too much on the needles. I really need to finish something. I am taking a felted clog class at Knit n Knibble starting Monday. That will be one more unfinished item in process. UGH!

Off on another tangent...I'm psyched about knitting some washcloth gifts from Vogue Knitting's Stitchionary I. There are so many interesting patterns in the book, and I hate to knit swatches that aren't going to be used for something. Honestly, I don't use knit or crocheted dishcloths, but I thought it might be cool to knit some cotton facecloths and package them with some handmade soaps. More holiday gift ideas for those who won't be getting a pair of socks.

Going to Maine at the end of the month. I definitely will be going HERE! Is that cool or what? I'll take some pictures and post about it when I go. It's right down the road from Boothbay Harbor and Wiscasset. Might have to stop at Red's Eats on the way.

Finally, I want to thank the 5 or 6 other people in blogland who actually read my little journal of projects. I SO appreciate your comments and kind words.

Look What I Made in Camp!!!!

2006-06-29T16:11:00.000-05:00

I told you I was having as much fun at camp as the kids. These are the knitting needles I made from wood dowels. We measured them at somewhere between a US 13 and 15. So I guess they are offically US size 14. Custom made, custom size. We sanded the %$#@# out of them. One of the girls sanded so much that they actually came out in two different sizes.

I have never seen so much excitement over fun fur. The girls just couldn't get enough of that stuff. I was happy to pass it along. They made purses, scarves, coasters, bookmarks, and pot holders in every color of the rainbow. They were all very "furry". We even hand spun yarn into little ankle bracelets. We never made it to KoolAid dye. Maybe next year.

Baby Booties Complete

2006-06-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

All finished with one day to spare. I swear I knit that second bootie at least 3 times (if you count all the frogging I did). I kept slipping the yarn-over stitches. UGH! Yes, I know it looks simple. It's just a baby bootie, but whew. It will be fun giving them to my cousin at her baby shower this weekend in Pennsylvania. Let's hope they match Grandma's poncho and blanket.

Goodies for Secret Pals

2006-06-26T20:08:00.000-05:00

I shipped out some more Secret Pal goodies today including some knick knacks from the Europe trip. I also helped out one of my teacher colleagues with her knitting camp. She had 4 girls who are going into 4th and 5th grade. It's so cool to watch them get over the initial frustration and actually start to enjoy the knitting. Tomorrow we're making knitting needles from dowels. I feel like I'm in camp, too. It's great fun. Oh yes, I finished one baby bootie. I really need to sign off of this computer and cast on the other one. Four days and counting.

Held hostage by a baby bootie

2006-06-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

I realize that it's been a whole week since I posted. I have no excuse, but a lot of catching up to do. Part of it may be due to the knitting "clusture" in which I find myself. I have too many projects on the needles and in queue. Here's the short list in order of critical need:
1. Baby booties for my cousin's shower (next Saturday in Pennsylvania). I'll wait until they are finished to post a picture. More motivation to complete before Friday.
2. Family sock challenge - Blue/Black. Sock #1 is finished - pic below. (You know...second sock syndrome.)
3. Family sock challenge - Doug's Aran Alpaca. Ready to start heel.
4. Felted bag for One Skein Secret Pal - on row 7.
5. Lace socks for me - Still working on cuff.
6. Driftwood Shawl - More about that below.
7. I'm taking a felted clog class at Knit n Knibble starting on July 10.

I'm not even sure where to begin. First of all, the baby bootie took over because my grandmother crocheted a teeny-weeny Martha Stewart poncho for my cousin's new baby, then assigned me the task of making the matching baby booties. My cousin knows about the poncho and informed Gram that a baby could get lost, or worse, strangled, in a Martha Stewart poncho. So, Gram made a matching blanket. Way more practical. BTW - Gram has officially crocheted about 24 Martha Stewart ponchos. All female relatives in every direction have received one. Anyway, Gram sent me to Michael's for Bernat Baby Pink. I procrastinated. Big surprise. I'm almost done with the first bootie.

Knit n Knibble, my LYS, held a 2-year birthday celebration yesterday. I finally broke down and purchased a yarn swift and winder. Wooo-hoooo, I'm so excited. My son and I spent yesterday afternoon winding yarn, and getting the tangles out of a particularly stubborn skein. (But, that's another story.) While I was at KnK, I bought some pretty purple Cascade 220 and blue mohair for my Secret Pals. Most of the two hours I spent there was trying to decide what to get for them. It's so hard to pick yarn for someone else. I truly hope they like it.
I have been yearning to knit something with cashmere. I found the Driftwood Victorian Shoulder Shawl by BadCat Designs. It takes just one skein of Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere. That didn't feel like such a huge investment for a first lace shawl. I had to put the booties down for a while to get started on the pattern. The yarn is a beautiful sage green, but the pic doesn't do it justice.
And, last but certainly not least, another sock for the family sock challenge. I finished this on vacation. I managed to start the cuff of the second sock before the baby booties took over.

I'll try to post more this week. :-)

Back from London and "The Continent"

2006-06-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

The trip to Europe was great, but it's also great to be home. Unbelieveably, I did not stumble upon one knitting shop in London, Paris, Kaiserslautern, Heidelberg, or Amsterdam. What's up with that? Yes, I could have sought out yarn stores, but the truth is that I just didn't have time. We only spent 2-3 days in each location. Yarn was certainly NOT on the mind of my 12 year old son or 25 year old stepdaughter. I hoped to see one and say, "ooh, I just have to pop in there for a second," but that didn't happen. I did pick up a few little items for my secret pals, though. I got a few cool post cards at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, one of "Woman Winding Yarn" and another, "The Sheep Shearer". Who knew that Van Gogh had a fiber interest?

I also came home to a nice surprise from my One Skein Secret Pal. She even sent a sock pattern with a groovy little sailboat on the heel. I explained in my personal description that I was looking for some sock patterns with different heels. The yarn is also beautiful. Thank you so much Secret Pal!

World Knitting in Public - Literally

2006-06-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

I'm taking my 25 year-old step daughter and my 12 year-old son to Europe for a little adventure to celebrate my step daughter's college graduation. We're leaving tomorrow. So, I'll be in Paris for "World Knitting in Public" Day. I hope to be knitting all over the place. I also hope to stumble upon some knitting shops. I'm taking these 3 sock projects, one fairly mindless, and two with a little more character. The brown socks are an oh-so-soft alpaca with a 12 row repeat aran pattern. These will hopefully be a Christmas present for my husband. I already had to frog them and go to a smaller needle because they were coming out quite LARGE. The blue pattern will be for another family member. (Knit round and round.) The green socks in Lucy's hand dyed yarn are for me. (That's a 4 row repeat.) So, that should keep me busy on the planes and trains. We'll see how much progress I make. You may see a post during the trip if we happen upon an Internet cafe with an open computer. Be back soon!

Speaking of Spoiling

2006-06-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

No sooner did I mail out my SP packages when one arrived for me. I was overwhelmed and blown away. I received Lorna's Laces in my favorite color, purple. I have yet to knit a pair of socks with this yarn and I can't wait! She also sent three skeins of beautiful green Rowan "Summer Tweed". I just LOVE it!! Also included was a Botanical Body Bar in Mango Butter and Cranberry (sounds good enough to eat), an adorable cow mug, Chinese Flower green tea, and, yes...that little gold box in the center is a Godiva chocolate treat. THANK YOU SECRET PAL. You're the BEST!!!!!!!!

Secret Pals across America

2006-06-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

I did some Secret Pal shopping this week. It's amazing how much thought goes into spoiling your secret pal. The pic on the left is for my "One Skein" secret pal. Included is a skein of Noro, the book "Knitticisms" and a one-skein mitten pattern (compliments of "Just Jucci's" blog) for my SP in Minneapolis. On the right is a summer fun pack for my SP8 secret pal. Included is a skein of hand-dyed Merino Wool, a pink bag to hold a small knitting project (proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research), another copy of "Knitticisms", and a pattern for summer socks from Spun Mag. My favorite one is the toeless sock. That's funky! Now you might say it's odd to post the SP gifts I plan to send. Then again, what's the chance that my SP will stumble upon this blog and say "Hey - That's the package I just got in the mail"? I told both SP's that my favorite Knitticism is "You know your yarn has control over your life when you try to spin the dryer lint into yarn." That's my crafty idea of the week.

Very Special Trekking FO

2006-05-29T20:58:00.000-05:00

I finished the Trekking "Fall" socks for the Family Sock Challenge. These are a special pair of socks. I was knitting them when my mom passed away. She recently lost an unfair, "too long" struggle with MS. I don't call it a battle, because she never had a fair chance to fight back. I had already picked the yarn for this special person (who was also special to my mom), but they are now even more meaningful to both of us. I'm hoping to find a pair of cool clogs in Amsterdam to bring back for her to go with the socks.

Vigil Bag Before and After

2006-05-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

I finished the purple bag. I might actually carry this one for a while. I would also like to try the groovy Fake-a-gamo Bag. But, I think the straw/rattan hardware is a must. I have no clue where I could find that. A quick search brought back nada.

Lovely Lace and Trekking Fall

2006-05-06T17:40:00.000-05:00

I promised to post the yarn I purchased at Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge last week. The above pic is Lucy's hand dyed yarn. As you can see, I've started "Simply Lovely Lace Socks" designed by Karen Baumer in Interweave Knits Spring 2006. It's light, bright, and fun to knit.

Everything but the toe... Trekking Fall Sock #1 is all but finished. This is another sock for the Theresa's Family Sock list.

Hi Secret Pal

2006-05-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

Hi Secret Pal - It's so nice to "meet" you! Here's some info about me:
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I've been doing a lot of socks. So, I love sock yarn. If I had to name one overall favorite fiber, I would have to say Alpaca - Yum! I like all natural fibers and dyed yarns in unique colors.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a fold over bag for my needles and notions.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for over 15 years, but I took 11 years off while my son was younger (he's 12 now.) I started back in December 2004 and went CRAZY.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Cinnamon, Vanilla, Pumpkin spice, apple pie

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
There's just nothing like dark chocolate!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I play the piano. I like to draw, but haven't done it in a long time. I don't spin, but really love watching other people do it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have an iPod. I like all kinds of music. But, I favor alternative rock.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love most colors in the right combination. I tend to gravitate to purple and green.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a husband, Doug and a son, Alex. We have a yorkie named Lucy, a lovable cat named Linus, and a fish named Bucky.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear all of the above when I'm in Maine. Here in Florida, it's a little toasty for mittens and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I dubbed this the year of the sock. But, I also love felting bags. Sweaters are great, too. I go through many different knitting moods. I would like to knit a lace shawl in the near future.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, a felted bag, sleeveless summer sweater

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely...doesn't everyone? There is nothing more valuable than a person's time.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use straight rosewood or bamboo DPNs. Love Addi Turbo circulars.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I plan to get one soon.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My mom taught me years ago. But, she couldn't work patterns, so I made a lot of long scarves. I took lessons in my 20's.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
1 year old

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't subscribe to any magazines. I'd rather check them out and buy if there's a pattern I like. There are a few books on my wish list. But, I have a HUGE backlog of patterns I'd like to try in the books I already have. I would love to get a hold of a book that had interested heel patterns for socks. I haven't seen such a thing.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to learn to spin and dye.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
You bet. Size 7.5 US.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 3.

Please Come to Boston

2006-04-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

Last week NY, this week Boston. No, I'm not on a tour of major U.S. cities. Actually, it's just poor planning on my part that makes it impossible for me to get anything done at home. Last week was for some knitting fun. This week is for the Learning and the Brain Conference in Cambridge. I digress - that's my other life (teaching and grad school). But, I can usually squeeze a little knitting in wherever I go. I've been listening to the It's a Purl, Man Podcast. (See some other great Podcasts in the side bar of my blog.) He lives in the Boston area and talks a lot about Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge. So, I hopped on the train after the conference today and made it just in time to meet the owner (I believe it's Lucy) and buy some of her hand-dyed sock yarn. She even stayed open a little longer for me to wind the yarn. (I'll upload the pics when I get home.) She was lovely and very helpful. To emphasize what a small knitting world it truly is, she knows Elaine at Pine Tree Yarns in Damariscotta, Maine (another favorite knitting haunt). We both remarked on how cool it is to meet online knitting "buds" in person. Blogging is definitely a "village"!

BAKG Retreat Weekend in New York

2006-04-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

I just returned from the Big Apple Knitting Guild Retreat at the beautiful St. Ignatius Retreat Center in Manhasset, NY. This is one of my favorite trips of the year. I took the Flower Making Class with Nicky Epstein. She was very sweet and fun. I picked up her two latest books, Nicky Epstein's Flowers and Nicky Epstein's Felted Bags. Tatyana Mirer taught "Flip Flap Mittens" on Saturday and "Crochet on Knit" this morning. She is truly an artist. I was in the middle of the first mitten. The baby cable was done in 5 rows, the fifth being the twist row. Well, in my absolute brilliance, I started doing row 5 on every row. Boy, was I on a roll. I didn't notice the mistake until I had done it for 7 rounds. DUH! I was mortified. Rather than frog back seven rows, Tatyana was able to pull off just the twisted cable stitches and repair SEVEN ROWS without taking the rest of the good stitches off the needles. I was in complete AWE. As for the crochet, I'm hoping to knit a tank and add a similar crochet edging on the bottom. Cool.

Babies, Family Heirlooms, Pink and....Brown

2006-04-18T16:34:00.000-05:00

In the beginning (2 month ago), there was only one pregnant teacher at my school. So, a few of us got together to knit squares to make a baby blanket. It came out great. Now there are FIVE pregnant teachers!!! Some have blamed the water. Others blame the knitters for deciding to knit these blankets. But, you can't very well give to one and not another. So...we continue to knit squares. When will it end?
Speaking of creating family heirlooms, my Great Aunt Geri crocheted this beautiful doily for my dining room table. It's just perfect and I'm so honored to have this beautiful piece. I'm especially honored that she took the time to make it just for me.

Back in January, I ordered some hand dyed yarn from Kerrie at HipKnits in the UK. Weeks went by and I didn't receive the yarn. Kerrie was great and sent another skein. More weeks went by...nothing. She asked if I wanted my money refunded. I declined. I was sure that she sent the yarn and it would appear someday. Well, it came yesterday!! I knew it would get here eventually. I'm thinking of knitting something out of One Skein, perhaps a scarf. Pink and brown look so cool together.

Pining for a Purple Purse

2006-04-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a short break from socks to start my purple purse. I just love purple. I'm going to kick in some sage green for fun. This is a combo of Cascade 220 and Noro. Both are great for felting. My sister is running for Florida State Representative. She's holding a silent auction fundraiser later in May. If this comes out well, I'll donate it to the cause. (But, I might have to carry it for a little while first.)

Very Special "Snowbirds"

2006-04-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

I had to share this little diversion from knitting. For the last 3 out of 4 years, this very special couple of snowbirds have visited our backyard and pool for a few days on their way back home. Apparently, some ducks mate for life. These are not native Floridian ducks. But, like many of our northern human friends, they come down for the winter, then head back home when the temperature starts to rise. Now these are real "snowbirds".

A single Mexi-sock

2006-04-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

I have finished one of the Mexi-socks for the Family Sock Challenge. I was nearly finished with the whole sock when I noticed that I actually slipped a stitch on the heel! I couldn't believe it! I've NEVER done that before. So here was this run beginning to form at the heel. An anal-retentive, perfectionist knitter would have frogged down to the hole. Me? NO WAY. I repaired the run back to the place where it must have slipped off the needle. Then, I darned the sock by pulling some extra yarn through the loop and .....(drum roll please) made a KNOT!!!! Yes, the Grand Pahboo of no-no's in knitting, a knot. It looked ok to me. Off to sock # 2.

Sock Yarn Fest

2006-04-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the yarns I can't wait to knit for the Family Sock Challenge. This is also giving me a chance to use my new digital camera. The colors are pretty true except for the "Socks that Rock". They look much prettier in person. Included here are Lorna's Laces, Socks that Rock, and Trekking XL. I'm still working on the Fortissima Mexico socks. I've been buried in school work. Three weeks to the light at the end of the tunnel.

SNAP!!!! A right of passage...

2006-04-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here watching the NCAA National Basketball Championship (Go GATORS) and knitting another sock for the Family Sock Challenge. I was getting ready to turn the heel and decided it was time to see if these puppies were going to fit. So, I tried them on...........SNAP. I snapped my first DP needle, ever. It's like a right of passage, a notch on the belt, a "yarn" to add to the "yeah, that happened to me" collection. I feel so experienced!

Did I already say GO GATORS!!!!

FLASH YOUR STASH

2006-04-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

I wish I had the "before" picture of my new craft room with bags of yarn everywhere, unfinished projects under the bed, big plastic storage boxes full of mixed yarn. This project actually took a couple months. First, I had a very hard time finding a unit that would store the yarn this way. I bought this at Grandin Road. It's a perfect set up. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it to others because the quality was questionable. I had to send two units back because they were damaged. This weighed a ton and was a real hassle to get up the stairs. But, now that everything is organized, I'm pretty happy. My husband is working on refinishing a rocking chair. Once that's in, it will be complete.

Linus really likes the stash even more than I do. He especially likes to mess it up. Sometimes he actually chews on it!!!! At least I keep the less expensive yarn on the bottom!

Sold a bag

2006-03-31T21:47:00.000-05:00

I returned from Maine last week to find a check from La Tea Da for one of my felted purses. The problem is that I've been too busy to stop in and see which one sold. I'm guessing it was Weedon Island - that was my favorite. Anyway, I barely cleared enough to pay for the yarn. But, that's not the point. It's so cool to have someone actually want to pay for your stuff. I'll post the right pic once I know for sure. Here's Weedon Island... Also, gotta remember to take a pic of my stash tomorrow for "Flash Your Stash" .

More socks for the family sock list

2006-03-26T16:42:00.000-05:00

It always feels so good to finish a project, especially socks. One sock is the perfect project size for me. I like to think of that second sock as character building. That's probably why it feels like such an accomplishment to finish it. Note: This is coming from the same person who has had the nearly finished sweater (below) on the needles for a year, and another long sleeve sweater upstairs with everything done with the exception of attaching one arm. (Yes, the knitting is done - it's just not attached). It's already too hot to wear it this winter, so I think I'll save that one for another year. HA! Thanks again to Theresa for the motivation of the family sock challenge.

Dusted off and De-wrinkled

2006-03-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

I pulled this out, dusted it off, and tried to de-wrinkle as much as possible to take the pic. I was inspired by Brandy at Pixie Purls to drag this back out. I started about a year ago and made great progress. But, I got to this point and realized I needed to move to a pair of straight needles to finish the other side. I didn't have size 3. I finally went and bought them, but managed to be distracted by other projects. I hope to finish this for summer. Though, it still may take a while since I'm up to my earballs in socks (not to mention grad work). If you haven't heard Brandy's PodCast, Pixie Purls Podcast , you must check it out. She provides a lot of great information and links. I really like her format.

Sugarloaf and Knitting for Peace

2006-03-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

We drove up to Sugarloaf for a couple days of skiing. Yesterday was SO COOOLLLDD. But, today was beautiful. Here's a pic of my son, Alex, perfecting his snowboarding form. Ok, we don't get much chance to get better at snow sports, but c'mon we live in Florida. We love being in the snow. The 2.5 hour drive up and back gave me a chance to catch up on my baby squares and family socks. I started a new alpaca sock, but I don't like the pattern. So, I think I'm going to tear it out and start over. The yarn is heavenly, so I won't mind so much.

Today is about knitting for peace. I'm all for that!

Flying and Knitting and Green Beer

2006-03-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a couple flights to move along a knitting project. I can't believe I finished this sock in less than a week. This is Sockotta cotton/wool blend. I love the yarn, but I'm not that happy with the gusset. That still seems a bit hit or miss for me. My hand is hurting a little below my thumb. I think I need to knit something bigger for a while. I did get started on sock #2. I have to do that immediately or I end up with only one sock. ;-)

Spring break started yesterday, so we came up to Maine for some relaxation and skiing (hopefully). It's cold, but beautiful and sunny. We went to King Elder's Pub in Damariscotta for lunch, mostly because we knew we wouldn't get near it for dinner. They're expecting a huge crowd for St. Patty's Day. I picked up some more sock yarn from Pine Tree Yarns (considering this is the year of the sock for me). Damariscotta has a big election on Tuesday to determine whether Walmart will be coming to town. Let's all hope NOT! That is a huge buzz-kill for a small town.

Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone in KnitLand!!!!

New on the Needles - for the Family Sock List

2006-03-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

For my next act....Sockotta socks on DPN 2. That's right, I moved down to a 2. So far, so good. This was my only purchase at Halcyon when we were in Maine last month. It was tough to hold back. We'll be in Maine again this coming week for spring break, but I don't know if I'll get to Bath, not to mention all my other yarn haunts. I'm also knitting squares for baby blankets. We started with one pregnant teacher at school. Now we're up to FOUR!!! We need to recruit and train some more knitters if we can ever hope to finish.

Ta Da - Molly's Socks are Finished

2006-03-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

Poor Molly. She was my very first secret sock pal. Prior to this, I had not made socks on anything smaller than a size 6 DPN. I had tried, but it just seemed SO small. I made these socks with Opal Dreamcatcher on size 3 DPNs. I hope she likes the socks, but I also know that the next pair I make will be better. I just learn so much from every project.

It was fun making these for someone special. The "stranger" element made me really want to get them right. Not that I don't want to get them right when giving to family members, but there's a certain pressure when knitting for another knitter. These socks traveled to Maine, came with me to visit my mom in the nursing home (she has MS), came along with my son and husband on our boat out in Tampa Bay, and beckoned me from the fireplace hearth when I was working on the computer.

I think I'm ready to move down to a DPN 2. It makes a lot more sense doing it in small steps than going from felted purses at size 13/15 down to a size 0.

Ten seconds (more or less) of fame!

2006-03-10T18:06:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm SO excited. I just listened to Brenda Dayne's new episode of Cast On. Dave from Chub Creek is filling in while Brenda is away. He had a hilarious segment about sewing up his old bathrobe. But, most exciting is that Brenda included my call-in. I'm so honored. This is truly my 10 seconds of fame. THANK YOU BRENDA!!!! (I swear I have a life and I'm not a total geek.) But, is that cool or what? So, here I am posting this instead of...working on the assignments for two new courses that just started this week, planning lessons, writing a paper for my practicum, or FINISHING MOLLY's SOCKS!!!! (I promise I'm close.) Gotta go - - - - time for happy hour!

Willows End Commercial

2006-03-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

Another favorite Maine knitting store is Willow's End in Boothbay Harbor. Check out their new commercial. They really are so helpful and they have a great selection. Congratulations!

Keyboard Biologist Knits Sock List

2006-03-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

Theresa, the Keyboard Biologist, challenged us to post the list of people we would like to make socks for this year. I can't list mine here because some of my family members read my blog. But, they will appear on Theresa's site as they are finished. So, I dub 2006 "The Year of the Sock". That's how long it will take me to make all these socks. I can't use a lack of sock yarn as an excuse because I have a pretty big stash ready to go. I received the Fortissima Mexico sock yarn yesterday. I can't wait to start those socks. But, I have to finish Molly's first. A big THANK YOU to Theresa for keeping me motivated.

One down, one to go

2006-03-04T08:32:00.000-05:00

Molly's first sock is finished. I have really enjoyed knitting with these great colors. I'm pretty happy with the sock design. There are a couple places where the colors don't blend perfectly. But, I guess that's the nature of a multi-colored sock. On to sock #2.

Yarn w/o knitting

2006-02-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

My sole knitting-related accomplishments this week included buying some yarn for a pair of awesome mexican-style socks I saw on Twisted Knitter's Blog, knitting two rows of a square for a community baby blanket we're knitting for a teacher at school - then tearing it out because I couldn't remember what row I was on of the basket weave pattern, and eeking out this blog. I've had some kind of creeping crud - fever, coughing, stuffy nose...blah, blah, blah. I somehow managed to drag myself to work, then come home and go to bed for the last 3 days. UGH! I have to get back to Molly's Socks!!!!

Maine Progress

2006-02-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here's the culmination of a weekend's worth of knitting in Maine. First column to the left: The yarns I purchased at the SPA conference in Portland include purple alpaca and the gray angora. Bottom left: This is the sock yarn I got at Halcyon in Bath, Maine. The scarf in the middle whipped up quickly. This was knit from the scrap yarn scarf kit I picked up at Pine Tree Yarns in Damariscotta. And finally, look what two flights will do to faciliate progress. I'm coming along with Molly's socks.

So much yarn, so little time (and so many people)

2006-02-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

The SPA conference in Portland was a huge success. I only stayed for the morning because it was SO crowded in the vendor area, you could barely move. But, I arrived early and picked up a lovely gray angora rabbit/merino combination yarn in light sport weight and a purple alpaca for some more socks. I wish I could have participated in a spinning class. I'm not sure I would have the patience for spinning, but I would love to try it. I would like to understand the whole process from start to finish. On the way back to Boothbay Harbor, I stopped in Halcyon in Bath, Maine. WOW! That place has everything! I just picked up one skein of sock yarn there, but I was jones-ing for a lot more. (Trying to keep to a reasonable traveling stash.) And, my spring courses at UF start on March 1. Two grad courses along with teaching don't leave room for much else, and I have to finish Molly's socks by April 1. I also managed to pick up a scarf kit (made up of awesome scrap yarns) at Elaine Eskesen's Pine Tree Yarn shop in Damariscotta. I'll post pics when I get home. Elaine is the author of Dying to Knit. She really has the most beautiful yarns at her shop. My son Alex and his buddy, Colin are loving the frigid weather. They spent the afternoon at the Camden Snow Bowl on the tobaggon and innertube runs. YIPPIEEEEEE. Doug and I ducked into the toasty pub. Cheers!

Calm in Maine

2006-02-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Maine last night. The best thing about flying is that you can knit, knit, knit. I finished a little more of Molly's sock. I'm very excited, that by coincidence, I happen to be here at the same time as the New England Textile Arts SPA Knit and Spin at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland. Whoo-hoo! I can't wait. I tried to join the Yahoo group list, but haven't heard back yet. In any case, this is a FREE event, with knitters, spinners, and LYS participating. I heard that people who want to share and/or teach just post the classes and conference rooms on a white board in the lobby. Anyone can come. Here's the link to the Yahoo Group, NE Textile Arts. More about the actual event tomorrow. BTW, it's supposed to get down to zero tonight. BRRRR.

Molly's Socks

2006-02-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

I hit "Knit n Knibble" (LYS) yesterday to find just the right sock yarn for my sock partner's socks. I picked this Opal (75% wool) for the jewel tone colors. I hope she likes it. I'm going to knit the "Not Cable Socks" from the Sockbug. For some reason, Linus (my cat) is extremely interested in this project. He has already tried to take it away from me twice.

Southpark Detour

2006-02-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

Check me out. This is "Wendy in Maine". Notice the well knit scarf and hat. Make your own at Southpark Studios.

Sock Pal

2006-02-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

I was disappointed that I missed Sockapalooza by mere days. So, I went in search of another sock pal and found this simple sock swap with simple rules. "If you get a pair of socks, you must make a pair of socks." Linda hooked me up with a partner, Molly, all the way in Washington. We've already been in touch. Anyway, I'm posting these socks for Molly to see as a poor example of my sock knitting. (These have been on the needles for nearly a year.) They are knit with Jo Sharp Aran Tweed, 85% wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere. They are soft and comfy, but a little boring. Hopefully, I can come up with something a little more creative for Molly. Thank you to Linda for managing the sock pals.

Too much time

2006-02-04T16:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, I can't resist. Check out Matie Trewe...everyone needs a knitted digestive system.

http://www.strangebuttrewe.com/knitgi.htm

Yes, it is strange "butt" trewe!

Bag this

2006-02-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

My sister gave me a gift certificate for a little tea room in St. Petersburg. It's so cool. You even get a feather boa and vintage hat to wear while you're having tea. It's just like playing dress up as a little girl. http://www.floridabliss.com/ Anyway, my sister was carrying one of the felted bags I knit. The owner thought it was cute and asked me to bring her 3 bags. This one and the ones in the next three postings are the ones I plan to take to her. I figure if they don't sell, I'll give them away as Christmas presents next year. HA! It seemed appropriate to me to take the pics of these bags right on the washing machine. (The laundry room was the only place that had good enough lighting.) "Catch a Wave" reminded me of the beaches in South Florida and the Bahamas. The water is SO blue and you can see down 30 feet. (NOTE: Tampa Bay is NOT like that.)

Weedon Island Bag

2006-02-03T20:25:00.000-05:00

I live on Riviera Bay looking out at Weedon Island. This bag was knit with Cascade 220 and some scrap fun fur. The greens and yellows reminded me of the scrubs on Weedon Island. I usually walk there on the weekends. It's a quiet space in a relatively bustling area.

iPod Digs

2006-02-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

I feel so lucky to have an iPod Nano. (That's what got me hooked on the knitting PodCasts.) Anyway, there's no easy way to carry it around. So, I created an iPod "Dig" for my nano. Groovy!

Ok, More Purses

2006-02-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

I call this one "Homosassa". The colors remind me of old Florida river country.
http://www.homosassariveralliance.org/

Scarves and Purses

2006-01-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

I love scarves and purses mostly because I find that I can finish them. Once I track down my digital camera, I plan to post pics of all of my unfinished projects (mostly sweaters). That should eat up some bandwidth! ;-)

PodCast On

2006-01-19T16:21:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure why my recent discovery of knitting PodCasts prompted the initiation of this blog. It might have something to do with wanting one location to record all my knitting thoughts. Or, it might be the need for a convenient place to collect photos of all my finished, not quite finished, and barely started projects. Every knitting link leads to another and every PodCast leads to more knitting links. So, this is as much a place for me to keep it all together as it is a place for others to stumble upon (if anyone does).

Here are my favorite recent finds. Most of which came from the PodCasts which I will include below.
HipKnits (Great hand-dyed yarn)
http://kerriesplace.co.uk/hipknits/

The Anti Craft ("You're going to die anyway, so you might as well knit.")
http://www.theanticraft.com/

PodCast Links
Cast On
http://www.cast-on.com/
Knit Cast
http://www.knitcast.com/
Fibercast
http://fiberarts.typepad.com/fibercast/
Knitting Newscast
http://knittingnewscast.blogspot.com/