Friday, June 27, 2008

Look what I got!!


Last night our Penns Valley Knitters held a very delayed holiday (and yes, I mean Christmas!) potluck and and "Almost Christmas in July" gift exchange. We played the "stealing" game and had a ton of fun and lots of laughter. I hate having my photo taken -- can ya tell -- but Melissa insisted. I am wearing the prize I got -- a mobius scarf knitted by Billie. I am thrilled, to say the least! She used Lorna's Laces yarn and it means so much to me that Billie made it. I only have it draped around my neck once but when winter returns, it will be wound more tightly to keep me warm. Thank you Billie for being such a wonderful knitter and friend!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A Busy Two Weeks



I looked at my last post and it was 13 days ago. I'm not sure where the last two weeks have gone but those are days I will never get back. It has been wild around here with a lot of storms, but nothing like the people in the midwest have been struggling through.


On Sunday night we had major high winds and large hail. Winds strong enough to split a tree next to the garage. The part that fell landed on the fence, forcing it out of the ground. Fortunately, the man who installed it 12 years ago has a work ethic rarely seen these days. He says his former customers are "special" to him and he made sure to break from a new job and send a crew to cleanup and make repairs -- the day after the storm. What a relief ... always worried that the Golden Retrievers will escape!


Not a lot of knitting going on but I did get these self-striping wool socks finished. Don't you just love the colors? I do.


I even made some candy tonight. For charity. My neighbor and her friends are having a bake sale during this weekend's townwide yard sale event and all of their proceeds go to Relay for Life. Their team is a busy one and does all sorts of fund-raisers. I told her I would make my mother's grapenut and chocolate candy and I did. Yes, there is one piece missing. I felt it was my responsibility to taste test.


Hopefully some more knitting content next time.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Finally: The PERFECT Knitting Bag (I think...)





Yes, I'm a bag snob and also probably what could be called a "collector" of fabric bags. All sorts of fabric but primarily quilted. I have small bags, medium-sized bags and large bags. There they are on the closet shelf in a variety of pretty colors. I use them...yes I do. But none seemed to be the right knitting bag. You know the one ... with the interior pockets, large flap to cover the opening, a large size bag with some zippered storage spots for valuables such as my iTouch. And I need to be able to stuff it with a variety of projects and not tip over when I carry it! Oh, and since my shoulder injury one of my key requirements is a wide, long strap so I can wear it messenger bag style.


I think I found it...fits all the descriptors. Much less pricey than many I own and in a beautiful combination of red, khaki and black...gee, there was a color combination not on that closet shelf. The maker, MaggieB, who designs all sort of bags. This one must have had me in mind. No I didn't shop online but came across the bag by chance (perhaps luck) in a nearby tiny town that has a gift shop stuffed with all sorts of wonderful items.


Check out the photos. I think you will agree.