Snow Day Fun/Knitting Plan

Brandeis, Stratton and Teddy Bear LOVE the snow. By this point of the season, I have a different opinion. This photo is from yesterday. Stratton has a large stick (you'd think they don't have real toys and Teddy Bear is on the right ready to play tug. Boy where they tired last night. The sky was sunny today so even though it was cold, it made a nice play day for them.

I've had a reality check when it comes to what I have time to knit. Small projects...except for those couple of oblong shawls for which I already purchased yarn. I love entering projects in the Centre County Grange Fair -- which isn't until August -- but I am starting early this year. After analyzing my lack of knitting time, I decided to knit a lace scarf rather than a lace shawl for entry. Same wonderful pattern but in a smaller version. I only have a few rows knitted so will post a photo when there is really progress to show.

Other items I plan to enter are socks OF COURSE! but can't decide whether or not to do a s elf-striping pair in plain stockinette or a one-color pair in fingering weight using a lace pattern. I have the yarn for both and have a lace pattern I really want to knit. Here's the situation: last year I entered a beautiful pair of socks knit in merino hand-dyed purple sport weight yarn using the Feather and Fan pattern. They were perfectly knit with nice kitchener stitch toe. The purple socks took third place. First place was won by someone who knit a pair of slippers in little squares from cheap arcylic yarn and second was won by someone who knit a plain pair of socks in a medium weight yarn.

So, what should I do...the plain self-striping or the lace ones? Looking for some suggestions, please.

I also have a child's hat and an adult hat I want to knit. Simple but nice patterns. Time will tell as to how many items I actually finish.

My Trip and the Exchange Gift

Keith and I attended a conference in Southern CA and had a grand time. Weather was in the high 50s and low 60s ...not as warm as when we were there two years ago, but a lot warmer than it was in Central PA! Photos are from the Laquinta Resort and Country Club where we stayed. Loved having gorgeous blooming flowers to look at in January.

Can show you knitting photos as the socks are a surprise...well, Dani knows I'm knitting socks but I don't want her to see them before they are done...something has to be a surprise! I should have been done weeks ago but knitting was slowed for two reasons -- first time the sock was too small, second time it was too large but now it is just right (I hope!)...and then I cut my thumb while slicing bagels so it was impossible to knit without pain for over a week.

Am back on track now. The package is to be mailed by the end of this week and I am hoping to meet the deadline. Dani lives in MA and is just so sweet. In an email she said not to hurt my thumb more by knitting too soon, that she isn't going anywhere. Now, isn't that nice? I think so. Thanks Dani!

Back to knitting. Will take a photo before I mail and will post it after I hearing from Dani that she has received the package.

Socks, Slippers Ready to Mail!

I am so pleased to say that my first batch of socks and slippers for Macuwitasni are ready to mail. I knit two pair of tube socks because I can knit them while riding in a car and don't have to think about heels, etc. The other pair I decided to make traditional. The tube socks are extra long to cover cold legs in South Dakota. I knit the little slippers quickly and they hopefully will add warmth to tiny feet. Macuwitasni is a yahoo group that I joined a few months ago. I also have a vest and a child's sweater almost completed and hopefully will be mailing them soon.

Disclaimer: I took the following from the website...it explains the project beautifully...

"Macuwita sni is a Lakota term which translates to: "I'm not cold"! The several thousand children of the Cheyenne River Sioux in South Dakota need our hand knitted wool sweaters!!!If you love to knit & want to open both your heart & stash to warm a child .... do join! There are no fees ... no schedules .... no requirements - well, I guess wool yarn, a little time and a little mail money to send your creation to SD are the basics which you will need.Our focus is child sized clothing - size 2 -14. WOOL is WONDERFUL - although a wool/acrylic blend is OK as long as the concentration of wool to acrylic is higher. ~ (No cottons or 100% acrylics please!)~Please consider a larger size too. Yes - it may take a wee bit longer to knit & use a wee bit more yarn - but older children are sometimes over looked. Heck the style *is* oversized anyway!Got extra wool?? Maybe a hat ... or mittens ... or sox ... or vest! "

Won't you consider joining and helping? Please make sure the wool is washable. Dry cleaning just is not convenient.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays -- whatever you celebrate -- and will have a Happy and Healthy 2008!

This year was somewhat of a tumultuous one for me -- many life changes and worries about my furbabies. However, life seems to be calming down a bit and I am getting a routine settled into my lifestyle. Going back to work fulltime -- after only working parttime out of the house or fulltime from home for 7 years -- was much more difficult and stressful than I imagined. It isn't the job that is stressful -- oh, it has its moments like all jobs -- but just the change.

I am responsible for 17 counties and work with individuals, hospitals, universities and colleges, municipalities, other local governments, fire companies, etc. etc. It is a good job but keeps me on the road a lot. Fortunately, I work for the best people. I am often exhausted at day's end, and I will say that I would not do this job for any other United States Senator than the one who employs me. I have known him for 12 years and completely believe in him and his standards. I have watched him move through state government and now into the federal government. He is a one-of-a-kind in temperment and how carefully he selected staff.

Sorry I don't have any photos to download. I think I need to update the photo program on this computer because it will no longer download my new photos. I have a new laptop that I keep at the office so I guess it would be just as easy to download the photos onto it and write the blog during my lunchtime. Hummm...now that's a thought....

What I am looking forward to in 2008 and some New Year's Resolutions:

1) We are traveling to Palm Springs, CA in late January for my husband's conference. In 2006 we visited La Quinta Resort and I cannot wait to a return visit. It is gorgeous and there is a yarn shop that I am particularly fond of....

2) Losing weight. Yes, I am going to lose 15 pounds if it kills me. Exercise and sensible eating. Cutting out soda in my diet and adding water instead. Coke is my big downfall.

3) Attending the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling at the end of April. Three days of knitting with others, learning new knitting tricks and making new friends.

4) Growing our local knitting group. Molly, the LYS owner, will be moving into her new shop in early 2008 and we are going to meet there instead of at the library. The library has been so generous to us and we would have never come this far without their kindness. But, it is time to move to a new space.

5) Not fretting so much about my Golden Retrievers and spending that time enjoying them more. They are aging -- as we all are -- and I just worry constantly. I think this summer's health problems will always be in the back of my mind.

6) Cooking more and eating take-out less. The part for my oven has arrived so once the Sears repairman fixes it, then I should be able to keep this promise. But, back to #2, I have to remember to cook meals and not bake cookies!

7) Take more time for knitting and also get back to doing counted cross stitch which was my first craft love. Yes, I do have time for both and need to make myself take the time.

8) To enjoy life more!

Happy New Year!

As the pages turn...or 3 book reviews

Recently I had about an hour to kill while waiting for one of my Golden Retrievers to be groomed so I spent some time in the knitting book aisle at the local Barnes & Noble, one of my favorite hangouts.

Three new knitting books caught my eye so here is my uneducated overview of them:

The Knitter's Book of Yarn is labeled as The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using and Enjoying Yarn. This lovely hardback book is written by Clara Parkes. The author offers a wonderfully complete description of the types of yarns available on today's market, describes the spinning process and completes the book with 40 gorgeous patterns. The color photography enhances the text and the author included at least 2 photos of each pattern, one of them often being a closeup. Price is $30 but I think it is well worth the money. Yes, it did come home with me.

Super Stitches Knitting is a guide to over 300 stitch patterns and is written by Karen Hemingway. The pages are bound in a semi-hard cover. Let's talk about those pages...full of many stitch patterns I have never seen before and all shown in a straight-forward way in nice photographs. Patterns are divided into 11 categories, making it easy to find the type you want/need for a project. Actually, the book is so attractive that it made project pop into my head. Price is $19.95 and also worth the money. Ah-hem...yes it too is living at my house.

101 Designer one-skein Wonders is edited by Judith Durant. This is a second in the series...and there is no indication if others are planned. Patterns vary widely and are submitted by yarn shop owners, designers for yarn companies, knitwear designers for magazines, and knitting book authors. The paperback publication is well done and the concept is interesting. All patterns can be knitted from one skein of yarn. This is ideal. Why? Because it makes knitting affordable for almost everyone. That is so important to the continuation of this important handicraft. The paperback book is $18.95.

Relaxing in Vermont

Hubby and I traveled to Vermont over the weekend and are here until tomorrow. Weather has been glorious -- sunny and warm for this part of the NE in mid-November. However (isn't there always a however) it began raining last night and hasn't let up much today. I was going to travel to Manchester (19 miles each way) but think I will just sit here and knit on a pair of socks I am making as a Chistmas gift. Sock number 1 is finished and I am decreasing for the gusset on sock number 2, so am making wonderful progress. Am very pleased.

Visited the LYS in Manchester twice and wil do a review and take photo of purchases for a later posting.

Think some soup is in order for lunch. More when I return home this weekend.

A Knitting Smorgasbord...UFO's/Swap Partners/New Projects

Gray sky, chilly temps, frost on the pumpkin and ground...Autumn definitely has arrived! But, we also have had some gorgeous sunny days that made the changing colors of the leaves brilliant. This year's drought didn't give us as pretty an Autumn as in past years, but it was nothing to sniff at either. I love Autumn. Thanksgiving -- my favorite holiday -- is just around the corner.

I dug into the sock bag and came up with 3 UFO's...the one on the left has 1 sock completed and the other partially knitted. They are larger than I need (now I used fewer stitches) but I plan to finish these and use them as bed socks. Opal is warm and cozy and just what I need on a cold Central PA winter night. The next pair is going to be used as a present for Irina. She lives in Kiev, so wool socks are just the item for her. And, last but not least, the second of these socks is almost finished. They are for me...a sportweight Lorna's Laces (I think that is what the yarn is) in a k2, p2 ribbed cuff and a simple leg and top of foot in k3, p1.

As you all know, I am a big fan of The Loopy Ewe and joined an independent yahoo group called the Loopy Swap. I have made two really nice new friends -- Danielle who I will be knitting for and Debi who is knitting for me. I am really enjoying emailing each of them and getting notes in return. Our "gifts" to them are to be mailed in February, so my knitting for Danielle will begin right after I finish my Christmas knitting. I won't post the photo of the gift until after she receives it...something has to be a surprise! The only requirement is that it be made from yarn purchased at The Loopy Ewe...no problem there...stash here I come!!

The scarf is my new project for me. I was in a stash box and came across this GORGEOUS aran weight wool yarn that I bought at MD Sheep & Wool Festival two years ago. I remember that it was to be for a felted purse...well, I knew I wouldn't knit the purse but loved the yarn. The pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn but I adapted it by adding 10 stitches and going down one needle size to a 10 (yes, those ARE Options Harmony needles I am using and I love them!) to get a fabric firmness that I wanted. The pattern is from a really nice book by Louisa Harding hats gloves scarves that I bought with a gift certificate in the Spring. The scarf will be a nice car knitting project for next Sunday's trek to Stratton, VT where we are planning to vacation (sssshhh...please don't tell the Golden Retrivers because they know if they get sick I will stay home with them and I realllllly need a vacation).

Had a wonderful time late Friday afternoon with Roberta at Starbuck's. We discussed some possible big changes in her life and I am excited and hopeful for her. We enjoy getting together to talk, discuss knitting projects, frogged projects and potential projects. A great way to end a terribly stressful work week and get me started for the weekend.

What a Tangled Skein....

I have not done any knitting the past two nights. Oh, there was time (finally!) but instead I spent a total of 5 freakin' hours untangling a skein of Schaeffer Anne fingering weight yarn from my stash. This is the second skein of Schaeffer Anne that has been so tangled. I have one more in my stash and if it is as tangled I swear to never buy the yarn again. Very sad because the colors are gorgeous and the yarn is really nice for the scarves I am knitting.

Dropped Stratton at the vet this morning because I think he has another ear infection. Those darn ears...we have to catch this before it gets worse and creates another ear hematoma. The good news is that the thyroid meds are working -- he is down to 132 pounds -- hasn't been that weight in a long time. My goal for him is 120...will see if that happens. Strattie is doing so well on the thyroid meds ... he was 154 pounds, lethargic and very sad in early May. His reading was .9 with 2.5 being normal. Last reading was 2.1 and we check it again in December.

Hope to cast on the scarf this evening. Of course I am working on other projects but want to start this one in a bit of a lacey scarf pattern. More later....

I Fell Off The Yarn Diet Wagon

Was in Lewisburg today on business. Of course I took my lunchtime to stop at Mad About Ewes to pick up yarn I ordered for a baby blanket -- it was ordered pre-diet and I just haven't been to Lewisburg to make the purchase.

During my last trip I bought a pattern for a bulky knit top down sweater...now those of you who are well-acquainted with me know my adversion to knitting a sweater. I honestly thought I had enough stash yarn but I need 1 more skein. I bought this yarn years ago so there is no getting just 1 more.

Brown Sheep Bulky is a nice yarn and quick knit...perfect for the pattern. So, 4 skeins of Prairie Fire came home with me. Photos will be posted after I begin knitting. Tonight I might even do a gauge swatch. I tried on the model Libby had knit and it fit perfectly. I am so glad I decided to try it because I was going up 1 size...would have been a mistake.

Libby has a lovely shop and really nice yarns. She carried Kraemer Yarns and is the only person I know of in this region who sells that wool. It appears to felt nicely and the colors are nice and rich. There also are "color families" in either 4 or 5 colors...nice for a variety of projects.

September Socks!

I LOVE the colors in my September socks. They are knitted from fingering weight Socks that Rock from Blue Moon Fibers in colorway "Rocktober." This yarn is fabulous (although pricey) to knit with and wears well...I knit a pair from STR last winter. My "Rocktober" socks are done within the month and I am thrilled...lately my knitting has spilled into the next month. Hopefully, this means my life and time schedules are back on track....only time will tell on that.

The leaves are beginning to change color in Central PA and I love this season. Cool, crisp mornings and we have had brilliant sunshine. Of course the downside is that it get dark earlier in the evening but it comes with the territory.

I have joined the Secret of the Stole yahoo group and am anticipating the first clue on Oct. 5. This will be my first project using beads. The designer recommends a plain colored lace yarn but of course I am being different and am using some stash fingering weight hand-painted yarns in shades of grey, purple and blue. I went to the LYS for the beads and bought some purple that are gorgeous with the yarn...however, they are going to be returned. I cannot get the crochet hook through the beads and I refuse to prestring beads onto my yarn. I know I will never finish the project if I am forced to use that method.

So, I went to Earthfaire and found some purple irridescent beads with blue inside. They should arrive this week and I hope they work. If not, I am going to knit the stole without beads. JoAnne's did not have any that would work.

As for socks I think my next pair will be from Trekking XXL twist in very muted shades of olive, brown, camel, and a little purple (at least it looks purple to me). Am interested how they will pattern. I tried to photograph the yarn but it looked like a blob in the picture. Hopefully, the socks will come out better in the photo.

Emma's Hat

Isn't this toddler hat cute? It is being modeled by a stuffed floppy Golden Retriever puppy. I knitted it for my great-niece Emma who was born last November...even though she was not supposed to make her appearance until late January. Guess she didn't want to miss the holidays. And she didn't...the hospital released her to her parents on Dec. 24. A wonderful present for all of us!

This little hat is knit in Aran weight domestic wool from Kraemer Yarns in Nazareth, PA. Almost a hometown yarn company as they are located about 3 hours away.

The pattern is from the wonderful knitting book Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I LOVE this book and plan to make a few other patterns from it this fall and winter. I love the eyelet row that has the icord woven through it! I think it makes the hat extra cute!!

I have enough of the yarn remaining to knit a hat one size larger for a co-workers niece who will soon be one. I was closing in on the decreasing but somehow I had an extra stitch. I got frustrated with it so I frogged the hat and will start again tonight. I hope I have enough yarn and if I do there won't be any to spare.

Disappointing Yarn Shop Visit

Spent this past weekend in Washington, D.C. for "training" for my job. The training was so-so but the weather, walking in the neighborhoods with their beautiful townhomes, and the restaurants and pubs were fabulous.

I decided to visit Stitch DC while in town. Stitch DC has three shops -- one in Georgetown, a second on Capitol Hill which is where I was staying/working, and a third in Maryland. I trekked to the Capitol Hill shop and discovered it to be as disappointing as the one in Georgetown. I called in advance to ask about sock yarn and was told they had "lots of it." Well, ya, they do but come on folks it takes TWO small skeins to knit a pair of socks...and they had quite a number of single skeins and gave me a blank look when I asked for the matching one.

The shop mainly sells sweater yarns, magazines and did have a lot of nice new knitting books. The young women who worked there was very friendly but I could tell was not a sock knitter. I didn't buy anything which goes against my own rule of always buying something in a LYS. Our support is how they stay in business. But, there was nothing...not one thing...I wanted to buy. So after spending a half hour there and exchanging plensantries I left empty handed.

I did finish Emma's hat and will post its photo in a few days. Am hoping to finish the second September sock this weekend and will also post its photo in the next email. I have enough yarn from Emma's hat to make another one so am knitting it for a co-worker's niece who will be 1 in a few weeks. Details to folllow....