From the Back Yard

But Wait--There's More!

2012-01-14T16:46:00.000-06:00

Remember the little red cap and mittens to match from my last post?

I could not resist the urge to embellish these; they were so plain. And so red.

Normally I like classic, clean lines in clothing. With this, I broke my unspoken bias against too many doodads on knitted garments. What can this possibly mean?

The "flowers" were made with a simple crochet chain (pretty much the limit of my abilities there), twenty stitches for each petal, using a 3.75mm hook. The buttons are gray metal LaMode buttons from Jo-Ann fabrics. I do like the capricious attitude it gives a seriously red hat!

Mittens to Match

2012-01-12T20:14:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Classic Mittens from Free Vintage Knitting on Ravelry.
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cloud, 70% Merino, 30% baby alpaca.
Needles: #4 dpns.

Comments: The stitch pattern on the cuffs is from the brim of the hat pattern in my previous post.

Since it is not a very stretchy stitch, I had to go down a size for the cuff of the mittens, this made it necessary to lengthen things a bit, which I do in most mitten patterns anyway. The red is very difficult to photograph, and it is really a deeper red than shows on the screen. They have not been blocked yet, so that might make the stitching look a bit more even. They're just in time for a cold snap here in Minnesota!

Little Red Cap

2012-01-05T17:17:00.003-06:00

Pattern: Eco Cloud Mock Cable Watch Cap
Yarn: Cascade Cloud (70% merino, 30% baby alpaca)
Needles: #8 (5 mm) 16" circs and dpns.
Comments: The stitch doesn't seem to be a mock cable, but I guess it does have that sort of look to it. The pattern is fun, quick to knit, and the yarn is really soft and light. My three deviations to the pattern were to use a size 8 instead of 9 needle (I liked the look of a tighter stitch), and to skip the cable cast on because I kept splitting the yarn so I just did a long-tail cast on. Then the pattern said to knit the hat to 8" but I stopped at 7-1/2" because I didn't want slouch. I may make some mittens to match.

Mira's Cowl, Grace Kelly Style.

2012-01-02T08:49:00.002-06:00

Pattern: Mira's Cowl (Grace Kelly style)
Yarn: Online Cosmo (70% Merino, 5% cashmere, 25% Poly) sock yarn
Needles: #7 (4.5mm)

Comments:
This cowl seemed to be doomed to a wonky end. No, it wasn't the pattern. The pattern is lovely; a Fibonacci sequence of ribbing that is very attractive. It wasn't the yarn. The yarn, a nice blend of Merino and cashmere, is yummy and soft. I fear it was the knitter.

After I bound off, I noticed a couple of errors. So I did my best to fix those with duplicate stitches. That didn't look so great, but it was better than glaring purl stitches on stockinette. So much for working with dark yarn on a winter night in Minnesota.

I decided I'd better block it, so I soaked it and then realized that my bind off side was much looser than my cast on side. So, stretching to match the loose side did not work and I ended up snagging it! Then I struggled with damp yarn, trying to minimize the snag. Uffda, to put it mildly.

The yarn looked better before blocking, so I wish I hadn't blocked it. But it twists into a rather nice "Grace Kelly" type of scarf, so all is not lost.

Cabled Mitts

2011-12-12T10:50:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Cabled Mitts, by Cheryl Beckerich (a free pattern)
Yarn: Alta Moda Cashmere (80% Merino wool, 20% Cashmere). Colorway: 006 (a true navy, and slightly heather)
Needles: US #9 (5.5mm) dpns
Comments: This is a very nice pattern--the cables are in the right place and the thumb is situated perfectly between stitches. And it took less than 1.75 balls of yarn.

Shown with the Burberry Inspired Cowl I recently finished.

I wonder how they can call the yarn "cashmere" when it is mostly wool. However, the yarn is very, very soft and cushy and I liked knitting with it.

Some people wonder what good fingerless mitts are. I like them in our Spring and Fall weather here in Minnesota, but I also like to layer them over another pair of gloves for extra warmth when the weather gets really cold.

The Burberry Inspired Cowl

2011-12-09T20:25:00.001-06:00

Yarn: Alta Moda Cashmere (80% Merino wool, 20% Cashmere)
Pattern: Burberry Inspired Cowl Neck Scarf by Julianne Smith (unblocked)
Needles: #10 (6mm) Addi Turbos

Comments: Nice pattern, softest yarn! This actually looks pretty good as a turban, too. Don't expect photos of that. I did four repeats of the pattern. You need to do a provisional cast-on, and to close the circle the pattern calls for the Kitchener stitch over all 58 stitches.

I think if I knit this again, I would try it with a DK or worsted weight yarn. I may have enough of this luscious yarn left for a pair of fingerless mitts. Stay tuned--I'm loving the fat yarn, after so many pairs of socks!

An Unmatched Pair: Maine Morning Mitts

2011-12-05T08:35:00.001-06:00

Pattern: Maine Morning Mitts, from the book, The Knitter's Book of Yarn, by Clara Parkes.
Yarn: Noro Kureyon, coloway 283.
Needles: #7 (4.5mm) dpns.

Comments: I love this pattern, and have made it before. Also, I highly recommend the book, and all books by Clara Parkes. Oh, and you can get this pattern free here!

Yes, this was one ball of Noro Kureyon! I am not fond of the way this colorway knitted up, as it has the unusual shot of purple and the colors don't play particularly well with each other in a pair of mitts. One solution would be to purchase another ball of the same colorway and knit up another pair, hoping that the colors would divide in the same way. But it's a Christmas gift, and time is running out. The receiver is a free spirit, and I'm hoping it will be well received. I know for sure they are warm!

Plum Scarf

2011-11-26T20:17:00.001-06:00

Yarn: Socks that Rock, coloway Lenore.

Pattern: Long Ridged Scarf by Jo Sharp.

Needles: US #4 (3.5mm)

Comments: I am so enamored of this simple pattern and the fabric that it produces.

The way it scrunches, folds, drapes, and moves is really beguiling. And that's just the way it looks. It feels just as lovely--I have made the pattern in a variety of yarns. See here and here and here. I will probably make more. It's particularly pretty in this type of sock yarn, and 350 to 400 yards will do a nice, lengthy scarf. If you have some sock yarn that is too pretty or too soft to use for a utilitarian item such as socks, this would be perfect.

The above photos show it fresh off the needles. Here's how it looks after blocking.

It lost the "bounce" it had before blocking.

Still, it's a nice, soft scarf...

for when you don't want one that is too heavy or warm.

Headband with Flower

2011-11-04T21:54:00.002-05:00

Pattern: Morning Walk Headband Earwarmer by Tif Matthews (the great big flower is my addition).
Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool (a rather hairy yarn, as you can see in this closeup. But it still feels fairly soft.

Needles: #10

Comments: A fun pattern that knits up quickly and is easy to wear. I did my own flower, as the pattern offered a crocheted flower and I do not crochet except in cases such as the single chain button loop (and even then I am all thumbs and elbows).

It's a gift, one that was requested, so I know it's what she wants.

Another Sock Yarn Hat and Mitts

2011-10-14T12:12:00.001-05:00

Yarn: Lang Jawoll Superwash sock yarn.
Pattern: My own.
Needles: US #3 dpns

Comments: Just a lightweight hat and mitts. I improvised as I knit along, and this is what developed.

Playful Scarf

2011-10-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

There's a whole lot of sock yarn in these items. Two 100 gram balls, to be exact.

The scarf goes with this hat and mittens:

Yarn: Reynolds Swizzle (I believe it's discontinued) sock yarn, color 4005.

Pattern: Just 1x1 ribbing---boring, boring, boring.

Needles: US #4

Comments: I love the colors in this yarn. That's why I bought it. It's not clownish, is it? I prefer the word "playful."

My Big Fat Mittens

2011-09-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

To go with my Big Fat Hat and Scarf:

Yarn: Rowan Big Wool, in Black.

Pattern: Wool-Ease Mittens by Stephanie Taylor.

Needles: US #10 dpns

Comments: Again, it's Big Wool. Plump, warm, soft, and wonderful Rowan yarn. This was fun to knit. Somehow, knitting black in this gauge isn't nearly as blinding as knitting black sock yarn!

And a visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum made me realize that mittens will soon be in order:

A few of the trees were showing their colors this week. The next two weeks are expected to be glorious!

The hedges. We need rain, folks!

My Big Fat Hat and Scarf

2011-09-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Rowan Big Wool

Needles: 13 or 15--not sure.

Comments: I added the tassle, as the hat seemed so black and so plain.

Love the Big Wool. You can knit a hat in a day, a scarf in two.

The scarf is black and plain, too.

Here's the "recipe" for my scarf:

Size 13 needles

2 skeins Rowan Big Wool

Gauge: 2.5/inch

Cast on 16 stitches.

Slipping the first stitch ofeach row as if to purl, Knit 3 rows.

Row 4: Sl 1 as if to purl, K2, K10, K3.

Row 5: Sl 1 as if to purl, K2, P10, K3.

Repeat rows 4 and 5 until the desired length or you arealmost out of yarn, leaving enough for the last 3 rows and the bind off.

Knit 3 rows.

Bind off. Wear. Stay warm.

A Trio of Socks

2011-09-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile I get bogged down with other "stuff" and don't post my projects, and I must admit I am way behind in this.

Here are three pair of socks that I finished in the last couple months, and I will share the details about yarn,

needles, patterns, etc. on Ravelry, as I may be too lazy to repeat the same here.

Oh, and if you are a knitter and are not yet a member of Ravelry, please go there and sign up. It's free, and you can peruse my projects (and the projects of thousands of knitters). Plus, there are oodles of patterns, many of them free, for you to download and use. And while you're there, please include me as one of your friends!

Red Hat Special

2011-08-11T10:40:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Osmena Hat

Yarn: Tvinni Tweed by Isager, 100% wool

Needles: US 1 16" circs and US 2 dpns and 16" circs.

Comments: I believe the pattern has a couple of errors in it as noted on Ravelry. It's still a pretty hat.

I will spare you any photos of me modeling it because, as usual, it's way too big for my head. Love the yarn in this...Isager yarn has the most beautiful colors. One of these days I will make a cardigan out of some of it.

A Long Scarf and a Hat

2011-07-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Noro Retro, blue and black
Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf (Ravelry link).
Needles: US #7

Comments: This yarn is 64% Wool, 24% Silk, and 12% Angora. It's a bit softer than Noro Kureyon, and the colors are mostly solid.

I used 4 skeins: one blue and one charcoal for half the scarf in a two-row striped pattern and then one solid color block of charcoal and one solid color block of blue.

Although the colors look distinctly separate in the sunlight, in other lights they are so close in color that they blend together as one. Very interesting. As I was knitting it I kept thinking of the Judge. And he liked it so much that I told him it was his to keep. A manly scarf. But I like it, too.

The Milanese Lace Topper

Pattern: Milanese Lace Topper (Ravelry link).
Yarn: Berroco Remix, in gray.
Needles: US #4
Comments: This yarn is 30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk and I'm not sure that it was the best choice for this pattern. However, it's nice to have a hat that is not quite so warm as wool or alpaca for those times of the year that are cool but not cold. Or if you live in a more temperate climate than I do.

Here's a cowl in the making, using the same stitch pattern:

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite version of Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever." God bless the USA!

Trip to Door County

2011-06-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

Door County sunsets are so spectacular that people line up to see them. This photo was taken through the Allium in a local garden.

When we visit, we always do a drive through Peninsula State Park. It's simply beautiful. It even has a golf course. This and the rest of the photos were taken with my cell phone.

Cell phone cameras are limited in their capacity to capture images such as the stunning Forget-me-nots that bloom in June.

Here is just a sample of the blue haze they cast on the forest.

The weather was cool and overcast most of the days we were there, but we did have one gorgeous day.

And did you know Door County has no chain restaurants or shops? That's part of why it feels so comforting and unspoiled. We enjoyed some live blues music at The Cookery, butter pecan custard cones at Not Licked Yet, dinner at Cooper's Corner, and shopping at many unique stores. You must see Door County!

Pink Swiss

2011-06-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

I wanted some pink socks to go with a wool cardigan. A dash through my stash brought up some woolly pink sock yarn that seemed to be perfect.

Yarn: Meilenweit sock yarn, 80% wool, 20% nylon.
Pattern: Again, my own, make it up as you go socks.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: Seems you never see dotted Swiss fabric these days. It's so old-fashioned. Still, I like it. So I knit it into these socks. I've made some sort of like it before. See Dotted Swiss.

Pink. It's nice.

Tofutsies Socks

2011-06-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

You know, every once in awhile I lose a yarn label. This is one of those times.

These socks are intended to be Summer socks. Or Spring/Fall socks, if you are like me and go without socks most of the warm season. If you are lucky enough to have a warm season.

Yarn: Tofutsies Sock Yarn
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns
Pattern: Just one of my "play as you go" made-up patterns.

Comments: These are for my sister, who is so careful with the socks I have given her--bless her heart! She is very conservative with her sock colors; these might be a little wild for her.

I hate to admit this but I have tired of multicolored and striped sock yarn and have branched out to do other things with it. See here and here.

Oh, and I forgot to post photos of the scarf I made of sock yarn to match this hat and mittens.

That's a whole lot of 1/1 ribbing in a very long scarf.

Weekend in Canada

2011-05-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here's where we spent Memorial Day weekend...an island on Rainy Lake, Canada, with dear friends.

Mostly, it was cloudy and cool. But the sun came out after the rain and it was more than beautiful.

But, oh, the thirty minute ride back to the mainland was like this:

I stopped the video when it got worse, to save viewers from any queasiness. Aren't you glad you came along for the ride?

Trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

2011-05-26T20:50:00.000-05:00

Attaching Buttons with Yarn

2011-05-14T19:24:00.000-05:00

How to attach buttons on hand knitted items is always a puzzle for me. Do I use yarn or thread?

If I use thread, will it compromise the knitted fabric? If I use yarn, how do I thread it onto the needle? Some knitters advocate un-plying the yarn so that it isn't so thick but I don't think that would work so well with this yarn.

Well, I found a little packet of collapsible eye needles that just might do the trick. After breaking one of the needs, finally I attached the buttons like this:

Yarn: Classic Elite Sprout, 100% organic cotton

Pattern: Three-Way Wrap by Ingrid Nickols

Needles: #10 (6 mm)

Comments: The yarn is soft and cuddly; nice to knit.

Then, with the leftover yarn I made this hat:

Yarn: Classic Elite Sprout, 100% organic cotton

Pattern: Maggie's Beret by Danielle Romanetti

Needles: #10 (6 mm)

Comments: I should have used smaller needles because the hat is plenty large for my smallish head.

But it might fit someone else just perfectly!

What to do With Too Much Sock Yarn

2011-05-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

I admit, I am a sockyarnaholic. But I am trying to do something other than socks with some of the yarn (it's either that or clear out my sock drawer(s).

Yarn: Reynolds Swizzle (70% Merino Superwash, 25% nylon) This yarn may be discontinued, as I purchased it on sale at Needlework Unlimited's Outlet.

Pattern: Hat: Sockhead Hat (Ravelry Link) Mittens: Mittens from the book, Not Just Socks.

Needles: Hat: #1 (2.25mm)

Comments: These are for mildly cool weather, such as Minnesota Fall and Spring, since they are knit with sock yarn and are not very heavy. However, they might be nice for winter in warmer climes, too. The yarn was a sale item and a scarf to match is in the making.

April Snow--Again!

2011-04-20T21:14:00.000-05:00

Woke up to this weary and all too familiar scene:

By afternoon it was all melted. I feel better now.

April Snow

2011-04-16T08:25:00.000-05:00

Winter weary Minnesotans woke up to more of it this morning:

On a happier note, I am almost finished knitting the wrap.

The Noro Hat I Promised

2011-04-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

In this post I promised a hat from the leftover yarn. Here it is.

Pattern: My own

Yarn: Noro Kogarashi, colorway #10, 51% silk and 49% wool.

Needles: US #8 and US #10

Comments: For some unknown reason I decided that I'd soften the colors in the hat with a strand of Rowan's Kidsilk Haze. It does make the hat warmer and softer but the mittens and the pom-pom look slightly different.

When I was knitting with this yarn, I really didn't like it much. But I really do like the way the projects turned out, and I will probably like them even better after they have been in the closet all summer. Sometimes I feel like I get "too much" of a project and have to shelf it for awhile before I can truly appreciate it.

The Cotton Wrap

2011-04-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

Several times on vacation I have come across three-button cotton shawls. They always look so pretty, in various yummy colors and soft cotton. And each time I said the same thing we knitters always say, "I could make one of those."

Well, here is my beginning of that very piece. I chose a soft cotton that is wrapped with a thread to make it appear nubby; it gives the knitted stitches an irregular look, which I think I like. It's Classic Elite Yarn's Sprout--100% organic cotton in the Glacier colorway. It seems light for a bulky yarn, so I'm hoping that it will be comfortable to wear. It has one buttonhole with three buttons. But I haven't purchased the buttons yet. I'm thinking grey coconut buttons, which will be big and light.

Now, I must say that I have made only a few shawls but don't wear them very often. That's one reason I probably wouldn't make an intricately patterned lace shawl any time soon. My question is, have you made a shawl, and do you wear it often?

Noro Mittens

2011-03-07T12:15:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Helen's Ambidextrous Mittens (purchased at Amazing Threads).

Yarn: Noro Kogarashi, colorway #10, 51% silk and 49% wool.

Needles: US #6 and US #5

Comments: This is very strange..the lot number on one skein says C and the other originally said B but was written over with a C in felt marker. Does this happen at the factory?????

I started the cuffs with #6 and went to #5 needles on the hand part., as I could not get the proper gauge with this yarn. The yarn doesn't have much resilience. It isn't springy, and that is probably due to the high silk content that is in it and also because of the smaller needles. They should be warm, though.

There weren't any knots in this yarn, but did have to remove a bit of the white (I don't particularly like the white specks anyway) in the yarn so that the striping would match up a bit better. Look for a hat being made with the leftover yarn.

The Stainless Steel Scarf

2011-03-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Kusha Kusha Scarf
Yarn: Habu Textiles A-177 Super Fine Merino (brown), Habu Textiles A-20/21 1/20 silk stainless steel (maroon).
Needles: US 3 - 3.25 mm, US 4 - 3.5 mm, US 6 - 4.0 mm US 8 - 5.0 mm All bamboo straights.

Comments: I started out with Addi Turbo needles--too slippery! Moved to Susan Bates--still too slippery. Bamboo straights did the trick. This was a fairly tedious knit, as it's all knit in stockinette stitch; the first half with two yarns and the last half with the smaller needles and just the silk-wrapped stainless yarn. The fine stainless steel gives the scarf a life of its own in that it can be molded and scrunched to look nicely casual and, above all, unique.

Charlie Brown Socks

2011-03-02T08:26:00.001-06:00

No, the dryer isn't small.

The socks are really big.

And every time I make a pair for the Judge, it's a labor of love.

I call these his Charlie Brown socks, for obvious reasons. He actually agreed to the pattern before I started knitting them. He thinks they have sort of a Native American feel to them.

I like them because the pattern part was not boring. But the rest? Very.

Yarn: Cascade Sock yarn and two other yarns for the red and blue stripes.
Needles: #1 (2.5mm) dpns.
Pattern: The sock pattern is my own, but the color work pattern is called Mountain Lake from Vogue Knitting.
Comments: Cascade makes a lovely sock yarn--so pleasant to knit and it also washes beautifully. See more information in my Ravelry projects. Blessings to all of you who knit socks for big guys.

Can Spring be Far Behind?

2011-02-21T10:48:00.000-06:00

I looked out on our back yard and saw this:

Robins! In February!

In Minnesota!

In all this snow!

Woolen Tears

2011-01-28T08:01:00.000-06:00

Pattern: "Bronze Tears," by Elle Che. (Ravelry Link) It's a free pattern, and a quick and easy knit
Yarn: Morehouse Farm Merino Merino 2-Ply in colorway Oatmeal. (My favorite Morehouse color). One skein!
Needles: #2 (2.75mm) and #5 (3.75mm) straights.

Comments: I loved knitting this and really like the way it turned out. Morehouse yarn is so soft and heavenly to knit that it seems to keep you knitting long after you should have gone to bed! The yarn has a sort of rustic look to it, and at first I was hesitant to use it for this pattern as the designer's hat showed a smoother yarn. But a friend of mine encouraged me, and I forged ahead. I followed the pattern exactly, which I don't always do. It called for straight needles, and I was tempted to use circulars, which you certainly could and eliminate the final seaming. But in the end I found that it worked out just fine. The seam is barely noticeable--at least not on someone who moves as fast as I do. And the yarn feels as cozy as a warm hug.

Oh, and I like that it is the same color as my Morehouse Knit/Purl scarf. I have one skein left and would like to make mittens or gloves if there's enough yarn to do so. (Even though I already have mittens using Morehouse Oatmeal colored yarn. Wait, couldn't I just remove the flowers on those mittens?)

A New Twist

2011-01-23T19:12:00.000-06:00

Take a look at what Japanese designer Junya Watanabe has done with the Norwegian style sweater here. (From The Sartorialist's blog.) What do you think of these jackets for men? Very new think, don't you agree?

But I don't think the Judge would go for it.

Mittens to Match

2011-01-21T09:41:00.000-06:00

This sort of looks like I made two pair of mittens. It's only one pair, two views.

I've wanted to make these mittens since I first got the book, "Not Just Socks" by Sandi Rosner. Unlike my usual deviation from patterns, I made them in the very same yarn.

Pattern: Mittens, by Sandi Rosner.

Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit sock yarn, Colorway 5030.

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

And the Sockhead Hat to match...

Comments: I washed the pair by hand and then decided to see how they would fare in the dryer. Voilà! They came out perfectly! I didn't dry them completely, just left them in for about 20 minutes on low temperature with three dry hand towels to keep everything fluffy.

2011-01-21T09:04:00.000-06:00

A completely delicious time-waster for all you fashionistas...

Spring in the City

Even though I would not rush out to buy a $650 handbag, I consider this a good exercise in wardrobe planning.

Find it here and put your own style board together.

More Ruffles

2011-01-20T07:04:00.000-06:00

What is it?

It's a ruffled scarf!

Pattern: Ruffles, by Vanessa Ewing.

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Classic Silk, Colorway #6914 Bluebell. I used all of two skeins.

Needles: #8 (5.0 mm)

Comments: I really like this yarn and the pattern. It's fun and easy to do. And addictive as popcorn. I'm planning to put some buttons on it, as I incorporated buttonholes into each end of the scarf.

Ravelry link for the free pattern here.

Meida's Mittens

2011-01-14T14:41:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Meida's Mittens, by Nancy Bush, from the book "Folk Knitting in Estonia."

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Fresco, colorways 801,802, 902 & 903

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns.

Comments: This yarn is super nice to work with and feels even better as a pair of mittens. And just imagine--I finished them while the snow was still flying! Nancy Bush's patterns are some of the best on the planet,

The thumb is really roomy in this pattern, but it works. I didn't do the pointed hand and thumb, but sort of rounded it off. After I had started the pattern and realized that the red is a bit strong and tends to show through the white, I read up a bit on this type of knitting and learned that you have to be careful to choose colors not do this while in close proximity to each other. I'll try to tuck that good information away for next time.

Now try not to notice this, but I left out the whole 11th row, and you can see it if you look carefully. I was so exasperated with my error but absolutely did not want to go back and rip out the whole cuff. So I left out the same row on the second mitten. Brilliant, huh? No? Well, okay.

Chagrin. Maybe that's why it took me so long to add the thumbs to these.

Peary Christmas!

2010-12-24T14:05:00.000-06:00

And another 4-5 inches of snow overnight...

Our Santa drives a mail truck. He's been brave this year.

Keep the shovels handy...

Enjoy the season...

And eat Pear Clafouti with whipped cream. It was supposed to be for dessert this evening. It smelled so wonderful and tasted even better. Well, there's still some left, at least until 8:00 tonight.

And I deserved it after shoveling. (Rationalize, rationalize!) The recipe from Pioneer Woman.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

More to Come

2010-12-20T14:25:00.001-06:00

Look at my deck.

I opened the door...

Slid the screen door open a bit...Uh-oh.

It's still snowing and supposed to get heavier by 3:00 this afternoon.

This is Minnesota, folks!

Merry Electronic Christmas!

2010-12-15T16:09:00.000-06:00

Geek alert! I love this--it's so Yule Cool:

If you get an iPad or iPod Touch for Christmas, you might want to start a band...or just use it to control your tv like this:

I must admit I like the Xfinity Remote and I'm hoping for more innovative stuff from Comcast! Now if they would just link their movie info to IMDB (and there's an app for that, too), that would be even more cool! Not familiar with IMDB ? It's a site packed with information about practically every movie you can think of. Check it out!

Stop. Already.

2010-12-11T13:40:00.000-06:00

The windows in my office are just above a roof line. But the snow is piling up fast.

Forget about opening that one--maybe until Spring!

Let it Snow!

2010-12-11T12:39:00.000-06:00

Omigosh! Are we getting the snow! And it's blowing around, too. Taken from a window; you will notice the snow is piled up against the window, and at this writing it's even higher.

Cell phone video.

Ruffled!

2010-12-09T12:32:00.001-06:00

Yarn: Classic Silk - 50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon. Colorway 6906, a natural, linen-like color

Pattern: Ruffled, (Ravelry link) by Vanessa Ewing.

Needles: #8 (5mm) straights

Comments: A fun scarf to knit. I like cotton scarves in Spring, Summer & Fall, and this one fills the bill. It can be made in any weight yarn, but this is done in a worsted weight, using only 270 yards (2 skeins).

Christmas Wreaths

2010-12-06T06:33:00.000-06:00

Each December I get two plain green wreaths (for front and delivery door) and decorate them. This year our doors say Happy Holidays in a warm, quiet, welcome-home way.

Slipperier Slopes

2010-12-02T07:08:00.000-06:00

Part of the fascination of multicolored yarn is the magical unfolding of the colors as you knit. Noro is a yarn that yields an unparalleled fabric that is mesmerizing to watch as you knit, and I have made many socks and scarves with it.

Recently what is capturing my attention is color knitting.

I can't seem to tear myself away from it since I made these simple socks a couple months ago.

I may be smitten.

'Tis the Season

2010-12-01T09:59:00.000-06:00

This week, with Christmas music in the background, I decorated our tree.

We have an artificial tree due to some allergies in the family. Well, some family members are allergic to pine, but I am allergic to wrestling with the tree trunk while trying to fit it into the stand. This one always fits!

The icicle was a gift from a very dear friend.

Now I'll sit with my feet up and a cup of coffee and contemplate decorating the mantel.

Hot Hat

2010-11-30T16:40:00.000-06:00

My son requested one of these--about a year ago. Imagine that; I finally got around to it but it will be a Christmas gift, so don't tell!

Yarn: Cascade 220, in black, orange and red. (worsted weight)

Pattern: One for All Cap by Tuulia Salmela.

Needles: #7 (4.5mm) dpns. I knit the chart using a circular needle.

Comments: The pattern shows it knit in a DK weight with #3 (3.25mm) needles, but I used a worsted weight and larger needles, which I calculated casually and did some hoping that it would fit. I also did only 3 sequences of the pattern, rather than 4. I cast on 87 stitches on a circular needle and added a stitch when I started the solid black row so that I would have an even number of stitches for the decreasing on double points--88 stitches divided by 4 needles (22 stitches on each needle). When I began the decreases, I switched to double point needles and decreased down to a total of 8 stitches, then closed the hat.

I think it's a lovely, interesting pattern. Two things to note:

You have to either carry the unused color a long way or (a better way) catch it in halfway through a maximum of 9 stitches.
The narrow garter stitch edge wants to curl, and if I made it again I might use a rib stitch there, although with a short band there's no guarantee that even that would not roll somewhat.

Sunday Mary Jane Socks

2010-11-26T07:34:00.000-06:00

Yarn: Regia Plus Cotton, 3% wool, 37% cotton, 25% Poly.
Pattern: Mine, again, except for using Joan's Favorite Toe.
Needles: Size 0, (2mm) dpns

Comments: Mary Jane shoes with ruffled socks--I love them. When I was a girl, my little white anklets were made of such slippery material that they slid hopelessly into the heels of my shoes faster than I could skip down the block. Finally I have socks of such sturdy material that they should stay put--and keep my feet warm. I probably won't wear them to Sunday School with a frilly dress, though.

Here's a closeup of Joan's Favorite Toe for socks:

It's a nicely rounded toe that feels pretty good on the foot, too.

Speaking of Mary Jane Shoes...I like these Doc Martens.

Santa? Santa, Baby?

The Forty-Two Year Old Christmas Wreath

2010-11-25T15:31:00.001-06:00

I am not a crocheter. I may sometimes be a bit crotchety, which has nothing to do with crocheting. Well, that depends whether crocheting makes you irritable, in which case you might be called crotchety, but there's always knitting.

I had a younger brother whose teacher taught his class to crochet little woolen wreaths to give to their mothers to wear as Christmas pins. He presented it, slightly lopsided but lovingly flawed, to Mom and she wore it faithfully for years until it became an indistinguishable green lump with bits of faded red ribbon. I always wanted one and when my oldest son was in first grade, I made one for his teacher and one for myself. I didn't have a pattern--just a memory--and took my rudimentary skills from a book like this little "Dell Purse Book."

Twenty five cents worth of pure knowledge and inspiration served me well. Here's the result, still intact.

Not sure how my son's teacher liked hers, but I have worn mine every Christmas for over forty years, and here's my favorite way to wear it:

Honestly, though, I am just to crotchety to be a crocheter.

Blue Twilight

2010-11-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

There's just something about the blue at twilight that moves me.

It's a fleeting moment--we are often too busy to notice.

And a light in the window is more than warm.

Have a Warm and Happy Thanksgiving!

Makes me Smile

2010-11-23T20:35:00.000-06:00

Here's how some Lutherans hit the bottle:

Hope it makes you smile, too!

Crayon Etching Socks

2010-11-21T16:52:00.000-06:00

Remember Crayon Etching? You color a whole page with many different colors. Then you color the sheet completely with black crayon. Finally you etch a design on the blackened page with a wooden stick or similar tool, exposing a colorful image. Yes, it's messy and uses a lot of crayon...but so striking is the finished product and so much fun to do for children and adults.

These socks remind me of that craft.

Yarn: Froehlich Wolle Special Blauband, 80% wool, 20% nylon.

Pattern: My own.

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: This yarn came with some special reinforcement yarn for the toes and heels, which I truly intended to use. But when it came time for the heel, I forgot the reinforcement and promised myself I would use it on the toes.

Of course, you guessed it. I sailed right past the toe part--after inserting those colorful little "etchings" at the beginning of the toe--completely forgetting to add the reinforcement yarn. I should have done these toe-up. Maybe that wouldn't have helped.

Snow!

2010-11-13T10:42:00.001-06:00

I looked out the window this morning. Wait--wasn't I going shopping with friends today?

I looked out the back window...

And on the deck...

I think it's a good day to stay home...

Knotty

2010-11-02T12:06:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Knotty Gloves by Julia Mueller (Ravelry link) Yay, Julia, for a lovely pattern!

Yarn: Naturally Waikiwi (55% Merino/20% Nylon?15% Alpaca/10% Possum (yes, the label says possum, although I noticed that on Ravelry it says "Other.") Colorway 405 (it's a beige/gray--I call it greige)

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns.

Comments: I liked this pattern a lot. The knotty part was fun. But these are the first gloves I have made and I found, generically speaking, that gloves are tedious, with all the fingers to add, making sure that there weren't glaring holes between them, and numerous ends to weave in when finishing. Honestly, if I hadn't done both gloves at the same time, one might have fallen victim to SGS, which you may recognize as a cousin to SSS (second sock syndrome).

These photos show them unblocked, and if the uneven knitting improves with blocking, I will add another photo or two to this post later. If not, I will happily wear them anyway.

How Many Scarves?

2010-11-01T10:18:00.001-05:00

How many scarves can one person make/use/give away?

Pattern: Jo Sharp's Long Ridged Scarf from her Knit, Issue 1. I believe the book is out of print.
Yarn: Lost the label--Drat! I think it could possibly be Cascade alpaca, but wouldn't swear to it.
Needles: #3 (3.25mm) Addi Turbo circulars.

Comments: I love this simple, simply elegant pattern. Thanks, Jo! It is perfect for men or women and if you make it, you just might find it warming another family member while you are searching for it to cozy your own neck.

How many gray scarves have I made? Can we just say, "quite a few?"

For Winter

2010-10-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Meilenweit 50 Uni, 80% wool, 20% Nylon

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Pattern: My own.

Comments: I know these socks are unspectacular. But for the recipient (the Judge), they are key to warm feet this winter. That warms my heart.

Now, here's what I am currently working on:

Details later...

Virtual Rain

2010-10-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

We've had our share of rain recently and it's been devastating to many communities. Here's a change of pace...Virtual Rain:

I just thought you should see/hear it.

Beige, With Texture

2010-09-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Summer Sox (40% cotton, 40% superwash merino, 20% nylon)
Pattern: My Simple Textured Socks pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: I love knitting with this yarn, and I love the fabric that this pattern generates. The yarn's colors are nice; the stitch definition is beautiful. However, the yardage is skimpy (2 skeins yielded only 350 yards, and I had only a small amount left).

Red is a Neutral Color

2010-09-16T20:14:00.001-05:00

Is red a neutral color? It's said to raise the pulse rate (see here). Well, if you see it in print it must be so. Anyway, I like almost all reds but am most enamored of the deepest shades.

Yarn: Isager Strik Tvinni Tweed (Wool 2), colorway 32
Pattern: My own
Needles: #4 (3.5mm)

Comments: The whole scarf took only one skein. The yarn bloomed somewhat after washing, but it remained a bit scratchy, so it will have to be worn around the collar of a coat, rather than directly on the neck. That's okay because that's the way we Minnesotans wear warm, woolly scarves in the Winter. I said Winter again!

To access the pattern for this scarf, see side panel.

Tar Island Socks

2010-09-15T10:07:00.001-05:00

Yarns: MC: Cascade Heritage, colorway 5601 - Black and CC: Fortissima Socka, colorway 1056 - Gray.
Pattern: My own pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: These socks were made with bits of yarn that remain from former projects. The Cascade yarn knits up nicely and makes a soft fabric.

If I made these again, I would add another color for interest, as they are a bit bland. However, they go with quite a few items in my wardrobe, including those dusty old skates. Uffda! (Norwegian for good grief, or something like that). Winter is coming, but the best thing about it is wearing hand knit socks!

Leftovers

2010-09-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

What to do with those bits and pieces of yarn...that is the question. 'Tis nobler to knit them up than to let them languish, is it not?

I have not done much in the way of color work, and some of my attempts have not turned out the way I had hoped. Some have not turned out at all, and that brings up a conversation I had the other day with a knitter who was a casual acquaintance. I was telling her that some of my knitting doesn't always turn out well and I asked her if she didn't have the same experience now and then. "No," she replied. I quickly changed the subject.

This is what came out of my needles as I was planning to do striped socks using yarn scraps. I don't have enough of the lovely gray to do the rest of the sock in, so it will be black. Due to limited yardage, they will be short. True, this is more a study in black and gray than color work!

Tell me, what do you do with your leftover yarn? And please, please tell me that you have knitting projects that don't turn out well! My bruised ego depends on it.

Shock Sock

2010-08-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

Those of you who hate pink, turn away quickly!

All right, I warned you...

Yarn: Koigu Premium Merino, Colorway 115025, which I can only describe as shocking, shocking pink!
Pattern: My own dotted Swiss socks.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns.

Comments: I do hope your monitor gives you the true color of this yarn! I love this color when tempered with navy blue.

Each skein of this yarn has only 175 yards, so you have to take that into account when planning which pattern you are going to use. However, a little of this color goes a long way, so you probably wouldn't want to make them knee highs. I used two skeins and did not have a lot left over.

Washing by hand is recommended, as the water turned quite pink when I did so. Makes me wonder how much the socks will fade over time. If you must wash them with other colors, use a product called "Color Catcher." It lifts any loose dyes and holds them so that they don't transfer onto your other clothing.

Roses Aren't Just Red

2010-08-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

After a day working on the book, we went to dinner at a local spot. It was a balmy summer evening as we were leaving, and a young man came by carrying dozens of roses. The Judge bought these for me.

Aren't they just lovely?

Have you any idea if these beauties have a name? They are a soft yellow at the bottom and that intense red on the face. And they were at least four inches in diameter when fully opened.

Oh, and some shocking pink knitting...

Artistic Liberties

2010-07-30T18:27:00.000-05:00

SketchBook Mobile is an App for use on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Made by Autodesk, Inc., (the company that makes AutoCAD, a software for computer aided design that I used in one of my former jobs), it's a pretty cool drawing tool. I have just started using it on my iPod Touch, but especially if you own an iPad and are even mildly artistic, you will want to have this app. There's a free version, called SketchBook MobileX that can give you a chance to try it without cracking your wallet.

Here's something I scribbled out in a couple of minutes.

Summer in the Suburbs

Yup, it's a corny title. Having only done one of drawing, I can't vouch for the control that you might have with just the tip of your finger, but you will find it's more fun than fingerpainting--and not as messy!

And you might get really good at it (video from AutoDesk:).

And it Fits!

2010-07-15T11:09:00.002-05:00

I'm so happy I stuck with this project. It actually fits me!

My modifications:

I added an inch to the length of the body.
Did not bind off shoulders as the pattern read but did a three-needle bind off on them.
Did not bind off the back neck; just knitted those live stitches when I added the ribbing at the neck.

My finishing skills are slowly improving. Or maybe the Finishing Fairy paid a visit.

The color is a bit faded on these photos but the sweater details are better.

Old Yeller - In Progress

2010-07-07T12:21:00.001-05:00

You might be surprised to see a sweater and not socks. Just a wonderfully plain cardigan made with sturdy wool to last for years.

A few strings are still attached (literally).

And the sleeves are ready to sew on. Don't hold your breath, though. This is often where I stall. Sleeves ~~should~~ might happen tomorrow. Is the finishing fairy watching?

A Day in Iowa

2010-07-02T13:44:00.002-05:00

It was as humid and almost as hot as it gets in Iowa last week. You can actually hear the corn grow. We drove down to spend the day with my granddaughters who were visiting their other grandparents..

Can you tell I'm happy to see them?

My grandson was there, too, and he's almost as tall as his dad.

It was the best of times.

The Small Stuff

2010-06-03T06:24:00.000-05:00

Most of my knitting is small stuff. I just like its portability and nearly instant gratification. Plus, you can't have too many socks, scarves, washcloths, hats, or mittens. Can you? Ignore rationalizing for lack of attention span.

Yarn: Jitterbug, 100% Merino wool, colorway "mushroom."

Pattern: Diddly Baby Socks by Anne Makepeace, (isn't that a wonderful surname?) who is a workshop tutor for Rowan yarns

Needles: #2 (2.75mm) dpns

Comments: A nice pattern and a refreshingly quick change of pace from the Judge's socks I am also knitting in dark navy blue.

On to another small project:

Yarn: Hempathy, 40% Hemp, 40% Cotton, 20% Rayo, colorway 07.

Pattern: Kings Charles Brocade Cloth. by NightlyKnitter.

Needles: #2 (2.75mm) dpns.

Comments: This is a very nice pattern with a chart instead of written instructions; easy but fun and the finished texture is really pleasant.

It goes into the stack of "can't bear to use" washcloths. They do make good small gifts.

Salt 'n Pepper

2010-05-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Crazy Zauberball , 75% Wool, 25% Nylon.
Pattern: My own Plain old sock pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: The yarn is made by Skacel, of the famous Turbo Needles. The label says "every sock is artwork - every sock is unique." And unique they are. I have read that there's no way you can match your socks with this yarn. The very definite line you see on the left foot was actually the way the colors came out--no knots. Still, I really like the way they look and feel.

As you probably already know, I like my socks to be convertible to anklets. These are, of course, convertible! Maybe I just like the word convertible.

Still knitting...

Good Things in Small Boxes

2010-05-29T17:41:00.001-05:00

When I was with my granddaughter last month, we went to a ceramics shop and she made a lovely strawberry dish for her mom. I made a mug to rival the galaxies. Well, maybe not.

They had to be fired and would not be ready before I left for home, so I told her not to send it but to keep it and use it and always remember that day.

Yesterday a box arrived. It was a small box, and I thought it was the mug that she must have found way too 'mugly.'

But it was this exquisite hand crafted leather and silver belt that completes my summer linen!

My dear daughter-in-law had seen me oohing and aahing over this belt at Wharf Hill, a lovely shop in Smithfield. I had decided that it was definitely me but I balked at the price. I was so pleased to get it. I have a most thoughtful and generous family! Thank you!

Wharf Hill also has a number of select antiques--one of which was an old, well-worn yarn swift. But I already have one of those and am well-wearing it.

Smithfield Knitting

2010-04-28T09:25:00.001-05:00

So plain,

So bland,

So perfectly wearable

Yarn: Jitterbug, colorway #63 Mushroom. 100% Merino wool.
Pattern: My boring, plain old stockinette basic pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) bamboo dpns.
Comments: The yarn is fairly thick for socks, but knits up beautifully. It didn't pool wildly, I think, due to the subdued coloring and short spots of color.

Oh, I do favor the look and feel of basic socks!

I spent some time with my son and his family in Virginia recently and had the privilege of teaching my youngest granddaughter to knit! She pronounced it soothing, which mirrors my sentiments exactly. She completed a washcloth and started a scarf in the middle of her busy year-end school/sports schedule.

I love my granddaughter and am so very proud of her.

Old Books

2010-04-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

The Judge is a real bibliophile, and he haunts bookstores much like I haunt yarn shops. He has an endearing habit of picking up books for other people, and here are a couple by Barbara Abbey he gave me.

This small book was first published in 1949 by The Studio Publications, Inc., and revised by The Viking Press in 1962. The price on the dust jacket is $2.00. It's still available here.

It has lots of good instructions in it, two sock patterns (one plain and one argyle) and a sizing chart for men and women. The sizing chart has not changed for men, as whoever made it was sensible enough to go by chest size. The women's sizing, however, is a horse of a different color. For instance, a size 34 bust equates to a size 14. It's possible that the sizing people (whoever they are) figured women could quickly calculate and remember the sizing. But more likely something else was going on there and I won't even begin to suppose what it was. Anyhow, size is just a number. It's the fit that matters.

Here's another book by Barbara Abbey published by Viking Press in 1971. It's a book club edition, so there is no pricing listed. Recent pricing at Amazon is around $50 and up

I didn't find a lot of information about Barbara Abbey online. The dust jacket says she received a Bachelor of Music degree from Yale and played violin in symphony orchestras before pursuing knitting as a career. This book is filled with information, such as knitting terms and abbreviations, with translations from French, German, Spanish and Swedish. About a third of the book is devoted to a gallery of stitches with black and white photos.

Neither of these books is listed in Ravelry's library, alas, but her book, "Knitting Lace" is there.

Still knitting...

2010 Spring Retreat

2010-04-16T20:29:00.001-05:00

This video is for my dear friends in book club--a view from the cabin deck:

Still waters and crisp, cool air were a relief from daily cares.

Susan made a lovely felted bowl for each of us. Something else was very special about this gift. It was made from Carol's yarn. Her spirit is always with us.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T09:26:00.001-05:00

Spring is here and we made it through the winter!

This lovely little Bougainvillea Bonsai that my son gave me for Mother's day last year has blossomed again! Meagerly, I admit. And strangely, as it has done so on a wild shoot.

Bonsai has faithfully stayed green on the windowsill above my kitchen sink. Do I wait until it's done blooming and then trim back? If I don't trim it, will it get gigantic and out of shape?

The Valour Vest

2010-04-03T15:04:00.002-05:00

Yarn: Rowan Colourscape Chunky, colorway #430 Carnival
Needles: #9 (5.5mm)
Pattern: "Valour" by Sarah Hatton from the Colourscape Chunky Collection
Comments: My modifications were to not do the ribbing in the original pattern, but to do the vest in mostly stockinette. I love the way the colors change and thought they were even more interesting in a stockinette pattern.

As you can see below, the armholes are treated in an unusual fashion. And since I picked up only the edge of the stitch on the sleeve opening, it shows the other part of that stitch, which I like a lot.

Below you can see that I did the same finish on the hem of the front panels, to sort of finish it off and keep it from curling too much.

The seams were sewn up with a fingering weight yarn.

It's warm and totally comfy! I'd make this again, but maybe in a solid color And I might do all the ribbing that is in the pattern because I like that look, too.

Summer Sox

2010-04-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Summer Sox, colorway 5557 Pelican

Pattern: My own concoction

Needles: #1 (2.25mm)

Comments: I had just enough yarn for these socks (see last photo). The yarn is decidedly cotton, although it also has Merino and Nylon. By this I mean that it feels and knits much like cotton, without a lot of elasticity. And when wet it wants to stretch. Still, it’s a beautiful color and the stitch definition is great.

As many of you know, I like to be able to convert my socks to anklets so they have to look good in that capacity, too!

There were only 350 yards on two skeins and here's all the yarn that was left:

The beautiful button from Jennie the Potter is for a vest in the making. I just wanted to show it to you.

Still knitting and blogging...

Slouch Boot Socks

2010-03-15T12:13:00.006-05:00

Slouch socks! Who doesn't remember them fondly?

Pattern: My inspiration was from Spider Woman Knits' boot socks on Ravelry.

Yarn: Regia 4-fadig sock yarn, colorway 2070

Needles: #1 (2.25mm) and #3 (3.25mm)

Comments: These probably won't be the last slouch socks I make. I just love their, well, slouchiness.

Here's the Recipe:

Used #3 (3.25mm) dpns for the leg (leg measures 9”) and switched to #1 (2.25mm) for the foot, over 64 stitches.

Knit a 1x1 rib for 1”

Broken Rib Stitch:

round 1: k all stitches

round 2: k3,p1 around

Piano Duet

2010-03-09T19:17:00.002-06:00

Here's the loveliest piano duet I have ever seen/heard.

And here's their story:

And they did an encore at the Mayo Clinic:

What an inspiration for those of us who are aging (and that means all of us)!

Endless Noro Scarf

2010-03-08T11:42:00.005-06:00

Yarn: Noro Kureyon, colorway #148 (4 skeins)

Pattern: My own--see instructions below.

Needles: #9 Addi Lace circular

Comments: Easy as pie and great for knitting without engaging brain. Which I do a lot.

Of course, this is one of the easiest scarves in the knitting world. But just in case you want to make one like it with a nice smooth edge, here's the "recipe."

Kay's Seed Stitch Scarf

Using size 9 needles and about 400 yards of Noro Kureyon or worsted/Aran weight yarn, cast on 31 stitches.

Slip 1 as if to purl, *P1, K1*, repeat between * to the end of the row.

Do the above on each row until you are good and sick of it or the scarf is the length you want. Then bind off. That's it.

Still knitting...

Knitting Soldiers

2010-03-07T10:20:00.002-06:00

Here's a great article from the Star Tribune about soldiers who knit.

Hats (and socks) off to a skillful soldier

Over the Highways

2010-02-01T06:58:00.000-06:00

Our vacation started out like this:

And it got worse. This is a photo of Nebraska, where the snow was piled higher than our car.

With intermittent whiteout conditions and slippery roads, it took a whole day to drive from Minneapolis to Des Moines. We stopped counting at 140 vehicles in the ditches (including semi trucks)!

Our destination was Sedona, Arizona, and we arrived to sunny skies and lovely weather for winter-weary mid-westerners.

The villa was comfy, with a fireplace and kitchen and covered porch.

Since we had a kitchen, one of the first things we did was to get a few groceries. On our way back from the store, we encountered six or eight Javelinas milling about our door. It was a bit frightening and we called the front desk to report what we thought were wild pigs. They laughed and told us a bit about them. Javelinas don't see well, which would explain why one of them, his snout sniffing curiously, squinted blankly at us before scampering off with the rest of his gang.

We took in a few of the sites. This is Montezuma's Castle:

I was quite taken with the winter white bark on the Arizona Sycamore.

And Cathedral Rock where we had a therapeutically peaceful picnic lunch.

Airport Mesa: Yes, the sky is really that color!

The city of Sedona from Airport Mesa:

After a sunny and warm week in Tucson as well, our trip back home included a tow truck drive into Flagstaff, where they had just endured about 5 feet of snow, with many roofs collapsing from the weight. We saw crews of men on rooftops, removing the snow. The Judge's car needed major repair (it was the transmission), so he bought a new Toyota Prius and we drove home in it, learning on the way the buttons, bells and whistles the car offered.

America has seemingly endless variation in its beauty, and there is so much to see. Despite our travel woes, going by car is still our favorite way to go.

Happy to be back home, safe and sound!

Art Glass Spectacular

2010-01-06T19:45:00.001-06:00

These were just too beautiful to leave unshared and unphotographed, even if it was with my cell phone camera.

This fabulous art is the work of Dale Chihuly, glassblower genius.

This breathtaking installation of his work can be seen in the Gonda Building at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

There are thirteen of these amazingly glorious, nearly out-of-control beauties.

If this had been a real good camera, there would be some closeups for your enjoyment.

A short video, blurry and choppy, with apologies:

They took my breath away...
But how in the world do they dust them?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:34:00.000-06:00

Snow--and lots of it!

Monkeying Around

2009-11-20T10:54:00.005-06:00

Another opportunity to make a monkey---missed! Instead, another pair of my favorite brown monkey socks were born. If they fit my grandson, they will be his.
Yarn: Järbo Garn Mini Raggi - 75% wool, 25% Nylon, colorway 68074, brown.
Pattern: Improvised, using the Band Heel spreadsheet. No gusset!
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns
Comments: The Band Heel seems to fit just fine. You might not even notice the difference between it and a regular flap. But it sure is nice not to have to do the gusset thing. Give it a try on your next pair of socks!

Big Socks

2009-11-15T11:08:00.005-06:00

Yarn: MC: Lang Jawoll colorway Navy, CC: Lana Gross Meilenweit, colorway Burgundy 1273.
Pattern: My own, for The Judge.
Needles: #1 (2.5mm) dpns
Comments: It took me months to finish these, not because they were difficult. They just take a whole lot of uninteresting knitting as they are for a size 13 foot. And they are a very dark navy (darker than shows in these photos) so most of the knitting was done during the daylight hours. But his feet will be warm this winter!

The Band Heel

2009-11-14T13:58:00.007-06:00

This is a Band Heel in progress, with an excel file to do the math for your size sock.Dave at Criminy Jickets has written such a clear tutorial about the Band Heel. He tells me it's an old pattern, and I am amazed that it is not being used more often.

You see, there is no gusset with this heel. You do a short flap, turn the heel, pick up a few stitches and just knit until the required length for the foot. No gusset!
Realizing that many people have their own way of making socks and the number of circumference stitches may vary, with Dave's encouragement I have created an excel spreadsheet to aid in using this heel for your own socks. Download it here or from my side panel. You will need to be able to read excel files in order to use it.

Simply type in your number of circumference stitches, hit the enter key on your keyboard, and it will automatically calculate the rest for you. No gusset, no math!

Now, it hasn't been proven to me that this is a satisfactory heel as far as comfort goes, but I really like skipping the gusset part. Having tried on the partial sock, I find it fits just fine without the traditional gusset or short rows.

And much thanks to Dave for his good math on the subject!

Knitting with Toothpicks

2009-11-13T09:45:00.008-06:00

No, not really. But almost.* I decided to try some bamboo doublepoints. (I have never used these dpns before--shocking, I know!) They are light as a feather and it's worrisome to think that they could just snap. They would be ideal for a beginning sock knitter...unless one knits very tightly. How do these needles hold up to cabling? Do they survive being sat upon? Just kidding.

Still knitting...
*It's been done before at least once.

Silken Web

2009-11-04T09:25:00.002-06:00

Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze, 70% super kid mohair, 30% silk, colorway #585, "Nightly."
Pattern: Everyday Wrap by Julie Weisenberger. Sort of. Ravelry Link.
Needles: #9 Addi Turbo Lace circulars.

Here's all the yarn that was left.

Comments: This shawl/scarf started out as the Everyday Wrap but I had two skeins of this lovely yarn and I found myself just knitting and knitting and knitting. It was my "grab and go," car-riding, here-and-there (but mostly in the daytime because it's so dark) knitting for quite some time now.

Modifications: When I got toward the end of the yarn, I decided to add my own ruffle simply by knitting into the front and back of every stitch, effectively doubling the number of stitches. Then I knit ten rows and cast off loosely. Now the cast-on end did not match. So I unpicked it and added a ruffle to the other end of the shawl/scarf. This I do not recommend when you are working with cobwebby yarn. Better if you do a provisional cast-on.

So, this isn't really the shawl that it started out to be, but its inspiration (and number of cast on stitches) came from Julie's pattern. Thanks, Julie!

Cable-Stitch Anklets (Sans Cable)

2009-10-29T08:11:00.014-05:00

Pattern: Cable-Stitch Anklets
Yarn: Soxx Appeal, 96% superwash Merino wool, 3% nylon, 1% elastic, colorway 9510
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) Knitpicks dpns

Comments: The yarn is really a pale sage green, but it photographs more bluish. If we get another sunny day in this century, I will try to get a more accurate picture of it.

As you can tell from the title of this post and the socks, I left out the cables on this lovely vintage pattern. The yarn just did not show the cables well and it didn't seem prudent to put all that work into a pattern that would not show well. I have used this yarn before on my Purl Trax and Lake Geneva Socks. It has some elastic content, so you might need to stretch it ever so slightly--but not too much--to get the proper yardage, look and fit. But the comfort in the final product is worth the effort.

*Modifications were this: a Dutch heel...

And Joan's Favorite Toe (thanks, Joan!), which is more rounded than the wedge toe I usually knit.
Even without the cable stitch, I like the way the ribbing has that little extra "nub" in the purl stitches. So simple, yet so effective. The reverse side also looks good and makes me think that a scarf in this pattern even without the cable would be pretty.
*Why do knitters modify patterns? I'm as guilty of it as the next knitter, or more so. The reasons are too numerous to count and I have my own excuses for it, most of them purely subjective.

Daydream Believers

2009-10-20T08:48:00.003-05:00

And Homecoming Queens.

Wasn't it just yesterday my granddaughter was this darling freckle-faced little girl?
Now she is a beautiful young lady--here with her dad (my son):

She and I saw the similarities between us:Circa 1960

I forgot to mention--she was Homecoming attendant this week at the academy she attends!I love this photo of them.

Minnesota--The Maybe State

2009-10-12T09:05:00.005-05:00

Well, it's a bit too soon for this much snow. Notice my two-toned house...painting should start the end of this week...maybe.
The leaves haven't even bothered to change color yet. Maybe they will.

It's not exactly a Renoir, but maybe it's refrigerator-worthy.
And somehow even the word "maybe" looks odd to me this morning.

High Tea in Hayward

2009-10-11T16:52:00.013-05:00

My book club is the most fabulous group of women you could ever hope to call your friends. On our recent retreat, we had a Jane Austen weekend. This included reviews of six of Austen's books and a delectable high tea. Here's a short video taken with my phone camera, with apologies for the quality of the video:

And here are some still photos---note the salmon and caviar tidbits; they were out of this world! The weekend was arranged by the two gals in the first photo. I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work and their good friendship. We are truly blessed!

All I did was read, eat, and knit one measly washcloth. Yarn: Louet Euroflax Originals
Pattern: Feather and Fan Washcloth by Theresa Gaffey, from the book, "Knitter's Stash: Favorite Patterns from America’s Yarn Shops."
Needles: #3 straights.
Comments: I loved knitting this washcloth during our weekend retreat!

Simple Textured Socks - A Pattern

2009-10-06T10:40:00.002-05:00

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM Colorway D105.
Pattern: My personal pattern called Simple Textured Socks; see also side panel for pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns.
Comments: The combination of "sproingy" yarn and this very simple pattern makes a most comfy sock with lots of textural interest. The rich fall colors of the yarn were difficult to capture on film.
I have made this pattern two other times--here and here, and have been asked to share it.

Here's how much of the 350 yards of Koigu KPPPM remained.
And I'm still knitting...

Birthday Monkey

2009-10-01T15:51:00.009-05:00

Wouldn't every gal like an agreeable vintage huggable like this for her birthday?

And a book to go with him (this monkey may be a Conehead cousin):
And the best reissued knitting book:

more books (the Judge knows what to pick)...
and roses in the rain...Oh, and lots of good wishes from people I'm fondest of. I'm a lucky monkey!

A Cowl and Mitts

2009-09-21T19:01:00.005-05:00

Yarn: Mondial Extrafine Merino wool, colorway #500.

Cowl Pattern: Pashmina Cowl by Joelle Hoverson from the book, "Last Minute Knitted Gifts."
Needles: #5 ( 3.75mm) circulars.

Fingerless Mitt Pattern: My personal pattern.
Needles: #1 (2.25mm) dpns

Comments: Both were quick and easy to knit, and the yarn is really soft.
Perfect for typing.

You Win Some...

2009-09-20T16:33:00.004-05:00

And some don't turn out exactly as you hoped.Yarn: Rowan Summer Tweed, 70% silk, 30% cotton, colorway #508.
Pattern: #294 Summer Open Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple.
Needles: #10 (6mm) 32" circular and #7 (4.5mm) 16" circular.Comments: The pattern is written for a loose gauge on a worsted weight yarn, and I probably should have used a wool, rather than the Summer Tweed. The pattern is very nicely written--as are all the Knitting Pure and Simple styes--and I wouldn't mind making it again in another yarn. It knit up quickly and feels really light to wear, perfect for summer nights.
I made the sleeves a tad too long, although the yarn might have a tendency to stretch in length, but I don't think I will go back and change them. The length does hide some aging elbows!

It might look better to me next summer, as I finished it just in time for winter.

Still knitting...

Projects, Small and BIG

2009-09-18T08:48:00.005-05:00

Yarn: Louett Euroflax in a creamy white.
Pattern: Dragon Scales Washcloth by Theresa Gaffey, from the book, "Knitter's Stash."
Needles: US#4 (3.5mm)
Comments: The Judge thought it looked like a curtain, and it is a pretty good sized washcloth. I love the look of it unblocked.

Okay. Here's the BIG project in my life:
New siding for the house. It used to be red. Now it's taupe. No longer will I be able to add to my directions, "It's the red house on your right."

A Softly Ruffled Scarf

2009-09-14T19:34:00.003-05:00

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed, 50% Merino wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Viscose--colorway SH152.
Pattern: Ruffled Scarf (Ravelry Link) by Christine (Tina) Lorin, whose blog is Knit Tenacity where you will also find the free pattern.
Needles: #5 Addi Turbos
Comments: I loved the pattern and the yarn . If you haven't knit with Rowan's Felted Tweed, give yourself at least one skein to make something lovely.

The pattern achieves the undulating ruffles by the use of short rows. No wrapping, though, since it's all garter stitch. Blocking was recommended, but these photos show the scarf unblocked.My modification was to cast on 76 stitches, rather than 90. This necessitated some other changes in numbers, but the scarf still looks the same--just not as wide--as the actual pattern. I might make some fingerless mitts with the remaining yarn.

The Noro Vest--in Sock Yarn

2009-09-09T10:32:00.014-05:00

Lots of stitches using sock yarn...
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn, 70% Wool, 30% Nylon, Coloway #S233
Needles: Size 2 (2.75mm and 3mm)
Pattern: Olivia, from Noro Catwalk by Jenny Watson Designs, Book 1.
Comments: The shoulders are slightly extended on this pattern--I understand bigger shoulders are coming back! I really like the nicely fashioned neckline.

I stopped the lower edge ribbing at 4," rather than the 4-3/4" called for in the pattern because I was concerned that the knitting might puff out a little after the ribbing and at the wrong spot for my body. I'm wondering now if I should have carried the ribbing up further and made it an empire look. But this way it give me room to layer it over a shirt.When I reached the area just above the body where I had to add another ball of yarn to proceed toward the shoulders, I tried to match each side at least color wise.

However, the vest does match the socks I made last year:Still knitting...