Night Shift Knitter

Absolutely nothing about knitting...

2009-08-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

Imagine: You are in your car driving home.. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you want to know..

So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people areStaring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching ? the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.

As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None.From every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.North. South. East. West.

Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, holy, holy.. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet.

The angels t urn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is.. Jesus.Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration:I am the Alpha and the Omega.The angels bow their heads.. The elders remove their crowns.. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters..

Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy.. All that mattered, matters no more.. For Christ has come.

From makenna's blog, serious words of wisdom

2009-07-09T11:57:00.002-04:00

This has been altered into generic terms. It came from a blog of a mom who writes very honestly and openly about the challenges of having a child with a serious medical condition. I thought it was wonderful -

the blog is www.caringbridge.org/visit/makennajohnson

I just wanted to tell you not to be afraid to live your life. You HAVE been equipped to handle this situation. You may feel lost, scared, and unable to handle it, but God has anointed you and called you to this unique time. YOU, no one else. He has and will continue to give you the strength you need to face whatever is to come.

"Stay alert! Whatch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a rouaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Like trying to convince you that you can't handle this situation and sowing seeds of doubt. Don't listen! Focus on the Lord and His promises.

"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:9)

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor 15:57-58)

Insomnia sucks

2009-06-04T15:23:00.003-04:00

I feel like this might start off like an AA meeting.

Hi, I'm Mollie, I have insomnia.

But it's true and it's lousy! You would think that sleeping should be "easy". That it's natural, just let it happen. But the drag of having insomnia, especially when it lasts long, is that when you lie down, you get nervous about not being able to sleep or stay asleep. And because you're nervous about sleeping, you don't do it. It's a vicious cycle, well documented in medical literature.

Another documented fact about insomnia, is that when you're sleep deprived, there's a chemical phenomenon in the brain that generally helps you stay awake and overcome the fatigue. However, it's like an on switch, and over time, it's tough to switch off!

I haven't blogged in forever, mostly because I haven't wanted to write about insomnia and give it any more "control" over my life than it already has robbed me of. But here it is. Not that anyone reads it anyway.

*sigh. In life there are definitely much (MUCH) worse problems to have, and for that I am grateful. I have a great husband, terrific kids, health, a job! I have an entire stash of yarn. (Why, I might add, is it SO much fun to buy yarn and that I don't have enough time to knit!!!)

Proverbs somewhere says "when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet". Here's hoping!

Something to consider

2009-01-20T15:19:00.002-05:00

Know how sometimes you just get tugged inside for the compassion of someone else? Like when you see someone helping another person, or even when Jesus was moved by the widow of Nain? I stumbled onto a blog that I've been reading for a while now, probably through the blog of one of our church friends, that has done just that tugging on me.

www.themicahproject911.blogspot.com

should explain the story much better than I can. It is a 7 year old's desire to help people, and he is motivated to activity. And he has parents who are helping him run with an idea.

It's just good reading!

Another wonderful quote

2009-01-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 31:13 "(a wife of noble character) selects wool... and works with eager hands."

Whoo-hoo!

an excerpt on childhood cancer from Devin Reid

2009-01-10T18:20:00.002-05:00

... who passed away this past week. www.caringbridge.org/visit/devinreid

I never met this man, who was 19, but wow, did he live life!!!

After starting the bulk of my book I have realized, Wow! This is not going to be easy. Having to relive some of these days, not fun, it scares me, this is not in anyway a fun story. On this very personal level I have become attached to and I believe all who have had cancer the all of the cancer patients I have met. Their pain is my pain. There deaths are a {burden?} on my soul, never forget. But it is good to know that when I think of them and reminisce about them all I see is smiles, beautiful and everlasting smiles. If this was in writing…there would be tears on this page. Lives taken, friends….Lost. I guess, anyone of those people could have been me. Their deaths were not due to there lack of passion, or strength, or will to live. They were all fighters, fighters in a war that was to big for their age, but that didn’t stop any of them, if anything, that is what made us strong. When common sense and logic say NO but you say YES, physically, mentally, and spiritually, with all your heart, and all your soul.That is what made things hard, not just for the teenagers, but the younger ones as well. The death of friends. After a while it becomes harder and harder to get too close to the newer people, you know what can happen, what has happened, but eventually, like always, you open up to those people and form bonds with them because you need them, just as much as they need you. And after all of those deaths, and sacrifices, a new death, the death of another friend, it hits you just as hard as it did the first time. That is why I hate going back to New York, to the Ronald McDonald House, not because of the smells, or the wind, or the way {finish this sentence}. But because when you go back, you find out who’s not there. Please say a prayer for all.

Thoughts on increasing stash

2008-11-04T16:03:00.004-05:00

This is a fun little bag that I knit out of "Straw into Gold" that ended up being kind of fun. I didn't really use a pattern other than to get the general direction to knit in. It's got fringe at the top which was fun.

I have visions of this blue colorway miraculously turning itself into 3 pairs of fun slipper socks but think the project might be too much for me. We'll see...

These are some photos from a "take" at a going out of business (again) yarn sale. When I got home, all I could envision was the way our dog used to roll around in the grass just because. I had a few mental vacations of doing the exact thing in the new yarn.

This is one of the new yarns last night. It's 3 times the size now and might grow into a Christmas gift. Act surprised if you see it again... jk. Fun to knit with, it's Karabella Festival.

Finally, the gator scarf from Morehouse Merino. Fun knit.

Happy Election Day.

And another annoying political thing...

2008-10-17T16:54:00.001-04:00

Can someone explain to me exactly the reason why my "do not call" registry does not apply to political calls?? Why are they exempt?

Trash bag starter kit

2008-10-10T17:26:00.003-04:00

The other day, we pulled into our driveway to find a political bag taped to our garage door. It was a trash bag for the car. It was nice of this party to start filling our trash bag with some campaign flyers.

Finally, photos

2008-09-30T12:49:00.003-04:00

These two are the whole gang mini golfing in North Myrtle.
This is what happens when you have the air conditioning set quite cold and take the camera to the beach. it really wasn't hazy! The girls always like "pre-ocean" pictures as post ocean pics tend to have salt and sand and messed up hair.

Above, sunrise from our Condo in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Hot but beautiful. Below, a half finished Gator Scarf, pattern from morehousemerino.com -- it cracks me up.
The next 2 pics are of the market bag from Knitty. There is a "prefelted" photo someplace earlier. Fun shape. It always amazes me how small felted things actually get. I think I would have made this bigger. But I really like how the colors blended.

That's it for now, happy knitting!

Not too late for some summer reading...

2008-08-21T08:33:00.004-04:00

Had a great half a day finishing a great book called "The Shack" by William Young. Thought-provoking. Beautifully written. Tackles some very hard questions. I can't wait for my wonderful husband to finish the book so we can talk about some of the subjects raised.

We travel to Myrtle Beach in a few days. I might just read to him in the car.

Check out the prizes

2008-07-24T08:38:00.002-04:00

Sometimes yarn contests have little to do with the yarn. Here's one that celebrates a knitters 4th anniversary. http://coffeepuppiesandknitting.blogspot.com - check it out.

I'm hoping for some photos by the end of the week. Knitting furiously (in the severe time restrictions I have) so I can finish something -- anything -- because I have a new pattern.

Time to Knit

2008-07-10T07:35:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately no pictures, but have another FO - the felted bag. Thanks, dear friend SC for fixing my handles. Felted up beautifully, still drying, can't wait to start using it.

Nearly done the little looped ribbon purse from One Skein Wonders.

Ordered a pattern from Morehouse Merino for the Alligator Scarf that I just can't seem to be able to put out of my mind. I'm picturing one in Flyers colors around every neck in our Christmas Card photo this year...

Off to beautiful Avalon NJ later today. Can't wait.

Bumper Sticker

2008-07-03T11:36:00.001-04:00

Saw a nice bumper sticker that was so appropriate for July 4th:

Land of the Free
Because of the Brave.

Thanks to all of our armed services and their families for their sacrifices.

contest link

2008-06-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

http://theknittingwildflower.blogspot.com/2008/06/blogiversary-contest-begins-and-waht-i.html

Run on over and say hi! There are good sock stories posted there.

Finally some knitting photos...

2008-06-20T13:56:00.004-04:00

Here are some photos of some knitting - wish there were more hours in a day! This is the French Market bag from Knitty.com before felting. I loved how the bottom swirled like this. It's just Patons Classic Merino from AC moore with a 40% off coupon. More pics follow.
Here is the fallout from the clearance sale at the LYS a few months back. I can hardly stand it.
Here is my 12 year old graduating from Elementary School. We had one of those "oh my goodness" moments when she put on the dress. Frightening!

This is the little face cloth that I found on a friends blog. Easy and fun. It's chenille in pale pink.
These are Maine Morning Fingerless Mitts that were really fun out of this Louisa Harding Kimono Angora. There are a few (okay, there are 11) more in my stash.
This is another view of the French Market bag before felting.
Here is why it's not felted yet. These handles are Kitchener stitched together and I don't like how they lay.
This is the other handle. It just bugs me! Any ideas much appreciated!!

Next on the needles is a little purse with looped fringe that I haven't done before. And after that is Subway Mittens because they look fun.

Why on earth?

2008-04-28T17:07:00.002-04:00

Everyone has those moments where you realize at some point along the road, what did I get myself into? What on earth was I thinking?! What possessed me to get involved with this?!

Something I've never done before would be to assist the hospital at which I work to completely convert from their old data entry system/assessment/patient care access ("computer system") into a completely new one. All departments from nursing to pharmacy, admissions to morgue, inpatient, outpatient, everything. What was I thinking?

Go live for this project is scheduled for May 1. It was brought to our attention last week that this coincides with "Mayday!!" All I can picture is Leslie Nielsen and Robert Hayes in the movie Airplane.

The biggest drag is that I visited the closeout sale at my LYS and all that luscious yarn (that was a steal!!) is calling me. Knitting? Needles? Right now it's all collecting dust. And making me irritable.

So no pictures, this post is probably something I don't have time to do right now, and I'm sure no knitting until at least May 15, when our mandatory 24/7 support for this conversion ends.

Ahh, cashmere!

2008-02-21T12:13:00.005-05:00

Here is the first attempt (of 3) to knit and finish a project with some luscious cashmere and silk yarn.

The cashmere finally grew into this:

And for some reason, I felt compelled to take a pic of some ball band dishcloths, which were a lot of fun to knit. Pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting.

Current projects include: the same sock (singular) from... well, I think it's been on the needles since November 06 ??? It may never get finished. It certainly will never have a mate. There has been significant thought to the flammability of sock yarn on or off bamboo knitting needles.

I didn't really need to do that

2008-01-31T09:08:00.000-05:00

Ever do something, and then go, now what on earth did I do that for?! I don't have time for this! Or even better, "I could be knitting!"

Got my invitation from Ravelry in October and thought at the time I didn't really need to photo my stash or update projects. I mean, I have a blog I ignore enough and don't add as many pics as I want to. But the other day, I was informed that you don't have to do all that, you can just look around and see what other people are knitting. Well, that's where I've been the last hour or so while the dust settles and my laundry screams... you know the drill.

There are yarn reviews, patterns, many of them free, photos. From tried and true actual knitters, many of whom it seems don't want you to buy the book/yarn/kit/needles/pattern etc. They are motivated by the love of the craft.

Gonna cut this short, headed back to Ravelry! User name: nightshiftknits.

Knitting is actually a Love Language

2008-01-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

One of the best books ever written as far as being practical (aside from Knitting technique books, of course!) is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It discusses how we all have five love languages but are most blessed, or touched, by one (or sometimes two) of the five. The five love languages are: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, and Gifts.

Knitting encompasses all of these love languages; let me explain. Knitting is definitely physical touch -- who can resist the feel of a soft yarn and the differing textures of fiber? And when we admire knitting, does anyone NOT run their hands over the weave? Or is this why yarn shop owners follow me around as I feel my way around the store?

Knitting is gifts, too -- even when we make something for ourselves or our home. It is generosity, a labor of love, lots of hours combined with stitches and colors. And if you haven't been gifted by a fellow knitter an extra ball of yarn, it's a great feeling! More on this in another post!

Knitting is quality time -- a cherished and precious commodity, to be sure, is our time. In these busy days of _____________(you name it, or substitute "life"), to be able to create something in a few minutes here and there is an expression of love.

Knitting is also an act of service. Go visit a LYS knitting class if you're skeptical. Knitters help other knitters. Knitters offer instruction. Knitters stop what they are doing to admire something, to lend a hand. Go to a knitting group and look around. And when we knit something for someone, it is more than yarn and stitches, it is an investment. It represents hours that actually could have been spent doing something else.

Knitting is, lastly, words of affirmation. We encourage, we love it when there is a compliment. We offer support, direction, praise for quality and effort. Yarn store owners know this : "that would be a great color on you", or "imagine this yarn as a hat/sweater/wrap/sock", or even the inevitable "feel this" as they put it in your hand! We all remember the nervousness as we show off a project and the warm fuzzy (sometimes literally -- you know, that might just have originated with knitting?!) we get when our work is affirmed.

Sorry for the long post, but knitting for me is definitely a love language! And if you haven't read the book, I strongly recommend it!!

A Mistake I won't make Again!

2008-01-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

I did something really stupid. I knitted a ... well, what I thought was a very nice Fair Isle wine bottle cozy. It kind of got renamed to a Stoli cozy because I stashed a bottle of Stolichnaya vodka inside for my mother in law for Christmas.

The mistake, you ask? Because it sounds like a "win" all around so far. Simple - I forgot to take a picture of it!!! It was light blue with rose and green and gold. And some burgundy. But it is only a memory right now. It was ribbed at the top, with eyelet for the burgundy cord.

I realized it right after I gave it to her and have been considering stealthy ways to perhaps capture the item on digital camera. I'm still working on it and welcome any suggestions!!

Ugh!!

2007-12-24T16:52:00.000-05:00

Haven't knitted a stitch in over a week and fortunately don't have any knitted Christmas gifts due in the morning.

Merry Christmas, fellow knitters and non-knitters. Here's hoping for a beautiful day with family. Remember always the reason for the season!

Dancing with the Angels

2007-12-20T15:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share another blog story about a beautiful little girl named Ellie. Her mother has been sharing the incredible journey of their daughter's life with Neuroblastoma, since September 2006. She is, as her mom said, Dancing with the Angels tonight. The host of the knitting group I've attended knitted for Ellie.

She leaves behind a family who is hurting but hopeful - they know they will be reunited with her, and that her pain and suffering is over. She has a little brother Ethan who will certainly miss her.

Just wanted to share. It's too important. Hug your kids, tell your spouse they are loved. Pray for Ellie's grieving family.

Not what I had originally intended

2007-11-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, like many knitting projects, I'm coming to find, these booties started off with another destination in mind. They were supposed to be Ugg type. The pattern was cute, from knitty gritty or DIY, and called for yarn I wasn't willing to pay for. So the substitution began, and so did the frogging. I completely finished the boot once, ripped it out completely. Then the sole arrived again, was ripped back to a reasonable size for a 4 month old rather than my 23 year old son, and then the uppers... Without exaggerating, I suppose it's seen 6 revisions. Anyway, I'm pleased enough with the results, but they look more like Indian moccasins than the boots they started out to be.

My niece's son I'm sure could care less. And my niece will most likely never miss the Ugg's they could have been.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

On the eve of the day that we pause to reflect on the "good stuff", I just wanted to wish everyone in my life (both the real part and the virtual part!) a very happy Thanksgiving!

Itching to sit and do some knitting tomorrow and wishing you all the same!!!

I'm thankful for God and merino and family and cashmere and friends and alpaca and church and wool and health and angora and my home and fiber and ...

4 minutes well spent

2007-11-09T12:29:00.001-05:00

If you haven't seen this, or seen it recently, check out this amazing video. And if the video doesn't do anything for you, it's still a great song!

Don't Faint

2007-10-31T11:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know two posts in one day is ridiculous. However, this just came. I am smiling just like the box. Except not cardboard, and not black... you get the idea.

Here is what came. Woo hoo! I was just playing in my stash just this morning.
If there's no post for a while, this is probably the reason. Plus, the two posts today should cover me for a while. Don't call the authorities; I'm sure I'm okay!

Riley's Bear Hat

2007-10-31T07:18:00.000-04:00

My very good and longstanding friend has her first grandchild. Never mind that Riley is now almost 4 months old. This pattern came from Knitting to Go and knitted up quite nicely. But I thought it was missing something.

So I added the little tuft on his head, knotted securely. I think it gives him some fun. The eyes don't show up well but are duplicate stitched in.
Here is a set of "wristers" or whatever. My oldest girl has been wearing them to school but traded them in on a costume for Halloween today. It's the only reason they're photographed. Pattern from "Weekend Knitting".
And here is the dreaded sock. I'm on the foot, probably mid-way through the decrease on the instep. It's not doing much for me but I want to finish one of them and then find a one-legged friend to give it to.
Here is the annual parade of pumpkins. I free-handed a moose well, okay, I had a photo of one and enlarged and copied it, but with my hand. Craig carved. I think it is just darling. Might become a Halloween pumpkin tradition.
Happy Halloween!

Finished Objects (posted October 24)

2007-10-15T16:16:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things I've been doing lately. These are wine bottle cozies and they were just TOO fun!!. Check out the little blue bag on the right. Guess what that is? Sock yarn. I don't even particularly want to knit with it. But the stripes I thought would be... fun. Oh no, does this mean I have been somehow infected with some sort of knitting sock virus? I haven't finished the one sock I've been irritated with. There are no pictures of it, but I worked on it today and actually now I think I want to finish it. Stay tuned.

Here is the view of the bottom of the one -- I thought it looked pretty neat. The red and white one is some random stripes etc I thought would be fun and that pattern is called Labrador Diamonds that I think I got from a book of mitten patterns.

This is the "South Seas Table Runner" finished. It will eventually have some shells or buttons on the edges. When I finish my sock!! The candle is one of my favorites from a store in Peddler's Village in Lahaska, it is a MOOSE.

Oh, and another new discovery in my own backyard. What a cool place! By my own confession I am not a yarn shop maven but this one was completely set up by color. A warm room, a cool room, black/white and neutrals. Fun stuff!

Not a Yarn Store for miles

2007-10-09T15:50:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, we accompanied some dear friends to NYC for the weekend. Had big plans for covering the big apple and of course I had big plans to find some yarn! But for all the preparations, I had not scouted out the locations of I'm sure all the wonderful stores in the city. So here are some photos. We had an awesome time! I had never seen Times Square before so I was absolutely enamored!!!

Here is the WTC site. I kind of like the NYC hat reflection. Amazing to see the rubble still there. Very sobering.

Here are Lindsay Steph and lady Liberty. Great weather and a very nice Liberty Island and Ellis Island excursion.
Here we are and I have really bad wind-blown hair! NYC skyline (financial district) behind us.
Here we are in the Ferris Wheel inside the ToysRUs in Times Square.
Here is Paige hamming for the camera; Times Square was really cool.
Her shirt says "I didn't ask to be a princess, but if the crown fits..."

Thanks!

2007-10-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your words of encouragement. It's kind of like labor, making a sweater, I think. Now that one is done, I'm actually thinking about maybe... someday... "having another". Of course, since the last one did actually take me 9 months to knit, by the time I'd be done it would be hot again. Need to plan better. Or knit more.

I look forward to some photos of the yarn store in Myrtle Beach that I didn't make it to. Thank you in advance for my vicarious visit there!

I have a mistake (dropped stitch) in my sock and I'm seriously considering abandonment. And possibly destruction. I think I dropped the stitch doing the lace pattern so I can't even just go back and catch it. sigh.

Happy knitting!

Bring on the cool weather!

2007-09-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

Ahh, completion!!!

The sweater is finished. Now if it was only cold enough, or cool enough, to try it on without breaking into a sweat! I really like the neck that I was so fearful about.

I understand that casting on a lot of projects before finishing those already started is sometimes a sign of creativity. I completely agree, for most people. But I think I have self-diagnosed knitting ADD. I can complete 2 rows of a project that I really like (you can read obviously not my socks in progress) and already be thinking, I would really like to work on _______ now instead. And if there isn't something in mind already, or if I have already picked up the three projects already on the needles and knitted two rows, I am nearly driven to start something else. And I can't affix a positive label like creativity to this. Most often I resist. Although, mostly I barely have the time to sit long enough to knit two rows. on any project!!

I can only imagine what would happen if I actually picked up that cashmere yarn I daydream about. I'll bet I wouldn't put that down!

Knitting in Heaven

2007-09-21T17:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, the prompting for this post is that it is about 86 degrees with high humidity and I have been seaming a sweater...

In heaven, there will be a ski lodge type building for knitters. Rustic, country, huge windows from floor to ceiling. Fireplace open on 4 sides, blazing fire. There will be varying degrees of chilly-ness. Perfect for knitting with wool. Perfect to bundle up in that cozy throw. Perfect motivation to finish that wool sweater.

Did I mention that it is 86 degrees? Did I mention that it is the first day of autumn and I am resisting turning the air conditioning back on? I realize I choose to live in Pennsylvania, where it is not uncommon to have heat and air conditioning running in the same 24 hours period of time.

Back to the lodge ... a perfect assortment of couches and chairs. Footstools to prop work up on. Plenty of end tables to hold books, patterns and the occasional beverage. The view out the window is, what else? Beautiful snow. Snowflakes, evergreen trees with snow laden branches. A cardinal sitting on a limb. Knitters everywhere. None of us are sweating. I haven't quite worked Jesus into the scene, but I'm sure he is knitting. Or coaching knitters. Or perhaps creating a multi-colored sheep that you can pluck an end of yarn from and knit right from the animal. (humor me, it's my fantasy and God can do whatever he wants with the sheep) Maybe the sheep could double as the end tables?

Ahh, knitting in heaven.

LYS visit

2007-09-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

Finally got to a LYS Lambs Wool that is only 20 minutes from my home but I'd never been there before. There was more yarn in one building than I'd ever seen before in one place. I'm sorry, S..., even your stash didn't have quite this much. Although if you were hiding a bunch somewhere, well, then maybe...

And actually I didn't purchase anything. I hope that wasn't a crime or anything. I guess I really should have picked up something as "rent" for all the wool I ran my fingers through and daydreamed about.

Project updates

2007-09-14T15:35:00.000-04:00

This is the lace table runner "South Seas Table Runner" in KnitPicks ShineSport. It's cotton, fun to knit with, and the lacy pattern is super easy - a 4 row repeat. I hear blocking does wonders for lace so I'm anticipating liking this even more when it's done! Currently it's just over half way. That is a 9 inch dpn next to it to give an idea of size. Supposed to be 13 x 24 when complete.

Here are Jess's fingerless gloves. The ends sewed in... okay. I am pleased enough.
Here is how they look on. This pattern is modified from "Weekend Knitting" - I didn't like the garter stitch cuffs and prefer a rib. I'm glad I changed it. I think the fit is better this way.
This was a fit of "I need to finish something and avoid the socks". It is a kitten cloth, about 8 inches square, out of two strands of 100% cotton chenille is a very pale pink. I got the yarn on ebay and learned a very important lesson that if it doesn't say from a smoke free home, it isn't. Some febreeze, a ziplock bag with a dryer sheet in it, finished off with some sunshine has worked magic. Seriously you would never know. Thought the cat pattern was cute; also have a moose pattern to try but I don't think I'll like it in pale pink... Moose deserve better than that!
And lastly, here is our geriatric dog Luther. His thrills in life are knocking over the trash can and eating dog bones. He is deaf and blind and almost 14. Wow.
Back to knitting. I've got the bug! And I may start something else (my startitis is a real problem) to avoid those dreaded socks!

So did people knit in the Bible?

2007-09-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

I wonder about Old Testament knitting.

David writes in Ps 139 about being "knit together". I wonder if his great-grandmother Ruth learned to knit?

Looks like God also knew how to knit -- and doesn't that just make every modern-day Christian knitter smile!! -- as if creating David wasn't enough, apparently David and his buddy Jonathan were "knit together" on a soul-level. Picturing a finished knitted piece, it just speaks volumes on what a friendship can look like.

New Testament has less references, but Col 2:2 talks about being knit together in love. How cool is that? Makes me want to go knit a friendship shawl. Also makes me want to go buy that cashmere yarn at the LYS down the road!

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

2007-09-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

Ah, back to school. The season triggers memories of nervously getting off the school bus. New lunch boxes. (I remember having an Emergency 51 lunch box once. Also Adam 12. And either the Partridge Family or the Monkees, I'm not sure)

Now my kids are nervous and I am considering what LYS to visit first!

But on to other things. And projects: the sweater is blocked, the fingerless mitts - one set completed, the other awaiting a compassionate knitting pal's assistance, the socks, all 2 inches of them, are about to be stuffed into an envelope and mailed somewhere. Anywhere. The box is felted. I did start a "South Seas Table Runner" while on vacation and that's maybe 1/3 done. It's a lacy type pattern that makes big holes! So my UFO list is still pretty much unchanged. I wish it was easier to finish something than to cast on something else.

Labor day should mean lots of knitting!

2007-09-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Wishing all my fellow knitters time today for a lot of knitting.

Myrtle Beach accomplishments

2007-08-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

Here is some knitting, half finished on the drive down. It is by title a "Large felted box" - I disagree with the name because it's only about 8 inches square! Before felting, too. It's knitted from handle, across the bottom, to the other handle. Then the 3rd and 4th side by "pick up and knit" and then a simple seam up the four corners. It is 2 threads of "carpet yarn" which is really stiff and I added a cream thread of maybe sport weight just for kicks on the top 6 rows above the handles. I still plan to felt it a small amount. This box is filled with little paper stars made by Paige, who is completely better except for low energy and an intermittent cough.

Here is Craig and Steph's silhouette against a stormy mid afternoon sky. This was followed by pounding rain and thunder and lightning. It was great. One of my favorite things to do is watch lightning storms! This is taken from the balcony of our condo.

Here are Nate and Jess (son and his girlfriend) at Teddy Town in Barefoot landing.
Here is Paige and her dear friend Hannah who we linked up with at Myrtle Waves water park. She had a great day visiting her friend and it made for a great way to end the week.

And here are some of our wonderful friends, too. It was so great to see them. The only regret is that we never got that game of Speed Uno in. Next time, for sure!
Next year vacation plans: more knitting, less illness, visits with friends, maybe a cat sweater, definitely a yarn store!

Plans go awry in Myrtle Beach

2007-08-27T15:22:00.000-04:00

*Sigh. Didn't make the yarn store. For very good reason, though, I might add. My youngest came down with a nasty fever the day before we left and it remained throughout the entire vacation - from 100.4 to 102.8 - despite all our best efforts and an emergency doctors visit and antibiotics. On the up-side, she did great with all of it. She was able to go to the beach, pool, shopping, even the wave park with friends (check back later for photos).

Turns out, after a visit to our home pediatrician, that she probably had "walking pneumonia" and has already responded pretty well to the change of antibiotic.

Craig and I actually did head out briefly, picked up a few souvenirs for those saints watching our geriatric dog while we were away, and I only changed my mind about 8 times about wanting to go to the yarn store (let's go, no we probably shouldn't, oh let's go anyway, we should go home, etc). I am married to a very patient man - not even a breath of frustration when I finally called it off for the final time.

But while we were on our way home, I think I could hear that cashmere from our LYS calling my name. Or perhaps it was my stomach growling, I'm not sure.

A Happy Discovery!

2007-08-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

I have a knitting friend who has mastered knitting on many levels. Not the least of which is finding yarn shops on vacation and making it look like an accident. I haven't tried this yet, although my time is nearly here.

We leave for Myrtle Beach tomorrow. And there is a yarn and fiber studio 4.7 miles from where we are staying. I have memorized the directions. I have motivation. I can hardly wait!

Sweater Pieces at last!

2007-08-15T09:26:00.000-04:00

Ah, the endless sleeves are completed. The front, back with stitch holders await blocking and joining. I would try to calculate hours but realize that even if I paid myself minimum wage, this sweater would be far too valuable to ever wear!

I have a bit of fear, however, about the neckline. Well, perhaps it'll go better and look smooth once it's done. But my concern comes back to, all this yarn, all these hours, what if I hate the way it looks?

Here are my 3 little darlings. Right at this moment, they have nothing to do with my knitting blog, but the camera was out and, well... here they are.

Mild Panic Sets In!

2007-08-13T10:05:00.001-04:00

I've heard about knitters being very irrational and highly upset if they lose a knitting needle. I understand there is an attachment to them, not to mention they are usually lost while in mid-project. I didn't get it, I mean, it's just a needle. No big deal. Until it happened to me!

Cleaned out both knitting bags. Okay, actually there were three that I've stashed things into, to cut down on the visibility. Found some interesting lint and some needle point protectors I didn't know were missing. Cleaned out my purse. Headed out to the car (seeing as how I'd taken them to church with me for show and tell. Really, show and tell. And if it had been dark enough I might have taken them out during one of the services...). Checked on the floor in three most suspect rooms. Wondered with pounding heart if they had been used in a teeth cleaning ritual. Decided to check between couch cushions. There is was, quietly waiting to be found.

I think I get it now. Losing a needle is a big deal.

Conveniently, guess what came in the mail today? A "win" from ebay!

Maybe that will help me stay organized.

A Small Project is in my future

2007-08-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

Wow, may I just say that sweater sleeves are endless. I thought the front was rough until I did the back. Now how is it that the sleeves can somehow take longer than either of those pieces?

Of course, like most other mother/knitters I know, you sit down to really pound out a few rows and ... the phone rings, the dishwasher makes a terrible grating noise, the children need to be dropped off or picked up from somewhere, the cat gacks on the rug, the washer goes off balance, or some other natural or child-made disaster occurs.

And my endless socks are actually - "gasp!" - 2 inches long now. Good thing it's warm out.

I'm thinking whatever it may be that I cast on next, it will be something that is quick to finish!

What is so great about Socks?!

2007-08-08T08:13:00.000-04:00

I don't have many photos of finished knitting. Here is a cabled pom pom hat on Paige. It so suits her personality! The cable was scary until I did it. Very cool to watch it come together.

Ugh - I've been knitting this beautiful cranberry sock yarn for hours. I go around (and around and around) and it's still only about an inch of ribbing. At this point, I'm thinking about casting off and making it a bracelet.

Or a cat collar.

Speaking of cat...

This is the infamous cat sweater of http://www.myoverstuffedroom.com/ notoriety.

And this is a knitted mouse which I have no excuse for. It was just fun. Please do not attempt to analyze any knitting project.

Back to the socks... I visited a LYS last week, and the staff there was just SO excited about socks. I was gifted the sock yarn above - or cat collar yarn, take your pick - so to see sock yarn for sale at $10.95/ball was disturbing... And one errant toss into the washer... well, we'll just say that I don't quite get it.

And if that isn't bad enough, I made a very bad decision and touched some yarn hanging there that was ... well, it defies description in softness. Happened to check out the label - it was cashmere. And $36.95. My yarn mentor didn't bat an eye and told me about some yarn that costs so much more than that, I think you need to declare it on your homeowners insurance.

If I listen hard enough, I think that cashmere yarn is calling me. I may have to visit it again soon.

My Current UFO's - slated for finishing this week!

2007-08-06T08:19:00.001-04:00

Scary to list, but here it is:
My brown tweed sweater still needs sleeves and the neck
some Christmas present fingerless gloves needs multiple loose ends sewn in
some wristlet/fingerless gloves needs about 10 more rows and to be mailed!
The scary socks (seemingly from sewing thread knitted using size 2 masquerading as toothpicks!) in a beautiful scarlet - jury is still out on those

Hmm... Actually I'm surprised there are only 4 items. I think I'm going to go cast on something else now!

Hello

2007-08-06T08:04:00.000-04:00

Just can't resist anymore. If I'm going to hang out on other peoples blogs, I'm feeling the need to have my own!

So thanks for dropping in. Check back again soon.