tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67097706180112148052024-03-18T21:59:44.765-07:00Knitting MotherTranslation: A Mother Who KnitsKnitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-25063513617290252992009-06-01T14:25:00.000-07:002009-06-01T14:31:49.915-07:00File under category: "Damn I'm smart"No I'm not being modest at all -- DAMN I'm smart!<br /><br />Today I brined two chickens to be roasted in the oven. I needed a v-rack to roast them and I don't own one (nor do I want to buy or store one). When I googled "v-rack homemade" I got an idea for wadding up aluminum foil in the bottom of the roasting pan and placing the chickens on top of that. Didn't like it and didn't want to waste that much foil.<br /><br />Then<br /><br />I thought....<br /><br />I thought A LOT....<br /><br />and I pulled out 3 mini muffin tins and arranged one in the bottom and the other two against that one. My result appears to be a successful homemade v-rack. What do you think?<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="IMG00295-20090601-1622.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3586242767_08c9fc9a60.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" />Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-84864258014884525432009-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:002009-05-23T07:53:21.202-07:00Projects have been flying off the needles here!I have been knitting a lot over the winter and spring. I have a few pathetic pictures to prove it:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="56 st. Size 2. Bab's. Toes 20 total. IMG00288-20090520-1741.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3549326989_80bdc42896.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Multiply this picture times 5 -- I mean, once you've seen one pair of plain knit socks you've seen them all. <br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="IMG00158-20090124-1618.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3223891130_402690e8c7.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />My newest favorite sweater! LOVE THIS ONE!<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="IMG00030-20081114-2313.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3031472392_25bbb3d292.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />The cat and the dog have officially bonded!<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="500" alt="photo.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3002080849_e17112d745.jpg?v=0" width="375" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />There was a little election in November!!!!!!!!!!! DH and I took Gabe and I had to take a pic of my ballot!<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="500" alt="Catawampus cap by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3001050344_99640e65d6.jpg?v=0" width="375" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />I knit a hat for my 21 y.o. nephew who still can't believe his aunt knows how to knit (I think he's been living under a rock)!<br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="500" alt="photo.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2989888368_d01bca9e30.jpg?v=0" width="375" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />I think the above Halloween costume qualifies DH and I for parents of the year (thanks to "my friend "C" who donated old VCR parts which helped make it official). We made him a mask too -- but it wasn't photographed. BUMMER!<br /><br />And I've been watching the birds like crazy in the backyard. The Baltimore Orioles arrived right on time. My Flicker's haven't been seen in a few months (boo hiss). But the Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are loving life as are the Goldfinch. I'm officially a bird nerd!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-38479335787529205412008-10-27T15:06:00.000-07:002008-10-27T15:16:16.784-07:00A photo updateSo much has happened lately.<br /><br />First we adopted a cat. His name is Butter (he came with the name). He was so freaked when we got him, that he spent the first week behind our couch. By day 7, he and our dog were helping me knit:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00172.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2958778398_b0170d3072.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Then Butter got so confident with the yarn, he decided to try it solo:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00160.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2929814931_5bb971276b.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />We went to Cloudcroft, NM for brief break. The aspens were beautiful and the temps were deliciously cool!<br /><br />We stopped in Muleshoe, TX, which I was suprised to learn has a McDonald's AND a playland! Who knew???<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="384" alt="IMG00163.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2944377617_fdb94b1642.jpg?v=0" width="480" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />I finished my "car socks" that have been in the car and on the needles since early summer:<br /><br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="New knit socks... IMG00164.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2945605780_dbd33c0072.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The twins saw their first memorable mountains. The pic below was taken shortly after Eli said "these are the tallest mountains EVER!"<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="Eli declared IMG00165.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2945602290_41b0f4f63a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />We went to White Sands, NM where the boys went sand sledding:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00169.jpg by you." src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2946806203_3be6534c6f.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The innocent charming face below posed for this pic after pushing me down a dune when I casually commented that it seemed an awfully long way down....he just. pushed. me. down. the. dune!!!!<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="Are this face? IMG00170.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2947754812_7610be02bb.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />I regret that I don't have any good pics on my computer that show the boys in the "real" mountains -- but let me assure you that there was hiking, elk, elk poop, chimineas, and marshmallow roasting all around!<br /><br />It was a great trip but we're glad to be home!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-27845226193744705522008-10-03T08:31:00.000-07:002008-10-03T08:35:34.588-07:00Sick dayI'm home with a sick little 6 year old today. He was feeling rotten, so we were cuddling in bed watching Sesame Street (such nostalgia value for this mommy). Good love!<br /><br />Sesame Street is always evolving to excite kids with updated music and skits. Eli loved it, and Mommy loved <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmuvPr0BlxE">this piece</a> so much she had to share with you. I nearly rolled off the bed when it started.<br /><br />Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-76956595065370354332008-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:002008-10-01T08:51:39.820-07:00Because yarn is a terrible thing to waste.Last winter I fell in love with the genius that is Stephanie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Japel</span></span> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fitted-Knits-Projects-Fashionable-Knitter/dp/1581808720/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222875315&sr=8-1">Fitted Knits</a>. Her patterns are so approachable, flattering, and fun. I jumped off and made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boatneck</span></span> Bluebell and knit with a fervor never before seen. I wore it for exactly 3 hours in early April. Then I felted it.<br /><br /><br />I called my friend, Chris. I showed her the shrunken felted mess and we had a memorial stout to help ease the blow. Then my friend Chris, who is a very petite gal and at least 6 sizes smaller than me, pulled the sweater over her head and walked out the door. Yep, that's right, the sweater shrunk to fit her size small frame vs. my large frame. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chalked</span> it up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kharma</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">knitterly</span></span> cockiness. I shouldn't have been knitting that selfishly on a sweater. I gave myself some time to digest the problems and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">recommitted</span> to doing it again. I started it sometime in July and finished it in August. Meet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Boatneck</span></span> Bluebell versions 1.0 and 2.0 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unfelted</span></span>).<br /><p><img class="reflect" title="" height="318" alt="Fw: Have I ever sent you these? by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2890724766_a462e5da23.jpg?v=0" width="424" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><p>I'm officially a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dumbass</span>. Any questions?</p>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-10880893066818673192008-09-27T11:36:00.000-07:002008-09-27T11:47:27.385-07:00About last night...I went to a <a href="http://newsok.com/article/keyword/3303647/">concert</a> last night.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00144.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2891513506_1918135ef6.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />WOW!<br /><br />Double wow!<br /><br />Words don't do it justice. Plant and Krauss were amazing. Plant's voice is pure nostalgia and Krauss' voice is pure heaven -- put those two together with a kick-ass talented band and you've got magic.<br /><br />I saw a knitting friend there (who shall remain nameless). She told me she just found out about the show 2 hrs. before it started. She was really excited to "see Alison Krauss and some old guy." When they sang Plant's "I'm in the Mood" I turned around and told her very self-righteously "THAT'S the 'old guy!'" WONDERFUL!<br /><br />It was also great being at the <a href="http://zooamp.com/">Zooampitheater</a>. I saw SOO many concerts there in college, and being there again last night was like a trip down memory lane. Great venue, great music, great memories.<br /><br />Enough waxing nostalgic. Just go buy "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Robert-Plant-Alison-Krauss/dp/B000UMQDHC">Raising Sand</a>" if you don't own it. It's amazing!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-81775832609181706542008-09-16T15:34:00.001-07:002008-09-16T15:59:49.202-07:00Happiness is...<ul><li>Temps in the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">o's</span> with NO HUMIDITY</li><li>A new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-colourscape-chunky">sweater</a> in the pipeline (doesn't it SCREAM 1986?)</li><li>The new Genius feature in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iTunes</span></li><li>My new "70's Sap" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">playlist</span> (via Genius above)</li></ul><p><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00139.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2864043288_8778a1001a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><p>What's on the 70's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">playlist</span> you ask?</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ventura</span> Highway<br />Make It with You<br />Everything I Own<br />Diary<br />Baby I'm-A Want You<br />It Don't Matter to Me<br />Guitar Man<br />Lost Without Your Love<br />I'd Really Love to See You Tonight<br />Nights Are Forever Without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">You</span><br />Love Is the Answer<br />It's Sad to Belong<br />Baker Street<br />Right Down the Line<br />Rocky Mountain High<br />Annie's Song<br />September Morn<br />Play Me<br />Holly Holy<br />I Am...I Said<br />Diamond Girl<br />FM<br />Deacon Blues<br />Hey Nineteen<br />Peg<br />Rikki Don't Lose that Number</p><p>Don't scoff, I didn't call it "70's Sap" for nothing! Oh put me in Mom's <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1976-Monza-1969-engine-327-CU-Bored-Bal_W0QQitemZ250293748823QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250293748823&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245#ebayphotohosting"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Monza</span></a> driving down Doghouse Road in 1975 listening to many many of these tunes! Mom's didn't have the racing stripes though -- it was a totally cool color, you know, something like blue. </p><p>Never fear -- I've also got a kick-ass 80's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">playlist</span> -- it's called "Skinny Rocks" - -because really, I was skinnier and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rockin</span>' in those days. ;-) I'll share that list with you sometime.</p><p>Time to get gauge for the new sweater (no, I'm not using the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">rainbow</span> colorway, I promise).</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-2247563861633854202008-09-03T08:13:00.000-07:002008-09-03T08:18:51.573-07:00One of my favorite blogsI read a lot of blogs. A recent blog posting from a favorite blogger left me wanting to simultaneously stand in my chair and shout approval AND wipe tears from my eyes. She has a gift for words that I wish I had, and today I share one of her wisest entries with you. It's a favorite not because it's written with her usual humor, but because it is written with a profound insight and grace.<br /><br />I will stop now lest I detract from her message:<br /><br /><a href="http://antiquemommy.com/2008/09/01/on-infertility/">http://antiquemommy.com/2008/09/01/on-infertility/</a>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-67055452627110211782008-08-31T20:53:00.000-07:002008-09-01T09:16:39.693-07:00What a nice shiraz, duct tape, and patience will do...Think about it -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">shiraz</span>, duct tape, and patience...<br /><br />Never mind.<br /><br />I had seen a piece on how to make your own dress form on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knitty</span> Gritty a year or so ago, but I recently bought Wendy Bernard's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Knits-Designer-Improvisational-Techniques/dp/1584797134/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220284910&sr=8-1"><em>Custom Knits</em> </a>which describes in detail how to do it again -- and, well, I just had to try it out.<br /><br />So my friend Chris (the owner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Boatneck</span> Bluebell version 1.0 felted) came over. With wine and duct tape in hand, we went to work. (The process is <a href="http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/03/dress-form-tutorial-want-to-make-exact.html">like this</a>.)<br /><br />When we were done, we had our mini-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">me's</span> (although both of us imagined ourselves about 15 years thinner.)<br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00122.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2815454435_a594f6ea7b.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Let me know if you decide to try it. It was definitely entertaining...the kids particularly enjoyed running around in them. It gave us some great ideas for potential Halloween costumes.Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-77755038472377334182008-08-29T15:45:00.001-07:002008-08-29T15:47:49.635-07:00You should be scared, very scared!I finally took the time to figure out how to make a slide show. Enjoy the last of the pics of the Bethesda style show.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-7c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2954361355563569788&site=widget-7c.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=fl&id=2954361355563569788&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7c.slide.com/p1/2954361355563569788/bb_t016_v000_s0fl_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=fl&id=2954361355563569788&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7c.slide.com/p2/2954361355563569788/bb_t016_v000_s0fl_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=fl&id=2954361355563569788&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7c.slide.com/p4/2954361355563569788/bb_t016_v000_s0fl_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-55002140843464892482008-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:002008-08-25T14:01:27.497-07:00In search of completed UFO'sI didn't make any lofty goals for my Olympic viewing knitting...other than to, um, finish every unfinished object in my house (which includes 3 sweaters, 3 pair of socks, a pi shawl, and well....that's enough for now).<br /><br /><br />What did I do instead?<br /><br /><br />I finished a market bag I started knitting exactly one year ago:<br /><p><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00102.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2796958821_97962902ed.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><br />Wow did I feel self-righteous after that. ONE WHOLE UFO finally finished after just one year!<br /><br /><br />What did I do next: I sagely <em>started</em> knitting mittens...because, as my <a href="http://www.ohmysugarpie.blogspot.com/">Alaskan friend </a>can attest, nothing says Oklahoma winters like wool mittens.<br /><br /><br />I give you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Malabrigo</span> burgundy:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00103.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2796960613_5e1730ba5f.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jil</span> Eaton (from Classic Elite):<br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00104.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2797807724_765d0e75da.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><br />It's mate is on the needles now. This was my first time knitting with both of these yarns. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Malabrigo</span> was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">everything</span> I've heard it would be, but I have to tell you that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jil</span> Eaton is way up there too. Both have amazingly soft hands...and in my humble opinion, have a lot in common.<br /><br /><br />THEN as I suffered through the Olympic track and field events, I pushed through sleeve island and finished my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Boatneck</span> Bluebell (version 2.0 [<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">unfelted</span>]).<br /><p><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00105.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2796965571_6c1838a610.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Coming soon: pics of versions 1.0 and 2.0 together and the story of how this knitter got a bit wiser despite her stupidity!</p>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-19643608416374182382008-08-17T20:10:00.001-07:002008-08-17T20:32:48.530-07:00A photo essay<img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="Kendra Eli 2 by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2755087322_2bdd4e2d88.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Eli thrived in Kendra's presence at the Bethesda style show. He worked the crowd with his big brown eyes, sweet smile, and enchanting wave.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="FW: Saturday pics by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2754911498_739d406f2f.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Seth was overwhelmed at the impending prospect at modeling. He sacked out for the entire show.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="Keever Gabe Katie by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2754255207_f00edd39dd.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />While Gabe strutted his stuff flanked by two cuties -- Keever and Katie. Hard to resist those young smiles...especially the one missing two front teeth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="375" alt="Nat Gabe by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2755087430_6800428e36.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Or the close up of the two missing front teeth and his buddy the 15 y.o. varsity cheerleader!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00083.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2769223350_4d348c3a45.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />A few days later, we went fishing for the first time. Here's Seth's first catch...which, had you been there, he would've convinced you that he was catching a WHALE!<br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="Baiting the hook IMG00085.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2768423923_41a71aae8e.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Here's Gabe working to bait his first hook. My city-boy son learned how to bait that hook and make the family proud. It was a big day!<br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="IMG00058.jpg by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2750783302_6d7705943a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br />Bananas Blanco was knit for Seth and is awaiting a new wardrobe to be sewn by MiMi. Just WAIT until you see the fabric Seth picked out for him.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" height="400" alt="Two boys and one garden. IMG00057.jpg by you." src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2750771390_9a9c8ce3ba.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Lastly, here's a pic of two cousins with the fruits of one garden. Caleb (Marty's son) is on the left) and Gabe is on the right. They are two peas in a pod. I think often of Marty and Eric or Marty and Foshee when I see them together being wild boys in the country. Those faces tell the story of the stories they will be telling for years!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-71852546481881901362008-08-06T09:31:00.000-07:002008-08-06T10:29:38.665-07:00Open InvitationI am pleased to invite each and every one of you to join the fun:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" title="" style="WIDTH: 376px; HEIGHT: 503px" height="500" alt="FW: Common Thread and an Invitation by you." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2739112648_a57efa7129.jpg?v=0" width="386" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bethesdaok.org/">Bethesda</a> is central Oklahoma's only non-profit dedicated solely to the treatment and prevention of childhood sexual abuse. This is an amazing organization and I am honored to support them.<br /><br /><p>In addition to the style show, there is a silent auction with tons of great loot -- including for us knitter fools:<br /></p><ul><li>HUGE knitting basket with lots of premium yarn, books, the Yarn Harlot's 2009 calendar, and market bag kit. </li><br /><li>A darling hand-knit red elephant (which is lovely with THREE original elephant art paintings from the elephants at the OKC Zoo)</li><br /><li>A beautiful felted cabled bag for carrying anything your heart desires</li></ul><p>Each of the above items were generously donated to Bethesda by Norman-area knitters.</p>I snapped a few pics of the auction items and tables and you can see them on the right.<br /><br />AND because my photos don't do the items justice, below is a list of just a few of great offerings.<br /><br /><strong>Norman Date Night</strong><br />One Night Stay at Montford Inn<br />Legend's Restaurant Gift Certificate<br />Wine Caddy<br /><br /><strong>Pamper Yourself</strong><br />Pedicure<br />Teeth Whitening (Office Visit, Bleaching Trays and Bleach)<br />Gift Certificate for One Hour of Personal Training and Fitness Consultation<br /><br /><strong>Family Fun</strong><br />2008 All You Can Eat Seats at the Oklahoma Redhawks (6 Tickets)<br />4 Admission tickets to Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History<br />4 Admission VIP Passes to Oklahoma City Zoo<br />(4) $25.00 Gift Certificates to Pole Position Raceway<br /><br /><strong>Indulge Yourself</strong><br />Gift Certificate for One Hour of Personal Training and Fitness Consultation<br />(3) $50.00 Gift Certificates to Mariposa Medspa<br />Soy Candle Gift Basket<br /><br /><strong>Time with the Kids</strong><br />2008 All You Can Eat Seats at the Oklahoma Redhawks (6 Tickets)<br />(3) $25.00 Gift Certificates to Pole Position Raceway<br />$50.00 Gift Certificate to Young Chefs Academy<br /><br /><strong>Dinner and a Show</strong><br />Dinner for 4 @ Toby Keith's Bar and Grill<br />Four (4) tickets to "Music Builds" Tour at the Cox Convention Center<br />Dine Around OKC<br />(2) $10.00 Gift Certificates to Italiano's Pasta and Pizza<br />(4) $10.00 Gift Certificates to Chuck House<br />(2) $10.00 Gift Certificates to Cheeseburger in Paradise<br />(2) $25.00 Gift Certificates to Alfredo's Mexican Café<br /><br /><strong>Dine Around Norman<br /></strong>Gift Certificate to Hideaway Pizza<br />Dinner for 4 @ Louie's Grill and Bar<br />Forward Foods Gift Certificate<br /><br /><strong>Individual Items</strong><br />Hilton Anatole Dallas Weekend Get-Away (2 night stay, breakfast and 2 massages)<br />OU Basketball & Bag signed by Coach Sherri Coale<br />Round of Golf for 4 @ Jimmy Austin Golf Club w/ Private Lesson<br />Elephant Painting #1<br />Elephant Painting #2<br />Elephant Painting #3<br />"Sweetheart Moth" Oriental Brushwork Painting by Ariel Richter<br />"Julia Heliconian" Oriental Brushwork Painting by Ariel Richter<br />"Postman Heliconian" Oriental Brushwork Painting by Ariel Richter<br />"Landscape" by Sue Hale<br />"Native American Shawl Dancer" by Sue Hale<br />"Tulip" by Sue Hale<br />"Dory and Beldy" Giclee Print by Sue Hale<br />Original Jewelry by Michelle E. Kelley<br />One Night Stay at Quartz Mountain Resort (with Breakfast)<br />Dallas Cowboys Jersey and Football signed by Roy Williams<br />Knitters Delight Basket<br />Barry Switzer Photograph<br />Beauty Product & Service Gift Basket<br />Texas Rangers autographed baseball hat<br />Arbonne Gift Basket<br />"Pink Granite, Wichita Mountains" Photographed and Printed by Andrus Clark<br />"Giraffe, Ngorongoro, Tanzania" Photographed by Steve Newcombe, Printed by Andrus Clark<br />Original Thrown Pot by Tiffany Couch<br />OU Football Tickets - Opening Game! OU vs. Chattanooga: August 30, 2008<br />OU Men's Basketball Tickets - 4 Spectacular Seats! November or December Game TBD<br />Original Thrown Pot by Victor Watkins<br />Italy Photograph by Mary Summers<br />"Vermilion Cliffs" Photographed by Stephen Newcombe<br />Cigar Gift Basket<br />OU Fan Basket<br />Dinner at Park Place Grill at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel<br /><br />Hope to see you Saturday (I'll be there as my kids are modeling!!), and if you can't make it then, please stop by and bid on some of these treasures.Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-37299097906641344872008-07-21T08:15:00.001-07:002008-07-21T16:28:19.078-07:00Teeth, Tweed, and Temperatures (and a note for Mamacate)In the last few weeks the following excitement (or lack thereof) have happened to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blanco</span></span> Bunch:<br /><br />Gabe lost his two front teeth:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" style="WIDTH: 358px; HEIGHT: 276px" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2682838089_2959f4938c.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><br />Seth lost his first tooth ever:<br /><img class="reflect" style="WIDTH: 324px; HEIGHT: 274px" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2656449825_a70645aae7.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />(For the record, Eli still has a "wiggle tooth" but no action.)<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boatneck</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bluebell</span> Version 2.0 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Unfelted</span></span>) is well underway. It's knit in Cascade 220 Tweed and I'm loving it. I'm optimistic that I will have it finished this week and can have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">photo shoot</span> of Versions 2.0 and 1.0 together. In the interim, here's what I have done to date:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2683476034_168eb51e8d.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Despite the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">climbing</span> temps (100 promised today), I am having a blast in the garden harvesting tomatoes, squash, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">green beans</span> (with plans for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">expansion</span> next year since it seems that the deer aren't interested in the fruits of my labor)!<br /><br />I'm also thrilled to share a pic of my first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ever</span> Passion Flower that was discovered near the garden. This is the most amazing flower ever -- doesn't it look like it should be on Star Trek or something?<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2664974269_5ac4d7fd9a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />I will be propagating this baby next spring and trying to get it to do it's thing. It's just amazing!!!!<br /><br /><br />Oh, and <a href="http://mamacate.typepad.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mamacate</span></a>, I have identified and am plunging through my first <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy">lace shawl</a>. Okay, wait, plunging makes it sound like I'm working on it nonstop and am obsessed. Truth be known, I had to borrow the needles for another project but am ready to begin my 3rd repeat. I'm working it in RY <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cashsoft</span> and am convinced that when I wear the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">FO</span> I will look JUST LIKE the model on the pattern page. Does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DK</span> count for true lace...even for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">first time</span> lace gal?Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-17065496930233314542008-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:10:00.042-07:00In which knitting, one-eyed frogs and banana pudding happen in the same week...Yep you read it right. Knitting, one-eyed frogs, and banana pudding.<br /><br />First the knitting. The Andes Mint sweater is getting there. I finished the body ribbing and have started the first sleeve. The sweater looks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decidedly</span> like arse on me, but it will be warm and as a friend said the other day, I can always wear it while doing yard work. (You'll have to wait to the end of this entry to see the pic though.)<br /><br />After a big rain this week, I spied what we later learned to be not only an <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/American_Bullfrog_Rana_catesbeiana_Side_1800px.jpg/800px-American_Bullfrog_Rana_catesbeiana_Side_1800px.jpg&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:American_Bullfrog_Rana_catesbeiana_Side_1800px.jpg&h=578&w=800&sz=109&tbnid=QzTEQeXvMaUJ::&tbnh=103&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Damerican%2Bbullfrog&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1">American Bullfrog</a> but a one-eyed bullfrog. We thought the suburbs of Oklahoma City weren't the best place for him to be when we knew of a pond that he would just love:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2568007689_8bf9ba9544.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Sure enough, he seemed to jump right into his new habitat (OH I kill myself...jump right in)!<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="384" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2568012045_8db33322fd.jpg?v=0" width="480" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />See the absence of one eye on the right? Wild, huh? We named him <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclops"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cyclop</span></a>s. We sang Born Free (okay, I thought it but didn't sing it), and we thought how happy would be.<br /><br />Then I went inside and cooked one of our family recipes, Grandmother Hall's Banana Pudding:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2574144474_5efa94723b.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Don't tell anyone in the family, but it's probably a recipe off the side of a box somewhere, but my aunt Sue got Grandmother's recipe by following her around the kitchen and measuring as she cooked. NOW, being a sucker for tradition and history, one of the fun parts for me is that I make her banana pudding using the exact same pans she used. They are around 50-60 years old. Word on the family tree is that Grandaddy bought them from a door-to-door salesman in Odessa, TX for what was a small fortune on their teacher salaries.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2568966100_205f91d61a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Here's Grandmother's double-boiler with my double batch of banana pudding thickening away. Note the butter melting away into rich sugary goodness:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2568934500_30cf1de39b.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Here's the finished product ready to go in the fridge (half uncovered so the <a href="http://www.nabiscoworld.com/Brands/brandlist.aspx?SiteId=1&CatalogType=1&BrandKey=nilla&BrandLink=/nilla/&BrandId=76&PageNo=1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nilla</span> Wafers </a>don't get soggy).<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2568138987_6ea8c3054b.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />And here's one naked boy (who just finished swimming in the pond) in deep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">negotiations</span> with his papa hoping he'll share some warm banana pudding with him:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="384" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2568170323_6bfe120b1f.jpg?v=0" width="480" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The cute naked boy won.<br /><br />See I'll take a million pictures and do most anything to avoid facing 18 more inches of ribbing.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2573327441_38548e9b31.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" />Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-88149021153051530882008-06-09T12:26:00.001-07:002008-06-09T12:39:55.612-07:00Hello Victoria. Remember me?I got <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reacquainted</span> with my old friend over the weekend.<br /><br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2557464784_3b0e9ba4df.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is what I did Friday evening with some of Gwen-the-Enabler's beautiful roving and a glass of wine. Despite what the picture shows, I DID spin some fine yarn, but it wasn't all fine. In fact, I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">decidedly</span> out of practice. I put her away with promises that we would get together again very very soon.<br /><br /><br /><p><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2556670221_d6021f724a.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><p>Gwen is on the road to distant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">knitterly</span> and fiber-enhanced lands. Travel safely dear friend and fondle some wool for me!</p><p>I worked on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-v-neck-pullover-with-deep-ribbing">Cozy V-Neck Pullover </a>and reasonably close to finishing the body. Remember that I'm using clearance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Berocco</span> Ultra Alpaca on this project, which shall henceforth be nicknamed my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andes_Chocolate_Mint">Andes Mint </a>sweater.</p><p><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2565614616_d7cb495e68.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><p>See what I mean? Looks like an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andes_Chocolate_Mint">Andes Mint </a>-- or <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gianninewyork.com/assets/images/product-MintCC.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gianninewyork.com/products/icecream-mintcc.php&h=348&w=500&sz=18&tbnid=mwVfzLPP3uYJ:&tbnh=90&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmint%2Bchocolate%2Bchip%2Bice%2Bcream&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1">mint chocolate chip ice cream</a>.</p><p><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2564793043_2e46545447.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /></p><p>It's a fundamentally busy piece for a sweater that looks best in one solid color. But we must remember, clearance yarn + lots of it = sweater. Must <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">destash</span>. Must <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">destash</span>.</p><p>The pattern is from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Stehanie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Japel's</span> book <em>Fitted Knits</em> and this is the second pattern I've knit from it (the first being the doomed Bluebell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Boatneck</span> that was accidentally felted). I will next make her dropped-stitch lace tunic from the book in some lovely jewel-toned blue cotton stash. That is my reward for pushing through 30 in. of ribbing on the Andes Mint sweater. ;-)</p><p>Off to K2 P2...</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /> </p>Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-5275443921727095842008-06-03T14:12:00.001-07:002008-06-03T14:26:10.567-07:00Summer so far...School's out. We've had a HUGE garage sale. We've had a lemonade stand. We've been swimming. We've been biking (Boomer Sooner!).<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2542196667_b9424bd467.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />After biking, there was snack -- complete with "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bwain</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fweeze</span>" by Seth.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="384" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2543111440_a6ed6132e5.jpg?v=0" width="480" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />There have been knitted socks.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2524673577_c95a281e03.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Miss Bab's Midnight </a>colorway.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2546150739_e015d1217e.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Miss Bab's Terracotta </a>Tile colorway.<br /><br />And two other pair on the needles -- one in Jitterbug and the other in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Regia</span> National. <br /><br />The biggest knitting news is that my <a href="http://knittingmother.blogspot.com/2008/05/whats-it-gonna-be-when-it-grows-up.html">Ultra Alpaca </a>copulated today. Maybe the early summer heat is melting my brain, but I found myself thinking less of color blocks and more of mint chocolate chip. THEN I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">swatched</span> and got this:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2549459818_68b418d685.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />I originally thought I'd hold two of the colors together and swatch for an Adult Surprise Jacket, but when I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">swatched</span>, I realized that the colors work best in stockinette. So I'm using the green and chocolate brown and making <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-v-neck-pullover-with-deep-ribbing">Stephanie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Japel's</span> Cozy V-Neck Pullover</a>. I'll save the taupe for another day.<br /><br />In between it all is work, cooking, cleaning, knitting, and reading (just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Purls-Drunk-Divorced-Covered/dp/0757305911/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212528260&sr=1-1">this</a>, and going back to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0143038419/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212528234&sr=8-1">this</a>.)<br /><br />And at the end of the day, we peek into our children's rooms, and if we're lucky, we get a glimpse of this.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2547650154_68391f3f29.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" />Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-9358368678487608142008-05-29T14:45:00.000-07:002008-05-29T14:49:35.457-07:00Ahhhhh it's summertime!There's going to be a HUGE garage sale here this weekend. My garage is packed with stuff, and it's not even all out there yet.<br /><br />The most exciting part of the weekend though will be this:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2528313525_88b457a8ce.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Despite what the picture shows, there will be one lemonade stand and three boys (one was in denial about participating). They're excited beyond belief. If I were a better blogger, I'd show you the pics I took of them painting the box, but that didn't happen so you'll have to use your imagination when you think about two boys, 4 colors of tempera paint, and a sunny day.<br /><br />Thirsty?Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-9760859208973236632008-05-27T16:09:00.000-07:002008-05-27T16:11:08.002-07:00Startitis (i.e. don't tell anyone I've got LACE on my radar screen)So my friend, Chris, knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/falling-water">this</a> a couple of weeks ago.<br /><br />Despite my swearing NEVER to do lace, I think this is my destiny.<br /><br />Shhhh, don't tell anyone. I've got 3 projects planned to start in 3 days. Startitis and lace. Look out!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-15764194129664555192008-05-26T10:30:00.000-07:002008-05-26T10:39:17.195-07:00What's it gonna be when it grows up?About a year ago, one of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LYS</span> had a 40% off sale. About 6 skeins of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Berroco</span> Ultra Alpaca jumped off the shelf and into my arms. Colors were chocolate brown, taupe, and green. I didn't have a project in mind when I bought them, and I've since learned that some alpaca is just too fuzzy for me. Kinda like knitting with a kitten around your neck or something.<br /><br />Did that stop me from adding to the stash? Hell no! I've now got 5 skeins of taupe, 3 skeins of chocolate brown, and 4 skeins of green. I've been mulling these colors around for a while and all I can come up with is color blocks in a sweater.<br /><br />This morning it came to me. This<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2525150734_21e6d74218.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />is going to be an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-surprise-jacket">Adult <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Surprise</span> Jacket </a>when it grows up. Now to figure out how to do the striping. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/SpiritWings/adult-surprise-jacket">This catches my eye</a>, but do I do the stripes in big blocks or thin blocks? I'm also thinking of doing the body in two colors and then the border in the third color.<br /><br />Anyone have any suggestions?Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-17019674362214669272008-05-05T13:26:00.000-07:002008-05-05T13:34:48.862-07:00Insanity followed by stupidityI pretty much checked out on April 12 when I had a long torrid love affair with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Berrocco's</span> Pure Merino Heathers and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boatneck-bluebell-sweater">Stephanie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Japel's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Boatneck</span> Bluebell</a>. It fell off the needles into this magical pool of plum goodness that had me over the edge. I finished it Saturday (May 3). I wore it yesterday (May 4), and then.......<br /><br />.........I felted it.<br /><br />Like I said, insanity followed by stupidity.<br /><br />My XL sweater is now sitting in the closet of a size S friend waiting for another cool day to be cherished and worn by someone who is smart enough not to felt her handknits.Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-29693716018660219622008-04-12T09:28:00.001-07:002008-04-12T09:36:47.078-07:00Whacked out dream!So I had a dream last night that I was in some sort of bad accident that crushed my wrist. I had to have the entire wrist and most of my hand reconstructed with pins. The hitch, the pins were magnetic and every time I picked up my <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/6+Nickel+Plated+Double+Pointed+Knitting+Needle+Set_ND90298.html">Knit Picks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dpn's</span></a>, they stuck to my wrist and hand like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">super magnets</span>! Yeah, I know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whacky</span> eh? Really more of a nightmare!<br /><br />So check out my latest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Smooshy</span> creation:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2406261846_15ddef3e72.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The color is (translated) In Wine - Truth. The colors are every bit as enchanting as the last colorway, Cocoa Kisses. Between the two pairs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Smooshy</span>, I had 52 grams of yarn left over. I gave them to my friend who wears a size 7 shoe since there's no way in hell I'd be able to get a pair of ankle socks out of that for my size 10 feet!<br /><br />In the meantime, anyone recognize this guy?<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/2399753084_d1192abe50.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Dream on!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-30201367631108049932008-04-08T07:48:00.000-07:002008-04-08T07:54:46.010-07:00Rambling needlesI finished a pair of socks, and am 3/4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th's</span> done with another pair -- another pair worked in Dream in Color <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Smooshy</span> -- unfortunately my camera has yet to take a picture that does the colorway justice. It's amazing.<br /><br />When I was organizing my knitting life last week, I renewed my love affair with my modern log cabin blanket from Mason Dixon Knitting:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2397657144_65942ea036.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />When I bit into this project last summer (gasp!!) I chose every solid color of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Berocco's</span> Love It -- and I'm LOVING IT! I may not be done for another year, but it is so fun...mindless beautiful garter stitch. <br /><br />The blanket has been a nice for a change of pace while trying to outsmart a 5 year old who decided to "move out" to the back yard last week. tee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hee</span>!!! It's obvious that I'm completely irrational for not letting him print page after page after page from the computer. <br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2386246244_dfe7f78505.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />That's him, shortly after he moved out to the backyard. He was there 10 minutes. Don't worry, I made him clean up his room before he left.Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-4287817120018440022008-03-30T13:50:00.000-07:002008-03-30T14:01:34.014-07:00Spring CleaningI got a burr under my saddle last week and decided one of our closets needed to be reorganized. The previous owner had installed some nice enamel-covered wire shelving in the closet.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2374424535_3c782d8d73.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />However, this particular system was too small for the closet, and it didn't work effectively. I took out the shelving, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">harnessed</span> the husband to his power tools, and installed this:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2375228818_6c66c23a64.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />Nice eh? Not sexy like enamel shelving, but much more functional and inviting. What was I to do but this:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2375230310_3e66962ffd.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The green and white bag on the bottom far right was my grandmother's knitting bag from the 70's. The rest of the bags are testimony to my bag <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fetish</span>, while the yarn -- well, that's mostly my bulk yarn storage -- you know, yarns for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sweaters</span> and stuff mostly. The sock yarn, since it doesn't technically count as stash, is still stashed in the vintage trunk/coffee table. ;-)<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2375257086_402afd95a9.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shhhhh</span> don't tell anyone. <br /><br />I think my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">scrapbooking</span> supplies will be on the bottom shelves and my knitting books somewhere <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">in between</span>.<br /><br />I feel so RICH with all these shelves!Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6709770618011214805.post-82456425829361306312008-03-29T09:51:00.000-07:002008-03-29T10:10:28.593-07:00Fantasy landI'm ignoring the booties. I find myself thinking that they'll finish themselves out of obligation and guilt for all they've put me through. Nice fantasy of mine, eh?<br /><br />And while I've been in fantasy land, I've discovered the magic that is Dream in Color <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Smooshy</span>:<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2362494394_5a4da1c0cf.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />The colorway is Cocoa Kisses, and it's much much more decadent than the picture shows. The most amazing part is that the cuff is 9.5 in. long and fits my size 10 foot quite well, although I'm making them for someone else. Think about it -- 9.5 in. cuff on women's size 10 foot with ample yarn left over to repairs, etc. This has so much yardage!!!!!!<br /><br />And then yesterday while at <a href="http://www.lbyarnco.com/">L & B</a>, some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CoolSpun</span> Cotton by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kertzer</span> jumped into my hands and at $1.99 a ball, I knew it was destined to become the potholders I so desperately need.<br /><br /><img class="reflect" height="400" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2370787809_239970b662.jpg?v=0" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" /><br /><br />I'm using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EZ's</span> potholder pattern from Knitter's Almanac page 20 (using double-knitting). Just another example of her fine fine genius. How did her mind dream this stuff up????Knitting Motherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740331973684819568noreply@blogger.com2