Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bella's Got Her Groove Back


Finally, finally, I think I am ready to start knitting with some excitement and fervor again. I don't know what it was about November that got to me . . . but, I found it hard to pick up needles. Cripes, I found it hard to do much of anything at all except work. (Heavy Sigh!).

Anyway, today, I went to Old Village Yarn Shop (in Plymouth, MI) and searched for some wool to knit and felt. I am going to make a pouch for a friend of mine. It will be similar to the photo here. These are made to go onto a belt or a cord around the waist. I found some Galway wool from Plymouth Yarn Co (but the company isn't in Plymouth, MI) and a lovely hand-made leaf-shaped button for the closure. I think I will try to create an I-cord Celtic knot pattern on it. The idea is to attach the cord before felting and let the cord felt along with the pouch. If I can pull it off, the knot will be part of the pouch closure as well.

So, I plan to start this tomorrow . . . I am just too tired tonight. Hopefully, I can finish out November with more knitting zeal that I've had lately. Other things have weighed upon me lately and rather than 'knitting through them', which I know works . . . I've been just sitting and stewing. Enough, I say! Enough!!! :-)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Winter slow-down

I have been remiss in knitting and keeping track of my knitting. I've been doing a bit - but nothing noteworthy. It seems that, since Samhain, I've been just treading water. Sigh.

I've been knitting pet cozies for the local animal shelter (photos to follow later). They are simple and couldn't be more basic. I knit a rectangle or a square of some sort of bulky acrylic yarn from my stash. I try to make them squishy and soft so that a little puppy or kitty or big ones, for that matter, will get some comfort while in the cages at the shelter.

Beyond that, I've been in a mild, passive panic about the holidays. I'd swear that all year long I had these great ideas but didn't start any of them. Of course, I was assuming I had loads of time. Now, I've got a month (in some cases, less) and cannot execute these ideas (though, I'd like to shoot myself sometimes for getting into these pickles).

I've spent the last couple of days working on realistic ideas for friends and family. Fortunately, the list isn't big but much of it is meant to be handmade.

Next year, I am not making anything for anyone unless it is in preparation for Yule!!!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Charity Knitting



Wow! I am so far behind. I haven't updated much here or on Ravelry lately. Things will open up after Samhain, to be sure. This is a very busy time of year.

Anyway, on Friday, after work, I attended a charity knitting gathering at my LYS. Ewe-Nique Knits stayed open for the gathering. The knitting was in support of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter. We gathered to knit pet snuggles. The idea is to knit smaller afghans or blankets for the cats and dogs in the shelter. These help to make their cages a bit more comfortable and the blankets go home with them when the animal is adopted. Additionally, we were encouraged to bring pet food that would be donated to the shelter.

Hubby did a Costco run the day before and brought home an extra case of Friskies canned cat food so that was our donation. I grabbed some stash yarn (some unknown acrylic chenille) and knit away. I finished a cat crate-sized blanket that night. It is 2 strands of this bulky chenille in very rich purple.


This event happens monthly on the last Friday of every month. It is so worth it. This is especially close for me as all of our pets are rescues. Myrtle came from that shelter and she is wonderful.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Yarn Pimp

So, the other day I was listening to a podcast - knitting, of course, and I heard the podcaster refer to herself as a 'Yarn Pimp'. Now, before I go on, I must admit that I cannot remember which podcast (though I will post it when I can) I was listening to at that time. I diligently made a note of it, of the podcaster's name and of her website. Do you think I can find the note? Not a chance. Podcasts are my new traveling 'music'. I listen to them on the way to work, walking from the car to the building, while at lunch, on the way home, etc. etc. But, I digress.

Anyway, she (this podcaster) referred to herself as a 'Yarn Pimp' and I thought "that's me, too!" I've been accused of being an enabler (thanks to my BFF) but no one has called me a pimp, no one but me, that is. I'll admit to it; I'll own it. I don't actually think I do it out loud. You won't find me wearing a felted fedora with a long feather trying to sell yarns to other folks in some dark alley just looking for my cut of the take. No, I do it to myself! There, I've said it.

I've gone into my LYS (Ewe-Nique Knits) and into other stores and looked at yarns but didn't buy. I've done it on-line, during the day, when looking at indy dyers and spinners and I don't buy. Sure, I put up a good front. I seem to be in control and respectable. I hear some saying "look how restrained she is -she isn't buying yarn." That's me, restrained!

Then, I get home after a stressful day at work and I start to browse. Oh, I might be looking at yarn store sites or, I might be reading blogs. I read about knitters buying these amazing color-ways in skeins with fantastic yardage and my resolve starts to waiver. I even move away from the computer to try to do something else around the house and I keep getting called back. I hear that voice, that quiet sultry voice saying "look at this, ain't this nice? That skein of from etsy.com is just what you're looking for? Come on! Just for you, this yarn will treat you good!!!"

Arghghghghgh! I cannot stand it! I go to the 'puter, type in the URL and buy! Will it end? Will I ever have stash control? Will I ever be able to stand up to my inner yarn pimp???

Hi, I am Dianne and I'm a Yarn Pimp. I've gone 14 days without a yarn purchase (pre-purchased yarn clubs don't count!!).

Monday, October 15, 2007

Yarn for food . . .

Okay, I just came back from the doctor a bit ago. On my way back, I was going to stop at the yarn store near the doc's office. This is a quaint little store with loads of sock yarn (my current fave!). I held firm (being on a food diet and a yarn diet at the same time) and drove past. That took great willpower!

Now, I am seeing this doc about my weight. That is to say, I want to lose the weight. I am not approaching this in a common fashion because those methods haven't worked. I've done Weight Watchers, Eat Right 4 Your Type, Atkins, etc., etc. and just couldn't crack the code. This time, though, it is working. We are approaching the weight loss in the most wholistic fashion that I've ever done. We are looking at the physical, mental and emotional sides of things. Without going into the long and boring details, I've lost 33 pounds since Feb, 2007. Sure, it might not seem like a lot - but, for me, it is a breakthrough!!!

Anyway, I realized that part of why this is working is that I am shifting my reward system away from food. It wasn't all that long ago when I'd complete some project (aroudn the house) or some task and I'd reward myself with chips or icecream or some such thing that didn't help my health. Today, as I was driving by the yarn store, I realized that I was offering myself a fibery reward. This is a much healthier way to approach life, I think.

I am going to set these little goals for myself. If I can get off 5 more pounds next month, I'll buy Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits. More weight after that might mean more sock yarn, who knows? Anyway, it feels good.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Just one more row, please, just one more.

Well, since finishing the Fraternal socks, I've been going in circles about what to knit. Over the past few weeks, I've purchased several skeins of various amazing sock yarns in preparation for being able to start a new project. I've been digging through patterns, scouring the internet and even wondering if I could create my own sock pattern (No! I am not there ... yet!). All of this was in anticipation of finishing the Fraternal socks and being able to start something new.

Well, as we know, the Fraternal socks were born last week. So, what have I been doing with my time? I just don't know. Somehow, when I looked at the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry striped yarn that I'd purchased for the Carolyn, The Last Queen of Monaco socks by Momma Monkey, I just wasn't satisfied - rather, I wasn't excited with starting them. Okay, maybe it was because I was starting them in the evening and I wasn't in the mood to wind the loose skein into a center-pull ball. Maybe it was because I'd just finished a striped socks and I wasn't in the mood. Who the heck knows?

So, I looked to the Fawkes socks or the Bellatrix pattern, also by Momma Monkey. I was itching to do one of her patterns but not interested in something that made a bold statement like the reds of the Fawkes or the dropped stitches of the Bellatrix. Again, who knows?

Now, add to this a bit of a cold/fluey-type thing that has been going around the office. I picked it up last week and didn't get much at all done over the weekend. My mind was willing but my body was not cooperating. Either I was blowing my nose or sneezing or coughing up a bit of lung. None of those things are conducive to smooth knitting. Sigh.

On Saturday, I dragged myself out of bed and went to my LYS. Ewe-Nique Knits was busy; they usually are busy. That doesn't matter, though 'cuz Marilyn or Amy still take a moment to chat. Marilyn showed me the new Buffalo Gold fiber that they've stocked (and I cannot afford). She also showed me the socks that were on her needles; well, needle - she was knitting on her 'concert needle' - a single circular that she's been taking to concerts with her. Anyway, she was knitting with simply shetland which is a silk and lambswool blend. It is lovely. I fell for it.

I brought that yarn home - two lovely balls of a color called 'Notland'. It is a soft brown with flecks of black and a hint of beige. As I set those lovely bits of yarn on my studio table, I winced a bit. Ah, chagrin! I was ready with the yarn but, what pattern? Fortunately, it didn't take but a moment to work that out. During all my 'research' last week, I knew just what I wanted to knit. I wanted something with where the knit pattern would be the design element, not the color. I wanted something that would show off a nifty stitch and still be a lovely color. Well, I had it, again, Momma Monkey's pattern, this time the Gwen.

I let the yarn sit there for a day as I slept most of Sunday - no knitting for me. But, Monday was a Federal Holiday - Columbus Day for the Americans (Thanksgiving for Canadians). I would have some time. Woohoo! I admit, I didn't dive right in to the socks. I did a bit of laundry (6 loads) and some puttering (straightening, dishes, etc.). But, then, when all that was done, there was no stopping me!!! Knitting was my reward!

Wouldn't you know it? I'd had to toss my favorite machine-made brown socks due to holes - now what was I going to do??? As I cast on, I realized that I couldn't wear my new brown pants until I finished these socks. Okay, that's a bit of an extreme - but, its a good excuse to plug away - to spend inordinate amounts of time knitting. Aha! A juicy rationalization for mucho knitting!!!

The cast on went smoothly. I did a 2 needle, long-tail cast on. I was worried that the silk wouldn't be elastic enough with a regular cast on so I cast on over 2 of the DPNs that I was using (size 0). I finished the rib cuff in no time and started on the pattern. It is a straightforward 5-row, 5-stitch repeat that is easy to remember. It has a k3tog combination in there that can be tough on the fingers - but, it looks great - it almost looks like a cable. The leg of the sock (I am on the 4th pattern repeat) is even and showing off the stitch pattern brilliantly. Tonight, as I was finishing off the 3rd of the repeats, I was thinking that I could get my nightly ablutions (ironing, lunch-making, bathing) done in the morning. Well, though I wanted to, I knew I couldn't do that - I'd be too rushed in the a.m.. But, if I could do just 1 more row, I'd iron, or shower or something.

If I could do just 1 more row, I'd let the puppies in from outside and then I'd feed the kitties - just one more row. I swear the animals know when I am in the 'one more row' mode. The cats stop rubbing against me and just lean against me and wait. The pups stop pounding against the back door and just sit there, looking in expectantly. We all know - just one more row and we can move on. Honest, I'll write a blog entry - right after just one more row.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Woohoo!! A finished project!!

Okay, okay - I made it to Manhattan and back without checking out a single yarn shop (she hangs her head in shame and shuffles her feet). I did, though, accomplish a couple of things. Woohoo!! Watch out - I feel a rationalization coming on!

I got to see some amazing sweaters - hand-made and machine made - and they weren't all on skinny models; some were actually being worn outside. Being in the Big Apple, I was near the epicenter of fashion (phooey on Milan and Paris) and saw some wonderfy assymetrical designs. It was inspiring and it gives me a new view of "Vogue Knitting."

Besides that, I finished my red, yellow and purple striped socks. I've been working on these for 2 months. I finished the first in August while with Miss Alabama and Miss Missouri in Tennessee. I started the 2nd sock at a Detroit Tigers game, worked on it in Atlanta (while there for work) and finished it in New York City. That's one well-traveled pair of socks.

I am calling these my 'fraternal socks' since they aren't identical. Well, I don't think any hand knit socks are really identical - but, these are a bit off. I started the first sock from the inside of the skein and the 2nd sock from the outside. Consequently, the stripes go in different directions. I could say this was a design choice, but, alas, no - it was an error. It is, now, though, a design feature. ;-)

There, those are my excuses for not making it to any yarn stores while in NYC!! Maybe next time.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Squawks! Fawkes!!

Finally, finally, I found the right fiber to use to knitting the Fawkes socks. I've been hunting for the right fiber for a couple of months and there it was - almost handed to me.

I was reading the Yarn Harlot's blog the other day when she was chatting about knitting (of course!) and making socks. Well, she was really chatting about her book deadline but she was using the sock knitting to soothe her stress. She had an amazing photo of her version of Cookie A's Monkey socks from Knitty. The pattern is lovely but isn't one I want to do right now. What I want to do is those Fawkes socks from Momma-Monkey (is there a primate theme here?). I've been eyeing that pattern since July when it was published.

Hopefully, it is obvious to all Harry Potter fans that the Fawkes pattern is in honor of Headmaster Dumbledore's pet phoenix. I knew, from first seeing it, that I wanted to do the pattern is a mix of twilight sky colors. I envisioned a combination of that orangey-peachy-yellowy, persimmonny-pink, red that is part of the early night sky. You know the shades, they come on a clear night right before the cornflower and midnight blues take over. Well, it's good to know what you want but finding it is tough - especially when I had such a specific image in mind. I did come across some roving of the right colors and thought I could spin what I wanted. Then, sanity reigned and reminded me that spinning was good but I don't, yet, have that kind of control over my spinning to get the colorway I wanted. There was a greater chance that I'd end up with a yarn that looked like a squished tomato rather than the fabulous combination worthy of Dumbledore's phoenix. Sigh . . .

The search continued until I read the Harlot's blog posting yesterday. As usual, she linked to the pattern and to the fiber source. I held my breath as I clicked the link for the fiber and it took me to Knittlestick's site. I found the fiber; it is the "Sailor's Delight" colorway. See, it is even named after that twilight sky color combination. "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight." My fingers were crossed when I clicked to see if there was any left. Aha!!! There was a single skein left; my heart skipped a beat.

Okay, okay - yes, I am on a yarn diet. Yes, I'd vowed to knit up some stash before buying more; but, but, but, it was the right colorway! And, and, and, there was only one! And, it had the right name. Can't you see the stars aligning for these socks?!? Okay - yes, I've got other things to knit and yes, time is at a premium - but, they will be beautiful socks!!!

So, there it is. I rationalized (being the Queen of Rationalization!) I bought the skein. Yes, I did. I admit it, I am Dianne and I am a fiber-holic!

All that being said, I also admit to a certain amount of satisfaction and a bit of chagrin (only a bit) when I read the comments on the Harlot's blog today. I was scanning them and saw someone's comment about the yarn. The commenter mentioned that the colorway was no longer available. It was me! I bought it! (I hang my head in shame while I smirk smugly!!!)

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Stitch 'N Pitch

Well, it is about time that I wrote about this wonderful experience. On 9/9/07, the Detroit Tigers hosted what I think was their first Stitch 'n Pitch event. This event is sponsored by The National NeedleArts Association and was open to whomever wanted to attend. This 'movement' was started 4 years ago in Seattle. Seems that some crafty women in the Mariner's front office suggested marketing to knitters and crocheters as a way of getting folks into the ball park. Since then, it has spread to 25 of the 32 MLB teams (I may have the numbers a bit wrong).

The organization for the event was amazing. The local yarn and craft stores sold tickets for specific sections in the ballpark. We also received coupons for a gift bag with wonderful goodies donated by the local and some national vendors. The bag I received (perfect for toting more knitting) had several pairs of knitting needles, some patterns, some yarn samples, a scarf kit, a magazine or two and some coupons. During the event, you could hear some exclaiming about the contents of the bags while other people were bartering and trading for needles and yarns -as if they were trading cards! The goodies were nice enough that a person could start a project while at the park - just in case they'd forgotten their knitting (as if!). It was grand!!

I have no idea how many fiber artists, friends and family were there but it was easily 500 or more. There were knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers, from what I could see. Some folks had big, chunky work and others had very fine work. There were non-knitters/crafters and those just learning. You could tell who the more experienced were because they'd be huddled over someone elses work offering advice or oohing and aahing over the effort.

Every now and again, you'd hear the shout 'show me your bag' or 'that's a great sweater'. You just knew that someone's needlework was being admired.

Afterwards, Miss Alabama, Miss Missouri and I spoke of this event. They are absolute baseball fans. Me, not so much; well, I wasn't until that day. Anyway, we are talking about doing a round of SnPs next year. We could see the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers play. For Alabama, I am not sure which MLB team we could see - but, heck, I am game to travel to a third.

I started a sock that day and am almost finished with it (see the photo above, same photo as 9/19). This is the 2nd sock in the pair, woohoo! Now, I think I have sock knitting down and can start doing it for other people.

I'd bet that the food vendors found their sales skewed a bit that day. After all, one can sip on a soda or eat a wrapped hot dog but don't get the cotton candy near the fuzzy yarn!

Seems that the Detroit Tigers have another fan and I've found another excuse to knit in public.
Life is good!!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Second Harvest

Well, today we celebrated the Autumnal Equinox. Our group gathered, celebrated and enjoyed the day recounting the gifts we've received this year. We talked of family, friends, spirituality, joy, health and so much more.

We also celebrated Bill the Obscure's birthday. He turned 50 and there was much celebration.

In addition to realizing what amazing friends and family I have, I've also been pondering the abundance in my fiber life. I've been, albeit slowly, loading books, fiber and projects into Ravelry. Last night, I saw that I've got over 40 books in my fibery library. These are the knitting books - there aren't any listings there for spinning, weaving or general fibery goodness! That's abundance! I sat back to examine this a bit and realized that i"ve been doing a bit of what I used to do when I was in law school. Then (and now) when I didn't have the time or energy to delve into a fiber project, I would buy something to help satisfy the need for creative flow. Sure, it didn't fill it completely but it helped. When in school, I'd surround myself with yarn or fabric and just feel the textures and take in the color. Now, I do a little of that, but I read about it more. I want to put a moratorium on books but I am not sure that will work. There are some wonderful books out there that I want for my library. Maybe I'll cull the collection and get rid of some of the books I do have. This will take a bit more pondering.

Here is a good example of knitted abundance. I made these cupcakes from the One Skein book. These were for when Miss Alabama, Miss Missouri and I met to have a stitch weekend. We were celebrating my birthday and none of us wanted cake so we had 'cupcakes' instead. I packaged them in mini-cake boxes - just for the fun of it. The photo reminds me about how good life really is and what amazing family and friends are in my life. Thanks!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Time Flies!


I cannot quite believe it has been 2 weeks since the last post. It doesn't seem as if I've been doing very much - but, in retrospect, I have. I had to travel to Atlanta for work last week. Yep, that's right - I flew on 9/11. The airports were sure quiet. Our flight, on the other had, had a bit of excitement. Seems that some young men decided to be foolish and make jokes about bombs. Well, no one else found it funny and they were escorted from the flight (before we took off, fortunately) by state troopers. Sigh!

Anyway, while in Atlanta for work, I found Knitch. It is a lovely yarn and fiber shop not far from downtown. It took me less than 10 minutes from the Olympic Park area. The staff was helpful, the shop was lovely and they'd just opened a new dye kitchen that made me envious. I ended up buying a new spindle and some lovely merino silk blend for spinning. I also found out that the Yarn Harlot will be there this week (tonight, I think). I was a week too early!!! Sigh (again!)

The other thing that has been filling my time is Ravelry. I GOT MY INVITATION!! It came while I was out of town. I've spent a few hours here and there on it just exploring. What a gift this is!!! I am still trying to maneuver my way around (I am fatesthread on Ravelry) but am having loads of fun. These folks are amazing - the ones who thought it up and have exected it. I've got some techno challenges, as usual. I am 'graphically challenged' but it'll work out, I am sure.

On my needles: I am working on a 2nd sock of On-Line Superwash Sock yarn in bright colors; that's them above. I got to go to the Detroit Tigers Stitch 'n Pitch and started it there. I worked on it while traveling and am 2/3 of the way finished. I am already thinking of the next project so I must be close (at least psychologically) to finishing this one. I'll write more about the ball game another time.

Now, to bed to nurse this migraine.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

So, I hope I am over the creative hump. I've reached out and purchased, I've started and restarted projects and I've talked to folks who I trust and respect and I think I've got a handle on this slump (or hump, or rut, or whatever).

I learned I am not alone in this. You can find blog entries, book chapters and conversations about writer's block and knitters block and all such. I just read an entry in "Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off" in which she mentions many UFOs.

At my LYS (Ewe-Nique Knits in Royal Oak), I spoke with one of the owners and she mentioned how changing techiniques would help her get past a block.

So, I found yarn and fiber on-line. I made my first Lime and Violet order. Also, I found some lovely sock yarn at Yarn Lust's site (she sent candy with the yarn so Yorble was happy). I ordered some new needles, bare wool and dye for here and to finish it off, I went, as mentioned to my local yarn store. At my LYS, I spoke with Marilyn, one of the owners. She helped me find a book I was looking for and let me vent for a bit. All of that seemed to do it. I felt as if I'd passed the test - I was ready to move on.

So, I (of course) cast on another project. This time it is a simple childs cap. It is Debby Ware's Gumdrop Cap. So, I am all set - now, to knit!!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

UFOs

I am feeling a bit frustrated lately. I cannot seem to get a rhythm going on any project. I've got a number of UFOs going that I need to finish - this is from suffering 'finishitis' (or was it 'unfinishitis'?) Anyway, I need to finish a number of things and just cannot get to it.

Also, I've got some socks on the needles and I just cannot get into the swing of them. That is probably because they are a departure for me. I usually do socks as mindless knitting. These mystery socks are taking some concentration. I cannot do them and multitask. Sigh.

Hopefully, with this long weekend, I'll get over this hump.

Friday, August 24, 2007

WIPs

Just a short note about works in progress today. This is on my mind for a couple of reasons. I was reading the Yarn Harlot's blog about her unfinished objects (UFOs) and her various works in progress (WIP). As always, she is an interesting and amusing read.

Anyway, I am going camping this weekend and am trying to decide which project to take along. I will be the only knitter there so I don't want to take anything that is too complex (Mystery Sock) because it will take me away from the group. I also don't want to buy anything new because I am trying to finish several WIPs and use up a little bit of stash for whatever new projects I start.

I was going to take the 2nd self-striping sock (from On-Line yarn) but cannot. I only have 1 pair of Knit Picks metal double-pointed needles (DPNs) and cannot move them from the project they are in. Sigh.

One of the lessons here is that I need more knitting needles - there are never enough. Another is that I must keep a simple project going at all time!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

A Valuable Resource

A while back, I stumbled across a useful website. If you go here you will find an index of, at latest count, more than 3000 yarns.

This may not seem like such a big deal but it can be extremely helpful. For example, if you are searching for the weight of a particular yarn, you can go here and search by brand. It will allow you to search by weight, and find comparable yarns. It was helpful to me when I came across a pattern that called for a discontinued yarn. I was able to go to Yarndex and find the discontinued yarn entry and other yarns of similar weights.

It was also a benefit when I couldn't find a particular yarn from a specific manufacturer. It was something that few retailers seemed to carry. Yarndex gave me the info and I was able to get something that worked for my pattern.

There are a few yarn entries that have the option for purchase. They are hyperlinked to the folks who own the site.

OTN: I still have Mama Monkey's Mystery Socks on my needles. I had to frog the first couple of rows of the leg pattern. I was frustrated and put it down for a couple of days. Now, I am still on the first pattern repeat but it is going well. For me, this combination of cable and a little lace-like knitting requires concentration. I've been knitting them at work, mostly, because at home I get a lapful of puppies and kitties. Sigh. I love those animals but need some space now and again.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Blogs, Journals, and 'My Diary'

Dear Diary,

I've never been good about keeping a journal. I always imposed too many rules on myself. You know . . . 'I'll write every day' or 'this journal is only for dreams (or school or love, or - insert subject)', etc.

It's always been amazing to me how people can 'journal' (when did that become a verb?) every day or blog about their lives. Well, I have a better clue now and it only took 50 years!!! Blogging or journaling is a great way of keeping track of life. It is a way of providing a bit of order sometimes, especially when life seems a bit chaotic. I find myself traveling through the day and, when something happens or a thought occurs, my response is "I want to write about that." This kind of adds a level of creativity, a dimension to activity that I didn't have before.

I've always been a strategic thinker. It is easier for me to see the big picture than the details. Because of this, the details often get lost. As it applies to knitting, weaving or another fiber activity, it is difficult to recreate something because I don't have the project record to refer to for the original piece. Another aspect of this is that I've stopped myself from doing things (dying fiber, particularly) because it seemed that it would be too much record-keeping and formulae - like Chemistry class (okay, I was procrastinating, but, for now we'll blame it on the lack of blogging). With this blog, it is all a bit more comfortable. I've been reading blogs for a bit and feel less A-B-Normal. So, we'll see how this goes . . .

Now, for the knitterly content: I've been listening to references to Soctopia.net and went to have a look. This woman (Mama Monkey) is amazing. She developed sock patterns based upon the Harry Potter characters for posting during July when the book and movie were released. And, as if these weren't fine enough, now she's got a 'mystery' sock pattern on the site. The theory of this is that you cast on and knit based upon her clues. You knit without knowing what the finished product will look like. There are 'mystery' stole projects out there but this is the first 'mystery' sock pattern I've seen. It is great because, for some, investing that kind of time, energy, and money into something like a shawl or a stole without knowing the potential outcome is a bit daunting. Not so with socks. Way cool!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Knitting Pretty

Okay, okay - I am a sucker for knitting books. I especially like pretty knitting books. Well, what I received from our dear postal carrier today just took my breath away. Two weeks ago I ordered a nice little book from Amazon.com. Lacy Little Knits by Iris Schreier is pleasant and fun but that wasn't the true treat of the deal. When I ordered it, there was a two-fer deal at Amazon. You know the drill, "buy that and get this one, and you'll get a price break." Well, I was feeling rich that day and on a whim ordered the pair of books. I was aiming to get the first book and just liked the title of the second. Anyway, it is the 2nd book that is truly the gem. The 2nd book (have I gone on enough yet) is Annie Modesitt's Romantic Hand Knits .

Now, let me explain the difference between these books. Iris's book is just fine. The projects are nice but they are a bit mundane for me. There is a pleasant selection of patterns but none that knocked my socks off (even if I was wearing sandals). The photography is run of the mill and tends to be of the front or of 1 side of the knitted piece. There are a few pieces that I liked but the sizing was too small. Okay, yes, I admit to being, ahem, ample

Ms. Modesitt's book, on the other hand, is spectacular. The designs are inspired and novel, beautifully executed and photographed. There are good photographs of the overall garment and of the detail - often of the back of the piece. Her patterns are written for a full range of sizes (Woohoo!!). Just looking at the book and reading her narrative makes me think I could knit any of the patterns and they would all make me look good and feel sexy. Very cool!

In case you didn't know, Annie and her family recently relocated from New Jersey to Minnesota. Somewhere in the move and settling down, her husband was diagnosed with a rare (I think) and painful type of cancer (Multiple Myeloma). She is selling a beautiful pattern on her website to help support the family during this time of need. Also, if you go to this site, you can enter contests and contribute to the cause. All proceeds go to help support the family while so much of their time and energy is spent dealing with Gerry's cancer.

Obviously, I've finally learned to put links into the posts. Enough for now. Next lesson (I hope) will be photographs.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

All about the process

It is the strangest thing. I go into a new project with excitement - ready to do something new, try a different technique, use new colors - whatever. I will knit away, taking the project with me wherever I go (much to the Yorble's chagrin). Wow! It is grand.

Then, after I've been knitting a while, my enthusiasm wanes. I've learned the technique or tire of the color or the fiber. New knitting magazines, patterns, and websites start to distract me and draw my attention away from the project at hand.

No, I hold firm, I finish the work and bind off. Sometimes I even block (or felt or whatever) the piece. Then, it sits there. I've got a sweater for my sis-in-law, a felted bag for myself, and a lovely lace sun hat that I adore all waiting for me.

I've known for a very long time that I am all about the process. This is why I like making things for other folks. I don't care too much about making for myself 'cuz I don't need to wear/use/store it. I want to do it - then, I am finished.

I've got to kick-start myself into 'finishitis'. Maybe I'll take a day or two and do just that. I've got all the parts, yarns, fabric, etc. I just need the focus. But, wait, Vogue Knitting just arrived. Oh, no!!!!!

Amazing Fibery-goodness

Holy DPNs, Batman!!!

Have you seen the Ravelry website yet? Cripes, I just got through looking at the sample screens and had to pick my jaw up off of my desk.

I heard about http://www.ravelry.com/ in June. I, unfortunatley, didn't sign up until July 3rd. I am such a procrastinator!!!! Anyway, I heard about it through a podcast - probably Lime and Violet's (http://www.limenviolet.com/).

This is an amazing concept and looks like it will be even better in real life (so few concepts are). We will be able to keep track of our yarn and fiber stashes, patterns, books, works in progress, finished items, etc. We'll be able to see what others have completed, are working on, thinking about working on and so forth. We can look at patterns and see who has done them and in what yarn and see how it compares to what we are doing. (That all sounds the same - but, I know what I mean and so will you if you look at ravelry).

The folks creating this fantastic site are working hard. It is still in beta testing so you cannot just jump right in - not yet anyway. First, you have to sign up and wait. Then, hopefully, someday soon, you'll receive an invitation; then you can jump right in!!! I am slowly (and patiently) moving up in line. Now, there are fewer than 4000 people ahead of me in line and there are 11000+ behind me! There are already 12,229 people on it. Can you imagine a line like that for anything else?

I am trying NOT to kick myself for not signing up sooner. This is when procrastination is a bad thing!!! Sigh.

When I check my status, I get images of the Cold War era news stories from the USSR. There were reports (apocryphal?) that people had to stand in long lines for hours just to buy bread or shoes or cheese. People would get into a line without knowing what they were waiting for just in case they needed whatever it was. Well, don't wait! Get in line!!!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Bad Blogger, Bad!!

Well, I had such great plans for this blog . . . I still do. But, as they say . . . "the best laid plans . . ." Cripes, I cannot even remember the rest of the quotation. Anyway, I still want to use this for knitting and fiber arts info and blogging. My thought is that I can use this exclusively for fiber and my life blog won't interfere.

That being said, here goes.I spent the weekend in Tennessee with some wonderful friends. We try to get together at least once a year to craft. In fact, we've been doing this for nearly 15 year and, since the beginning, called these "stitch and bitch" weekends. That phrase has been co-opted but, that's okay.The weekend was to celebrate my birthday. Alabama girl and Missouri girl paid to fly me from Michigan to Tennessee. Since we are all watching out waistlines, I wanted to do something special that did NOT involve cake. The One Skein has a pattern for knitted cupcakes so, I did that. I used Lion Brand cotton in fuschia for the cupcake 'cups' and two white yarns (one with multicolored, bright, 'sprinkles) for the frosting. This was fun; I packaged the cupcakes with tissue paper in little cake boxes so that they'd look like baked goods. They were fun to do and were well received. I was listening to the Knit Science podcast after I did them and the podcaster was discussing how she was going to knit cupcakes. She described the exact same color combination for her. What a hoot. When I can figure out how, I will post a photo.