It's been forever!!!

Cripes! It HAS been forever, or very nearly, since I've written anything here. A dear friend, Sweetpea, nudged me today and, albeit slowly, I got the hint. My excuse . . . sure, I've got plenty of them! I've been in school; I've been busy; yada, yada, yada. None of them are any good though. It just has been a long time since I've even considered writing. I haven't even been to Ravelry.com in a great while. It took teaching Sweetpea to knit to get me back to this place and to this mindset.

See, Sweetpea has picked up knitting very, very quickly. In fact, she is a sponge for it. Remember when you were there??? I sure remember that time! She's discovering fibers and patterns and techniques. It is such a joy to see it, to experience it, through her eyes - or, through her hands, if you will. Her enthusiasm for the craft has reignited my creativity. I just love it when that happens!!!

Another friend, my BFF - Amethyst, and I were chatting last night about Sweetpea and her knitting. A few years ago, I taught Amethyst to knit and she really took to it. She was patient with my teaching and practiced like crazy. She had a handicap with me as her teacher. She is a lefty and I am a righty ... that made the process very interesting. Anyway, since then, Amethyst knits alot and she knits lace. She loves it and she is good at it. When she needs a break from other knitting, she knits lace. Me - I am a sock knitter. I knit loads of stuff but always go back to socks. I've got 2 pair of socks on the needles right now. One is a simple pair and the other takes concentration. Gotta have different projects for different moods, right?

But, I digress, back to Sweetpea. Amethyst and I were wondering what Sweetpea's main knitting will be. Will she knit sweaters? Will she knit household items? It will be such fun watching her grow into her knitting-hood.

Not only is this craft of knitting productive and useful, it is joyful. It brings people together. It is expressive and satisfying and, it was missed while I was in school. Today, a group of friends in Chicago are gathering to knit and enjoy each other's company. I wish I were there. It has been forever since I've really sat and knit. I will go do that now. I will think of my friends and I will knit.

The one in which I am back on track

So, here I am - working on this sock and trying to avoid SSS (Second Sock Syndrome). We know that SSS can be fatal (to a pair of socks) as it prematurely splits the socks so that a matched pair (such as they are) is unattainable. So, so sad. . .

Anyway, I thought I'd be there on the Bellatrix pair. When we last visited the pair, the 2nd sock had progressed to the heel flap only to be stymied by a mistake in the pattern (well, really, in the pattern reading by the knitter). Undaunted and unstoppable (after a only a day or two pause in the knitting), the 2nd sock is on its way again. I've made the decision to go with the same heel flap stitch pattern as on the 1st sock (it is nice to have a pair that matches anyhow). The heel flap will be this lovely sl1, k across configuration.

As of a few minutes ago, the heel flap is finished, the edge stitches picked up, the gusset knit and decreased and the body of the foot has been started. We (me and the sock) are in to the stockinette (appropriate, no?) stitches on the sole of the foot and the pattern stitches on the instep. Now, it we are inches away (okay, many inches away as I wear size 9.5 shoes) from having a pair (yes, a PAIR) of socks!!! Now, what to knit next?

The one in which I slept

I have been having such trouble with my body clock. My original night owl has been spreading her wings and staying up until all hours of the night. I go back to school on Monday, January 5th, 2009 and I am worried about how I am going to make it through the days staying awake. Hopefully, once I am back in the swing of things, I'll keep more regular hours.

Today, I got up earlier than usual (9 a.m.) and rushed to lunch with a friend and then to Circle. Today is Twelveth Night and we were celebrating. This is the time to divine into the future; to use oracles and tarot cards and whatever other divination tools are useful to gain, hopefully, insights into the near future path. We were fortunate enough to be able to use a spirit board and tarot cards to garner some insights and advice for 2009.

Anyhow, I got home and just collapsed. I went upstairs to check email around 6:30 p.m. and change clothing. I remember crawling into bed to get warm and then I woke up at 11:30 p.m. It is 1:30 a.m. and I am headed back to bed. Must be that I need the rest. Maybe the looking into the future took the steam out of me in the present. Well, it is off to snooze land. Dreams await.

The one in which I learn humility

Okay, okay. . . I'll admit it. I was getting a bit smug. I'd started the 2nd Bellatrix sock and was just speeding through them. Once memorized (and that's easy) the pattern was a breeze. It was time to start the heel flap and I was feeling good. The 1st sock had been sitting for a few months and I wanted to get them finished. After all, what is more comfy than handknit socks? And, in a Michigan winter, what is warmer? Also, I've been studying like crazy and it was high time that the right side of my brain gave the left side a break and did a little creating.


So, anyway, the knitting is feeling great and the leg of the sock was finished. It was late in the evening but I was on a roll and didn't feel like putting the needles down in favor of sleep so I began the heel flap. I readied the sock and dove right in. That night, I did 22 rows of the 24 required. I was feeling good. The heel flap was tight but it looked good and I thought it would be good and strong. See?

Not too bad, right? Well, that's what I thought until I sat down to knit again tonight. I thought I'd just breeze through it and turn the heel. First, though, I wanted to see the pair of socks together so I pulled out sock #1 in order to see the beauty of my work. There I was, being all smug again. I sat for a few moments and just stared at sock #1. Doggone it!!! The heel flaps didn't match. See? Here is heel flap #1. It is pretty but they just aren't the same.

Heel flap #2 (the first one shown) looks ribbed whereas #1 does not. What the heck??!?!?!? So, what did I do (other than get a little cocky)? I picked up the pattern and there it was, in the instructions. "Rw 1: Sl 1 purlwise, k1 to end. Rw 2: Sl1 purlwise, p to end." I read them and reread them. Cripes! I'd done the heel flaps differently. On #1, I sl1 and then knit to the end, turned, sl1 and purled to the end. Sock #2 was sl1, k1 then sl1, p1 - alternating stitches throughout each row. Double cripes!!!

It was time to figure this out, obviously. I didn't want to frog all 22 rows but I couldn't wear socks with different heel flaps. Well, I could and no one would notice - but I would know. I wasn't sure what to do so, I went to Ravelry (of course!). I searched under "Bellatrix socks" and found more than 400 offerings to view. I began to look and felt comfortable that heel flap #1 was correct. That felt good, although it meant ripping back 22 rows (albeit short rows). Then, after several examples of Bellatrixes (Bellatrixi?), I began to see alternative heel flaps. Some folks used the sock #1 method and others had used sock #2 method. Triple cripes!!! Now what? It was time for a decision. Of course, I wasn't going to change sock #1 so that meant that I could rip back or mismatch. Cripes again!!! It was time to go afroggin'. :-(

I spent a good hour or more (interrupted with dinner, Dexter episodes and doggie/kitty petting) to get back to the beginning of the heel flap on sock #2. I want to knit more now but just don't have the energy or the confidence. Tomorrow evening, I'll get back to it. My lesson here is to be more humble, to remember to read the pattern through (and ask questions) before going off with my needles half-cocked. Now, on to rest for heel flap version 2.5.

Bright blessings to all.

Boy does time fly!!!

Cripes, time just blows by. Like so many, I never believed adults (when I wasn't one) that time races as one ages. I cannot believe that I haven't posted since March but, it must be true. I wonder if I just post during the darker times of year - when I tend to be closer to the computer. Or, i just get lazy. Chances are it is the latter of those options.

I am in a master's program now and have and excuse, sort of. Even so, I am on winter break and am supposed to be working on my master's thesis and, instead, I am doing this. I am listening to the Limenviolet podcast and knitting on Bellatrix sock #2 (finally!!!) and felt the urge to document some of this. Go figure!

I actually should be gathering up Yule gifts to mail out tomorrow. I've got to run to the post office or to UPS to get them into the transport system. But, first, I've got to wrap the gifts. Then I have to make the decision about USPS or UPS. Husband (the mail carrier) or brother (the UPS exec) both appreciate the business. Maybe I'll split up the packages when I post them. Tomorrow will tell.

We've got 10 or so inches of snow in the metro Detroit area. It is beautiful and so, so cold!!! We are s'posed to get more snow tonight. I guess that means more knitting time (to stay warm and all!!).

Okay - I am off to help a friend move homes (yes, it is December and icy and still, life goes on!).

Happy Winter Solstice to all!!

To FO or to UFO

Cripes, time sure flies. There are a few aspects of winter that I love and one that I really don't like. It is the general lack of light that gets to me. I have to watch myself and make sure that I don't fall into a pit (or THE pit) of lethargy.

In order to combat the winter doldrums, this year I vowed to work on my UFOs. Since the beginning of the calendar year, I've done pretty well. I've finished the Marquise Gauntlets in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Raven series Ravenscroft mediumweight yarn. I love these and loved working on them.









Additionally, I knit away on these "Gwen" socks. They are a Momma Monkey pattern from Gigi Silva. They were heartwarming to knit as Gigi passed away earlier this year and I was able to meditate on her and her generosity as I knit them. Also, they are for my sister who has had some health issues. I added prayers for her as I knit them.









Now, I am working on finishing an afghan that a former knitter asked me to complete. Normally, I wouldn't so such a thing but, it is for Mary's mom, Betty. Betty turns 90 this year. She's knit one of these afghans for each of her children, grandchildren and, all but one of her great-grandchildren. She started this one and her arthritis got the best of her. She asked Mary to ask me to finish it. Last July, I received a box o'yarn in the mail. It was loaded with skeins of dark plum Red Heart acrylic, the instructions (typewritten) and the panel that Betty had started. I've been stalling on working on it because I had trouble getting a gauge to match Betty's piece and because I am not fond of the yarn. Now that I am working on cleaning up the UFO pile, it is being worked. We'll see how long it lasts.

On to better things . . . it is 'trash night' after all.

Frog Sunday

Well, today is Superbowl Sunday . . . okay - the game is on somewhere in the house but I am sure not watching it. Even if I did watch it, I'd be watching for the commercials and not so much for the game itself. Instead, I had a lie in today and a lovely day of puttering.

I've done a couple of loads of laundry and I began straightening and cleaning my Atelier (I think this means studio). In the studio room I had piles of clothing for mending, yarn, patterns, sweaters for recycling, etc. etc. Now, I can see the floor and find yarns and such! Woohoo!!! Now, it is 9:45 p.m. and I haven't knit a stitch - but, there is still a little time for that.

A while back, I found some lovely natural fiber sweaters at various thrift shops. My plan was to deconstruct them and reuse the yarn. There were about 10 or 12 pieces of angora and a few of lambs wool, others were all wool of varying colors and qualities. the sweaters were good brands - Talbots, Abercrombie and Fitch, and others. I still like the idea but changed my mine for this batch of sweaters. These will go to the local homeless shelter. It has been in the single digits at night and in teens during the day. Yorble gathers up things the shelter needs and in watching this - I decided the sweaters would be going there as well. I can afford yarn. Although the idea of recycling is great - the reuse is more important here. They are going to a good home.

Okay - after that decision was made and those sweaters were set aside, I found several UFOs that needed attending to soon. One was the start of a pet cosie for the Royal Oak Animal Shelter. It was knitted of 2 yarns combined - one eyelash and another poly worsted, both in shade of red. I'd run out of the eyelash and was debating finishing the blanket just inthe worsted so I tried it. It just didn't look right. I even tried rationalizing that it was just for some kitty or puppy who'd be adopted and the animal wouldn't care what it looked like. But, the sensibilities took over and helped me realize it did matter and I frogged the darn thing. The yarn is now destined for a hat and scarf for the homeless shelter. I have and will make other pet cosies - but, not with the red yarn.

Another frog incident was with some elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool. I had been knitting fingerless gloves for my sister. These were simple with a single large cable up the arm. In looking at them - I realized the gauge was off and they were just too long and chunky (from my knitting, not the yarn). Sister wouldn't wear them. She is always cold and deserves something lovely and wearable - so, they got frogged. The yarn is a coppery color and will probably be reknit into fingerless mitts for her but in proper gauge!

So, there it is. I am now headed to knit on another UFO - the Gwen socks from Simply Shetland - also for Sister. Yea!!!

Returned home . . .

Well, I am back. I've been back for a few days. I spent a week in Florida and didn't see much sun. I was in St. Pete's and it was beautiful and warm, by Michigan standards, but we didn't get outside much. I was in a Leadership Development program that was amazing - but, it was inside.

I did take knitting along and got a bit done. I worked on the Marquis Gauntlets and the Noro Striped Scarf - a bit - here and there.

I didn't bring back any souveniers at all. I didn't have a rental car so I was limited to what what within walking distance. There were some wonderful restaurants and touristy places but no fiber fanatic help. I heard about a lovely shop but it was 7 miles away. While I was walking quite a bit - it was just too far.

Today, I finished the Marquis Gauntlets from elann.com. They are wonderful and, of course, photos will follow. Now, of course again, I want to start something new but, I won't. I am dedicated to working on UFOs and I must do that. I will work on the Noro Striped Scarf next. I do plan to do a beret to match - yikes! that would be new! I won't be buying any new yarn, though - so, I think that it still counts towards UFO completion.

Now, to knit.

Travel Souveniers

Well, I am, once again, on a yarn diet. Okay - not really a diet but a life style change. I may still buy yarn but, I won't use it right away. As I may have mentioned, I am trying to finish some UFOs this year. I want to get some projects done so that I can start new with a clear conscience.

Part of this is so that I can knit more for myself. It seems that I end up knitting so much for others that I don't get my projects done. So, I am going to try to avoid taking knitting requests this year. If I knit for others, it will be with Yule gifts in mind.

What does this have to do with travel, you ask? I can understand your confusion so I will explain. Because I am trying to use what I have and to pare down my projects, I probably won't be buying so much yarn that doesn't get knit right away. It seems that I use the purchase of fiber to help to fill my creative urges. When I don't have time to knit (or weave or sew), I buy materials instead. So, I am thinking that if I am actually knitting(or weaving or sewing), then the urges will be sated and I won't need to buy as much. Makes sense, right? Okay - follow me here . . . more knitting and less buying means I don't get to yarn stores much because I'll have less reason to go to my LYS. I won't get to see the new stuff and fondle the new fibers.

But, I travel for work and for play. When I travel, I like to bring back trinkets to remind me of where I was and when. Well, who needs another seashell toilet paper cover or a set of 50 state spoons? My plan is to visit local yarn stores in my travel destinations. I may, if the urge strikes, buy yarn from those foreign LYSs. But, because I will be travelling, I won't be adding to my stash. Oh, no!! Instead, I will be gathering souveniers from my travels. See? I knew you'd get it.

By the way, I am headed to Florida in a couple of weeks. I am traveling for work, really!!

The Knitting Resolution

Well, well, well . . . another new year and the potential for more New Year's Resolutions. Yes, I could vow to do more blog posts. True, I could vow to be more organized. Right enough that I could manage my time better. All grand and potential resolutions but they aren't practical. I find that if I set my plans for such lofty ideals, I won't meet them. Then, I'll self-judge, disappoint myself and just fall off into an abyss of recrimination.

Okay, okay - it wouldn't be that bad - but, why set myself up for the possibility.
Instead, I am going to try to do something a bit different. I am going to participate in the Finishapalooza 2008 mentioned by Miss Violet (and others) of Lime and Violet fame. It has also come up on Ravelry.

So, I am going to try to avoid beginning new project and, rather, will strive to finish existing projects. We'll see how it goes. I've got a good number of them started and would like to see some results. I do have an Annie Modesitt corset that isn't started. I believe that might be the big 2008 project. I'd like to do it for myself for October (the Witches Ball). It is a goal, anyway.

Til then. . . resolution knitting commences.

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!!! :-)

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!!!

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.

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!!).

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.

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.

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.

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!!!)

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!!

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!!