More Than Knotz

Perhaps????

2011-04-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Maybe, just maybe, I could get blogging again ... I have been knitting, spinning and designing a lot and need a place to document it. Things on the job search front have not panned out yet but I am still hopeful that the perfect career will make itself known as I keep putting out feelers... In the meantime, tell all your friends to buy patterns!!! I have recently added a few and there are more to come so check it out. You can search in patterns for More Than Knotz and find them all easily :)

Chaotica

2010-10-03T09:59:00.000-04:00

Wow...I don't even remember how to blog anymore...it took a little while to get to the right spot (and a LONG while to get revved up to post :))!!! My life has been somewhat chaotic recently -- not really the reason for the latest knitting design but seemed to be an appropriate name for the project! I have had this great cotton / rayon blend worsted weight ivory-colored yarn in my stash for quite some time and it has wanted to become some kind of cable-y, swingy kind of cardigan...I searched through every one of a gazillion free and otherwise patterns on Ravelry and absolutely none of them inspired me -- either too constructed, too cable-y or not at all cable-y sooooo, even though I really didn't want to design another sweater ... here I go again!

This is a top-down, raglan-sleeve VERY randomly cabled cardigan-jacket. I don't know yet whether it will be cropped or a-line, with or without ribbing but it is F-U-N! I hope that I will be able to build a pattern around the creativity! Sizing the pattern, which is my nemesis with a capital "N", should be straight-forward because it can be made-to-fit...yay!!!

More news..no longer at the grind ...needed to have the time and presence of mind to find a real job so am now fervently looking for my second career - wish me luck!

Also I am placing a link to MFS's spinning blog www.spinningsarah.com - congratulations Sarah!

Muses...

2010-06-14T08:46:00.000-04:00

The knitting muses are strong as ever but the writing muses are alas...wimpy ... (at best)... WOrking on a white cropped cotton cardi for DDK - top-down raglan in Provence cotton...yummy! Also (just so I don't feel as if I am out of the group-knit groove, I decided to join the knit-along of Hemlock Ring Blanket at OE...I have been teasing MFD (who is graciously leading the knit-along) that intentionally creating heat is not really that smart :) We had a heat index of 99 degrees here yesterday (actually only 96 or so) and here we are knitting with 100% wool, heavy worsted no less...we will see how far we get :) before a little timeout for the project!

Almost done with the patterns but time got away from me last week...I will keep on plugging away on them...I just want to make sure that the sizing is acurate...

Have an awesome day ... talk to you soon...

Interesting...

2010-06-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Take a look at this :) I have been listening to some podcasts while working (knitting :)) recently and came across graffitti knitting - much better than traditional graffitti I think :) who would have thunk? Maybe a new use for no longer used items ??? I have been trying to come up with where long term extended care for knitwear will be... maybe donated to the guild for raffles ... I have given to a knitting group before just for their own personal use and people seemed pleased with that... anyway the house is getting overrun so...

Here's the latest - "Solstice Shell"

Technology ...hmmmmmm

2010-06-07T08:57:00.000-04:00

My technical muse aka Elyse is inspiring me to get with it and start tweeting and facebooking more regularly...I have no idea how long this will take me but inch by inch it's a cinch so just need to start looking into it...I did some self training on inkscape (the free technical graphics tool I will be using) the other day and while I learned quite a bit, I will be publishing a couple of sweater patterns without the schematics (but WITH good measurement info so I don't get hung up any longer) ... "Bella Color-Yoke Tee", "Swinglet Cabled Cardi", and "Flock" will be finished and up on Ravelry by the end of the week (as long as I can put the needles down long enough to type :))

Blocking and Rocking...

2010-06-03T08:50:00.000-04:00

Dragonfly "Wings" is blocking...it's always a little scary when you are working with a fiber that grows when wet...but happy when you get to make up the pattern such that it takes that into consideration :) It blocked to measurements perfectly! (My math skills are rusty but in working order :)) I have totally enjoyed working on this and it will be so light and soft when complete. Next step will be to knit edgings and decide just how many wings a Dragonfly should have :)

"Magical" is progressing nicely...I finally decided on the colorwork pattern and partially completed the pattern around the lower hem - a little tricky when knitting the body flat in one piece AND decreasing for an a-line shape at the same time but I chose the colorwork band taking that into consideration so the decreases will be hard to spot - yay...pictures soon :)

Of course, the project count briefly dropped so I am swatching for a little vest / shell out of Cotton Supreme - think cables and seed stitch - great yarn - carried at Only Ewe and Cotton Too...

Hope Your Holiday was Memorable...

2010-06-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

I have to be quick because I just had a schedule change at the grind but I wanted to make sure to post since it's been a few days...

Finished "Flock" but gotta block the "Flock" before getting a final pattern picture :) - no calculations for sizing required so I will get the pattern up on Ravelry in a few days... just so you know this will be prettier on a body and the color is great (not through my camera's eyes...)

I also finished the second sleeve of "Dragonfly Wings" ... I LOVE this and can't wait to get it blocked and assembled... this probably won't get published for a couple months as I don't think people will mind waiting for an, although lightweight, wool sweater :)

A few more calculations for "Swinglet Cable Cardi" (remember that one?) and the pattern will be available and I can bring the sample to Only Ewe!!!

Next on the pattern finishing agenda will be "Bella Color-Yoke Tee" - it shouldn't take as long as "Swinglet" not too many crazy calculations...

That's it for now folks...see you soon!

The Flock is in Flight...

2010-05-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

Flock (pre-ruffle) is complete - these are pictures of the piece dry-blocked...because of my shaping, this will take some heavy blocking but I like how the seed stitch arches...hopefully you can see in the pictures...

That's all for today - gotta ruffle before shopping with DDK :)

One Can Never Have Too Many Projects?

2010-05-26T09:02:00.001-04:00

I officially have cast-onitis :) Of course, I did finish Botanica Medallion Cardi (pictures on Ravelry) and Raglan Leaf Tee to satisfy my need to not think ... :) But anyway...these are the new kids on the block...thanks to MFG and MFL and some Malabrigo Lace in my stash, I had to cast on Citron

A fun and easy knit ... only that there's a LOT of purling...I don't really mind purling but in the ruched (sp?) areas, there are a lot of stitches and my Citron hasn't even gotten very big yet! I know someone who may not want to attempt this one (you know who you are :)) because of the massive amount of purling...

Next on the roll we have "Flock", a shawlette with a simple lace ruffle planned...my Madeleinetosh "Pashmina has been calling to me ever since Stitches South! I didn't even plan the shadow puppet!

This yarn is amazing once I got past the spat we had during the winding process...I am dreading winding the second skein but I will let you know how that goes - maybe the first was a fluke! The yarn has cashmere and silk - very soft and nice to knit with!

And then, of course, "Magical Swing" is out of the gates. I am very excited about this one, a high hip-length A-line jacket using DK Superwash Merino from The Knit Witch. I am planning some textured colorwork on a backdrop of stockinette stitch and am knitting from the bottom, the entire body at the same time until the underarms. I love this because, even though the rows are long in the beginning, by the time you get to the underarms, you are really close (and of course less finishing!)

Well...I also have started the second sleeve of "Dragonfly Wings" ... getting close!

So can one have too many projects? Cause as you guys (y'all) know, there's probably at least 10 that I am not telling you about (but they are kind of sleeping now so ... they DON'T count! :))

Hi Ho the Derry-o...

2010-05-24T08:37:00.000-04:00

Here's a few pictures of our farm...

So much for K.I.S.S. :) We have 2 varieties of cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, banana peppers and strawberries and plans are underway for a salad lover's and salsa garden! I will keep you posted as our crops come in.

Now here is a real farm! Dad of Knitwitch invited a group of outdoorswomen from Only Ewe for a "Paca Party" on Saturday. We had a great time!

Jake and Bella (big (as the miniature horses),white, fluffy Great Pyrenees) were almost as big a hit as the Alpacas, Pot-bellied Pigs, Goats, Mini and Big Horses, Donkeys, Chickens, Peacock and other creatures living right in the heart of Alpharetta! (technically Milton now :))

Here's a few more pictures to give you the flavor of our wonderful day!

This is my favorite ... makes me think of spinning :)
Of course Sambuca is pretty cute too...

Hee Haw!

Time Has The Habit of Getting Away...

2010-05-22T07:19:00.000-04:00

Wow - this week has flown by ... I worked a lot at the grind and was fighting off a bad back all week but the blessing is that when one must be laying down a lot, the knitting flies on the needles :) I have finished the leaf raglan t and am nearly done with Botanica Medallion Cardi :)

DHJ and I went to the brand new Farmer's Market at Brookwood - yay ... a Farmer's Market in Suwanee ... well ... a little disappointing ... not too much produce and not a single piece of fruit but am seriously hoping that if people keep going, more and more vendors will come and it will get better. The market is on Fridays through labor day 4 - 8 pm at the Brookwood Elementary School off of Brookwood road at the new light near 141...

And ... we have a vegetable garden! (I keep hearing the mantra "Keep it Simple" but have also heard herbs, zuccini, tomatoes, strawberries and other things mentioned in the same breath :)) Everybody needs a hobby but honey...my hobby time is rather full :)

The Zen of Knitting (or...let someone else think for you :))

2010-05-14T09:13:00.000-04:00

Now, mind you, I get a great deal of pleasure from designing something new for others to knit (and for me to knit too) but sometimes you just gotta let someone else tell you what to do and knit for the sake of knitting...so I did a little stash diving yesterday and actually got 2 new projects on the needles! :)

But... let me back up for a minute... I was doing some serious number crunching for "Swinglet" and am stuck at the schematic ... I really wish that I could overcome the "wish-someone-would-just-show-me-how-to-do-it-and-then-I-could-move-on-syndrome" ... I am facing the challenge of a free software package (Inkscape) which supposedly is easy to learn but not being a twenty-something or just someone who likes to play with software and figure it out, I am stuck. The blessing is that I know that I will figure it out and that it will be no big deal so get on with it already!!! :)

Anyway, between "Swinglet" and knitting a plain part of "Dragonfly Wings" (but thinking about final embellishments and sleeve shaping), I was not setting out for a joyful knitting day so... happy happy joy joy I started on The Botanical Medallion Cardigan (from Vogue Knitting) and Raglan Leaf Tee (hee hee)

Back to work a little bit today before going to the grind :)

Carefree Cowl and Cuffs Submitted to Skacel :)

2010-05-13T08:38:00.000-04:00

Completed the quick turnaround submission to Skacel for "Carefree Cowl and Cuffs" with these pictures

I hope they like it :)

A Weekmiddle!!! :)

2010-05-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

I have a couple of days off in the middle of the week this week - what a treat :) Of course I have way too many things planned to actually accomplish in a couple of days but I will just plug away and see how I do... I had actually forgotten about wednesday morning group because I haven't been for a few weeks so as long as I get one of the More Than Knotz tasks completed, I will be heading over for some time with friends that I haven't seen in a while!

MFZ shared some wedding pictures from her daughter's special day - it looks like a beautiful event! Thanks Z! The wedding was last Saturday and while all the forecasts were for doom and gloom (weatherwise) they were all treated to a beautiful cool day!

I finished the cowl and cuffs for Skacel Yarns...gotta get good pictures to send this morning (I will post them here as well) - please wish me luck ... this could be another step to being famous - ha ha!!!

A 7 and a 5

2010-05-10T05:58:00.000-04:00

I should have posted over the weekend but was not thinking ahead and now I am under a tremendous amount of pressure to get a quick post in for "you guys" (that's the northern equivalent of y'all :)) before a quick shower and an early shift today (a really early shift tomorrow so might not get one in tomorrow) I trust all mother's had a great day yesterday! I was treated to a yummy homemade omelet brunch and manipedi gift certificate and movie pass :) but the real gifts were simpler ... MSJ remembered to wish me a happy day amidst a 12 hour shift at work :) and... on Saturday I was out with MDK and she initiated a great conversation about teenage pressures that warmed my heart and eased my mind...I think we may have done okay ... these kids are growing up and have good heads on their shoulders :) Well...gotta go...almost done with swinglet for the shop (and the pattern for those of you who are waiting and my submission to the Skacel contest. p.s. the mobius didn't quite work out so I had to go to plan b...

Sckniting Away...

2010-05-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

Conjunction of scatterbrained knitting :) Working feverishly on the shop sample of "Swinglet" (thanks for the beautiful pink Terra, Elyse!), "Dragonfly Wings", and new Knit Witch design so really not enough projects going ... so ...decided to go forward with Skacel contest with Schoppel Wolle Ambiente (with lovely Knit Witch Yarn Bowl in the background :))...

It was this --

then got twisted into "Meshbius Wrap", not looking like so much yet as this:

because a simple cowl didn't really seem contest-worthy (but will be a pattern because I think it will be pretty darn cute :) The only thing about Mobius knitting is that you need to have faith that all your calculations were correct because you really can't tell if the whole thing is going to work until the very end... we'll see :) btw, I didn't frog the boring old cowl just in case... The contest submissions have to be in by the 14th!!!

Here's a couple of "DFW" - the back is now complete (but needs a little fiddling) and the smaller piece is the left front.

Back:

Front:

And the Knit Witch swatches (have been a little neglected but I promise to get going on this soon B) This is incredibly yummy yarn :) ...

Sorry for missing a couple days, guys, had an unexpected open at ye old coffeehouse...

There could be a missed day later in the week too...

Have a great day - talk to you soon!

Progressing Nicely

2010-05-02T10:04:00.000-04:00

Working on the back for Dragonfly Wings (not "wisp-y" enough :)) and this is just about ready for armhole bind-off...

I am also working on Swinglet with SWTC Terra (Bamboo / Cotton) - awesome yarn - as a sample for the shop in powder pink. It has a little sheen to it and is very drapy - perfect for Swinglet!

Spellbound class starts next Saturday!

The Hard Part...

2010-04-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was really great...learned a lot and now... it's time to apply what I learned to real life...that's the hard part!!! The projects that are underway in the pattern-writing stage are "Risotto - Made to Order", "Swinglet Cabled Cardi" and "Bella Color-Yoke Tee". These all need to be drafted, charted, have a schematic created and graded (technical term for sized)...the schematics are what's making me nervous right now. I have gotten a technical drawing package off the web but don't know how to use it yet - not being one of those twenty-somethings that can just play with new software and figure it out - yikes! I still need a test knitter for "Bella Color-Yoke Tee" if anyone wants to volunteer - bottom-up, in the round, simple shaping and colorwork...

Two projects are in the design / swatch stage: "Dragonfly Wisp Cardigan" and "Elemental Jacket" ...pictures coming soon:) These will be the first of designs completed in actually the "right" and most efficient way - NOT on the needles...this is really tough to not just take a few measurements, make a few calculations and cast on ... much self-discipline required!!! :)

Have a great day - wish me luck!

A Glimpse at the Goodies :)

2010-04-28T09:09:00.001-04:00

Here are some pictures from the Goodies I picked up at SS but first from our garden (these are self-sustaining luckily for them and a little past their prime but still beautiful!

This is DK weight from the Knit Witch for a Cardi with colorwork (haven't worked out the details yet)

Kate from Dragonfly Fibers is also supporting my obsession with 2 great big skeins of laceweight which will be combined for a wispy cardi (also to be determined)

I picked up some MadeleineTosh for a sweater and a shawl (cause it's the IT fiber right now)

Here's enough Kauni for (you guessed it) a sweater!

And finally, superwash DK from Valley Yarns (Webs)

As usual, I wish you were here because my phone (even though magical) does not do any of these colors justice!

What an Amazing Weekend!!!

2010-04-26T07:47:00.002-04:00

I could hardly speak last night there was so much information floating around in my brain...I learned so much and saw so much and met so many great people that my mind was a blur! Yesterday's class with Barry Klein (owns Trendsetter Yarns) on Fit and Style was eye-opening...consider this...patterns are mostly written with the same measurements for the back and front...well...are your back and front the same? Probably not :) Anyway, I had an absolutely marvelous time the entire weekend and highly recommend to everyone that they take classes the next time Stitches comes around!

Here are some pictures as promised! This is the Market before anyone got there! :)

These garments are from the Kauni booth (sorry they are blurry ... I must have been shaking with excitement :))

Yep... I got to meet Lily Chin! She wore a Knitted Harry (Lily) Potter costume at the Student Banquet on Saturday!!! This picture is from the opening day luncheon.

Next pictures from the XRX Fashion show Saturday night - These knitted garments sure look great on runway models!

And finally... the Knit Witch in Booth 437 - Only Ewe and Cotton Too - wearing the completed Bella Color-Yoke Tee!!! Sorry Bill and Elyse - I took a full on shot of your beautiful booth but something happened to it! The Spellbound kits almost sold out :) Thanks Bill and Elyse and Brittany! The pattern is now up on Ravelry for those who were looking for it!

Day 3 - Continuing to be Over the Top!!!

2010-04-24T05:22:00.000-04:00

Terrific class with Edie Eckman - Pattern Writing 101 - picked up some great tips on wording, format, marketing etc and then... fashion show / dinner last night ... I need to get my game on, we'll just leave it at that :) This morning I have "where do they get those numbers?" with Edie again and more fun! Hope to see you there! Pictures will be after this is over :(

Day 2 - Tee Hee Tee Hee :)

2010-04-23T07:44:00.000-04:00

Wow!!!! Stitches South has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! (and only 1 day down :)) I attended a marvelous class with Judy Pascale on armhole success yesterday....all I can say is everyone needs to check in the mirror to see if their shoulders go straight across or if they slope downward because if they are straight, you don't need to do the shoulder decreases that are typically provided in patterns and... you will get a better fit - that alone was worth the class for me!

Well, almost time for Pattern Writing 101 with Edie Eckman..see ya'! p.s. Everyone go to the Only Ewe and Cotton Too booth (# 437)!!!

It's Here, It's Here, It's Here!!!!

2010-04-22T08:19:00.001-04:00

Stitches South 2010 has finally arrived in Atlanta!!! I am writing to you from a comfy seat in the Waverly Hotel just outside the room for the opening day celebration!!! A few other early birds are here - the reason I am soooo early (Opening Day is not until 10 am) is that I was anxious to avoid Perimeter traffic...those of you who hail from Atlanta know what I mean...

Here's a picture of the Cobb Galleria...Hmmm... experiencing technical difficulties getting pictures off my magical phone may need to get them to you later...

Anyway, I need to go cause I might not get much knitting time later :) and I need to finish off Summer Mesh to wear later in the weekend (the More Than Knotz garment du jour for today is Swinglet Cable Cardi) Bye!

Knitting under Duress...

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

DHJ says it's self-imposed duress :) Just the deadlines of Stitches South (1,1,1 more day!!! :)) Put together a couple of items of clarification (much more pleasant word than errata!) for Spellbound which Elyse is kindly inserting into the kits (there was an extra yo in Section 4 and the border instructions needed to be simplified because what was clear to me was clearly not clear to others :)

Just a few more stitches to bind off on Bella and then speed finishing and power blocking so that she will be ready for display...here's a few final pics...

And then, of course, finishing homework for my classes! (Not to mention a long coffee stint later:()

Quick Hello :)

2010-04-20T05:36:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Sunshine! Have to leave the house for 7 am so I am trying a slightly different tactic so as not to leave y'all hanging this morning...We are all getting VERY excited about Stitches (2 more days :))down here in Georgia... I will be commuting this year so will have early mornings to avoid the Perimeter traffic... I will do my best to continue blogging throughout so I can stay on this track but please bear with me.

I am almost finished with Bella - pictures soon (maybe I can get another model tonight over at OE) I then just need to calculate sizes and find a test knitter :) and then publish...I am hoping to be able to publish Bella, Risotto, Summer Mesh Vest, and Swinglet Cable Cardi by mid May...By, better go! 7am comes pretty quickly :)

Mostly about Bella (Color-Yoke Tee not Cat :))

2010-04-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

Here is one very famous person who tried on my design :) She wants to make it too!!! (It's the Knit Witch for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting her...)

Alas, after speedily completing the tee, I discovered that the Yoke was a little bit not-so-bella...needed some adjustments...so.........

Frog,frog,frog (I feel like I've been here before!) Not too much pressure either as Bill and Elyse are going to use this at Stitches South (3 more days :) :(!!!

Gotta go make the donuts (I mean coffee :)) Have a great day!

Hibernation Over for Bella Color Yoke Tee

2010-04-16T08:09:00.001-04:00

I knew there would be some extra math involved (and I like math ... just like to knit,knit,knit more I guess :)) so Bella had been set aside for a while ... well she's back and destined to be a sample for Cotton Supreme at Stitches :)

And here are a couple of swatches for Swinglet Cable Cardi (I am pleased with the rough draft knit in Debbie Bliss Primo (Bamboo / Wool) but it needs a spring summer yarn for the official pattern :) Only Ewe has lots of lovely choices - these two are in the finals. Please let me know what you think...

SWTC Terra - Bamboo / Cotton blend

or a not-so-well blocked Kollage "Milky Whey" (Milk / Soy !!! Blend)

I would probably use the pale pink Terra but the Milky Whey would be a lighter shade...haven't made a color choice yet.

Have a great day everyone! I almost forgot my biggest news - all my currently published patterns are now on Ravelry!!!! Long time coming - makes me happy happy. My designer name is Susan Dingle or you can reach through my main page under susanknitsalot.....

Good Golly - Here's Another One :)

2010-04-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

Joyce of the Noble Knitters is working on this .....

The colors Joyce has chosen are gorgeous aren't they (even though they aren't Knitwitch yarns)!!! The picture quality is not too bad either, is it? These pictures were taken on my new magical phone(?) - the Palm Pre Plus...Easy to upload and my phone is always with me, so guess what... more blogging pictures to come!

Like this one that I took less than 1 minute ago of Zoe, one of our neglected dogs (of course Magellan snuck into the picture) ...wow, now that's technology working for us :)

Hey guys ... I got a comment from the Knitwitch herself!!!!!!!!! :) (p.s. feel free to comment anytime - I have also finally figured out how to have blogger notify me when I get a comment (on my new ?phone? even :))

To not leave Pat out - here's a link to her shawl on Ravelry...http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pogrady/spellbound-shawl

Ok ... enough techie stuff for one day! (only 7 more days til Stitches South:))

Have You Ever Noticed ...

2010-04-14T08:44:00.001-04:00

how work interferes with you life? :) at least it's not 5:00 am (very thankful ........Ok, well, up to this point was written yesterday and I was about to say ... that I was very thankful that my shift was 7:00 am instead of 5 am; however, (funny story) at that exact point in time I realized that it was quarter of 7 and my hair was wet and my lunch unmade! I don't think that I have ever done that before - I was happily going about my day thinking that I had plenty of time before I needed to leave for work and was trying to be true to you all. Oh well, the good news is that I actually clocked in at 7:04 am with no speeding involved :)

Today I start at 11 so I really do have time to finish this post and you should feel very special because I am really close to finishing the Cabled Swinglet Cardi (although much math and test knitting must occur before I can publish!) and I am choosing to write to you! :) You were supposed to get these pictures yesterday :) but here you go ... FO pictures soon...

The color is not accurate but the one on the right is the closest - true color is a light navy...not the best choice for showing off the seeded cables in the raglans but this was in my stash...

Here are some other visual treats for those of you not taking up residence at Only Ewe...

This is Flutterby :) Cute and easy (kits to be at Stitches!!!)

This is version1 of Rissotto (Dolce Merino DK weight) and version 2 (Punta Cotton Worsted)

Here's a closeup of the border stitch - really fun :)

Bye - gotta go ... Only 8 more days (tee hee) :)

Oh My Goodness!!!

2010-04-12T09:18:00.000-04:00

Check this out - I saw Nancy at the shop yesterday and look what she's been up to! Fantasticjob Nancy! (and I think this might be my favorite colorway yet :))

Wait til you see :)
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I just spent a bunch of time messing around with Flickr and trying to load from there to my blog so I don't have time before work to show you everything but here's one more :)

Two more colorways at one of my favorite places :)

Remember Everyone that the kits for 6 different colorways will be available at Stitches South (Only You and Cotton Too Booth) in just 10 days!!! Also, a little birdie told me that special orders will be taken if you miss out - just contact the shop :)

Do Cats Have Packs?

2010-04-11T09:39:00.000-04:00

If so, I think we have a pack leader! These little cuties are trying to get their mitts on a bug that has made its way into our lamp...their antics could become a huge disaster, but for now it is all fun and games! :)

So sorry for the delayed post this morning but the family has gotten smarter! We now have Palm Pre Pluses!!! The good news is that it will be easier to blog anywhere and everywhere! :)

Projectwise:

Flutterby pattern just needs a picture and the Swinglet Cardi is starting to get a yoke :)

Enjoy your Sunday!

p.s. Sorry for the picture orientation but I don't know how to rotate in Blogger!

Moving Right Along

2010-04-09T08:07:00.000-04:00

Classes for "Spellbound" and "Rissotto (Made To Order)" have been posted to the Only Ewe Calendar. I am offering 2 different sessions for each (Thursday afternoons or Saturday mornings) - go here to check out the specifics. :)

I finally figured out how to set up my Paypal account this morning ... really not that difficult just one of those roadblocks that I seem to create for myself ... I really wish I could break through this tendency of mine! Next, I will get some more patterns up for sale (and some freebies :)) and then as they are completed, I can easily add that step to my process. "Spellbound" will not be available on Ravelry until after Stitches South (2 weeks away - yippee:)) By the way, I got to see another of the colorways worked up at the Atlanta Knitting Guild meeting last night (made by Pat - beautiful job!) - pastels - blues and greens - wow!!!

I just remembered that I need to do my homework for my Stitches South classes - I have a full schedule but luckily only two are requiring homework... better go

Technical Team Fixed the Issue

2010-04-08T09:07:00.000-04:00

Internet rebooted yesterday so all better now thanks to DHJ!

For those of you outside of Georgia, "we all" :) are in the midst of yellow snow season (not the kind you don't eat although you wouldn't eat this either). Every Spring, major pollen blankets the earth here, many people are sneezing and most people never ever open their windows...except back in 2000 when my family moved to GA, some unnamed member of the family thought it was so beautiful outside that all the windows should be thrown wide open resulting in a thick covering of yellow-green dust all over everything!!! I can't even remember now how we cleaned it all up! Anyway, today 90% chance of rain which should help to calm things down a bit!

DDK comes back from Spring Break today - Can't wait to see her!!!We have been texting back and forth and I think the vacation was really fun - she tried alligator meat even. I told her that when she got home she would have to try asparagus but she never answered the text ... hmmmmmmm

Flutterby take 2 is complete and the pattern / kit will be available at Stitches South! This morning I will be posting classes for "Spellbound" (starts right after Stitches) and "Rissotto - Made to Order" (starts next Saturday) on the Only Ewe Calendar.

And... Atlanta Knitting Guild tonight! :) (Great day off!!!)

Technical Difficulties!

2010-04-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!!! I am posting from the Only Ewe computer!!! Our internet was down this morning and I didn't have time to mess around with it because I soooooo needed to get over here :) I missed Tuesday Night Knitting group because I had a couple of long days at the cafe and need to be at home but I plan to head over to Noble Knitters tonight as well and I get tomorrow off - Yippee :) Talk to you tomorrow!

A Little Bit of Swing

2010-04-05T07:26:00.000-04:00

Good Progress on my little diversion even with some frogging to get the gauge right... I am using Debbie Bliss Prima (80% Bamboo / 20% Wool - DK weight) that has been waiting in my stash for just the right project ... I think this is it!

It will grow up to be a staple wardrobe piece (in everyone's wardrobe hopefully :)) Simple but with some secret special details :) Everyone needs to learn the tubular cast on for when you are doing k1 p1 rib - I just love it!!!

Nice Easter yesterday - DSJ came for lunch (and his Easter Basket, of course :)) We relished the beautiful weather - I do believe Spring has Sprung!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T07:54:00.000-04:00

First cut of Flutterby is finished - this is a cute easy-to-knit Capelet (a little different than the norm :)) designed for Plymouth Yarn "Athena" (a calmed down texture-y little bit sparkly novelty yarn) Take 2 will need to incorporate a couple of modifications and then it will be ready :) On a slight side trip right now thanks to MFM (no pressure, right?) - a little swingy summer cardigan - no details yet but they will be forthcoming soon...

Happy Easter Everyone! Have a wonderful day with Family and Friends!

Unplanned Visit - Happy Happy Joy Joy!

2010-04-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

DSJ came by yesterday for a visit and stayed for dinner without much twisting of arms! He is great and enjoying his job, looks great from some good physical work (lifting much 100 lb cables and such) and good sleep (he has figured out that going to bed early is a good idea when you must get up for work each day :)) He is working on the audio / visual wiring for a soccer stadium - pretty cool! It was great to see him and really great to know for sure that he is doing well...we have been in contact by phone but face-to-face is a gazillion times better!!! :)

DDK is heading to Florida with a friend's family tomorrow for a little spring break in the sun - we will miss her but glad that she gets to go away - she has been working really hard at her schoolwork and deserves a fun little break.

Here's a few pics of Rissotto and Flutterby. I apologize profusely for the early morning lighting (or lack of it) ... hopefully you can get the idea! Rissotto is being test knit now and will be available very shortly - class to be posted for Thursday or Saturday sessions starting next week.

Wake up You Sleepheads!

2010-04-01T04:02:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!!! Just a quick post to let you know I am not losing steam again but alas, I have an opening shift today...just counting my blessings as it is the only one this week :) I wish everyone a wonderful day!

Anniversary!!!

2010-03-31T08:29:00.000-04:00

DHJ and I are celebrating our 26th Anniversary today - it's hard to believe how quickly the years have passed and almost 10 years now in GA!

Now for pictures from the Easter Swap! Check out these cute catnip bunnies!!!

And see how much Magellan and Isabella are loving them! :) I think this is the prettiest picture EVER of Magellan!

And Finally...the gorgeous skein of Plain and Fancy Yarn from MFD (the wheels are turning as I found a couple of skeins in my stash that can be combined to create a very cool cardigan)

The Cat is in the Doghouse

2010-03-30T05:45:00.000-04:00

A certain feline (no naming names but she is blackish and sweet and NOT White and Gray or fluffy :)) decided it was high time that we cleaned behind the dryer (not to mention the dryer vent) - That's why she is not in BIG trouble - we discovered that 7 (almost 8) years actually yields a fair amount of debris! This little sweetie-pie; however, decided to disconnect the vent instead of giving a more subtle hint - let's just say...good way to heat and humidify the house!!!

Off to work ... today is my 7 am shift ... much better than opening! :) (but that comes Thursday:(

Muses are Back :)

2010-03-29T06:56:00.000-04:00

After a WAY too long hiatus, I and my blogging muses are back! I have many things to tell you all about but for today let me say that chickens should definitely NOT be counted before they hatch! DSJ was supposed to come for dinner last night but alas, no show....We are in contact so not devastated about this but definitely disappointed. I planned a special dinner complete with a few goodies that he really enjoys...next time I think burgers or spaghetti will be on the menu!

Many projects and patterns are in the works - I will try to get some pictures posted this week! Rissotto, Flutterby, Summer Mesh, and Bella Yoke Tee ... Rissotto will be the first to be published ... really soon!

We had an Easter yarn swap at OE on Saturday. Great fun and many thanks to MFS who organized the event - she did a great job! MFD was my secret swapper - I got some BEAUTIFUL single ply handdyed yarn that I will begin playing with shortly, absolutely adorable bunny catnip (lovingly handknitted by MFD :)) toys, yummy Vanilla Chai Tea, Jelly Beans and other fun stuff!! She totally spoiled me and has made Magellan and Bella very happy ... what is Catnip anyway? :)

p.s. Starbucks schedule changed ... back to living life! :) ( Only 1 open shift this week - should (will) be the norm from now on!!!)

Sitting in a Starbucks...

2010-03-05T09:02:00.002-05:00

Not "my" Starbucks though...am being a customer after getting to bring DDK to school this morning :) I am killing a little time before a couple of errands and then OE to plan the Cable Class that I will be teaching at Only Ewe starting March 20. There will be several "project" options to choose from depending upon the participant's level of cable expertise and, of course, I must plan the options they may choose from :) (Anything for an excuse to go to the shop:))

I went to the Atlanta Knitting Guild meeting last night - they did "Speed Knitting" as the program (think Speed Dating not fast knitting:)) There are so many creative folks behind the scenes of the AKG ... never ceases to impress me... Also DF's E&B brought kits for Spellbound and they sold either 3 or 4!!! I am so excited about the response to my design for the Knit Witch's awesome yarn - thanks to all for the support and interest. MFE brought her version of Spellbound ... beautiful!

Have a wonderful day ... hope to talk to you soon :)

Think I am getting used to it??!!

2010-03-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

After a lot of early mornings at the old SB, I think I may be finally getting used to it. I just have the challenge of putting the knitting down and getting myself to bed early so that I can wake up. The hands have good days (nights) and bad ones - I have started taking glucosamine and chondrotin and some kind of fish oil...I am terrible at remembering to take vitamins so DHJ is setting them out for me which is helping immensely! (I tried to take Ginko Biloba for a while but I kept forgetting! :)) My Mommy yelled at me for knitting too much but I whined and said my hands didn't hurt while knitting - anyway I do try to rest every little bit to keep from overworking them. These hands have gotta last for a while yet!

Slanting Gretel Tee class starts next Saturday - I am going to get it on the calendar at the shop and vow to get ahead of the curve for the next one!

Good Morning, Good Morning - Sleep is Good!

2010-02-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

Hello there - I'll bet you thought I lapsed into a caffeine coma! Things are going well at the old SB (we have a transfer from Alabama who is ... you'll never guess.......

a knitter!!! :)))))))) MNFC is really fun, peppy and likes to knit complicated items (and...is willing to test knit :) What a great day!!!

Back to the title of this entry...I have had 2 nights of great sleep in a row with happy hands - yippee! I finally found the right combination of wrist braces and tightness and actually woke up feeling refreshed both yesterday morning and today! (and yesterday was at 3:45) I hope this keeps going - I really had no idea I was sleeping THAT badly!

Finished Slanting Gretel Tee and she's blocking (Class at Only Ewe in March)

Gotta Go!

Lots of Snow in Atlanta :)

2010-02-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

4 inches and it is staying cold today so we are staying put :) I am committing to researching 3 questions for MKI (Master Knitting Level I) and then I will be working on Spellbound take 2:) I may need to force myself into a little bit of housework too :( Hope to be able to head on over to OE tomorrow but I don't know how the roads will be!

Hopefully this will tide you over...

2010-02-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

I was going to blog first thing this morning but was disciplined and therefore started working on the Master Knitter program finishing (or so I thought!) I spent ALL day labelling my swatches and (of course reknitting some of them. These are the poor lonely souls that don't get to go on the big adventure!

These are a few with the tags all attached in the appropriate corner! (The labels have my info on one side and detailed references for the techniques used on the other)

I also got my template set up for answering the questions and got a bit of a start on actually answering some of them...it's not the answering that is difficult ..it's the referencing how you came to the answers!!! I have always hated footnotes and this is one giant footnote! Then ... as I am reading through the questions, I notice one little reference to a report!!! I know I saw this before but had conveniently forgotten! I have to write 2 pages (no more than 14 pt) on fiber care - arghhhhhh Guess I am not completing the package today (but I did get all 16 swatches completely done :))

Made some progress on take 2 of Spellbound. I am knitting up a different colorway in the yarn quality (100% Superwash Merino - YUMMY!!!) that will be included in the kits for stitches. Bella is getting in on the action! (notice the yarn that somehow got into her mouth!)

I initially had some doubts about the bright blue color being in the mix but I like it now :)

This yarn is incredibly soft!!! I LOVE working with it! Thanks KnitWitch :)

The total yardage for the shawl is 1116 BUT and this is a big one - P.L.E.A.S.E. (please please) make sure you have plenty of extra if using a substitute - yarn has a funny (or not so) way of behaving sometimes. Also, FYI everyone, I will be republishing this pattern in about a week with a few little tweaks to improve it along with lots of yardage info about the Celestial Bounce yarn I am using now.

Last but not least - here's another sweater I have been working on - hope to do a class in March (this is the back blocking - I took the picture a while ago - the whole things almost done :)

OK - this is really last - here's The Every Way Wrap...

Ok - now you have something to read (and look at until I blog again! :)

Wow - Schedule Craziness!

2010-02-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what day it is let alone what time :) Starbucks is fun but scheduling changes are throwing me for a loop... I have finished Scotch & Soda but need to take out the brioche rib at the bottom as it is flapping in the wind! Otherwise I am very pleased - DHJ is just hoping to be able to wear it this winter! :) I also finished Sausalito - came out a little large but very cute! I think cotton yarn can be a bit tricky - not much give so it doesn't block well if you need to embiggen (as the Yarn Harlot says:) and heavy so it can get bigger all by itself! I am about halfway done with the Every Way Wrap - Very fun and a beautiful pattern - I can't wait to see if the "Every way " part of it works :) Of course, with all these "finishings", I started one new project "Mountain Shades" and have "Slanting Gretel Tee" from Interweave (#2 in the class series) waiting anxiously in the wings.

Oh...almost forgot...knitting is done for Master Knitter I - I just have to do the written part - shouldn't take too long once I get off the procrastination train!!!:)

Do I have yarn??? :)

2010-01-28T07:43:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie today but this made me laugh!!! DDK needed a bit of yarn for her Fashion Marketing class and asked me last night if I had any yarn!!! With some scrounging around I was able to accomodate her :)

p.s. Classes starting on Feb 6 with a prequel this saturday 1/30 are now posted on Only Ewe's Calendar - The Sausalito sweater designed by dolce handknits and Every Way Wrap from Fall 2009 Interweave Knits.

Can Women Really Multi-Task?

2010-01-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Or is it really just a myth? Way too many tasks makes them get lost in the archives!!:) I am still holding out hope that I can "do it all" but it seems as if with everything on my mind, I am dropping the ball way too often! I should thing that I would start to be more organized and efficient with my time pretty soon. I am loving working at Starbucks just not having the inconsistent schedule...hopefully the manager will be able to level out my schedule pretty soon once I am just as good as the other Baristas. Yesterday I worked from 5 am to 11 am which kind of threw me for a loop but I think it wouldn't be so bad if that was pretty much my regular schedule. The shift went pretty quickly and there were different things to do to open up the store so all in all pretty good!

DSJ turned 19 yesterday! I can't believe my baby is nearly a full-fledged adult! We didn't see much of him on the big day and will need to have a little party later in the week as we had not heard from him on when he was coming home. He is moving in with a friend which makes Mommy sad but I think it will be good for him. No parents nagging at him about a job (at least not his own) - his friend's Dad has told him that he can officially move in but that he needs to have a job...adults with their one-track mind! :)

Off to OE today to meet up this morning with a group of Knitting friends that I don't get to see very often and then later on with the regulars:) Sausalito class starts this Saturday 10 am - 12 pm and also "Every Way Wrap" from Interweave Knits Fall 2009 at 1 pm. The Every Way Wrap is the prequel so that students can learn a great way to cast on for 2 X 2 ribbing (I know I am turning into a cast on freak!) - after the prequel, the class will meet Saturdays, Feb 6 and Feb 20 1 - 4 pm. This class is the first in a series "By the Book". I will be teaching 2 other projects from the Fall 2009 Issue of Interweave Knits - students can attend all 3 classes or pick from the menu :)

Stil (Obsessed with) Casting On!!!

2010-01-21T08:48:00.000-05:00

Today's learning is with regards to the Long Tail Cast - on which I still believe (especially now) can be used for nearly every application. You can actually put your slip knot on the needle and then hold the needle in your left hand (this is a good one for you, FSB :)) and the yarn ends in your right hand. WHen you have finished casting on you are ready to do a right side stockinette row (the smooth side is facing instead of the bumpy side) - the only drawback to discovering this is that I have some swatches to re-re-knit again :) (I have officially lost count on some of them)

It's Tubular Man!!! (Pronounced with surfer dude accent :))

2010-01-20T08:36:00.000-05:00

Ok...I am obsessed with casting on...I am having a ball learning about different techniques while doing the Master Knitting Program. This program has far outreached my expectations!!! I highly recommend it (you will get over the self doubt portion which occurs at the beginning :))

I learned how to do a tubular cast-on this morning which is perfect for k1,p1 ribbing. See.....:)

Now...it's not blocked yet so the knitting is not as uneven as it looks here (I hope!) Just check out the cast-on edge - it grows out of nothing! :) Off to Only Ewe this morning and then gotta make the coffee tonight! Only Ewe is having a fair to show off what's going on in and around the shop on Saturday...everyone should go check it out...Lookee here - the Knit Witch blogged about my shawl!:)

On Coffee and Cast-Ons :)

2010-01-19T08:02:00.000-05:00

First of all, when you must try a lot of different coffees (you know, dedication to the job and all), be sure to make some of the tastes DECAF!!! At least I made the wise decision yesterday of no caffeine after 2ish but a whole bunch of caffeine (and I mean a WHOLE bunch - those of you who know me well know that I usually drink a half bunch :)) doesn't make one feel one's best!!! Yes DFS, there is such a thing as too much coffee :)

Also, did you know that you can cast on in purl stitch using the long tail cast-on? I am learning so much doing the Master Knitters Program - I have to admit that I didn't think there was that much room for improvement but boy was I wrong! When you cast on using the regular long tail, it actually forms the first knit row so if the piece you are working on should have purl bumps on the WS, the first row after casting on should actually be a ws row... Anyway, I was preparing to reknit Swatch 3 (seed stitch) and thought since I was redoing it, I might as well find THE perfect cast-on...I alternated purl and knit LT caston to be like the opposite of the first row I would be working and it looks amazing - very cool!!!

Well ...

2010-01-16T14:38:00.000-05:00

Maybe I did fall off the planet!!! Friends, I am so sorry that I haven't gotten my groove back! I understand that it is difficult to follow a blog when the writer is not consistent with posting! A few bits of news...

Got to see Knit Witch and the Man behind the mesmorizing Yarn Bowls over at Only Ewe the other day!!! We selected 6 amazing colorways for Spellbound (just testing out a new name option - feel free to let me know how you feel about it) that Only Ewe will offer in kits at Stitches South in April!!!! So exciting :)

Also wanted to let you know that I will be back on the class schedule at Only Ewe. One of the classes I will be teaching will be Sausalito from Dolce Handknits - A GREAT Cardigan pattern, wearable by all and though not so difficult, the pattern provides for some handy tips and techniques to be shared :)

Still plugging away on Masters I - I have completed swatch 11 of 16 (although I am sure I will be reknitting at least some of them...this course has a way of making us a little nutty)

Hope I made it up to you a little bit!!! Talk to y'all soon!

Bear with Me!!!

2010-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yay - finally over the bug and now I just need to get in sync with the new routine: Knitting Masters Program, Personal Knitting Projects, Knitting Designs, New Job with Starbucks, Family and Friends (Absolutely not in that order!)...Please bear with me as I adjust to find the right time to blog - it's not now! (Gotta dry my hair and get to work) At least they give me coffee (but I gotta beware of the forced tasting of treats!) :)

No...I didn't fall off the planet

2010-01-13T08:13:00.000-05:00

Baaaaaad stomach bug - so far no one else in the house got it which is good. But energy just ran out...sorry....hopefully back soon

TKGA Master Knitting - Just getting started

2010-01-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

Q: How can knitting be stressful?
A: When one is pretty comfortable regarding the quality of one's knitting and then one decides to let a panel of experts examine and critique your work!!!

I am just getting started and this organization is VERY particular about technique and preparation of your submissions including lots of research (yuck)! I have completed the first 2 (of 16) swatches for Level I (there are 2 more levels after this) I think it will be good for me to really concentrate on my technique and no matter how much angst is caused, worth the effort to earn the credential. MFD and MFE may be working alongside me to do at least Level I - I will be working to earn all 3 Levels - it will take a while - I will keep you posted.

It's Magic You Know

2010-01-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to knit (as you all know) but I also love the satisfaction of finishing knitting!!! First, you must see what warranted another day off from school.....

It's a lot less than it looks like!!!

Here's Glenda - all done

I have to show you before blocking!

And shedding some more light on the subject :)

And here she is blocking...must say I am darn near pleased about this one :) I wish all of you could see her in person!

On Snow in Atlanta...

2010-01-07T08:34:00.000-05:00

Had a little chuckle last night when a school early release day was announced for today because of (possible) inclement weather!:) We may get up to an inch of snow so the kids get a snow day :) I remember as a child huddled by the radio waiting eagerly to find out if we would get a day off when there was a blizzard going on outside! To be fair, snow doesn't happen here very often and so the equipment to handle it is pretty much non-existent...so I will just take a moment to revel in the joy of all the kids getting a break from their normal school-day routine (just a little smile)

Knitting-wise, I have been working exclusively on DHJ's vest (almost to the front armholes) and Enchanting Glenda's knitted on border. Today (after the dentist - yuck) I will be focusing on the shawl to meet my Saturday deadline...Pictures soon :)

Now Vacation is Really Over !!! :)

2010-01-05T08:59:00.000-05:00

The massive To Do list was slightly impacted yesterday...need to knock off some more items today even though I am on a quest to complete Enchanting Glenda by Saturday when I will be meeting with the KnitWitch to choose another yarn to use in the kits. I had a couple of splitting issues with this yarn (very dissappointing as the results are truly lovely) There are a LOT of beautiful yarns out in the universe that have some "splittiness" to them and it is manageable but these were not apparent until the point of no return (at least for my natural aversion to frogs :)) That combined with the potential future inavailability led to the decision to switch directions with the yarn... so I will get to knit with some more Witchy Concoctions :)))))))))

Vacation is Over

2010-01-04T08:49:00.001-05:00

Time to do all the things that I have been procrastinating - maybe I will need to hire someone to do all the things other than the fun designing and knitting - one can dream anyway!!! We are freezing here in the "Deep South" - makes me VERY thankful for the timing of our furnace woes - we are grateful to have a cozy house in the midst of this cold snap...crossing our fingers for real snow at the end of the week...it's been cold enough that it might actually stick (for a bit)We don't get snow very often and we are about due for a Snow Day (I know a certain high schooler who would be happy about that:)) I have got a long "to do" list so I had better get doing!!!

Still Rearranging!!!

2010-01-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's a good thing that we have a couple days to get things back in order (and also good that I have a husband who likes to organize :)) We got all the Christmas decorations put away yesterday and a few areas back in order (but with a new twist)...it's always fun to put accessories up in a different way - feels like new :) I want to rearrange the family room but DHJ won't let me :( (I will keep working on him and let you know how it goes :)

And Here's to the 10's...

2010-01-01T09:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all!!! Question for you - what are we calling the decade 2000-2009? Lot's of Holiday clean-up today (and knitting, of course) - as much as I love Christmas decorations, it always feels good to get the house back in order :)

Here's Glenda Enchanted ...have gotten into Spell 5

I just LOVE this yarn KnitWitch!!! Can't wait until I finish and get to block :)

As a reminder, the yarn is "Witch's Brew" superwash superfine BFL - it's totally SUPER!!!

and finally, a quick shot of our "kittens" - Magellan is 11 pounds at 8 months and Bella is 8 pounds at 6-7 months!!! Here they are enjoying a little lounge time :)

Jelly needs to learn how to relax - don't you agree???

Today's the Day

2009-12-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

Not very exciting probably for you to read about but very exciting for us!!! New furnace being installed today :) Have been just a little too cold. This is just in the nick of time - low 20's are coming

Working hard to get DHJ's vest done, still working on spell 4 (probably a pic tomorrow), and working on a special prezzie for DGNJ (he's home now so I will have to check with DNL to see how everything's going :)) DNL has had a couple of sleepless babies; DGNJ, being her third baby, maybe he will be good to her and DNILB! I hope so :)

MDNs are duking it out

2009-12-30T08:37:00.000-05:00

I think DNK is in the lead with this picture of DGNC doing laundry - what do you think?
DNK - make sure you keep up the training - DDK is awesome at doing her own laundry even now :)!!!

Knitting-wise, I am making progress on all fronts...spell 4 is moving right along but you will have to wait for a picture because my fingers are freezing....why you may ask?

When is the WORST time for an old furnace to call it quits?

On one of the coldest days of the year. When is this not really THAT bad?

When one lives in the South, y'all!!! Lows in the high 20's / low 30's, an upstairs furnace still working and a heated mattress pad!!! (5 furry friends looking to get cozy helps too :)) Plus...it's not "chilly" like it was in Kentucky and I get to go knit with friends at Warm and Wooly Only Ewe and Cotton Too this morning...

Bippity Boppity Boo

2009-12-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

Before I start today's post about the shawl I am designing for the KnitWitch (makes GORGEOUS hand-dyed yarn), I have to share the winning photo for today (do we have cute babies in our family or what???:)) I think I should ask my dear nieces to submit photos everyday for "Battle of the Babies".

Sorry but for some reason I can't get this to be any bigger!

Ok ... here we go ......ABRACADABRA.......

This is the base triangle and "Spell 1" :) I am not sure if I am calling this design "Glenda" or "Enchanting" or some combination or permutation of the two....NFB (aka Knit Witch ) - what do you think?

A little closer up!!!

Spell 2 is the garter stitch ridge and spell 3 is the beautiful Multi Colorway "Capricorn" which is horrendously displayed here ("Fail" as the kids would say :()

I am working on a second garter stitch ridge now and then (who knows :)) - you'll have to tune in to see......

It's Picture Day!

2009-12-28T08:19:00.001-05:00

And the winning photo is.......

my brand new great nephew J (DGNJ)!!! Isn't he beautiful???!!! DNL, you did an amazing job delivering this big boy (9 lbs 10 oz) - I think he looks just like his sister (DGNE)!

DGNC - you win second place - Sorry!!! (Only because DGNJ is brand new and shiny :))

I wonder if you like your new stocking - you look a little overwhelmed from your first Christmas!!! :)

I am making progress on Jon's vest (Scotch & Soda?) I am proud of the armhole decreases - they were a little tricky to calculate... Bella likes them too! :)

And .... Finally, a little preview of upcoming cotton top for Stitches South...the light color is Ecru (buttercream) and the red is actually fushia - this is just a swatch to figure out some colorwork for the design...

Avatar Yesterday!

2009-12-26T08:39:00.000-05:00

Saw Avatar with DHJ and DDK yesterday - DSJ was too tired (do we have the plague?) - great entertaining movie!!! DHJ said it was the best movie he's ever seen. There could be others for me but it was great...great story, interesting science and exciting screenplay (plus on top of all that you get cool 3D glasses)!!!

Merry Christmas (Good Kitties:))!!!

2009-12-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

They didn't touch a thing although Bella is now intently checking out stuffed Christmas Stockings! In past years, we might have already been done opening gifts but now our kids are full-fledged teenagers and we have been instructed to wake them up at 10! DHJ and I may have a hard time waiting that long! :)

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas!

Happy Christmas Eve!!!

2009-12-24T16:32:00.001-05:00

Presents are all wrapped but unlike previous years, nothing is under the tree yet...it used to be that we were worried about prying kids' hands now we're wondering whether packages would even survive til the morning!!! (Prying kitten hands, teeth, and claws!!!) My guess is that we will not take the risk but will wait until we can supervise :) Have a magical evening with family and friends - may Santa be good to you! :)

The New Food Pyramid!

2009-12-22T08:58:00.000-05:00

We watched the movie Elf a few nights ago (if you haven't seen it you should - pretty funny) - anyway the elves' favorite foods are Candy, Candy Corn, and Syrup (the fourth is escaping me right now). We have a developed a new diet here: Coffee Cake, Nuts, Chocolate and anything with Peppermint!!! Back to the drawing board on Dec 26th!!! :) At least DHJ and I are still walking (and we have been pushing each other to do longer and more hilly walks) - hopefully that has helped things a little - I am afraid to step on the scale!

Question to the universe - why can't my children be trendsetters and want things before anyone else wants them? I looked like a poor distressed waif as I wandered (not aimlessly but fruitlessly) in the mall yesterday!!! At least I got more walking in!

Gotta Brave the Shopping Scene

2009-12-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

May the experience be similar to the Post Office :) Luckily not too much to do this year - wish me luck...

Procrastinating our Walk!

2009-12-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

We will be walking this morning as soon as I blog - it's chilly here but nothing like the northeast. I need to check on my family today - I think they are getting a LOT of snow!

Here's a little peek at DHJ's vest - "Lattice Lug Vest", "Criss-Cross Applesauce","A bit Vent-y" - I think I will need to hire a consultant for naming all these things!!!

Excuses, Excuses....

2009-12-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my excuse is that I had to go to the post office and get packages mailed off only that really doesn't count because it was the best post office visit ever!!! I walked in (knitting in hand just in case), literally walked up to the counter, placed all the bundles on the counter and left (after paying of course!) - awesome Christmas present to me!!! I think it was perfectly timed, not early mailing like I have done a few times or barely early enough like I have mostly done!

Today my excuse was finally a little Christmas shopping for DHJ, DSJ, and DDK but then I felt guilty for ignoring y'all so here I am...

Christmas knitting nearly done (at least the pressure's off) - just completing a little something for local knitting friends... Also, Cast on yesterday for a vest for DHJ. Started off with a brioche (fishermans) rib and am using an awesome stitch that I can't remember the name of right now. I am using Cascade 220 and am loving this - hopefully everyone else will too :)

I even straightened up around here a little bit this morning - it always reaches chaos when I am in the middle of the Christmas frenzy. I can now enjoy the remainder of the preparation in the midst of (at least the semblance of ) organization... The infamous coffee cakes tonight - no self-rising flour planned for this year :)

Why do I always get great Christmas Knitting Ideas at the last Second?

2009-12-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Do I thrive on chaos and stress? While finishing up presents for family, more ideas are going through my head...one of which I was able to act on...a miniature garland for Bee's miniature Christmas tree...Must say ....pretty proud of myself :)
Sorry ..pretty hard to photograph!

Website is Coming! Fa La La La La La La La La!!!

2009-12-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Successful people always say that being successful doesn't require knowing everything or doing everything yourself, it just takes surrounding yourself with the right people who know and can do the things you need to do...I am incredibly fortunate to have all the encouragement in the world from wonderful family and friends and also DNK and DNILJ who are technical enough (and young enough) to know how to do really cool web stuff :) DNILJ is going to build me a website so pretty soon this blog will be reachable through www.morethanknotz.com!!! And when people that I don't even know search for "knitting patterns" or "stitch marker necklace" , they will be sent to me!!! How cool is that? So... someone who used to know how to program in COBOL can have a web presence!!!

An Angel, Baby Jesus, A Golden Trumpet and a Bow

2009-12-15T10:03:00.000-05:00

Thought it was Bella but it appears to be a two-kitten job! Magellan is pretty darn laid back but he does have the endearing little habit of dropping things into the water bowl :) We are not quite sure why he does this except maybe that he wants to check that we are keeping the water full enough for his liking! Anyway, regarding the items mentioned, they have all mysteriously been removed over the past couple days from the Christmas tree! Bella is the more curious of the two (Magellan will only try to get what he can comfortably reach from the arm of the chair next to the tree :)) so we thought it was all her but ... when the Baby Jesus ornament that DDK made at a young age was found in the water bowl, we knew there was more to it. Then I found an angel ornament (soaking wet) on a blanket in the family room. DHJ thinks Magellan was trying to atone for his sins! Let's hope that they start to lose interest in the tree pretty soon!

She Likes Me - Hey DGNC!

2009-12-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

It was such a joy to meet my DGNC - I have only a couple of pictures but hope DNK or DNILJ will get a picture with the secret Christmas project (not so secret anymore - Christmas stocking).

I am so happy that she let me hold her for a really long time and that I was able to make her laugh (actually I think it was DNK that was making her laugh). And she likes the snake!!!Pretty soon DGNC won't be the baby in the family - new cousin arriving VERY soon!

Boy is my face red!

2009-12-13T11:57:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me friends for my lack of blogginess:) I won't even try to make excuses - I will just get back to it!

Had a great trip cut 1 day short by exhaustion! I came home from Cincy on Friday as I desperately needed to escape the "chilly" weather as they call it up there...chilly - Ha! 19 degrees does not qualify in my book as chilly! So sorry I didn't get to see DNL as planned but soon (after Winter) I will head up north again...

Gotta go test the "recipe" at Only Ewe and Cotton Too Christmas party!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Imagine a snappy little tune) :)

2009-12-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

Snowing in Louisville !!! We hardly ever see snow in Atlanta but when we do, people (children and adults alike) dance and spin around catching snowflakes on their tongues :) I haven't seen anyone here showing that kind of joy regarding snow but I would imagine that they see snow a little more often than we do :) I went to a number of great little shops yesterday - I have never been to Lexington, KY and I visited a great little shop (Magpie Yarn) where all the fibers were arranged by color rather than brand. Jane, the owner, told me that other shops do that too but I have never seen it and was delightfully inspired!

I will be sitting tight at the hotel a little longer - definitely don't want to deal with any commuter traffic. The rest of Louisville and Cincinnati today - then I get to meet my DGNC and deliver the completed secret Christmas knitting :) Can't wait to see family and hold DGNC (I hope she likes me!)

Good Morning :)

2009-12-09T07:15:00.000-05:00

Rainy (pouring) travel day yesterday as I shlep my samples around (need a new compact "trunk") for the show :) Chattanooga not much of a knitting town but Knoxville has a couple of great shops that I visited "Loopville" and "The Yarn Haven" Both shops have a beautiful selection of Yarns (and as usual ... very difficult to resist ...) and Jenka at Loopville was really helpful with ideas for marketing and getting my name (More Than Knotz not Susan :)) out there in Local Yarn Store land. Louisville today and then tomorrow I get to visit MSS and family...Can't wait! Gotta map out the rest of my trip ... have a great day!

At the Mazda Dealership

2009-12-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

Yes everything is ok but I thought I better get my oil changed since I am a little overdue and about to head out on a pretty big trip. This is really fun to be able to blog using their wireless network !:) Working hard on printing lots of patterns for the shops I will be visiting to snap up for a song :) I now officially hate my printer - while at Staples to get more cartridges, I will be investigating Laser printers and the cost per page to see if it would make sense for me.

Multi-tasked this morning while printing and clearing paperjams...arghhhhh... I am now almost finished with charts on my secret Christmas project - DSB, if you are working on a similar secret Christmas project, Row 30 is a major milestone....

I had better go because I do have some other knitting to do that is quite intriguing to Bizzy-Izzy so it would be great to work on it without having to fight off the stalker! :) I will touch base tomorrow night. Rain, Rain Go away !(not looking so good in TN)

Phew!!!

2009-12-06T09:21:00.001-05:00

Smoke Rise Craft Show!!! Wow - was a blast being with MFZ and her daughters and getting to meet MFZ's SO - (yes Z I liked him :)) I made enough to cover my trip this week which is awesome and I learned a lot about craft shows in general. There were a few true artisans at this one but if I could do it over, I would bring more small items. Although I sold a couple of larger items (Funky Fringe also sold out :), it seemed as if the people shopping here liked inexpensive little items. Also learned that I will come up with a few fun designs that I make on an ongoing basis so that I have an easily portableinventory that I don't drive myself crazy over (but I think I did learn that lesson before yesterday)!

On to the next focus - planning my trip in detail so I can actually tell MDSS when I will arrive.... (Of course a little break to go to Only Ewe this afternoon :)

That is an anti-Hate poster in the background!!!

MFZ, another pic of the table and the (now) famous Fabulous Funky Fringe!!!

Totally Lost Count But Made it For Sure!!!

2009-12-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Made one last Fabulous Funky Fringe and sewed in all the ends on all the other projects yesterday. Cast on and halfway done with a scarf out of Boku...I think I am ready for tomorrow - yay! Still need to card stitch markers and print a few patterns then off to Only Ewe for a day with the Knit Witch! Beautiful hand-dyed yarns - can't wait! :)

Feeling a little overwhelmed with everything to do to get ready for my trip - Planning which yarn stores to visit, mapping out the trip, getting accomodations lined up, printing a gazillion copies of patterns....Just in case MDNL is reading this today, are there any great yarn shops in Indy? I will probably come by so I can visit 3 great children even though I won't get to really see 1 yet. :) I know you probably won't feel up to a drive to your Mom and Dad's!!!

I don't think I will get the chance to write tomorrow so everyone have a great Saturday and I will talk to you on Sunday!

Missed You Yesterday :)

2009-12-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

Where were you yesterday? :) (Sheepish smile) My day got away from me yesterday starting with a teen whose alarm was somehow turned off without waking her up! DHJ and I usually don't need to check on DDK in the morning - she is usually very quiet as she goes through her (extensive) morning routine and we didn't realize that she had slept in. After that somewhat rocky start to the day, I just jumped right in to the crazed knitting routine of this week - 2 headbands, 2 small diagonal scarves, 1 long prism scarf and 1 fabulous funky fringe completed over the past 2 days - 1 more to go! I may try to make one more warm kind of scarf and hat set which would put me over the goal :)

Planning my next business trip for this coming week but no lapse in blogging because I got this great teeny netbook ( by big Iphone) - an Acer Aspire One named "Knotty" - 160 gbyte hard drive which is twice the size of our desktop hard drive in an itty bitty package. I am going to deliver a certain Christmas Stocking to DSS in Cincinnati (for her 3rd grandchild and the 4th is due any second) and plan on visiting 20 LYS over a 4 day period - that would be an excellent goal to reach!

More on the trip later - gotta keep pressing on to get ready for the craft show and setting Knotty up!

7 More :)

2009-12-01T08:34:00.000-05:00

Two new Loosey Goosey Capelets are blocking! :) I am on a roll - should I up the goal? Actually, I don't think I will - I'll just exceed the goal - that's always fun :) Gotta cut this short today because my "to do" list is long and not that much time before going to Only Ewe in the afternoon!!! Have a great day!!!

Freakin' Out

2009-11-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

Finished 2 more scarves ... Fabulous Funky Fringe scarf not so fabulous in Plymouth Buckingham (needs more weight) ...may try sock yarn next but first need to knit a Loosey goosey for the craft fair - 9 to go (5 days left) That's why I am freakin' out! Not really because I know I can always knit cup coozies...

DFZ - by the way, I probably won't have anything for you on Tuesday night - will just bring with me on Saturday. Just in time knitting :)

I guess I have achieved focus because I am unable to do anything else except knit for the fair (not even a shower yet today!)

Stupid hat!!!

2009-11-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

Stupid hat! Why didn't I try to make something simple with a ribbed brim to match the scarf? No....I had to try to design something quickly that was an exact match ...you might think, what's the big deal? It's just a hat - well...I have not mastered hats yet (new goal)...tried to count on the gauge as the rib gauge...thing would have fit Shrek...knitting away...maybe it won't be so big when it's done - what was I thinking? Oh well, time to move on...time wasted but I finished another fringed scarf and cast on another - only 11 more...

Focus, Focus, Focus

2009-11-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

Shopping was pretty fun - always is with DDK - I am very fortunate to not have shopping battles with my daughter but this trip was using all her own money so it was even easier to take. She looks so cute in everything that it is tortuous to resist buying things for her that she doesn't have the money for, e.g. really cute Vneck sweater at Ann Taylor Loft - she may go back for it when the cash stores are replenished but also a great design possibility... waffle stitch with a deep V, crossover shawl collar....yummy! The trip was well worth all the ideas I got but this week I really need to focus on completing some goods to sell at a craft fair I am doing with MFZ...the clock is ticking - how many scarves, hats, shawls, stitch marker necklaces can I make in 7 days?...last 2 days I made 3 scarves and almost 1 hat. My goal is 12 knitted items and 5 necklaces...focus,focus,focus!!! :)

Black Friday Shopping :(

2009-11-27T06:58:00.000-05:00

Going shopping this morning with DDK to use some birthday gift cards she has - if that isn't love I don't know what is! :) After checking the weather for our walk this morning, we saw that several malls in the area were more than 50% full at 6:00 am! I am very thankful that we won't be heading to a major mall just a small one near us...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2009-11-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

What could be better? Yummy Thanksgiving dinner, kids at home with us, family playing "May I?" with me....Me winning "May I?" - priceless :) Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!

Arghhhhh...Ink Cartridges

2009-11-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

Why are ink cartridges so expensive and why don't they last very long when you are printing a bunch of patterns with color pictures?:) I guess that's a good thing but seriously, I am not to the point where I can afford to stockpile a bunch of these things. If it's not the black one, it's the color one (and vice versa) and always at a bad time - thanks to MFL's suggestion, I think I will investigate the cost of color copying!:)

Giving thanks...MFS asked for reasons she should be thankful for having to work on Thanksgiving - I thought of some more and I hope this is helpful...You have a great talent and you get to share it with others to help them (they will be thankful for you), you have a great job during this time when many do not, and you get Holiday pay (hopefully)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone - I hope you can find ways to be thankful for whatever is going on in your lives! I, myself, am thankful for many things, not the least of which is running out of ink!

Itching for Independence

2009-11-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

DSJ is in that tricky place between being a boy and an adult man - not that I would know anything about this place :) My only experience comes from my DBC and I don't count that because I was the bratty little sister who was oblivious to any struggles and declarations of independence that DBC may or may not have had with my parents. So ... I feel poorly equiped to guide DSJ through the maze of decisions and consequences that a young man faces - thankfully DHJ has a level head and more experience in these matters :)

The dilemna, which doesn't seem like such a big deal now, was that DSJ was invited to go to Hilton Head, SC with a friend's family for Thanksgiving. DSJ asked very nicely if it would be alright if he went - what to say? It's just the four of us this year (probably one of the last that will be just us...let me clarify...I don't expect that it will expand quite yet but we sometimes visit extended family over the holidays ) but if we "make" him stay home will he be a pleasant dinner guest? :) DHJ and I pondered this for a while and decided to follow our hearts. Just let him know that we would REALLY miss him and would like him to be with us over the holiday. Plus...it's just about the only day that my non-game-playing family will play games! No problem - (big sigh of relief and a smile)

Enjoying knitting some little things - these are handwarmers to go with a cowl I made - I am WIDE open to photography tips (beyond recommendations for expensive cameras :))

A Surprise and a Faux Pas

2009-11-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

How many times have you written or typed the term Faux Pas? I think I have only typed it twice (it looked odd to me so I had to google it :)) Sunday afternoons are terrific - yesterday especially so... I had a little bit of a short knit group (the shortness not so terrific but I am fortunate to be able to spend time with these women whenever I can) when, shocked and amazed, my DHJ walked into Only Ewe and Cotton Too! As a bit of explanation, it was me that was shocked and amazed, not DHJ :) I really should have corrected the grammar but, as easily amused as I am, I thought you might enjoy it too! He looked great in the shop - I think I should get him there more often! Bill looked happy to be able to shake a man's hand - he is such a trooper to put up with boatloads of crazy knitting women all the time!... Here comes the Faux Pas (ok, that's three times:)), because I was so surprised to see DHJ come inside the shop, I totally forgot my manners and did not introduce all my friends by name to him! I apologize and promise to do so next time DHJ deigns to enter our domain. It could be a while .....

DHJ and I spent an hour or so looking at real estate in the Crabapple area (not to move just for fun) - I do so love looking at houses - I may need to get my license so I can look anytime I want :)

Finished Country Cuffs - having a class at Only Ewe on Wednesday at 10:30 - turkeys only (ha ha)

Which picture should I use for the pattern?

1

Or 2

Too Little Time

2009-11-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

I used to simply have knit-itis now I have pattern-itis - my head is nearly drowning in ideas for patterns and not to mention available time, my hands cannot keep up! I have seen some amazing designs in catalogs and stores recently that I am struggling to resist beginning (buying more yarn for). My mantra is quickly becoming "No I don't need that...focus on what is on the needles now...keep plugging away and you'll get there....." And then, DSB mentions cleaning her house...what's that you say? The trouble about working at home is that you never stop working, or it is hard to anyway :) Add to that the thrill of working in your passion and well, not much else gets done! I keep thinking about time blocking as an organizational strategy to manage my time but there's just too little of it - maybe I'll wake up at 4 from now on :)

First (and last) (probably) Movie premiere at Midnight

2009-11-20T09:25:00.000-05:00

Wow am I ever exhausted! I took DDK to the 12:01 showing of New Moon (actually 12:30 as the Movie people thought that they should start all the trailers etc at 12:01. Arggghhh...didn't get home until 3:00 am Poor DDK - has to be at school all day long - hopefully she won't fall asleep in class! The movie was pretty good - it was almost as much fun watching the movie as it was listening to the screaming throng of college girls reacting to werwolves bearing chests and vampires sparkling in the sunlight. I was not permitted to speak to anyone around me (and I repeat the mantra - I will not take this personally, I will not take this personally...) but we did have a really nice time together - I savor every moment I have with DDK, growing up way too fast!

Lots to do today! Not much energy....

Fascinated by Authors

2009-11-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

This is an author, Terri Dulong, taking a picture of a few of her fans (mostly from The Noble Knitters group which meets on a regular basis at The Barnes and Noble at The Forum in Norcross, Ga) We really packed out the place! Terri has just released her latest book, Spinning Forward, which is a fictional work about (you guessed it - Knitting and spinning!) I have not had the chance to read the book yet but from what I understand a key theme is about the regenerative healing power of these crafts!!!

Terri is a transplanted (Boston area) Yankee who relocated to the south so I could truly relate :) Her charming accent was a little tricky for some of my southern friends to understand but I felt right at home.

Terri - thanks so much for sharing your personal and book stories with us! I greatly admire authors especially since starting this blog as I have personally experienced the dedication and self-discipline required.

I seem to be able to manage little tidbits of writing but am sure that sitting down to write a full-fledged book with hundreds of pages would knock me off the chair. I must need instant gratification or something:)

I have a gazillion of ideas for new patterns in my head and even though I am a fairly quick knitter, my hands are having a bit of trouble keeping up.

So.....

What's this? you ask...

An instant gratification design :) This is the first of a pair of "Country Cuffs" which I am frantically preparing to make my Knitting Class participants at Only Ewe feel that they received a good value!!! This design will be knit using one skein of Elsebeth Lavold "Silky Wool", has a twisted rib and a bit of simple lace. I will be holding a drop-in class next Wednesday for anyone not travelling over the Thanksgiving holiday (free pattern included with the class). Here's what the lace looks like up close:

Happy Knitting!!!

Yikes - Time Flies!!!

2009-11-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

I am begging all of you to not hold me responsbile for any typos or poor grammar in this post! Please, Please PLEASE! I am astounded at how quickly today has disappeared... but, I am committed to writing every day and I promised an account of my return trip from Philly (although it may be quick - the account not the trip :))

I definitely was running out of steam on my way home so I only stopped at two shops; however, I sure picked two great ones! Both in Charlotte, I chose Charlotte Yarn and Knit One Stitch Too (another winning name - being a knitting and needlepoint shop :)) Charlotte Yarn is another smallish shop but uses the space incredibly well, showcasing a marvelous selection of some of my favorite yarns (hopefully will include some of my very own handspun someday soon :)) including Malabrigo to which I vowed eternal dedication to the first time I used it (oh well, I think I must be a little fickle as I must admit I have strayed once or twice) Knit One Stitch Too almost was skipped as my Garmin was not assisting in the way that it should but I am glad that I perservered. It was a treat to take a look through their giant selection although torturous to pass up on a Hanne Falkenburg kit (I was determined not to lose too much money on this trip :) ) I truly enjoyed a brief knit in with Betsy and her needlepoint customer - a very relaxing break.

Here are the pics I got - need to run - will linger a little more tomorrow with you!

Family, Yarn Shops and New Friends

2009-11-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful long weekend I just had! :) Started up to PA on Thursday and spent a knit night with Lola (cutie pie little shop dog) and company at "The Fibre Studio at Yarns to Dye For" in Charlotte, NC. I was warmly welcomed at this tiny treasure of a shop which was packed with lovely yarns especially Debbie Davis' (the shop owner) gorgeous hand dyed creations! I couldn't resist a skein of a silk wool in Caribbean colorway - can't wait to create with it! Here's some pics:

After all this hard work :), I rested and off on my journey again on Friday morning, next stop "Lettuce Knit" in Richmond - shop winning the cutest bunny logo award!

Again - warmly welcomed and thoroughly encouraged in my business pursuits! Thanks Lynne and Trish!:) I am fortunate that I made it out of the shop with my Double Ruffle Scarf - thanks to Lynne's generosity, the small gauge version will have a big sister shortly out of Merisoft and Noro Maiko! They also loved my Lacey Cardigan which, like the travelling pants, seems to fit everyone beautifully (well, it has been witnessed that it fits Size 34 - 42) and will be published shortly in this one size fits most! Here's more pictures:

I have limited experience in visiting not-so-local yarn shops and again was thrilled beyond belief at the variety that is offered! It was nearly impossible to leave "Lettuce Knit" - way too many beautiful fibers to see and touch in a short driving break!

Next stop "Knit Happens" in Alexandria, VA - the prize winner according to DHJ for LYS name! I am very lucky to have made it into this shop, parking was a little tricky and I even had to parallel park for the first time in a LONG while - definitely worth the extra effort! This lovely shop exhibits a yummy selection of Rowan (one of my personal favorites), Classic Elite and Teva Durham among many others. Again .... WAY too little time. My picture journal follows:

I humbly apologize to all for my horrific camera skills - I'll get better I promise!

Phinally to Philly!:) I had a nice quiet dinner on Friday with my Mom and Dad, catching up after too long a time before visiting, then off to my favorite Sister M, Brother-in-Law D, and Niece D's house (to all of my siblings and their immediate families - you are all my favorites :)) They showed me comfy-cozy hospitality for the couple of nights I was in Philly. As usual, I felt completely at home - thanks Guys! Saturday was a whirlwind: toy shopping for the newest great-grandkids (NOT mine - my Mom and Dad's), a delicious birthday lunch for my Mom (try a Salmon Club Sandwich sometime - yum yum) and then hanging out with Mom, Dad, M, and my favorite weaving sister B! B came down for a quick visit from New England - we all had a wonderful time although way too short a visit. B got one of my stitch marker necklaces for a friend.

I hope she enjoys it B! We had a nice brunch and visit Sunday morning and then I was On The Road Again - I must take an intermission until another day or I will get nothing else accomplished on my first day home!

p.s. Bee liked her bureau scarf :)

Back Home Again!!!

2009-11-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

After a long time on the road, I am finally home again! I have missed writing to ya'll and will resume in the morning - I am too exhausted to do anything but have a little dinner and KNIT!!! :)

Talk to you in the morning!

Disaster Narrowly Averted!!!

2009-11-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!!! (Clearly not an early one :)) I apologize to any of you who have come to expect an early morning post but I was busy with a capital B. I have finished Bee's Bureau Scarf !!! Yay! But before I show you the pictures, I would like to ask a question...What is worse for a knitter than running out of time on a project deadline?
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Hmmmmmmm .... Do you think there's enough to complete the project?

I did not so I went out to pick up some more. I mean, after all, I didn't think getting more white crochet thread would be an issue. Unfortunately, this is "Bamboo" crochet thread only carried at one store. I went in the store confidently and started toward the needlwork area, walked up one aisle and didn't spot it (not worried yet), walked down the next aisle and stopped to look at the wide variety of crochet threads (starting to get worried), turned to walk down the next aisle...PILLOWS (very worried - because as you are well aware, I don't exactly have a lot of time to finish this !!! Also thinking, why am I using this - I don't like big box yarns...seemed appropriate for the use) Ok, so I took some big deep breaths and thought "clearance section"!!! Guess what - 1 ball left in the whole store - this gift is meant to be - I mean the stars are all aligned and

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it's done :) I hope my Mom likes it

p.s I probably won't be able to post for a few days but keep checking, you never know!