Monday, November 23, 2009

Everythings amazing ... nobody's happy

Boy does this say volumes ....



I bet the under 25 crowd don't like any part of this, but they'll be saying something similar about the younger generation when they reach their "golden" years themselves. It happened to our parents and it's happening with this generation right now.

BTW, I did have a few days of withdrawal [nervousness and anxiety] when I was without a computer for awhile. Same with my cell phone when I had to send it out for repairs because I wasn't willing to buy a new one. Decided I didn't need it after a week but ...

Got hooked the first day it [computer or cell] was back in my clutches. Amazing!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Do you believe in magic?

The magic of creating a Moebius scarf or shawl can be exciting ...

Cindy and my Moebius scarf

And you don't really have to know mathematics to produce it from string either.

Or the magic of felting ...

hand felting

With a bar of olive oil soap, some bubble wrap, hot and cold water & elbow grease you can turn a wool knit or crochet piece into something else entirely. Something useful and comfy and protective on the hands when hot coffee, tea or cocoa stays nice and hot in your cup.

coffee cup vest cozy

I didn't even start out with the plan to make this Felted Vest Coffee Cup Cozy ... but like "magic" ... it just happened!

But the magic of lace is different.

before blocking

It doesn't look like much when you're done with the knitting like in this picture of the Superior Lacy Sampler Scarf by Filatura Di Crosa. Use special yarn like the Superior cashmere lace yarn or like I did with Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. Then knit with blind faith.


You see; the magic of lace is in the planning ...

Knit Sample Lace Scarf

Knit Sample Lace Scarf

Knit Sample Lace Scarf

And in the blocking.

Knit Sample Lace Scarf

When you're done ...

It really looks and feels like magic!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Knitted Science ...

Between art and science the knitting world has come up with some pretty amazing stuff. Nerdy? Yes. But amazing stuff right?

I'll wait while you "Check it out at DiscoverMagazine.com."

Well I don't have the time to be any Nerdier than I already am ...

Cindy and my Moebius scarf
[Thanks to one of my knitting friends, Cindy for being a model of one of my gifts]

Christmas knitting is piling up and I need to cast on another Moebius.

Next time I'll speak about some magic ...

The magic of felting

What?? I'm still a Nerd? Oh ya I just admitted to a Moebius didn't I.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Rogues of Wool ...



And what are you knitting? Christmas gifts? Something for yourself? For your sister? Mother or brother? I can't stop knitting for long ... Grandchildren are expecting mittens perhaps?

Socks in the works for me ...

Friday, October 30, 2009

A spinner at work ...

Not me. Not yet. But I noticed others around me are doing it. It could be addictive. I know, I know. That's why I haven't even attempted any spinning. [a drop spindle doesn't count; I only tried a homemade one & bought only one book ...] So I try to keep my distance but as I walked out the door to head over to my LYS ...

Halloween spider?

She has on her Halloween suit also. And what a lovely web she spins!

Do you think she would help me with my knitting?

neckwarmer

A few more inches on a neckwarmer. My mindless knit. Easy knit.

doggie coat for Buddy

A little more than half way on Buddy's coat. My sister, Cindy's new friend. He's going to need it soon too judging by the early cool weather this year. I better not stop now.

IMG_1101

I did have to start some mittens in Interweave Holiday 2009 Mag for the Grandkid Christmas gift basket. Christmas gifts are piling up. Can't stop now tho.

lace sampler scarf

But a lace sampler scarf will go on the blocking board tomorrow once I graft the two ends together. I'll hand carry it to Seed Stitch Fine Yarn to be put on display. You're not afraid of lace knitting are you? You are? Trust me, it's easy. Join me in a class after Christmas.


christmas ornaments kit And there's more than one project waiting to be cast on. The least being Christmas ornaments. More hats and mittens anyone ... hat and mitten kit
Halloween spider?

How about it Ms Spidy? Will you help me with my knitting tonight??

Happy Halloween Everyone!~

Sunday, October 18, 2009

October is a funny month ...

October

Flowers and garden are fading fast. Yet color is everywhere. I love the Fall but soon Winter will follow ....

So I'm still working on Christmas gifts for the grandchildren.

Cable Hat

Cable Hat

Almost forgot to post the specs ...

Project info
: Pink Sunflower Tam
:
Sunflower Tam by Norah Gaughan
: child size
Needle and yarn
s
US 6 / 4.0 mm
US 7 / 4.5 mm
:
Rowan Harris DK in Pink
2 skeins = 246.0 yards (224.9m)

Wonder who'll pick this one? Which grand child would love a beret?

October's Yarn of the Month Club collection.

Malvasia by Rich More
40% Wool, 33% Alpaca, 16% Mohair, 11% Nylon
[A fun yarn to knit with but with such a small amount of yarn per skein (at what price I don't even know yet), what would we knit with it? Remains to be seen. But keep your eyes open for this yarn from Japan.]
2.75 sts/ inch on US 11s. Each skein contains 48 yards & this color is: # 6

Before blocking ... Yarn of the Month Club 0ctober This color is correct.

After blocking ... IMG_1094

Tradicao by Rosarios 4
100% Wool
[Yarn with a nice firm twist, works up smoothly and into a sturdy fabric. I can see this in a beautiful knit jacket. ]
3.5 sts/ inch on US 10s. Each skein contains 131 yards & this color is: # 12

Before blocking ... Yarn of the Month Club 0ctober

After blocking ...IMG_1093

Rittenhouse Merino 5-ply by Manos
100% Merino Wool
[I loved knitting with this yarn. It would be lovely in a sweater. Very soft yet holds it's shape really well.]
4.75 sts/ inch on US 7s. Each skein contains 241 yards & this color is: # 509

Before blocking ...Yarn of the Month Club 0ctober

After blocking ... IMG_1092

Royal Tweed by Lana Grossa
100% Merino Wool
[I found this one hard to believe it's 100% wool, maybe because it's so soft. Nice knit and I loved the color play.]
3.5sts/ inch on US 9s. Each skein contains 140 yards & this color is: # 011

Before blocking ... Yarn of the Month Club 0ctober

After blocking ... IMG_1091


The colors show up lighter in the After blocking shots, but the true colors are closer to the Before shots. I like all four samples this time.

Into the "Sampler Block Blanket" bag they'll go ...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

I found this on Knitorious' Blog .... and took the test myself.

I am ... Which Ewe are You?

The results for me say: "This longwool knows that taking it easy isn't just a good idea -- it's a great one. With an open-mind and dependable attitude. Perendales always make the best of any situation. Flexible and adaptable, they are great negotiators and compromisors, as well."


The quiz is part of a promo for The Knitter's Book of Wool by Clara Parkes. Looks like a great book to add to the library. Check it out.

A longwool huh? Is that me or what.