Knitterbeader's Place

SNOW!

2012-01-18T10:05:00.001-08:00

These pictures say it all. Good day to stay in and knit!!!
ETA: Then the power was off from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Could have been worse, I guess.
ETA1: Power off Thursday from 6am to 2:00pm - getting cold and very tired of this weather!!!!

It's Still Winter!

2012-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Residents in our part of the world have been going along thinking we were never going to have Winter-type weather. Well, IT CAME!!! It snowed several times over the weekend, melted a little, then snowed again last night and is forecast for more snow through tomorrow. It is beautiful, but cold and treacherous to get around in.

Knitting wise, I've been working on the g-grandchild's baby blanket. What a joy to be knitting for a g-grandson, and then another joy when he is born this summer!

The New Year is Here!

2012-01-01T18:45:00.001-08:00

Our 49th wedding anniversary was Friday, December 30th. Hard to believe it's been this many years, through thick and thin, we've made it. We celebrated by going out to dinner - doesn't take much these days to make us happy! We did stop on the way at Shipwreck Beads in Lacey, WA and I purchased all the "fixin's" for a Pandora style bracelet. I've seen many of these on TV and checking them out at a jewelry store was a major price shock (ea bead runs from $20-$40). The beads on these were murano glass. I purchased the bracelet and some beautiful glass beads and with hubby's military discount, I got the whole thing for right around $20. However, after putting all the beads on it, the bracelet ended up being too small, so I need to order the next larger size, but I'm lovin' it.

In preparation for Christmas, we had a little panic when I was plugging one set of light cords into another (an artificial tree), and the plug-in touched a piece of pipe cleaner that had metal in it, sparks flew, I jumped and hubby and I looked at each other like....what just happened. All the lights blew out so we had not choice but to go get another tree. This time just got a small one and put it on an end-table. It's 4 ft high and a lot easier to decorate. So some good came out of it.

We had a nice family Christmas. On Christmas Eve our daughter, hubby and our 2 grand kids came over from Richland, WA. The other daughter, hubby and 2 more grand kids came south from Covington, WA. We did the Papa Murphy's pizza thing for dinner, after snacking a lot, then most of us played Uno until 10pm or so when Covington family left for home.

The next morning, after opening gifts and having breakfast, we all went up to Covington for a wonderful Christmas dinner which included deep-fried turkey, ham and all the trimmings. We played Tripoli after dinner. All in all a wonderful day. My gifts included a Kindle Fire, Pioneer Woman cookbook, kids/family photo albums and some nice smelling things from Bath & Body Works.

The day after Christmas, Monday morning, our Richland family left for home and we kinda vegged out the rest of the day. Come to think of it, I've not done a whole lot this entire week. I'm going to my knitting meet-up tomorrow, so have to see what I can take along to work on that's not too complicated for knitting in a crowd of very fun talkers!

I've told myself I have some goals for 2012 - no resolutions.

1. Learn to de-stress more to keep my sanity!
2. For knitting I want to learn to add beads, and do colorwork.
3. Finish as many WIP's as possible!!!! (Like these below!)
I'm sure more will come up, but that's it for now.

IT'S ALMOST HERE!

2011-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today is "scurry around day" as well as Christmas Eve. Our daughters and families are coming this afternoon and I need to get done with last minute things. Still don't have my Christmas cards out - but guess this year they'll be Happy New Year cards instead.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone. Enjoy my favorite Christmas video with Kermit the Frog and John Denver.

THE PUSH TO CHRISTMAS

2011-12-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

It's time (actually past time) for an update on what's been happening around my house.

I've actually slowed down and am "enjoying the reason for the Season" this year. In the past I have overworked myself into a frenzy trying to get "everything" done. This year I'm just taking it easy and if it doesn't get done - it doesn't get done. So there!

I just finished the first of the Augusta Mitts. Don't know if I like them so long, but they're a Christmas gift for granddaughter and hope she likes them this length. I love the mock cable pattern - so easy to do!

DH and I spent the afternoon yesterday at our youngest g-daughter's gymnastics meet in Bellevue. This was the state tournament and she did quite well. Fun watching her, but 3-4 hours on gym bleacher seats got old real fast.

During our Thanksgiving Dinner we got a phone call from our oldest g-daughter and found out we are going to become g-grandparents next summer!!! Wonderful news, and what's a knitter to do?? Go buy yarn, of course, so this is for a Moving Mountains-baby-blanket which I'll be starting shortly. This picture is of the yarn I'll be using - Berroco Vintage.

Then while I was at it, I just "had to have" this yummy Alpaca/Merino for a Origami Falls Cowl.

Winter Is On It's Way

2011-11-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

We've had some morning temperatures in the high 20's, so guess there's no doubt about winter being early this year. I'm never ready for it, but guess I have no choice. At least it's a good time to cuddle up with my knitting or other crafts.

Actually this is what my craft table looks like in my office at the moment. I'm making some sets of knitting stitch markers. I've not done any beading for a year or so, thus it's nice to get back to doing some. Of course, I get sidetracked when I see some of the beads I have (in my stash!!!) that would make a beautiful pendant or other type of necklace so it's hard to keep on track with the stitch markers.
And, this is what I'm making. Going for a total of 15 sets - only 13 to go!!!
I've also worked some on my Alivia shawl, but it's in time out right now. I've knit this one particular row 3 or 4 times now and can't get the count right. But, I'm still loving the pattern and the yarn - at this rate it'll be a "Spring" shawl.
Went to the podiatrist this morning and got some new orthotics at a horrendous price and insurance doesn't cover them. But after only wearing them for an hour or two, my knees already feel better - so maybe I should have gone six months ago!!! I'm bad about putting off doctor appointments.

What's On (and Off) The Needle

2011-10-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd bring you up-to-date on what's happening around here. Hubby's gone golfing so I have a full-on day of knitting - Yay!
I finished my 2nd pair of socks and really liking them. They are Basic Ribbed Socks and were lots of fun to make. Yarn is Colinette Jitterbug in Ischia.

I immediately cast on a shawl - Alivia

I'm loving this yarn from Sequoia Dyeworks in Lacey - a superwash merino wool in Icy Blue. Also learning to read a chart for this, and so far, so good.

HAPPY WEDDING DAY - October 1, 2011

2011-10-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've been getting rather lax in keeping you in the know about my knitting and other life of late. We just came home last night from a 3-day stay in Spokane, Washington for the wedding of our oldest granddaughter. She was a beautiful bride (aren't they all?), and was walked down the aisle and "given away" by her two grandfathers - one of them being my husband. Gee, he looked good in the tux! It was a 6:30pm wedding outside a barn on Mt. Spokane, followed by reception and dancing inside probably late into the night. We left a little after 9pm when the music was getting faster and louder - can't do that kind of dancing.This is her grandpas bringing her down the aisle.

This is a photo of the bride and groom

Knitting-wise: I finished one of my Jitterbug socks, and partway down the cuff on the second. This Colinette Jitterbug yarn is beautiful and fun to work with, and I'm enjoying doing just a basic sock.

I'm working on a pair of fingerless mitts - pattern: Augusta, for a KAL

Also on a Dolcetto shawlette for another KAL:

So I have more than enough to keep my fingers busy. I had a lot of knitting time on the 6-hour trip each way to Spokane, which was very enjoyable.

Back Home from Memory Lane

2011-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

After 5 days of auto-traveling to and from northern California, it was nice to be home in our little abode. Today it's do-all-the-laundry-day, and catch up on the e-mails, Ravelry and my blog (not necessarily in that order). We had a wonderful trip visiting family in southern Oregon (where I spent quite a few of my growing up years), traveling south from there to Redding, California. The temperature those first few days was in the 100's and we decided to head for the Coast. We crossed the mountains to Eureka, CA where I was born and drove over to Samoa where I lived for the first 12 years of my life. I really wanted to take a picture of the house i lived in and it's relationship to the ocean. Samoa is on a peninsula and we were the last house before the beach. Well............they say you should never go back and they're right. The house was so rundown - trash everywhere all around the yard, broken glass, etc. it was very hard to look at. So, no pictures were taken of the house. We had lunch at the Samoa Cookhouse where many years ago my Dad ate meals at when he was still a bachelor and worked at Hammond Lumber Company. From there we decided to follow Highway 101 up the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington on our way home. The weather was sunny the entire way, and quite warm for the coast. We took several quick jaunts down to the beach along the way and enjoyed the views and the nice temps (probably in the 70's).

While we were looking out at the rocks trying to see any seals, this friendly little squirrel came within arm's reach and was eating berries from the salal bushes in front of us. He watched us warily, but kept right on eating and didn't run away when we moved around!

We had not made any motel reservations along the way, and come Saturday night, we couldn't find a place to lay our head anywhere along the Coast. Should have known better - with the sunshine and warm weather, everyone went there for the weekend, so we ended up driving from Coos Bay to Astoria then east to I-5 and home all in one day. That was one loooonnnngg day - left around 9am and got home at 10:30pm! Course we stopped a few places along the way.All in all, it was a wonderful trip and nice to get away for a while.

Trip Down Memory Lane..

2011-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I are leaving tomorrow morning for a trip down Memory Lane (my side of the family's roots, etc.). After visiting my bro in Medford, Oregon area, we're heading down into northern California in the Gold Rush location north of Sacramento where so many families came west looking for the yellow stuff. From there we'll head to the coast and drive north through upper California, Oregon and most of Washington on Highway 101. Will be be back with pictures next week. See ya!

Need Some Brightening Up? I do!

2011-08-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a link from another website, and thought it was so fitting in a lot of ways. Be prepared for big smiles on your part (and a little dancing around in your chair)!

"Bring Me Sunshine"

Days at the Beach

2011-07-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

View from our room. Sorry for the blur.
We were gone Monday and Tuesday of this week to Ocean Shores, Washington. We left town with another couple because the streets in our Park were going to be receiving a seal coat and we wouldn't be able to get out. However, rain sprinkles postponed the sealing job. We had a great time, good meals, sunny weather in the high 60's, and no wind. Took along my knitting but never had time to pick it up. Our friend's van got stuck in the sand on the beach, and it was amazing the number of Good Samaritans who showed up to help us out. Eventually a jeep with a winch pulled us it. Our hotel rooms included a small balcony, french doors out to it, and a couch, table and chairs. We played Pegs and Joker last night until late, late.

Headed home around mid-day and got lost several times as we were checking out new ways to come back - but all-in-all we had a great time.

I've Been A'Knittin

2011-07-23T16:26:00.001-07:00

Finished the first mitt started a couple of months ago - YAY! This pattern is Susie's Reading Mitts

We're leaving for the Coast Monday morning and coming back Tuesday night - so lots of time to work on the 2nd Mitt, as well as some other projects I'm taking along in the van. We're going with another couple and I'm not doing any driving - so lots of knit and talk. Really looking forward to getting away, and will be back in touch with you next week.

TURTLE - Yet Unamed - ETA: He/She's "Rocky"!

2011-07-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Look what my neighbor gave me as a "thank you" for the things we do for her!!! Isn't he cute. The body, feet, tail and head are all separate flat rocks which are painted these delightful colors. I've put it out in my flower bed and he looks happy. Have to come up with a name for him. Any suggestions?

Great Day Today!!!

2011-07-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had days where everything good just seemed to fall in place the whole day? Well, today was the day for me. First, hubby went out on his regular golfing day, leaving me the car to "play around" all day. I did laundry (not necessarily great, but nice to get it out of the way). Grocery shopped then got to some serious knitting on my socks. I'm liking the magic loop so much better than the dpn's and just flew along. It's after dinner and I'm working on foot portion now.

AFTER THE 4TH IS OVER!!!

2011-07-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

Now that things have quieted down around here (what a loud night last night). Fireworks going off until early this morning. But I love the 4th and what it means to us in the United States.

Since I wrote last in this blog, I bought a flat of strawberries from a local farm and made jam, and we had fresh strawberries on our cereal for several mornings. Now I'm looking for the raspberries to be ripe for the next batch of jam.

We had 2 of our granddaughters with us for 4 days while their mom is working in a fireworks stand to help out their private gym with funds. Their dad was working on a job in Kentucky so grandma and grandpa stepped up to the plate. We had a great time and hope they weren't too bored - but you never know with a 14 yr old and an 8 yr old. We went to Northwest Trek - a neat place with lots of native Northwest animals - saw grizzlies, bison, elk, mountain sheep and many more.

One day we went to Bradley Lake Park (I sat in the car and nearly finished my sock!). Had a good time with the girls, but tonight is very enjoyable with just the two of us around. Hubby barbecued some ribs to go with a green salad and we were very happy with the peace and quiet.

This is what my sock looks like so far. Just have to do the Kitchener stitch to close the toe. Hope to work on it a lot today while hubby is out golfing and I have the day to myself!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2011-06-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Our daughter and her 2 daughters came to spend the day with their father and grandfather. We had a nice dinner (BBQ'd by hubby/Dad) and had a real good visit with all. Missed having her hubby along with them, but he's out of town. Also didn't get to see the daughter who lives a little farther away and their kids. Thank God for grandchildren - they are the best. We did get a phone call from this other daughter and talked a while to the kids.

I'm getting a little farther along on my sock (first time knitting with dpn's). I'd like to have an inch or two more completed before my next class on Tuesday, when we'll be learning how to do the "heel turn". I'm not going to make the socks very high up the calf. I'm getting the hang of knitting with 5 needles now, but still not sure if I like magic loop better. We'll see when this sock is completed.

An Update

2011-06-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

It seems I have way too many projects "in progress". Just this week I took my first class (of a total of 3) learning to make socks using DPN's. I have made a pair of socks using worsted yarn and magic loop technique. I've also got a sock I started some time ago, with fingering weight yarn,top down using magic loop. I must be crazy to try knitting socks using "fiddly sticks", but I like that I'm learning something new and who knows, it may come to be my favorite way to knit socks.

This is how far I've gotten since class: Pattern is Wise Hilda's Basic Ribbed Sock and am using Madeline Tosh Sock in Olivia colorway.

I'm also still working on the Susie's Reading Mitts. Having trouble with the thumb - some gaps in there I didn't want so have tinked back a few rows. I also did a little personal designing of the pattern, which means I didn't read the directions correctly and cast off without doing the turning row. The stockinette stitch at the top rolls down nicely and it does look okay.

Now back to working some more rows on the socks before next Tuesday's class!

Great Book!!

2011-05-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

I checked this book out of my local library today, and what a find it is! Yarnplay at home, Handknits for Colorful Living is written by Lisa Shobhana Mason. It includes patterns for cozies for wine bottles, CD's, French Press, dishcloths & tea towels, throw pillows, bed pillows, shams, throws, table runners, you name it for home decor and it's in this book! I just wish I would have found out about the book sooner and could have knit a lot of the home things in it by now. If you get a chance to get your hands on this book I think you'll be very pleased.

I'm Baaaaack!

2011-05-25T16:37:00.001-07:00

After some quiet time, I've managed to make it back to my blog. Sometimes life just gets in the way, as it's happened to me.

In the knitting department, I've finished these fingerless mitts:
This pattern is Flitt Mitts. The embroidered flowers make them fun!

This pattern is my favorite "go-to" Cozy Thermal Mitts:

This mitt is another Cozy Thermal Mitt

I'm currently working on this one - Susie's Reading Mitts:

My husband has been diagnosed with Cancer,again - this time, prostate cancer. So right now we're in the consultation, determining treatment procedure, etc. He's feeling fine and anxious to get this done and over with. He has beat the big "C" three times before, so this should go okay for him.

We've had lousy, rainy, cool weather with a day of sunshine thrown in here and there - just enough for a teaser. Of course I can't complain - the south and the midwest are certainly getting more than their fair share of really bad weather.

I'd like for hubby and I to "get-away" for a day or two - maybe to the Washington coast", but sure would like it to be warmer weather. Temps in the 50's just aren't too conducive to walking on the beach.

I'll try to keep up my blog writing a little more frequently!

Japan earthquake, tsunami & nuclear event

2011-03-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

Prayers and hugs to all those people in Japan. Such a tragedy and who knows how long before they will be back to a life somewhat "normal".

Birthday Weekend

2011-02-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Had a great weekend: celebrated my 75th birthday on Saturday and had our two grandkids from the TriCities area with us for two nights! Their parents spent the weekend in Seattle enjoying a "getaway" and we had a great time with the kids, aged 9 and 11. We went to a local playground/park both Saturday and Sunday. The weather was kinda miserable - sunny but windy and in the low 40's. I noticed the kids are much tougher than we. They just had on sweatshirts, but we had heavy jackets and still nearly froze to death.

I got taken out to breakfast Saturday morning and received flowers and chocolates, got in some knitting time and all-in-all a nice weekend.

Today, however, is another story. Hubby just left to play golf and I have mountains of laundry to do with all the bedding, etc. But I'll be knitting on my Every Last Yard sweater which is now down to the waist shaping and soon coming up will be the lacy border. Pretty boring knitting, so need to pick up something else to change off to - maybe another pair of fingerless gloves.
So off to the laundry room I go!!!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends, knitting or otherwise. Hope you have a great day!

January....movin' on to February!!!

2011-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

While the Midwest and east coast are suffering from one snowstorm after another, we feel blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest and just have a lot of gray days, drizzle and occasional drizzle. However, this makes for good knitting weather.

I've been working on this hat for one of our daughters. She's been walking every day and with temperatures in the 30-40's, she wanted a hat. I'm making it from Sunshine Yarns Merino Worsted, and it feels very soft and yummy. I'll be seeing her on Saturday, so I can try it on to decide if it's time to start decreasing.

Today, while hubby was away golfing for the day, I paid a visit to a brand-new yarn shop in nearby Puyallup, WA. They are the one and only and everyone is very excited to see them come to town. Isn't this cute? Called YellowHouseYarns I forgot to show you what I bought at YellowHouse - my new and one and only LYS: This is Stonehedge Farm and Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool - seabreezze colorway (more green than this photo shows) and in a light worsted, or aran. Very soft and yummy! I don't know what it wants to be yet.

I'm still working away on my EveryLastYard cardigan. Some of our knitting group are already finished, but I'm working on the body so it's just knit-knit-knit. Thank goodness I have other projects to switch off to occasionally.

Seattle to Portland Yarn Train 2011

2011-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Seattle to Portland Yarn Train is in the history books now. A great time was had yesterday - with somewhere around 209 knitters from the western Washington area traveling to Portland on Amtrak for a fun day of knitting on the train (some slept - we did have to get up terribly early). We walked up and down the streets of Portland visiting yarn stores, who were expecting us and had discounts, lots of help and even snacks and beverages. It rained steady and heavy and the wind blew all day so lots of people had wet feet, clothes, and hair - but it was fun, including one in our group whose umbrella kept blowing inside out, spokes bent, and the shaft kept coming apart. She said her mother gave her the umbrella right before she left and that "she'd got a good deal" on the umbrella. Yeah, right! We rode the "Starlighter" train home, arriving in Tacoma at 9:30pm home after 10:00pm and fell into bed - tired, but happy!

Here's the tote bag for the occasion - filled with goodies,
and my only yarn purchase - Rowan Cashsoft in cream which should make a beautiful pair of fingerless mitts!

What Am I up to at the Moment???

2011-01-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been feverishly working my way through this Every Last Yard Cardigan, but in the past I've only made hats, scarves, fingerless mitts, etc. - all short-term projects. I still knit on a few other things at the same time when I get bored with the sweater. I'm working on the yoke with increases in each row - pretty soon I'll get to where I'll take off the sleeve stitches and work down the body.

I'm looking forward to this Saturday, when I will be among 209 knitters from the Seattle/Tacoma area who are traveling by Amtrak to Portland - "The Seattle-Portland Yarn Train". We will have close to 3 hours knitting time while on the train. We'll spend the day in Portland visiting yarn stores (who are expecting us and offering coupons), and having lunch at some fun place. We'll be coming back home that same night, tired from all that walking, but refreshed from all that walking in the rain, probably, and inspired by lots of lovely yarn. My next post will include pictures!

Knitting a Sweater For Me!!!

2011-01-04T10:05:00.001-08:00

As mentioned in a couple of earlier posts, I've joined a KAL (knit-a-long) with other knitting buddies to knit my very first cardigan for myself. The name of the cardigan is Every Last Yard (ELY), which means you can knit it with long sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves or short sleeves, and if you wish, shorten or lengthen the body of the sweater - in other words use "every last yard" of your yarn.
With a few hiccups getting the short rows figured out for the curve of the neck and some worrisome small holes at the increases for the sleeves, I am moving along down the body of the sweater. I've gotten lots of help from my local knitting buddies, as well as online ones through Ravelry - a knitting community. Yes, it is knitted all in one piece from the top down - you tie off stitches for the sleeves, then pick them up later and knit each sleeve, all done in the round. This makes for easier sizing as you can try it on as you go.

I'm using Cascade 220 Superwash Wool in a charcoal color and am loving it so far. It feels good to step outside my little box and try something new. I have knit a couple baby cardigans, but nothing of this magnitude.

I also want to cast-on for towel and washcloth sets that will look like this. I'd like to make several sets to have on hand as gifts throughout the year. These are made from cotton and wonderful to use. Photo courtesy of Tabitha's Ravelry project page. If only mine could look half as beautiful as hers.

Knitting Accomplishments 2010

2011-01-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is a rambling collage of my knitting accomplishments for the Year 2010....

Anniversary and New Year!

2010-12-31T21:50:00.000-08:00

Well with Christmas come and gone, it was time for hubby and I to plan a little get-a-way for our 48th wedding anniversary. We were married on December 30, 1962 in Boise, Idaho - seems just like yesterday. When we were younger it was always a decision every year whether to celebrate our anniversary on the 30th, or celebrate it on the 31st - New Years Eve! Sometimes New Years Eve won out and sometimes the actual date the 30th won out. As we grew older, we certainly either couldn't afford to go out two nights in a row when we were raising a family, and now we're too tired to go out two nights in a row!

This year we chose to go to the Quinault Beach Resort near Ocean Shores, Washington to spend some together time, rejuvenate ourselves and just plain "appreciate each other".

In this first photo, showing 3 inches of snow at our house on Wednesday morning when we left home:
This next photo shows the view from our room on the 3rd floor - note the blue, sunny sky which we had for all 3 days. Cold though - the highs were just about at freezing level and it was quite windy. Good staying inside and knitting weather!

The next two photos were just because I like looking at the ocean.

On Wednesday (anniversary day), we took a drive south to Westport, WA and drove out to the marina area. We stopped in front of a condo for sale, and when getting out of the car, I stepped on the only ice in the entire parking lot and fell grabbing ahold of everything I could get my hands on, on the way down (wasn't pretty). Consequently, I'm now wearing a sling for hopefully just a pulled muscle in the rotator cuff/shoulder area, and limping around with a twisted knee. I have to give them a week to get better or go back for x-rays and further treatment! So that was kind of a damper, but we still had a wonderful time and look forward to our next get-a-way.

I would like to thank all of you who follow my meager blog and wish you and yours a Happy New Year!

What a Nice Christmas

2010-12-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

We had such a wonderful Christmas, with:

Family around playing cribbage

Grandkids playing with newly received hand-held games:

Lots of good food at one of my daughter's houses, so I didn't even have to cook, except to bring the "traditional" casserole: Cheesy Broccoli. Must have been a good dinner as the guys: hubby, and two sons-in-law went out and walked the neighborhood for 2 miles to "walk off dinner".

I'm kinda glad Christmas is over for another year, and now I can get back to the knitting. Knitted a swatch for the Every Last Yard cardigan in a beautiful charcoal color. Just have to wash the swatch now and determine which needle size I want to use. This cardigan is part of a KAL (knit-a-long for you non-knitter readers), so I'll have lots of help. This is the first clothing item I have knit for myself (other than fingerless mitts). Wish me luck!

I'm Done......???

2010-12-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well, really, the only thing I'm done with is going to any kind of a store until next week! I have my gift shopping done (not my gift knitting done), and hit the grocery store this morning for the last time. Ended up having to go to a 2nd grocery store because the first one didn't have one of the ingredients I needed for the Breakfast Casserole I make for Christmas morn. Had to drive around and drive around to find a parking space, then inside the store, the aisles were very crowded and since I only had a few items (6 or so), I was trying to hurry along...well forget that. Anyway, now all I have to do is make the pretzels w/Hershey kisses on top for snacking, the traditional sausage/egg/bread casserole for Christmas morn, a broccoli-cheese casserole for Christmas Dinner at our daughters, as well as homemade cranberry sauce for the turkey! For Christmas eve, I think we'll do the pizza thing before heading out to Christmas Eve service.

Anyway, this is my last post until after company leaves and things return to normal, so Merry Christmas to all of you who have followed along with me on this blog, and I'll see you on the other side.

Am I Going to Make It?

2010-12-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

I suppose there are others of us who are frantically trying to finish up the Christmas knitting besides me. I hadn't really planned on doing any gift knitting until about three weeks ago, then all of a sudden I got pretty excited about it. So...I knitted a one-row scarf for my grandson:

and 3 fun-fur scarves for the granddaughters:

Then I wanted to knit some fingerless mitts for our two daughters so came up with these Cozy Thermal Mitts by Karen Everett,

I still have to make one more of the "bordeaux"-colored mitts before Friday - eek! It would be fine if there weren't other things like last minute grocery shopping, house cleaning, a party to go to as well.

Carry on............A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone out there!

Rushin' Along towards Christmas

2010-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

With just 18 days to go, I'm really behind. Of course it doesn't help that I have a cold, fever, etc. so not much ambition to do anything. We did manage to put the tree up yesterday.
Working furiously on some knitted items for daughters and granddaughters (so had better not post here in case they peek!
I don't know when I'll get to mailing out Christmas cards - this may be the year when it doesn't get done.

I went outside and took this picture a day or so ago - isn't it magnificent?

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

We traveled to eastern Washington, Richland, to our oldest daughter's place. Her husband and two children were so gracious and a good time was had by all. Our younger daughter, husband and 2 daughters rode along with us in our van, which made for good company and a reasonably fast trip (about 4 hours). We arrived Wednesday evening and had some good Papa Murphy's pizza.

Thursday morning some of the group participated in a local 5K Turkey Trot in the freezing cold weather (low 20's), while the rest of us began preparing for the big Thanksgiving Dinner. We had broccoli and cheese casserole, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and two turkeys - one cooked on the barbecue grill and one in the oven.

The grandchildren had fun in the hot tub in the 20 degree weather with snow all around them.

Some of my time was spent showing one granddaughter (aged 11) how to knit, and another granddaughter (age 7) and one grandson (age 9) how to crochet. The 4th granddaughter already has been taught - so we all sat around knitting dish/washcloths and making crochet chains. It was fun working with the kids and who knows, maybe one or all of them will still like this handcraft and keep it up.

All in all it was a great weekend and we returned to western Washington during mid-day on Saturday. The Pass still had snow on it, but was not too bad driving.
It was nice to get home where the 6' of snow we had when we left had all melted and it was raining.

WINTER HAS ARRIVED!!!

2010-11-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing for the past 24 hours, but we only have about 4 inches so far. This is very early for this area to be receiving snow - sounds like we're going to be having a hard winter.

Finished a hat which is destined to be sent to our troops in Afghanistan for them to wear in their "off duty" times. It's made from Sunshine yarns worsted in Bitterroot color.
I'm finishing up a hat for Christmas giving and will follow with a picture later.

Rainy Weather Knitting

2010-10-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

We've had lots of rain and once in a while a beautiful Fall day thrown in around here of late. Yesterday it was beautiful, temperature in the 50's and today it's been gray and rainy and this next week looks like the same is continuing (the rainy part, that is).

Good knitting weather though. I finished up one project and got quite a bit done on two others:

My Cozy Thermal Mitts are finished!

And, working on these two hats:

Troop Hat in beautiful Sunshine Yarn Worsted in Bitterroot. This is going off to Afghanistan for troops to wear and keep their ears warm while off duty.

and this Waffle Hat for hubby with beautiful Sunshine Yarns in Edward's Volvo Worsted:

Progress

2010-10-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my Cozy Thermal Mitts and just love this yarn and the pattern. This is my first attempt at any kind of gloves/mittens and these being fingerless helps keep it simple. I've already cast on for the 2nd mitt and am sure it will go pretty fast now that I have everything figured out.

You may have noticed the "countdown clock" on the upper right of my blog. There are a number of gals in my knitting group who are all going on the train to Portland, visit a few yarn shops, eat at some special place, and come home the same day. We'll get in a lot of fun, knitting, etc....

Too Many WIPS's

2010-10-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have a serious case of "startitis". I'm working on my Thermal Mitts

but have received a couple of skeins of cashmere to make Christmas gifts for my daughters, just today received this Luxury Sportweight, which will make another pair of fingerless mitts or maybe "duckie" socks.

and........I have at least 6 or 8 uncompleted projects. Get to it, Darlene.

A Day at the Beach!

2010-09-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful get-a-way at the beach (Ocean Shores) the last couple of days. The temperature was in the low 70's, no wind, full sunshine - couldn't ask for anything better. We did some serious beach-walking, a little casino playing and all in all a wonderful time with our friends.

Yarn Enabler!!!

2010-09-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Found another source of beautifully dyed yarn..this one located in the Seattle area...called Stricken Smittin.

I've received these two skeins of yarn from them just recently.

First...is fingering/sock yarn in The Spice Trade:

and the second is Aran Twist in Aubriana:
I've cast on the "Cozy Thermal Mitts" pattern by Karen Everitt, and they're looking beautiful in this deep burgundy/purple colorway. I'm thinking someone may get a pair of fingerless mitts for Christmas.

We're leaving in the morning for a couple of days in Ocean Shores, traveling with some friends. I'll be getting in some knitting time in addition to playing, beach walking (if the weather is decent), and visiting. Looking forward to a get-a-way.

Our Trip South and Back

2010-09-17T19:15:00.001-07:00

Over a week ago, hubby and I traveled to southern Idaho for his All-Class Reunion at Weiser, Idaho. It's a long 9-hour drive, but on the good side, I got lots of knitting time in. I worked on this One Row Lace Scarf by Turvid in beautiful Willow Green in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK. I finished up one ball, and didn't bring any additional along, so had to work on another project that took too much attention to be done in the car (or anywhere else for that matter). The Bamboo yarn is delightful to work with, draping nicely and definitely shows off the lacy pattern.
After spending five days in the Boise area (temp in the high 70's and low 80's), we headed back north. Stopped in the Tri-Cities area and stayed with our daughter, son-in-law and our two grandchildren, as well as son-in-laws parents who were visiting from Kansas. Was good to see everyone - watched g-daughter practice with her swim team; had a little excitement when their BBQ caught on fire, well-seared the meat on the grill, and melted the knobs, etc. so we went out for pizza.

We headed home the next day and drove through Mt. Rainier National Park on Hwy 410 over Cayuse and Chinook Pass. Stopped and took lots of pictures as the scenery was spectacular. First time we had traveled this way - it's a little longer, but very beautiful. Saw spots of snow up at the top, and of course Mt. Rainier has lots of snow.
When I got home, I had this waiting for me in my mailbox: Sunshine Yarns Merino Worsted in Edward's Volvo color. This is for a knit hat for hubby. Now all I have to do is get him to tell me which pattern he wants - and this may be a chore.
Spent today with the wonderful laundry catch-up, and hopefully can get in some knit time tomorrow.

Labor Day Weekend Good Stuff

2010-09-02T16:21:00.001-07:00

Can't believe I'm blogging two days in a row, but wanted to show you what I'll be sending away soon to the person coordinating the preemie hat collection for the Univ. of Maryland Hospital Foundation:

These little hats are so addictive and so fast to knit, it's hard to quit making them. But I do have other things to knit, and other things to do besides knit (called a life)so I'm taking a break.
This weekend we have family coming from eastern Washington with two of our grandkids, and we'll be getting together with the other two grandkids on the western side of the state for a great weekend. We have two more grandaughters from the east side, but they're older and both working - and we will miss them.

Some Things "Off The Needle"

2010-09-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'm finally seeing some finished objects coming off the needles. I have 7 unfinished items to go.

This one-row lace scarf has been in the "To Do" pile way too long! Turned out beautiful and luxurious in Knit Picks sport weight baby alpaca Andean Treasure.

I finished two more preemie hats over the weekend. They are so fun and rewarding to knit. Think I'll make just one more, then go back to finishing up some other projects.

Also finished the Baby Kina Sweater in Sunshine Vampire Sport yarn. I'm going to look for some other buttons for this sweater, maybe a small rounded pearl-type. This was fun to knit, but I have no one to give it to at this time. I'll just set it aside for future gifting.

Fall is nearly Here!

2010-08-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Since I last blogged, it seems time has been flying by. We had some really hot weather a week ago, and now although the sun is shining, there is a definite feel of Fall in the air. School starts this week and it seems like that's when the weather changes.
I've been doing some knitting on the Baby Kina Sweater
Also finished another preemie hat, and working on a "Wild Blueberry" colored one. These are such fun to knit and so special to a tiny little one just coming into this world.
I also got in the mail this week, this beautiful set of mini-skeins of yarn and am thinking a multi-colored scarf needs to be made:

So today, after finishing up a little (and I mean "little") housecleaning and putting a roast in the crock-pot, it's time for some knitting.....let me see, which project shall I pick up to work on...I have so many different ones????

What I've Been Up To

2010-08-17T20:34:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged much of late, because not many things have been happening, EXCEPT THIS:

This is another preemie hat done in Sunshine Yarn Sport in Peony color. It's only 4 inches high and 9 inches in circumference. Such a sweet little thing for a sweet little baby. I hope to make a few more of these before it is time to send them off to the University of Maryland Hospital Foundation.

Baby Stuff!

2010-08-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

You just have to go to this blog and see the darling baby pictures together with the beautiful designs/fabrics/decor her mother has put around her. Unbelievable!

Next, I read about a Charity Knitting opportunity here so I got out some of my beautiful Sunshine Yarn in the colorway "Over the Rainbow" and made this cute little preemie hat. It knit up so fast and I'm looking forward to doing some more of them. I got a nice warm feeling as I held it in my hands and thought the Rainbow color was inspirational to the life of a preemie.

A Not-So-Good Day Ends In A GREAT Day!

2010-07-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Okay - to start out with the not-so-good day, I went to Part II of my Toe-Up Sock Class at my LYS to learn how to do short-row heels. I think I'm thoroughly confused, but we'll see how it goes when I try it on my own socks. Today we just used scrap yarn and practiced. Seems very difficult to me - guess I'm kinda dense.

From the class I went to my local knitting meet-up group at Forza Coffee, had a great latte and sat back and enjoyed the conversation. I needed that "wind-down" from the tension of the fingers doing the short rows.

Then from there I went home and in my mailbox was my wonderful Sunshine Yarn from their latest update. I haven't decided what to knit with either of these for the Sunshine-A-Long starting tomorrow, August 1st. Probably will knit a pair of socks.
The top yarn is Sunshine Yarns Classic Superwash "Hunting Wildflowers", and the bottom color is "Over The Rainbow".

Great Give-A-Way

2010-07-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

Over on Peacefully Knitting's blog, Tina is having a super give-a-way of a new book: Gifted by Mags Kandis, known for her colorful knitwear designs featuring gorgeous and very creative embellishments, features more than 30 knit and crochet designs that celebrate the pure joy of crafting. I know there's a ruffled scarf pattern in there that I would surely like to make. Be sure to go over and enter your name in the contest before it closes on Sunday, August 1st at 8:00pm PDT. Good luck!

Friday Wrap-Up

2010-07-23T10:12:00.001-07:00

I've been working on my Toreador socks whenever I get a chance and I'm really pleased how they're coming along. They're about 6.5 inches along the foot and I'll have to stop soon, as my next class isn't until next week where I learn how to do the "short-row heel". Socks are fun and portable. I need to practice the Judy Magic Cast On so that I can get it right for the 2nd sock.

Leaving shortly to get a cortisone injection in my sacroiliac joint. This is still pain from the rear-end auto accident we were in on Halloween 2008. Getting tired of this!

We're supposed to have a week of no rain and beautiful sunshine with temperatures in the 70's and 80's. Looking forward to that!

Toe-Up Socks

2010-07-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Part I of a Toe-Up Sock class at Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, Washington. This is my progress so far. I'm using the Magic Loop method of knitting. The yarn I'm using is Zen Yarn Garden Superwash Sock Yarn in the Toreador colorway. It is 60% merino wool, 30% bamboo and 10% nylon. I made a pair of worsted weight socks several years ago (top-down), so thought I'd give this method a try. So far, so good.

Picture Blanks

2010-07-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

Don't know why there are a number of pictures missing on my previous blogs, but I apologize. I'll try to re-load them tomorrow. Took a "Toe-Up Sock" class this morning using the Judy Magic Cast-On. Looks nice and I'm anxious to knit some more on the socks tomorrow.

Aaaaah! More Jam, More Iced Mocha and Knitting

2010-07-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I've been on a "jam kick" of late. My last post was the result of a half-flat of blackberries, and today I preserved a half-flat of raspberries. Here's the results, along with my favorite iced mocha. Hubby's golfing, so I'm now taking some computer time, then on with knitting!
From this: to this:
I also finally finished my two shawlettes and got them blocked for picture-taking: Wide-Eyed in Sunshine Yarns Classic Superwash Sock, colorway Peony and my Simple Things in MauiYarns Superwash Merino Fingering Weight Yarn, colorway West Maui Mountains.

Stocking the Freezer - 2010

2010-07-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is what I spent part of my day doing. Bought 1/2 flat of blackberries from Spooner Farms and made 10 pints of yummy frozen blackberry jam. This is my favorite jam, and also that of my grandkids. When they come to visit this is what they want on their PBJ sandwiches, and on occasion I send a jar home with them.

NEXXXXXXXT.......

2010-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I posted the blocking "Wide-Eyed Shawlette", which I'm not too pleased with. Across the top it is straight, but the two sides still roll up a little. Don't know if I stretched it too much or not enough. That was my first attempt at blocking.

Here's my second attempt today - the Simple Things Shawlette

Summer's Coming!

2010-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

We finally have some sunshine that's going to last more than part of a day. Today it's supposed to be in the 70's and up to the 90's in a couple of days. Then it drops back into the 80's next week. Just had to go out and take some pictures of things in my yard - they look so good with the sun shining on them!
Hubby's golfing, and I'm spending the day working on my One Row Lace Scarf (see post below), finally blocking my Peony Wide-Eyed Shawl, making a run to the grocery store, and catch up on paying bills and bookkeeping. All in all, a great day!

My first attempt at blocking: Wide-Eyed Shawlette - sorry for the poor picture quality - it just blends right in with the comforter. Better picture tomorrow after it dries.

Tour de Fleece/Team Sasquatch

2010-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

I originally "signed on" to the Tour deFleece (July 3-21) in the Team Sasquatch group and was going to knit a couple scarves for the next Special Olympics in Washington State. Their requirement is that the yarn must be Red Heart in cherry red and in white. That yarn is so scratchy and hard on my hands, I gave up.

I already had been working on a One Row Lace Scarf and after tinking it back several times (while riding in the car home from Boise), and again today at knitting meet-up, I tinked all the way back and started over. So........it's going to be one of my TourDeFleece projects.

I also got some beautiful bamboo/wool blend yarn to make a second One Row Lace Scarf. For some reason, it's also green (called "Willow"), I guess I'm in a "green" mode. This yarn is so drapey and soft I can hardly wait to start knitting it. I'll try to get it done during the "Tour" also, but maybe not.

Home from Travels

2010-07-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great time on our recent trip to Boise, Idaho this past week. We spent the first night at our daughter's home in Richland, then drove south from there to Boise. We had our oldest grandaughter and one of the younger ones traveling with us, which made for some cute and interesting discussions in the car. The first night of the family reunion was a pizza party at Louie's, where we had wonderful food and a crowd of 30-40 family members. Lots of good time chatting with everyone. It's been 9 years since we've had a reunion, so lots of catching up to do. Friday, we all went to Julia Davis Park where the kids played softball and the grownups sat around doing more visiting. We had a great picnic lunch with the usual lots of food. I spent a good deal of the time talking with a cousin who is very excited about genealogy (which I do in my spare time), so we compared notes and I've promised to send her what information I have on parts of our family. Sunday afternoon after lunch at a brother-in-law's house, we traveled on to Nampa, Idaho and stayed with friends for 2 nights. Hubby played golf on Monday in the 100 degree temperatures! We also went to a barbecue at another friend's house.
As for knitting, I worked on my One Row Lace Scarf and it was up to 30 inches long when I discovered an error back down at around the 10 inch length. Because it is a lacy and columnar looking pattern, the mistake really showed up, so riding home in the car, I tinked it clear back to the mistake and corrected. This is a photo from the front seat of the van as we neared home, showing the trees and beautiful sky (and much cooler).

Road Trip - Boise, Idaho

2010-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

We're leaving tomorrow (Thursday) morning for Boise, Idaho (around 550 miles from here) for hubby's family reunion for a couple of days, then visiting friends and golf for another couple days, so will be "out of the loop" here for a week. I don't know how much Baby Kina knitting I'll be getting done (I hope a lot!). Today I had to rip back 8 rows just because I didn't read the pattern correctly, but have made most of that back up now. I'm to the part where there are all the increases to make the yoke look like it's gathered. In doing so, I found out/realized I had the buttonholes on the wrong side, but decided not to start completely over. I think since the Mamma will be the one buttoning the sweater, she'll appreciate the buttonholes being on the right side - so it's just a design element! Right? I'm still loving this knitting backwards technique - no purling - yeah!!!

So...I'll be talking to you in a week or so and may have some good pictures and some good knitting progress to talk about.

Not Too Old to Teach New Tricks

2010-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm posting two days in a row, but I'm so excited that I learned a new knitting technique: backwards knitting! I taught myself from this YouTube video. This stitch, for those of you who follow me and are not knitters, is to knit backwards to avoid having to purl a whole row, particularly when you are doing lots of stockinette stitch. Also, I understand your knit stitch and backwards knit stitch are a more even tension.
We're having sunshine today (first time in quite a while), so I cast on the Baby Kina sweater this morning, and have only done two rows of backward knitting so far, and hopefully, I'll be speedier at it as I knit more rows. Loving this yarn and the color (see yesterday's post for yarn and color information).

Baby Kina

2010-06-21T17:09:00.001-07:00

Baby Kina is the name of the baby sweater I'm going to cast on today. The yarn is from Sunshine Yarns and I'm participating in the Twilight Sunshine-A-Long (SAL). The starting date was June 15th and the ending date is July 15th. I may not get it done in time, but that's fine with me. This yarn is so scrumptious that just to be knitting with it is enough pleasure for me.

This is a picture of the baby sweater, for which I have no upcoming babies (to my knowledge) to give it to. But it'll be a fun knit and one of these days I may become a great-grandma!

WWKIP DAY JUNE 2010

2010-06-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is how I spent "World Wide Knit In Public Day" 2010 at Frontier Park in Graham, Washington from 10am to 4pm. What a great time was had by all. We had sunshine for the first time in I don't know how many days, and temperature in the 70's instead of the 50's. In fact, we sometimes had to move out of the sun when we got too hot or were afraid we would burn.

For Your Friday enjoyment!

2010-06-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like this wonderful video today!

What's been happening?

2010-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've not being doing well, of late, keeping up with the blogging. Don't know what my problem is - just nothing creative coming out of my head.

We spent the past three days in the Tri Cities area of Washington state, visiting with our daughter, husband and 2 g-kids. The g-kids participated in a regional swim meet and came up with a lot of awards and bettered their times in every event. This meet was held in Pasco, Washington at a brand new facility - there are 8 or 10 50m lanes and everything was just "first class". Unlike the weather on the west side of the state where I live, it was quite warm over there - in the high 70's and low 80's and beautiful blue skies. We came home yesterday over White Pass , where there is still snow in places near the top.

I finished my Wide-Eyed Shawlette this weekend and will get some pictures when it's finished blocking. Was nice to get one thing finished. Looking forward to WWKIP Day better known as Worldwide Knit in Public Day, this coming Saturday where we will be knitting in nearby Frontier Park from 10a to 4p. Maybe I can get some of my other unfinished projects completed.

Another great knit give-a-way from Tina "Peacefully Knitting". She's giving away a copy of the new Vogue Stitchionary Vol. 5, Lace Knitting The deadline is Sunday, June 13th, at midnight, so why don't you hop on over to her blog and enter.

Fantastic Give-Away

2010-05-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

Alisa, over at Life is a Beautiful Place is celebrating her 300th Blog posting with a beautiful give-a-way! It's some yummy ribbons, bird things, wall hanging, soap and many more very beautiful things. The Winner will be picked on June 10th - Go check it out! Here's her picture of some of the items:

THIS SAYS IT ALL!!

2010-05-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who serve and who served.

NW TREK Visit and Extreme Knitting

2010-05-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

We've had our 7-yr old granddaughter with us for 4 days and what a joy she is. It's fun to have the little ones around and get their "take" on things. We spent over 4 hours at Northwest Trek today (a Northwest wildlife park). Below are a couple of interesting pictures.

Some of you may have seen this video before, but I thought I'd post it for everyone. Just mind-boggling!

Wide Eyed Shawl/Shawlette

2010-05-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to be working on my "Wide-Eyed". I call it shawl/shawlette, as I'm not sure at this point in time whether or not I want to leave it more of a shawlette/scarf size, or add to the pattern and make it a full-blown shoulder shawl. The yarn is Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock in Peony color. This color almost reminds me of sherbet colors, pale green, pale pink and cream. I love the feel of this and am flying right along (at least for me) - hardly any mistakes (notice I didn't say "no mistakes"). It sure is more fun to knit something when you're in love with the yarn.

Today has been off and on rainy, so after my physical therapy session on my back, I came home, put on the ice pack and knitted. Hubby is out golfing (yes, in the rain), so the house is quiet and nothing's better!

Favorite Things Give Away

2010-05-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

You won't believe the beautiful things Michelle is giving away over at her blog and then just today she "sweetened the deal" here
She's giving away yummy yarn, jewelry, project bags and more. This is the last week, however, so jump on over before Sunday, May 23rd at 9:00 am pacific time.

2010-05-16T18:17:00.001-07:00

Another give-away I wanted to let you know about is over at Susan's Hometown Blog. She's giving away this book. I know there are probably many of you who would like to improve your photo editing skills! I know because I've taken 2 extensive classes on the program (about 6 or 7 years ago) and have forgotten all I know and need to read the book!

MORE GARDEN PATH PHOTOS

2010-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures taken yesterday in my "Stroll Down the Garden Path". Hope I'm not boring you with these pictures of my blooming yard - but I'm just loving all the colors this Spring. Must have done something right to them, as they are producing well.

This is my first Clematis blossom this year. I can't remember them blooming in early May before.

This is my window box at our garage window - the pansies are doing spectacularly right now. I guess it's because of all the rain, cool and now gentle sun that's making them beautiful.

This hanging planter was made for me by a friend's husband for Mothers Day. It also is doing very well in the blooming department.

Below is a beautiful dwarf-size rhododendron loaded with white blossoms. The top got a little frosted in the cold weather, but sure has been pretty.

Next are a couple of "unknown names", but very pretty. This will be the last post of flowers, until something else spectacular comes along.

And since this is a knitting blog - I'll just report I've kinda lost my knitting mojo, and haven't picked up the needles for nearly a week now. I must get back to it, and know I will on Saturday at our local meet-up with other knitters.

STROLLING DOWN THE GARDEN PATH

2010-05-11T20:53:00.001-07:00

I took a walk around the yard today, snapping photos of some things blooming and some things not blooming, but pretty anyway. I think this has been the best our yard has looked since we moved here four years ago - just the right amount of rain and sunshine, I guess. So enjoy the view!

My Hostas are healthy, for the first time ever, came out of the ground and haven't been eaten by good ole Washington slugs!

This is hubby's baby. He put in the raised bed last Fall, and has now planted tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, and a few herbs.

Close up of the dogwood tree.

Dogwood Tree -first year it's had blooms on it and they're magnificent!

This is a non-stop Begonia. I get one every year and they do well on our patio in the semi-shade.

Hope you enjoyed your stroll and I'll be back another day with more garden photos.

Sunshine Yarns * Peony

2010-05-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

I was able to get in on the last Sunshine Yarns update and today I received my order of one skein of Merino Sport and one of Classic Sock, both in Peony. Talk about yumminess - WOW! Note the new "Sunshine pin", which has already pinned to my tote bag.

I actually meant to order just the Sport, but hit the wrong button and got the Sock instead. After thinking it over, I also hit the button for the Sport Merino. Now I just have to decide what to knit out of each skein. I'd like to do socks with the Classic Sock, but will have to keep petting the Sport for awhile to find a pattern using just one skein (225 yds).

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom

2010-05-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

As I sit here at my computer on Mother's Day Eve, I've been thinking a lot about my Mother, and decided to "blog" about her. Born in 1913, she lived to be 92 years old, passing away in 2005. She was a "stay at home" Mom, to my brother and I, while my Dad worked to support the family. The thing I can remember most about her was always having a smile on her face, and lots of laughter in our household. I didn't learn to knit or crochet from her, as she didn't know how, but my grandmother taught me to embroidery on pillowcases. In fact every birthday and Christmas, my grandmother always gave me pillowcases she had embroidered flowers, sayings and such. I often asked my Mom why I never got toys or dolls like other girls received. Now, I know why, and boy did I enjoy having all those pillowcases when we got married. My mother did teach me to always be appreciative of what others did for me (including my grandmother, of course), and to respect all people. She lived with my husband and I for the last 25 years of her life, after my father passed away. She took painting classes and painted some beautiful pictures - even won an award in an Art Show. I taught her how to use the computer at age 80, and she and I both took genealogy classes. She got very involved in that hobby and worked on her family research until the end.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM

TECHNOLOGY *:+((t^u%e$#w

2010-05-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes one wonders why computers have to give you such fits. First of all, I decided it was time to upgrade my MS Word from 2003 version to the 2007 version. Amazon is running a "deal" where if you bought the 2007 v. now at a $50 or more discount, then when the 2010 v. comes out this Fall, you can upgrade to that version free. Soooo, I ordered and installed it, and unbeknown to me (because I didn't read everything!!!) it did not include Microsoft Outlook, which I've used for probably 20 years for my e-mail, contacts and appointments.

To make a long story shorter, when installing the 2007 Word, it had to delete my old Outlook software. I shed a tear or two when I thought of all my contacts, etc. going bye-bye. Soooo, I ordered the 2007 version of Microsoft Outlook, again at a very discounted price with the ability to upgrade this fall to the 2010 v. for free. In the meantime, waiting for this from Amazon, I used Windows Mail for my e-mail program. Today, I received the Outlook CD, installed and imported the e-mails from Windows Mail, and everything is now "hunky dory". Can't believe all transferred and all my contacts, etc. are now imported and installed - breathing one big sigh of relief. Now I'm petting and saying "niiiiiiiccce computer".

DAY 8: ALL TOOLED UP

2010-05-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

I use only Addi turbo metal needles at this point in time. I donated all of my straight knitting needles to a group known as Girls Inc., along with all the acrylic yarn from my past.

I do have a set of Lee Ward’s metal crochet hooks from size 0 to size 14, which belonged to a great aunt of mine (1894-1964). I do not use these, but keep them for sentimental reasons.

This is the last Blog for the "Knit and Crochet Blog Week". I hope you've enjoyed my blogs about a little of myself and my favorite hobby. Thank you for listening.

DAY 7: WHAT A YARN!

2010-05-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

The nicest yarn I’ve received so far is from an indie dyer in New Hampshire, known as NH Knitting Mama. Her colors are out of this world. Sometimes she asks her followers to suggest a name for a colorway, and I named this one “Talavera”, as it reminded me of the Talavera pottery pieces I have in my home. This is going to be knit into a pair of socks, as soon as I finish my Simple Things shawlette.

DAY 6: REVISIT A PAST F/O

2010-05-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

I made this hat "Lacy Beanie" for myself, but didn’t like the way it fit me. One day my 12-yr old granddaughter was going through some of my knitted things and said “can I have this, can I have this” very excitedly. Of course, I said yes, and I guess she puts it on in the morning, wears it to school and leaves it on until bedtime. It’s so rewarding to see someone else enjoy the fruits of your labor.

DAY 5: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

2010-04-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

I tend to knit in my office/craft room near my computer to check on Ravelry, create my blog, and keep up with family and friends.

Below is the view of my yarn over the top of my computer screen.

Below is facing the opposite direction towards my table with crafty things on and all around it. Kinda messy - guess I could have cleaned it up before taking the picture, but it wouldn't have looked normal then. I sit in a nice, comfy leather executive-type office chair with arms.

DAY 4: A NEW SKILL

2010-04-29T08:54:00.001-07:00

I already blogged on Day 2 about my desire to do Fair Isle colorwork, but another skill I would like to learn is to knit “continental”. Actually, it is my understanding that knitting two-handed makes colorwork much easier to do, so guess I’d better learn the continental first than do the Fair Isle. There are many “how-to” videos to help me learn, so JUST DO IT!

Day 3: ONE GREAT KNITTER

2010-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Today's topic is to pick a favorite designer whose work you enjoy. Well, for me, that is designs by Tina Sanders, AZknitting on Ravelry, and her blog is Peacefully Knitting. Tina designs beautiful hats, scarves and cowls and is contemplating branching out to socks, wraps and shrugs. Some of her hats and cowls are matching and are of vintage design. This is the current hat pattern I'm working on - Georgette, a vintage style cloche:

You can find these patterns on her blog. She has so much talent and is also a delightful person!

DAY 2: Patterns I'd Like to Make ...Someday!

2010-04-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

I, being of Scandanavian background, have always wanted to do colorwork knitting. Selvubotter mittens have been a far-out dream of mine for several years now, and would like to take a class whenever one becomes available. I missed an event last Fall where Terri Shea, author of Selbuvotter taught a class in Hood River, Oregon. Hopefully, there'll be other classes and soon!

Actually any kind of colorwork impresses me and gets the juices flowing! This pair of mittens is by Rauma Designs.

I actually have the yarn, the pattern, the needles, and now just need the push to make this Christmas in the Country cowl designed by Susan Pandorf.

Then there's also the Selbu Modern Hat by Kate Gagnon Osborn, and the list goes on.............

DAY 1: My History as a Knitter and How I Got Started

2010-04-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

As a child, I did not knit or crochet, as my mother didn't know how. She sewed clothes for me, so I learned to sew at an early age. In my teenage years, there was a lady "down the road" that everyone called Grandma Hill, and she is the one who taught me to knit. She must have had the patience of Job, to ever get my clumsy fingers to behave and hold onto the needle and yarn. I knit small things like dishcloths, blankets for my dolls and things of that sorts. I used to crochet edges on pillowcases, and that was about the extent of my knitting. In later years (after raising 3 kids), I went back to knitting and crocheting. I have taken two sock classes and still afraid of socks, but have met a wonderful group of knitting buddies who encourage me to go outside my box of hats, scarves, dishcloths, afghans, etc. I meet up every two weeks with one group and the alternate weeks with another group, and thoroughly enjoy the peace my knitting gives me. I'm presently working on a shawlette.

Flowers are a Bloomin'

2010-04-23T12:10:00.001-07:00

It's so nice to go out in the yard and see all the flowers starting to bloom now. It always seems like such a long winter, but they are all happily coming along.
Lilac

Hosta
English Daisies
Azaleas
Azalea
Just a Flower Friday to you! Enjoy.

What a Neat Idea!

2010-04-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

I read on Michelle's blog about next week being called "Knitting Crochet Blog Week" and thought I'd give it a shot. Click here to go to the website that explains it all.

Stay tuned every day next week - 26th April through 2nd of May. Why don't you participate also, so we can have fun reading about how you started knitting and other questions?

Arizona and Knitting

2010-04-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged, so time to get it done. Not a lot has been happening around here, so that's why I've been absent. Hubby and I just got home from a week in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Weather was in the 80's, so was wonderful for us from the Pacific Northwest who are still in the 50/60's highs. We looked around for areas where we might like to move to. There are a lot of 55+ parks that looked real nice to us, so we have to ponder the decision to actually sell our home in Washington state and move to Arizona.

While in AZ, we went with some friends to the Arizona Opry - what a great show. These pictures will not do it justice, but we had a great time.

The above picture shows George playing a Swiss Alps horn - was very impressive.

I've also started another project - guess I had a case of "startitis". This is the Simple Things Shawlette. I'm using Mauai Yarn 100% Marino in the West Maui Mountains colorway, which has the most gorgeous green shadings. Loving it so far.

Now that's some Knitting!

2010-03-28T16:01:00.003-07:00

I saw this YouTube video first on the Mason-Dixon Knitting blog and just had to pass it on. Very clever.
You can go here: to see how this was made - real knitting!!!

This and That

2010-03-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Had a good Saint Paddy's Day: Purchased a corned beef "flat" and cooked it in my new cast iron dutch oven in the oven with the enclosed spices. Cooked for 2 hours and smelled the kitchen up wonderfully. Then I sliced it, and made Grilled Reuben sandwiches on dark rye with provolone cheese and sauerkraut - oh sooooo good.

Re-blocked my Olympics project - the Grounded Scarf and it turned out much better after the wet-blocking. The lace is spread out nicely now.

Also finished, blocked and tied in the ends on my One-Row Scarf for the Red Scarf Project this Fall.

Today I received my sock package from the NH Knitting Mama "Simple Pleasures" sock club. Still drooling over the yummy yarn, beautiful drawstring bag by Donna Dahl, PDXKnitterati pattern for ZigZag Lace socks, chocolate and Wow.

OTN, I am making this beautiful Victorian cloche hat designed by Tina Sanders (AZKnitting), and also worked on the same designer's Marmee lace cowl in some beautiful NHMama yarn.

OH SO FUNNY FOR FRIDAY

2010-03-05T10:40:00.001-08:00

Just couldn't resist passing this one along. Hope this makes your day!

My Personal Gold Medal

2010-03-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here's the "gold medal" I won in the Lace Luge in Ravelympics 2010!! A beauty, eh?

FINISHED - GOLD MEDAL COMING UP!

2010-02-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

I did it, I did it, I did it!!! Can't believe I'm so excited about finishing up my lace scarf (around 9pm tonight during the Closing Ceremonies) in the Ravelympics competition. Close to 10,000 knitters signed up for this program - I don't know the final count of completions, but I'm sure it's right up there.

Now, I can go back to knitting without any stress because of a deadline.

Am I Going to Make It by Sunday Night?

2010-02-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

I'm feverishly working on this scarf and hoping, hoping, hoping I get it finished before the Torch goes out at the end of Ravelympics/Olympics 2010! Here's a look at the pile as it now stands:

It's hard on the fingers to work feverishly with this fingering weight yarn - or maybe I'm tensing up too much trying to hurry, and have to take breaks fairly often.

On and On and On!

2010-02-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Ravelympics project Grounded Scarf is coming along. I got in a lot of knit time last night while watching the ladies downhill and half pipe. The U.S. ladies in half pipe had their problems, but was still enjoyable to watch. I don't think there are enough hours in the day and night for me to complete this project by the time the Torch goes out!!!

Tonight I'm going with DH and our church group to feed the homeless (we regularly do this every other month. We like "helping out". Tomorrow we hoping to go to the Tacoma Dome to watch one of our grandaughters compete in the state gymnastics competition.

A wonderful give-away of beautiful handmade clay buttons (and other stuff including yarn) is happening over at The Never Ending Road. Be sure to click and go over there for some beautiful things!

Best Day Ever

2010-02-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

I've just had the best weekend ever. First I got flowers from my sweet hubby. Then this afternoon our daughter, son-in-law and 2 gdaughters came over for dinner. SIL and hubby installed a pedestal under both the dryer and washer (front load), and I'm so excited now to do laundry without having to stand on my head, or squat down to get the clothes out. This will save my back tremendously.

I was also given an early b/day present from both our daughters - a Nintendo DS Lite. I know, what is an old lady like me doing with this game system? Well I've mentioned it a time or two to family over the past year and they came through - I nearly cried I was so happy. Sometimes in the early morning and late evening I sit and play a hand-held solitaire electronic game - now this will be replacing that. My gdaughters (aged 8 and 12)will help me if I can't figure everything out. They're pro's at playing this.

Oh, this is a knitting blog. Let's see, I went to knitting meet-up on Saturday for 4 hours. Worked on my Ravelympic Grounded Scarf for a bit, until my count got off (too much fun conversation going on), so I switched to my charity One Row Scarf, which is coming right along - love the color. That was the only knitting done this weekend, but I'll have lots of time to knit this next week.

Knitting During the Olympics

2010-02-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Started my Ravelympics project last night at the beginning of the Olympics. The object is to complete the project by the time the Torch is extinguished. I'm making a Grounded Scarf out of Spud & Chloe Fine yarn. This yarn is 80% wool and 20% silk, so really yummy, drapey, soft, etc.... .
Needless to say, I'll not be working on other knitting projects over the next two weeks!

Waiting for the Olympic Torch

2010-02-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Haven't got a lot of knitting accomplished of late. I did finish this Valentine envelope I'll be gifting to a granddaughter. I mostly wanted to see if I still knew how to crochet, as I haven't done it for quite a while. It was fast and turned out pretty cute.

I'm anxiously awaiting for the Torch to be lit in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics just 2 days from now. I made a swatch for my Ravelympics project Grounded Scarf. I'm knitting it with Spud & Chloe Fine in a beautiful teal color "Anenome". I've not ever completed a lace scarf, but hopefully I can complete this one by the time the Torch is extinguished on February 28th.

Tomorrow we're going to a luncheon with church friends, then go to a lumber store checking out some wood flooring for the dining and kitchen area of our home, and then tomorrow night I'll go a knit-meetup. Then Saturday is another knitting meet-up - a gal just can't go to too many knitting meetups - right?

The Results!

2010-02-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Back on December 30th I talked about and showed pictures of what I was doing to organize my Works-in-Progress (WIP's). I purchased a cabinet and can store multiple WIP's in each drawer. Well, I'll tell you now, this is working out wonderfully. I had occasion to look for a ball of Plum DK I received from a knitting friend, and not finding it in my stash, it was then very easy to go through the drawers and find I had already started a pair of fingerless mitts with it. Now in the olden days, I'd still be looking through the "piles" of plastic bags to find this project. Sigh......it feels so good to be organized!!

A blogger friend of mine, Alisa at Life is a Beautiful Place To Be is a source of beautiful vintage things. She made some beautiful project folders for her WIP's and decorated them with lace, ribbon and some of the most beautiful rosettes. I went to this Etsy shop and purchased a rosette "kit" with a tutorial on how to make them. The kit shown on this page is sold, but go into her shop and find others. I can hardly wait to receive this - don't know yet what I'll do with rosettes, but I'll figure out something.

The Traveling Woman Shawl Goes Traveling

2010-01-29T12:26:00.001-08:00

Well, I thought I'd update you on the progress of my Traveling Woman Shawl, or maybe I should say "lack" of much progress. After much struggle counting on the rows that begin the lace portion of the pattern, I think I can now move forward. In this photo I only have one lace row completed (159 stitches), but have worked the 2nd row and it came out right!!! Small successes make me happy.

Tomorrow we're traveling to central Washington to g-kids Swim Meet so maybe I can work on "the" shawl in the car - probably not at the Meet. At the meet, I can be making some more of those cup cozies - no concentration required! I'll be missing our local knitting meet-up tomorrow which is a bummer. I always look forward to these every other Saturday.

PS: I just read Yarn Harlot's blog as she talks about problems with knitting a sock, wherein you're supposed to READ the pattern. I know that's what all my problems are with this shawl - just READ it!!!! now onto READing the pattern as I do a few more rows.

I'm Buried with WIP's

2010-01-25T20:40:00.001-08:00

I don't suppose any of you out there are feeling stressed over all the WIP's, right? I'm working on my Traveling Woman Shawl and after knitting into the lace pattern part of the shawl I had problems and have tinked back to the beginning of the lace chart. Maybe I'll pick it up tomorrow and continue on - hubby will be out playing golf and all will be quiet around here.

I did finish this cute, little fun project today, and am thinking of making more for gifting. You can even hang two or three beads on the ribbon (i.e. maybe even a set of stitch markers).

I should be working on a scarf for the Red Scarf Project. We are to be making a "scarf a month". Haven't even started one yet for January, but I guess the month's not over yet. I may just do another One Row Scarf - they're so easy

TINKING!!!

2010-01-18T19:18:00.001-08:00

I thought things were going along pretty good on my Lace KAL over at Mama's Yarnies, but things just started falling apart! I was correcting one mistake and looked back down to nearly the beginning of my Traveling Woman Shawl and saw other mistakes, sooooo... I'm now tinking and don't know if I'll have to completely start over or not.

Since the knitting of it became easier as I went along and I knew what I was doing, I think it best to nearly start over. I have until the end of February to finish this, and since it's a small shawl/scarf I shouldn't have any problem getting done. But, it is frustrating.

In case you're wondering, the lace is knit following these rows of stockinette and yarnovers.

WELL, I MIS-SPOKE

2010-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

In the last couple of blogs, I have mentioned the words "Ready-Set-Go" and "Ready-To-Go" neither of which was quite true. However, I really mean I am ready now. Today, I got in the mail, my belated Christmas present from hubby - a swift and ballwinder. I wound up the five balls related to the 3 KAL's coming up.

I can't believe how excited I got winding yarn - another "small things to amuse small minds" moment! The peachy color on the lower left is for the Marmee Lace Cowl, upper left shades of lavender for the Traveling Woman Shawl, and the three colors on the right are for the FairIsle Cowl I am going to try during the Olympics.

Now that the excitement of "swifting and balling" has worn off, nothing much going on around here this evening.