Simple Elegance

2008-06-21T13:07:00.005-06:00

2008 Summer of Socks!

It's the first day of Summer, and that means the official start of 2008 Summer of Socks! I am so excited to get started. Wendy generously designed a pattern for the kickoff; and it is gorgeous, of course. I just went through my stash to find the perfect yarn for her pattern and came up with this luscious Numma Numma Toasty in the colorway "Strawberry Jam." Mmmmmmm -- delicious!

I love summer knitting as most projects are socks and/or lace -- two of my favorites! Right now, I have Susan's Crocus Pocus on the needles.

I am loving knitting with beads! I am still a bit slow at it as my technique involves 1) knitting to a point where a bead is inserted, 2)putting down my knitting, 3) picking up my tiny crochet hook and bowl of beads, 4) piercing a bead with the crochet hook, 5) putting down the bowl of beads and picking up my knitting, 6) hooking next knit stitch and pulling it through the bead, 7) putting down the crochet hook, 8) picking up my knitting, and (finally) 9) knitting the stitch with the bead on it. Phew! Anyone know of an easier/faster way?

Summer finally arrived in Utah last week, and we are going to have a nice, warm day today. I think I'll go sit on my new bench on my front porch and cast on my Summer 2008 Socks.

2008-03-20T17:56:00.002-06:00

Monkey Sock Swap Questionnaire

It has been so long since I posted on my blog, I couldn't remember how to sign in! I'm going to try really hard to be better.

This post, however, is directed to my Monkey Sock Swap 4 pal:

My shoe size: 6 1/2 - 7
Foot length: 9"
Foot circumference: just shy of 8"
(Hint: I have had to go down to a size 1 needle when making monkey socks for myself)
Favorite colors: periwinkle, turquoise, pink, plum, lavender
Color that clashes with wardrobe: orange
Solid or variegated: Both (either)
Favorite brand sock yarn: Lots! Dream in Color, Socks that Rock, Lorna's Laces, Apple Laine
Sock yarn I would like to try: Numma Numma, ShibuiKnits, Shelridge Farm, etc.....
Cookie A patterns I do not have but want: I have all her current ones, but would really like her soon-to-be-released Django.
Allergies: cats (sorry)
My knitting will not be exposed to either animals or smoke
My country: USA
Willing to ship outside USA: of course

That's it!!!!

2008-01-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

New Year, New Me

The last few months of 2007 were not the best for me. First of all, on October 27 I broke my arm. I was trying to help my 8 year old granddaughter rollerblade. The idea was that I would walk beside her as she skated and, if she were to slip, I would catch her before she could fall. Well, she slipped and we both went down. After a trip to the ER (this was a Sunday night), I found I had a fracture of the radial head in my elbow. I was told it would heal in 4-6 weeks.

I work as a paralegal in a small lawfirm. Much of my work requires working on the computer. Needless to say, my keyboarding was pretty sad when I could only use one hand. My boss was very disgruntled, to say the least, and hired a temp to come in a couple of hours a day to do my typing for me. Other than just the typing, I continued to do all my other work. To my huge surprise, at 5:00 p.m. on November 30, my boss came to me and told me they were letting me go. After six years! In complete shock, I inquired as to why. His response was that he didn't think my mind had been on work the last month or so. Give me a break!!! What it really boiled down to was that he was mad because I had broken my arm as it had inconvenienced him. Most bosses would have sent their assistant flowers, but I got fired!

Needless to say, this threw me for a loop. I am single and pride myself on being self sufficient. To find myself with no job, and right before Christmas, was stressful (to say the least).

The second week of December, while on my way to the post office, I was side swiped by a UPS truck. Luckily, I had on my seatbelt. However, I received seatbelt related injuries (a cracked sternum and several broken ribs), and my car was totaled. I just purchased my car in July, and I loved my car.

I got through the holidays with no self confidence, hurting physically and emotionally, but with resolve to begin the new year with a new outlook. No more feeling sorry for myself, mourning for a car (it's only a car for Pete's sake), or settling for a nowhere job that leaves me unhappy and unfulfilled. I deserve better! So I am seeking new employment and taking time for me to renew my spirit and rejuvenate my mind.

I am knitting, scrapbooking and making lots of cards. I find that these creative outlets comfort me and bring peace to my life. Every stitch of my knitting, every piecing of paper, and every inked stamp to paper brings me joy and reaffirms my knowledge that the world is a beautiful place full of wonderful things to enjoy. So, I'm smiling again and feeling good about life.

I have completed a scarf that I will be sending to my Ravelry scarf exchange pal, Kate, in London. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed knitting it.

Pattern: Trellis Scarf by Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Jaggerspun Zephyr

I am currently knitting Cookie A's Flicker socks

and have begun the Melon Scarf found in Victorian Lace Today. I am loving knitting lace!

I have a lot of projects in my queue and am excited for the new year and the wonderful things I know are in store for me!

2007-08-27T08:23:00.000-06:00

Ravelry Exchanges

Since joining Ravelry, I have made some new cyber friends, found way too many projects I want to knit, and have joined in on two exchanges.

First is a fun exchange called Monkey Sock Swap 3. Rules for this swap are (1) you knit a pair of Cookie A's Monkey Socks for your pal; (2) you send to your pal, with her completed socks, another of Cookie A's sock patterns and enough yarn to knit those socks; and (3) you include three "monkey" items in your package. This is a secret swap, so I'm not telling yet who my pal is, but I have started the socks. (Progress pictures soon.) I've also begun scouting and purchasing "monkey" stuff. I have found the cutest monkey bookmark and a monkey tape measure so far.

The second exchange I have joined is a scarf exchange. Simply, you knit a scarf for your pal. This swap, however, is not a secret swap, so I can talk about it all I want. My downline (the person for whom I am knitting a scarf) is Kate (kaet100 on Ravelry), and she lives in London. Kate has no blog, but she is on Ravelry. She crochets and does not knit, so I am looking forward to knitting for her. I have narrowed down my choices to knit for her to two:
Evelyn Clark's Trellis Scarf in IK Spring 2006, or the Melon Scarf in Victorian Lace. Both are gorgeous and would be so enjoyable to knit. I have some Jaggerspun Zephyr in blue for the Trellis Scarf and some Kidsilk Haze in blue for the Melon Scarf. (Yes, one of Kate's favorite colors is blue.)

My upline in this swap (the person who is knitting for me) is Marrisa, or JavaMama on Ravelry. Her blog is Vintage Needle Works. I'm excited to get to know Marrisa while she knits for me.

So, Ravelry is a blast so far. I can hardly wait to see what other gems I can find there!

2007-08-24T09:08:00.000-06:00

Calling Geek Squad!!

Help! I am trying to update my template and love this one. However, as you can see, my words are hanging off the edge. Does anyone out there who reads my blog know how to fix it? If so, please leave me a comment. I would greatly appreciate it!!!

2007-08-13T12:44:00.000-06:00

Monkey Socks Swap Three

Since everyone in the knitting world is knitting or has knit monkey socks except me, I thought it was about time I joined in on the fun. I have joined a fun swap I found via Ravelry called Monkey Sock Swap Three. This swap will go from September 1 to October 15. Signups will continue through August 31. If you are interested in joining in with the fun, visit the Monkey Sock Swap website and let Rebecca know you want to play, too.

Now, here is my completed Questionnaire:

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

The basics:
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?

I have been knitting socks for a very long time. (Nancy Bush taught me to knit socks long before any of her books had been published.)

The measurements:
Shoe Size: 7
Foot circumference: 8”
Foot length: 8 ¾”

Yarn Preferences:
What colors do you love? I like blues, violets, pinks and greens (although not yellow greens). I also like neutral colors.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? Either.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? Wool.

What colors would you never wear? Orange, neon green.

What are your favorite brands of yarn? Oh, so very many. Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn, Claudia’s Handpaint are just few of the sock yarns I like.

Are there any new brands you would like to try? I would love to try Apple Laine, Cider Moon, Seacoast Handpainted, or Zen String.

Cookie A. Patterns:
Which of her patterns have you already knit? Pomatomous and Baudelaire.

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? I really want to knit Mona. I also would like to try one of her knee-high socks. (I think I owns all the patterns, though.)

Other pertinent information:

Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? Either is fine with me.

Do you have any allergies? Cats.

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No.

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? Yes, I am on Ravelry. My Ravelry name is kristy (not too original).

So there you go. Come join us for a riot of monkeying around!!!

2007-08-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

Mail Day Part I

Is there anything more fun than arriving home from a long day of work to find mail packages on your porch? I don't think so! It's almost like receiving a Christmas gift. I peruse the outside wrappings to see if I can surmise what is inside. The package on the top was easy to figure out as the label gave it away. My order from Blue Moon Fiber Arts -- yay!! I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

The package on the bottom looked very intriguing. I did not recognize the name on the return address -- Elise Ferer. Could this be the stamps I had ordered? I didn't think they were coming from New York. Then the lightbulb went off -- this has to be from my Sockapalooza 4 Pal! I carefully opened the envelope and look what was found! At the top are gorgeous socks in my most favorite colors. The yarn is Colinette Jitter Bug in colorway allzarine. I've never used this yarn before, but I'm sure going to have to try it. It is exceptionally soft and squishy, and the color is so vibrant. Okay, next in the package is a yummy bar of chocolate (I know it's yummy 'cuz I already ate it -- tee hee!) And last, a postcard from Brooklyn, New York. How cool is that bridge!

My pal is Elise of Hoop Skirt. She made all the right choices for my socks. Gorgeous yarn, fantastic fit, and a really cool pattern. Look how great they are on my feet!

And here's a closeup of the pattern.

The pattern is Snicket Socks from Mag Knits. This is a great pattern -- one that is definitely going into my Ravelry queue.

Thank you so much, Elise! I love them!!!

2007-07-31T09:39:00.000-06:00

Socks and More Socks

Are your Sockapalooza 4 socks completed? Mine are very close and should be ready to mail on time – yay! I am knitting the Whisper Rib and Shepherd's Lace socks designed by Anne Carroll. I purchased this pattern quite a few years ago from the Wooly West, way back when the Wooly West had an actual store front. This is one of my favorite sock patterns. It begins with a fun picot edge, and then goes into an easy, but visually pleasing, whisper rib on 40 stitches of the sock. The center 22 stitches are knit in a lovely lace pattern that is only 8 row repeats. Once the lace has been worked a few times, it is easily remembered making for very enjoyable knitting. The yarn I am using is Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in the Lakeside colorway. My pal said she likes greens and blues, so I think this yarn is perfect. Anyway, I hope she likes them.

When I began spinning, the first yarn I wanted to learn to spin was sock yarn. I purchased several colors of Teyani’s fiber dyed for her sock hop yarns. The first colorway I spun was “Great Balls of Fire,” and my second was “Love Me Tender.” I really like the results of Love Me Tender, and have even begun knitting a sock.

The knitting shows the yarns imperfections (such as its uneven thicknesses and a little over twist), but since these socks will be for me, I am focusing more on the good points of this yarn. I love the barberpole stripes, and the shades of plum melting into golden stripes please me to no end. I am having great fun knitting these socks from my own handspun.

Next on the wheel is more of Teyani’s fiber in “Wild Thing.” I’ve got to get the SP4 socks done first. Knit fast, knit fast, knit fast … .

2007-06-19T12:06:00.001-06:00

Return of My Mojo

In my efforts to regain my lost mojo, I decided a trip to my basement to visit my UFO’s was in order. Most of the projects I came upon were still “ick.” However, I did come across a sweater I had totally forgotten about. Way back when Interweave Knits was pretty new, Beth Brown-Reinsel wrote a wonderful article on knitting aran sweaters from the top down (Winter, 1997). Her gorgeous pattern for the Celtic Dreams sweater was included. At that time, I ordered the yarn from Beth -- some scrumptious breed specific British Wool called “Creskeld Gray Masham.” This yarn is undyed and is completely spun from the British Masham sheep. Very cool!

The Celtic Dreams sweater has some intricate cabling, one of which I totally messed up on the front of the sweater I was knitting.

This is the back, showing all cables done correctly.

And this is the front, with the horribly mis-crossed cables right in the center!

While I do not remember, I am sure I was probably frustrated with myself and balked at ripping out my knitting. So, in an effort to erase the item from my sight, it, along with the yarn, was banished to the basement. What fun it was to find this forgotten treasure. I have done the necessary ripping (and enjoyed it, as well) and have begun the process of re-knitting the front.

With renewed knitting interest, some of my other projects on the needles are also more enjoyable. I have picked up Hidcote again, and it is coming along a few rows at a time. And, I have begun the socks for my sockapaloooza pal. Yippee!

2007-05-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

Where has my mojo gone?

I used to be a knitting addict. My knitting bag went with me everywhere, so much so that my sister dubbed me “the bag lady.” I knit beautiful sweaters for myself, my mom and sisters, my granddaughters, and my brother-in-law had a drawer full of my handknit socks. Knitting was my joy, my passion, my love. I haunted yarn stores and spent all my spare cash on yarn, needles, and patterns. I anxiously awaited the arrival of all the knit magazines and subscribed to them all. While watching a movie or the TV, I would blurt out “look at that gorgeous sweater!” Now, I hardly notice. What’s wrong with me? I want my mojo back!

Last year my completed objects consisted of one pair of socks (for my sockapalooza pal). How sad is that! I vowed this year would be different, and in January I had already met last year’s quota. Well, guess what! I have not completed one thing since. I have begun so many things just to get 4 or 5 inches into the project and realize I hate it. I hate knitting it, I hate the yarn, I hate the color, the size is wrong – something always annoys me.

Take for instance my monkey socks, I began to knit them with some beautiful Claudia’s Handpaint sock yarn. I love this yarn! Several inches into the pattern, I discovered the pooling. In some other pattern I may not have minded it; but in this pattern, I hated it. Rrrrrriiiiipppp!

I began knitting the socks again in Socks that Rock Footzey Foo. Much better. The pattern definitely showed up better and the yarn felt good in my hands. I knit one sock to just an inch from the toe and decided I didn’t like how they fit – they were too baggy. Rrrrrriiiiipppp!

I love Cookie’s sock patterns, and decided to try one of her new ones and let go of the monkeys for a bit. I began to knit the Gothic Spire socks with Gems Pearl in a Terracotta shade. My first attempt was with the wrong needle; my second attempt was better, but I didn’t like how my wrapped stitches were looking. I began a third time, and they were looking pretty good; however, I’m not sure I like the color. It is too orange, and I do not like orange. Rrrrrriiiiipppp!

I need a new office sweater for when the air conditioner is blasting, and loved Cara’s and Margene’s Arianns by ChicKnits. I dug out from my stash some Beaverslide yarn in a pretty blue and cast on. On my first attempt, I noticed a mistake several rows below in the lace – a hole was off by a stitch. I attempted to fix it but made a mess of it, so unraveled the thing and began again. I have knit approximately 6 inches and it is looking better, but I’m not sure I really like it. It’s now hiding in a bag behind a chair until I decide what to do with it.

My Hidcote shawl is beautiful! I was going full speed ahead on it and have completed the first section of pattern and should be starting the next section. You would think this would excite me enough to get working on it again, but eh! I don’t want to.

I signed up for Sockapalooza 4 because I love to receive something handknit from someone else, and I need some motivation to urge me to knit something. I have been scouring the internet for inspiration but so far, eh!

What is wrong with me? What do you do when in a knitting slump? What inspires you? Is there a counseling group? I want my mojo back!!

2007-02-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

My February Fruits

February is at its end and, once again, blogging has been neglected. I'm going to try to be better - honest! (I know; you have heard it before. I really am going to try.)

My knitting has been concentrated on socks and my Hidcote shawl.

As you know, I have spun some Crown Mountain Farms Great Balls of Fire which I want to use for socks. Since I am a novice spinner (very novice), I was totally unsure how fine to spin the fiber. I wanted to see some of the real stuff, i.e. Teyani's gorgeous sock hop yarn. I purchased a couple of skeins of Heat Wave, cut off a small length and tied that to my spinning wheel. As I spun I could stop now and again to make a comparison. This worked really well as I am quite satisfied with the yarn I spun. Well, what's a girl to do with two beautifully dyed and spun skeins of the softest, most lovely yarn? Knit some socks, of course. The first sock is completed:

The pattern is Chevron Socks by Nicola Manning. This is a very simple pattern that shows off the yarn to its advantage. I am so pleased with this sock and can hardly wait to cast on for its mate. I want to wear these puppies!!!

My other project is Mim's Hidcote Shawl. This is the first shawl I have ever knit, and it is a beautiful thing indeed. The pattern is so very clearly written with one chart flowing gracefully into the next. My yarn is Merino Oro in a deep teal. (The color in my photo looks bluer than it really is.) I am on chart 5 and am anxious to get this part completed and move on to the next chart, which introduces a new pattern. I'm having so much fun knitting this!

An order from Blue Moon Fiber Arts was waiting for me what I arrived home: one skein of Footzey-Foo, one skein of January One, and Cookie A.'s Titania's Revenge pattern. Cookie is a sock pattern genius. She is contemplating getting a book published of her sock patterns. Go on over and give her some more convincing!

Right now, I think the Footzey-Foo (it's green - just in time for "Knit Green Socks") will be the Monkey Socks from Knitty. January One is designated for Titania.

So, that's what I'm knitting. However, a lot of my time has been spent making greeting cards. I have posted (in previous posts) a couple of pics of a few cards I have made in the past. I want to start selling my cards either individually or by special order. I'm only charging $2.00 each (envelope included), which is a bit of a bargain if I do say so. Anyone interested? If so let me know and I'll show you more of what I have.

Time to go play now!!

2007-01-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

FO's -- Alert the Media!!!

Last year was a very unproductive year knitwise for me. I think I completed two pairs of socks, and that is all! I hope to change that very sad statistic this year. Keeping that in mind, I'm ready to post not one FO, but two.

First to the finish line this year was a skein of yarn I spun myself. Yeah, I spun it myself! See, all my handspun yarn thus far has looked more like string than yarn. But this skein is actual, real, "pretty" yarn.

This is Great Balls of Fire from Crown Mountain Farm's fantastic hand-dyed, merino superwash wool roving. I have spun all 8 ounces, but this is the first skein I have plied. There looks to be 240 yards, plenty to begin to knit a pair of socks. Hey, this will qualify for my first Twisted Knitters post, too!

I tried for a closeup of the yarn, but my camera doesn't do closeups well. I'm posting it, though, because I'm so dang proud of my yarn that even a bad photo deserves its glory.

My next FO is actual knitting. Okay, so it is only a pair of socks, but a lovely pair of socks they are.

The pattern is Baudelaire from the Summer 2006 issue of Knitty. The wonderfully talented Cookie A. is the designer. I absolutely love her sock patterns. Baudelaire is a bit of lace and a bit of cable. They are knit toe-up, which is different from my normal way of knitting socks. The pattern was easy enough to memorize, but difficult enough to keep my interest. The yarn is Gems fingering weight in French Blue. This is my first time knitting with the Gems, and I will definitely use it again. (These socks are for my sockret pal, whom I hope hasn't figured out who her pal is, or she will not be surprised with her socks. Hope she likes them!)

What will be my next FO of 2007? Time will tell, but I do have a couple of WIP's going: the Hidcote Garden Shawl and Ariann sweater, both of which are entertaining me immensely.

2006-12-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

A Bit Philosophical of Late

It has been a somewhat difficult year for me. Along with the passing of my son in September of 2005, a nephew of mine shot himself in the head and died three days later in June, and my father-in-law passed away due to cancer in October. I am willing to believe that these things happen in threes thus ending this year of death and dying. My spirit, while always a bit on the calm, quiet, thinking side, has been even more withdrawn. I spend a lot of time alone just musing and dreaming. You know, the same old questions of: Why am I here? How did I happen to arrive at my present circumstances? What changes should (or need) be made in my life? When I have left this world, what will I leave – how will I be remembered? Thinking takes a lot of time. I still do not have all the answers and know I will continue to poor over these loaded questions, but I do know I want to leave an impression on the world in some way. I want my life to have meaning to those who come in the future. How I will do this still remains to be seen. But I do know the following:

I need to be more vocal, or outspoken, to the world in general. I keep things bottled up inside – that is just my way. But if I want people to hear my beliefs, my thoughts, I need to voice them, either in person through conversations, or in writing. I’m not a born writer; it is something I have to work at. But I enjoy the ends if not the means. I plan to write more in my personal journals, write some of the poetry and stories stored in my head, write essays of my political and religious views, and write more letters to those I love.

Writing more in my blog will also get my thoughts out there a bit. My life is not exciting, but more quiet and solitary. Because of that, I tell myself I have nothing to write about. I need to realize the falsity of that statement. I can contribute by just expressing the ordinary, as even that can be extraordinary to others.

My first resolution of the year 2007 is to share more of my thoughts and ideas with the world. Perhaps I can help one person who is suffering the loss of a loved one, one person who is questioning life, or one person who has lost hope. If I can touch but one, perhaps I will have left an imprint on the world.

2006-11-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Exciting Move

I haven’t had much time to blog the past month as life has been hectic.

As most of you who wander over to my blog now and then know, I am a paralegal in a law firm in downtown Provo, Utah. Our present office is in an older building of which we occupy one-half. There is only the main floor and a downstairs, and we have been busting at the seams for a couple of years now. Several more attorneys have joined the firm making it necessary to hire more clerks and clerical staff, and we simply have not had anywhere to put everyone and everyone’s stuff. And to make matters worse, this place is ugly – I mean uuuuuuuglyyyy! I am pretty sure the place has had no renovations made to it since the 70’s. Seriously! I am almost embarrassed when new clients come to the office.

My present office (work station) is in the rear corner of a fairly large room shared by three of us. This room has no windows – none. There are days when I never see daylight for the entire day, especially now that the days are shorter. My desk is an old wood laminate (chipped all to heck) with a lovely, credenza to match. My computer is the newest one in the office and is almost five years old. Our phone systems are completely out of the dark ages – we don’t even have voicemail. Do you know how many times a day I am asked to give a caller one of the attorneys voicemail? I’m telling you, it’s mortifying.

So, guess what? The partners finally saw the light and purchased a new building last Spring. Since then, the whole place has been renovated, and it’s beautiful! Next week we will be vacating this building and moving to and working out of the new building. We are leaving behind all the decrepit furniture, ugly wall hangings, dusty plastic foliage, antique phone systems, out-of-date computers, tin file cabinets, and getting all new stuff. I’ve got to take a few pictures of my new desk and work station – it is gorgeous! It is all cherry wood (real, solid wood, no more laminate), and it is huge. My file cabinets are also out of cherry wood with lovely hardware. My area is in a pretty, large, open area and I have windows!!! Finally, my surroundings will be very classy and sophisticated, and I am so excited!

Did I mention the view? The mountains are so close it looks like they begin at our doorstep. I promise pictures of the new place soon.

Now for the bad news. I do not have an appropriate wardrobe to match my new office. Since the old office was so ugly, we all dressed pretty casual. No jeans or anything that extreme (okay, maybe once in a while) but just slacks, shirts, boots – think The Gap or Old Navy. But now I need suits, dresses, real “outfits” that are appropriate for a paralegal who works in a sophisticated, classy law firm.

If you have read this far, here is what I’m getting to:

1. Where can lovely, classy clothing be purchased that won’t cost me my next 6 months salary?

2. What sweaters can I knit that are office appropriate. No big, bulky cables, slouchy raglans, or drop shoulder designs. I like unique constructions, and I’m thinking yarn no heavier than a DK weight.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

2006-11-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Spinning Skunk Yarn

I have been having fun learning to spin with my wheel. I took a class at the Great Basin Fiber Arts fair in September, and it really helped me a lot. Prior to the class, my spinning looked like twine or string; now I am spinning yarn! It is still far from perfection, but it is looking better all the time.

I purchased some fun fibers at the fair. One ball really intrigued me by its color as it was one thick piece of white roving wound with one thick piece of dark brown roving. It was aptly named "skunk."

Of course, it wasn't really skunk, but was some gorgeous merino wool roving. It was a dream to spin, so soft. And I loved watching the colors spin and blend around themselves

After spinning, I wound it into a center-pull ball with my trusty Fricke winder.

Now for the plying. I had never plied before, so was a bit tentative. A little, tiny bit more twist in the plying would have made the yarn even better, but I'm pretty pleased with my first real skein of yarn.

(Sorry about the basement photo that sadly includes my water heater. However, if you peak way behind the skein of yarn hanging to dry, you can see plastic containers full of yarn -- my embarassing huge stash!)

Anyhoo, I'm now spinning some gorgeous Crown Mountain Farm's fiber for socks -- Great Balls of Fire! I'm lovin' it!

Oh, and one more pic -- my new niece, Lexie Rae, two weeks old. She's a keeper!!!

2006-10-05T12:11:00.000-06:00

Sock-ret Pal / Socktoberfest

Socks for my sock-ret pal have begun. The hardest part about knitting for someone you do not know is deciding on a pattern and yarn. Will she want something plain or fancy? Solid or variegated? Lace, cables, fair isle, entrelac or pure rib? Wool or cotton? Bright colors or more neutral? What size? If I were a mathematician, I might be inclined to figure out the number of combinations all these choices make. At any rate, a lot of planning needs to be done before a single stitch is knit.

My pal's answers to the Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire indicate she likes natural fibers and prefers neutral or jewel-toned colors. Her shoe size is the same as mine, so I am hoping that if I knit the size that fits me, the socks will fit her, too. The yarn I decided upon is Gems Merino fingering weight in the French Navy color. I have socks in a deep blue that I love to wear. While the bright, variegated socks are a riot to knit, I find I don’t enjoy actually wearing them as much as I do my solid color socks.

The pattern I have chosen is Baudelaire from Knitty Summer 2006. (Pattern and Images © 2006 Cookie A.) Cookie A., the designer of these socks, also designed the Pomatomus socks. She is so talented and adept to design both a challenging knit and a beautiful, wearable design. I am truly excited to knit these!

I began last night by studying up on the figure 8 caston as these socks are knit from the toe up. My first try ended up with the stitches twisted on the first row. But after that one false start, I have completed the toe. Tonight I begin the fun part -- the patterning. My Socktoberfest has begun!

2006-09-27T17:52:00.000-06:00

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

Warning: kind of long and boring. To anyone other than my pal, I'm sure this is more than you'll ever want to know about me.

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

How long have you been knitting?

I have been knitting for 30 years. I began when my eldest son was a little boy as I wanted to knit sweaters for him.

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?

I suppose I am an advanced sock knitter. I was fortunate to learn to knit socks by Nancy Bush when she was just becoming the queen of socks. I was well taught!!!

While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent.

My shoe size is 6 ½ or 7, and usually patterns knit for a woman’s size medium fit just fine.

(fiber related) Favorites:

What colors do you love?

I really prefer cool toned colors – blues, violets, pinks, reds (not orangey reds, though), and blue-greens.

Do you prefer solids or variegated?

I love both!!!

What fibers do you most love to knit with?

Wool, of course. (LOL!)

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors?

Wow, how to narrow it down? My favorite local vendor is The Black Sheep Wool Co. in Salt Lake. Online, I love Kpixie, The Knitting Garden and Jimmy Beans.

What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting?

Sweaters, scarves and, lately, shawls.

(fiber related) Dislikes:

What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear?

I hate to knit with 100% acrylic, although I have found some really nice blends. Also, I do not like “designer” yarns like eyelash, fur, etc.

What colors would you never wear?

Orange, yellow (although I love yellow, I look horrible in it), lime green.

The Tools:

Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood?

I have quite a collection of needles in almost all kinds of materials. If I had to say just one, I prefer wood.

Circs or Straights?

Circs for anything but socks.

DPNs or Magic Loop?

DPN’s all the way!!!

Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like?

I am always looking for stitch markers. They are like paperclips; they continuously disappear!

The Extras:

Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link!

I’ve never started a wish list online. Hmmmm, maybe I should do that sometime.

Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*)

Gotta go with “all of the above.”

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc)

I am allergic to cats and, while not allergic, detest cigarette smoke.

Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand?

I like fresh scents, not flowery or spicy. I love lemon, vanilla, lavender, and wear Philosophy colognes. Oh, and have you smelled Philosophy’s scented bath gels? They are to die for – Cinnamon Buns, Vanilla Waffle Cone, Berry Crumb Pie – all the fun without the fat!!

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)?

I’m not really a collector. I do love refrigerator magnets, colored glass, doilies, and anything Victorian looking.

When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!)

July 7

Do you spin? Dye your own yarn?

I am a novice spinner and would like to get into dyeing one of these days.

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better...

I am vegetarian, into yoga, and love massages.

My favorite TV programs are Grey’s Anatomy, Numbers, and General Hospital.

My iPod contains mostly hard rock and alternative – not a hint of country.

I LOVE the mountains but yearn to swim in the ocean some day.

I like to read suspense novels, as well as the old classics.

I hope this helps!!!

2006-09-25T19:44:00.000-06:00

So, what's happening?

It has been so long since I have blogged. Lots of excuses, but none are interesting, so let's just pretend we're up to date -- 'kay?

Still not a lot of progress on the knitting front. Normally, I get all excited when the Fall knitting mags come out, but this year's offerings were not much to be thrilled about. I have begun a couple of new things, though, and have joined a couple of new KAL's. Hopefully, new projects and new KAL's will get my knit vibe going.

Norah Gaughan's Knitting Nature book was on my "to buy" list for quite a while. I drooled online over the book for a very long time. A visit to Border's during a lunch hour last week and -- "yay!" -- the book is now mine. I love so many of the designs in this lovely book and am fascinated by the knit construction. I began knitting the Hex Coat in some Lopi Lite that has been in my stash for years. Here is my progress thus far.

Moss stitch is one of my favorite stitches and I really love the look of it. The shaping on the front edge keeps my interest. After knitting the coat in moss stitch, stitches are picked up along the edges to knit each hex. Fun stuff!

I lost track of Summer and my trekking socks didn't even come close to getting finished. I still pick them up and knit a row or two once in a while. They will be completed eventually. I am knitting the Balance socks by Designedly Kristi. The little cables up both sides and the back of the socks are very cool, and the coloration of the trekking yarn is yummy! Here's a progress picture (in very bad lighting):

It was my sister's birthday on Saturday. A few weeks ago I inquired as to what she would like for her birthday, and she requested some handmade cards. I made a slew of them.

I altered a lunch tin with some gorgeous Fall colored papers, flowers, metals, and lots of ribbons, and put the cards inside. It turned out pretty cute, if I say so myself, and she was really pleased with it. The cards took a lot of my evenings, and that took away much of my knitting time. I hope to get much more knitting in as the Fall progresses.

I'll leave with you with a couple of very small FO's, but FO's just the same -- a couple of "warshrags" from Mason-Dixon Knitting.

I'm going to go moss stitch now!

2006-07-26T12:12:00.000-06:00

Looking Forward

I have sure been in a knitting funk lately. My pomatomus socks are progressing very slowly. The twisted rib stitch throughout makes for somewhat sluggish knitting. Having said that, I do love them!

Poor Melanie has been brought out of timeout, and I have completed the first 25 rows! I know, you are thinking, "Big deal." To me it is a big deal as I have never gotten through the first pattern chart without having to frog the whole thing. A few more rows of plain garter stitch, and I am on to Chart 2. Yay!

My trekking socks have finally been started. Still no photos of me actually "trekking" with them. Maybe this weekend.

I have been thinking about Fall and future projects. Vogue Knitting has their Fall preview up. A couple of designs caught my eye.

I love the simple styling of this sweater and the cabled v-neck. I'm not sure of the yarn used, but it looks like it is a light enough weight that the sweater could be worn indoors without being too warm. Without even seeing the pattern, I am putting this on my "must knit" list for Fall.

Socks!!! It looks like this issue of VK has several sock patterns. This gorgeous blue pair is my favorite. It reminds me very much of the pomatomus socks (that are taking me freakishly long to knit). This project is being added to my "list" as well.

Okay, so you'll know I have gone completely bonkers, I'll let you in on a secret. I began a cross stitch project. I have not worked any cross stitch for over 20 years, but for some reason I got a huge urge to stitch! My project is the Lavender and Lace Celtic Spring. Even though stitching is cutting into my knitting time (which is already pretty sparse), I am really enjoying this.

More later!

2006-06-28T13:11:00.000-06:00

Already?

I can't believe June is almost over! I had so many projects planned for this summer's knitting, and I have so very little accomplished.

We are almost finished with the first month of The Amazing Lace. I have worked hard on Miss Melanie, but to no avail. I wrote a nasty post to my dear Mel in which I gave her a verbal flogging for her beligerent attitude. You will all be relieved to know I won't be posting that long-winded diatribe. Suffice it to say writing it all down made me feel better, but Miss Mel stands now as this:

Can you stand it? I've knit and frogged and knit and frogged repeatedly until the poor gossamer yarn can hardly take it anymore. You see here the results of my last frogging. I promise I'll get back to her soon, but for now she has been put in time-out for her surliness.

I have been knitting other stuff: a couple of "warsh-rags" from Mason-Dixon Knitting; Mountain Stream scarf (I'm into the 3rd repeat); and several socks. Here is some progress made on my Pomatomus socks:

This is a fun pattern knit with yummy yarn!

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new 2006-2007 Stampin' Up catalog, a whole box of catalogs, actually. They should be arriving on my porch any day. I have been involved in several card swaps, which has taken away from my knitting time. Several scrapbook pages have been completed, as well. Therefore, I haven't been totally unproductive this month -- just on the knitting front. Hopefully, July will see more progress, together with another go at Mel, if she has learned to behave herself.

2006-06-01T16:50:00.000-06:00

June Knitting Plans

Many KAL's planned for the summer, and June is looking like a very fun month.

First is the kick-off of the Trekking Along. I've got my yarn, but haven't decided on a pattern.

Knit the Classics. This month's book is Wuthering Heights, which is my favorite book ever! I haven't romped the moors with Cathy and Heath for several years and look forward to spending June with them.

Knit Red. I have some gorgeous hand-dyed sock yarn I purchased on ebay several months ago. All wound into a nice center-pull ball, it has been calling to me. I've been considering copying Margene's choice of red and knitting Eleanora with it. Apparently, the original Eleanoras were red. Very cool!

Knitting on the Road. This month's pattern is Canal du Midi. I have some Satakieli yarn that has been hiding in the stash for many years. I might as well use it on a sock pattern designed with the yarn.

Vintage Socks. We are knitting the Gentleman's Sock with Lozenge Pattern. Yarn is yet to be decided.

Pomatomus. I began these socks using Cherry Tree Hill in the colorway Foxy Lady. The reds and browns reminded me of the socks I just received from my sockapaloooza pal. I love the pattern but did not want another pair in the same colors, so I frogged what I had done (only 1 pattern repeat) and began again using STR Country Cobblestone. I love these muted shades of rose, sage and violet.

The Amazing Lace. I still need to complete my first challenge for AL, but have decided on my team mates. I am knitting the Melanie Shawl from Heirloom Knitting in their merino laceweight yarn, color ocean blue. I started Mel a couple of times last summer and she totally got the best of me. Hope this summer will see me the victor of the battle of Mel.

2006-05-29T17:33:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day

From the time I was a little girl, my memories of Memorial Day were of a rather boring day spent with my parents and sisters driving to and from cemeteries. My parents would visit with people I didn't know, and everyone was so serious. As the years passed and I lost my grandparents, visiting the cemetery became more important. I would often go "visit" my grandma's grave, and if peonies were blooming, I would take her a vaseful as peonies were her favorite. In the last five years or so, I have watched as so many friends of my parents have passed on. I began attending the Memorial Day program honoring the veterans knowing that sometime, I hope later than sooner, my father will be amonst those on the Wall of Honor and will have a flag planted in the field of flags as he served valiantly in WWII.

This year Memorial Day has really hit me hard. Most of you know I lost my son last September. This year has been a year of firsts for me: the first Thanksgiving without him, the first Christmas without him, etc. Today was the first Memorial Day I have spent decorating his grave. It's been a beautiful, yet difficult, day. I was very comforted in that so many people remembered him. I hope you won't mind my posting a picture of his cemetery plat in remembrance of him today. I love you, son!

2006-05-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

Sockapaloooza Socks!

Upon returning home from work one day last week, I noticed a package next to my mailbox. Thinking to myself, "Huh, I don't remember ordering anything," I picked up the box and noticed right off the return address was Tokyo, Japan. Double checking that it was, indeed, addressed to me, my puzzlement increased. Upon opening the package, I found the wonderful contents.
Is that the cutest wooden box you have ever seen? There is also a gorgeous postcard of a Tokyo train station. Not just any old postcard, either; this one is hand-inked by the artist, himself. How cool is that? And to top it all off, look at that fun Japanese candy!!! My brain has finally clicked into the fact that all these wonderful goodies are from my sockpal. Yep, upon opening that darling box, I found these inside. The socks are gorgeous and fit me perfectly! They were knit with some lovely yarn purchased in Switzerland and are that fabulous Pomatomus socks. My photo does not do these socks justice (I'm blaming crappy lighting), but take it from me, the socks are works of art. I absolutely love them!

So now all can be revealed: my fantastic sockapaloooza pal is Kat. Kat is an Australian, married to an American, who is living in Tokyo. Cool, huh! Thank you, again, Kat!!!

2006-05-15T12:38:00.000-06:00

Peruvian Hand Knits

My nephew just returned from a two-year LDS mission from Lima, Peru. He brought home a lot of gifts and souviners, some of which were hand-knitted items. They are so beautiful and well-made.

First is my nephew wearing an alpaca sweater his "pensionista" knitted for him, and also a chullo hat. He is holding a picture of himself wearing the hat that was painted of him by a local that he befriended.

Next is a gorgeous hand-woven authentic Aztec poncho like garment (I do not recall its actual name.) The colors are gorgeous!

Finally, my sister wearing a hand-knit alpaca sweater. The yarn is fingering weight in natural shades of alpaca. Don't you love the llamas and other characters on it? Again, the workmanship is impeccable!

I just had to share!!

2006-05-09T17:59:00.000-06:00

Finished New England Socks!

Just a fly-by post of the New England socks, finally finished for Sockapaloooza. I am very pleased with how they turned out. Hope my pal likes them!

The pattern was a much enjoyable knit. I recommend it very highly to those who have not knit it.

I am excited to be able to knit something else, just don't know yet what it is going to be. Too many items are in my queue.