Knitatation (Knitting Meditation)

Makin in Work

2012-02-13T04:20:00.008-05:00

I am done with the gold sock, and I'm loving it.
I love the way it looks and the way it feels.

Reminder, it is Wendy Johnson's toe up, short
row heel. I used my own pattern "swirls".
In a better picture next week, I'll show you how
the swirl seemed to start from the short row - this
is total coincidence....I'm not that creative of a planner!
I had enough yarn that I could have made another
swirl pattern before starting the ribbing, but it looks
and works ok with 2.5 inches of ribbing. The 2nd sock
is started.

Yesterday morning, I was starting the heel of the
KAL sock and I was not having fun. Knitting is supposed
to be fun, right? So I thought to myself Self: why not just
throw a short row heel in there, and knit down the foot.
You can still have the leg patterning and it could be a win/
win ! Self: Go for it! That is the pic of the green sock
above, the short row heel. Up close it does not look as
neat as the gold one, but I'm hoping blocking will take
care of some of that.

Better pics of both next week.

Ruth:
Is making Embossed Leaves pattern sock from
Favorite socks book. I got to see it in person this week and
it's really nice:

She whipped it up pretty fast!

Martha:
The blue sock that is dyed by Kangaroo. It has glitter, nice colors
huh? The brown is left over from a hat I made Tom. I am making
fingerless gloves.

The final is the sweater, the combination of pink
bouche and the soft gray with the sequins.

This was a perfect weekend to be domestic--
snow !!

I did a lot of baking, and of course the knitting.
I did not have much time to knit during the week,
so the bulk of my stuff was done on Saturday
and Sunday morning.....

Have a wonderful, knitful, week.

Sockprogress

2012-02-05T14:52:00.010-05:00

I made some progress on the KnitAlongSock this week.
(Well, only because I finally got to an easy part).

I do like the look of it, and the pattern really pops.
I'm ready to start the heel.

The gold sock has actually been fun. I wanted to learn
(AGAIN) to do a short row heel - it is so quick!

Notice mine has a few bigger holes than the picture.
I think my yarn is bigger, and I need to practice.

This is the 3rd time I did it. The first time, I added
some nylon, but it was too thick for the double wraps.

The 2nd attempt, a stitch fell off the needle and I had
to tink back 12 rows or so to recover.

I'm pretty happy with the 3rd attempt - I will get better.
I am going to put some easy patterning on the top, I have
to figure that out yet. Also, there is not aton of yarn,
so I don't think it will be very tall.

Ruth is making a nice Anne Hanson shawl, called Licole.

Yarn is Isager.

Martha is just thinking about a new project. She
did not send any pictures today. She told me about
a sweater she wants to make that will be lovely when
done.

Some how this week,Mickey learned to jump on top of
the gun cabinet. We have not figured out how he is getting
up there yet.

There is never a dull moment with him!!

I'm going to find a pattern for the gold socks,
and settle in to watch TV.

Go Giants!!

The Itch to Start a Sock

2012-01-29T17:29:00.012-05:00

I was telling Ruth this week, the KAL sock is a Ruth sock
- she likes lots of detail and fun / different construction.
I told her that I was itching to start a plain, simple, ordinary
sock, and she totally understood. I look to socks to be small,
quick, and brainless. If I want to use my brain, I like shawls
or lace - I really love lace.

Thus the picture with not much more progress than last week
for me. The gold is a sock I started today. Toe up. Yarn from
Rhinebeck. One of my goals this year is to use Rhinebeck every
other yarn...otherwise...what's the point of going?

The gold yarn is called Shelridge Farm, Soft Touch
Ultra. The ball band calls for size 3 needles, but
I'm using 2 and it is working out nicely.

My kids are not thrilled with the gold color, but I love
it. I guess I get sick of the purply/blues after a while
and need a little break.

Oh, and it is very soft.

My scarf is done, and I have an embarrassing story.
The yarn is lace....Lace Lux. Very nice and very soft
and very vibrant colors. I wanted to do the colors
length wise - I had a vision. So, I picked a number out
of the air and picked 800 stitches, cast on and started.
I carefully weighed the skeins after every 2 rows so I would
be sure to have enough red left to finish, and I made it.

Talking to Joey yesterday, as I'm binding off I say to Joey.
I wonder how long this is going to be. I cast on 800 stitches
and hope its long enough but not to long.

He said "mom, why don't you take 10 stitches and measure
them and see how long they are and we can figure out how
long the whole thing will be.
OMG.
My non-knitting son was telling me to CHECK GAUGE.

DUH ON ME - I'm so ashamed. I should have done
that from the very start and I would have known that
500 stitches would have been plenty.

The picture above is with the scarf doubled.

I do love it though...a LOT.

Ruth and Martha are doing a wonderful job on
the KAL. Martha is done with both socks, and Ruth
with one. (final clue came out today, so pic next week).

Ruth:
She finished up her pattern from Book of Socks:

Martha: KAL

This is the "other" sock Martha is doing.
see...they are doing other socks too...LOL

I guess we are all sock girls....I remember when we
first started so many years ago....Ruth told me she
would go with me if she could learn how to do socks
on teeny tiny needles.....and now that is her project
of choice. There is just something so comforting
about having a pair going.....I bet you get it don't you
blog readers?

This weekend,I cooked up a storm.
Saturday: pulled pork and mac salad and brownies.
Sunday: stuffed chicken breast (a first for me )
and Italian Wedding soup for Tuesday......

I like cooking new things....and I like that my family
will eat it....thanks guys!

Abbey thinks the food must have been good or she
would have got more in her dish....

Winter arrived today for a couple of days anyway.
I'm going to go knit on a sock...can u guess which
one?

Plugging Away

2012-01-22T16:39:00.008-05:00

Ruth, Martha and I are plugging away on our Through
the Loops KAL. Martha and Ruth are done with Clue
#3, and started Clue #4 which came out today. It is
the final clue.

Notice, I am barely started with Clue #2.
I swear, some rows take me 2o minutes.
Martha: All I can think of is "Oh Lord, how will I ever
make the 2nd one???"
Bahahahahahaha

Seriously, I am liking the sock and the challenge.

Notice I have done quite a few rows on the brainless
scarf. Each row takes me 40 minutes.

Tiffany has over 26" done on the baby blanket.
Tomorrow she starts her college internship, and will
still continue to work 25 hours a week.

I told her that knitting will save her when she is
stressed. The rhythmic back and forth of the needles
will allow her mind to relax.......

Ruth's colorful sock is from Book of Socks using Regia by kaffe fassett.

Her green sock is the KAL and the yarn is lovely.
(I got to fondle it yesterday).

Martha is moving along with two KAL's at once!!

Nice knitting girls, I'm so glad we are doing this....

Not much other news going on...

Mickey says "have a nice week"

Sometimes, it helps to talk about knitting....

2012-01-15T18:19:00.011-05:00

So Ruth Martha and I are doing Through the Loops Mystery
Sock KAL. Wow are we really getting a bang for our $3. The
pattern is anything but dull. Cables, bobbles, - totally NOT
brainless. I was talking to Joe and telling him how slippery my
cable needles was, and could he make a wood one smaller.

He is pretty resourceful. He said if I make it any smaller
it will be the size of a toothpick. BINGO!
It clicked in my brain. I'm sure I have heard of this before
but just forgot. The toothpick is working fabulous. It has
really pointy ends, and has a little drag so the yarn does not
slip off.

I ripped the whole cuff out on Thursday, and started
over on Saturday morning with much better results.
My brain was able to think on Saturday......

I am starting clue #2 today, and Clue #3 came out
this morning. Ruth and Martha are much further
along than I am. But that's ok with me.

Ruth's sock is very nice.

Martha is so far ahead she is doing two at once:

I have been working on the 800 stitch scarf in my brainless
mode.

Ruth finished up a pair of socks in KnitPicks yarn from
the book Socks socks socks

Winter finally arrived in Western NY so she was wearing
them today..

Martha started a pair of brainless socks:

And tada............the unveiling of Martha's sweater.
Remember, she totally designed the sweater herself.
I am so amazed...it is absolutely stunning.

Tiffany has been working on a baby blanket for her
little friend Paetyn (5 months old now), and doing a
terrific job. She is having fun with the self striping
pattern.

She is holding two strands together. One multi
pink/purple, and one pink. It really is lovely.

We finally go some snow here and had a nice
lazy Sunday..

Mickey took a nice snuggle in between Joey's legs to
watch the football game.....

Catch you next week dear blog readers.....

Welcome Spring...or Baby It's Warm Out There

2012-01-08T19:20:00.014-05:00

Well, this year certainly has not been blustery, stay in side and knit all
day long weather!!! But, I'll take it. I am so thankful I don't have to
drive in a snowy mushy mess.

A girl at work is expecting twin boys in February and I had decided
I would not knit her anything. I was really wiped out after all of the
Christmas knitting.

Then I saw a note that she didn't have very many
twin matchy matchy things. So Friday night I started
the blue hat, and Saturday I started the green hat.

I'm not thrilled with the colors in these pictures.

Yarn is my new favorite, Plymouth Select.
Size 7 Needles.

Pattern is my own - a helix strip pattern.
I love the way helix striping makes the colors just
pop - again these pictures do not capture the nice
colors.

Look up helix patterns and you will find a nice variety
to choose from. Most use three colors.

This size will probably fit them next fall..

Also, I am done with Clue 1 of the Through the Loops
Mystery sock pattern.

Clue 2 came out today, but I am much too tired to
think about it. Ruth and Martha say its very fiddly.

Ruth changed yarns today to a lighter color, and is
much happier with the results. Here is a picture
of a different sock she just finished.

Martha may decide to not do the leg pattern
and make her own - due to fiddleness.....

The blue is the mystery sock...she is doing two
at once. The red is creatively dyed...same skein...
weird..huh! Very pretty colors, just different.

Check out Martha's sweater - remember she designed
this on her own. It is now blocking...so so pretty.

Martha I think you should come up with a really
special name for your sweater.....

This was clearly a lot of work, from the beginning
design stages to now.

Can't wait to see it all finished.

Not much new on the family front. All is well.

Have a nice, snow free week dear blog readers....

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T16:34:00.031-05:00

It seems like so long ago that I posted to the blog...sorry for the delay,
but the Holidays got in the way.
I have been off for 1.5 weeks and have to go back to work tomorrow.
I had plans to finish a lot of projects, and did not get to most of them.
I feel well rested, so that is a plus for sure!

I could not blog about a couple of things before Christmas because
they were for Tiffany.

Here she is in the Monkey Hat - pattern from
Anne Hanson (made same hat in green cashmere for
Aunt Charlotte) - yarn is my new favorite -
Plymouth Select - size 7 circ needles.

Mittens are from 60 Quick Knits book -
pattern: Cabled Cuff Mittens, size 7 needle.
I wish I would have used a 6 or even a size 5
needle for tightness.

Scarf is Just Enough Ruffles scarf - cast on 250 stitches,
which means I had to cast off 700!

I am quite pleased with her ensemble this year. I told
her she cannot possibly need more hats,etc. so I need
to make her something else next year.

I also finished a pair of felted slippers for Joe

they are not felted yet.....he asked for them. He already
has a pair from 4 years ago but loves them and wanted
another pair.

Yarn is Valley Yarn bulky.
Top color is dark forest green, bottom is gray, and inside
sole is blue. Stay tuned for felted pictures.....

My niece, Destiny, loved the hat and scarf that Tiffany
and I made for her. Tiffany finished the scarf up on
Dec 23rd, and she did a fantastic job!!

Yesterday, I had my first finished object of 2012...
too bad I could not have finished up one day earlier!!
I made a pair of socks for Joe in Jaeger wool.

There is a little mock cable on each side which is
hard to see in the pictures....
Right in the middle of turning the heel, the cable needle
I love to use broke!! I like 20" needles for socks, they
are perfect when using two circs.....I was able to order
more but had to improvise for the foot.

Ran out of yarn just at the toe decrease...I was so
mad....ugh! Luckily I found a little blue yarn that
blended in nicely. I think it is a little bit thicker, but
will be fine.

Ruth, Martha and I all signed up for Through The Loops
Mystery Sock pattern Knit A Long. The first installment
came out yesterday. The cuff is quite busy, so we'll see how
it goes.

I am using a mystery yarn!! I wound a bunch of yarn over a
year ago and the little tags came out of the yarn cakes. My only
fear is that is will not be enough to finish the sock, because I have
no clue how much yarn is there, but I have small feet so I think it
will be ok.

I also started a new brainless project. This is the most brainless
of them all !!

Found this yarn at Village yarn shop in East Rochester.
It is called Luxe Lace and very very soft. The colors
are very vibrant. I had a feeling that just knitting them
together long ways would make a stunning dress scarf.
So, I cast on 800 stitches. (you did not read that wrong,
it is really 800). I am knitting 2 rows, then changing
color. After each two rows, weighting it and then
writing down how much
yarn is left so I know how much to safe for the last row.
Started with red, and want to end with red.

It is very soft in my fingers, and sooo pretty.

Martha has been knitting on her sweater that she
designed herself. She is much further along now than
these pictures show. She has finished the front and back,
and is working on the sleeves.

Ruth has been very busy also.

Remember the hat she made a couple of weeks ago?
So so nice, but a little big, so she felted it a little.
This picture is a little dark, but it is very nice.

She has been knitting socks.
Finished sock is Periwinkle Yarn.
Pattern from Favorite Socks. Pattern is called
Waving Lace Socks.

The unfinished sock is from Socks.Socks.Socks .
The pattern is called Ribble socks. She is knitting
them with some Knit Picks Stroll sock yarn in Tuscany Multi color.

More of the Periwinkle:

We had a nice holiday...went by too fast.

Paetyn and Felicia came to visit a couple of times.

Christmas morning was fun:

Joel and Vicky were happy the girls were home.

Sandy is beautiful as always...

Mom and dad are happy and healthy, thank goodness!!

I think my Knitting resolutions this year will be:

*knit more for me
*learn something new
*use Rhinebeck yarn more.

till next week....

Tis the Season

2011-12-18T18:51:00.004-05:00

Tis the season for lots of family activities, which I love.
No knitting to speak of for me this week. I can share more
next week, after Christmas.

Ruth is knitting a pair of socks - no pictures yet.

She and I both did a lot of cooking this weekend for family
parties.

Martha, on the other hand, is knitting up a storm on
her sweater. Reminder: this is her own design!!!

Have a wonderful week!

I love the season

2011-12-11T11:41:00.016-05:00

I love the season of Christmas. The songs, the candles, the
pretty lights, the cookies, etc. The shopping not
so much anymore. After all of the Christmas knitting throughout
this year, I'm finally ready to start wrapping.

Four of the ruffle scarves will be handed out at lunch
tomorrow.

Still a couple things on the needles to finish up but they
are quick.

Ruth finished up her socks in Austerman step yarn -
pattern: Par 5 pattern by Ingrid Hiddessen

One of the first socks I ever made Joe are from
Austerman step and he is still wearing them -
weekly in the winter. The pattern she chose
works well with the socks.

This hat is from the fibre she spun - it is sooo pretty.
Pattern is Fartek hat, new from Anne Hanson.

I can't wait to see it up close.

Martha has ripped the sweater she is designing, and
started over.

Designing is a long process....good luck Martha...
stick with it - it will be wonderful.....

In other news:
This morning when I got up, Mickey was sitting
on top of the Entertainment cabinet next to
the Snowman.

Not sure how he got there as that is a pretty
high jump.None of the pictures behind were
knocked over.

See how high it is?

Tiffany and I got our ceramics back this week.
I don't have pictures of hers, maybe next week.

I made another bowl - a hyacinth - which turned
out just ok. Not as cute as the red flower.

And two snowmen salt and pepper shakers.

It is cold here today...brrr. Have a nice knitful week!

Welcome December

2011-12-04T17:38:00.010-05:00

Welcome December, though it does not feel like it.
So nice and balmy here in Western NY...50's all week.
But, I close my eyes and pretend it's a normal
December and there is a blizzard outside, and I sit
and knit. Not much to show. I've had a tired, busy
week at work. Here is a picture of the cowl blocked.
I love it!!

These pictures were taken in the bathroom mirror
and not very good. But trust me its nice.
(thanks, Ruth!!).

I'm ready to kitchner the first sock and can start
on the 2nd one. I started these for Joe a long time
ago, and don't really care if they are done for
Christmas or not. (no picture).

Ruth had done some spinning and knitting.
The spinning is wonderful, and the socks are from
our trade at Rhinebeck.

Martha has started a complicated sweater.

and she's coming along nicely with it.

she did a swatch, and that helped tremendously.

I'm getting ready for Christmas. Shopping is about
1/2 done.....no wrapping yet.
We put the fake tree up this week - Joe helped
a lot with that.

Look who wants to be my Christmas present....
his favorite place to nap now.

When I get up in the morning, the floor is
covered with red bows....he must be a
midnight elf.

We went and got the real tree today, will decorate
on Tuesday. Even though it was 50 out, I wore
the scarf, hat and mittens I made for Rhinebeck.
Tiffany told me I looked like a caroler from
"A Christmas Carol".....so she called me Carol
all day....LOL

That's about it here at Knitatation...
Happy Knitting and Merry Christmas dear
blog readers.

Busy busy

2011-11-27T15:39:00.015-05:00

I have had a busy long wonderful weekend, with not much
knitting. I did manage to finish up the cowl, with the Louise
Harding Silky Wool that Ruth gave me last year.

Pattern: Pashima Cowl from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
book.

I will add more pics next week after it is blocked.

Martha finished up some socks:

This pair below is from CreativelyDyed yarn she
got at Rhinebeck last year.

This pattern was free from the
internet sock pattern site, called Bubble Wrap Socks from the
Http://sockbur.blog-city.com. It is easy, memorizable, and travelable
.

Tiffany and I spent a little time at ceramics
this week:

Tiff is working on a Cookies for Santa plate.

and a Moose:

I made a salt and pepper snowman set...
stay tuned for finished product after they
are fired.

We also celebrated my dad's bday:

back to Christmas knitting....till next week!!

Countdown

2011-11-21T04:26:00.005-05:00

Countdown is on to the start of the holiday season.
My holiday knitting is almost complete, I think I will
make the necessary deadlines. This week, I needed a little "me" knitting. I started the Pashima Cowl that is
in the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book. I am using
the wonderful yarn Ruth got me for Christmas last
year - Louise Harding Grace - Silk and Wool in my
favorite color - teal. Not picture worthy yet, but let
me tell you, this is not a quick knit. Rows and rows of
stockinette - round and round and round and round
of brainless knitting - yea! I tried a few patterns
before deciding on the stockinette, but they took away
from the softness of the yarn.

Ruth did some very nice spinning this week:

A very pretty silk and merino blend from Rhinebeck.

Martha finished up her BSJ and made a hat and
booties to match:

her description:
This is a Baby Surprise Jacket
with some yarn Ann donated to me. And the booties are from sock ends.
that is Greemy Baby Booties which I got off line--Ravelry-- but they
forwarded me onto Blue Prings patterns. Designed by Machelle Salmeen.
The hat is Merino hand dyed, and the pattern is Quick and Easy Baby
Hat. I would agree with that. I made it is less than an evening.

Wednesday I am spending the day with Tiffany making
pies and rolls. We might go to the Pottery store if there
is time.

Ruth is making rolls for Thanksgiving at her in laws, and
Martha is enjoying having EmmaLouise home.

We are all enjoying our inner domestic goddess this
time of year##$%^^&.

Happy Knitting

Another F.O.

2011-11-13T15:55:00.005-05:00

I finished up Betty's Bella Mittens this week.

They are blocking.

Pattern: Bella's Mittens - free on Ravelry
Needle: Two Size 8 circs
Yarn: Valley Yarn - Northampton Bulky

(Betty picked this color - chocolate - to go with a cream
color coat - I don't want you to think I would purposely
give someone brown mittens. She picked it way back
in the winter when I made my Bella mittens, and I'm
hoping she has forgot about them).

I may not have an awful lot to show between now and
Christmas...so we'll hope Ruth and Martha have a
lot to share!!

Martha finished up her first Baby Surprise Jacket....
she used stash yarn. It is not quite sewn together
in these pictures....

Ruth is working on an adorable! hat from Piecework
magazine...hopefully pictures next week.

Ruth is at Martha's this weekend.....

I made some onion yeast rolls today--recipie in
Real Simple magazine. They are so good !!

Also made a big pot of chicken noodle soup...

The fall weather has been sooo wonderful this
year...I hope it stays nice.

Happy Knitting!

November!

2011-11-06T16:18:00.006-05:00

Well November is here already! Holiday knitting is in full swing!
This week I have finished up Betty's 1st mitten and have the
2nd one 1/2 done. This is the Bella mitten pattern, and
Valley Bulky yarn.

I will do both thumbs at once....

Ruth did some awesome spinning this week - I got to
see it in person yesterday.

It is Persimmon Tree Farm roving. Wool, mohair, and alpaca with
glitz in Fall Harvest color. I cant' describe how wonderful it is.

Last week I went to a Ceramic studio with my friend Laura.
I made a bowl, and think I will make 3 more to have a nice
set. It was kind of brainless creativity. Tiffany wants to
come with me next time.

That's it dear blog readers. I have a few more things
to knit for Christmas...wish me luck.

Focus

2011-10-30T18:46:00.014-04:00

I stayed very focused on the blue socks this week and
finally have them done. It's not that I did not like
the pattern, I did very much. And the yarn, the two
were perfect for each other. It's just that I used the same
pattern for the last socks I made and I was really over it.
Pattern: Swirls
Yarn: Panda Silk

Managed to get a little bit of a start on Betty's
Bella Mittens. They are her Christmas Present.
I'm ready to start thumb on 1st one.

Managed to get three "Just Enough Ruffles"
scarves blocked....

I now need one more...ugh x 1000000

Ruth has done some spinning....
and guess who is helping her sort...Lucy!

so so cute######

Ruth's words:

On the wheel is a mix of wool, mohair, and alpaca with a little gold glitz. It is the fall harvest colorway from Persimmon Tree Farm. It is spinning like a dream.

The photo of the two skeins is more spinning. This is from memory. I can't find the info at the moment......the green is from Creatively Dyed Yarn. I can't remember the colorway. It is merino, cashmere, and silk. Divine and squishy! I'm not sure what the blue is. Some kind of exotic mix that was a lot of fun to spin and is nice and soft.

Joey shot another deer with his bow, a really
nice 6-point....

can I brag about my camera for a minute...it is
pitch black out when I'm taking these pictures.

My three "kids" were all riding their toys today - so
nice outside

I want a toy they had so much fun....LOL

I thought this picture of Tiffany was especially cute:

and speaking of cute:

have a knitful week...tis the season....

Fun Stuff

2011-10-23T18:14:00.023-04:00

Last weekend, Ruth, Martha and I headed off to Rhinebeck -
our Third Annual trip. We stay in a Super 8 in Kingston, NY.
This is the room before we even went anyplace.......LOL

Did you notice Ruth's baby spinning wheel?

Friday we got in about 12:15 and headed to Woodstock for lunch
and to poke around.

Let me just say, Woodstock is weird. Like a time wharp....
There was a cute little gift shop near the falls that runs thru
town.

I got the boys hats and Tiffany a t-shirt from a
nice updated gift shop.

Saturday, we got up bright and early, had breakfast
and headed to Rhinebeck. Ruth inspired us to make
lists of vendors we wanted to see. This year, we
headed to the ABC buildings first, before the crowds
got too big. We had artichokes for lunch.
We were warm! I did not really even need the
hat/mittens/scarf I made for the trip, but I wore them
anyway, just because.

Ruth's stuff:

Martha's stuff:

(notice vest Martha is wearing - she made it from a kit
she purchased at previous Rhinebeck).

my stuff:

combined (picture courtesy of Martha)

quite a haul, don't you think!!!

Saturday night we headed off to dinner to the
Culinary Institute of America.
It was about a 30-40 minute drive from the hotel.
Oh what a place that was. And oh what a dinner
we had there.

Remember waaaayyy back in the summer when we
made Wendy Johnson's Summer Mystery shawl.
We made them to wear at Saturday night dinner.
I really wish I had a better picture of the three
of us.

Here we are in front of the fountain at the CIA.
I'm so glad we got there in daylight.

Such a wonderful night. So wonderful.

Sunday we got up, had breakfast and headed home.

Martha had most of her yarn wound up before Ruth
and I were home. I worked on mine this weekend, no
pictures.

I did not manage to knit much this week. I did finish
up the baby booties for my neighbors new grandson
Zander, born yesterday. They will fit in a couple of months.

I was going to attach bunny ears, but I just didn't
feel like doing that fiddly knitting.

Ruth got buttons on her green vest!

she also finished up a sock - pattern is really cool
in person....

it's hard to see the pattern in this pictures...

that is it for now! I really need to get cranking on the
holiday knitting now. I am just doing the heel flap
on the blue socks. I am sooooooo sick of those things
I could scream, but I have to get them done.....

I know I can I know I can I know I can I know I can....

Little Things

2011-10-02T18:10:00.019-04:00

Little things seem to be occupying me, Ruth and Martha lately.
I really need to sink my needles into a nice sweater soon.

Here is the purple and multi speckle beret I just finished.

And the hat for the neighbor's new grandson. I decided
to make booties also. They are a little fiddly. ugh!!

Yarn is leftover from the last BabySurpriseJacket.

I thought I was almost done with these socks, but I tried
them on today, and at least three (yes three!!) more
repeats before I can start decreasing for the toe. Then another
sock to make. Ugh. Size 0 needles move along pretty slow,
plus all of the other knitting interruptions.

This is the current brainless project - socks for Joe.

Ruth recently finished up a little Prarie Shawl for
one of her granddaughters. Here is the picture
unblocked:

And here is her mini spinning wheel. She ordered it almost
a year ago after she saw one at Rhinebeck last year.

Martha is working on socks right now - no pictures yet.

Some random pictures:

Joe took me to the falls at Lake Alice last week.
So pretty. We did not see any
Salmon jumping......

Here is below the falls where the fly fisherman try
to catch the salmon:

Here is a closeup of the fisherman - my camera zoom
is awesome !

A couple of kids jumping off of the Waterport bridge.
it was a nice day - 70's or so, man did they scream
when they hit that cold water.

it was a beautiful, perfect day for fall fishing.

When I get bored (obviously not catching fish)
(i whip out the camera)

We stayed till dark, it was so nice.

then we drove to Pt Breeze, on Lake Ontario
for a salad and some wings.

This weekend the kids went to a mutual friends wedding.
Both looked so nice.

This is Amber, Tiffany and Felicia.

Amber and Felicia are waitresses with Tiffany at the
diner.

Joey and our friend George rode together.

This weekend was awful weather - and I did not even
knit that much....LOL
Have a wonderful week.

Hatfull

2011-09-26T04:36:00.006-04:00

It was a very "hatfull" week here at Knitatation. I finished up my niece's
beret, and also made a little had for the neighbor's soon to be born
grandson. Joe's socks are perking along nicely also. No pictures yet.
We had a very busy week. Weekend was so wonderful we spent a lot
of time outdoors, so too tired to take pictures - next week for sure.

Martha finished up a lovely cowl for her niece.

This is yarn that Martha hand dyed when Ruth and I went
to visit a few years ago. Soft merino.

Ruth is working on a shawl that she said is slow going and
not picture worthy yet.

have a nice week - supposd to be warm, but the weather
is going to turn knitterly at the end of the week (aka COLD).

Geee Wizzz It Feels Like Fall

2011-09-18T17:02:00.011-04:00

Already! Yikes! How did it get here so fast!

I have done a little knitting this week. Finished up
the mittens to go with the Rhinebeck Ensemble:

Scalene is Ravelry purchase, and Textured Tam is
from 60 Quick Knits book.

Scalene and Tam are both knit in Brooklyn Tweed
Shelter yarn. I did not have enough left to make the
mittens, so the light gray is from Rhinebeck last year:
Greenwood Hill Farm - DK. I have a whole skein left,
and its oh so soft, so I hope to get some more this year.

I think I mentioned way back when I made Scalene, that
worsted weight is too thick for that scarf, even though the
directions had specs for it. I would love to do it again
in sock yarn, or sport weight.

The pattern for the top of the mitten (done in Shelter) comes
from the book ColorWork Stitches. It worked out perfect because the mitten had
40 stitches, and pattern was multiple of 10.

I can say I did not like carrying three yarns at
once, though.

But since it was only 7 rows, it worked out ok.

And since I have short hands and thumbs, I did not
follow the directions to decrease at tops. Top of
mitten I decreased like a hat (insert Jeannine
gasping here - LOL), so it would go faster, and did the
same on the thumb. I did kitchener 16 stitches at the
top of the mitten.

And for some reason the ribbing is a little loose, even
though I did it on needles two sizes smaller than base
(ribbing size 5, base size 7).

I have not used double pointed needles in a while, I usually
use two circs, so this was a little cumbersome. All in all
a win, I think!

I have three other things going at once.
Blue socks....so nice and soft. Working my way down the foot.
A hat for my niece, and socks for Joe.

The hat is a beret, and the socks have a little cable
going down the side. Hat and Joe's socks are my
brainless works in progress.

Ruth was on vacation last week and had too much
fun to sit and knit. Martha worked on dishcloths that
turned out nice, but not picture worthy.

Have a super knitful week - hope you are having
some outdoor weather that you can enjoy.

:)

Mish Mash

2011-09-11T19:06:00.001-04:00

A Mish mash post

I finished up the Textured Tam hat from the 60 Quick Knits
book.

Ravelers have said that the

hat was small so i added two repeats of rows 8-12 to make it
a little larger. Pictures w/a model next week. I'm really glad
I added the extra rows..made a very nice difference. Yarn
is Shelter, by Brooklyn Tweed. Size 7 Addi needles.

I am almost done with some matching mittens....

We have been getting ready for fall...Her is a HUGE batch
of sauce we made and froze from veggies from our garden.
Makes wonderful goulash in the winter.

Made
a triple batch of salsa from the garden also.

Joe and I went away last weekend to Oneida Lake in
central NY. Here are a few pictures. Thankfully, the
weather cooperated.

Ruth:
Ruth's grand-nephew is wearing a sweater she made for
him a while ago. Check out how totally adorable this is:

(the baby is quite cute also!)

Martha:
Martha has been working hard for a couple of weeks
on a blanket and sweater for her new grandniece:

Her own words:
The blanket was my pattern, sure wish I had those
blocking wires. I tried to use up the rest of Emma's sweater yarn.
After I had it finished I found 1/2 a ball left, sigh.
I rationalized it as only about an inch worth of knitting
because the blanket was so big. I hope the final blocked
blanket will be about 4'x4'. I will let you know.

The sweater is from left over sock yarn. I used lots
of left overs and the green and pink are of the same
wool, and the rest is cotton/wool blens sock yarn.
I used the Scrappy Socky Stripey Cardigan Pattern
which was free on Ravelry and I copied it off the
website of fpea blog--fpea.blogspot.com--someone
I had never heard of before.
It has bsj look but easier and using up the sock
yarn, read spend no money on yarn, appealed to me.
I got several almost finished reviews that is was
beautiful and no too funky for a baby. (not blue or pink,
she'll be a cool chick). Now I have to block these out.

This week, Martha was also working on baby items - her words:

Here is the doggie. I have started the blanket and hope
it will be about 16-18 inches across. We shall see how far the yarn
goes. Maybe I will add some other contrasting color from my stash.
This doggie pattern is called Rover by Jennie Eveleigh Lamond printed
my 2009 Twist Collective.com This pattern is cute as the dickens, but
pretty labor intensive and a lot of small parts to keep track of. I
added the "collar" as his neck was too small. I would cast on the
body with much larger needles in the future to create a bigger neck
opening and more support. As it is he will have the snoopy neck,
remeniscent of Todd and snoopy. I am glad to be bringing up the rear
on this project, and I did use a lot of sock yarn on the doggie and
sweater.

Soooo cute.

A Good Week to Knit

2011-08-28T17:26:00.021-04:00

Fall is in the air...and it's still August...what is going on? It didnt turn
to summer till beginning of July here in Western NY. I fear our pool
will not recover its warmth enough this year to swim.

Remember the Baby Surprise Jacket I had to hurry up and knit for
Joe's niece? Well I knit on it for four days, and had to rip, it was
turning out way too big on worsted weight yarn.

So I looked at the pattern and went for the middle size
and it was a good choice.

The color is more of a teal blue...nice for a little boy I
think.

The size is probably 18-24 months or so - hoping it will
fit him next spring.

I had trouble finding cute buttons, and finally decided
on these kitty ones.

The new mom sent me a thank you note tha said
"I can't believe you made me a sweater - I will keep
it forever" = WIN

This week I decided I needed something a little challenging.
I have wanted to make a beret to go with the Scalene scarf I
made to wear to Rhinebeck.

I ended up picking the Textured Tam from 60 Quick Knits.
I wanted to use up Shelter yarn.

The pattern would look better in blue with gray trim, but
I had more gray left.

Also, Ravelers said the hat was small, so I added one
19 stitch repeat, and repeated rows 9-12 two times.
I want it more of a beret, floppy on top - crossing
my fingers it works. Should easily be able to finish
this up this week.

Ruth has been busy making another pair of socks for her
SIL Liz. By the this this post is done, she willprobably be
done with the socks - very nice!!

Martha has just finished up a baby blanket and is currently
working on a sweater for a new niece. Pictures next week.

What else is going on? (aka why haven't I been posting? )

I turned 50 back in July....Tiffany was kind enough to get a picture
with the two of us.

Mickey turned one year old - I love that little kid!

Tiffany and I attended Christina's wedding
(long time friend of Tiffany)

Felicia had her baby (last pink BSJ baby) and brought her
for a visit.

Meet Paetyn Caroline

Here is Felicia and Paetyn:

This weekend, we had Joey's 23rd birthday. End of summer
festivities....

I have to go to drastic measure to keep my family out of
the food before company arrives. Note on the mac salad
in the fridge:

LOL - it worked!

Joel and Vicky came:

I love this picture of mom and dad:

Abbey was in her glory. Neighbors had a party also so
she was running back and forth between the two houses
getting handouts.

Have a wonderful week dear blog readers...and stay warm....
and if any of you were hit by Irene, god bless you.

Short

2011-08-21T18:25:00.003-04:00

Hi,
here it is another Sunday and I'm too tired to blog. I have finished
up the BSJ and will have the pictures next week. It turned out
very cute. I am going to try to finish up a couple of small projects
this week. So dull to write about!
Ruth has finished up an Opal sock for her SIL. Martha is working
on a baby blanket for a new grand niece.

Stay tuned to next Sunday for a much better post. Hang with me
blog readers.....I'm just having a wonderful summer and by the
time Sunday night gets here, I'm pooped.

A Knitting Emergency

2011-08-09T04:17:00.007-04:00

So on Thursday I received an invitation to a baby shower for Joe's
niece, who apparently is 8 months pregnant...who knew? The
shower is on Aug 19th. My brain went into overdrive and I decided
I needed to order some Plymouth Encore and make a quick Baby
Surprise Jacket. Friday morning at 6:00 am I hopped on line and
ordered the yarn from Webs. I added a comment "Please ship
today if possible". About 11:00 Friday morning I get a call from
Webs. A very nice woman was asking me if I wanted to upgrade
to expedited shipping. I said no, I put that on there in case someone
saw it and could get it in the mail. I used to work in a call center with
a warehouse in the same bldg, so I know what can/cannot be done.
They are all pretty similar. I said I have never put down I needed
fast shipping before, and I could not afford the yarn as well as the
expedited shipping so if they could make an exception and mail
today I would really appreciate it. She explained to me their process,
and it usually ships within 3-5 days from date of placing order. I
explained that I understood all of this. I also mentioned that in the
time it took her to call me and explain all of this, she could have
made a quick call to the Warehouse, they could have pulled the
3 balls of yarn, stuck my label on and it would have been out of the
door. I also explained that they are my primary store to shop from
and I had spent a considerable amount of $$ there this year.
(I was very nice in all of my explanations and so was she). She asked
me to hold and when she came back, she said the yarn would be
shipped on Friday and I should not expect that again. I told her I
wouldn't but I had a bit of an emergency. The yarn arrived Monday
in the mail. YEA! I am going to have to knit like a madwoman this week
to get this thing done in time. After I hung up with her, I realized she
must think I'm a nut case. What kind of yarn emergency required all of that
fuss? That's when it hit me. I bet she was working in a yarn store, but
did not knit.

Otherwise, she would have totally got it! No pictures to share
from me this week. I am making good progress on the current sock.
All projects are on hold till I get this sweater done.

Ruth is about done with her socks, (probably is done at time of this post).
Don't you love the colors of the yarn!

Martha took a sweater pattern and totally revamped it and made a really
wonderful sweater for Emma.

Martha's own words:

I am done with Emma's sweater. I love it, and love all my adjustments for the yarn, which just included lots of shaping in the arms, shoulders and boobies. I am very proud of that. In the back the tie kind of rolling a la knitting. But that was not my fault, it was how it was designed. I also put the keyhole for the waist ties to go through. And reduced a lot of the detailing (lace) which was poorly placed and with the bulk of the yarn I needed to do that. Overall I think this pattern was poorly written. The original yarn was mohair and loosely knit, and Emma did not want that hairiness so we chose this, also at the WEBS sale for $40.00. Ok, details include the Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel, pattern Airy Wrap-Around Lace Sweater, yarn called Queensland collection Kathmandu Chunky.

Martha this is wonderful! She has really started to do a lot
of her own designing and revamping of patterns....

Have a great week dear blog readers.

Profile change

2011-07-31T19:51:00.004-04:00

I had to change my profile today from a 40 something girl to a
50 something girl. Yep turned 50 this week. So not much knitting.
I had the week off, and had a wonderful time w/kids, friends and
family.

Ruth has started a new pair of socks and finished up one already.
Yarn is Claudia Hand Painted 100% merino, colorway Zebra, which
knits up very nicely.

I have worked on the panda silk sock, and have another
scarf almost done. One more to go.

Martha has finished up a sweater. She redesigned most of it.
Had trouble sending pictures to us....stay tuned for pictures
next week, along with details....

Picturelicious Post

2011-07-25T17:57:00.028-04:00

Hi there, This will be a picturelicious post, with not much knitting content
so feel free to stop looking after the sock pictures....LOL.

I have been working on some socks, made out of Panda Silk.
Size 0 needles. Pattern: Swirls. Same pattern I used on the last socks.

I did try to find a new pattern, truly I did. But this pattern looks so
nice with this yarn....I'm not a dull knitter. I do like adventure
and different things...but this was perfect so why change perfection???

Not much knitting because it has been soooo hot. Trouble sleeping HOT.
I am not complaining. I love summer and everything that comes with it.

Our little Mickey can fall asleep anywhere. (yes he is sleeping, balancing
his paw on the vacuum).

Sitting in the bedroom window w/his head hanging...

and yet another head bobber on the chair....HUH ????

Here he is hanging out on the cool floor:

He is all furrrrr, and only weighs about 8 lbs....
Thanks for indulging my obsession w/my kitty.
He is so fun and so cute....

One day I decided to make peanut butter. Joey will not
eat store bought peanut butter, because of something
he saw on tv. (no gross details here, just imagine).

Well, I decided to make him some. Throw salted peanuts
in food processor, add some honey and a little olive oil and
wallah - peanut butter. Store in fridge. He LOVES it,
(so do I).

One warm (HOT) Saturday night,Joe, Joey and I took the
boat on the canal to Brockport. There is a place to tie up
the boat, and we can hop over the side and have wings
(and beer). YUMMY

Such a beautiful night.....

The ride back was a little more challenging because
of BUGS. They were smacking us in the face....

Joe and I had to block the bugs from the driver....LOL

We made it back safe and sound, and full of good food.

We also celebrated my brother, Joel's bday in my
blogging hiatis. He and Vicky made barbqued chicken
and a few very good cold salads. It was HOT that day
99ish out.

Tiff worked all weekend so had some much needed downtime.

My niece, Destiny, was there. Last time we will see
her till Christmas! She is soooooo fun.

Vicky is trying to keep the candles from blowing out.
No it was not windy, there was not a breath of air,
but the fans were going....LOL

Mom and dad were there and in rare form....

Joel and Vicky's dog Zeus...puppy. They say he is sooo bad
but he was a perfect gentleman when we were there....

Joe and Joey went fishing before they came to the party...
and of course Joey caught another HUGE walleye....

There you have it....the fun reasons why I haven't posted
in a while... Enjoy summer dear blog readers...it will be
over soon enough.............

Reflections

2011-07-10T17:51:00.015-04:00

Summer is a time for reflection for me and my knitting.
Today I was thinking about my stash, which admittedly is very
large. When I buy yarn, it is usually for a specific project in mind,
then when I don't get to that project, the yarn sits there waiting for
me. I need to let go and realize that it's ok to move on and use the
yarn for something else. How do you feel about that?

I was also reflecting on the small shawls that are overtaking
Ravelry. All are lovely. But realistically a lot of them look alike!
I think the fun is in the actually knitting, and in the yarn choice.
What do you think?

I finished up the current socks today and they are lovely, and
thank goodness they are for me!

Swirls Pattern
Yarn by Kangaroo dyer (given to me by Martha at Christmas)

They need to be blocked then put away for cooler weather.

(Also I want - no I NEED - to make note that that is not
hair on my legs - it is freckles! My legs abound with them
this time of year!!!!)

I finished up yet another ruffle scarf.....two more to go before
Christmas.

Ruth is working on some really cool socks that use a
Berocco yarn with bling!

Last week Martha finished up an Ann Hanson shawl:
Les Abeilles pattern with Rozetti Polari yarn

Joe and Joey went fishing at Lake Erie today - two nice
Walleye!

Abbey posed for a picture...she was really hot! But so
patient with me while I focus and get just the right angle.

Mickey spends his time running from window to window
chasing birds.

and watching for Abbey when she is outside.

This is the bathroom window...he jumps up that
high from the floor!

Isn't his tail glorious!

Have a wonderful week dear blog readers....enjoy the
heat....November will be here soon enough!

Slow

2011-06-26T18:27:00.004-04:00

This is a slow week here at Knitatation. I finished up yet another
ruffle scarf (brainless project) and have a few repeats done of the
current lacey sock.

I really enjoyed knitting both.

Ruth has finished up a new pair of socks, aren't they lovely!!

Have a nice week!

Shawl Stuff, Part 3 (The final chapter)

2011-06-19T19:46:00.013-04:00

Yippee! Ruth and I finished up our shawls this weekend!

Both are blocking.

Here's mine:

Pattern: Summer Mystery Shawl by Wendy Knits
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock Yarn
Used probably 3/4 skein.

Ruth's:
Her yarn is from Rhinebeck...so pretty!

(See Ruth's little Lucy inspecting the new shawl)

I also finished up the Scalene scarf.

Yarn: Jarrod Flood Shelter yarn.
There were 3 sizes to choose from, and because I had the
shelter to use up, I chose the worsted version. It turned out
ok. Nice but ok. I can't wait to try it sometime using sock or
dk weight yarn.

Remember this sock I finished a long time ago....my next project
will be the 2nd sock.

I also started another ruffly scarf for a brainless project.

Check out Joey's new ride:

Mickey got a new toy:

We have the pool open, now just need the water to warm
up a little. Have a nice week dear blog readers!

Shawl Stuff, Part 2

2011-06-12T18:45:00.008-04:00

Martha finished her shawl, congrats, Martha. After a few shaky
attempts, she found a wonderful yarn and wizzed right thru this
pattern!

Ruth is away this weekend, but I believe she is somewhere
on Chart 3.

This is mine:
I am on Chart 3, just starting the 2nd time around.

Reminder this is the Summer Mystery Shawl by
Wendy Knits.

I also worked a little on the Scalene scarf this week.
(my brainless knitting).

I will have more details once this is done and blocked.
Nice pattern. It is definitely a yarn sucker!

Joe went fishing today and caught some really nice perch
in Lake Erie.

Mickey is really p*ssed he cannot go outside....I know I would
never find him once he was free to chase birds....

Happy Knitting....................

Shawl Stuff

2011-06-05T18:12:00.003-04:00

Ruth has made progress on her shawl....

Martha and I have both ripped back to the beginning and have
started over. I could just copy the same picture I posted the last
time and it would look the same. LOL

I'm also working the Scalene scarf in between shawl stuff.

After a one-year hyatis, Joe has started working on the kitchen again.
He did a little trim and painting in the last week. It looks so good,
I can't wait for it to be done.

I hope to have more to show next week.....

Flurry of Excitement !!!

2011-05-23T04:13:00.008-04:00

Last week Ruth mentioned that she was thinking of joining WendyKnits
mystery shawl knitalong. Well, Martha and I decided to join too, so it
would be like we were knitting together. They both had the first clue
done before me, but I'm caught up now. Lots of emails and texts back
and forth all week - so fun.
I'm using Malabrigo sock yarn, purply/bluey colors and liking it alot.

This is the shawl thru line 6 of the 2nd clue:

I'm using Addi Lace size 6 needles.

Here is Martha's thru clue 1 (picture send prior to
clue 2 being released). She is unsure of the yarn.

Ruth's sent me her picture at work last week so I cannot get
to it here, but her's is lovely as well. She is using purply/mauvy.

She worked hard to finish up her vest this week, isn't lovely.

The next clue is being released on Thurs with lots of rows so we
can work on it over Memorial Day holiday while it RAINS AGAIN
in WNY.

Yesterday was quite lovely here. Joe/Joey went fishing and caught
some nice Walleye.

Have fun this week.

An Idea, A Start and an End

2011-05-15T18:23:00.008-04:00

Martha is designing a sweater...her first !

Tiffany started a baby blanket with a hood!

She is done w/college this week and finally has a chance to
start blanket for Felicia's baby.

I started and finished the 3rd (and final) ruffle scarf this
week. This pattern was the best $3.50 I ever spent.
Just Enough Ruffles by Laura Chau.

I have to block all three scarves and will tuck them away
till Christmas.

Contest: Who do you think is a better hat model for the
cashmere hat I made for Aunt Charlotte. Leave your choice
in the comments section:

A.

B.

It's been raining her for what seems like 40 days and
40 nights but I am so thankful that we still have a house
to live in , unlike those poor tornado victims in the south -
makes for great knitting! Yea!

Have a dry, spriny, knitful week dear blog readers.

Movin right along

2011-05-08T18:11:00.012-04:00

Movin right along on the Christmas gifts I intend to give this year.

Here is the coat/hat for Felicia's baby coming in July. I still need to do
some tweaking on the hat. Add a button.

I think it is probably a size 2 or so.

Now have two of the :Just Eno ugh Ruffle: scarfs done.

The MonkeyBread scarf is all blocked.

This week will finish up the 3rd and final ruffle scarf.

Ruth made and adorable hat for her yet to be born niece.
so so so cute!

Martha designed a scarf and is now wearing it. Her first ever total design.
As a reminder, she spliced in all of the ends of several yarns. So nice.
I really like the feminine neckline she added.

On Friday I washed a lot of windows in the house -
let the sun shine in finally.

On Saturday, a bug planted himself on the outside of the
sliding glass window, and Mickey was having none of it.
He spent over 30 minutes jumping up the
window to "get it". I finally went
out and moved the bug. Mickey is sooo funny.

till next week.....

Almosts, Part 2

2011-05-01T13:33:00.013-04:00

I managed to finish up a few things this week....but not totally so
they are still considered "almosts".

The Monkey Bread Scarf and Hat by Anne Hanson are done,
and blocking.

Yarn: Noro 100% Cashmere (discontinued)
Size: Small
Needle: Size 7

Yardage - approx 400 yards scarf
approx 200 yards hat

I goofed up the hat a little bit in reading the pattern
(sorry Anne) but made it look rather nice in spite of
that I think.

They are for my Aunt Charlotte who gave me the yarn.
She is 84.5 and does not knit anymore. She used to be a lovely
knitter, and purchased this yarn to make herself a sweater,
but alas that did not happen.

The orange hat is Jacques Cousteau pattern - I think I will send
this to the Hats for Sailors Project.

I like the way swirls go around the top-- made
by decreasing.

The Baby Surprise Jacket for Felicia's baby is done,
but needs blocking and buttons yet.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash and Lanette Superwash
yarn. The Cascade was not quite think enough for the size
I wanted, so I was lucky to find a yarn that matched color
perfectly! So I was able to use size 7 needle, vs. size 5 that
I would have had to use w/just the Cascade.

I also whipped up this little hat, that needs blocking and a
button. There are a few kinks in it, and if blocking does not
fix, I'm not giving it to her. Am also considering putting a tie
on it so it stays put. Stay tuned!

Ruth finished up her baby sweater, and also a matching pair of
socks before she headed off on vacation:

I think this set is totally totally adorable !!!!

I am starting to get the shakes because I don't have a project
going at the moment...need to start one this afternoon.

Yesterday was a nice day here in Western NY after the crazy
weather from this week. Abbey is exhausted today after being
outside all day.

and Mickey is exhausted too!

He can't go outside, so he chases Abbey from window to window!

Have a great week, dear blog readers!!!

Almosts

2011-04-24T17:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter dear blog readers.

This week I have a couple of projects Almost done.

I did manage to finish up the Monkey Bread scarf, and am
currently working on the hat. The Baby Surprise Jacket
is 92.5% done. And, the obnoxious orange hat is 97.6% done.

I will have pictures to share next week.

Ruth took a little break from her vest this week to work on a darling
baby sweater for her new niece who will arrive in this world in a couple
of months.

She has told me the pattern name a couple of times now, but alas,
I have forgotten. Dream in Color Starry Yarn in Happy Forest color.

Happy Spring!

Circuit Knitting

2011-04-18T18:23:00.007-04:00

It seems I have a lot of repeat knitting I want to do this year for Christmas
presents. Another pair of Bella mittens, three ruffle scarves, a couple hats.
So I thought I would do circuit knitting so I don't get so bored. I have just a
little bit to finish on the Monkey Bread scarf. I have knit a Baby Surprise
jacket this week, and have one ruffle scarf complete. There is a hat on the
needles for brainless knitting. Next up will be another ruffle scarf, and then
the mittens. In the middle of all of these projects, I have decided to knit a
sweater. What am I thinking! I think the answer is simple:
my brain wants to knit more complex, long term projects, but it knows the
brain power is not quite there at the moment. No pictures this week.
Joe and I went away for the weekend and had a nice time - but too tired
to take blog pictures.

Ruth and Martha are both knitting vests. And oh ! how lovely! they both are!

Ruth's vest:

Martha's vest- there is a story behind the yarn. She had a lot of yarn
left over f rom another project and spliced the ends together, which
was a huge project in itself.

check out these pictures. This is the little dress Martha
knit for their great-niece Parker.

Stay tuned for some FO's next week....Happy Knitting!

Distraction from the Distraction

2011-04-03T18:15:00.010-04:00

As you will recall, last week I was distracted from finishing socks
because I started the MonkeyBread scarf by Anne Hanson.
I am three skeins done, and one to go to be finished.

The pattrn is nice and easy, and only have to think on
two rows out of 24....but I stopped working on this
on Wed, because I got distracted by this:

Just Enough Ruffles pattern by Laura Chau.

Yarn: Autunno
Needles: Size 9. 48"

Will use 4 skeins of yarn by the time I'm done.

The pattern uses short rows, which have always been a bit
of a challenge for me. I had to rip out the scarf the first time
I did it, and start over, and think it looks very nice now.

The yarn is very very soft.

I am making three of them for Christmas gifts for my team
at work. I think it will be a nicer present than a candle or
calendar.....LOL

Right now I am at the challenging part of the pattern. Had to
increase from 200 stitches, to 600 stitches on one row.
thank goodness I got the longer needle! It was a very quick knit,
especially considering I cast on Wed, ripped out, and am now almost
done. Casting off 600 stitches in purl will be a bit of a snooze, but
I'll get thru it.

Martha and Ruth are both working on vests from a Harrisville
Pattern and yarn.

Matha's is done:

So so pretty.

Ruth is working on a green version.
Also in Ruth's picture is a sock she just finished up.

Martha is currently working on a felted bed for her
dog. That is quite a project!

I was telling Ruth at dinner on Wed how much I miss having
a nice yarn shop to go to. I have had a few mishaps purchasing
yarn on line. UGH x 1000000000000

This week I think the ruffled scarfs may be distracted by
a Baby Surprise Jacket I can't wait to start for one of Tiffany's
friends who is due in July.

Have a fun "spring" week!

One pair done

2011-03-27T19:14:00.013-04:00

One pair of socks complete:

the second pair is coming along rather slowly....

I've had a wonderful little distraction this past week:
Monkey Bread Scarf pattern by Anne Hanson

Aunt Charlotte gave me some wonderful 100% Cashmere
yarn that she has had in her stash for a long time - and since
she does not knit anymore, she gave it to me.

Wonderfully soft to work with. I have about 28" done already.

Tiffany finished up her final Encore Chunky black
scarf. This one is for her friend Meg.

She used a K2P2 Pattern. It turned out really soft and
nice.

Ruth just returned from a trip out west, and was working
on a Classic Elite sock during her travels:

Have a knitful, playful week dear blog readers.....

Sock Stuff

2011-03-13T16:50:00.008-04:00

Working right along on socks this week.

The Swirls socks is so fun....it's been a long time since
I have done a pattern in which I need to keep track of
rows down the top of the foot. The yarn is nice and I
love it.

The brown/gray/black brainless sock got some attention
this week also. About 1" to go before I decrease for the toe.

Ruth is also working on socks.

She is done with her "Socks that Rock" socks for
her cousin - and just in time since she is traveling
this week to Oaklahoma and Colorado to deliver them.

Very very nice!!!!

I thought I'd attach a photo of what my counter looks
like when I wash socks....the red/black hat is hanging
out blocking with the socks.....

Martha is working on a vest:

It is the Garter Rib
Vest by Donna Kay-Tree of Life Designs, made with the Harrisville Silk
and Wool yarn.

Spring ??

Sunset earlier this week.....so marvelous!

West view from the backyard.

The spring birds are driving Mickey crazy. He can
actually balance on the top of the chair and tries to
crawl up the window to chase them.

I have a feeling the crocuses will be popping up soon
YEA!

Happy sock knitting this week dear blog readers.

Abra Cadabra

2011-03-06T17:26:00.006-05:00

the hat is done!

Pattern starts at the top and swirls downward. I chose
black for Color A, and Red for Color B. I thought Color
A would be dominant - I really wanted the black dominant,
but I like how it turned out.

The pattern calls for switching the dominant color for the
bottom inch, that's why the black stands out more there.
Hat is not blocked yet, bet it will look even better then.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
Pattern: Swirl Striped Hat, purchased on Ravelry.

This was fun! I have some more yarn to make a red/blue one.
Stay tuned!

I've been working a little bit on some socks from the yarn
Martha gave me for Christmas - such pretty yarn from
Kangaroo Dyer.

These brown/gray/black socks are the brainless project I have going.
Pattern is k3, p1. The yarn is Berocco Sox, which is not
that wonderful. Too much nylon. They will be for
Joe for Christmas.

Ruth has been working on a pair of Cookie A socks, in
Malabrigo sock yarn. She also has a picture of some
socks that she darned......

No pictures from Martha in a while, but she continues
to knit!

I worked a lot of hours this week so not much going on.
Awaiting spring! in spite of the snowstorm again today.

Happy knitting dear blog readers!

Untitled

2011-02-28T04:53:00.003-05:00

I have worked all week on the Spiral Hat - all week on a hat - go figure -
and I actually knit quite a lot. I'm down to the hem so nearly finished.
No pictures - will show the "big reveal" next week.

Ruth has finished up one sock:

The pattern is Canopy Socks by Samantha Roshak knit in Socks that Rock. The
colorway is The skein with no name from the Rockin' Sock Club.

She is also working on a dishrag because she needed some mindless knitting:

The dishrag is knit in Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy.

It's raining here this morning after a ton of snow on Friday -
Spring is in the air....................

Have a nice knitful week!

Weird Week

2011-02-21T13:36:00.022-05:00

It was kind of a weird week here at Knitatation! We've been suffering with
colds and just laying low.

I am done with the Jared Flood Wayfarer scarf!

Specs:
Yarn: Mas Acero from Brooks Farm Yarns, Lancaster Texas
purchased at Rhinebeck.
Size 8 needles
400 Yards

I was very intrigued by the stitch pattern. This was fun.
There were a lot of mindless inches, as well as a couple of
complicated charts to follow for a few inches.

Finished length: 48" long.

I will make this scarf again !

As part of my 2011 goals, I am going to take the time to do some
learning again. I learn much better in a classroom, but will do my best
to learn a few things on my own.

I was intrigued by the Swirled Striped Pattern for sale on Ravelry,
so I bought it. The pattern is not that easy, and took a couple of starts but
I am on my way - finally. Probably have 3" done.

I could not figure out the cast on so just figured out what the result was
supposed to look like and made my own. Basically just cast on every other
stitch in different color.

I am using Cascade 220 Superwash Black and Red. Since every stitch
is a different color, it takes a while.

I am also working on a pair of brainless socks, that were not done
enough to be photo worthy at this point.

Tiffany finished up the scarf she was making for her boss Vicky.
She used more of the Encore Super Bulky black yarn. She pick

She picked a K2 / P2 pattern, but since she had stitch
count NOT divisible by 4, it is not ribbing.

It is quite lovely.

Ruth finished blocking her Jarrod Flood kerchief pattern little
shawl. It is sooo cute!

She has been busy making Monkey socks for her sister.
Premier Yarns, the Deborah Norville
Collection. Wool, bamboo and nylon.

I like them, don't you?

In non-knitting news

Tiffany turns 24 today! Happy Birthday!

We had the family over for dinner yesterday - so nice to have
them all here.

Mickey just loves to torment poor Abbey.
Now, Mickey has decided that they will BOTH
sleep in Abbey's bed. Abbey is not very thrilled.

I think I'm ready for Spring to be here so I have more exciting
things to talk about than my animals sleeping together!!!!!
LOLOLOL

Have a fun week!

Valentines Day - Happy Happy

2011-02-14T04:49:00.015-05:00

Happy Valentines Day dear blog readers!

We had a little celebration at our house Sunday since Tiffany
has to work today. Tiffany got me these beautiful flowers.

I am thankfully done with both sets of Bella's mittens.

Classic Elite Duchess Yarn - which is bulky
Size 8 needles
2 and a little bit more skeins of yarn per pair.
This is a free pattern on Ravelry.

Blue for me, Fuschia for Tiffany.
I will make more of these for Christmas presents - just
not now. Tiffany is modeling

The yarn was so nice (read thru the lines - pricey!) so what do
you do with leftovers ?

Why make a cowl of course!

Cast on 90 stitches on size 8
Simple slip stitch pattern - that I carry around in my head.
This is pre-blocking - it is even nicer now.

I am almost done with Jarrod Flood's Wayfarer scarf!
It is a really fun knit. Can't wait to show you.

Tiffany finished up the scarf she made for her friend, Felicia.
Fuzzy yarn she got at JoAnn's. I wasn't sure about the fringe,

but I think it really added a nice touch.

She has started (and probably finished by now) a scarf
for her friend Kim.
It is a K2, P1 pattern.

She is using some Extra Super Chunky yarn I got at Pam's years
ago to make a sweater --but that's not going to happen. I'm thankful
she is using it up. It looks sooo very nice and is soft and squishy.

Size 13 needle, 15 stitches.

She was telling the boys last night that she can now:
cast on,
bind off,
add new yarn,
knit,
purl,
and make a simple pattern

I was impressed! She really picks up quickly!!

Ruth got the new Jarrod Flood kerchief pattern and whipped this
up this weekend. This is pre-blocking. She used
Louisa Harding's Grace wool/silk blend yarn.

Martha has been busy, also.

This is a hat she made for her daughter EmmaLouise
hat pattern from Boutique Knits,
called the Sideways Grande Hat. She did not know the exact shade of red
of EL's coat, so bought the different colorways It
is Misti Alpaca hand painted chunky.

The scarf is the Jojoland Swirl Shawl. She made the scarf but did not
use the yarn called for, so it is just the pattern. Made it out of
Opus 1 Merino. It was on sale, so it doesn't match the color exactly,
but is very soft and nice. They are for Emmalouise for their gift
giving time.

This other scarf is for her sonTom and he was crazy for the colors. She was
going to make it for her husband Mark, but Tom won her over. It is Noro sock yarn,
and she's making the gentleman's scarf from one of the Knit gift books.

till next week......Happy Knitting!

Go Steelers!

2011-02-06T16:24:00.002-05:00

We are huge Pittsburgh Steelers fans in our house ! I'm getting ready for the
big game so no pictures today. I have a pair of brainless socks to start so that
I can knit while watching the game. It seems that all of my other projects
require concentration! Finished up Tiffany's fuschia Bella mittens this week,
and they are soooo cute! Blocking now so pictures next week. I'm about
1/3 of the way done with my 2nd one. Also worked on the Wayfarer scarf
this week.

Life is good at our house and I hope at yours as well!

The outcome of the game may already be determined by the time
you read this but GO STEELERS! no matter what the outcome!

Two lefts and now the rights.

2011-01-30T18:01:00.004-05:00

Two left Bella mittens are done. I'm working on Tiffany's
2nd mitten now, am up to the thumb increase.

Worked a little bit on a sock, but not enough to show.

Tiffany is working on her scarf and moving right along on
that....looking purty soft.

Ruth finished up her pair of Berocco Comfort Socks
(Ann Hanson pattern)

And started this new one.
She picked a simple ribbing pattern because she was
afraid something more complex would not show.

Pretty dull here this week,not much to write about.
Have a wonderful week!

Warm Accesssories

2011-01-23T17:24:00.013-05:00

So so cold outside this week in Western NY... guess
that is what makes nice warm accessories so
appreciated. I finished up two pair of fingerless
mitts for Tiffany's friend.

They ar really a quick knit...about 6 hour per pair,
and so so easy.

And the Cascade 220 Superwash is so nice - soft and
squishy and WARM.

Tiffany and I have now watched all three Twilight
movies. They are pretty entertaining. I have one
Bella mitten done

yarn = Clasic Elite Duchess which I think is discontinued.
Size 8 needles.

As soon as Tiffany saw one mitten 1/2 done she
knew she wanted a pair.

Guess what color she wants...Fuschia....
I was able to find some Duchess yarn on EBay in a
nice fuschia color. That should be here tomorrow.
So, I will make her pair, then finish up my other one.
They are actually pretty quick.

Tiffany finished up her scarf, so soft.....
and she did a really nice job. It is for her friend Mary.

She liked it so much, she decided to knit a scarf for
her friend Felicia in the same sort of fluffy yarn...

guess what color the new one is...yes, you guessed
fuschia........

When she took Vicky's fingerless mitts another friend
Terry was there and decided she wanted a pair...
guess what color (insert puke here) fushchia !

LOL...Terry may have to wait a while.

I'm working on Wayfarer scarf and some socks that are
not picture worthy right now.

Ruth and Martha are both making socks...

Ruth:
Ann Hanson pattern in some Berrocco yarn

Martha socks in some "watercolor" yarn that Ruth
got her a while ago.

Brigit pattern

Abbey loves being out in the snow,but gets depressed that
no one wants to go out and play with her....

Joe has taught Mickey how to play "fetch". Yes!
Joe throws Mickey a rolled up piece of paper,
Mickey chases it,and bring it back so Joe will throw
it again.
He is just waking up from a nap in this picture.

Have a nice knitful week, dear blog readers. Stay warm and
keep knitting those accessories!

Snowy Week = Knitty Week

2011-01-16T18:08:00.017-05:00

Snow Snow Snow....which means lots of knitting time for me
this week.

Tiffany finally stood still long enough so I could get pictures
of the beret/scarf I made for her for Christmas. She told me
this was her favorite present....

Reminder this is the smocked lace scarf pattern from
the book Knitting 24/7.

The color is bright fushia (official name guava) -
color stinks in these pictures

I'm so happy she likes it - makes is all so worth while!

Mickey happened to stroll by for the photo shoot....

He is so cute.....and so naughty!

I finished up Joe's socks this week.

Yarn is Sock yarn from Green Mt Spinnery - Heels and
toes are Regia Bamboo.

Mock cable on each side for some 'flair'......The yarn has a
sturdy feel - not real soft, but very very nice. He likes that
kind to wear in his work boots.

I did notice that all of the socks I have made for him lately, except
the red pair are blue. I have some brown yarn set aside for him -
I guess those will be his next pair.

I started a pair for me from yarn Martha gave me for
Christmas - Kangaroo dyer. Too new on the needles
to photograph.

I made a pair of "fetching" fingerless gloves for our friend
Vicky four years ago whenI was between jobs and she requested
two new pairs...one for her and one for her sister in law.
She said she wore them out!

I added an extra cable on the bottom. I actually finished
them up since this picture was taken. Cascade 220 Superwash
Wool - my new favorite yarn.

Only downside is, she wanted black. ugh, two pairs in
black.

Have about 12" or so done on the Wayfarer scarf. I am doing the
same two-row repeat now until 36" completed.

I have decided to knit the Bella mittens found on ravelry.
Found out after I found the pattern they are modeled after
"Bella" on Twilight movies.

Got some nice Classic Elite Duchess yarn at a little yarn
shop in Medina while visiting mom and dad this weekend.

Also picked up some nice red Louet Gems sock yarn while I was there.

Anyway, Tiffany and I decided we needed to see what this whole
Twilight thing was about so we watched the first movie tonight, and
have the 2nd one for tomorrow. It was actually quite entertaining.

Tiffany dug out her scarf she has been working on for a few years
and started knitting - she is doing a wonderful job. Straight knitting
with a fuzzy yarn that is oh so soft!

Ruth has been working on some nice socks that she said would probably
be done by this evening.....A high nylon, wool blend.

I cleaned out my knitting chest this weekend. Threw out alot
of odds and ends...why I was saving them I don't know. Now
my yarn is sort of organized. My chest is full, but I don't feel
like I have tons of yarn, even though I do....
hard to explain to a normal person, but a knitter would understand!

Have a fun week, dear knitters......

Stay warm!

Cowl Girls

2011-01-09T18:28:00.016-05:00

Ruth and Martha have been knitting cowls galore! So, I
thought I should have one going too!

I started Jared Flood's Ptarmigan Cowl in yarn purchased at
Rhinebeck this year....Soft Touch Ultra from Shelridge Farms.
I had to add another repeat of pattern since my yarn and gauge
is much smaller than pattern called for. Cross your fingers it
works!

Have made little progress on Wayfarer scarf this week.
Well, if you count the times I ripped it out and restarted
I guess I have done a lot! LOL.

Turned the heel on Joe's 2nd sock. Putting a mock cable
on each side of the leg to make it interesting.

Blue yarn is from Green Mt Spinnery, and multi yarn
is Regia Bamboo.

Here is the cowl I made for dad over the holidays.
It is linen stitch, and made from some leftover
Aurora 8 yarn. It was a very tight knit on size 7
needles, and hard on my hands.

The color is actually forest green.....
The back of the cowl is as nice, if not nicer than the
front.

Ruth's cowls:

One is the Buddy cowl knit out of my own handspun yarn
and the other is the birthday cowl knit in
green cashmere

Martha has been knitting cowls and socks -- her own words:

The red striped socks are to go with my red sweater that has yet to be
knit. Typical socks before the sweater, huh. This was a homemade
pattern with knitting on the cuff to show off the stripes. These are
made from Cascade Yarn Sassy Stipes. Kind of Dr. Suessian huh?

The green socks are in the Rivendell pattern which I would suggest the
following modifications. I would put a 1" ribbing at the top of the
sock, as the way they are they kind of roll down. Also the wrapping
of the stitches at the top is on the tightesh side, and some other
kind of stitch might be prefered. I am making these out of Alchemy
Yarns of Transformation. The color is Juniper. I am almost ready to
start the heal flap on the second sock. I am moving on these.

The red cowl is out of alpaca and lorna laces which I bought at WEBS
after christmas. It is the Bud pattern from Ravelry. I made it as
written. I have a long skinny neck and feel it is a little snug. Some
one else might want to add an extra 5 stiches. I also added the
ruffling. 3x extra stitches knit one row, decrease.

and yet another cowl:

In other news.....

Little Mickey continues to be fun and naughty. He is
not that little anymore. He has longish hair and Joey insists
on calling him Fluffy. I call him McFluff ....

That's about it..work tomorrow.....yuck!

Have a fun, knitful week dear blog readers.

New Year !

2011-01-04T04:36:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!
I'm having a bit of computer trouble so no pictures.....
Knitting: 1 sock done and 1 sock 1/4 done....not bad.

I also started a scarf in Jared Flood's Wayfarer pattern.
Started in his yarn but decided I wanted to use some yarn
purchased at Rhinebeck instead. Its looking very cool so far.

I'm trying to decide if I have any knitting goals for 2011.
I guess if I don't have any yet.....I may not.

I do want to do a few things differently. I want to start 2011
Holiday projects now. But, didn't I do that last year?

I want to do some fun knitting for me this year, and some
swatching with new techniques. It seems like I say that
every year, and the next thing I know, another pair of
socks are going.

Tiffany moved back home and I washed all of her handmade
socks for her. I was impressed with how many nice ones she had!
I was hand washing them in the sink and Joey said ugh! why are you
doing that? I told him that for as long as it takes me to make a pair,
it's worth it to me to handwash them so they last longer.

(Think back to the two pair I had this year with blown out heels, which
I think was caused by the spinner in the washing machine).

Hope to have a more interesting post next week.

Happy Knitting.

What are your 2011 Knitting Goals?

Hey, Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T17:44:00.029-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays dear blog readers!

I didn't realize it has been so long without a blog post. Lots has happened.

I was able to finish up Joe's 2nd pair of Christmas socks.
The yarn is Pattons bamboo, and Regia bamboo on the heels and toes.

The pattern is a mock cable every 4 rows, which made it nice and stretchy.
I wanted them nice and long, that is why I used the Regia to stretch the Patons
yarn. They are 9" long.

I started a new pair for Joe that is using up some Green Mt Spinnery
yarn I got when Ruth and I visited Martha a few years ago. I am also using
the Regia to stretch. To make Joe an 8" leg, I need 450 yards of yarn. The
Green Mt has just 400 yards.

We had our family Christmas dinner Saturday before Christmas which turned out
very nice.

Mom, dad and Tiffany:

Joel and Vicky:

Mom, dad and Aunt Edie. Aunt Edie is one year older than mom.
It was so nice to have her here with us.

My little family:

Little Mickey enjoyed the party!

Martha sent me a skein of sock yarn from the KangarooDyer
so so pretty. Ruth got one too!

Joe got me some Shelter yarn from Brooklyn Tweed - color Soot.
It is so so nice. I am going to make his Pattern Wayfarer with it.
Can't wait to start.

I finished the Stealth Project with a week to spare!
It was a Because of Love beret and Smocked Lace scarf for Tiffany.

The yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca Silk /Wool purchased
at the Loopy Ewe. Color fuscia. The colors in these
pictures are not very good.

The scarf is made up of two lace patterns - do two and
kitchner in the center. The first pattern is Smocked
Lace and the 2nd is Sawtooth. I changed the Sawtooth -
pattern called for knitting on the wrong side which would have
made garter stitch looking pattern, and was NOT soft.
I changed to Purl on wrong side so it was like stockinette
and very soft.

Tiffany has a cold and would not let me take any pictures, but
she did promise to model when she feels better. She really
liked the set.

This yarn blocked beautifully.

Martha finished up two cowls at the beginning of the month:
just one picture:
Simple Summer Lace Cowl,
http:/www.jananas.com, this out of alpaca and left over sock yarn Ruth
gave me about 5 years ago.

A few Christmas pictures:

Sandy and Dee came home for Christmas - both
looking quite lovely!\

so exhausted after all of the fun:

Some more exciting news: Ruth retired this month after 30+
years with the same company.

I attended a very nice HappyHour that her folks put on for her.
Look what they gave her:

A giant yarn ball!

I was in line getting some munchines and overheard this conversation:

Guy 1: What is she going to do with that yarn?
Guy 2: I heard she was making us all socks when she retires!

um...he was totally serious...get busy Ruth!

Abbey wishes everyone a relaxing funfilled - knitalicious Holiday!

Ho Ho Ho!

2010-12-12T18:26:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas....almost!
The holidays are fast approaching, and there is a slim (very slim) chance
that I will get Joe's 2nd sock done. I hope I do, and if not, I'll wrap one
up for him. The stealth project is coming along nicely!!!

Ruth and I met for coffee yesterday, and she gave me two balls
of Louisa Harding Grace yarn.

This picture is more accurate of the color - teal - my FAVORITE!
Thank you thank you thank you.

She showed me the hat she knit for her grandson. It is so much
cuter in person.
Yarn is Debbie Bliss Rialto superwash yarn. Pattern is The Little
Flap Cap by Linda Gemmell

She is making Ray a pair of socks for Christmas our to Trekking:

More next week dear blog readers. Have a wonderful week!

Holidays are here...Already!

2010-11-28T17:47:00.013-05:00

Gee, here is it Christmas, and I have very few presents to show for it.
I am done with one sock for Joe, and hopefully the 2nd sock will be
done for Christmas. The main yarn is Pattons, Bamboo / Nylon blend,
and the toe and heel are Regia, bamboo, nylon blend.

Pattern:

4 rows K2P2 Ribbing,
5th row: K thru back of 2nd knit stitch, keep stitch on needle, and K thru 1st
stitch, creating a mock cable effect. I like the look of this a lot. Even Joey commented
on how he liked the stitch, and how he liked the 2nd yarn for toe and heel.

Winner!

That is all the knitting I have to discuss. One stealth project that I really
really hope I will get done!

Other news:

Mickey is sooo fun! He is getting bad now though, and biting. I really
hope that is a kitten phase he is going thru. We have had him for 5
weeks already!

When he is quiet and cuddly he is oh so cute! He is getting sooo big!

He slept like this for an hour on Friday:

Joey got a very nice!! 8 point deer on Tuesday!
Way to go , Joe!

Tiffany and I went shopping Black Friday and had a nice time.

Last Sunday, we celebrated Dad's 76th birthday!
We are so lucky that he is here and in such good health.

Notice mom's cactus in the background!

tiffany and dad:

Joel and Vicky:

How do you knit with a kitty?

2010-11-14T18:42:00.001-05:00

Answer: you don't !!
Not much to show for this week. Everytime I pick up the needles, wham!
Mickey strikes. He loves to bite the needles and the yarn.
I ripped out Joe's sock I started last week - did not like the pattern
at all, and started a new pattern that I am loving.
Ribbing K2 P2
every 5th row (4 regular ribbing in between)
K into the back loop of the 2nd knit stitch, bring right needle
to front of 1st knit stitch and knit, slip both stitches off of the
needle. Looks like a mock cable.

Working on the sleeves of the Seven Things Baby Sweater...have to
be done by Tuesday...gulp! It will be close.

Ruth traveled to MA to visit Martha this weeked so no updates
from either of them.

Our Mickey:

Have a good week dear blog readers.

A plan

2010-11-08T04:40:00.019-05:00

I had to make a plan for knitting to get a few things done on schedule:

1. Seven Things Baby Sweater....taking a class with Jeannine going thru
this book. It is basic, but I am learning a lot. Who knew P2Together
could be so complicated....

2. I started a pair of socks for Joe, just because I always have
socks going. Plymouth Sox, bamboo blend. There is a little
pattern to it,but it does not show because of the yarn. I think I
will keep it up though, just for mental stimulation.

I have a couple of other things I want to get done before Christmas....
that I can't yet share.

Check this out: I made a Baby Surprise Sweater for Tiffany's friend
Meghan who had little Jerry in July. Meghan has been putting the
sweater on him and is apparently getting lots of compliments!
(Yes my head did swell a bit when I heard this).

Ruth is moving right along on her socks:
Liberty Fibers Yarn and my abbreviated version of the
Hopscotch pattern in Outside the Sox. The pattern is more obvious
in this picture than it was last week.

Here is a picture of a knitting skeleton bag and swift holder Ruth
purchased from Laura at Slipped Stitch Studios on Etsy.
Ruth said both are terrific quality and the fabrics are fun.

Martha has been busy working on two neck warmers:
Here is Ptarmigan Neckwarmer by Jared Flood. Knitted with On Line by Trend
collection Linie 19, which is wool, alpaca, and angora. It is a tad
itchy and she will probably like to wear it with a turtleneck. She ran
out of yarn and didn't get my last 2 rows in but ... who cares!?

The second is not blocked, it is Cite by Anne Hanson. It was made out
of the Yak and bamboo she bought at Rhinebeck this year. It is soft
enough to wear without a turtleneck. She made is 1/2 a repeat longer
too, to accomodate her long neck. She said it was pretty easy to make, but
Jared Flood's was easier.

Other stuff:

Mickey is growing - 2 1/2 lbs now. He is fun, and totally lively!
It is hard to knit when he is awake, he sits on my lap and chews the
yarn.

Made a mini-Thanksgiving dinner last night for who knows what reason!
Too much food but all good. The kids and mom and dad were both here.

Joey hit a deer last week and totaled his truck, luckily he was not hurt.

Here is his new ride. A 1995 Toyota 4Runner - from Texas

Abbey is getting used to Mickey. Mickey plays with Abbey's
tail and Abbey lets her! I think that may change as Mickey's
adult teeth come in.

Here are a couple pictures of a huge deer out behind the house that
I took on Saturday - look at that huge rack.

oh yea, Joey was hunting a few miles away when this thing
was in our backyard!

Here are a couple pictures of Ruth's cat, Lucy whom I think
is quite adorable. Mickey reminds me of her a little bit :

Have a nice week blog readers.

Theme this Week: Gray/Red/Black

2010-10-31T19:02:00.012-04:00

I seem to be stuck on gray/red/black this week. Finished up Joe's socks, finally!

and, I made him a hat with Cascade 220 Superwash Red/Gray colors.
I am really loving the Cascade 220 Superwash.

Spent a good part of my free time this week trying to untangle this yarn
mess. It is yarn from Rhinebeck. Waited 1/2hour in line to buy it,
then hours untangling it. I'm sure it will be something very special.
it is all now rewound and in a nice yarn cake.

Started a pair of Baby Mocs - not far enough along to picture. These are
for a workmate of Joe's - Justin. He and is wife are expecting a little boy
at the end of the month. The yarn is cotton from my stash and very splitty.

Also working on the Baby Sweater from "Seven Things to make or break
a sweater class".

Ruth is working on a pair of socks for her friend's wife:
it is the Hopscotch pattern by Lisa Swanson from Think Outside the Sox.

In other news:
We have really had a nice fall! Joe was on the roof with his leaf blower
cleaning gutters today.

Mickey is settling in sooo nice - we are all loving our little Mickey
Abbey has mixed feelings. She will get close to Mickey if, and only
if, we touch her.

Mickey is one wild dude. Magic was an old cat for so
many years we forgot what it was like to have a kitten around.

So Much To Tell !

2010-10-24T18:22:00.014-04:00

Whew! A lot to talk about today.

I finished up three hats for the sailor project. I feel bad because as of right now
they only have 100 and need 278 but she hopes more arrive this week. My three
are not in the 100 count - they should arrive in CA by Wed.
http://artemesia.typepad.com/adventures_in_paradise/2010/10/100-and-counting.html

The two brown hats are K2P2 Rib, and the gray hat is Canadian Winter Hat
by Sally Melville. I really like how it came out, but the K1P1 back and forth
was hard on my hands.

Ruth, Martha and I had a wonderful time at Rhinebeck. We arrived on
Friday in Kingston where our motel was. We drove to Rhinebeck and
poked around in the little shops. Some cute shops, but most sold the
same things, scarves, soap and purses.
We drove back to Kingston and after relaxing a while and settling in,
we headed for an Indian cuisine restaurant. It was really good - we each
got something different and shared. We were pooped Fri so got a good
nights sleep and headed to Rhinebeck in the morning. This year we
were not allowed to get in early and let me tell you it was COLD.
I have been reading other blogs with ladies talking about the nice weather
but none of them look cold! They must have gone on Sunday. It was
really the wind. Martha and Ruth both bought hats and I kept my hood on
the whole time we were outside. No pictures of Martha since she was
operating the camera.

This is a sand sculpture that was behind the food tents:

Martha's treasures:

the sheep pictures and the fleece are hers as well - the hotel was not
that nice that they supplied such luxuries!

Ruth's treasures:

My treasures:

Saturday night we went to a very nice French Restaurant in Kingston -
kick a** food! We were sooo pooped Saturday night. Sunday up early
to a nice breakfast and head home. Martha went back and took a spinning
class on Sunday.

Some ladies were walking around with beautiful sweaters, hats, cowls on.
next year I should be more prepared with something wonderful to wear.
(Notice I said next year.....I can always hope!)

Here is a little oil lamp I got along with two more mugs similar to last year.
I like the lamp, but the smell in the house is not very appealing.

Here are my wool treasures at home. I attempted to wind them today.
One if them is all mucked up and I'm taking a break. Getting them into
balls should not be so much work.

I am cruisuing down the foot of Joe's 2nd sock, pictures next week.

And the most exciting news:
ta da

meet Mickey! one and 3/4 lbs of pure fluff. He is a rescue kitty who we
think is about 5 weeks old.

Abbey is feeling a little jealous but I'm giving her lots of hugs as always.

Have a good week dear blog readers.......

Indian Summer is so Nice

2010-10-10T19:06:00.011-04:00

Joe and I took a little drive yesterday to Canandaigua NY to get juice
for our wine. We got more Concord this year. We get the juice from
a grower named Randall Standish.

These are vats where you pick the juice you want

The colors were so beautiful especially with the sun shining.

I finished up the first hat for the sailor project. This is made
in Cascade 220 Superwash. A simple K2, P2 rib pattern.
Started Wednesday, finished up Friday.

The 2nd hat is started.....not enough progress to take a picture.

This morning I made a double batch of Oatmeal cookies, and
a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. I have made the boys
cookies every weekend for the last several weeks.

I'll be at Rhinebeck next weekend so wanted to make sure
they had a nice supply. They worked so hard to make me a
nice kitchen I want to make them cookies all of the time.

Ruth has some sock done and some more started.

Fall

2010-10-04T05:12:00.002-04:00

Fall is in the air and I have been reading so many posts from knitting bloggers
touting this is their favorite time of year. For me it's usually depressing since
Summer is my favorite. Fall means a long long winter ahead here in Western
New York (think "lake effect snow"). Yesterday was rainy and I have to admit
I enjoyed long stretches of knitting time. First time in months that I have been
able to sit and knit for stretch of 2 hours at a time.

I have decided to knit two or three hats for the Shanti Sailor project.

http://artemesia.typepad.com/adventures_in_paradise/2010/09/hats-for-sailors-and-other-stuff.html

Shanti is a knitter aboard a ship at sea and she would like to give her fellow sailors
all hats for Christmas. I understand the response is overwhelming-thank goodness.

I ordered Superwash Wool Cascade 220 from Webs. Had to order a couple of skeins
for knitting class also. The hats can be fun and creative, or just plain. I'm not
sure what mine will be. Since they need to be done by 3rd week of October so I
can get them shipped off two might be all I can manage.

Managed to finish up Joe's first sock and cast on for the 2nd one yesterday.
Also finished up a stealth project.

That's about it from here. Ruth, Martha and I are preparing for our
adventure to Rhinebeck Oct 15th. I really hope the weather cooperates.
At least no rain (or snow!).

Sister Post

2010-09-26T16:41:00.011-04:00

Ruth and Martha have been knitting way more than me so this post is mainly
about them!

I did manage to get the heel turned on Joe's sock. I really love the yarn from
Spindle city. The colors are better this week, black, red, gray. So nice.
Notice that I used a gray nylon yarn to reinforce the heel. Purchased at
PatternWorks on line.

Hopefully I can finish this up this week. I did a lot of cooking this weekend...
so LOVE the nice new kitchen.

Ruth's socks...in her own words:
The finished green socks. Also the sock I knit last week. Yarn is Metaphor Yarn dyed by Gail Callahan, the Kangaroo Dyer, who lives near Martha in Greenfield. Called bronze surprise. Nice and fallish. Pattern is Goldengrove Socks from Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn.

Martha's stuff, in her own words:

TaDa!!! Here are the outfits for Susie's grandchildren. Connie, for the blog, and yarn was Hayfield Natural wool dk. Machine washable and not too processed, not too soft but not scratchy. The pants are Schaeter Yarn company Miss Priss Diaper Pants pattern The jumper pattern I can't find, but it was out of one of the books we shared at our last visit. The little sweater is Origami Baby Kimono designed by Bonnie Franz, modified by Martha Parker, out of Interweave Knits, summer 2003. I bought both outfits turtle necks and tights and leggings to go under the outfits. The big outfit is about 3T and smaller one 18 months size.

----------------------------
Here is my latest and greatest. It is for Chris who has a very big head. I sure hope it fits!! It is made out of Moonshine design yarn, which is 65% Kid and yearling Moahir, and 35% Wool. it is 5.5sts/" and was very easy to knit up. I did'n t think it would spiril when I knit it, but I really can't tell with the hand dyed stuff. I knit it on size 7 needles. It is the pattern called Cap Karma bu S. M. Kahh October 2006 (http://smariek.bolgspot.com), and then I used Brooklyntweeds modified top to maintain the cables (http://brooklyntweed.net/blog/?s=Cap+Karma+Hat). It was a very quick knit.

Nice girls! Love your knitting and sharing our blog readers.

September

2010-09-19T19:57:00.017-04:00

September is half way over already! I've made up my mind that there
will probably be no substantial knitting this year. I will knit as my brain sees fit
which means there may be days without any.

I was able to start and finish another Baby Surprise jacket. This is
for my friend at work, Zac, who just had a baby boy named Alex.
I was able to use all stash yarn. In fact, its the same colors as the
one I made for Gwen at work. I even purchased the same buttons,
because they were just so perfect.

I really like the collar, and the cuff.

I am ready to turn the heel on the socks I'm making for Joe.
Yarn is Spindle City yarn, purchased at Loopy Ewe over a
year ago. Not sure if they are even dying yarn anymore.
It is very nice to work with. Just plain vanilla pattern since
the yarn is busy. The picture looks like its blues and purples
but its really red and black and gray.

Some random family pictures:

Joey's 22nd birthday:

Mom

Vicky

Joel and Bryan

Dad

We grilled steaks for everyone on the barbque pit...so yummy

Joe and I went to Oneida Lake over labor day. We stayed at
Hidden harbor. Weather was not good - fishing sucked.
Relaxing was fabulous. I won $20 on lottery ticket, and
$18 at the casino...yippee!!

The lake view from the harbor:

I knit most of the Baby Surprise jacket here. We met some lovely
folks staying there. One couple from PA and one from FL.

Until next week....Martha has finished up a baby sweater and
pictures are forthcoming. Ruth has been away for a week and
has lots to share for next week's blog I'm sure....

Last week of Summer

2010-08-29T17:18:00.001-04:00

Last week of summer folks - and it's supposed to be nice and hot! YEA!
Joey is 22 years old today...my how time flys....
Started a sock but am going to enjoy the last bit of summer before I
start obsessing about knitting again.
Bye till next week!

68 But i did it anyway

2010-08-22T21:32:00.010-04:00

Yes, the pool was 68 degrees tonight but I jumped in anyway. All
the way down the ladder I kept chanting "you can't do this in
November". Brrrr -it really was refreshing once I got in. I guess
my point is...Fall is in the air and it's only August.

Finally finished the green socks I've been working on all summer.
Purly Swirly pattern (my own).
Yarn: Silk/merino/bamboo - purchased at Rhinebeck.

They are actually for me. If you look close you can see a hint
of gray color in the heel. I used reinforcement thread since
for some reason I blow the heels out of my socks - me
who always wears slippers and socks....oh well.

Ruth is working on a lovely pair of socks - Classic Elite Alpaca yarn. Pattern is Wandering Vine from _Think Outside the Sox book.

It's hard to see the pattern in this picture.

Martha has knit a lovely shawl for her friend.

Her words:
The pattern is Magicstar shawl by
Die-woollust. This is a german site ( I know, so international of
me!) and the internet address is www.die-wollust.de.
This yarn is at least 50 years old. No joke. Ann's mother died lasy
year at about 92 yo and she gave Ann her yarn about 10 years ago. Ann
gave it to me and it was all mothbally. I left it outside in the sun
for weeks and dried all the chemicals out of it and I have been using
it up regularly since then.

No work on the house this week. I have been baking/cooking
up a storm - it's so easy now.

Have a fun summery week.......not much summer left.

Blah Blah Blah

2010-08-15T19:07:00.003-04:00

that pretty much sums up my knitting for the week. I'm working my way down the foot
on the 2nd green sock.

Ruth knit some adorable "mice" for her in-law's new cat. She has made quite a few
of these in the past. The kittys all love them.

It was a pretty sad day here yesterday. We had to have our 17 year
old cat Magic put to sleep. He had liver issues that got the best of him. He was
my knitting buddy and we will miss him immensely.

Quiet Week

2010-08-08T19:09:00.005-04:00

We had a quiet week--no knitting to speak of. Ruth has nothing new to share and
I have not heard from Martha. Ruth and I had dinner Wednesday and talked
a lot about knitting - I need to do some creative stitches again.

We had the hardwood floor installed in the dining room today. We have to
wait 2-3 weeks to finish it.

Check it out:

Have a wonderful summer filled, fun packed week!

August 1st! Unbelievable!

2010-08-01T19:01:00.030-04:00

I can't believe it is August already. I guess because of all of the kitchen work the year has flown by quicker than ever. Still not much knitting content - Ruth and Martha have been better than me - and I honestly can't remember much of what they told me, but I will still show their lovely pictures.

I have one sock complete, and one ready to work on the heel:

Ruth's current sock, with her snazzy toes

Ruth's BSJ that is almost complete!

This is Ruth's cat, Lucy, who is helping to model the sweater.

Mittens Martha just finished:

Baby outfit Martha just finished:

so so beautiful

This and that:

The family came over for my birthday last week.
This is the last year I can say I'm in my late 40's...gulp!

I just had to throw more kitchen pictures in here.....

Destiny stayed over night - we had fun.

We made homemade pizza....it was sooo yummy!

Felicia and some of the girls Tiffany works with came over for
Margarita Tuesday since I was on vacation this week....

Joey was making snacks while they were here:

Mom and dad got me flowers for my birthday.

Abbey went to the beauty parlor...she was strutting her stuff
after she got home because she knew how good she looked. LOL

Even Magic had to take a second look at Abbey because
she looked so good.

Joe and I went to Lake Ontario fishing on Saturday morning.
Well, he fished, and I knit and read. I was really ticked off that
the coast guard did not come and check our fishing licenses.

I got my license on July 2nd and had to pay $29 for it -
and it expires on Sept 30th. Big rip off

Joe got a nice bass:

We had a nice relaxing morning together. The sun was out and
the water was perfect.

Family of swans:

so peaceful

current sock.....

Joey has been asking for cookies since February...and today
I finally made them. Having so much fun cooking in the new
kitchen

Back to work tomorrow...ugh! I really need two weeks off
in a row. Only way that will happen is to start playing the
lottery.

Have a super summer week!

Slow Progress

2010-07-18T19:25:00.009-04:00

How boring is it to read about no progress! Dull Dull Dull
I have finished one sock and started the other.

Ruth has some nice socks going out of Classic Elite alpaca
and merino. I was able to fondle these in person on Thursday
when she, Martha and I had a nice dinner.

Ruth is also working on a baby surprise, but the picture
didn't come thru.

Martha has a few things going - nice things - no pictures.

Some kitchen pictures to share:

Cupboards waiting for the countertop....

the color on this picture is not as accurate as above:

I have worked pretty hard the last week putting stuff
away. Joe finished up the knobs and shelves yesterday.
The one new cupboard is not photoed cause it is still
full of junk I need to find a spot for.

I tried to get a good closeup of the counter:

Today Joe installed the front screen door - big project -
especially in this heat.

We have been plugging along - maybe here will be more
knitting content in September. Ruth, Martha and I are
planning Rhinebeck again this year - which is approaching
pretty darn fast!

Have a great week - enjoy the summer.....

Non Post on Sunday

2010-07-12T05:09:00.003-04:00

I have a non-post Sunday
Not much knitting....I did finish one sock and have started the second.
Kitchen took up most of the weekend. I do not have good pictures
of either one...the kitchen counter is lovely....Joe was working in there
and has tools all over the counter from installing the sink and dishwasher.
I will take nice pictures once that is done.

It was such a lovely summer weekend. Saturday we stayed home and
hung in the backyard and pool. Sunday we worked then went to
celebrate my brother and niece's birthday. My niece is here from
North Carolina for a quick visit.....

Happy knitting, I hope all of you have more knitting to show for
your weekend than I do.

July Already

2010-07-05T18:04:00.016-04:00

Phew! The year is now officially 1/2 over....and I've not much knitting to show for it.
This week was busy doing kitchen stuff so not much knitting for me. I did manage to
get the heel turned on the current sock. Note I am using the 1/2 handkerchief
heel from "Folk Socks" by Nancy Bush.

Not much different than the regular round heel, just pointer.

Joe and I took an impromptu overnight trip to Barcelona,NY
to fish on Lake Erie. Left Friday night late, and as you can see
by the sunrise, we got up VERY early to head out.

The water started out nice and calm.......

the geese were everywhere.....it was really beautiful.....

there were a few sail boats in the harbor, but none went out.
Mostly fishing boats heading out that early.

it was a very quiet morning...not many fish.

Notice how the waves are starting to swell in the background.....

then Joe finally got a nice - really nice - Walleye

He ended the day with only two...by 1:00 I was sick of
being Mrs. Bobblehead- the waves were swelling to 3-4
feet.....so we left. Really it was much worse than the picture
shows....I couldn't even knit.... I tried to be a good soldier and
not complain.

We stopped for lunch on the way home...and almost home on
the NYS Thruway we saw this truck in front of us. The back
was filled with 3 or 4 couples, drinkin beer and singing....we think
they were heading to the Leonard Skynard concert....

the answer is no....I did not show mine and neither did Joe.
We're getting boring...I know.

Sunday the 4th we just hung out at home with the kids.
No kitchen pictures this week, not enough done to show and I
want to wait for the "big reveal". Counters are coming this week...
yea!

This is a very picturelicious post...but that was my weekend

Have a great short week dear blog readers....
until next week....Happy Knitting.

Little Socks....

2010-06-27T18:31:00.007-04:00

Ruth made two pair of socks for her granddaughters in Sockatta and some Cotton sock yarn...aren't they cute! And Sweet! She also started a BSJ for her new great-nephew that is coming soon.

I made a tiny bit of progress on the current socks. Not much knitting for me this week.

We worked to get the kitchen ready for CrazyDave who came Saturday to help
Joe hang cabinets. (Well, really Joe was the helper). He said Dave is a genious
and can figure anything out. There was lots of sawing and cutting to get the
cabinets to get to "level". They worked from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Dave is coming back on Saturday, and Joe has a few assignments to get done
this week. We can also get the mold for the counter top made.
Its nice to see soooo much progress.....thanks, JOE!

Damn that yellow room is bright, isn't it? LOL x 100000000

Have a great, summer-filled week dear blog readers!

Knitting...NOT

2010-06-20T20:12:00.009-04:00

I have started a pair of socks...for me....cause I need them.
yarn is a silk/merino (my favorite blend) that I got at Rhinebeck last
year. The pattern .... after ribbing....is purly swirly.

72 stitches
36 stitches each needle
P1, K17, P1, K17
K1, P1, K16, K1, P1, K16

etc etc etc

just keep moving the purl stitch over. I wasn't going to do this but
ended up liking it.

the. end. of. knitting. content. for. this. post.

Ruth and Martha were together for a Sister's weekend, so neither
sent any contributions this week.

On to kitchen updates.

Cabinets arrived Friday. Joe and I unpacked the bottom cabinets
Saturday. I was totally amazed at how utterly beautiful they
are (my opinion only, of course). This wall now has a long cabinet
before it was just blank space.

couple of cabinets just hanging out.

close up of beauty:

did I mention that after six months, we now have lights in the
kitchen area? No more making coffee with a flashlight.
that blue color is weird... believe it or not, same blue as
up above on the whole wall....

Kitty likes the new floor.....(well, really, kitty likes
any place where I am...he is my biggest fan).

Joe keeps telling me there is still sooooo much to do, but now we can
actually see what we've done each week.

Happy Summer dear blog readers....until next week...

Wanted: Man with Thin Ankles

2010-06-13T18:31:00.015-04:00

OR, Woman Who Likes Manly Socks!

UGH x 100,000,000

Well, I had Joe try on his Christmas socks this week and OMG,
they go on tight, and he could hardly get them off. He kept saying
what kind of yarn did you use, but I know the reason...it is because
I knit them toe up. The gusset around the heel has no give.

Seriously, I could cry. Five weeks of knitting down the tubes.
It's June, and now I have NO Christmas knitting done.

What to do?

I'm thinking of ripping them out and starting from the top down.
But seriously all that work - I can just give them to someone with
thin ankles, who does not mind brown. The yarn is soooo
fabulous - Apple Pie yarn.

Any takers?

I finished up the Leafy Notch Clutch from Knit 24/7 by
Veronik Avery. I really like it. As a reminder I used
stash yarn .

I decided to knit a few less stitches
(read between the lines...I misread the directions and did not
do an increase row, but luckily my number was still divisible
by eight).

That said, it was easier to do a garter stitch strap than continue
on with the pattern as directions called for.

You would be proud of me - I had to do some serious math to get
the numbers to come out right with the less stitches. LOL

Jeannine suggested I put a liner in the bag, and volunteered
to sew one in for me. I think I have some panda silk that would
work really nice though. I'll see how much time I have.

I am starting a stealth project that requires some thinking, and also
some BRAINLESS socks (that are not pictured) .

Martha made a fabulous felted laptop bag for EmmaLouise,
who just graduated and is heading off to Ithaca college to study
music.

check out the liner:

This week Joe finished up painting, and we worked hard to get
the floor ready for tile today.

The kids pitched in and helped....family time...yea!

Ready for tile:

Picture of dining room wall - soft yellow - this picture
is not really a good representation of the nice color:

Picture of tile on the floor - the white things are the little
1/8" spacers. Tomorrow we get grout...

Joey's friend Larry, came and did this for us. He worked
for a tile company for a while....thanks, Larry.
Joe was going to do it but I feared his body could not take it
and after putting the cement board down yesterday, I think
he thought so too....

I told Larry, I never thought I'd ever have
anything so nice. I really do appreciate the small
stuff!

Have a nice summery week, dear blog readers!