Freedom

My oldest has decided to learn the art of knitting. I'm sure this has alot to do with relocating across the country & missing her boyfriend - but hey, whatever works for ya. On my last visit, we went yarn shopping and I showed her the basics. I have yet to see the progress on her garter stitch scarf but she came home Friday with a request for a quick knit - Please Mom; you're so fast Mom; your stuff is so nice Mom; can I have it by Sunday Mom; yada yada yada. It usually goes in one ear and out the other (I hear it from her and her sister all the time) but this is for something special. Her boyfriend is leaving for a six month term in Afghanistan and she's going to visit him this week before he deploys. In true diva fashion, she doesn't want to worry about how her hair looks on her trip (lol). Here's the finished project.

Slouchy Beret by Lauren Nell Roy
1.2 skeins of Nashua Handknits Grand Opera in Teal
Started: Sept 5 - Finished Sept 7

This morning was the "America Supports You Freedom Walk" from Arlington Cemetary to the Pentagon to show support for the Armed Forces. Let's hear it for our soldiers.................

Weekend Getaway

Decided that the holiday weekend was a great time to visit oldest daughter in her new digs in Southern VA. Didn't want to break the bank (airfare should be renamed gotcha-fare) or be behind the wheel for hours & hours so the next best thing.......public transportation! How bad could it be? I have plenty of knitting projects, books, & an ipod to keep me occupied. There were no available seats on Amtrak so I settled on Greyhound. Was that a moan escaping your lips??? Why didn't you tell me??

I'm not a novice - I grew up traveling the Greyhound between West Virginia and Washington, DC every summer and holiday. Arrived an hour early, purchased my ticket, headed outside to grab a seat on the bench & await the bus. I was soon joined by Linwood & his imaginary friend. They had a wonderful conversation filled with obscenities. I'd rather be safe than sorry so I inquired with the desk rep (who was very friendly) if she thought it safe for Linwood to travel in an enclosed space for 4 hours - only to find out Linwood was a regular. She told me to threaten to call the police & he'd shut right up (WTH?) But wonder of wonders, he was ticketed on a different bus. My bus arrived an hour late only to find that the driver couldn't operate the wheelchair lift. If I would have had my super powers activated, I would have lifted that poor man onto the bus but alas it took another hour for the driver to obtain lift instructions by phone. By then there was not a snowballs chance that I would make my connection. The oh-so-friendly rep told me not to worry - there were so many folks from my bus making the same connection that they'd hold the bus (again - WTH?). They did. My plans for a potty break, a soda, & a snack were dashed upon seeing the angry mob who was made to wait all those hours that we were late. And by the smell of my seatmate - he didn't have a chance to freshen up for a few days. So all in all it took me 7 hours for an advertised 4 hour trip. The return was not as eventful but still took 5 hours. But there is a bit of goodness to this story:

Here's the progress on the Fern Lace Wrap. I'm using Fleece Artist Sea Wool in Moss and modifying the pattern to make it shawl sized. Both the pattern and the yarn are a joy to work. I actually completed a couple of rows between tears watching the historic Democratic National Convention so I've renamed it "Opening Night DNC" but most of the work was done in route over the past weekend. Next time, it's the train for me........

Crossed the Finish Line

With the official time of 16 days, 6 hours - I finished the Bag-N-Tote Backstroke of the Ravelympics.

Everything Bag
from Suss Cousins' Hollywood Knits Style

Denim & White Stash Yarns

Finished Summer

Summer in the City Sweater
from Handknit Style by Linden Ward & Beryl Hiatt
4 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Cotton Patiné



This took me about 3 weeks with only 1 frogging incident (twisted the yarn at the neckline....oops). Love the finished item - soft, sexy, & shaped. Might look better on daughter whose cleavage hasn't started it's journey south like mine has. What the heck - on the right occasion I'll probably give it a whirl (lol)!

The Final Lap

Looks like I'll complete my Ravelympics project before the Olympics Closing Ceremony next week. Won't take home the Gold or Silver - but it feels wonderful to be nearing the finish line. I committed to the Everything Bag - a ginormous carryall that lives up to its name...... big enough to carry everything under the sun (lol). Originally planned to use some cotton chenille from my stash but after doing a few rows, only one word came to mind - UGH. Thank goodness for plentiful stash. Switched to a cone of cotton denim ($1.00 at the thrift store) and a cone of mystery yarn from a recent local stash-giveaway. Love it! It even met the seal of approval from my daughter who's begging me to give it to her. Here's the progress pic:



Still have a few rows to finish the back. then I'll block it, line it & give it a cute button on the pocket. All-in-all it's a great project.

Olympics of Summer

Been MIA from the blog, but not from knitting. Gearing up for Ravelry's version of the knitting olympics. I'm officially signed up for the Bag-N-Tote Backstroke for Team Virginia Stars.......Revving up to start & finish (in 17 days) the Everything Bag by Suss Cousins.









In the meantime, found a great book at Tuesday Morning called Handknit Style by Linden Ward and Beryl Hiatt. Several sweaters jumped onto the gotta-make-it list but this one got my immediate attention.
It's called Summer In The City. Using Cotton Patiné in a creme color that I recently purchased from Little Knits. My plan is to have it finished before the Ravelympics so I'm knitting like a fiend. The yarn is kinda "splitty" (if that's a real word) by I love it's soft texture. Pictures coming soon!

Next week is vacation. Roadtrip to visit daughter. Planning to hit every yarn shop between here and Roanoke.......... Knit on my friends, knit on.

So So Socks

Started these top-down socks using the Double Moss pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. One word - blah! Love the pattern & love the yarn but the 2 together just don't mesh. The Sockotta yarn will probably work much better in a rib or stockinette stitch so off we go to the frogging pond (RIP IT!)

Summer FO

Cream of Spinach Wrap
Pattern by Larissa Brown
Bamboo Splash Yarn (6 skeins)
Started - June 16: Finished - July 6

Loved the pattern. When blocked, it has a much more lacy look but I really like the unblocked version. The bamboo yarn was very nice to work with. I was disappointed a couple of times when the colorway disappeared. It occurred in a couple of areas so it appears to be part of the design. I plan to do another one - in the blocked, more lacy version.

Another Year Gone By........

That's right - it's my birthday........again. Good news: I got a set of Knit Picks Harmony Needles!!
Better News: I'm healthy, happy & peaceful. Best News: I'm blessed with wonderful family

Take Me Out to The Ball Game.........

Last night was "Stitch-N-Pitch" night for the DC Nationals. It's a collaboration between Major League Baseball & The National Needlearts Association promoting all forms of needle arts (knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, etc). For stitchers, it's a great night to grab your project and head to the stadium for a night of stitching & fellowship. And what a long night it was........ the game went into 14 (yes - fourteen) innings! Made new Ravelry friends in my section as well as shouting-out to Jill, Chelette & Cici in the next section. Even talked my brother & his friends into attending so I could bring back extra "goodie bags" for the ladies at next month's stitch2gether. What a great night - here's a couple of pics:
The backward cap rally worked cause we won!!!!
On the knitting front, I have sent the One Skein Tank Top to hibernation & started the "Cream of Spinach Scarf" by Larissa Brown. I've renamed it the Cream of Bamboo Scarf cause I'm using the Bamboo Splash yarn bought at A Tangled Skein last weekend. My other mod is to widen it so it's more of a wrap/stole instead of a scarf. Thanks to Stitch-N-Pitch, here's my progress.

Rewind

I promised pics of all the weekend happenings but in my haste to get everywhere - the camera was left at home. So you'll have to settle for my after-the-fact snapshot. You'll see the Bamboo & Hemp & Malabrigo yarn I bought on Friday night as well as the swapped yarns I got on Saturday at WWKIP Day.

The weekend did not disappoint. I absolutely loved A Tangled Skein and thankfully it's not too far from the job so I'll visit again soon. Their yarn selection is spectacular (and I finally found the size 2 Addi Lace Turbos). Saturday afternoon at Belle Haven Park was the perfect Knit-In-Public day with some scooting about to stay in the shade (lol). Thank you Kate for setting it all up. I made lots of new Ravelry friends and managed a few rounds of the sock mate. Speaking of which - yes that is a FINISHED PAIR of socks in my pic - WAHOO. On to my next project.

Get your knit on.......

Summertime Unwinding

Oh the joys of summer! This weekend is shaping up to be a good one. The fun begins tonight at A Tangled Skein's Friday-the-13th Knit Event. From 7 pm to midnight you'll find me there enjoying the refreshments, live music, sit & stitch, and super sales. This will be my first time visiting the shop & I've heard nothing but great things. Tomorrow is WWKIP Day & I plan to chill on the banks of the Potomac River at Belle Haven Park with fellow Ravelry knitters. There's even a yarn swap planned so I need to decide what I'm gonna part with outta my stash.

This is my second weekend in a row of pure knitting bliss. Last weekend was our June Knit2gether. The summer schedule is hectic so Deb & Jeannette couldn't make this one but Cici & Chalette from 2 Sistahs That Knit blog (and Ravelry) joined Ava & I. It was such fun getting to really meet them (we crossed paths at MD Sheep & Wool) and I'll admit that talking sucked up all my knitting time (lol). I'm in awe of all the great knitting going on(check out Ava's Washi and Tsumugi Coat)and I have high hopes of finishing my sock's mate this weekend. Will be sure to post pics of all the festivities, but in the meantime - here's pics from the June Knit2gether:

Sock-ilicious

Basic Top Down Sock with Heel Flap
Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
Uruguay DK (Wool/Alpaca/Silk) - Khaki

I know...... it's plain. I know..... it's tan. But dang it - it's my FIRST SOCK & I'm excited! Just like my cable experience I'll repeat - What the heck took me so long? The book & the circulars made all the difference. Oops - before I get too carried away, let me go finish the mate.

Honoring Your Craft

As I was searching through Sally Melville's Book 2: The Purl Stitch, I had one of those "aha moments" when I read her suggestions for raising public consciousness about the knitting community.


1. Knit in public
2. Be willing to learn anything that will make you a better knitter.
3. Access your knitting community.
4. If there's no knitting guild in your area, start one.
5. When you knit for others, make sure it works for them. (It may mean knitting something you don't like, in a style you don't like, in a color you don't like.)
6. When you find yourself excusing a mistake, you need to fix it or repeat it (if done 3 times or more, it's a design feature).
7. Notice - and compliment - the knitting you see.
8. Get the guys knitting.

As I rediscover my love of knitting, I plan to be the best knitter/crocheter I can be.

Get your knit on........

Knit Happenings

Friday night was my first lesson on sock making from my Ravelry-friend Deb. So far, so good - in fact I'm kinda diggin' this. For years I steered away from sock making because: 1)I couldn't get the hang of working DPNs; and 2)All that work for something on your feet that nobody really sees. Deb put it in perspective, noting that the feel & comfort of homemade socks as well as the accomplishment factor outweighs the "gotta show it" mentality. I chose to make my first pair with Uruguay DK from my stash (a merino, alpaca, silk blend). Here's the progress pic:


Working them on 2 circulars is fantastic. The Sensational Knitted Socks book is a loaner in case I get stuck - but I'm sure to be making that SOS call to Deb as soon as I get to the heel flap, heel turn, & gusset (lol).

I discovered Old Mill Yarns at last month's Sheep & Wool Festival. Their mill ends are too much of a bargain to pass up so I made an online purchase. It arrived last week. A one-pound cone of bronze cotton; a one-pound cone of teal novelty slub; and two-pounds of deep gray cotton. Cottons are getting top billing in my wardrobe (these hot flashes are the pits) and I look forward to making some great pieces with this new stash.

Lastly, I went to Tuesday Morning for their 4-day 50% off clearance sale on Saturday. They had a fantastic corner grid shelving unit that rang up at $6.50. Of course I got 2 units with something special in mind. Behold: my new stash storage corner! Not bad for $13.00.

My First Meme

Spent a quiet Memorial Day with family (& lots of food of course). Oldest daughter was visiting from Louisiana & may soon be moving back to the east coast (hurray!) if the job she interviewed for comes about. Please send lots of good vibes her way. I have been tagged for a meme by Susan. Her blog makes me want to move to San Diego (lol).

"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer."

1) What was I doing 10 years ago? Involved in high school booster activities for my girls: one in concert band; one in marching band (marched in Clinton's inaugeral parade); both were Managers for boys basketball so I became a defacto Team Mom.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today? Submit my program's budget; stop by the bank; clean out my car; finish the left front of cardi (knit); work on the Pray Tree (cross stitch).

3) Snacks I enjoy: Popcorn, popcorn, popcorn, popcorn, & popcorn.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Ensure daughters & grandkids are financially independent; adopt a school, church & women's shelter; open a ethnic craft shop; buy Mom a cottage on the waterfront; invest in brother's company.

5) Places I have lived: Clarksburg, West Virginia & Alexandria, Virginia

6) Jobs I have had: File Clerk; Secretary; Research Analyst; Budget Analyst; Office Director; & part-time sales clerk (when I was putting DD thru college).

7) Bloggers I am tagging who you will enjoy getting to know better:
Cici
Sarah
Ava
Shelley
Turquoizblue

Mods to the Cardi

The yarn & the pattern seem to come together in this one for a great piece. I made a modification to the front - the pattern calls for it to be slanted but I've chosen to make it with a straight front. Planning to make a plain tank for underneath & have a cardi set. Searching for some cute glass buttons that will compliment the yarn but not overpower the pattern.

Took a break from knitting this week while traveling for business. I got spooked about TSA and their inconsistent regulations on knitting needles. Visions of me being escorted to jail for assaulting "Checkpoint Charlie" who tried to take my needles was not pretty. Instead I took my cross stitch project (yes, with scissors) and made some progress on the Pray Tree. You can see it on my other blog Stitches of Heritage.

Stitch2gether

An afternoon of new friends, snacks, shopping & knitting. Could it get any better than this? Yesterday, I hosted a knit2gether with some fantastic local ladies I've met online. The connection was immediate & I feel like I've known them forever. Deb and Ava are both on Ravelry and Jeannette hopefully will soon be there too. Deb was my partner-in-crime earlier this month at the Sheep & Wool Festival. Ava and I are in several of the same Ravelry groups. Jeannette, Ava & I also share a love of cross stitch. Everybody brought their most recent project as well as something for show-and-tell (Ava rocked with her knitted necklace). We actually spent more time going thru pattern stashes & chatting than working the projects but nobody was complaining. In fact, we ended the afternoon doing what knitters do best - I quick shopping trip across the street to In Stitches where everybody managed to find a little somethin'. Here's Deb and Ava working their projects (Jeannette was shy). Can't wait until next month!

Momma's Day

Special shout out to all those that nurture, care, feed, & teach the little ones (human & furry). I hope you are receiving your thanks on a continual basis so today can just consist of a really good meal & a chance to relax (lol).

Finished the first panel of the tank top & desparately needed a break from stockinette stitches. After a midnight raid on my pattern library (yeah, a bit of insomnia), I decided to start the short sleeve cardigan from Vogue Knitting's Spring/Summer 2007 magazine. The eyelet lace pattern is a joy to work & I'm using the eggplant rayon yarn I got last weekend at the sheep & wool festival. Here's a peek:



You can't see the back of the cardi but it has eyelet lace & ribbing topped off with stockinette...... I just can't escape it. At least I'm getting to use my new Signature Stiletto needles. The pointed tips are exquisite. Gotta find a way to purchase an entire set (Maybe my girls will read this before birthday, Christmas, or next Momma's Day!)

Tank Progress, Stash Diet, & Saying Goodbye

This one skein tank is interesting. The seam is done up the center front and center back and one panel faces purl-side & the other panel faces knit-side. Some of the comments on Ravelry were that it was short & too wide. I decided to be pro-active (instead of reactive) and make it in a smaller size for a better fit and with a very soft yarn so it could hang gracefully. The Fino (doubled) was an excellent choice. My only complaint is that the stockinette stitch is b.o.r.i.n.g. - but at least it gives me a chance to watch T.V. or movies without fear of messing up the pattern. Here's my progress - the neckline to the left & the partial armhole to the right. Another week or so & it's on to the next project.

After inflating the stash with those goodies from last weekend's festival, I've pledged to finish 3 projects (includes this one) before making any new purchases. Just picture me as the "monkey trio" see no sales, hear about no sales, & speak no sales.

Lastly, today was the homegoing celebration for my grandmother (in-law). She was an awesome 99 years old. She had 1 child, 3 grandchildren, 9 great grands, and 13 great-great grands. She outlived her parents, husband, siblings & her son. To show you she lived her life to the fullest - her obit includes the name of her close friend and dedicated companion............ he's 98 years old & they met 5 short years ago. We will miss your smiling face & laughter, Grandma Alberta!

Live your life to the fullest ladies!!