The Boys.....

....posing for me during the Underground Tour in Seattle on the 16th of Dec. Left to right: Mike, Kevin, Shea & Frank (my son).

The three friends, of my son, learned how to knit with two of them completing their small projects. Congratulations!!!!

They are all now safely back home. I really enjoyed getting to know them!

Warm thoughts.....

Wishbone or Hurry-Up Last Minute Sweater

After waiting 3 days for this sweater to dry, I put it in the dryer. I used that contraption that keeps the dryer from tumbling the clothing.

This is one BIG sweater for my very tall, college son. The fitting will take place when he comes for a month long visit this month. [trying to contain my extreme happiness here without shouting!!!!]

Ahem......

Elizabeth Zimmermann was right in that it didn't take long at all to knit up at 2 1/2 stitches to the inch. I used the best wool - Sheepsdown - and you can get that at SchoolHousePress. I finished the inside neck, cuffs and hem off with some red wool and a hidden message on the inside of the hem in purl stitches.

It's not too late to start YOUR Hurry-Up Last Minute Sweater with others at EZFans. It's the December project in Knitter's Almanac. The group is very nice and helpful!

Spanish Infanta test crocheted.....

CraftyGryphon said...
How about this one: Spanish Infanta Tablecloth

So, I made it yesterday and here it is. Hmmm, not too bad. It was only 10 rounds.

The pattern suggested sz 20 thread with a US sz 9-10 hook. I used a US sz 7 hook with my sz 10 thread.

I think I like it!

Variegated knit into ?

I am just itching to knit a tablecloth out of the two balls of Steinbach Wolle sz 10 Cotton. So, I have 1200 yards to work with.

What I need is a pattern that won't get "lost" with the colors.

Any ideas?

Moccasin Socks

I wanted to share my first moccasin sock from Knitter's Almanac! I have hesitated on knitting this for a few years. I could not fathom how I would know when knitting the "top" was long enough for my foot.

I decided to plunge right in changing only one thing......I knit it in the round.

I used Briggs N Little worsted using US sz 3 dpn's. I am a loose continental style knitter and usually have to resort to smaller needles to get gauge ~ 5 sts/inch.

I doubted EZ regarding the length of the "top" knitting so I made it shorter. As I was knitting merrily along, I got all kinds of ideas swimming in my head with ways of using this technique, as well as, several "Aha!" moments. Thank you EZ and Meg!

Since the top was made shorter, they will be gifted to my lovely mom whose feet are slightly smaller than mine. I can see my mom now (the woman pictured in my header and who taught me to knit) .....turning it that way and this way and saying out loud, hmmmm.

It makes me smile just thinking about it.

SOTS iii prize......

....was brought home from the mail box! It's a beautiful shawl pin made exclusively for the theme of the stole ~ "Estes Park".

I was also awarded a 20% off coupon, on my total purchase, from Robbie of RubyVegas.

Thank you, Nautical Knitter, for a wonderful adventure into lace knitting and for the great experience on the group!

I love my prize, my stole and am styling now with my pin.......

A Contest!!!!!

....by Nautical Knitter! Okay, you all...head over there and follow the very simple rules [3 to be exact] and be entered into a contest.

I joined the contest because there were no essays involved.... ;)

Wishbone (EZ) sweater for my son

After I knit my son the hat of his choice, I asked him if he would like the Wishbone sweater. He took a look at it and without missing a beat, said he would indeed!

All EZ fans know this comes from the Knitter's Almanac. I used the Sheepsdown wool that she used but not the size needles she used.

EZ got 2 1/2 sts/inch using US sz 10 needles. I tried that and I wasn't even close. I had too many stitches. So.....I experimented with many needles and found I got gauge with US sz 13!!!
What's with that?! I am a loose knitter but with this thick wool, I am a tight knitter. I would love if someone could explain that to me.

It didn't take long [see picture] to knit the sleeves and then the body (a few days) but I had to wait to join to make sure everything was long enough before joining. I found I need to knit the sleeves a bit longer. Once I join, the knitting is going to go so fast! My son will have a sweater to go with his hat and will surely be warmly surrounded by my knitting.

So, I'm off to knit!

Secret Of The Stole thru Hint 9...and Finished!

Well, I've finished this beautiful stole on Friday and am finally posting my picture. It still needs to be blocked and I still need to guess the theme....Fall Leaves or Snow falls?

I am sad it's over......but not all is lost as there will be another one next year!

I've had a great time with this.

Double Basketweave Reversible Scarf..for my son

Many, many of you know what it's like to buy yarn you just HAD to have. You don't know what you're going to do with it.....but you have to have it!

I bought three balls of Plassard Merinos (100% SW Wool) in Couleur 241 and Bain 42. [I'm guessing that's Color 241 and Lot 42.]

I knew I wanted to knit my son a scarf from this wool but I could not find a pattern that "spoke" to me.......until 10-11-08. Why that date?

Well, that's the day Terry's group posted that pattern. I instantly could picture my son wearing a scarf with THAT pattern and THAT yarn.....TOGETHER. Yea!!!!!

It's a great knit and looks like cables. I'm about half way through with this project to keep my son warm.

Smoked Salmon..........the best!

On September 26th I watched the Foodnetwork channel with The Neely's. They were in Montana, visiting a gal that takes Salmon to a whole new level!!

Her business, Montana Mountain Smoked, is one place I knew I had to look at! She not only smokes the wild sockeye, she makes a salmon dip that you could eat like ice cream!

My mother LOVES smoked salmon [and that's an understatement!] so I ordered the biggest package they had - for her birthday.

I wish I had a picture of my mom digging through the box that she said she thought didn't have a bottom! It was HUGE!Needless to say, my mom is in salmon heaven!

I will be ordering some for my college son during finals week in December. A smaller gift package of smoked salmon and salmon dip should feed his brain!

Excuse me while I go and order some for me!

Do you eat Cashews whole?....

We got these from Costco and the brand is Kirkland.

I happened to see something sticking out of a whole cashew and went to break it off. You know how some of them have a little 'tail' sticking out of the wider end?.....

Well, this one wasn't firm and it left a trailing web-like silk thread when I pulled at it.

My curiosity got the best of me and I opened the cashew.

The picture shows what I saw.

I was telling a friend about it and she said, "Well, since it's roasted, the little guy is dead and sterile so it won't hurt you". That made sense..........but I'm still not going to eat it.

I used to wonder why I always ate the halves and broken pieces.

I do not wonder any more.......

Secret Of The Stole thru Hint 8

I don't want this knitting to end........yet I do, so I can wear it.

For me, it's like being pregnant and enjoying the feeling of the baby growing, moving around and kicking. I couldn't wait for the birth to see what my baby would look like.
Oh, the happy day to finally see, touch and share with family and friends. After his birth, I felt a little empty inside, missing the kicking and developing and secret of what my child was going to look like....

I know it has to end........but the good thing is [like Nautical Knitter said]....there's next year and another SOTS!!! I checked on the yahoo groups and there it was! SOTS iv!!! I am going back there and signing up, after I publish this post, so I don't miss out!

**Important UPDATE: I found out you should be signed up with Nautical Knitter Designs at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nauticalknitterdesigns so you can get an email when sign ups are open!

Mystery Stole thru Clue 5

I like the contrast of the Ebony colored wool/silk and clear silver lined beads on this stole.

I finished too soon and now have to wait until Friday for Clue 6.

It's luxurious.

Something really, really FUN!!!!!

This is a peek into the excitement that's happening in Terry's group!

It's not too late to join in the chatter and fun that's going on there!

I can't remember the last time I laughed and smiled so much!

You won't be disappointed.........there are also all kinds of small ideas for Gift Giving in knitting AND crochet.

Terry is a fabulous host and check out her blog, too!

Socks for my ex...a second pair

My ex said he liked the socks so much that I couldn't resist asking him to pick another color so I could knit another pair.

He picked black for daytime wear in Iraq.

I am happy to report they are finished and have been sent off on Tuesday.

MS4 update

This is Mystery Stole 4 through Clue #3.

I LOVE, LOVE knitting it.

I need to get busy and knit Clue #4 now!

SOTS iii update

This is my Secret of the Stole iii - through Hint #6.

I LOVE, LOVE knitting this.

Did I say that I LOVE this? Mmmmm.......

Holiday Mystery Gift Along

Okay.

This is BIG!

How can you resist having all your gift ideas for knitting and crocheting in one place?
Well, it is.

Terry is starting this on Saturday, September 20th!

I'll see you there!!!!

SOTS iii

Here's what else I'm doing......Secret of the Stole iii.

The yarn is Grignasco Merinosilk in a pale pink. The beads are, once again, from Beadwrangler and are 6/0 Clear Crystal Silver-lined. I'm knitting with US sz 4 needles.

It's a wonderful knit and the crocheted Rosette is from Piecework Magazine. :)

Reba..........

Reba came to our house on August 5th.

This is a really good story about a gal [me] who really didn't care all that much for dogs - especially in the house. I mean, this gal, grew up with the knowledge that German Shepherds were to be outside to guard/protect the home. That kind of dog is useful.

One day, that gal was looking through the WA shelters [on-line] and saw this little face.........and just had to have her.

She's a 7 month old rescue (8 months old now) and she lives in the house. Yup, you read/heard right. She weighed almost 6 pounds - very underweight. She now weighs 7.45 pounds and loves, loves ME.

Reba is so smart. This gal has trained her to heel, sit, come, and not be anxious. Reba is a relaxed and happy pooch.

What is her breed? Someone mixed Poodle with Chihuahua so she's a Poo/Chi. :)

I love Reba.

Mystery Stole KAL #4

Okay, folks, here is a picture of the first clue completed x 2.

The group closes it's membership tonight at midnight. You can find it here: Mystery Stole 4.

I'm using Ebony Jaggerspun Zephyr 2/18 and size 8/0 Clear Crystal Silver-lined beads. The best place to get beads is through Beadwrangler! Lydia is a wonderful businesswoman with a personal touch.
[Background is my Orenburg Diamond Triangular Shawl] :)

Socks..and How does your garden grow....

Well, the post office thought it would take two weeks for the socks to get to Iraq. My ex got them in 5 days! What did he think of them? He said they were Perfect! and Comfy!

Then my mom sent me some potatoes. These aren't just any potatoes......she grew them in her garden. She had over 90 hills of them! Now, most of my friends know that my mom grows her own vegetables and fruit...and then prepares them for the freezer to last her until next garden season. She's an amazing woman. What she learned, in school, helped her survive on next to nothing.

So, I prepared the two biggest potatoes weighing in at 1 pound EACH. The two under the pink ruler weigh over 11 ounces. It's going to be really hard going back to store potatoes. Maybe, mom shouldn't send me stuff like that..........

Autumn Lace socks finished!!!

I have another pair of socks and they fit great!

If you would like to knit a pair like this for yourself, please come check out Six Sox KAL. A FREE new pattern is introduced each even-numbered month of the year.

So, that's what was next.......now what?!

Two designs in one?

I even like the Autumn Lace socks inside out!

Just LOOK at that texture!

Socks for ex.......ready to go!

Whew! Done!

These are leaving for Iraq on Monday. They have been washed in hot water and dried in the dryer - inside out [to keep them new looking].

Hmmm, what's next?

Autumn Lace

I've had this gifted yarn since Christmas. When I saw the Autumn Lace title in Six Sox KAL, this yarn (with the many colors of fall) came to mind.

This Unknown Yarn screamed - "Pick me to be made into those socks!" I just know you know what I'm talking about.

This pair is knit with a shorter leg than the patterns suggested knitting of 8 inches. I also knit the picot hem with a size smaller needle than the gauge needle. It flares out less that way.

The selfish side of me is knitting them for me. :)

Socks for my ex..

When I found out my ex had been in Iraq since May, I wanted to knit him some socks. He still needs some comfortable wool socks even if he's not in the military.

I called and emailed his wife to make sure it was okay for me to make them. She gave me the thumbs up and so my journey began.

I used my antique sock knitting machine to knit the ribbed legs. Next, I put them on US sz 1's to knit the feet.............all the way to a size 13 shoe!

Picture of Twisted Dreams Socks

I used Kraemer Sterling Silk & Silver I bought from Karen's store.

The gorgeous painting is by Frank. My son.

It's not normally in the sun....just for the photo shoot. :)

I hope you'll give Melly's pattern a try. You can purchase your copy on her blog.

Twisted Dreams Socks

I was picked by Melly to knit a sock pattern that she designed. I started knitting and couldn't put it down. It's been a long time since THAT had happened!
It is a pattern you won't be bored with and I just had to tell you about it so you wouldn't miss out.

You can find it here in English AND German!!: MellysLacePlace

[I had to fix a word. I typed my instead of by - I do that a LOT!]

I'm in love........

.......with my roving!!! I got these back from Dawn's a little while back.

The deep chocolate brown is Black Border Leicester; the gray is Black/Gray Icelandic Ram; and the cream is Baby Doll.

Looks like I have some spinning to do. Gosh, aren't they beautiful?

Oval Doily

Alright now! Here she is after Round 14.

I pinned it out to show you the lovely details! It is definitely knit from the OUTSIDE in.

The pattern is easy to memorize. There is Section A and Section B. Those are repeated 3 times between each pink marker.

Are you knitting Lace? I would love to see!

Christine Duchrow's Oval Doily

With broken German and my trusty German/English Dictionary, I am attempting to knit her.

I'm knitting on US sz 1 needle and DMC Cebelia sz 30 crochet cotton. [I mention US because when I read sz 2.5 or sz 4.5, I never know if they are talking mm or US]

This is round 7.....I'm not sure why the picture is blurry in places but I hope you can still see my attempt at a beautiful design from her 1st, of 3, books.

I forgot to say I used the long-tail method to cast on 496 stitches. There are 3 repeats for every 124 stitches and that's why the 4 little pink slip knots. The green marker was to keep the stitches from twisting.

A few good sayings.......

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

If you wouldn't write it and sign it; don't say it!

Resentment is like taking poison, and hoping the other person will die.

There are two kinds of people who don't say much, those who are quiet, and those who talk a lot.

STRESSED? It is just desserts spelled backwards.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.

"Do or do not. There is no try."

There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience, that is not learning from experience.

You don't seem to realize that a poor person who is unhappy is in a better position than a rich person who is unhappy. Because the poor person has hope. He thinks money will help.

Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't.

Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.

Almost anything is easier to get into than out of.

Friends are like angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly...

"The Pessimist curses the wind, the Optimist expects it to change, the Realist adjusts his sails!"

"That which does not kill us had better run away damn fast..."

You are what you do….not what you say.

Last but Oh, not least:
Never Explain.
Your friends don't need it and your enemies aren't going to believe you anyway.

July 4th remedy for your scared dog

Rescue Remedy is what you need for your dogs. No this isn't a commercial.
I remember dreading every 4th of July because of the fireworks, mainly illegal ones, going off and our dogs being so scared.
My friend, Penney, gives this to her dog every year and it calms her down quickly.

Here's a little bit about it from the website:

Rescue Remedy is the #1 natural reliever of everyday stress. It is a blend of five of the 38 Bach Original Flower Essences and is proven to be as helpful with animals as it is with people. Rescue Remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioural problems such as:

~ Visits to the vet
~ Fear of loud noises
~ Excessive barking or hissing
~ Adapting to loss of owner or companion
~ Stress due to being left alone
~ Shock, trauma or mistreatment
~ Anxiety when adapting to new surroundings (new home, kennel, stable, etc.)

Your Pet's Inner Calm, On Call

Nature provides the air we breathe, the food we eat and the very essence of life itself. Nearly all forms of medicine are derived from plant life and Dr. Bach was a medical pioneer in realizing the potential of flowers in the natural healing process. As he discovered the 38 Bach Flower Essences, he noted that five of them in particular have special energy properties to calm agitated emotions. They are Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Impatiens, Cherry Plum and Clematis. He blended dilutions of them together and found the combination to be an effective remedy for everyday stress. He called it Rescue Remedy, and it remains an example of the simplicity, and power, of natural healing.

Something wicked........

This is something I've had with me since I was 10 or 11 years old! So for 40 years, I've taken it with me, with each move.
My youngest sister, Debbie, gave it to me.

I wonder if any of my wonderful readers know what it is. Hmmm?

The 3 bears.......felted

Well, here they are felted. The bears got a little smaller.

Just need to embroider the eyes and mouth.

Here they are - before.

Got BIRDS?

Birds visiting my mother’s farm (in her own words):

Killdeer – stays the summer in the pasture
Bobwhite – year round
Scaled Quail – year round
Great Horned Owl – year round, catches all the mice
Long Eared Owl – year round, catches all the mice
Snowy Owl – passes thru
Red Tailed Hawk – year round, catches rabbits & ground squirrels & mice
American Kestrel – year round
Mourning Dove – year round
Ringed Turtle Dove – year round
Barn Swallow – stay thru summer, catches all insects
Common Red Shafted Flicker – passes thru, eats ants
Common Yellow Shafted Flicker – passes thru, eats ants
Red Naped Sapsucker – passes thru
Calliope Hummingbird – stays the summer
American Gold Finch – passes thru
Yellow-Rumped Warbler – passes thru
Hermit Warbler – passes thru
Kingbird – stays the summer
Meadow Lark – stays the summer
Fly Catcher – stays all summer
Scots Oriole – passing thru
Rufus-Sided Towhee – spending the summer
Black-headed Grosbeak – passing thru
Robin – all year, takes all the worms out of my garden
Hooded Oriole – passing thru
Northern Bullock’s Oriole – passing thru
Western Tanager – passing thru
House Finch – all year
Purple Finch – all year
Some Wrens – passing thru
Mocking Bird – all summer
Red-winged Blackbird – passing thru
All kinds of Sparrows – year round, a pest
Starlings – year round, eat my chicken feed
Common Grackle – all summer, eat all baby song birds
Brewers Blackbird – all summer, eat the baby birds

Besides birds, I also have:
Skunks, Badgers, Coyotes, Pronghorns, Swift Foxes, Cotton Tails and Jackrabbits – mainly in the pasture
And Bull Snakes

Today, I could water my vegetable garden without the wind blowing 40 mph. I sat down with my beloved Saint Bernard dog beside me and watched all the birds. As soon as the water flows, the swallows are there. They pick up the wet soil with some straw and fly into my barn to build their nests. I have, at least, 15 pairs here. These fragile little birds have to be the most acrobatic flyers on the wing. It is also amazing to me, to understand how they can catch their meal in flight.
Then there is the Robin, trying to pull all the worms out of my garden. I know they have to eat, but why the worms that I need for my garden soil? Oh, well!!
…and then there is this pair of Mocking Birds. The male starts to sing by my bedroom window hours before the sun comes up and he does sing pretty. It is also fascinating to watch these Mocking Birds catch their meal on the ground. They open and close their wings while their tail whips up and down.
I love to hear the cooing of the Mourning and Turtle Doves. All night long, I hear the Great Horned Owl hooting. The little Finches also sing pretty all day.
It is amazing to watch all these little critters in my place, considering that I live in the prairie.
Some folks call us Flatlanders, but I did plant hundreds of Rocky Mt. Junipers, some Pinon Pines, Aspen, Lilacs, Roses, lots of different types of shrubs, berry bushes, etc. No wonder everyone feels here at home.

Question: Have you noticed how many birds you have around your place?

Cross stitch today

Here is where I'm at today, May 31st.

It's slow going as I haven't had a chance to work on it every day.

This is the bottom left corner block of the pattern. There will be 2 more blocks to the right of it and then picture 2 more blocks of sections on top of them. Sigh ----

Me and the 3 Bears......

I saw a picture of a papa bear knit with a spool knitter and figured how to make it with 2 dpn's. Then I made some math calculations and knit a mama bear and thought, hmmm, I wonder......and then, using US sz 0 and more math homework, made the baby bear.

The picture is BEFORE felting.

Counted Cross Stitch

I love knitting first but I also love to do counted cross stitch. This project is something very dear to Ed, my hubby.

Oops, I almost told you what I was making!! I want to keep you in suspense.........I hope.

I have a cross stitch program from STOIK called 'PM Stitch Creator v.3'. It's awesome.

I'm working this at 18 stitches to the inch and there are 149 colors in it. When finished, it should be 11" wide by 12.6" tall. In order to "see" the chart, I printed it out in 9 pages (3x3)..........and this is the result of 3 nights work ~

My goal is to be finished by the last day of July. Hmmm, I wonder...........

"The Wall"

Have you every seen "The Wall"? It's in Washington, D.C.

My deputy husband was killed May 1983; I joined C.O.P.S. (Concerns Of Police Survivors) in January 1986; went to D.C. to a C.O.P.S. get-together with a bunch of other law enforcement widows, for a week, in May 1986 {the get-together had classes on how to cope with our loss}; on one of those days, we ladies took a little walk to see "The Wall"; and.....I couldn't.

I froze when I saw the dark wall.

I could not read any of the names but I could see lighter areas on "The Wall" that represented letters of the alphabet. I'm sure there were numbers on it, too.

All I did was cry. Not only did I cry......I was sobbing. And deeply. I couldn't stop.

I went back to my motel room and stayed there until we left for home. I didn't even get to attend any of the seminars that they said would teach me how to cope. It didn't even seem so important after I saw "The Wall".

It's also "National Peace Officer's Memorial Week". I fly a blue ribbon for C.O.P.S. My heart is sad and full - - all at once.

The Most Effective Form of Birth Control....

.....the Bed Snake Bat!!

Quote by B.S. Laboratories: After years of careful research, the scientists at B.S. Laboratories have discovered that pregnancy is caused by the venom of a small snake called "THE BED SNAKE." And now, after many long hours of painstaking research, we have produced what we feel is the most effective means of combating this little creature.......the amazing tool is called a BED SNAKE BAT!

EVERY woman MUST have this!

Information about the Snake:
The Bed Snake is found in all parts of the world ~~ not only in beds, but it can pop up at anytime, and anyplace, including back seats of cars, bathrooms, back alleys and dark grassy fields.

Directions for when you have spotted the Snake:
~Many women fear snakes, but you must remain calm and not alert the snake.
~Firmly grasp bat, then conceal it behind your back.
~Slowly approach the snake. When it is within striking distance, swing bat furiously, hitting the snake several times, then twice more for good measure.
~Cautiously search for eggs near the snake (usually come in pairs). If found, bash them both three times. By this time the snake should be unconscious. Take careful aim, bash it once more and run as far away as you can.

Letter from one satisfied customer:
The other day I really gave my Bed Snake Bat a good work-out. I happened to take a wrong turn into a men's locker room and I have never seen such a convention of Bed Snakes. I'm sure the snakes must have thought they were well hidden but by the time I got through, there were Bed Snakes lying unconscious, dead or dying all over the place.
The girls and I have decided to plan regular surprise attacks on these new found snake dens!

Addison's sweater..with a little surprise

The design, on the fronts, is called the 'Twisted Tree' - from the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Calendar. I made sure the pattern worked all the way to the shoulders. It actually blended very well with the ribbing in twisted rib. {Lace scarf knit by me over 15 years ago from an old Workbasket pattern}

Well, I survived the sewing and cutting of the steeks. They were 5 stitches wide and I sewed along both sides of the middle one. If I had a room where I could lie down after I cut them, I would have.

In order to sew in the sleeves, I first had to sew the shoulders together. I remember the 'Cardigan Details 'DVD of Meg Swansen doing a 3-needle bind off and being fussy about having the wrong sides together and making sure the purl bumps showed on the front side.......I, too, am fussy and did the same thing to this precious little cardigan.

I then revisited two great books, in my library, that I refer to often - 'Knitting Workshop' and 'Knitting Around' by Elizabeth Zimmermann - to pick up stitches around the fronts and neck to knit the band in garter. In continuing with my fussiness - where the front bands turn to go around the neck, I maintained the stitch (with increases on either side) in stocking stitch on the right side. After 3 ridges, I strategically placed buttonholes with a YO, K2tog. At the same time, I decreased 4 stitches at the back of the neck between the shoulders so it would lay against the neck and not stick out - as Meg and EZ would do. I knit another 2 ridges and did a lovely 2-stitch I-cord cast off.

Lastly, I neatened the cut edges using red woolly nylon.

Going to my LYS (Yarn 'N Things, Chehalis, WA), I found the perfect Lady Bug buttons with an extra one for the surprise hat I made by casting on my gauge times Addison's head circumference. I topped it off with a little I-cord and knit it long enough to tie it into a knot.

Well, here is our sweet, sweet granddaughter.
Her mother appreciates hand made items and is such a good mom. She sent this picture, today, of Addison dressed in the sweater.

....hmmmm, I think she likes it. :)

PS~ I designed this cardigan especially for Addison and with some help with Sweater Wizard, too.

Addison's little Red Cardigan Sweater...

....to match her socks.

Once again, I used Cascade 220 Super Wash and US sz 5 for the ribbing/US sz 6 for the body.

Here are the parts:
2 sleeves knit in the round, cuff down
1 body knit in the round, with steeks

Rather than casting the shoulders off, I put them on waste yarn to do a three needle bind off.....after I sew and cut the four steeks (2 sleeve steeks, front steek and Kangaroo pouch for the neck)...>gulp<

I'll tell you how I did it all in another post. :)

Now I'm at this point

I'm just about finished. Here, I am sewing under (or neatening) the cut steeks. The sweater is inside out to show you.

I'll finish this little creation up so I can wash and block it!!

{Yes, that's a doily I crocheted years and years ago} :)

I remember Wilbur

I was 9 years old when our mom brought home a baby Red Duroc pig. My two younger sisters and I gathered around to watch the little pig learn its way around the huge pen. We named him Wilbur - from our favorite book, "Charlotte's Web".

Every day, after school, we would run into the house to change our clothes, do our chores and play with Wilbur. We scratched his belly after he finished drinking water from the hose. We washed his feeding trough and made sure his bedding was fluffed up in his shelter. He quickly grew big and strong and would even let us ride him. This went on for 6 months........it was inevitable that we fell in love with Wilbur.

One day, after school, we could not find Wilbur! He was gone!! I don't remember exactly what mom told us.....

Days later, mom had prepared a ham dinner. [Mind you, my mother was a German gourmet cook] Us 3 girls were all seated around the table when mom brought our plates of food. We sat there silent, with our eyes wide open - staring at the ham. The silence was broken when mom said, Come on! Let's eat!

It was either my sister, Doris, or me that asked with a shaky voice and bottom lip sticking out - Is that Wilbur?

Mom said, Yes it is. I told you girls, over and over, to not play with him because he was going to be butchered. Now let's eat!

Oh, you should have heard the wailing!

Well, us girls didn't eat any meat that night but mom tells me, we eventually did - days later.

Addison and her Red Socks

Oh. My. Gosh.

It didn't take me long to start knitting for this adorable grandchild of DH's. Now I know what all the fussing over a grandchild is about. :)

I measured her little feet (slightly longer than 4") and knit these with Cascade 220 Superwash Wool, casting on with US sz 5 dpn's and did a hem-top picot edge. I then switched to US sz 6 dpn's for the rest of the sock.

I'm just about finished with a cardigan I designed especially for her that I'm knitting in the round with steeks. That will be another post.........and soon, too!

Lace edging section blocked

Looks like I might get some help to my dilema!!

I'm crossing my fingers!

A plea for help on my lace edging!!

For those of you who have been following my blog, I am not a stranger to lace knitting but I am stumped!!!!!
I need help with figuring out the pattern for my lace edging I started, oh - some years ago. I misplaced the pattern. I thought I could tink back and write the instructions down..........well, instead I lost a whole repeat!!!

Is there anyone out there that might be able to decipher it?

My email address is on the side bar.

Finished for my son

These socks started here.

Yikes! That was a while ago! Sorry, son, for taking so long.
They are a sz 13.

Next........fingerless mitts in the same yarn to match his socks. :)
I've traced his hand and then traced his fingers. They will fit like a glove.....ahem....no pun intended. ;)

Madrona Fiber Arts in Tacoma, WA

This is Pat Fly's booth with her luxurious hand dyed and hand-painted yarns.

You can find them at Little Knits.

Fly Designs is the name. Check her delicious yarns out......you will not be disappointed.

Socks for a dear friends SIL

The process first started with the invitation to do something special for my dear friend, Alberta. First, of all, we are friends for life with a common tragedy - my husband was a deputy killed in-the-line-of-duty in Arizona and Alberta's husband, of over 20 years, was State Trooper who was killed in-the-line-of-duty in Washington.

Alberta wanted to giver her dear SIL something unique and special to her so she asked if I would knit her a pair of warm socks. Of course I would. :)

The next step was to find out what her favorite colors are; some important measurements for a personal fit; how she would be wearing them; and any allergies to certain fiber animals.

I love searching for the right yarn and found Schaefer Anne at Little Knits, called "Puget Sound". As a note of caution: You should always purchase 2 hanks when they are a Limited Edition, because when they are gone - They Are Gone.

So now comes gauge and the perfect pattern from 'Sensational Knitted Socks' by Charlene Schurch called Baby Cable Rib - and I can't believe I got gauge with US sz 1's! Usually, it's 0's.......so with that information and the circumference of her foot, I figured 10% less for ease and cast on 68 stitches (making an adjustment as her pattern is for 64 or 72 stitches) with US sz 3; knit 3 rounds of k1, p1; and then switched to my gauge needles and knit away. I use one needle size smaller for the heels and toes for durability.

So, this great hank of wool and mohair with some nylon went from this........

.....to a great pair of socks.

It's magic, you know, how a long piece of string and be manipulated into something so practical.

Gosh, I love to knit.

Leaving Yreka, CA

Almost home! I decided to take a chance after looking at the cam pictures of the passes at http://www.tripcheck.com/. I will be using that from now on! It's a great place to "see" what you might be in for as you travel the highways.

These scenes, from Siskiyou Pass, are zoomed in.

I only wish the trucks wouldn't follow so close.

Maltese Fisherman Hat

This was taken a couple Friday nights ago after dinner. I knit the hat Frankie is wearing. It's called the Maltese Fisherman Hat by EZ and can be found in 'Knitter's Almanac'.

I used Sheepsdown and found it a quick knit at 2 1/2 stitches/inch. It only took 3 hours. I sent the picture to Meg Swansen and she emailed me the next morning and loved that I completed it with, as she said - "Antic Top Twiddles". :)

I think my son likes it.....and his girlfriend, Becca.

She is really nice......

and knits!