Today I had a lovely break from routine with my book group friends - we all went out for tea to celebrate one member's birthday. It was at Lady Elegant's Tea Room and we had a delicious time. After coming home for a brief nap, I discovered that DH had been practicing making ravioli. Ah, so much for calories today!
This Saturday Seven is a little pathetic. I was following some suggestions from the Fly Lady website and I cleaned out my sock drawer. I have undies and socks in the same drawer so three pairs of socks, two wretched but new bras and a travel bag that doesn't work in this time of quart plastic bags And one book leftover from a class. That actually wasn't in my sock drawer - but it was nearby. I bought the bras because they were the new version of what I had - but they are so scratchy because of the "tagless" sewing that I couldn't bear it. Hopefully, they can go to someone who doesn't mind it.
The large pink socks were actually the first pair of socks I knit for myself outside of a class. I thought I could shrink them but I unfortunately used non shrinkable wool so they never got any smaller. The grey socks were also hand knit - an okay fit but a little too thick for me.
On a snowy winter morning, this is what's on my kitchen table.
Mmm.
And this as well - very cheerful.
Well, some of you might have guessed that my package from the Swedish American Institute arrived. As soon as the Shop Swedish links from the Bohus exhibit at the Institute became active, I placed my order for a Forest Darkness sweater kit as well as for a Green Meadow Tam.
I didn't really expect them to arrive before the exhibit, "Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition," opened but I was worried that they might sell out so I chose safety over picking out my kit in person. And in person means I'll be at the Swedish American Institute's Radiant Knits opening tonight at 6 p.m.
And just in case you want to be there as well:
Weekend events include:
6 p.m., Friday, January 23: the exhibit Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition officially opens to the public. 6:15 p.m., Friday: Bohus Stickning designer Kerstin Olsson will be speaking informally about her designs. 7 p.m., Friday: master dyer Solveig Gustafsson will speak about her efforts to recreate dyes and designs.
These opening talks as well as showings of the film “Bohus Knitting – From Relief Work to World Success” will rotate throughout the weekend. The exhibit itself, however, will continue through March 29, 2009.
GFMelissa and I are stopping by on Sunday for the full day package - I think you can still get admissions at the door of the SAI. Oh, and just in case you were wondering. If there are any kits left over after the exhibit closes in March, the Minnesota Knitters' Guild has agreed to purchase the unsold kits and continue to sell them at our events. I seriously doubt that will occur but you never know . . .
Another event I heard about through the Textile Center of Minnesota:
BLUE SKY ALPACAS 10-YEAR SAMPLE SALE Saturday, Jan. 31, Noon- 4 pm Textile Center of Minnesota Cash or credit card - All sales final. Attention all fiber artists: Thousands of yarn hanks and other curiosities at 50-80% off retail. There are bulky alpaca/wool and sport weight 100% baby alpaca, organic cotton, natural fibers from around the world. Also Heather Bailey fabrics, French ribbons, beads, trims, sample swatches, baskets, small store displays, many one-of-kind items plus, framed photography by Chad Niemeyer. Finished trunk show items including scarves, hats, sweaters, coats, dresses, pillows, felted bags and more.
Just remember that I would never expect you to buy anything that I wouldn't buy myself! I probably won't have any money left by then but it does sound tempting.
Finally, for Friday Films, another interesting (but far less colorful - it's filmed in black and white) glimpse into wartime Britain, check out this film about Learie Constantine. Constantine was a famously talented Trinidadian-British cricketer who later had a long career as a broadcast journalist, administrator, lawyer, and politician. During World War Two, he worked as a Welfare Officer for the Ministry of Labour. He worked with immigrants of color who were employed in munitions factories in Britain.
Later in his life, he was the first person of African descent to be given a life peerage. There is no sound with the film but you can only wonder what he talked about as he went through his day.
I broke down yesterday and bought a dressmaking model. I bought a model made by Adjustoform and I found it on sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics. It wasn't the fanciest one - I am a little bummed I couldn't find the one with a trouser form - but I like it. I really recommend their website - it has a lot of information about using a dress form to fit clothing.
Maybe I should give her a name like Bertha over at Knitting Daily?
I'd been thinking about getting one for a while - especially for working on dresses and skirts for the girls - but I got to try it out with my February Lady Sweater.
I am putting about two more inches of pattern and then diving into the edging. I was so excited to find that it actually fit me and the measurements are just right so far. It's a little clingy on the dress form covering but that's just the yarn.
Who knows - I might actually have a February Sweater by February!
Sometimes, people ask me how I can get rid of things week after week. This is easy. In any room, drawer or cupboard, I could find seven items that I no longer needed or wanted. Sometimes these are things with very little life left. After all, who wants old worn out undies or socks without mates? Sometimes, it's just that I put things away with a particular purpose in mind - and forgot them. I've been working at re-finding objects and finding them a better home.
Sometimes this is good - once I found a box of chocolates that I had been given for Valentines Day but I had hidden them from the children. Godiva chocolates are still great in June! Their home was with me!
Sometimes I find things in a bad way - my husband says I have "The Nose" when it comes to finding dead mice. Their home? The trash.
Object wise - there are two adults and three teens living here - there is a lot of stuff in my house! Perhaps they are not intentionally squirrelling away books, socks, pants, boots, what-have-you but things just get put away in the darnedest places and while they are there - they turn into junk. Unwanted, outgrown, not used junk.
For example, last Saturday, when I felt better, I was turning my closet inside out trying to find the sport/fanny pack that I use when I go skiing. As I don't have much shelf space or even a light inside my early-20th century closet - finding things involve taking almost every thing out.
That's when I found these four purses. I think I was keeping them because a) I might fix the zipper (the green bag), b) I wanted to knit a sweater using the same colors (the brown striped bag), c) a black bag is always handy to have (the black bag - one of four), and d) I thought I might need another summer bag (the cream colored bag.) None of these situations ever came to pass and so - out they go. The other purple bag is one of those free University of Saint Thomas bags from the State Fair - doesn't everyone have one of these hanging around? It will join its brethren as well as a trashy paperback book that my daughter brought home from the pool and a skirt hanger. I don't know why the book was in my closet . . .
All of these are being bundled up and given to the charity box at my church. They are all still quite usable and would not be junk for someone else. They are not going into the trash or a landfill or into a closet for my children to have to deal with someday after my death.
I haven't always been so organized. After one disasterous ski outing where I lost my car keys out of my pocket when I took a fall and had to ski around in the dark looking for them - I now use a bag to carry important things. I keep my library books together after one too many fines. I keep the sugar up in the wall cupboard after Youngest Daughter decided to show me how she could "cook." (She was three.) And the more things get picked up or given away to be used - the more time I have for more fun things like swimming or knitting or watching Middle Daughter play Bully on the Wii. (It's a bad, naughty game - T for teens - but very addicting . . .)
Two things that have helped me get other things under control in my life have been SparkPeople - which is an online, free weight-loss program - and the FlyLady, a website for controlling clutter. Both are dedicated to making you aware of what you are doing - how much you are eating, how much you are exercising, what you are wasting - and then giving you the tools to change things for your self. I'd recommend them both as a starting point for change.
Sometimes you do get to meet other people who are participating in these programs. For example, I went to a Spark People meet-up on Friday at the Mall of America. We met, introduced ourselves and them walked around the mall - a total of 2.28 miles. That was a lot for someone with a nasty cold! Other than GF Melissa, however, I've never met a FlyBaby in person. That's fine with me - I have the information online and can use it however I want.
So, that's the story. Now, back to the knitting and the tissues and that oddly funny Wii game . . .
Yep, Youngest Child passed on his cold. He may be back at school but I am out of commission. I have used some of my down time for knitting - but mostly, I've been hitting the cold medicine and the tissue box. As for the weather, the one good thing is that my February Lady Sweater is made of alpaca so it is toasty warm to knit! I am hoping that Maddy over at Chez Maddy has been able to get some "Freezing Day" knitting in place of her "Snow Day" knitting.
I do have some photos - but some reason, the old blog software has been trying to post them sideways - let's hope this works!
I am enjoying this pattern - very memorizable - and once again, loving that Alpaca!
In the meantime, try a little Friday Film. As the mother of an accordion player, I give this two chords up. Now, back to my drippy nose . . .
It must mean I have a sick child at home. I don't really mind being the stay-at-home-one right now while everyone else gets to run errands or off to the library. The YC is pretty happy just watching "The Princess Bride" on the couch.
Here's the Sick Youngest Child during happier, healthier days.
We are a thrifty family - I always cut off the feet of the footie pajamas when they wore out. In fact, I just heart YC telling one of his school friends that he used to have footie pajamas - only his didn't have the feet anyone.
If things stay quiet here, I'm pretty sure I can guilt someone into a trip out for cross country skiing. That's a great calorie burner, even if you are a slug like me. I ski strictly on the trails. I do like it though, it's almost like open water swimming - being out by yourself, moving on your own power.
This week's Saturday Seven was a result of putting away the Christmas presents. I weeded out the puzzles that I wanted to keep for rainy days, one ones being kept for the next generation (many years from now, I hope) and the ones I think could go to my church's junior church program. So, three puzzles, two plastic boxes of crayons, another coffee mug (good grief, these things must be multiplying like the ice cube trays!) and yet another Sponge Bob Square Pants video. Like Patrick, like Gary - hate the whole cartoon. It just gets on my nerves. I think it's because the show is a mix of childhood sweetness and sassy, teen-aged bathroom humor. One just ruins the other for me.
Youngest Daughter modeled these while they were all stiff and wet. I think they are looking better now that they've dried out a bit. I'll put up another photo later.
I do really like the similar-but-not-the-same stripes.
I cleaned out my knitting bag last night - time to start up on the February Lady Sweater and my scarf again. I'm also doing a little balling up of wool that I spun as well as washing some yarn from a poncho that I frogged. I always liked the yarn but not the design. I think it will be enough for a vest.
The homespun might work for a shawl or a scarf - maybe even a baby sweater. I'm have to figure out my yardage first.
What else has been claiming my time, you say? Oh, just a Wii Fit. Yes, every night since we got back from Christmas break, we've been very competitively working on becoming "King of the WII." So far, my favorite is the Rhythm Boxing but I am really doing best on the Yoga. I also like the fact that it weighs you every time you sign in. I really wish that I'd worked more on my hula-hooping as a child, though!
I've also been doing some of the video workouts on You Tube. Take a look at the Spark People video for today. It's not really great film - but it is good for you . . .
You may have realized that the reason these are striped mittens is that I don't have enough of the nordic blue yarn. Now, I have even less. So mitten number two will have a top and bottom of blue but many, many stripes of other colors in the middle. The lesson here? Don't become too attached to the blue.
Before leaving for our Christmas holiday trip, I had to repack one of my daughters' suitcases - she chose "poorly" as Gandalf said. As a result, I found a lot of things in her drawers to give away this week. Two pairs of jean, tan pants, a skirt, a blouse, a pair of shorts and her brother's little Crocs. When you are in charge, you get to choose what goes! We are going to plaster and paint her room this January so I am anticipating lots of other items to give away!
This is a lumpy photo but these felted moccasins are just cute as a button. Put them on an energetic five year old boy and they are like rocket skates. I may be looking for the leather slipper bottoms . . .
The Famous Lindberg Felted Mitten. Believed to have been lost by Piltdown Man . . . soon to be felted by the Saint Paul Woman. At least after I put the thumb on.
Enjoy this - I'll stop back with knitting photos later. I've got a few errands to run to get laces for the slippers and to get the vacuum cleaner fixed but then, knitting rules!
By the way, GFMelissa has a bit of a monkey fixation - this is for you, miss!
After a peaceful Christmas holiday in Pennsylvania, I thought I should show some of my holiday/travel knitting. Although I got a few books for Christmas (and a WII Fit!), relaxation for me mostly meant knitting!
First off, I had a quick pair of Knucks to produce for Youngest Child when he vetoed the pair of mittens I'd started for him. I skipped the embroidery but I used a lovely bright shade of green yarn.
Originally, I'd picked up a great pattern for Felted Mittens by Nancy Lindberg over at Ingebretsens in Minneapolis but - once again - I'd mislaid the ball band so I wasn't entirely sure what yarn I had on hand. Could be wool, could be a blend. Since I wasn't going to waste time making and felting a swatch, I decided to make the knucks instead.
I think they make him feel like Ash from Pokemon! He wore them all the time in Pennsylvania - even on the coldest days. After that, I worked on a pair of moccasin slippers for him from Felted Knits. That was a fun pattern but I haven't photographed them yet. They are still a bit damp and need a little more shaping. I think I like them better than the ballet slippers from the same book. They just seem more tailored.
On the drive home today, I finally started on a pair of the Nancy Lindberg Felted Mittens. I don't have the full skeins of Brown Sheep Nature Spun as called for so these mittens will be a hodgepodge of colors. I do wish I'd brought a circular needle - I used every size 7 in my bag as well as a few size 8 dp needles to help hold on all the stitches.
I did have one knitting stop while on vacation - Wolf Creek Yarns in Grove City, Pa. I bought some needles and a gorgeous red skein of Cascade Yarns Eco Wool + yarn. It is shade 8450, a very rich red and 478 yards! This may be for my own felted mittens.
After these mittens, I have to start planning the New Year's knitting. Maybe a finish-a-thon of UFOs?
This weekend I did a round of "show and tell" with my skirts. I tried them on, "showed" them to my daughter and she "told" me if they looked good. The net results was six skirts and a belt. I think most of these were desperation skirts. You know, you've got to go to a funeral, a holiday dinner, an opera or a school function and you need a skirt NOW! They never go with any of your other stuff, they don't fit comfortably and they are going a-way. Good bye green skirt, black skirt, one plaid and three florals. Who actually looks good in a jungle print skirt?
I did keep three summer skirts, two black winter skirts, a corduroy skirt and one plaid one for Christmas. Knitting wise, I am taking on a pair of felted moccasins from "Felted Knits." Photos to follow.
Take a look - there's caroling going on my house tonight but not in Swedish. Latin carols only! Although the cold weather did put a damper on the singing . . .
Well, we made the cookies yesterday but Youngest Child decorated them today after he came home early from school. Can you tell which ones were decorated by a five year old? I think I have to go knit my sugar headache off.
Yeah, I'm about a day behind on everything. I've been making fleece mittens for my church's Mitten Tree project - this week it's pink and next week is green - but I needed to take a picture before the final two pairs were finished. So, I tossed in two pairs I purchased from Kohl's (big, big sale there - about $2 per pair!) to make a complete Saturday Seven. On the side, I'm knitting a scarf and a pair of felted slippers. I've still got another pair of felted slippers (a small pair, thank goodness) and two pairs of fingerless gloves to go.
Luckily, I attended the No Coast Craft-o-Rama yesterday with GFMelissa and took care of a few Christmas presents. Love that show!
Today, it was decorating a Jesse Tree with the under-first-graders at my church and a Christmas choral concert at my daughters' school. Whew. I am looking forward to a little sitting down time right now.
Kitty is the color name of the fingering weight sock yarn that I got as part of my Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 6 kit. This is from Unplanned Peacock Studio - the owner was my exchangee. I am liking it more and more as I work on this scarf pattern - the pattern is "The Road Not Taken" from A Fine Fleece.
I've been having internet problems recently so this will be a brief post. I really have to get back to the holiday knitting!
And since it's still Friday - perhaps this film will get you in the holiday mood:
The one with the glasses of water everywhere? Well, that was me as I spilled a full glass of water into my laptop bag. And onto my knitting bag, too, but there were no electronics involved there . . .
Dear Mr. Daisy has done a lovely job getting things back online - I was very bummed out by the idea of losing the old lap top - but now, I'll need to get posting again.
New project clashing with the February Sweater. The Road Not Taken Scarf from "A Fine Fleece." Fun and easy so far - I am using the sock yarn I received as part of my HSKS gift.
That cute brown/gold/black yarn at the top of the photo. So far, I am wishing I hadn't wound it so tightly but the yarn is knitting up well. Don't let your angst-y teenager run your ball winder - it's bad for your yarn!
Now, back to knitting and sewing - photos to come later. I am still out here!
Thank goodness I am able to pass these on to good home, via a rummage sale. I was thinking I should keep them but I don't need the "early wedding" candlesticks and picture frames anymore, the vases are from florists and the wine glass stem rings and brass plate were both gifts that just weren't my style. I suppose I should start holding things on for my daughters' first apartments but I don't think these were their style either!
We had a lovely weekend - I would be happy to post some pictures but Blogger is having some problems right now - and I ended up buying the fleece I need for the annual mitten tree mitten dash. I know, I am only racing myself, but I am iching to be done with them! We also had a stop at the Yarnery for some bulky Big Wool to make a gift purse for one of my daughters.
I also finished Tudora Mark III - the blue one. I'll be putting that aside for a holiday gift for someone as well. Back to the February Lady Sweater!
My Tudora with its button. Still roomy but at least I'm not dropping shawl pins all over the floor.
Here's Tudora Mark II - with its button as well. I thought I should shop for several buttons at once. This time, I'm following the pattern and getting pretty close to gauge. This is using leftover Malabrigo yarn bought several years ago for a "learn to knit aran sweaters" class at Stitches Midwest. Beth Brown-Reinsel was the teacher and it was a great boost to my "knitting comfort" zone. It was a doll sized stitch sampler - all different cables and techniques - so it looked a little odd and I never had a use for it.
As you can see, I never finished the sweater! Youngest Daughter says it would be a good fit for her Dollfie Doll so I am going to finish it for Christmas this year. Probably the quickest knit I ever could produce!
For this Friday, you might enjoy this offering from Snag Films:
A quick little project - originally meant as a holiday gift - but, now it's for me. I didn't quite get the gauge I wanted so I don't think it's good for gifting. I am going to make another one out of some scrap malabrigo as a present.
The Tudora pattern is meant to evoke an Elizabethan neck ruff and it's also asymmetrical. This fuzzy phone photo really shows that off. It tucks into the neck of a coat very nicely. At some point, I'll replace the shawl pin with a button.
I am also spending time on my February Lady's sweater - I really want to power knit some this Thanksgiving. I got a little done today watching "Persuasion" - the recent BBC version - and boy, now I need to have a stiff drink. Or, maybe it's an allergic reaction to the new chlorine mixture at my local pool. Either way, I'm tired, cranky and have a rotten headache. Or, maybe it's just pre-birthday jitters.
Yes, indeedy, it must be nice to have so many pairs of jeans that you can get rid of four pairs at one time! Middle Daughter must have cleaned her room (although it didn't look much different to me!) because I found a stack of denimn, two pairs of shorts and a teeshirt on the counter in the laundry room. She's at the mall right now - hopefully, not buying four more pairs of jeans - so I can make fun of her behind her back.
As for me, my knitting is mostly Christmas related so I can't post many photos. I thought I'd turn this into a wish list of sorts. As in, "Must be nice to get some of these for Christmas!"
Kate Gilbert's cool Bird in Hand knitting pattern.
I first saw this clip on "urban unease" author Christopher Fowler's website. Do you sense an upcoming crime? Perhaps the seventh secret is spilled human blood . . .
Hope I haven't spoiled your cuppa with this Friday Film.
Perhaps (in view of yesterday's post), I should say, "Orange you glad?" Oh, that was bad . . . it must be my lack of sleep catching up with me. Youngest Daughter went to see the midnight showing of "Twilight" last night which means I was the one who woke up at 2:30 a.m. to make sure she was locked the door when she came home. She had a lovely time. I was having a lovely time as well - sleeping.
Silly Guinifer! I really meant it about the orange. Take your pick - I've got Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Carrot, Alchemy Yarns' Synchronicity in Persimmon and Twisted Sisters' Avarice in Brick.
Also, Lana Grossa Royal Tweed in color #25/orange.
All Things Heather in Pumpkin.
And Rowan Big Wool in Pumpkin.
And remember this day?
I could legitimately call this "Pumpkin" as well.
Not a chance my family will be blending into the snowbanks this winter!
I need a few quick holiday knits (yes, I've been infected by the Christmas music.) and this free pattern from Knitty looks good. It's called Tudora and it's supposed to remind you of Elizabethan ruffs. Only, not so scrachy!
I don't have the lovely red shown in this photo but i do have some suitable orange. I am a firm believer in bright winter colors. I don't want to be one of those people who falls into a snow bank and their body isn't found until the spring thaw!
Well, I finally finished my "Winter Warmer" crochet hat for Youngest Child. It never really took on the shape it had in the Lucinda Guy book but it is still cute. I skipped the ear flaps - they looked extremely odd - and just kept the hat.
I think the problems came from the rectangular start - it looks neat but it played hell with the "round head" shaping. Mr. Daisy has already put in an order for one - Christmas present, maybe?
Just a quick note to mention that - while I did take pictures of the Saturday Seven - the photos were terrible. Half were my items - a pair of brown Dockers that I managed to shrink, a long sleeved tee shirt and two turtlenecks that I just never liked - and three came from Dear Husband - three 4x8 sheets to drywall. The clothing are going to the charity drop off box at my church and the drywall already went to some neighbors. That makes it much easier to park in the garage!
Yesterday, after all the usual family stuff, GFMelissa and I ducked into the the Christmas Fair over at the Swedish American Institute in Minneapolis. This was a fabulous start to their holiday shopping season and I highly recommend visiting their gift shop.
You'll want to get on their mailing list anyway because of the upcoming "Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition" exhibit and workshops from January 23 – March 29, 2009. I am going to the opening weekend and can't wait to hear the speakers and watch the film that is part of the exhibit. I took a class in Bohus style knitting - it's very fine two-color knitting - and the SAI gift shop is going to stock Bohus knitting kits. It appears that they will have both sweater and hat/scarf sets.
Today wasn't quite so relaxing. I was swimming in my first individual - non relay events - Minnesota Masters Swim meet in Northfield, Minnesota at the St. Olaf College pool. It was a Pentathlon meet where you swim five events. I did very well in my age group with the exception of breast stroke and even that wasn't bad. So, now I'll know what to expect in the future!
Now, I'll be able to settle down with some knitting by the fire.
Well, a long, long time ago (but NOT in a galaxy far, far away!), I decided to put together a knitting blog.
Someone very famous once wrote, "It is but a small thing but it is mine own." And this is! It's been a lot of fun to put up all kinds of knitting related stuff - from drivel to Diogenes - and just have me to answer to it. Can you tell I've been on the phone and emailing about an event that four sets of people are trying to plan? It is driving me nuts!
So, look past the silliness and "Happy 3rd Blogiversary to me!"
Today, I did get a chance to stop by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota's 34th Annual Fiber Fair. They have absolutely great stuff - I always buy some Christmas stuff there - and it was hard not to stock up on gifts for me.
Stop by Today (November 14: 12 pm to 9 pm) and the rest of the weekend:
November 15: 10 am to 5 pm November 16: 12 pm to 4 pm
Choose from an assortment of handmade items such as scarves, bags, rugs, table linens, hand spun yarn and much, much more. And what is very good - all proceeds from the Fiber Fair support local artists and the Weavers Guild.
Here's a little peek at the takings:
That's fleece and fiber on the left and woven goodies on the right.
And for me - I'll try and add another photo tonight - I am up to the ear flap of the re-knitted Winter Warmer. Who says Crochet is easy? Hmm, Miss GFM? It's even been in my dreams lately.
Last and not least: The Friday Film. In honor of Minnesota - check out:
Nah, just for those silly Quidditch fans! This is the last one of the term so - go ME!
1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion? b. Cecilia
2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus? c. Wrackspurt
3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost? d. 12 galleons
4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name? b. Galatea
5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of? b. Gobstones Club
6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office? b. Dirk Cresswell
7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara? a. Aunt Muriel
8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire? b. 70
9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found? d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers
10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law? d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components.
I've been working on a pattern for a "afghan block of the month" project the Minnesota Knitters' Guild is putting together. It was fun but I took it to a concert on Saturday night and the pattern ran extremely astray. The fact that the block is supposed to be 8 inches by 8 inches, NOT the 7 by 9 inches that I designed did not improve the design. Back to the design board!
The Saturday Seven was discovered on a field trip to my basement. I have no idea why we have even more belts for vacumn cleaners that we no longer own but here are two belts, four grilling utensils - cleverly disguised as screwdrivers - and yet another ice cube tray. Hopefully, someone will be looking for these at rummage sales in the Twin Cities.
Hope you enjoying the snow! We have a fire going in the fireplace . . .
P.S. I do not own a sock knitting machine but I do covet one. Birthday ideas, anyone? Buehler?
A 1924 Gearhart Sock Knitting Machine is shown here making heels, toes and ribbing. It is fascinating - and oh, so stupefying. Think of this Friday Film as a little dose of sleeping powder!
My Winter Warmer Hat? A little more exciting as I am having to add short rows to even out the oval shape into a round, head-shaped object.
A lovely little UPS owl dropped this off today - straight from Aurora Curlyfur in Gryffindor! It is just chock full of handmade goodies - hand dyed yarn, a knitted purse and a cute felted zip bag for needles and such. The tea was delicious, the sock yarn is soft (and a muted shade for Hufflepuffs - not the curse of lurid House colors for me!) and the sock needles are short. I also got a great stitch pattern directory. Really, you couldn't ask for a nicer package! Let's hope it helps me get ready for Hogwarts finals!
Knitting wise - I've moved below the neckline on the February Lady Sweater and made a cute little beginning of the Winter Woolie hat from Lucinda Guy's Crochet Designs for Kids.
And completely non-knitting related. I'm learning how to do this and can only say - I wish I could go back in a time machine and make my teen-aged self work harder on this stroke! It's fun but - oh, so hard for my middle-aged self!
Saturday Seven this week came courtesy of Youngest Child - six nice outgrown teeshirts and one really nice designer polo shirt. This was a hand-me-down from a friend and it got pushed to the back of the closet. So, it was never used and still has it's tags. Off to the rummage sale!
I was delayed in my blogging because we went to the Minnesota Opera on Saturday night. It was a lovely production of "The Abduction From the Seraglio" set on the Orient Express train. A very cool 1920s kind of production.
This week I can finally talk about my HSKS 6 swap package - my spoilee was Chrysta the Cursed - because I sent out the package and she received it. It was lots of fun to follow her interests and pick out some lovely yarn. I used as my theme "What Santa brings to Good Knitters" and I enjoyed exploring Christmas before it was even Halloween!
I made the little bag for Chysta and liked it so much that I made one for Good Friend Melissa - Happy Birthday Missy! - now, I need to make one for me.
As for knitting, I am just past the yoke of the February Lady Sweater and about halfway through one of the Gentleman Socks. I took them to the opera but forgot the pattern and needed a little more light to figure out my place in the repeat. The man sitting in front of me did exclaim, "She's knitting!" to his date. I was just glad he knew the difference from crochet.
Which brings us to today and the "Great Crochet Date." Some of the ladies in my book group and their kids got together today and learned to crochet. I really needed a review and thanks to Mel and Anna, I think I turned the corner on flat crochet. I am working on a winter hat pattern from Lucinda Guy's "Crochet Designs for Kids: 20 Projects to Make for Girls & Boys."
