knitless to life

New York Yarn Crawl....part II

2009-06-11T07:06:00.026-05:00

Continuing the yarn crawl through the streets of New York...........

Finishing the Purl visit with their window displays.

How could these sherbet colours not pull you into the shop?

Adorable baby knits......then onto Lion Brand.

Located on 34 W. 15th Street. As the New York streets run one way up and down we were lost for a little bit, even using the GPS, which took us down to Battery Park and proceeded to get us lost. We eventually decided to go all the way up to 5th, turn right, found West 15th and 1/2 way down the block found the shop on the left hand side.

Bill, loved the knitted New York skyline. We arrived about ten minutes early, found a parking garage, wandered around the most adorable toy shop, bought a Topsy Turvy Red Riding Hood doll for newest granddaughters birthday and an adorable sheep for me. Walked back to Lion Brand in the rain to find the shop open and a few customers inside.

Kong hanging from the Empire State Building.

Kitting bulletin board, just like home.

From the back, looking toward the front of the shop.

Walls of yarn, most of Lion Brands yarn can be found at Joann's and Michale's in the US. They tend to use acrylic fibres, some are pure acrylic, others are mixed with cotton or wool. That being said in the past few years they have realized that true knitters and crochers love the feel of natural fibres in their hands when working.

A few of the natural fibre yarns are now being sold in the crafting shops, Fisherman's Wool being one and the Organic Cotton being another. The majority of the natural fibre yarns however, are sold either at the studio in New York or online.

The crafting table in the center of the store.

Studio Yarns are sold under the LB Collection label. These now include a wonderfully soft cashmere, 82 yards for $14, it comes in 6 fairly attractive colours. A superwash merino, $8.00 for 306 yards, in 10 colour choices. A beautiful worsted weight organic wool, that melts in your hand as if it were butter, 185 yards for $10.00, 6 soft and muted winter colours. A wool and stainless steel cone, that is available in four colours, this is 273 yards of fingerling also at $10.00, when knitted it can be molded into a shape that will stay intact until changed. The newest yarn in the LB collection is a Silk and Mohair blend that knits up identical to KSH. The yarn is 231 yards of 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk, I love KSH but at $7.00 a ball the LB Silk Mohair is a steal. It has a little better yardage and is softer to the touch than KSH. The obvious disadvantage is the colour range LB has only 6 while KSH currently produces 30. Once I touched it I couldn't put it down and came away with 3 balls, 2 in Iris and 1 in Sunbeam. I also purchased 3 balls of the new Recyled Cotton in Sunshine, this is the featured yarn of the month and is discounted 15% from the $4.49 price, this yarn is not under the LB Collection label which hopefully means it will be sold commerically. The yarn is 185 yd 72% Recycled Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 2% Other Fiber, it feels stiff to the touch but when knitted softens and has real drape to it, available in7 very pleasing colours.

When we left Bill insisted on a photo of me outside the shop. The rain was pouring down, it was cold and damp, but it was a wonderful morning. I recommend both shops if you visit New York, we were limited by time and would have loved to have seen a few more shops, I am happy to have that wait until next time. Tomorrow, pictures of the new additions to the stash.

Weekend in New York

2009-06-10T17:40:00.012-05:00

Adorable husband drove east to visit family for the weekend .We had dinner Thursday night in New Jersey with an old friend and on a very wet and cold Friday morning headed into the city. At first we were going to by pass the city and go straight to Long Island, but when Bill said I could go on a yarn crawl, how could I not. We (by we, I obviously mean me, while Bill either sat in the car or wandered around), visited Purl and Lion Brand Studio, buying a little something at each. As the pictures of Lion Brand are on Bill's phone and Purl on my camera, today you have Purl and tomorrow Lion Brand.

The outside.

The wall of Koigu

The opposite wall of Manos, Kid Silk Haze and Blue Sky Alpaca

The wall of bison, cashmere, and mohair

Bill, insisted on an outside shot

The shop is tiny, but the colour saturates your soul. An important to a knitting tourist, as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. Located in Soho on Sullivan Street, even though the sign is small you can't miss the colourful entrance way. The cold, wet day made it perfect to wear Lisel made from Noro Furiosde (cotton, wool, silk), bought at Knit One.

Liesl....Liesl....Liesl

2009-05-08T13:13:00.005-05:00

I now have three Liesl's (thank you Ysolda)!!!!!

My first Liesl in Noro's wonderful Furisode, a combination of silk, cotton and wool. I love the colour and feel of this yarn. I have enough to knit a shell for underneath. After reading all the posts of Ravelry I decided to knit the 42" size, it fits and I love it. I purchased the Noro at Knit One North

Second attempt. RYC Soft Lux (in stash), this is the 38" size and it was going to be for my mother, although now I think I will hang on to it. I am not sure if pink is her thing and it sort of turned out more bed jacket than cardigan.

The third attempt and this will be my mother's. Happy mother's day!!! Misty Alpaca silk/cotton (purchased at Knit One) also in the 42" size. I love this yarn when I was knitting the caridgan, silky and drapey. However, when blocked it grew about three sizes, so in the dryer it had to go. After about 25 minutes it returned itself to the size it should be. I did read a post on Ravelry about this yarn, that after washing it did lose its shape, apparantly that is true.

The triplets hanging in a row. I still have an issue with the sleeves on Liesl, they do seem snug, however I find that if you try Liesl on while wet you can ease the top of the sleeve to requirement.

Liesl

2009-04-30T11:54:00.005-05:00

My new favorite top down cardigan is Liesl. The beautiful Liesl by Ysolda Teague, it is the perfect summer cover up. This my second Liesl, in RYC Soft Lux, I had four balls in the stash and it took four balls to knit. Casting off was a leap of faith, as this was all I had left to weave in.

I did the picot bind off on the the sleeves and a regular bind off on the bottom band. I knitted the 38" size as I was going to give it as a gift, but after trying it on and wearing it yesterday morning over summer jammies, I think I shall keep it for myself - I like the bed jacket feel.

Number one is hanging in the closet and number three is on the needles.

I have owned Coraline for ages and will definately have it on the needles before winter comes. I am also eager to have a go at Sandrine, using the Trinity I have in stash. I like the cross over but will shorten the sleeves to 3/4 length, I am getting to that age where I don't want fussy around the wrists.

The Knit Goes On

2009-04-29T13:03:00.008-05:00

In March I taught a class on the February Lady Sweater, the most knitted project on Ravelry. If you are a knitter there is no excuse for you not being on Ravelry, the patterns, the groups, the supportive community, its all there and more.

I had knitted the cardigan last summer, while dad spent five days in the hospital, using Blue Sky Cotton (from stash) and this time wanted to knit a winter version. I choose Malabrigo worsted, in the second most popular colour of Lettuce. The yarn was from the Malabrigo Project Club through Eat, Sleep, Knit. The club lasts twelve months and for $36 per month you receive Malabrigo yarn and a pattern, some months the yarn is worth less than $36 other months it is worth more. I had the buttons in stash, however I hated the button holes I had made, so I decided to cover them up with knitted flower covers. I am looking forward to wearing this later in the year when the cold weather returns.

Since this was a third attempt I wanted to change the pattern up, there is nothing worse than boring knitting. I knitted the yoke in stocking stitch rather than the garter. I used knit into front and back for the increase and not the yarn overs. The lace pattern I broke into groups of seven stitches with panels of seven stitch stocking stitch. The lace is on the front and down the center sleeve only, the back is all in stocking stitch. I decreased the arm stitches as I worked down the arm, as I wanted a much tighter sleeve and cuff this time. I knew in February I was going to teach the class in March and since it had been several months since I had knitted the pattern a quick refresher was needed.

This was my second attempt, a childs size using Jaeger Trinity, sadly a now discontinued yarn. I had four balls in the palest yellow and about 10 balls in the palest pink in stash. I knitted the extra small size on size 4mm needles. I knitted the yoke in stocking stitch, did one repeat of the lace pattern around the entire body, and then knitted the back in stocking stitch, and the left and right front in the entire lace pattern, I think it worked out to 35 stitches on each side. I knitted two repeats of the lace down each sleeve. This cardigan is as light as air, the Trinity is a linen, silk and viscose combo which makes for a nice summer cover up. I have enough of the pink and as so tempted to try an adult one on size 4mm needles and using the XL size.

I love this cardigan pattern, by Pamela Wynne, based on the Elizabeth Zimmerman baby cardigan. It is so adaptable and you can change it to suit your needs.

My new favorite pattern is Liesl by Ysola Teague, I am now on my third in as many weeks. Very easy knit, and adaptable with so many different weights of yarn (as long as you get gauge). Pictures and details to follow next time. If you are looking for a quick yet lovely gift that doesn't have to cost a fortune, this is it.

I will now have a little rant, the new Vogue Spring/Summer Knitting has a short sleeved top (#5) knitted in Jade Saphire Silk/Cashmere 2-ply which sells at around $32 for 400 yds. If you were to knit the xs size it would cost you $128, if I were to knit my size it would work out to $192 - for a sleeveless top. What were they thinking!!! I am all about the cheap and cheerful!

I am starting to offer a Kids Knit class every other Saturday morning at the shop. I wanted to offer something that was a little more affordable in today's climate, $10 for an hour of knitting instruction instead of the $25 for an adult. Starting with a belt or a wash cloth and hopefully moving onto more complicated and larger items if the students stay with it. I am also toying with the idea of a week long summer camp for kids, Monday to Friday, two to three hours per morning, do you think a small group of 8-12 year olds would be interested?

Spring, Spring, Spring...........

2009-04-19T07:37:00.006-05:00

When Spring brings a breath of fresh air it clears not only the lungs but also the head.

I am no longer working part-time at the yarn shop, but do still teach there. I enjoy teaching and passing on what I have learned in over 45 years of knitting. It also allows me knit garments I want to knit with a deadline - I have to provide a sample - that impetus is just what I need to get on with the knitting.

My class philosopy is that it shouldn't cost a fortune to knit. So far all the classes I have taught are from free patterns. I offer a wide variety of yarn choices from reasonable to more expensive. The patterns I choose have one or two needle size requirements and the time management has to be reasonable, I don't want the projects to be time consuming or boring.

I recently offered this class

Baby hats using organic cotton and 1824.

I also found this adorable top pattern free on Rosie's Yarn Cellar (under Rosies patterns)

The top is knitted in Rowan 4ply soft from the top down, with the yoke being in garter stitch and the body in trellis lace. I added beads before the increase row on the yoke, and extended the sleeves by 10 rows as I wanted the last row of beads to show. I lengthened the body as I wanted it to be more of a vest than a capelet. The top is very light and airy, and even though 4ply is wool for a cool spring evening this is just the ticket. I am knitting two others to use in the class, one using a raspberry sock yarn that has silver threads spun into the yarn, for the yoke I used silver beads, much more of an evening top. The third also in 4ply soft is a very soft pink with soft pink beads. So far no has signed up for the class, which actually in an odd way doesn't seem to bother me, I think the fact that I have three lovely tops for three lovely teenagers this Christmas is just fine. If I hadn't decided to teach the class I wouldn't have knitted this top.

In March I offered a FLS class, as I result I now have three February Ladies Sweater's, one in Blue Sky Organic Cotton, a second in Malabrigo Worsted, and the third is a child's size using Jaeger Trinity. I don't have pictures as they are at the shop but I will take my camera this week and be sure to get some pictures.

I haven't knitted a pair of socks in a couple of months, I recently bought the new Cookie A. Sock Innovation book, which has sparked my sock light, that and the ever increasing sock yarn stash may mean that socks will once again be on the gift giving list.

I have the added the tzu widget on the right, I can't decide if its cute or creepy, and if it hadn't looked like one of our tzu's I wouldn't have added it. If I find it to creepy it may have to go.

Winter Knitting

2009-01-29T09:13:00.009-05:00

It seems I have given up blogging but not knitting. Having two small granddaughters under the age of five, my knitting has taken on a new direction, wonderfully perfect small knits. Not to mention it's a great stash buster.

Heirloom Stitches, has been a new source of easy yet lovely knitting patterns. The Oz pullover (because its over the rainbow), above is knitted with four skeins of Noro Kureyon in two different colourways, knit two rows of one, then two rows of the other. Knitted in the round, from the top down, I added a border of a lavender Cascade 220 to tie it all together. A very quick knit, and once blocked a warm winter pullover to wear when the wind blows.

I bought the buttons in November, knowing that they would come to good use before the winter was over. They were the inspiration for this sweetly adorable knit.

The Raggedy Raglan pattern from Heirloom Stitches, using Rowan Cork (sadly discontinued). I have had the Cork in stash for several years, 4 balls, a subscription gift one year from Rowan. Mum and dad stayed with us for a few years after Christmas, and Bill's biggest fear when taking them home was that he wouldn't be able to pull into their snow covered driveway. His fear was unwaranted, as the couple next door made sure that their driveway had been plowed. Mum called and asked would I knit something for their little girl.

Having knitted several of the snowmen hat from Itty Bitty Hats as Christmas presents this year, the hat seemed the perfect accompaniment for the cardigan. The cardigan is edge in single crochet in Galway Chunky, also in stash.

I have to package it up and send it off this weekend. I am so taken with the pattern and yarn that I will be knitting another for three year old granddaughter. Thanks to the wonderful Maggie in the Netherlands I now have her 4 balls of Rowan (in a soft sable colour). Maggie said she hated to see good yarn go to waste and passed it on to me, in exchange for buttons and I think a few added surprises. This is just the expression of knitting kindness that makes me so glad to be a knitter. I am thinking with the sable colour I might find bear, moose or fish buttons, as the new cardigan will be heading off to winter in Idaho.

I will try and blog more, even if its just to show new knits. I had the ideal job over Autumn and Winter, working in a yarn shop. I was working three hours a week, the owner decided in the new year that she wanted to make a few changes, so my three hours went to no hours. However, the store seems to be thriving and I am doing a little teaching and filling in when I am needed. To be surrounded by colour and yarn is an amazing inspiration and to pass on my passion for knitting is a gift in itself.

February Ladies Sweater

2008-08-18T12:18:00.007-05:00

While my dad was in the hospital last month, I decided to knit the February Ladies Sweater by Pamela Wynne. If you are on Ravelry and are thinking of knitting this free download sweater, please by all means, don't stop, just jump right in. It's a ladies version of the February Baby Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmerman from Knitter's Almanac.

I choose Blue Sky Organic Cotton from the stash, I needed to order two more skeins of this wonderful poppy colour. I knitted the body in the stash dye lot and knitted the arms in the purchased dye lot. You can't tell that it's two different dye lots. I love the lacy look of the body.

I choose three 1 inch wooden buttons, ok they came free with the UK Simply Knitting magazine.

The pattern is knitted from the top down, you don't even have to pick up the button band. The sleeves are knitted on dpns, next time (and there will be a next time), I will knit the garter stitch edging on the arms in a smaller needle, they turn out bell shaped, pretty but I would have like it a little more streamlined.

The sweater turned out more as a fall/spring jacket for me, I will wear a long sleeved t under it. They only drawback, it does tend to get a little heavy towards the end. I am going to knit it in wool next time, a nice aran weight, I have some Skye Tweed and also Katmandu in the stash that I think would make a lovely sweater.

Where have I been?

2008-08-13T13:22:00.011-05:00

I haven't dropped off the face of the planet, but once again life gets in the way of all we pursue.

In the spring I was diagnosed with Arthritis in my spine, I have under going physical therapy and am under the care of a neurosurgeon. I have meds to take and unless the pain becomes intolerable I am putting of surgery.

Bill and I purchased a motor home in the spring, second hand, we now own a Winnebago Adventurer. We have only been away for a weekend so far, but in September are spending six days at the Elora Gorge, to be near my parents and in October we head out west to see James in Colorado, Deb in Idaho (and finally meet Jada and her new little brother or sister). On the way home we are stopping at Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. All the dogs are going with us, as you can see Islay enjoyed her first weekend camping.

My parents came down for their usual two weeks in July (and ended up staying three), my father came feeling under the weather and after being with us for two days finally agreed to go the the Emergency Room. He had a collapsed lung and ended up in the hospital for five days. He had wonderful care, and my mother, even though she was overwhelmed, couldn't have been more pleased. When he was realeased he was put on oxygen, so for two weeks we had tubing and a large oxygen machine in the house.

We did managed to get out and about though, we went to the Pittsburgh Zoo for an afternoon and saw the new six day old elephant calf. We managed an overnight at Gettysburg, in a wonderful bed and breakfast, and a tour of the battlefield the following day with a battlefield guide. The trips gave my parents confidence that you can go out and about while attached to oxygen.

We arranged for everything to be in place when they went home, and Bill stayed until they were confident enough to let him go.

Dad is doing very well, he is getting out with is walker or wheelchair, driving and changing oxygen tanks on the fly. They have seen their doctor twice and she is very happy with his progress.

Just as my summer was starting to slow down, and I could look forward to the end of August and Bill's retirement, Banff (lab/bloodhoud) our 11 year tore his ACL. He had surgery last Tuesday, came home on Wednesday and has been doing wonderfully, until Sunday when he decided to lick out his stitches and I had to buy an Elizabethian collar for him to wear. However, since he is not allowed to go up and down stairs, I have been sleeping on the couch in the family room to keep him company - it's not done wonders for my back.

I have been knitting over the summer - The February Ladies Sweater, which is a free download on Ravelry. Chic Knits Eylete Cardigan, baby knits, socks, and my Rowan exchange gift, and I jus. I also knitted this cute Rowan denim jacket, I had the denim in stash, hece the two colour combination. I modified a top down raglan and a stitch pattern from Rowan Babies to create this cutie. I used silver buttons from stash, every one is different. This really turned out better than I expected, it will be one I knit again.

I want to thank Arianwen for the push I needed to update the blog.

On the same theme...........

2008-06-03T16:00:00.004-05:00

My youngest step-daughter is expecting her second child at the end of summer, which means that the needles have been clicking. Since they don't know the sex of the baby, blues and pinks in any shade are out, although I am not a huge fan of the pastel baby colours anyway. I am sticking to bolder greens etc. and muted neutrals. The inspiration for this combo came from the hat Baby Sheep Hat by Melissa Burt which is based on the Sheep Yoke Cardigan by Jennifer Little http://lookingglassknits.blogspot.com.

I decided to knit a raglan using part of the motif for the hat and cardigan. I have such a wonderful stash that finding the approprate yarn was not the issue. I used RYC Cashcotton DK in Apple and RYC Cashsoft Baby in Blue Boy. The white and black sheep are bubble cotton remnants. I placed two sheep on the front band and one on the back.

The buttons are green leather that match the Apple, I have button holes on both sides of the bands that way when I know if it's a boy or a girl I can sew them on.

Little Lamb....Little Lamb

2008-05-28T10:16:00.006-05:00

Before I retired from school my favorite baby gift to knit and give to the new mother or grandmother was this little lamb. I was asked by one of the secretaries at school if I would knit her another, she recently added a second granddaughter to the family. Of course, this is fun to knit, and put together, the problem was finding the time, and I have to admit that I about a month late in knitting and delivering this little pet to it's new family.

He is based on a the Fiber Trends felted lamb. I tweaked the pattern here and there and came up with a lamb I liked better.

This little lamb is knitted Elspeth Lavold Chunky AL, in Ecru and Black, and Crystal Palace Kid Merino (all from stash) . I knit the tail face, and ears in a non felting wool first (Dale of Norway baby yarn, from stash). After felting I fill in the face with Chucky AL Black, felt again for about 5 minutes and let dry for about a week. The effect on the face is almost like astikan, and I really like the effect. Once dried I add safety eyes and nose, and stuff the head, body. The small seam left open for stuffing is sewn up tightly and covered by the brushed out coat. I use a wire hair brush (mohair brush), and brush from the center back down on both side. I do not brush the face, ears or tail.

A green ribbon and a flower stud attached he was ready for delivery this morning. I had to go to the LYS to pick up two needles circular needles that I ordered, only to find that as of May 1st they are no longer open on a Wednesday, however, I get this little chap delivered. The recipent was thrilled.

I am knitting lots of baby knits at present, hats, cardigans, pullovers, toys and a blanket. My youngest step-daughter is having her second child at the end of the summer and its such fun to go through pattern books and yarn already in stash to find fun things to knit. I have to start my Rowan Exchange gift soon, if I don't I know I will get distracted and fall behind.

Birthday Bear

2008-05-13T11:46:00.004-05:00

Meet Otto another wonderful pattern from Ysolda.

I knitted this wonderful polar bear for our grand daughters birthday on Monday.
A very quick knit, using Cleckheaton Fiddle de Dee cotton from the stash.

I knitted a little scarf and crocheted a hat to keep him warm on his trip to Idaho.

I used safety eyes and nose rathern than embroidering ones.

The bear did not go empty handed he took a copy of Goodnight Polar Bear.

The beautiful tulips and iris' are from my son for Mother's Day.

Monkeys in the House

2008-05-05T14:23:00.006-05:00

The monkey's arrived today from the wonderful Melanie in Idaho. The Cookie A pattern is Minugs which I have wanted to get my hands on for quite some time.

Lots of monkey goodness, to spoil me, two kinds of sock yarn, lots and lots of chocolate, stickers, body cream two little monkeys to keep me company and a monkey puzzle picture to keep me active. I have not tried the Araucania sock yarn from Chile, the colours a ocean blues and I think would fit the Mingus Sock pattern to a tee.

The Monkey Socks in a dreamy cotton purple, they fit and feel terrific on the feet.
Thank you Melanie for making me feel very special and making my monkey dreams come true.

Outside Geese

2008-05-01T08:06:00.006-05:00

Flying Geese outside

Child's Ragan Cardigan from Cabin Fever. The Top Down for Toddlers is a wonderful book, easy patterns, knitted top down and very little finishing. If you hate the finishing part of knitting this is a book for you, once you weave in the ends and sew on the buttons and block you are finished.

I knitted this in Frog Tree Silk/Cotton, the yarn is a Rosy Pink colour. I was very disappointed to find that it had no care instructions on the ball band. I blocked by hand, it bled a little, I popped it into the dryer for about 20 minutes, shaped and finished dryer on top of the dryer. I had the yarn in stash, my LYS had a sale last year and I bought about six balls, the cardigan used almost four balls.

Yarn: Frog Tree Silk/Cotton (from stash)

Needle: size 5 US

Size: Toddler 3 to 4 (for grand daughters birthday in May)

Buttons: Joann's ($1.50 for a card of 3)

Up a tree..........

2008-04-25T11:51:00.009-05:00

What happens when you combine 4 dogs, 3 bird feeders and one very hungry, young racoon!!!!

He spent most of the morning trapped up a maple tree, yearning for a free breakfast. Mid-morning he silently slipped down the tree and waddled off to the woods.
The last time this occured the poor raccoon spent the entire day sound asleep up the tree and slinked off at sunset.

The Geese Have Landed

2008-04-25T11:51:00.006-05:00

The Geese are Blocking!!!

Mason Dixon Flying Geese Lap Rug.

These pictures don't show the true colours, I'll take some pictures outside after blocking as they really are vivid.

Yarn: Rowan Harris DK (10 balls from stash, 3 extra had to be purchased)

Needle : 6 US

Resting (not grounded) Geese

2008-04-10T07:25:00.010-05:00

On Sunday I came to the terrible conclusion that I had miscalculated on the amount of Brilliant Pink I had in the stash. No matter how hard or where I searched I could not find that ball I thought I had. I went online and quickly ordered from Two Swans Yarn, 2 Pink, 1 Lavendar and 2 Peat, just in case I run out of these before I finish. I sent Karen an email yesterday and she said the yarn would be in the mail by the afternoon. I am hoping to have it soon so geese knitting can commence. I choose not to finish off the section with the geese band but to use it to knit another block, hoping that this will save time in the long wrong (am I grasping at straws). I think I will pick up the Peat stitches on the bottom half for the mitered border, more straw grasping. The blanket has to be finished by May 1st for it's arrival in Minnesota on May 3rd. I have one more yarn store in the area that stocks Rowan to check today to see if they by any chance have a ball in stock that I can start on before the yarn package flies in, until then the geese will be resting.

To aleviate some of my anxiety I do what every other knitter does, I knit.

I am working on my gifted Monkey Sock Swap 4 socks. The yarn is hand spun and hand dyed the colour is Majesty, the dyers tag is upstairs but will give her full credit when I finish the socks.

I am also working on a quick baby cardigan from Lopi 26, knitted not quite all in one, sleeves are knitted seperately and then 5 stitches are grafted under the arms. I have had this green baby yarn for years (really), it's Shepherds 4ply from Australia. I am using the large size (1 year) measurements.

And last but certainly not least I have almost finished a baby set using Bouton d'Or Baby. I will post more on this in the next few days, listing patterns and yarns. I still have to finish the button loops on the jacket and buy a yellow ribbon for the elephant.

The Geese are Flying

2008-03-31T09:02:00.003-05:00

The second instalment of the Flying Geese Blanket from Mason Dixon.

Flying Geese

2008-03-22T13:53:00.005-05:00

Flying Geese Blanket: Mason Dixson

Yarn: Rowan Harris Scottish Tweed DK (from stash)

Needle: 6 US (2 dpns, + 1 circular 24")

Progress: 1 of 6 blanket squares

Colours: Lavendar, Bright Pink (borders), Apple (corner squares), Thistle (3 of 6 squares), Sunset (3 of 6 squares), Thatch (outer border).

I need a special gift for my oldest step-daughter Sandy, who will graduate in May from the University of Minnesota Veterinary School. I had been looking online and searching through books for a special afghan blanket pattern. While flipping through Mason Dixon, trying to decide if I had enough time to complete the Log Cabin or the Mitered Squares, my eyes fell upon the Flying Geese. I have love the Harris Scottish Tweed yarn and patterns, for the last couple of years and each time I visit my LYS I pick up one or two balls and pop it into stash, ($10.00 a ball - not the most economical buy), knowing one day I would be using it for a large project. I only needed two more balls to complete the Flying Geese, one ball of Sunset (rust/terra cotta) and one of Apple. The pattern says it takes one ball of Thatch (chocolate brown) to complete the outer border but I'm not sure of that so I will probably pick up another ball of Thatch before all is said and done. Since taking this picture I have a Sunset square completed and attached, that means I am one third completed and have two thirds to go before the begining of May.

I used Publisher to complete a colour template for the blanket design, using my colours and switching them around until I had a colour templete that pleased. It's a very easy blanket to complete (save for the picking up of stitches pain on the fingers), very little finishing, as I am sewing in all the yarn colour changes on each section before I move on to the next, less overwhelming at the end I feel. I have a pact with myself that I cannot start another section until all the ends are darned in.

I am also knitting a small baby jacket and a toy lamb to give respite to the picking up of stitches which can as I said be a little difficult on the finger tips.

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T11:14:00.003-05:00

Monkey Swap 4

2008-03-20T15:16:00.002-05:00

Monkey Sock Swap Questionnaire

The Measurements
Shoe size: 8
Foot length in inches: 9-1/2 inches
Circumference: 9-1/2 inches

Yarn Preferences
What are your favorite colors?
Anything but pastels.
What color clashes with your wardrobe?
Yellow
Do you prefer solids or variegated yarns?
Surprise me.
What are your favorite brand sock yarns?
Yarntini, Woolmeise, Fleece Artist, Dream in Colour
Is there a new sock yarn you really would like to try?
No

Cookie A. Patterns
List the patterns you do not have but would like to receive:
I have all the patterns except Mingus, Gothic Spire, and Marilinda

Allergies
Do you have any allergies that your pal needs to know about? (animals, fiber, sensitivity to smoke etc.)
No
Will you knitting be exposed to animals?
Yes
Will you knitting be exposed to cigarette smoke?
No

Shipping
What country do you live in?
USA
Are you willing to ship outside your country?
I would prefer not to, but if you need me I will.

Easter Elephant

2008-03-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

This lovely little fellow is on his way to a sweet little girl who adores elephants. Why a bunny for Easter, why not a elephant? The pattern is from Ysolda, and is available for sale via pdf download, you can buy it today and be knitting him tonight.

He is knitted in the round, no seams, you pick up stitches from his arms, legs and ears, stuffing as you go. Once completed you add his french knot eyes and he is finished. I knitted him/her (after all that will be his new owners decision to make), a scarf for the journey. I slightly overstuffed him, next time knitted I won't be so generous and his legs won't be so puffy.

The Details:

Yarn: RYC Cashsoft Baby in Imp (from stash)

Needles: 3mm (4 dpns)

Stuffing: microfiber/silk blend (because the don't make the microfiber/cashmere anymore)

Time: pattern can be knitted over two nights, or on a rainy Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Baby Mary Janes

2008-03-05T08:17:00.008-05:00

Pattern: Baby Merry Jane (pdf) by Bekah.knits from Etsy

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
Colour: Chocolate and Fresh Cream
Needle: 2.75mm
Buttons: from the button stash
Size: 6-12 month

Knitted over two evenings (one "merry jane" per night). Shoe is knitted on straight needles, sock is knitted in the round after picking up stitches.

Changes I made: I knitted five more rounds of the sock in st stitch before starting the cuff, I also changed the rib of the cuff from k1 p1 to k2 p2.

I am working on the Toddler Moc-a-Soc at present, I have dropped down a needle size as the gauge was off. Next time I knit the Merry Jane's I will drop down to 2.5 or 2.25mm.

The Silence of Snow

2008-02-27T12:15:00.010-05:00

We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning.

Winter took it's time but February has more than made up for the delay.

New Year - New Socks

2008-01-16T14:49:00.001-05:00

Remember this..............................my first attempt at hand painting yarn.

I turned it into these...........................

Two pairs of socks finished this month, both are from patterns by the wonderful Anni of Sockmania (if you haven't joined you really should). The first pair are the New Year's Sock (January) and the second pair are Snowflakes (December). Every month Anni provides a free pattern (and they really are spectacular sock patterns) if you knit the socks you are eligible for the drawing of Anni's hand dyed yarn. Check out her Etsy shop - more patterns and wonderful yarns.

I just cast on the Mystery Sock and I am also finishing up Elijah by the amazing Ysolda.

2007-12-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hats

2007-12-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

If you were a hat would you be:

Funky!

Trendy!

Functional!

Cute!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

We are supposed to get snow clobbered this weekend, so in the spirit of "let it snow, let it snow", these are what I have been working on.

The December Snowflake Sock from the Sockmania KAL. Each month Anni (be sure to take a peek at the shop) sends all of those who are signed up a wonderful pattern for FREE!!!. I am using Cherry Tree Hill in Amethyst and Knit Picks undyed for the snow. I love this easy pattern, you can double the fair isle snowflakes and have them go all the way down the leg or stop one repeat. If you want to be a member of the KAL, email Anni before the end of the month and you will be on the January list.

This wonderful little snowman hat is a present for a great-neice. I used a simple hat pattern, needle felted the eyes and mouth with black roving and icorded an orange nose. The nose is stuffed with cotton batting and a "peep cleaner" thereby making it bendable. I used Elsebeth Lavold Chunky AL for the hat and nose, on size 8 needles, I had it in the stash. This is a wonderfully soft yarn if you haven't tried it, 50% Alpaca and 50% Peruvian Wool, it's great for felting as well as other chunky projects.

He's a cutie, I will use this next year for a few baby/toddler gifts. Easy knit finished in one night, felted and dryed for two days, needle felted in about an hour.

2007-12-10T14:58:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend in New York visiting our grandaughter and her parents, and meeting the new man in her life "Rocky". I had the opportunity on Friday morning to skate on the ice at Rockerfeller Center (that's me in the black pants and pinky sweater, I never could skate with my coat on) - expensive but thrilling, not to mention a little dangerous when you consider that about 99.9% of the people on the ice had never had skates on before. I was very proud of myself, I haven't had my skates on in about five years and I did just fine, no falling, no holding on, just wonderful freedom, it's like riding a bike.........you never forget how.

Rocky

Swedish Gnome

2007-12-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

I finished this little sprite yesterday. He's an Alan Dart design from a Christmas supplement that Simply Knitting had a few years back. I have knitted a few of over the years, they make wonderful last minute gifts. It takes only a few hours to knit and another couple of hours to finish and stuff. My knitting group is having the exchange gift we draw numbers and choose a bag, he will be headed sit under an other tree on Wednesday.

Spending Thanksgiving in Boulder was wonderful and to see James even better, although he will be home on the 22nd I still miss him. We head to New York on Thursday to see Rob, Sherry, Avery and Rocky (Avery's new horse). I get to go shopping on Friday before heading out to Long Island, it's a sort of a whirlwind trip as we will be home Sunday evening.

We spent the last three days decorating the house, inside and out, we look full of Christmas spirit. I wrote the Christmas letter on Thursday, addressed and signed the cards and they are in the mail today. We are almost finished with the shopping, I will spend a day next week wrapping and sending out packages, I have a few more treats to bake but in general we are finished with the majority of the Christmas "stress".

It is bitterly cold and windy today, with flurries, I turned the lights on the tree on at noon and every time I turn to look at it I can see the snow coming down behind it.

The Knitting Detective

2007-11-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

Emerson,

The Knitting Detective

First Snow

2007-11-19T12:39:00.001-05:00

We woke up Friday morning to our first snow, always a special day.

We went out on Saturday and bought feed to fill the feeders. We keep them filled all winter and attract all manner of birds and a few squirrels, my favotire is a tiny red squirrel who has been visiting us for the past few years.

The maple trees were covered, the snow was a great help in bringing down most of the remaining leaves, another week and we will be totally free and clear for the fall.

I still knit

2007-11-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

In case you think I have foresaken knitting in favor of swaps and exchanges I wanted to prove that my needles have been busy. The waving lace socks from 25 Favorites, are in VanCalcer yarn I think the colour is bricks. It's actually a little darker in colour and has a wonderful sheen, this a very pretty socks and I like the pattern so much I may knit myself a pair.

The sweater and hat are a from a kit I bought from Morehouse Farm, I had enough yarn left to knit another hat and pair of mittens in a smaller size for a baby gift. I also finished a cardigan, hat and socks for the baby of my hair stylist but I forgot to take a picture. I used the Shibu Vintage pattern, using All Things Heather Strawberry Surprise colourway, it turned out better than I had hoped and will be doing this again - one skein for a baby gift (about 550 yards) of sock yarn.

The "we call them pirates" hat is for a great-neice, she is into goth and I never know what to give her for Hanukkah this is perfect, I used KnitPicks Palette in black and white and the free pattern from Hello Yarn. I am also knitting a pair of socks in the new Socks that Rock Raven collection, I have choosen Rauen which as deep wine and brown mixed in with the black.

I have lots of socks going at one time, at the present I have five single socks waiting for their partners, I have to stop jumping from pattern to pattern it's making me dizzy. We are off to Colorado next week for Thanksgiving, I should have lots of time to knit on the plane both going and coming.

Trying my hand at dyeing

2007-11-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the monthly meeting of the Fibre Artists, the knitting and stitching group from school. Even though two of us are now retired, the five or six regular members, try to meet once a month to show finished projects, new projects and learn a new technique. Pat was our instructor yesterday in the art of Kool Aid dyeing. I was a spectator yesterday, but was spurred on to try my hand at home today. Pat used the canning jar, hot water, and microwave method. I switched it up a little and eliminated the canning jars.

I had a skein of Bare from Knit Picks, superwash sock yarn, at $5.99 for 460 yards this is a bargin. I had four different packages of Kool Aid in the closet, not something I bought but packets that were gifted in various swaps and exchanges. I had Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Pink Lemonade, and Orange. It has to be the regular Kool Aid the one to add sugar to not the kind that already has sugar added.

I tied the yarn skein into six sections and then soaked itin warm water and a slug of champagne vinegar for about 30 minutes, I would have used regular white vinegar but was out, champagne seemed the next best thing.

I mixed the Kool Aid in four separate plastic cups, with hot water. I used 1/4 cup of water for the lemon and the pink as they were the lighter colours and 1/2 cup of water for the orange and the tropical punch (which is a red colour). I wanted the depth of the colour to be the same throughout the skein.

Instead of putting the dye in the canning jars, dipping in the yarn and putting it in the microwave, I hand painted the yarn section by section using a stencil brush. I placed each tied off section in a small plastic container, poured a little of the dye on top of the yarn and began to dabb with the brush. I turned the yarn over and seperated it in order to dye the entire section.

I did this with each section, after I had four sections completed I began to mix and match the dyes and added a little more hot water. When I had all six sections dyed, I placed the yarn in a large round ceramic dish and microwaved it for 2 minutes, I let it cool for two minutes, then microwaved again for 2 minutes. I let the yarn sit for about 30 minutes to cool off, rinsed in warm water to rinse of the excess dye, of which there wasn't any.

I squeezed out the water, it ran clear, and I placed the skein on a clean town (an old one just incase any dye came out - it didn't)

Then I hung it up to dry over the bathtub. The colours are wonderful, vivid, strong, and very appealing, it reminds me of Starburst colours. The entire process took about an hour, I used no harsh chemicals, I had everything on hand, yarn, Kool Aid, plastic gloves (this is after all dye), old towels, plastic garbage bag under towels, plastic cups, plastic fork to stir with, plastic container, and stencil brush. The entire process cost under $7.00, am really looking forward to seeing how it turns out when it's wound into a ball and I begin to knit with it. I will definately try this again, using purples and greens or orange and turquoise next time my favorite colour combinations.

Harvest Sock Swap Package

2007-11-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

My Harvest Sock Swap pal went overboard, and really spoiled me this Halloweeen. Missy, who lives in Florida, wanted me to have a Spooktacular Halloween, and when I opened her package I did.

A cute little Halloween bear from the Diabetes Association.

The sock yarn is Trekking 110 (teal/rust/orange), and I love it It looks like a cute little pumpkin of yarn waiting to be knitted.

The solo sock, waiting for a mate, the pattern is "Charade" (yes Audrey Hepburn) by Sandra Park. (It's available in a pdf)

Missy found these wonderful stitch markers, that match the yarn colours.

Treats for Noir, who cannot thank you enough.

Treats for me, who also cannot thank you enough.

The dogs were not left out, a squeeky pumpkin bone, and a great "tug-o-war" ghost.

As you can see Noir and the catnip duck became quick friends.

Miss Islay has taken the ghost and won't give it back.

This was a wonderful swap to participate in and Missy was a wonderful downstream pal. I am really looking forward to starting the "mate" when I finish the two pairs I have on the needles at present.

Lee in California (my upstream pal) is unfortunately waiting for her package, I left out a number in her address and the post office (after three weeks) returned it to me on Friday. She has asked that I wait a few days to mail it so on Thursday I will take it to the post office and remail it, this time with the correct address.

Monkey See...........Monkey Wear

2007-11-01T07:04:00.000-05:00

On Monday the postman delivered my Monkey Socks from my Monkey Pal Claudia.

The pretty card and tissue covered a wonderful treat.

My monkey socks, which I wore yesterday for Halloween.
The socks are knitted in Posh Yarns "Lucia",
which is 70% merino and 30% cashmere.
The colour is Bergamot.

Claudia was very generous and included sock yarn
from The Yarn Yard in Souk.

Also, Posh Yarns "Helena" in Purple Rain.

The Cookie A Flicker Pattern.

Monkey Treats

I love the "monkeys" on the cover.

Monkey Key Charms.

I can't thank Claudia enough for being such a generous swap partner. This was a wonderful sock swap, the Monkey Pattern is terrific and a great knit if you haven't tried it you have to.

Spooktacular

2007-10-31T07:22:00.000-05:00

Happy

Halloween!!

HSKS 3 - I have been spoiled

2007-10-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

The postman delivered my HSKS swap package on Friday, all the way from Alberta. It did wonders to cheer up a cold, blustery, wet Autumn day.

My swap pal Tammy cetainly did an amazing job and I feel totally spoiled.

Harry Potter stickers

and a Platform 9 journal to keep track of my stash or knitting projects.

Stitch markers in Ravenclaw clours and SRK Kertzer 2.5 bamboo dps, I love trying new dpn needle manufactureres, nothing like broadening the horizons.

Cookie A's Gothic Spire sock pattern, a new pattern by one of my favorite sock designers.

Regia Loop colour sock yarn, I know it's hard to see but this is dark grey and navy, the perfect sock colours for the man or men in your life.

Opal sock yarn in colour 17

Tammy will be opening her own Etsy shop very soon and sent me a skein of her sock yarn. Faery Fiber in Halloween Fun colourway.

I saw this yarn on her blog the other day (not knowing she was my swap partmer) and feel in love with this colour, so much so that I did an etsy search to try and find it.

It is a wonderful peachy orange and navy (420 yds), I love the colour of this yarn and the feel of this superwash merino is fantastically soft. I included the Halloween pencil she sent in this shot. I will be checking out her store when it opens.

A swap package wouldn't be a swap package without a little something for those moments when knitting just doesn't cut the stress, Numi Earl Grey tea, two fun size Smarties (down to one now), and a block of special dark from Hersey (minus a few squares now).

This is the bag that Tammy created for me, and a little book mark to keep the place in my 25 Favorite Socks book (which is quickly becoming my sock bible). Tammy used Patons SWS, in two colours, I love the effect of the silver grey and blue, this will make a great project bag (you can't have to many of those in different colours and themes).

I can't thank Tammy enough for being such a generous swap partner. This was a fun swap, not only meeting fellow knitters but the competitions and prizes that went along with it. I am looking forward to the next go round, if there is one.

No nasty bills in January

2007-10-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

With Christmas just around the corner, oh yes it is, I have been busy working on projects for friends and family. To make this as economical as possible I am diving head first into the ever increasing stash. Even though it looks as if I am more involved in swaps these days than knitting nothing could be further from the truth, and I do have pictures to prove it. The following is my second edition of a knitted "dolly bag" , the first was gifted for Chrissy in Singapore, pink is one of her favorite colours, anyway I liked it so much that I made a second.

The yarn is Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in shocking pink. I had the black suede base, in fact I have several of them in different colours, I made up my own pattern, and added a great little bead pull.

The directions that comes with the base has you knit the bag in the round and then sew it to the base (the base has tiny holes already punched), I thought there had to be a better way, and there was. I used a tiny crochet hook, and crocheted a single chain around the base, picked up the stitches with a 16" circular knitting needle and knitted in the round, finishing with a picot cast off.

I lined the bag using a pink and black cotton fabric square I also had in the stash. I have the same yarn in blue, a navy base, and blue cotton in the stash, and will be working on another one very soon.

As for the Christmas present stash, I have a baby hat finished, a vintage baby cardigan, a hat and sweater for our 2 year old granddaughter blocking upstairs, a knitted "pirate" hat and five more pairs of socks yet to show. James has requested two scarves a brown and a blue one, I have Gems for the brown one and Fleece Artist for the blue, and I have semi-solids for a log cabin cable sock I am toying with.

I love knitting from the stash no nasty bills in January.

Quidditch - Round Three

2007-10-17T20:27:00.000-05:00

1. What was the name of the book Dumbledore left for Hermione in his will
a. The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2. Whose sign was on Xenophilius Lovegood's chest?
d. Grindewald

3. Was October 30, 1980 the night that Lilly and James Potter died?
b. No

4. What's another name for the Elder Wand?
a. Deathstic

5. Whose Potterwatch code name was 'Rodent'?
d. Fred

6. What was so special about the peacocks at the Malfoy Manor?
d . They were all white

7. Who does Harry say was "probably the bravest man I knew?"
a. Snape

8. What thing was Lockhart giving Hagrid advice about getting out of a well?
a. Hinkypunks

9. What was the occupation of Colin Creevey's father?
a. Mailman

10. Which Professor of Hogwarts was a dueling champion when he was young?
b. Dumbledore

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Bertie Botts Beans
http://img.nextag.com/image/Jelly-Belly-Harry-Potter/0/000/005/399/597/539959769.jpg

Jelly Slugs
http://www.sylvanlaneshoppe.com/07JellySlugs.jpg

Chocolate Frogs
http://www.archjrc.com/childsplace/images/potter-frogs.jpg

Blood Pops
http://www.sylvanlaneshoppe.com/candyBloodPops.jpg

Jenean's first HSKS kit
http://www.witherspooncabin.net/wordpress/?p=201

(Bonus Point: Who made the kit?)
Ansley

Sock Club Update

2007-10-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

Over the last few weeks it's been like Sockclubpalooza around here. It's that time of year for fun patterns and great yarn to take knitting in the autumn and winter season. In no particular order are:

"The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" from Woolgirl. White Oak TV yarn and pattern, pumpkin stitch marker, Charlie Brown sock bag, and Halloween treat bag.

Coming in November, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown", and in January "Be my Valentine, Charlie Brown". I love this holiday themed club, lots of fun and patterns I will use for years to come.

The first "Woolgirl" sock club shipment, this was a "wow". Great pattern, wonderfully soft Miss Babs yarn, sock journal, club pen, crystal stitch marker, mint lip balm and a yarn contest. If all the club installments are of this quality I will most definately be signing up for the next installment.

Pick Up Sticks, new Fleece Artist sock yan, Nova Sock, and the member contest pattern by Corey LaFlamme. The colours scream autumn and may be turned into "Charlie Brown pumpkin" socks.

Tsarina sock club, as you see the pattern is based on the opera Turandot, the VanCalcar Acres yarn is soft and silky and came with a gift from the yarn fairy, a skein of soft pumpkin sock yarn, which will be turned into Log Cabin cable socks.

On the needles I have a vintage baby cardigan, the first of three, three pairs of socks, and I have found the pattern and yarn for my Christmas Around the World Swap, Cherry Tree Hill in Amythest using the Log Cabin sock pattern from Handknit Holidays. I finished my variation of the "pirate" toque last week, present for great-neice, and am looking for the perfect pair of fingerless mittens to go with it.

The temperatures are starting to cooperate with the season and I am starting to really enjoy the spirit of autumn, I made a glorious pumpkin pie this morning and a large pot of pumpkin corn chowder. This really is my favorite time of year, crisp cool days, warm pots of homemade soup and old-fashioned comfort deserts.

The most thoughtful Santa ever

2007-10-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

The UPS man brought these cute little furry's to the door yesterday. A surprise present from my Christmas Around the World Swap partner "J". They aren't for me but for the five fur babies we spend our lives with, yes a squeaky furry for each of the four dogs and a catnip parrot for the cat. How amazing that someone I don't know could be so thoughtful. "J" and I have been exchanging emails and it has become apparent how much we have in common, it's as if I am getting back in touch with a friend I haven't talked to in years, I am so looking forward to getting to know her better when the swap is over.

I can't thank "J" enough for being such a thoughtful and caring "santa", that she would think of sending these adorable toys for the dogs and cat to enjoy, you really are the best "secret santa" ever.

Harvest Sock Swap

2007-10-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

I finished putting together my swap package for the Harvest Sock Swap. I decided to follow a Halloween theme, partly because with the temperatures being in the 80's and today being 90 it just didn't feel like October to me, I wanted to have a sense that autumn had arrived. The questionnaire was a wealth of information when putting together the treats and extras that I included. The witch sock bag is a hoot, I included stickers, pins, two treat bags and of course the yarn and pattern to knit the other sock, I needle treated by including Lanter Moon Sox Sticks. The pattern is the Crooked Cable Socks by Sock Bug, which I adapted quite a bit and included a separate adapted pattern to use.

The Sock is knitted using Seacoast in Cobbler,

I think it turned out rather pretty.

I think I will post the package this weekend, as I want it to arrive in time for Halloween enjoyment.

The weather man just informed us that this is a new record breaking day in Pittsburgh, 90 degrees we shattered the old October 8th recored set in 1916 of 86 degrees. Come on Friday, I need to feel those 60's.

2007-10-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

Trivia

1. In Deathly Hallows what does Harry step on when exiting his room to wash his cut?
a teacup

2. Which two members of the Order of Phoenix came to escrot the Dursleys to a safe place?
Diggle and Jones

3. In order to throw off the Death Eaters, several of Harry's friends take Polyjuice Potion to resemble him and each Harry goes with a different member of the Order of the Phoenix to a different location. Where do Ron (disguised as Harry) and Tonks go?
Aunt Muriel's

4. At Bill and Fleur's wedding, Harry must disguise himself by taking Polyjuice Potion and takes on the appearnce of a redheaded Muggle boy from Ottery St. Catchpol. He was introduced to wedding guests as Cousin . . .
Barney

5. Kingsley sends a message via Patronus to warn the Weasleys and wedding guests of the coming Death Eaters. What form does his Patronus take?
lynx

6. In the Half-Blood Prince what drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
Gilly water

7. What is the name of the person that heads the Holyhead Harpies?
Gwenog Jones

8. What tatoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
Hippogriff

9. What color robes do the staff at Weasley's shop wear?
Magenta

10. Where do Nicolas Flamel and his wife Perenelle live?
Devon

Picture Scavenger Hunt

A Gryffindor Quidditch Uniform
http://www.latinoreview.com/moviereviews/2002/hp2cos/images/hp2.jpg

A Hufflepuff Quidditch Uniform
http://www.mocpages.com/image_zoom.php?mocid=4624&id=/user_brickshelf_resized/gallery/mattcorp/Hogwarts/quidditch/hufflepuff-q.jpg

A Ravenclaw Quidditch Uniform
http://www.mocpages.com/image_zoom.php?mocid=4624&id=/user_brickshelf_resized/gallery/mattcorp/Hogwarts/quidditch/ravenclaw-q.jpg

A Slytherin Quidditch Uniform
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38302000/jpg/_38302557_draco300.jpg

A Picture of the Room of Requirement
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/252955059_f8ce01e6a3_m.jpg

New Swap Partners

2007-10-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

I received my partner for the Harvest Sock Swap and also Christmas Around the World. I have sent annonymous emails to both and received an answer from my Harvest Sock Pal, but as yet not my Christmas Around the World pal. It's much easier to choose the correct yarn and "fun" goodies when you know a little about the person you are knitting for.

I received an email from the Harvest Sock Pal who is knitting for me but not from my Christmas Pal, looking forward to making contact.

I'm in a competition

2007-09-24T11:19:00.001-05:00

Hi: I have socks entered in a competion on the Yarnahoy blog. If you want to take a look and vote you will find them here:

http://yarnahoy.blogspot.com/2007/09/grapevine-socks-by-isobel.html

The first prize is wonderful sock yarn, which as we know, I can always use.

Take a look and vote if you like them.

Monkey's are on their way

2007-09-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

Monkey's by Cookie A.

Sunshine Yarn in Tree Frog.

Shelridge Farm Soft Touch sock yarn.

Yarn and two Cookie A patterns.

Mona and Flicker.

Monkey extras.

There is so much "monkey" swag out there it's hard to decided what to pick.

Something extra for the kiddies.

Hallo-wiener by Day Pilkey

wiener sock puppies by Manda

I ask myself, "can it last"?

2007-09-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

He's older than she is!

He weighs more than she does!

He's longer than she is!

But, she loves him more than she can bark!

2007-09-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Monkey Socks (for swap pal)

Tree Frog

Sangria Stripe

Mountain Colors Bearfoot

Redtail Hawk

Scroll Socks

Yarntini Maraschino

Sock Yarn from White Willow

(440 yards merino)

Autumn Oak colourway.

Reminds me of carmel, burnt sugar, and maple syrup.

Lace Yarn from White Willow.

(880 yards merino)

Autumn Oak colourway.

Vogue Ultimate Sock Book

(ordered from Knit Picks)

I really, really like this book.

Wonderful patterns.

Informative history and techniques section.

Contains top down, toe up, dpns and circular patterns.

New Knit Picks dpns

6 sets of colourful birch needles

(each set contains 6 needles)

Looking forward to knitting with these happy pins.

The postman arrived about an hour ago and brought a package from the Loopy Ewe (Zen String, Fiesta Baby Boom, and Wollmeise) and another from Wool Girl with the first installment of the Wool Girl Sock Club. I love everything from the Loopy Ewe and will have pictures on Monday. I will wait to post the sock club pictures, but I am overjoyed at the selection of yarn, pattern and extras.

Where have I been.............and where am I going!

2007-09-14T11:31:00.001-05:00

No pictures to show, even though I have been knitting. I have finished my Monkey Socks for my swap partner, found a few extra monkey items, will knit one little gift to finish it off. I am working on the bag for my HSKS swap, although I have ventured from the rules and am not knitting the bag in house colours. Chrissie my swapmate is in Gryffindor House but since she doesn't like "earth tones" or "yellow" it seemed silly to knit a bag in colours she would not like, we had an email conversation and changed the rules to suit ourselves, rouge knitters. I have choosen a wonderful pink silky wool by Elsebeth Lavold. I am waiting for the house sock yarn to arrive, it should be here today, I have the pattern, needles and a few extras and then it can be posted off to Singapore.

I have also knitted several pairs of socks to put away for Christmas, and am working on a lace shawl. As I am having trouble at the moment with my right arm, same trouble as last year, I am limited to small increments of knitting and computer activity. I have pain pills which do totally block the pain coming from my neck, shoulder, arm, wrist and hand, however they also tend to turn me into the "walking dead" who constantly has to take a nap. Therefore the pain has to be truly unmanageable for me before I will resort to one of those.

I weighed in this morning at WW, and am now 2lbs below my goal weight, this last time that happened was August 2003. I still would like to lose 10lbs. and will keep on doing what works for me, watch what I eat and walk everyday. I wore a pair of black jeans on Wednesday that I have not been able to fit into in 3 years, and they were lose, that's a feeling you just can't buy.

I will take lots of pictures this weekend, I have Yarntini and Cider Moon socks and White Willow yarn and sock bag to show. White Willow is a another wonderful female independent dyer. If you are looking for a sock bag or a treat for a fellow knitter, check out Brooke's wonderful Halloween themed sock bags, they are adorable. I have the red witch bag, so cute, and her workmanship is terrific, Lime and Violet picked her as an Etsy site to visit. Her yarn is to dye for, her new autumn colours are up I snagged sock and lace yarn in the Autumn Oak colourway, just delicious. If you order a sock bag and yarn you will receive a 10% discount and if you ask she will wind the yarn into a center cake. As my shoulder and arm are playing up she very kindly wound the 880 yds of the lace yarn for me. Brooke's service is exceptional, her sock and yarn prices are extremely affordable, and her yardage counts amazing (880 yds on lace and 480 yds on superwash merino sock), I don't think you will be disappointed if you stop by the shop, I know that you will find her sock bags hard to resist.

Wool Girl sock club is on the way, I managed to snag a skein of Wollmeise from the Loopy Ewe along with Zen String Bambewe in Pumpkin King (I have wanted Halloween Socks for ages), and two Heartstrings lace patterns. I ordered the new Vogue sock book and wooden dpns from Knit Picks. All are in the mail and should be arriving anytime soon.

Quidditch - Round One

2007-09-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

1. Who is the Hogwarts teacher that Voldermort performed the Avada Kedavra curse on in Deathly Hallows?
b. Charity Burbage (Muggle Studies)

2. Who replaces the Muggles studies teacher in Deathly Hallows?
c. Alecto Carrow

3. When Harry meets Mr. Olivander for the first time, which wand law is introduced?
c. The wand chooses the wizard.

4. According to Mr. Ollivander, what is not necessary to take true possession of another wizard's wand?
a. to kill the owner

5. If you know anything about Harry Potter, you will know that Harry's Patronus is a stag. But what is his best friend Ron Weasley's Patronus?
d. Jack Russell Terrier

6. Now for the third member of the trio. What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?
a. Otter

7. What did Mrs. Wealey make to eat the first night that Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place?
a. Stew

8. In book 5, at the start of term feast, what is Ron eating when trying to talk to Nearly Headless Nick?
c. Roast potato

9. A half-giant called Rubeus Hagrid takes you to Diagon Alley for the first time. To get there, you go into the courtyard of a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. There, Hagrid taps a certain brick on the courtyard wall three times with his pink umbrella, revealing the entrance to Diagon Alley. As he decides which brick to tap, he mutters instructions to himself. What instructions does he mutter?
b. ‘Three up... two across (3x’s)

10. The first place you go in Diagon Alley is Gringotts bank, where you can withdraw money from your vault and Hagrid can withdraw a top-secret package from Vault No. 713 on Dumbledore’s orders. On the second set of doors leading into the bank you notice a poem written.
These are the first two lines:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
What is the next line?
d. ‘For those who take, but do not earn

Rolanda Hooch

Firenze

Argus Filch

Moaning Myrtle

Colin Creevey

2007-09-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

As you already know by now I just can't stop joining groups that have anything to do with socks, this is the latest.

THE RULES OF SOCK WARS II
The first rule of Sock Wars II is: You must talk about Sock Wars II.
The second rule of Sock Wars is: You MUST talk about Sock Wars. (no really, for this to be a success we need as many combatants as possible)
Two socks to a fight.
One fight at a time.
No shirts, no shoes, just socks
Fights will go on as long as they have to.THE NITTY GRITTY Sign ups close by 23:59 on 1st October 2007, you will receive your target on October 13th. To sign up as a participant go here now!

(Socks Wars I had over 800 participants - a new group has started on Ravelry)

Christmas Around The World Questionnaire!

2007-09-02T08:46:00.000-05:00

1. Are you religious?
Yes – Scots Presbyterian

2. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
I have been knitting on and off most of my life, I would say
over 30 years, I would consider myself Intermediate to
Advanced.

3. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
Movies – especially the 30’s and 40’s
Dogs
Collecting sock yarn

4. Favorite color(s)?
Fall brights, oranges, browns, deep reds, berry colours, deep
blues, and purples. I am not fond of pastel colours.

5. Do you collect anything?
China teapots, rabbits, sock yarn, stray animals.

6. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
No allergies

7. Do you have any pets?
Yes, 4 dogs and 1 long haired cat.

8. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Tea drinker, but not flavored, plain simple black tea with milk.

9. Cookies or Sweets?
Cookies

10. Do you knit socks?
Doesn’t everyone – they are my passion.

11. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)
I also knit sweaters, mittens, hats, scarves, blankets, baby items

12. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?
Live Christmas tree, every year.

13. Favorite holiday treats?
Shortbread, ginger cake, fruit cake (with lots of brandy).

14. Favorite holiday smells?
Ginger, cinnamon, pine, mincemeat.

15. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
Very traditional, snow, tree, carols, fire, punch, red, green,
silver, Rudolph, Christmas Carol, Wonderful Life – that kind of
Christmas

16. What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Buying the tree the week after Thanksgiving, making punch
from the same recipe each year, baking shortbread, making my
own fruitcake and mincemeat

17. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
Family and friends.

18. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?
I would be “Holly Cow”, 24 years ago we bought an angel cow
dressed in a holly dress, with wings and a halo, she has been the
ornament on the top of our tree ever since.

19. What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?
My husband gave me a string of pearls for our first Christmas.
The favorite gift I gave was an entire set of Royal Doulton China
to my parents for their 25th wedding anniversary. (They were
married on New Year’s Eve) – my mother couldn’t stop crying.

20. When do you start your Christmas?
We always start putting up decorations on the 7th of December.
That’s the date we decorated the house and the tree when I was
a child and we keep the same tradition.

21. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?
Yes, we buy them, but it takes me ages to pick out just the right
ones.

22. What is your favorite Christmas dish?
Brussel sprouts – you have to be from the UK to understand.

23. Carolers are at your door. What do you do?
Open the door, join in, then ask them in for a drink.

24. When do you open presents? Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning.

25. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?
We celebrate Christmas with family. New Year’s we celebrate
with both family and friends.

Christmas Around the World

2007-09-01T07:37:00.000-05:00

I received my invitation this morning for the Christmas Around the World Swap and am now waiting for my questionnaire and my swap pal. The swap parcel is to come from your stash and should include traditions from your childhood and native country. This is my fourth swap for the autumn/winter, and before I over extend myself, it will be my last.

HSKS Questionnaire

2007-08-31T07:48:00.000-05:00

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?

Ravenclaw

2. List your favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. Or would you prefer circulars?

Crystal Palace dpns, 1(Us), 6"

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?

Surprise me, what ever brand my swap partner chooses will be fine.

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?

As a purist I should say the book, but I like the colours from the films better.

5. Do you have any allergies?

Yes, I'm alergic to no more Harry Potter books!

6. If you are swapping scarves - what is your desired length for the pattern? This will help your partner find the pattern that is just right for you and buy yarn accordingly.

Doesn't apply, not swapping scarves.

Feeling left out................

2007-08-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

I have received two of my three swap partners and am enjoying talking with them. I can't tell you who my Monkey Pal is as that's a secret but I have send a couple of annonymous emails and been lurking on her blog. However, I can tell you for the HSKS3, I will be knitting Chrissie, and my package will be going to Singapore. I am feeling a little left out however, as I don't know who will be knitting for me as I haven't heard from either my monkey or swap pal. Perhaps they are enjoying an end of the summer holiday and haven't received my name yet.

The Secret of the Stole has 573 participants are present and it still have over a month to go before it begins. The yarn and bead specifications are posted now, giving you some time to find the perfect yarn and the perfect bead combination.

2007-08-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

If you enjoyed MS3 or missed MS3 and wished you hadn't then the Secret of the Stole is just what you have been waiting for. Begining October 5 from a pattern created by Nautical Knitter, it's getting wonderful buzz, a mention on the Daily Chum, has pushed the membership to 170 (now its 333) at present. If you are member of Ravelry there is a KAL Group you can join. (Starts October 5th - finished in time to wear for New Years Eve)

2007-08-23T20:59:00.000-05:00

Monkey Sock Swap THREE

Questionnaire

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

The measurements:

Shoe Size: 7 1/2 - 8

Foot circumference: 10" (widest part)

Foot length: 9"

Yarn Preferences:

What colors do you love? I love fall brights, berries, reds, oranges, browns, purples I am not a pastel girl no lilacs, limes, or pinks.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? I like variegated sock yarns, not a huge fan of self striping.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? I prefer wool, I am not a fan or cotton, acrylics or bamboo.

What colors would you never wear? Anything pastel.

What are your favorite brands of yarn? Yarntini, Vesper, Yarnahoy, Sunshine Yarn, Yarn Pirate, Hand Maiden, Briar Rose, STR, Sweet Georgia, Shelridge Farms, Dream in Colour, Knittery, Van Calcer Acres, I am a huge fan of indie dyers and am always on the look out for someone new.

Are there any new brands you would like to try? Wollmeise, Lime and Violet, Gypsy Knits, Three Irish Girls, Lavender Sheep, Yarn Love.

Cookie A. Patterns:

Which of her patterns have you already knit? Monkey and Pomatomus

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? Flicker, Mona and Twisted Flower are just beautiful.

Other pertinent information:Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US?

I don't have a preference.

Do you have any allergies? No

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? I don't smoke but I do have four dogs and a cat.

Are you on Ravelry yet? Yes

If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? Knitlesstolife.

Sign ups for

Monkey Sock Swap 3

close on August 31st.

Swaps

2007-08-23T10:10:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a new knitting swap or have never tried a swap and have always wanted to, I have just signed up for three that you mind find appealing.

Harvest Sock Swap 07 , and has a knitting twist that I have not seen before. Sign ups will close on September 18th.

Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap does not involve sock knitting but putting together a sock kit (yarn, needles pattern) in Hogwarts house colours. Your crafty contribution is the House Bag, which can either be knitted or sewn in choosen house colours. Sign ups will close on August 29th.

If you are a Monkey Sock Knitter, or are thinking of joining the thousands who are there is even a Swap for you, but sign up fast it closes on August 31.

If these aren't up your alley check out Knit-Alongs and Swaps for existing and upcoming events.

Ravelry

2007-08-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

I received my invitation on Friday and have been playing with it every since. It is very addictive and you can easily lose a few hours without even knowin it. If you love to knit or crochet and are not on the list for an inviation you need to be. Ravelry is truly amazing!!

Go with the Flow

2007-08-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

They arrived my Sockapalooza Socks!!!

Knitted by the wonderful Elizabeth, of Calgary. How great to have another Canadian knitting for me. They are Go with the Flow from Interweave Favorite Socks, knitted in Lorna's Laces Mixed Berries colourway. I thought they looked a little narrow in the foot before I put them on, but as you can see the first perfectly, the heel is snug (just the way I like it), absolutely the perfect length and width in the foot and just the right stretch around my calf. Elizabeth is a lovely knitter, I could not have wished for prettier socks.

Elizabeth was very generous and included a cute canvas knitting tote, with a great front pocket, the colours match the sock really well, and a great tin of Simpkins Sour Cherry Drops, the perfect travelling or knitting sweet. I love my Mountie postcard, almost gives a girl Scarlett Fever. My wish is that Elizabeth is as thrilled with her sock pal socks as I am with hers.

From This................To This

2007-08-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

I took my own advice and turned this yarn into

these socks. I bought this yarn from Yarnahoy, through her Esty shop, the colour is Indigg, but I think it looks more like summer ices. This would have been my choice for sockopalooza except for the orange. It's 100% Superwash Merino. Yarnahoy is also available on Woolgirl, the sock is wonderfully soft and the colours are a huge wow factor.

Islay just had to get in the picture,

she wants to show her new hair summer cut.

The pattern is Grapvine from More Sensational Knitted Socks, the indigo and purples made me think of full ripe grapes on the vine. They are almost identical twins, off about two rows but I really like they way they turned out.

The yarn is a self-striping and using a slip stitch toe decrease creates a faux fair isle effect. I like the pooling around the ankle bone, it creates a definite right and left foot.

Eye of Partridge heel, creates the faux fair isle heel. The feet well, not to snug on the leg or the foot, and even though this is 100% merino yarn there is a slight springy stretch for comfort. When I blocked they bled ever so slightly, a little light pink, now do I keep them for me or put them in the Christmas present sock drawer. If you look on the blog roll you will see that joined the Christmas KAL - so much knitting and so little time.

If you are looking for sock fun the August pattern on Socktopia is going to be a mystery sock. Every Monday (starting with this coming Monday), a section of the pattern will be released until by the end of the month you have your finished socks .

It seems that cable socks are the fashion for the coming winter season, Six Socks KAL has released a lovely cable using Rowan 4ply soft, Pick Up Sticks sock club for August is a lovely green cable, and Interweave arrived in the mail yesterday with a large section on cable and patterns for cable socks. It just goes to show that everything old is new again.

Yarn Haul..........Part Two

2007-08-01T08:24:00.000-05:00

I mailed the Sockapalooza Socks on Monday, I know they aren't supposed to be mailed until tomorrow but I wanted them in the post, they should arrive on Saturday. My sock pal emailed to let me know that my socks are finished and will be mailed this week, I should have them soon......it's very exciting.

As promised the second part of the yarn haul, summer sock clubs are arriving. This wonderful confection is from Tsarina, an ice cream cone sock.

You could choose your flavors of ice cream, I chose lemon, raspberry and blueberry. Notice the cone pattern in the flavors and the waffle design in the cone. The yarn comes from Van Calcar Farms in New York State.

The first installment of the Harry Potter Sock Club from Sunshine Yarns. Dani dyed up Not Another Weasley, I really like the colours and will be looking for a pattern that would suite Mrs. Weasley's taste.

Pick Up Sticks club arrived on Saturday, I think this is my favorite pattern yet, a wonderful cable and a yarn that I love to use in a colour I would not have choosen but really like (will wait to post, don't want to be the spoiler).

To my great suprise Rowan 42 arrived by UPS yesterday (one day before the UK store release). This is the earliest I have ever received the magazine, I normally wait two to three weeks after the rowanettes in the UK have received theirs. Rowan asked for our input earlier in the year, what did we want to see and they really listened, not only did they reduce the membership price, they now offer two free patterns a month, extended membership discounts, more detailed pictures in the magazine and expidited delivery service. I know that it arrived in New Zealand, Denmark and Belgium today, which is astounding. If you were ever thinking of joining Rowan this would be the time, they have truly taken customer feedback to heart and delivered on almost all counts. The autumn/winter edition of the magazine is always my favorite, I am very pleased with the patterns in 42 they are wearable fashions for a variety of body types, and the colours flow from one design section into the next, there is also a few new yarns, Cocoon is a wool/mohair blend and the patterns for this yarn are exceptional. The concensis from the rowanettes who have received theirs has been highly positive, this is a winner.

Sockapaloooza Socks

2007-07-27T10:11:00.000-05:00

Socapalooza Socks:

Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug Alizarine

Pattern: Saucy from Cider Moon

Eye of Partridge Heel

Leg Detail

A few extras for the package.

Knitting Ewe Socapalooza Bag

Soak samples

Stitch Markers

Row Counter Bracelet

Two skeins of Mama-E's Fiber Sock Yarn

the colourway is Nettie and it was an exclusive dye

for Pick Up Sticks.

This was the first time I had used Jitterbug, it's very nice and feels great when you are using it, bouncy and smooth. I moved down from a 3mm to a 1.5 mm needle, shortened the leg repeat from 7 to 5 and even then only had about six inches of yarn left after grafting. You would need two skeins if you were knitting for a larger foot size, at $21.00 a skein that is a little expensive. When I blocked them they bled quite a bit of pink, I hope that was a one off and they now fixed themselves.

My sock pal likes bright colours, cables and lace, I hope she likes the socks. I will pack them up and have them in the mail on the 2nd. This has been a lot fun, even thought I fretted about the yarn and pattern, and actually knit two other pairs besides these.

Yarn Haul....Part One

2007-07-25T12:03:00.000-05:00

Yarntini sent an email last week, she has taken the plunge and set up her own online shop, not Esty, but an actual stocked store. She was uploaded skeins of semi-solid yarn throught the day and depending on when you logged on you might or might not be one of the lucky ones. I check on and off most of the morning and finally mangaged to buy a skein of Port, I also wanted Merlot but sad to say "all gone".

I checked back from time and time and kept looking Maraschino, I am not a red girl, really never have been, but I thought it would make a wonderful exchange gift. I managed to put it in my basket, and felt quite happy that I had managed to score two skeins. The yarn arrived in two days (truth be told Yarntini lives about 20 minutes from me), and I was overjoyed and a little disappointed. Overjoyed that the yarn is amazing in the feel and colour department and disappointed that I had not ordered two the Maraschino, as I am planning on keeping this one and will not be including it in any exchange gifts. The Port is lovely shades of purple, but the Maraschino is a sumptuious colours of red, more cherry cordial with the sun shining through the glass. I cannot wait to see it knitted into a simple cable as I think it will be stunning.

I bought this yarn from Yarnahoy, through her Esty shop, the colour called Indigg, but I think it looks more like summer ices. This would have been my choice for sockopalooza except for the orange. It's 100% Superwash Merino. Yarnahoy is also available on Woolgirl, as are many other terrific indi sock yarns, including Yarntini, when it's in stock. This yarn may be my next pair of socks.

The red snowman is Briar Rose Fibers Angel Face (lace weight) colour is 2018. I have been looking at this for sometime on Pick Up Sticks, I am not a lace knitter but this just seemed to call to me. I took the advantage of it being on sale (really good value) and Connie (that wonderful woman, who is actually going to open a reality store in September, but still maintain the virual one), kindly transferred 2286 mts into two large balls and one little one, just like a really hot snowman.

Connie included a special little surprise, 5 lace markers by Crimson Orchid just to get me started. I am not sure what I will be doing with it but am looking through lace patterns and may pick one in A Gathering of Lace.

Part two tomorrow.....................................or the next day, and by then I should have my finished Sockopalooza Socks to show.

20-17-2007

2007-07-21T09:08:00.001-05:00

The day of anticipation started early. I waited in line at Borders for about an hour to receive my orange wrist band, putting me in the first group to receive the midnight book.
The postman brought a wonderful surprise, my first day issue stamps from the Royal Mail. I thought I would have to wait at least a week for them to arrive, but they were in my hand on day of issues.

I ordered three different packages. There are several different issues, I choose all seven books covers (British editions), and the house emblems franked, they are on postcard size envelopes imprinted with my name and address, the post mark is Broom. I also choose a mint edition of the seven book covers (unfranked) and the Presentation Packet (which should arrive today). I am planning on framing them, either individually or one large grouping, haven't decided yet

What we waited for!

They ran out of deluxe editions, I should have a copy by Wednesday. Bill bought me all three versions of the gift cards as a souvenir and with one of them I purchased this copy.

Being interviewed by Rita Skeeter.

Begining the long three hour wait!

It was a fun party, the last 30 minutes was a mass of confusion, with lots of screaming and missinformation. Bill (the wonder boy), found a shorter queu (in the music department), we were about 20th in line. At midnight they passed out the books, and by 12:13 am we were in the car driving home. I ran into a few former students, so much fun to see them and catch up on what they are up to now. I managed to read the first two chapters before falling asleep, and have booked this afternoon for serious chapter turning.

Socks, Socks, Socks, and oh yes, Socks

2007-07-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

I love knitting socks, really love it. There are so many things I like about knitting socks. The fact that from a skein of yarn you can knit not one but two garments. Finding the perfect pattern to suit the yarn and the colourway. The amazing turn of the heel and begining of the foot gusset. The siblime wonder of the kitchener stitch toe graft. A finished garment with only two ends to weave in, the cuff and the toe, perfection. I say this after having knitted, so far, four pairs of socks this month.

The first pair, knee high Gryffindor (for tomorrows book release party). Knitted using Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock in Flames. I really wanted knee highs and used a combination of patterns to achieve it. I started with 96 stitches, 40 rows of rib, 40 rows of stockinette before I reached the decrease. I achieved this by decreasing two stitches every five rows. I was down to 60 stitches by the begining of the heel flap. The striping turned out fairly uniform. I think these twins are closer to being identical rather than fraternal. I really like the slip stitch toe. The length of the socks made it a little boring after awhile, but all in all they turned out well.

The Eye of Partridge Heel.

These really are nice, and will be great winter socks. The colours are a combination of all the Gryffindor golds, reds, and burgundy.

I am also working of socks for Sockopalooza 4. Are these the socks I ask. All Things Heather in Valentine, pattern is Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks. If you are knitting the socks from this invaluable book, there is a KAL to join, it's really interesting to see is the patterns in different colours and yarns.

I checked out my sock pals blog and the first thing that caught me was the use of various pink yarns on her blog banner. She likes vivid colours, no pale or pastel girl is she. Laces and cables seemed to be an interest in her sock preference. The only colour choice that did not seem to be on the wheel was orange (have I said to much). Do you know how many sock yarns have the colour orange in them? More often than not I would find the most vibrant, vivid colourway only to find that it had a streak of orange running through it. If I wasn't such a neurotic I would have picked a pattern, yarn and got down to it. No, not me, I have to ponder and puddle and drive myself loony, I have always wished that I could be one of those people who float through life and seem in effortless fashion to always pull it off.

The pattern is a nice little running cable. The heel is a slip stitch the toe plain and simple.

Are these the Sockopalooza Socks. Sunshine Yarn's by Dani Frisbie, 100% Superwash Merino in Wildflowers. The pattern is Saucy from Cider Moon, a super free pdf to download.

I really like Dani's yarns, she had a real eye for colour. Her first sock club just finished and her second one (Harry Potter themed) is just starting.

My new favorite toe, the Slip Stitch.

Cable leg

The Eye of Partridge Heel

Or is this the Sockopalooza Sock. Colinette JitterBug in Alizarine also following the Saucy pattern. This is what they say about the colourway:
This pink lipped passion makes all the girlies whirl. Definitely not a shrinking violet stuck on the shelf; this flower flaunts itself. If you’ve got it – get to it !

I really think this might be the one. Should we take a vote?

At least I am on the list

2007-07-17T12:14:00.000-05:00

I found out this morning that I could check and see where I was on the Ravelry list.

This is what it said:

Patiently awaiting your invite?

If you've added your name to the invite request list on our front page then you can use this form to check your place in line.-insert email here.

Found you!
You signed up on June 8, 2007
You are #7775 on the list.
1927 people are ahead of you in line.
9913 people are behind you in line.
32% of the list has been invited so far

It could be a while!
If you don't know what Ravelry is and want to, check it out.

1st Birthday

2007-07-13T15:35:00.001-05:00

YIKES!! I AM ONE YEAR OLD TODAY

WAS I EVER THIS SMALL!

I LOVE PLAYING SPORTS

I LOVE BEING GIRLY, SOMETIMES

BUT SOMETIMES I DON'T

I LOVE PLAYING WITH MY TOYS

BUT MOSTLY I LOVE MY MUM AND DAD, MY TWO DOG BROTHERS AND ONE DOG SISTER, BUT NOT THE CAT.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-11T17:54:00.000-05:00

Just returned from seeing Harry Potter, and I loved it! Yes, they do leave out loads, but it's hard include every detail from an almost 800 page book into a 2 hour and 18 minute film. The film is grown up, dark, mysterious, and a great ride all round. I saw it with WH and a cinema of children (some dressed in costume), they applauded at the opening and ending credits (love that, just like seeing the Saturday matinee at the Sacred Heart Church with Father Jaconelli marching up and down the isle, and we were Presbyterian). I am not sure I would take very small children to see it, as it does have a few touch and go scary moments. This may be my favorite of all the films, although it is not my favorite book, Half Blood Prince is, however, that might change next week. I am still working on my other Gryfindoor sock, haven't turned the heel yet, to tell the truth, hopefully they will be blocking this weekend, I have my hat, my outfit and my socks, Professor McGonigal shall be ready to attend the Grand Hallows Ball.

Exchange Received and Exchange Sent

2007-07-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

My Rowan Exchange gift arrived in the post on Saturday. It is always so thrilling to see what wonderful item has been knitted for you by someone you may never meet. The beauty of the exchange is that you are not knitting for the same person who is knitting for you. The exchange mums do a wonderful job of matching us up and provide us with an extensive questionnaire as to likes, dislikes, ability etc. It happens every summer and this year's theme was "seasons", my season is Autumn as those are my favorite colours, I think Amelia did a great job in picking out yarns that I would have choosen myself.

Amelia Jones, of London, England, knitted these beautiful socks in Fleece Artist Sea Wool, I think the colour might be Origin, (Amelia let me know that it is Vintage). This is a beautiful yarn, I have two skeins in the sock stash but as yet have not knitted it, how nice to see it in finished socks. Extremely soft and silky, Amelia used the pattern that came with the yarn. As any avid sock knitter know the experience of having someone else knit you socks is joyous.

Along with the socks came TWO skeins of Colinette JitterBug Castagna. It's a superwash 100% merino, 291 yds should make a pair of shorter socks, two skeins will make a longer pair.

The extra treats are to keep me relaxed while knitting. A bag of M&S, (a British staple for all your shopping needs, and the best bras and knickers in the world), Rhubarb and Custard boiled sweets and from Bond Street a box of Charbonnel et Walker Pink Champagne Truffles.

My Exchange Gift arriving spurred me to finish mine and pop it in the post (July 11th is the final mailing date). The knitted items you have already seen, I added stitch markers, a skein of STR in Tanzanite, a sock blocker key chain and some Hershey treats (living in Pennsylvania I had to send the home grown product). I mailed it this morning and all things being equal it should arrive at it's final destination in about 7-10 days.

Happy 140th Birthday Canada

2007-07-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

Canada Day marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada with the British North America Act on July 1, 1867, (140 years ago today) it united three British colonies—the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Canada. The three colonies united to form one country divided into four provinces. The Province of Canada became Ontario and Quebec.

The name was officially changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982. However, many Canadians had already been informally referring to the holiday as "Canada Day" for a number of years before the official name change.

Think you know Canada, take the test:
http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=quiz070701

The Maple Leaf

The current flag of Canada was approved by the House of Commons on December 15, 1964. The flag was later approved by Queen Elizabeth II, an order which took effect on February 15, 1965. In 1921, King George V proclaimed the official colours of Canada as red, from the Saint George's Cross, and white, from the French royal emblem since King Charles VII.
As early as 1700, the maple leaf served as a symbol celebrating the nature and environment of what is now Canada. The number of points on the leaf has no significance; they do not, for instance, represent the ten provinces plus one point for the territories. In fact, some of the very first Canadian flags made had maple leaves of variously 13 and 15 points or more. The points of the maple leaf were determined by taking various designs and putting them in a wind tunnel to see what looks the best while moving. It is easily one of the most recognized flags in the world, next to the Union Jack and the Star Spangled Banner.

HAPPY 140th CANADA DAY!!

Tarty Gryffindor

2007-06-29T12:18:00.000-05:00

I finished my first knee-high Gryffindor last night, I think after I knit it's mate, this will be the last time I knit knee-highs, unless they are for a small child. It became very boring and far to heavy for my liking. Not to mention the fact that it took forever to reach my favorite part of any sock, the heel.

Eye of Partridge, my favorite heel to knit.

The socks are knitted in Lorna's Laces Flame. The flash on my camera always makes gold look orange and crimson look pink. Imagine glowing embers in a hearth and that's the colours you have here.

The pretty slip stitch toe.

The entire sock.

(and Scotia)

They start immediately under my knee, and the width is actually fine around my expansive calf. As everyone in the UK, who ever wore a school uniform, knows I will need the prerequisite elastic band to hold these puppies up. The mate is already cast on (as I cast on both socks at the same time) but will wait to knit it up as I need a break and I want to finish my Sockapolooza second sock first (just finishing off the foot and toe).

I weighed in a WW this morning and hit my 10% (I have lost 18 lbs so far). To celebebrate the sock and the weight loss I put together a very "sweet" desert. I baked a ricotta cheese custard tart with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries on top. The custard tart is a WW recipe, I mixed the fruit with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and water to create the sticky blue topping.

Exchange, Hats, Tart and Pup

2007-06-27T13:15:00.001-05:00

Finished my Rowan Exchange gift.

Beaded scarf and felted hat in Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre in Bright. Socks in Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome (which has just come on the market). The clay moose pin on the hat is wearing a little Santa hat, as my theme was winter. I love the glorious berry colours, I hope they please my rowanette as much as they please me. The beads do not go all through the scarf but on the border of each end, I thought it might be uncomfortable to have so many beads around your neck, to to mention the weight of the finished scarf. The socks are ss with an eye of partridge heel and slip stitch toe. I love this yarn, wonderful to knit with, the colours are lucious and the fit the bill for winter socks, not to light but not to weighty either. Now the fun begins, I get to put in a few knitting goodies and treats for my exchange partner. It will be in the post next week, on it's way to....................shhh it's a secret.

CHARMED KNITS

Two Griffindor hats for the Charmed Knits KAL.

Will have these in the mail by the weekend. It's not to late if you want to join and knit a few hats for a very worthy charity.

BERRY TART

Bill stopped at a farmers market stall on his way home from Buffalo and picked up the delicate and tiny strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. I whipped up a crust, layered it with sweetened low fat cream cheese, made a strawberry jelly, mixed in the fruit and let the whole thing set up. I loved the colours so much I had to take a picture.

THE PUP

Cooling herself on the leather couch, it hit 90 today (it was 81 by 7:30 am).

No mad dogs or English men in this house.

Harry Potter Sock Club

2007-06-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

With the intensity rising and the movie and book dates fast approaching, the Harry Potter fever is in full frenzy.

There are many Harry Potter KAL's and knitting clubs, from socks, to hats, to scarves and sweaters the Hogwarts House Colours are in full display.

If you are feeling a little left out of the Harry Potter world Dani at Sunshine Yarns has finally given in and sign ups have begun for her Harry Potter Sock Club. All the details can be found here. I love Dani's yarns, the feel and colour will not disappoint and you and others will love the socks you create.

I have signed up and am looking forward to the first installment in July (I'm a Griffindor). I wanted to help spread the world to fellow knitters who might be interested in joining the Potter (or is that potty) World of knitting.

ps - just ordered our VIP tickets for the 11th at 12:45 pm - I have to see it the first day.

Two Sock Clubs In One Day

2007-06-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

Postman Pat drove up in his little truck and delivered not one but two sock clubs today.

Socks That Rock

Lightweight Merino in Firebird colourway. The pattern for the sock is Solstice Slip by JC Briar, a zig zag rib with slip stitch detail. The yarn is a summer dream of purple, maroon, orange, lavender, palest lemon, cream and deep red.

Zen String Sock Club - June 2007

Lotus Toes fingerling, 100% super wash Blue Face Leicester, in Lily colourway. The pattern for the sock is Perambulate by Patti Consalves. The yarn has a lovely twist and the colours are a summer confection of lemonade, cream, lavender, coral, and lilac and yellow.

Lorna's Laces - Loopy Ewe

Shepherd Sock in Flames. The picture does not do them justice, as it makes them look orange and red, in fact they are gold, red, deep pink, and maroon. This yarn will become my Gryffindor house socks. I am going to a midnight Harry Potter party on July 20th, the theme is the Yule Ball. I really don't feel like attending "prom night", and have decided to go as Professor McGonigal, black witch's hat, black dress, black shoes and Gryffindor stockings. I wanted a pattern not a stripe and if they turn out fraternal so much the better. The best part was that all three skeins cost less than $11.00 as I had a $25.00 gift certifacate for the Loopy Ewe, love that Sheri and her Loopy Perks.

"Loopy" at the US Open

2007-06-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

The wonderful Sheri at The Loopy Ewe is running a great summer contest. Taking your little "Loopy" postcard on vacation with you this summer. Let him see the world, go to a wedding, fly the skys, take in a ball game, head for foreign soils..........what ever it takes to show Loopy a good time.

Yesterday Loopy (knowing loads about grazing on lovely grass) went to the US Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. And boy did he have a wonderful day.

Loopy sat and thought about the course,

what to do, who to see, and where to wander.

He decided that the fourth tee might be a great place to start.

It didn't take long for the golfers to show up.

Loopy, knowing the rules of golf, was respectfully quiet
when Sergio Garcia took to the tee on #7.

Bill, Loopy and I sitting on the hill at #7

watching Luke Donald tee off.

After wandering around the course,

the 18th grandstand looked like a great place to take a much needed break.

Loopy could not have been more thrilled when

Colin Montgomery strode up to the tee,

he is one of Loopy's favorite golfers.

To cap the day off,

Loopy was invited to have his picture taken with

the US Open Trophy.

Loopy will be watching eagerly on Sunday

to see which golfer holds the trophy high.

Sock Knitting at the US Open

2007-06-13T14:47:00.001-05:00

My WH got tickets for us to see the last practice round at Oakmont for the US Open. We left home this morning at about 6:45, parked at Hartwood Acres, borded a school bus, entered the PA Turnpike from a private road and arrived a little before 8:00. I will explain about the "Loopy Contest" tomorrow and show you pictures of the golfers we saw, and provide more detail on the wonderful day we had. While waiting for people to tee off on #3 I pulled out my sock and started to knit, Bill couldn't resist taking this picture. The yarn is the new Sockittome in Black Cherry, I am loving the way this yarn knits - simple ss sock, with an eye of partridge hell and a slip stitch toe.

A New Sock Yarn

2007-06-11T13:50:00.001-05:00

A brand new sock yarn from Cherry Tree Hill in Barton, Vermont. This is Sockittome, an 80% superwash merion blended with 20% nylon, 480 yds (can't complain about that), knitted on US needles #1-3, it will be available by the end of June or July and comes in 15 different colourways.

Sheri at the Loopy Ewe, was offered the first 100 skein run to sell on her site, it went up on Thursday morning and I think it was sold out before noon, at the amazing price of $18.00 per skein. The colourway above is Wild Cherry.

Sugar Maple however is my favorite, a mix of orange, deep raspberry, brown, deep red and yellow.

This is definately a winter sock yarn, I know exactly who will be getting these socks for Christmas.

Sunshine Yarn

2007-06-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of Sunshine Yarn, created by Dani Frisbie. I joined her sock club last winter and for the last few months have been delighted to receive her amazing colourways in the mail.

Last week Dani had an update of her Harry Potter themed yarns, I unfortunately missed out on the self striping house colours but did pick up these three, Dark Forest, Lost in the Woods, and Phoenix.

Dani also ran a contest at the same time and I was lucky enought to win a skein of yarn, Dragonfly Second, a colourway I did not own. (Who doesn't love free sock yarn!!!)

The day after my Esty shipment arrived I received my sock club yarn in the mail, 450yds of Superwash Merino in Colorful, a muted summery concoction of berries and greens.

Tuesday Socks

2007-06-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

These STR's are part of my dad's Father Day present. I'm sorry I can't give you the colour way as I lost the ball band, it might be GRocks.

These are Seacoast Hanpainted Panda in Surf. They are fraternal twins not identical, I frogged and frogged, eventually I gave up and decided that fraternal's can accommodate the foot as adequately as identical. They are for a dear friend of my sister, unfortunately she is going through an illness at the moment, I hope the seaside colours bring her cheer.

I have been knitting both these pairs of socks on and off for about a month, but only knit each twin last week. They will be speeding their way to Canada by the end of the week.

The socks were snapped hanging from our Harry Lauder Walking Stick, regrettably he is under the weather at the moment. I fear that we will have to replace him and I searching online nursery sites as he is not the most available tree to find.

Exchange Update

2007-06-03T13:01:00.001-05:00

I am in full swing for the Rowan Exchange. The first sock is knitted, the pattern is Uptown Book Socks by Jennifer Appleby from Interweave's Favorite Socks, an easy cable that's easy to knit.

I started the Louisa Harding beaded scarf, the Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid is a joy to knit with, the beaded goes on through the pattern, I am debating as to whether or not to stop the beading after several pattern repeats.

I am not sure how comfortable it would be to have beads wrapped around one's neck. I may just do them on each end, as a border repeat than ss the middle section.

It's turning out rather pretty, I wish the colour showed up the lucious berry wine it really was, and not strawberry, which it isn't.

Meet Asics

2007-05-31T06:37:00.000-05:00

James called from Boulder early yesterday morning to let me know he had sent me a couple of pictures. As he ran in the Bolder Boulder on Monday, I thought, race pictures. When I opened them up this is what I saw, he has adopted a 6 month old Chow/Golden Retreiver mix from the Boulder Humane Society. Look at those paws, this is going to be a big boy - but who could resist that blue tonge and love eyes. James has already signed up for "puppy classes" and is working on socialization with other dogs, people and especially children. I hope Asics likes to run, because whether he likes it or not, he's going to be a running buddy, after all he's going to have to live up to his name.

I"m in the book

2007-05-29T12:46:00.001-05:00

While in Barnes and Noble last weekend, I happened to notice they had two copies of the new Nicky Epstein felting book, Knitting Never Felt Better I was surprised to see it as I thought it wasn't coming out until the end of the month, but there it was. I approached it will glee, snatched it up and quickly began to rifle through the pages. I found the page, then went to find Bill - he just had to see.

He was where is always is in bookstores, the tech isle. I know that I must have been beaming like a fool when he looked at me. "I'm in the book", I said.

There was my name on page 97, (the colourwork section of the book). As I had submitted a few tips I wasn't sure which one they had used, now I know. Even though I am to receive a signed copy of the book (a thank you for my tip), I couldn't leave the book in the store, not when I can provide it a safe home, Bill agreed whole heartedly. (This technique has worked for almost 25 years of our marriage, how do you think I got the four dogs).

This will be my first project from the book, the Angel Puff Scarf, knitted with Rowan Kidsilk Haze. I would like mine a little longer so will use two balls instead of the one suggested in the pattern (have some in the stash).

It's a wonderful book, you will not be disappointed if you purchase it. I am a huge fan of Nicky's, she is a very inventive, creative artist, yet she never seems to over complicate what she does. Her patterns are straight forward, easy to follow, and the finished product looks just as it should.

Rowan Exchange

2007-05-24T13:57:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the year and the Rowan Exchange partners have been paired up. I thought about this for, rummaged through the stash, and selected what I think are perfect patterns and yarns. My recipient like "berry colours" and girly knits.

Allthings Heather sock yarn in Valentine, and a pattern from the Interweave Favorite Socks book, I have changed my mind since I took this picture and opted not to do Go with the Flow, but Uptown Book Sock instead.

I like to include fun extras with my exchange, which can limit my shipping space, therefore the other project is ...............................

this beautiful beaded scarf by Louisa Harding from the Hats Gloves Scarves: Easy Designer Knits for Family and Friends book.

I have choosen clear beads and this wonderful Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre in Bright, I know the picture looks red, but it's actually a berry wine colour.

Sockapalooza 4

2007-05-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

The pattern and yarn for Sockapalooza 4. The pattern is Saucy by Cider Moon, a free PDF, an easy cable with a great heel and toe combination.

The yarn took awhile to find, I had a rummage through the stash but I couldn't find yarn to suit. I ordered yarn online, but when it arrived it just didn't seem right for what I had in mind.

Another rummage through the stash and careful reading of my pals information brought me to this, Wildflowers, dyed by Dani Frisbi at Sunshine Yarns. It fits the bill to a tee. The yarn is super soft with a slight bloom, 100% superwash merino.

I think the yarn colours will be perfect for the pattern, bright, vivid, vibrant and flowery - perfect winter sock when one dreams of summer.

Will post pictures of progress when I start.

Rowan Exchange pictures tomorrow. I started the first project, but changed by mind and frogged out - restarted with a new pattern and am enjoying this one much better.

3 In A Bed................

2007-05-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

There were 3 in the bed and the little one said, "Roll over".

As you can see the dogs that sleep together stay together. All that is except............

Scotia, wants no part of "sleeping on the floor", even if it is on a dog bed. Her spot is permanently fixed on the back of the couch.

New yarn to show, the one on the right is sKNITches "plum pudding" and the one on the left is Hand Maiden Mini Maiden in colour B, which I actually think is missed lettered, as it looks more like Moss to me than the colour it was supposed to be.

I also purchased two dpn cases, my dpn collection was getting slightly out of control, and I thought it was time I put it in some kind of order.

The cases are by Red Corset Designs, Connie, cleverly mixed and matched for me, one having a plain cover and printed inside, the other a printed cover and plain inside. I love the colours, dark green plain and green and brown printed. I now have my dpns installed in their new home.

The next installment in the Tsarina Sock Club arrived. The pattern is Cookie's Garden, I am constantly amazed at the sheer genious of her designs. The yarn is ValCalcar, a pea green, deep red, and hand painted spring colourway.

It also includes 4 small red beads and 2 ladybird beads. I would love this to be my next project, however with Sockapalooza 4 and Rowan Exchange 2007 take priority. I have already decided on yarn and pattern for Sockapalooza and also for the Exchange. I have taken pictures of both and will be showing them in the next few days. The Exchange is first as it will be mailed by the 11th of July, Sockapalooza is not until the 2nd of August.