SweetRaisin

Hehehehe

2011-10-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

funny.

Rule Britannia!

2011-08-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

I've been planning to make a Union Jack pillow for a couple of years. In fact, at the beginning of the summer - last year - I bought the red and blue fabric, and the pillow I was going to use, at the Good Will Bins. Remember the crap-by-the-pound shopping I did?

But, then I just shelved the fabric and used the pillow - as is. Until recently, I've been fine with that. But then the pillow began to shred and I realized it was time. Night before last I pulled out the hoarded fabric and in 30 minutes flat I had my Union Jack.

Why do these simple little things take me so long to accomplish?

It's not a shawl; It's not a scarf; It's a Shawlette!

2011-08-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

And, it's lovely.

Made from Merino and Jade (don't ask me how, cause I don't know).

But, it smells a little weird.

Note to self: Don't get wet while wearing it!

2nd Knitting Anniversary!

2011-08-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, this week, I decided to try one more time to learn to knit.

This time, it took.

I think it may have saved my life.

This shawlette I started yesterday is knit from the most appropriately named yarn in the world - Therapi. And at $3.00 per skein (on sale from $10.00 per skein) it is the cheapest and most effective therapy in existence.

Trailer Trashin'

2011-07-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

We took The Escape Pod up the Santiam River this weekend. Here are some photos from the trip.

Stairs from the campground down to the river.

A creek that feeds into the river.

The bridge and husband floating down the river.

Evidence of ancient Celtic river dwellers.

Some Finished Objects

2011-07-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

Two sets of Crochet edged pillowcases for Kyle and Courtney's Wedding on Saturday!

Yoked Baby Cardigan for a friend of Migi's.

Two projects done, thousands to go!

Along the Alsea River

2011-07-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

Blackberry Campground

Still Life: Wild Flower/Vintage Trailer

My Hippie Happy New Life!

2011-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm such a Hippie! I bought this lovely 1.1 oz drop spindle at the Black Sheep Gathering on Friday, the 24th and got my very first ever 5 minute lesson on spinning. I bought 1 lb. of roving (wool; alpaca and llama) and started spinning as soon as I got home. Today, I finished spinning my first 1 oz. It measures 106 yards! I need to set the twist and spin another ounce so I can make a skein of 2-ply. All I need to do now is buy a guitar and go live off-the-land in my trailer - I'm not a child of the sixties for nothing!

New Picture

2011-06-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Peony petal on the pebble path (how alliterative)! How about Pretty, Pink Peony Petal on the Pebble Path?

Knot My Hat!

2011-05-06T14:58:00.001-07:00

My nephew and his wife are expecting a baby boy yesterday.

Therefore: I must knit for a baby!

Whipped out this sweet little hat from a small, rather dear skein of Cascade Yarns Luna (some pretty soft cotton!)

I really like knitting baby things. My face flushed and my heart went pitter-patter with joy. So, I'm thinking, a couple of hormone treatments and reversed vasectomy and I could be doing some serious baby knitting! Who cares that I haven't been pregnant in 16 years!

I sewed a little crabby ribbon tag into the knot (Migie took this picture as my camera refused to focus on the little crabs).

Oh, and Kelly - you may be younger than me, but DUDE! You're about to be (or perhaps are) a Grandpa!

Why I sometimes have trouble making my bed

2011-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

I really like to have my bed made - I kinda even like making it. It's satisfying to me to get the blankets on all crisp and fluff the pillows. Plus, handling the quilt and pillowcases I've made gives me a little daily dose of happiness.

Lately, I've been having a little trouble accomplishing this most basic of tasks. I'm not making excuses - but here are a couple of the reasons I'm finding making my bed so difficult.

Reason #1

Reason #2

Reason #1 + Reason #2

I keep trying to sneak in between dogs, but they have a real tendency to follow me and hop up on the bed before I can get started or, in Ripple's case - flop on the quilt and blanket on the floor while I'm trying to get the sheets straightened.

Steppin' Out in Style

2011-04-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

About three weeks ago I stopped by the local GoodWill store. I was looking specifically for some orthopedic shoes - I had seen some there before.

I was pretty pumped when these Dansko Sanita sandals fit me so well and were so comfy. And at only $7.99 they came home with me.

About a week ago I got a flyer from the local Birkenstock store - they had the 2011 version of Dansko Sanitas for $120.00!

I really liked these sandals - they were in good shape (just a little wear shows on the elastic and some slight dirtiness at the bottom of the straps), and comfy, but just a wee bit bland.

No Longer Bland!

Several bottles of paint and a couple of very pleasant hours painting makes for some very exciting summer sandals!

Sunshine asked me not to paint them in my usual 'Mary Englebreit' fashion. She thought they should be more Scandinavian looking and I had to agree. After all, Dansko is a Danish brand.

Makes for some very happy feet!

Not Dead Yet . . .

2011-04-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I only smell dead.

Here, in no particular order, are some of the items that have been occupying my time.

Above: A spring skirt made from Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt. I did an invisible zipper for the first time and am so pleased with the result that I may never do any other type from now on.

Above and below, a jacket from a pattern Migi gave me for Christmas.

Below - same jacket, different fabric.

While I was knitting the drop-mesh tee (see below) I couldn't keep the small, annoying dog away from it. She wanted to be on my lap, completely wrapped up in as much of the knitting as was possible. She has never reacted quite like this to any of my other yarn, and I had a spare skein, so I knitted her a little drop-mesh blankie of her own.

The drop-mesh tee, below. Finally, after two other incarnations, I found a pattern that worked with this tired, overknit yarn. I'm very pleased with the final result.

Spring Socks

2011-03-29T08:16:00.001-07:00

It's Tea Time sock pattern from Around the World In Knitted Socks. Knit in Periwinkle. Not only good looking, but comfy also.

A Little Cardi Love

2011-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

. . . and no I'm not talking about some new form of aerobic exercise! This is my new Zipper cardi that I finished in time to wear for Valentine's Day. Though, now it is finished and I love it sooooo much, I'm thinking of wearing it EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! Love. This. Cardigan.

Please don't hate me because I have a cute trailer . . .

2011-01-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Tee Hee! Since I can't work on the trailer during the winter - I decided to work on decorations for it. I drew this picture and cross-stitched it. Just need to frame it now - unfortunately, it is an odd size, so framing will require some thought. I have also decided that as a cross-stitcher, I am really more of a knitter. Actually, I think I might hate cross-stitch, so this is most definitely a one-of-a-kind piece. Which is too bad as I have sketched out another, different style trailer, which will now never be rendered in cross-stitch. Oh well.

Pretty New Pin Cusion

2011-01-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have been needing a pin cushion for so many years.

I've seen numerous styles I have really liked.

But when the tutorial for this was posted on http://jonag.typepad.com I knew I had to make one.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Dear 2010. I am glad to see the last of you. Here are the good things that happened in 2010 - and it is, sadly, a short list.

Thing 1. We added the small, annoying dog to our family. She fits in with the good dog and really helps keep things light and funny around here.

Thing 2: KNITTING!

Thing 3. The Escape Pod.

Please be a better year 2011!

Canned Ham Trailer Ornament - Take Two!

2010-12-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

Pink. With Mistletoe. & Bubble Lights,

L.O.V.E.

Canned Ham Trailer Ornament!

2010-12-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Look what I made today!!!!

I'd been thinking hard about it for a couple of weeks and this morning the whole thing came together - so I rushed to the fabric store to get supplies, sat myself down and started working.

What could be better than a Canned Ham Trailer Ornament? Seriously!

Some Knitting and Crochet

2010-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

New socks cast on last night - first socks in a couple of months!

Scarf - probably a Christmas present (if I can get over the fact that it didn't felt like it was supposed to)

Crocheted scarf - don't have enough of the blue so it will be finished with white and thereby "two-toned" (I will call it a feature - not an error)

One of the mittens I designed as a gift.

lacy, cob-webby scarf tah dah!

2010-12-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Finally! At long last - I persevered to the end and finished my first lace project. I am sooooo pleased with the result and have been wearing it constantly.

More Selbuvotter

2010-11-12T07:47:00.001-08:00

I do love me a selbuvotter.

Sweater

2010-10-27T10:46:00.001-07:00

Hot off the needles and unblocked as of yet.

10.23.10

2010-10-23T17:32:00.001-07:00

slouchy beret

2010-10-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

10.22.10

A little catch-up

2010-10-18T18:14:00.001-07:00

Okay, actually a verrrrry little catch-up. This is all I feel like. These were some really coolio chairs outside a shop in Florence, Or. We were there this past weekend in the trailer. Fun!

October thus far

2010-10-05T14:18:00.001-07:00

10.5.10

10.3.10

10.2.10

10.1.10

Sky Scapes

2010-09-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

9.29.10

So . . . it was pretty hot

2010-09-29T07:46:00.001-07:00

9.28.10

For some reason, the photos lately are taken from the car

2010-09-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

9.26.10

9.25.10

kNorwegian knitting kNinja

2010-09-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

9.24.10

9.23.10

September Socks

2010-09-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

9.22.10

Summer Wanes

2010-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

9.21.10

9.20.10

9.19.10

Every other Saturday morning

2010-09-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

9.18.10

Everything but the 16th

2010-09-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

9.17.10

9.15.10

9.14.10

Playing Catch Up

2010-09-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

9.13.10

9.12.10

9.11.10

9.10.10

9.9.10

Sept. 7 & 8

2010-09-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2010

September 7, 2010

9.06.10

2010-09-07T07:29:00.001-07:00

New Project - A Photo A Day

2010-09-06T08:32:00.001-07:00

Having a hard time posting right now - Pictures are worth a thousand words - right?

September 5, 2010

September 4, 2010

September 3, 2010

Summer Progress

2010-08-04T15:28:00.001-07:00

Absolutely could not resist! So, I made a pair for me.

Undecided as to whether I will add the flower. I think I will wear them around a bit and make a decision later.

I finished the July-and-a-half socks on July 31. They are very nice socks and will really add some color to my winter.

Oooo La La

2010-07-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

Saturday is my friend's birthday.

I found a pattern on Ravelry for some felted slippers.

I've never felted before - it seemed good.

It was good.

It got better.

I added crocheted roses from Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers

I don't think Duffers is a good name for this slipper pattern. They are much more elegant than that name would imply.

FYI: I frogged the celtic knot purse/scarf that was on my to finish list. I decided I didn't really want a bag, and I also didn't want to knit a lot more and turn it into a scarf - the yarn was too scratchy. That yarn has now been turned into these lovely felted slippers!

P.S. the table cloth in the background is one I bought at the Good Will Bins on Crap by the Pound day. It's beautiful and in near perfect condition!

I've had a busy few days

2010-07-26T09:51:00.001-07:00

Yah. I know. The picture is blurry - but so is my vision after all the blueberry picking I've done over the past several days - and this isn't even a bumper crop year!

The sock is an amazingly quick knit. I just haven't had as much time to knit as I would like (is there ever as much time to knit as I would like?). It has progressed further than in this photo, nearly to the cuff.

The quilt for The Sweet Spot is coming along nicely. I am quilting around the perimeter, then I just need to bind it.

This, however, has been the real push this weekend. I got the cushions sewn for The Sweet Spot! And, behold! They turned out just as envisioned - not something that always happens. Many of my projects morph in process and usually turn out well - just not as planned. These cushions, however, look just like I wanted them to and thought they would.

Raspberry Socks Forever!

2010-07-18T13:52:00.001-07:00

The July-and-1/2 Socks are begun!

Knit from the Leyburn pattern on Ravelry.

I'm calling them Framboise and they are scrumptious.

I learned two new techniques with these socks. One is carrying a strand of yarn and the second is the toe-up method. Actually the toe-up method could prove to be my undoing! I can never wait to get to the point when I can try the socks on and with the top down method, you are more than half-way there before that can happen. With the toe-up method, you can start trying the socks on from about the third round and continue trying them on with each successive round. I know this for a fact!

All this sock trying on is slowing my knitting speed a bit, plus - I'm afraid the sock will be worn out before it is even off the needles.

But it sure looks good!

The lace scarf progresses nicely as well - just not as photogenically.

Fairy Knitting and Crochet

2010-07-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

One of the things I've always most enjoyed crocheting is lace, so I've been eager to try knitting lace to see if I like it as well.

I do.

But the lace yarn is so much finer than the crochet thread - I feel like a fairy knitting spiderweb with pine needles!

This will eventually be knit up into a lovely wisteria colored scarf with an all-over leaf pattern.

In the mean time - I have made a real push to get WIPs moved off the to do list - and here is one of the items. A second pair of crochet-lace-edged pillowcases for Sunshine.

Staying on Task

2010-07-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

The July socks are finished! The pattern is Twinkleberry just like the previous pair. This is the best sock pattern ever!

I also sneaked in an extra project. I made napkins with some of the fabric I bought at the Good Will Bins. When I saw the blue fabric, I just knew it would be for napkins - it is woven, so looks the same on both sides. I dislike cloth napkins that only have the pattern on one side - bleah! These look rather 4th of July-ish, but there you are.

If you are counting, you will notice there are only 7 napkins in the photo. I have No. 8 ready to go, but need to make a little extra bias tape.

Progress

2010-07-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time to try on a sock - it looks like a sock, only the toe is left to knit, and with all those knitting needles sticking out - it has a dangerous, ninja look to it! Sock no. 1 is finished and sock no. 2 is awaiting a heel. July socks look to be finished on time!

On Saturday, El Guapo, Sunshine and I drove to Medford to pick up the vintage trailer. It was a beautiful day and a long enough drive to explain why sock no. 2 is ready for a heel!

First stop: Medford Les Schwab for new tires and packing the bearings.

$$$

At home Saturday evening, I couldn't stand the contact paper covering the table, so I sat out in the trailer and peeled it off. You can also just see where I pulled back a corner of the top layer of carpet.

Sunday. I've stripped two layers of carpet and got to the original vinyl tiles. I pitched the cushions, curtains and bed out.

I am discovering that over the years, people have spent quite a lot of time ruining my trailer (the bottom layer of carpet was screwed down about every 8 inches) and I find myself offended!

But, I am down to bare bones and . . . no nasty surprises!

I've vacuumed top to bottom and front to back. Later today I plan to take a bucket of hot water and some Dr. Bronner's soap and clean top to bottom and front to back again. Then I will feel comfortable about camping in the lovely trailer.

Unable to locate the VIN thus far.

Some Hard Truths About Me

2010-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

I hate being told what to do.

I've known this for a looooong time.

What I have only recently discovered, is that I hate being told what to do - even if it is me telling me what to do.

Apparently, I will rebel and start new projects that aren't on the list, just because I said I had to finish the list first.

Pictured above is the dress I bought at GoodWill and wore to Migi's (the offspring formerly known as Cheerleader) high school graduation. I paid $7.99 for the dress and told the girls I was planning to shorten it as I felt frumpy wearing it. Both of them said I should leave it as it was - and admittedly it is a very nice dress, so I left it.

Until last night, when El Guapo told me he had seen our 68 year old neighbor lady wearing a dress that looked very similar! I immediately cut off 8 inches and used those inches to make a sweet little ruffle along the bottom. Turns out I was right all along and should have gone with my instincts. The dress was very nice, but now it is darling!

Oh, and I did finish the Urban Outfitters knock-off shrug - just in time for the summer's first 97 degree weather! So I did do one thing on my list.

I bet I'm very difficult to live with.

My Folly

2010-07-06T08:20:00.001-07:00

I bought this yesterday on Ebay! I didn't for a moment think I was going to win, I only bid $5.00 over the previous bid of $250.00 and I won!!!! Crap!

I've been wanting a camping trailer for a loooooong time. For many years, I thought I wanted to buy a tent trailer, travel around the USA one summer, then sell it. Over time I have decided that tent trailers are too expensive and prone to problems from all the folding and unfolding. Also, I wanted a place to put our camping gear and leave it! I only want to haul food and clothing out to the trailer to be ready to go.

Recently I became aware of the cuteness potential for vintage travel trailers, and - if you are prepared to do some restoration - the low entry level cost. Also, many of these oldies have no titles, they've passed too many years and hands. So a new title can be obtained, with a little effort, but it makes the price much lower.

So, for $255.00 I am the proud owner of this tired little trailer (12 ft). But oh, the plans I have!

New exterior paint job, new red and white checked vinyl floor, red and white cushions with aqua accents and white lacy curtains!

Too Cute!

Edited to add: I figured out my crap by the pound price for the trailer - .17 per lb.!

I've Been Canned . . .

2010-07-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Cheerleader (need to get a different name!) and I dropped Sunshine off at her friend's house in Monmouth this afternoon so Sunshine could spend the 4th of July with her other family. On the way there we saw a yard sale in progress and stopped at it on our way home.

Looky at what I found! 14 Wire Bail canning jars for $10.00! There are 11 quart sized jars, 2 pint sized jars and one that must be 1 1/2 quarts. All but one are very old and the newer one has French writing on it. There is even an unopened vintage box of rubber gaskets! I frequently shop for this type of jar at the second-hand stores and haven't found any for less than $4.50 each, so I considered this to be a major score!

Now I can't wait to get canning!

Here is the lavender wrap-around skirt. I made it from a rayon scarf/shawl thingy that my friend gave me. I think it is a souvenir from Mexico. It had some nice bead work on the two ends so I used those ends to make the bottom of the skirt beaded. Much more useful in skirt form!

I am so disappointed

2010-07-02T10:06:00.001-07:00

After posting my list of works in process and projects I want to start and sternly saying I could not do anything new until I had whittled away at the list, I did finish the wrap-around skirt and I did work on the July socks.

Then, this morning, I cut 120 3 1/2 inch squares of scrap fabric - apparently with the intention of making a patchwork blanket! Is that on the list? IT IS NOT!

Do I care?

The List

2010-07-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

NO new projects will be begun until the majority of these WIPs are completed!

1. ~~July Socks~~

2. ~~Lavender Wrap-around Skirt~~

3. Celtic Knot Bag/Scarf (can't decide what it is going to be yet) frogged

4. ~~Scrappy Quilt~~

5. ~~Crocheted Edging on Pillowcases~~

6. ~~Circular Shrug~~

Once I have knocked back the above projects to a manageable level, I may begin these projects:

1. Doll with Carrying Case and Clothing

2. Apron

3. Union Jack Cushion

4. ~~Cushions for Outdoor Furniture~~

5. ~~July-and-a-half Socks~~

6. ~~August Socks~~

The 4 oz. Skirt

2010-06-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a wrap-around skirt I got at the Good Will Bins on Friday. I really like the fabric and I like wrap-around skirts, but it was too big around and too long.

Too big around was an easy fix - I just moved the button over several inches.

Too long? Cut six inches off! Then I used some red and white polka dot fabric that I also got at the Bins to add a little interest along the bottom.

Totally ready for summer now!

And at .89 per lb. I figure this skirt cost about .22 cents!

Crap by the Pound!

2010-06-26T07:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, my sister-in-law Carol and I went with another sister-in-law, Sandi, and her friend Deanna of Recycled Lovelies to the Good Will Bins in Salem. Carol and I had never been, so Sandi and Deanna initiated us into the mysteries of Bin shopping (Crap by the pound)!

It's always hit or miss at the Bins, I knew that, and it can be a little yucky, so we dressed appropriately, but I did find some treasures.

I was looking for fabric, yarn, and linens primarily. I didn't find unused yarn, but just look at this gigantic granny square afghan I found! It is obviously the work of a demented grandma - individually the squares are rather hideous - but all together it has a certain j'ne sais quoi! Its dimensions are enormous and it is very heavy. Certainly an outdoor or college blanket. That lovely little straw bag in the forefront is in perfect condition and Cheerleader is going to revamp it into a Lolita Bag. The pillow form has a new life ahead of it as well.

Here is a pile of delicate linens, a silk scarf and hankie and miscellaneous articles of clothing getting ready to lose their Good Will Fragrance.

Here is another pile of crap. Four cardigans, a pullover sweater, an intricately embroidered Indian Shalwar Camise, an old metal tool box, an old beveled mirror, a book and some picture frames.

The prints in two of the picture frames were meh. But the mats, glass and frames were in great shape. So I spray painted the frames antique white and printed out two photos I took in the garden this spring. and Ta Dah! Art!

As I get more stuff cleaned and repurposed I will post more about it. The four of us bought about 80 lbs. of crap and paid .89 per pound!

A Blast From the Past

2010-06-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

My parents came last week for Cheerleader's Graduation (I feel like I should change her name since cheerleader doesn't apply any longer, but it feels weird to change a name!), and my mom brought me all of her knitting paraphanalia - about a thousand knitting needles and darning needles, several crochet hooks and blah, blah . . .

But the funniest thing was the patterns!

They are primarily from the 60's and 80's (apparently the 70's weren't good for knitting for my mom). I had to take some pictures and share - not only am I terribly amused, but I actually want to knit some of these items! Too bad the girls have outgrown Barbie!

Isn't this a darling couple in their his and hers knitted sweaters!

This entire pattern book looks like "Fun with Dick and Jane."

Why is he so aloof? Doesn't he like the matching sweater she knit him?

New Arrivals . . .

2010-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Look what arrived!

My order from Webs!

I'm so excited, I can only speak in exclamations!

2 skeins of Lace yarn - check

10 skeins for a sweater - check

7 skeins for a shrug - check

4 skeins for a small cardigan - check

4 skeins for a circular shrug - check

2 skeins for mittens - check

6 skeins for socks - check

Cast On!

Phoenix Rising . . . Again

2010-06-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

I wasn't entirely happy with the button band on the Phoenix Cardigan. I decided to wear it for a few days and see what happened.

Here is what happened. I became completely unhappy with the button band so I added to it.

Happy Now!

By the way I noticed that I have now made more knitting posts than crocheting posts! I've crocheted for 25 years and knit for 9.5 months, but I've made more knitting posts. hmmmm.

Phoenix Rising

2010-06-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Rising from the ashes of the lamented Rosebud Cardigan (you didn't know I had frogged it did you?) comes a new cardigan - The Phoenix. Designed - mostly - by me and incorporating one of the stitch patterns from the Rosebud - this cardi fits!

That interesting stitch pattern is the Wheat Ear Rib Stitch. Couldn't work the Rosebud stitch pattern in as this cardi is worked top down and it is vital for that bobble/cable combo to be worked bottom up. I still love this yarn (knitpicks Merino style in Hollyberry), and I still love the Rosebud Cardigan - but I could not make the thing fit.

Pretty

2010-06-11T07:48:00.001-07:00

Calla Lillies and Forget-me-nots.

Graduation Gifting

2010-06-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Cheerleader is graduating this coming Monday! One year ahead of her planned graduation date - she is only 161/2 and will be entering the community college in the Autumn!

But that isn't what this post is about - because I can't reveal our graduation gift to her yet (she occasionally reads this blog).

Instead, I will show you what I am giving her cousin - who is also graduating a year early - for a gift!

An essential sewing/repair kit and some laundry aids - what college kid (away from mom for the first time) doesn't need something like this?

I got the idea for the sewing kit from the May/June 2010 issue of Victoria Magazine. The laundry bag and ditty bag that it is packed in is from here.

The rest of this week and into the weekend is packed - Memorial Service for a beloved Uncle, two high school graduations and two graduation parties. That's a lot of food, family and friends.

Move over Maya Angelou

2010-06-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

Dateline: Corvallis, OR

June 3, 2010

Not only are the June socks done, but I have written two Haiku about them.

Ode to Twinkleberry

Like doves on my feet

The best socks I ever had

To knit you is joy

My hairy legs are

not meant to dishonor you

the socks of my heart

I'm waiting by the phone for the Poet Laureate Committee to notify me that I am this year's nominee.

June

2010-06-01T07:21:00.001-07:00

The back yard is looking lovely!

The dogs really wanted to be in the photo for some reason.

You can just see the crabapple tree - though right now it is being upstaged by all the flowers.

May Socks - Darn!

2010-05-29T11:11:00.001-07:00

I can't decide if I'm cheating on my self-imposed sock-of-the-month club.

April's pair of socks ran over into May - but I'm still counting them as April's socks. Which brings us to May. I have cast on and nearly finished one sock for this month, and let me just tell you - they are the GREATEST socks EVER! Super great knitting pattern, I adore the heel and toe treatment, and they are a silk/wool blend in a great color - no down side anywhere. Except that they aren't going to be done in May, so they can't count as my May socks.

Enter these socks, which I knit last Sept. or Oct. and Zora (the Gorgon) chewed a hole in in February.

So, here is my thought. (why did the font just change? but that isn't the thought). If I darn this pair of socks, I am essentially gaining a new pair of socks as these have been unwearable since being chewed - plus, I learn a new knitting related skill. Sounds like a win/win and by being loose about the sock-of-the-month club rules I have my May socks done!

I'll show you the new socks soon - they are a delight to knit and hard to put down. I may actually get two pairs of June socks done which would be nice since I didn't start my sock-of-the-month knitting until February, but still want to get twelve pairs in 2010.

Some Finished Objects

2010-05-19T12:37:00.001-07:00

Here is a pretty little ditty bag I made using a tutorial from here.

I thought it would make a nice little gift bag for these . . .

The April socks. Finished May 18th!

A nice gift for someone who has been very helpful and supportive during recent tough times.

A Beautiful Apron & A Beautiful Spring

2010-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

I sewed this apron yesterday morning using the tute from Stop Staring . . . and Start Sewing! http://jonag.typepad.com/

It was a really quick project and turned out very nicely. Have I ever mentioned how much I love aprons?

Here is the view we have had of the patio all week. El Guapo took the blue bench out of storage, noticed it needed a little repair, so just plunked it down under the flowering Dogwood - out of the way. All week I have looked out the kitchen window and the back door just to see the vignette it makes with the contrast of the blue of the bench and the pink of the blossoms. It makes me happy!

Spring is making its way to the Willamette Valley!

Sunday Morning

2010-05-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

My newest obsession . . . hot cereal on the weekends with candied walnuts (or pecans) and usually some fresh fruit with a coffee chaser.

Here is the May 1st view of the Crabapple tree.

I'm Beginning To Think . . .

2010-05-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

that I won't be getting my April pair of socks finished in April!

The month started strong! I cast on for a pair of Jaywalker socks and was really enjoying them - nice pattern, nice knit - until I turned the heel and discovered there was no way they were going to stretch over my heel so that I would actually be able to wear them. So. The month was still young, I frogged them and started again - larger size this time. Knit, knit, knit, turn heel, try on. Same problem. No stretchy, no fitty. Well, I can learn. So, I tried a different pattern! And they are nice socks, and I am enjoying knitting them. But, dark brown yarn, size 0 dpns and my aging eyes make for many mistakes, so the going is slow. Long story short. No April socks.

Remember Folks - You Heard It Here First!

2010-04-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

That's right. You heard it here first. "Heard what?" you ask? I.finished.knitting.the.rosebud.cardigan!

Yup.

No. No photos please.

Instead of blocking the final sleeve and sewing it in so that I have a whole cardigan to model. I spent my evening celebrating with a mug of tea, my new Victoria magazine, some quilting and the good dog on my bed.

Stay tuned, more to follow.

Rx : More Fiber!

2010-04-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Does this look familiar? No, I didn't just re-post the photo from October. But it's related. My bunion-ectomy went well, but it turns out the screw holding the joint in place was too long. Lot o' pain!

Well, this morning the screw came out and sock knitting has commenced. This isn't nearly so bad as the previous procedure, which is why I chose to knit socks, rather than a cardigan!

Up and about in a very few short days.

Wooly Scarf

2010-04-18T14:32:00.001-07:00

Just in time for warm, Spring weather . . .

A pretty wooly, white scarf for Sunshine . . .

She's hoping the weather turns cold again so she has a reason to wear it!

Happy Birthday El Guapo!

2010-04-14T12:32:00.001-07:00

Some Crabapple blossoms for El Guapo's birthday.

More Pillowcases

2010-04-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

More pillowcases finished!

The green pair is for El Guapo and I - even though the quilt in our room is pink and yellow!

The lavender ones are Sunshine's - I wanted a better photo now the sun is out.

I used blue crochet thread for the trim. I really like how it turned out.

Please - Just (s)Leeve Me Alone!

2010-04-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well! Aren't we pleased with ourselves! One sleeve done, one to go. The cardigan is a bit on the short side - maybe that will change with some more aggressive blocking - but if not, Cheerleader assures me that it is cute the way it is. Bummer that you have to get this far before you can discover that maybe it is a bit short! Loving the bobbles and wheatear rib stitch.

Easter Tea

2010-04-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Sandwiches: Ham; Cucumber; and Radish

Deviled Eggs

Scones with homemade Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream

Brownies

French Frangipane Tart with Berries

Strawberries

Irish Afternoon Tea

Every year since Cheerleader was born, we have celebrated Easter with a fancy tea. Some years fancier than others - One year the girls wore their swim suits with rubber boots (the weather was very uncertain that day.)

This year the gluten-free scones came out PERFECT!

I wish I knew why.

Then maybe I could do it again.

The tart was really nice also.

Nice berries.

Budding

2010-04-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

This is the crabapple tree. Photo taken on April 1. I was going to try to get a better shot - it was really windy on the 1st and the photo is kinda blurry. Since then, however, we have had gale force winds and pounding rain. Squint your eyes and it doesn't look so bad!

April

2010-04-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

I don't know where you fall on the International Date Line, but in our neck of the woods, it's April 1. I woke this morning to frosty roofs (rooves?) and lawns and SUN - which I think even Noah was happy to see - and he only had 40 days of rain.

These first two photos were taken last week (which just proves that my earlier dig at the weather was a slight exaggeration).

This photo was taken yesterday after much rain. There was an inch of snow in a nearby town, but only flurries of pear blossom petals in our back yard.

Pillowcases

2010-03-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

Nice!

Posh

2010-03-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

Look at this charming old chair El Guapo brought home to me yesterday! I've wanted a chair similar to this for a long time. Can't you just see it - dressed up in something floral and sitting demurely on the patio?

I sewed these posh pillowcases together yesterday, using the tute from here. I'm really please with how they turned out. I chose the fabric for Sunshine - her room is grey with lavender accents. Now, I am ready to crochet some pretty white trim around the edges.

I spend soooooo much time in the car waiting for girls - classes, appts., sports, etc. I need to have portable projects to keep me from going quietly insane. I hope the crochet trim lasts a while. Though, I do have one more set of pillowcases begun; a quilt to hand quilt; one more sweater sleeve; and I need to cast on another pair of socks. Surely, with that many projects going, I will have enough to do while waiting in the car!

Happy Birthday Me!

2010-03-20T19:22:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful first day of Spring we had! And, incidentally, what a beautiful birthday I had!

The family's gift to me - aside from a delightful vintage charm bracelet - was a day with no parental responsibilities, just knitting in the sun. My gift to me was the incredible cake pictured above! Made with Gluten-free flour, it is a seriously decadent cake, perfect with tea on the patio!

Lacy Anklets

2010-03-18T16:28:00.001-07:00

I made a pair of socks in just one week! I know, I know, they're really short - but still! I made a pair of socks in a week! If I can keep this up, I may never have to do laundry again!

Three WIPs

2010-03-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

The Rosebud Cardigan is progressing nicely. I have the back, two front pieces and the front and neck trim finished. It is only lacking two sleeves and some sewing up along the sides. I am loving this cardigan!

Another pair of socks. For me this time! I have had to make them a little shorter in the ankles as I used extra yarn to repair the Zora hole in the previous pair. Actually makes them more like sports socks and I like the look.

The Crabapple Tree. Can't wait for it to bloom!

Husband's snoring leads woman to rediscover linen closet treasures . . .

2010-03-12T08:07:00.001-08:00

El Guapo has a cold. When El Guapo doesn't have a cold and he snores at night, I elbow him and 'hurrumph' until he turns over and quits snoring. But when he does have a cold, I could pump my elbow into his side like a piston and 'hurrumph' like crazypants and nothing would happen. I know this. And, if he's zoned out on Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, he will be completely unaware of my rising ire. So. If I have learned one thing in 20+ years of marriage, it's this. When El Guapo has a cold and starts with the snoring, go sleep on the sofa!

Two nights ago, at about 3:00 a.m., I rummaged around in the hall linen closet in the dark and finally identified two quilts that, combined, would keep me warm for the rest of the night on the sofa. One I knew was the Irish Chain quilt I made with fabric I bought on our trip to Ireland in 1999, and I was pretty sure the other was a quilt made by my Great-Grandmother, which I restored several years ago.

The neat thing about this whole nocturnal rummaging, was that in the morning I looked at the quilt made by Great-Grandma and was pleasantly surprised when I saw the work I had done on the back - which I had TOTALLY forgotten about! I chose to piece the back together and embroidered over every seam. I so clearly remember doing it - now. How could I have forgotten, even briefly, all that work?

It got me remembering about my great-grandparents. They were married for over 75 years and lived well into their nineties. One summer when I was pretty young, my Grandma took my sister and I to stay with the Great-grandparents for a few days. I remember being delighted by the way they ate a full meal, like pot roast or a roast chicken with all the trimmings, at lunchtime and then for dinner just had cottage cheese and fruit or a sandwich. I know, now, that this is how farmers used to eat - a big meal at lunchtime to get them through the day - but at the time, I just thought it a charming peculiarity of my great-grandparents.

I also remember my great-grandma allowing my sister and I to denude her rose bushes. She gave us a surprising quantity of Doan's Back Pills bottles, and we filled them with water and rose petals in an attempt to distill perfume. I think we had high hopes of selling perfume from a stand in the front lawn, but nothing came of it.

Two other little memories. Lots of gum - Chiclets I think. And a vague memory of worrying that my older sister might wet the bed. This was a very real worry, and I wasn't sure how it would be received by my grandma and the great grandparents.

So there, not only did I discover a forgotten treasure of the linen variety, but I also remembered a little treasure from my childhood.

All because El Guapo has mad snoring skills.

March So Far . . .

2010-03-08T09:53:00.001-08:00

As mentioned earlier - On Presidents' Day the girls and I went shopping in Salem with El Guapo's sister and her two girls. We went to a new resale shop - Plato's Closet - and I went a little nuts! I spent quite a lot of money - but I bought two bags worth of really nice clothes. Pictured above are the Aeropostal long sleeve shirt and the Charlotte Russe Hounds Tooth jacket that I bought there. I'm also wearing the Ralph Lauren jeans I bought at our local 2nd Hand shop - Second Glance Annex.

I meant to start a second project because I like to have two projects going that I can switch back and forth between, in this case it was going to be my knitted cardigan and then these pillowcases with crochet trim (inspired by the lovely cases on Rosehip .

I didn't mean to get so carried away that I completed this project in one weekend - it was supposed to last a while. Fortunately, I have more fabric, crochet thread, and pillows in need of cases.

This fabric came from my stash and has been there so long it's practically vintage. I really can't remember where it came from or when!

March Crabapple Chronicles

2010-03-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

Impossible as it is to believe, the sun was shining so brightly when I took this photo that the tree is kinda bleached out. Looks like the lawn needs a trim . . .

Here is a rare sight.

I'm not sure if Ripple was asleep and therefore didn't notice the infringement of her space by Zora, or

if she's just given up.

Maybe tomorrow I will show some of the many items of clothing I got when the girls and I went shopping at the second-hand store in Salem with El Guapo's sister and her girls on Presidents' Day.

In the 2010 Winter (knitting) Olympics, I am . . .

2010-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

. . . a participant, but not anywhere near a medal winner. I even reduced the challenge so far that I thought it might really be possible. I decided my olympic challenge would be to finish my rosebud cardigan, which I had already begun and nearly had the back finished on. But, I only managed to finish and block the back and cast-on, finish and block the left front. Too many mistakes and too many people side-tracking me. This, for instance . . .

It suddenly became urgent that I make this skirt for Cheerleader. Forget the knitting olympics, I must sew!

The Finished Crap-Yarn Crochet Blanket

2010-02-17T17:26:00.001-08:00

Extreme close-up to show the lovely pattern

Over all pattern

The sexy, rumpled look

The whole thing - reclining, Roman-like - on my bench

I don't know the dimensions, and I don't want to find my tape measure and figure it out - but I do know that it is surprisingly heavy for its size. This is a very dense pattern!

Today's view of the crab apple tree (note the sunny day!)

Thrifting

2010-02-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

I had to share what I found when the girls and I went to the 2nd hand store last week. We all found something we wanted, but I get the prize for finding the PRIZE!

Beautiful, beaded crochet. Flawless, elegant and . . . $8.00!

Birthday Socks

2010-02-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Despite Zora's best efforts (it has been established that she is a chewer), I did get the socks done with an hour and a half to spare! I wish I had taken photos of how I did the fix, because I think that it was worthy of an Olympics Knitting Challenge (as seen everywhere on the blogs). But because of circumstances, I had to go for the gold early. In fact, this may have been more than an olympic challenge, I think I may now be a ninja knitter!

So, here is how I accomplished the fix. . . I remembered reading about knitters using life-lines and wondered if I could modify the practice for a save. I found what looked like the last whole row before the hole and using a darning needle and dark yarn, made a pass through every stitch I could identify. Then I ripped back the yarn until I was one row before the life-line. Knowing that the life-line row was still available to me, I started working the sock back on to needles (using a smaller size and aluminum for ease). There were a few dropped stitches that I re-knit, but I got everything on the needles, removed the life-line and started figuring out where I was on the pattern. With a little study, shifting and twisting of stitches, I was able to begin again and finish the sock in record time! I wish there was a medal for a save like this - although I would probably then have to forfeit it for having left the sock in harm's way to begin with.

Who's Idea Was It To Have Dogs?

2010-02-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

Sure. She LOOKS innocent.

This one also. I don't see any green threads caught in her teeth.

But SOMEONE did this while I was distracted this morning.

I'm glad I took the photo of the whole sock when I did. Now at least I have proof that I was on schedule for a pair of socks in time for the birthday. The thing is, I have only myself to blame. A beautiful hand knit, wool sock left lying on the arm of the sofa is far too tempting for a new little dog who has shown that she will bite at yarn and bamboo knitting needles when sitting on my lap! Or for the dog who regularly chews sock spiders that I make for her from old, worn out socks! The only thing I can think to do is rip the sock back to the gusset (there is no damage until after the heel turns) and carry on from there. The socks will be slightly late, but I will persevere.

Dang it!

Lacy Sock Again

2010-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

It's encouraging to note that I can learn from my mistakes. I'm knitting another pair of Lacy Anklet socks for my dear friend's 50th birthday. The very moment I finished the first sock I cast on the second so I wouldn't have a repeat of when I made the socks for cheerleader right around Thanksgiving. That time I waited so long to cast on the second sock that I couldn't remember how I had done things and had to rip back my knitting several times before I got it right. Now, I can't take all the credit - I am under a very tight schedule to finish these socks before the end of next week so that they are a timely birthday gift, and that may have had something to do with casting on the second sock so quickly. But it is still a move in the right direction.

NOT a Chiggy then . . .

2010-02-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Zora is a VERY wiggly dog, which makes photographing her difficult.

But it appears she is NOT a chiggy, which is sad, as I really like saying Chiggy.

Cheerleader found a dog breed book at the library and, minus the cropped ears and docked tail, the photo below looks just like the little miss.

It had never occurred to me that she was a Miniature Pinscher because the only Min Pins I'm familiar with are black and tan. I didn't even realize they came in the lovely cinnamon color that Zora is sporting.

February

2010-02-02T08:46:00.001-08:00

Here are the arm warmers I made from the sale wool. I made one using the same fingerless mitten pattern from {a-black-pepper}, but it was too tight so I ripped it out (even though I FINALLY figured out the thumb gusset!) and made these from A Friend to Knit With - I think they are "Toast", but maybe "Toasty". One thing I have learned about my knitting - not only do I knit tightly, but I bind off tightly also - perhaps a bit too tightly. The thumb openings need some definite stretching. But I love the color and the form fit.

Ripple has reservations about Zora.

She dislikes the snuggling and would really like to play - which Zora is not quite ready for.

February Crab Apple

A New Family Member

2010-01-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

Doesn't she look lonely?

A lone dog amidst all that fluff?

Never fear!

The new dog (a chiggy) is here! We adopted her today from the Humane Society. She is 1.5 years old (and has already had a litter of pups!); she weighs 11 pounds, and they said she was maybe a Whippet/Italian Greyhound mix. I think she looks much more like a Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix, therefore: a chiggy! She came with the name Zora, which we quite like and intend to keep. Poor pup gets spayed on Friday, so she won't be feeling so photogenic for a few days.

A New Family Member

2010-01-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Comfort and Joy

2010-01-15T11:44:00.001-08:00

Is there Anything that a piece of chocolate, a good mystery novel and this little whippet can't make better?

photos

2010-01-14T11:29:00.001-08:00

the light was good and the day was fine . . .

a great opportunity to take some photos

of the wintry garden

and use a photo editor on some of the images!

Did you say . . . Yogurt?

2010-01-10T13:59:00.001-08:00

idk . . .

2010-01-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

Because it was on sale? A really good sale! $3.00 per skein instead of $8.75!

And I wanted to knit some fingerless mittens for me! Plus, since I finished the lacy anklet I needed to start something else. I like having a big project (the Rosebud cardigan); an easy project for nighttime (the crochet crappy yarn throw); and a small, tuck-in-my-purse project (fingerless mitts). This yarn is tres nice! I kinda wish I had bought more and I need to make sure I don't drive past the yarn shop anytime soon, or I will buy more! Which doesn't fit well with my New Year's Resolution.

Lacy Sock Ta-Dah

2010-01-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Finally! I completed the first sock over Thanksgiving weekend, then waited two or three weeks before casting on the second. Something wasn't working right and I didn't know if I had made a mistake on the second sock, or made a mistake (un-repeatable) on the first sock. I ripped back three times before I finally got it right, because I knew that the one they were intended for would not be able to wear two socks that matched only by virtue of being knit from the same skein of yarn - she can't even eat an uneven number of m & m's.

These are Whit's Knits: Lace Anklets from The Purl Bee (www.purlbee.com) and they are knit with one skein of Knitpicks Stroll in Black Tweed and accented with Knitpicks Essential in Grasshopper on No. 1 and No. 2 needles. The only change I made was to add the stripe of accent color at the toe.

Sunrise on the 7th

2010-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Its an awful photo - blurry, but the moment passed too quickly for me to get a better one. This is the sunrise this morning behind the pear tree.