"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either." ~ Elizabeth Zimmerman

2/24/12

Luis the Seahorse

This is Luis the Seahorse.

Luis the Seahorse

He was hard to photograph. Not having a flash wasn't bright enough, but having a flash washed things out terribly. Then I tried wrapping a white tissue around the flasher so the light would be more diffused when it flashed. That worked.



Luis is about 3 inches tall. I think he's a little large for a pendant, but he'd make a great pin/brooch.



His basic form is done in Right Angle Weave with size 8 silver lined dark teal seed beads. I then embellished him with 3mm Swarovski bicone crystals, size 15 seed beads, and size 11 seed beads. His fin and head crown are herringbone stitch with size 11 and 15 seed beads. don't know what I'm going to do with him yet. He's so cute. I just like looking at him.



The pattern is written in German, but the graphics are pretty good. There's only a few spots where I had to turn to Google Translator to figure out the next steps. It was a bit of a challenge for me but I enjoyed it. Once I got past that part, it was fairly smooth sailing. It is available for purchase at Fantasia Beads, which is a German bead pattern site. At the time I purchased this pattern (October?) it cost about $20 US.

On Wednesday my yarn order for Sarah's new smaller February Lady Sweater arrived. I ordered Cascade Pacific in Army Green. It's a superwash merino/acrylic blend. Wow! Is this ever a nice yarn! It's super soft. Feels better than the finest Cashmere. I love the color too. It's exactly what I was hoping it would be.



I cast on yesterday and my fingers are LOVING working with it. They've been doing the happy dance ever since.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/22/12

WIP Wednesday 2/22/2012

I have just one WIP to show you today.



I've been working on finishing Luis the Seahorse. The instructions are written in German, so it's been quite a challenge figuring them out. So far it's looking like it's supposed to. I have the back fin and the nose left and he'll be done.

Yesterday was our 30th wedding anniversary. We celebrated by going out to dinner at Cedars Floating Restaurant. It floats in Lake Coeur d'Alene. We've lived here almost 20 years and never been to it. I wish I hadn't waited so long. It was very nice and the food was outstanding. Sweet Hubby and I enjoyed it very much.

Sweet Hubby got me flowers and chocolates too. These are the flowers.



I ate the chocolates without taking pictures first. Oh well.

Weather report:  Yesterday it warmed up considerably. It's been raining quite a bit too so the snow we got over the weekend is just about all gone. Now the wind is blowing like crazy and snow is expected in the near future. I am longing for spring.




If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/19/12

Beady FO's

I've been beading this weekend. I finished two projects.

I felt the need to finish this Christmas ornament cover before I started the Yahoo group beadalong, so I made myself sit and work on it. It was a labor intense project because of all that fringe. But I love the results.



I used plastic pearls instead of glass ones, and I'm so glad I did because even with the plastic ones it's rather heavy. Glass ones would have been even heavier. The red beads are antique. I found them on Ebay a couple years ago and bought them. They came on little hanks and are cut which means sharp edges, so I will have to treat it with care so the threads don't get cut. I used fireline in the zig-zag, but I used nymo for the fringe because it drapes better.

This pattern is a design by Cathy McCrea called Rickrack 'n Roll Ornament Cover. You can purchase it in her Etsy store, Cathylikestocraft.

After finishing the cover, I got serious about the bead along bracelet, which is Russian Spiral. I haven't done anything in this stitch in awhile, so it felt good to be back at it.



The pattern called for 2 colors of size 8 Hex seed beads. I had more than one color in the stash, but none of them went together (ugh!). I really wanted to use my pale pink ones with black, so I substituted some black AB 3mm cube beads instead. One color of size 8 seed beads, silver lined raspberry, and one color of size 11 seeds beads in hematite black were also used. I found a raspberry colored lampwork bead to use for the button and loop clasp. I do not know if the designer is going to offer this pattern for sale after the bead along or not. If she does, I'll come back and edit this with that info.

I finished the second sleeve of the orange baby aran. Now I need to steam block the pieces before I start assembling it.

We got snow last night. Just over 6 inches was on the ground when I got up this morning. Cable spent a good part of the day frolicking in it. She was funny to watch. At one point she grabbed her favorite bone and took it outside. She ran around and around the house with it sticking out of her mouth like a cigar. I think she was giving it a ride. When she got tired, she brought it back in. Silly girl.

Live long and prosper. \\//


2/15/12

WIP Wednesday 2/15/2012

It's WIP Wednesday time! I'll start with the shrug. It's about 1/3 done. I frogged it and started over, using one strand of yarn for the cuff, and adding the second color for a stripe pattern.



I could probably get this done fairly quickly if I just applied myself. Ha.

I got the first sleeve going on the orange baby aran.



Santa finally put the Poinsettias on the Christmas tree.



Pictures do not do the stocking justice. Next step is embroidering a name on the top piece. I've decided on 'Cable'. She needs a stocking, doncha think?

Speaking of Cable, she finally figured out she can go in and out of the doggy door whenever she wants. I could see when the light bulb went on in her head. I let her out that morning, then closed the door all the way. The only way to get in was through the doggy door. After she sat in front of the door waiting and whining a bit, she pushed her way in the doggy door. Stood there for a minute. Turned around and looked at the doggy door, and you could see it on her face. "HEY!" My goodness, she got excited!

On the first couple days she was  going in and out, in and out, in and out, in and out... She was even taking her toys out for a tour of the yard and bringing them back in. It got annoying because the door bangs every time she goes through. So, after a few hours of this, I locked the door for awhile just for some peace. I'll be glad when the novelty wears off. LOL!

Yesterday I took my finished paper work to the fair office. Yup! It's begun. Fair planning for 2012. We will be having our first meeting in March. I have changed some of the classes. I split out the hats, sweaters, mittens, and scarves into generalized technique categories of plain, solid texture, openwork texture, and color/intarsia work. I did that to the afghans and socks last year, but left it at that because I didn't think I needed to do more based on the entries we'd had the year before. However, last year the judges asked me to split them out for the next year. It will make things a little easier for them.

I'm starting a new bead along. In the Seedbeadersters group (on Yahoo) we're going to be doing a Russian Spiral project for February. Should be fun. I hope to get started later today.

I am taking Cable to be groomed today. This will be the first time I pay someone else to bath and primp a dog for me. She's so much bigger than the boys were, I decided I didn't want to wrestle with her in the bathtub. Let someone else do that.

If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.



Live long and prosper. \\//

2/14/12

Ruth Blocks Her Blanket

Ruth blocked her blanket on Friday. I took pics.

Remember the Before picture? Looks rather narrow and puckered in places.



The blanket is her own design. She used several colors of  Baby Bee Sweet Delight Baby yarn which is an acrylic/nylon blend. She started by weaving blocking wires in along the edges of the blanket. Then she pinned it out to how she wanted it on a sheet spread on the rug. She used my Jiffy Steamer to lightly steam it.



This is after the blanket was dry and she'd taken the wires and pins out.



Quite a difference. Now it lays flat (no more puckers) and is much wider. She's been wrapping herself up in it ever since. She loves it. I'm glad. I am also just so darn proud of her for finishing this project. It was a big one!

Speaking of big projects, this morning UPS delivered a book I pre-ordered months ago, as soon as I heard it was being reprinted. I am so thrilled to have the new edition of Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt.



It's a big book, over 700 pages. It is the most comprehensive resource book on knitting techniques you will ever find. It was first published in the 1980's. I didn't discover it until after it went out of print. Ms. Hiatt says in the forward that people have been clamoring for a reprint. She decided to redo the whole book, updating and adding new things she'd learned since the first publication. It took 10 years for her to do it. It is AWESOME! Not only does she tell you HOW to do things, but WHY you do them that way and WHEN to use them. There are no patterns in the book. Just lots of knowledge about knitting and how to do it. I am extremely pleased to have it in my library.

I should mention that some time last year I managed to acquire a used copy of the original printing of this book. I love it too. But I have to admit the new one is quite a bit better.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/10/12

I Missed It

I had plans to do a WIP Wednesday post this week, but I didn't have time. So I'll do it on Friday instead.

Here's a blast from the past. I made these socks in 2008.



I think it was the 2nd time I washed them they came out of the washer with huge holes in one sock and a small one in the other. I tossed them 'in the back of the closet' (figuratively speaking) cuz of frustration. Well, I've been wanting to wear those socks so I decided to fix the holes.



On this sock the biggest hole was on the instep. It was too big to just fix, so Tuesday night I unraveled from the toe back past the hole and started reknitting it. Fortunately, I kept the leftover yarn so I can do this.

I have 2 other pairs of socks that came out of the washer that day with holes in them. I think they caught on a zipper or something. Now I make sure to put my socks in a lingerie bag when going in the washer.

I also worked a little bit on the baby aran, but not enough to take a pic of it.

This ornament cover is sitting out on the dining room table for easy access. I've been grabbing a minute here and a minute there to work on it.



I'm doing the last step-putting on the fringe. It's a LOT of fringe. Uses over 300 pearls. I'm using plastic ones. I think it would be silly for me to use real pearls on something like this (not to mention it would cost a fortune). I've got 1/3rd of it done.

This is not my WIP, but I am very proud of it just the same. Or maybe I should say I'm very proud of the lady who knit it, my daughter.

Lindy likes the blanket too.

She started this blanket, for herself, last May. Yesterday she bound off the last stitch. All that's left is weaving in the ends and blocking it. She worked on this project almost every day since casting it on. I admire her perseverance.

We're gonna have to move some furniture out of the way so she can use the rug in the living room for a blocking surface.

The sunshine is gone, the temps have gone up a bit, and it's raining. It's mushy out there. I want spring.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/6/12

Simple Woman's Daybook February 6, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
Sunshine and blue sky. It's a beautiful day today.

I am thinking...
the Cherry Limeade I made myself is very tasty.

I am thankful...
for the friends I have. A few of them took me out to lunch today cuz it's my birthday!

In the kitchen...
very little is happening. I'm not cooking on my birthday. Nuff said.

I am wearing...
black slacks and a red and black print blouse with the black and red jewelry set I made in December of 2010.

I am creating...
the pattern for the Blog Reader Special socks. I have three test knitters working on it for me. No more mistakes have been found-so far.

I am going...
out to dinner tonight cuz it's my birthday.

I am wondering...
where we're going for dinner because I haven't decided what I want to eat yet.

I am reading...
The Inside Ring by Mike Lawson. It was on sale for 99 cents in Nook format, so I thought I'd give it a try. It's a political thriller and I'm enjoying it very much. Lots of intrigue.

I am hoping...
all is good with the sock pattern. I'd like to get it to Ray sooner than later.

I am looking forward to...
dinner tonight with Sweet Hubby and daughter Ruth.

I am learning
new things in knitting. When I do short row heels on my socks, I've been having problems with holes at the corners of the heels. I Googled it and found the answer on the blog Cosmic Pluto Knits!. I love it when I learn a new knitting trick.

Around the house...
It's pretty quiet. The cats are sleeping on Ruth's bed and Cable is laying on the floor next to me. Ruth is doing something on her computer. It's a fairly clean house because we had company here yesterday to watch the Super Bowl.

I am pondering...
what sort of pattern I should start for Ray now that the socks are almost done. I have so many ideas!

A favorite quote for today...


One of my favorite things...
Cherry Limeade. I make mine with Ginger Ale and a dash of Roses Cherry Grenadine and Lime Syrup. Sometimes I'll add a shot of vodka. But not today.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Rathdrum Knitalong tomorrow and Yarnies on Thursday. Other than that, just puttering at home.

Picture thought to share...

Squirrel!



If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here


Live long and prosper. \\//


2/4/12

Blog Reader Special Socks






Pattern: Blog Reader Special Socks by Me

Yarn: Knitivity Down Home Art Yarns Sock
Color: Blog Reader Special  8-April-11 #403
Content: 75% Superwash Wool/25% Nylon

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 3.

Size: Ladies Medium (size 8 shoe)

Cast on: January 3, 2012
Bound off: February 1, 2012

Comments: I created this pattern for Ray at Knitivity. I picked a stitch pattern that I think goes well with variegated yarns. It is an easy pattern to memorize. These are knitted from the toe up. The yarn was nice to work with. I love the way it pooled on the feet. The pattern is available from Knitivity.

We are having a beautiful, although cold, sunshiny day today.



Cable wanted to go outside and play with me, so I tossed a toy around for her in the back yard (a good section of the snow is gone) and we had a very good time. She wore me out very nicely too. 



She is such a pretty girl.



Last night I made roast turkey breast for dinner, with mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed asparagus, and french bread rolls. The turkey was delicious. Cable loved it the most. After dinner she managed to get a hold of the carcass from off the kitchen counter twice even though I pushed the platter all the way to the back. She has a very long reach! I wanted to pick what was left off the carcass for a turkey sandwich later, but after all the dog spit got on it I changed my mind. Cable is keeping us on our toes!

Live long and prosper. \\//