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

2/28/11

The Wind is Blowing

As I write this, the wind is trying to blow my house into Montana, and the snow is falling-more or less horizontally. Wait-maybe it's trying to blow the snow into Montana? Anyway, I'm a nervous wreck.

I used to love the sound of the wind in the trees. When I was a little girl we had a huge cedar tree in our back yard. During wind storms I would climb up to the top of that tree and ride in it as the wind blew it back and forth. Actually, I spent a lot of time in that tree, 150 feet up from the ground. I even hauled a couple two by fours, some nails, and a hammer up there and made myself a seat and a little shelf. I'd take a good book up there, along with a can of soda and a sandwich, and read for awhile. (I wonder what my mother thought of that?) It was peaceful, and the view was fantastic. I could see the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, Puget Sound and it's islands, and Mt. St. Helens from up there. As far as I know, the seat and shelf are still there.

Back to the subject, I loved wind, and then we had the big event on July 9,1995. In 10 minutes almost all 360 acres of the Parkarosa's beautiful pine trees were flattened by a storm. Some say it was a tornado, others say it was wind sheer. It was one of, if not the most, frightening things I've ever experienced. Now the wind makes me nervous.

Here is a pic of the swatch I made for St. Brigid, the Alice Starmore sweater I'm going to make.


The colors aren't right in this picture. It looks much darker in real life. I got gauge on the second try, with size 7 needles (size 6 was too small). I need to do some calculations to size up the sweater a bit (I iz undertall), and then I can cast on.

I worked on the Entrelac mitt last night. I think there's a mistake in the pattern. After the ribbing it says to knit 10 rows of plain stockinette, then start the Entrelac. I did that and it didn't look right. In fact, it looked downright weird. So I frogged back to the ribbing and started the Entrelac after just one row of stockinette. It looks much better now. There are way too many patterns out there with mistakes in them.

Tomorrow is my Blogiversary.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/27/11

Star Trek for the Feet

Taa Daa!


My Star Trek Socks

Pattern: My own.

Yarn: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Superwash Sport
Color: SW84 Shanes Red and SW05 Onyx
Content: 100% Superwash Wool
Yarn:   Patons Brilliant
Color: Metallic Gold
Content: 69% Acrylic/19% Nylon/12% Polyester


Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 3.

Size: Ladies Medium (size 8.5 shoe)

Cast on: March 18, 2010
Bound off: February 23, 2011

Comments:  As usual, I love the socks. I don't know how well the yarn will hold up to wear, not having any nylon in it and being somewhat soft, but they sure are comfy.

I've become pretty darn good at the heel/gusset thing. No more holes to sew shut. Yay!


It's a simple 4x2 rib in the leg.


I'm thinking about writing the pattern up. I started out doing someone else's pattern, but due to problems with said pattern, I abandoned it and did my own thing. Hmm, will think about it.

Live long and prosper.\\//

2/25/11

Adventure in Entrelac

A lot of people have been asking me about Entrelac of late. It's a knitting technique I've always been interested in learning but just haven't gotten around to it. Well, with all these questions, I've decided it's time to learn it. I am going to make a pair of Entrelac fingerless mitts using some of the Mini Mochie sock yarn I bought on our trip last weekend. I've just begun the ribbing on the cuff.


In preparation for the Entrelac part after the ribbing I watched a couple Youtube videos on how to do it this morning. One is from Knitting Daily, the other is from Garn Studio Drops Designs. All I can say is "Wow. I didn't know it's that easy." Now I'm wishing I'd learned it years ago. But I tend to make time for stuff only when it becomes most important. I haven't felt the need until now.

I did finish the second Star Trek sock last Wednesday. I need to block it before I'll show it here.

Last night I did just a bit of beading. I worked on the 3rd of the beads I'm making for the Italian beading class. I've got until March 1st to get the 4th one done. I did not knit because I wasn't feeling well and for some reason it bothered me to do so. I feel much better this morning.

A couple weeks ago I mentioned I was trying a new Pork chop recipe and if I liked it I'd share the recipe here on the blog. Well, I didn't just like it. I loved it. It was delicious, and the meat was so moist. So, if you want to try Pork Chops marinated in a concoction that includes rum, here is a link to the recipe:


They say to barbecue them, but I broiled them in the oven and it was every bit as delicious.

That second blizzard never appeared last night. Oh, the wind blew hard enough to cause white out conditions by picking the snow up off the ground and close some of the highways around here, but the sky was clear and starry. No extra snow falling from above. Today the sun is shining brightly and the sky is blue, and it's 10F degrees. This is supposed to be our high for the day. Compared to tomorrows expected high, today is downright balmy.

I will spend the day trying to keep warm.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/24/11

Violet Angel

I took some time to bead and got the little angel for the Italian beading class done.





She's so tiny.




I have some more pictures to share from our trip. As I mentioned yesterday, we drove around the Olympic Peninsula. This first one is taken on Kalaloch Beach. We used to go camping here every year during Christmas break when I was a kid. I have so many wonderful memories from this place.


This seagull had a lot to say to me. We had quite a conversation. He was letting me know that he wasn't interested in sharing his salmon carcass with me. I assured him I wasn't really interested in it.


We walked up the beach a little bit. We couldn't go very far because there was a humongous amount of driftwood (logs) piled up on it and the tide was in.



We took a small side trip into the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park. There was a sign that said "Large Spruce Tree". We stopped to see. Yup! That is one large Spruce tree! (see 6 foot 5 sweet hubby standing beside it) It was still living too. All the Sprucey greenery was way up high. The greenery you see here is moss. It grows on everything in the rainforest.


I thought having snow in a rainforest was a little----- weird.

We saw two herd of elk. These ones were snacking on pond slime and grass.


We did stop in a yarn shop on our trip. We initially drove by it. I said "A yarn shop!" Sweet hubby kept driving.

I said "Hey! Are you just gonna go right by it?!"

He said "Are you sure you want to stop?"

I shouted "Is the sky blue?! Is the grass green?! Do pigs oink?!" Geez! 29 years of marriage and he still doesn't get it????

He turned around and went back.

The shop is called Yarn and Darn Things. It was pretty small, but the owner was so friendly and sweet. We had a nice chat. I bought sock yarn. I got some Mini Mochie, A skein of Poems Socks, and 2 skeins of Berroco Comfort sock yarn, which is an acrylic/nylon blend. I am going to use the Mini Mochie for some Entrelac projects. It's time I learned how to do it since I'm getting asked questions about it now. I guess Entrelac is the 'in' thing for knitters now? At least, here in north Idaho anyway. Teacher needs to keep up with things.


I think the Berocco Sock would make some pretty hats. I don't think I'd like acrylic socks. I like the end view of the Poems Sock. There is a lot of colors in there.


 The weather turned nasty yesterday. It snowed like crazy, and the wind blew, making blizzard conditions. I went to Yarnies, before the storm arrived. I got to have a 'really fun' drive home. I spent an hour and a half on the freeway (when it would normally take 5 minutes) with gale force winds and white out conditions. Cars were sliding off into the ditch all over the place. It was a real relief to get home. We got about 7 - 8 inches of snow.

I did not go into Coeur d'Alene for my class this morning, and rescheduled my monthly blood test. The weather was so bad the United States Postal Service canceled mail delivery for the day. The police were begging people to stay home. I'm no fool. If the mail trucks can't even deliver the mail, I am not driving anywhere! I think this is the first time the mail was canceled due to weather in my life.

The sun is shining at the moment. We are still under a blizzard warning though. It's a short break before the next Snowpocalypse comes later this evening. Temps are going to drop into the negative numbers too. I will try to stay warm.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/23/11

The Beach

Finally, I've found a moment for a quick post. I'm skipping WIP Wednesday. I got other things to talk about.

Our trip was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. It served 2 purposes. One-sweet hubby has been dying to see the house his sister is having built. Two-our wedding anniversary fell on this weekend. We decided to escape to celebrate. 29 years, for those wondering.

I took pics of the beach, a few of which I will share here.

This beach is near Westport, WA. It is the beach near the house my sister-in-law is building.


It's a combination of gravel and sand. There's a lot more sand when the tide is out. It's almost all the way in here.

This is sweet hubby and his sister, Elizabeth. We were checking out her new digs. As you can see, the roof is a bit leaky.


Coastal deer frequently visit her back yard.


I liked this large chunk of driftwood. It's pretty.


There were lots and lots of sand dollars on the beach.


Detail.



And some shells too.


They are having spring over there. There were flowers blooming around the hotel we stayed at.


 We spent 2 nights in Westport, then we drove around the Olympic Peninsula, finally ending up in Tacoma at my other sister-in-laws house where we spent the night. On Monday we headed for home.

I worked on the second Star Trek sock in the car. Got it almost done. I will probably finish it tonight since all I have left is the toe.

Today we are getting winter storm warnings. Lots of snow expected. I'm so glad I got to enjoy some sunshine over the weekend.
Live long and prosper. \\//

2/18/11

Swiss Army Knife for Knitters

My daughter sent me a belated birthday present and it is so cool! It's called The Knit Kit.


It's about the same size as a 50 gram skein of yarn, except flatter. It has a tape measure, yarn cutter, row counter, and crochet hook for fixing dropped stitches on the front.


 Flip it over and there's a little compartment with scissors, stitch markers, a couple point protectors, and a yarn needle in it. I think it's gotta be one of the coolest knitting gadgets ever.

Thank you, my lovely daughter. I love it.

I am not home. Sweet hubby and I have  been on the road all day. It was a spur-of-the-moment trip. We left at 8 this morning and arrived at our destination, Westport, Washington, about 4pm. This trip is a dual purpose one. Our 29th wedding anniversary is this weekend. We decided to celebrate by leaving town and heading for the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The second reason is because my husbands sister is building a house here and he wanted to see it in the worst way.  We are spending two days here in Westport. Then we're going to drive up the coast, north, and tour around the Olympic peninsula. We will spend Sunday night at my other sister-in-laws house in Tacoma, Washington. We're headed for home on Monday. I've got free wifi at the hotel we're staying at.

When I wasn't sleeping, I knitted in the car. I made good progress on the second Star Trek sock. I also have the swatch done for the Alice Starmore sweater. I really like how the yarn knits up (it's incredibly soft). I got gauge on the second swatch, but it felt so good to knit with it I didn't mind having to swatch more than once. I'm hoping to take some  progress photos tomorrow to post.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/16/11

WIP Wednesday February 16, 2011

Before I talk about WIPs this Wednesday, there's something I want to show you. I was getting ready to go this morning. I had the tv in my bedroom on. I leaned down to get into my sock drawer, putting my head about 3 inches from the tv screen, when something flashed on the screen. I just saw it out of the corner of my eye, but it caught my attention. So, I went out into the living room where the big tv is, paused the show, rewound, and took a pic of what I saw:


Look! A knitting book and some yarn in a little box on a table in a scene of The Closer. Episode 31, "Serving the King". It's supposed to be the main characters living room. She was walking to her couch.

Big Book of KnittingI was gonna do an Amazon link to the book, but I have been unable to find one like it. At first I thought it was The Big Book of Knitting but the cover is completely different. They must have made it up themselves for a prop. How disappointing. But at the same time, how cool! 

Yeah. I'm weird. Tell me something I don't know.

~~~~~~~~~~

On to WIP Wednesday.



I have 2 projects to share with you today. First project:


My Star Trek sock. I really really like it. I'm excited now. I want to get the second one done so I can wear them.

Project 2:


The yarn for my Alice Starmore sweater has come! YAY!


Isn't it pretty? Much prettier than I expected. It's Baby Twist from Alpaca With a Twist. It's DK weight, has little blue and red  nupps mixed in with the green/brown heather, and is so soft. Heavenly, in fact. I am SO excited! Gonna do my swatch tonight while I watch the first episode of Survivor:Redemption Island. It's gonna be a great evening.

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

Live long and prosper. \\//

ETA:

Knitting: Techniques and Projects (A Sunset Book)I found the book. Knitting, A Sunset Book. I actually have this one in my personal library.


2/15/11

Lobster Bisque Cardigan

It's nice to have a new addition to my wardrobe. Especially one as warm and snuggly as this one is.


 Lobster Bisque Cardigan

Pattern:  New Wool &Mohair Walking Jacket from Ironstone Kit #795

Yarn:
Lobster Pot Yarns Big Mo Mohair
Color: Lobster Bisque
Content: Mohair/Wool blend
Yarn: Araucania Magallanes
Color: 323
Content: 100% Wool
Yarn: Fingering Weight Acrylic of unknown origin
Color: Pale Peach
Content: 100% Acrylic

Needles:
Addi Turbo Circular size 11, 13, and 15.

Size:
Ladies Large

Cast on:
January 8, 2011
Completed: February 14, 2011

Comments: This is the second time I've knit this pattern. It's a very simple and quick knit, being on size 15 needles with 3 strands of yarn. My only complaint is the sleeve length. The assumption is that if you are wider your arms hang down by your knees. I shortened mine by 2 inches which was perfect.

I made one other change. Instead of the neckband, I made a collar, mostly so it would be a bit different than the first one I made (a different color not being enough) If you want to make a collar too, it's real easy. Pick up the number of stitches pattern requires for neckband, except do it with wrong side facing you, and knit garter stitch for 4 or 5 inches, then bind off. That's all there is to it.

The collar.

 I love the buttons. They are antique plastic that I found in my stash.


The stitch pattern is not carried up the whole sleeve, but I like it that way.


Detail of the bottom welt. Standard 1x1 rib.


It fits well enough that I can button it.

Just call me the giant peach.


All in all, I'm happy with it. I intend to wear it today when I go to Rathdrum Knitalong.

~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I had a productive weekend, as my crafts go, but I didn't accomplish my goal. I wanted to get those 2 beads done for the Italian beading class too. Didn't get them done. The next installment of the class came yesterday. I guess I'll be behind for a few days. That's okay. I can catch up.

Woke up to snow this morning. See? What did I say? 2 more months of winter.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/14/11

Yay!



I got flowers from Sweet Hubby. They were a wonderful surprise.


 A lovely bouquet of orchids and carnations. I love it!

My wonderful mouse catching daughter caught another deer mouse that Lindy brought in the house and let loose.


 Isn't that little pink nose just the cutest? And those whiskers!

As of the moment I'm writing this my new Cenotes Sock pattern has been downloaded 658 times since I uploaded it on Sunday. Wow! That has got to be some kind of record. Didn't expect it to be that popular. I wore the socks today. My feet enjoyed them greatly. Felt like I was wearing velvet. 'Twas wonderful.

I have finished the Lobster cardigan. I'll post about it tomorrow. It fits perfect, and so snuggly wuggly!

It was 45 degrees today. The snow is melting fast. It's hard to not think about spring, but I know this warm spell is just temporary. It's still winter. I need to keep that in mind.

That is all.

Live long and prosper. \\//

2/12/11

Cenotes Socks are Done



Cenotes Socks

Pattern: Cenotes Socks by me.
Yarn: Summit Sock by Impulse of Delight
Color: Blueberry Skies
Content: 80% Merino wool/20% Nylon
Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 2.
Size: Ladies Medium (size 8.5 shoe)
Cast on: October 16, 2010
Bound off: February 10, 2011

Comments:  I absolutely love these socks.

I love the color. It soothes my winter weary eyes.



I love the yarn. It's from Impulse of Delight. It is wonderful to work with.



I love the stitch pattern. I found it in a very old sweater pattern.



But I'm just a bit biased because I designed them. You too can have socks just like this. Just click on over to my Beadknitter Patterns blog to get the pattern.

Live long and prosper. \\//