Hitting the Floor Running

Busy busy busy! My goodness, we're leaving on our vacation in 3 days. So much to do!

WWKIP day was wonderful. Had a nice group of people show up. The weather was absolutely perfect. Sunshine, blue sky, and a nice gentle breeze. Temp was in the low to mid 70's. I had a great time and got about 6 inches of the Navy Textured pullover front done. I took a few pics, but don't have the time to download them and all that. Perhaps later this week.

I am having computer problems. My sweet hubby spent last Sunday morning trying to fix it for me. I have something that is redirecting all my Google searches to lame ad web pages. He got rid of it for me, but as soon as I started using Google again to search for things it came back. So now I don't know what to do. It makes it impossible for me to search for things. It also slows down my computer. I've run 2 different virus/spyware search tools and they haven't found anything. It's very frustrating. Perhaps I should email Google tech support or something.

Over the weekend, besides the WWKIP and computer probs, we had other things going on. Saturday afternoon (rushed home from WWKIP day) was a graduation party for our nephew, Tyler. Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday he was hanging on my kneecaps.

On Sunday sweet hubby and I spent our time in preparation for the trip. He worked on getting our sprinkler system working, installed our new Solar 12-volt Battery Recharger to our trailer, and gathered assorted items for packing.

I went shopping for the trip. I took Ruth into Coeur d'Alene to find a new swimming suit, socks, and stuff like that, picked up some camping gear we needed, and whatnot. I bought a Coleman Coffee Maker so we can have good coffee. I've been using the percolator pot, and can make good coffee with it, but no matter how hard I try, there's always grounds in it, and it takes quite awhile to make. This coffee maker works like your typical drip maker, but works on a gas camping stove.

I'm making lists now to keep track of everything because I've come to the point where the brain is randomly tossing things out at random.

Yesterday I had lunch with the Tuesday Gals at Bardenays. I had one of the best French Dips ever, and had a good time chatting with my friends.

After lunch I went to see my new doctor. A follow up appointment regarding the gimpy leg and the meds I take. I asked him about walking-how much is too much, and whatnot. He recommends not more than an hour at a time, with at least one break in that hour putting the leg up. I'm concerned because if I'm on my feet for more than 20 minutes or so it starts swelling up and eventually hurts like heck. We've got hikes planned and whatnot. So, I guess I'll be cutting back some on those plans. Other than that, the news was good. I'm still alive and kicking. After getting home I thoroughly cleaned the inside of the trailer.

Today I have Rathdrum Knitalong, and a trip to the post office to put in a mail-hold-request. Then I start packing. Fun fun!

Somewhere in all that I am actually getting knitting AND beading done. I need it for the stress release. I'm not sleeping very well and starting to feel anxious with trip day looming so close. It's excitement anxiety, but it still has the same effect as the bad kind of anxiety does on me.

The Parkarosa Bird Buffet is being visited by a wild turkey this week. This morning, when sweet hubby got up, she was perched on the side of the bird bath having a drink. She's been eating the seed dropped on the ground by the other birds, and even taking the occasional nap under the tree. We've been trying to get pics of her but she is extremely shy. I'm wondering if she has a nest nearby or something? I sure hope not because if Lindy finds it, it won't be pretty.

Well, I've gotta get busy. Have a great day!

Happy World Wide Knit in Public Day!

June 12, 2010

Where: Ramsey Park, Coeur D'alene.

In the 3500 block of Ramsey Road, north of I-90, next to the Kroc Center. Meet in the picnic area. I'll have a sign set up so you can find us.

When: 10am to 1ish

Bring: A chair, sunscreen, and your knitting or crochet. We don't discriminate.

Back Up Plan: We commandeer one of the covered picnic areas.

Sponsored by  Linda Jo Park

World Wide Knit in Public Day was created by Danielle Landes in 2005.
To find out more about WWKiP Day visit wwkipday.com

Big Skein

I got some knitting done yesterday. I worked on the Navy Textured pullover most of the time I had for knitting and got 6 inches done. In the evening, though, I took a break to work on something using this huge skein of Rainbow Boucle I got from Knitwits that I mentioned the other day.

I've decided to make a lacy shrug with it  using a really simple stitch pattern because with the texture nothing else will show. I'm even using size 15 needles. It feels kind of weird too. It's been awhile since I've done a truly big needle knit. I don't like working with this yarn so, thankfully, the project will knit up quickly.

It rained all day, and it's supposed to rain all day today too. Starting to wonder if we should bet the Kayaks out of the storage shed. However, dry warm weather is headed this way just in time for World Wide Knit in Public Day. Hurray! It's supposed to be perfect 72 degrees on Saturday.

Have a great day.

World Wide Knit in Public Day 2010

Well, we're cuttin' it kind of close, but we finally got the Coeur d'Alene World Wide Knit in Public Day organized. It will be held on Saturday, June 12, 10am to whenever (I'll be leaving at 1pm) at the Ramsey Park which is in the 3500 block of Ramsey Road north of the freeway, next to the Croc Center. We'll be in the picnic area. Bring a chair, a project to work on, sack lunch, beverage, and possibly you'll need sunscreen. We welcome crocheters and spinners to this event too.

Yesterday was a really busy one for me. But I got a lot done. I had 2 students show up for my knitting class. I really enjoyed them both too. I had to go into Spokane Valley to return one of the DVD's I bought at Best Buy last week because I accidentally forgot to make sure it was wide screen (it wasn't). I traded it and some cash in on a car charger for my Nook. I need it for our road trip.

I managed to get a significant amount done on the first Judy Monkey sock.

It is raining again today. We did have sunshine yesterday, so I guess I shouldn't complain, but when it rains, it really rains. Some of my friends replanted their tomato plants lost in the freeze we had a couple weeks ago only to have them drown this week. Rumor has it that we have drier days in our future.

Yesterday afternoon, since it was dry out, I took advantage of it and replanted the 40 marigolds I lost in the big freeze in the flower boxes on the deck. Since my boxes have good drains, I'm not worried about them drowning. I didn't get any tomato plants. I've given up on that for the year. I got some more dahlias instead.

For those who are interested, I will not be doing any more knitting classes until after I get back from our road trip. I've scheduled July 15th for the next class. I'm not leaving until June 18th but the shop is going to be closed next week.

Now for some birds. I now have 7 pairs of Evening Grosbeaks devouring everything that isn't nailed down in the Parkarosa Bird Buffet. They are also getting used to me, so it's easier to take pictures.

Here's a female. See her blue beak? They shed the skin off their beaks in the spring so they are blue like that. Eventually they will turn to the usual yellow color.

Here is a male.

His underparts are such a bright yellow!

Have a great day.

Successful WWKIP Day

WWKIP Day could not have gone better. It was fantastic. The weather was gorgeous. Our location was perfect. We were on the lawn near the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, on Front street, under some lovely shade trees. The street had lots of foot and auto traffic. The annual Car de Lane show was going on a block or two up, which brought extra traffic to the area.

I forgot to take my camera with me, but I had my phone so I used it. Here are a few pics.

Here we are all set up, comfy in our chairs, knitting away.

There was a baseball park directly behind us, and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library off to the left. A passerby stopped to chat with us.

Kate in super concentration mode.

We were a noisy chatty bunch, but we looked pretty darn serious about our knitting, didn't we? That's my daughter Ruth in the red shirt, Gloria in pink, Judy in light blue, and Anne on the end.


I don't remember the lady's name in the sunglasses, Beth is next to her, and the gal in the tank top is a passerby.

Sarah showed up even though she's all bandaged. Didn't stop her from knitting.

The bakery across the street who got business from us cos we wanted to use their ladies room.

All in all, I had a great time. I got to meet some of the faces behind the Ravelry names, and we celebrated our craft. People going by would glance at us. Some would laugh (I had a sign up that said Welcome to World Wide Knit In Public Day), and once in awhile someone would stop just to chat.

I also finished the shawl. I plan to block it this afternoon.

I had a very busy weekend. Besides WWKIP day, I also worked on the wedding flowers like crazy and I GOT THEM ALL DONE!!! Hurray!!!!! I'll post pics of that tomorrow.

Right now I need to get going. I'm getting my hair trimmed so I don't look like a shaggy dog at the wedding.

Have a great day.

~~~~~~~~~~~

2 Rows Left

That is how many I have left on the shawl. Hurray!

No pics this post. Don't have time. I finished Frank's Snapdragon for his boutonniere last night. Two more flowers to bead-both carnations-and I'm done with that part. Then it's just a matter of assembling the bouts and corsages. I am so excited to have these two projects almost done.

I wanted to remind folks about World Wide Knit in Public Day. There is a list of info on places having KIP day on the web site. If you have one local, please attend. It will be fun. When has a bunch of knitters getting together ever not been fun?

Locally we are having one in Coeur d'Alene. I hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~

Be There or Be Square!

June 13, 2009

Where: Coeur d'Alene Library lawn facing Front street.

Meet across the street from Bakery by the Lake at Parkside (so coffee and food are just a short walk away). Note: Car d'Lane is taking place the same day so Sherman Ave will be CLOSED and the area will be busy, but you can send the non-knitters to view the cars. Parking MIGHT be available at the CDA City Hall lower lot, or dirt lot.

When: 9am to Noonish

Bring: A chair and your knitting or crochet. We don't discriminate.

Back Up Plan: We invade the Bakery.

Sponsored by CDA Yarn and Fiber. 2433 N. Government Way.
Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Phone: (208) 209-5273

World Wide Knit in Public Day was created by Danielle Landes in 2005.
To find out more about WWKiP Day visit wwkipday.com

Have a great day!

~~~~~~~~~~

WWKIP Day Report

It was a beautiful day at the park. Perfect weather. When I arrived folks were just finished up with some athletic event so the park was packed with people. I had great hopes for the day, despite the fact that I was ill and had spent all night throwing up.

Very few attended the event. Mostly me and my kids. One gal from Spokane, name Jan, came too, for about half an hour. She spun some gorgeous yellow fiber. I appreciate her efforts to come even though she couldn’t stay long.

A lady and her daughter came (and her parents showed up for a minute). She claimed she was there to knit, but then she asked me what my shirt meant and there were no knitting accouterments, so I knew she was not being truthful. After that she asked me if I go to church. I knew I was in trouble then. She was there looking for converts for her church, not to knit. Eventually I had to chase her off-in a nice way of course. Sheesh!

My shirt said “Yarn is a 4 letter word” with a list of 100 4 letter words to do with knitting under it-like purl, knit, sock. Geez! If you’re gonna lie to someone at least make half an effort to make it believable.

The park got busy again with families having picnics. Our biggest audience were the ducks though. They got really curious about us with our yarn (I think they were wondering if it was food) and actually walked right up and put their heads near my lap to sniff it. It was very entertaining.

I had signs up and whatnot, but no one asked us about knitting, or crochet.

That’s it. I am disappointed there weren’t more. Especially since so many had told me they were going to be there. However, I did enjoy spending the time with my 2 wonderful daughters and my awesome future son in law. And the park was gorgeous.

Next year I have more time to plan and advertise, so it should be better. WWKIP is always on the second Saturday of June.

Here are a few photos I took:

Our set up

Our first curious party.

A marmot dropped in for a snack.

The crew. From left to right: Ruth, Sarah, and Frank.

Here come some more curious onlookers.

Hey! Watcha got there?

Now, that's intense concentration!

I worked on my sock while at the park. I got the heel flap done, but got stuck on the turn. I forgot to take my pattern instructions with me, and for the life of me, I could not remember how to start the turning part. Arrgh.

I am still feeling sick. I've caught a rather nasty bug for sure. I'm home alone right now. The family went for an adventure up in the Coeur d'Alene forest. It's what their Dad wanted to do for Fathers Day. I love going up there, but I just feel too sick to go. So I'm staying home, resting, and writing this blog.

Have a Happy Fathers Day

I Danced in the Sun

It happened! The sun returned to us yesterday, around 4pm. I couldn't help myself. I had to go out and dance in it. It felt so good.

I had to knit on the deck. Heck with housework. There's sunshine to soak in! I needed to put another repeat away on my shawl. However, I had an overwhelming desire to start a sock. I've been purposely waiting until June 21 to start another pair because that is the official start day of the Summer of Socks knit along, which I'm participating in this year. I couldn't' wait that long. Besides, I need a portable semi-brainless project on the needles. So, I gave in. I dug in the stash for a skein of Opal, in a Petticoat colorway. I decided on a simple 4 by 2 garter rib stitch pattern. I cast on and in less than 2 hours had half the leg done. Yup! I needed that sock.



I can't believe I'm that addicted to sock knitting.

This morning, when I got up, the sun was coming up. I grabbed my knitting and a cup of coffee. I've got 7 repeats done on the shawl now. Only 3 left and I get to start a new stitch pattern.

Please don't forget tomorrow is World Wide Knit In Public Day. If you don't have an event you can attend locally, perhaps you could just pop over to the park, the mall, or some public place and just sit and knit for a bit.

If you live in the north Idaho/Spokane, WA area, I've got one planned. You can get information on the place/time/etc here:

North Idaho WWKip Day

Please come! We're gonna have a great time!

Have a great day.

WWKIP Day

What is WWKIP Day? World Wide Knit In Public Day. An international event where knitters get together in a public place and knit. I think the goal is to bring knitting into public awareness, as well as an attempt to get rid of the stereotype image of a knitter--granny sitting in a rocker making hideous sweaters that don't fit. This years official day is June 14, 2008.

For more info, you can visit the official web site:
http://www.wwkipday.com/index.html

I've decided to host the first-that I know of- North Idaho World Wide Knit In Public day. I am not limiting this to just knitters. All fiberholics are welcome. All knitters, spinners, crocheters, etc are invited.


North Idaho World Wide Knit In Public Day

Place: Falls Park, Post Falls Idaho. Located off 4th St., west of Spokane Street. A nice park with lawns, a pond, picnic tables, restroom, parking lot, and views of Post Falls (the water fall) and Spokane River

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008

Time: 10:30 am - 2:30pm

Bring: Your knitting, spinning, crochet, a chair, a picnic lunch and beverage, sun block.

We'll just get together, do our fibery thing, and have some fun.

If someone needs more info, they can email me at:

thebeadknitterATyahooDOTcom

Please pass the word around to other knitters you know.

Please let me know if you’re coming so I'll know I'm not the only one who's gonna be there.

Have a great day.