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Every morning after I send BF off to work and before I wake up the boys, I usually find myself catching up on the day's blogs on My Bloglines. It's my version of reading the morning newspaper. I love to catch up with my friends and see who is knitting what out there in knitterdom. It usually takes me about a half hour to catch up on my reads - between 0600 and 0630. How about you? When do you catch up on your blogs? What did any of us do before bloglines?
I finished the crocheted edge on the Dale Baby Cap. I'm pretty pleased with it especially since it's my very first attempt at crochet. See
Now I'd better get working on the sweater as I need to have a great deal of my homework done by Wednesday's class and I've spent most of this week making the cap instead. I need to make about 4-6 rows of the pattern repeat and I've only finished half of a pattern repeat so far. Uh Oh.
I can't stop laughing. My friend shared this William Tell Overture for Moms with me today. I simply must share it with every mother out there. Anita Renfroe has managed to take everything that a mother says during the course of a 24-hour period and condensed it to under 3 minutes. If you're not laughing hysterically, you must have perfect angels for children.
I love being a Mom.
I say about 80% of these things every single day! (PS - BF and the boys have all confirmed this).
I went to Knitting Central for a private lesson with Danni this morning. What do you suppose she taught me?
Well, to crochet of course. My Dale Baby sweater and cap have crochet edges and I've been wanting to learn how to crochet the Warm Up America swatches together, instead of sewing them, for ages. Today was my day. Look at the scallop edging I managed to crochet on my Fair Isle swatch under Danni's eagle eyes. Granted it's nothing compared to Danni's masterful work, but I really can only consider myself a Minor Crocheter at this point in my life.
Now I just need to master this scalloped edge on my very own in the green colorway onto the bottom edge of my baby cap. How fun! I also learned how to single chain stitch the WUA swatches together. I'm really excited about today's lesson. It was such a simple, basic thing to learn. I didn't realize how much a base knowledge of crochet was missing in my knitterly life. Thanks Danni!
Wilma is a bit bored with all my knitting. It's putting her to sleep.
She always sleeps with her tongue out. Her eyes aren't usually opened, but I was annoying her with the camera's flash. Awwww.
Good night.
Saturday kNit Live met on Sunday this weekend. It was such a wondrous sunny day that Regina thought we should knit by the beach. We met at the Compo Beach marina and knit in the sunshine. Here are Betsy and Regina by the marina. Betsy is wearing her wonderful hand-knit cotton cardigan.
I managed to finish the fair isle section of my Dale baby cap and was busy working on the shaping of the cap which was easy to do while chatting and knitting.
After an hour or so in the sun with a picnic lunch (I bought a lobster roll at Joey's By The Shore), it was time to go. I managed to finish the rest of the cap at home.
The lilac yarn knit up in a different gauge. Funny, isn't it. I have heard that dyes can affect the same yarn, but I was surprised to see such a marked difference. Now I have to learn how to make the green crochet lace edging for the bottom of the cap. Now that I've practiced the Fair Isle pattern a bit more, I need to get going on my Baby Dale Sweater homework for next Wednesday.
After the trip to The Morehouse Farm and my purchases, it's hard to stay focused on the task at hand. One of the local elementary school teachers tells the young kids "Hocus Pocus! Stay on Focus." It might have to be my mantra for today. I forgot to share with you some other things I bought in Rhinebeck that are distracting me.
Look at this cute little black sheep that Jean gave me:
I also found this perfect purple lace yarn at the Morehouse Farm. I tried winding it with my swift and ball winder, but it kept breaking. Why, I wonder? I had to wind it by hand, but it's so scrumptious that it was worth it.
Back to my Dale baby hat. Focus. It's so lovely. Look at the bright shiny object you are currently knitting. Focus.
Don't you just love it when you finally get to meet one of your virtual blogging buddies in person? That's what I got to do yesterday. Jean of The Scottish Lamb and I have been virtual buddies for a few years now. We're both knitters, bloggers and military (She's Army. I'm Marine). She moved back to the States after being stationed in Germany for many years and as fate would have it... she ended up in my backyard. Well, technically, she's at Westpoint. I'm in Westport. Our two towns are a mere 65 miles apart. After a few failed scheduling attempts, Jean suggested heading up to Rhinebeck to meet and visit the Morehouse Farm. What a great idea! So after getting the kids off to school, we each motored to the sheep and wool mecca and met at Bread Alone for some coffee. PS - I highly recommend it when you head to the Sheep and Wool Festival next month. Then we jumped in one car and headed here.
I think we walked in at 11:03 a.m. We weren't anxious or anything, you know.
The store is lovely and I'm just wild about their freshly spun merino wool. They have some fun displays. Look at the concrete base for the fun stands - Tonka Trucks!
Jean and I looked at patterns and wool.
Jean found some wonderful lace scarf kits that would make great Christmas gifts. (Hey! Did anyone realize that it's only 3 months until Christmas!!!)
I may have gotten a bit carried away on my purchases. I bought the orangey-red goodness and the blue variegated to make My First Merino Sweater as future baby gifts. I made this one for secundogeniture nearly 9 years ago and it's one of my favorite baby sweaters - especially when it's knit in non-traditional baby colors like these or the one I made for Secundogeniture
Jean and I had a fun time in the shop as you can see by our smiles
Then it was time to head home. We didn't want it to end. Jean mentioned a great diner that was in Hyde Park - not too far from the store. So we went in our separate cars and ended up here at the Eveready Diner
It's the single best diner I've ever been to. That's saying a lot. It's another must do item when you go the the New York Sheep and Wool Festival next month. If you're driving up Route 9 - stop here for a meal. You won't be sorry. It was the perfect ending to our perfect day.
And by the way, Jean was a hundred times better in person than she is on her blog. And that's saying something because all of you know how amazing she is online. I'm so glad I got to meet you Jean. I hope we'll get together again soon! Happy knitting.
Photographs and paintings that included barns were always my mother's favorites. I guess it was probably because she was a farm girl through and through. Today as I was heading to my meet-up with a certain virtual knitting blogger buddy of mine, I simply had to stop the car and snap this picture in honor of my mother. She would have enjoyed this scene. I did.
It's actually a double Eye Candy Friday shot since you get to see the cerulean sky twice. I just love this reflection. Can you guess where it is? It's a day trip that is roughly equidistance between our homes. I bet you'll be heading to this area soon. Very soon.
Ta-da! I proudly present my finished swatch from my Dale Baby Sweater class.
I finished it last night and blocked it. I'm quite happy with the swatch. It looks kind of funny, doesn't it, with all the fringe on each end? It would drive me batty to weave in this many loose ends. Why is the swatch knit this way, you ask?
I'm glad you asked.
Since you knit the Norwegian sweater in the round (always knitting and never purling), you need to knit every row of your swatch using the Knit Stitch - No Purling. That means that you begin each and every single row of your swatch with fresh yarn and cut off the tails at the other end. While it makes a furry swatch and is a bit messy, it saves you time while making your 4x4 swatch. Yes, you could just knit a little 4x4 swatch in the round (but it would actually be a 4x4 two times since you have to knit the front and back), but it would take you twice as long. If you're so inclined to do so, please do. This little puppy took me a couple hours yesterday, so I appreciate the time savings.
I'm really going to try to knit by Baby Dale sweater using the two-handed method. My tension is a little off, but I'm determined to master this technique even if my first attempt is a bit sophomoric. It's the only way to improve and I really want to become a whiz with color knitting.
I had a wonderful time at Knitting Central today where I spent all afternoon knitting the swatch for my Dale Baby Sweater. Sally taught us so much this afternoon - and even though I've done color work before - I managed to learn a lot of good habits this time around.
Here's my first swatch. Yes. I had to go down to a US Size 1 24" Turbo Addi as my stitch is just too loose. The enlarged graph and the magnetic board purchased just for today's class were lifesavers. I can't believe I never bought one of these chart holders before!
This is a close-up of Sally's sample swatch. Aren't these colors just adorable for a baby boy?
Sally and I are posing with our swatches. I still need to knit about 2.5 more inches on my swatch before I can start the sweater. I'll have pictures of my progress on this one. I'm actually contemplating making the newborn sweater just so I can finish quickly, but I think I'll stick with either the 9 month or the 12 month sweater. Stay tuned for updates. The class meets every other Wednesday until Mid-October.
Do you ever have one of those moments when you feel that you should send a Thank You gift to your favorite blogger because you really enjoy the hard work they put into their blog? That's how I feel. So I selected some special sock yarns in colors that I think this blogger will like; added some of my Knit Notes and a chocolate bar for good measure and am going to ship my thank you gift to said non-disclosed recipient just to say Thanks for all the hard work that you put into your blog and for making me smile. This blogger's photographs are probably some of the most beautiful shots in all knitterdom. This blogger is a talented knitter, quilter, homeschool teacher, outdoorsy person and more. Can you guess who this blogger is?
Maybe I'll send you a little gift if you are the first person to identify this talented blogger. Maybe you'll stop by and say hello to your favorite blogger today and thank him or her.
I know many people are participating in the Summer of Socks. My preference appears to be for My Year of Socks. I finished Secundogeniture's latest pair of socks today while watching Little Children (disturbing movie - wish I hadn't watched it). The only good thing to come out of the movie was the FO.
I'm glad I finished these socks as I will have nearly 20 hours to rest up for my Baby Dale Sweater knitting class. Can you tell I'm excited? Should I knit the smallest baby sweater just so I can finish it quickly? I think I'll make the 6-9 or 12 month size so it can be worn by some future recipient for more than just one week. What is your preference when knitting baby sweaters?
I can hardly wait for Wednesday at noon. Why? I'll be at Knitting Central taking a class with the Stupendous Sally on the Dale Baby Sweater. Here's what the class blurb says on the website
Dale Baby Sweater
Sally Ijams will take you step by step through the construction of an adorable Dale Baby Sweater. Learn how to knit with many colors on one row, while keeping perfect gauge You will also learn to cut your fabric (steeking), pick up the stitches and live to tell about it! This will open up many avenues to your knitting-so don't be afraid. Pick any Dale sweater you want to participate in this class.
I picked this sweater out of the Baby Dale pattern book Number 135. I think I'll make the cardigan. Of course, I bought the yarn in the same colors as the pattern book because why would I want to make my brain work any harder than it has to by selecting my own colors?
If I'm so inspired, I might try the cute little matching cap as well.
I think there's still room in the class. Want to come join us? Call Knitting Central today!
Fall is in the air. Fortunately, so is the sun. I took the boys to the Concours d'Elegance here in Westport this morning and we saw some fantastic cars. I cautioned the boys about touching the cars, and Secundogeniture and his friend then spent the better part of the car show playing the "I'm not touching it" game just to annoy me. Yikes! Here are some of the cars.
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This may be my favorite shot of the day.
After the car show, Secundogeniture had his Cub Scout Popcorn Sale on Westport's Main Street. He tried his best to sell popcorn to unsuspecting shoppers.
Finally, I will show you some progress on my striped socks. I've done something I NEVER, EVER do when knitting socks. I knit them consecutively instead of simultaneously. Yikes. What if I never finish the 2nd sock? OK. I think I'm well on my way to finishing this one, so it will be all right. Generally, though, I prefer to knit both socks at the same time so that I'm finished with the pair and not just one sock. I already have a problem finishing projects, I don't need to develop a case of Second Sock Syndrome on top of that!
I finished Secundogeniture's first striped sock. I used the Regia Stretch jacquard for the main part and some leftover Lorna's Laces in Denim for the heel and toe. I like the way it looks. Secundogeniture is pretty happy about it, too.
It's such an easy pattern, too, so I can mindlessly knit while doing other things. I simply cast on 56 sts on US Size 2 dpns and knit in K2, P2 ribbing then switched to stockinette for the foot. I only used 25 grams of the Regia sock yarn per sock so I can make an entire second pair with the leftover yarn. Hmmmm. That's an interesting idea. I have only finished the first sock and I'm already planning the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sock. Typical.
I finally finished the 5th Chemo Cap for BF's co-worker. It's made out of Rowan Damask with 88 sts cast on with US size 3 circular needles.
Here are all five hats ready to be wrapped.
Voila!
I hope they bring a smile to her face and help her on to a speedy recovery!
It's non-stop adventure at my house. Today was Rosh Hashannah and the boys didn't have school. During the summer when my niece and nephew were visiting from the Midwest, we were on a very hectic teenager schedule which was difficult for Secundogeniture who only wanted to go to Nintendo World and Toys R Us. I promised him his own special day in the City one day soon that he could schedule. Today was that day. Secundogeniture invited his brother (how sweet), his brother's friend Guerric, and his friend from school Colin. We had a blast.
We went to Nintendo World, Central Park Zoo, Toys R Us, Emporium Brasil and back to Nintendo World. With all that time spent in the video game store, I managed to knit up almost one entire sock with the Regia Stretch
It's hard to see the sock contrasted against the textured clouds, and cool rocks that the boys climbed in Central Park, but I was inspired by this little number by Atu.
Here's a shot of the boys in the subway station at the Port Authority. I just love this colorful mosaic. It's one of my favorite spots to snap a picture.
It was a great day. Guerric was fascinated by my knitting on the train ride home. Secundogeniture feared I would make him try it on in public. Primogeniture just played his latest Nintendo DS game. Both Secundogeniture and his friend Colin played with their newest purchases from Nintendo World
I took Primogeniture and a few of the Boy Scouts to join another Troop's campout this weekend. We camped at one of the local scout camps and then drove to Waterford, CT for Deep Sea Fishing. It was great fun. Here I am with my Deep Sea Knitting.
The boys had a great time fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. I mostly took pictures and knit.
Here's a shot of primogeniture's fish being brought into the boat.
All in all, Primogeniture caught 3 of the day's catch which totalled 16. Not bad. He's pretty thrilled.
Since he was having such great luck, I decided to exchange my deep sea knitting...
... for some deep sea fishing. I quickly managed to catch a rather large bluefish.
Crewmember Justin is holding my somewhat bloody fish but I'm all smiles. We'll have a good dinner tonight! Yum - batter fried blue fish
This Troop sure knows how to make a delicious dinner. Look at this! Corn on the Cob on the Coals.
The piece de resistance was the dessert made in these Dutch ovens.
Can you believe that this is what came out of those Dutch ovens?
Pineapple-Upside-Down Cake. Delicious. It was an amazing outing and we all had a wonderful time. My arms are still aching from reeling in the fish. I also slept underneath the stars and had the best time. Knitting, camping, scouting, fishing, fresh air, good food, good friends and family - what could be better?
Julie aka Jewel Tomes is having a birthday today. Won't you hop on over and wish her the very best? She's a great lady and one of the original members of the Major Knitter knitting bee. She was there when it all started and now look at her -- She's got her very own blog! You've come a long way baby!
Major Knitter, Gayle and Jewel Tomes at Headquarters, US Marine Corps in December 2003
My bookclub friend Randi often sends me updates about cool knitting events happening in our tri-state area. This time she made me aware of a great project that her SIL Farley is spearheading in Boston. It's a great idea and I hope you'll join by knitting a 9x9 square to help Boston's homeless. Check out Farley's Website here to find out more about her project.
If you want to read more about PSI click on Pine Street Inn directly. I think this is a great opportunity for the knitting community to join forces to make a real impact. I know we can all take a moment and knit up a 9x9 swatch.
If you choose to participate and send squares to Farley - just send me an email with your mailing address and I'll send you a Knit Note as a small way of saying Thank You for helping out.
Here's a PDF flier for you to print and distribute to all your knitting friends. Download pine_street_inn.pdf
Please spread the word!
Can you guess where I am? I brought my knitting with me to this destination and had to take a picture with the amazing O!
This is the cashmere sock I started en route to the airport. I had so much fun in this city. BF, my sister Ellen, my niece Katie (who plays on the Creighton Women's Basketball team) went to eat at Warren Buffett's favorite steak house. Ellen and I went shopping here and then had a scrumptious lunch at PF Chang's. After lunch, Ellen and I quickly stopped at String of Purls so I could visit the O! LYS. I was not disappointed. In fact, after my LYS, I think String of Purls may actually rank #2 of favorite knitting stores I've ever visited. So if you're in O! please go visit Robyn and her lovely staff. You'll be so glad you did.
Robyn is holding up a soft and cuddly alpaca while I hold 4 gorgeous skeins of purple on purple in Misti Alpaca. Don't you just love the knitting needle display racks behind us? String of Purls has such a charming and welcoming atmosphere that I was tickled pink as soon as we parked the family van out front. Look what welcomed us as we entered the store.
Hmmmm. Maybe I'll have to create one of these yarn topiaries for my Knit Nook. Anyway, I bought the lovely purple yarn, a sassy t-shirt, 2 skeins of Regia sock yarn for Secundogeniture, and some dpns. It was quite a fun little stop.
I already started knitting the K2 P2 ribbed socks on US Size 2 needles with 56 sts. Fall is just around the corner and the boys need socks.
Isn't my new t-shirt just adorable? I am such an optimist that I signed up for String of Purl's frequent buyer club. I guess I anticipate making many return trips to O! Want to join me?
Even I'm beginning to wonder if I ever stay home. I've been on the road since Tuesday and even though I promised I wouldn't knit, I had to bring something. So I brought some Virtue cashmere in worsted weight and some US Size 5 dpns to make some sleeping socks for Secundogeniture. I have 2 different colors of blue yarn so I'm making them striped. What do you think?
It's a secret and I know. Don't Tell BF (DTBF) that I know what my birthday gift is. He's so good to me. He already went to Knitting Central and signed me up for their sock club. Yippy! How do I know this? Because I got an email from the Knitting Central Sock Club Yahoo Group. I can hardly wait. I'm so excited. Isn't BF the best?
We had friends over for a relaxing day in the pool followed by a barbeque dinner. It was great fun. Bill brought over the hovercraft he made. It was a huge hit!
I really am about 4 inches off the ground. It was pretty cool. Yes... we let the kids have a ride, too. I've been very busy these past two weeks with the back to school preparations and I've also been giving my hand a rest. It's feeling better, but I think another week of no knitting might be the ticket to a speedy recovery. In the meantime, I'll just be hovering over here and dreaming of my next knitting project.
The Ladies from SNL have been meeting at our new Panera for knitting. I was finally able to catch up with them for a bit of knitting and storytelling.
Saturday kNit Live Cast - Susan, Jennifer, Regina, Betsy, Jennifer and Lindsay at our local Panera
Of course, they were so sweet that they had a congratulatory gift for me in a light blue box. Ooooooohhhh. Look! It's a knitting needle holder.
OK. It's really a lovely vase with a delicate little heart shaped embellishment on the top. Each ridge of the vase is actually a heart. Ahhhh. Love is in the air. Thanks my dear friends. I hope to be back in the swing of knitting on Saturdays with you soon.
I brought Secundogeniture with me. He had a delicious hot chocolate and a chocolate croissant (can you tell whose child he is?). He was a pretty good sport.
It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Cynthia and her talented team of sock goddesses at Knitting Central have been working hard all summer creating a sock club. They've finally announced it here. You have until September 29, 2007 to sign up. What are you waiting for? These designers are amazing and Cynthia always knows what is the latest and greatest knitting product on the market. You won't be disappointed.
I've already told BF and the boys that this is what I want for my birthday on October 2nd (Shameless plug for birthday wishes!).
Cynthia... if they don't stop in the store before Sept 29th to buy this for me as a gift - PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
