I Was Knit Together In My Mother's Womb:

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October 31, 2006

This is the happiest day of my life. My Toasty Toes socks are complete!

And, remember Sock #1? I certainly couldn't let it go to waste. It has become a lovely little sachet. or jewelry pouch. or catnip bag. However my Toasty Toes pal wants to use it.

NOW I want to knit a sweater.

Comments (13)

October 30, 2006

For my Secret Pal...some points of interest...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

merino wool, natural fibers, wool/silk blends, alpaca/wool blends

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

yarn that squeaks or hurts my knitting fingers.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a few DPN cases, and the straights and circs are in an old pitcher. I did see a really cool needle case at a yarn store this weekend...by Namaste.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?

about three years. My mom taught me...and some wonderful knitting mentors...Lois, Mary, Aunt Ellie...all have helped with certain aspects of knitting, and were just a phonecall away!

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

intermediate. Even though I can do most techniques, I am not good enough to be called advanced!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

nope

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I'm not real crazy about too much scent. Candles, it would have to be a baking sort of smell...or cinnamon.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Indeed I do

Favorite candy?

Caramels, Hot tamales. Candy Corn.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I sew, I can crochet. I like to make cards. I love to embellish things.

Do you spin?

I spun once.

8. What's your style? Quick. Answer...

Vintage, with some funkiness

9. What's your favorite color(s)?

Pink, Red, Brown, neutrals

I can't wear the "Harvest Colors" like avocado or orange or gold. You know, the colors of seventies kitchens?

10. What is your family situation?

I am in love with my husband...we have five kids, all out of the house. A chocolate lab and an 18 year old cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes I do...except, not hats and, sure, Ill admit that I knit one poncho that I don't really wear anymore. I would wear it at the campfire or for a walk in the cemetery on a brisk day.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I could knit anything, really. I do like to knit sweaters and mittens.

13. What are you knitting right now?

socks, sweater, vest, mittens.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

That can be nice.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

circular needles.

Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

bamboo. But, I do think I'm going to get some Knitpicks Options needles. This weekend, I knit with Addi's and I loved them!!!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

no...I use my mom's!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

A baby sweater from two years ago.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I like them all, but I really do like Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I am a vintage collector...old textiles, linens, sewing embellishments, vintage tea cups, Vintage Christmas....lots of different things. When I love something, I right away want a collection...whether its daylillies or yarn or vintage brooches.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

Nancy Bush Folk Knitting in Estonia. Blue Sky Alpaca's Alpaca/Wool worsted...I just felt it this weekend and I CRAVE it!

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

If there is anything new to knitting, I'd like to learn it. If I haven't done it, I'd like to try it...steeks, maybe? Oh, and two socks on two circulars.

22. Are you a sock knitter?

From time to time.

What are your foot measurements?

US 8.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) march 17

I have a Toasty Toes Update...One completed sock, and one to be completed tonight! I knit and knit all weekend. After breaking two #1 Brittany needles (how do I get that replacement guarantee?), I remembered that somewhere, in a knitting bag behind a piece of furniture in my house, there lie two Addi Turbo #1 Circular needles. I got them out of hiding. I bought them a long time ago when I wanted my aunt to teach me how to do two socks on two circulars.

The package says "Knit Faster."

I need to knit these socks by Tuesday!!!... I took those Addi's out of the package and got them onto those socks faster than you can say "Addi Turbo." But I had no clue how to knit with them. So, I picked up my sock on my Addi's, and went to KnittingHelp.com, where the very nice lady with hands and a voice and no body demonstrated to me how to use the circulars to knit that sock!

And here is how I worked through the dilemma of two different color ways...Remember that I had one sock already knit, and another 2/3 complete? I worked the second skein sock until I got to the instep. With the yarn that was left, I started the third sock with that second skein. When I got to the instep area of that sock, I took the original sock from skein one, and as I frogged it, I worked that yarn into both socks, alternating between skein one and skein two. Are you following me?

Second sock is on the left. First original sock is on the right, being frogged, and that yarn is being used to knit into the sock on the left, alternating with the other skein.

Here is the finished sock...

Other than that, I had a pretty good weekend. We went to one of my favorite yarn stores, where I purchased some red yarn for mittens, a surprise for my secret pal, and a Blue Sky Alpaca scarf pattern. I remembered that I was de-stashing this weekend, and I had great restraint because of it!

See what's left of the Stash Sale in the previous post!

Comments (6)

I'm having just a bit of a STASH SALE!!!!!!! I spent the day going through yarn and books, and here's what I'm giving up... This is what is left after yesterday's hungry shoppers were done!

Crystal Palace Shoulder Scarf Kit. Very pretty bricky/neutral/reddish colorway. Includes three skeins of Waikiki ( rayon-cotton) and Fizz, and the pattern.

Sold for $34.95 My price $22.00

Artful Yarns Portrait Two and a half skeins of vibrant mohair blend. I have used this as a run along with Lamb's Pride wool to make a great effect for mittens and hats. Very pretty, with lots of rich colors. 164 yds per skein

Sold For $9.95 My price $15

So there you have it. These yarns are all from a smoke-free home, and have been admired, fondled and loved while they lived here. We do have a dog and a cat, although I do not allow them to admire, fondle or love my yarn ever. All prices are US, and include shipping to within US only. Paypal or check/MO. Email me with your requests!

Tomorrow, I will be adding books and more books as I sort through in anticipation of moving!

UPDATE!!!!Here are the book offerings... some are duplicates of what I already had, and others I have used for one or two patterns, They are all in excellant condition.

Set of two Rowan booklets...Linen Print and Cotton Rope Collection $15.

Naturally Noro $12

Wendy Knits $9.00

~~Rowan Classic Woman~~ ~~$12~~

~~Debbie Bliss Easy Knits~~ ~~$12~~

~~Pursenality Plus~~ ~~$12~~

Comments (8)

October 25, 2006

Becky was my Toasty Toes Pal. And, even though I tried to wait until October 31st to open the box, after getting permission from Amanda, the Awesome Administrator, I tore into the box last night.

Becky's socks are nothing short of amazing to me. I don't know if you can tell from the photos, but these socks have so many different intriguing parts...

There are two different lace patterns and a heel and toe that I have never seen before. The Lorna's Laces yarn is beautiful.

Becky's socks (well, MY socks, now) came upon these sock blockers...the famous Leggy Creations...made by Becky herself! I've never had sock blockers and this gift makes me happy.

I just keep looking at these socks, and putting them on....

They are a wonder to me.

I am knitting along on my Toasty Toes Socks, planning to have them finished today. Lisa stopped by last night and was astute enough to notice that the socks were different colors. Same dye lot, different colors. Why I didn't notice this myself after knitting nearly two socks, I will never understand...

Desperation...emails with Amanda... I think I have to reknit one of these socks using the yarn left from one of the skeins. I haven't exactly figured out how I will accomplish this feat, but that's what I get for not being on my toes.

Comments (16)

October 24, 2006

After writing my last post a few days ago, the last sentence that I wrote will not leave my head.

"Finding a treasure in someone else's junk." We all know people with junk. We all have junk.... behind our blog worlds we are people with junk. Because we are real people.

Behind the blog, the pretty house, the nice clothes and certainly all that yarn, we can present an image that everyone would want...the perfect floor model at an un-discounted price with a 100% manufacturers money-back guarantee. I want her treasure. I want her life. I want her husband. I want her kids. I want her money, her job, her friends, her looks. I would at least like her yarn stash.

But do we want her junk? It's interesting that most of us would never find the broken pieces or the junk of someone's life a bargain. The wayward kids, the divorce, the addiction, the weight struggles. But what about the junk of debt, or broken family or illness? Oh, maybe we would at least buy a reduced price the anger, the bitterness, the selfishness, the fear, the doubt, the uncaring husband or the child who died.

So often think we want the other person's life that looks like it's a good life. You know, the grass is always greener sort of thing. Let me give you this to consider... it's in the junk, that there is potential treasure. It may be the woman who was addicted that can be an encouragement to the addicted. The heartbreak of loosing a child that can be healed and so allow that mother to offer comfort and understanding to another grieving mother. Is it possible that because you have experienced the frustration and confusion of taking care of an aging parent that you now have an experience that would be useful to another? Could you ever imagine that the most secret shame you hold could be used to bring a blessing to someone else who is going through the exact same thing?

Maybe that's why I like picking up the junk that is leftover from someone's estate. Even if it's faded, chipped or cracked, in my care, it will become a treasure again. In God's care, He can turn the junk of our lives into incredible treasure.

I know I've said it all before, but I had to say it all again.

I am now returning to my regularly scheduled blog.

Comments (16)

October 22, 2006

While the rest of the world was at Rhinebeck this weekend, I cleaned my house. Actually, the desire to do a thorough cleaning was like the "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" story. It started this week, as I decided I should get rid of my "Country Home" and "Country Living" magazines from 2003-present. A few months back, I said goodbye to all of the 90's with great apprehension. I loved these magazines. People, I have saved every issue

But, I couldn't toss the issues until I browsed through them...looking for ideas once again. Especially for the new house. So I leafed and browsed, and was inspired by some photos of an organizational re-do. Use your space better. Clean up those messes. Neat means efficient. That sort of thing.

....which then prompted me to have to go to the auction on Friday night...to look for something useful for organizing.

which I found.

( a bunch of vintage metal cannisters!)

which prompted me to clean out this kitchen cupboard..

which now looks like this...

which of course prompted me to clean my whole house! And, all that chrome and metal prompted me to knit a robot.

which prompted me to get a robot blanket and book, which will be sent to Jon J for his sixth birthday...

(I'm going to include Orbit gum, Mars Bars, Starbursts and Milky Ways)

SO, not bad for deciding to get rid of a few magazines!

But my auction haul was the best! We spent $24 and I got all of the cannisters, and this stuff...

FireKing bowls in the best colors! A ceramic wall pocket, a California Pottery duck creamer, some vintage Italian flower pots, and the little china doll, which reminds me of Ma's china doll in Little House on the Prairie.

We also got a like new, Cuisinart Coffee maker (which happens to be our coffee maker of choice, so now we have a back-up)!

It was a good weekend. I love finding a treasure in someone else's junk!

Comments (17)

October 18, 2006

Oh, great...just what I need. Remember, I'm not really a sock knitter.

http://www.icelandicsheep.com/Sock_Collection_Book.htm

Really.

Comments (8)

I love Knit night. I especially loved it last night, when we had new faces, and we really didn't talk about "the Storm" at all. It was fun, and normal and the conversation was good. Even though I have knitting projects up to my ears, I found a way to justify the purchase of :

I have obsessed about Rebecca #32 since I saw it two weeks ago.

I waited until my Knitting Conscience left the store, and threw my money on the table.

But, how could I resist, really? Want to see what I'd like to knit?

Then, I'll pass it on to my daughter. There. Justified. Rationalized. Exonerated. Period.

The Vogue Holiday knits issue? Well, it's just delightful to browse. I always imagine that I will have some "Spectacular Holiday Event Which Requires Sparkly and Glitzy Attire" for which I can knit something glamorous. By December. It has never happened in my life. If I need sparkle or glitz, I can usually get away with wearing a rhinestone brooch on my jacket.

So, speaking of projects up to my ears, let's review.

Toasty Toes Socks. Finish the second sock.

JR's vest. Finish the front.

My Cabled Sweater. Just started.

Meg Swansen Lace shawl. I'm gettin' there.

Robot pillow for Jon J. cast on.

I get to that place in my knitting when I just want to finish up what I have and start something new. I can feel it. I need it. It's going to happen soon.

Comments (8)

October 16, 2006

As most of you know, we have had a terrible storm here in Western New York. No work for me again today, because the area where my church is located is one of the worst areas in Buffalo, most people still without power, and a driving ban still in effect.

We here in Medina? We're okay. We had power restored late in the afternoon on Saturday, and we have worked on clearing our property of all the debris. I woke Friday morning to a tree falling into the house right where our bedroom is! JR was already awake, and when I looked outside, I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing...

And it just kept coming.

All around us, the cracking and popping and whooshing sound of trees falling. With most of our trees fully foliated, the weight of this snow created too much of a load for them to bear. This was such an unusual storm for this time of year. Buffalo recorded almost two feet of snow!

But, we are safe, protected, warm and blessed. So many people that we know are still without power, and they are struggling to keep warm.

What was a girl to do? We played Boggle. Lots of Boggle.

I cooked and cooked all of the things from the refrigerator and freezer that I could.... made sauce and stew, poached chicken breasts and made applesauce. Then, when our power was restored, I baked bread dough that was thawed. AND, not to worry, I knit.

When there is such snow outside, of course I had to knit mittens!

(I'm just hoping I have enough yarn in that ball to finish these!)

Thank you all for your very kind sentiments about Maggie. We miss her so much. She has been such a good and faithful friend for so many years. Now Moses is getting lots of extra loving because they were such true companions....like an old married couple! I'm sure he senses her loss and his doggie world is all upside down.

Today, on this beautiful day, I am going to go finish that mitten, and catch up on my blog reading. Perhaps I'll even take a walk with Moses today. It's going to be in the 50's!

Comments (24)

October 14, 2006

When I was a little girl, my Dad would sing to us. One of the songs I so well remember was "Old Shep." The lyrics would never fail to put that knot in my throat and make me choke up. I grew up and sang it to my nephews, who would always ask me for "Old Shep" as their bedtime song, and my children loved hearing it as well. My kids grew up with Maggie, who just turned 13 a few weeks ago. We selected her, as a wee ball of fluff, from a litter of border collies at Mr. Cook's farm. She was the smartest and most loyal dog I've ever had. We were her people.