Having a Knit Fitt

Sunday School circa 1958

2008-09-14T22:05:00.002-04:00

I can't remember the name of the church I attended when I went to Junior High. (It was Presbyterian and met at the East Lansing Junior High in the auditorium.) But I remember my Sunday School teacher vividly.

His name was Carl Fenner and he was the director of the Lansing, Michigan city parks. Sometimes he brought baby animals to Sunday School and taught us about them. I remember a goat, a fox and a bear whose mother had been killed by hunters. Sometimes we would go on nature hikes, have a cookout and he would recite The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service. I loved his wife's homemade pies and he promised me a whole pie if I memorized the 23rd Psalm but I never did.
When I went online to do some research about Mr. Fenner, I found that there had been a large gift of land to Lansing around the time I was in his Sunday School class. That must have been where we went on those hikes. I'm sure he must have given religious instruction although I have no memory of those lessons. What I remember are those walks in the woods, learning to identify trees, birds, and evidence of wild animals. I also remember ordering a very special Christmas present for him that I found in a catalog - a ball point pen with a tiny lense in the clicker. If you looked through the lense, you saw the text of the Lord's Prayer.
Here I am. I'm wearing the skirt I made in Home Ec. I loved the fabric. It had black, gold and white stripes. Not exactly flattering. The next semester, in Shop, I made a wooden lamp base. At East Lansing Junior High, the boys and the girls were all required to take both Home Ec and Shop. I remember that the boys made pyjamas for their sewing projects. We used some pretty serious tools in Shop. I imagine that safety considerations wouldn't allow them now.

Yes, I'm back. For now anyway. I'm not promising anything.

Scavenger Hunt package arrival & more

2008-03-03T18:50:00.002-05:00

Nothing like coming home from 8 hours of wrangling tax returns to find a package waiting on the porch. It was from my Scavenger Hunt Swap pal, Heather.

It was filled with goodies - 3 different yarns - none of which I've used, handmade soap, candy, At Knit's End, sudoku puzzles, etc. She did a good job figuring out what I would like, although the sudoku can wait until after Tax Season.

This is a close up of the hand carved, stone button I used for my Ozark Handspun scarf, one of the buttons I bought when Jim took me to Finland in 1996. I asked for help on the Finnish Knitters forum on Ravelry and found out that UNAKIITTI is Unakite in English. It is the State Stone of Virginia and comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains. So my souvenir of Finland originated in Virginia. At least it wasn't made in China.

Ellen wanted to tackle cables in the last session of Yarn Church. Didn't she do a good job? The pattern is from Hip To Knit and the yarn is Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed. She made me promise I wouldn't show her face in the photo - too bad, she has a nice face.

Mmmmore Mmmmmalabrigo & the next generation

2008-02-24T09:15:00.002-05:00

I just loved knitting with the Malabrigo Silky Merino from the swap. This is one of the Victoria Fingerless Mittens from Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding. I accidentally modified the pattern and made the ribbing half as long as written. They won't be durable enough for every day but I plan to wear them when I need some special cheer.

The Malabrigo Junkies over at Ravelry have declared next month as Malabrigo March. I am participating in one of the many KALs, making Herringbone Mittens with Poms, a free pattern from Elliphantom. I am using the green yarn from the swap, along with the beautiful Tuareg blue. Have to wait until March First to cast on.

Kensie was a participant in the most recent round of Yarn Church. She knit her first sock.

And this wrist warmer. Her goal was to master DPNs and I think she accomplished it. It makes me very happy to see another generation learning these skills. I just hope she doesn't fall victim to Second Sock Syndrome.

My sister sends me great links. My favorite one recently is Hello Kitty Hell.

Mmmmalabrigo Swap, some recent knitting & Rats

2008-02-16T11:37:00.004-05:00

Phew, I'm deep in Tax Season. It was great to come home the other day to a treasure filled box from my Ravelry Malabrigo Swap partner, Kim.

The entire box of goodies.

The yarn - 2 skeins of Malabrigo worsted in the Verde Adriana colorway and one of the Silky Merino (50% silk, 50% merino) in Purple Mystery. I had never seen or touched the Silky Merino - what luxury. I am already halfway the first wristwarmer.

The knitted by Kim treasures - a little neck warmer I had in my Ravelry Queue and a face cloth with some Valentine's soap.

Edible goodies - Tanzania Peaberry coffee beans and two bars of excellent dark chocolate.

A little Peace bear - because of my past history as a Peacenik?? There was oh-so-much more, a tiny knitting emergency tool kit, a fleecy throw and socks, a strange creature with rolling eyes, hand cleaner (Kim is a nurse) and lotion. Plus she made a donation to Heifer. Wow!

I finished my Monkey socks designed by Cookie A. Thanks again to my Holiday Swap partner, Jocelyn, for the yarn and pattern.

I stole this picture from The Yarn Lounge blog. I made almost matching scarves for Courtney and me. One skein each of Ozark Handspun and buttons I bought in Helsinki back in 1996 when Jim took me to Scandinavia for my 50th.

And, because this is the Year of the Rat, be sure to check out Hero Rat.

What my name means?

2008-02-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

What Cate Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Only one 2008 FO so far

2008-02-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

Boy, work sure interferes with knitting productivity. These little socks are my only FO so far this year and I knit them on New Year's Day! They are for the latest campaign for afghans for Afghans.

I do have several WIPs - Monkey socks by Cookie A, using the pattern and yarn that were in my Holiday 2007 swap package. I work on these at lunch time and am about 3/4 finished with the second sock. This is the most popular sock pattern on Ravelry with over 3,000 versions posted.

I have finished the sleeves and back and am 3/4 through the left front of Cable Jacket by Martin Storey from Rowan's Knitting for Him. The DXH bought the yarn (O~Wool) and book for me at my request so I could make him a sweater. This is a very enjoyable project, all the cables and patterning keeps my attention and the wool is a pleasure to knit.

The white Cormo yarn from Elsa Sheep Company finally arrived at The Yarn Lounge so I have my Twisty Turns by Norah Gaughan (from Wrap Style) as my endless - ten feet - mindless knitting.

And now for some more 2007 FOs

The Nomad Hat from Interweave Knits made for my next door neighbor out of some absolutely heavenly Australian merino yarn. She gets cold easily and I made this for her to wear when she walks. Don't know if she has needed it yet. It has been a warm winter.

Once Stewart made one of these, everyone at The Yarn Lounge had to jump on the bandwagon. It is the Sideways Cap, a pattern written specifically for O~Wool and knit using some in black. I made it over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and have worn it lots.

My friend, Beth, liked mine so I made one in red for her. I met her because we both have Scottish Deerhounds so I used some antler buttons for her hat. She likes it because it keeps her ears warm when she walks the hounds.

A Real Job & more 2007 knitting

2008-01-25T18:26:00.000-05:00

I just found out today that I have had a real job since Monday. I've been working for a temp agency for over a year and just before Christmas they asked if I would be interested in moving over to their full time division. Hmmm, let me see......

Real Health Insurance vs. very crappy coverage

Paid Holidays and Vacation vs. no work = no pay

Between assignments get paid for a 37.5 hour week vs. see above

401(k) plan vs. what?

Did I say yes? It took a bit of time due to the holidays and the fact that they had to find out if I really had done the things I said I had. I went in today to show them my driver's license and Social Security card (the one I have had since I registered for Social Security in about 1961) and to sign all the paperwork to become an actual participant in the amazing world of benefits. I am 62 years old and this is only the second job I have ever had with real benefits. And I will still be a temp, doing what I like, which is relatively short term projects in a different place every few months. In fact, I did exactly the same thing this week in my real job as I did last week in my temp job (because it is the same job) and will stay there until April 15.

When I saw the pattern for these socks on MagKnits, I knew just who should have them.

Mimi! She had a very busy and stressful Fall so it took some time after I finished them to get them to her. Finally I ran into her one day at the Post Office and made her wait until I went to my car and got them. I had been carrying them around with me for weeks hoping I would see her. Right before Christmas she came into The Yarn Lounge wearing them and looking her usual fabulous self so I was able to get some pictures of the socks on her feet in some of her amazingly high heeled shoes.

Weeds & some late 2007 knitting

2008-01-19T09:40:00.000-05:00

I know I am way behind the times. The first season of Weeds just floated its way up my Netflix queue and into my mailbox. I watched the first three episodes last night and loved, loved, loved them. I may have to rethink my boycott of cable television. Oh, on second thought, it's still way cheaper to subscribe to Netflix and be able to pick and choose what I watch. Anyway, the show is brilliant and I am so lucky to have so many episodes to look forward to. (A Cate historical aside - I learned to play Little Boxes on my guitar in about 1964.)

I made these socks with my yarn from the Ravelry Libra Birthday Swap. It is the Annetrelac pattern from Interweave Knits.

Because of the pattern name and because I always make my sister socks for her birthday and Christmas, I made these for Annie. She is the true owner of the Evil Foster Whippet so it was entirely right that I used some of Peach's yarn scraps to finish the toe of the second sock when I ran out of yarn.

Knitter's Scavenger Hunt Swap

2008-01-10T20:48:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally had a motive to post to this blog. Sorry for the long silence. I've been sucked into the fibery vortex that is Ravelry. I've signed up for a scavenger hunt swap and need to post my answers to the questionnaire.

1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?

Both but rarely crochet. I can't remember when I learned to knit although I know my cousin, Jane, taught me how to make fair isle hats in about 1964.

2) What is on your needles/hook right now?

Monkey socks with pattern and yarn from my Ravelry Holiday swap partner, Jocelyn.

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Jim's cabled cardigan from Rowan Knitting for Him in O-wool Classic.

My revised Not-Tangled-Yoke Cardigan in Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool.

3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?

1. Tape measure. 2. Scissors. 3. Tapestry needle.

4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)?

Any Fleece Artist sock yarn. Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted. Jo Sharp Silkroad tweed.

What are your 3 least favorite?

The usual icky acrylics.

5) What is your favorite color?

Dark Blue-Green.

6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?

Piece of Cake! Armsful of Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool, Rowan Felted Tweed, Fleece Artist sock yarns, Malabrigo worsted, Elsa Sheep & Wool Cormo (any weight). If time, Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca & Silk, Jo Sharp Silkroad tweed (any weight), Thirteen Mile yarn. You get the picture.

7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)

My Knitting Pure & Simple cardigan knit from Lamb's Pride dark charcoal worsted. It is too big for me now but I still wear it all the time.

8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?

Socks. Sweaters. Items for afghans for Afghans.

9) Do you collect anything?

Dust bunnies. I am at the age where I really want to get rid of things, not acquire them.

10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?

Sitting on my sofa knitting with the Whippets in my lap and Dogwood nearby. The time in bed just before falling asleep.

My morning coffee in the mug my brother, Craig, gave me several years ago. Falling in love with a new author and reading every book s/he has written. Sitting at the table at The Yarn Lounge, knitting and listening to my friends talking with each other.

11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?

Oh, yes, I am knitfitt on Ravelry.

12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?

Dark roast coffee, freshly ground from whole beans.

13) Favorite Sweets?

Really good dark chocolate. Just discovered the Vosges chocolates with unusual combinations of flavors. I also really like bread pudding, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, Stonyfield French Vanilla yogurt.

14) Any allergies?

Just cats.

15) Do you have pets? kids?

My beloved Scottish Deerhound, Dogwood. My Whippet, Moose. The evil long-term foster Whippet, Peach. No kids.

Lostober

2007-11-05T10:35:00.001-05:00

Thanks for the emails & comments. October slid by and I never got around to updating here. Here are some highlights of the month.

I made this Sand Dollar Pullover from Knitting Nature by the genius, Norah Gaughan. I used Zealana Chunky, a merino/delaka blend. Delaka is the evil New Zealand "possum" which is eating the country.

We did a Libra Birthday Swap on Ravelry and I got a great package from Sharon. The best part of the gift was a donation to Heifer.

I also participated in a mitten swap on Ravelry. My upstream pal, Delana, totally wowed me with her beautiful gloves made from Rowan 4 Ply.

I finished the I Love Gansey socks from the Six Sox KAL. The skulls didn't really look like skulls but the twisted cables turned out well. They were my first attempt at cabling without a needle. I haven't worn them yet. The 80 & 90 degree F weather stuck around for most of the month. Now that they are properly photographed, they have been added to the sock drawer.

Finally finished the green blob that had been lingering since May. It is the Knitting Pure & Simple Split Neck T. Knitted with some well marinated Elann Peruvian Highland Wool in Cactus.

Had to show you my sister's fabulous find. Annie got Alice Starmore's Tudor Roses at the Gloucester Public Library book sale. She is selling it, if anyone is interested.

And for a bit of a laugh. This is from a recent Sunday New York Times fashion spread. Doesn't she look like a Goth Borrower?

Happy Birthday, Annie

2007-09-25T08:39:00.000-04:00

Okay Okay

2007-09-24T18:43:00.001-04:00

The Minimalist Cardigan from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits is finished. What a satisfying project. The moss stitch kept me busy and the yarn was very enjoyable. I used Louet Riverstone in French blue. The weather has cooled down enough to turn off the airconditioning but not enough to wear sweaters. I'm waiting fairly impatiently.

Because the pieces were distorted, I blocked them all before sewing up the sweater.

My sister, Annie, has come over to the dark side. She took a No Knitting vow a few years ago but broke down this week. She said it was just like remembering how to ride a bicycle and began again with no coaching. She is beginning with a sweater for the afghans for Afghans October campaign.

Teri-Kay is celebrating her One Year Knittingaversary this week and bringing a cake to Knit Night at The Yarn Lounge tomorrow. Her most recent FO is this huge poncho knit from Malabrigo (colored stripes) and some custom spun alpaca and wool.

I finally found the right yarn for the Sand Dollar Pullover by Norah Gaughan from Knitting Nature. It is by Zealana and is 80% merino wool and 20% delaka. What is delaka? It comes from the Australian Brush tailed Delaka (or Possum). A distant and somewhat cuter relative of our Virginia Opossum which is eating New Zealand. It was introduced in the 19th Century, escaped, has no natural predators, has lots of babies, eats new growth of plants and trees, eats bird eggs and probably more nasty things I can't remember. Anyway, I am using the color in the lower left corner of this picture. It is called Swamp.

I've been in Africa

2007-09-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

Every morning and evening I go to Pete's Pond in Botswana. I sit and knit and watch the wildlife come to have a drink. I've seen an ostrich, elephants, lots of different birds, elands, impala, a crocodile, jackals, really big turtles, warthogs and wildebeests. It is very noisy with the sounds of bugs, birds, bats, catfish jumping and animals slurping water. I haven't seen the giraffes, lions, hyenas or zebras yet.

Finished this little sweater for the October campaign for afghans for Afghans. This time they are collecting for children ages 7 to 14. The pattern for this sweater is in Knitting for Peace.

The Minimalist Cardigan is perfect knitting for watching wild animals - lots and lots of moss stitch. The back and fronts are finished and one of the sleeves begun. Eventually the weather will cooperate and get cool enough to wear wool again.

Mimi has been the most faithful regular at Yarn Church. She finished this sweater for her husband, Danny. Yay, Mimi!

Fits and Starts

2007-08-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am so glad I began the Tangled Yoke cardigan with the sleeves. As the pattern is written, they are just too tight for my fat upper arm. It is a pretty simple fix, just frog back to the ribbing and increase more stitches on the way to the top. Then, just increase the body by the same number of stitches and add in a couple of repeats of the cable pattern. Still, I was annoyed enough to put the project in time out and cast on for two new projects.

The next deadline for afghans for Afghans is October 12. This time they are collecting clothing and blankets for children age 7 to 17. Since they never get enough sweaters (or socks), I am going to make a couple of sweaters. I am almost done with the first one and will post a picture soon.

The other sweater I have begun is the Minimalist cardigan from the same issue of Interweave Knits as the Tangled Yoke. Miles and miles of moss stitch using the yarn I got to make the Sand Dollar pullover and then didn't get gauge.

But I did finish something!

Swan Lake, aka Mystery Stole #3, is done and ready for blocking this weekend.

Laura from Yarn Church knit this baby sweater from a pattern in Greetings from the Knit Cafe. It is knit from side to side in a very attractive waffle stitch.

The sweater crosses in the back and ties in front.

For those of you wondering about my post featuring my nephew's baseball card, I was thinking like a proud aunt and not like a careful parent. When his folks asked me to remove his picture, I did so immediately. Some aspects of this modern world sure are crappy.

No wonder I was complaining

2007-08-17T07:22:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday was the hottest day since July 1977! I was living here then in an apartment with no air conditioning. The building was old and the systems had never been updated. The electrical service could not even support a window unit. In order to sleep, I would put a box fan on either side of my bed and drape a wet washcloth over my face. I was in graduate school then so I probably spent my days at the studio where it was somewhat cooler.

Finished the first sock from Mary's yarn. One more to go and I can begin the I Love Gansey socks.

Also finished the first sleeve of my Tangled Yoke cardigan. I have really been enjoying the Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool yarn. To keep the variegation subtle, I switched to using two different skeins once the ribbing was complete.

I've been spending lots of time uploading pictures to Flickr for my Ravelry page. This little EZ February Baby Sweater is from several years ago. It is my favorite baby pattern - what a classic.

Peach says pay attention to ME!

Helllllp me, I'm melting

2007-08-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

You know that Joni Mitchell song that begins Hellllp me, I'm falling? Well, that's what I have been singing except I had to change it to Hellllp me, I'm melting because it is so hot. It was 105 in my car this afternoon. I know I am in Virginia and it is always hot here in August (and June and July and September) but I still am amazed when I walk out into a thick wall of heat.

I've been working on the sleeve of the Tangled Yoke Cardigan in the vain hope that by the time I finish the two sleeves it will have cooled off enough not to be too miserable with the body of the sweater in my lap. I am enjoying the yarn which Stewart found at the sheep and wool festival in Taos.

Clue 5 of Mystery Stole 3 is complete. It is the beginning of the wing. I am getting somewhat burned out with the lace. Still love the yarn but knitting it is so dang fiddly and I'm not really a lacy person. I want to spend my time making something I will actually wear or projects for afghans for Afghans. Ravelry really sucked me in too. I am almost finished posting my projects and have no intentions of putting my stash up. I like the feature where you are matched up with people who have knit the same projects you have. The forums cover the gamut. I even joined one for owners of big dogs.

Distracted

2007-08-05T09:02:00.000-04:00

Well, I could not get gauge with the beautiful blue yarn for the Sand Dollar sweater so that project is resting while I figure out what I want to make with the yarn and find the right yarn for the sweater.

So I cast on with some Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool Co. yarn (no website, but available from The Yarn Lounge) for Eunny Jang's Tangled Yoke Cardigan in the Fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits.

I've been wanting to make a sweater with some cables and this sophisticated take on tradition seems like a perfect project. Of course, now all I want to do is knit away on the first sleeve but I still am working on my Mystery Stole 3. The theme has been revealed - Swan Lake. With Friday's clue we began on the wing that will be the other end of the stole. I hope that when the designer publishes the pattern for sale she has a version that is wings at both ends.

I have a sock distraction too. The new Six Sox along is designed by Janine Le Cras from the island of Guernsey. It is called I Love Gansey. I'm going to use this beautiful blue Fleece Artist Sea Wool. The color, the yarn are all perfect for an island theme. However, I have been strong and have not cast on. I am still working on my yarn swap socks.

There is a Jane Austen forum on Ravelry - Austentacious. I found out about this bag there. It is available from The Republic of Pemberley. I have stacks of canvas bags and hardly need another one but I'm awfully tempted. After all, it is only $20.

And how could I resist this alternate view of the Whippeterrorists?

Time Bandits

2007-07-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

I got sidetracked by Ravelry. I got my invitation, started exploring, started uploading projects, began looking at other members and the forums. What with everything else, I neglected to post here.

Then, on Tuesday my book came and I was not about to do anything but knit and listen to Jim Dale on my iPod. I finished yesterday evening.

Mystery Stole 3 is chugging along. During some of the more exciting parts of HP & the Deathly Hallows I would make mistakes and have to frog. I only have 20 rows left of Clue 4.

While waiting for the crashed computer at work to not do anything, I made major progress on my Diagonal Rib Socks by Ann Budd. (Free at Knitting Daily.)

I was using up some Toasty Toes yarn and ran out. I am calling these the Gold Toe sock(s).

What with all the endless lace, I wanted some comfort knitting so began these ribbed socks with some 70% wool, 30% silk Zwerger Garn Opal yarn I got from Mary at Sangeeta's yarn swap.

And then, today, I got the wool for my Sand Dollar pullover from Knitting Nature. It is Louet Riverstone, 4 sts to the inch.

Last but not least, here is Dogwood watching the Whippeterrorists playing with their pal, Goldie.

Sports Illustrated poll on Michael Vick

2007-07-22T17:08:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to post something about the Michael Vick indictment but have been angry and disgusted on too many levels to be able to write coherently (or even rant). Thanks to my sister, Annie, I can at least give you this link to a Sports Illustrated opinion poll.

I really have been knitting and promise to post some pictures this week.

Mark Morford is brilliant

2007-07-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

I discovered Mark Morford via my Deerhound owning friend, Christie Keith, who says he is a Media God. I so agree with his column about Giant Squid. We need some good mysteries.

My Hogwarts' House

2007-07-18T17:41:00.000-04:00

The sorting hat says that I belong in Ravenclaw!

Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose intelligence is surest."

Ravenclaw students tend to be clever, witty, intelligent, and knowledgeable.
Notable residents include Cho Chang and Padma Patil (objects of Harry and Ron's affections), and Luna Lovegood (daughter of The Quibbler magazine's editor).

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

Progress, purchases & a favorite bag

2007-07-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

After a fair amount of tinking (for some reason I kept dropping YOs), I have finished Clue 3. I am enjoying this KAL so much that I ordered Hanami and Spring Tootsies from Melanie.

Even though my Sidewinder wasn't in Time Out long enough for me to truly forgive it, I bit the bullet and finished it. This time, there was no unpleasant surprise.

Sangeeta, sadly blogless these days, had a Yarn Swap and Sale party at her house this past Saturday. I took three grocery bags full of yarn and only came home with one. That one was mostly yarn no one wanted plus enough for two pairs of socks that I got from Mary. With the money I made, I bought two books that have been on my wish list.

Knitting for Peace combines history, contact information and patterns in a well written and designed format. There is a great sweater pattern that uses odds and ends of yarn in an interesting and clever way.

So far there are two sweaters and a scarf from Knitting Nature on my Want To Knit list.

This bag from Obey The Pure Breed makes me laugh every time I use it. Check out the extensive list of breed, mutt, baby, cat and peace items available from this hilarious site. My only gripe, nothing with Deerhounds.

Happy Birthday, Baby Brother!

2007-07-14T21:39:00.001-04:00

Note the McCarthy campaign button. But I think he still wears the same style glasses.

Hound News & Knitting

2007-07-12T20:22:00.000-04:00

Important Deerhound News!
Extra! Extra! Cleod, a Deerhound, stars as Sirius Black's animagus in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Read about it in Christie Keith's entry over at the Pet Connection blog.

Clue 3 of Mystery Stole 3 comes out tomorrow. I have completed Clue 1.

And Clue 2.

Just one small problem. I absent-mindedly repeated two rows so the reverse chevron has a bit of a detour. At least it is symmetrical. I am still loving the Malabrigo Lace Weight. The Yarn Lounge got a shipment today of lots of delectable colors.

Laura attends Sunday Yarn Church. She has had fun making the Bubble Pullover from Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan. Laura's enthusiasm inspired me to take another look at the book and now it is on my wish list.

This shot shows the hexagon sections a bit more clearly.

Jennifer, I couldn't figure out how else to contact you. I don't teach weaving but theVisual Arts Center of Richmond (formerly The Hand Workshop) offers weaving classes.

Close but no cigar

2007-07-11T22:32:00.000-04:00

After miles of grafting, I tried my first Sidewinder on because I was a bit worried the leg would be too tight. Yay! The leg fit. Oh no! I felt something dreadful happening.

Ack! I had missed some stitches and they unraveled.

I almost frogged the whole thing in disgust but stopped myself. Put the edge stitches on some waste yarn, picked up the others. And promptly put the fiendish thing in Time Out. I really like the vertical patterning of the colors so will eventually finish them. Lesson learned - don't try to graft a gazillion stitches and teach a class at the same time.

To calm myself, I cast on some Diagonal Rib Socks, a free pattern by Ann Budd from Knitting Daily. I am using Toasty Toes yarn left over from one of the pairs that Peach liked.

Really enjoyed I Heart Huckabees. Goofy and intelligent, enhanced for me by my past studies of Buddhist teachings and French philosophy and criticism. A loving and wacko comedy with Lily Tomlin, Dustin Hoffmann, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Wahlberg, Jude Law, Naomi Watts and the ever exquisite Isabelle Huppert.

Also saw and was touched by Imagine, a documentary about the life of my favorite Beatle, John Lennon.

Black Sheep

2007-07-07T10:15:00.000-04:00

Black Sheep got a great review in The New York Times. I missed it but Melanie sent me the link. Wonder if it will come to Richmond?

It's a Grand Old Flag

2007-07-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

This video was actually made for Memorial Day but will do just fine for Independence Day. Borzoi are not easy dogs to train, they are very independent (ha) and always want to know what is in it for them.

Happy Fourth, y'all!

SoS Progress + 2 movies

2007-07-03T18:33:00.000-04:00

Finished my Horcrux socks on Sunday. They only had part of a toe left to complete when the Mystery Stole 3 clue came out. They were a quick, easy knit. Now they are waiting in the sock drawer for cooler weather.

I am not really crazy about the way variegated yarn knits up but still find it hard to resist in the skein. This Posh Yarn from The Loopy Ewe was sitting in my stash, waiting to become a pair of comfy, 30% cashmere socks. Nona recently designed socks that are knit flat & then Kitchenered. This results in vertical, instead of horizontal, stripes. I am half way through my first sock. The pattern for the Sidewinder socks is free on her blog.

Two movies so far this week -
I thought The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou was stupid and boring. Even though it tried, it wasn't funny enough, quirky enough, cute enough, charming enough or touching enough. Too bad when it had a cast that included Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum.

On the other hand, Hugo Pool, directed by Robert Downey Sr. in 1996 was genuinely quirky, charming and touching. Alyssa Milano, Malcolm MacDowell, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn and more - plus Patrick Dempsey (McDreamy) as the love interest, confined to a wheelchair with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Knitting without electricity

2007-06-30T10:54:00.000-04:00

I was going to take a picture of my Mystery Stole 3 after Chart A and post it last night. Instead, we had an intense thunderstorm and the power went out. Usually the outage is fairly brief and the only thing to do is wait a few minutes before the lights flicker and come back on. Last night I lit a candle and wondered how on earth any fancy knitting got done after dark in days gone by. It was only about 8:00 pm, way too early for bed, and my knitting neurons were twitching. I dug out my very bright camping lantern, put it on the table, and had just enough light to continue with Chart B of Clue 1. I kept going until after 10:00 when I finally felt sleepy enough to go to bed. The power finally came back on at 2:30 am. How do I know? My alarm system horn was going off and wouldn't let me sleep! I hope it didn't wake the neighbors. After some knitting this morning, I am about 1/3 through Chart B. It is an enjoyable project so far. The Malabrigo Lace Weight is a dream to handle and stands up well to tinking.

As soon as Clue 1 for MS3 was available, all knitting on the Horcrux socks halted. Because they are so very dark, they are almost impossible to photograph well. You may just be able to see the little light flecks which are actually subtle sparkles. Laura, from Sunday Yarn Church, saw the socks and said they reminded her of the dining room ceiling at Hogwarts. And she didn't even know I was knitting Horcrux socks! Speaking of HP, I splurged and ordered the audio version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from Amazon, even paying for delivery. The plan: wear my Horcrux socks while I knit the latest MS3 clue and listen to Jim Dale read.

Movie Perfection (and others)

2007-06-27T22:09:00.000-04:00

In The Mood For Love, directed by Wong Kar-Wai, starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung. Perfection in 98 minutes. Between the visual beauty and the subtitles, not a good knitting movie, but it is so worth it. I watched most of the extras in the 2 disc set.

After that it is kind of hard to mention other movies but I have watched a bunch -

Zach Braff did a good job writing, directing and starring in Garden State with Natalie Portman. Funny, intelligent, and not your typical love story.

Bend It Like Beckham is Gurinder Chadha's sweet sports tale and loving tribute to her family. Truly, Madly, Deeply's Juliet Stevenson played Keira Knightly's mother - a real bonus.

Also seen and enjoyed - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. The actress who played Lucy was especially good. The Royal Tenenbaums had a terrific cast that included Gene Hackman and Anjelica Huston.

How to categorize Bubba Ho-tep? Elvis and JFK (played by Ossie Davis) save their fellow residents of an East Texas nursing home from a soul sucking mummy. Roz lent me this one. She thought I might like it. I kind of did.

On the other hand, I thought Restoration was a monumental waste of money and talent (Robert Downey Jr.!!).

As for knitting content, some of the models from Big Girl Knits are members of The Glamazons. Last night they were picked on NBC's America's Got Talent to progress to the next level. Watch next Tuesday at 8:00 pm to see how they do.

A real post soon, I promise.

2007-06-26T18:32:00.000-04:00

72%

Summer (of Socks)

2007-06-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

Since today is the first day of Summer, the Summer of Socks knitalong began today. I went four long days without socks on the needles so I would be starting fresh for the KAL. This is the beginning of the Horcrux socks, designed by Susan Pierce Lawrence for the April 2007 Six Sox knitalong. I am using black Regia Silk Shine from my stash. It is 52% merino, 23% polyamid, 20% silk. The knitalong is just about perfect for me since all I have to do is knit socks between now and September 21, post pictures on Flickr and let my blog watcher know if I have posted about any socks. There are some contests, including one for the most socks knit but I am not going to even try. I knit socks for relaxation, not for sport.

Lace Mania

2007-06-17T17:56:00.001-04:00

Teri-Kay's Birthday Socks are finished!

Can you tell they are lace? She is wearing just the sort of shoes I had pictured for these socks.

Victorian Lace Socks designed by Lorri Ann Romesberg for the Six Sox Knitalong at Yahoo. I used the Fleece Artist Sea Wool sock yarn (70% merino, 30% sea cell) on US#1 dpns. Begun June 9, completed June 17. The chart was easy and interesting to follow. The yarn felt silky and smooth. I enjoyed this project.

The Yarn Lounge received some of the new Malabrigo 100% baby merino laceweight yarn on Friday. I saw it, felt it and lusted after it yesterday but had no excuse to purchase any. Last night I signed up to participate in Mystery Stole 3. When I downloaded the introductory instuctions I discovered that 1200 yards of white or black laceweight yarn was recommended for the project. Just the excuse I needed!

This is my unblocked gauge swatch using US#3 needles. The single ply yarn is very soft but still quite sturdy. I am looking forward to beginning my stole on June 29.

Movie Night (plus Feist)

2007-06-16T20:03:00.001-04:00

As part of my informal completist project of watching movie versions of novels by Jane Austen I rented Bride and Prejudice by the director of Bend It Like Beckham. This tribute to Bollywood musicals moves the story of Pride and Prejudice to contemporary India. A very funny and enjoyable film, no more unrealistic than most romantic comedies. The clip is from early in the movie at a party celebrating a wedding.

This week has been a good one for movies. I also watched and enjoyed -
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, a very well done documentary about a flock of feral parrots in San Francisco and the man who befriended them.

Songcatcher, a 2000 film set in the mountains of North Carolina in the early 20th Century. It featured wonderful music and musicians with magnificent scenery. The script was nothing very special but the music and mountains made it enjoyable. There were two fleeting moments of knitting content. In one, the main character's sister was knitting what appeared to be a dish cloth with lots of mistakes. In the other, she was holding a skein of yarn while a young girl was winding a ball of wool. Iris Dement, Taj Mahal and Hazel Dickens all performed. Aidan Quinn played the hunky mountain man.

And, last night, I watched Finding Neverland with Johnny Depp and Kate Winslett. An excellent, somewhat true, story of J.M. Barrie's inspiration for the creation of Peter Pan. Well acted and produced.

I have been seeing Feist's name but have not really heard her music until this morning on Morning Edition on NPR. Oooh, I immediately went to iTunes and downloaded her newest CD - The Reminder. Check out her version of the traditional song - Sea Lion Woman. (aka See Lyin' Woman)

I've been contemplating what to do for a summer knitting project (besides socks) and now I think I have it. Mystery Stole 3 begins June 29.

More Socks?

2007-06-10T16:51:00.002-04:00

Yes, more socks! Finished the Fools Rush Socks yesterday. I really enjoyed Cassie's pattern & the only modification I made was to Kitchener Stitch the toe instead of gathering it. I used Handpaint Wildfoote yarn on size 2 dpns. It is the Rhapsody colorway. They are now in my sock drawer, resting and waiting for cooler weather to return.

Of course I started another pair of socks immediately. They are the June pattern for the Six Sox KAL at Yahoo. The pattern is called Victorian Lace. It is very well suited to the Seawool sock yarn by Fleece Artist. Teri-Kay picked out the yarn because these are her 50th birthday socks.

Happy Birthday, Mr. D!!!!

2007-06-08T17:46:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my darling boy! Clan MacGregor Blue Dogwood FCh, CGC. AKA: Dogwood, Woodie, Mr. D, Biggie, Big Mannie, Bob Dogwood, Kingie, Mr. Doggy.

You have brought me much joy ever since your breeders, Rett & Ellen Rich, entrusted me with you.

You are nine today. Not quite as frisky as you were during your lure coursing career, but healthy in every way a doting owner of a Scottish Deerhound (a most perfect creature of heaven) could hope for. You have always made your needs very clear but your demands have been few. You have an amazing tolerance for Whippets. Perhaps your only flaw is your fear of thunder but even that fear is expressed with dignity. Thank you for being everything one could ask from a friend and companion.

I thought all the yarn was safe

2007-06-07T19:12:00.001-04:00

But, no!

I got out my green blob and must have dropped a ball of yarn. I put the project away again because it has gotten too hot to have a wool sweater in my lap (even with air conditioning).

I worked at The Yarn Lounge this past weekend while Stewart and Melanie were in Ohio at the big trade show. They brought me these as a present. I've been wanting a Lexie Barnes tape measure ever since Stewart brought hers home from last year's TNNA. And I love the very useful little pouch.

The Fools Rush Socks are nearly finished. They are my main knitting these days. I am anxious for them to be completed because I have found a great pattern for Teri-Kay's birthday socks. Victorian Lace Socks from the Six Sock KAL.

Movie Time

2007-06-04T19:43:00.002-04:00

First Greenfingers, one of those cute movies that is easy to watch and easy to forget. It stars the very hunky Clive Owen who would have made a convincing Bond if he had been selected instead of Daniel Craig. Loosely based on a true story, a bunch of hardened criminals become master gardeners, coached by Helen Mirren's character. A romantic comedy for those times when you want some brain candy. Oh, and watch for the Irish Wolfhound.

I had never seen the 1980 BBC mini series version of Pride and Prejudice until last week. The script was written by Fay Weldon and was more faithful to the novel than the more recent versions. This is not to say that I preferred it, it was a bit too slow and understated. David Rintoul, who played Mr. Darcy, was much too stiff and expressionless, even for a shy and very proper Regency gentleman. Elizabeth Garvie's Eliza Bennet was much better, perhaps even preferable to Jennifer Ehle or Keira Knightly. She was young, pretty and intelligent. There was less comedy and more wit in this version.

Now I am waiting for the second disc of the 1983 BBC mini series of Mansfield Park. Fanny Price is my least favorite Austen heroine. I tend to find her timidity annoying. Fortunately, this version, while quite faithful to the book, does not focus on this aspect of her personality.

Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, was named by J.K. Rowling after Fanny's dreadful aunt.

The Big Five Oh

2007-06-01T18:56:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Teri-Kay! Enjoy your weekend with Charles at Yogaville.

Thanks for picking this Fleece Artist Seawool for me to knit your birthday socks. As soon as I finish my Fools Rush Socks I will start yours.

See more birthday pictures of Teri-Kay and her cake at Knit Night.

Frog Pond, FOs & Fools

2007-05-29T09:51:00.001-04:00

This pattern in the Winter 2004 Knitters inspired my first attempt at lace. It was to be my next door neighbor's 2005 Christimas present.

UFO completion is related to stash shopping but when I pulled out my half finished scarf, I knew it was destined for the frog pond.

Mistakes that might have been okay two years ago just aren't acceptable now.

These are only some of the more obvious flaws.
She got a store bought present that year.

Marge used to come to Yarn Church. She recently finished a scarf she had begun there and sent me this picture.

While waiting for the a/c to kick in yesterday (I gave up waiting until June 1), I finished these socks.
Details:
Basic sock pattern from A Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. K5, P3 ribbing. Forgot to do the sl1,k1 heel flap.
Sock one - leg on 2s, foot on 1s. Second sock - forgot to switch to 1s.
2 skeins Regia Silk Color yarn. 55% merino, 25% polyamide, 20% silk. Machine washable.
Didn't really like the color combo until Teri-Kay saw it and declared it Retro. She was right.

As soon as I finished the socks, I cast on for the somewhat lacy Fools Rush Sock, a free pattern by Cassandra Thoreson. I'm using more stash, this time some handpainted Wildfoote from Brown Sheep.

Remembering the Dogs

2007-05-28T19:00:00.002-04:00

Not just humans serve. Learn more.

Birthday, Bunny & Blocking

2007-05-27T17:43:00.000-04:00

A very happy sixth birthday to Moose, one day late! And happy birthday to his littermates - Soup, Goose, Fly & Zsa Zsa.

Teri-Kay has just a few finishing touches to make on this bunny. She named him Lambie after the angora rabbit she did not bring home from Maryland Sheep & Wool.

The Equestrian Blazer is blocked. It should be dry when The Yarn Lounge reopens on Tuesday. I'm not working that day so, if all goes well, I might finish it during Knit Night. Unless I go to Australia or South America (not very likely) I won't be able to wear it until October.

Shuffle, Blob & Knit Night Reminder

2007-05-26T12:25:00.000-04:00

1. Michelle - The Beatles
2. Ain't It Somethin- Lyle Lovett
3. Remember - Betty Carter
4. Cowpoke - Don Walser
5. To Be Alone With You - Maria Muldaur
6. Penguins - Lyle Lovett
7. Old Adam - Hem
8. Carey - Joni Mitchell
9. Me & Bobby McGee - Willie Nelson
10. It's Tight Like That - Georgia Tom

Zooming right along on the blob. I'm below the sleeves now. It is getting a bit warm in my lap but I am determined not to turn on the air conditioning yet. I think I've made enough of the Knitting Pure & Simple top down patterns to design my own now. With the help of Barbara Walker, I plan to make a top down, set in sleeve cardigan.

For those of you who live near Richmond - don't forget this Tuesday evening is the monthly Knit Night at The Yarn Lounge. Hope to see you there!

The Magdalene Laundry

2007-05-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

Christy Moore singing Joni Mitchell's The Magdalene Laundry.

Last night I watched The Magdalene Sisters (2002) and the accompanying documentary Sex in a Cold Climate. Both were about a terrible period in recent Irish history when young women and girls were confined for years, even lifetimes, and forced to perform hard labor for the sins of being sexually active or victims of rape or merely pretty.

More Movies & A New Blob

2007-05-23T19:34:00.001-04:00

Laura Linney is one of my favorite actresses. She was just about perfect in The Squid and The Whale and Love, Actually. Since I had never seen You Can Count on Me I added it to my Netflix queue and it finally made its way to the top last week. It is another tender hearted, independent film about a family - this time a single mother (Linney), her son (Rory Culkin), her brother (Mark Ruffalo) and her boss (Matthew Broderick). The film won the 2000 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and truly deserved it. The acting was consistently good, the story was full of truth and the first time director (Kenneth Lonergan) did a very good job. I tend to like independent films because they have to rely on good acting, a good script and good direction - the budgets are just too small to disguise flaws with fancy costumes, locations and special effects.

Sometimes, though, I make a poor pick and XX/XY was one. I chose it because Mark Ruffalo was the star and the plot seemed somewhat intriguing. Too bad his character was immature, shallow and annoying. That would have been forgivable if the movie had been at all good but it wasn't. Only two scenes were worth the time - in one, Ruffalo's character (a director) is recognized by someone who has seen his film. He asks for his money back. The other good scene was a very well acted monologue by Petra Wright who plays Ruffalo's live in girlfriend. For once the commenters at Netflix were right.

All four characters in Mike Nichols' 2004 film Closer were pretty repulsive, especially the ones played by Julia Roberts and Jude Law. Lying, betrayal and sexual misbehavior were the dominant themes of the movie which was based on a play by Patrick Marber. If you don't mind spending a couple of hours with people you have no respect for, this film by a deservedly respected director is definitely worth your time. Clive Owen & Natalie Portman also star & were both nominated for Academy Awards.

Wit, based on the play of the same name, was an HBO movie starring Emma Thompson and directed by Nichols. Thompson plays a literature professor who is diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. The film chronicles her aggressive treatment and decline. She has devoted her life to the study of John Donne, to the exclusion of most human relationships. She endures her ordeal alone with only the comfort of her primary nurse (Audra McDonald). The film was grueling, truthful, sometimes funny and very beautiful.

My new blob in progress is the Split Neck T Shirt from Knitting Pure & Simple. I am using some Elann Peruvian Highland Wool that has been in my stash since November 2004. It is going pretty quickly even though I am working again (whew!). I have even gotten a bit of knitting done while I wait for the next task at my current temp job. It sure beats staring into space or playing Solitaire.

All the parts of the Equestrian Blazer have been finished since last week but I haven't had time to block them. That should happen this weekend.

Roz's Wedding Shawl

2007-05-19T19:42:00.001-04:00

Roz is a regular at the knitting table at The Yarn Lounge. She and Rob got married today.

When she began to plan her wedding, she thought she would knit a lace shawl to wear. However, she decided not to so she wouldn't have the stress of making her first lace project in time for the ceremony. A mystery knitter (not me) heard about her decision and made a Swallowtail out of Blue Sky Alpacas alpaca and silk. It was perfect weather today for wearing a shawl over a lovely sleeveless silk wedding dress.

The mystery knitter did a beautiful job with the dreaded nupps, didn't she?

Roz even wore the shawl when she and Rob cut the cake. It was a Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing. It was a lovely party. Even the children had a good time.

Saturday Shuffle

2007-05-19T17:24:00.000-04:00

By the same animators who did Wallace & Grommit.

1. Pledging My Time - Bob Dylan
2. Jef - Jacques Brel
3. La Ricostruzione Del Mocambo - Paolo Conte
4. No Lo Visto - 8 1/2 Souvenirs
5. Carnival of the Animals (The Swan) - Yo Yo Ma
6. My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone
7. Amazing Grace - The Blind Boys of Alabama
8. Trouble in the Fields - Nanci Griffith
9. She Said She Said - The Beatles (same song, second week in a row)
10. Pain in My Heart - Otis Redding

New Meme

2007-05-17T10:38:00.000-04:00

Grabbed this meme from Barbara.

Mark the items Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan/Blanket (baby)
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Baby items
Bobbles
Button holes
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Cardigan
Charity knitting
Continental knitting
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Darning
Designing knitted garments - doesn't include minor/major modifications
Domino knitting (modular knitting) (if miters count)
Drop stitch patterns or does my Clapotis count?
Dyeing with plant colors
Dyeing yarn
Entrelac
Fair Isle knitting
Freeform knitting
Fulling/felting
Garter stitch
Gloves
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Hair accessories
Hat
Holiday related knitting
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
I-cord
Intarsia
Jewelry
Kitchener BO
Knitting a gift
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Knitting and purling backwards
Knitting art
Knitting for a living
Knitting for pets
Knitting for preemies
Knitting in public
Knitting items for a wedding
Knitting on a loom
Knitting smocking
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Knitting to make money
Knitting with alpaca
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Knitting with beads
Knitting with camel yarn
Knitting with cashmere
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with cotton
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Knitting with DPNs
Knitting with linen
Knitting with metal wire
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Knitting with silk
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Knitting with wool
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Lace patterns
Long Tail CO
Machine knitting
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Moebius band knitting
Norwegian knitting
Olympic knitting
Participating in a KAL
Pillows
Publishing a knitting book
Purses/bags
Rug
Scarf
Shawl
Short rows
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Slip stitch patterns
Slippers
Socks: toe-up
Socks: top-down
Steeks
Stockinette stitch
Stuffed toys
Swatching
Sweater
Teaching a child to knit
Teaching a woman to knit
Teaching a male how to knit
Textured knitting
Thrummed knitting
Toy/doll clothing
Tubular CO
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting - Tvåändsstickning
Writing a pattern

I like this meme because it gives me a handy list of things I want to do. I actually have some lovely yarn that includes dog hair. She is a beautiful Great Pyrennese (sp?) that I met at the 2005 Fall Fiber Festival. And, sitting in my UFO bag, I have a baby sweater waiting to be steeked. I also have that felted clog pattern so many people have made and tons of White Buffalo yarn to make slippers. No cashmere or camel in my stash but I certainly plan to knit both fibers as soon as I can afford.

Moonlight & a movie

2007-05-14T22:00:00.000-04:00

What a difference blocking makes!

This lovely pattern by Shui Kuen Kozinski is available free at Elann. I happened to have the very yarn called for - Elann's Baby Silk. It had been in my stash for at least 2 years. I used #4 needles and knit 8 instead of 10 repeats in order to avoid the dreaded Jemima Puddleduck effect.

Sorry this detail is flashed out. I can see how easy it would be to get addicted to lace. I am planning to make Eunny's Print o' the Wave with my loot. But I am going to try to restrain myself from full blown compulsion because I do like to use the things I make and how much lace do I really need. And I think socks are probably more useful gifts than lace shawls. At least, I can't really imagine that my sister would prefer a shawl over socks.

I watched another good indie film about a family last night. Amy Adams was nominated for a 2005 Academy Award for her role in Junebug. It was the story of a visit to family in North Carolina by the older son and his new wife. Very truthful and touching with excellent acting.

Blocking

2007-05-13T18:45:00.000-04:00

Every single mistake just screamed at me while I was pinning it out. I know they won't really show when I am wearing it. It will be dry and ready to unpin when I go to teach my class tomorrow night.

Saturday Songs, Movies, Moonlight & a UFO

2007-05-12T12:23:00.000-04:00

Songs

1. Boogie - Paolo Conte
2. Junko Partner - Dr. John
3. Rescue - Lucinda Williams
4. Au Suivant - Jacques Brel
5. Ai Vida - Cristina Branco
6. There Will Never Be Another You - Chet Baker
7. Singapore - Tom Waits
8. Tall In The Saddle - Joan Armatrading
9. Sous Le Soleil Exactement - Serge Gainsbourg
10. She Said She Said - The Beatles

Movies

I have 133 movies in my Netflix queue. At about 4 movies a week & adding at least two for every one I watch, I will never catch up. I must have added these first two after last year's Academy Awards.

Capote starring Philip Seymour Hoffman in an Oscar winning performance as Truman Capote. The film was visually stunning and the entire cast was excellent. I particularly like Catherine Keener as Harper Lee. Hoffman is one of his generation's great actors. I first saw him in Owning Mahowny based on the true story of a mild mannered, compulsive gambler who embezzles millions from the bank where he works in order to fund his habit.

Syriana was a very effective thriller that pulled me in, despite my confusion about what exactly was going on. The story grew by fragments until it fell into place shortly before the conclusion. George Clooney (another 2005 Oscar winner) did his best to look ordinary by gaining 30 pounds, growing a beard & shaving his hairline. Can't escape those gorgeous eyes though. The rest of the top notch cast included Matt Damon, Chris Cooper & William Hurt.

Too bad I saw Casino Royale around the same time. Yes, Daniel Craig is hot but the movie was waaay too long for such a simplistic story.

And then, last night, a wonderful independent film, Lovely & Amazing, directed by Nicole Holcener who went on to Friends With Money (now in my queue). A terrific ensemble cast that included Brenda Blethyn - Secrets & Lies, Little Voice and Mrs.Bennett in the Keira Knightly version of Pride & Prejudice, Catherine Keener (again), Jake Gyllenhaal - pre-Brokeback Mountain and Raven Goodwin, a child actress who played the most sensible character in the movie.

Moonlight

The shawl is finished and ready to be blocked tomorrow. The Walker Treasury blog has a swatch of the lace - called Sunspots in Barbara Walker's book - as a recent entry.

UFO

Remember this? I got as far as completing the back and beginning the left front last November. The concentration required to follow row by row instructions eluded me and the whole thing was left to marinate for months. After Swallowtail and Moonlight Sonata, the pattern suddenly seemed much less complex so I picked it up again. I finished the left front in a day and am now working my way up the right front, increasing, decreasing and short-rowing along with ease. The pattern for Kate Gilbert's Equestrian Blazer is in the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits if you want to check out the instructions.

Loot!

2007-05-09T10:09:00.000-04:00

Unlike half the knitters on the East Coast, I didn't make it to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival but I still have loot.

Melanie brought me this 100% merino superwash lace yarn from Tess' Designer Yarns. Teri-Kay helped her pick the perfect green - not the green you see which is washed out by the flash, the actual green is deeper and richer.

Once I finish and recover from knitting Moonlight Sonata, I think I will use my loot to make Eunny Jang's Print o' the Wave stole.

Blue Blob No More

2007-05-07T10:08:00.000-04:00

Love how this sweater turned out. Details: Knitting Pure & Simple Top Down V Neck Cardigan, knit using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% cotton, 20% merino wool) in the Emperor's Robe colorway, on size 7 Denise needles. Mother of Pearl buttons. Small modifications - I knit the bottom edge in garter stitch instead of K1, P1 ribbing and made the sweater less long.

Irises are very forgiving plants. I have neglected my garden for years and these still bloom by my front steps. The camera decided that I was taking a picture of the background instead of the flower, so it is a bit blurry and you can see all the volunteer maple seedlings. Ah well.

Linda finished her very first sock during Yarn Church yesterday. She used Trekking XXL in a lovely grey colorway.

I'm trying to complete a pattern repeat a day of the Moonlight Sonata shawl. Of course that takes more time as I go along because the shawl keeps growing. This is with the fifth repeat done.

And progress has been made on the first of the Regia Silk socks. It is my teaching, dvd watching knitting now that the Blue Blob is no longer. Maybe I should have taken the picture on a sock blocker, it is looking awfully skinny.

Music, Movies & Moonlight

2007-05-04T12:19:00.000-04:00

Friday iPod Shuffle

1. Shopping Trolley - Beth Orton
2. Shotgun Boogie - Don Walser
3. Guess Things Happen That Way - Johnny Cash
4. Somebody Who Loves You - Joan Armatrading
5. Out of Touch - Lucinda Williams
6. Buckets of Rain - Bob Dylan
7. Railroad Lady - Willie Nelson
8. Go To Sleep Alone - Jimmie Dale Gilmore
9. Close Your Eyes - Queen Latifah
10. Cold Blue Steel & Sweet Fire - Joni Mitchell

Movies

This movie opened yesterday and got an excellent review in today's New York Times. Directed by the Canadian actress, Sarah Polley, who starred in The Sweet Hereafter and No Such Thing (recently written about here), it has an extraordinary cast that includes the luminous Julie Christie. I won't wait for it to come out on a dvd to see it.

Last night I watched Jules and Jim - Truffaut's masterpiece from 1962. Jeanne Moreau is another actress who combines exceptional beauty with true talent.

Another highly recommended film is Vera Drake starring Imelda Staunton who was Oscar nominated for her role as the ordinary working class mother and loving wife who has a secret vocation as an illegal abortionist in 1950's England. Directed by Mike Leigh and perfectly acted, this film is an excellent reminder of a time to which we cannot revert. Hey Supreme Court, Keep your laws off my body!

Also seen and enjoyed -
Pirates of the Caribbean, The Curse of the Black Pearl, wonderful Johnny Depp and a marvelously complicated plot. I don't need to see the sequels though.
Broadcast News. Love Holly Hunter but, boy, those 1980's fashions sure haven't aged well.

Moonlight

I've finished the third repeat. For more details, come on over to the Elann shawlknit-along.

Swallowtail Shawl(s)

2007-05-02T10:43:00.000-04:00

The Swallowtail Shawl blocked beautifully.

It turned out just the way I imagined.

The yarn was a gift from Kate M. She purchased it from Art Fibers in San Francisco. They design and produce their own line of yarn and you can only purchase it from them. Mine is Valparaiso in color 7. It is 50% baby alpaca, 50% merino wool. I knit the shawl using Denise needles in size 5. The pattern is from the Fall 2006 issue of Interweave Knits

Can you even see the nupps? Once I started using a size 1 needle to pick up the 5 stitches to purl together, the nupps went smoothly.

Melanie and I had a mini KAL. This is her finished Swallowtail, knitted in a Jo Sharp 100% alpaca yarn (can't remember the name).

Didn't she do a beautiful job?

Check out my start on the Moonlight Sonata shawl over at the Elann Shawl Knit-along.

Monday update

2007-04-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

Remember this?

Melanie & I spent 3 hours on Saturday untangling. If I had known how chopped up it was, I probably would have just thrown the whole mess away. On Sunday Teri-Kay finished the job and was inspired to use the odd lengths to knit in with other yarn to make random stripes. I kept a few of the larger pieces for my log cabin blanket.

How can you stay mad at Peach when she spends 20 minutes tenderly licking her pal's head?

The Swallowtail is pinned out on the insulation foam. Melanie's version is in the background. They will be ready to photograph when The Yarn Lounge opens on Tuesday morning. Final pictures and details to be posted then.

I seem to have caught the lace shawl bug so am participating in the Elann shawl along which begins tomorrow. I am going to make the Moonlight Sonata shawl using Elann's Baby Silk.

While shopping my stash for the shawl along, I uncovered mounds of sock yarn. Cast these on using a simple K5, P3 rib to show off the self patterning.

Music, movies, a book and........OH NO!

2007-04-27T19:32:00.000-04:00

Junior Brown - My Wife Thinks You're Dead

Friday iPod Shuffle. Tell me about yours.

1. A Little Blues - The Be Good Tanyas
2. It's Tight Like That - Georgia Tom
3. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) - John Prine
4. Yanzi (Swallow Song) - Yo Yo Ma
5. Creeps Like Me - Lyle Lovett
6. Five Finnish Folk Songs - Yo Yo Ma
7. Hillbilly Hula Gal - Junior Brown
8. Reason to Cry - Lucinda Williams
9. Kingfish - Randy Newman
10. Young Blood - Rickie Lee Jones

Rogue, the Deerhound with his own blog, told me about a website devoted to covers of Bob Dylan songs. I should have known such a site existed.

Movies to see:
Rabbit Proof Fence, an Australian film based on the true story of 3 part Aboriginal girls. They were taken from their mothers and sent to a boarding school, escaped, and walked 1200 miles through the outback to get home. Well acted, beautiful photography, moving story.

Sisters, a very early (1973) Brian De Palma film. I wanted to see it because one of the leads, Jennifer Salt, was a student at Sarah Lawrence when I was. As was De Palma but I didn't know him. The movie had way too much scenery chewing to be scary and I surprised myself by enjoying it. Charles Durning had a part in it too and I do like him.

One of my favorite bloggers, Crazy Aunt Purl has a book coming out called Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair. It will be published in October and, if it is one tenth as funny and sweet as her blog, it should be a huge hit. How could it miss with a title like that?

OH NO! This is how close I got to finishing the Swallowtail Shawl before I ran out of yarn. Rather than ordering one ball from the only place in the world where it is available, I tinked back and eliminated the row before the bindoff so I would have enough yarn to finish. I hope to block tomorrow so should have FO pictures Sunday or Monday.

Catching Up

2007-04-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

We finished a Beginning Class and the talented knitters are showing their ribbed scarf progress.

Carolina completed another baseball jersey from Knit 2 Together. This one is made from Rowan Wool Cotton. It is an easy, fun pattern. When I have a real job again I plan to buy the book so I can make one too.

This blob is my Swallowtail Shawl (Interweave Knits Fall 2006). I have spent more time tinking than knitting on this project. I am not exaggerating, I truly have. Most recently because I noticed that some nupps were out of alignment three rows back. I haven't lost patience because it is going to be beautiful and because the yarn is still fabulous. It has held up perfectly to repeated knitting and frogging. I could have knit at least two pairs of socks in the time I have spent on this shawl.

My Knitting Pure & Simple v-neck cardigan has had progress because there are times and situations when lace knitting is impossible (when I am teaching, during Knit Night, etc.). The body is finished except for the button bands.

The first sleeve is partly done. I am really enjoying the Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep. I am curious to see how much it stretches when worn.

Music and movies tomorrow (Friday).

Sad Week

2007-04-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

We all have had a sad week and I haven't felt much like blogging about knitting, music, movies or hounds. I don't really have anything to add that hasn't been said already. My thoughts are with the families of Virginia Tech.

Sublime to Silly

2007-04-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

A Very Long Engagement with Audrey Tautou (Amelie) and Gaspard Ulliel (now on screens as the young Hanibal Lecter). A very beautiful and romantic film that is not for the faint of heart due to the graphic scenes of World War I. Jodie Foster plays a French war widow who assists in Matilde's (Tautou) quest for the answer to Manech's (Ulliel) disappearance. This film rates a very rare five stars.

I also watched French Kiss (1995) with Meg Ryan & Kevin Kline. Silly movie - no chemistry between them. And I just don't find most characters who are petty criminals to be all that attractive. Some good musicians on the soundtrack though - Les Negresses Vertes, Paolo Conte & Van Morrison.

The chewed sock is in the landfill by now. It wouldn't have been worth the time to repair. The Yarn Lounge will have a washed Toasty Toes sock yarn sample & I will make myself another pair with the yarn left from the giant skein.

Peach generally confines her shredding to stuffed dog toys & empty food containers. For some reason, Moose (her uncle) did not get the Whippet shredding gene but it definitely runs in the family. His father was notorious for destroying his beds.

Evidence

2007-04-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

Peach, did you do this?

Songs, Socks & a Shawl

2007-04-13T20:28:00.000-04:00

Songs
1. God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind) - Randy Newman
2. How's It Gonna End - Tom Waits
3. Still I Long for Your Kiss (Alternate Version) - Lucinda Williams
4. Un Mundo Raro - Chavela Vargas
5. Red Clay Halo - Gillian Welch
6. Still a Fool - Muddy Waters
7. Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman
8. Ain't That Lovin' You Baby - Jimmy Reed
9. Diamonds & Rust - Joan Baez
10. Wedding Song - Maria Muldaur

Socks

Smoking Hot Socks (Although I think these look more like Blazing Hot Socks). A free pattern by Monika Steinbauer.
Knit using Fleece Artist 100% washable merino wool in the Tiger colorway on size 1 dpns. Just about my favorite yarn for knitting socks.

Modifications: (Accidental) bottoms of heels knit in reverse stockinette. (Deliberate) ribbing on leg is K3, P3 instead of K2, P2 so it will align with the mitered squares.

I was worried that the legs might not fit but they did.

Shawl

I am trying again with lace and have begun the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark in the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits. So far I have spent as much time frogging as knitting. Melanie (the angel of The Yarn Lounge) & I are having a mini KAL. We may have inspired Stewart to try as well. The yarn was a gift from Kate M., purchased at Artfibers in San Francisco.

Book & Movies

2007-04-11T10:37:00.000-04:00

More about life than knitting, this book was an enjoyable, but not memorable, read. The plot centers on Georgia Walker, a single mother and yarn store owner, and the women who are drawn together on Friday evenings. We learn their stories and watch as friendships form. Georgia has to deal with the re-entry into their lives of the father of her child. Anita allows love and romance to blossom. Darwin finds a good friend. Cat leaves her husband. All their lives change in small or large ways.

I enjoyed the prefaces to the sections - short essays on different aspects of knitting. It was fun to imagine the store, the women coming together, knitting and sharing food. Unfortunately, the plot shift near the end of the book seemed abrupt and gratuitous. With that as a warning, I do recommend this book to fellow knitters or those who like to read books about friendships between women - with some romance thrown in.

Two movies to recommend. One still in theaters and one on dvd.

The Lives of Others won this year's Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. It is set in East Germany during the Communist regime when the secret police permeated the country. Brilliantly acted, beautifully filmed, it was more than worth the price of the ticket.

L'Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment) was a delightful film about a young Frenchman's year of study in Barcelona. He shares an apartment with five other students - each a different nationality. His romantic and cultural escapades are amusing and the acting is excellent. There is a sequel called Russian Dolls and I have it in my Netflix queue.

My Talented Sister

2007-04-09T09:28:00.000-04:00

Some of you may have seen this Leicester Long Wool in the 2006 Maryland Sheep & Wool catalog on the Maryland Sheep Breeders page. It is a small relief print by my sister, Annie Fitt.

And this is her Moon Sheep that you can see on the Maryland Sheep Breeders page of this year's MS&W catalog.

I am in awe of my sister's ability to capture likenesses, making each one individual, bursting with personality. Please visit her website and etsy store to see more of her amazing work featuring dogs, cats, humans, sheep, goats, chickens, etc.

iPod, Progress, etc

2007-04-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

1. Love You To - The Beatles
2. Now She's Gone - Steve Earle
3. Down The Big Road Blues - Lucinda Williams
4. Jump Sturdy - Dr. John
5. Anywhere I Lay My Head - Tom Waits
6. Walking Spanish - Tom Waits
7. Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man) - Randy Newman
8. Goldbrickin' - The Del McCoury Band
9. El Desierto - Lhasa De Sela
10. Unionhouse Branch - Alison Krauss & Union Station

I finally realized that the Be Good Tanyas were the Canadian singers I had heard a while back on NPR. I downloaded an album and am enjoying the listening.

Except for sewing up, the first sock is finished & I have begun the second one. For some reason, the toe gave me fits (ha ha) last night. I was pining for the Kitchener Stitch.

The cardigan is a blue blob and will remain so until nearly finished. Top down sweaters just aren't very photogenic.

Another excellent blog to visit for current news about the pet food recall. Itchmo.

Miters & Movies

2007-04-05T10:59:00.000-04:00

This is why I began these socks! To get to the mitered squares. Wendy Johnson has started a garment made of small mitered squares of sock yarn. It is very painterly. And January One is working obsessively on mitered squares for a coverlet. Very Op art-ish.
The quilterly part of my brain sees all sorts of possibilities.

I fear the socks are not going to be stretchy enough to fit my sturdy leg. I have decided not to try them on until the second one is finished. That way I won't end up with just one sock.

The yarn arrived for my next sweater. Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep. It is 80% cotton & 20% merino wool in the Emperor's Robe color. Even though the instructions say to hand wash, I took the chance and tossed my gauge swatch into the washing machine on cold. It turned out just fine and I plan to machine wash my finished sweater. I won't put it in the dryer though. It will be a very simple top down v-neck cardigan from Knitting Pure & Simple. I had a moment of wondering if it will look as if I just bought a sweater from J. Crew. Quickly shoved the thought aside and reminded myself that the sweater will fit me and have nice subtle details. Certainly better buttons than any from a catalog.

Movies watched recently -
I did not like Gangs of New York. Too violent, too long and too smug. It was so highly choreographed I kept expecting the gangs to break into song and dance routines - an 1860s West Side Story. Maybe Martin Scorcese is too much of a guy type director for me. I did truly enjoy the series about The Blues that he produced for Public Television.
In The Name of the Father directed by Jim Sheridan was better. I was caught up in the story of the innocent Gerry Conlan & his father sent to prison for many years for as IRA terrorists. I am a sucker for injustice.

Pet Food Recall

2007-04-03T22:12:00.000-04:00

One of the blogs I read on a regular basis has been covering the Menu pet food recall since the story first began to break.The Pet Connection blog features some of the most respected journalists who write about pets & the pet industries. If you still think this is a story about a few dogs & cats that died from eating bad dog food, check out the entries at Pet Connection for the past week or so. Thousands of pets have died and the most recent stories are to the effect that the contaminated wheat gluten was also sold to producers of food for humans. Sometimes I wish I had cable, Anderson Cooper was going to be covering the story on CNN. Christie Kieth from the Pet Connection blog was going to be on the show. Maybe it will show up on YouTube.

Stretching

2007-04-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

Peach, did you do this?

Still mulling over this colorway. In looking at the hank again, I can see that I missed the importance of the black.

It is such a stretch for me that I could only find one thing in my house that is the same color grouping. A little box of matches that I bought in Amsterdam.

I was very frustrated at my inability to understand how to turn the heel. The directions for a Jojo heel use a term particular to Lana Grossa. Double stitch. I emailed the designer, Monika Steinbauer, for help. She replied promptly with the explanation. When beginning a row, slip the first stitch as if to purl, then tug firmly on the working yarn to pull the stitch below up and over the needle to create a false double stitch. When beginners mistakenly add a stitch at the beginning of a row, this is usually what they have done. In the case of the socks, the double stitch is done deliberately.

I did make a mistake and knitted the bottom of the heel wrong side out. I am going to leave it and make the second sock the same way. I am a very confident top down sock knitter but do not have much experience with knitting toe up socks. When I picked the pattern, I knew it would be a bit of a stretch. I am now at the point of beginning the leg. And it is for the leg that I chose to make these socks. I should have some leg to show you tomorrow.

It really is Spring

2007-04-02T10:03:00.000-04:00

The Spring Fever socks were finished during yesterday's Yarn Church. They are Evelyn Clark's Retro Rib Socks from Favorite Socks. The legs were knit on 2s and the feet on 1s using Fleece Artist washable merino sock yarn.

A better detail of the ribbing.

My next socks are knit from the toe up using Fleece Artist washable merino sock yarn in the Tiger colorway. The hank was a bit deceptive. I didn't expect so much black & at first the socks reminded me a bit of the German flag. Now they seem to be more in the Name That Tartan category. I like the way the rib stands out due to slipping the stitch every other row.

The prolific Teri-Kay as Little Red Riding Hood. It is from Teva Durham's Loop d Loop.

Friday Shuffle, a book & Sunny's FO

2007-03-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

1. Toada em Realejo - Cristina Branco
2. Songwriter - Willie Nelson
3. Long Time - Lightnin' Hopkins
4. Un Gelato al Limone - Paolo Conte
5. Pledging My Time - Greg Brown (from A Nod to Bob)
6. Home of the Blues - Johnny Cash
7. Cowboy Ramsey - Don Walser
8. People - Joan Armatrading
9. Palavras Proibidas - Cristina Branco
10. Woman of Heart & Mind (live) - Joni MItchell
Funny, with almost a thousand songs to choose from Shuffle picked two by Cristina Branco. She is a great contemporary fado singer.

Finished listening to Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie. A rich combination of beauty, politics, love & vengence. Maybe a bit too long.

Sunny with her very first FO. A baby hat in Blue Sky 100% cotton, completed last night in class.

I am thinking of these as my Spring Fever socks. This one came off the needles Thursday morning. I am already nearly finished with the leg of the second one.

Sock Progress

2007-03-28T10:22:00.000-04:00

Amazing how much progress I can make in a day when I am not working. I am not a particularly fast knitter but I spend quite a bit of time knitting when I should be doing other things. I really enjoy the Fleece Artist merino sock yarn. It has just the right amount of twist and the dye jobs are all very beautiful.

Thanks for all the comments on my sock surgery. Suzann, thanks for the reminder about knitting a few rows of ribbing when starting a picot edge. I had never tried one until the two pairs of socks following the pattern in Jo Sharp's Knit 1. Knitting the hem seemed so satisfyingly clever but next time I will wait, wash the socks & then sew the hem. Robin, the yarn I used was Jo Sharp's Silk Georgette. I know the care instructions say to hand wash but I would never wear my socks if I had to hand wash them. I put them all in the washer on cold & then hang them to dry. They do just fine.

I recently re-read The Knitter's Almanac just because Elizabeth Zimmermann is so inspiring in her attitude towards knitting. She gives me courage to experiment and try new things.

Many thanks to Debbie who told me about this album. Rosalie Sorrels sings one of the songs. I heard her perform in about 1971 at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, New York. I was shocked to discover she does not have a Wikipedia entry. She sang with and influenced many folk singers.

Speaking of singers, I watched The Last Waltz, the film of The Band's last concert. Even though Martin Scorcese directed it, I was disappointed in it as a film. Perhaps if I had seen it when it first came out - 1978 - it would have seemed more exciting. I did enjoy the music, especially Muddy Waters.

Sock Surgery

2007-03-27T09:31:00.000-04:00

This picot edge shrank in the wash just enough to make it very difficult to get over my heel.

I couldn't take it out and resew it more loosely because the hem was knitted together as I made it.

Inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermann, I fearlessly attacked my sock.

I cut the yarn and began to unknit.

Without much difficulty, I had enough yarn to remake the top.

Using EZ's Casting On, Casting Off method from the back of Knitter's Almanac, I finished off the edge. (This is the most accurate picture of the sock's color.)

It was very tidy & neat.

Now I have some simple roll top socks.

Since I am not working yet, I made good progress on the Retro Rib Socks. For those of you who don't like to purl, you might want to skip this pattern. It actually has more purling than knitting.

FOs & a Beginning

2007-03-25T18:37:00.000-04:00

Kate finished this top using some luxurious yarn from Artyarns in San Francisco. If it fits her, she is going to keep it. If not, she will send it to her daughter. I hope it fits.

Teri-Kay finished these fingerless mitts. She used Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk.

I finished my Snap Cardigan, a Blue Sky pattern, using Blue Sky 100% cotton. I washed the snap tape & the sweater before sewing on the tape. The sweater grew at least one size. Next time I wash it, I am going to dry it on Hot. It is very comfortable and soft. Notice the amazing coincidence of my only pair of Crocs matching the sweater as if planned.

The Fleece Artist Ruby socks are finished. They are my favorites. I plan to wear them on Tuesday for Knit Night at The Yarn Lounge.

My next socks are the Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in Favorite Socks. I can't remember the name of the Fleece Artist colorway but it is an excellent green.

Can you tell I finished my temp job on Tuesday? I have been knitting nonstop since then. I've turned down one job so far. It involved a commute to Petersburg (45 minutes). I didn't want to add that much time to leaving the dogs for the day. Also I didn't want to spend the money on gas & the extra wear on my car.

Irish Hiking Scarf

2007-03-24T09:28:00.000-04:00

No, I did not knit this at the speed of light. It has been sitting on the needles, nearly finished, for months. When I became a participant in a Secret Project, I thought of this scarf for my contribution. I completed it yesterday using Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in the Night colorway. The yarn is 85% wool, 10% cashmere & 5% silk. It looks rugged but has a soft hand - perfect for a cabled scarf. The pattern is available free at Hello Yarn.

Last night I watched Dead Man with Johnny Depp, directed by Jim Jarmusch. It was funny & mystical & very, very beautiful. You may have gathered by now that I enjoy films by independent directors. Jarmusch is a favorite. I have seen Stranger Than Paradise, Down By Law, Mystery Train and Night on Earth, some more than once. Night on Earth is a particular favorite. It depicts taxi rides in four different cities - Los Angeles, Paris, Rome & Helsinki - and has a soundtrack by Tom Waits.

Friday iPod Shuffle

2007-03-23T11:46:00.000-04:00

1. Via Con Me - Paolo Conte
2. I've Got The Blues - Lyle Lovett
3. Lake Marie - John Prine
4. Birmingham - Randy Newman
5. Mean Eyed Cat - Johnny Cash
6. California Dreamin' - Queen Latifah
7. Diddie Wah Diddie - Blind Blake
8. Count Me Out - The Del McCoury Band
9. Hold Up - Serge Gainsbourg (he's back!)
10. A Prision Perpetua - Chavela Vargas

Watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind this week. I wasn't sure what to expect because Jim Carrey can be so obnoxious (although I loved Dumb & Dumber). He was actually quite good and Kate Winslett was wonderful, as usual. The movie was funny, touching and interesting. I gave it 4 stars.

Then I was terribly disappointed by The Importance of Being Earnest. How could a film based on an Oscar Wilde play with Judi Dench, Rupert Everett & Colin Firth go so terribly wrong? I blame the writer/director Oliver Parker.

The Snap Cardigan is drying. Just have to sew in the snap tape. It will debut at Yarn Church on Sunday.

Yarn Church FOs

2007-03-19T21:51:00.000-04:00

Kate finished the sweater she knit for her sister. It is the Knitting Pure & Simple top down v neck cardigan. She used Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed.

Linda finished her very first hat. She used Farmhouse Lumpy Bumpy yarn. She is going to knit a matching scarf.

Remember Teri-Kay's hair shirt?

She decided to perk it up a bit and added purple buttons and a purple ruffle. It is much better suited to her personality!

Hot off the needles

2007-03-17T13:26:00.000-04:00

Can you tell I am loving these socks?

A detail shot without flash to show the stitches and heel flap. A slight modification to the usual -
Row 1: (RS) Sl1, K1, P2, *Sl, K1* Repeat *..* to last 4 sts, P2, K2
Row 2: Sl1, P across

I am a lifelong reader and have managed to train myself to read and knit (if the pattern doesn't require much attention) at the same time. The only way I have found to do this is to sit at a table with my book in front of me. It is a very unsatisfactory way to read in the Winter because it deprives me of one of the pleasures of Whippet ownership. Whippets prefer to sleep as close to another warm body as possible. When I sit on my sofa, Moose and Peach cuddle up next to me or drape themselve over me or find a valley between my legs. Since dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, it is a very cozy way to pass the time. Before I got my nano I tried to listen to books on tape but it meant disturbing the dogs when I got up to change to the next tape. With my nano I can listen for hours without leaving my sofa. I had never read anything by Salman Rushdie and thought it was time to try. Audible has a very unsatisfactory selection of his work but I found one unabridged novel that sounded interesting. Shalimar the Clown is full of love, revenge & politics, set in France (during WW2), Kashmir and Los Angeles. I am not a serious critic and don't demand perfection in the books I read. I am about halfway through the book and am finding it an interesting story with some very good writing. The reader is excellent. I listened and knit until nearly midnight last night and did not fall asleep. High praise indeed.

Another Friday, Another Shuffle

2007-03-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

(See #7)

1. Heartland Truckstop - Beth Orton
2. Metal Firecracker (live) - Lucinda Williams
3. I've Got Love If You Want It - Slim Harpo
4. Cry, Cry, Cry - Johnny Cash
5. I've Been Loving You Too Long - Otis Redding
6. Tramp - Otis Redding
7. Transito - Lila Downs
8. Coconut Island - Junior Brown
9. (We're Not) The Jet Set - John Prine & Iris DeMent
10. Blue - Joni Mitchell

And continuing with my watching of quirky independent films, I enjoyed Festival in Cannes directed by Henry Jaglom with the ever fabulous Anouk Aimee plus Greta Scacchi, Ron Silver, Maxmillian Schell and others.

Ruby Sock Update

2007-03-15T17:44:00.000-04:00

I resorted to using Firefox instead of Safari so I could post this picture. This is still the first sock. It seems so slow but I think it is because I spent so much time on the Snap Cardigan. Also, I switched to 0s when I began the heel. The temp job I have had since November is ending next week. Maybe I will have a few days before my next job starts to knit the second sock. I don't want to wish for too much time between jobs - it's been nice having a regular income.

Bad Blogger

2007-03-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

I was planning to do an update on the Ruby Red socks but Blogger won't let me upload any images.

All the parts of the Snap Cardigan are finished. I will sew it up and knit the collar this weekend. Then it will be picture time.

iPod Challenge, Alan Rickman & More

2007-03-09T19:16:00.000-05:00

1. Annie's Lover - Taj Mahal
2. You're Still Standin' There - Steve Earle
3. Safe in Your Arms - Beth Orton
4. CCKMP - Steve Earle
5. That's No Way to Say Goodbye - Leonard Cohen
6. Keep Your Hands Off Her - Taj Mahal
7. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Lila Downs
8. The Last Time - The Blind Boys of Alabama
9. Soledad - Yo Yo Ma
10. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (live version) - Lucinda Williams

Many thanks to Benne who told me about Maria Muldaur's album of Dylan love songs. It is now on my nano.

I loved Alan Rickman's Col. Brandon in Sense & Sensibility. Everyone was right, Emma Thompson was too old for Elinor. She is such a marvelous actress, though, that it didn't really bother me. Even Hugh Grant was tolerable. Having to play a shy, serious & extremely polite gentleman must have kept his mannerisms under control.

I also treated myself and watched Truffaut's Day for Night for the first time in years. What a tender and funny tribute to actors and crew.

Last night I saw Hal Hartley's No Such Thing. People either really like his movies or really dislike them. I happen to like them. This one had a monster, an ingenue, Icelandic scenery, Helen Mirren and Julie Christie.

Tonight I am going to watch The Winter Guest which was co-written and directed by Alan Rickman. It features Emma Thompson and her mother, Phyllida Law, playing mother and daughter.

All this movie watching has meant progress on my Snap Cardigan. I have finished the back, both fronts and am nearly finished with the first sleeve.

Ruby Red (socks, not slippers)

2007-03-03T12:03:00.000-05:00

The Fleece Artist merino wool socks are proceeding. The Ruby Red color is a bit richer than my picture. I cast on 68 sts as recommended on the ball band for women's large but am thinking that the feet may be too loose. Trying to decide whether to decrease when I get to the heel, switch to 0s (I'm knitting on 1s) or just enjoy a pair of roomy socks. The stitch pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlotte Schurch. I don't follow her extremely thorough and helpful sockmaking directions, but am inspired by the stitch swatches. The Baby Cable I used on the orange socks came from the book as well.

Woven Stitch
Rnds 1 & 2 - K2, P2
Rnds 3 & 4 - Knit
Rnds 5 & 6 - P2, K2
Rnds 7 & 8 - Knit

I am also making progress on the orchid Snap Front Cardigan. The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days and I want to wear my lively cotton sweater. Watched the 1981 BBC version of Sense & Sensibility last night and made headway with the stockinette slog. The more recent version starring Emma Thompson is in my Netflix queue. It will be interesting to compare them. I am also looking forward to Alan Rickman as Col. Brandon.

Friday iPod on Saturday

2007-03-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

Made the list yesterday but for some reason couldn't post from work.

1. Smile - Jane Birkin
2. You Drive Me Crazy - Greg Brown
3. Makin' Whoopee - Dr. John Feat & Rickie Lee Jones
4. Corrina, Corrina - Bob Dylan
5. Heartland Truckstop - Beth Orton
6. I Know One - John Prine & Emmylou Harris
7. Essence - Lucinda Williams
8. Number 16 - Jimmie Dale Gilmore
9. September Song - Jimmy Durante
10. Two Little Feet - Greg Brown

Does anyone know of a really good album of covers of Dylan's love songs? He has written some truly beautiful & moving ones and I would love to find them collected somewhere. Lay Lady Lay is probably my favorite.

I remember well watching the Ed Sullivan Show when Jimmy Durante would perform. I was puzzled at the appeal of the old (to me), homely man singing love songs. I rediscovered him on the soundtrack of Sleepless in Seattle and now love to listen to my album - The Best of. It is precisely because of his age and homeliness that the yearning in his singing has such an appeal.

Pink Baby Sweater + Purple Hat

2007-02-26T22:09:00.000-05:00

Sarah sent me this picture of her daughter, Leland, wearing the pink baby sweater I showed in my previous post. A much better picture of the sweater (and an adorable baby). The pattern is in Weekend Knitting.

She made this hat for Leland, using Lamb's Pride Bulky. I think the pattern is also in Weekend Knitting.

Orange X 2 + FOs +

2007-02-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

The orange socks are finished & are true crowd pleasers. They were a pleasure to wear on this rainy, dreary day.
The baby cable rib is easy to make:
Rnds 1, 2, 3:*K2, P2, rep from *
Rnd 4: *K2tog & leave sts on needle, knit first st & slide both off needle, P2, rep from *

Carolina made this baby baseball shirt during the most recent session of Knitting for Mom & Baby. The pattern is in Knit 2 Together

She found baseball buttons for the sweater. Brilliant!

For the same class, Sarah made this sweater for her daughter. The silver buttons look perfect on the pink side to side garter.

Joan has been crocheting hats for afghans for Afghans and brought in five more today.

My next socks will be red - Ruby Red merino yarn from Fleece Artist.

And which movie will win Best Picture tonight? I have seen Babel, The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine. Of those, I favor Little Miss Sunshine. It was funny and charming and the cast worked well as an ensemble. I thought Babel was interesting but pretentious. The Departed was excellent, it was directed by Scorcese, after all, but just wasn't as good an example of its gangster/thriller genre as Little Miss Sunshine was of a dysfunctional family on a road trip.

iPod Friday

2007-02-23T15:19:00.000-05:00

1. Day After Tomorrow - Tom Waits
2. If You Want Me To Stay - Sly & the Family Stone
3. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You go - Bob Dylan
4. Help Me Make It Through The Night - Kris Kristofferson
5. Bacon Fat - Taj Mahal
6. Ne Me Quitte Pas - Jacques Brel
7. I Had A Real Good Mother & Father - Gillian Welch
8. Jockey Full of Bourbon - Tom Waits
9. Gone But Not Forgotten - The Del McCoury Band
10. Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan

And when the nano is not on Shuffle, I've been listening to West, Lucinda Williams' newest.

Finished listening to 1776 by David McCullough. I usually pass by books consisting mainly of battles but this one was so well written that it kept my interest. I also enjoyed listening to John Adams, McCullough's book from a few years ago.

Orange!

2007-02-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

Another sock, knit in some delicious orange Trekking XXL. I am enjoying the subtle striping.

A detail to show the Baby Cables a bit closer. No cable needle needed.

Liz K. asked about using leftovers for baby socks and how I figure out if I have enough - grams or yardage. I'm not that organized, I just guess a size to make and, so far, I have been lucky. The rustic baby socks were a bit of a cliff hanger, I ended up with less than a yard of yarn left.

The hounds went to Pets at Play today and Maria Lyn sent this picture of Dogwood with some pals. You can see part of Peach in the picture. Stewart posted the pictures of Dogwood on The Yarn Lounge blog. He looks sweet, as usual, and she included a shot of his very long legs.

Small Socks & Dogs

2007-02-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

As part of my contribution to afghans for Afghans, I have been making some little socks using leftover sock yarn. If you have the time and inclination, afghans for Afghans has a special need for socks. Check out their site for all the details.

These little guys are knit using the Farmhouse BoPeep yarn that I used for my rustic socks. I have worn those socks twice now. They are warm and comfy so they are definitely keepers.

These are knit using some Knit Picks Memories yarn in the Fly Fishing colorway.

Bets asked if my dad was angry when I got arrested. I remember that he was furious that my mother found out I had been jailed when a reporter called the house. He certainly wasn't surprised since I had been going to antiwar demonstrations for several years, even bringing friends home to stay at the house when there were demos in Washington.

Moose is on the left, Peach on the right. No daycare pictures of Dogwood this week. I did take him to The Yarn Lounge yesterday as a special outing just for him. Stewart took his picture so look for it on The Yarn Lounge blog some time in the next couple of days.

Friday iPod Again

2007-02-16T08:09:00.000-05:00

1. For No One - The Beatles
2. Peoples' Parties - Joni Mitchell
3. Yesterdays - Ella Fitzgerald
4. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat - Bob Dylan
5. Michelle - The Beatles
6. La To The Left - Lyle Lovett
7. All The Way With You - John Prine
8. You're The Next Thing To Heaven - Johnny Cash
9. CCKMP - Steve Earle
10. It'll Take A Long Time - Sandy Denny

And when I don't have the nano on shuffle, I am listening to Hem, Greg Brown and Lucinda Williams Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - the iTunes version with a live concert at the World Cafe included (worth the extra $$). My copy of her new cd, West, should arrive today.
I enjoy your lists and suggestions - keep them coming.

Projects & a lovely film

2007-02-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

Finished the Farmhouse Bopeep yarn socks in Boysenberry. The socks seem a bit too rustic to me. I will wash and wear them and decide whether or not to keep them.

Making progress on the back of the Snap Cardigan. The Blue Sky Alpacas 100% cotton has been very pleasant to knit.

Watched Truly, Madly, Deeply tonight. What a lovely, small film, full of pleasant surprises. The main actors were Juliet Stevenson & Alan Rickman (looking very handsome). It was written and directed by Anthony Minghella who went on to direct The English Patient, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain.

Argh! Tagged Again.

2007-02-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

Grace tagged me. I am supposed to list five secrets or things you wouldn't know about me. Some folks know the following but not most of you.

1. In 1960, when I was 14, I went with my parents to a Democratic Party fundraiser. All the candidates for the party's presidential nomination were there. I met John F. Kennedy and got his autograph. I still have it.

2. In 1963 I attended the March on Washington where Martin Luther King gave his I Have a Dream speech. I still have the program.

3. In 1968 I was arrested when leaving an anti Viet Nam war demonstration. Because my father was then Deputy Secretary of Defense for Manpower, my arrest made the front page of the New York Times and I was interviewed on the Walter Cronkite evening news.

4. In 1968 I heard Janis Joplin perform at the Fillmore East in New York.

5. In 1969, unlike many of my friends, I did not attend Woodstock. I went to a family wedding instead.

Snap Cardigan

2007-02-09T21:55:00.000-05:00

This is my next sweater. It is a Blue Sky Alpacas pattern called Snap Cardigan. I like the deep ribbing and the wide collar.

I am using the Blue Sky Alpacas 100% cotton in Orchid. The color in the photo is a bit too blue. It shows my gauge swatch after being machine washed and dried. For a change I made gauge using the needles and yarn called for in the pattern. Usually I have to go down two sizes. I picked the color because Deborah challenged me to make something a bit less somber than my top down cardigan. I've actually knit 6+" of the back and am enjoying the switch to a cheery color that should also complement my eyes (green). You can't really see in the picture but there are six knots in one of the tails. That is to remind me of the size needle I used to knit the swatch. Can't remember where I read this tip but I find it to be very handy.

Another funny picture of the hounds taken from a dog's point of view. Moose's nose with Dogwood in the background.

The usual Friday iPod thing

2007-02-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

1. Rainy Night House - Joni Mitchell
2. Me, Myself & I - John Prine
3. I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow - The Soggy Bottom Boys
4. Silver Linings - Jason Wilber
5. For No One - The Beatles
6. We'll Meet Along the Way - Hem
7. Meet Me In the Morning - Bob Dylan
8. Hello Stranger - Queen Latifah
9. Amazing Grace - The Blind Boys of Alabama
10. I'm Blue Again - Patsy Cline

Wow, no Serge! He wasn't even #11 (North to Alaska - Johnny Horton). I guess by now you have figured out that I listen to quite a bit of alt-country, folk and blues. Some new-to-me favorites are Beth Orton, Greg Brown & Hem. iTunes is kind of sneaky, I search for someone and end up downloading songs or whole albums. I am waiting eagerly for Feb. 13 when Lucinda Williams' new cd West is released. I've been listening to the single - Are You Alright - and expect the rest of the album to be as wonderful.

Socks, a baby & some dogs

2007-02-07T19:29:00.000-05:00

Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock yarn in the Shadow colorway.

Farmhouse BoPeep sock yarn, #3s for the leg, #2s for the foot. The ball band called for #1s or #2s - no way would #1s work. The rib is the pattern from the International Socks of Doom.

This anonymous baby is sporting Carolina's EZ baby sweater (and matching hat) that she made in class last year. It has taken all this time for the baby to grow into it.

Peach is Moose's niece. She is staying with us until she finds her perfect home. She had one until she decided cats were the enemy. No, no bad Whippet! These pictures were taken today at Pets at Play.

Moose is on the left, Peach on the right.

And how could I resist posting this picture of Moose and mouth?

afghans for Afghans

2007-02-04T18:07:00.000-05:00

A shot of everything collected so far! Contributions from Jane, Melanie & me. What a thrill to lay it all out and see.

Leslie is knitting this sweater for the collection. What a clever used of some of her bits and bobs of leftover yarn.

Thanks to all who are knitting for this worthy cause. If you have any questions, check out the afghans for Afghans website. I am collecting for their big project but if you want to knit some colorful hats or warm socks, the website has more information about those special collections and their due dates.

Remember that my local deadline is March 7 and you earn chances to win a gift certificate from The Yarn Lounge or the Baluch Afghan woven bag.

Silent Poetry Web in honor of St. Bride

2007-02-02T20:43:00.000-05:00

Learned from Wendy's blog of the silent poetry in honor of St. Bride, thus my third post of the day.

Deerhounds

Admit the lives more valuable
than our life, than the bodies we bear
more beautiful: tall grey dogs,

what huntsman, what dogboy loosed you
on our slow hearts
and let you slaughter them?

Long dogs, you move with air
belling the vault of your ribcage.
You subdue the miles below your hocks.

Levelled out in speed across wayless country,
over the open grassmoor that is paradise,
the onset of your going undulates the ground.

The bracken hurdles below your height,
the rushes make way for you;
your hard eyes hold in sight the rapid hills.

Brace of deerhounds, a matched two!
Intent, all flame, is what quickens
those long throats thonged with leather.

Valerie Gillies

Doing Good & some FOs

2007-02-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

The first part of this post is for those of you who live in the Richmond area. Please consider making items for the next afghans for Afghans shipment. 100% wool items are needed to fit all ages - socks, mittens, gloves, hats, sweaters, vests & afghans (no unsewn squares & no scarves). Since they say the more colorful the better, this is a great opportunity to use up scraps and stash. There is a collection box at The Yarn Lounge at 3003 West Cary Street, in Carytown, next to The World of Mirth. Deadline is March 7.

For every item you donate, your name will be entered in a drawing for either a gift certificate donated by The Yarn Lounge or this handwoven Baluch Afghan Carpet Bag. (They make excellent pillow covers.)

Now onto the FOs..........

Rebecca attends Sunday Yarn Church. You would never guess that just recently she was a beginning knitter. This is her first ever sock, knit from Austermann Step.

And the Malabrigo blob is no more. It is now a real sweater!

There is a picture of me wearing it on The Yarn Lounge blog which is more accurate as far as color (almost black) but this one shows the detail better. The Malabrigo was a dream to knit, very soft merino, although smelling somewhat of vinegar. I highly recommend this yarn. The pattern was Lisa Knits seed stitch collar cardigan - excellent directions and a quick knit.

Friday iPod Challenge with yet another Serge Gainsbourg

2007-02-02T19:12:00.000-05:00

1. Blue Yodel #9 - Butch Hancock & Jimmie Dale Gilmore
2. Mississippi - Bob Dylan
3. Candy Man - Taj Mahal
4. Great Houses of New York - Hem
5. Makin' Whoopee - Dr. John Feat & Rickie Lee Jones
6. Standin' on the Corner (Blue Yodel #9) - Jimmie Rodgers
7. 32-20 Blues - Robert Johnson
8. Black & White - Serge Gainsbourg
9. O Death - Ralph Stanley
10. Long Time - Lightnin' Hopkins

What IS it with my nano and Serge Gainsbourg? I deleted a bunch of his songs but he still showed up on the challenge. And how about #1 & #6 - a tribute and then the original.

Next post - the malabrigo blob transformed.

Talented Dog Photographs Hounds

2007-01-31T19:07:00.000-05:00

Friday iPod Challenge

2007-01-26T12:17:00.003-05:00

1. Day After Tomorrow - Tom Waits
2. If You Want Me to Stay - Sly & the Family Stone
3. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go - Bob Dylan
4. Help Me Make It Through The Night - Kris Kristofferson
5. Bacon Fat - Taj Mahal
6. Ne Me Quitte Pas - Jacques Brel
7. I Had A Real Good Mother & Father - Gillian Welch
8. Jockey Full of Bourbon - Tom Waits
9. Gone But Not Forgotten - The Del McCoury Band
10. Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan

And when not on Shuffle, I'm listening to West, Lucinda Williams' newest perfection.

Tomorrow, two adorable FOs from my Knitting for Mom & Baby class.