2009 - the year of my independence

I just figured out how to add a badge from the Kollage Knitters group. I am learning this computer stuff even without my son's help. It used to be I would have him come help me with my IT questions. But now that he is away at college I am trying to figure things out on my own. Baby steps I know, but it is progress for me. My husband is patient with me but it is fun to figure stuff out myself.

I also am proud to announce that I figured out how to jump start a car. And yes, without calling AAA. I have AAA and have used it many at times, but this time I figured I would dig out the car manual and see if I could figure it out. I am a car-pooler and when I had driven to my friend's house in the morning I had left an interior light on in the car. It was her day to drive. When we got home at the end of the day the car didn't unlock with my clicker thing (yes - my personal technical term). That should have been a clue, but not to me. I figured it out when I got in and it wouldn't do anything when I turned the key. Then I looked up and saw that light, oh so dimly looking at me and laughing.

Of course, the law of Murphy or averages, or whatever, I had chosen the coldest day of the year to perform this feat. The owners manual for the Honda was really a pretty quick read, and my Eagle scout husband - always prepared (there were jumper cables in the back). I knew I could have called him and he would have talked me through it or come to my rescue but I wanted to try. Kathy and I had the car jumped within 5 minutes or so. AND - we didn't even try to knit the cables together to the cars or anything.

After sharing the car story and telling you how I added the badge from my Kollage group, I think it is time to go pick up the needles and some yummy Hope organic cotton and see what else I can create for today.

Knit on!!

Swift or not so swift

What a lesson I have learned tonight about my new swift and ball winder. These were a Christmas gift from my wonderful mother. Now, have it be known, I have already used these items with great success multiple times since I received them. Tonight was a different story.



I put it all up and draped my lovely Purple Sterling silk & silver yarn by Kraemer over the swift. I hooked up the yarn to the ball winder and started to turn the wheel of the ball winder. All was going well until the phone rang. Now, do I have voicemail? Yes - of course. But the phone rang, and I felt compelled to answer it. It was my Mom and I was glad to hear from her as she is traveling. However, in answering the phone I had stepped away, and the swift had stopped spinning. I started up again enjoying a conversation with my mom and watched as the process became less than smooth. All the sudden the yarn was not resting happily on the swift but rather hanging in some places. I kept at it but realized this was not going to have a good ending. I could see it happening. But, there was also someone (or something) else watching. I have a cat as well as the dogs. Cappi (said cat), thought this was all entertaining as she watched knowingly from across the room.



I am sure you can now guess that I had to defend the tangled web I wove. I am happy to report that I was able to untangle the mess and now it is all happy on one ball. I am going back to my knitting of the Clapotis. However, let it be known that in the future if anyone calls while the swift is in motion, voice mail is the only answer you will receive.

Required knitting tool - A blanket?

Yes, a blanket. And why, you might ask, is a blanket required for knitting? Read below as I explain.


I am going to go settle in my special knitting chair for the evening, both little dogs know the drill. I get my cell phone, the house phone, the remote, and a blanket. Of course the knitting is already right next to the chair. Anyway, I get in the chair and they climb up to get comfy, then I cover them and me with the blanket, pick a show and pick up the needles. Why a blanket you might ask?


One night (after this above system had been tried successfully multiple times), I got all set up and started knitting without a blanket. I was knitting on my extremely complicated lace project. What happens next, you ask? Well, since you asked, I will tell you! Something happened outside, by all indications there was an intruder on the premise from the way the dogs went off. Perhaps it was just the wind, hard to tell the difference based on the animal reactions. But, the rear left leg of the smallest dog got tangled in the knitting. Did the dog's leg come off? Was the dog hurt? Does the knitter care at this point? (Disclaimer - no animals were hurt during this incident). No injury to the dog, but ALAS - the lace and the yarn project were half way across the room. Yes - perhaps a slight exaggeration of the facts. However, 11 stitches of lace were dropped for several rows. 2 hours and several choice words (which were bleeped out to protect the young ears of the canines), the knitted lace was back on the needles, each stitch accounted for and mounted correctly on the needles.


So now - after sharing this tale, I am off to settle in to knit, complete with the blanket.

Ta da!

This bowl of ornaments were knit for my daugher over Thanksgiving. I have more of those to make as gifts too but I can do those pretty quickly.

But, the big TA DA... It is done! I finished my Mystery Stole and I love it. I will definately keep my eye out for other fun projects like that one. Unfortunately I have no picture to post at the moment but I will soon.

I was recently asked what I was going to knit next. Such a funny question, if one knows me very well. I always have mutliple projects on needles. I have spent the last 2 days organizing and sorting my knitting library, yarn, needles and supplies. And, TA DA.... in so doing I have found multiple projects waiting to be completed and become Christmas presents. I have already finished 3. Yes, it is said to be that much of an ADHD knitter but so be it.

Back to work. I actually brought home work this weekend and need to get that done too.

Thursday knit nite

I have just returned from Starbucks. There are a group of us that meet there to knit on Thursday evenings occasionally. Unfortunately, I don't know what I was thinking tonight when I packed my bag. I took a complicated lace project. So I knit a few rows and realized that meant I wasn't able to join the conversation as much. I know better than that and usually take something much less complicated.

BUT... I want to finish this project - Mystery Stole 4. I am on the final chart and want to finish it and block it so I can wear it to a party on Saturday. So what am I doing here blogging? I don't know either.

My son says I am a yarn pusher. I do think everyone would be happier if they knit. I am trying to get others at work to knit too. I find such relaxation in the process. It is always funny how strangers will start a conversation with me if I am knitting, more so than if I am not.

Back to the sticks I go! I am determined to finish the knitting tonight so I can do the join and blocking tomorrow.

Empty nest as of August 12

It is true - the house is quiet. I have found the following to be true:

1. Groceries go farther

2. Laundry loads are smaller

3. There is a cute guy that lives here and we are getting to know each other again - hubby.

4. Dogs don't let themselves in and out.

5. I have more time to knit!

It is very quiet and I am coming to grips with that slowly. I have finished a couple of knitting projects. Here is the latest. I used Fiber Trends Leaf Lace Shawl pattern, Heritage Cascade Hand painted sock yarn and size 6 beads. If I use this pattern again I will use larger beads. I think they get a little lost.

I am trying to finish projects before I start any newones and there are several new ones that are anxious to find their way to needles.

Eagle Scout in the house

Today is the day! I am now the super proud mother of an eagle scout. Needless to say we are all pretty excited. He is such an amazing guy and it is wonderful to see him achieve this goal.

Graduation is just around the corner. I can't imagine next year without him at the house. It will be an empty nest. Only good thing I guess will be more time for knitting.

I haven't been knitting as much as I would like the last week. So busy with work and stuff around the house. But, tomorrow is Block of the Month group at All That Yarn. I can't wait. I did finish the top for my daughter and shipped it off to her at college. I am still waiting for her to send me any pictures. Busy time for her too.

I read on someone else's blog that they make themselves exercise before they let themselves knit. If knitting was better exercise I would be in great shape!

Off to get some exercise and do some chores.