Knitting Deadlines

I have been feeling very stressed lately, as in Must finish Mike's sweater vs. Finish knitting the 4 baby gifts in various stages of progress. Mike's birthday is end of month, while the babies were born November, January and February. There is a 5Th baby due early fall, I believe, but I must check that due date.

As much as I love Mike, KNITTING FOR BABIES IS MY FAVORITE THING BECAUSE:
1. usually small, quick, cute, and portable.
2. designs are usually uncomplicated, at least the ones I choose to knit.
3. projects are easily put down and picked up again.
4. yarns range from inexpensive to obscenely pricey ( cashmere on babies just becomes a luxurious spit up garb for an sleep deprived mom to handwash-I don't think there's anyone I'd want to put through THAT!)
5. as seen previously on my Fairy Booties, embellishment can really enliven plain vanilla knitting, and the possibilities are endless!
6. babies can really wear color!
7. people go ga-ga over handknit baby items and that's worth it to me!

I bet , Gentle Knitter, you thought Ballband Dishcloths was my favorite thing to knit? Nope! It's Number 2.

Back to Mike's Miracle Sweater, so named because it will be a miracle if I ever get it done!
The top photo is the back of Mike's sweater and if it looks big to you, well, it is! It measures 25 inches wide by 31 inches long. Mike is built very similar to Hoss Cartwright ( YEE-HAW all you guys old enough to remember Bonanza!) I purchased this yarn YEARS ago from WEBS
and it sat waiting...waiting...waiting... till I tried to knit in stockinette without the benefit of swatching first. SWATCHING? WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN SWATCHING! You guess it! I ended up completely frogging it because it wrapped around him like a bathrobe!!! Plus, knitting in stockinette was a real snooze!
So, again the yarn rested. And while it did I searched and searched for a suitable stitch pattern. Finally, I found a version of the Imitation Fisherman stitch. Probably found in on of the Barbara books, with several aliases , but here it is simplified and committed to my ever dwindling memory:

Row #1 K3, P1
Row #2 K2, P1, Knit3, etc.

The pattern gives it a nice corrugated look plus it stretches and recedes to accommodate weight loss or gain!

So anyway, I got carried away with knitting the first side as I didn't remember to start decreasing for the v-neck shaping on the side opposite of the armhole beginning.
Now, I have to frog back to the 19 inch mark or slightly above to begin v-neck decreasing. SHEEEEEEESH! Thank God for Ann Budd and her Pattern Guides! I'm following her guidelines for the drop shoulder cardigan. I measured a well fitting cardi in order to get my working measurements in the beginning, so I think I am on the right track. It just seems endless!

This family baby sweater is being knit for a girl with Checkeaton yarn, which is very nice to knit with. I particularly like the little flecks of contrast color that appear in the stitches. I am nearing the halfway mark, and as you can see, it is knit from sleeve to sleeve.

What is in the water where I work?

I have 3 co-workers who have recently given birth- 2 boys and a girl. One on the way.

I've begun knitting a pair of little Mary Jane's with Schachenmayr yarn, and am using #3 DPs but doing straight knitting garter stitch. There are three different balls of this brand in the photo. I will do the Cupcake Hat finally, sizing it to fit an infant by knitting with #4 DPs. The darker pink variegated will be the cupcake ribbed bottom and the pink flecked yarn will be the cake top. Yarn purchased at Knitwitz and Sew Much More -one of my Knitorious Places to shop yarn!

One of the boys will get a hat, booties and sweater with the camo, because they are a farming/hunting family. Maybe the Mason-Dixon baby kimono? Hmmmm..do I have ribbon that'll go nicely with camo? Hoping they will enjoy that. The other boy will no doubt be gifted with a yellow and blue sweater which lies asleep in the UFO section of my Yarn Room, but is 75% completed. It's good to have a plan!

I've been intrigued by appliqued needlework and embroidery of late, having been inspired by many of the blogs I've been fortunate to discover.
After reading the tutorial over at Shim and Sons I tried my hand at some applique onies using baby flannel.

Not being happy with the thickness of the stitches on the middle one, I'll rip that out and try again using a lazy daisy chain or running stitch around the bunny.
I find this immensely gratifying.
The possibilities are endless with these baby clothes. I picked up several onesies at the $ store, and bought several baby themed flannels in quarter yard amounts, so it's not expensive to experiment. I do intend to sew any button embellishments onto the onesies very securely, as one would do with a sweater.



This is the Wedding Ring Dishcloth, pattern purchased from Harvest Moon Designs
Very quick, easy, fun to knit! I'n done with the cloths for now until I get my knitting priorities completed! Hold me to this, Ya hear?

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Imagine you are hosting a knitting get-together in your home in which you can invite 6 famous people from the world-wide Knitting Community.
Haven't you ever wondered who you would invite?

I was thinking about this the other day while browsing through the massive knitting talent represented in all the knitting books that grace my bookcase shelves. Just who would I want to invite to my home for an evening of knitting and knoshing? I really gave this some thought...

Which lead to this idea....

The game is called "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner"?

Three Bloggers are tagged and must post on their blog these directions and list the names of 6 of their favorite renowned Knitters whom they would invite to dinner and their reasons why.
Then the Bloggers play it forward by INVITING 3 new Bloggers play the game and name their Fantastic 6 for dinner. And so on.

I think it will be fascinating to read who others would want to sit down, knit and dine with for an evening!

Consider it a Fantasy Knitting with your favorite Knitting Icons! Not unlike Fantasy Football, but without all the grime, grunts, and bodily injuries. (IF you disregard the time Chelsea, my cat, knocked over a glass of wine on my ivory baby blanket, occasions when I had to frog mohair, and, oh yes, the time I stabbed myself in the palm of my hand with my Addi DP's!)

Anyway, after much consideration I decided that the 6 I would invite to my Fantasy Knitting Knosh would include:

1. Barbara G. Walker, because of her extensive contributions to the world of knitting through her Collection of Knitting Treasury books. I consider her to be extremely gifted, not only knitting, but in the field of cultural anthropology, where she has published several books exploring feminist influence in ancient culture. Although we do not share the same beliefs in several areas, I think having her among my dinner guests would certainly make for lively discussion full of interesting ideas, and an entertaining evening! I'd ask her "which Treasury book is your favorite?" and " do you have a favorite stitch pattern"?

2. Nicky Epstein because I own 9 of her ten published books! I think I would knit and felt some flowers to use as table favors in her honor! I love knitting the doll clothing designs in her Knitting for Barbie books . I think she is "the Edge"!

3.Kay Gardiner/Ann Shayne Pick your word. Ballband. Kimono. Bib. LogCabin. Their blog is my daily read, and I think these two gals are a hoot, besides being incredibily creative! Sorry, I just couldn't separate 'em! 'Nough said!

4. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee gives great knitting advice and consolation in "Knitting Rules", not to mention her funny blog profiles her everyday reality. When I returned home from Stitches East 2006 I realized that the nice lady who briefly chatted with me from across a vendor aisle was actually her. I am reading "At Knit's End" right now, and it is chock full of enlightenment. She is the Dalai Lama of knitting!

5. Ann Budd because she helps make knitting easier by designing generic patterns for our basic must-have-knitting projects. Her two books are my blueprints for all of my knittingwear, accurate and simple to follow.

6. Elizabeth Zimmermann. If only but for one day, what a treat it would be to have her at my table, knitting and sharing her common sense approach to knitting!

Well, there you have it, my Fantastic 6!

Now I am sending an invitation to play GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? to

1.Yarnstorm

2.Smariek knits

3.Hakucho

I don't know how this is all going to be received, but I'm hoping that it becomes a fun way for Knitters to share their ideas with each other!


BIG NEWS!
I heard from my Secret Pal 10 Buddy today! She sent me a cute e-card.
Can't wait to find out who I am to send to! Waiting to start the fun!
Till next time!

FRIENDS OF KNITTING

As important as my knitting has become to me, I realize that the friends I have found through my knitting adventures are my real treasures. I've mentioned the Three Amigas before, so here they are again.....

Nan is modeling her lovely knitted and beaded scarf. She tends to favor pinks and mauves, with a smattering of lavender and pastel teals thrown in for a good measure, and these colors suit her well.
The Amigas, Jeanie and Nan, recently feted me with a delicious birthday lunch at one of my favorite places to eat , Granny McCarthy's Tea Room .
Jeanie is wearing one of the many beautiful sweaters she's knitted. She is the Sweater Queen!

Friends, tea, and knitting...does it get any better than this?


Yes, Gentle Knitter, I actually do manage to complete a knitting project or two despite my habit of starting something new before finishing the old.

Remember the 5 pregnancies I must knit baby gifts for?
Well, here is one completed!

I had a flash of creativity, instead of my typical hot flash, and made Fairy Booties. At least that's what I'm calling them! The angora bootie pattern from Last minute Knitted gifts was a snap to knit, but maybe you'll agree that the unadorned project below looks like plain vanilla knitting.
Only 33 yds/one tiny ball of Belangor. The hardest part was deciding how to embellish. It seems lately I am hell bent on sticking things on my knitting. So, I will be making more of these, but with different personalities. Yes, my inanimate objects d' knitting do have personalities!It comes from the yarn "speaking" to me.

Whatever.....!

Here is my Log Cabin Dishcloth made out of SCRAPS (gotta love it when you can create something neat out of leftovers!) of Sugar and Cream cotton. I tried to keep the cools and the warm colors on their opposite sides. I'm happy with how it turned out.

I had been wanting to knit the Papilloncloth created Marie, who was so darn helpful to me as I struggled on row 23. Not her fault, but my massive knitting block just kept me completely messing up that row. I emailed her and she actually talked me through it! She was right to caution "mind your YO's, as I must have been dropping one somewhere along that row when I attempted to do row 24. She does a terrific job turning Barbara G. Walker stitch patterns into beautiful cloths, scarves and hats. I check in on her blog daily just to see if she's got anything new posted for us! What's next Marie?

Maybe she'll post it in her Readers Gallery?

My Pal Maggie never forgets me! She surprised me with a beautiful crocheted cloth for my bath, a great cook book from Gooseberry Patch, which I collect (how does she KNOW these things?), vanilla soap, a book marker that reminds me of Kringle and a really FUNNY card that had everything to do with chocolate!

Thanks, Pal O' Mine!

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

So, naturally, I want to knit! And what started out to be 4 baby gifts turned into 5 with the discovery last week of yet another pregnant co-worker! And, pressure-pressure! Four of the babies are now here! The bomb has indeed gone off under my butt!

This is what I am working on currently since my last monthly Three Amigas (Jeanie and Nan- BIG TIME yarn enablers!) field trip to Noble Knits. I was familar with Nancy Queen's patterns so was delighted that we had a chance to visit her shop. She had a store sample of this baby sweater knitted in a light green, but I liked the thought of dressing a boy or girl in teal. Sometimes I think babies are stifled by all those pastels, don't you?

As for the buttons, well... I did overindulge a bit but they were so darn cute and I was just so darn indecisive!


As you know, I find Yarnstorm totally inspirational and have taken up her cause of squirreling away little bits of angora yarn to someday knit the diamond pillow adapted from Debbie Bliss's Home book. Years ago I happened upon an online sale for Belangor in which I purchased several balls of white angora at a rediculously low price "just because". I decided that I simply must give up ONE of these little fluff beauties to knit a pair of baby booties from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

It's a sacrifice of 33 yards, but what a sweet little gift this will be!

I would love to try my hand at knitting a Zimmermann Baby Surprise Jacket for one of the babies, but I am still so enamored by the Mason-Dixon book's Heartbreakingly Beautiful Baby Kimono because it is so easy and open to so many interpretations. Then there's adorable Cupcake Hat that I always say I'm going to knit, but haven't. So, what is my problem that I cannot commit to these Must -Knit projects?

I had myself another Sweater Dream-that's what I've begun to call them because I have bought yarn for several beautiful sweaters over that last 5 years and have yet to knit one for myself!

I got a fabulous deal a few months back on Debbie Bliss alpaca silk in this delicious shade of red. It is incredibly soft too! So, I'm considering Knitty's Tempting (without the dopey bow-not trying to offend the designer, but to quote Kay from the MD blog, on me it just wouln't look F.O.B.!). Also The Hour Glass sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts has potential too!

The last time I went to class at Kraemer's Yarn Shop I brought home some skeins of Berocco to wed with the fall colorway of my various silky wools. I'm wondering how this would swatch for a shawl in the linen stitch? I would change colors every one or two rows, for a woven effect I think....not wanting a prominent striping but more blending of the different colors and textures. I wonder if i would lend itself to a ballband pattern or some other slip stitching pattern as well? A swatching I must go. But later, much later! Knitting for babies, church and husband's sweater(due march 31st! YIKES!)

An then there's that Mission Fall's yarn I picked up with the Amigas. The pattern is the Sleeveless Summer Top from the Start To Knit book and it could be cute as a vest with some type of Fair Isle motif near the neck.

I certainly hope with all the gabbing I've done about my knitting dreams that I've got at least something on or off the needles by the next post!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE QUEEN!

Today I am 51.... sigh.

So, it seems I have officially surpassed 50 and now embark on that journey known as "the second part of my life". Whatever that really means. All I know is I am very grateful I am here. Have many blessings in my life, in the manner of family, friends, co-workers, and am content with where I have ended up in my life. All this, and knitting too! Love you, Michael and Shaun!

I've been taking care to photograph more of the things in my world that are knitting related, with the hope that it will motivate me to post more often about my knitting projects, finished or not, and the things that interest me. Today I think I want to share my knitting library with you, Gentle Knitter.

Close up, you can see the titles of my favorite Just-Had -To -Have- knitting books. If I had to choose the best for all around stitch reference my pick would be the Barbara Walker Treasury series. Lucky me stumbled upon The Walker Treasury Project while I was blog hopping the other day. I agree that the black and white composition of the photos in her books does not do her swatches justice, so the project does us knitters all a great service by swatching in color! What great knitting humanitarians there are out there!

My progress in knitting 2 toe up socks on one long circular needle continues to delight me. Slow going due to knitting the both at once, but Look Ma! No Second Sock Syndrome! Note that the coffee cup is one of the raggedy chipped ones of which I am fixated.

Recent knitting acquisitions, courtesy of the Barnes & Noble 75% off table. I paid 5 bucks for each!

I continue my love affair with the Mason-Dixon Ballband Dishcloth by branching out to yarns other than the Sugar & Cream cotton.

I selected this Berocco Aran for the background, and Taos for the color contrasting. I am enjoying working with this wool very much, as it has a pleasant softness about it, but obviously it is not suited for a dishcloth.
I am considering a headband, but may pick up stitches along one end and straight knit, purl or rib a hat top and seam up the sides instead. I just love these colors, don't you. I purchased this yarn at Knitwitz and Sew Much More in Hellertown on a dreary, cold, and damp rainy day, and it was the perfect yarn pick-me-up!

Still have not discovered the identity of my mysterious yarn benefactor!

My pal, Maggie, denies any culpability, and I haven't heard from anyone connected to Secret Pal 10, which closes it's sign-ups at the end of the month, I believe. Jeanie, and Nan deny it too!

Thank-you to whoever you are, my darling Yarn Fairy!

YARN SUDDENLY APPEARS IN MAILBOX-CODE NAME ANONYKNITS!

So, Kringle and I are curious as to the identity of my mysterious yarn Benefactor! I know yarn doesn't grow on trees, or just suddenly appear in a knitter's mailbox, so I am delighted and perplexed at the same time!
As you can see, a bag of sock yarn awaits my knitting pleasure....Kringle was floored, as was I!


Could this be the work of my Secret Pal 10? I had only just joined, and surely, yarn doesn't travel that quickly, does it? Does. It? I did notice that there are lovely shots of pink throughout the skeins, and I did happen to mention my desire to use more pink in my wardrobe. HMMMMMM....

Well, from wherever or whoever it came from, it was a wonderful surprise on this cold and snowy day! So, thank-you, Yarn Fairy! I love the colors and with 10 skeins I'm thinking it wants to be a shawl.


Any suggestions from the Knitting gallery?

I SIGNED UP FOR SECRET PAL 10

I am looking forward to being a part of this exchange. So, I'm told I must post my answers to these questions on my blog for my sender Pal to learn about me. Here goes.....

The Questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarns to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I've been collecting Belangor, Bouton D'Or , and Schulana 100 % Angora balls to eventually knit the diamond pillow in Debbie Bliss's Home book. I also love Morehouse Farm Merino and Blue Sky Alpaca yarns. The only yarn I have issues with is Muench's Touch Me, because it worms like crazy! But, it's a dream to touch! How sad for me!

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


Well, when I was at Stitches East 2006, one vendor displayed her needles from a canvas over- the- door shoe bag and I thought that this was just genius! So, I do the same and it hangs over the back of the door to my Yarn Room. I has room too for scissors, rulers, etc.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I started knitting in the early '80's, but was more of a crocheter till 1999 when i became more serious and consistant about it. I am self taught, and through the grace of my knitting mentors over the years, Eileen and Jeanie, I consider myself to possess intermediate skills, and on a really, good day, say, like when a Haley's comet-like event occurs, somewhat advanced!

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

No, put that can be easily remedied! I'd consider KnitPicks!

5. What's your favorite scent?

I am partial to vanilla, gardenia, and clean cotton scents.


6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

If Weight watchers is reading this-ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Seriously, I must truthfully admit my favorite sweet in the whole wide universe is Chocolate Covered Strawberries, followed by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I possess a drop spindle, roving and my spin factor is very low, I must admit. I gave up finally when I was unable to spin my collie's fur! Can do homemade CD, and I love to do this too! Musically, I like Kim Richey, Tobey Keith,Queen, and Springstein. I like to collect knitting books, dye yarn, collect Americana things, learn to make simple soaps (have some glycerine and molds to start this project!)rubber stamp cards, sew and knit little baby things (want to seriously begin quilting because have had the tools and desire for years), gardening, like to read Wallie Lamb, John Irving, James Michenor, and Stephen King. Love T.V. shows like Law& Order, Lost, 24, Heroes, The Nine, Jericho, My Name is Earl, and The Office. I like to garden and bake. I like making stitch markers. I'm starting to collect fabric. Not sew anything with it, mind you, but just collect it for the colors and pattern designs. Go figure!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I 've notice that over the years my home's palate has evolved into white walls with red/ burgundy/maroon and navy or light blue color accents. Some green thrown in with mauve here and there. But, I love all colors. Been trying to incorporate a bit of pink into my wardrobe lately.


10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Have darling husband, delightful son, 2 elderly cats and one adorable collie who sheds fur when I just look at him!

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

I seem to love hats on everyone but me, but that doesn't make me give up my search for the perfect hat for me! I have knitted myself all types of scarves, and want to make some colorful mittens for myself. I just felted my blue/gray white striped poncho because i thought that the size of the wool(chunky) and the stripes made me look like a house. So, I want to knit an elegant poncho next time.


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


Wow, that's a tough one! Ideally, a sweater for myself! Or a shawl. But, I guess I most like knitting the Mason-Dixon Ballband Dish Cloth the most because I have and continue to knit so many of them suckers! I've completed only two sweater for myself because it seems I am always knitting for others, you know, birthdays, shower gifts, hostess gifts, just becauses...

13. What are you knitting right now?

Mason-Dixon Log Cabin blanket, dishcloth, baby hats and booties, husband's sweater that he's been waiting to wear for FIVE YEARS!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I adore anything handmade that anyone was taken the time to make just for me!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

No needle preferences.

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

I love my ball winder and am fearful of all swifts! just have the worst luck with unwinding skeins, no matter how I attempt it! I always wind up twisted! So I just go at it slowly by hand! Less trauma, for me and the yarn!


17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I would truthfully say The Husband's Sweater. So many false starts and frogging/tinking along the way.


18. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I love to collect all colors of 100% Angora balls, buttons, fabric, knitting books and needles, old and new, Fenton Glass Lincoln Inn table wear
and Primitive Americana.


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I am interested in what lies between the covers of the Harry potter inspired Classical Knits book due out in May. Jill Vosburg's Pacific Cove and Heartbeat Sweater patterns from Just One More Row. I covet Brittany ebony needles. I. Truly. Do. I am enamored by Morehouse Farm's Monet Yarn-Steps at Vetheuil to knit a scarf or shawl.
I subscribe to interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, and Have been toying with the idea of adding Knitters because I always end up buying the latest issue anyway!

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

I just learned how to knit 2 toe up socks on one long circular needle, courtesy of
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/mloop.html
so I believe now I am approaching the self actualization level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Knitting Needs! I am at peace with that knowledge.


22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

See above. Yes, my sock yarns take up 2 dresser drawers in my Yarn Room

23. When is your birthday?

Too soon, if you ask me! February 23rd! I'll be 51. FABULOUSLY 51! Need to keep saying this out loud. But not in a scary way!

That's it for my Knitting True Confessions! A peek into my Knitorious Soul!

SO NOW I KNOW......

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.
Take this quiz!








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Usually I don't do these sort of things, but my knitting spirit had a burning desire to discover what fiber aura I give off. I'm not sure I'm happy with the end result, as it says I am kind of warm and fuzzy, and as anyone who knows me can attest, I am anything but!


So, being the compulsive person that I am, I took the quiz several times in search of a truer me, and I conclude that I am a blend, on any given day, of the following fibernality types, the good, the bad and the Yugly. ( ugly yarn- just made that one up, guys!)



You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

17245 times, 18%

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You are Acrylic. While you are very versatile, your plasticky countenance can be offputting. You are very good with children but can become a pill if left alone with them too long. You are very flexible but don't give in to manipulation.

5641 times, 6%

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You are Mohair. You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with others, doing your share without being too weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely refuse to change your position once it is set, but that's okay since you are good at covering up your mistakes.

24079 times, 25%

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You are Dishcloth Cotton. You are a very hard worker, most at home when you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain Jane, but you are too practical to notice.

25282 times, 26%

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You are Mercerized Cotton. You are always very crisp and neat. You are very playful and are happiest while outdoors in the sunshine. You are sometimes accused of splitting hairs, but in the end people find you pretty easy to live with.

4166 times, 4%

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You are Novelty Eyelash. You are very of the moment, hip, and happening. You are often seen wrapped around someone's neck. Some see you as too flashy and ultimately shallow, but you are having too much fun to notice.

3282 times, 3%

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You are Merino Wool. You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.

13612 times, 14%

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You are Cashmere. You are sophisticated and luxe. You can often be found in high-end boutiques and hobnobbing with the upper crust. You are one of the beautiful people and you don't let anyone forget it!

2100 times, 2%

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Could this be the explanations for why I am so enamored with all the yarn in the universe? I could maybe write a book entitled "The Yarn Inside Of Me". One needs to know what kind of fiber they are made of, don't they?


Besides this quest for self yarn awareness, I was pleased to stumble along some blogs where the knitters are doing and showing sample examples of what they do best. What a wealth of knitting talent there is out there!
First we'll drop in again at

hakucho: Look, see what I finished this week!

I really like the 4 Corners Dishcloth and she links to the pattern too.

This is the solution to all my yarn guilt, plus there's some legal yarn loopholes too!

I believe this is the brainchild of Wendy and her knitting friends. Bravo!

See the coolest socks... and the pattern is free too! I want to knit these, so added to the list!
Criminy Jickets: Basketcase Socks - revisited

And, isn't this adorable?
anny purls: A cardigan for Merry - Love this baby cardi and the cabling details! I need to dig out that Interweaves Knits issue! Add this one to the list too!

I must mention that old chum, Patty, now has a blog of her own. I look forward to her musings.... hopefully she'll post more regularly than I. She just learned to knit, I believe I mentioned in a previous post, so I hope she will post photos of her knitting on her blog. She is working on completing her very first scarf and even went on a yarn shop field trip with me to Knitwitz and Sew Much More, in Hellertown, Pa. ( Donna-please get your website up and running soon so I can link you, daaaaaaarling!) and Kraemers Yarn Shoppe in Nazareth, Pa.
Patty bought some nice yarns, bless her little newbie knitting soul!

Let's go offtrack for a moment.....

I would post more , but I don't always have anything that I feel is relevant to write about, I think. Today I do feel chatty, though!
I do need to master my picture downloading skills. Dear Michael has been doing it for me but I really need to get my act together and force myself to learn this stuff. I am so tech challenged!

Back to knitting!

Kay of the famous Anne and Kay Mason-Dixon Knitting Duo, and co-author of My Favorite Book of the same name posted her photo of the Abe Blankie on her recent blog entry. (Please forgive my shameless name dropping) She was so kind to respond with encouragement to my comment about my yearning to knit a queen sized-some-type-of-squares comforter for our soon to re-do bedroom because (A) I am not satisfied with the comforters that are for sale and (B) I've got a lot of yarn. I needed some motivation.
It seems like a daunting project, but I've been winding this around in my head for quite awhile, and need to get it out of my system. Working project title: " Big A** Comforter". Yarns have been sorted, needles pulled ( size 8 and 9) and revving up to swatch. Thinking a nice 10 inch square sure would be swell. Need to measure bed and do the math. Not thinking about joining all the suckers together! If do exclusively mitered it will be no problema, but I think I may want to throw in some different types of squares for some variety/novelty, and to prevent boredom. Ambitious knitting!

I had planned to write about how joyous I am because I finally completed the newest revisions of my Turtleneck Shrug/ Scarf thingy designed by Teva Durham for Scarf Style, a terific book that's been sitting in the UFO section of my Yarn Room for months. However, my joy was short lived once I put it on! Again.
It seems as if I have been playing around with this scarf for years, because I adapted the pattern to accommadate Alpaca Grande yarn from Plymouth and it's been problematic- not the yarn or pattern, but my efforts to redesign it to fit this yarn, which I love, and, also fit my 2x frame. It seems I am always cold at home, and this yarn is very warm and cuddly. I had to frog down to the shoulders several times. The neck was first too big and then too tight. The sleeves were too short, or too long, or the shoulder width was too narrow for my big girl bod. I think there's still too much ease in the shoulders and I need to reduce the neck circumference by maybe 12 stitches so the collar isn't so much cowl-like. Mr. B.'s take on this has been: " You look like you forgot to finish the sweater!" Minimal fashion design insight in play here, but he redeems himself with his computer savy! Despite the knitgistic problems I've been wearing it here and ther because it has been so cold lately. People have commented. Kindly.

Here is a cute hat that was an old sale item that still had a ridiculous price tag on it at Anthropologie that just begs to be knit by me with some alplaca in the stash. Adult, baby, or child sized? I will tweak this . There are several other swell cold weather comforts to Knit From Your Stash with! Good intentions, eh?

That's it for the Knitorious Peek at people, places and things of interest to me and maybe to you too!

WARM WISHES COMING YOUR WAY!

How's this for a chill chaser?
Watermelon and a One Skein Bowl, some clear blue water and the sun. Oh, how I cannot wait till summertime!

SO, I just got the Knitty surprises and read a great article about one of my favorite topics: Yarn Collections! Kate has a terrific blog, so go check it out.

I've also been reading several new blogs of interest faithfully and try very hard to check in daily to see what the writers are up to. They are Yarnstorm, S. Marie Knits, Mason-Dixon Knitting, with Ann and Kay, and Hello, My Name is Heather . Just my daily dose of inspiration and an instant mood lift too!

Take a looki-loo!

My undying love, devotion and gratitude to my dear old high school chum, Patty, my dedicated blogging guru and brandy new knitter too! Notice that I have linkability now! Go see her gorgeous glass jewelry at Firefly-Glass Studio

That's it for now. Back to knitting!

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES FOR A COLD JANUARY

This is my usually mild mannered 12 year old Kringle aka Kringlie Joe, who is
clearly not amused with being volunteered to participate in the Christmas dress-up whims of moi! Not feeling the love here, Kringle!

If you could read my mind, luv.....what a tail these thoughts would tell...meow-hisss!

So, I've been looking through the yarn room lately and revisiting the yarnlings, both old and new friends. Several came to me as cheery gifts of the season....

Lovely, LOVELY yarn from Nan, one of the 3 Knitting Amigas! This is Artyarn merino. Destined to be the neck cozy, pattern held in the knitting vault of all great patterns for several years.

Rediscovered this little beauty perched on my yarn closet shelf, waiting so patiently....

It's cold and wintery today, and I miss the sunlight of warmer months. By February I will be in my annual winter slump and knitting this birthday 2006 yarn from Nan will be the perfect pick me up! Ironstone "Sun", so aptly named!

Not the yarn version of "The Trouble With Tribbles", for all you closeted Trekkies

Note gold yarn on left, gifted from Jeanie, (the other Amiga) and light teal and burgundy opposite right, from Nan. Ever since I happened upon www.yarnstorm.blogs.com and gazed upon her fabulous knitted pillows, I've been driven to collect 100% angora to incorporate into the diamond pillow from Debbie Bliss Home. Yarnstorm is my Guru of color. I bow to you. Go see to be inspired!

A cup of Christmas cheer!

Lacey, @ www.randomstitches-lacey.blogspot.com

sent this beauty for the December Winter Wonderland Exchange. My love affair with the ballband continues. Fabulous job, Lacey!

Small knitting projects to chase away the winter blahs!

Maggie, my 2005 Ample Knitter's Secret Pal sent me these goodies! What unexpected joy! Thanks, Mags! he pattern looks like it will be fun to knit!

Death by cheesecake? What a way to go!

Next to knitting Ballbands, eating cheesecake is another favorite pastime!

Jeanie put down her addi's long enough to bake me this sinfully delicious Christmas cheese cake, which is now laying lovingly on my hips! Recipe to follow, I'm hoping!

I GOT TAGGED!

So, here I was just casually scanning my most recent blog posting and I discovered that I am under obligation, having been "tagged" by Julie @ http://www.juliesknittingknews.wordpress.com to list 6 weird things about myself.

ONLY 6?
hehehehehe......

And then I must tag 6 unsuspecting bloggers in the knitting world.....And list the rules... and notify these folks on their blog that they've been tagged...
All of this has lead me to a have a case of Knitting Interruptus, but because I want to do my duty as a loyal knitting blogger, here goes:

SIX WEIRD THINGS ABOUT THE KNITORIOUS MRS. B:

1. I love to mix cold applesauce in with hot macaroni and cheese.

2. The pinkies on both of my hands have always been a tad crooked at the proximal joints. Don't know if this has any genetic significance.

3. I have a 2 specific, somewhat large coffee mugs that I must drink my daily morning coffee in, despite having a cupboard shelf filled with many nice mugs. They are nothing more than chipped cheapo cups that I purchased for two bucks each in 1999 from Lanco when I was on a camping trip. They are the only ones I will use in the morning, and somehow, without a word exchanged between us, my husband respects this unwritten Law Of The Universe. These cups exert a powerful force over me!
Yet, at 4pm each day I have a cup of tea, and I grab whatever mug my hand hits. Go figure...

4. Must make my bed everyday before I get into it at bedtime. Absolutely cannot go to sleep in an unmade bed, ever. It just feels wrong.

5. I like Tom Wait's version of "Downtown Train" better than Rod Stewart, so I guess that's a little weird. I have 2 of his CD's too. He's a weird one.

6. My favorite comfort food snack is to toast 2 slices of white bread, slather them with Helman's mayo, slice 2 gherkin pickles and stick them between the bread. I invented this sandwich when I was 12 years old.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.



O.K. I will .........I AM TAGGING:

Lisa @ www.knittybittymama.blogspot.com
Lacey @ www.randomstitches-lacey.blogspot.com
Jenn @ www.purse-ho.com
Splindarella @ www.splindarella05.blogspot.com
Carole @ www.craftycarole.blogspot.com
Paula@ www.phknit.blogspot.com

(I apologize if I included anyone who had been tagged previously, but I tried to scan everyone's blog for prior tagging.)

It took some time to come up with my list of six to tag.

Note to Jeanie, Nan, Maggie, Patty, Lee Anne, and Donna:

GET A BLOG ALREADY, YOU GUYS!

I scavengered my Groups and KALs for knitters to tag and hours have now past me by as I revisited these favorite points of knitting interest. I have various degrees of involvement with:

ample-knitters
Babysweaters
CrayonBoxJacket
Knitted_Kitty_Dishcloths
KnittersBlogs
KnittingKnonsenseNews
knitwits_heaven
laceknitters
MarilynsKnittingHeavenOnEarth
MonthlyDishcloths
Winter Wonderland Swap
Mason Dixon KAL
One Skein Knit-Along (& Crochet too)
Knitted Babes
Mason Dixon SwapCloth
www.knitu.com

No wonder I don't have enough time to knit!
So, now I will proceed to each blog and notify each lucky taggee! Let the fun begin!
Happy Knitting All!

HAPPY NEW YEAR KNITTING!

Hope your holidays were happy and healthy, but if they were
anything like mine they were also hectic and full of "shoulds" as in "I should be: baking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping, mailing, visiting, driving, making, knitting....

Yes, I'm sure you get the picture.
Well, now that they are all over, we can all offer up a collective sigh of relief, and get back to doing the things we love best (knitting) for those we love the best! I am happy to report that I have completed the back of the husband's sweater and am making progress on the left front panel. Pictures to follow at a later date. I am also knitting 10 inch squares for baby blanket using baby themed dishcloth patterns from the Monthly Dishcloth Yahoo Group. Completely mindless joy! Just what I need as a take along project for those sweater breaks. Using my favorite Bernat Cottontots in colors.

I am woefully behind in posting the photos of the beautiful things I received from some very talented knitters through the Exchanges I participated in this past year.

Enid, my secret Monthly Dishcloth exchange pal, knit this lovely cloth for me in the fall. Very pretty stitch pattern, and I think you can locate on it
www.smariek.blogspot.com, a terrific blog featuring several very lovely free patterns. Another great site for free dishcloth patterns is www.knittingpatterncentral.com. The pattttern index lists many catagories of free patterns so go see!
Both Enid and S. Marie are very talented ladies!

Yes, I am still captivated by the Mason-Dixon knitting book and continue to knit Ballbands, baby kimonos, and this cute, easy, and quick baby bib. The urge to knit from this book continues to be intense. It's like the Manchurian Candidate of knitting books! I check in once a week on Ann and Kay at www.masondixonknitting.com

I had been jilted by my original One Skein Secret Pal several months ago, and I had communicated my bitter feelings to the Exchange Moderator. Since there were several others in the same boat, she established an Angel Program for us orphans! I wrote a pattern for fingerless mittens for my pal Marilynn, who lives in Canada, where there is actually cold weather( another 50 degree day in Pa. today!) and posted it earlier today.
It was fun being her Angel!

My Angel, Chrissie, lives in Singapore, and she sent me this:

• The yarn is fingering weight mohair and I love the color! It beckons to be knit into lacey leaves, I think. Note the cute stitch markers displayed on the knitted pouch she included. I am obsessed with stitch markers and am planning to run some ribbon through the pouch to turn it into a little tool carry all for my knitting bag.
• And the gal is still thinking of me because she posted today that she is sending me a skein of seductive fiber content left over from her gift sweater knitting.

WHAT A SWEETHEART!

Anyway, more photos to be posted once I conquer the chaos of after Christmas clutter in my home.

A FREE PATTERN TO WARM YOUR HANDS!

One Skein Fingerless Mitts Especially For Marilynn
by The Knitorious Mrs. B.

One skein Plymouth Alpaca Boucle (65 yds)
Size 10 1/2 straight needles = 2 1/2 st./inch
One pair size 10 1/2 DP needles

C/o 21 stitches and knit one row.
Row 2 and all others: knit in garter stitch for 36 rows (18 garter ridges) OR 8 inches long to go around your hand.
B/o, leaving 18 inches yarn tail.

Fold in half so garter ridges run vertical (length approximately 6 -7 inches)
Sew vertical side seams together from bottom 3 inches, leave a 1 1/2 inch opening, and continue sewing the remainder of seam to the top of mitt.
You may adjust thumb opening length for comfort!

At bottom ( wrist) of mitt along the seam line, attach yarn and with DP needles, pick up 19 stitches ( in space between garter stitch ridges) Mark beginning of round.
Round 1: *Knit I, Knit f&b* repeat from * ending round with
a Knit 1. There are 28 stitches now on needle.
Round 2 & 3: Knit 2, Purl 2 ribbing.

OOPS! Now I am getting afraid of being short of yarn for the second mitt so it's time to finish this!

B/o in rib pattern and weave in all yarn tails.

Repeat pattern for second mitt, try on and admire!


I chose to pick up and knit a little 2:2 cuff line along the bottom to lengthen it and to give it a stay on fit. You may do as you please with it as it can be trimmed with whatever tidbits of yarn and embellishments as you might have! My objective to knit with one skein was met!

IT'S FREE FROM ME SO ENJOY IT! .