bloggin and knittin with fab

hello!

2011-07-06T13:07:00.004-05:00

I hadn't realized how long it's been since I posted. I have several finished knitting projects finished and photographed, but I haven't taken the time to upload the pics yet. Somehow that part is always a chore for me. I've been doing "Photo of the Day" forever as well, but then again, uploading them usually doesn't get done in a timely manner!

I've neglected LJ as well, but had to check all the wonderful birthday messages over there. I do check certain journals and communities there, but rarely post.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

News of the Weird, May 22, 2011

2011-05-25T12:16:00.001-05:00

WEIRDNUZ.M215 (News of the Weird, May 22, 2011)
by Chuck Shepherd

Lead Story

* Tonya McDowell, 33, an off-and-on homeless person in
Bridgeport, Conn., was arrested in April by police in nearby
Norwalk and charged with felony theft--of $15,686 worth of
"services" from the city. McDowell's crime was enrolling her 6-
year-old son in Norwalk's Brookside Elementary School when she
actually "resided" (as much as a mostly "homeless" person can
"reside") in Bridgeport. McDowell has also "resided" at times in a
Norwalk shelter but was crashing at a friend's apartment in
Bridgeport when she registered her son. The head of the Norwalk
Board of Education acknowledged that the usual consequence for an
unqualified student is merely dismissal from school. [Stamford
Advocate, 4-16-2011]

The Continuing Crisis

* In March, jurors in New Orleans convicted Isaiah Doyle of a 2005
murder and were listening to evidence in the penalty phase of the
trial when Doyle decided to take the witness stand (as defendants
sometimes do in a desperate attempt to avoid the death penalty).
However, Doyle said to the jurors, "If I had an AK-47, I'd kill every
last one of ya'all with no remorse." (The jury recommended the
needle.) [WWL-TV (New Orleans), 3-25-2011]

* The Montana House of Representatives passed a tough drunk-
driving bill in March to combat the state's high DUI rate, but it
came over the objection of Rep. Alan Hale (and later, Sen. Jonathan
Windy Boy). Hale, who owns a bar in Basin, Mont., complained
that tough DUI laws "are destroying small businesses" and
"destroying a way of life that has been in Montana for years and
years." (Until 2005, drinking while driving was common and legal
outside of towns as long as the driver wasn't drunk.) Furthermore,
Hale said, people need to drive home after they drink. "[T]hey are
not going to hitchhike." Sen. Windy Boy said such laws put the
legislature on "the path of criminalizing everyone in Montana."
[Billings Gazette-AP, 4-1-2011]

* Why Unions Are Unpopular: The police officers' union in
Scranton, Pa., filed a state unfair labor practice complaint in April
against Chief Dan Duffy because he arrested a man whom he caught
violating a warrant and possessing marijuana. According to the
union contract, only union members can "apprehend and arrest"
lawbreakers, and since the chief is "management," he should have
called an officer to make the arrest. The union president suggested
that, with layoffs threatened, the chief doesn't need to be taking
work away from officers. [Times-Tribune (Scranton), 4-19-2011]

* Conventional academic wisdom is that the death penalty is not an
effective deterrent to homicide, but according to accused murderer
Dmitry Smirnov, it deterred him from killing Ms. Jitka Vesel in
Oak Brook, Ill.--until March, that is, when Illinois's death penalty
was repealed. Prosecutors said Smirnov, from Surrey, British
Columbia, told them he decided to come to Illinois and kill Vesel
(in cold blood, over an online relationship gone bad) only after
learning through Internet research that the state no longer had
capital punishment. [Chicago Sun-Times, 4-15-2011]

Cavalcade of Rednecks

* (1) Shelly Waddell, 36, was cited by police in February in
Waterville, Maine, after "a couple of" drivers reported seeing two
children riding on the roof of the van she was driving early one
morning. Waddell told police she was in fact delivering newspapers
to customers but denied that the kids were on the roof. (2) At the
Niceville, Fla., Christmas parade on December 4th, a municipal
employee was arrested when he stepped up onto a city truck that
was part of the parade and challenged the driver (who apparently
was a colleague). The employee accused the driver of "taking [my]
overtime" hours for the previous two years and ordered him out of
the truck so he could "whip your ass." (The employee was charged
with disorderly intoxication.) [WMTW-TV (Portland, Maine)-AP,
2-24-2011] [Northwest Florida Daily News, 12-10-2010]

Bright Ideas

* Louis "Shovelhead" Garrett is an artist, a mannequin collector,
and a quilter in the eastern Missouri town of Louisiana, with a
specialty in sewing quilts from women's panties, according to a
report in the Hannibal Courier-Post. After showing his latest quilt
at a women's luncheon in Hannibal in March, he told the newspaper
of his high standards: "No polyester. I don't want those cheap,
dollar-store, not-sexy, farm-girl panties. I want classy--silk or
nylon." [Hannibal Courier-Post, 3-24-2011]

Oops!

* Arifinito (he goes by one name), a member of the Indonesian
parliament, resigned in April after a news photographer in the
gallery zoomed in on the tablet computer he was watching to
capture him surfing Internet pornography sites. Arifinito's
conservative Islamic Prosperous Justice Party campaigned for a
tough anti-pornography law in 2008 (which the photographer's video
shows Arifinito likely violating). [AlJazeera.net, 4-11-2011]

* Wheeee! (1) In March, in Pierce County, Wash., a sewer worker,
37, came loose from a safety line and slid about 3,000 feet through a
6-foot-diameter sewer pipe at the Chambers Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant. He "could have drowned," according to one
rescuer, but he was taken to a hospital with "minor injuries." (2)
Firefighters in Gilbert, Ariz., rescued Eugene Gimzelberg, 32, in
March after he had climbed down a 40-foot sewer hole--naked.
Gimzelberg said he had smoked PCP and marijuana and consumed
hallucinogenic mushrooms. He was hospitalized in critical
condition. [Tacoma News-Tribune, 3-21-2011] [Arizona Republic,
3-3-2011]

Chutzpah!

* Jacob Barnett, 12, an Asperger's-syndrome-fueled math genius
who maxed out on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and
is now enrolled at IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University
Indianapolis), told an Indianapolis Star reporter in March that his
next project is about proving the Big Bang theory all wrong. But if
not the Big Bang, asked the reporter, how do we exist? Said Jacob,
"I'm still working on it." "I have an idea, but . . . I'm still working
out the details." (Hint: Jacob's major point of skepticism is that the
Big Bang doesn't account neatly for carbon.) Said his (biological)
mother, Kristine Barnett, 36, "I flunked math. I know this did not
come from me." [Indianapolis Star, 3-20-2011]

* Overreaching: (1) In April, Texas state Rep. John Davis of
Houston proposed a tax break--aimed at buyers of yachts valued at
more than a quarter-million dollars. Davis promised more yacht
sales and, through a ripple effect, more jobs if Texas capped the
sales tax on yachts at the amount due on a $250,000 vessel--a break
of almost $16,000 on a $500,000 boat. (2) Adam Yarbrough, 22,
ticketed by a female police officer in Indianapolis in March after he
was observed swerving in and out of traffic on an Interstate
highway, allegedly compounded the problem first by offering the
cop "five dollars" to "get rid of this ticket" and then by "[H]ow
about I give you a kiss?" Felony bribery charges were filed. (Bonus
Fact: Yarbrough was riding a moped.) [San Antonio Express-
News, 4-24-2011] [Indianapolis Star, 3-14-2011]

Least Competent Criminals

* Marissa Mark, 28, was indicted in March in Allentown, Pa., for
hiring a hit man in 2006 via the then-active website
HitManForHire.com, agreeing to pay $37,000 to have a California
woman killed (though prosecutors have not revealed the motive).
Mark allegedly made traceable payments through the PayPal service
(which in recent years has righteously refused to process
transactions involving online gambling or the WikiLeaks document
dumps but which in 2006 did in fact handle payments for
HitManForHire.com). The hit man site was run by an Egyptian
immigrant, who told the Las Vegas Sun in 2008 that he would never
contract for murder but sought to make money by double-crossing
clients and alerting (for a fee) the intended victims. [Allentown
Morning Call, 3-22-2011; Las Vegas Sun, 7-20-2008]

A News of the Weird Classic (October 1992)

* The local board of health closed down the Wing Wah Chinese
restaurant in South Dennis, Mass., briefly in August [1992] for
various violations. The most serious, said officials, was the
restaurant's practice of draining water from cabbage by putting it in
cloth laundry bags, placing the bags between two pieces of plywood
in the parking lot, and driving over them with a van. Said Health
Director Ted Dumas, "I've seen everything now." [Brewster Oracle,
8-21-92]

Thanks This Week to Chris Schulman and Michael
Bellesiles and to the News of the Weird Board of Editorial
Advisors.

* * * * *
Are you ready for News of the Weird / Pro Edition? See it every
Monday at http://NewsoftheWeird.blogspot.com. Other handy
addresses: WeirdNews at earthlink dot net,
http://www.NewsoftheWeird.com, and P.O. Box 18737, Tampa FL
33679.

Posted via email from Fab's posterous

Wednesday May 25, 2011: Reference.com On This Day

2011-05-25T12:09:00.001-05:00

I'm embarrassed for them, since they obviously have no clue about it being Towel Day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towel_Day

What color is yours? :)

On This Day:
Wednesday May 25, 2011

This is the 145th day of the year, with 220 days remaining in 2011.

Fact of the Day: redwoods
Redwoods are the tallest living trees; they often exceed 90 m (300 feet) in height, and one has reached 112.1 m (367.8 feet). Their trunks reach typical diameters of 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 feet) or more, measured above the swollen bases. The redwood tree takes 400 to 500 years to reach maturity, and some trees are known to be more than 1,500 years old. The redwood's insect-, fungus-, and fire-resistant bark is reddish brown, fibrous, deeply furrowed, and 30 cm (12 inches) or more thick on an old tree. A coast redwood can grow to be 130 feet tall in just 30 years.

Holidays
Feast day of St. Madeleine Barat, St. Gregory VII, pope, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, St. Urban, St. Zenobius, St. Leo of Mantenay, St. Dionysius of Milan, St. Gennadius of Astorga, and St. Bede.
Argentina: Revolution Day / Veintecinco de Mayo.
Jordan: Independence Day.
Chad, Zambia: African Freedom Day; Zimbabwe: Africa Day (Organization of African Unity formed 1963).
New Mexico: Memorial Day.

Events
1234 - The Mongols took Kaifeng and destroyed the Chin dynasty.
1660 - Charles II, the exiled king of England, landed at Dover, England, to assume the throne and end 11 years of military rule.
1768 - James Cook sailed on his first voyage of discovery, on which he explored the Society Islands and charted the coasts of New Zealand and West Australia.
1787 - The Constitutional Convention was convened in Philadelphia with 55 delegates (a quorum) to compose the Constitution of the United States of America.
1793 - In Baltimore, Maryland, Father Stephen Theodore Badin became the first Catholic priest to be ordained in the United States.
1914 - The British House of Commons passed the Irish Home Rule bill.
1925 - John T. Scopes was indicted in Tennessee for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
1927 - Ford Motor Company announced the end of the Model T and its replacement by the Model A.
1927 - The "Movietone News" was shown for the first time at the Sam Harris Theatre in New York City.
1935 - Babe Ruth hit the 714th and final home run of his career, for the Boston Braves, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1935 - American athlete Jesse Owens set a record six world records in less than one hour in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1946 - Transjordan (now Jordan) became a kingdom.
1968 - The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was dedicated.
1979 - An American Airlines DC-10 crashed during takeoff at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, killing 275 people.
1992 - Jay Leno made his debut as permanent host of NBC's "Tonight Show," succeeding Johnny Carson.
1997 - Strom Thurmond (R, SC) became the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, with 41 years and 10 months in office.
2003 - Néstor Kirchner becomes President of Argentina after defeating Carlos Menem.

Births
1803 - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher, poet.
1878 - Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, legendary tap dancer.
1886 - Philip Murray, American labor leader, founder of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).
1889 - Igor Sikorsky, American aviation engineer, developed the helicopter.
1892 - Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavian soldier and president.
1898 - Bennett Cerf, American publisher.
1921 - Hal David, American songwriter.
1926 - Miles Davis, American jazz trumpeter.
1936 - Tom T. Hall, American country balladeer, songwriter, and country singer.
1963 - Mike Myers, Canadian-born comic actor.
1970 - Jamie Kennedy, (born James Harvey Kennedy), American comedian and actor.

Deaths
1981 - Fredric Warburg, English publisher best known for his association with the British author George Orwell.
1996 - Bradley Nowell, American singer and guitarist for the band Sublime.
2005 - Graham Kennedy, Australian radio, television, and film performer.
2006 - Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres), Jamaican ska and reggae singer and songwriter.

Reference.com On This Day
http://www.reference.com/thisday/

Posted via email from Fab's posterous

News of the Weird, March 6, 2011

2011-03-18T12:17:00.001-05:00

WEIRDNUZ.M204 (News of the Weird, March 6, 2011)
by Chuck Shepherd

Lead Story

* Tombstone, Ariz., which was the site of the legendary 1881
"Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" (made into a 1957 movie), is about 70
miles from the Tucson shopping center where a U.S.
Congresswoman, a federal judge, and others were shot in January.
A Los Angeles Times dispatch later that month noted that the "Wild
West" of 1881 Tombstone had far stricter gun control than present-
day Arizona. The historic gunfight occurred when the marshal
(Virgil Earp, brother of Wyatt) tried to enforce the town's no-carry
law against local thugs. Today, however, with few restrictions and
no licenses required, virtually any Arizonan 18 or older can carry a
handgun openly, and those 21 or older can carry one concealed.
[Los Angeles Times, 1-23-2011]

Leading Economic Indicator

* The government of Romania, attempting both to make amends for
historical persecution of fortune-telling "witches" and to collect
more tax revenue, amended its labor law recently to legalize the
profession. However, "queen witch" Bratara Buzea, apparently
speaking for many in the soothsaying business, told the Associated
Press in February that official recognition might make witches
legally responsible for future events that are beyond their control.
Already, witches are said to be fighting back against the government
with curses--hurling poisonous mandrake plants into the Danube
River and casting a special spell involving cat dung and a dead dog.
[BBC News 1-6-2011; USA Today-AP, 2-8-2011] [UPDATE: The
government backed down! (Agence France-Presse, 3-1-2011)]

Compelling Explanations

* British loyalist Michael Stone still claims it was all a
misunderstanding--that he did not intend to assassinate Irish
Republican Army political leaders in 2006, despite being arrested at
the Northern Ireland legislature carrying knives, an axe, a garotte,
and a bag of explosives that included flammable liquids, gas
canisters, and fuses. He was later convicted, based on his having
detonated one explosive in the foyer and then carrying the other
devices into the hall to confront the leaders, but he continued to
insist that he was merely engaged in "performance art." (In January
2011, the Northern Ireland court of appeal rejected his claim.) [The
Guardian (London), 1-6-2011]

* Phyllis Stevens, 59, said she had no idea she had embezzled
nearly $6 million until her employer, Aviva USA, of Des Moines,
Iowa, showed her the evidence. She said it must have been done by
the "hundreds" of personalities created by her dissociative identity
disorder (including "Robin," who was caught trying to spend
Stevens's remaining money in Las Vegas just hours after the
showdown with Aviva). Stevens and her spouse had been spending
lavishly, buying properties, and contributing generously to political
causes. As the "core person," Stevens said she will accept
responsibility but asked a federal judge for leniency. (The
prosecutor said Stevens is simply a thief.) [Des Moines Register, 1-
21-2011] [UPDATE: Six years in prison. (WOI-TV (Des Moines),
2-22-2011)]

* Thomas Walkley, a lawyer from Norton, Ohio, was charged in
January with indecent exposure for pulling his pants down in front
of two 19-year-old males, but Walkley said he was merely
"mentoring" at-risk boys. He said it is a technique he had used with
other troubled youths, especially the most difficult cases, by getting
them "to think differently." Said Walkley, "Radical times call for
radical measures." [American Bar Association Journal, 1-18-2011]

Ironies

* U.S. News & World Report magazine, and the National Council
on Teacher Quality, announced plans recently to issue grades (A, B,
C, D, and F) on how well each of the U.S.'s 1,000-plus teachers'
colleges develop future educators, but the teachers of teachers
appear to be sharply opposed to the very idea of being issued
"grades." The project's supporters cited school principals'
complaints about the quality of teachers applying for jobs, but the
teachers' college representatives criticized the project's measurement
criteria as overly simplistic. [New York Times, 2-9-2011]

* Police were out in force in September as schools opened in
Toronto, writing 25 school-zone-speeding tickets in the first two
hours. One of the 25 was issued to the driver of a school bus,
caught speeding through a school zone trying to avoid being late at
a pickup point further down the road. [CTV News (Toronto), 2-7-
2010]

The Litigious Society

* Paul Mason, 50, an ex-letter-carrier in Ipswich, England, told
reporters in January he would file a lawsuit against Britain's
National Health Service for negligence--because it allowed him to
"grow" in recent years to a weight of nearly 900 pounds. Mason
said he "begged" for NHS's help in 1996 when he weighed 420 but
was merely told to "ride your bike more." Last year, he was finally
allowed gastric surgery, which reduced him to his current 518. At
his heaviest, Mason estimates he was consuming 20,000 calories a
day. [The Sun (London), 1-7-2011]

Update

* Life is improving for some Burmese Kayan women who, fleeing
regular assaults by soldiers of the military government of Myanmar,
become valuable exhibits at tourist attractions in neighboring
Thailand--because of their tribal custom of wearing heavy metal
rings around their necks from an early age. The metal stacks weigh
11 pounds or more and depress girls' clavicles, giving them the
appearance of elongated necks, which the tribe (and many tourists)
regard as exotic. While human rights activists heap scorn on these
Thai "human zoos" of ring-necked women, a Nacogdoches, Tex.,
poultry plant recently began offering some of the women a more
attractive choice--lose the rings and come work in Texas, de-boning
chickens. [Global Post, 1-31-2011] [KTRE-TV (Nacogdoches), 1-
12-2011]

People With Issues

* Although police in Mount Vernon, Ohio, aren't sure of the motive,
they know (according to records made public in February) that the
murderer-kidnaper Matthew Hoffman was arrested in November in
a living room piled three feet high with leaves and a bathroom
containing 110 bags of leaves attached to the walls. Hoffman, an
unemployed tree-trimmer, later confessed to the kidnap and rape of
a 13-year-old girl (whom he kept in a basement on a pallet of
leaves) and had stuffed the bodies of his three murder victims in a
hollow tree. An expert on serial killers told ABC News that trees
might have given Hoffman comfort, but police haven't discounted
that the leaves were there merely to help him later torch the house.
[Columbus Dispatch, 2-9-2011]

Least Competent Criminals

* Not Ready For Prime Time: (1) Jose Demartinez, 35, was
hospitalized in Manchester, N.H., in January. With police in
pursuit, he had climbed out a hotel window using tied-together bed
sheets, but they came undone, and he fell four stories. (2) Detected
burglarizing a house in Summerfield, Fla., in January, Laird Butler
fled through a window but not from police. The homeowner's dog
had frightened Butler, who crashed through the glass, cut himself
badly, and bled to death in a neighbor's yard. (3) Kevin Funderburk,
25, was charged with sexual assault of a 71-year-old woman in her
Hutchinson, Kan., home in December. By the time his mug shot
was taken, he was in a neck brace--from the victim's frying-pan-
swinging defense. [WMUR-TV (Manchester), 1-10-2011] [WESH-
TV (Orlando), 1-5-2011] [Hutchinson News, 12-15-2010]

Recurring Themes

* (1) During an early-January freeze, an 8-year-old boy, standing
across the street from Woodward (Okla.) Middle School, apparently
fell for the traditional dare from his brother and licked a metal pole.
He had to wait on his tiptoes for emergency responders to come
unstick him. (2) In January, John Finch, 44, of Wilmington, Del.,
became the latest alleged burglar to break in (through a window)
and be unable either to climb back out or figure out the automatic
locks on the doors (and thus be forced to call 911 on himself to be
rescued). [Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, N.D.)-AP, 1-12-2011]
[WCAU-TV (Philadelphia), 1-7-2011]

A News of the Weird Classic (July 1996)

* The Wall Street Journal reported in March [1996] that New York
City photographer (and former Electrolux vacuum cleaner
salesman) Eugene Calamari Jr. is a part-time artist who lies on the
floor and lets people vacuum him with an upright cleaner, after
which he asks the vacuumers to please write down their feelings.
According to Calamari, "A lot of people use each other and step on
each other's rights." The theme he intends to convey, he said, is "I
won't let anyone do this to me." [Wall Street Journal, 3-27-1996]

Thanks This Week to David Stephenson, Sandy Pearlman,
Paul Evans, Chuck Gardner, Alex Hooke, and Brian Taylor, and to
News of the Weird Board of Editorial Advisors.

Posted via email from Fab's posterous

Interchangeable needles

2011-02-07T18:12:00.001-06:00

Can't decide which ones to buy? Here's a "Try it" set from Knitpicks.

https://www.knitpicks.com/needles/TRY_IT_Needle_Set__D90589.html

No, I don't work for them, but I do love "window shopping!" I wonder if it's possible for a wishlist to explode. LOL

some new yarn ideas

2011-02-07T17:53:00.003-06:00

Knitpicks has a huge sale on books, so as I'm lusting after books I "need" but can't afford, I noticed the "new yarn" tab. Hoo boy! Purdy stuff! Thank goodness it's free to look!

http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Chroma_Worsted_Yarn__D5420204.html

I really like the garter stitch square scarf pattern that features this yarn. It looks similar to something else I might have in my pattern file, so this might be my next project.

Destashing, baby!

Free hug day!

2011-02-07T11:43:00.003-06:00

Hey, it's free hug day-who needs one? :D

Dropped stitch cowl pattern

2011-02-06T12:56:00.007-06:00

I hate it when someone "claims" a common pattern as something original, but hey, I think I'll do it now! Haha! But only because I couldn't find what I wanted. I'm far from a "pattern designer," but I did go to the trouble (haha!) to write it up. Please let me know if I've skipped or forgotten something, since I just sort of started knitting and hoped for the best. :)

I had some Lana Gatto Aquamarina yarn from Hearthstone that I'd bought for the "Holy Cow(l)" in a previous post. I didn't want to do another just like it, although that was a fun pattern, so I started looking around for something similar. I really like doing the Seafoam/Dropped Stitch pattern, so thought I'd use this stitch pattern for a cowl. Pretty easy, actually, not really a pattern.

Here's the yarn: http://www.diamondyarn.com/d/yarn/52-aquamarina/

Mine ended up about 30-32 inches in the round, so adjust your stitch count accordingly. Gauge isn't crucial for this pattern, so you can use any yarn and any needles that give you the look you want. The gauge for this ended up about 18 st/24 rows per 4" square.

Using a worsted weight yarn, CO 120 (any multiple of 10) stitches on 24" size 8 circular needles. Be careful when you join or you'll end up with a twist. Hmmm...maybe a twist would be kind of fun. :)

Repeat pattern (rounds 1-8) until desired length, ending with round 2 (purl), then bind off knitwise.

Dropped Stitch Pattern

Round 1 Knit
Round 2 Purl
Round 3 (YO, K1, YO 2 times, K1, YO 3 times, K1, YO 2 times, K1, YO, K6) repeat to end of round.
Round 4 Purl, dropping all YOs as you go. You will have 120 stitches on your needles again.
Round 5 Knit
Round 6 Purl
Round 7 (K5, YO, K1, YO 2 times, K1, YO 3 times, K1, YO 2 times, K1, YO, K1) repeat to end of
round.
Round 8 Purl, dropping all YOs as you go. You will have 120 stitches on your needles again.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, right? LOL

And looks like you get a double dose of my knitting in this pic. The brown wrap/throw is one I made years ago, using a simple feather and fan stitch and some mohair yarn. Come to think of it, I might have some more of that in a different color in my stash!

Since I can't afford to buy anything new right now, I have taken to shopping in my stash. :)

Pay it forward coffee cup cozies

2011-02-02T11:20:00.002-06:00

Crowned Glory Scarf -KAL

2011-02-02T11:05:00.006-06:00

Finished. I'll most likely do another one, adding a few triangles to the first part. I didn't know if the first part took more yardage than the second part, so stopped where the pattern said. I probably would have had enough left in my first skein to add a couple more triangles. Used 2 skeins of Mochi Plus, which is a beautiful yarn. I would definitely use it again in another project.

cup cozy

2011-01-17T14:51:00.003-06:00

My friend Monica's birthday is Flag Day, so I'm always on the lookout for something patriotic for her. I had some of that stars and stripes yarn left over from a pair of socks, and since she drinks coffee, I thought I'd make her a takeout cup holder for her. It's my own design (teehee), simply CO 60 on size 2 needles, and do a 2x2 rib until you think it's tall enough. I stopped at about 4 inches, since that seemed to be where the pattern started again.

Holy Cow(l)! :D

2011-01-17T14:45:00.008-06:00

This was a really fun pattern to do. It's a freebie from my LYS, Hearthstone Knits, when you buy the yarn. The yarn is Aquamarina by Lana Gatto, in the Carnival colorway, which can be found here: http://www.diamondyarn.com/d/yarn/52-aquamarina/
I modified the pattern just a bit to make it a big bigger around. It's still tall enough! It's very nice and warm, and adds just enough warmth w/o bulk.

I have 2 skeins in the blue colorway to make another one, but I think I'll use a different stitch pattern.

Late Christmas socks

2011-01-17T12:04:00.003-06:00

I started these for the DH a few weeks before Christmas. Then the boy informed me he needed boot socks, which are the green ones. Nothing fancy, just the regular sock pattern I normally use, which isn't a pattern, just a "recipe" of sorts. Green ones are Sock-Ease, which is very nice to use. Purple/beige ones are Hobby Lobby's Walk Away brand, which is TERRIBLE! It has an elastic core, which is normally not a problem, but this was splitty, and had several rough spots in the yarn. Nope, not gonna buy that again!

Christmas donations

2010-11-29T16:04:00.002-06:00

One of my friends has designated me as the "Hat Queen" since I've done so many. Well, now that my church is collecting hats, scarves, mitts, gloves for Christmas, I guess I'll be knitting more. :D

We're also collecting for the church's charitable organization, so if you'd like to help us buy some buffalo, please stop by here: http://outreach-international.org/ and designate Kirkwood congregation.

Sadness

2010-11-29T16:02:00.001-06:00

I'm very sad today, because one of my favorite knitting buddies passed away a couple of days ago. She was a very nice Aussie woman who moved here after WWII as a war bride. She and her daughter are in my knitting guild, and she also knit with me at my library group.

She will be missed.

Shawls

2010-11-27T17:16:00.002-06:00

Looks like I'm a pink freak, but I'm not!

The first one is plain pink sock yarn that I bought to do some pink ribbon socks, but never got around to doing.

Next one is a simple feather and fan pattern using Lion Brand microspun.

Last one is Lion Brand Organic Cotton, pattern from the Lion Brand website called Edith Shawl. It was very easy as well. I made mine longer and wider by adding 2 more balls of yarn, and one more repeat in the width. It needs to be blocked!

Even more hats!

2010-11-27T17:10:00.002-06:00

These are for charity. My library group does a lot of knitting and crocheting for charity, and these went to the child services group that collects at Christmas time.

The beige fleck one at the top is a mock cable, the rest are all stockinette. All of the yarn is Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Yarn." I do like that yarn, but am disappointed that it seems to go up in price every time I'm in the store.

Hats!

2010-11-27T17:04:00.004-06:00

You all know how I love making hats! This is a really easy pattern using chunky yarn. You CO 68 stitches on 11s, do 2x2 rib for about 1 1/2", then increase to 77 stitches, knit all around on 13s. Knit until you have about 6 inches or so, then start decreasing until you have to use DPNs, then finish off.

The yarns, from top left, clockwise, are Sensations Angel Hair Red multi from Jo-Ann, some hand-dyed I bought on Etsy, and Nikki by Cascade-http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-Nikki.asp

Christmas socks-2

2010-11-27T16:59:00.003-06:00

These are for Christmas presents-my SIL, me! and brother. You've already seen the ones for my Mom.

I'm not sure how I feel about the hot pink background, but I was getting tired of the off white afghan I usually use. I'm also not sure how I feel about the middle ones, because they sort of remind me of Red Hat colors. lol Sure, I'm mature enough to join, but don't really fancy being in the group. I hate that yarn, though. I've bitched about it before. It's from Mary Maxim, and while it's nice enough to use, I had to rewind one of the balls to make sure the stripes would match! Yes, they were wound in opposite directions. Actually, 3 of the pairs I bought had to be rewound.

some finished items-part one

2010-11-27T16:44:00.003-06:00

Wow-what a catchy title! But seriously, it's exciting enough when one finishes something, so that should be sufficient. :)

Scarves were knit for either a shop owner friend or charity. I haven't had a chance to price them yet, so if she doesn't want them, I'll either give them away to the kids' group or maybe put them on Etsy.

Christmas socks

2010-10-15T17:15:00.003-05:00

No, they aren't really Christmas socks, but they are socks for Christmas-a gift for my mom! They are Berrocco Sox Metallic. The cuff is mock cable rib-pretty easy. I knitted them on size 0, 47" circ. I started them for myself, but decided to make them for my mom instead. I have some more of this yarn in the lime green colorway for my SIL.

I have finished a few things lately, but haven't had a chance to upload photos. I've finished a couple of shawls, a baby blanket, a baby hat, some charity hats and squares. I'm always knitting on socks as well.

Nothing much new around here! LOL

Next project?

2010-08-22T22:04:00.003-05:00

Sheesh, where have I been lately? Things have been kind of blah lately.

Well, I broke my foot. No excuse for not posting, but I haven't really finished anything lately, either. I'm still working on my pink lace shawl, and the pink short sleeved cardi, and some socks.

I think this might be a fun project to work on. It looks pretty easy, at least compared to the Zims I made a couple of years ago!

http://www.knitting-bee.com/free-knitting-patterns/amigurumi/bender-amigurumi

News of the Weird 13 June 2010

2010-06-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

WEIRDNUZ.M166 (News of the Weird, June 13, 2010)
by Chuck Shepherd

Lead Story

* It's clear, based on a May Time magazine dispatch, that Norway's
felons and miscreants are of a superior class than America's. When
Norway's brand-new Halden prison opened in April, the country's
King Harald V headlined a glitzy gala that celebrated what has been
called the world's "most humane" lockup. Among the facilities: a
sound studio, jogging trails, a guest house for inmates' visitors, and
a scrumptious-smelling "kitchen laboratory" where murderers and
bandits can learn to cook. Guards are unarmed (half are women)
and intermingle with the rapists, drug dealers, and others, dining
with them and joining them in intramural sports. The recidivist rate
for Norwegian prisoners in general is only 20 percent (versus 50-60
percent in the United States), but it is still early to tell whether
Halden's prisoners will find life behind bars so pleasant that they
don't mind risking another stretch there by returning to crime.
[Time, 5-10-10]

Leading Economic Indicators

* Cutting-Edge Products: (1) A Portland, Ore., inventor recently
began offering a colorful patch designed to cover the area just below
a dog's tail. The "Rear Gear" is featured on the handmade-crafts'
site, Etsy.com. (2) Tyrone Henry and Fermin Esson, of Opa Locka,
Fla., near Miami, told reporters they were recently granted a patent
for "saggy pants" that they say will satisfy young men's street-
fashion sense yet not run afoul of municipal laws around the country
banning exposed underwear. [Portland Mercury, 3-29-10] [WCBS-
TV-WFOR-TV (Miami), 2-1-10]

* Federal Reserve, Securities and Exchange Commission, On Edge:
Last November, the government of North Korea made an ultimately
disastrous decision to radically devalue its currency, overnight
making 100 North Korean won worth 1 North Korean won, and the
country's citizens (as well as, reportedly, the Dear Leader himself)
were not pleased. Three months later, without much fanfare, came
the official announcement that the government's (i.e., the Workers'
Party's) chief finance minister, Pak Nam-gi, had been executed by
firing squad. [The Guardian (London), 3-18-10]

* In May, the German manufacturer Ex Oriente Lux AG set up its
"Gold To Go" vending machine in the lobby of Abu Dhabi's
Emirates Palace Hotel, offering gold coins and one-, five-, and ten-
gram bars of gold, based on the current world price at the time of
the transaction. [Agence France-Presse, 5-13-10]

Transcendent Science

* Intelligent Design: Among the new species first reported this year
are a "nose" leech, a "Dracula" fish, a "psychedelic" frogfish, and a
"bombardier" worm, according to scientists at the University of
Arizona and medical school researchers Lima, Peru. The Peru-
based leech, which is fanged and probably has been around since
the time of dinosaurs, prefers nasal mucus as a habitat. The
"Dracula" fish of Myanmar, with "canine-like fangs," has an
extraordinarily flexible mouth. The multi-colored frogfish has
apparently adapted to live among the colorful, venomous coral off
Bali, Indonesia. The "bombardier" worm, found in California's
Monterey Bay, releases glow-in-the-dark projectiles when
threatened. [Discovery Channel-MSNBC, 4-15-10;
LiveScience.com, 5-23-10]

* Until recently, researchers were certain that at least one ability
separated humans from higher-functioning apes: the creation and
use of tools for sex. However, primatologists writing in a recent
issue of Science described a male chimpanzee's repetitive use of a
dried leaf in the same way that a male human of a certain class
might employ a fast car. In the presence of a female chimp, the
male carefully crinkles the leaf until she--seemingly accustomed to
such leaf-crinkling--notices the male, along with his generous
erection, and may then choose to join him. [New York Times, 5-4-
10]

* Too Much Information: British and Australian researchers,
writing in a journal article in March, concluded that the world's
strongest insect (relative to body weight) is the male dung beetle,
which can lift more than 1,100 times its weight (equivalent for an
average male human: 80 tons). Since the beetles mate inside dung
patties, their every move is a struggle against the resistance posed
by the feces. (On the other hand, the researchers also found weaker
dung beetles that mated just fine--helped not by their strength but by
unusually large testicles.) [Agence France-Presse, 3-24-10]

* Sounds Like a Joke: University of Michigan computer engineer
Wei Lu revealed in April that he and colleagues were working on a
new supercomputer design that is a radical departure from current
computer architecture. Wei Lu's design breakthrough (which has
piqued the interest of the Pentagon's DARPA think-tankers) is to
model the operating system like the brain of a cat, he said, even
though his supercomputer could never actually outperform the cat's
brain. [New York Daily News, 4-19-10]

The Aristocrats!

* Last September, James Jones, 33, and a friend were issued
disorderly-conduct citations by police after witnesses reported that
the pair, inebriated, had placed their genitals on a vegetables'
weighing scale in a supermarket in Edinburgh, Scotland. (They
were acquitted in April 2010 when the only witness admitted that
she only saw the men zipping up after claiming to have weighed
themselves.) [STV News (Edinburgh), 4-22-10]

* Fluids Festivals: (1) A 44-year-old man was charged with battery
in Crestview, Fla., in April as a result of a fight with his girlfriend,
during which he pinched off one of his nostrils and blew mucus and
blood out of the other (with contents landing on her "face, chest,
arms, and pants"). (2) Madison, Wis., neighbors Nina Bell, 56, and
Arnessa Battles, 38, were cited for disorderly conduct in March in a
dispute over Battles's dog's winter-long output of droppings that had
just been revealed by melting snow. According to the police report,
by the time an officer arrived on the scene, both of the women had
smeared each other's cars with large quantities of dog poop.
[Northwest Florida Daily News, 4-23-10] [Wisconsin State Journal,
3-9-10]

People Different From Us

* World-class sword-swallower Chayne Hultgre, 32, is a veteran of
such exhibitions as Scotland's Kamikaze Freakshow, as well as this
year's Psycho Sideshow in Australia, and he holds the Guinness
Book record by downing 18 swords simultaneously. Part of his
skill, he told Sydney's Daily Telegraph in April, is learning to relax
his body, but he also credited his five-inch-longer-than-normal
stomach and his decision to implant a row of magnets along his
breastbone that he says ever-so-slightly diverts the metal swords
away from vital organs. Reminiscing, Hultgren noted that once,
during a show's run in Belgium, an average of seven spectators a
night were fainting (known in the trade as "falling ovations"). What
does Hultgre's future hold? "I've never had another job." [Daily
Telegraph (Sydney), 4-3-10]

Least Competent Criminals

* Not Ready for Prime-Time Crime: (1) Jacob Collins, 28, was
arrested in April and charged with burglary of Matlack's Hometown
Pharmacy in Landisville, N.J., despite the fact that the medicine he
stole was probably by mistake. Police said they were almost certain
Collins was after the painkiller "Oxycontin" but instead swiped a
supply of "Oxybutynin," which treats overactive bladder. (2) On the
other hand, Sean Almond, 43, was charged on the same day as
Collins for allegedly robbing the Kangaroo Mart on Wilroy Road in
Suffolk, Va., and could have used some Oxybutynin. Almond was
caught immediately after the robbery because his getaway was
delayed. He was spotted in a nearby alley, where he had been
overcome by a sudden urge to relieve himself. [Press of Atlantic
City, 4-22-10] [Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk), 4-23-10]

A News of the Weird Classic (April 1995)

* In March [1995], after the president of the Puerto Rico House of
Representatives accused him of illegal drug use, Sen. Freddie
Valentin denied the charge and led reporters into a restroom in the
Capitol building in San Juan, where he yielded a urine sample that
he later submitted to the Senate leadership. A TV cameraman shot
over Valentin's shoulder, and journalist Sonia Salgado's play-by-
play radio report ended, "I have just transmitted, for the first time
ever, a senator taking a pee before the media." [Austin American-
Statesman-AP, 3-18-95] .378

Thanks This Week to Matt Rushing, Gerald Sacks, Sandy
Pearlman, Jim Kane, and Jon Doughtie, and to the News of the
Weird Senior Advisors and Board of Editorial Advisors.

Posted via email from Fab's posterous

Scarves

2010-05-31T18:25:00.001-05:00

Some new projects

Hmmm where have I been....

2010-05-31T12:41:00.002-05:00

Well, lots of places, I guess. We went to NY and Canada earlier this spring for a couple of weeks. We helped the boy move last week. He's still in IA City, but moved from one dorm/apt to the graduate student apts-Hawkeye CT, can you beat it? LOL

I've been pretty busy with knitting, as usual. I need to upload some pics of finished items and UFOs. But as I'm on the laptop now, and the photos are on the other computer, who knows when I'll get them posted? They'll just show up in a flurry of photos, I guess. :P

Happy Memorial Day weekend, and remember those who have served, and are serving now. Enjoy your personal freedoms.

KAL Flatfeet version

2010-03-11T09:54:00.004-06:00

This is the same Little Shell stitch pattern for the March/April EasySocks group KAL, but done in Flatfeet sock yarn instead of worsted weight yarn in the previous entry.

Easy Socks group KAL May/June

2010-03-01T10:03:00.004-06:00

Greetings, sock fans! :)

This KAL is a variation of the previous KAL from Sept/Oct 2009. The sock is constructed in a similar way, except the cuff/leg will have a different pattern stitch. See this entry for basic sock instructions, as well as a link to good instructions for a short row heel. Not trying to be lazy, but why reinvent the wheel? :P
http://fabjacuzzi.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html

The pattern is called "Little Shell," and a good picture of the stitch itself can be found here: http://www.knittingonthenet.com/stitches/littleshell.htm However, those instructions are for a flat piece with 2 extra edge/selvage stitches. Since you'll be knitting in the round, you will eliminate those extra 2 stitches.

The pattern is worked over a multiple of 7 stitches-42, 49, 56, 63, 70-depending on the weight of the yarn you've chosen. My example is made from Jeanne cotton/nylon worsted weight. I CO 42 stitches on size 4 DPNs. You can also use two circular needles or one long circular needle for the Magic Loop method.

CO 42 stitches, divide evenly over 3 or 4 DPNs, join in round, being careful not to twist stitches. You may knit about an inch of 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing as I did in the example, or go right into your pattern as I have done on the FlatFeet pair I'm working on now.

R1) Knit
R2) Knit
R3-Pattern Round) *K2, yo, P1, P3tog, P1, yo* repeat to end of round
R4) Knit

Repeat these 4 rounds for pattern until you have the length you prefer. You may continue the pattern on the top of the foot, but sometimes a plain stockinette stitch is more comfortable in the shoe, especially with a thicker yarn like this. You'll knit plain about an inch before starting your heel. As you may remember, I prefer a short row heel. It's very easy to remember, and it fits me well. You may prefer to do a heel flap or a different type of heel. The fun part about sock knitting is that there are so many different variations and ways to construct a sock.

Once you've turned your heel, you will begin the plain knitting for the foot. If you worked a heel flap, you will need to decrease for your gusset. If you've done a short row heel, you will already be at the required number of stitches, and won't need to include a gusset. Continue until you are about 1 1/2" short of the finished length, then begin the decreases for the toe. Decrease until you have 8 total stitches left, cut yarn, and thread through the stitches, and weave in the ends.

Make another sock exactly like this one, and you'll be stylin' in no time!

Regia Lace

2010-02-16T21:18:00.002-06:00

I finished these in June 2009, but didn't share for some odd reason. :P At least, as far as I can tell, these socks aren't on the blog. Well....hehe, they are now, right?

Speaking of disappointing sock yarn....

2010-02-16T20:18:00.002-06:00

I've ordered a few times from Mary Maxim and Knitpiks, and have been generally pleased with the products I've ordered. However......

The last 6 skeins (2 of each color) of sock yarn I've ordered from MM have all had to be rewound. Well, one of the two has had to be rewound because they were wound opposite of each other! For those of you that don't knit, this means that if you pull from the center of the ball/skein, the stripes will come out backward. I was disappointed, to say the least. The sandstone colorway I just finished was okay. But naturally, the ones with the really long stripe repeats weren't!

I've always been pretty happy with what I've ordered from Knitpiks as well, until this last couple of skeins of sock yarn. It's the purple/pink/green colorway, and even though they are the same dye lot, they are totally different! I'm only hoping that nobody gets close enough to my feet to actually notice. It's disheartening to put in so much time in something, only to have it not quite match. If I were using this in a sweater or a larger item, I would have had to send them back. I'm very nervous about the other color I ordered.

Austermann Step.....I've made 4 or 5 pair of this yarn and it's always been great.....until this last skein I started for Ned. Those skeins are large enough so that you only need one for a pair. The stripes match up pretty well until about the 3rd repeat, then it's totally off! (I almost felt like it was Noro or something. :P) Where there should be a wide light/medium blue stripe, there is a very short dark blue stripe. The only thing I can think of is that the yarn got stuck in the roller as the dye was being sprayed on it, and it got all the blue dye in one little section that was meant for a much longer section. Dunno....

Well, that's my rant for the evening-I guess I'll go back to finishing some more socks. LOL

More socks for the DH

2010-02-16T20:12:00.002-06:00

Seems like that's all I do is knit socks.... :P
These are Mary Maxim's "Sandstone" and they turned out quite nice! Although, as I look through my photos, I notice that there is another pair for Ned that is very similar. Thankfully he loves them all. :D

KAL finished!

2010-02-16T19:32:00.004-06:00

I finished these socks for the EasySocks group over a week ago, but am just now getting around to uploading the photo.

The group had been pretty slow, which isn't too surprising since it was Christmas, so the owner started a "Resurgence KAL" to get everyone back in the swing of things. The rules were simple- the project had to be socks (duh), had to be started after her announcement, we had to post a photo of them in progress, and they have to be finished by the 28th of Feb.

Mine are Magic Stripes Denim colorway for ME! :D It's probably my fave sock pattern-simple 2x2 rib on cuff and st st foot.

I'm only posting the finished socks here-the others are on the yahoogroup site.

Christmas Knitting

2009-12-28T12:53:00.003-06:00

I finally finished all of the Christmas knitting. I finished my mom's blue socks (which aren't pictured here since I forgot to take a pic, but are exactly like the brown ones) as we were opening our presents!

The man's socks are for my brother. The worsted weight socks are quick and easy. If my SIL doesn't like them, she can give them to my Mom. I know she likes them!

Nothing worse than going to a lot of trouble to make something for someone and have them not mention if they like it or not. :P

Last one!

2009-12-10T23:51:00.002-06:00

Last charity hat for awhile....gotta finish my Christmas knitting!

More charity hats!

2009-12-10T16:39:00.001-06:00

Toys for tots

2009-12-10T11:54:00.000-06:00

As seen at Fortel's in Affton

Basket buddies!

2009-12-07T08:37:00.001-06:00

Shame the flash didn't work....

some charity knitting

2009-11-21T11:46:00.003-06:00

Some items I've done for various organizations. Hats are for Curves and HeadHuggers, scarves are for the St Louis Child Services for the kids in foster care.

scarves for the boys

2009-11-21T11:40:00.003-06:00

Scarves for the boys

These were done for my son and his roomie, and I think they turned out quite nice! And Nathan informed me that his was the perfect length! Nathan's is olive and black-varied stripes, and Alex's is Griffindor colors......by request. :D

They are 1x1 rib, so there's no right or wrong side, and they don't curl.

Flatfeet socks

2009-10-18T17:02:00.002-05:00

Easter sotm from Hearthstone-finally finished!

Blog

2009-10-18T16:47:00.001-05:00

Where's this going?

More socks!

2009-09-25T12:35:00.004-05:00

Ned's Regia

My Regia Cotton "quill lace" which is a really easy pattern-two rows....one row is knit all the way round, and the other is just some YOs and Ktogs.

Mary Maxim bamboo 2x2 rib....which is pretty and soft, but really really splitty. Speaking of Mary Maxim yarn.....I ordered a couple of other yarns at the same time, went to start them, and realized they were wound opposite on the two balls! Yikes, talk about a PITA......I finally started one and hopefully will be able to rewind the other ball so it comes off the skein in the same order. It's really pretty yarn (I think it's called Gemstone), but I would never order from them again, knowing what I know now. The bamboo was one skein, so no worries. I don't even want to think about the other two skeins of Gemstone that I ordered in another colorway.

Hand dyed for me! Well....the socks are for me from a hand dyed yarn that was actually dyed about 45 miles from here in Wentzville, MO, especially for Hearthstone Knits. I don't remember the name of it, but it's one of the Operas. I have to laugh when I look at the label since they mispelled the shop name. :P

I started these almost two years ago and couldn't quite figure out how to finish them. I finally decreased at the heel and made a gusset for the foot. The second one went very quickly. I finished these on the way to Canada this month.

Woohoo!

Sept/Oct KAL in sock yarn

2009-09-02T17:49:00.002-05:00

This is the same basket weave pattern as the EasySocks KAL, but done in sock yarn. I used Colinette Jitterbug yarn with US size 1 needles. This yarn seems a bit heavier than regular sock yarn, that's why I went up a size.

Easy Socks yahoogroup KAL Sept/Oct 2009

2009-08-30T11:53:00.008-05:00

It's my turn for the group KAL, and I've chosen the Basketweave stitch pattern for the leg. It's relatively easy, but not so easy you can't ignore which row you're on! And I admit I chose it for the name, since I sell Longaberger baskets!

I apologize if my instructions aren't the best, but I write like I think! LOL I don't usually write up the patterns I make here on my blog, but scribble notes in my "magic knitting notebook" that I record all of my projects in. Feel free to contact me if something doesn't make sense or if you find an error. (Heaven forbid!)

If you've been following the EasySocks group, you'll have learned all you need to know from Rhonda's "perfect fit" socks from the last KAL. And of course, your socks all fit perfectly because you followed her instructions, knitted a gauge swatch, and made your socks your perfect size! (or your mom's or daughter's or DH's or.....)

I've used 2 balls of Berroco Comfort DK in red, because I'm thinking red is always a great color (I live in St Louis, and the Cardinals are here, of course!) no matter what the time of year. However, red is the perfect Christmas color, as well as a great fall color. Obviously, you can choose whichever color you prefer, and whichever DK yarn you prefer. (I also picked up some Tennessee Orange yarn for my SIL, but don't tell her!)

This is a nice yarn to work with and comes in lots of colors. It's acrylic and nylon, and very soft. I prefer wool sock yarn, so was pleasantly surprised at how nicely these worked up. (and since you're not using size 0 needles, surprising quick!)

Remember your gauge is important, but since this stitch pattern is over 4 stitches, you'll need to make sure you CO a number that is divisible by 4. Also, since the 2x2 ribbing is a multiple of 4, you will see right away if your stitch count is off. It might be a good idea to have a row counter handy at the beginning.

I used size US size 3, or 3.25mm DPNs. If you prefer using two circs, or magic loop, that's up to you! But you'll need to check your gauge, because you don't want to make socks for someone else unless you intend to!

If you prefer a worsted weight yarn, you can also use this pattern by using bigger needles. I used CottonEase worsted for the anklets KAL this summer and CO 40 stitches on US 4's. It worked great because it is still a multiple of 4.

This is a cuff down pattern, so you'll CO at the cuff, and work your way down to the toe.

CO 48 stitches, join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches, place marker at the beginning of the round. If you do twist them, you'll end up with a Moebius strip and you'll have to rip out.

Work a 2x2 ribbing for an inch, or longer if you prefer, then switch to your pattern stitch as follows:

(The pattern is repeated over 4 stitches and 4 rows. After a while, you won't need to use your row counter, because you can tell what your pattern needs to look like.)

Row 1,2 (K2, P2)* repeat to end of round
Row 3,4 (P2, K2)* repeat to end of round

Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length of cuff. I stopped at a total of 6", including my 2x2 ribbing.

Knit all round for 1" of stockinette stitch, then you'll start your heel. I prefer a short row heel, but you can use any heel you like. For a short row heel, my center stitches numbered 10 before I started increasing again.

The best short row heel instructions I've found are here at Knitting Daily in the Ambrosia Socks pattern. I won't reinvent the wheel or retype the instructions, but I will give you the link.

Ambrosia Socks - Knitting Daily

Once you've finished your heel according to either these instructions, or doing the heel you feel comfortable with, it's time to start the foot.

Because you aren't increasing or decreasing with this type of heel like you would with a gusset, you won't need to worry about decreasing for your foot. However, if you have a particularly narrow or wide foot, then you can do that here.

The foot is stockinette stitch (which is knitting all rounds) until you get to the length you need. I stop at the ball of my foot because the toe I use gives me about 1 1/2 inches additional length. As a guide, I wear a size 6 shoe, and the length of knitting between the toe "corner" and the ball is about 5 or 5 1/4" in length.

To decrease for the toe, you'll need to make sure you have equal number of stitches either distributed on the 4 DPNs or the 2 circs or the magic loop. Basically you'll need them divided in half. To begin, you'll decrease two stitches every other row until you have 16 stitches on each half (or total of 32), then you'll decrease every row until you have 8 stitches total, 4 on each needle. I've dropped two needles at this point because it's awkward to have only 2 st per needle.

To decrease for the toe, you'll treat the two needles as one:
K1, SSK, knit to last three stitches, then Ktog, K1 twice (so you're decreasing a total of 4 st on those rounds)
Next round is Knit all around

Repeat these two rounds until you have a total of 16 on each side (or 32 total).

Now you'll decrease 4 stitches on every round (using the same method above) until you have a total of 8 stitches.

I don't do a Kitchener stitch much anymore, because I think the following instructions are easier, and look just as nice. If you find this toe doesn't fit you well, then there are other options and types of toes you can use.

I cut the yarn, thread a yarn needle, and thread the end of the yarn through the last 8 stitches a couple of times, then weave in the ends. The pictures I've uploaded will show the short row heel and the toe decreases.

Voila! A finished sock! Now you do the exact same thing for the second sock, and you're good to go!

KAL tote

2009-08-20T16:51:00.003-05:00

Before and after felting-the colors didn't change much at all-it's a bit fuzzy, as can be expected. It shrank about 1/3 of the original size. One of the knitters in the group was nice enough to bring her manual washing machine to do the felting for us. It's a really neat little washer, and I'm temped to buy one for myself....if I knew how/where to store it!

I need to upload a pic of the actual finished product with straps and button closure. I was very pleased at how it turned out and am making another one in a different color range-greens/pinks/purples.

Chemo Caps

2009-08-20T16:45:00.004-05:00

My Curves is collecting Chemo Caps/Headhuggers for cancer and burn victims, and I have been making a few to donate. Hats are so easy and quick!

Ravelry name change

2009-07-17T00:32:00.003-05:00

I changed my name on Ravelry.....that's about the most excitement I've had all day. If you have Chosenlass listed as a friend, you'll now see JanaKay. I just felt that more people could find me if I used a variation of my real name!

I know....big whoop....

Okay for the knitting portion of the blog-

I finished my Kalahari bag, and thanks to Sherry's wonderful portable washing machine, it's felted! It looks great, I can't wait to use it. I have the straps knitted, but not felted yet. I really didn't know how long to make them, so I think once they are felted, I can decide. They really turned out nice. I think about 1/2 of the group is done with the bags, but there are quite a few less attendees than when we first started. All of the bags are really beautiful, and it is really neat to see all the color choices. I think most of us have ordered another round of Nature Spun for another bag! LOL

Happy Birthday to Me! LOL

2009-07-05T12:52:00.003-05:00

Here are the rest of the KAL bag pics-

Hearthstone KAL

2009-07-05T12:15:00.008-05:00

These are the last two shots from the Hearthstone KAL-I've added some others on Ravelry, and can't seem to get them uploaded here.... I only have the last row of 1/2 square triangles, trim, and handles to knit, then it all gets felted into a lovely bag! (hopefully!)

I've ordered more yarn to do another bag-this time in purples and greens. I've always loved those two colors together, and have to laugh when someone says, "you've stolen MY colors!" like they own that particular color combination. Don't get me started on egos....that's for the other blog.... :P

I have lots of 100% feltable wool that a friend gave me, so I might try another one using bigger squares and/or triangles.

Flag socks

2009-06-08T16:17:00.002-05:00

Finally finished!

more knitting....

2009-06-03T18:28:00.003-05:00

Nope, that's not all I do....but maybe it's all I take pictures of. :P

First pair of socks were started for Ned, but he didn't like the 2x2 rib in the cuff, so I finished them for me. I've been working on them off and on for probably a year. I made Ned a pair from the same yarn, which is Regia cotton/wool/nylon. It's really nice to work with.

Red socks are a possible KAL for my EasySocks group. It's simply a basketweave cuff and stockinette foot. They are made from Comfort DK, which is acrylic and nylon....I think.... They'll probably go to my Mom.

The light socks are made from Jeannee cotton/nylon worsted weight, which was easy to work with. That's also a possible KAL for the group. It's a very easy lace pattern on the cuff. These will also probably go to my Mom or my SIL.

The scarf and hat are Iowa attire! Not that I'll ever go to a game, but since Nathan will be attending University of Iowa for grad school this fall, I decided I'd better have something in IA colors. (yeah, also Mizzou colors, so perhaps the neighbors won't be offended. LOL) The scarf is a very easy pattern using two strands of regular worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for chunky yarn, but my good friend Cathy made one using two strands and I liked the way it turned out. I made the scarf longer than the pattern calls for because I like to loop it over twice. I used gold and black from Hobby Lobby called "I love this yarn." It's so much softer and easier on the hands than RedHeart.

The pattern is here: http://www.mistialpaca.com/downloads/ribs_ruffles_scarf.pdf The hat was also worked with two strands on a circular needle, then on DPNs once you decrease enough for the crown. It's all knit stitches, which gives it that rolled brim. You could do a 2x2 or 4x4 rib for an inch or so for a different look.

I'm still working on those flag socks. I have one done, and the other one is maybe 3/4 of the way done. I want to finish them for Flag Day, even though it'll probably be too hot to wear them!

new site

2009-05-24T23:20:00.002-05:00

I've had this domain for quite some time, never really had an opportunity to play with it.

I used one of those free template sites (weebly.com) just to see what I could come up with.

Check it out and let me know what you think, please!

www.janashepard.com

I also added some widgets here, since I found a couple of really cool ones!

Congrats all grads!

2009-05-22T10:17:00.002-05:00

It just occurred to me that Mehlville graduation was this week. Hard to believe it's that time of year already. I remember when Nathan graduated in 2006, how proud we all were, how emotional it all was, how OLD I felt. LOL Now we have his college graduation to look forward to on the 30th. I'm sure I'll be a wreck!

He was able to get a lot of credits from HS/college classes, so he will graduate with two degrees after only three years. He received an A for his thesis-I'm really looking forward to reading it, but wondering if I'll understand it. LOL Cue Monty Python, "I may not know much about Art, but I know what I like...."

He will graduate with degrees in Art and History, and go on to grad school at University of Iowa in the fall for Art History/Museum Studies. He'll probably go on to get his doctorate as well.

Crazy kid changed his middle name to Leopard on Facebook so it would rhyme. :P

Friday update.....

2009-05-22T10:01:00.003-05:00

My Thursday update.....well, Wednesday, really.... but by now it's Friday..... lol

I finished the second leg of a possible KAL for "all y'all" on my EasySocks list, and am ready to turn the heel. I'm not sure how to write this all up yet, and I'm wondering if anyone on that group is up for a short row heel?? I'm using DK weight yarn instead of worsted. I don't really like using heavier yarn for socks, but I do know that my mom likes the heavier ones, so they won't go to waste.

I've finished the other pair for a possible KAL, which is worsted weight, but again with short row heel.

I need to write them up, since they aren't really "published" anywhere. And of course, heel type is an option. Heaven knows we all modify. LOL

I worked on some plain vanillas for the DH at my LYS yesterday, but man oh man is that boring! LOL Pretty yarn (something by Kaffe Fassett?? By Regia), but he likes plain old st st. :P

Our next shop KAL is a felted modular knit tote from the Summer Interweave Knits, page 43/86. Should be fun as I've never done much modular knitting.....or felting! We are using Nature Spun sport weight, and I've chosen a rainbow colorway Hardest part was choosing 8 colors out of about 200! LOL I picked up the yarn yesterday and I think it's going to be really pretty. The yarn wasn't really too expensive either, maybe about $40 total.

I bought some Tofutsies to do some "no shows" and had to rewind it from the outside. Anyone else have that problem? Love that yarn though. I CO for them last night, but decided I liked the yellow/orange/pink so much, I'm going to do regular socks. I think I'll use that feather and fan pattern stitch that's pretty easy. I another colorway that I'll use for the short socks. I'm thinking of CO double on larger needles, and then decreasing for a teeny tiny ruffle, but also thinking that they won't really need a ruffle. The shop also had some new Cascade solid sock yarn that would be gorgeous using a fun stitch...maybe a simple lace pattern.

Enough of my blathering, eh? Contrary to what my mom or I might think, it's NOT all about me. ROFL

I've reposted this from posterous.
Read more: "Fab's posterous - Home" - http://fabjacuzzi.posterous.com/#ixzz0GFQkc4Ch&A

Easy Socks group KAL May/June

2009-05-04T14:25:00.004-05:00

Done! Very easy pattern, made even quicker and easier by using worsted weight yarn. I usually don't use heavy yarn, but thought I'd go ahead and use some CottonEase I had. I remember it being pretty cheap-I think Michael's had the color on clearance. So yeah, they aren't exactly very spring like, but they are still finished socks! LOL Since I have never used this yarn in socks, I have no idea how they will wear. The yarn itself comes in lots of pretty solid colors, and is 50/50 cotton/acrylic. Information on the yarn is here: http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1694582

As you can see, I made a couple modifications....I just couldn't resist! I made the cuff longer, and did a short row heel instead of the one called for in the pattern. BTW, the best instructions I've found for a short row heel is from the Ann Budd pattern called Ambrosia Socks, and can be found here: http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/patterns/archive/2007/07/30/ambrosia-socks.aspx?download=true

Easy Socks KAL

2009-04-30T23:39:00.002-05:00

I'm in a yahoogroup full of lovely knitters called Easy Socks. Umm the group is called Easy Socks, the lovelies.....no clue if they are Easy or not. LOL

Anyway, we do KAL every couple of months, and I really do enjoy them. I don't always get them finished or posted, but I do most of them.

This time we're doing Alli's Anklets, which can be found here: http://www.knitwits-heaven.com/all_anklets.htm I remember going into my LYS last year for the yarn and buying Plymouth Jeannee worsted as a substitute. So I'm all set for this KAL!

I have one scheduled for Sept/Oct, and I do have a couple of things in mind. Something a bit more challenging, but not so challenging to make you tear your hair out.

I think what intimidates most people who are new to sock knitting (or circular knitting in general) is using double points, not the size of the needles or yarn. But if you've done any circular knitting at all, the pattern I'm thinking of will be a snap.

Speaking of easy socks.....this pattern looks really cute and even easier than the one I'm probably going to do.

http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cPatterns.freePatterns&pattern_id=000027

Yarn shop hop

2009-04-28T22:48:00.002-05:00

While traveling this past month, I made a point of checking out as many yarn shops as I could. It was easy finding them using an internet search and GPS on my phone.

We traveled the Lincoln Highway from Mount Vernon, IA, to Times Square, NY, and you can read all about it here: ssudio.blogspot.com It's a bit disconnected because I didn't have any way to upload pics while I was writing.

There are quite a few shops on Long Island, and most of them are pretty nice. There was only one in Port Jefferson that I don't think I'd bother visiting again. Lots of nice yarns, but if the staff isn't friendly, then I just don't buy.

One particular shop in Cape May, NJ, is on my list-I had a coupon for 10% off the total bill, so I picked out quite a few things that I needed or had been wanting. Well.....she only took the discount off one item, one of the cheapest items! Then she argued with me about it. She also charged me full price for some things that were clearly marked with sale prices. I got it straightened out, and I actually put several things back on the shelf, but I won't shop there again. Face it-I don't get to Cape May very often, but if I do, I'll resist temptation!

One of the shops on LI was going out of business, and she had 25% off everything in the store. She's moving to Chattanooga in June. I hope she does well, she was very nice and friendly.

My new favorite out of town shop is Yarn Haven in Knoxville, TN. It's really hard to find, but worth the extra effort. The staff was very nice and helpful, and there were some really great yarns in her shop. She had some official UT sock yarn, which I wished I'd had last fall when I made socks for my SIL!

It's fun to visit other shops and see what else is out there, but I do prefer my own LYS, Hearthstone Knits in SOCO. It's like Cheers-everyone knows your name, knows what you're working on, knows your family, etc. It's very much a family.

Some new Flatfeet yarns!

2009-04-28T21:17:00.003-05:00

Paducah Quilt Show

2009-04-28T21:03:00.005-05:00

I haven't been to Paducah for a couple of years, so when I found out that my good friend Cindy had a quilt accepted, I made it a point to get down there.

Nicolette and Ann and I hung out, and had a great time on Wednesday. Cindy and her daughter Katie met up with us as well for a short time. Here's a pic of Cindy and her Ricky Timms Rhapsodies type quilt called Ancient Rhapsodies.

I didn't take many pictures at the show, just a few of the ones I really found interesting. The show is so big, it's a bit overwhelming in a way. Especially since I haven't quilted in quite some time!

These are silk wall hangings, based on Korean folded designs.

Another one I found particularly interesting was this one of Joseph Smith in the Grove.

knit for your health!

2009-04-28T19:32:00.000-05:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Thanks to Georgia at Hearthstone for the link!

Quilt show

2009-03-28T14:54:00.004-05:00

As mentioned previously, my guild quilt show is always the best in the area! I shared one of Monica the other day, but have uploaded some more pics of the quilts for your enjoyment.

A couple of observations.....

2009-03-20T23:45:00.003-05:00

I was doing some "research" on the net earlier, looking for a specific sock pattern. I found myself linked to various blogs and got sucked into reading. I know I shouldn't have been, but I was a bit shocked at some of the extremely personal things people will post on blogs. I know it's rather impersonal, sitting here, seemingly typing to oneself, but there is such a thing as TMI. I really don't need to know about your ___________, thank you very much. LOL Granted, some of the blogs are very informative, very entertaining, and helpful, but let's face it....most of the blogs are like this one...boring and dull. :P

Another thing I find fascinating is people will claim patterns or stitches as their own, even though we all know that Barbara whatshername published these same stitch patterns years ago. I used to see that in the quilting world as well, and it really bothered me. I guess it's just human nature to want to take credit for something.

I finally found my pattern, but I am not sure who actually came up with the idea, because it was "claimed" by at least 1/2 dozen people!

St Pat's socks, times two

2009-03-20T23:31:00.005-05:00

I finally finished both pairs of the St Pat's socks for me and the DH, and I think they turned out quite nicely! I wanted to finish them for St. Pat's day, but naturally it was too hot to wear them. LOL Last year it was cold and rainy, this year I think it was about 70. "Can't win for losing," as my mother has been known to say. :D

Mine are the ones from the FlatFeet yarn, and I think they turned out very pretty. I used a mock cable pattern for the cuff/leg and then just plain stockinette stitch for the ankle and foot. I seem to always do a short row heel because I can do them w/o thinking. I didn't have much of the yarn left, maybe enough to do a couple of coffee cup cozies or something. I'm stashing my leftover sock yarn and might do some monster socks at some point. The third photo is just a closeup of the stitch pattern. Very easy pattern-looks much harder than it is.

The DH's were done with Wildfoote "Desert grass" and I don't think I really like that yarn. It's pretty splitty, so it was a bit of a pain. They are pretty though, and he likes them, and is already wondering when he'll get the next pair. I didn't have much left over. For some reason, I bought three skeins, and I'm not sure why. I could probably make a short pair for myself out of what's left.

Nice day out! and a "meow" :P

2009-03-20T22:55:00.004-05:00

I belong to a rather large quilt guild here in St Louis, Thimble & Thread, and the biannual quilt show is this weekend. I used to be a vendor at the show, selling Longaberger, but the last couple of weekends didn't work out for me, not to mention the vendor fee was $120 this year! Yikes!

I have this "friend" that I'm always calling, asking to do something, etc. She will say yes, and then right before time to pick her up or time she's expected at my house, she'll cancel for some dumb reason or another. No, it's not just me, this same thing has been going on with her and her DH as long as we've known them, which I guess is about 30 years, and they do this with everyone.

She used to be in the quilt guild, and in fact, is the one that got me interested in quilting again 20 years ago. I talked to her a week or so ago, reminded her that our guild mtg was last Friday and that the show was this weekend. I invited her to ride along with me, because I know she doesn't like to drive. She said she'd give me a call, etc. Well, of course, she never did....in fact, the joke around here is "did ____ call?" because she never does. Anyway, imagine my *surprise* to see her as soon as I walked in the door this afternoon! I touched her arm and said something like, "oh hi, ___, you should have called me like you said you were going to, and I'd have gladly picked you up today." "Oh, well I am here with a friend. But I will call you next week and we'll do lunch." "Oh, that would be great, you call me when it's convenient for you, and I'll meet you somewhere." She pretty much blew me off, and I could almost believe she was a bit embarrassed about it. Hmm probably not! lol When I got home and told the DH, he couldn't believe I would even talk to her. Well, I was being a bit of a bitch, because it's the same old song and dance with her. She's always going to call, never does. I call, she doesn't call me back. You'd think I'd take the hint, right? LOL If it were anyone else, my feelings would be hurt..... :P

Now that I think of it, this post is probably better suited to the usual atmosphere on LJ. ROFL

Anyway, back to the show....it's always a nice show, lots of quilts, demos, raffles, consignment, vendors, all the good stuff you go to quilt shows for! I made a beeline for a specific vendor that I'd bought some really yummy hand dyed yarn from two years ago. I loved working with it and wanted some more. I sought out her booth, and was disappointed to see that she didn't have any yarn on display. Thankfully she had brought it, but didn't have enough booth space to display it, so I was able to get first crack at it! I bought some really beautiful orange/yellow/red and some chunky natural that I think will make a great hat.

My friends Monica and Cindy have quilts in the show. (I haven't shown any in a few years since I got sidetracked by knitting again.) Cindy also has a quilt entered into Paducah (the AQS show) this year, so I think I'm going to go see that. I'm planning on meeting Nicolette at the show if she can get away from her job hunt.

Here's a pic of Monica and one of her quilts. I'm going back Sunday to see the rest of the show and can hopefully get some more pics.

After we looked around the show for a couple of hours, we all went to dinner at Olive Garden. Monica had picked up her mom for the afternoon, and we three had a lovely time!

Flag socks

2009-02-27T16:44:00.001-06:00

I love patriotic colors and designs and finally started my flag socks. Simple 2x2 rib, nothing fancy.

Flatfeet socks

2009-02-27T16:30:00.004-06:00

I've been enjoying the Flatfeet yarn "flats" or whatever they are called! They are machine knit "blanks" then died two at a time. You can two similar/sort of identical flats sewn together and that is enough to make a pair of socks. You just unravel as you knit. It's a bit disconcerting at first because it's so wavy, but it all works out in the end.

I am doing simple pattern stitches for both the pink and green. Both are from the flat of the month club at Heartstone-the pink for Valentine's day and the green for St Pat's. I have been working on the pink for a couple of weeks, but I put aside the pink so I can finish the green ones for St Pat's! I find it incredibly easy to do them both at once.

The pink pattern stitch is one I have no idea where it came from. I do know I sort of worked it out on graph paper. I'm not claiming it as my own, but I don't know what it's called or who originated it. Every two rows are knit all the way around, the other two rows alternate K2, P2 to make the basket weave pattern.

The green pattern stitch is the same mock/baby/one stitch cable pattern from the fingerless gloves pattern a few posts back.

Both socks are done on 1's, CO 68 st. The pink pattern seems a bit tighter than the green cable rib-just for future reference, I might CO 72 if using the cable pattern.

The "lowly" dishcloth?

2009-02-27T16:25:00.003-06:00

Heck no! If you can't knit something useful, then why bother? LOL

I've made dozens of these in my life, and I never seem to have any! They always end up going to my mom or friends or church, so now I have a new batch to share.

I used Peaches and Cream from a cone. So far I have made about 10 from one cone and it really doesn't look any smaller than it did when I started. ;)

Scarves

2009-02-27T16:17:00.004-06:00

Well I say "scarves," but it should really read "scarf" because only one is finished. I have been eyeing the blue/gold yarn at Hearthstone for months, finally decided the other day to buy it and the pink. I CO 26 st on size 10 needles and did a simple 2x2 rib, slipping first stitch on each row, and knitting the last stitch to get a nice clean edge. The yarn is Magallanes 100% wool, hand dyed by Araucania yarns from Chile. I was thinking of doing the pink scarf in maybe a mock cable pattern instead, but I think the yarn is interesting enough w/o any fancy stitch work.

Mock cable mitts

2009-02-27T16:12:00.003-06:00

Looks like I haven't updated in quite some time, so thought I'd better upload some pics. I still have about 10 pairs of socks OTN, as well as a couple of scarves and hats. They'll get finished someday!

The red fingerless mitts are made from a pattern from Hearthstone Knits, and the green ones are from the same pattern, but using different yarn and tweaking the pattern a bit. The red yarn is Laines du Nord Cashsilk, 50% merino extrafine, 25% silk, 25% cashmere, and it is so nice and soft. I'd love to have a sweater from it, but that would be too costly.

The green yarn is a bit lighter in weight called Berroco Inca Gold, 80% Merino wool, and 20% silk. I completely used up the red yarn except for about a foot! I needed two skeins for the green, and have some left over-*maybe* enough for a hat. Next pair might be navy or periwinkle. I have the yarn, just need the time!

Happy Day!!!!

2009-01-20T17:16:00.002-06:00

Well I thought I was going to get some knitting done today while watching the Inauguration, but I admit I got a bit sidetracked. I never think of myself as a news junkie, but I was unable to tear myself away from the telly today. I also had the laptop set up in the living room, so I could watch online, as well as tv! Sad.....

I've had some fun chatting with some friends, checking facebook and other networking sites, and I think I might have even gotten caught up on my email! (that's major!)

Obligatory sock content-I finished one of the navy tweed socks last night, and will finish the other one tonight.

Yay!!

I've decided that one of my "resolutions" is to finish something before I start something else. Meaning, I will only have about 10 pairs OTN, and no more than that. LOL

And now I think I'll turn off the news channels.....

Noro Silk Garden scarf

2009-01-02T17:37:00.003-06:00

I know....how original.....but they are just so pretty, I couldn't resist making myself one!

Here's the original post/pattern idea: http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.co m/2007/04/noro-scarf.html

I did pretty much what Jared suggests: size 7 straight needles, CO 39 stitches. But I used only two colorways of Noro Silk Garden, #264 and #241. I just knit until I ran out of yarn, and it's about 5.5" wide and about 7' long. I haven't blocked it yet, but I don't think it really needs it. I didn't have any trouble with the edges, and they don't seem to be rolling or puckering at all.

I hadn't really used any Noro before, and while it was nice to work with, I was very disappointed in the particular skeins I had. There were quite a few knots, and they weren't careful about joining same colors together! (I've since read online that they have addressed this to some extent.) But with something like this, it wasn't a big deal. There were only a few places where there wasn't much contrast between the skeins, but I think it makes the rest of it pop more. The pictures seem quite a bit lighter than the real thing, but you get the gist.... I enjoyed making it-it was something I could do while watching movies w/o getting too distracted or having to "unknit" anything.

I have some more of this yarn to do another one, and I also bought some Poems (Wisdom Yarns) to do something similar. I bought colors #517 and #557. The yarn itself was fairly reasonable-only about $5 a skein, so this will be far cheaper than the Noro scarf. I think it's discontinued, so perhaps that's why it was so cheap! http://shade.novayarn.com/t/shade-2/1153/

More 2008 projects....

2009-01-02T16:59:00.002-06:00

I finished these for my mom the day before she got here for Christmas! She really likes red, so I chose this yarn for her. It's Lana Grosse Multiringel in colorway 5030 reds. She chose yarn for her socks when she was here in the summer and I thought this was what she wanted. HOWEVER.....I just found a skein of some blue/aqua/teal/red that was stashed away in my knitting basket. I think I had that saved back for her and forgot all about it! LOL Oh well, not a biggie, she's called me twice to tell me how much she loves them. And this way, I can do these for her birthday in May.

I made these for my brother for Christmas. When he opened them, I could kind of tell that he wasn't as thrilled as I'd hoped....so.....last pair HE gets! LOL

My DSIL is a big shot at UT (Go Vols!), so I made these to keep her feet warm at football games. Since she's a big shot (Vice Chancellor), she is expected to at least show up for kickoff. They are simply 2x2 rib on the leg and top of foot. When I chose yarn, my brother pointed out that there are several oranges, and if I'd chosen the wrong one, they'd be completely unwearable.....LOL UT orange, Texas Orange, Clemson Orange, Florida Orange....etc, etc. I haven't heard any negative comments on these, so I'm going to assume they are okay. Come to think of it, I haven't heard any positive comments, either, so I'm not sure what to think about that.....

These are mine-from Colinette Jitterbug. I used a basket weave type pattern for the cuff. Again, nothing fancy, but just something from one of those stitch pattern books. There isn't nearly as much yardage in Jitterbug as other yarns, but since I like short socks, it wasn't a problem. I have maybe 10 yards left!

I'm starting out 2009 with several things still OTN: the DH's navy tweed socks, a couple of the flatfeet socks (one is pink, the other is a fall colorway), some offwhite Regia cotton lace socks, some short lace socks out of Regia bamboo/cotton/wool, and a scarf from Oatmeal Cascade 220, an offwhite sport weight lace scarf, and probably others that I can't remember.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T16:24:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year! I'm having trouble believing that it's 2009 already.

I am a bit surprised that I haven't updated this for quite some time. I guess I've gotten sidetracked between knitting, uploading photos, etc. I finished quite a few projects in 2008, so I thought I'd share some of them from the second half of the year.

Twin Girs for the boy..... pattern here: http://www.johnnysstew.com/pattern/gir.html

I used some kind of Bernat worsted weight for the body and some aqua and hot pink scraps (again, some sort of acrylic worsted weight, probably RedHeart) for the accents. I used a much smaller needle than what was called for because I didn't want any of the stuffing to poke through the holes. It just seemed too loose when I started. I also made a few itty bitty changes in the pattern, but mainly I knit the eyes separately and then attached them. Since I was knitting it so tightly, it was very difficult to pick up stitches to do the eyes.

The blue one is the regular, non mad Gir and the hot pink one is the mad Gir. I tried to match the colors to a toy...er, I mean "action figure" found in the boy's room. I made these for his birthday and he seemed pleased! I'm seriously considering doing them again out of sock yard. Crazy? Yeah, probably. :P

Socks for the DH. Regia cotton blend. I have started a pair for myself, as this seems like it's very nice, wearable yarn.

Finally finished these "Online" that I started quite a few months ago. They didn't thrill me while I was working on them, but I actually like them quite a lot.

More Regia Cotton for me this time!

Lacy pattern from one of those "1001 Stitches" type books. The yarn is Sock-Ease and it was very nice to work with.

More in the next post!

Next pair?

2008-06-13T08:41:00.003-05:00

http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTmuscari.html

The designer Suzi is always helpful and friendly on and off the socknitter list, so I am glad to see her pattern published on Knitty.

Anyway, even though this is a really pretty complicated looking lace pattern, it doesn't look too difficult for me, so I think I might give it a try when I'm ready to CO a new pair.

The BMW socks

2008-06-13T07:47:00.005-05:00

The DH has a Bimmer and a Beemer, and if you don't know the difference, well I just don't know what to say. lol Actually my brother, who has had several of each, had to straighten me out on which is which. Bimmer is the car, Beemer is the bike. (like us non BMW types really care..... :P)

Anyway, BMW colors are blue and black, so when he saw this Magic Stripes yarn, he immediately claimed it for his own to "match the BMWs." Well the bike is a black 1982 R65 and the car is a blue green 1998 Z3, so the yarn actually really does match both. If you look closely at the car pic, you'll see the bike's handlebars in the b/g.

Big whoop, eh?

If we continue that line of thinking, those gray stripe Austermann socks must only be worn when I drive my silver car. :P

mitts (repost from March)

2008-06-13T07:20:00.004-05:00

Edited to ensure neutrality......A friend at church requested some fingerless mitts/hobo gloves, so here is the result. Regia stretch, one ball is enough for a pair, and you can see I had some left over. I used size 1.5's, CO 44, 2x2 rib for 3", 5 rounds st st, then usual mitt pattern. I have some more Regia stretch in blues that I think I'll use for myself. She has small hands, so I'd CO 48 for myself.

Eegad!

2008-06-07T18:07:00.004-05:00

More frakkin sox.........

Cuffed ones for meeeeeee, cow sox for the DH. The cuffed ones were done in my toe up class, and I don't think I really enjoyed that particular technique. They are so long because I just kept knitting the cuffs/legs until I ran out of yarn. "Cow" socks because they look sort of like cows......I have some of that yarn left over, so I think I'll make a cup holder/koozie thingy for my cow lovin' friend Monica!

Yep, you guessed it.....

2008-04-28T13:44:00.003-05:00

More socks! lol Lovely yarn, btw. I'd love to buy more (for a sweater!) but it was a bit pricey. Pagewood Farms, Yukon, color name is Crayon. I bought it at Kirkwood Knittery, or whatever the shop is called. Anyway, I did this pair on two circs, size 1's.

More socks!

2008-03-19T10:32:00.005-05:00

I finished the blue and purple Magic Stripes socks last night-they are for MEEEEE!!!!!

Same basic pattern-2x2 rib for 4 inches, then stockinette for an inch, short row heel, foot for 5", then toe, then BAM we have sox!!!

I also finished Ned's socks the other day. He wears about a size 10 shoe. I barely had about 10 yards of yarn left. I'd used Jawoll green/brown/blue stripes, CO 72 on 0's. Nice yarn, but next time I think I'll make his a bit shorter. I was sweating it out toward the end there. :D You'll notice the toes are different. I'd unspun a bit in between socks to make them match and that was the left over. Close enough for toes, right? ;)

Color is a lot darker/brighter in person. Now he says he's a professional model since his legs are on the net. lol

Magic Stripes socks and the duckie DPN holders

2008-02-25T15:37:00.004-06:00

Hey, I like this yarn! LOL I know there are some yarn snobs out there that will never entertain the idea of using it. I've used this for some fingerless mitts, and it's soft, wears really well, washes and dries really well, and IMHO, gets softer with each wearing/washing.

I'm using one skein per sock, since I have plenty of it, and wanted the stripes to match. I CO 64 and am using 0's. It's a basic sock pattern, 2x2 rib for the cuff, then stockinette for about 1 1/4", then SR heel, then stockinette for the foot. I'll most likely do the toe the same way I did the Austermanns.

A word about my DPN point protectors/holders you see here and in other posts........aren't these the absolutely most adorable thing you've seen in like......I dunno.....forever? LOL Seriously, when I saw them here: http://veganknitter.blogspot.com/2007/09/dpn-project-holder-tutorial.html I just had to make some for myself. I ran right out to Hancock's for some elastic cord (the ditz at jackman's had absolutely NO clue what I was on about....), then bought some of the pencil toppers. You can search for your best deal on these. The regular tan rubber ducks are too big, IMHO. The pencil topper holes are the same size, but the ducks themselves are about 3-4 times bigger than the devil ducks and pirate ducks.

So allow me once more to thank Vegan Knitter for sharing this great idea on her blog. Thank you, Vegan Knitter!!! :D

Online socks

2008-02-25T15:29:00.004-06:00

I haven't made much headway on these, and I don't really know why. I think this is very pretty yarn, and it's working up nicely. I CO 70 on 0's and am doing a 3x2 rib on the cuff. Then I'll just a SR heel and stockinette foot. It's Online Supersocke Melange, 974. I bought this yarn at Loopy Ewe in Chicago when I was there for the Genesis concerts in October 2007. I stayed at the downtown Travelodge with Jennifer and her mom, and this shop was about 2 blocks away. For more details on the Genesis shows, see http://ssudio.livejournal.com/.

I also bought some clear clogs at that shop. It was nice to be able to try them on. Ummm, nope, I haven't actually worn them outside the house yet! lol

Ned's socks

2008-02-25T15:23:00.004-06:00

Ned wanted some socks, so this is what I've done on his so far. I'm ready to start doing the heel, so I suppose I'm ready to try to figure out how to use that reinforcing thread that came with this yarn. I've never used this before, and nobody can seem to tell me exactly how and where to start using it. LOL So I'll muddle along and hope it works out.

If you can't see the label on this yarn, it's Lang Jawoll color. It seems a bit thinner than the Austermann, so I've gone down to 0's for this and CO 72 st.

Austermann step socks

2008-02-25T15:12:00.004-06:00

This is the first time I've used this yarn and I have to say, I really like it. It has aloe vera embedded in the fiber and it's really nice to work with. Nice and easy on the hands. And it works up nicely, too. I just did a regular 2x2 rib for the cuff, then stockinette for the foot. I CO 64 stitches and used 1's and short row heel. I am doing the toes a bit differently than what I've seen in patterns. When I've done most of the foot, I start my decreases normally....every other round. After I get to about 1/2 the stitches on each needle (8 each in this case), I start dec every round. Then I'm left with 4 st on each two needles, and do the Kitchener/graft stitch at that time. The toes end up looking nicer, IMHO, and they don't have those annoying square "ears" like most socks do.

The first shot looks very washed out, and the second is too yellowish. Flash/no flash.

I've since started another pair in the red/black/grey colorway, and am almost done with those. I made them about 2 inches longer.

Even more fingerless mitts!

2008-02-25T12:46:00.004-06:00

Yep, you guessed it......

First pair are made from Regia Stretch. When I first started knitting this up, I was very disappointed in that it seemed that the yarn plies were separating from the elastic ply. I was assured they would "bloom" after washing. It took a couple of machine washings and dryings to make them do that to my satisfaction. I'd use this yarn again for socks. I think I used a size 1 for these and I might be happier with 0's for socks.

These are some more of that gorgeous yarn I talked about in November. Yummmy stuff!

These blue/green numbers are Sockotta 6 ply. I bought this at my fave LYS, Heathstone, and I think it was the last skein of it. I sort of had to jigger a bit to get them to match, but they turned out kind of neat, IMHO. I usually wear them over some navy/colonial blue magic stretch gloves, and I feel quite stylish. LOL I used 2's and it's just a 2x2 rib all the way.

Scarf update

2008-02-25T11:33:00.005-06:00

My son volunteered me to do scarves for a few select friends of his. I had made him a Cornell scarf-purple and white-for Christmas last year, and several of his friends admired it and wanted one. The kids picked out their colors, and Nathan and I shopped for yarn. I finally finished them so he could take them back to college after Christmas. I was surprised and pleased to get thankyous from nearly all of the kids. I enjoyed making them-very simple pattern, and something that I could do while watching tv-and I think they turned out pretty nice! Here are some of the results. Thanks to Nathan for the pics!

More fingerless mitts!

2007-11-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I'm loving these! My hands are cold and I don't like wearing regular gloves when I knit or type on the computer. (well duh, that's why people do these, right?) So I made another pair. (and in a day or two, you'll see yet another pair from Regia Stretch.....another story)

I used the same pattern I used for the Magic Stripes pair from a previous post. But this time I made them a bit smaller. I CO 56 and decreased to 42 after the ribbing. There is plenty for a pair of socks. I don't think I used 1/2 the ball for the mitts. Wondering now if I can get a hat out of the rest of that ball. I guess I'll try measuring it somehow......in my spare time. lol

I love the yarn and I have another ball of it in a different colorway. It's so soft that I kind of thought it might not be a good one for socks. It's hand painted fine merino socks from Lanartus in the turquiose/fuscia/blue/purple/pink/lavender colorway. The next set will be from the same yarn in the variegated blues. And I think I will do the thumb a bit differently. I like the rolled edge, but maybe I'll do one w/o that next time. Maybe a couple of ribbing rounds before the bindoff. They look like they are a bit different in size, but I think it's because one of them was tried on more.

Ooooh I love this yarn! And if it weren't so expensive, I'd be tempted to do a sweater from it.

Did I mention I love this yarn?

Super Easy Fingerless Mitts

2007-11-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well looks like I haven't been here for some time, but I've been busy. :P I've been working on a lace sampler scarf for a class at my LYS, and it's quite time consuming. We are using Alpaca with a Twist Fino, which is very fine-both ways! Beautiful yarn and very very thin. The yarn is here: http://www.alpacawithatwist.com/index.htm

I don't see the book on the website, perhaps it is only published for class use. But the pattern is here, about 2/3 of the way down the page. http://www.aurora-alpacas.com/2007catalog.pdf

But anyway, the point of my post is that I have finished something-just last night in fact! I've had this thing for fingerless gloves/mitts and usually just whack off the fingers of those cheapo magic gloves that you can buy for a buck. But I decided I was worth more than a buck and since I have this massive amount of sock yarn, thought I'd give some a try.

There were plenty of free patterns on the web, so I tried one that I found on one of those free pattern sites. Well, it was a disaster and I ended up starting over. I used the same yarn, same needles, same gauge and obviously the pattern writer has yooooooge hands! Here's what I finally came up with.

I'm only typing this up here because I had to redo one. LOL I'd bet money the exact same thing is online *somewhere,* just nowhere I could find.

Me wearing 'em and one sitting for its portrait. Ain't they purdy? :D

I used Lion Brand Magic Stripes, I think it's called Spring, but I've been calling it Clown. :P I've had this Magic Stripes stuff forever, and knew I'd probably not use this colorway in socks.

Using size 1.5 (2.5 mm) DPN, cast on 64 stitches. You can use a straight needle and then transfer to your DPNs if you like. You'll find this will be a bit looser than your normal sock gauge. I figured it didn't matter too much because you won't be wearing them in shoes, and they most likely won't wear out as quickly.

Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Do 2x2 (K 2, P2, etc) ribbing for 3 inches. (this will look really huge, but I like a thicker wrist and anyway, I'd already done the cast on for the previous pattern, I didn't want to rip it out. lol) Having a number divisible by 4 will allow you to decrease one stitch on every knit rib. You will end up with 48 stitches and an interesting "design feature" at the end of the ribbing. If you don't want this design feature, then simply cast on 48 and forget the decreases. Next pair I make I will probably make them a bit smaller, maybe cast on 56 and decrease from there to 42. Eh-maybe somewhere in between. I'll have to do the math when I'm fresh. lol

Knit in the round for about an inch, 8-10 rows, then you will start the shaping for your thumb gusset. This is pretty standard, but I'll review that here: knit to within three stitches of your marker, place another marker, increase (I used K in front, then in back of the same stitch), knit one, then increase again. You will have three stitches in between your markers. Knit the next two rounds, then do your increase round again. You will do these three rounds/rows until you have 21 stitches in between your markers. (Note to self-for next pair, stop at 19.) Your next round will complete that row, then you will stop and place the remaining 21 (or 19) stitches on a holder of some sort-dental floss works really well. It's sturdy enough to hold the stitches, but flexible enough to stay out of your way.

Cast on 5-6 stitches on the end of your working needle, join that round, then continue knitting in the round for about an inch. You'll skip the thumb stitches, btw. When you have the length you like, bind off. The original pattern called for knitting every round and then binding off. This will make it roll. I didn't really want that, so I knit for an inch, then repeated my K2, P2 ribbing for an inch, then bound off in pattern.

Thumb was a bit tricky for me. I think because it is such a small space/tube to knit. I picked up the 5-6 stitches from where I cast on the extras, then joined with the gusset stitches on the holder. I decreased at the join until I had 18 (next time I'll stop at 20) stitches, then knit until the length I wanted. I didn't care if this rolled, I can roll it up or down, depending on my mood and level of chill. Then bind off.

If you're using two balls like I did, you can simply start each mitt at the same point in the color pattern. If you're not using two balls, then you could wind off enough yarn at the end of your finger area bind off until you hit that pattern again, and use that wound off yarn for your thumb. Or do both thumbs at the very end so you'll be able to match them, if you want.

Obviously (well that's obvious to some, probably not to me until I did one! lol) you can keep knitting the thumb, then finish like you'd finish the top of a hat-decrease until you have left a few stitches on the needle, then draw your yarn through and close the ends. You can also finish the top of the mitten, by knitting continously until the length you want, then starting your decreases like you would for a toe. Separate your stitches on 4 needles, you will do decreases on every other row. One side you'll do a K2tog decrease, the other side you'll do a slip, knit one, slip knitted stitch over for your decrease. You'll want your decreases to slant in the opposite direction. It won't matter for utility of course, just for "looks." Oh yeah, weave in your ends! ;)

Any questions, just email me-I'm no expert by any means, but will help any way I can.

Enjoy!

More Jiffy Socks!

2007-10-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

These are just like the blue ones in a previous post. More "big fuzzy sleep socks" for Christmas. These really do work up quickly, I think I finished this pair in an evening. It's odd how one "pooled" more than the other in some places. I like the way the diagonal stripes ended up on the leg. Very different design than the blue ones, which weren't striped at all.

Lacy Wool Ease Socks from KAL

2007-10-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

The Lacy Wool Ease socks. Finished!

This pattern was from a KAL (knit along) on the EasySocks yahoogroup. (an aside here to say what a really, really nice bunch of knitters on that group. I'm on several groups, and this one is really good for beginners with a lot of questions. This group is very helpful and always a pleasure to read. I'm sure that's down to the mods.) The way a KAL works is that your group chooses a pattern and everyone works on that for a certain month. Duh, yeah I know, but I didn't know that before I started this nonsense! lol

Anyway, the pattern was a freebie on the net: http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/linkssox.txt
You know me....I'm always up for the easy way out. I didn't do the pattern on the foot part of the sock. I knew they would be too thick for me, and that my SIL would end up with them for Christmas. I used one of the double stranded colors (not variegated) Wool Ease yarns, and I find out later it's thicker than the single color yarn. I think they turned out pretty nice, though. They do match, I just stuffed one of them with something to show off the "lace" pattern.

Moda Dea Sassy Stripes Socks

2007-09-17T19:36:00.000-05:00

More socks! Pairs #4 and 5....I think. :P

These are both made with Moda Dea "Sassy Stripes" yarn. It's soft and the striping is pretty neat, but if you'll look carefully, the two socks in each pair don't really match. Yes, they are all the same dye lot (respectively of course), but one of the blue striped socks has way more yellow, and the colors in the red/pink socks aren't very true either. Naturally the lighting isn't perfect, but you can still get the idea. Another thing that was really weird was that the pink/red yarn is really a lot thinner than the other one. So there was a bit of adjustment on the second pair. I'm not complaining at all. I look at it as a learning experience. I'm sort of tired of hearing people whine about such and such, so I hope I don't come across like that when I describe this yarn.

However, I'm sort of glad I didn't pay for this yarn. Some kind soul gave it to me from her stash. I'm wondering how they will wash. Instructions call for machine wash, and dry flat. That seems odd to me since they are 100% acrylic. I'll probably forget and throw them in the dryer. (note-I've washed and dried them several times and they haven't shrunk or faded.)

But you know, they turned out pretty nice actually. I used bits and pieces of patterns from some leaflets I'd gotten at my yarn shop (sorry, LYS is the proper acronym/jargon), as well as some patterns online. I really like the way the heels turned out. Those heel instructions are from knitty.com and the Ambrosia sock specifically. You know I'd probably better write the pattern down before I forget what I actually did. :P

Oh well, you know, they're free socks and I'll wear them proudly. lol

I've been starting a stash, so not sure what I'll do next. I think I'm very nearly ready for some size 0's and some of that really cool sock yarn I've been fondling.

Now I need to finish the KAL from the EasySocks list. More on that later. ;)

Jiffy Thick and Quick/Red Heart Strata socks

2007-08-31T10:07:00.000-05:00

The other socks.....

The first pair shown was made from Jiffy Thick and Quick, using the same pattern as the Sharpe socks. That pattern is easy and using that thick yarn makes them go very quickly. Duh, maybe that's why it's called "Thick and Quick" lol Anyway, these fit even nicer than the worsted weight version, so I'll probably do a bunch of these for my SIL and Mom for Christmas. And who knows, if someone is extra nice to me, he/she might get a pair too!

The second pair is using Red Heart Strata Stripes, which is also worsted weight. I used a different pattern for this pair. This pair will probably go to my SIL or my Mom, because they are a bit big for me. I will use this pattern again, but will do the heels differently and also do some more decreases when I get to the foot part. The heels look a bit funky in the picture, but they aren't quite that weird in "real life."

They haven't been washed yet, but since they are acrylic, they most likely won't shrink or change shape much. But what's so cool is the way the striping works out. I used two separate skeins and fussily started the two at the same point in the yarn pattern, but they really do match quite closely.

The Jayne Cobb hat, Invader Zim style!

2007-08-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

The Jayne Cobb hat, Invader Zim style!

A couple of months ago, Nathan and a couple of his friends and I went to see Serenity at a charity screening at Keller 8 theater. The original Jayne Cobb hat is gold, orange and rust, but Nathan wanted something a bit different.

It's a very easy hat pattern. I used Lion Brand Woolease Chunky in Grass, Orchid and Black. You'll need a 16" circular needle, I used size 10 1/2. CO 64 stitches, connect the stitches so you'll be knitting in the round (K every row), be careful not to twist the stitches. Then you'll do K1, P1 ribbing for three rows, then knit in stockinette stitich for about 3 1/2 inches, switch colors, knit in the round (which gives you the stockinette stitch when you knit every row) for about 3 1/2 inches, the start your decreases. K2tog all the way around, twice, until you have 8 stitches. Pull your yarn through the 8 stitches and close up the top. You'll do a 3 inch pompom for the top out of the three colors.

For the ear flaps, count 6 stitches from the back, pm, then count 20, pm, count 12, pm, then 20, pm. You'll be picking up 20 stitiches in black between those markers on either side. Knit in stockinette on straight needles for about 2 1/2 inches, then start your decreases. You'll leave those little dangling ends on the flaps to tie.

The Sharpe Socks

2007-08-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

Well okay, since I don't use this one for much, but apparently I use it to comment on other blogs, I'll start using this one for my knitting projects. I hear you saying "woohoo" all the way over here, so just calm down and don't get too excited quite yet.

I've been knitting for nearly 30 years, but sort of got away from it to quilt for a few years. I also took some time off to do thread crochet. (hmmm maybe I need pics of that stuff too sometime) But anyway, I'm back to my needles with a vengeance and have recently fallen in like with doing socks.

Yes it's true what they say, "once you do socks, you never go back." So I have been collecting really cool sock yarns and am on my 4th pair.

I feel that the first pair needs a bit of explanation. I used a pattern from the internet called "mini training sock" and it was only supposed to be small and cute to enable practice on heels and toes, etc. The rest of a sock is pretty straightforward knitting, but heels and toes require a bit more concentration and manipulation of the yarn and needles. Let me tell you, the first time I did a Kitchener stitch toe, I was thinking "wow-this is way cool and it worked!" (simple things for simple minds, eh?

Anyway, I didn't see the sense of using the "good" yarn for a practice piece, so found some variegated/camo Red Heart worsted weight yarn and used that. Well, as I did more and more, I thought I might as well make the sock to fit me. I have small feet so it wasn't that much more knitting. But by golly, they *do* fit and even though they are butt ugly, they are my first pair of socks. The Bean buds call them the Sharpe socks, because they look like they'd match up with Richard Sharpe's Green jacket. ;)

Here they are, for what it's worth.

Mobile bloggin nonsense

2007-04-20T15:31:00.001-05:00

Ain't dis purdy?

Ain't mobile bloggin fun? :P

Fruit-mobile bloggin test

2007-03-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

fruit

we are in ohio. round on both ends and high in the middle

2003-07-27T19:51:00.000-05:00

Hey, welcome to my little world on the web. Bloggin? What the heck is that anyway? I guess I'm just sposed to write stuff like a diary or something. Interesting concept.

Okay, thanks for stopping by-I'll try to keep this updated and who knows? Something exciting might happen to me!

Oh yeah, got a new mMode phone the other day-still learning it.

Bye!

bloggin and knittin with fab

hello!

News of the Weird, May 22, 2011

Wednesday May 25, 2011: Reference.com On This Day

On This Day:Wednesday May 25, 2011

Fact of the Day: redwoods

Holidays

Events

Births

Deaths

News of the Weird, March 6, 2011

Interchangeable needles

some new yarn ideas

Free hug day!

Dropped stitch cowl pattern

Pay it forward coffee cup cozies

Crowned Glory Scarf -KAL

cup cozy

Holy Cow(l)! :D

Late Christmas socks

Christmas donations

Sadness

Shawls

Even more hats!

Hats!

Christmas socks-2

some finished items-part one

Christmas socks

Next project?

News of the Weird 13 June 2010

Scarves

Hmmm where have I been....

KAL Flatfeet version

Easy Socks group KAL May/June

Regia Lace

Speaking of disappointing sock yarn....

More socks for the DH

KAL finished!

Christmas Knitting

Last one!

More charity hats!

Toys for tots

Basket buddies!

some charity knitting

scarves for the boys

Flatfeet socks

Blog

More socks!

Sept/Oct KAL in sock yarn

Easy Socks yahoogroup KAL Sept/Oct 2009

KAL tote

Chemo Caps

Ravelry name change

Happy Birthday to Me! LOL

Hearthstone KAL

Flag socks

more knitting....

new site

Congrats all grads!

Friday update.....

Easy Socks group KAL May/June

Easy Socks KAL

Yarn shop hop

Some new Flatfeet yarns!

Paducah Quilt Show

knit for your health!

Quilt show

A couple of observations.....

St Pat's socks, times two

Nice day out! and a "meow" :P

Flag socks

Flatfeet socks

The "lowly" dishcloth?

Scarves

Mock cable mitts

Happy Day!!!!

Noro Silk Garden scarf

More 2008 projects....

Happy New Year!

Next pair?

On This Day:
Wednesday May 25, 2011