Knitting By The Ocean...and the Mountains

A Different Kind Of Holiday Tree!

2011-11-20T15:23:00.001-05:00

I saw a couple standing in front of what I thought was a Christmas tree. However, as I approached it I realized that it is a solar-powered car charging station. It's the first time I've seen one and not sure that it really is real but it does look pretty authentic.

Holiday lights show that it is indeed providing power from the sun. Most likely it was power held in reserve as the weather in Vermont today was totally cloudy. Burlington is second to Seattle for the highest number of cloudy days per year.

This charging station is located at my local health food store. Likely location as Vermont is known for its health food stores and proud to be very "green".

Yes, I've been knitting and have quite a bit to show you but still have to take pictures. So, in the interim...............

Happy Knitting!

Blogging Friends Are The Best!!!

2011-11-13T15:57:00.001-05:00

Amy and I have been blogging friends for at least 5 years. I am proud to know her and admire all her talents one of which is card stamping. I always hoped that Amy might want to send me one of her creations and was delighted when she asked me for my address. This card is gorgeous.

I collect bookmarks, magnets, etc. with a "dream" message so, this fact unbeknownst to Amy, she had a "dream" message for me. Well, thoughtful as Amy is, also included in the package was a pair of hand-knit knee warmers for my arthritic knees.

The package arrived on a day that had proved to be quite challenging so Amy's thoughtfulness really perked up my day.

Check out Amy's blog. She is a wonderful, mom, wife, daughter, friend and much more. Her creations are fantastic and she is currently knitting for a charity in each of the 50 United States and she has a map on her blog listing the states that have benefited from her thoughtfulness. Amy is originally from the U.S. and now lives in Israel.

Sadly, about two months before we met online, Amy was in my town and shopped at my LYS. How I wish I had had the opportunity to meet her in person.

Hugs to you, Amy. I'm proud to be your friend.

Happy Knitting!

Cat Bordhi's Sock E-Book

2011-07-27T21:54:00.000-04:00

Cat Bordhi's E-Book Cover!

Note: Had a problem posting earlier regarding this topic and hopefully this time Blogger will be friendly.

I purchased Cat Bordhi's new E-book that was just released this past week and it is wonderful! The book contains several patterns with more to be released as part of the purchase. Check out the link to the video for a new style heel.

Sweet Tomato Heel You Tube Video

I've joined Cat Bordhi's Ravelry Group.

I had the opportunity to take a wonderful workshop with Cat on moebius knitting a couple of years ago. The workshop was to help raise money for breast cancer research at the University of Vermont. What fun!!!

Here I am on the Cat who is on the right.

Here's Cat checking out a knitter's work.

I was flattered when I was asked for permission to use my picture for Cat's pattern "Swinging Mikado" (moebius cowl) on Ravelry.

So go ahead and purchase the e-book. You can find the link on her blog (see above) or directly on Ravelry.com It is downloadable for Windows, Mac and IPad.

Happy Knitting!

Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ) Parade

2011-07-11T19:56:00.003-04:00

This is my 5th Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ). Scroll down to see pictures of the other four.
I taught this class about three months ago. I thought it would be a fun project to teach. It backfired. After all, the sweater is garter stitch with increases and decreases and an eyelet buttonhole (s)which is quite easy. Because it is a piece of knitted origami, it can present a small challenge as the knitter is not aware of which part of the sweater they are knitting in the early stages.

Visit the BSJ group on Ravelry.com for instructions on which rows will give you the stripes you are looking for.

I included an I-cord bind-off to achieve a nicer finish and allow my students to learn an additional skill.

As it turned out, my students either loved or hated this project. Those who completed the sweater were anxious to start another on their own. Some struggled to the point of total frustration. They did not like all the stitch counting. Some felt competitive to keep up with others in the class and were not able to.

Except for my "Sock Class" and my "Bring Me Your Kniting Problems", I seldom repeat a class. I love having former students return for additional classes and watch their knitting skills increase. This is one class that I will DEFINITELY not repeat.

My first BSJ was the dark blue/brick color one. That one was gifted to my grandchild, Jakob. The next one was the yellow/aqua sweater with the fish buttons that was gifted to my boss. The other two are still in my gift box waiting for a matching hat.

Happy Knitting!

Using IPad with Blogger

2011-07-06T18:33:00.001-04:00

I am testing this app for Blogger. I sure hope this works. It is called Blogger Plus and is an independent app and the reason I couldn't figure it out with Google.

The following are random pictures to see how they appear on my post.

This would make my day!

Well, I now know that I can post more than one picture.

Iceling Baby Sweater

2011-07-03T15:32:00.002-04:00

Pattern: Iceling Baby Sweater (purchase on Ravelry.com)
Yarn: Plymouth Encore (2 balls)
Needles: Size 8
Size: 3 months (sweater) 6 months (hat)

What a fun and quick knit!! Knitted from the neck down, there is no seaming and only a few ends to weave in. This pattern is very well-written.

I knitted the hat a size larger than the sweater as I was concerned it might be too small. The garter stitch edge is folded up and can be made larger by removing the button and unfolding the edge.

This picture shows the true color of the sweater. A very suitable color for either a little baby boy or baby girl.

This sweater has I-cord buttonholes. If you've never knitted this type of buttonhole, it is really quite nice.

Of course, I always sew clear buttons on the inside as reinforcement.

and I also add my personalized label. Someone asked where I purchased these labels and I can't remember what the website name is. Sorry!!!

My daughter, Amy, knitted the same pattern in blue for a family baby shower a week ago.

Cute little tractor buttons! Great job, Amy.

As you can imagine, I am delighted to have a daughter who enjoys knitting as much as I do.

I'm on vacation this week and it feels wonderful, refreshing and energizing. The weather has been a mix of sunshine, thunderstorms and cloudiness. It's ok......I'm happy knitting indoors or outdoors. There will be other fun things as the week progresses depending on what my inner joyful person tells me to do.

Happy Knitting!

Darn Blogger!!!!

2011-05-24T09:19:00.001-04:00

What's up with Blogger lately? Last week, for 24 hours, Blogger was eating up people's comments but not till after they had been posted.

Today, I can't leave comments on blogs. It is very frustrating. I have not been a regular blogger as of late and am trying to return to being more in touch with all my readers. However, I noticed that numbers were down and I figured readers just thought I upped and moved on to something else but probably it was because Blogger is being so damn fickle.

In my last post I mentioned I purchased a new IPad. Blogger does not yet have an app for it so I can't blog using my new toy! WordPress has an app and relatively user friendly. However, I hate, hate, hate moving my blog. I had almost 300 posts on Yahoo 360 when they totally went to an insane assylum and most of us abandoned ship and moved elsewhere totally trying to keep track of all the friendships we had formed. I now have over 250 posts on Blogger. It's like living in the same house for years and accumulating all this "stuff" and you just don't want to move which you might say is true about my life in general.

Import your posts, you say! I imported my Yahoo 360 posts to WordPress about five years ago. Every posts lost the first picture in each post....the parent went away but the children were left behind.

Is anyone else having problems.....but then of course, you won't be able to leave me a comment today if this continues.

It could be worse!!!

In the meantime..............Happy Knitting!

Guilty Pleasures

2011-05-22T15:53:00.002-04:00

In my last post I mentioned that the money I earn from teaching knitting classes is being spent on some fun things (and sometimes practical things as well). I felt guilty about my latest purchases.

It started with this.

It's been extremely frustrating trying to get the screen on my laptop to stop dancing with one hand while I type with the other. Never mind that the letter "e" sometimes doesn't work.

Some days, it behaves and the screen looks lik this.

So for Mother's Day I purchased myself this little Vera Bradley tote. I'm always good to myself on special occasions. I've always envied women who have one of Vera's bags, and though I think that they are overpriced, I now feel that the quality warrants the cost.

Check out the swivel buckles. A couple of pockets comes in handy as well.

Can you guess what is inside? C'mon......guess!!!!

The orange cover puts "it" to sleep.

It's an IPad 2. You'll have to break my arm to take it away from me. I must say that it has been an adjustment in my way of thinking when it comes to computers. I had never heard of a "cloud" before, or "air printing". The apps for it are absolutely, absolutely wonderful.

One of my hobbies is photography. I have an app that once I enter an address and a date, it will tell me when is the best time to take a picture showing the location as an aerial view, the angle of the sun, etc. using the GPS system.

If someone were to steal my IPad, I can go on any computer and locate my IPad.

Just one little problem..........Blogger needs to upgrade their technology so I can continue blogging on my IPad itself. WordPress, I'm told, is the blog site to go with. I don't want to transfer just yet.

Any of you readers have an IPad? Any tips, comments, suggestions?

Happy Knitting!

Strawberry Baby Hat

2011-05-15T17:40:00.000-04:00

This cute little hat is a very quick knit. There's no intended baby recipient but it is always nice to have a baby gift waiting in my stash of handknits when the occasion arises.

I purchased this yarn at A.C. Moore and it is a joy to work with. This particular pattern has several "fruit" hats from grapes to pumpkins and Paton's has an excellent choice of colorways for any of these hats.

The floats are a little long but because it is a hat and there will be no little fingers or toes to get caught in the floats, long is ok.

This coming week is the last class I will be teaching in the latest series of classes. The money from the classes has been earmarked towards some "fun" things that I am not divulging until I get over a case of "the guilts" so stay tuned.

The wrist has been acting up so there has not been as much knitting as I'd like. I find that I also tend to knit more when I blog regularly but this darn computer has been extremely tempermental lately.

Happy Knitting!

Bling, Bling Baby Sweater

2011-04-02T09:18:00.002-04:00

Pattern: Knit Lace & Leaves (Leisure Arts)
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease
Needles: Size 5 & 7 (I went up one size)
Erratas for this pattern: Can you believe all the errors in the pattern....geesh!!!!

I loved this sweater the minute I saw it. I'm a sucker for garter stitch. Probably one of the reasons I usually enjoy knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann patterns.

It looked beautiful as I knitted it. However, once completed, I felt that the leaves really overpowered the sweater and needed to be a little more dainty.

I fell in love with these buttons. Every little girl needs to be exposed to a little "bling-bling" at an early age so I obliged.

The pattern....isn't that baby adorable!

I won't be knitting the blanket. However, that would be one gorgeous gift!

The pattern booklet gives you the choice of two hats. I love the bonnet.

But I'll be knitting the cap to match.

I hated knitting with this yarn. Colorways are beautiful but I find cotton hard on my hands when it comes to knitting. When knitting baby things I put my "yarn snobbiness" aside in favor for "easy of care" and "cost". I'm really not excited about Lion Brand's Vanna White's yarn either.

I'm off to a birthday celebration lunch. Lots of fun things coming up in the next two months. More on that later.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Apps

2011-04-01T16:00:00.001-04:00

I must confess. I have a new addiction. Yes, I know that it is one of many but all my addictions are creative and not harmful except for the Diet Pepsi monster. This newest one is free to affordable. It's apps for my phone...you know, like in applications.

The contract on my cell phone with Verizon expired last October at which time I could upgrade for a small to huge fee, of course. The rumor mill was ripe with information that the IPhone 4 would soon be available with my Verizon carrier. The magic date in February arrived and the IPhone 4 cell phone purchased was made. I love it!I don’t know how I ever lived without it.

So, you are wondering about the knitting apps. They are pretty cool!!!!!

Here are a few I have downloaded and if my aging memory serves me right, they were all free except for the spinning app.

StitchMinder - My favorite knitting app, I think it is self-explanatory. The settings allow ascending and descending tracking.

KnitGauge - Useful tool for measuring swatches. I’m amazed at how this one works. Align your swatch with the needles and drag one of the needles to the area you designate on your swatch and it will provide you with the info you want.

I really like the measuring tape and find it useful for a number of things when shopping.

Row Counter - Very basic and useful

Knit Counter - (sorry, no pic available) A lot like Ravelry except you can keep this info private till you are ready to share it with the Ravelry knitting world.

KnitMinder - Keeps track of projects, UFO, etc. Similar to some of the others that are available.

IKnit NdlSzr - not that impressive but it works in a pinch

SockCalc - (forgot to take a picture of this one) Want customized socks? This free app is for you. Late last year I purchased a similar software program for $30. Just goes to show you that if you wait awhile, it will be free.

A spinning app for fiber addicts!

WEBS, Kaleidescope Yarn (my LYS) and Knitting Daily, where are the topics are neatly stored as opposed to lost in my e-mail in-box, are part of this group.

I have many other apps ranging from NASA to entertainment. I have the Martha Stewart app where every afternoon (I selected the time) I receive a recipe along with a grocery list specialized to my local grocery store of choice according to aisle.

Happy Knitting!

Baby Surprise Jacket

2011-03-27T16:01:00.001-04:00

Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ)

Yarn: TLC Supersoft (but not sure as I lost the ball band

Needles: Size 6

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Ravelry BSJ Info that is invaluable

(Scroll down for more informative links.)

I have missed you, my loyal blogging friends. You fed my knitting ego with your comments and I really appreciated it. However, I needed a break for awhile and I am now back by popular demand to stay with my goal of at least one post per week.

I just finished teaching the BSJ class. The BSJ, by Elizabeth Zimmermann a/k/a knitting guru, is a piece of knitted origami. It can be a little confusing for a new knitter as the knitter is not aware if they are knitting a sleeve, a front or a back, etc.

I've been teaching knitting for several years and this was probably the most challenging class I've taught for a variety of reasons. It sold out so "the pie" was divided in many more sections. The knitted piece looks like this just before folding so you can understand a student's apprehension.

Some of the skills learned in this class were different methods of increasing and decreasing and the finished appearance of each, M1 (make one) versus K1FB (knit one in front and back) which creates increased and K2 tog (knit 2 together) versus sl1kpsso (slip 1, knit 1 and passover the slip stitch).

We planned on how to have the "applied I-cord bind-off" to start and end at the center back neck when the remaining live stitches begin at the top right, down and around the sweater and up the left side. We didn't want the seam to be in the front, top-most corner which was likely going to happen without some modifications.

Notice the special finish. It's like graduating from grade school to high school (i.e. bind off to I-cord bind off). A little more time-consuming, it is definitely worth the effort.

This YouTube link demonstrates beautifully how to turn the corner with a knitted I-cord bind-off.

Here is the link to the "BSJ Spreadsheet" that I found extremely helpful and complimented the actual pattern very well. Thank you to the creator.

I added my personalized label to the lower inside front of the sweater so that it would not "scratch or itch" baby's neck.

(Note to self: trim those threads...don't you hate it when you notice these things after you've taken the picture.)

Pattern can be found in the above and below-pictured books.

Sweater is now folded and tucked away for a future, special baby!

I'm excited that I've been invited to teach at a weekend yoga/knitting retreat this September. It is still in the planning stages so I'll provide you with more information in the near future. However, I'll tease you with the fact that at this Vermont location there are beautiful small log cabins with 1-2 bedrooms, fireplaces, fantastic views and more. A maximum of 20 registrants will be accepted.

Happy Knitting!

"She's Back!!!!

2010-12-04T13:26:00.002-05:00

I'm knitting another "Baby J" sweater, same as the last post, different yarn. Boring at this point!!! It was a skein that was laying around so I grabbed it and wouldn't you know that I have six more rows to knit on the sleeve and I ran out of yarn. I can't find any more. Come on!!!! It's a baby sweater. Six rows is probably less than a yard of yarn. Maybe, I'll knit the cuffs a different color. After all, babies don't know their colors yet at 9 months.

Not sure I like the "pooling" but it does grow on you after awhile. I added a "faux" button band up the front.

It's been almost a month since I have posted. I took a little trip. Quite the ride.

I just couldn't wait. I was up all night trying to decide what to do. My destination was all but about 2 miles from home. I'm so adventuresome.

Formerly a Catholic hospital, there are still religious statues on the grounds. As I drove by St. Joseph, I thought it was a "good sign".

Hmmm....the name has been changed from "Immediate Health Care" to "Walk-In Care Center". Duh!!!.....a clue.

It was 7:30 a.m. I discovered they don't open till 9:00 a.m. Surely, there must be a very dedicated person who came in early on a Saturday of a holiday weekend and would let me in, at least out of the cold.

See that little white box. The lady on the other end of the phone suggested an ambulance that would transport me to the nearest hospital. I didn't argue. I didn't care that my insurance would not cover it. I told her I would wait in my car which was illegally parked in a handicap zone about 10 paces from the phone.

She sent out a security guard to stay with me till the ambulance arrived. If this man was single and potential marriage material, I really blew that one as he had to watch me "barf" (and worse....listen) in my Trader Joe's brown bag I was saving as a souvenir (don't ask me why!!!).

I thought I had food poisoning. Well, what do I know? At my age, I suppose it could be anything. I had a very bad case of Meunier's Disease. It seems that everything I look up on the internet these days regarding a malady says the following: "This illness is common in people over 60." What's up with that? I paid my dues in life. I've had my bumps in the road. It's time for things to be easy.

Honestly, I deserve to win the lottery (don't we all). I'm single and I enjoy my independence and freedom........A LOT! But while ill I probably would have married the first man who showed an interest in that sort of commitment. (Snowball's chance in hell of that happening.) "Honey, can you heat up some soup? Sweetheart, can you go to the pharmacy for me? Can you....?" (fill in the blanks). Well, I must have been running a temperature as high as a hot and sweltering summer day in the Arizona desert because after later thinking about it, I decided that I just needed someone to "take me out back and shoot me". Just a little rash moment on my part. I'm glad I had no takers.

Happy Knitting!

Baby "J" Multi-Directional Cardigan #420

2010-11-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Baby "J" Multi-Directional Cardigan #420
Needles: Size 6
Yarn: Plymouth Dream Baby DK

This little baby sweater, in a beautiful raspberry colorway, was on display at my LYS. Looking at the pattern, I never would have purchased it because it just did not do this sweater justice. Very poor photography.

It is also known as the "Compass" sweater as you eventually knit in every direction. The neck band is knitted first, then the fronts (south). The back is knitted north on the imaginary compass, the right front is knitted to the west and the left is knitted to the east.

I love garter stitch and this multi-directional knitting keeps the interest alive.

The Back!

The cuff!

I love the cuff as baby's mom won't have to struggle to get those little, delicious fingers through the sleeve. It also allows for baby's growth!

The sweater is aqua with flecks of blue and yellow. The vote by my co-workers was that it was "girly" so I purchased girly buttons. I really wanted the sweater to be unisex and would have purchased different buttons.

I still need to knit the hat and booties but that is not on my schedule till after the 1st of the year.

The "Dark and Stormy" sweater is almost finished. Fronts, back and sleeves look great with the front band and collar awaiting me. It has become to heavy to lug to work to knit on my lunch hour or carry in the car.

I have exciting news to share with you as soon as I finalize things. It's been one of my goals for some time and I am very pleased. Just a little "teaser"!!!

This time change kills me. My body does not like the adjustments that are needed. I have been staying out as late as I can after work to enjoy the natural daylight. Already, I miss knitting by the lake so it will be a long winter till I can do that again perhaps come May.

Happy Knitting!

Abandoned Child - Yes? - No?

2010-10-30T11:58:00.000-04:00

I think this post warrants its own space and I'll write another today to show my knitting progress.

I've never been accused of "minding my own business". Of course, I have at times as after all I did go through a divorce. However, I will often "speak up" and then think that perhaps I may have put myself into a situation that could have gotten out of hand and my safety might be in jeopardy.

So, today I was out the door before daylight to take my car to the garage. When done, I had a craving for a chocolate-glazed donut so I went through the drive-thru at Dunkin Donuts. All of a sudden, I saw a very young child, perhaps about 3 years old, getting out of a car to walk, perhaps run, across the very crowded parking lot. There was no adult in site near this beat-up car. I stopped my own vehicle and watched, perhaps scaring the child as he tugged at the door to close it again.

Now, I get infuriated when someone leaves their dog in a hot car and though it is now currently quite cold in Vermont, I still felt anger that a child had been left alone in an unlocked car, not that a locked car would have been that much better but certainly would have delayed a possible snatching.

I parked my car (again), walked into the overcrowded glassed-front donut shop and walking to the long line of folks I loudly asked, "whose child is that?" as I pointed in the direction of the car in question. Everyone said, "not my child". I walked over to the seated area and asked again, "Whose child is that?" Everyone again said the same thing. I looked towards the rest room hoping someone would come walking out and want to claim this child. No one!!! So, in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, I said, "Well, I guess I am just going to have to call the police!"...hoping someone would man-up, or woman-up.

I returned to my car, thinking perhaps this child had been abandoned, called the police and waited and watched and watched. Finally, a non-chalant coffee-carrying man walked to the car at which time I informed him I had just called the police and told him why. As I spoke I noticed that the look in the child's eyes was terrifying and in my most comforting voice I said, "It's ok, honey, it's okay."

"I was concerned about your child, very concerned about your beautiful child", I told the man. His reply was "Oh, he knows to watch for cars!" I wanted to remind him that this child would have had absolutely no defense against someone snatching him, etc.

He did agree to wait for the police to respond to my call. When they arrived they obviously recognized his name because I heard the man say, "yes, the police were at my house the other night!". (Wonder why??)

If nothing else, the father will be fined for not having a car seat in the car for this child. Now, really!!!! someone who would leave such a young child unattended in a car could probably care less about having the required car seat in the vehicle.

Obviously, this so-called father did not want to lose his place in line at the donut shop and is the reason he didn't speak up when I asked who the parent was. Perhaps he thought I would just go away. Not me!!!!

So, on that note....have you seen the TV program, "What Would You Do?" It's a modern day version of "Candid Camera" that show people who step up to the plate to help a stranger (actors)in need. Very heartwarming!

The Sweater Curse

2010-10-18T17:48:00.002-04:00

No, no.....this is not a handknit. It's a sweater repair job I have inherited.

You've heard of the "sweater curse". You've heard of the book ..."Never Knit Your Man A Sweater*".....*till you have the ring! Read on!!!

My co-worker's son's girlfriend gifted him this sweater! They broke up (i.e. the sweater curse) and now the brother loves the sweater.

It's a Dale of Norway sweater. They usually sell for around $300.

I believe it may be a "second" because the tag is snipped. Still pricey, however.

Notice the row of knitting just below the "Dale" tag. It's what needs repairing.

Here's the inside of the sweater....unraveling in all it's glory. When I asked my co-worker if she was hand-washing or dry-cleaning this sweater as it would make a difference on what I used for yarn for the repair job, her response was, "Oh, use anything you want, any color you want!". Well, that won't work with my signature on this repair job. I have a reputation to uphold in the knitting world. It will look nice.

Have you experienced the curse?

On another note....I saw snow on the mountaintop when I left work today. I'm getting those scarves and mittens ready.

Happy Knitting!

Journey Wheel or Bostworth Charka Wheel

2010-10-17T14:19:00.001-04:00

I never heard of this spinning wheel till today. But, friends, I do not know much about spinning.

This is the Bosworth Charka Wheel by Jonathan Bloomenthal. See links at end of post. I'll tell you more about my friend later in the post and how this all came about.

My friend Leah is preparing to spin.

In the above picture, Leah is turning the wheel and spinning.

In this picture, she is packing up the wheel. Notice how the fiber is tucked in.

Here is Leah with her wheel, all folded up. This gives you an idea of how small it is. Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures but I only had my cell phone with me.

Journey Wheel ...click for more information on purchasing and pricing.

Bosworth Charka Demo ... click for a YouTube demo on how this wheel operates. Pretty informative!

This is how the day developed.....I was at a store that sells quality yarn amongst a gazillion other very interesting things. I ran into Leah and instantly we knew we knew each other but from where? Our paths have crossed before at a knitting group and at the farmer's market and it was one of those things where while exchanging phone numbers we say..."Call me!" and life gets in the way and we never do. So, today, we stopped and "smelled the roses" and went and had coffee together.

Leah gave me a demo of her gorgeous wheel right there in the crowded parking lot on the hood of the car. Fun, fun, fun!!!

I was so energized after spending time with Leah and exchanging craft ideas that I am ready to tackle the horrendous amount of housework waiting for me before I knit more on my "Dark and Stormy" sweater. I had planned on showing you a progress photo today but more on that later.

I haven't posted much in the last couple of weeks. I've been too busy having fun with my fiber friends. Those ladies in my current knitting class are an absolute hoot!!!! Class sold out and this Tuesday is the last class (boohoo!)

Happy Knitting!

Valery - A Hip Knit Hat

2010-10-02T19:53:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Valery
Yarn: Alpaca
Needles: Size 11

I am a little disappointed with this hat. Perhaps it's my yarn selection. Yarn is beautiful but too soft to hold the shape of this pattern.

It's a quick knit. An evening relaxing and watching TV will get it done. It's a quick and easy Christmas present!!!

The pattern is from the below-pictured book which has a lot of hats that I really like. It was worth the purchase.

We had torrential rain this week as did most of the East Coast. I had two events I really wanted to go to. One was my class reunion in Maine. The other was the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival and I opted for that one.

Norma and I were scheduled to go today but decided that after last year's experience of ankle-deep mud, spinning tires trying to free itself from suctioning mud, we decided to wait till tomorrow and let the fields dry out a bit.

With other events being canceled already for next weekend for fear of ruining parking fields, we decided not to go tomorrow. It would have been a 4-hr round trip and fearing the worse, we decided to be sensible and stay home.

I taught my first Fair Isle class this past Tuesday. The class achieved its maximum enrollment. The ladies are delightful, absolutely delightful.

After almost drowning in the frog pond with my top-down blue cabled sweater, I am back on track and will soon be below the armholes. I missed a very important sentence in the pattern instructing me to read the chart starting with column 19-34 and then 1-19. Whoever thought of reading a chart starting in the center of the graph?

It's a fun knit and difficult to put down.

So.........on that note........

Happy Knitting!

Dark and Stormy - A Shawl Collar Sweater

2010-09-25T13:25:00.005-04:00

Pattern: Dark and Stormy
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca (Periwinkle Blue) - 8 skeins
Needles: Size 7 circular

The picture shows the center back of this shawl-collared sweater. Knitted from the neck down, the pattern has several options for fitting. Peeking under the sweater is a completed pair of socks that have not yet been worn....probably waiting for this sweater.

I love blue lapis jewelry so I will have to look for a pendant to wear with this sweater. After spending a fair amount of $$$ for the yarn, it deserves a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Next week is the "Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival". I am going with Norma who is always such a hoot. Last year we needed to rent Noah's Ark but Norma brought a leaky umbrella instead. We were walking in ankle-deep mud, avoiding patches of poison ivy but we had a blast! I can't wait to see other Vermont Bloggers such as Gayle and Amy.

So, if you are from Vermont and traveling south to attend, Norma and I hope to have knitters meet for dinner at Arvads in Waterbury for wonderful food, conversation and a "show and tell".

As you know, I teach knitting classes and had to swallow my pride and creep over to my LYS for help with the chart on this pattern. I felt totally frustrated and when I showed it to the clerk, her comment was "Who The Hell Wrote This Pattern?" Thea Colman designs beautiful sweaters but even I found this chart difficult to comprehend as it does not list all the stitches or pattern repeat like I've seen with other patterns. Once I understood the designer's approach I found it quite easy.

Earlier this summer I purchased this plastic filled utensil bag at the Christmas Tree Shop. I really got my money's worth because I am using the bag as a "yarn bra".

When winding yarn into a "cake" so as to have a center-pull skein, if the fiber is slippery (i.e. silk content) or a very large cake, it eventually falls onto itself and you have a mess of tangles and knots. The yarn bra prevents that as it contracts as the center of the cake becomes hollow.

You can also buy yarn bras at a number of web stores for very little $$$.

My next round of classes start this Tuesday and I'm very excited about this class. When other classes at the Rec. Dept. are being canceled due to poor enrollment, I'm fortunate that my class is full with several repeat knitters.

When I hear someone say they are bored, I just cannot relate. There are so many hobbies to enjoy, books to read, the awe of nature, etc. Knitting is my relaxation.

I'm having dinner with friends this evening. For the last 30 years from 15-30 of us have gotten together. Years ago we met monthly and then would go dancing or to a movie. As we have aged, we meet 3-4 times per year, have dinner, chat for awhile and then go home. It's not always easy to find a nice restaurant that will cater to a large group so we are usually limited to a selection of perhaps five restaurants in a city known for its many, many fine restaurants.

Happy Knitting!

Cedar Leaf Shawlette

2010-09-20T18:41:00.001-04:00

Pattern: Cedar Leaf Shawlette
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Hand Dyed Yarn - Pashmina merino/silk/cashmere

Click on the pattern link to see how beautiful this shawlette can be especially if you are young and beautiful. My choice of yarn was expensive and disappointing. However, I still love the shawlette.

The photography and patterns at this site are superb, absolutely superb and "NeverNotKnitting" currently has a give-away of her 12 new patterns

I had my staff appreciation day. Lots of pics so I will let the pics speak for themselves. Lousy time of the day to hold a plate of food in one hand and try to keep the camera steady with the other hand. Go to the end to see why everyone is "clapping".

One of the many signs informing us of the food selection at the table ahead of us. Just couldn't get away from the "shadows".

Crowd just beginning to gather. There was a 3-piece jazz band for entertainment.

The university president was there to greet each and everyone of us and express his appreciation for a job well done.

The best Waldorf salad I've ever eaten.

Great sandwiches!

Grilled hot dogs with a condiment bar nearby! (a little out of focus!)

Just some of the many hundreds of people in attendance.

The sky was so gorgeous!

And everyone is clapping because again this year, the university president announced that we were being given the week between Christmas and New Year's as paid vacation in addition to all our other wonderful benefits. Because we also get two paid holidays off before Christmas and two days at New Year's, this equals to two full weeks off.

I'm pretty fortunate to have a job with all these perks! I wish the same to all of you reading this that have jobs outside the home.

Happy Knitting!

Susie's Reading Mitts - Finished

2010-09-19T18:18:00.002-04:00

Pattern: "Susie's Reading Mitts" (click for free Pattern from designer)

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donnagal Luxury Tweed 85% Wool/15% Angora
Needles: Size 5 dps

I'm not sure how I feel about these mitts......

They are quite "earthy".......aren't they???

Originally, the first mitt had the pink candy ribbon. I felt it was very juvenile-looking and decided to change it.

I was at Jo'Ann's buying the suede ribbon when an 8-year old girl started asking me about the mitt and told me how pretty she thought it was. That confirmed my thoughts. This little girl was so sweet that if they had been a smaller size, I would have given the mitts to her. She told me she was taking ice skating lessons.

She was extremely patient while her grandma and I had this long conversation about crafts.

I'm a little taken lately with trying out new cheeses in moderation. Bonne Bouche won the 2010 best aged goat cheese in America award. I'm proud that it is made here in Vermont. The grey that you see is actually mold that happens in the aging process.

I was at the health food store and looking for a good cracker to go with the cheese. The name on these caught my eye. Seaweed!!!! Right up my alley with my blog name and my roots that go back to the Coast of Maine.

I was not disappointed! Delicious!!!

Oops! forgot that this is really a knitting blog. I started a new hat today. Pictures coming mid-week. It's a quick knit using alpaca yarn and I am loving it.

BTW...the mitts means I have another UFO finished. The cooler weather was the incentive I needed.

Happy Knitting!

Vermont Hat - A Fair Isle Adventure

2010-09-12T13:10:00.001-04:00

Pattern: Vermont Hat In Fair Isle (free pattern on Ravelry)
Yarn: Cascade 220 (lavender and white)
Needles: Size 7 & 9 circular size 9 dp's for crown

This pattern is as easy as easy can get when it comes to Fair Isle knitting. See my previous post for links to videos on YouTube regarding the knitting method I used.

I was able to quickly knit these hats for several reasons. I used "Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeable Needles" which I love because it allows me to have the correct size needle on the right and a smaller needle on the left which makes for the stitches to glide along more quickly. Of course, it's the right needle (in the pic it is the top one) that determines the gauge. Obviously, this only works when knitting in the round.

The designer states that you are able to knit two hats from the two skeins if you reverse the main color. I think it may be possible to even get three when using Cascade 220 but don't hold me to that one. I don't want you to come looking for me unless you are bringing food.

I modified this pattern including an additional two rows to the ribbing and one more row to one of the stripes so that they would each be two rows. I found the hat to be a little tight for my fat head (not to be confused with egotistical...thank you very much!) so I knitted this next one using 10 1/2 needles.

Several people asked me about the red scarf that was featured in this post. The pattern name is "Flared Ribbed Scarf".

My good friend, Deb, also knitted this hat. Check out her hat and blog.

I will be teaching a class on this hat starting the end of the month. The next class will be this one which I darn well better be prepared. It will be a test of my knitting skills and I suspect this class will be filled quickly.

Friday was a pretty stressful day. The fire alarm was activated and a message stated we were to evacuate the building. There was an emergency and I was prepared....

I grabbed my handbag and car keys and what else!!!!...................

and left the rest behind.

Evacuating for me means 4 flights of stairs with my bad leg. Because we are in a medical research building, it is not unusual for something to happen in one of the labs that sets off the alarm and is quickly resolved.

Yesterday was a different story. We were suddenly told to walk across campus as a suspicious package had been found in the basement and the bomb squad was on its way.

I was able to get to my car and drive home and watch the development in the news. There was talk of possibly evacuating the adjoining hospital. In all, over 1,000 employees were evacuated.

The packaged was removed which means I am thankful I have a job on Monday.

Happy Knitting!

Water Bottle Jacket Carrier

2010-09-05T12:19:00.002-04:00

While my daughter and her family were visiting last July, I noticed they all had the following water bottle in various colors. I was impressed that there were still ice cubes in the water 8+ hrs. later on what was a very, very hot day.

Needless to say, I wanted one in the hopes that it might help in my battle with kicking the "Diet Pepsi" addiction that I have. To my credit, I drink much less of it than I did several years ago.

I was not able to find a Thermos water bottle in Vermont but they are available at Target. They are more expensive but oh.........so well worth it!!!

Yea, yea, I know, we don't have a Target. Can you believe that? We were the last state to get a WalMart. Shopping is very subdued in this state.

This Thermos water bottle is unbreakable and because it is double insulated, it does not sweat. It goes everywhere with me. I even keep it by my bedside at night should I wake up feeling thirsty.

So, yesterday, while I was at the Vermont Agricultural Fair and others were buying lukewarm water bottles for $3, I had my icy cold water with me. I didn't feel so bad when I had to pay $6 for a sausage sandwich and $3 for a real maple ice cream dish.

It is leak-proof while the lid is closed and the silver clip in the upright position assures that it will not accidentally open.

I'm intrigued by the fact that the lid stays in the open position while drinking and there is no chance that it will "boink" you in the nose and you will suddenly look like Jimmy Durante.

I knitted the jacket "blindly" with only a few dimensions as I had not yet received my own bottle. Though it was a quick knit, I'm sure a crocheted version would be even faster. I attached a canvas strap as I wanted the sturdiness it would provide and the strap would not cut into my daughter's shoulder. I secured it on the bottom as well as the top sides.

The buckle is not shown but I am a little concerned about the quality. The next one (my own) will have "D" rings (purchased at JoAnn's) instead.

Happy Knitting!

The Vermont Hat

2010-09-04T20:12:00.005-04:00

Pattern: "The Vermont Hat" (free pattern on Ravelry)

Yarn: Cascade 220 (lavender and white)

Needles: Size 7 & 9 circular & size 9 dp's for crown

Fair Isle knitting never has more than two different color yarns in the same row. Fair Isle is usually knitted in the round. It is just easier. If knitting a cardigan, steeking is utilized.

This site (<--click) has a wealth of information for a Fair Isle beginner.

I will be teaching a Fair Isle, sometimes known as "Stranded Color Work", at the end of September. This pattern is perfect for a beginner. It's an easy pattern to knit and there are no long floats in the back. Floats should not be any longer than 5 stitches.

I held one color in my right hand and one color in my left hand. Here is a good video to demonstrate this approach..... "Stranded Color Work"

Here's another great reference.... "How To Catch Back Yarn In Two Color Knitting"

Using the method above gives the inside a very "neat" look.

I'm off to finish knitting my hat. I've had a busy day.....much more later. I also need to catch up on my blog reading.

Happy Knitting!

Gingerbread House Socks

2010-08-29T19:17:00.000-04:00

Yarn: Knitpicks Imagination - Gingerbread House
Needles: Size 2 40" circular (magic loop method used)
Pattern: Yankee Socks

I needed a "mindless" project while spending hours this week at the car repair garage and this is what I worked on. Just a simple K2, P2 rib leg....nothing to "write home to mother about". I like using the magic loop method as I don't drop or lose needles when I am somewhere that I may have to suddenly pick up and move.

Those of you who know me well know that for a long time I tried doing one new things per month. Milk goats, make cheese, kayak, etc. have been on the list. August has been so terribly busy (and sometimes painful) that it dawned on me that I had not adhered to the "new thing". You know, it keeps me young thinking to do that.

All I could think of in a hurry which is not really "new" but I haven't done in years is to make homemade yogurt. It is so very easy and tastes so much better.

I started with 2 cups of "VERMONT" goat's milk (is there any other kind?) and 2 cups of cow's milk.

Slowly heat the milk up to 180 degrees.

This new cooking thermometer is so much better than the one I had. It can't accidently rest on the bottom of the pan and give a "false reading".

Cool the milk to 110 degrees and add 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt (or purchased culture) making sure you mix thorougly.

Pour into your favorite yogurt maker (can be a crock pot or a number of other things).

This yogurt maker really is not as large as it appears. After four hours, the yogurt is ready. It's still doing it's thing so I can't show you the finished product in this post.

I like my bananas very firm and barely yellow. However, I do like really ripe mashed bananas in my yogurt so they now don't go to waste.

It's back to work tomorrow. I was on a "working vacation" seeing to my car, hoping to have at least one good weather day (I had 2-3).

More knitting things to come. Almost done with the baby sweater and a couple of other UFO's.

Happy Knitting!

The Red Scarf Project

2010-08-26T19:00:00.003-04:00

The red scarf was started during Superbowl earlier this year (and completed). I'm just getting around to taking pictures. The scarf will be donated to Norma's favorite charity ..... The Red Scarf Project. which supplies scarves for orphaned kids. I used Cascade 220 but can't remember the name of the pattern. This is the scarf that is the center picture of my blog banner.

I've been on vacation. I'd like to tell you that I lived up to my blog title and went to the ocean and spent my time knitting. No such luck! My Toyota with only 44,000 miles behaved like a spoiled child and decided that it wanted attention. Some of it was expected and about $800 worth not expected. Get this, $1,500 later the car will be like new. Fortunately for me, almost $600 was covered by my extended warranty.

Folks, I am on a self-imposed yarn diet after that bill. By now, I could work as a consultant on car repairs. Dealing with all this in a short period of time was a little more stress than I wanted.

For years I have wanted the music box that was on my mom's bureau when I was a little girl.

I described it to a friend and he purchased this similar one for me years ago.

The music box plays this song.

I loved it but not the same as the one I was so fond of in my memory.

Recently my mom located the music box in her storage. It is about 65 years old. My sister saw it and immediately wanted it. Nanananananaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......sister, mom sent to me in time for my birthday which was last Sunday. So sister, take comfort in the fact that you got mom's motor home, boat and $30,000 collectible car. Not nice, I know...but just once in a while it feels good to be victorious.

There is storage for rings, etc. beneath the lid. As a child, after my bath and a t-shirt warming on the oven door, my mom would play the music box for me. The song..........

When I first started learning to play the organ, I even purchased this very simple basic sheet music. (and I mean very basic!!!)

I still need to insert my favorite childhood pictures.

Lonely no more.......they have each other on my bureau!

Happy Knitting!

Happy 90th!

2010-08-11T08:00:00.006-04:00

Today is my mother's 90th birthday. Though she does have some health issues, she is still living alone in her own home and is fairly active. (Picture taken June, 2009)

I was reading a blog the other day as to how much to say in your knitting blog. The debate was whether or not to include personal information regarding family, jobs, etc. I, for one, like getting to know some of my readers more as friends.

For instance, three blogging friends in particular, Alison, Deb and Sandy have wonderful mothers (living or deceased) in their lives. I read their stories with envy and am happy for them.

Enough said! Circumstances are what they are. I was fortunate to have a wonderful aunt in my life who made sure I had what I needed when I was growing up. She passed away in 1981.

So, being the dutiful daughter I sent my mother a gift card. She lives in Colorado. I do what I can from such a long distance. If I lived closer, I would take her out to dinner.

I hope she has a "Happy Birthday!".

Nomad (K)Nitter

2010-08-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

With my knitting bag in the car and a planned day trip to Northern Vermont and on the spur of the moment, I decided I wanted to cross the border and go into Canada to purchase requested food items that family members were needing.

A couple days ago I went to the DMV to get an "Enhanced Driver's License" which allows you to cross the border. Just a few states have worked out an arrangment with Canada, Mexico and the Carribean to use this license rather than a passport which is quite a bit more expensive. The lady at the DMV said the card would be mailed to me and in the interim I could still cross the border with the pictured paper card partially shown above.

Notice it says ID will NOT be accepted but they let me cross anyway. Canadian customs were very friendly and even told me where to go shopping for those food items.

It was tempting to go further and head towards wonderful Montreal....but that is for another day.

I crossed the border via Rouses Point, NY

I'm used to Quebecois being very rude. In Montreal, they will not speak English unless they absolutely have to. Stop your car, roll down your window and you are immediately told "Je ne said pas!" (I do not know.) before you have a chance to say anything.

So I was delighted when this small little town just over the border was extremely, extremely friendly, freely spoke english with a thick french accent.

I purchased this special flour that will make a "roux" for my French Canadian family in Maine. It can not be ordered as the powder may seap out and cause a terror scare.

I purchased "creton" (sorry the package is upside down) which is eaten cold on an english muffin for breakfast. Not very healthy but once in awhile is ok.

I purchased "squeaky cheese". I had not had any in decades. Yarn Harlot has blooged regarding this delicious cheese which has to be eaten usually within 24 hours. Another favorite using this cheese is "poutine" which is fries topped with this melted cheese and gravy.

As you cross the border, the landscape changes dramatically. Vermont is so mountainous, whereas Canada is very flat with a lot of farms. Most housea are made of brick or stone. They are a very proud people and keep their homes immaculate.

Chickadee heaven! Acres and acres of sunflowers.

So, I hoped there would be no problem reentering the US. The border guard was very condescending. "What, you don't have a passport?" as if I were offering him a beer and he wanted champagne. "You went to Canada to buy what?" (in a you are kidding me kinda tone) "Can't you buy that in the US?"

Back home the same day and not a stitch was knitted!!!

Identical or Fraternal Socks

2010-08-08T15:34:00.001-04:00

Most of my socks are identical to each other rather than fraternal. It's a matter of preference, I suppose. I'm delighted when there are two and am not suffering from SSS (single sock syndrome) What are your thoughts?

I completed these socks several weeks ago. I used a standard "vanilla" sock pattern and I can't remember who the yarn manufacturer is....sorry! Anyway, they will match a sweater that is about 90% completed with the goal of wearing it at the next Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival.

So, if you were straining to see what those knitting books are............well,....these are just a few of the many that I own. I especially like "Sock Innovation" and the "Joy of Sox" speaking of which as I was thumbing through the book I food the pictures to be quite provocative and then remembered that it is a "spoof" on that other book. You know the one I'm talking about....the one on your nightstand, perhaps!!!!

I just completed a shawlette with pictures coming in a few days after I have blocked it. I've also been knitting this baby sweater and am about 50% on the road to completion. This is very cheap yarn that I fell in love with. There is no mention as to the fiber content, how many grams/yards/weight, etc. The colorways are gorgeous and at $1/skein, I just couldn't resist. It feels very soft as I am knitting the sweater so I am delighted at this win/win project. This colorway, not really pink but can't think of what it reminds me of except the first sweater I knitted my own baby many years ago.

Now, to find a baby girl to gift this sweater to.

Happy Knitting!

"Shelburne Farms Cheese Festival"

2010-08-01T16:54:00.002-04:00

My family and I attended the "Shelburne Farms Cheese Festival" last weekend. Tickets were limited to 1,500 and were sold out 3 weeks before the event. The wine and cheese pairing dinner, $95/person, was sold out three months ago. There were about 150 cheese, wine, bread and chocolate vendors. Classes and demonstrations were available as well.

There were several buildings beyond what you see in this picture, filled with lots of wonderful cheeses.

We were provided with a lovely cloth bag when we arrived. My daughter was excited as it was the perfect size for a knitting bag. It meant she had one for each of her family members.

This duo cracked me up at this cooking demonstration! One was a "straight-man", the other the "comedian".

I researched various cheeses ahead of time and was delighted that I found and purchased this "Bijou Cheese". It won the "gold" at New York's Fancy Food Summer Show. It is made with goat's milk right here in Vermont. A little expensive, this little piece was $4 but well worth it. Treat yourself and try it. You won't be disappointed.

The chocolates from "Lake Champlain Chocolates" were wonderful. I ate the chocolate before I was able to take a picture but my favorite was a chocolate combined with sea salt. Who would think this combinatiion would be so delicious.

There was free "Ben 'N Jerry's" ice cream, wood-fired pizza and LOTS OF CHEESE. You could go sit on the lawn by the lake or ..................

find a quieter spot to just relax.

Just one of the many buildings on this working farm! Shelburne is quite the "posh" area of Vermont. In addition to the breeding farm, there is a museum covering 42 acres of land located along beautiful Lake Champlain.

Needless to say, I had a wonderful time with my family. At one point there was so much laughter that tears were rolling down my cheeks.

So, my friends, please allow me to be a grandma on this blog and tell you about these two special young men.

Joe, age 15 and my 1st grandchild, hopes to work for NASA as an engineer someday. He is outstanding in math and science. (notice the shirt) Joe is working towards becoming an Eagle scout and is close to reaching his goal.

Nick, age 13 on Aug. 4th, is also an outstanding student. I love hearing him whistle as he walks along. A very hard worker and knows how to save his money towards the "bigger picture". He talks about being "successful" in life when he becomes an adult.

Both boys have a great relationship with my daughter and her husband. They are kind, considerate and respectful. They play sports as well. I am truly blessed!!!

Fort Ticonderoga

2010-07-31T18:59:00.001-04:00

My older daughter, Amy, and her family visited me a week ago. We had so much fun! Our first day was spent at Fort Ticonderoga, NY. This fort was involved in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

Entrance to the fort.

My daughter and her family standing in front of a "one-man holding cell".

The woman was actually cooking pea soup over an open fire to the side of her.

One of the many beautiful brick buildings.

Fife and drum corps

This young red-headed kid sure could play that drum! The uniforms were pure wool and immaculate! It was quite hot the day we were there and none of these folks complained.

This bi-lingual soldier really knew his history. (Such a cutie!)

Just a small view overlooking the lake. It was breathtaking! There actually was a demonstration of the firing of muskets and canons.

We ended our day with a picnic at my favorite knitting spot at the Sand Bar. I really enjoyed watching my daughter and grandchildren swimming where my daughter had so much fun as a little girl.

Yes, I've been knitting. More on that later this week after I blog about the "Cheese Festival" I attended that left me totally exhilarated.

Happy Knitting!

Chelsea

2010-07-31T10:40:00.001-04:00

I've been watching TV this morning for the latest on Chelsea Clinton's wedding. What a refreshing and lovely young woman!

Chelsea was in Burlington campaigning for her mother when Hillary ran for President. Because I had traveled to NH to see and listen to the various candidates I certainly wanted to support Chelsea's visit as I was concerned not many people would show up as it was viciously cold weather. A sizeable crowd turned up all bundled up in weather gear.

When I shoke Chelsea's hand and said, "Your parents must be so proud of you!", her reply was "I'm so proud of my parents!" What a loving response!!!

I was interviewed by the "Associated Press" . It was an exciting day.

I am looking forward to seeing the pictures of Chelsea's wedding.

"I Heard The Bells" - Progress Report and History

2010-07-10T08:51:00.007-04:00

Please see previous post for more detailed information on the "I Heard The Bells" mittens with valuable information.

It's difficult to put down my knitting. I love this pattern.

"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" is a poem that was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in the early 1800's in Portland, Maine. On my next visit to my home state, I hope to visit his home which is open to the public.

Longfellow wrote this poem while grieving for his wife who died of burns suffered when her dress caught fire while waxing an envelope. Longfellow went to her aid and was severely burned about the face as well and thus, legend tells that is why pictures of him show him sporting a beard.

Longfellow often went to Portland Head Light to write his poems....one of my favorite places to go and knit, cross-stitch, etc. The park is huge with grounds for kite flying, picnicking with an old abandoned fort for kids to explore. I never get tired of taking pictures of this lighthouse.

Portland Head Light was commissioned by President George Washington.

Below is a view from the ocean. $15 will get you a 2-hr. boat cruise on Casco Bay on a beautiful double-decker boat affording sunshine and/or shelter. Again, one of my favorite things to do.

It's ironic that there was a shipwreck on the shores of this lighthouse on Christmas Eve.

Links that you might enjoy!

"The Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow"

"I Heard The Bells" with Johnny and June Cash

"I Heard The Bells" Lyrics

I wish I were cooling off by this ocean scene this week. It's another very hot day in Vermont, the only land-locked New England state.

Happy Knitting!

"I Heard The Bells" Mittens

2010-07-05T12:36:00.002-04:00

"I Heard The Bells" mitts now available at Knitpicks. This poem was written by Longfellow who was from my home State of Maine. In future updates, I will tell you more about the history of this poem and why it is so meaningful to me.

There are two easy color themes available. One is red, white and green, the other is yellow, blue and white (?)The downloadable pattern is only $1.99.

"Knitting In Color" is the designer. Her blog offers a tremendous amount of information on fair isle knitting. Check it out. The picture below is from her web site.

I spent the day yesterday at my favorite knitting spot....The Sand Bar State Park. I knitted just beyond what you see in the picture below. I have the first round of words completed. It's difficult to put this project down. I am so loving it!

I love my 4" Knitpicks Harmony needles. However, I found the points to be so sharp and hurting the palm of my hand. Using the point protectors helps a lot. The points on these needles and the yarn glides along just the way I like.

Inside looks pretty good, you think!

We are experiencing the three "H's" in Vermont. "Hot, Humid, and Hazy" with temperatures above 90 degrees for three consecutive days is what is needed to fit the description. We are on a "roll" with no relief in site.

So hot today that I wanted to go through the car wash just to have a sense of being cool and give my poor car a break.

So yesterday, feeling totally dehydrated after a day at the lake and the soda just was not quenching my thirst, I stopped by McDonald's to get a Reese's Snack Size McFlurry. The kicker is that I asked for a LARGE ice water and was told I could only get a small. In the McDonald world of "supersize" I couldn't get a large water because it is not in their computer system. Go figure....huh!

Happy Knitting!

Hooray for Men Who Knit!!!

2010-07-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

After reading this "article" , I was delighted to see that even more men knit than I am aware of.

There is my blogging friend Brian who has just had a pattern published in the summer issue of "Crochet World". Brian's pattern is #36. Time to start blogging again, Brian!

Of course we all rush to read "Brooklyn Tweed" when we see him on our Google Reader List. If he's not on your list, he should be.

There are many, many men who knit and spin at my spinning guild.

And long-time readers will remember these two precious pictures shown on my blog quite a few months ago.

It's my second grandchild, all decked out in his soccer uniform, focusing on the knitting stitches I just taught him.

Later, my daughter went up to his room to check on him and he had fallen asleep.................

with his knitting in his hands and not a stitch was dropped!

Happy Knitting!

How About Yarn Selection!

2010-06-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

Have you ever glanced at a picture of a knitted item and moved on only to see again later knitted by someone else and it really catches your eye?

Here is a perfect example!

When I selected the Koigu yarn for these Delicato Mitts pattern, I knew they would not be as nice as the pair I had already knitted. I wanted a pink pair, loved the yarn and wanted to compare the difference and show in the knitting class I was teaching that just finished last week.

This blue pair was completed months ago with yarn from "Dye Dreams". Everyone loves this pair and so do I.

Notice how lace, faux cabling pops out much more in the blue pair. The beautiful pattern is sorta lost in the pink pair.

So, when looking at patterns perhaps you put on your goggles with a different filter to view your potentially finished project.

Happy Knitting!

Ella - An Entrelac Hat

2010-06-26T09:11:00.004-04:00

Pattern: Hip Hop Hats
Yarn: Lamb's Pride - approx. 120 yds. chunky
Needles: 10 1/2 dps

I love this entrelac hat. It was a quick knit and completed in a weekend of casual knitting.

I highly recommend this book. Many, many hat patterns that I like. I purchased it with my 40% off coupon at JoAnn's.

I had the novel idea of knitting a swatch in the future as I wish this hat were a “little deeper”. Unless it’s a sweater or something very time-consuming or special, I don’t swatch. Bad!, bad, bad!!!! That’s how knitters become such “gifting” people.
If it doesn’t fit us, it’s bound to fit someone, right?

Entrelac falls in the category of modular knitting. If you have a lot of yarn "nuggets", modular knitting is a great way to use them up. Consider a pair of entrelac socks, scarf, mittens, etc.

Now isn't this an interesting way to mend or repair your handknits!

I bet Deb could easily do this with her supply of needles that are collected like crayons.

Are any of us on this "Top Listed Blogs" ?

Want a laugh? Read this new daddy's blog...one post-it note at a time! It's a quick read.

Happy Knitting!

Hurt Book Sale

2010-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Interweave is having their annual "Hurt Book Sale". It covers any craft you might be interested in except perhaps counted cross stitch. I have the "the New Stranded Colorwork: Techniques and Patterns for Vibrant Knitwear" book and it's a beauty for the experienced knitter.

Happy Knitting!

Pikenaze - A Louisa Harding Design

2010-06-16T07:55:00.004-04:00

It started innocently. Less than five years ago I said to my daughter, Amy, "you know, someday you'll be sorry you never learned how to knit from your mother!"

So she agreed, purchased some cheap yarn and needles and started a scarf. The only time she would knit was when she was having her hair colored at the hairdressers (yikes!). This went on for about two years or so.

All of a sudden, the knitting bug really hit her. Whenever I visit we spend a lot of time knitting and I try to teach her a new knitting technique. That, along with her LYS, YouTube, etc., she has become an accomplished knitter.

Today she sent me this picture of a shawl she was blocking. Isn't it beautiful! I'm quite pleased that she is carrying on the skills that were handed down to me by my beloved Aunt Rita.

The pattern is Pikenaze by Louisa Harding.

Her cat is still living even after she caught it sleeping on top of the shawl as it was drying.

Proud Knitter!!!

A back view for you!

And today is my daughter's 20th wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary to her and her husband! They make a great couple!

Happy Knitting!

Sock Club Knitting Book

2010-06-14T14:50:00.002-04:00

I have many, many sock knitting books. This is my new "favorite"! Of the 23 patterns, I really like, and would knit 22 of them. I purchased this book with a 40% of coupon at Creative Habitat! I never, ever, pay full price for my books.

Just getting started with my first "toe-up" sock. Can you believe with the dozens of pairs of socks I've knitted, they have always been cuff down.

The flowers are optional! I think I will to a variation of this one and can't wait to "play" with my idea!

Not sure about the placement of this one and the comfort when wearing a shoe.

I love to go down by the lake, sit under a shade tree, and knit!

Some sit and enjoy the scenery. I didn't capture the Adirondack (NY) mountains in this picture but the view is breathtaking!

Others are fishing!

I like to find shelter under one of these trees. I always will see at least one woodpecker, often there are ducks as well! I'm am so fortunate!

Don't forget that this is "World-wide knit in public" week. For my local knitters, I'll see you at Burlington City Hall Park on Saturday. The weather is suppose to be beautiful!

Happy Knitting!!!!

A Smile For You - Guaranteed!!!!

2010-06-13T16:14:00.001-04:00

I was headed to the store to get something to drink when I saw this person standing at "Five Corners", one of the area's busiest intersections.....

I decided I did not need to join "Jenny Craig" after all!!!!

Something was a little off...........

It was the beard....lol!!!

These little girls were delightful! Of course, people were tipping well!.... One was excited to tell me that she had $16.50 and I told her she would be rich some day and I would be able to say....."I bought lemonade from her."

I told her, "Daddy must really love you to be standing out there with the lemonade sign!" Well, daddy was in the bag yard mowing the lawn and this was a family friend promoting these girls' business development plan. Good friend, I'd say!!!!

Lots of knitting projects to show you as the week progresses. I've been busy knitting!!! More later!

Happy Knitting!

What Would You Charge?

2010-06-09T10:00:00.001-04:00

My co-worker left this ad on my desk and thought I might be interested. I called. Hmmm….interesting conversation.

The woman wanted a family Christmas stocking duplicated. She does not have the pattern and the stocking is about two feet long. Here’s a few of the comments and red flags!

“I took the stocking I already have to a yarn shop and they told me it would be easy.”

“I’m in no hurry for it but I already took it away from one lady because she had the materials for 3 weeks and had not completed the stocking.”

“Oh, it has trees in the pattern and I want my son’s name and birth date included.”

“It should go quickly. I’m not interested in learning to knit and do it myself.”

I asked what “ball park” figure did she have in mind for payment. She couldn’t come up with an amount.

I informed her I was not interested after all and suggested she contact a senior citizen center as I was sure there would be a knitter who would be interested and who had the time.

This person lives in a very affluent community. I wanted to say, but didn’t, “You would not be able to afford to pay for my time.” So, she mentioned the retirement community where she lives and said, “oh, but they would not be interested!”…………as if the task would be beneath them.

What do you think would have been a fair price? Let’s assume size 6 needles and worsted weight yarn as well as recharting the pattern.

Happy Knitting

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!

2010-06-07T20:08:00.003-04:00

The Good!!!

Mitt is moving right along. Knitting with Koigu is so smooth!!! Still awaiting a thumb!

The Bad!!!

I was knitting away while sitting under a pine tree enjoying the scent and all of a sudden I realized I had two right mitts. Do I keep knitting and buy more yarn and make a second pair? Forget that idea!

The Ugly!!!

and it got uglier because after I took this pic I had to frog further when I realized I had missed two rows of the repeat in the cuff. What was I thinking????? or doing????? not paying attention, for sure.

The Beautiful!!!

The mitt, reknitted, is coming soon.

"Know It All Knitting Bag" (<--click) This bag tottaly blew my mind. It electronically keeps track of your rows and stitches. I read the directions on knitting and assembling this bag and I won't be knitting it anytime soon. The price of the parts is about $65 plus the yarn. I'd love to read a post by someone who has knitted this bag.

Happy Knitting!

It's Time......It's Time

2010-05-23T16:20:00.001-04:00

Time to get up for work...............

plan my lunch...especially a snack.

and get dressed!!!!

and don't forget to button up!!!

Isn't this the cutest little project you've seen in awhile!!!! This apple cozy puts a smile on my face. I'm tired of fruit that gets bruised because it has had a free roller-coaster ride in the bottom of my traveling work bag. So when I saw this "pattern" (<--click) on Ravelry, I knew I just had to crochet it.

I'm a knitter, not a crocheter, so with my laptop in front of me and logged into YouTube to figure out the few crochet stitches required, I was able to complete this apple cozy in a couple of hours.

Knit them in different colors for an apple, a peach, a plum. Part of the fun is finding a whimsical button for your cozy.

I'm currently teaching a knitting class on Tuesday evenings. There's a lot of chatter and laughter and when I get home I have difficulty unwinding and falling asleep. Last Tuesday, it was 3:00 a.m. and I was still awake. OMG, I have to be up at 6:00 a.m. When I finally fell asleep and awoke again at the sound of the alarm, I bolted out of bed, grabbed the first clothing that didn't need ironing and dressed. No time for a shower, shampoo, hair, make-up, etc. I ran out the door to what appeared to be a grey and gloomy day. The front porch light that is on a sensor was still on. Hopped in my car, turned on the ignition, looked at the clock and realized I was A WHOLE HOUR early leaving for work. Not sure what happened with my alarm clock but it sure played a joke on me that day. I was a mess the rest of the day...totally exhausted and having difficulty functioning.

Today's favorite blog: "The Rainey Sisters" . I love her current project.

Happy Knitting!

"Fiber-A-Thon & Open Farm Studio"

2010-05-22T22:07:00.002-04:00

If you are a Vermonter, or an adventurous traveller, do grab your Blackberry or your calendar and pencil in July 24th for a fun-filled day for knitters, spinners and weavers.

"Vermont Grand View Farm" (<--click) is hosting a "Fiber-A-Thon & Open Farm Studio" on the above-mentioned date. The many and varied events are free. The only cost is a small fee for supplies for some of the classes.

I am very excited to tell you that Kim, the owner of Vermont Grand View Farm, has accepted me to teach a "Beginner Knitting" class.

So, if you are able to join us, please do come. Bring your knitting and/or spinning wheel and a chair and meet other fiber fanatics.

This is a "rain or shine" event.

Happy Knitting!

One Hat - Four Styles

2010-05-09T15:00:00.010-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!

One hat-4 ways to wear it with matching scarf!

Pattern: My own
Yarn: (Hat and scarf)
Plymouth Sara Superwash (2 skeins)
Cascade 220 Superwash (2 skeins)
If you would like the hat pattern, leave a comment on this post and I'll e-mail it to you.

The hat is reversible and can be worn with the "brim" turned up. It's actually a tube with the appropriate increases and decreases at the ends and the hat is as soft as can be.

The hat and scarf will be donated to a"Head Start" child in Rhode Island. My daughter used to be director of the program and collects hats and mittens for the organization. I will be knitting a pair of mittens for this set.

I used the Jared Flood Nora scarf pattern (Google it) for this project but cast on 29 stitches instead. The edge is lovely and a great way to carry alternating yarn without it showing.

"World Wide Knit In Public Day" is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th
Check you local listings or with your LYS for location and time.

In Vermont.....sponsored by Kaleidescope Yarn
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: City Hall Park, Burlington (during the Farmer's Market)
Note: Bring your knitting (of course) and a chair or blanket. Parking garage available on St. Paul St. (one block over).

It's back to reality tomorrow. I'm returning to work after a week of vacation with plenty of relaxation, good food, and knitting and very little housework.

Today's recommended site...it will make you smile..."Bitsy Baby Photography" (<--click)

Happy Knitting!

Straying From My Knitting With.......

2010-05-06T23:17:00.005-04:00

I'm trying to resume my "one new thing per month" goal so tonight I took a class on food photography at my local "Healthy Living" food store with Zach, who has worked as a chef at a famous NYC restaurant and also enjoys photography.

Past monthly ventures have consisted of milking goats, making cheese, kayaking, geocaching, bridge lessons and more.

On the left are razor clams alongside crabs. If you are squeamish, skip the next couple of photos.

Cleaning out the crab of various organs. I think he was doing a "Lorena Bobbitt" encore.......ok, don't see the humor, huh?

Oh, my......

not sure what body part that was!!!

Final result after some flour dredging and pan frying.

Of course, a little surf and turf!!!

Cooked to perfection!!!

....and a little something for the sweet tooth!

The set was beautiful. I should have taken more pictures. It was like being on Martha Stewart. A beautiful HD TV used as a teaching aid was above the area where the cooking occurred.

A very colorful orange was placed on the table at each place setting alonside our learning literature. It just made for a lovely "welcome".

I have a Nikon D90 camera that does everything but dance. It even takes HD videos. I have a long way to learning all the features. I was fortunate, and most appreciative, when Zach offered to go over all the features of my camera with me after class was over. He spent about another hour with me giving me a "one on one".

This class was very, very affordable and I plan on taking others. Upcoming is pasta making, cheese-making and many more.

Susie's Reading Mitts

2010-05-02T16:29:00.001-04:00

Pattern: "Susie's Reading Mitts" (click for free Pattern from designer)

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donnagal Luxury Tweed 85% Wool/15% Angora

Needles: Size 5 dps

I'm not sure how I feel about these mitts, especially the pink ribbon which may eventually be removed. The colorway for this line is beautiful but I didn't especially enjoy the feel of the yarn. For the price, I would not buy this yarn again.

Perhaps I didn't buy enough yarn, or I just misplaced the 2nd ball, but I found myself with one completed mitt and no more yarn so I had to wait for my daughter to send me another ball as it was purchased at her LYS.

The cuff is so long, perhaps a little too much, that it can be folded up and pinned down and will still look very nice.

This ribbon reminds me of the strips of "candy dots" on paper that you could buy as a child. Anyone remember those or is this another one of those generational things?

I have several other projects almost completed that I have not even mentioned such as the "Swallowtail Shawl", hat/scarf set for the "Head Start" kids' charity and more.

In the last few days, after a startling amount of snow, everything has melted and we seem to suddenly have a volcanic burst of blooms on the ground and on some of our trees. I'm resisting turning on the AC as it is 84 degrees F today.

I start my next round of classes, through my local Recreational Dept., this Tuesday. By request, I will be teaching the Quincy hat by Jared Flood. Once those classes are completed, the Delicato Mitts will be next.

I have several new and exciting classes planned for this fall. I'm trying to introduce new ideas, etc. I have several students who have taken as many as five classes with me. It's always a lot of fun especially with women I already know.

I have to recreate the button on my sidebar linking this blog to my "classes" blog. I lost it when I tried to "rejuvenate" my blog. Don't you just love "Blogger" some days!!!

Happy Knitting!

Felted Chickadee

2010-04-13T17:00:00.025-04:00

This picture was taken back in January with my friend, Janice, who started working on my felted chickadee for my red "Lucy Bag" (<-- click) which has also been felted and came to a standstill. Janice became ill and I told her that I would finish the project as she had already taught be the basics of needle felting. See "Joan's Bag" for more information.

You can see the printed picture Janice is working from. She teaches art at a local school and is quite talented.

A reminder of the lining I selected.

today's Blog Recommendation: "Designs By Gollum" I love the pictures, the food, the decorations, etc. I can fantasize, can't I since time, money and space don't allow?

Happy Knitting!

Emergency Knitting Bag-What's In It?

2010-04-12T17:00:00.003-04:00

Yarn: Online - Emotion III
Pattern: Yankee Sock Pattern (just your generic pattern)

This is what is in my "Emergency Knitting Bag". (<--click) I love the colorway and the socks, when completed, will look great with jeans. This bag is to remain in my car at all times so that I have something to knit when going to the doctor's or stuck in traffic.

My knitting classes will resume soon. I do look forward to their commencement as I already know that some of my previous students have signed up for one or both classes. One class will be the "Quincy Hat" and the other class will be "Delicato Mitts". Both projects were in some of my previous posts.

It will be interesting to see what happens as I am being very definite about the purchase of the patterns before the start of the first class. Some are hesitant to order through the web so we'll see what happens. Usually I use free patterns and "moi" will not violate copyright laws.

I am in the process of designing a cowl to submit to knitpicks.com for their "designer group". Patterns can be purchased for $1.99 and they already have a nice selection. I'll let you know when mine is accepted. I still have to test knit the project.

Happy Knitting!

The Secret Is In The Sauce!!!

2010-04-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

Regarding blogs and comments from my post of a few days ago. Notice my new button on the right.

It's in support of bloggers, readers and commenters. Interesting stuff!!!!

Do let me know what you think after you've roamed around the site a bit.

Happy Knitting!!!!.....as usual.

Beware - Sneaky Blogger

2010-04-11T20:12:00.003-04:00

I have been able to revert back to before the upgrade and can upload pics directly from my computer.

Beware......if I am mistaken, please let me know and I will retract this post. This is what Blogger has done this week.

Blogger enticed me to upgrade (for free) to their new blogger called "Blogger Draft". It promised more flexibility in the layout, larger pictures, etc. I was excited so I went for it hook, line, and sinker.

Earlier, I wrote my post with the intent of adding pictures later. I totally forgot till after the scheduled time (sorry) and they have now been included. I quickly tried to upload my pictures and I can no longer upload from my hard drive. I have to upload my pictures first to Picassa Web Album (part of Google). Well, we all know that there is a limited amount of free space on Picassa album and then you have to pay.

This is the same approach that Yahoo and Flickr dumped on us about three years ago.

I'm not sure that I will want to pay for storage of my pictures especially when there is a decline in blogs to read, readership, etc.

I was on WebShots for awhile and now I cannot download my pictures. I can only view them or order pics.

What's up with these sites. Let's complain to Blogger.

Update - Kaleidescope Scarf and Socks

2010-04-11T17:00:00.009-04:00

Sorry, I scheduled this post and forgot to upload the pictures till later.

This scarf really is called the "Jared Flood Noro Scarf". However, it looks like a kaleidoscope to me.

I started knitting this scarf because it really is "mindless knitting". I liked it but was not excited about it till today. While gassing up I realized that it really was quite chilly and reached for this scarf on the seat of my car. I wrapped it around my neck and loved all the colors weaving around each other.

Though a little pricey to knit, approximately ....well, let's not go there, the pattern calls for four skeins of Noro yarn. No two scarf will be the same and it is a surprise how the colors flow unless you deliberately break the yarn and select another color in the skein.

My scarves are usually 60" long. I kept knitting till all four skeins were knitted up. It is approximately 84" long....almost long enough to be a body wrap.

I love the fact that this scarf is reversible and the edging is "clean". I may have to knit another with a selection of different colorways.

These socks were started about four years ago. I wasn't particularly excited by the yarn from knitpicks.com. I then misplaced the project and looked high and low for it. I found it the other day hiding in my stash. I had not dug down deep enough...lol.
Happy Knitting!

Help!!! Calling All Pet Lovers!

2010-04-10T20:01:00.001-04:00

I have till Tuesday to make up my mind. I've narrowed things down to three kitties and here is where I am having difficulty deciding.

I went to my local Humane Society. It is the "Hilton" of shelters. Beautiful, clean, spacious, unbelievably nice. There are hand-knitted, crocheted and quilted blankets with their beds. I was there while they were delivering a cartfull of clean "linen". Lots of interesting toys and beds. I was quite impressed.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of all three kitties:

1. Ompah - the minute I walked in I didn't see him as I walked by and he "called" to me and talked and purred. Not the kind of cat appearance-wise I was looking for but he won my heart. When returned to his cage, everytime I looked at another cat, he was extremely vocal and wanted to be #1.

2. Skywalker - is known to be extremely affectionate but was busy exploring when I had him in a room to myself. Beautiful cat. Eventually warmed up to me. He is the Humane Society's favorite of the group.

But here is where the problem is:

I went to another humane society. I was appalled. Cats, cats, cats, everywhere. It appeared that there were not enough cages so there were cats up high, down low, running around. The place appeared out of control. Pretty clean considering how many animals but still not the greatest. No kidding, as I walked by the cages, all the cats were reaching out with their paws through the bars to get my attention. It was like they really wanted out of there. It broke my heart. How do you decide among so many friendly cats.

Jillian - is the most beautiful cat I've ever seen, extremely friendly and one of those reaching out to me at that shelter. If she had been at the first shelter, she would have moved to the top choice.

Though I am assured that Jillian has been checked by a vet, and that I will get a free vet visit with the adoption, I'm not sure that they are being legitimate with their information.

So, do I rescue one of these unfortunate animals or go with the humane society closer to home and adopt Ompah who loved me right away.

Isn't this silly!!!! If I could, I'd bring all three home.

So how many of my readers are animal lovers? I look forward to your comments.

Life Without the Web

2010-04-08T21:00:00.001-04:00

"My (Probably Crazy) Plan to Give Up the Internet" .<--click No...No....not me!!!

The other day Lizzie commented on how fewer and fewer people were writing blogs and she missed it. Well, I briefly stopped writing but I've noticed others have also vanished into thin air. Long time commenters have retreated to whatever it is they were doing in their other life.

So, in an attempt to enable those of us who love to read blogs, I will attempt to list an occasional blog that I like to read or find of particular interest in hopes that you will do the same. When I returned home the other day, I had over 300 blogs in my "Reader List". On those occasions when there are so many, I will usually scroll down looking for my "regulars" or those with a catchy title and read those. (Recognize yourself, Alison?)

Today's pick is Now Norma Knits. I've selected Norma not only because she is a good friend, fellow Vermonter, and occasional dining friend, but because her blog can run from making yogurt to knitting scarves for her favorite charity. Be sure to read her "Tuesday Terrier". (duh!!! every Tuesday) She has a large following as a result.

Stay tuned........I hope to direct you to at least one new blog of interest per week.

Happy Knitting!

The Two L's.....Lobster and Lighthouses

2010-04-07T20:42:00.008-04:00

Buying a lobster roll in Maine will cost you about $10-$12. Not sure how much they are at McDonald's but I wouldn't be caught dead buying one there. The lobster probably is not from Maine and I am a snob when it comes to lobster and yarn.......so there!!!

Cousin Willie purchased 1/2 lb. of "Lazy Man's Lobster" (already out of the shell) which sells for $40/lb. (I've seen it for as much as $45/lb....ouch either way!)

I chopped it up fine.....

along with the celery, onion and added a little salt, pepper (prefer white pepper) and mayonnaise. Sorry, Willie, this would not have been my choice of mayonnaise but it was fine. Off brands of mayo can sometimes be like margarine and butter. Com'On!!!! Cholestorol city or not, give me the real thing.......BUTTER!!! to go with my lobster.

1/2 lb. of lobster meat will yield three very large lobster rolls...much larger than purchased ones. So.............we packed a picnic lunch and headed to

where I could enjoy the fruits of my labor!!!

notice the ocean in the background. Wish you could smell the salt air....sorry!

Owl's Head Lighthouse <--click

You can't see all the stairs that I climbed with my bad leg but I sure paid the price the following day! It was worth it! The view was fantastic.

Who needs a GPS system with signs like this one!

I did manage to squeeze in a little knitting on Easter morning!

And the star of the weekend was little Kaileigh! She is 23 months old and a little chatterbox. She's quite a few branches away from me on the genealogy tree but much closer in heart.

Happy Knitting ...Happy whatever your day brings!

Magical Maine

2010-04-06T21:48:00.016-04:00

Bug Lighthouse - Portland, Maine

The weather was unusually warm and beautiful for this time of year in the State of Maine. A trip was preplanned to visit lighthouses as is my normal thing to do when I visit family. Never before have I seen such beautiful sunshine with a stream of fog dancing in and out of view sometimes allowing me to see more of the tall buildings in the background. It was a game of "hide and seek".

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse - Portland, Maine

The fog kept drifting in and out as if following the rhythm of the tide. This park bench invited me to sit, unwind, enjoy the ocean breeze and the view it presented.

So, I obliged!

My "Delicato Mitts" came in very handy!

I felt as free as this kite, a popular thing to do by the breezy ocean!

Even the ocean rocks were majical!

My PIC (partner in crime) for lighthouse runs is Willie. I was matron of honor at his wedding many years ago. His beloved wife, and my cousin who was like a sister, passed away in 2006 at the young age of 49. Diane is always in our hearts on these trips.

The icing on the cake was when I stopped at a store and the music was from the era of my high school days. It was a trip down memory lane.

I love my home state. The people are so friendly and a hello to a stranger will most likely evolve into a 20-minute conversation.

Ocean Wave Socks

2010-04-05T20:49:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn A.Clark

Yarn: Angor purchased at Tess Designs in Portland, Maine

Needles: Size 2 dps

I finally completed these socks after casting on almost two years ago. I love the softness of the yarn and the colorway is amazing. However, the yarn shop burns scented candles and the yarn absorbed up the smell. I was storing the project in a plastic bag which probably contained the scent even more overpowering. Thus, long spells of inactivity with this project.

I took a hiatus from my blog trying to decide how I wanted to proceed forward with it. I miss many of my other hobbies and hope to incorporate some of those interests in my posts.

I travelled to Maine last weekend. It was a truly magical time and I'll have pictures to share with you in my next post. If I were an artist with canvas and paintbrush, I would not have been able to paint a more beautiful scene.

Happy Knitting!

Taking A Break!

2010-03-24T10:58:00.000-04:00

To all my faithful readers, this is to let you know that I will be taking a break from blogging for awhile. I have two knitting classes coming up and after those are done, I will be taking a break from knitting as well to rest and relax and decide what I want to do.

I hope you have enjoyed my posts thus far and have found them helpful, sometimes a little too truthful, sometimes informative and sometimes even fun.

Thanks for your support!

Yarn Bombing - The New Graffiti

2010-03-16T15:37:00.000-04:00

Yarn Bombing (<--click to read article)

It is self-explantory. I wish I had had the time to take pictures of a couple other bizarre things happening in the Burlington area.

If you read the comments, I think the culprit is the person who said the leg warmers are crocheted and not knitted. What do you think?

Happy Knitting!

Testing - Having Problems with Blogger

2010-03-15T15:17:00.002-04:00

Readers have been unable to leave comments. Testing to see if the problem continues.

Shamrock Pin - You Have Time!!!

2010-03-12T23:13:00.001-05:00

Sorry, many of you have not been able to leave comments on this one post. The problem has been corrected.

Shamrock Pin (click for link to free pattern)

I posted about this pin last year and thought I would share it with you again as it is such a quick and fun knit.

The clasp on the back can be purchased as a package at Michael's. There must be 25 in a package so what are you waiting for...get going!!

Isn't everyone Irish on March 17th? I look forward to the day for a number of reasons. It's the one day I have corned beef and cabbage, wear a little green, but I pass on the green beer. I like to listen to Celtic music and it completes my day.

As a bonus, it is my work anniversary date so each year I get two additional paid personal days.

Happy Knitting!

Unwanted Knitted Gifts

2010-03-10T22:25:00.006-05:00

On the knitting front, I've completed several projects but have not had time to take pictures. Later this week I'll post about them.

Recently, while visiting my daughter, we were getting ready to leave for a holiday dinner at relatives when she walked into the living room, stood there with a smirk on her face waiting for me to notice how many things she was wearing that I had knitted for her. It pleased me immensely.

However, I’ve knitted for quite a few people never to see the items again. Here’s a few of them.

This shawl took me three months to knit and was only worn by the recipient for the obligatory picture.

This cowl was seen once stuffed in a pocket and the recipient requested this item and even selected the yarn herself.

This cowl was admired, the yarn again selected by the recipient, and never seen again.

This cowl was left on the recipient’s desk and the comment was “What the hell is this?” and never seen again.

This baby sweater sat on the recipient’s desk unopened for three days, a thank you when I asked about it, and never mentioned again. Did it look cute on the baby?, etc.

So, I really enjoy knitting for charity and for people I know really need it and will appreciate it.

So, it got me to thinking. I’ve received gifts that I didn’t particular want or like but never said a word, nor returned them or regifted them such as the following:

How about this expensive silk scarf ($35)? It's from "Infectious Awearables"

Each one of us in the office received one for Christmas from a former director of the department. The conversation went like this. What did Dr. X give you?

He gave me ...........

Others said "he gave me hepatitis" or he gave me whatever infectious and dreadful disease one can think of. I never see anyone wearing their scarf. The print on the scarf shows what the molecules for the disease would look like under a microscope.

Anyone who knows me fairly well knows I am from Maine and that I love lobster but this is going a bit too far.

The lobster plate is a pin and the knife and fork are earrings. I’ve never worn this either.

Hope you got a chuckle out of this!

"Shear Spirit" - Book Review

2010-02-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

After meeting Gale Zucker, an award winning photographer, a couple of week ago at my LYS, I decided to order her book. It arrived yesterday just in time for the Valentine's Day weekend. I highly recommend this book. The pictures which were taken at various fiber farms around the U.S. are wonderful. The stories are captivating. I was up till after midnight last night reading through the book. As if that isn't enough to get your attention, there are wonderful patterns included in the book as well.

I casted on for the above-pictured scarf during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I've knitted about 30 inches and though the pattern calls for 52", I will bind off at 60". The yarn is Berocco Ultra Alpaca. The scarf will be donated to the "The Red Scarf Project" which is a charity for orphaned and/or foster kids attending college. The scarves are sent as a "Valentine's Day" care package. If you read my friend Norma's,s blog regularly, she is a supporter extraordinaire for this charity.

Of course, when ordering from KnitPicks one must purchase $50 to earn free shipping. To add to the total I also purchased the above book, "Stranded Colorwork". It's gorgeous and I hope to eventually knit one of the patterns. Selecting which pattern will be difficult. So, still not having spent $50 I purchased the 4" double point Harmony needles.

It's a nice addition to the Harmony circular interchangeable needles my daughter gifted me at Christmastime. Shortly thereafter I purchased the 6" dp's and now I am content with my collection of needles now that I've added the "shorties". I also have the "Denise Needles" which I love but have taken 2nd place to these.

Yippeeeeee!!!! I have Monday off.

Happy Knitting

Knitting Olympics 2010

2010-02-11T15:09:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics on Yarn Harlot's Blog

Call me a day late and a dollar short!!! The Knitting Olympics starts tomorrow, Friday, 2/12 during the “Opening Ceremonies” and must be completed in 17 days. I encourage you to participate and perhaps donate your knitting project to your favorite charity.

Lots of fun Olympic group knitting names on Ravelry. Check it out. I will be knitting this beautiful "Flared Rib Scarf" for the "Red Scarf Project", a very worthwhile charity for orphan and foster kids attending college.

Let me know about yours if you decide to participate. Feel free to grab the button on the right on my blog.

Happy Knitting!

Norma and Her House Guest

2010-02-05T17:12:00.001-05:00

Jill, Norma, Jill's daughter, Shawn and Me!!

Norma was having Gale Zucker as a house guest yesterday and invited me to join them at my favorite LYS owned by Jill. Be sure to click on Norma's name to see more pictures and more information. (Smart of me to let Norma blog first...shhhh!!!!)

Gale did the photography for the book "Shear Spirit" and took this group picture. Of course, she is behind the camera. A pic of Gale is on Norma's blog.

There was lots of knitting to go along with the laughter or was it the other way around?

Norma and I try to get together one evening a week at “Juniors” for a bite to eat and some knitting. I think they will soon put a brass plate with our names on the booth we always sit at.

I’m currently teaching two knitting classes two evenings a week for the month of February. Of course, I am thoroughly enjoying the knitters. My “Beginner Knitting” class was going to be canceled due to not enough registrants and one of the registrants was so disappointed that she recruited others to fill the minimum requirements in order to make the class happen. My other class is a mitten class.

In the spring I’ll be teaching two “Advanced Knitting” classes. I’ve yet to decide on what patterns I’ll be using. Suggestions are welcomed.

Saturday morning I am going to the "Penguin Plunge" to benefit the "Special Olympics. Are you kidding? I know what you are thinking. Me, (a grandma but the same age as Cher) in a bathing suit. What makes you think that if I won’t wear one in the summer months that I will wear one during the winter and have a good dunkin' in frigid water! The event is to raise money for charity. However, I can be bought!!!! Offer me enough money for this very worthwhile charity and I will do it.) I’m going to take photos.

Hehe....sorry, but my readers think I'm going to plunge in the water and was going to take pictures!!! No, no, no...I'm going to take pictures of those brave people going in the lake while I stay warm.

Happy Knitting!

Palindrome Scarf

2010-01-30T17:47:00.005-05:00

Pattern: Palindrome Scarf (<--click for free pattern)

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk

Needles: Size 10

What I really like about this scarf is that it is completely reversible. The yarn I used has a "halo" and I would recommend using a solid color worsted though it calls for DK. I added a cable repeat and increased the needles by one size and also added two rows between repeats. The scarf in the picture has not yet been blocked. The true color is a peacock blue and not anywhere close to what the camera captured.

Last week I purchased this delicate wash for my handknits. A little expensive at $11 for the bottle, you only use 1/2 tsp. per half gallon of water. With no rinsing involved, I don't know how I ever lived without this soap. I purchased the lavendar scent which is delicate and acts as a moth repellant. The wash also comes in smaller bottles.

Eucalan free sample Click the link for a free sample. There are several scents available including eucalyptus, grapefruit and fragrance free.

Obsessed, possessed, addicted or passionate.....well, I know that passionate fits the description when it comes to my knitting. However, my soap buying purchases of the past week may fall in another one of those categories. I was shopping today at a store that announced a special on hand soap. Hello!!!! that's what I was there for as I was already swishing water in my soap dispenser trying to get the last of the soap till I could get to the store. This soap was 27 cents a bottle so I purchased a dozen bottles. And yes, I've tried it and I do like it.

Happy Knitting!!!

Lexeme Sweater

2010-01-24T15:52:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Lexeme - Berocco Booklet #289

Yarn: Lustra (it is divine!)

Needles: Size 6 & 8

There's not much to show until the sweater is assembled. I'm currently knitting the last of it which is both sleeves at once. There will be a knitted trim on the edges.

I'm pretty happy with these buttons. However, the pattern called for 1" buttons and these are way too big so hopefully JoAnn's has 1/2" replacements.

I highly recommend this "Piecework" magazine. It just came out on the newstand less than a week ago and sells quickly. It usually features a variety of crafts but annually they devote an issue strictly to knitting. This one is on the "History of Knitting".

It was a total joy to read and it was difficult to put down.

As many of you know, I am originally from Maine. My aunt taught me how to knit and I've never seen anyone else cast on the way she taught me. People have asked me what the cast-on is called and I never knew till now. It is shown in this magazine. Any guesses? It's the "Maine Cast On"......who knew!!!....lol.

Compass Mittens (pattern in the magazine)

Young boys of families in the lobstering business received hand-knitted felted mittens as soon as they were old enough to join their elders on the boats. Compass mittens were knitted in either black and white or navy blue and white only. The story goes that when fishermen were lost in the dense fog off the coast, their mittens would gleam towards the north and they would be able to find their way home.

Now mind you, I really want to test this theory but I'm not sure I want to be lost on the ocean unless the ocean is calm, I have a crate of lobster with a means to cook them along with my favorite beverage and I can still get a signal on my cell phone. And .....plenty of melted butter!

I have to tell you that in the early '80's when the air controllers were on strike, lobstermen were unable to fly out their lobsters and they were selling for $1 each. I "pigged out" or "lobstered out" in this instance.

Offering Mitts (pattern in the magazine)

Aren't these mitts beautiful!!!! They are on my list of things I want to knit

This magazine also has a very interesting article on Jewish women knitting during WWII.

Happy Knitting!

Stowe Winter Carnival

2010-01-23T21:10:00.001-05:00

I went up to the Stowe, Vermont Winter Carnival today. This ice scupture has a ram in the center and an Austrian beer stein at the top. Notice the beautiful sky and the mountains in the distance.

The Trapp Family is the family depicted in the movie "The Sound of Music", thus the heavy Austrian influence.

A small view of the lodge. There are many, many buildings. I've been fortunate enough to experience dining here. The ambiance cannot be beat. A harpist provided the music for guests.

Sleigh Horses!

Just a few of the many ski trails in the area.

The trams actually go over the roadway as they proceed up the mountain to drop off skiiers.

Did you think I'd forget about yarn while on this little venture?

Happy Knitting!

Basketweave Dishcloth

2010-01-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

Basketweave Dishcloth

I start teaching this year's "Beginner Knitting" classes on Thursday, January 28th and I am looking forward to promoting knitting to a group of new folks. We'll be knitting this simple dishcloth. I will also be teaching a mitten class starting the same week. Busy, busy, busy....

I purchased "Piecework" magazine today which features a variety of crafts. There's a beautiful "broomstick lace" bag that I must knit. I have not done broomstick lace since Sept. of 1969. Why do I remember the date so well, you ask? It was the month when my car caught fire and I managed to save my project as I escaped. Let's not forget that we had just made the last car payment on the car, purchased a house two weeks prior with no money for furniture and ................most important..........I was so very pregnant with my daughter's birth occurring 10 days later. So, new car, new house, new baby all in one month. When you are ~~stupid,~~ ~~inexperienced~~, young, you can deal with those catastrophies.

My friend, Janice, came over for lunch and knitting today. Not sure we got much knitting done as we were so busy chatting like high school girlfriends. One thing for sure is that we had fun!!

Weather will be bad tomorrow. You know what that means!!!! Plenty of knitting time!

Happy Knitting!

New Knitting Books

2010-01-15T15:50:00.001-05:00

I have been wanting the knitting book “Magnificent Mittens” for a very long time. The book was out of print and was selling on e-bay for $300-$1000. I was able to get it from the library and peruse it but I wanted my own copy.

Back in early November, Brian alerted me to the fact that it was now in print again and would be available in early December. I placed my order with Amazon and they kept delaying the delivery date so I finally canceled that order and purchased it at Knitpicks.com for $14. It arrived last Saturday and I am totally delighted with it. They have expanded the book to include socks.

The mitten patterns vary with some being more suitable for heavy snow areas. The socks are beautiful. There is a lot of interesting information as well as a graph for different size mittens for those interested in designing their own mittens.

My daughter remembered that I wanted this book and gifted it to me for Christmas. I'm a happy camper! There's a pair of knitted earrings (with wire) that I plan on knitting. I've already purchased the materials.

I had a 40% off coupon for this book so I just could not resist it.

I started these "Lady Charles" mittens. My daughter had one mitt completed when I visited her and I like it. The pattern is not well-written at all. The print on the cardstock is difficult to read as it is faded. My frustration with this pattern is transporting me to the frog pond. The yarn is Debbie Bliss which is expensive and very rough.

Happy Knitting!

Spiralucious

2010-01-04T19:44:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Spiralucious

Yarn: Baby Ull

I actually completed this neck warmer a couple months ago. I had a question and spoke with Anne at "Knitspot" regarding my order. The customer service was fantastic. She has many, many beautiful patterns to select from. I recommend you visit her site. I also have the matching fingerless mitts pattern that will be cast on eventually.

This cowl drapes nicely on the neck. I am very pleased with it.

One of my favorite things is this lavendar hand lotion and soap that I received for Christmas. I visited this home business a couple of years ago and was very impressed. "Greens and Goats Lotion and Soap" It really is nice on these knitting hands. The scent is gentle.

We broke the snow record of 1969 which was my first winter in Vermont. We had 33.1 inches of snow yester. Third place for snowfall was Valentine's 2009. I have now experienced all three.

A little late in the day to take a pic but it gets quite dark by the time I get out of work. This snowbank in town is quite high as you can tell by the street light. Obviously, a plow is not able to handle this much snow so a front-end bucket loader does the job.

Here's another view!

Happy Knitting!

Well, I Say.............!!!!

2010-01-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

I knew we were going to have a storm late last night. The weatherman (it wasn't a weatherwoman) said 8-10 inches were expected. Well, he ~~lied~~ was wrong. As of noon, we had 24" of snow and it's still coming down heavy.

Being my last day of vacation, I slept in awhile if you call till 8:00 a.m. sleeping in. When I went out there I could not believe my eyes.

I have not had to shovel snow in three years. But there was no getting around this one. I couldn't even open my car door. Reinforcement arrived in the form of a neighbor who helped me shovel. Now, the driveway was plowed but we still had to shovel around the car.

Once upon a time, young boys would shovel for money. Not anymore.

and about four hours later...............my car is there somewhere!

I am participating in a 365 photo challenge. There's a link on the right for your viewing pleasure. It is not a blog as such and no comments are expected. Just enjoy! Occasionally, the same pictures may be in my knitting blog.

Happy Knitting!

Fiber Anyone?

2010-01-01T21:26:00.001-05:00

Less than a week ago I received an e-mail from Janice telling me she had stumbled on my blog. She asked where I lived and as it turns we live just a short distance from each other. We met for lunch and discovered that we had a lot in common so today we got together at her home for a "craft and chat" day.

Note: I should have mentioned originally when I wrote this post that yes, Janice knits and spins.

Janice raises French angora rabbits. They are gorgeous animals. Once upon a time, I used to have rabbits so I really was thrilled to see them. Look at all that fiber on that animal!!!

Janice prepared a fantastic lunch accompanied by her husband's homemade bread. I think I was "spoiled" today.

Once upon a time, I also had a canary. Janice's canary is the most beautiful singer. Oh, it's been so many years since I have enjoyed being seranaded by a canary. Mine always sang when I was on the phone making the person on the other end very envious.

Not a good picture as there is a screen between myself and this feeder. Many, many chickadees were parading back and forth until I appeared in the window...dah!!! Black-capped chickadees are my home state of Maine's state bird.

An orchid on the windowsill. So beautiful!!

This mama will soon have babies. She was busy preparing a nest with hay while I was there. However, she will soon be pulling her hair out to use in her nest.

Another mama recently had babies.

And then there were the chickens!!!!

Happy Knitting!