Artsluvr

Cool Runnings

2010-02-28T18:41:00.003-05:00

I have been knitting on my Olympic project that I wrote about in the previous post.

She is official, finished, in all her Olympic glory.

I was happily knitting away during the games, thinking about how soft and silky the yarn is.

The yarn is Araucania Ruca, 100% Sugar Cane.

I got to thinking about Sugar Cane being used to make rum, in Jamaica.

Jamaica had a pretty cool bobsled team at the Calgary Olympics. A movie was made about that team, Cool Runnings.

My Clapotis has multiple "runs" in her.

So as a shout out to the Jamaican Bobsled Team

COOL RUNNINGS

Knitting Olympics

2010-02-14T22:00:00.009-05:00

Let me begin by saying, "I know it's been 2 years since my last post".

I have been so wrapped up in Ravelry that I have neglected this blog. I will continue my love

affair with Ravelry but I had something so big to share that it wouldn't fit on the Ravelry site.

I am an Olympian!!!!!!

The Yarn Harlot, AKA Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, conceived the Knitting Olympics to coincide with the actual Olympic Games. She has hosted the event for a few years, I lurked in the background, and jumped into the foray this year.

You can read all about the Knitting Olympics at http://www.yarnharlot.ca/

I can't even begin to relate to you,dear reader, the passion in which the harlot conveys

her philosophy. Please take the time to read her blog post, you may not understand us knitters but it should make you smile at us anyway.

The concept, in brief, is to cast on (begin a knitting project) during the opening ceremonies.

Knit on said project for the duration of the games.

Cast off (complete the knitting project) before the Olympic flame is extinguished.

I chose to knit a Clapotis, designed by Kate Gilbert for http://www.knitty.com/

I have knit this project twice before so I am really familiar with the pattern.

I don't expect to score very high in difficulty, however I hope to nail it in execution/artistry.

(Although no one is keeping score)

The Knitting Olympics are designed to be a singles event, I decided to make mine a team event.

I enjoy the company of a select group of knitters once a month in Frankfort, KY

We met, (more or less) at Sophie's Knitting Retreat over 2 years ago. *you may recall that post*

We had so much fun that weekend that we decided to meet monthly. We catch up on everyone's knitting, stash enhancement, book/pattern acquisition, family stuff, etc.

We met today, Valentines Day.

I had each attendee knit on my project. It will be so special for me knowing that their handwork is surrounding me as I wear the wrap.

I present to you the knitters of team Kim's Clapotis

Up first Carla

She is our eldest member (AGE, don't ask, don't tell)

She has more knitting experience than the rest of us collectively

Next to knit was Lindsey. I am so proud to say she is my Daughter-In-Law!!!

Lindsey is a speedy, and fearless knitter

Next in the lineup is Anita.

She is our resident LYS employee

Which means she always has the latest news, reviews and samples of the newest knitting goodness.

This is Paula, our always gracious host.

She is unbeatable in the Stash competition.

I'm pretty sure that she has yarn stashed that even she doesn't know about.

Meet Suzanne

She is our most prolific knitter.

I'm pretty sure she knits in her sleep.

Candi is Carla's daughter

Candi is also fearless, but suffers like many knitters from KADD (Knitters

Attention Deficit Disorder).

I know all about this disorder, suffering from it myself. We see something that we have to start "right now". You, yes you, know exactly what I'm talking about.

Finally anchoring this team effort is Me.

I'm not even going to try to describe myself.

You probably wouldn't believe me if I tried!

Until next post...

Whenever that is

Love Peace and Knitting

I've Been Knitting

2008-02-11T10:54:00.001-05:00

I know it's been over 2 months since I have posted on my blog. I have no valid excuse. All I have to say is one word, Ravelry. It is a knitter website that is so addictive that I get little else done on the computer. I do check my mail and after that I can spend hours on the Ravelry site. I do manage to go to work, occasionally do housework, do the shopping and knit.

Since it has been so long I have lots of knitting to post. Let me start with the Adult Marley Hat that I knit for Shanda. Shanda is a nurse that I work with and she really wanted a hat like the Baby Marley that I knit for Amanda's baby shower. I finally (months later) made one for her. I love it too. I would like to have one for myself, maybe months from now I will knit another one.

As you can see I made this the first of December. We drew Secret Santa at work and I drew Diana's name. She recieved this scarf.

I continued with the gift theme and knit felted clogs for Mom and Dad's Christmas presents. They were a very fun knit and even more fun to felt. Before felting they were HUGE!
This is Dad's clog on my right foot, a normal slipper on my left. Can you say clown shoe?

This is the same clog after felting. Sorry there is no comparison picture but they are normal size. As you can see the picture was taken Christmas Eve. They were freshly felted and I don't think they dried for a couple of weeks past Christmas. I hope he's using them.

Dad's were in a nice denim blue shade. Mom's were a little brighter.

Turquoise uppers, pink tops, and purple soles.

In January, I knit Claire a fair isle tam.

I love knitting fair isle projects. Lindsey had visited Sophie's Fine Yarn and purchased Noro Silk Garden for me. I wish you could see the hat in person. It is adorable. When I gave it to Claire she immediately put it on and said it was very "French". Pretty smart for a 5 year old. She asked me to knit her some slippers, so she got these.

In her favorite colors, pink and purple. They will go with her purple robe and her pink and purple bedroom. She is a girly girl.

I have tried and tried to knit something for the boys that they would actually wear. They have declined everything so far, except Jason who wore the first scarf that I ever knit (until Lindsey gifted him with the Harry Potter scarf for Christmas, Yeah Lindsey!). Anyway, I knit a Fake Isle hat and Cory liked it. He liked it so much that he wore it on the annual guy's ski trip.

They went to Snowshoe this year. They had a good time at Snowshoe year before last but decided to step it up a bit last year. They drove for 18+ hours to Killington Vermont. Killington experienced record high temp's last year and no natural snow in December. They were sooooooo disappointed but did get to ski on man made snow. This year they opted for Snowshoe again and had plenty of natural snow, and were able to ski in and out of their condo. They even let a couple of girls go this year!

My neighbor, Sharon stopped in the weekend before Christmas. She asked, in a half joking manner, if I could knit her daughter, Samantha, some fingerless mittens for Christmas. I said sure but not before Christmas. She got these for New Year.

The good ol Fetching pattern from knitty.com. I have knit these before, they are quick and cute. I think everyone makes these, at least those in my knitting group.

Speaking of the knitting group, there is a group of knitters who met at the knitting retreat back in November. We enjoyed each others company so much that we decided to meet once a month to keep up the camaraderie. We have named ourselves the 127 Knitters, since we meet in Frankfort most of the time and have to travel on Hwy 127 to get there. Origional huh? If you are on Ravelry you can find our group aptly named 127 Knitters. Everyone has been bringing projects to share with the group. I made this from the yarn intended for the purse pattern from the retreat. I don't think anyone finished the purse and used the wonderful Mission Falls yarn for another project. Mine is a Tudora neck wrap from knitty.com

It is a cute pattern with cables and it folds over under the chin. Very victorian looking. Lindsey gave me the button. It has a crown on it (for the queen)!

Mom and Dad flew south for February, (not literally, they drove). Mom's birthday is in February and I gave her this scarf before they left.

It is the Huckleberry pattern from Interweave's Holiday issue. I knit it in a yarn with tiny sequins on it, held double with some kidsilk haze. It is so soft against the skin and with sparkle too! I hope she uses it. I think she is afraid to "hurt" the stuff that I give her. She usually just displays it. I want you to use it. I promise to make you more if something happens to the stuff I have given to you already! If anyone reads this blog that has been gifted something handknit use it. That's what it's for.

Finally something I knit for me. It is the Ice Queen from knitty.com.Do you see a repeating pattern here. Lots of knitty pattern use. I like that web mag alot. Anyway, I think that this is the most beautiful project that I have ever knit. I used Rowan Kidsilk Night, so soft and sparkly! I also used Swarovski crystals. It does indeed look like tiny flecks of ice on the cowl.

You can see a few sparkles in the picture. Oh and it is modeled on the infamous head in a box. I had mentioned to Jason and Lindsey that I would like to have a head manequin to use for photographing my hats. For Christmas they gave me this one. When I opened it we all laughed that I had recieved a head in a box. It will forever thus be named.

I have to show you what Roger made Lindsey for Christmas.

In case you don't know what it is, it is a lovely, beautiful, smooth working, creative, wonderfully made yarn swift. Lindsey had to wait until she came to our house to wind her yarn. Now she has a better swift than I do. I know I'll get one of these too, won't I Roger?

Until next time, whenever that will be.

Happy Knitting and God Bless

Holiday Traditions

2007-12-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

Let me start this post with Thanksgiving.

I am thankful that we have had another year to gather together (to ask the Lords blessings) sorry I just couldn't help myself.

We did gather together at my in-laws on Thanksgiving day this year. Last year we were at my parents. The boys really liked having both sets of grandparents with them at one time. I hope this is the start of a Thanksgiving tradition, having everyone together in one place. We are not a huge family, but we are a very fortunate one. We are all in generally good health and we all get along well.

This year we even added a few people that were not with us last year. My stepson, Bill, his wife and stepson were there. YEAH!

My mother-in-laws sister, Catherine, who lives in Cincinnati and Catherine's daughter, Carol, who lives in Oklahoma, were also with us.

I took a few photos but the one I want to share is of Roger with all the boys.

They are left to right: Tyler, Cory, Roger, Bill, and Jason. Are they the best looking group of men you have ever seen? I think so..........

Last night Jason and I took Claire and Bailey to the Christmas Parade here in Lexington. This is the third year in a row that I have taken Claire to the parade. I hope she has good memories in adulthood of our annual tradition. This is the "girls" waiting for the parade to start: Bailey, me and Claire. Notice the knitted hat and scarf? I knit them last winter and waited for a cold spell to wear them. Although Claire's mommy, and my best friend, Diane, wanted to know where my big furry hat was. She had bet that I would have it on when I picked up Claire. Sorry to disappoint but I had to wear something I knit.

Here are Jason and the girls just as the parade starts.

One tradition that only began last year is to get a photo of Jason that includes his idol, Ronald McDonald. Here is this years picture:
For comparison last years picture:

As you may have noticed (because I know my readers are a bright bunch) it was daytime last year and nighttime this year. This is the first time the Lexington Christmas Parade was held after dark. I liked it very much, the lights in the parade really made it memorable for me. The crowds were definitely larger than the past few years and the tree lighting was included in the nights festivities. I had never taken the time to attend the tree lighting and I enjoyed it very much last night. The Lexington Singers performed as did dancers from Town and Village. Santa was there and there were fireworks after the tree was lit. Very festive indeed!The girls were totally impressed with the tree, its size and the size of the decorations.

Even big girls like to look up at big trees. Especially beautifully lit Christmas trees.

We Don't Eat As Much As The Quilters!

2007-11-18T16:05:00.000-05:00

I had the grand and wonderful experience of attending Shopies Knitting Retreat this weekend. A total of 48 knitters from the Kentucky-Indiana area gathered together at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana. The setting was divine. I would highly recommend a visit to the park, for a day, a weekend, whatever your schedule permits. The park inn was beautifully decorated and the accommodations were superb. There is a restaurant on site so I didn't have to leave at all from my Friday afternoon arrival until my departure on Sunday morning.

This is the sunrise view that greeted me in the mornings. The photo was taken just outside my room. What a view.

This is just one of the many welcoming areas in the Inn with comfy seating, warm fireplaces and beautiful views. Doesn't it just look like a place for knitting?
Speaking of knitting, that is what this weekend was for. We first gathered on Friday night for informal introductions and to receive our goody bags.

The knitters closest to the camera were at my table. Clockwise from the upper left, Candie, Anita(mostly hidden), Suzy, a very fun lady that I am sorry to say will remain nameless, and Therese. (I am happy to call Therese my new friend. I enjoyed meeting her very much)

We received our bags that contained yarn, needles, a pattern book from Mission Falls, and various notions. It also contained our "number" . We were called to the yarn table to choose our yarn, in numerical order, for the project we would knit in class on Saturday.

Could you chose just one from this fine assortment? Barb, the owner of Shopies, did a fantastic job of assembling bags of beautiful colorways. I was #40 , and a little afraid that I would have to choose from the left overs. I sort of felt like the last kid chosen in grade school from the playground. I was totally happy with the selection though. Like I said, Barb did such a fantastic job that there were no bad combinations.

We also had a yarn swap on Friday night. I got a really good skein of Trendsetter yarn (Mohair)! Thanks to whoever brought it. I think it is destined to become a pair of Mrs. Beetons.

On Saturday morning we were treated to instruction from Anastasia Blaes. Anastasia is the author of Yarn Cocktails. She taught us to knit a modular purse from her collection. Anastasia is a warm, friendly, and humorous woman. She lost her voice before her arrival but she "played thru the pain" and arrived with a cheerful attitude. She did have a little voice assistance from one of the retreat participants, Paula.

(Sorry, I tried twice to upload the video without success)

We knit all day and enjoyed it immensely,(except the occasional frustration of not "getting" the technique)

At dinner we pushed our tables together, much to the disdain of the staff. One of the ladies was at the buffet when someone from the kitchen was refilling the trays. The staff asked if we were the knitters. When the answer was yes, the staff member said, "You all don't eat as much as the quilters". That became the quote of the retreat. I can envision it being repeated year after year. Thus the name of this post.

After dinner we gathered for the last time and shared our "bloopers". Most everyone said they had not kept their bloopers and had ripped them out and reused the wool. There were a few of us willing to share though.

This is a modular knitted and felted hat that we lovingly nicknamed the Marge Simpson Hat. I am glad to see this. I was planning to knit this hat. Notice the word was.

This lovely lady knit a sleeveless top that was a LITTLE misshapen and mismatched. So much so that she didn't even bother to seam it up.

This is a beautiful shawl that turned out just a little too big. Barb helped to make a few adjustments, add a collar, seam up the arms and now we have a shrug.

Meet Debbie, or Debra (depends on location and her mood I'm told). She is the only person that I have ever met who took a class from Elizabeth Zimmerman. Her sweater was beautifully knit from hand spun cotton. The problem was it just didn't fit very well. Such a shame. Blame it on the cotton.

Last years winner, this woman knit a shawl that never grew. She said that she kept on knitting and it never got big enough. It is a knitting phenomenon.

My entry in the contest, a bulky weight sweater. Just like Debbie/ra's sweater it is a perfectly good knit. The problem lies in the fact that big girls should not wear bulky knit sweaters. I not only knit one, I knit a second one too!
And the winner is.......(drum roll)............ The newly named, conjoined twin shrug. Large enough to comfortably fit two people.

I don't have pictures of the stash contest but believe me I feel so much better about my own small stash problem after viewing pictures of some H-U-G-E stashes out there.

One more picture.

The woman in orange blouse is a Master Beader. Her name is Diane and she was wearing one of her pieces. She teaches beading and I may have to take a class, watch for a beading blog coming to you soon. Don't let the beading stores know I'm thinking about this. They would surely overstock beads to sell me.

Long Time No Post

2007-10-21T16:29:00.000-04:00

I know the 2 of you who read this blog have been wondering why I haven't been posting lately. (Well 1 of you know because I talk to you most every day)
Since the last post I have gone to a couple of craft/art fairs. Made a couple of purchases that I don't have pictures of, bought more yarn, started more projects, bought magazines and books that I want to buy more yarn and start more projects from and knit, knit, knit.
Oh yeah and I have sat in the hospital with my youngest, Cory, after he had a seizure, argued with him after he came home about his order not to drive for the next 3 months and grinding my teeth incessantly.
I have also helped move my oldest son out of the house, into his new apartment with his partner, Lindsey. I am very happy for them, they are so happy together, but at the same time I feel the loss. They were my sanity in this crazy household. I know they are just a phone call away but I will miss their company. I wish for them a long lifetime of happiness.
I also get to dog sit every weekend (as long as there are UK football games in town) Tyler comes home and brings Tyson, then he goes out to tailgate, go to friends, and generally socializing.
I have a new cell phone with a camera that I hope will take pictures suitable for blogging.

Oh yeah and I am still talking about making that craft room/den/hideaway in Tyler's old room. I have already commandeered Jason chest of drawers for my yarn stash.

I will probably be talking about that hideaway for a long time without action.

Just Another Sunday

2007-09-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Tyson, the puppy Boxer/Lab, and Zedd, the Shih Tzu, came for a visit. Actually Tyson has been with us all week. Tyler had his appendix out on Monday and he along with Tyson have been here since Tuesday. We have enjoyed having both here. I do think Maggie and Max may disagree though. I am glad that everyone is getting to know each other while Tyson is a puppy, it won't be long at all before he towers over the other dogs.

(Click on the arrow to play the video)

After everyone left I got to play with my yarn. As I posted yesterday I have fallen in love with the Dream In Color yarn. I wanted to experiment with Kool-Aid dying and I had a blast. I ended up with 7 colors.

I made 7 small hanks of yarn and soaked them in plain water until they were well saturated. I then dipped them into the Kool-Aid bath. I used 2-3 envelopes of unsweetened Kool-Aid per jar.

The jars then went into the microwave for 2 minutes. I left out a portion of the yarn for the first 2 minutes then dunked the whole thing in for 2 more minutes.

After they "cooked" the color moved out of the bath and into the yarn.
You can see the best example in the center jar. The surrounding water is pretty clear.

Aren't they lovely. I had already removed the red to dry. They look like easter egg dyes to me.

I used lemonaid, pink lemonaid, grape, lemon-lime, orange, cherry and blue raspberry. I need to come up with one more color and I could knit the Dream In Color Tulip Sweater in my own colorway.

Thanks Roger for taking some of the pictures.

I Have To Go!

2007-09-29T17:56:00.001-04:00

I finally got it!!!!! The Dream In Color Tulip Kit,

I ordered it from Lettuce Knit in Toronto. I placed the order in July, I had to think about it for a couple of months after seeing it first on the Yarn Harlot's blog. I loved it the first time I saw it. I saw it a second, third, fourth, etc. on Ravelry. It was knit in the original Knit in Color yarn that is so lovely, and on Ravelry others had knit the pattern in other yarn. While they are nice, they are not as pretty as the Knit in Color yarn. I had to order the kit. I can hardly wait to cast on, thus the post title.

I ordered this kit in July. The store called last week to inform me that the card I had used to pre-order was expired. They had a good laugh that I had been on the list for so long that I had received a new card. It was definitely worth the wait. It was mailed last week and took 10 days to arrive. I wore a path in the grass to the mailbox looking for it.

Attention all gift recipients! This sweater is going in my grandchild hope chest. I love you all but this yarn is destined to be a "hairyloom" aka heirloom sweater.

On a side note: the pattern included in the kit has sizes up to age 6. I think I will try to dye my own yarn to make a kid sized one. I'll keep you informed(if all goes well) and will keep you entertained(if all fails)

I'm off to Knit!!

PS: the stained glass in the background is my creation too.

Super Smart Overachiever!

2007-09-22T07:01:00.000-04:00

I just had to post pictures of Lindsey's latest projects. Either she is a super smart, overachieving, awesome new knitter, or I am a super smart, overachieving, awesome new knitter teacher. (I am pretty sure it's her)

She has been knitting for just under a month. She made her first hats and dove right in to socks. I really wanted her to learn the double point method, and the magic loop method too. So, she made one each way.

Her very next project, 5th of the month, 3 hats, socks, and now this, A Mini Cardigan. It is from the same pattern as mine and looks lovely on:

It is totally this not so awesome, or smart, knitting teachers fault that the sweater was knit too small for even tiny Lindsey. She did a fantastic job on this project. She amazes me that she is not afraid to tackle new patterns, and to make it her own design. If there is a "mistake" she just turns it into a "design feature" and continues on. I am so very proud of her. She has gifted this sweater to the teeny tiny teenage daughter(say that 3 times fast), of her friend.

A Busy Week

2007-09-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

I have been knitting like crazy this week. My husband would like a meal, company, cleaner home, etc. but I want to knit. I know I am addicted but heaven help me I can't help myself.

I have cast on and completed a Mini-Cardigan for myself.

I love, love, love the colorway, pink and green. Technically it is Raspberry and Lemon-Grass, from Lion Brand Yarn, Wool Ease Thick and Quick. I found the buttons that in my opinion complete the sweater. I am very fond of the whimsical look.

I would love to knit this in Turquoise and Purple but I am having a hard time finding super-bulky yarn in that color. I think I don't actually need another bulky sweater anyway and will knit one in worsted weight in those colors. I already have the pattern picked out. I will post it when and if I knit it.

Tyler is the proud new owner of a puppy. He got boxer-lab mix from the Humane Society. His name is Tyson, named for the boxer but also in tribute to Tyler's past team-mate and current world champion sprinter, Tyson Gay. We all think the puppy is a "cutie" and will grow to be mighty handsome. He is full of puppy energy. Maggie & Max don't quite know what to make of him. It is extremely funny to watch them scurry away with their tails tucked, from a 11 week old. I got to puppy sit last night and had a grand time with it. Mother and Dad stopped by this morning. I think Dad likes Tyson too.

It's All In The Family

2007-09-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

This is Lindsey's first knitting project. The 2 hour hat!!!

Awesome first project MOJO.

This is also my first attempt at teaching knitting, although her grandmother was the first to teach her, I think I can count it too.

Since the first project she has knit a watchman hat, a second 2 hour hat and she is currently working on her FIRST sock.

I think I have her hooked.

We went to visit family last Sunday. I know this is a little late in posting but I have been lazy, I mean busy.

Jason, Lindsey and I went to Somerset on Sunday. They went to the farm to see my in-laws while I stayed "in town" for a visit with my parents.

Late in the day we went to the Crack House as Dylan calls it, (Cracker Barrel for the rest of us)

Can you see a family resemblence?

Dylan

Jason

My Mother

My Father

My Personal "World" Record

2007-08-31T16:26:00.000-04:00

I finished my Clapotis yesterday. I cast this on August 6. ( yes, this year)

I can't believe it myself, I knit this thing in a little over 3 weeks. The only thing I have ever knit that fast was either for a class(with a deadline looming I can knit pretty fast) or a small project, like a hat.

I adore the colorway, pink and green, yeah!

I have been calling this my movie shawl. I can envision myself wrapped in this, sitting in an air conditioned movie theater. I need a date, Roger, (cough, cough)! I know we already bought Wild Hogs (inside joke) but I am pretty certain that you could enjoy another movie too.

You know the most bazaar thing about my knitting? I am hardly ever cold, I mean it. If everyone else in the room has icicles hanging from them I can break a sweat. ARGH, menopause! Well at least I can envision myself wrapped in my knitted goodness, I hope sweat doesn't felt wool.

My "Grand Dog" Knits

2007-08-29T08:46:00.000-04:00

I have been teaching Lindsey to knit (again). Her grandmother taught her when she was younger but she liked crochet better. That's how I started too. My grandmother taught me to crochet and that's what I did for years. Lindsey has been exposed to my knitting and I may have pressured her a bit. She knit her first hat last week, a 2 hour hat in bulky weight yarn on size 15 needles. Now she is knitting a watch cap in worsted weight on size 8 needles. She will be really good at ribbing when this is finished.

This is Zedd, Lindsey's dog. He may very well be related to Maggie and Max, likes to knit with his "mommy".

The hat is looking good too!

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

2007-08-26T10:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, actually last night, I attended the Picnic with the Pops. The evenings program featured Beatle Mania.

I began the day running errands Here, There and Everywhere.
There were clothes on sale, waiting for me to purchase them. I had to get my perscriptions refilled, and pick up a fruit platter for our picnic.

I met my friends at 6pm and carpooled to the KY Horse Park for the Picnic.

(Front row:Marty, Karen, Back Row: Sharyn, Mary Lloyd, and Me)

We arrived at the Horse Park and took the Long and Winding Road to the event grounds.

(look for the road in the background)

I look forward to the World Horse Games here in Lexington, 2010. The Horse Park is a beautiful setting and the World should see it. We passed sprawling pastures and jumping venues,stables and museums. All well manicured and waiting to be used.

With a Little Help From My Friends, we made our way through the mass of cars and found a place to set up.

The sky had looked a bit menacing on our drive to the park. You know how those pop up storms can occur in the heat of August. We were afraid that we would have to beat a retreat but no, Here Comes the Sun.

It was HOT! but we survived. The sun set and the stars peaked out from the clouds.

There was Something special about setting under the stars and moon listening to the Beatles, enjoying the company of friends, and good food.

We danced and sang, or rather we did the Twist and Shout.

The most poignant moment of the night for me was when the Chimes were struck 49 times for the passangers of Flight 5191. I reflected on the loss of all, especially Cecile.

In the end we just had to Get Back, to the car, to our homes, to our everyday life.

I hope and pray the I can enjoy my friends, the outdoors, the music

When I'm 64.

She Ate My Glasses!

2007-08-25T08:11:00.000-04:00

My FAVORITE glasses are history, thanks to Maggie. I take partial blame for their demise, I left them out unattended.

She was able to remove one lens and chew the ear pieces to bits. If x-rayed no doubt you would be able to see tiny crystals in her intestines.(yuck)
I am thinking she wants to be like me, yeah that's it. She likes to watch me knit, so she grabbed my glasses, and my knitting, ready to have a go at it. Lucky for me my husband saw them, the pugs, with my Clapotis and he saved it from paws and jaws.

On a brighter note I used my gift certificate that Jason and Lindesy gave me for my birthday. I saved it to purchase something very special. I have been coveting Prism Wild Stuff for some time but it is way to expensive for my budget, over $100.00 per skein. I was at the Stitch Niche yesterday and spotted this, much like wild stuff only less than 1/2 the price:

I paid more for this yarn than any previous purchase but it is a gift. I used my entire certificate ,exactly, and paid the tax out of pocket. I brought it home and spread out the hank:

I can hardly wait to cast on. I must find the perfect pattern for this and I spent a great deal of time searching Ravelry last night. I might knit it in a crossover scarf or a twisted scarf. I don't know, any suggestions?

Tonight I have been invited to attend Picnic With the Pops, at the KY Horse Park. I have never attended but have wanted to always. I will report on it tomorrow. We need rain desperately, just not tonight.

It's All About the Art

2007-08-19T08:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to the Woodland Arts Fair. I try to attend every year. Most years the weather is so hot that it's almost intolerable, last year it rained. This year the weather was perfect.

I usually don't buy much but I do get inspiration. That usually means that I will spend more trying to "recreate" what I saw than if I had just bought the object. One year I saw a stained glass piece that was gorgeous, but very expensive.

This is the artist that inspired me to take a stained glass class. I spent a good amount of money on the class and the supplies to create my own pieces. That lesson learned, this year I bought these:

To go with my Clapotis. I love fused glass but I will not play with fire. I can't afford another craft. I bought them here:

If, and I am just saying if, I were to try to recreate anything from this years show it would be this:

I won't even try. That is my husband's forte, woodworking. I do like this, though I like having all my fingers attached to my hand even better.

Your Healthcare Providers!

2007-08-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

Friends and co-workers of Becky, my "old friend" for whom I knit the Fetching warmers, gathered at the local Pub for a send off last night.

This is Becky opening her gift.

It's always fun to gather round, unwind and laugh. We work in a stressful environment, relaxing together every once in a while is a much needed activity. Only those of us who are brave enough to tackle our daily obstacles truly understand.

Much food, beverage and laughter was had by all!

Half of our four table group.

The other half.

A Record!

2007-08-17T18:06:00.001-04:00

I finished two projects this week, one day apart, that has to be some sort of record. It is for me!!!!! I actually finished the Odessa hat on Wednesday night but I have been busy and just got around to photographing it today.

Our 27th wedding aniversery was yesterday. We went out to dinner and celebrated. It was hot and stormy last night. We recalled that it was hot on the day of our wedding too. We were married outdoors and during the ceremony Roger looked at me and said, "you have a bead of sweat about to drop off your hair". How romantic was that? I'll bet none of you have a more romantic wedding rememberance.

August 16, 1980

Oh Oh Something New for an Old Friend

2007-08-14T20:09:00.001-04:00

I have started and completed a project in very little time. That's unusual for me, I usually start a project, then start another project, and another. I've told you about this cast on addiction that I have.

I am loosing a much loved co-worker next week. She is leaving for "greener pastures" and I will miss her very much. She and I have opposite temperature likes. She freezes and I cook. It is not at all unusual for her to be blanketed or otherwise seeking warmth. We work in surgery and she is an anesthesia provider, (CRNA). I think that she will be able to wear these, she will have to use the "rubber" gloves while she is inducing and reversing the patients but during the case while she is monitering and charting she can use these to keep warm.

I know that this yarn coordinated perfectly with the Clapotis and I think I will have enough left over to knit a pair of Mrs. Beetons for my own use. I bought this yarn 2 years ago and knit a pair of mittens. One thumb was way short and I did not see myself ever wearing them so I RIP,ed them and have kept the yarn stashed until now.

The pattern is Fetching from Knitty.com, click here to get the pattern: http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html

To see the Mrs. Beetons click here:http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTmrsbeeton.html

She's special enough for it.

She will be missed DAILY.

Continuing With My Habit

2007-08-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

I admitted it, I love to cast on. Those in the know say that admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery. I don't really want to recover from this habit. I have been wanting to cast on Clapotis http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html for some time. I know that it is the must knit item and that everyone is knitting it, however I want one too. A search on Ravelry lead me to knit it in Patons SWS Natural Pink. I admit that I have an affinity for pink/green colorways and this yarn is perfect for this project
I cast on August 6 and currently have finished about 1/3 of the project.

The Odessa hat is on hold, I ran out of yarn and had to purchase more. I started the Clapotis and the rest as they say is history.

It will get finished, I promise, I think all of the works in progress are about to band together and revolt. I have to start paying attention to them.

Complete Surprise

2007-08-05T22:23:00.000-04:00

The Baby Surprise Jacket is complete. I actually finished knitting the body over a week ago but I delayed seaming the sleeves and finishing until this afternoon. I added an applied i-cord around the neck and sewed on the buttons. All I need now is a baby to wear it. It will be a complete surprise when I find out who will wear it.

Bad Habits

2007-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

We all have bad habits to deal with, don't we? I am sure I have many, some of which I may not even be aware of. The one I am speaking of is the overwhelming desire to cast on. I have way too many projects on the needles already but I just had to go to the yarn store and purchase more yarn and could not resist the urge to cast on immediately.

I had admired the Odessa pattern that I found on Ravelry. It appears that I am not alone in this admiration, there are nearly 200 people who have posted this project on the site. I purchased some Debbie Bliss Rialto in dark blue and pearl beads for the project.

My first cast on went as planned, then I took the project in the car on Saturday. Roger asked me to ride along, he needed to go to Danville and I thought it would be a good opportunity to knit. I made a mistake somewhere, couldn't even see the pattern developing as it was supposed to. I RIPped it (rest in peace).

The pattern calls for 1 inch ribbing on size 4 needles, switching to size 6 for the remainder. I thought I would try size 6 for the ribbing and size 8 for the body of the hat. I cast on again. All went well and was looking good. I took the project with me to Woodsongs Old Time Radio Show on Monday night. I knit in a dimly lit theater and made another mistake. I could have corrected it and knit on but I decided that I should have used the smaller needles so I RIPped it again.

The last cast on went well again and I took the project to work with me. I do like to knit if I am in a long case. I knit during a case that I had to turn the lights down. Again I made a mistake but I only had to frog it for a couple of rows. It is going great and I love how it is progressing.

Good thing I love to cast on. Three time on one project!!!

PS: for anyone who wants to knit this pattern here is a link;
http://www.magknits.com/feb06/patterns/odessa.htm

It's a surprise!!!

2007-07-23T16:31:00.000-04:00

I am knitting my first Baby Surprise Jacket, designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I purchased the pattern at my LYS and the yarn at a store in Louisville. I love this yarn. It is Seacoast Yarn in Baby Rainbow. It is actually sock yarn and it is knitting up wonderfully. I think I like the colorway better in the hank .

I am having fun knitting this up and can hardly wait to get it off the needles. I think I may take it to work and have people try to fold it to make the jacket before sewing the seams myself.

It will also be a surprise when I present it to as yet unknown baby. You see my "grandmother" clock is ticking. I don't yet have any daughter-in-laws, so naturally I don't have any grandchildren (I'm old fashioned)

I do however have the dream of having them someday and am preparing appropriately.

An update, finally

2007-07-22T18:50:00.000-04:00

I finished the bag and as promised here is the photo. I felted it in the machine with a towel to add aggitation. I really should have put the bag in a pillowcase, there is much towel fluff imbedded into the bag. I used a magnetic closure and I think it brings out the blue in the bag.
I am a member of Ravelry, the new knitting community. I have neglected this blog and posted my projects, stash, queue, groups, friends, etc. on there. If you are luck enough to be a member already find me as artsluvr. If you are not a member yet look them up and get on the list to join. I don't think anyone will be disappointed.
I am also on flickr with tons of knitting pictures. It too is under fiberartsluvr. I am trying to keep it simple.
Let me hear from you.
Kim

Progress

2007-05-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

As promised I have pictures of the progress on the Noro Enterlac Bag. I started it one week ago in class and have made amazing progress (if I must say so myself). I am on row 6 of 10 and I anticipate that last rows knitting up faster than the first ones. I will decrease twice more on rows 7 and 9, therefore the stitch count will be smaller and faster. The instructions say to "knit back" which translates to knitting backward. I don't really care for the technique so I turn and purl each time. I think I would like the knit back better if I were not using my knit pick option needles. I tend to push on the join while knitting back and I am afraid that I might break the join and ruin the needle, the work, and my sanity.

I am using Noro #159 for this project. I liked the jewel tones when I purchased the lot. I am not as taken with it as I work. I think that a more vibrant colorway would have been more to my liking but I will wait for it to "grow" on me. I have too much invested to lay it aside.

I did let it sit on my pool float and admire my dragon wing begonia.

In addition to knitting this past week, I emptied, pressure washed and filled the pool. I took advantage of the warm weather for the past two days and trained for the future olympic event, POOL FLOATING. I am pretty sure that I will make the USA team, I have been in training for years.

Firsts

2007-05-21T15:33:00.000-04:00

Firsts

Welcome to my FIRST blog entry. I have read blogs for some time now, particularly knitting blogs, and finally jumped into the fray.

I am FIRST and foremost a mother to three grown sons and one husband.

Jason, the eldest son is currently 25, a college graduate and gainfully employed. Tyler is 22, currently in college and farming with his grandfather. Cory is 20 and thoughtfully deciding what to do with his life.

I also am the surrogate mother to two pugs, Maggie and Max. They are litter mates and just turned two in March.

I FIRST tried knitting as a little girl. I don't remember who taught me, I think it was a selftaught thing from written material. I remember knowing how to do the garter stitch, I didn't know what that was at the time but I do remember I could knit one long rectangular thing.

I decided about 3 years ago to try again. Knitting is in vogue afterall and I just knew I could do it. I bought a teach yourself to knit kit and a skein of acrylic yarn at the local discount store. I brought it home and entertained my children for a few hours. They had a good laugh watching me wrestle with that yarn and those two evil knitting needles. I think I twisted the things around everywhich way except the correct way, ended the experiment and put the whole thing away. I did retrieve the needles a few time to turn some sewing inside-out.

I was on the mailing list of a wonderful local yarn store, The Stitch Niche and they offer knitting classes!

The Stitch Niche sells cross stitch, needle point and fiberarts supplies. I had purchased needlepoint and cross stitch supplies from them but never thought about knitting until two years ago. I called and signed up for the beginning knitting class. It was absolutely one of the best decisions I have ever made. Knitting fit me like a glove (hat, sweater, scarf, sock, you're getting the picture here). The ladies who teach there are wonderful and have become friends, or at least they tollerate me since I frequent their shop so much.

The beginning class lasted six glorious weeks. I so looked forward to Monday nights when I would congregate with other new knitters to learn the next technique. I knit, knit, knit everything I could manage with my limited skills in those first weeks. As soon as the class ended I was ready to begin my FIRST project. I chose a shawl from Paton's in a cable design. It has now been on the needles for two years. I pick it up between other projects and lovingly refer to it at the shawl that never ends.

I will post on the never ending shawl as it progresses.

I continue to enroll in classes at the Stitch Niche. My second class was a sock class taught by Judy. I have since knit several pair of socks, who hasen't. I even met the sock goddess herself, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in April of this year. That's another story.

Immediately after the sock class I enrolled in a fair-isle Christmas stocking class. I fell in love for the FIRST time with fair isle during that class.

My next class was a Weekend Neck Down Sweater. I have since knit two other weekend neck down sweaters, one for me and one for a friend.

Next on the list was a Beaded Shawlette class. I LOVE LOVE knitting with beads. I made the first shawlette for my Mother-in-Law, my second for my Mother, my third for my Sister-in-Law and my fourth is on the needles for me.

Earlier this month I took a class on knitting socks with the Magic Loop method. I knit them to match my Weekend Neck Down sweater. I will be so coordinated.

Tonight I start yet another class. I will be knitting a felted entralac purse.

See Picture of the Noro yarn. I will post pictures as this project progresses.

I'm off to class. See ya later.