Sticks n Strings

Ramen Noodles or Yarn?

Being a big month of birthdays, holidays and general summer fun, our budget is a big issue right now.  Not to mention every neighbor child (age 2 to 15 years) in a 2 mile radius eats here for lunch and an afternoon snack.  I never knew that toddlers could eat so much!   They put Soccerchica and her friends to shame.  Back to the subject, I am recycling wool for a new project.  Here is the beginning of the deconstruction phase:

This sweater was from Old Navy and made of 100% Lambswool.   I never wore it after Littleman was born, as an XL was too big.  So it sat and sat and sat in my closet until I began tinkering with ripping it out and making something new.  Taking apart the neck was a bit of a trick, but over all this is quite easy.  There was so much pulling, that I now have a very nice bicep on my right arm.  The picture doesn't show it very well, but the yarn looked like Ramen noodles after it was pulled out.  I do not have a swift, so I rolled the yarn into large balls. 

Since I owned this sweater and knew how clean it was (it was clean), I didn't think a bath was necessary.  The guage swatch turned out awful.  Lots of bumps and uneven spacing due to the Ramen effect.  Now I had to wash it, but first get it into hanks that I could handle.  So I made my own yardage guage.  Now be careful . . . the high techiness (is that a word) of this gadget will astound some.   The very chance that I had all the components to assemble such a complicated piece of machinery will be mind boggling.

Yes. . . it is a piece of wood and two nails!  Get this, the nails are exactly one yard apart.  To achieve this I used another very high-tech tool called a measuring tape, but that's for another post. 

Ta-da.  So, the winding began.  Each hank is approximately 144 yards.  Sitting in the shade and winding was very relaxing.  There are seven hanks measured and I should get two more out of that last ball in the picture.  Then its off for a bath in some Knit Wash.  Hopefully this will relax the Ramen effect and I will be able to move forward with a guage square and project.

   

Going on a Honeymoon

Yes . . .

I never really had a honeymoon.   Now, don't feel bad, because everyday is a honeymoon for us.   

Icky! 

Bleck! 

Vomit!

Did I really just type that?  Too much sugar.  I don't envy the people that say this.  Remember the honeymoon?  Wanting to impress your new mate?  Suck in the tummy, every hair in place, waking up gorgeous (all eye-gunk/make-up gone and teeth brushed), plus all the exercise. . . Whew, I'm glad those days are over.  It's a lot of work to look beautiful all the time.  Four years and a baby later, my tummy is a little softer, my hair never in place, I can't even wipe the eye-gunk out until after my cup of coffee, and who needs exercise (wait, I do think I need that).  Even with all this and the occasional tiff with DH, we still like love one another, lumps, bumps and eye-gunk.  Every relationship has obstacles in the road, it's how we get over them that really matter.    Me, I choose to knit a Honeymoon Cami!

Too Hot To Knit

It's so hot . . . you know what I mean, the too sticky to breath kinda hot? 

Well it's been that way all weekend.  Yep, that means soccer - but it was the last event of the season (smiles all around)!  On Saturday we sat at Soccerchica's tournament, from 8 am (already 76 degrees) to 4 pm in blazing 100 degree heat with little shade.  Obviously, trees are not conducive to soccer fields.  That would mean shade and comfort for all the spectators and parents who have shelled out goodness knows how much to allow the children to play.  Riiight.  Having looked forward to the tournament all week as a chance to knit in between games, I was very disappointed that it was *gasp* too hot to knit what I brought with me.  I could have brought the cotton project, or the  baby project in cashmere or anything but wool and angora.  Sweat and these fibers don't work well together.  Here is the progress I did make:

I am really enjoying this pattern, but have taken the liberty to vary from the pattern slightly.  This is code for I screwed up and am too far along to fix it or care.  It looks nice and I am going to accept it as is.  It is not a gift, so I can do that if I want.    That is one of the joy's of knitting.   

The yellow yarn is my life line. Can't stress enough how this is a necessity in my knitting right now.    I am not brave enough to continue with out it.  Kind of like the child who goes on their first sleep-over and needs to take a blankie with them.  Even though they sleep at home with it quietly under the pillow, a new place warrants old stand-bys.

P.S. - I have decided that this is the summer of the linen or cotton skirt.  Very nice too be seen in, but also the breeze keeps you cool in all places, if you know what I mean. 

Knitting in Public

Today I knit at Soccerchica's soccer game (yep, they won 2-0).  DH and Boo-Boo went golfing with my 70 year old mother in law (MIL).  I chuckle at what that must have looked like to the innocent bystander; DH, a 4 year old little boy with more energy than a can of Red Bull, and MIL who weighs maybe 95 lbs dripping wet, all golfing together.  But the amazing thing, MIL walked all nine holes!  She is awesome.  DH thinks it's because while driving the cart to pick up clubs, he hit a picnic table, making MIL a wee bit nervous.  Um, I dunno . . . My opinion is because she walks every day and takes good care of herself so she can continue to do fun things everyday.   

Now on to some knitting pics.  This is the Lacy Shawl I made for my mom.  Another project I started for me, but ended up giving as a gift. 

I used Caron's Super-soft in Country Blue and some silver beads.  Acrylic yarn is not my favorite, but the original idea was for a simple wrap to wear on the boat when it gets cool.  Needed something that would wash up easily as things tend to get wet on the boat.  So, acrylic it was.  The pattern is a very simple yarn over, knit two together.  I guessed at how many to cast on - just went with what felt right.  The trim if from Knitting on The Edge.  Don't you think they give it a nice touch?

I couldn't believe how easy knitting the edge was.  First, the whole thing is knit, then the part with beads/fringe is unraveled.  It went quickly.  Please note that in the picture the right side is seems to droop, but in reality, its because I didn't get the fold right.

I liked the blocking of this piece.  The body of the shawl extends from one end of the bed to the other!   Wow that's a lot of pins.

After referring to Internet for several tips, I got the edges straight on the trim.  The idea of sewing in a line was genius.  I was *gasp* too lazy to do the sewing on the body of the shawl so I "winged" it. 

Made great progress on Honeymoon Cami.  One side finished and working toward completion by end of the week.   I am making changes to the bust area.  This piece is not called the Honeymoon for nothing.  Ahhhhh . . . the joy's of honeymooning . . . . Though my DH would enjoy the Cami as is, I don't think everyone else want to see what he sees.  Let's just say a less than flattering look.  The pattern is not flawed, my body is just a little flawed in some places.  Once finished, this piece should be comfortable to wear in warm weather, plus white will go with anything.

Summer Shawlette is coming along nicely since I threw myself a life line, saving me at least once so far.  Now that I am in a rhythm, the knitting is going much quicker.  With each row I grow more fond of this project.  Nervous about blocking, but I have referred to the Internet on several occasions and will give it a whirl.  I promise pictures next time.

Don't The Loops Go On The Needles?

Suffice to say there was a better post planned than this.  But pictures are worth a thousand words (even though I had a super post composed and forgot to hit the save button - rookie).

Beginning - when life was tough, but progress was seen.

This is the Summer Lace Shawlette pattern from Interweave Knits Summer 2006 Issue.  A very cute little shawl that will be great for evening boat cruises.    I am using a yarn that is wool and mohair, so its should be very soft.  The color isn't photographing well, it's not a blue but more of a purple (lobelia like).  The pattern is in the staff projects.  Should have known that a "staff project" means you need to have some knowledge of lace and knitting to complete said project.  But even on a more basic level, one should know how to read.  Apparently, I am unable to do the later.  As the next picture shows, I found this times two, while taking pictures for today's post.

Disaster strikes . . .   

Note to self - get a manicure - now!

Well, as I was positioning the work for just the right shot (makes me sound like I know what I am doing - laughs), I found this.  Now, I may be new to knitting . . . OK, I am not that new. . . but don't the loops go on the needles?  Then later, I found another stitch I had dropped.  I tried to fix my error.  The plan was to rip out a few rows and re-knit.  This turned into ripping a few more rows, which turned into a few more rows, which turned into a few more rows which turned into . . .

THIS! (Her labored breathing could be heard across the lake)

Now I think the picture tells it all - I won't be wearing this shawlette any time soon.  I am off for a glass(es) of wine to help soften the blow.  Tomorrow I will begin again with a life line placed every few rows!  Duh.

Grandma's Gifts

While helping my mother clean out her storage space, we came across some knitting needles and a set of crochet hooks.  These belonged to my paternal grandmother, who is in her 90's.  Her struggle with Alzheimer's is almost through, so she obviously no longer knits or crochets.  Here is what I am the proud owner of:

As a child, I would visit her farm and watch her crochet in the evenings after all the chores were done.  She would patiently take me on her lap and help me "crochet."  Well, to be honest, it looked like a big string of knots and barffed up yarn.  Yet, she kept encouraging me, telling me my work was beautiful.  She saved my creation.  That piece of "art" was on display every time we came to visit (believe me, it was ugly!).  After a few years, it quietly went away.  But the memory of that time she and I spent together is on display in my heart every day.  I couldn't tell you what we made.  I can tell you how soft her lap was . . . how safe I felt with her arms around me . . . the aroma of her perfume . . . the comfortable homey feeling she gave . . . these are very vivid.  How lucky my Pooh-Bear (father) was to grow up in her home.  I love my Gram.

Isn't it funny how some sticks and string, when worked together with someone can make such lasting memories.  Sometimes, I think it's not about what we make, but about who we go through the creative process with.  That special someone at that special time to make the whole world melt away; creating a piece of work or memory that can last a life time.  It blows my mind to think of all the relationships that have emerged or grown stronger through knitting (insert your craft or art of choice here). 

I keep trying to teach soccerchica how to knit, bead or do something crafty.  I guess it's my way of trying to make a difference or memory for her to hold dear - a memory as dear as mine.  Only time will tell. 

Ohhhh So Good . . .

Do you ever feel glad that Monday has returned?  Or that the weekend is finally over (huge sigh)?  Well, that's how I am feeling today.  After the third weekend in a row of entertaining 15 plus people for swimming and meals in our small home, soccer games all over the state, cleaning up after everyone and a triathlon for DH, I am exhausted.  It seemed every free moment of my time was busy . . . almost no knitting happened.  Coupled with the fact that I have been pre-occupied, better make that obsessed, with finding a new project, I felt that I was going to start knitting something - anything just to get a knitting fix. 

Well, DH saw how stressed I was getting and enabled me with some cash to feed my yarn addiction.   Giddily I trotted off to an hour or so of heaven.   Here is what I got at the LYS:

The blue (which in real life is more of a purple-blue) is Karen M's Luxury Double Knit.  It is a 50% NZ Wool and 50% NZ Mohair.  Very soft and I am anxious to use it for a summer shawl pattern I found at Interweave.  It's one of the staff projects and I am ready to try a provisional cast-on. 

I also picked up the back issue of Interweave Knits.  It has a great article on grafting. I am horrible and need all the help I can get.  The toes of my socks look like . . . I don't know but it's not grafting.

The White is Sidar's Rio Cotton Rich Dk.  This will make a lovely Honeymoon Cami from Knitty.com.  I cast this on to US#6 circs on Friday.  I finally found a pattern for myself!  Everything I knit seems to end up on someone else's body.  I have great intentions. . .cute scarf, shawl, etc. for me and then . . . Wham! it's an elusive birthday, anniversary or thank you gift that has to be given.  So, off my project goes to the unintended home and I am left with nothing.  What is the official name for this syndrome?  I am infected!  Well, we'll see.  If all else fails and it doesn't look good on me, then I will give it to someone who it does look good on.  So far I am loving the way it is working up. The pattern is clear and the yarn knits up light and comfortable.  The only thing that is tricky is the left decrease is different that what I would normally use.  She asks that we knit the first stitch, pass back to left needle, slip next stitch over first, then slip (without twisting) the stitch to the right needle.  It's just a little awkward for me.  The effect is quite nice.  Very excited to wear this.  I have a great peasant skirt that will look super with it.  Just right for drinks on the deck of our local restaurant. 

Here is a peek at the Honeymoon Cami.  I guess I didn't hide the yarn behind my work well enough.   But I think you can get over that right?  It was such a beautiful morning, I had to take it outside to get a picture.  Plus this plant was so pretty.

Well, now that life has returned to my normal - DH back to work, Soccerchica at school, Boo-boo and I can get back to our scheduled day . . . Tennis lessons and nap for Boo-boo and knitting for me.    

Ohhh so good . . .

Root Canal vs Frogging

I think I found the link . . . 

This morning brought a trip to the dentist for me. The anxiety and stress this causes is unimaginable. The picking. . .the flossing. . .the horrible suction thingy that could take skin off the inside of your mouth - all to have strong teeth. I guess mine are not that healthy. I have a cavity and need a crown replaced with possible root canal.  Oh the joy of this news made me crave my knitting needles for some escape.

While at the library with my son, I did work a little on the Jeni scarf.  I love the color of the wool yarn, coupled with the fact that I can get it at the local craft store.  (I have a bad habit of needing more yarn after the LYS operating hours are over).  The variety of pinks and reds are knitting nicely.  It's a very basic design on the body, but will have some fun trim inspired by that great lady, Nicky Epstein.  I have checked out her books Knitting Over The Edge and Knitting on the Edge.  These are a great source of inspiration.  Will give more information as design unfolds.  This was the high light of my knitting today.

Behold the Hedra Sock - I have ripped out these socks at least 4 times! 

How can one person frog something so many times.  At one point I thought frogging was more painful than the damn root canal!   The discovery . . . the counting back rows . . . the re-knitting  all for a beautiful sock.  But finally, I sewed up the toe and blocked them.  While I was taking the picture, Grandma Kitty decided that she wanted to be in the picture too!  How could I say no to Grandma Kitty?   These were knitted on US#1 dpns with Fortissima Cotton.  This color matches a Ralph Lauren cable sweater I already own.  Awwww how cute is that.  There is some nylon in them, but not enough to prevent the dreaded stretching.  While the pattern was easy, I seemed to have great difficulty with counting to ten.  Thus the repeated root canals  frogging continued.   But they look great on and I am very excited to wear them.  Comfort level is very high.  Lace on the top of my foot is a new experience - I like it!  The weather has been in the 90's the past few days, so I think I'll wait for a cool evening to try them out. 

Well, DH just got home, time for a cocktail and dinner.  Though I am not sure how I will have a drink with numb lips or knit anymore tonight with sore fingers from a day of frogging.                        

Knit Mania

Wow!  I have a knitting blog! 

I am a Stay at Home Mom with two children and Dedicated Husband.  In my spare time (yea, right) I enjoy running, skiing and knitting.  Not necessarily in that order.  Seasonal constraints do play a part in what I spend most of my time on.  Good food and a cocktail are also up at the top of my list of faves. 

I began to knit and crochet as a child.  It was my little mommas way to keep my busy while visiting my Grandparents on their dairy farm.  Unfortunately, neither stuck with me.  But two years ago I was laid off from a middle management position and found myself yearning for a project, a hobby, anything so I wouldn't go crazy while my son napped.  The television was making my brain turn to mush and I needed something to do . . . but what?  Well, fate had an idea in mind.  Due to allowance cut back by DH restructuring of our household finances, coinciding with a friend's impending baby birth, we found ourselves in need of a gift - quickly and economically.  So I bravely turned to the stash yarn and needles my Grandmother left me.  After many well meaning questions from DH, "Are you sure you know what your doing?" and "Is it supposed to look like that?"  being my two personal favorites, low and behold . . . a baby sweater and a passion were born.  Here is a sample of a small item that I have completed.

Gift Bag 

From Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson.  I used what I thought was vintage stash yarn.  Come to find out it is not and can currently get this in most craft stores.  Oh well, win some, lose some.  Think I'll chalk it up to beginner fiber ignorance.

Sorry about picture quality . . . learning as I go.  It really is a clear picture in my computer.

Watch for more as I update and learn this blogging thing.  Until then keep your sticks and strings close by.