Adventures of A String-Slinger

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2008-03-05T09:19:00.007-06:00

I haven't updated my blog in quite some time and I have no good excuse other than I've been very busy. The realtor called me last Thursday and said that she had gotten all the info into the newspaper for the Sunday Open House. What Open House I ask!? We had agreed to postpone it until the following Sunday...at least that's what I thought we had discussed. I guess not. The contractor was still working on the bathroom, the house was a mess, and I had to work all weekend. The contractor finally finished at 7:oopm on Friday night. I came home from work Saturday and cleaned until 9:30 that night. I really love a clean house, I just hate cleaning it! :o) I went to bed, got up at 3:30am, went to work, left 2 hours early, cleaned another 2 hours, grabbed the dog and went over to our other house and slept. The realtor called and said that 7 couples went through the Open House and we have an interested couple. Problem being...it's a contingent sale. They have to sell their house first. So I guess we are basically at the same point we were at before the Open House. What a freaking pain in the a** this whole selling thing is.

Baby Logan is doing great! Stacey says he is sweet, smiley, and always happy. An all round good baby! I am thinking of going to visit them the beginning of April. I really want to see my Mia Belle and meet my new grandson. Are they cute, or what? A trip to a warmer climate sounds pretty good about now. We are still getting snow here in Minnesota, which is to be expected since it's March...typically the snowiest month of the year. When I walked the greyhound this morning it was beautiful out. Warm (about 28 degrees), calm, and snowing lightly. A perfect morning to walk. I like winter, I like snow, but this year I am looking forward to warmer temps and some sunshine. This winter seemed to be so dark and dreary. I want to hear the birds singing and see some green on the ground instead of white!

I did a bad thing. I started knitting another pair of socks. BUT...I will not have any SSS with these since I am knitting them at the same time. By same time I mean, I knit the cuff on one, then knit the cuff on the second one. They are on separate circular needles. I am using Marguerite's pattern called Old Shale Two Yarn Socks. I am doing mine the opposite of Marguerite's since my cuff is in a solid color and the sock is variegated. The pattern is well written and very enjoyable. I also found another sock pattern while cruising around the internet knitting sites. This is one gorgeous sock, but I definitely won't be starting them until the Old Shale Socks are done! They are called Nutkin and look like a fun knit that is sort of similar in style to the ever popular Monkey Socks. The free pattern is at their site along with the beautiful handmade wooden holders that they sell.

A friend and I went and saw the movie "Vantage Point". I liked it. It is a bit different since you see the same half hour over and over but from different characters points of view. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I like Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox so that made it all the more enjoyable! I am waiting for "10,000 BC" to start this Friday. The special effects look awesome, and after seeing the previews at the theater, the story looks like it is very good also.

Well, I think I will go and relax. My house is spotless so I can watch a movie, or knit, or read without having that nagging guilt I feel when I know I should be cleaning! I have mailed off the prize package to ikkanlala. I hope she enjoys it! Later...

And the Winner Is...

2008-02-23T15:21:00.003-06:00

ikkinlala! Now all I need is for you to check your Yahoo email acct where I sent you a note. Then you can send me your address and I'll mail off your prize. I ended up having 10 names to put in the hat. Not too bad.

I would love to sit and chat for awhile, but I just got home from work and need to get some things done around the house. Have a great weekend.

Contest Ends Tomorrow!

2008-02-21T11:56:00.008-06:00

That's right folks...the contest will end tomorrow, February 22nd, this blogs one year anniversary. So far I only have 9 names to put in the drawing and that disappoints me! I was hoping for a lot more. Like I've said in earlier posts, I'm not sure I will keep blogging since I have such a small amount of readers. It's fun, but it's also time consuming, and I always think there are more important things I could be doing with my time. I have enjoyed blogging this last year, but let's get real...if no one's reading it, what's the incentive to continue?

Stacey and Baby Logan made it home just fine. They are settling in and getting to know him. He is a very good little guy, sweet personality. Stacey said he wakes up with a smile and rarely cries. Mia has been really good with him. She's gentle and kind, but there are times she chooses to ignore him rather than play with him. I guess that's the prerogative of a big sister. I am thinking of flying down to visit them sometime in March. They will be coming to Minnesota for Stacey's 20 year class reunion this June, but I can't wait that long to meet my new grandson and see my little Miss Mia.

I have been lurking around Ravelry but find it to be a bigger time sucker than blogging. Plus, it's pretty much just for reading and looking. Not much interaction unless you use the forums which are very clogged and hard to navigate. Ravelry is fun, I admit it, but it's not what I thought it was going to be. I thought there would be more interaction between members. Oh well, it's probably better that I find it boring or I'd be sitting at the computer even longer than usual! I did find a very pretty sock pattern here. It's on the right sidebar and called "Dream Twister". It's not for the faint of heart, but it sure is beautiful. I think I may cast it on in my coveted Koigu...that yarn deserves an elegant pattern like Dream Twister! I also found this beautiful cardigan pattern I love (pictured above)! Big problem...it's written in Russian! Anyone out there know how to translate into Russian? I didn't think so.

Hubby and I are finally going to see "Jumper" this afternoon. He got called into work last week so we never got to go. We will have a quick dinner after and then home to watch the vote-off on American Idol, and then Lost. A.I. is pretty good this year, I think the men are actually better than the women. It will be interesting to see who makes it and who gets the boot!

I need comments! Lots of comments! I want to draw my blogiversary winner from a bunch of names! I will draw tomorrow afternoon and put the winning name on this blog! Good Luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T11:09:00.002-06:00

The big day of romance. I guess. Although I have to tell ya, Steve is taking me out to dinner and a movie. Of course it's a movie he wants to see..."Jumper". I guess it could be good, the previews look a little exciting, and I do like a good adventure movie. I'll let you know what I think after I've seen it.

Stacey and Baby Logan are home safe and sound! I wish I could have been a mouse in the corner at their house yesterday. I would love to have seen Little Logan's home-coming. I am thinking of taking a week off (I have 4 weeks of vacation to use) and flying down there for a gramma fix. I haven't seen Stacey, Jon, and the kids since last summer. I sure wish they lived closer.

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the contest! I will draw a name on Feb. 22nd so be sure to check back here for the winner.

It's Official!

2008-02-13T10:20:00.007-06:00

He's ours! Talk about a cutie, he's one handsome little guy. He and his new mom, my daughter, are landing right about now in Miami, returning home from Guatemala, Logan's birth place. Stacey had to go alone to pick Logan up since Mia had gotten very sick with a high temp and strep. Jon stayed home in Florida to tend to Mia, and Stacey went to Guatemala to pick up their new son Logan. She said she was having a great time, but missing her family that she left behind. Luckily, she only had to be gone for 4 days. She called me while she was there and said that Logan is a real sweetie and so good. She also said she felt a slight pang of guilt since she was having a good time and enjoying Guatemala. I'm sure she is excited to get home and see her hubby and daughter Mia. Life will be changing for them today...they are officially a family of 4! I'm so happy for them. Welcome Home Little Logan...and Welcome to the Family!

I finally got the go ahead from the insurance appraiser today to start the re-construction in the family room and bathroom. It's been over 2 1/2 weeks since the pipe broke and I was getting a little peeved that it was taking them so long to approve things. But, not to worry, he called today and said the check was mailed on Monday and we should tell our contractor to get going. Yippee! Then we can get the house back on the market and get this baby sold! Where will I move to? Maybe back to my old house, maybe a new townhouse, who knows?? I have to think of this whole situation as an adventure or else I get a bit freaked.

Have I been knitting? Do I have something new and exciting on my needles? Have I actually finished anything? The answer to all those questions is a definite...NO. I have started an adorable dishcloth to give to my mom for Valentine's Day. Yes, she loves hand knit dishcloths. I'll also give her some flowers and candy. She's a sweet ole dame, and since I'm sure my brothers won't even acknowledge her on Valentine's Day...it's up to me! the pattern can be found here. And be sure to check out the cloths this young gal has designed. Awesome. Be sure to scroll down, she has a very cute Santa cloth and a cottage cloth also. So, that is all I've been knitting. I am a knitting slacker. I cannot seem to get going on anything BIG. I guess I am destined to knit socks, cloths, and mittens forever. Maybe I should stay away from this freaking computer for awhile and I'd actually get something done...like housework, laundry, cooking, and knitting! :o) And if reading knitting blogs all day isn't bad enough...that darn Ravelry is sucking my time also.

LET'S HAVE A CONTEST!!
I am coming up on my one year blog anniversary. Wow, doesn't seem that long. I think I will try and generate some comments by having a....CONTEST! Yes, the slacker knitter is having an anniversary contest! Leave a comment between today and my blogs one year anniversary, February 22nd, and I will draw a name on my anniversary and the winner will get some knitterly stuff. That gives you 10 days to leave a comment. Of course you can comment every day, but your name will only go in the hat once...that's only fair. Tell your friends, alert the press, spread the news through blogdom, and be sure to comment!

Gruesome Stuff!

2008-02-05T23:00:00.001-06:00

Tonight hubby and I went out to dinner, and the movie "Untraceable". Sounds like a nice evening, right? The dinner was good, as Famous Dave's always is. The movie...S-C-A-R-Y! Scary and very gruesome. I don't like scary movies, and I really don't like gruesome movies. This was both. Diane Lane does an awesome job as Jennifer Marsh, an FBI agent. But I have to admit...I'd much rather see her remodeling houses in Tuscany! Untraceable is not for the faint of heart. I had to close my eyes a few times, and there was a couple scenes where everyone in the theater seemed to squirm a bit. All in all it was a good movie. Suspenceful, but like I said...a little too much gore for this lady.

I have been busy with my swift and ballwinder getting all those hanks of Auracania ready to become a top-down cardigan with a few cables thrown in for interest. I have decided to make it the way I want since every pattern I find is either the wrong gauge, or too small. Since when is a finished bust measurement of 42 considered XL? Ha! That sure wound't fit around my ladies! Yup, I'll knit a top down and then I can try it on and decide just how I want the fit. I also like top down sweaters because they are knit without seams. Sometimes it seems a bit daunting to have all those stitches to work every round, but hey, you'll be Working them whether you knit it in one piece or 5. Hopefully this sweater will be more successful than the purple cardigan was. But let's not even go there.

We have a bid ready on the repair for the flooded family room. I will fax it to the insurance appraiser tomorrow and keep my fingers crossed that it is okay. I would really like to get the downstairs back in working order and the house back on the market. What a freaking hassle...

Only 5 more days until baby Logan is in the arms of his new parents, and I am officially a Gramma for the second time. Stacey and Jon (Mia too!) are getting ready to leave on Sunday. Lots of preparing, packing, and excitement. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for the 4 days they are in Guatemala and you can follow their adventure at their blog.

I am off to bed. Since tomorrow is Wednesday...I am off work. I love Wednesdays and Thursdays...my weekend! I am tired, probably from being so tense during that dang movie. I will post tomorrow or Thursday and hopefully I will have made some progress on the cardigan. Good night!

Good News :o) Bad News :o(

2008-01-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

Let's start with the good news first. Stacey and Jon leave for Guatemala on Feb. 10th to pick up baby Logan and bring him home! We are all so excited! It seems like this adoption went so fast compared to Mia's. They started looking for an agency in June, found Logan's referral in July, and now they are picking him up in Feb. I told my daughter it only took 9 months, just like a pregnancy! She is a bit stressed since she thought they had another 2-4 weeks to get ready. She is still waiting for his crib and dresser to be delivered, she wanted to paint a mural (she's doing his bedroom in a pirate theme!) on his wall, and she still needs to hire a substitute teacher for her class. Other than that, the family is thrilled to be going to get him. Adoption in Guatemala is becoming less and less popular with the government, and the programs there may be shut down this year. The country is not yet Hague Treaty compliant and that will stop many from being able to adopt from there. We just feel so blessed that Logan's adoption went so smoothly and that the birth certificate now states Jon and Stacey as his parents. They will only be in Guatemala from Sunday, Feb 10th thru Wed, Feb 13th. Be sure to follow their journey to Baby Lo (Mia's name for Logan) at their blog. And of course, Gramma (me!) will have many new pictures in the future!

Now for the bad news. As many of you know, I have my house on the market. This month is was really being shown a lot. Weekly. I was hopeful that finally, things were gonna happen! And did they ever! I woke up Saturday morning to get ready for work as usual. While in my bathroom putting on my make-up I kept hearing a strange noise downstairs. Strange like...running water! When I went to investigate I was appalled to turn on a light and find the family room full of water, and the bedroom, and the bathroom. There was at least 2 inches of standing water. If this wasn't bad enough...I could still hear water running and it sounded like a freaking waterfalls! I couldn't see where it was coming from, but I could hear it in the wall behind the bathroom. I called Steve and by the time he got to my house the basement (lowest level) had now taken on about an inch of water also. He found the main shut-off valve and stopped the water works. We called our insurance agent that afternoon, but never heard from him until Monday...I'm sort of mad about that. Considering we were without water for 2 days and it would have been nice to have the clean up people here on Saturday instead of having to wait until Monday. Anyway, they sent out a company called Puroclean to start the clean up. I have to tell you...I am impressed with this company. The 2 young men who showed up were friendly, yet professional. They had this HUGE machine that sucked up all the water. They basically ripped out the bathroom, all that's left in there is the toilet. They are going to try and save the carpet since it was just laid in November and is brand, spanking new! We will recarpet if there is any indication of mold or mildew. They have hung plastic curtains to contain the area (half of the family room, a bedroom, and a bathroom) and they have special machines running that have been going since Monday afternoon. It looks like I've had a hazardous waste accident, not just a broken water pipe! Oh, and the best thing...they capped off the burst pipe so I got my water back on. Being 2 days without any water is terrible. Unbelievably difficult. We had bottled water for drinking, but think about it...no cooking, no washing of hands, no bathroom...toilet or shower! We were going to Steve's or my mom's to shower, and we ate our meals out or had take out. It was a real pain in the ass. We have had to pull the house temporarily off the market, but will leave the listing active. I guess the only fairly good thing is that we will get a totally new bathroom out of it. Big deal.

So Sunday I am off of work at 1:00pm and I am hungry...remember, my water has been off since early Saturday morning! So I stop at the local Wendy's and get an Asian chicken salad to go. I am going to go home and get the wet laundry off the basement floor, take it to Steve's (our other house) and wash it. Steve is working all day so I will take my knitting with and wash clothes, knit, and watch t.v. Sounds relaxing after all the hassle. So I pay for my salad and realize that the young lady has given me $20 extra in change. I honk my car horn so she'll open up the window, and show her that she's given my too much change. She looks at me like I'm a lunatic for giving it back, and thanks me with this quizzical look on her face. I believe in "what goes around, comes around" others call it Karma, or as the Bible says...do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. That was not my money, it was Wendy's. I would be stealing by keeping it. It makes me feel good to do the right thing. So I'm driving home with my salad and feeling good. Karma, I did good, good will happen to me in return. I pull in my driveway and hit the garage door opener...the door rises about 5 inches and drops back down. I hit the opener again, same result. I try once more, but this time a cable drops down in front of the door. Karma...whatever. The garage door repair man will be here this afternoon.

Isn't life interesting? My daughter has a very calm demeanor. I've rarely seen her angry, or truly upset. She is funny, kind, and very lovable. She always sees the silver lining in any gray cloud. When I was whining, I mean, telling her about the broken water pipe, the mess, the hassle, the dang garage door, the need to find a contractor, carpet layer, plumber, yada yada yada. Know what she says to me?? "It could be worse Mom. You are safe, healthy, your families okay, no one was hurt, and it will be fixed good as new. It's only some stupid carpet, and it's only a house. The things that are really important are okay, and that's what matters." Okay...reality check time. She's right. It's water that ruined some things in the house. It will be fixed, the insurance (minus the $1000.00 deductible) will pay for it, things will be fine.

It is cold here...no, I mean it, really cold! This morning it is -12 air temp with -32 wind chill. That is cold, Minnesota winter cold. The kind of cold where your nose hairs freeze when you breath, and your clothes feel stiff because they are frozen. You have trouble seeing because the moisture in your eyes gets so cold that they tear up and water. Yup, good ole Minnesota winter. When I walked the greyhound this morning she was content to do her business quickly and get back home. I plan on staying in today, making a pot of chili and some cornbread, knitting a bit, reading some blogs and playing at Ravelry!! Yes, I am an official member of Ravelry! I am having a bit of trouble figuring out just how to navigate the site, but I am having fun. It's not exactly what I thought it would be. I thought it was more of a forum with a lot more interaction between members. Maybe I just need to nosey around a little more and see what all is going on! Anyway, I am KnitterKaren on Ravelry, but I really haven't done anything yet so don't bother to look :o) It is fun to look at the finished projects of all the other members, especially the patterns I would like to knit. There are many members that call themselves designers that are willing to share patterns, and lots of people who post links to their patterns and blogs. You cannot put patterns on Ravelry...only a link to them. I think. Maybe it's time to go over there now and figure this all out. Have a great day, and if you're a fellow mid-westerner...keep warm!

January Slump

2008-01-23T11:51:00.000-06:00

I have been knitting on my socks that I started in July 2007. I finished one and immediately cast on the second one so I could keep the momentum going! They are the Baby Breath socks from Jean Townsend and they are turning out very cute. I think that they will be given to my mom who has been looking for blue socks that "aren't navy blue but not light blue". The whims of an 81 year old! I noticed that when I knit my socks on 2 circular needles, as opposed to 4 dpn's, I get those funky "lines" where the needles meet. No, these are not ladders since the stitches are just as tight as their neighbor! I think it is the yarn fuzzing from being handled and manipulated onto the needle. Anyone else have this problem? Maybe it's just the yarn I used...KnitPicks washable sock yarn. It's a mystery to me!

I have been browsing the GarnStudio site and fell in love with a couple of their Spring/Summer sweater patterns. If you aren't familiar with this site I recommend you link on over there and check out their patterns. They are all FREE, yes FREE! They have been translated into English from their original Norwegian. There are 2465 patterns in English and many of them are awesome. Be sure to check out the "accessories" and "felted" links. Heck...check out the whole dang site! Their Norwegian sweaters are beautiful, real stunners. Maybe someday I will knit one of them. Maybe. Above are the 2 patterns that I will knit for sure. They haven't been translated yet, but should be soon. They are both from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection (link is on the lower left at their site). The white sweater I will knit in rose colored Auracania wool and I will lengthen the sleeves. The cabled cardigan, which I really love, will be done in denim colored wool and I will lengthen the sleeves on this one also. Cute, aren't they?

No one looked at either of our houses that are for sale the whole month of December. Not so this month! The house I live in has been shown 4 times, and the house hubby lives in has been shown twice and had 1 Open House. So far...no offers on either. :o( But, spring is just around the corner, okay, it's a few months off, but hopefully the market will change for the better by then! I am still so torn as to which house I want to sell, and which one I want to keep. I guess it all depends on the one that gets the best offer and sells first!

Since today is my day off I will bake. I love to bake. I will bake cookies and maybe some bread. After I bake I will start my new book. My older brother (I am the only girl in our family, sandwiched between 2 brothers who are always referred to as my "older" or "younger" bro) Randy is an avid reader. He goes through at least 8 books a month! Lucky me...I get all of them when he's done! Lately I've noticed that he's been reading a lot of books by Stephen White. I haven't read any by him, but Randy said they are good, very good, so today I will start the Stephen White book "Kill Me". Sounds uplifting doesn't it! I will let you know what I think of it. I'll read just about anything except science fiction or fantasy.

I have heard of a malady called "blog fade" and I think I make be contracting it! I have such a hard time writing in this here blog! I keep thinking...what should I write about, and who really reads it and gives a hoot anyway!? I know I have my regular readers (thanks Janet and Janice!) but I am wondering if I should chuck this whole blogging thing and wait for my invite to Ravelry. Whenever that will be! I noticed that next month will be my blogs one year anniversary. Maybe a contest is in the works. Goodness knows, I have some awesome sock yarn that could use a new home. Stayed tuned for The String-Slingers Anniversary Contest...details coming soon. Pass it on!

Proof Positive!

2008-01-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

Started in 2007...finished in 2008...finally! Mariah's Christmas/New Year's mittens. Knit in Galway (worsted wt) on size 5 Crystal Palace dpn's. With this pattern in the largest size, which is still small for an adult. But, like I've already said...Mariah is very petite and they will fit her small hands perfectly. She adores pink and her winter jacket is black so they should look fine with it. Now all I have to do is finish all those second socks...nahh, I'm gonna knit me a sweater! I've got it narrowed down to the Celtic Cardigan (see last post), The Braids Cardigan, or this pullover. Which one? Decisions, decisions. Now, do I need new yarn or do I raid the stash and use that Araucania that's been aging for the past 2 years. I'm thinking the Braids Cardigan in the rose colored Araucania and new denim blue yarn for the Celtic! I do have some Christmas money to spend! I think it's harder to pick a pattern and yarn than to knit the darn thing!

Dinner last night was tasty. Steve and I went to Applebee's (called Crapplebee's by my children!). I had steak and he had shrimp. They have a new menu...sort of different. Lot's of multiple choice type dinners. Pick one from this list, two from this list, etc. I liked the menu, hubby not so much. Then we went and saw the movie National Treasure. We both liked it. But what is the deal with Nicolas Cage's teeth?! They look, BIG! Big and really white...most likely veneers. He's still a cutie even with the gleaming chompers and his funky little ears! Good movie, lots of unrealistic things happening, but fun, lots of fun!

I have a small vent I need to get off my chest. Ravelry! Yes, I have been waiting a longggg time to get my email telling me I am one of the elite, and have finally been accepted into the Ravelry cult. Here's my gripe...why does everyone who knits, and has a knitting blog assume that you are on Ravelry?! I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to check out a pattern or see a photo and where is it...on Ravelry of course. And can I view it? Nope. So please remember that many, many of us are not members of Ravelry.

Baby Logan Is Coming Home!

2008-01-08T16:22:00.000-06:00

Logan with his foster mother in Guatemala

Yippee! My daughter and son in law just got the news that their petition for adoption has cleared the Guatemalan courts, the last step in adoption, and Logan is officially theirs! Stacey (DD) will be traveling to Guatemala to pick him up within the next few weeks. I have a feeling that her mother or father in law will go with her. She is a seasoned world traveler and is fine going alone for 3 days since Jon has clients lined up from now until the end of summer and can't travel with her! They really don't want to take Mia out of school again and they are worried about getting sick. So, the easiest route is to leave hubby and daughter home and travel alone. I used to worry about her when she did things like this, but after worrying for 5 years as she traveled all over the world (some countries that you really don't want to be in these days!) I guess I'm used to it. She's been in countries that most of us would have no desire to visit, such as, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. She's also been all over Africa, Europe, The Middle East, China, many Asian countries, just to name a few. I'm very proud of her and all she's done. I'm also very glad that she's now married and settled down! The priority now is to get Logan home! I guess I will be going to visit soon unless she decides to come to Minnesota for awhile. I know her Gramma (my mom) would love to see her and the kids!

Celtic Cardigan by Oat Couture

I finished Mariah's second mitten, and as soon as she picks them up I plan on taking a photo of her wearing them...if for no other reason than to prove I actually finished a project! I am so wanting to start a sweater. I have had the Celtic Cardigan pattern for a couple years and I think that will be the winner! I am going to order some denim blue worsted weight yarn from KnitPicks or Beaverslide and start that sucker! The purple cardigan still has left a bed taste in my mouth and I have decided that I will wait until next (2008) fall to start that one. Or, maybe I will just use that beautiful purple yarn for something all together different!

Hubby and I are going out to dinner tonight and going to see the movie National Treasure. Tomorrow is my day off and I will be waiting around for the Maytag repairman to show up and fix my dishwasher. I had forgotten what a drudgery washing dishes by hand is! I can't wait to see that repairman at my doorstep! Gotta bolt, my date (hubby) is ready to go!

2008...

2008-01-02T10:46:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Nothing too exciting happened here on New Years Eve other than I went to bed at 9:00pm since I had to be at work at 6:00am New Years day. My good friend Kathi, who was vacationing in Texas, decided to call me at 12:50 thinking that it was 11:50 in Minnesota. She was sounding pretty happy and said she wanted to be the first to wish me a Happy New Year. Then she yells....What are you doing? I'm in bed. With who? Myself, I was sleeping. Sleeping? Yes, sleeping, I have to get up at 4:30 for work tomorrow. Oh, well Happy New Year and go back to sleep! click

My friend Janet also stopped by, at a normal time, and brought me my Christmas present.

The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice
This is an awesome book for any knitter. I have had such a great time reading through it. It is a techniques book, but also a history book. It is full of knitting tips and written by many different knitters. Many of the chapters are by Elizabeth Zimmermann or her daughter Meg Swansen. Highly recommended reading for any knitter.

Oh, I also found a really fun site that lists free patterns. Be sure to check out the beautiful dishcloth under "Fripperies" and the lovely blankets. Cool site.

I wish that I could tell you all about the numerous and wonderful items I knitted in 2007...but there aren't many! In fact, I think there was a couple dishcloths, maybe a sock or two, and part of a couple sweaters. I have been in a knitting slump for over a year. I want to knit, my fingers are itching to knit, but I just can't seem to find the time to sit and enjoy a couple hours of knitting relaxation. I am always worried about the house, is it clean, could the realtor show it today without me being embarrassed by the dog hair, or dirty dishes?? I really wish one of the houses would sell. I want to be settled in where I know I'm going to be staying. I guess that's just a lame excuse for not knitting. In the summer I always say it's too hot to knit, in the fall I always have big plans for knitting, then the holidays hit and I'm too busy with work and home. Now that we're heading into the winter slump (January and February) maybe I can knit a bit. I still haven't finished Mariah's second Christmas mitten...I am so bad! I am going to work on it today, I swear!

Tomorrow my friend Joyce and I are going to go see "Atonement". This is definitely a chick flick that the hubby would never go see. We did see "I Am Legend" and I loved it even though it scared the crap out of me. I had no idea it was a scary movie, I thought it was like "Castaway". Boy, was I wrong! It is a great story and Will Smith is wonderful. I won't say anymore since I recommend you see it yourself.

My DD Stacey and SIL Jon are home and have recuperated from their illness. Jon called it the Guatemala Diet...lose 10 pounds in 3 days! They were both so sick. But they are home now and feeling better, although they wish they could have brought Logan home with them. Thankfully, Miss Mia didn't get sick and is still her funny, perky, little self. I plan on going to visit for a week once they bring Logan home, hopefully sometime in the spring. I miss them and wish they lived closer.

I am off to clean my house so that I can knit guilt-free all afternoon! It is cold here (-2) so maybe I will pop in a movie, make some tea, get under a quilt on the sofa and knit that second mitten. Happy New Year to all.

Guatemalan Cutie!

2007-12-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

For those of you that are not following my daughter and her hubby's trip to Guatemala to visit their soon-to-be-adopted son...I will post a picture of the little cutie. He is Logan Michael and about the cutest little man south of Miami! They are visiting him for a week with their other little cutie...Mia, their daughter adopted from China. If you would like to keep up with their escapades you can find their blog here.
Other than all the excitement about the new grandson, things here are winding down after the holidays. I am soooo tired. I don't know if it's my diabetes or just the after Christmas blahs. I feel like I could sleep for a week. I'm not a napper so I never get any extra sleep. I get up at 4:30am so I'm guessing I just need to get to bed earlier...starting tonight. Good night...

Blessed Christmas To All!

2007-12-25T15:44:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! We had a wonderful Christmas Eve night last night at my brothers and today we stayed home and celebrated with our children and my mom. I made an egg and sausage bake for breakfast with the ever popular caramel rolls. You know, the ones made with Rhodes frozen bread dough and vanilla pudding mix. Yumm! We opened presents while the brunch baked and then feasted. This is the first time I've ever made an egg bake and it was a success...loved by all. Sort of reminded me of a crustless quiche. It was big, made in a 9x13 cake pan and we ate it all! That's what happens when you have 3 sons! We also managed to devour the caramel rolls. I guess it's diet time when the new year rolls in. I used a recipe found here for the egg bake. This site is a great recipe site, one that I refer to often.

We are getting snow...lots of snow! It sure looks like Christmas out there. I took a picture out our sliding door looking into our backyard. Snowy wonderland, but that's okay, I love snow! It's so peaceful and quiet when it snows, I like that. It will be a bugger to drive to work tomorrow but thankfully I only have to drive 2 miles! Lucky me, I live close to where I work.

My daughter, son in law, and granddaughter are in Guatemala! They just arrived there! They flew out of Miami and landed about 10 minutes ago in Guatemala City. They get baby Logan tonight! What a Christmas present that is! Stacey, my DD, decided to start a blog so anyone who desires can follow their trip. You can follow their week with Logan here. They were so excited! I can't wait to hear all about my little grandson.

I have a confession to make that I am not very proud of. I never finished Mariah's second mitten. No real excuses other than I was about half way done with the second one and realized that I had knit another left handed one! Big DUH! I wasn't paying very close attention while knitting at our monthly group and that is what happens! I did give her one mitten and promised the second one within a week. She's so sweet that she was only disappointed she couldn't wear them because she thought they were so cute. I love that little gal! Another person, or should I say canine, who enjoyed their gift was the greyhound Summer. She loves squeaky toys...and I mean LOVES them! She opened this one all by herself and has carried it around ever since.

Well, another Christmas is almost gone. I love this time of year so it makes me a little sad to think that it's all over until 2008. Everyone liked their gifts and I got some good stuff! I think the reason I like Christmas so much is that my family is all together and we are all blessed with wonderful children and our health. The Lord has been good to me and mine, and I thank Him for another year. Hope all your holiday's were filled with love and family.

I leave you with an adorable performance by my 3 year old grand daughter Mia Belle. She is not only cute but talented also. Enjoy!

Jack Frost Visits Minnesota

2007-12-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning I awoke to the most beautiful sight! Everything outside was covered with a heavy layer of white, sparkly, frost. In the cold weather this happens when there is excessive moisture in the air and it causes frost to form. All the trees were covered with white, it looked like they had been sprinkled with glitter. I took pictures as I walked the greyhound but the pictures don't do the frost justice. I guess you'd have to live in a cold climate to realize the beauty, I am one of those fools that like winter...what can I say?

I dragged the hubby shopping yesterday much to his chagrin. I have to admit, he was better than usual. He actually liked shopping at Home Goods (T.J. Maxx) and even bought a couple presents for co-workers and ME! I think he bought me the wine glasses I was oogling. They are awesome! Blue hand blown glass that fades to clear with tiny flowers right in the glass. I'm hoping that's what he was paying for when I wasn't supposed to be watching! I managed to pick up a few things at the mall but still can't find one kitchen item I want. I guess I'll have to order online and hope it arrives in time. I got hubby the new Dean Koontz book. He's read everything that man has written. I've read quite a few and really enjoyed them...recently I've read, The Husband, The Good Guy, and Intensity. Like a dummy, I read the first few pages of this new book and now I'm wondering if I should read it before I give it to Steve for Christmas! Would that make it a "used" book? I also bought Paula Deen's biography "It Ain't All About the Cookin'" for a friend at work. She loves Paula and I thought she might like to read about how she got started in her cooking career. There aren't enough hours in the day for me to read and knit all that I want!

With Christmas just around the corner I am starting to bake (I really should finish shopping, clean the house, finish Mariah's mitten!, wrap the presents I do have, and put up the tree!). Last night I made the ever popular Saltine Toffee. I know that everyone in the world has heard of this recipe and made it...but for those of you who aren't fortunate enough to know this recipe...here it is!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter (NO substitutions!)
1 cup packed brown sugar (light OR dark, doesn't matter)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tube (1/4 pkg of 16oz box) saltine crackers
1 12 oz bag choc chips (I use milk choc)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray with non stick coating, like Pam. Lay the saltines in pan in single layer covering the bottom. Bring butter and brown sugar to rapid boil and start timing...boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Slowly pour over the saltines and spread to cover all the crackers. If the crackers get out of line just move them back into a single layer using a fork. Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with choc chips. Wait 5 minutes and spread melted chips to cover, sprinkle nuts on top if desired. Cool in frig until hard and break into pieces. Wonderful, tastes like a Heath candy bar. I have read that a lot of people use the saltines without salt on top, and that some use unsalted butter. Either way, these are a favorite around here!

I have decided that I want to knit the Central Park Hoodie, which I understand is all the rage on the internet now. Interweave Knits has made the pattern available for download for $5.50 and people are freaking out! They feel that the price is way excessive since this pattern was offered in one of their Knitscene magazines. I guess it is a bit high since it is a download. No paper, ink, or postage involved. Anyway...I think I will plop down my hard earned $5.50 and buy the pattern. I am a little bit concerned about the yardage requirements. I thought there was a type-o since the largest size requires 3660 yds of yarn!! I want to knit the 52" bust that requires almost 3000 yds at 17 spi! This is so weird. I've never seen a sweater, even with a hood, that requires that much yarn! I emailed Interweave and they said it's correct. Now my problem is...I don't have enough of any one yarn in my stash to knit this since the yardage is so high. I almost don't believe them and want to try and knit it with what I have, but I'm afraid I'd run out right in the middle of the dang hood! Anyone out there knit this beast yet and have any pointers?!

I haven't blogged for so long that I feel a bit chatty! I got my hair cut a couple weeks ago. I told the cutter I wanted it shorter in back than the sides. It felt like she was shaving my hair in back up to the center of my head! I was a little nervous but it turned out pretty cute...or as cute as my hair can get. Since menopause my hair has started to thin and this makes me nervous. Not so much as to be noticeable to anyone but me...but still, I have this image of myself, years down the road, as an old lady with blue, thin, hair and a shiny scalp showing through! Let's hope that I'm wrong, wrong, wrong. So, after I got the crazy cut I came home and colored my hair, which I do every 6 weeks. I used Loreal this time instead of my usual Clairol and I think I like the color better. I am hoping that it doesn't fade as badly as Clairol does. After 6 weeks with the Clairol dye my hair is a completely different color than I started with. Oh the joys of being 55!

Well, fellow bloggers, time to get that tree decorated. The kids call it a Charlie Brown tree, and not in a nice way! I bought this tree 3 years ago when I moved into this house. I wanted a narrow tree that looked real and was "rustic" looking. I like my little tree. It's cute, and old fashioned looking, and yes...a bit Charlie Brownish. When I get it decorated I will take a pic and let you decide if it truly deserves to be called a Charlie Brown tree.

Cheating Is Fun!

2007-11-29T10:43:00.000-06:00

Not cheating on your spouse, or cheating on a school exam...I'm talking about cheating on your knitting! I have decided to drag my Legare Circular Sock Knitting Machines out of the closet and into use once again! I am going to crank out a couple pair of socks for my sons for Christmas. When you consider the time factor, using a CSM (circular sock machine) is an unbelievable time saver. I can knit a PAIR of socks in about 2 hours from start to finish. Yes, they are plain stockinette stitch but that's what the boys like. Above is one of my CSM's. I have 2 so that I can keep them set up at different tensions for differing yarn weights. One will knit fingering and the other sport weight yarns. I bought mine when they were reasonably priced. Now I see that "refurbished" machines are $2000.00. That is craziness! One of mine is from eBay and I paid $150.00 for it, and took it apart and painted and cleaned it myself. It was fun to work on, and I have to admit, I was amazed that it worked after I reassembled it! I still prefer to hand knit my socks, but when time is crunched, and I need gifts for the guys...my CSM comes to the rescue. Below are some socks I've knit on my machines. They are very basic with a short-row heel (not my favorite) and a mock ribbed leg. Easy, fast, very basic...but they keep your feet warm and that's what matters! Two of my sons work outdoors year round so they need toasty feet. In Minnesota that means wool socks and lots of them!
It is getting WAY cold here in the Minneapolis area. When I walked the greyhound this morning I was cold! By the time we had walked our mile my legs were stinging and burning from the wind blowing right through my jeans. I was so happy to get home and have a nice hot cup of Constant Comment tea. Supposedly this weekend we are getting snow...up to 6 inches. Snow's fine, it's the bitter cold I don't like. Winter is here for at least the next 4 months...it is the best knitting months of the year!

I am going to get my CSM's out now and set them up so I can start cranking. I will post any socks that I make. Have a great weekend and stay warm!

One Down, One To Go!

2007-11-20T20:03:00.000-06:00

I have finished one of Mariah's mittens! This is a cute pattern but written only up to an adult size small. I don't quite get that?? Why not a medium and large size also? Anyway, it was a quick and fun knit and I've already started the second one so they will be ready for Christmas giving. Now I need to get the last 2 inches of my moms sock knit. I am giving her one of my many socks that have languished for years with a half-finished mate. I have been working on finishing the mate for a complete pair. My mom loves hand knit socks! She has to wear special shoes for a foot problem and the hand knit socks are so much more comfortable. If I'm really ambitious I may try and finish another pair for my elderly aunt.

We have had an offer on our little Victorian house. I have such mixed feelings about that. I raised my 4 kids there and lived there for more than half my life. The people haven't made an "official" offer yet but our realtor seems to think that they will. Life can be complicated some times.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! One of my favorite holidays surpassed only by Christmas. We will be celebrating at my nephews. I have to bring candied yams and have been searching the internet for a recipe. Some are very basic and some are what I would call "gourmet". I love the recipe site Recipezaar. It is one of the best recipe and food sites I have found. Check it out...you can find a recipe for about anything you want. I like that they give the nutritional info for all their recipes since I am diabetic. There is also a newsletter you can request and some fun communities to join. Bon Appetit!

Baby it's cold outside! It is starting to feel like winter here in Minnesota. Still no snow but the temps are getting into the brrrr range. I don't mind the cold but I wish we could have a little more sunshine. It's been dreary and dark since the beginning of October. I need a little sun to take the blues away.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, food, and fun! Count your blessings and all the things you are thankful for.

Logan, Mittens, and Houses

2007-11-14T08:56:00.000-06:00

My daughter and son in law Jon just got an update on the cutie from Guatemala! This picture was taken at Logan's 4 month check-up. He weighed in at 14 lbs 8oz. I guess they don't need to worry about him not getting enough to eat! Looks like he's lost most of his hair but he still has those adorable lips and big brown eyes. I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy. Stacey, Jon, and Mia will be leaving for Guatemala on Christmas day for a week with the little bugger. They are so excited. I think they will have a difficult time leaving him behind when they come home, but hopefully they will get him in February or March and then he's theirs forever! Fortunately, the elections were successful in Guatemala a couple weeks ago and the new president is pro-adoption.

I have been knitting! I am working on a pair of mittens for Mariah for Christmas. Mariah is my son Tyler's girlfriend and she LOVES the color pink. So I bought some pretty pink Galway and am knitting her a pair of Maggie's Rags cable heart mittens. They are turning out so cute. The pattern is fun, but not that well written. Mariah wears a black jacket so I think that pink mittens will look nice with it. If I was really ambitious I'd knit her a matching scarf. It will depend on time, working full time really cuts into the knitting time. My goal this year was to have all my Christmas shopping done by Dec. 15th so I could relax the week before Christmas. I am shopping today with my Mom but she wants to go to Kmart and that is one of my least favorite stores. I am going to look at sheets, big deal...

We are having Open Houses on both the houses, one every other weekend. It is a real pain in the behind to have to make sure that your house is spotless every second of the day. It's not me that's the problem...I blame any messiness on Walker or Summer the greyhound. She sheds, not a lot, but enough. Walker has a tendency to leave dirty clothes wherever. He even had a little pile next to his dresser that I found after the Open House last weekend! Oh well, we do live here and people can't expect it to look like a model home. I am still so undecided as to which house I want to sell. I have set my mind to the fact that whatever house sells, that's the way it's meant to be. I will be happy in either.

Tomorrow night is our monthly knitting group, we meet the third Thursday of every month. We are a fun crowd (Deb S. you should join us!) I was thinking that next month it would be fun to have a stash exchange for Christmas, or maybe a gift exchange. We usually have a little Christmas party with cookies and cider. Most years Janet makes us make an ornament...one year we made little needles out of toothpicks and knit a tiny little square and glued this to a tiny little ball of yarn. It was cute! We used left over sock yarn, the needles were round toothpicks with a seed bead glued to the end. It gave me a new appreciation about knitting on "small" needles! This knitting group is a fun group, if you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to join us please email me for directions.

We had our family room (picture above, white lines by sofa are sunshine!) and the bedroom next to it recarpeted last week, just in time for the Open House. I have to tell ya...I am impressed with Lowe's. They were very nice to work with, quick, friendly, and best of all...they did a great job. Every time I've tried to get something done by Home Depot it takes HOURS of waiting and filling out papers and they never have enough people to help. Not so with Lowe's. We were helped quickly, she was knowledgeable, and we bought our carpet, set up the install date and left the store all within 20 minutes! That makes me happy! And the family room looks great! Now all I need to do is go to the fabric store for fabric, and make those valances for the windows. I've been going to do that for the last 3 years! Now I'll get it done and the house will sell and I won't even be able to enjoy that room. The things we do for love...

Lot's Happening!

2007-11-07T10:31:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am still alive and well, just a bit stressed out! My estranged husband, Steve, and I have decided to give it another try! We have put both our houses up for sale and are just waiting for one of them to sell. We will live in whichever one doesn't sell until we decide where we want to move. I would prefer to stay in either of the houses but Steve thinks it would be nice to start fresh in a different house. The house he lives in is the one we raised our family in, so I have a lot of attachment issues with that house. Mine is newer and more modern, a 4 level split. The old family house is a little Queen Anne victorian, photo above is a bit blurry. I like them both so I guess it doesn't matter where we end up. I feel like my family is whole again and we belong together. He's been my sweetheart since I was 18. I am happy.

I haven't been knitting much since all I do is clean this dang house! Have to have it ready to show at any moment. What a pain in the behind. I did find this pattern that I would like to try. You will need to click on the far right pair of socks to get the free pattern. It is for socks knit from the toe up that have a funky sort of gusset. They are very cute and look like an interesting project. Anyone out there knit these yet? I have some pretty pastel yarn that would be perfect for these. Just what I need, another sock project to go unfinished for decades!

Well, I just needed to check in quickly to let the 3 people who read this blog that I am still among the living. I do need to go mop floors now and then rip out the carpet in my family room since it is being re-carpeted this Friday. Work, work, work....sucks!

I Love Not Working...Does That Mean I'm Lazy?

2007-10-09T08:14:00.000-06:00

It is so nice to sleep in until 7:30 instead of hearing that annoying alarm buzzing at 4:30am! I'd probably sleep even later if Summer the greyhound would let me. We get up at 7:30 on my days off so I'm sure she figures it should be the same for my vacation days...goofy dog. We have to take our morning walk of a mile and then it's home to tea for me, and kibble for her. I wish I was rich and didn't need to work to pay for frivolous things like...food, heat, shelter, etc. But I'm just a working schmuck like everyone else. Maybe, someday, I'll meet a rich guy who thinks I'm great and wants me to stay home and bake him bread and knit him socks. That's my kind of man!

I got a phone call from my daughter Stacey yesterday to tell me "Mom, go check your e-mail, I just got updated pictures of Logan!" Our little guy was in for his 3 month check-up and the doctor always takes photos for the adoption agency. Thank goodness for digital pictures and e-mail! Think about this...the doctor in Guatemala took some pictures on Monday, e-mailed them to the agency in Texas, who e-mailed them to my daughter in Florida, who e-mailed them to me in Minnesota....who sent them to everyone she knows! I love the internet! You'll notice that Logan is eating well and is getting a little baby-budge. He is up to 13 lbs! Love the big brown eyes, he's a cutie for sure. I also have a recent photo of Miss Mia a.k.a. The Princess. Do I have cute grandchildren or what? I am truly blessed.
I was "browsing" the internet for free knitting patterns, one of the best things about the internet is the great people who share their talent, and I found this sock pattern. Way cute, way hard to read! It is in German but I think I have the main pattern figured out. I may cast on with some of my own hand- dyed yarn and give it a try. Just what I need, another project that will go unfinished. I am so bad...I have so many single socks that need their mates, yet here I sit, ready to start another! It's a sickness I tell ya!

It is starting to look and feel like fall around here. The wind is really strong and gusty today so the leaves are all being blown off the trees. The temps are cool, in the 50's and the sky is gray and dreary. I actually like this kind of weather. It makes me want to get ready for the winter ahead and prepare to "nest in" for a few months. I always think of winter as a resting period. Everything goes to sleep for a few months and then is awakened again in the spring. That's one good thing about Minnesota, we do have 4 distinct seasons, and all of them have their good and bad.

I am off to the grocery store. The kid and dog need grub. With the cooler weather I can actually turn on the oven and make some cold weather meals. Tonight is beef, vegetable, and barley soup served with popovers. I am so lucky that Walker will eat just about anything and appreciates home cooking. Have a great day and keep those needles clicking!

Free Sock Pattern...Old but Good!

2007-10-08T11:12:00.000-06:00

While looking through my computer files I ran across this sock pattern I wrote a few years ago. It is a cute and fun slip stitch pattern that is perfect for beginner sock knitters, but fun enough for advanced knitters. You can use any colors but be sure they are contrasting enough to not blend into one another. You want the colors to POP! Two solids is good or a solid and a variegated. Have fun! This pattern is really an enjoyable knit that looks so cute when done.

Garter Bar Slip Stitch Socks
Wren'sNestDesigns©2001

Materials

Yarn: 3-50gm skeins of fingering weight sock yarn that will knit to gauge...two skeins of variegated and one skein of solid color. Yarns should be coordinating colors but different enough to contrast. Or, go crazy and use wild, unmatched colors that hurt your eyes!

MC= variegated yarn (main color)
CC= solid color yarn (contrast color)

Needles: size US 1 set of 5 dpn (or size needed for gauge)

1 st Marker

Gauge: 9 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
Size: Fits average womans size medium (adjust foot length for different sizes)

Cast On:
Cast on 72 stitches.
Divide the stitches evenly on 4 (18 sts on each) needles.
Join, being careful not to twist stitches.

~tip~My personal favorite way to join is to slip the first CO st unto the end of ndl 4 and the last CO st unto the beg of ndl 1. Simple, efficient and it looks great.

Place marker at beginning of round (between needles one and four) where tail end of CO yarn is. This marker will always be considered the "beginning" of any round. Use a split marker or a little safety pin and move it up every few rounds.

Work K2, P2 (or K1, P1 or K3, P1) ribbing for 1 1/2 inches or desired length.

Leg:
Start Simple Slip Stitch pattern (slip all sts as if to purl):

rnds 1-4 (MC): knit even
rnd 5 (CC): *sl 1 (twice), k4 w/CC* rep
rnd 6 (CC): *sl 1 (twice), p4 w/CC* rep

~reminder~the slipped stitches will be the MC yarn, NOT the CC yarn. The CC yarn will only be used for the k4 and the p4. And of course, the heels and toes.

Work 9 reps of the 6 rnd pattern. End after round 2.

Heel Flap:
The 36 stitches on needles 2 and 3 for instep are not worked. You will be knitting back and forth on the 36 sts on needles one and four only. Knit heel flap in heel stitch, slipping the first st of EACH row.

Knit the heel flap:
Knit to end of needle 1 with MC. Turn work. Cut CC yarn and attach here for colored heel.
S1, and purl back the rem stitches on needle 1 and 4. Turn. Start heel stitch with row 1 (right side) of pattern.

Heel Stitch Pattern (CC yarn):
Row 1:(right side) *sl 1, k 1* rep across
Row 2: sl 1, p across

Repeat these 2 rows until heel flap is square or about 2 1/2 inches long. If you desire a longer heel just continue until the length you want. Remember, the longer the heel, the more gusset sts you will need to pick up. End after a row 2.

Turn Heel:
This is a standard round heel:
Next row: (right side) slip 1, knit to center marker, k2, SSK, k1, turn.
Next row: slip 1, purl 5, p2tog, p1, turn.

*Slip 1, knit to within 1 st away from gap between the sts, SSK, k1, turn.
Slip 1, purl to within 1 st away from gap, p2tog, p1, turn.*

Repeat from * to * until all stitches have been worked, always working together the 2 sts on each side of the gap. End after a purl row. Turn.

Knit to the center of needle one, this is the needle with the heel flap sts on it. Stop, you are now once again at center back of your sock (be sure your marker is between needles 1 and 4) Your sts should be set up as follows:

needle 1: 10 heel sts
needle 2: 18 instep sts
needle 3: 18 instep sts
needle 4: 10 heel sts

Gussets:
Pick up for the gussets:
Drop the CC used for the heel. With needle 1 and MC yarn, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap. This number will depend on how long you knit the heel flap. Use a crochet hook for ease. Slip the picked up st onto needle one with the 10 heel sts. Continue to pick up sts along the heel flap until all edge loops are done. You will have the original 10 sts PLUS the picked up gusset sts on needle one.

Knit across the instep stitches on needles 2 and 3. The foot is knit in plain stockinette stitch.

With needle 5, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap. When all loops are picked up, knit across the 10 heel sts on needle 4. You will have the original 10 sts PLUS the picked up gusset sts on needle four. You should have equal amount of sts on needles one and four. You are once again at center back of your sock and ready to start the gusset decreases.

You should have:
1} half the heel stitches and the picked-up gusset stitches on needle 1
2} half the instep stitches on needle 2
3} the second half of the instep stitches on needle 3
4} the second group of gusset stitches and the second half of the heel stitches on needle 4

Knit 1 round even.

Now decrease for the gussets:
Needle 1: knit to 3 sts from end of needle, k2tog, k1.
Needles 2 & 3: Knit even in stockinette st.
Needle 4: at the beginning of needle, k1, SSK, work to end.

Knit one round (all 4 needles) even.

Alternate decrease and even rounds until 72 stitches remain, 18 sts on each of 4 needles.

Instep:
Knit all rnds in stockinette st. End when the foot length is about where your big toe is attached to your foot or approx 1 3/4 inches shorter than your foot. Stop at the marker between ndl 1 and 4. Change to CC yarn for toe and knit one rnd.

Toe:
This is the standard toe shaping. Start at the beginning of needle one where marker is. See how important that little marker has been?!

Decrease round:
Needle 1: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end.
Needle 3: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 4: K1, SSK, knit to end.

Knit one round even.

Alternate decrease and even rounds until 9 stitches remain on each needle.
Knit decrease round every round until 4 sts remain on each needle.

Place stitches on 2 needles. The 4 sts each from ndls 2 and 3 onto one needle and the 4 sts each from ndls 1 and 4 onto one needle. Graft together. Weave in any loose ends.

Knit another sock to match!

Wren's Nest Designs© 2001

Taking Some Time Off!

2007-10-08T09:48:00.000-06:00

Yippee! I decided to use up some of my vacation time (I've got almost 5 weeks to use) and take a little Fall Break. Unfortunately, I will be staying home for my vacation and most likely spending my time cleaning and getting ready for colder weather. BUT, I do plan on one last try with the purple yarn and the "difficult" cardigan. It's not that the pattern is hard, it's just that I've had such a difficult time getting the dang thing to behave! I do have to knit a pair of mittens for a Christmas present for Tyler's girlfriend, Mariah. I thought I would start early and actually have them finished on time! I am going to knit them in pink, Mariah's favorite color. If I was really ambitious, I'd also knit a matching scarf. Miracles do happen!

My little Mia Belle turned 3 on Saturday. She is such a little spitfire! I wish I could have been there for her party, but Florida is a long way from Minnesota. The highlight of her party was a Dora the Explorer pinata. My daughter said that the party was lots of fun, but a madhouse. Kids and parents both attended and they had a pizza bar for making your own pizza. Sounds like fun! I am waiting for her to send me a few pictures of the party and then I will post them for all to see my adorable 3 year old granddaughter! There is no news on Logan other than bad news! The Guatemalan government is making foreign adoption very difficult, but hopefully, parents who have all their paperwork in by the end of 2007 will be allowed to continue their adoptions. Please say a prayer that we can bring baby Logan home to the USA and his family here who wants him so badly.

My mouse problem is declining...I think. This is gross, but...this morning I found a dead mouse in my kitchen sink! Yuck! I put out the d-Con mouse poison a few days ago so I am hoping that they get the hint and move on. The house next door is nice, maybe they could find lodging there for the winter. I really hate to kill the little buggers but enough is enough! They raid my kitchen every night and then I have to spend a lot of time with the Clorox spray cleaning the place up. I still haven't figured out how or where they are getting in, but when they leave...it will be in a body bag. Okay, more like a Ziplock bag.

Last night my estranged (I love that word!) husband Steve and I went for a drive looking at some local townhouses. It's a good thing I will be living there without him because every townhouse he liked, I hated. He likes the row style that are 3 levels, tall and skinny with about 12 units per building, and have a neighbor on each side. Think crowded! I like a twinhome that shares only 1 wall with your neighbor. He liked the big complex with hundreds of units and a swimming pool. I liked the small complex set back on a game preserve and park. No wonder we can't live together. :o) Above is a photo of the twinhome I am looking at. Pretty cute, huh? It is only 4 years old and in a nice quiet area. It is a 4 level (I know, I wanted a one level but they are way expensive!) and has a walkout in back. Below is what the living room and deck look out onto. It is a huge park with walking trails (that's what you see in the photo) ponds, marshes, and wooded acres. I like the idea of looking out onto that scene rather than another townhouse. I still have to sell my house, which is a bad thing since the market is so slow right now. I guess if it's meant to be, my house will sell and I will be able to buy this. If not, then I trust that there is something better waiting for me.
I think I will make a quick trip to the local yarn store for the pink mitten yarn. Maybe I just need a small project now to get me back into the knitting swing 'o things! Have a great day! Leave a comment...it makes my friend Janet happy!

Diving Into The Frog Pond!

2007-09-27T09:10:00.001-06:00

Head first, here I come! I cannot believe that I have started my much awaited purple cardigan for the seventh time and need to frog it AGAIN! As you can see by the photo above, the size is way off. Yes, I checked my gauge...twice. I must be knitting tighter than when I knit my gauge swatch because there is no way that I am anywhere near being on gauge. This sweater will be small, about 42", which will not fit a busty gal like me. I was knitting the 54" size since I wanted it large enough to be comfy and to wear t-necks underneath. So, I guess this means I rip out again and start over with size 10 needles instead of the 9's I was using. I am so bummed. Do you think this yarn is cursed? Maybe it wants to be something else. All I know is that I really want it to behave and become the cardigan I so want! I'll give it one more try. If it's another failure then the yarn gets a time-out and I knit something else. I feel that 7 attempts is quite enough.

I have started to look at townhouses even though I doubt I will move until spring. There are quite a few in the area where I live that I like. I hope that I am making the right decision. Both Walker and I are sick of yard work and snow shoveling. When I have a day off I want to relax and enjoy it, not pull weeds and mow the lawn. I know that Walker will move out someday and then I would have all the work to do myself. The idea of a townhouse really appeals to me. As long as I have a deck or patio so I can sit outside and read or knit, I will be happy. I'm not a gardener so I won't miss the yard. And as far as Summer the greyhound goes, we walk 3 times a day now so that won't be a problem. She'll probably miss the fenced yard a bit but she's getting old and doesn't run around much anymore. I found some one level twinhomes built in 2003 so they are nice and fresh. Problem is, they rarely go up for sale. I talked to a resident there to get an idea of what the neighborhood is like. She said it was quiet, and loved living there but there has only been 2 units for sale since they were built! I suppose that's a good sign...the owners like their place and stay! The twinhomes are on a quiet street and there are only about a dozen units. They are one level with walkout basements and the backs face a game preserve that will never be built on. There is a marsh area with a pond and woods. It would be beautiful to sit on the deck and have a view like that! Plus, there are walking and biking paths near by for the dog and I to take our daily treks! Please say a prayer that I can snag one of these units for my own. Yes, there are lots of others townhomes in the area, but I sort of have my heart set on one of these. I believe that all things happen for a reason and if I am suppose to live there then it will work out. Fingers crossed!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2007-09-25T09:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, so he's not really a baby, but he is my youngest, and to me, he will always be my "baby". Walker, the youngest of my 4 kids, turned 20 on Saturday, Sept. 22nd. I didn't get a chance to post on Saturday since I worked all day and we had a party for him that night. So today is the day that I will embarrass him and post a few unique facts about Walker.

1. He is called, by his 3 siblings...Baby Walker.

2. He is also called Deeds. Long story. When he was little he wanted a cat. Tyler, his brother, is deathly allergic to cats so we could never have one. For Walkers second birthday I bought him a stuffed, life-size, orange tabby cat. He loved it, actually, he still has it! He couldn't pronounce the words "kitty cat". Whenever he tried, it sounded like "deedle dee". For years he got called Deedle and then it was shortened to Deeds. His older brother still calls him that...much to Walkers chagrin.

3. Walker has a tattoo of a circle of flames with his initials in the middle spelled out in Chinese characters. He cannot pronounce them either!

4. Walker has broken each arm, the left while biking, the right while playing rugby. He also had to have surgery twice...once for each break. We sincerely hope this trend has ended.

5. There was a time when orange was the only color Walker would wear. We are sincerely glad this trend has ended! While in this orange phase, he also wanted to eat only Ramen. Thank goodness, neither one of these "trends" lasted long.

6. Walker is my only child that has curly hair...and I mean curly! His hair is thick, dark, and if allowed to grow, produces big spiral curls. Beautiful! This is why Walker always has short hair!

7. Walker is extremely patriotic. He loves America and isn't afraid to say so.

8. Walker thanks me every time I make him a meal. Really. There isn't a time that he doesn't tell me...thanks for dinner mom. Good meal mom. Thanks for the grub mom. I guess I raised him right.

9. Walker has never made a Christmas list. Unlike his brother Tyler, who usually had a 3 page list of wants, where they could be purchased, the costs, and how he wanted them wrapped! Not Walker, when asked what he wants for Christmas or his birthday, he always says...surprise me, get me whatever you want, or even...I don't need anything. Amazing, ain't it?!

10. Walker weighed over 10 lbs at birth. Actually, 10 lbs, 1 oz. He was an adorable baby that has grown into a great young man.

11. Walker says good night to me every night...even if he has to wake me to do it!

12. Walker thinks that one day, he will win the Powerball. I SINCERELY hope he's right!

Happy Birthday Deeds! You are precious and I love you always!

I have started the purple cardigan and it is awesome. I finally got it going without any screw-ups, amazing, I know! I am liking the KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Chunky and their Options needles. It is knitting up fast and I am hoping that it will be done by next winter! Yup, I can't put anymore stress on myself so I am giving myself a year to finish it. I don't think that's unreasonable considering I work full-time. I am looking forward to retirement so I can knit for long periods of time without falling asleep!

Did anyone catch the premier of "The Bachelor" last night? It looks like it is going to be a good season. I thought last year was a bit bland, but Brad, this years bachelor, looks to be a lot more exciting. Should be fun! I love the dynamics between the women...it's so dramatic that it's hilarious. They always seem to be half tanked! I think the network keeps the booze flowing freely so they can get some good footage of the women making asses of themselves. It's sort of pathetic, but I still love it!

I Have Uninvited House Guests...

2007-09-19T08:29:00.000-06:00

MICE! Luckily I don't hate mice, nor am I afraid of them. But, they are not allowed to reside in my home unless they sign a lease and pay rent! I thought I had seen a little flurry of fur under my stove the other night but didn't think much of it. Last night I dropped a few kibbles of dog food on the closet floor and left them thinking I'd sweep today. Well guess what, those little kibbles were gone this morning! Somewhere, probably under my stove, is a stache of dog food waiting to feed some hundreds of mice babies. OMG...I have to get the poison out since I can't do the trap thing. I hate to have to "dispose" of the bodies. I know, pretty juvenile, but it seems that every time I use traps the dang mouse is never actually dead. He's always just caught by his toe or foot and then what do you do? Last time that happened I felt so sorry for him that I let him go...outside of course. I have even used "live" traps. Yes, they work, but not very good. The mouse tripped it about 6 times before I actually caught him. Then I walked him over to the field near my house and let him go. Am I too nice? Should I be hell-bent on wiping out these little suckers? Maybe I'll try the poison...again. We used to live in a house in the country where we got lots of mice, there were horse and corn fields around us. I used poison once and the house stunk for weeks! When I moved to this house I never saw any mice. Until lately. I caught one in the live trap in the spring and hadn't seen any since, until now. I suppose they are trying to find a warm place to hunker down for the winter. Well it ain't here! I'm bringing out the big guns, figuratively speaking of course, and dishing up the poison tonight! Adios furballs!

I got a new KnitPicks catalog yesterday and was really impressed with their new needle line called Harmony Wood. They are laminated, colored wood needles and a real thing of beauty. Since they are laminated sheets of colored wood, squeezed together under pressure and glued with a special epoxy (my father was a wood worker) they are probably very sturdy. I plan to order some of the tips since they are compatible with the Options set I already own. I'm not usually a fan of wooden needles, too much drag, and the tips are so fragile. But these may be different. We will see! They sure are pretty to look at, and once again, KnitPicks doesn't pick your pocket with high costs.

On the knitting front...not much to report. I am in a knitting slump. I need to get back my knitting mojo! Since I am off today I have 2 things I want to do...make choc chip cookies and cast on the purple cardigan! Again! For good this time! Since our monthly knitting group in tomorrow night (if you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to attend please e-mail me, we'd love to have you join us!) I feel that I should have that darn cardigan going at least a couple inches. I've been saying I was going to have it finished in time for cold weather, which in Minnesota will be a couple months from now. I best get going on it NOW. My right hand is sore, especially my fingers. I fell last night while walking Summer the greyhound. It had rained all day and the ground was soaked. I was walking on the side of the road and a car came around the bend quite fast so I stepped off the road unto the top of the curb. Bad move, the ground there was slippery mud and my feet just flew out from under me and down I went. I landed in the grass so I didn't get hurt, other than my dignity. But today my right hand and wrist are sore. Maybe knitting will loosen it up and help make it better. Oh...the people in the car watched me fall and just kept on going. Nice.

I am off to pull Big Blue (my Kitchenaid mixer) out of his garage (the pantry cupboard) and start those cookies. Walker will be thrilled to see some homemade treats when he gets home from work. What will I do once he moves out? He is such a joy to have around. He'll be twenty on Saturday, and as much as I hate to think about it, someday he will leave home and I'll be alone. That may be a couple years since he wants to go to school but hasn't a clue as to what for! He'll figure it out, they always do. He'll be the last to leave home, the baby, and it will be hard on this ole mom!

Nothing New Here...

2007-09-13T10:28:00.000-06:00

I have ignored my blog for awhile and now I feel guilty! Funny how that works?! I have been very busy at work and having to stay later than usual. Hopefully work will calm down this next week, I don't handle stress at work very well and I hate that rushed feeling. Other than that, life is pretty much the same day after day. I haven't knit much, just a little on the Baby's Breath Socks. The pattern is very pretty and easy to remember, a good pattern for a first try at a sock that is other than stockinette stitch. It is a Jean Townsend pattern and she sells it at her blog. All her patterns are very nice. I'm using KnitPicks Essential sock yarn and liking it O.K. It has a tendency to "fuzz" and look fluffy. The pattern will get lost if it gets too fuzzy! I'm knitting them on 2 circulars, also from the KnitPicks Options line of needles and loving them! I keep trying to order more but they are always on back-order.

My daughter Stacey got some new updated pictures of Logan. He is a doll baby! He is 2 months in the photo and is up to 10 1/2 lbs...just a little pee-wee. My last two baby's (Tyler and Walker) both weighed over 10 lbs at birth! Yikes! They are both tall and handsome now! Walker will soon be 20 years old and I will no longer have any teenagers. My baby is growing up. Good thing I got grand-babies to fill the void!

I dragged out the old bread machine today. I haven't used it in a couple years but I decided we needed some cinnamon rolls. They are rising as I type and will most likely be consumed before the days end. Since the weather here has cooled off immensely, like highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's, I feel like cooking and baking. Not a good thing for my diabetes but I do try and control what and how much I eat. I went to the doctor yesterday for my blood work and hopefully my A1C will be at or below 7. That is the true test for diabetes and my last A1C was 7.7 Not bad, not great, just okay. I know that if I'd lose a few of these extra pounds I could probably get rid of the diabetes all together! That would be awesome.

Has anyone seen the new Cat Bordhi book "New Pathways for Sock Knitters"? It looks very interesting to say the least. I have called all the local yarn shops and no one has it in stock yet. Maybe I will try Amazon, save myself some money too. The book has gotten good reviews and sounds very different...but then isn't that what Cat Bordhi is all about. Being unique? It's a bit pricey for a sock pattern book, around $30.00.

And for all you sock addicted knitters be sure to check out Maia's blog. She is doing a mystery sock knit along and it looks to be fun! Very fancy, and she has charted it out so it's easy to read. Looks to be for the advanced knitter though, sort of a complicated pattern. She is such a wonderful knitter and her patterns are truly great...you rock Maia!

Undated Logan Picture!

2007-08-30T09:59:00.001-06:00

We finally have an updated picture of the cutie from Guatemala! Here is Logan with his foster mom. He is getting so big even though he is only 2 months old. Stacey and Jon are chomping at the bit to get this little guy home to Florida as are his grandparents in Minnesota! We are still hoping that homecoming will be sometime in January or February. They are waiting on the DNA tests before they are allowed to go and visit him but they hope to spend a week at Christmas with him in Guatemala. I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy! Being a Gramma is so much fun!

I tried out the new aebleskiver pan! It actually worked! You are supposed to turn them with a knitting needle...seriously, that's what the directions say. Well, I am not about to pull out my Addi's or Option needles for cooking so a bamboo skewer had to suffice. I rolled the warm aebleskivers in cinnamon and sugar...they were okay, but next time it's fruit syrup for me. I'd like to try using some fresh blueberries also. I guess I would just push some in before I flip them. They are fun to make and taste sort of like a cross between a pancake and a cake donut. I see lots of aebleskiver experimentation's in my future. Too bad these babies aren't low cal or low fat!

My dear friend Janet is very concerned that I don't get enough "comments" on my blog. What to do, what to do. A few of my favorite blogs, namely Janice's and Maia's, get LOTS of comments. I noticed that they have contests. Maybe I need a contest too! I certainly have enough sock yarn that I could easily part with for prizes. So what kind of contest should I have? How about something like...what is your favorite sock yarn and why do you like it? Or...if you were a yarn, what yarn would you be? Let me think on this a couple days and then I will post "The String-Slingers Sock Yarn Contest"! And the 4 people out there who read this blog can pass on this wonderful and exciting contest to their friends and fellow knitting bloggers so that Janet will mellow out about my lack of comments! Love'ya Janet!

At this time of year I always start to feel "antsy". Right now I am feeling particularly antsy about my house. I do not live with my husband. Although we are married, we have lived apart for the last 3 1/2 years. This was his idea. I have one child left at home, my youngest son Walker. My house has 4 bdrms, 3 baths, a living room and a family room and is really way more room than Walker and I need. Plus, there's the cleaning factor. Cleaning a house this size is way more time-consuming than I like. So I have been looking online at townhouses. No more yard work, no more lawn mowing, no more shoveling snow (remember, I live in Minnesota!) this all sounds good to me. Walker will be 20 years old next month and as much as I hate to think about it, he will leave home some day. My husband and I are good friends, the best. We talk daily and he only lives 2 miles from me. We get together for dinner and movies a couple times a week. In a perfect world he would want to live with me and I would sell my house and move back into the house where we raised our family and he still lives. Will this ever happen, I don't really know. Is this even what I truly want? I don't really know. See why I feel antsy? One thing we both have realized since Brady's suicide is that our kids are the most important thing on earth. We love them so much and want what is best for them. Family is top priority. Always will be.

Knitting. What's that? I have been so busy the last couple weeks that I haven't even touched my needles. Nor have I read any good books. When I get this antsy feeling I tend to not be able to concentrate very well. I know it will pass, it always does. I am determined to get that darn purple cardigan done no matter what! Since I have today off, and have no pressing plans, I will cast on once again and pray that I don't screw it up!

I'm Back and Feeling Good!

2007-08-22T08:55:00.000-06:00

Hello! After the hectic and sad last couple weeks, I left town for a few days and feel much better. My good buddy Joyce, took me up to their cabin in northern Minnesota. We had fun! We ate, shopped, ate, gambled at the local casino, ate, read, ate, took walks, and ate. Their cabin is on a beautiful lake so we also did a lot of deck sitting. We went antiquing at one of the local antique malls where I bought an antique wooden box that is divided into 5 compartments and has a handle. Very cute. And very reasonably priced too! We were also fortunate enough to find aebleskiver irons on a clearance rack! What is an aebleskiver iron you ask?! It is a cast iron pan that makes little donut hole type Danish treats. My grandma used to make them and they were delicious. She had an aebleskiver pan that she bought from Denmark but no one seems to know what happened to it :( I have seasoned my pan but have not actually tried making any aebleskiver yet. Maybe today! Thank you Joyce for being such a kind and gracious hostess, it was a nice quiet and peaceful 3 day getaway that I needed. I missed my sons and the wonder greyhound Summer. Sometimes getting away makes us appreciate all we let behind.

Yesterday was my middle sons birthday, he is the young man on the right with his brother Walker. The top photo is 9 years old, so Tyler is 13, and Walker is 11, Summer the greyhound is a little over 2. The second photo is him and his girlfriend Mariah. He no longer has the dreadlocks...thank goodness! Yesterday my Tyler turned 22. He is my 6'5" baby boy and always will be. We had a birthday dinner and I cooked his requested menu. B-B-Qued baby back ribs, augratin potatoes, cole slaw (recipe below), and corn on the cob. I also made him a strawberry jello poke cake! I haven' t made one of those in years and it was really tasty. I frosted it with Cool Whip and fresh sliced strawberries. Yum. We all pitched in and got him an iPod which he has been wanting (whining about) for months. He was shocked and surprised when he opened it. It was a fun night with family and friends. I am blessed to have 3 wonderful sons and a great daughter! Happy Birthday Tyler!

Nothing new on the knitting front...just plugging away on some socks and I'm going to start the purple cardigan for the SIXTH time...yes sixth! I feel like a moron. The first couple times I read the chart as if I was knitting in the round, and I'm not! It is knit flat! DUH! So I restarted, and then I read the cable row wrong...what is my problem!? Not only did I read it wrong once...but twice! So I started again for the fifth time and was busy talking while knitting and I skipped a row! So now I am going to start once more and get it right, I think! You'd never know that I have been knitting for years if you judged me on this dang sweater! Oh well, live and learn. Or should I say...knit and learn.

Next week Joyce, Janet, and I are going on a yarn crawl! They both work for the school system so their summer is coming to an end. Since we all seem to be off work on the same day we decided to use that to our "yarn purchasing" advantage. We are going to figure out a plan for shopping and lunch. Should be a fun way to end the summer and start looking forward to cooler sweater weather! I think my favorite time of year in Minnesota is September through Christmas. I love the cool fall days, the first snowfall, and the holidays! Can't wait!

I want to leave you with a wonderful cole slaw recipe that is easy, tasty, and has a fresh flavor, unlike slaw made with bottled dressings. This is Joyce's recipe that she found in Taste of Home magazine years ago and it is good! For all you cole slaw lovers...enjoy!

Whisk together:
1/4 cup mayonnaise (do not use Miracle Whip)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Pour over one 16 oz. package of Dole cole slaw (or use your own shredded cabbage). Toss and season to taste with salt and pepper. The slaw will look dry but after it sits it gets much more moist. Stir before serving. I usually make this a couple hours before we plan on eating it. It is such an easy recipe and so good.

Great Sadness

2007-08-09T12:39:00.000-06:00

Minnesota experienced a terrible tragedy with the collapse of the 35W bridge last week. Many citizens are still missing and 6 confirmed dead. It has been a time of sadness and also a time of community togetherness. We all sat with a sad heart and watched the news coverage hoping and praying that no one we knew or loved was on that bridge at the time of collapse. We also prayed and hoped for the well being of the survivors and the families of the missing and those who perished. It has had a profound impact on the Twin Cities and has proven that there still are good people. Regular people, like you and me, jumped in to help with no regard for their own safety. It was a terrible tragedy, but also a triumph of the human spirit that proves the goodness of others.

After the bridge collapse last week I was not prepared to handle any other tragedies, but unfortunately, yesterday turned out to be a sad day that has touched my family and those I love. My son Tyler has been dating a wonderful young woman, Mariah, for almost 3 1/2 years. Someday I suspect she will be my daughter in law, and that pleases me greatly! Mariah's younger brother committed suicide yesterday. He was only 16. I have felt such a burden of sadness and grief for her and her family that at times it is overwhelming. If I feel this heartbroken, I can't even begin to imagine how their family feels. They are wonderful people...kind, great parents who love their children, a strong family full of life. How does something like this happen? Why does something like this happen? They are devastated. I am so sad for them and for their lost son. Please remember them in your prayers.

Introducing...Logan Michael!

2007-07-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

I am a Gramma again! Above is a picture of my new grandson Logan. He is in Guatemala and probably won't be coming home until the beginning of 2008. My daughter Stacey, and her husband Jon are thrilled. They made the decision yesterday to adopt him and now starts all the paper work, although, they are not foreseeing any problems. Their agency said they can go to Guatemala and visit him as soon as his DNA tests come back. The US requires DNA tests to prove that the woman relinquishing her parental rights is the actual birth mother. The tests take about 1 month. He was born on June 27th and was a whopping 6 lb. 12 oz. Is he adorable, or what?! Jon, Stacey, and Mia will be flying down to see him soon. They will be able to have him with them the whole time they are in Guatemala. I am so thrilled for all of us! Adoption is such a wonderful way to have a family. They have been so blessed to have Mia and now they will add a son to their family! Time to start knitting some blue booties, and maybe a blanket!

I have a finished project! Yee-Haw...they are even done in time for the gift giving on Saturday! They are the Peach Petal Socks by Jean Townsend. Very fun pattern. I will definitely knit this pattern again. The yarn I used was a yarn called Twister that I bought years ago from a vendor in Germany. I don't think it is made any more. The ball was so big that I think I have enough left to make another pair of socks! Now that's a bargain since that ball of yarn was only $8.00! I'll pull out my digital postal scale and weigh the socks and then the leftover and see if there's enough for a pair of adult size. I'm sure my mom will love these socks. They will be given to her on Saturday for her 81st birthday. She loves hand knit socks and truly appreciates them. It's so much fun to give a gift you've knit to someone who will enjoy it.

I cast on the purple cardigan! I knit one row! Then the phone rang and all the excitement about Logan, Stacey and I talked for over an hour and I never got back to the cardigan. I plan on working on it today after I clean a little...very little! :o) I re-read the pattern and it's so well written that it will be a pleasure to knit. I hope to have it finished by fall. I know that's a long ways off but I do work full time so my knitting hours are squeezed in whenever possible. I'll post a picture once I actually have a piece of knitting to show...I doubt you want to see the one row! I am off to the vet to pick up Summer's meds. Then I will stop at the new Dollar Tree that just opened a mile from my house. I need a gift bag for my mom's birthday present, the socks and a pretty blanket I bought her. After all the "chores" are done...it's knitting time!

I Had A Blast!

2007-07-25T08:34:00.000-06:00

I had a great time at Stitch and Pitch on Sunday. Good friends, Twins baseball, lots of knitting, and an air-conditioned bus ride to The Dome. Who could ask for more? I must eat my words (cough, choke, sputter!!) the Twins did NOT kick The LA Angels behind as I had predicted. In fact, they sort of got the snot kicked out of them...final score, 7 to 2, LA. It was a good game even if the Twins couldn't get a hit to save their hides. We had seats in the upper deck behind home plate so the view was pretty good. It was amazing to see all the knitters sitting together and working on their projects. I wish I had a count of how many knitters were actually there, I'm sure it was in the mid-hundreds or higher. But the best part of the day was when my friends sang on TV...yes, sang! Thanks to the bold and talented Janet (still blogless!) who wrote a song that is sung to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ball Game. She sang it on the bus ride to The Dome and who should be on the bus, but a lady whose husband is the media director for The Dome. She whips out her cell phone and calls him and tells him about the singing knitter, Janet. Once we get to the game, the husband decides that the singing knitter should be on TV! Janet of course begs Joyce and I to sing with her...NO THANK YOU! First, I can't sing worth a dang, second, I certainly don't want to be seen, not being able to sing, on TV. But sweet and wonderful Janet manages to snare, I mean, cajole some others in the group to sing with her. Brave souls. Above is a photo I managed to take while they were waiting to be taped for their national singing debut. Too funny! My hats off to all of you who had enough guts to get up there and sing the praises of knitting for all to enjoy!

Another great thing about going to Stitch and Pitch was that I actually knit for a couple hours and finished my moms birthday socks. Yippy! I made it with 6 days to spare, a record for me! They turned out very pretty, I will take a picture of them before they are gifted. Now that I have the socks done I am going to start the cardigan. The weather here in Minneapolis is brutally hot. Today the heat index is going to be near 100 degrees and tomorrow it's going to be over 100! I truly hate the heat. Give me a snowy blizzard and cold any day compared to this steamy, oppressive heat. But then again, come January I may eat those words. At least in January I will have a nice wool cardigan to slip into and stay toasty warm!

I am going to be a Gramma again! My daughter Stacey and her husband Jon are in the process of applying to adopt a baby boy from Guatemala. We will know today for sure what little guy they pick and the paper chase will begin. Luckily, they have all their paper work in order for their second China adoption so they are pretty much done with the time consuming, putsy stuff. They will leave their application for another girl from China active. Since the wait time for China is now 3 years, they decided to adopt a son between the 2 girls. I am so excited for them...and me too! Guatemala works the opposite way from China in their adoption process. For China you apply, do all the months of paper work, then wait. Months later (now it's years later) you get a "referral" photo and info on your child. You accept, or decline, the referral. After acceptance you get ready to travel to China in about 4-6 weeks where you will stay for 2 weeks and pick up your child. With Guatemala you get the referral first, then do all the paper work, wait 4-6 months and travel there for 3 days to pick up your child. It is faster and much less waiting time. The really fun option is...you can go visit you child whenever you want! They get to stay with you for the whole visit. Since Stacey and Jon only live 2 hours (flight time!) from Guatemala City, they plan on visiting their son at least once before they go to bring him home. I'll have pictures soon so check back to see my new grandson!

Snappy Title

2007-07-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

As you can see by the title of this post...I'm having trouble finding something to write about. As far as my knitting, I am still working on the socks for my mom and the test socks for Jean Townsend. I will be bringing these to Stitch and Pitch on Sunday when I watch the Minnesota Twins kick the butt of the LA Angels! Hopefully. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather isn't too hot since we are all riding to the Dome in a school bus, without any air conditioning! Should be great fun!

What to write, what to write...I guess my life is pretty ordinary and I haven't got anything exciting to tell all of blogdom. Which is probably a good thing. I did just finish Dean Koontz's newest book "The Good Guy". It was good, fast moving, and suspenseful. I am reading another of his now called "The Husband", which I just started so I can't really say how it is. My friend Joyce read it and loved it, and since I trust her opinion, I'm sure it will be great. Now...who out there has read "Water for Elephants"? This book has me a bit perplexed. No, I haven't even read it and I may never read it. The perplexing thing is what people perceive as a "good" book. I read for entertainment, enjoyment, and fun. I have heard that Water for Elephants is awesome, couldn't put it down, loved it! AND, I've also heard it's, depressing, dark, sad, and , as one person put it...about as enjoyable as a bad toothache. Will I read it? Doubtful. Why would I spend my time reading something that doesn't make me feel good, leaves me sad, and has nothing happy or uplifting to offer? I know, I know, broaden my literary horizons, but I don't like to read a book just for the sake of being able to say...yes, I read the popular Water for Elephants. I'd rather spend those few hours of reading on a fluffy romance, or a good murder mystery (Faye Kellerman, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz, Jeffrey Deaver, etc). In fairness to myself...I did read The Kite Runner! It was good, a bit depressing and sad, but good. Why is it that book clubs and Oprah (whoever decided she was the literary queen?) always lean towards dark, forlorn, and unhappy reading? Do they feel it makes them more intelligent, or that they come away from that book a better person? I don't buy it! There's enough bad happening in the world today...I sure as hell don't need to read a novel that embraces all the evils around us. Nope, give me the fun books, and the happy ending books, and the suspense thrillers. I want to read to enjoy it and maybe, just maybe, every year or two I'll read one of those "popular" bleak and depressing, annoyingly unhappy, books that we're told are superb. Or better yet, I'll watch the news and hear enough dismal stories that I won't have to subject myself to reading it!

I am going, with my mother and aunt, to my future nieces house today for lunch. It will be nice to sit with the "ladies" and chat and enjoy a bite to eat. Then tonight is our monthly Knit2Gather which is always enjoyable. Since it is the middle of vacation time (June-August) for Minnesotans, and it's been brutally hot, the turnout may be a bit weak tonight. You just never know. Either way, it's always good to get together with fellow knitters. If you live in the Minneapolis area and could join us we'd love to have your company! Just e-mail me for info and directions.

Same Old, Same Old

2007-07-11T07:57:00.000-06:00

The 4th of July has passed and now it seems that summer is on the downward slide towards fall. I'm not complaining, I love the autumn season and look forward to it every year. It's at this time of year I feel like I'm in a slump, the same way I feel in the middle of January. I think I need a new knitting project to help me over the summer blues slump. Like just maybe, I should actually cast on for the purple cardigan instead of just talking about it! I have been chugging along on my mom's birthday socks and they are almost done. I will definitely have them done and in the gift bag, not just a promissory note telling her she's going to get some socks...someday! I am also working on the socks for Jean Townsend. I volunteered to test knit them and I am really enjoying the pattern.

My daughter Stacey and her Husband Jon, along with the beautiful grandaughter Mia, just returned from a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands. They actually went to a place called Sesame Street Island! Who would ever figure that Cookie Monster and Elmo live in the Bahamas? Those lucky little furballs! They had a great time and above is a picture of them with one of the ginormous Sesame Street characters. Stacey said they had a good time and that the vacation was all-inclusive so all they did was eat and eat! Sounds like my kind of place!

My sweet friend Janet (who is STILL blogless) is taking me to "Stitch and Pitch" on July 22nd for my birthday. What is Stitch and Pitch you ask?! Well, the easiest way to explain that is to check out their website here. I will be going to the Minnesota Twins game, and luckily for Janet, I like baseball! We are really looking forward to it. We will take a chartered bus from the local yarn store (Coldwater in Excelsior) and some of our friends from our knitting group will be joining us. Should be a great day! Knitting, baseball, friends, who could ask for more? Let's all keep our fingers crossed that it's not hot that day since the big yellow bus has no AC.

Well, I guess I've sat on my fanny long enough and should get up and get my hacienda cleaned. Wednesdays are cleaning day for me and I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful, cool, summer day here in the Twin Cities! Once I get the dog hair swept and vacuumed and the bathrooms cleaned I just may cast on that wonderful Lisa Lloyd cardigan. Wonders never cease!

Update: While I was cleaning I decided that I needed to do a small "brag". I was dusting my Hoosier (a kitchen cupboard originally designed and manufactured in Indiana at the turn of the century around 1900) and realized just how much my antiques mean to me. Not in a monetary sense but in the knowledge of the traditions they represent. I love old things, I am an old thing! I have collected antiques since I first got married many years ago and they still thrill me to no end! If I was given $10,000.00 and told to buy furniture with it...I would head to the antique malls and the flea markets. I know that there are lots of people who look upon these aged treasures as junk, but not me! I love everything about them. They are a glimpse into our past, they carry marks and scars on their surface that someone caused years ago. They are personal, they belonged to someone before me and they have a history. I find that all fascinating and I feel privileged to own these pieces. Yup, my house is filled with someone else's things, maybe others would refer to them as "secondhand" but I prefer to call them mine for now. Someday they will go to my children and I can only hope that they will respect and treasure them as much as I do. The Hoosier cupboard is probably my favorite piece I own. It was given to me by my Aunt Ruth and it was literally "in pieces". I refinished it, I rebuilt it, I even reassembled the roll-top. It now sits proudly on a wall between my dining room and living room for all to admire. I don't know how many women loved that old cupboard in the past, but I do know that it is loved now, and I hope it will be loved long after I am gone.

Bundt Pan Love

2007-07-03T12:40:00.000-06:00

Yup, I love my Bundt pan. Maybe they were popular more than 30 years ago, but I still love mine...even in 2007. My original Bundt pan is long gone. It was a Nordicware Bundt, a lovely (not!) olive green, and served me well for many years. In it's place is a sleek grey Bundt pan with a super non-stick coating that assures every cake or bread will pop right out...whole! Why do I love my Bundt pan? Simple, it works. It cooks quick breads or cakes evenly since the heat can circulate into the center. The cakes look awesome plated. Nothing prettier than a fancy looking Bundt cake on a pretty plate to impress the diners. It's easy to cut uniform pieces with very little breakage. Come on...you know I'm right. We all know what that first piece of cake looks like that you tried to pry out of the corner of a 9x13 inch cake pan. And most of all, it's a fun way to bake and serve your families favorites! Today my little Bundt pan got to be the happy bake ware for a new recipe I tried. I had printed this recipe off the net awhile ago, but couldn't seem to remember to buy the dang evaporated milk it called for. I made a list...since this bread calls for cream cheese and evaporated milk. The bread just came out of the oven and I "painted" the lemon/sugar wash over it and now I'm waiting for it to cool enough to taste test! Smells good, looks good, I think it will taste good! Be sure to check out the Nordicware website. They have some interesting recipes, contests, and best of all...the history of the famous Bundt Pan. Anyway, here's the recipe I tried sans the pecans. Nuts just didn't sound like they belonged. Plus, no one here likes nuts in anything sweet...cookies, brownies, etc. The recipe is called Lemon Cream Bread. All right...I couldn't wait any longer. I just ate a slice and I would call the finished result...divine! Very good. The bread has a nice texture: dense, moist but not crumbly. The flavor is excellent. I probably should confess that I substituted lemon juice for the 1/4 cup of water the recipe calls for. We like our lemon recipes to actually taste like LEMON! This will be a hit with all but the hubby. He doesn't like anything lemon...oh well, his loss.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July! Happy Birthday to the USA! The greatest place on Mother Earth! Yes, we've got our problems, but there still isn't any better place to be than here. I still live by the old saying "America, love her, or leave her." Like my daughter is quick to point out after living in third world countries for 5 years, "Americans have no idea what it's like to truly be poor, or needy. Our poorest citizens are rich by most of the world's standards. We are truly blessed and don't usually appreciate how lucky we are." She is a teacher and taught in the Middle East and Africa before she got married. She saw it all, and it has given her a new appreciation for all we have in our country. So let's all say a prayer for our country and her leaders, and remember to be thankful that we are citizens of the United States of America.

Banana Bread Heaven!

2007-06-28T09:45:00.000-06:00

Hurray...the weather will cool off for a couple days, at least that's what Paul Douglas, the local weather guru claims! Since the temps today will only top out in the mid 70's it is a perfect day to bake. I turned the AC off last night because the overnight low was 54! It was actually chilly...I love it! But even with the AC off the house is cool and comfy. I pulled Big Blue out of his garage (BB is my cobalt blue Kitchenaid Mixer I got for Christmas last year) and made a double batch of the best banana bread in the USA...no, world...no, universe! I wish I could take credit for the recipe but I cannot, at least not honestly. It is from an old church cookbook that I got as a wedding gift many, many, years ago. I remember when I opened the package at my shower and thought...what the heck am I gonna do with a cookbook?? Aren't we gonna eat out every night? Oh how I've changed! I love to cook and bake. It is second in line, next to knitting, for one of my favorite ways to spend time. That old church cookbook is one of my favorites, I have gotten some of my best recipes from it. In honor of the ladies who donated their wonderful recipes for the cookbook, I have renamed the recipe "Church Ladies Banana Bread". Enjoy!

Church Ladies Banana Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature (no substitutions)
2 eggs
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
3 ripe bananas
2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix. Mix buttermilk with soda and vanilla. Add and continue to mix. Mash bananas with a fork until smooth and add to mixer. When bananas are mixed in add flour and beat until well mixed. Prepare pans with cooking spray or grease and flour. Pour batter (it will be thick) into a bundt pan, or 4 small loaf pans, or one large loaf pan. Bake at 350º for 30-55 minutes. The time varies depending on what pan you use. 4 small loaf pans only take about 30 minutes, a bundt pan about 45 mins and a large loaf takes the longest at about 55 mins. So check often to be sure. Cool for 15 minutes and de-pan. Great with butter! YUM

I have made this bread recipe at least 50 times and it's never failed me. It's pretty fool proof. Just keep adding the ingredients to the mixing bowl and beat away. It's easy, and delicious.

The sock I am test knitting is so pretty. I am enjoying the pattern, it's easy enough to memorize and looks so feminine. I'll post a picture as soon as I get permission from the designer. I don't know if she's going to sell this pattern or if it's a sock of the month club pattern. Either way, I feel lucky enough to be able to test it out and see the final results. So far the results are awesome!

I think that Church Ladies Banana Bread has cooled enough to cut a slice! That will be my lunch...maybe 2 slices! I better call my sons and tell them there is a loaf waiting for them at mom's house. That's why I always double the recipe and use the small loaf pans. I have to keep the kids happy!

One Project Done...but it's Not Knitting!

2007-06-26T14:04:00.000-06:00

While I was on vacation last week I did manage to get the ugly green nightstand sanded, primed, and painted. It turned out so cute, I am very pleased with the results. In the above picture it is in the living room, it has since been moved into my bedroom and resides in a place of honor. Now that I finished it I want to get the little table done for the other side of my bed. It needs more work than the nightstand because the paint on it is peeling. I may work on it this week, while I'm still excited to paint. Painting is one of my least favorite things to do.

I am doing something that I do like to do! I am knitting a sock...actually, I'm test knitting a pattern for a sock designer. I can't say who since I haven't asked her permission, but rest assured, this is one cute sock pattern! I will see if I can post a picture when I am done with the first sock. It is a top down, very feminine sock that will appeal to most any female sock knitter. I am using KnitPicks Essential sock yarn in Dusk, the denim blue color. It is really soft yarn, way softer than many of the more expensive sock yarns. I am really impressed with the feel and how nice it's knitting. And, not to keep plugging KnitPicks (although I do lov'em), I am using their 24" size 1 (2.5mm) circular needles and LOVING them. They are equal to Addi's in comfort, quality, and speed. I am using the 2 circular method and have really come to like it. I have to say, these needles are a third the cost of Addi's and just as nice. The cable (which is purple on all their circulars) is very flexible, but I was concerned that the tips would be too sharp. I had read on some blogs that they were so sharp that they were painful. Evidently KnitPicks heard enough complaints and changed the tips because they are very comfortable to use. I definitely will be buying a couple more size 1's (for those multiple sock projects!) and a couple size 2's for knitting sport weight socks.

Well, I better go get the chicken breasts out of the water so I can make some chicken salad. It is very hot and humid today so we only need a light meal. I love chicken salad made with grapes, mandarin oranges, macaroni, almonds, and green onions. Yum.

Am I Too Young For A Shawl?

2007-06-22T08:48:00.000-06:00

What comes to mind when you hear the word "shawl"? A little old granny with a wool shawl wrapped around her stooped shoulders? That's what comes to my mind! Am I too young for a shawl at the middle age of 55? Nope. I have found a pattern that I would like to knit...it is a shawl. Years ago I bought some coned cotton and linen yarn from Elann. It is a beautiful denim color and would make a great shawl. I have about half of the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl done using this yarn and I'm not sure I like it. Today I will reassess it and decide if it is to be frogged. I have no problem frogging something that I am not pleased with. I look at it this way, I'll never use it if I don't like it, and I get double the mileage out of the yarn since it gets knit twice. The shawl I want to make is from the Elann site, the Adara Rainbow Shawl. I don't like the colors they used so mine would be a solid color. Has anyone knit this, it looks to be a fun knit with interesting shaping. I need to start another project like I need a toothache, but, you know how it is...you see something that draws your attention and before you know it, you've cast on and have 6 inches done!

My daughter and grand daughter leave tomorrow morning. It will make me sad. I have really enjoyed having them here for the last 10 days. I probably won't see them again until October when I go to the Keys to visit them. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they come here for Christmas this year. In a perfect world they would live near by and I could see them everyday...maybe someday we'll live in a perfect world.

Last night was our monthly knitting group. It was also the knitting groups 5th anniversary! When Janet and I started it 5 years ago we never thought that it would actually be successful. Oh we of little faith... it turned out to be all we had ever hoped for. We have an average of 12 people a month, we've had as many as 24 and as few as 3. All ages, all levels of skill, every knitter is welcome. There are the regulars and there are some who come only once or twice and we never hear from them again. We have some knitters who knit stunning garments and some who knit dishcloths (I am NOT dissing dishcloths, I love to knit them!). It has a been a wonderful group and I have made many new friendships that I'm sure I will treasure for my lifetime.

I Wish I Could Do That!

2007-06-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

It was hot again today in the Twin Cities. We had a slight reprieve for the last 2 days and now the heat is back. But that didn't stop the unstoppable Mia Belle from running through gramma's sprinkler. I wish I could do that...and not have the neighbors saying "Look at that fat goober running around in her back yard! What is she thinking?" Nope, the running through the sprinkler days for me are gone forever. Not so for Mia who had lots of fun and cooled off...so cool that she got the "blue lips I've been in the water too long" thing going. She is having a good time at gramma's and tells me everyday that she wants to stay in Minnesota. Gramma would like that too!

NO, that is NOT me in the above picture, even I don't have that bad of hair days! ;o) I promised a picture of the never-ending red sweater. I took the sweater, all 6 inches of it, out of my knitting bag to photograph. It's so boring that I didn't even want to take it's picture, but I did! It is a dreaded garter stitch Tyrolean Sweater. You know the one...all garter stitch, sort of boxy, with those cute little metal clasps near the neck. What was I thinking!? I am using the pattern pictured above by Mary Rich Goodwin (the picture is from the pattern book)...awesome patterns by the way. It is a top down so you do the whole body at once. You increase 8 times (2x in 4 different spots) every other row for the shaping. You stop when it is whatever armhole length you need. The longer you knit the armholes, the wider the body will be. The yarn I'm using has slight colors changes like the yarn in the picture, only mine is reds, rusts, and purples. I know, it sounds hideous but it is really pretty yarn. So pretty that this is the second sweater those skeins have been knit into! Yup, I frogged half a sweater I had knit with the red, rust, purple yarn already, and I was sure that this garter stitch Tyrolean Sweater was THE one for this yarn. Now I'm not so sure. Honest opinions please...

Shoe Woes, Painting, and Knitting

2007-06-19T14:53:00.000-06:00

I love Keens, they make a cute, comfortable, hard wearing shoe. The above Keen clogs are one of my favorite pairs of shoes that I own. I bought them specifically to wear to work since they are so comfortable. Unfortunately, our new HR doesn't seem to like Keens as much as I do. I got in trouble for wearing them...in fact, I got written up. This all happened the week before my vacation. Not a good thing since I have worked at my present job for almost 15 years and never been in trouble before. Let me rephrase that, I've never been written up before. The new HR, fresh out of college (and very experienced I'm sure!), is quite willing to "discipline" the employees, even us old-timers. I guess I have a problem with a 26 yr. old telling me what I can and cannot wear. First, she needs to lighten up and not sweat the small stuff. Really now, I think these shoes do have backs, they're just a bit shorter than most shoes. And what difference is it going to make in the long run if I wear these shoes or another style? Come on! Are the shoes I wear going to cause the Earth to spin off it's axis? I think not. Will world peace be impossible because I have on Keens? Pretty doubtful. So what did I do? I went to Target and bought the cheapest, butt-ugliest shoes I could find and now I wear them to work. I can't wait to retire...

I have sanded and primed the ugly, green nightstand and tomorrow it will get it's coat of fresh white paint. As you can see in the before picture, it is ugly. Not the style. Actually it has really nice lines and is quite cute, but the color is gross. It was painted back when "antiquing" was all the craze. The little table next to it was also going to get a coat of fresh white paint...but, it needs more work since the old paint is peeling. I have decided to wait on that one until later, in the fall. Don't want to get too many projects done!

My plans to get a lot of knitting done have fallen by the wayside. Or in other words, I've been a real knitting slacker! I will work on some socks tonight while daughter and I watch the movie "Redeye". Did I ever tell you about the never-ending red sweater? Well, check back tomorrow and I'll explain and have a picture. Don't get excited, it's nothing great. Off to walk the greyhound...

Dead or Alive?

2007-06-18T08:15:00.000-06:00

The above picture is of my sound asleep greyhound known as Summer. Yes, she looks dead, but trust me, she's not. She sleeps like this quite often, on her back, on the couch. I guess she also looks like she's snarling...impossible, since she is asleep, she cannot snarl. Not that she snarls anyway since she is a wonderful ole gal (10 1/2 yrs old) that loves people. I can't stress enough how great these retired racers are. I have had her for over 8 years and I would adopt (here's the great organization I adopted her from) her all over again! She is starting to slow down a bit but there are days she still acts like a puppy. Most people think that greyhounds are hyper and always wanting to run...not true. They are loving dogs that border on lazy (sorry Summer, but we both know that to be true) and require less care than most other large dogs. They have very little inherent health problems since any problems, such as hip dysplasia, were bred out of the breed long ago. Remember, these dogs were bred for speed and a profit so health problems were NOT allowed. They like to walk, and with a little encouragement they can be great jogging partners. There are a few hard and fast rules that do apply to greyhounds. First and foremost, they can never be off a lead. They are sighthounds and they are fast, very fast, some say the second fastest land animal on earth right behind the cheetah. They need to be contained in a fenced yard or walked regularly on a leash. Unless you can run 40 mph to catch your loose greyhound, a leash is mandatory. They can see something a half mile away, take chase, and be lost before they even know it. Plus, a leash is a protector and safeguard and all dog owners should use one. Second, they are house pets. If you're looking for a dog to keep kenneled outside, a greyhound is not for you. They have very little undercoat and body fat. They get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. They need the protection of a shelter with regulated temperatures. Personally, if you don't want a dog that you will keep indoors, maybe you don't really want a dog.

Today I went shopping with my daughter and grand daughter. I returned 2 books that my aunt gave me for my birthday (shhh, don't tell her!) and bought a book I wanted. What book? Why, "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch, of course. Her books are awesome and so well laid out. I love how the patterns are all in chart form and easy to follow. I find her books helpful when you need numbers for a basic sock pattern. She has lots of ideas for making your socks "fancy" and even has stitch patterns in the back of the book. I guess that if I could only have one sock pattern book, hers would be it! Although I also love any book by Nancy Bush and Ann Budd. After we were done shopping we had lunch at Big Bowl, one of my favorite restaurants. We had dumplings and I had Pad Thai noodles. They were good. I am enjoying my time with Stacey and Mia and will miss them when they leave on Saturday.

I am going to paint my little antique nightstand today. First sand, prime, then paint. I really don't love to paint...if fact, I really dislike painting. When I moved into my house over 3 years ago I painted almost every room. It was torture. I think it's the boring factor...it's so damn monotonous. But today my little ugly green nightstand will be reborn as a beautiful white piece of heirloom (dare I call it that?) furniture. Thank goodness the temps are normal and the humidity is gone so I can comfortably work outside.

Today Is My Birthday!

2007-06-14T07:04:00.000-06:00

55 years ago today a baby girl was born at Swedish Hospital in St. Paul Minnesota. That was me! I am getting old, but as my husband would say...getting old is better than the alternative. Tonight I will go out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants with my 4 children, husband, mother, and the visiting grand daughter. I love it when we can all be together. So Happy Birthday To Me and hopefully many more!

I am officially on vacation starting today. My daughter and grand daughter arrived safely yesterday and we have been having a fun time. Mia is talking like crazy and what she says is so funny! She makes us all laugh. It will be nice to relax for the next ten days and just take it easy. I want to paint my nightstand white (it is a puke olive green now, that green that was so popular in the 60's) and distress it. My daughter thinks I should paint it white then sand it to let a bit of the green show through. Since most of my furniture is antiques that style would fit in well. I'll wait and see how it looks once it's white. It is a cute little antique table with drawer and door on the bottom. Usually I don't paint antiques but the wood on this was so stained and blotchy that my dear mom painted it years ago. Hence, the lovely green.

My aunt gave me some books that I am going to return (shhh, don't tell her!) to Barnes and Noble and get a knitting book I want. I don't know what one I will pick but since I am on vacation I can take my time browsing.

I also will get all my purple Wool of the Andes Chunky wound so I can start the cardigan. Of course, it has been 90º so knitting with 100% wool doesn't sound too appealing right now. Maybe finish the Peach Petal Socks for my mom's birthday next month. Either way, I am gonna get some knitting done while I'm off work!

Rainbow Morning

2007-06-11T18:22:00.000-06:00

The days that I have to work I get up at 4:30am. I have to walk Summer, the greyhound gal, before I leave so I give myself that extra 20 minutes. Some mornings I am running late and Summer gets the abbreviated walk, not so this morning. I had lots of extra time and when I opened my front door...this is what I saw! I took the picture standing in my driveway. The colors aren't nearly a bright as the real rainbow was and it was a complete bow. A perfect arch that was full spectrum colored and beautiful! The sun hadn't risen yet so the picture looks dreary but it sure started my day right!

In less than 48 hours my daughter Stacey and my grand daughter Mia will be here, in my house, visiting for 10 days! I will take lots of pictures of the cutie...isn't that what grammas do?

Cable Needle Bling!

2007-06-10T16:33:00.000-06:00

Woo-Hoo! Yesterday the mailman brought me a little package. In that little package was the hand forged bronze cable needles I had ordered from Molly at Celtic Swan Forge. These needles are beautiful, a true work of art, hand made by a metal artist extraordinaire. They are so pretty that they practically qualify as jewelry. Check out Celtic Swan for hand made tools for knitters, spinners, and crocheters. You won't be disappointed.

Only 3 more days of work and I start my vacation. I am off from this Thursday until the Sunday 10 days later! Yeah! My daughter and grand daughter will arrive Wed. afternoon for a nice long visit. I can't wait...not only to see them but to have some time off and relax a bit. I am going to try and finish a couple socks and maybe cast on the Lisa Lloyd cardigan I want to knit so badly. I have loved this pattern ever since I first saw it at Lisa Lloyds web site. She has some very pretty sweaters that I would call "classic" more so than high fashion. I like classic, I know that I can wear this sweater for years and it will never look "dated". And now, thanks to Bev, I have been able to figure out the charting system that Garnstudio uses. And you know what that means?? I can knit the other cabled cardigan I covet! I will be putting my new cable needle bling to good use the next few months!

Today is hot...I really don't like hot weather. I'm one of the twelve people in Minnesota who actually like winter. I know, hard to believe. I like summer too, just not the heat. So now I am trying to decide...is it too early in the season to turn on the AC? Decisions, decisions. My daughter will feel right at home in this heat since she is coming from the Florida Keys. I guess I shouldn't complain, it's really hot down there.

I am off to get ready to watch the final episode of The Sopranos. I have watched it from the very beginning and seen every episode. I am hoping that they don't kill off Tony in the last show, how depressing would that be? Okay, I know the guy's a real snake, but hey, I've grown to love him over the years.

What Would YOU Grab In A Fire?

2007-06-07T07:47:00.001-06:00

While watching Paula Deen on the Food Network the other day (I'm a knitter and a foodie!) she made a comment that got me thinking, which is always dangerous :o) Anyway, she said that if her kitchen started on fire she would grab her microplaner! A microplaner?? Hey, Paula, they only cost about $12.00, I think you could afford to replace it quite easily. Then I thought...hummm, what would I grab if the ole hacienda were to go up in flames. Of course the first thing out the door, or window, would be anything human! And next would be anything canine, especially greyhound canine! Then I would have to make choices. What would it be...I can tell you right now, it ain't no damn microplaner! But in all fairness, I would like to save "Big Blue", the beloved nickname of my cobalt blue Kitchenaid Mixer. And while we're still in the kitchen, definitely my Braun Water Kettle...the one appliance I use all the time. Then I would head to my bedroom, and my knitting supplies! Grab that black tote that holds all my dpn's, then the basket that has the sets of circular needles and my straights, and finally, toss the Circular Solution with all my loose circular needles out the window! Phew...all are safe, but what about the yarn? Well, after much thought, and unlike Paula Deen who wants to save a microplaner, I think it would be fun to replace the yarn. Who doesn't like to shop for yarn? And what a good reason to shop and rebuild your stash. Yup, Paula can have her microplaner...I'm saving my knitting needles!

Anyone out there ever used Hiya Hiya circular needles? They look very similar to Addi's but without the big price tag. I am always leery of the joins, since that is what seems to make or break a circular needle. I love the Addi's, and who doesn't? But when the average price is around $14.00 and you know that eventually you will need every size and length, it is a bit pricey. I bought the KnitPicks Options set. I like the needles, the join is smooth and the cord is nice and flexible...but I'm not sure I like the tips! They are almost too sharp and pointy, to the degree of being painful. After Paula Deen got me thinking about what's important (I am just jesting here, if I really could save anything in the event of fire it would be my antiques that are irreplaceable) I realized just how much I've invested over the years in needles! Holy Moly...it's a LOT! In fact, I don't even want to think about how much. Maybe it is time to try those Hiya Hiya circulars.

Every Thursday a group of local knitters, many of which are in our monthly group, get together at a local restaurant to have lunch and knit. I have only gone a couple times and met some very nice people. But then, aren't all knitters nice people? I am fortunate to live in a community that has good yarn stores and many local knitters. Isn't it funny how knitters seem to "find" others of like obsession? I am lucky enough to have met many wonderful knitters over the last few years, and made friendships I wouldn't have had the opportunity to make without knitting. Knitting rocks....

Why Knit Dishcloths?

2007-06-06T06:56:00.000-06:00

For our knitting group last month my friend Janet challenged us all to knit a dishcloth. Some of the ladies were happy with the idea, some groaned. Personally, I like to knit dishcloths. It's sort of like knitting a big swatch that you get to use...for cleaning your kitchen. Of course, if you don't want your beautiful cloth lying in the kitchen sink you can always call it a bath cloth and use it in the shower! They make wonderful gifts too. My mom loves the cloths I've given her over the years. A great gift idea is a pretty round cloth bunched up to look like a flower, put in a cute basket with some fragrant bath soap and lotion. One of my favorite round cloths is the Annie Cloth (picture above). It is a free pattern listed here. There are many cute patterns there, be sure to check them all out if you love to knit cloths!

One week from today my daughter Stacey and granddaughter Mia will be coming to Minnesota for a 10 day visit. I am so excited. They were last here in March and I plan on visiting them this fall. Mia is getting so big and talks so much. With out of town family coming that means one thing...cleaning house. Yuck. Why can't I win that Powerball? The second thing I would spend my millions on is a housekeeper...to clean the first thing I would buy...a ginormous house. But, regardless of the size of my house (and mine is too big when it comes to cleaning it) next week it will be filled with people I love and the laughter of a child. I can't wait!

I am plugging along on the second Peach Petal sock and still loving this pattern. I knit the leg portion on size 2's (3.0mm) since my mom doesn't like anything restrictive on her ankles, and these socks are a gift for her. I switched to size 1 1/2 (2.5mm) for the heel and foot. I think that I would do the whole sock on one's the next time since the lace top is very stretchy anyways. I feel like I have my sock mojo back! Maybe this is the boost I need to finish all the mates for my single socks.

I have given myself permission to cast on the Lisa Lloyd cardigan. I doubt I will work on it a lot this summer since it is knit in bulky wool and would be too hot to handle, but I would like to start it anyway. I hope to have it done by winter, it gets mighty cold in Minnesota.

My 2 youngest boys (19 and 21) just walked in, I guess the cold rain has stopped their work for the day. They work construction for their dad and today is cold, windy, rainy, and all round miserable weather. They are both hungry so I am off to make them a ham and cheese omelet. A cup of tea sounds pretty good to me.

A Finished Project...And It's A Sock!

2007-05-31T08:31:00.000-06:00

I finished the first Peach Petal Sock last night while watching t.v. (that new series "Traveler" looks to be promising). I will cast on for the second sock today! No SSS with this pattern, I am actually excited to start the next sock. After I finish it I am moving onto the Canklet and writing up that pattern. It is such a pretty sock and deserves a mate, even if I can't remember how I knit it!

Have a great day!

Another Cardigan?

2007-05-30T08:07:00.000-06:00

While surfing the Garn Studio site this morning I found this cabled cardigan pattern. Who would of thought that a cabled cardigan would catch my eye?! What is it about cables that are so thrilling to me? There's just something about doing such a simple movement of stitches (after all, cables are just stitches knit out of order) that is so magical. You get a lot of bang for your buck. Cables look so complicated and fancy and yet are so simple and fun to knit. I will print this pattern to add to my many "future" projects notebook. Check out the Garn Studio site, they have 1000's of free patterns that are very nice. When I did a search of ladies cardigans there were over 500 patterns! They have everything from cute little boleros, classic sweaters, socks, mittens, anything you could ever want to knit. It's an awesome site.

I wound up my dyed sock yarn from yesterday, the second attempt at getting some decent colors (see above). I will make socks from it someday...but right now it's not calling my name. I am almost done with the first Peach Petals sock and will immediately cast on the second one. This pattern is fun, interesting, and very pretty. Thanks again Jeanie! I have some lime green sock yarn (also hand dyed by me) that I am going to use for this pattern. The yarn is obnoxiously bright...perfect for this pattern. I will not add the beads. There's something about beads on socks...doesn't seem to be necessary. Plus, does a cuff really need the added weight of beads? The pattern is cute enough without adding beads.

Tonight I am meeting my friend Janet (she's blogless) for dinner. She is my knitterly friend...the mitten queen! She knits mittens like a machine...and gives all of them away. What a thoughtful, and kind person she is! Maybe we will go to the little local Chinese restaurant and have some lo mein.

Time to go put another load of laundry in the washer. Since Tyler moved out the quantity of weekly laundry has been cut in half. He still comes over here to do his wash, and he actually does it...HE, himself! Wonders never cease...

Dying to Dye

2007-05-29T12:53:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to have today off since I worked yesterday, Memorial Day, and made double time. I now have 3 days off in a row...woohoo! So I decided to finally try and dye that KnitPicks sock yarn I've had aging in my closet. Let me tell you...I think it's a lot easier to buy the yarn already dyed! It took me 2 hours to dye a freaking skein of yarn. WTF! First, I had to wind it off into a much longer hank so the color repeats would produce stripes (we'll see if that actually happens when I knit it). It took over a half hour of walking back and forth between 2 chairs to produce this long hank, check out the photo! Then you have to tie it off every couple feet so you don't end up with a tangled, useless mass of knots. Then soak the ginormous hank in the sink with cool water and a glug of vinegar. While it's soaking I mixed the colors I wanted...lilac, pink, and green. I used Wilton Food Color Gels, used for tinting and coloring frosting. Then I carefully lifted the longggg hank of yarn from it's bath and immersed it into the dye bath bowls. Then into the microwave for 5 minutes. We're not even to the hard part yet. After the dye has been soaked up (I'm sure there's a correct term for the soaking up part but I don't know what it is!) then you let it sit and cool. When cool, carefully rinse in plain water. Now the part that sucks...trying to find a safe place for this bugger to dry! I rearranged the chairs from my patio set and very carefully, praying the whole time, slipped the giant hank over the chair backs. The chairs were forming a square around my deck with the yarn stretched over the backs. After the yarn dried, I walked around the chair square and wound the hank...took another half hour!

What a lot of work for some mediocre colored yarn! The colors faded a lot when the yarn dried and I have no idea why. I also dyed another hank but this one I wound much shorter and it was much easier to handle. It is bright colors and is still drying. All in all, I can't say that I am in any hurry to do this whole thing again...in fact, I may never do it again! I certainly have a new appreciation for people who do this for a living.

Thank You Veterans Everywhere!

2007-05-28T14:43:00.000-06:00

Today is Memorial Day, the day we remember our citizens who serve and have served in our military. My father served in WW2, he was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corp and flew 52 missions. My brother was in the Navy, he was in the UDT (underwater demolition team). He served over a year in Viet Nam. My nephew was in the navy and served in the Gulf War. All these men came home safely and I thank them for serving the country they love. I know that there is much dissention among Americans over the present war. I, for one, support our men and women who are serving in Iraq. I support them 110%. Do I like the war...hell no. Do I think it's necessary...I don't know, but most likely yes. But this I do know, I NEVER want America to experience another September 11th, 2001. And for us to ignore the fact that there are terrorists, at this very moment, plotting the destruction of America, is plain stupidity. I guess I am of the mind that we fight terrorists on their land, or they'll be back and we'll have to fight them on our land. I love my country, I feel we are so blessed to live here. I feel the majority of us have absolutely no idea just how lucky we are. We've never lived in a third world country. We've never had to try and eek out a living by begging. We've never been denied basic medical needs. We've never had to watch our children starve to death. We've never been killed or tortured because of the religion we practice. We've never been dragged out of our beds in the middle of the night and thrown into prison without a fair trial. Nope, I think we've got it pretty damn good and we should appreciate all we do have. So, I guess I should jump off my soapbox now and finish making the big meal I plan on sharing with my family today. We will thank God that we were born here, in the USA, and remember just how truly blessed we are.

Baking and Organizing

2007-05-24T14:55:00.000-06:00

Today was a typical Minnesota spring day...rainy. My greyhound had her annual vet check-up today and she is a healthy 10 1/2 year old dog! She got a rabies vaccine and her heartworm meds for the next 7 months. We don't need to do the heartworm meds year round since there are no mosquitoes in the winter. Even they are smart enough to leave the state or go wherever mosquitoes go for the cold season. After the vet check I stopped for my newest addiction...a Pom-A-Mango smoothie from Caribou Coffee. They are so good they should be illegal!

When I got home I decided to organize my knitting patterns. I went to Office Max and bought a box of 100 page protectors. I have my patterns in a couple 3-ring notebooks, so I put all loose patterns in a page protector and then organized them in my notebooks. I can't believe how many awesome patterns I have printed off the internet for free. More than I'll ever be able to knit in my lifetime, well, maybe not that many but close! It feels good having them available so when I do need to knit that special hat or sweater, I have the pattern handy in my knitters notebook. Now all I need to do is organize the yarn! Since my son moved out I have an extra bedroom so I am thinking that it would make a great room to set up my knitting machine and sewing machine. There's also built-in bookshelves so I could put all my knitting books in there, and an empty closet for all those Rubbermaid bins of yarn and fabric. What if Tyler ever decides to move back home? I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

After the patterns were organized I baked a bundt cake. Remember those bundt pans that everyone had to have in the 70's? Well I still have mine and I use it all the time. When I bake banana bread it goes in the bundt pan, when I bake caramel pull-aparts they go in the bundt pan. I love my bundt pan. It makes a pretty cake that is easy to slice and serve. Today I tried a recipe I found on a blog. This is the second time I've made this cake and it is good, good tasting and good and easy to make. It's called:

Best Bundt Cake Ever

1 cake mix, any flavor
1 can of ready to spread frosting, any flavor
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together frosting, milk, oil, and eggs until smooth. Add cake mix and beat until well blended. Pour into greased and floured bundt pan and bake for 60 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Here's the fun part. You can mix up the flavors! The first time I baked it I used chocolate frosting and yellow cake mix. I got a nice chocolate flavored cake. This time I used lemon frosting and lemon cake mix (picture above) and it is yummy! I love anything lemon and this cake is good! I did a little drizzle of icing made with a tablespoon each of butter, milk, lemon juice whisked with about 2/3 cup powdered sugar. Nothing fancy but it looks naked with out it! I see the potential for lots of different flavors here. How about a spice cake mix with cream cheese frosting, or a devils food cake mix with fudge frosting, or maybe a white cake mix with strawberry frosting. Yup, you can get all those flavors of frosting, amazing ain't it? You could mix any flavors you want. Let me know if you try this recipe and how it turns out.

I am still working on the Peach Petal socks and they are turning out so pretty. I really am liking the pattern and the yarn colors. I am turning the heel now, my favorite part of knitting a sock. It's that magic moment when a knitted tube takes a turn and actually becomes a sock. Once the heels done and you're decreasing the gusset stitches it feels like the sock is almost complete. I am going to cast on the second one right away...no SSS for this pair!

I guess I should take Summer for a walk. She's been such a good girl today. She even let the vet tech clip her nails...no small task! She is TERRIBLE about getting her nails clipped. Normally I take her to the groomer and they are very stern with her and she gets so scared. They have 3 people all trying to hold her down and she hates it! In reality, they are sort of mean, they have no tolerance for a frightened dog. But the vet tech was awesome, she was gentle and kind and Summer was actually good. No crying, jumping around, or acting up. From now on we go back to the vet for nail clipping, even though it cost 3 times more, it's worth every penny!

Off to walk while there's a break in the rain!

I Knit and I Lie!

2007-05-15T15:13:00.000-06:00

I did it again! I started another sock! What is wrong with me? I promised myself I'd knit up all the single socks first! I am a liar, and quite ashamed. But it's not my fault, not really, I was just surfing around the net, reading some knitting blogs and what do I see? Another beautiful sock pattern! What was I supposed to do, ignore this beauty and act like I'd never laid eyes on it? I think not! I did what any other sock knitting obsessed knitter would do. I printed the pattern, dug through the stash, found the perfect yarn, and cast-on. Damn, that feels good! The pattern is called Peach Petals and is a Jean Townsend pattern from her blog. I've knit some of her sock patterns before and they are always very pretty and feminine. I am using some yarn that I bought years ago from Germany called Twister. I don't even think it is made any more. It is a beautiful pastel, as you can see. I have decided not to carry the lace pattern down the foot. Since I have diabetes, my feet bother me and I think I would regret having the lace in my shoes.

I found an awesome tutorial at Maia's Blog. This gal is the sockiest knitter woman I ever saw! Her tutorials are very complete and easy to understand. Thanks Maia! You rock and so do your socks!

I have a turkey breast cooking in the oven. It is cool and windy today and turkey sounded tasty! It feels more like fall out there than spring. Minnesota...who can figure? Smells really good! I think I will go clean the asparagus and get the potatoes going. Then It's American Idol and knitting this evening. Go Jordin!

And A Happy Mother's Day To All!

2007-05-13T17:35:00.000-06:00

I am a mother, not just any mother, but a mother to the world's 4 greatest kids. I was blessed with a darling daughter, and three handsome sons. Do I sound like a typical mom, of course! I adore all my children, and in turn, I am lucky enough to have children who adore me. Although I didn't get to see my daughter today since she lives in the Florida Keys and I live in the Minneapolis area, we had a wonderful conversation on the phone. Then my 3 sons (the youngest still lives at home with me) all surprised me and ordered Asian food from my favorite restaurant for dinner. We just finished eating and they are all having ice cream (I don't need the extra calories or sugar!). I ask myself everyday, how did I get so fortunate as to have these kids for my own? Of all the things I've accomplished so far in my life, being a mom is the most rewarding and the most fun! So Happy Mother's Day to one and all! Count your blessings...I'm sure each one has a name!

Spring Has Arrived in Minnesota!

2007-05-10T07:51:00.000-06:00

What is it about this time of the year? I love it, and I dread it. I love the smell of the blooming lilacs and apple trees. I love the cool mornings and comfortable nights. I love that that little finch is building a nest in my silk hydrangeas that hang by my front door. I dread the fact that in a few weeks it will be hot...and probably humid. I think a lot of people who have never been to Minnesota have the impression that we are covered with snow most of the year. Not true. In fact, our summers can be brutally hot. Last year we have the third hottest summer on record with around 34 days with temps over 90 degrees! And add humidity to that and it sucks! When asked what my favorite season is (and we are lucky enough to actually have "seasons" in MN) I will always answer FALL. I am looking forward to fall already. The beautiful leaves, cool weather, crisp air that promises those first few snow flakes. Love it! So why the lesson on Minnesota weather? Knitting, of course! When it gets hot I find it hard to knit. Physically hard. The yarn sticks to my fingers and hands and the stitches refuse to slide on the needles. Anyone else have that problem? But I persevere since I want that Lisa Lloyd cardigan done for those crisp fall days.

I did cast on for the second toe-up sock. Since it is worsted weight yarn (bought here) with only 48 sts, it is what I consider a fast knit. I am itching to try this method with some Opal, but I have so many socks to finish first. Socks, sweaters, dishcloths, scarves, etc... I need about 5 sets of hands and then I could get all those projects DONE and not feel guilty. Funny how I feel guilty starting another project but never feel guilty about buying more yarn. BTW, I tried something new, I'm sure it's been done by someone else before, when I bound off the toe-up sock. I know that the bind off seems to be an area of concern with toe-up socks since you need a very stretchy top to fit comfortably. So this is what I did. I'm not claiming this is my own invention, although I have never seen it anywhere. I knit the first 2 stitches and bound one off as usual, then I slipped the single stitch that was on my right needle back onto the left needle. Then continue as usual...knit 2 sts, bind off one, slip single stitch back onto left needle, repeat. That way, every stitch is being worked twice and the edge is very stretchy. You will get a tiny lacy looking ridge on the top but once the sock is on it is not noticeable. It worked and it is loose enough to fit well and look good. Check out the picture!

Seeing Is Believing...

2007-05-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

Here is the single toe-up sock (sock toe is at bottom of picture) that I have almost completed. And to be perfectly honest, it was sorta fun! I can't guarantee that I'll ever make the second sock but it certainly was a great learning experience. I will definitely use this method again, maybe on sock weight yarn next. Lord knows I have enough of that to use up! As for the heel...it fits very well, I actually like the looks of it on the foot. You can see that the gusset looks like a regular heel flap gusset but the heel turn is done going up the heel back instead of under the heel. Works for me. Looks and fits good so I can't ask for more! I have decided that I actually love the toe-up cast on! It is so much easier and faster than wrestling with those double pointed needles and trying to get those first few rounds done. So all in all, toe up socks are as good as top down...never thought I'd say that, not in a million years! Thanks to Knitty and Wendy for making me a convert. Now I suppose I'll have to invest a small fortune in Addi circular needles...

Toe-Up Socks, Almost Rock!

2007-05-08T16:15:00.000-06:00

My toe up socks have been ripped back, but only about an inch! I did too many increases for the gusset so they got too baggy and way long. I am going to try the heel turn once again and see if the fit is better. I also started with more stitches at the cast on so the toe isn't so pointy this time. I am slowly coming around to this toe-up business...it is better than I thought. I am using the pattern from Wendy's site and I used the cast on from Knitty. When I did the cast on the second time I was amazed at how easy it was and how fast the toe knit up. It looks really good, even if I say so myself :o) I will post a picture of the heel when it is done. It's sort of a funky type heel and doesn't look like any heel I've ever seen before but if it fits, that's all I care about. It's always fun to learn a new way of doing things. Do I think toe-up socks rock? Maybe...

I bought the ever popular Rogue Hoodie pattern the other day. I think that this pattern is awesome. The only problem I foresee is that the pattern doesn't go up to very large sizes. I am thinking of knitting it in Beaverslide Yarn at 4 sts/inch so that will make it larger. I'll have to sit down and calculate the math for the correct size for that gauge. I've never used Beaverslide Yarn but I've looked at their site numerous times and coveted it! I especially like the denim blue color Big Sky Heather that is on sale...can't beat that price! 210 yards for $6.75. Has anyone used this yarn, any opinions? Please leave a comment. I'd also like to hear from anyone who has knit the Rogue. I read the pattern (all 19 pages!) and was impressed with how well it's written.

My friend Kathi, who I met in junior high school and have been friends with for many, many years, had a stroke about a month ago. She is 55 years old. The stroke effected the part of her brain that controls memory, especially short term memory. She will repeat what she told me just 5 minutes earlier, or show me the same thing she just showed me. She has been staying with her son and his wife for the last couple weeks so they could monitor her insulin (she's also diabetic). She came home yesterday and I am going to spend tomorrow with her. She is recovering slowly but steadily and when I talked to her today she sounded good. I think we will do the garage sale thing since we both love antiques. Maybe we can find some bargains on things we don't really need and really have no room for! Gotta love those garage sales.

Until tomorrow...keep those needles clicking! BTW...I got my eBay purse and it is WONDERFUL.

"Lost" in Knitting Toe-Up Socks!

2007-05-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm not really lost in knitting...but I am a fan of the t.v. show Lost! Love it! Never miss it! It is awesome this season! And Sawyer is hot, smoking hot! Today I found this link to a Lost podcast by Jay and Jack. It's fun to listen to their theories about the show and all the hidden secrets. I can't remember ever watching a show that has so many weird things going on. Fun, lots of fun. I have absolutely no idea how this series will end but I plan on watching until the last episode. If you haven't gotten into this show, I recommend you rent the first 2 seasons and check it out. But be forewarned, you will be hooked but good.

I love to knit socks. I have always knit my socks from the top down on dpn's. So yesterday I decided it was time to try the ever popular toe-up style AND use 2 circulars. I have used the 2 circs before so I was familiar with that. I cast on using the method here, and started knitting away. Here are my thoughts on toe-ups so far:

1. The cast on for toe-ups on 2 circs is putsy. Although, once it got going I was amazed to see how perfect it was!
2. I find it way harder and slower to do increases than decreases so the toes are slow going and tedious with all the increases EOR.
3. You have to just "wing it" when it comes to when to stop the toe increases and start the foot. Have I added enough stitches, too many? I had too many...way too many.
4. The toe is way too pointed. I cast on too few stitches to start and the toe is too narrow. I guess it's another "wing it" thing.
5. When the heck do you start the heel? You won't know if the sock is the correct length until you've finished the heel! With a top down it doesn't matter when you start the heel, once your leg is the length you want you start the heel. Easy enough.
6. The heel itself...I HATE the short-row heel. I LOVE the heel flap style heel. My heels require a 2 1/2 inch heel flap to fit correctly. With a short-row heel I can't get a good fit, they are too short. A toe-up sock normally uses a short-row heel. And if it doesn't, the flap heels are funky and done "backwards". I've yet to find a heel that is easy, normal, and fits well in a toe-up sock pattern.
7. Leg patterns are easier on toe-up! They aren't "upside down" like they will be on a top-down. Score one for toe-ups!
8. Binding off! Oh my! The bane of all toe-up sock knitters. How to get that infernal bind off loose enough to allow the blood to circulate to your toes! And I have to admit...most of the bind offs I've seen on toe-up socks look loose and sloppy.

So there, please comment and help me change my opinion on toe-up socks. Send me links, send me encouragement, send me suggestions. Oh, I forgot to mention WHY I decided I needed to knit some toe-up socks. I have some beautiful Artyarn sock yarn and I wanted to use every inch of it! That is probably the best reason I can think of to knit toe-up socks, the yarn yardage factor. But, they were a bust anyways since I had to frog them. It just seems to me that toe-up socks are a guessing game. You guess how many stitches to start with, how many increases to make the toe, how long to knit the foot, will the heel fit, is the bind off too tight??

As for the 2 circular needles VS dpns'. I like both methods. Either or. I feel like I'm farting around sliding needles and moving stitches a lot more with the circs but I don't mind it. I would guess that I'm faster on dpn's but I don't consider knitting a speed sport so it doesn't matter. I'd love to hear your ideas on toe-up socks and knitting socks with circular needles. Your favorite pattern, cast on, heel style, bind off, etc. But be nice please.

My house seems pretty quiet with Tyler gone. He's liking his own place even though he thinks it's a bit noisy! Whoever would have thought that my son...the loud music listener, Guitar Hero playing, music lover would ever find a place too loud! It does my heart good to actual think that he realizes, finally, that other peoples noise can be annoying! I've been telling him that for years :o) Too funny...and some don't believe in karma.

Green To Purple!

2007-05-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

The green cable pullover is about done, I have only 4" left on the sleeves and it is a finished project. Well, not quite finished, I will still need to do the neckband and sew it together. The color in the picture is a bit lighter than the true color. As you can see, the front, back, and sleeves are all there! In my opinion, it is almost done enough to start the Lisa Lloyd Basketweave Cardigan!

Yesterday, at our weekly Monday meeting of the dept heads, I got a nice surprise. I do not get an annual cash bonus like all other dept heads. Why, I don't know!? But all the wonderful people I work with decided I should and they all pitched in and handed me an envelope containing $200.00 in cash and a $50.00 gift card to Olive Garden. They thanked me for all the work I do for them. I almost cried. They are a great bunch, and I'm lucky to work with generous people like them. Most Pricing Coordinators (my job description) at other stores probably didn't get an envelope like I did. I'm sure the store director is the one who thought it up. He's a good guy. The cash went right into the MacBook laptop savings jug. Yes, I could buy yarn, but I really want a new computer! I am trying to hold off the purchase until this fall when Apple releases their new operating system. I probably can't wait that long and will just have to upgrade to Leopard in October. At the rate I'm saving my money...a MacBook will be mine soon! Apple Rocks!

Tonight is American Idol. Yes, I am a fan of this sometimes annoying t.v. reality show. I am having a hard time picking a favorite this year. I guess I prefer Jordan or Melinda. When you look at the track record of past winners...there's really only 2 who have "made it" in the business, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. All the others, especially Fantasia, are almost unheard of. Where's Rueben? Taylor? I sure don't hear their hits on the radio. Taylor Hicks is performing at a casino in the Twin Cities...not a venue that is sought after. He sure has bombed...too bad because I liked him the best out of last years contestants. What happens to these guys after they win? Why aren't they heavily promoted? I don't get it. They win, they bomb, you never hear from them again... Sometimes I believe that winning is the worst thing that can happen. They're better off NOT being the winner, that way they decide their own recording future.

My 21 year old son is moving out today...I am both sad and excited. He is ready to be on his own, so he and his girlfriend rented a cute 2 bdrm townhouse. He is downstairs packing (nothing like waiting til the last minute!) and loading his pickup. He is my "alien child", I call him that lovingly because sometimes I don't know where this kid came from! Was I abducted and impregnated by some other life form? He is so different than all my other kids. I have 4, a daughter, and 3 sons. Tyler is the one who hears a different drummer, he's the one who is liked by all he meets, he makes me laugh and frustrates me to tears, he'll spend $2000.00 on a tattoo but not make his truck payment. He's my 6'5" baby boy and I will miss him. Thankfully, they are only 5 miles away so I'm sure I'll still see him often, especially at dinnertime!

Purse Junky that Quilts...

2007-04-25T09:35:00.000-06:00

Weird title for a post isn't it? I've been bad because once again I have been surfing eBay and putting my Visa card to the test. I'm surprised that poor little plastic card doesn't self destruct. I love purses! I am a self admitted purse junky. There's not much in life that thrills me as much as a new leather purse. And being a lover of leather...the purses I covet tend to be expensive. I recently discovered the Hayden-Harnett handbag company. Awesome purses, and WAY expensive. I could never justify spending over $500.00 on a purse. Sooooo, enter eBay! Just on a whim I did an eBay search of Hayden-Harnett. And what should I find!? But the purse I love. Could I get so lucky as to find a $425.00 purse for $135.00? YES! And did I buy it? YES! Do I feel guilty? Hell no! I look at it this way...I just saved myself $290.00!

My mom is getting a quilt for Mother's Day...2006! I told her that was her Mother's Day present LAST year. I have yet to deliver. So I have set my mind to the task of quilting for the next couple weeks. I machine quilt, hand quilting is too time consuming for me. I figure I'd rather spend my extra time knitting, which is also time consuming. My mom's quilt will be done in vintage prints to look like it's from the 30's. I have the pattern and fabric...in fact, the fabric is all cut and ready to sew. Now I just need to get my ass in gear and start assembling! The quilt pictured is for a child, I am using that pattern but have added another row to lengthen it so my mom can use it for a throw. She always seems to be cold and likes something over her legs while she watches t.v. I promise to post a picture of the finished throw...someday!

Yesterday I had my annual review at work. Yikes, I hate that! My boss is younger than me and I have worked with him for 15 years. He is a great guy that I truly like and respect. I treat him like my son and he treats me very kindly. I still get nervous when I get called to his office! Especially when he shuts the door! Not to worry...he gave me an excellent review and was very happy with my work the last year. I do like my job, most days.

I am off to the fabric store for the quilt batting and I think I will stop in at Lens Crafters and look for new glasses. I have a pair I love that are a funky blue color but they are my old Rx. Maybe I will look for some frames in purple...my favorite color! Later...

I See A MacBook in My Future!

2007-04-18T10:35:00.000-06:00

I need to post a picture and since I don't have anything of knitting interest I thought you'd enjoy seeing my granddaughter Mia. She is a cutie!

My little desktop iMac is struggling along. He is still working but is basically only good for surfing the net, and word processing. Since the CD rom drive is dead I can't update or load any software. I have been coveting, yes coveting, a pretty new MacBook. I've always wanted a computer that is portable, you know, like to your bedroom so you can surf the net in bed! I will stay with the Apple company since I still feel they make the best and most friendly computers. I use a PC at work and it is fine...I don't want to offend all you PC users out there. But for me, there is no better computer than a Mac.

Tomorrow night is my monthly knitting group. If there is anyone in the Minneapolis area that would like to join us, please do! We'd love to have you. My friend Janet and I started this group almost 5 years ago and it is still going strong. We meet the third Thursday of the month at the Chanhassen Fire Dept at 7:00pm. It is a very friendly group with all different ages and skill levels. We have a fun time knitting and talking. Sometimes more talking than knitting! Please join us if you can. E-mail me for directions or if you have any questions.

Since today is Wednesday and my day off, I guess I really should try and accomplish some things around the house. Like mop the floors, do laundry, and clean the bathrooms. ugh. Tonight is my favorite show...Lost. I look forward to it every week and this season has not disappointed me yet. I also love to watch The Sopranos...although I hate to admit it. Since when did my live start to revolve around T.V.? I guess since I got older (I'll be 55 in June!) and my children all grew up. Life is good!

Today I Baked Bread...

2007-04-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

Today I baked a wonderful loaf of artisan style bread. It smells great, tastes divine, and it's everything a loaf of homemade bread should be. What's the catch? It took almost 24 hours to make!! That's right folks...almost a whole day to make a measly loaf of bread. Was it worth it? Yes. I am probably the last person on earth to make the famous and popular "No-Knead Bread" from the NY Times. It is so very different than the regular bread I would normally make. This bread is almost a batter that turns into a dough that bakes into a crusty delicious bread. You have to try it to see what I mean, just plan way ahead so it is ready when you want to eat it. I made the dough at 10:00pm before I went to bed and finished the process this afternoon so the bread was ready for dinner. It takes a bit of timing to get it all sorted out but it is well worth the effort. I also baked mine in a 3 qt covered earthenware casserole and it was plenty large enough. Let me know how the recipe works out for you. BTW-instant yeast is the same as quick rise yeast, the recipe calls for instant and people were going nuts trying to find it. It's just the fast yeast you get for bread machines. I used Red Star Quick Rise and it worked perfectly fine. And you might want to double the salt, I read on a few blogs that it needed more flavor.

I am still plugging along on the never-ending sleeves of my green cable pullover. I anticipate a done date within the next couple weeks. Then it is on to the purple cardigan or this little number. I think that is the cutest sweater I've seen in a long time. I just worry that my big-ass belly will look even bigger! Maybe I should lose some weight first...like, while I'm knitting the sweater I could also be on a stationary bike. Maybe not. I also am confused by the directions of "reverse shaping" for the fronts of the sweater. I'll need to read those directions a few times to figure that out! Why can't the pattern companies just write out the WHOLE pattern for us? That's one of my biggest pet peeves.

Well, the dog is outside waiting to come in and her feet are muddy...oh joy. Have a wonderful weekend and keep those needles clicking!

Happy Easter! Radical Waves Sock Pattern

2007-04-07T18:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter to all who celebrate this holiday! I am having the big Easter dinner tomorrow at my house. Glazed ham, baked turkey breast, cheesy potatoes, asparagus, fruit salad, etc. Sounds like a pretty tasty feast to me. I am happy to report that thanks to a wonderful student who lives in Norway, and her excellent German translations, the Canklet Socks may be a go! I am going to try and knit the second one and if it works...I will post the pattern. For now I will post a pattern I wrote years ago that uses sport weight sock yarn and is a pretty quick knit. I call it the Radical Waves Sock but I'm sure all you seasoned knitters will recognize the pattern. It is a pretty lace sock that is easy to knit and looks good on. Without further ado...Radical Waves!

Materials
Yarn: 100 grams sport weight sock yarn, sample is knit with Silja Sock Yarn
Needles: US size 2 (2.75mm) set of 4 dpn
Stitch marker
Gauge: 7.5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

Radical Waves Pattern:
Rnd 1: knit
Rnd 2: *yo, k3, sl 1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, k1*
Rnd 3: knit
Rnd 4: *k1, yo, k2, sl 1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, k1, p1*
Rnd 5: *k9, p1*
Rnd 6: *k2, yo, k1, sl 1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k2, p1*
Rnd 7: *k9, p1*
Rnd 8: *k3, yo, sl 1-k2tog-psso, yo, k3, p1*

Slip stitches as if to purl.

yo=yarn over

sl 1-k2tog-psso=slip one stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit 2 together

SSK(slip slip knit)= slip 2 stitches individually as if to knit, then knit them together through the back loop.

Cast On

Cast on 60 stitches.
Divide the stitches evenly onto 3 needles, 20 sts each.
Join, being careful not to twist stitches.
Place marker at beginning of round, between needles 1 and 3.

Leg

Work *K2, P2* ribbing for 12 rounds, or desired length.
Change to Radical Wave Pattern and knit 5 pattern repeats. Ending after a round 8.

Heel Flap
Knit across the 20 sts on needle 1 and the first 10 stitches on needle 2. You now have 30 stitches total on needle 1 (move marker to the center of these stitches, this is now center back). Set the 30 stitches aside (on needles 2 and 3) for instep. You may leave the stitches on needles 2 and 3 as they are, or put them on a piece of waste yarn while you work the heel.

Turn work. S1, and purl back 30 stitches on needle 1.

Knit heel flap in heel stitch:
Row 1(right side): *sl 1, k1* across.
Row 2: sl 1, purl across.
Work 34 rows of heel stitch, ending after a row 2.

Turn Heel

This is a round heel:
Slip 1, knit 16 stitches, SSK, k1, turn.
Slip 1, purl 5, p2tog, p1, turn.
Slip 1, knit 6, SSK, k1, turn.
Slip 1, purl 7, p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue to turn heel, always working one more stitch each row, until all stitches are worked. End after a purl round.

~Tip~There will always be a noticeable gap between the stitches that need to be worked together (SSK, p2tog). The decreases are always worked across the gap using the stitch before the gap and the stitch after the gap.

Knit across needle 1 to end.

Gussets

Using needle 1, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap.
Knit across the 30 instep stitches, continuing with round 1 of Radical Wave Pattern. Combining all 30 instep stitches from needles 2 and 3 onto one needle.

With loose needle, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap and knit to center of heel where the marker is.
You should now have:
needle 1: half the heel stitches and the first group of picked-up gusset stitches
needle 2: the 30 instep stitches
needle 3: the second group of gusset stitches and the second half of the heel stitches
Marker should be between needles 1 and 3. This is center back.

Gusset Decreases
Ndl 1: *Knit to 3 sts from end of needle 1, k2tog, k1.
Ndl 2: pattern across (this is rnd 2 of pattern)
Ndl 3: k1, SSK, k to end of needle (at center of heel).

Knit one round even.*

Decrease as above from * to * until 60 stitches total remain. Always working a plain round between the decrease rounds with needle 2 remaining in pattern. When decreases are done you should have 15 sts on both needles 1 and 3, and the 30 instep stitches on needle 2.

Instep
Work sock on the 60 stitches (needle 2 always in pattern, needles 1 and 3 in knit) until foot reaches the point where your big toe is attached to your foot. Knit one round plain. You will discontinue the pattern on needle 2 for the toe.

Toe
Decrease round:
Needle 1: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end.

Knit one round even.
Alternate decrease and plain rounds until 30 stitches total remain.
Now work decreases every round until 12 (ndl 1: 3 sts, ndl 2: 6 sts, ndl 3: 3 sts) total stitches remain. Combine the sts from ndls 1 and 3 onto one needle and kitchener together with the stitches on needle 2.

Kitchener Stitch:
With stitches on 2 needles, the working yarn coming from the back needle, hold the needles parallel in your left hand. Cut yarn leaving an 18” tail. Thread a yarn needle onto the tail.

~Hint~ Always work your stitches under the needles. The working yarn never goes over the top of the needles when closing the toe.

Do once:
Front needle: bring threaded needle through first stitch as if to purl and leave stitch on the needle

Back needle: bring threaded needle through first stitch as if to knit and leave stitch on needle

Repeat the next 2 steps until all stitches have been worked:

Front needle: bring threaded needle through first stitch as if to knit and slip off--bring threaded needle through next stitch as if to purl and leave on

Back needle: bring threaded needle through first stitch as if to purl one slip off--bring threaded needle through next stitch as if to knit and leave on

Weave in any loose ends. Knit another sock to match!
Karen Hoyle, Wren’s Nest Designs©2001

Visitors Are Leaving...Green Pullover is About Done

2007-03-28T08:35:00.000-06:00

My daughter and granddaughter have been visiting from Florida for the last 5 days. Today they leave. It has been so much fun to have them here, although, I have to admit, I had forgotten just how busy a 2 1/2 year old can be. Mia, my granddaughter, is talking as well as an adult. She says the funniest things! Like the other night...we were watching Wallace and Grommet and she got a little freaked by the giant rabbit. She looks at me and says "Gramma, shall we watch Curious George instead?" Shall we?? She sounds like such a prim and proper little girl, but then the next minute she's running through the house naked, screaming, and throwing things. Typical toddler! I wish my daughter and her family didn't live so far away. It's hard to see them only a couple times a year. I usually fly there in the fall, if there's no hurricanes! Thank goodness for Xanax...I can self-medicate and fly now! If anyone has a fear of flying (and mine was BAD!) Xanax WILL help you. I do take twice the prescribed amount (I take 100mg) and it has made flying bearable, almost enjoyable. It has opened up the numerous possibilities of air travel which I never thought I'd have. Drugs can be wonderful! Just don't drink with the Xanax, I had some wine when I got to my daughters house and I about fell asleep in my dinner!

I plan to work on the green pullover the rest of the week since I am on vacation! I have 4 weeks of vacation to use by October, and since my daughter was visiting, I took this week off. After they leave this afternoon, I will continue knitting on the sleeves, they are about 6 inches done so far. I am knitting them at the same time, it's so much easier, and I'm guaranteed they will be identical in length. After the sleeves are done I may feel like I've accomplished enough to actually start on the purple cardigan without any guilt! I can hardly wait. Another project I've really wanted to knit is the Celtic Cable Pullover. I think this is the cutest sweater! I have some pretty grey yarn I am considering using for it. My biggest concern about this pattern is the boring back and sleeves. I have a real hard time knitting inches and inches of plain stockinette stitch. Maybe I will dig out my old Bond Sweater machine and knit the back and sleeves on that. I know, it's sort of cheating, but it works so good for that sort of knitting and it looks great when it's done. You can't tell the difference between the Bond knit fabric and the hand knit fabric. Really! Only thing is, since I moved (3 years ago!) I haven't unpacked my Bond and all it's accessories. Do I want to futz around doing all that or just hand knit the dang back? I guess I should finish what I already have on the needles and then worry about it!

iMac woes and Slackerness...

2007-03-26T08:32:00.000-06:00

When I started my blog I swore that I would update it at least once a week. That lasted about 3 weeks! I could give some lame excuses, like I broke my arm, or I have been working 60 hours a week but those would all be lies. Truth is, I am on vacation and taking it easy. Or as the younger crowd would say...I'm a slacker. Plus, I am having major problems with my faithful little iMac. I have been a dedicated Apple fan for the last 14 years. The computer I have now is 4 years old and my 5th Apple. The disk drive is dead...dead, dead, dead. Which means that I can still use the computer but I can't load any software. Or, the saddest part...I can't load the new OSX 10.4 I just got! I cleaned out all my files, backed everything up that I wanted to keep and was planning on doing a complete erase and reload when the damn drive died. And to add insult to injury, I also bought a new digital camera and now I can't load the software for it. So I have all those awesome jpgs and I can't upload them to my blog. Many frustrated tears later I decide to take little Mac to the repair shop. The tech calls me the next day to inform me that little Mac needs 725.00 worth of repairs. Freaking A...I can buy a new iBook laptop for a grand, why would I even consider dumping that much money into a 4 year old computer!? So I schlep back to the repair store and bring little Mac home, still with a dead rom drive. I guess I shouldn't complain since I can at least access the internet. Basically, Mac is usable as long as I never want to add anything...sort of like owning a car that can only make right turns! Time to visit the Apple store unless anyone knows how I can repair this myself!

To Be Started..Soon

2007-03-14T11:01:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday my 2 friends, Joyce and Janet (HI !) and I went to Yarn Cafe in Maple Grove, MN. We had an excellent time. That has to be one of the most fun yarn stores in the Twin Cities. And the service...the best! Barb wound all our yarn purchases even though it was busy. Most stores would have told us they were too busy to bother. And we had lunch at their awesome little cafe. The salads were good...really good. You can sit and eat while you knit, look at books, gaze at the walls of beautiful yarn, etc. They have delicious baked goods also, which we had for dessert, of course! I could have stayed there all day, and we almost did. I highly recommend this shop if you are ever in the Minneapolis area. Save room for coffee and a giant muffin! And be sure to check out the new yarn they carry exclusively called Mooncake Yarn. The color selection is huge...I would guess the worsted weight comes in over 50 colors and the heavy worsted in 25 colors. These yarns are reasonably priced and have great yardage, over 200 per skein. I bought some grey and purple to make some slippers. Joyce and Janet both bought green for vests. I'll let you know how it knits up. I noticed that they don't have it listed in their online store but I'm sure they will soon.

I want to start the Lisa Lloyd Basketweave Cardigan (look at that beautiful purple wool and the buttons...they are an iridescent pearl with purple streaks) but I am forcing myself to finish my cable pullover first. Don't get me wrong, I love the pullover and all I have left are the sleeves, which I plan on casting both on today and knitting at the same time. So when I'm done, I'm really done! This pullover has been a fun knit, I pretty much designed it as I went and it actually turned out pretty nice. I'll post a pic as soon as it's done and sewn together. I am going to start some slippers with the above mentioned Mooncakes Yarn. BTW, the Plain Jane Lopi slippers were a ginormous bust! Didn't felt worth a damn. I don't recommend Lopi for felting projects. This is the second time I've wasted my time with a felted Lopi project. Never again. Anyway...I am going to knit these slippers, which I think are really cute. I can't decide if I should knit them large and loose and felt them or just knit them regular. I'm leaning towards felting but after my last slipper disaster...

My basement flooded Monday. Yup, 3 inches of standing water because the sump pump didn't work. And to add insult to injury, I had about 10 loads of dirty clothes, waiting to become clean clothes, which are now wet, dirty, clothes. I am working on washing it all today since I was at a work meeting all yesterday until 8:oo pm (waste of time). I hope to finish it today and get my basement dried out. What a mess, I could've cried. This is what happens when you get lots of snow and then warm temps and it all melts really fast! At least I am off work today (love these Wednesdays!) so I will keep washing and knitting! C'ya...

Colonoscopy, Schmolonoscopy!

2007-03-10T09:16:00.000-06:00

I survived the dreaded colonoscopy! In reality, it wasn't bad at all. Like everyone says, it's the prep work that sucks...and it does. Drinking that solution every 15 minutes was the pits. But the actual colonoscopy was a breeze. In fact, it was so easy I don't even remember it! When the doctor said we were all done I asked him why it only took 2 minutes. He said it had taken over 20 minutes! All I can say is thank goodness for drugs...especially the sedative variety! After all my fretting and fearing it turned out to be so easy that I sort of feel like a whiney baby. Sort of...but not really ;o) I have a healthy colon and no problems! It was worth all the shit (really bad pun intended) I had to go through to learn I was fine.

Today is the big shopping day! My first Saturday off in over 2 years! My friends and I are gonna eat, squeeze yarn, and have a good time! I can't wait. Another thing I can't wait for is a visit from my daughter and granddaughter. That little gal in the picture is my granddaughter Mia. She was adopted from China in October 2005 and is a real little spitfire. Smart...really smart...genius smart!!! I can brag like that since I genetically had nothing to do with it. I haven't seen my daughter, son in law, or granddaughter since last October when I flew to the Florida Keys to visit them. I was there for Mia's 2nd birthday, it was lots of fun! The Keys are a great place to visit. There's cool little shops, great restaurants, my son in law takes me for a ride in his boat, and best of all...my daughter and granddaughter are there! If you haven't already figured it out, that is a picture of the cutie Mia! You can check out my daughter and her husbands trip to China to pick up Mia at their website www.redthreadconnecton.com

Canklets Are A Bust! Pannekoeken Rocks!

2007-03-08T10:20:00.000-06:00

After spending the better part of yesterday afternoon searching for my notes on the Canklet...I am willing to give up the fight. I cannot remember how I deciphered the German chart and I can't find my notes. I went through my numerous knitting bags and my computer notes to no avail. So, unless there is a kind knitter in blogland (who can read German) and is willing to help me translate the stitch pattern, the Canklets are going in the frog pond. I've tried the translators online but they were no help. A nice blogger even sent me this link for German knitting terms, but still no help. I know when to throw in the towel, or sock, and I think it's now.

Tomorrow I am going to the hospital to have a colonoscopy. I am 54 and have dodged the probe bullet as long as I can. I have a new doctor and she is a hard-ass, but I really like her. She finally got my diabetes medication figured out and I feel much better. Unfortunately, she saw on my chart that I had never had a colonoscopy, which I guess is supposed to be done at 50 years old. So, tomorrow at 4pm central standard time I will join the ranks of legends of others who have been through this humiliating test. Oh joy....

Since I can't eat solids today or tomorrow I made one of my favorite meals yesterday. I made Pannekoeken...or as we call it, Dutch Baby Pancake. It is sort of like a gigantic popover that you can put syrup or fruit on. I like to put blueberry syrup on mine, my sons like maple syrup. It's simple to make and your house smells like Christmas cookies baking! Here's the recipe. A few pointers, the edges brown first, watch the center for doneness. The center should have golden brown spots on it. Eat it right away after you take it out of the oven since it will collapse a little. You probably don't need extra butter :o) but fruit syrups and maple syrup is a must. If you bake it in a pie pan you can cut it into wedges for easy serving. Make 2, they get eaten fast! Bon apetit!

Dutch Baby Pancake
This recipe makes one. Double the recipe to bake 2 at once.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter in a pie plate.

Mix together, with whisk, just until blended:
2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp sugar
pinch of salt

Pour the batter (there will be lumps, that's okay) into the middle of the pie plate that has the melted butter. Place in oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, until browned, firm and puffed. Top with syrup, fruit, cinnamon and sugar, whatever! Eat and enjoy. You can bake 2 at a time, this recipe is for one only.

I have today, tomorrow, and Saturday off work. I'm hoping I feel fine Saturday since my knitterly friends Joyce, Janet, and I have plans for lunch and yarn shopping. I definitely deserve some new yarn after going through a colonoscopy, any reason to buy more yarn works for me! There are many good yarn shops in the Twin Cities area. I think we will hit Yarnzilla, Yarn Cafe, and Coldwater. All great shops with good customer service. I have shopped at a couple other shops in town and had less than friendly customer service so they don't get my yarn dollar any more. Should be fun, it's always a joy to add to the stash! I am using up some of my old stash (really old!) and knitting some cute slippers. I found the pattern online. They're called Plain Jane Slippers, and are very cute. I am following the pattern but using Lopi and size 10 needles and I plan on felting them. I'll post a picture if it works out okay! Sometimes my felting experiments aren't the best, in fact, I have had complete failures. They are very disappointing after all the time I spent knitting the item. Keep your fingers crossed that these work. They should be cute, and toasty!

Cankle Anklet

2007-03-04T16:34:00.000-06:00

Last night, after I had updated my blog, I went and tried on the Cankle Anklet. It's pretty, and now I want to finish it and knit it's mate so I can have some pretty socks. Here is the Cankle Anklet in all it's unfinished glory. A sock that celebrates ankles! What do you think of it? I haven't even started to write the pattern and the lace will have to be charted because it is too much to write out! The lace pattern is from a German stitch book that uses very different knitting symbols than we use in the USA. Should be fun. Speaking of fun, has anyone seen these awesome and fantastic socks by Cookie? She is unbelievable and her socks are truly works of art. I hope that someday soon she does a book of her patterns, it would be a "must have" for me! Many of her patterns are available free at Knitty.com but I especially love the pattern Thelonious which isn't at Knitty...bummer...

I Have Cankles...

2007-03-03T19:33:00.000-06:00

Yes, cankles. What are cankles you ask. Well, cankles are a malady that I inherited from my mom, who in turn inherited them from her mom, my gramma Alexander. For all I know, cankles could go back centuries on my mothers side of the family. Yes, cankles are something you hope you don't inherit, but if you do, there's not a damn thing you can do about it. My mom prefers to call her cankles "the curse of the Alexander leg", but regardless of what she calls it, we've got it. It is the unattractive ankle that looks like a continuation of your calf, hence, calf going into ankle=cankles. Okay, so it's not like we have elephant shaped legs, not really. More like a fence post...sort of the same circumference from knee to foot. There's differing degrees of cankleness. I've seen worse than mine, much worse, but all in all, I'd say mine is the average cankle. Why do I tell the whole blogging world about my cankles, because I knit socks. Yup, cankles have a profound effect on sock knitting. Ever since I first laid eyes on the popularJaywalker Socks I have wanted to knit them. I can tell by the comments I've read and just by looking at the unyielding stitch that these socks will not fit a cankle ankled gal like me. I don't want to have to struggle to get my heel into my socks and I don't want my feet turning blue from the blood circulation being cut off. Nope, I need stretchy ribbing or delicate lace or even some good old cables with lots of extra stitches thrown in for good measure (pun intended :o). Today I found another sock that I had started many years ago. It's pretty, I like it, and it is a sock that draws your attention to the ankle (or in my case cankle). Am I going to finish it and knit another? Of course. And I'm also going to write the pattern up so you can knit it for thinner, regular ankles or for women who have a slightly "thicker" ankle like mine. So never fear...us cankle ankled gals can have a beautiful lace encircled ankle too. We need it, we want it, we deserve it! Check back tomorrow for a photo of the Cankle Anklet (I guess it's not really an anklet since anklets have a folded over top) but that's what I'm calling it!

Another Sock to be Completed...Someday Soon

2007-03-01T10:58:00.000-06:00

After I gave it some thought, I decided that I can post my pattern I designed for a SOTM Club. The club is no longer active and hasn't been for years. I own the copyright so if I want to share, I can. I have changed the name from Falling Leaves Socks to Gated Vines Socks. I did this since there are so many socks with the Falling Leaves name on the internet. Although, I think mine was before all of the others. Either way, I took the photo on our gate hence, the new name. It is a fun knit that requires a small amount of concentration and is probably not a good pattern for a beginner sock knitter. I hope you enjoy it!

Gated Vines Socks
Wren’s Nest Designs©2001 All rights reserved.
Materials
Yarn:100 gms Opal Sock Yarn (any fingering weight sock yarn will work)
Needles: size US 1 (2.5mm) set of 4 dpn (or size needed for gauge)
Gauge: 9 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
Size: Fits women shoe size 8-9 (adjust foot length for differing sizes)

Cast On
Cast on 75 stitches.
Divide the stitches evenly onto 3 needles:
ndl 1: 30 sts, ndl 2: 15 sts, ndl 3: 30 sts
Join, being careful not to twist stitches.
Place marker at beginning of round, between needles one and three.
Work K3, P2 ribbing for 1 1/2 inches or desired length.

Start Vine Pattern (multiple of 15 sts):

rnd 1, and ALL odd numbered rounds: knit
rnd 2: *k3 (yo, k1)twice, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, p2*
rnd 4: *(k3, yo)twice, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, p2*
rnd 6: *k3, yo, k5, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, p2*
rnd 8: *k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, (k1, yo)twice, k3, p2*
rnd 10: *k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, (yo, k3)twice, p2*
rnd 12: *k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k5, yo, k3, p2*

Knit 5 repeats of pattern.

Arrangement for Heel and Instep
You will be rearranging some of the stitches so that you can continue one repeat of the Vine pattern down the center of the instep. You will need to center those 15 sts that make the pattern PLUS add a “p2” at the beginning of the 15 st pattern repeat, just like there is a p2 at the end. This will insure that the pattern will be “outlined” with the purl sts and will remain symmetrical. Here goes:

Slip 12 sts from the end of needle 1 onto the beginning of needle 2.
Slip 10 sts from the beginning of needle 3 onto the end of needle 2.
Slip the last st on needle 3 onto the beg of needle 1.
Move marker over 1 st between these ndls.
Needle 2 should now have 37 sts on it.
Needles 1 and 3 should have 19 sts each.
Marker should be between ndls 1 and 3.

Now, look closely at the pattern on needle 2. You’ll notice that the 15 st Vine repeat has a p2 at the end of all the even numbered rounds. You will be adding a p2 at the beginning of the 15 st pattern rep on all even numbered rounds. So needle 2 will always be worked as follows: *k10, p2, work the 15 st pattern, k10*

Heel Flap
The heel is worked on the 38 sts on needles 1 and 3.
Knit to end of needle 1. Turn work.
S1, and purl back the rem stitches on needle 1 and 3, a total of 38 sts. Turn.
Start heel stitch with row 1 (right side) of pattern.

Heel Stitch Pattern:
Row 1:(right side)*sl 1, k 1* across to end
Row 2: sl1, p to end
Repeat these 2 rows until heel flap is square or about 2.5 inches long. End after a row 2.

~If you desire a longer heel just continue until the length you want. Remember, the longer your heel flap, the more gusset sts you will need to pick up.~
Turn Heel
This is round (French) heel:
Next row: (right side) slip 1, knit to center marker, k2, SSK, k1, turn.
Next row: slip 1, purl 5, p2tog, p1, turn.

*Slip 1, knit to within 1 st away from gap, SSK, k1, turn.
Slip 1, purl to within 1 st away from gap, p2tog, p1, turn.*

Repeat from * to * until all stitches have been worked, always working together the 2 sts on each side of the gap. End after a purl row. Turn. Knit to marker at center back of your sock.

Gussets
Pick up for the gussets:
With needle 1, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap. The number of sts you pick up will depend on how long you knit the heel flap. You may use a crochet hook for ease. Slip the picked up st onto needle one with the heel sts.

Knit across the instep stitches on needle 2 continuing in Vines pattern, this will be rnd 1 of Vine Pattern.
With loose needle, pick up one stitch through each slip stitch loop on edge of heel flap. When all loops are picked up, knit across the sts on needle 3. You should have equal amount of sts on needles one and three. You are once again at center back of your sock and ready to start the gusset decreases.
Knit 1 round, continuing pattern on ndl 2.

Now decrease for the gussets:
Needle 1: knit to 3 sts from end of needle, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: pattern across, working appropriate round.
Needle 3: at the beginning of needle, k1, SSK, work to end.
Knit one round, continuing pattern down instep on ndl 2.
Alternate decrease and knit rounds until 74 stitches remain. (18, 37, 19) You will work on extra gusset dec to have equal st counts for the instep and the sole. This will make the toe decs easier later.

Instep
Continue to knit ndls 1 and 3 on all rounds. Continue to pattern ndl 2. End when the foot length is about where you big toe is attached to your foot or approx. 1 1/2 inches shorter than your foot.

Toes
This is a round toe shaping.
Decrease round:
Needle 1: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end.

Knit one round even.

Alternate decrease and even rounds until 18 stitches remain on ndl 2.
Knit decrease round every round until 8 sts remain on ndl 2.
Place stitches from ndl 1 and 3 onto one needle (should be 8 sts) and graft together with the 8 sts on ndl 2.
Knit another sock to match!
Wren's Nest Designs© 2001 All rights reserved.

I Love Wednesdays!

2007-02-28T13:25:00.000-06:00

Most people love Fridays, it's the end of the work week and they are looking forward to the weekend ahead. Not me, I love Wednesdays. I have worked in the retail grocery business for over 22 years and everyone knows...retailers work weekends. I work weekends, every weekend, every single weekend. That is why I love Wednesdays, my two days off every week are Wednesday and Thursday, they are my weekend. So hats off to Wednesday, that middle of the week day when most are working hard and starting to think of the weekend, I am off and relaxing. It's not always easy having your weekend be in the middle of the normal work week but I have adjusted my life to accommodate it and it works for me!

Today I will clean my house, bake a chocolate sheet cake, think about American Idol and who I would like to see make it to the next round, and hopefully get some knitting done.

I have found the AWOL sock! He was hiding in the guest room closet with another sock that is also missing it's mate. I really like the other sock. I designed the pattern for a Sock of the Month Club that is no longer active so I may post the pattern here. It's a pretty sock that deserves a mate, especially since I would really like to wear them! I need to contact the SOTM coordinator to make sure that it's okay to post the pattern, after all, it IS my pattern and it is copyrighted to me so I don't see a problem with that. I'll post a picture so you all can see it and decide if it's something you'd like to knit.

We are in for another snowstorm. This time it's supposed to start snowing this afternoon and not stop until Friday night! We could get as much as 16 inches. Great. That's Minnesota for you. Mother Nature must have decided that our winter had been too mild and is fixing the snowfall discrepancy. Bless her frosty heart...

I just took our favorite cake out of the oven. I got this recipe from an "older" man at work who claims it's been in his family for years. I have to admit...it's pretty darn good. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it. A few pointers: check for doneness often. It bakes very fast since it is a thin cake. It only takes 16 minutes in my oven. Enjoy!

Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake

Place in large mixing bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa

Bring to boil and pour over flour mixture:
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup cooking oil

Add to bowl:
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda (mix into buttermilk)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Beat until well blended. Spread in greased jelly roll pan and bake for 17-20 minutes at 400 degrees. While cake is baking prepare frosting.

Melt:
1 stick of butter
Add and heat until hot but not boiling:
1/3 cup buttermilk
Pour over:
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
Add:
1 tsp vanilla
Beat until smooth.

Frost cake as soon as you take it out of the oven. Let cool, cut and enjoy!

* Do not substitute margarine in place of the butter. A cup of nuts may be added to the frosting if desired. Watch closely while baking, since this cake bakes quickly.

I can hear that darn vacuum calling my name. The bathrooms are whining too. I guess it's time to finish cleaning. I have decided that when I win the lottery one of my first priorities will be to hire a cleaning lady! Have a great day!

Lots of the white stuff!

2007-02-25T14:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I drove home from work in sleet and freezing rain...well, that didn't last too long. About dinner time it all turned to snow and we got blasted! Some areas of the Twin Cities got almost 20 inches. I heard that the west metro where I live (area west of Minneapolis) got about a foot. The picture shows the drift in front of my front door. It's deeper than it looks considering there are 2 steps there, even though it looks like only one. When I left for work this morning at 4:30am (yes, 4:30am!) the roads hadn't been plowed so it was like driving through 12 inches of mud! The car kept pulling and sliding but I didn't dare slow down for fear I'd get stuck. The only thing that saved me was my Mariners All-Wheel Drive...gotta love it! I arrived safely at work and when I left 8 hours later the roads were clear! Yup, clear right down to the asphalt. Bless those snowplow drivers!

Now that I'm home and pooped from a hard, and early, days work I think it's time for a little t.v. and knitting. I'll reach into my bag where all the waiting socks are and grab one. Hope your weekend was fun, relaxing, and snowless!

Rain, Sleet, Snow, and Knitting

2007-02-24T14:59:00.000-06:00

I just drove home from work in freezing rain and sleet...good ole Minnesota winter! We have had such a mild winter this year that I really can't complain, spring is just around the corner so I have something to look forward to. I actually like winter, and snow...I'm a true-blue Minnesotan of Scandinavian descent.

Another great thing about the cold and snow is you can knit with warm fibers. It's a bit uncomfortable to have a wool sweater in your lap when it's 90 degrees out, but not in this weather! The warmer the fiber...the better! I know that I have promised to finish all my socks but that was just a promise to not start another pair. I could always cast on for that cute Lisa Lloyd cardigan I've been anxious to start. I bought a beautiful deep purple wool from KnitPicks that will be perfect for that pattern. I love Lisa Lloyd's patterns. The cardigan I'm going to knit is her Basketweave Gansey Cardigan. Check it out:
http://lloydknitting.com/index.html
I hope to have that finished (I haven't even started it yet and I'm talking about finishing it!) so I can wear it next fall. Which would mean I would probably be working on it this summer. Yuck...hot, hot, hot! Bad idea. I guess the socks have guilted me enough that they will be my summer knitting. Small, portable, fun...what more could a girl ask of her knitting?

AWOL sock!

2007-02-22T12:09:00.000-06:00

Okay...after my big plan to knit all the socks their rightful mates, I realized that one of my favorite socks was missing! It was a sock pattern I designed for a book (never got published but that's a whole different story!) and I really wanted to knit it's mate. I do have a picture to remember it by and the hope that someday I will find it. I will share my pattern so hopefully you can knit 2 of these socks and enjoy them as much as I wanted too.

Materials
Yarn: 100 gms Opal or any fingering weight that will knit to gauge
Needles: size US 1 (2.5mm) set of 5 dpn (or size needed for gauge)
1 st Marker

Gauge: 9 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
Size: Fits womens shoe size 8 (adjust foot length for different sizes)

Stitch patterns:

Scallop Top Pattern (multiples of 9 sts):
rnd 1: knit
rnd 2: *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1* rep

Baby Braids Pattern (multiples of 6 sts):
rnd 1: *k5, p1*
rnd 2: *k1, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k1, p1*
rnd 3: *k5, p1*
rnd 4: *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p1*
rnd 5: *k5, p1*
rnd 6: *k5, p1*

Cast On

Cast on 72 stitches.
Divide the stitches evenly onto 4 dpn’s (18 sts on each) needles.
Join, being careful not to twist stitches.

Place marker at beginning of round between needles one and four. This marker will always be considered the "beginning" of any round.

Purl 1 round.
Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.

Work 5 repeats of Scallop Top Pattern.
Knit 1 round even.

Work 10 repeats of Baby Braids pattern for leg. Stop at the beginning of
ndl 4 on a round 6.

Slip last st on ndl 1 onto beg of ndl 2. The 37 stitches on needles 2 and 3 for the instep are not worked at this time. The extra st on ndl 2 (the one you slipped on from ndl 1) will remain a purl st for the remainder of the sock until the toe decs.

Heel Flap
You will be knitting back and forth on the 35 sts on needles one and four only (you may combine these onto one needle if you desire) for the heel flap. This heel flap has a 5 st garter stitch edge on both sides of the flap. You will always be knitting the first 5 and the last 5 sts of each row. Start the heel stitch pattern now at the beg of ndl 4 with row 1.

Heel Stitch Pattern:
Row 1:(right side) knit 5, *sl 1, k 1* to last 5 sts, knit
Row 2: knit 5, p across to last 5 sts, knit

Work 40 rows of heel st or until heel flap is about 2 3/4 inches long. If you desire a longer heel (or shorter) just continue until the length you want. Remember, the longer the heel, the more gusset sts you will have to pick up. End after a row 2.

Turn Heel

Next row: (right side) slip 1, knit to center marker, k2, SSK, k1, turn.
Next row: slip 1, purl 5, p2tog, p1, turn.

*Slip 1, knit to within 1 st away from gap, SSK, k1, turn.
Slip 1, purl to within 1 st away from gap, p2tog, p1, turn.*

Repeat from * to * until all stitches have been worked, always working
together the 2 sts on each side of the gap. End after a purl row. Turn.

Knit to the end of ndl 4 to the center back of your sock (be sure your marker is between needles 1 and 4).
Gussets
Pick up for the gussets:
Knit across ndl 1, pick up one stitch between each purl bump on edge of heel flap. You will have the heel sts PLUS the picked up sts on needle one. The amount of sts picked up will depend on how long you knit your heel flap. I picked up 20 sts for my sock.

Knit across the instep stitches on needles 2 and 3 changing the pattern to a 5x1 ribbing. Always purling the first stitch on ndl 2, so instep pattern for ndls 2 and 3 is now:
p1 *k5, p1* across

With loose needle, pick up one stitch between each purl bump on edge of heel flap. Knit across ndl 4. You will have the picked up sts PLUS the heel sts on needle four. You are once again at center back of your sock and ready to start the gusset decreases.

Knit 1 round.

Decrease for the gussets:
Needle 1: knit to 3 sts from end of needle, k2tog, k1.
Needles 2 & 3: Knit across in pattern: p1 *k5, p1*
Needle 4: k1, SSK, knit to end.

Knit one round, always keeping ndls 2 and 3 in pattern.

Alternate decrease and even rounds until needles 1 and 4 are back to 18 sts each.

Instep
Knit all rnds keeping ndls 1 and 4 in stockinette st, and ndls 2 and 3 in rib pattern st. End when the foot length is about where you big toe is attached to your foot or approx 1 1/2 inches shorter than your foot.
Knit one round even decreasing 1 st on needle 2 so each needle is now back to 18 sts.

Toe
Decrease round:
Needle 1: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end.
Needle 3: K to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1.
Needle 4: K1, SSK, knit to end.

Knit one round even.

Alternate decrease and even rounds until 9 stitches remain on each needle.
Now knit decrease round every round until 4 sts remain on each needle.

Place stitches on 2 needles. The 4 sts each from ndls 2 and 3 onto one needle and the 4 sts each from ndls 1 and 4 onto one needle. Graft together. Weave in any loose ends.

Knit another sock to match!

Wren's Nest Designs© 2002 All rights reserved.

I May Never Knit A NEW Pair of Socks Again!

2007-02-22T09:34:00.000-06:00

So, a few days ago I decided that I wanted to start knitting a new pair of socks. I've had this wonderful purple and turquoise Fixation that is just screaming to be socks. I hauled the giant Rubbermaid chest from my closet and dug through the dozens of skeins of sock yarn. There they were...those two beautiful little balls of Fixation. I grabbed my Crystal Palace bamboo dpn's and was about to cast on...when it happened! The guilt!!! It washed over me like a tidal wave and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I tossed the lovely Fixation on my bed and slowly walked to my closet door. I flipped the light on and stepped in...and there they were, the cause of my extreme and painful guilt. The single socks of years past, just waiting for their mates. So solemn in their singleness, never crying out for their mate that they so long for. I couldn't stand it! I had to make things right. So it was then and there that I vowed to never knit a NEW sock until I had married off all my single socks. This may take awhile......
That is my beautiful greyhound Summer watching over the single socks so they don't run off and marry up with the wrong mate! Good Girl Summer!

New Blog!! Old Knitter!!

2007-02-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

Here I sit...in front of my little iMac, entering the big world of blogging. I read so many blogs, mostly knitting related, that I figured...hey, maybe someone would want to read a blog that I wrote. And maybe not. So, either way, I am now a real blogger that will write all about my interesting and exciting life! So stay tuned, check back often, and enjoy the adventures of a string-slinging, Minnesota gal that loves her knitting.