Noodles Cowl

Noodles Cowl

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Gauge: This pattern is very flexible gauge wise. You can use any yarn, and any amount of stitches. Since this cowl is knit flat (like a scarf) and the ends are grafted, you can make it as wide and as long as you like. The picture on this pattern is worsted weight, size 7 needles, with a cast on of 36 stitches. How ever wide your cast on is, will be the measurement of your cowl from top to bottom. And how ever long you knit it, will be the circumference of your cowl.

This cowl is knit in garter stitch with extra stitches cast on then immediately bound off to create “noodles” along the edges. Very little effort for lots of effect! Cute pattern done in solids, hand painted, or patterned yarns. Can

be knit any size with any yarn. The pattern is written for worsted, but is easily adjusted for other weights.

CO 36 stitches using waste yarn. Knit 1 row.

Switch to your yarn. Knit 1 row. Start Noodles Pattern.

Noodles Pattern:
Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches at the beg of the row. Bind off those 6 stitches. Knit across remaining stitches
Row 2: Repeat row 1
Row 3 & 4: Knit

Work rows 1-4 until desired length, ending after row 2.

Graft ends together or do a 3-needle bind off. The 3-needle bind off hardly shows in garter stitch, so if you’re not a fan of grafting use that!

Note: You can cast on the 6 stitches using any method you like. I do a knitted cast on, but a simple backward loop works just as well. For longer "noodles" just cast on more stitches!
©Karen Hoyle 2008

Sort'a Plaid Cowl

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This is a small neckwarmer/cowl, with approximately a 20” circumference. It can be made wider by adding multiples of 7 stitches. It can also be knit in different weight yarns to yield different sizes. You will have to experiment since I have only knit this with sport weight yarn. It looks best in solid or hand dyed colors. The pattern tends to disappear in busy colored yarns.

Size 6 16” or 20” circular needles
170 yds. sport weight yarn (more will be needed for a wider or longer cowl)
1 marker

Plaid Pattern (7 stitch repeat): 
Rnd 1: *P2, K5* around
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: *P2, K5* around
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd 5: *P5, K2* around 
Rnd 6: knit
Rnd 7: *P5, K2* around 
Rnd 8: knit
Rnd 9: *P5, K2* around 
Rnd 10: knit

CO 105 stitches. Place marker and join, being careful not to twist stitches.

Work 4 rounds for Edging: 
rnd 1: purl
rnd 2: knit
rnd 3: purl
rnd 4: knit

Start Plaid Pattern and repeat five times, ending after round 4 on last repeat.
Work 4 rounds for Edging.
Bind off loosely. Done. Block and enjoy.
©Karen Hoyle 2018

Cubitz Cowl

Cubitz Cowl

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16” or 20” circular needles
sport: size 6
worsted: size 8
Chunky: size 10
1 marker

Sport weight yarn: 200 yds 
Worsted weight yarn: 160 yds 
Chunky weight yarn: 120 yds
All yardage is approximate and depends on how wide you knit your cowl, and if you decide to add more stitches for a looser cowl. This cowl fits loosely around the neck, but does not hang or drape in front. It is appropriate for men, women or children. To make your cowl so it will drape more, add stitches in quantities of 3. This pattern is pretty forgiving, so it can easily be made longer and wider. Experiment...have fun.

Ribbing pattern: *P1, K2* around

Cubitz pattern (3 stitch repeat): 
Rnds 1 & 2: knit
Rnds 3 & 4: *K1, P2* around

*Pattern is written with sport weight counts first, then worsted and chunky in ( ).

CO 132 (102, 72) sts onto circular needles. Join being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker at join. This is beginning of round.

Work 8 (6, 4) rounds of ribbing pattern.

Purl one round.

Switch to Cubitz pattern and work for approximately 7”-8”. End after round 2.

Purl one round. 

Work 8 (6, 4) rounds of ribbing pattern. Bind of loosely. Block and enjoy!
©Karen Hoyle 2018

Comfy Gusset Mittens Pattern

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Comfy Gusset Mittens (with a wide gusset for great ease of fit)

These mittens can easily be knitted using the magic loop technique, or on 2 circulars (half the sts on each ndl), or equally divided unto 4 dpns.
Yarn: 1 skein Cascade 220 or any worsted weight yarn. Approx. 120-180 yds depending on size of mittens.
Needles: US #5 or #6, to get gauge.
Gauge: 5.5 sts/inch
Sizes are approx, adult: small (32 sts), medium (40 sts), large (48 sts) 
Abbreviations:
st/sts = stitch/stitches
pm = place marker
sm = slip marker from one needle to the other
k2tog = knit two stitches together
kf&b = knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase 1)

rnd: round, working one complete round of all stitches
ktbl: knit the stitch through the back loop
Directions:
Both mittens are knitted the same way. There is no right or left. 
Cast on 32 (40, 48) sts
Knit 8 rnds in stockinette stitch (only do this if you want a rolled edge). Knit 16 rnds in 1×1 twisted rib *k1tbl, p1*.
Knit 4 rounds plain.
Gusset:
Set up for gusset on next round:
k10 (12,14) pm, k12 (16, 20) pm, k10 (12, 14).
Rnd 1: knit to 1 st before marker, kf&b, sm, knit to second marker, sm, kf&b in next st, knit to end.
Rnd 2: knit all sts.
Repeat rnds 1-2 until you have 44 (56, 68) sts total on your needles.
On the next rnd, knit to first marker, remove marker, place the 12 (16, 20) sts between the markers (remove second marker also) onto scrap yarn, you are now back to 32, 40, 48 sts.
Close the gap.
Continue knitting in the round until work measures, 3/4 inch from desired finished length.
Decrease rounds for top:

Note**Start the 32 and 48 stitch count mittens with rnd 1 of the top

directions, and the 40 stitch count mitten with rnd 3 of top directions. 
Rnd 1: *k4, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: *k3, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd 5: *k2, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 6: knit
Rnd 7: *k1, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 8: knit
Rnd 9: k2tog around
Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts, weave in ends. 
Thumbs:
Divide the 12 (16, 20) sts from scrap yarn onto your needles. Pick up 4 sts over gusset gap. Knit the 4 picked up sts as *k2tog* twice on next rnd, you now have 14 (18, 22) sts for the thumb.
Knit in the round until your thumb is no longer visible when the mitten is tried on.
Decrease by *knit 2 together around* twice.
Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends. Knit another mitten!
Notes:
A ribbing may be used for the cuff instead of a rolled top, or a rolled top

with no ribbing. Do your own thing, have fun! You can easily use this

pattern for fingerless mitts, just stop knitting and do a bit of ribbing. Try different weight yarns with the different stitch counts. A bulky yarn at 48 stitches will produce a LARGE mitten, where as 32 stitches with sport yarn would fit a child. This is a forgiving pattern that makes awesome, good-ole plain vanilla mittens! Have fun and experiment!
© Karen Hoyle 2018

Mittens! Lots of Mittens!

I was into knitting mittens last winter and went a bit crazy! I knit a couple dozen. Some were gifted, more were used by me, and most were put in a box for donation. It really does get cold here in Minnesota, so we actually wear mittens for protection and warmth against the biting cold winter. They aren't just a fashion statement, but a real necessity. I knitted lots of patterns from Ravelry (man, I 💜 that place!) that had all different styles of thumb gussets. After test knitting and trying on (that's the real test, how they fit) I decided to write a simple mitten pattern of my favorite thumb style. I do NOT take any credit for designing or inventing this thumb. I am sure there are many other mitten patterns that incorporate this style. What I like so much about it is...the comfy fit! Hence, I will call this pattern, Comfy Gusset Mittens. The thumb gusset starts almost directly after the wrist ribbing is complete. This makes a wider gusset at the widest part of the hand. Makes sense right? There is one drawback about the comfy gusset. It incorporates stitches from the back of the hand, so there isn't a lot of real estate for cables, patterns, etc. But you certainly can have fun with the ribbing or top of the mitten. Tiny cable ribbing, rolled top, fancy patterned ribbing, the choices are endless! This pattern is a plain vanilla pattern perfect for men, women, and children. Happy Knitting!

Hello again!! I see that the last time I posted was 2012...over 6 years ago. Wow, a lot has happened since then! I really am not going to get back into the full swing of blogging again, but I do need a place to post my knitting patterns for free. And this seems to be the best alternative. I tried to figure out how to post them on Ravelry, but it was a real hassle. I love Ravelry! I use it daily. It's one of the most, if not the most, excellent knitting apps online! Period. So here goes, I'm gonna upload a couple free patterns and hope they work :)

Gonna Try This Again!

Hello! Long time, no blogging. My life has taken a few crazy turns in the last few years, and I had given up on blogging due to time restraints. But now I seem to be able to squeeze out some bogging time. I think it will be good for me to continue this...sort of like therapy :)

Anyway...here's a quick rundown of the last few years

2008...all was well except I decided I really needed to cut the husband free, I'm sure his girlfriend was very happy about that! But, I hate to admit, we are still not legally divorced. Here's why.

2009...my sweet little granddaughter Shyla Rose was born in Sept. She is a true blessing and the cutest kid around! Tried like crazy to sell our houses so we could move forward financially and separately without having any communal property. Didn't work as expected...read on.

2010...the worst year of the last 4. In June I had to put down my 14 year old greyhound, Summer. She was my dog and I loved her. Thankfully, my daughter and grandkids were visiting for a few weeks over the summer (they live in Florida and she's a teacher with the summers off) so she was there as support. In July my husband (will someday be my ex) moved in with his girlfriend. I'm sure they are very happy :) Here's the worst...August 29th at 4 am my house burned down and I lost everything I owned. My son and I ran out of a burning house, and we are blessed to be alive and unharmed. I may have lost all material possessions, but I got out my son and our new dog...Cricket. More about her later :)

2011...now living with my mom in a small twin-home that I have purchased from her. She is 86 and in poor health. She will live with me until I can no longer care for her and then she will be moved to a nursing home. She is sometimes difficult to be around, and I wouldn't have chosen this in my life right now, but, if I don't do it, no one will. Meaning my 2 brothers! They figure I don't have a marriage anymore, my kids are grown, and I have lost my house and everything in it...so it's a good thing for me. Wrong! On the good side of life...my middle son Tyler married his high school sweetheart. Wonderful girl...love her!

2012...Plugging along. Still work fulltime and then come home and care for my mom. She is very OCD and doesn't like me to leave her alone. I go out occasionally, but most of my time is spent at work or at home caring for her. This is not where I thought I would be at this time in my life (I will be 60 in June!). I was hoping I would be planning my retirement with my husband and looking forward to my future. Oh well, God must have other plans for me.

Today, and looking forward! Oldest son Brody got engaged on Valentines Day! Doing the happy dance since we all love his fiance! I am so lucky to have a wonderful son-in-law and daughters-in law. I don't know when the actual wedding will take place, but there is a diamond ring involved and they are a little older and will do things the way they want. I am happy to welcome Kathy to our family and hope she feels the same. They have been together for a few years and it is just right. She was so helpful after the fire and really took care of a lot of the issues we faced the first few days. Such as no cars, no clothing, no shoes, nothing! She took us shopping so we had the basics and was so thoughtful and kind. I will never forget that.

I am going to ease back into blogging so I think I will sign off for today. Still have lots of news...such as a new granddaughter coming in April by way of China! My Mom is hungry and wants lunch. Until later...it's good to be back!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

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...

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!

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!

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!

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!

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(

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

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!

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.