Knit'n Post

Seems I've let things Slide

2010-11-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Seems that I've let things slide over the the past year++. I've moved, still knitting socks (usually just the one), working on getting the second sock done and taking up a new hobby...lampwork beading.

I've really enjoyed taking on test knits offered on Ravelry and thus, learning new skills. The good news is that you generally only need to complete one sock to fulfill your obligations for the test knit. This has been a great avenue to meet and work with some amazing new designers/artists, come on, have you seen some of these patterns, they are a work of art.

I spent this past weekend working on setting up a new site for my bead and jewellery making and figuring, once again, how to access this blog. I'm hoping to revamp the old site and give it a fresh new look. It's all apart of the learning process.

The past few years have been a period of great transition in my life and I'm working on settling down and building some roots where I'm currently at in life and love.

Sad, when you can't sign in

2009-06-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, apparently Blogger has made some changes in my absence and now I have a dickens of a time trying to login. I've did take this backroad route to have my username/some obscure gmail account that they have assigned emailed to me. Then I have to repeat the process with the password. WHY! It doesn't seem to let me get in without this process, even with using the disgusting username they have assigned. Now don't get me started about changing this obscure username to a gmail account that I have. Even though there is an indication that once into the site, that I can do this. I'm not sure how much longer I will continue with Blogger. Sad day. I was so stoked about getting going again....this is the very reason I detest some of this new fangled technology. You just get used to it and then some idiot decides that they have to change it...have they not heard the words USER FRIENDLY. Apparently, NOT.

I go now, hopefully I can return and continue to blog...if not...it's been a slice.

Wow, a whole year

2009-06-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Seems that I fell off the face of the earth where my blog site is concerned. Actually I didn't, just got busy with life. In the meantime it seems there were some changes with blogger. I had a dickens of a time to get back into my bog. Did it, because here I am back and writing.

I joined Ravelry and spend my time there. It's been and amazing site to belong to. Keeps all my knitting projects, books, needles, etc. organized. I love that I can look up a yarn and find various projects knit in it. There are so many groups that you can join and the pattern selection is out of this world. Simply amazing how this site has taken off and just keeps getting better.

So, a short note to say that I will try again to keep caught up on this site. Much has happened to me in this past year and it is still in a state of personal chaos. Knitting is my calmer.

Sacrificial Lamb

2008-04-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

I feel like the sacrificial lamb for viruses. I came down Monday with the flu and some irritating cough. Bad news...I leave Friday for a wonderful warm weather holiday in Mexico. Good news...doctor gave me some medicine that is supposed to help move along the symptoms, still have to go through the flu but faster. It does seem to be working.
Hardest decision is what knitting to take. I have a sock to finish for a pentathalon and I started another Cascade Fixation sock using a pattern from Nancy Bush's "Vintage Socks" book (Fancy Silk Sock). These will only be ankle socks.
Added some more links. I'm really hoping to improve that part of the blog. Time to do laundry, clean the house and pick up some last minute items for the trip.

Crap, Crap, Crap

2008-04-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

What a month I've had. First I was down with a cold virus that I couldn't seem to shake and then I got pink eye. Things seemed to get better and I even went and got a contact for one eye. Cool thing, you can get one contact for reading and it goes into the less dominant eye. So, I waited a week for the pink eye to clear and even gave it another day of treatment. I've worn my contact for only 4 hrs and it was awesome. No glasses hanging off the end of my nose. Woke up this morning with "Pink Eye". Couldn't figure out how this happened. I had been off meds for 3 treatment times and everything seemed fine. Only thing I may have done is wear a pair of sunglasses that I worn when I was infected. Stupid me...didn't even think about it as they are kept in the car. I switched sunglasses while going for a ride (vanity...they looked better with the outfit). Could this be the culprit that has re-infected me? Back off work and waiting to call the doctor. Good news, I already have the meds, only one eye is infected (still, treat both) and now, more time to knit the Jacobean sock. I have to be better by next Friday because I head to Mexico for 2 weeks.

Loving Ravelry

2008-04-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm so enjoying Ravelry. So many groups to check out other avenues for knitting. It's a great way to keep up on events around the world and also, to simply keep track of your own projects. On this note, I found out that June 14 is the date for this year's Knitting in a Public Place (KIP) event. Great site to find out where the local event near you is happening. I'll be heading to Mahone Bay which is a great spot to just pop into and look around. I've marked the day on my calendar. Now, onto knitting bits. I'm desparately trying to make progress on my Jacobean socks because I don't want to be ousted from the group. I'm also getting ready to head south for two weeks during the deadline. Yikes, possibly no internet service. Yes, there are places still in this world with very limited, if any, internet service. I'll have to see what I can get done between now and when I leave on the 18th.
I seem to be rebounding, healthwise. Crossing fingers that I have shaken this nasty cold virus and the pink eye (should be called RED eye, really).
The girlchild had a Diva/Divo performance this weekend and being in different parts of the country, I couldn't attend. So, I have no idea what she sounds like. Insert *mini pity party*. Okay, sad moment over and moving along.
Himself has returned from far reaching parts of this country and my peaceful world is NOT. Though, he doesn't say much when he is here and really, he doesn't shed like the cats do, so I guess it is all good. There goes that wicked humour of mine. Back at those socks.

I will not stay down

2008-03-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've sick since the beginning of the month. Maybe I just don't know enough to stay down, because I keep getting up and trying to go. Newest symptom came with the morning. I awoke with red swollen weepy eyes. Optimist says, maybe the virus has moved up into the eyes and the pessimist (the one beaten down) says it's "PINK EYE". Best wait and see what the doctor has to say. I want to knit, but don't wish to send an unexpected gift with the item. Thinking I might be safe with some adult socks. I've never heard of "Pink Feet" disease. Of course, all this sickness stuff started with himself coming home from a trip with a cold virus...didn't need that present. During my well moments, or at least my "I'm not moving from the couch" moments, I've been working on some preemie tube socks for a SKAL. They are luscious in cashmere/merino wool (they could be worn out by the touching before I'm done). Struggling through Kirsten's Jane as I'm still feeling slow switching between balls of yarn. She may be onto her second child before it gets done (mantra...I think I can...I think I can...etc). I'm starting a sock for a Pentathalon that I joined and I've already wasted the first month. Yikes, this really shortens the time for knitting a sock. Here are some pics to sweeten the eyes.

Progress Bars

2008-03-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have progression bars. Still want to tweak them, but there is that HUGE learning curve. The hair is getting thin and gray during the process, best to stop and let it grow back in. Besides, himself probably wants a bit of peace. I've been waving my hands frantically at him, as if he can fix it from across the room, and trying to explain what I want to happen (much like telling the mechanic what's happening to the car, with the same blank stare). Now, to figure out how to get Ravelry logo/link thing. Another day...maybe two or three. Time to knit. I've started a pair of preemie tube socks for a SKAL and will donate them to the local Children's Hospital. No time for pictures as I'm done with everything technical. Knitting is NOT technical, at least today.

Updating the site

2008-03-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, who said anthing worth doing has to be easy. Certainly, not me today. I have been spending the last week on a huge learning curve. Firstly, I have been figuring out how to set-up an acct with flickr. Then, how to get those lovely photos onto my Ravelry page and a flckr badge set-up on this page. In the course of this lesson, I have met a wonderful knitter "dragonfly 7673" who stuck with me and gave me renewed energy to keep trying. Voila, I think I figured it out. I have spent the better part of today updating this blog. Having long admired the blogsites of various other knitters, I went on an exploration in an to attempt to add some similar features, here. There are still some things that I would like to add and others to change. Alas, I am tired of all of this today. The sun is shining and I must get out and absorb some of it. Looks like a nice drive and walk are in the works. Enjoy.

What I've been up to, lately.

2008-03-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

I've been absent from my blog for more than a few months. In that time, I've made 2 trips home for about 5-6 weeks...YEAH! Knitting has been on and off. I joined Ravelry in the fall. Made 4 "Fake Isle" Noro hats for the young ones as Christmas presents. "Jane" by Perl Grey is finished and another is on the needles. One pair of Cascade socks are finished (they came out of hiding) another pair have been started and finished (whew, must be on a roll). "Lady of the Lake" by Fleece Artist was started and is waiting for me to get brave enough to seam the shoulders (seems like a small job...but very scary for me) and then pick up stitches and complete the sleeves. My shoulder seems to be better for the most part and I'm only just now trying to win the battle with a cold type virus (2 weeks and counting). I have a Flickr account, as well. Having issues getting my pics from flicr onto ravelry and decided that I will see how to post them to this blog...nothing like adding a bit more stress to the pile.

Beautiful day for knitting

2007-07-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Still moving along on my "Jane". I'm working on the first sleeve and still feeling pretty eager about the project. Decided to make some slight changes to the cuff and add a flare. Can't wait to get to that point and see how it looks. I haven't done any work on the Bonita, but we will see what this week brings. I'm starting to get a little itchy about working on the short row bust darts on that project. Started a small project, a lace type scarf with some alpaca. I've spent a bit of time on the scarf sorting out a suitable pattern. The one I've selected is turning out okay, so far and the yarn is a combination of beiges and soft greys. There doesn't seem to be any noticeable pooling of colour, though time and length will tell.
I took some time out last night to trip down to the Harbour and have a look at the "Tall Ships". Wow, am I glad that I'm not the one climbing any of those masts, serious height. It was a nice walk about and I liked the opportunity to take in the local scenery.

Back in Commission

2007-07-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've been out of commission for the past month+. Physiotherapist orders as we try to get an injured shoulder back on line. Good news is that I'm back knitting and the shoulder is healing, nicely (what...wrong order of concern...easy, now that the pain is manageable). Finished the back (actual pattern has it as the front) of the Bonita (Rowen #41) and working on the front (patterns back, without the pendant). I've switched the front and back pieces and I'm going to try and insert short row bust darts. Let's see how it goes. Taking a break and starting the Jane by Perl Grey. Saw a sample at Tangled Skeins and the one done on Frozen Extremities and I got inspired, nice to switch to a simple knit/intriguing design. Mantra: rest, knit, ice, rest, knit, ice....oh yeah, work...but it's the weekend, now...back to the mantra.

My how time flys

2007-05-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been a bit (all right...a lot) quiet this past month and a bit. I've wanted to take some pics of finished projects and my timing with the few bright days hasn't been good. I'll be taking some today and uploading later. The turtleneck sweater is done and I have worn it several times (loving it). Neckwarmer is sporting the drawstring with leaf embellishment. A new summer tank has the back finished and I'm looking at doing some pattern adjustments (short row darts) for the front. The pink tank top is finished (though I may have to redo one armhole). I've started another tank top (having some concerns about the marriage of yarn to pattern). I'm also a scuba diver and I'm doing what is called an Instructor cross over ticket. A larger portion of time is being taken up with that, now that the weather is warming up. I've taken the past few weeks off of knitting to try and get a shoulder injury better. The good news is that I have now figured out that the knitting has not been aggravating the injury....so....I'm getting back at it. Lots of projects I need to finish with this warm weather.

Happy Easter

2007-04-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Himself returned just in time for the occasion, though the easter bunny passed our house. Must have known that himself is on a cholesterol diet and I'm supporting his new diet (won't mention how awesome my levels are...but, now that you ask...).

Time to catch you up with my knitting. Finally, pics of the first sleeve of Turtleneck shrug and it is way cool, can't keep from trying it on and on and on.

Did start the second sleeve after a short break. Here is a pic of the completed (almost, not counting the leaf ties) neckwarmer.

Just working on finishing the front of the Thistle tank top. Up to the armpit and with a slight modification (what would a piece done by me not be complete without a tweek here or there), I'm aiming to have it ready for finishing stitches this evening.

I thought that spring was here, until we got hit with 6" of snow according to himself (12" by my eyes, or am I just being dramatic?). Good thing I whipped up that very pretty neckwarmer.

I'm trying to create a manly scarf (for the boychild) out of a self striping/jacquard type sock yarn. It is to go with some clothes he bought when visiting at Christmas. Won't mention that the girlchild and his super mom picked out the clothes and a pair of shoes. How else can we expect him to get a date? Oh boy, I am so toast, now.

Moving on up

2007-04-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

I've moved up the arm on the turtleneck shrug and finally, whew, finished the first sleeve. I confess that I did take a brief break to whip up a neckwarmer (photos to follow on a sunnier day). Even had an opportunity to test drive the neckwarmer and it is perfect (well, almost...just have to find the perfect yarn to knit up the tie-up). I've started on a pentagon for the interesting cabled bolero on the previous Vogue knitters magazine. What can I say, it's that thing about "shiny" things distracting me. Casting on for the second sleeve of turtleneck shrug. How many hours in the day? Now you know what I do while waiting for phone calls from the young people (yes, both of you...phone home...remind me what you sound like).

The finish line

2007-03-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

My family jokes about the tag that would attend a homemade gift from me. You know the one that promises the last bits to be wrapped up and completed (usually on the day while attending the celebration...if I was so lucky...to have it to that level of completion, not the attending part). Well, to disperse with those nay-sayers, here is living proof of the numerous completed projects (2 is more than 1 and thus, numerous...right?).

Busy weekend building barbeques, shopping, and enjoying the sun. I was good and picked up storage baskets and containers...maybe a little something for the boychild. I did include some adventure of my own. I've misplaced the key for the shed that contains the pellets that feed the wood stove that keeps me and the boys (2 large cats) warm. I was avoiding spilling my guts to himself (easy when he is away). I'm hoping they are at work, so I just had to get through the weekend. Well, that guy Murphy had a different idea (better it be someone else at fault) and sure enough while on the phone with the girlchild I see smoke coming from the pellet stove (see I don't always call it the furnace) and quickly disconnect. I thought now, I've really gone and done it, burnt the house down and himself is away and I've lost the keys for the shed...have I reached my quota for the day? Turns out that it is some safety feature that shuts the fan off and it was just drafting into the house....great I've already called out an alarm to any male answering their door or phone (I struck out on all accounts except for one)...and my silliness will be told and retold for the next while (if they can't find me handsome, then they can find me humourous). End of the story, the house is standing and I am so busted. I checked and all my fingers and toes are still there...distance is certainly the great healer, too bad himself has a memory like a steel trap, unlike my own. Now, back to finding those keys

Fresh air projects

2007-03-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Brain flash! Ever have those eureka moments when something you are doing connects to something larger, more philosophical....sure...I know, I'm on the slow boat. The turtleneck shrug is coming along nicely and I was determined to stick to it from start to finish. Notice I said "was", well, I reached my level of "stick to itness" and now, I've reset my goal to finishing the first sleeve. No, I won't abandone the shrug, simply take a break, breathe a bit of fresh air by working on another WIP and come back to it. Kind of like life and here is the eureka moment. I get distracted...sometimes easily, sometimes not...so, instead of beating myself up, I have realized that I need to take a break, breath a bit of fresh air (sometimes it could be a lot of breaks for fresh air) and remember to come back to the project or whatever else I was working on. Eureka, there is still hope for me, yet. Hmmm, now where is that piece of fresh air....oops, first the sleeve.

Surviving Change

2007-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Surviving change on the Turtleneck shrug is bluebell pattern worked in the rib pattern. See the results. It is looking rather nice, if I do say so myself. I would be farther along except that I keep stopping and trying it on to see how it looks. That's me, easily distracted (look something shiny). I spent a good portion of my Sunday with my feet up and knitting (got to get to the end of this ball of yarn). Tried to start a new ball but I'm being foiled by the gods (I can't seem to find an end to start with....argh...must resist urge to tear it apart looking)
Here are some pics of the shrug and footies (girlchild's cat wanted in on the photo shoot) that are being shipped out.

I've included pictures of the socks that I'm working on (brown for male child and pink for me). Socks yarn is Sweet Georgia in Coffee Bean and Cassis.
Bear with me as I learn how to add pictures and what my limitations may be. Enjoy and Rita here is living proof that I have finished projects (must ...pant, pant...get the rest of them done)

Evolution

2007-03-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

Why do I usually find I must insert a creative change in otherwise simple wonderful bare bones patterns? I spend more time researching, changing, knitting change, frogging back change, knitting new change....argh. But, then again, I am learning and adding my personality to it...must remind myself that frogging = building character. I'm doing the turtleneck shrug but just wanting to change the cuff and collar, oh so slightly. Maybe a flare here or a little rib detail there. I'll keep you posted of the winning, or is that surviving changes.

Projects on the Go

2007-03-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

Currently working on 2 pairs of socks (for boy child & moi), tank top from Summer IK 2006 and starting turtleneck shrug with neck and collar variation from nicky epstein. Wrapping up ends of fibretrends shrug for girl child and sending with footsies of to Siberia, ON.

From the beginning

2007-03-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

Voila, I have given birth to my first blog