Yarn Along, June 27 – KALs and Take A Longs

Knitting, reading, and Listening – Life is good.

Clue A of Wendy Knits Mystery KAL received on June 20. I was ready. Casting on, ripping off and casting on again. The first 8 rows of Summery Solstice Shawl completed. I liked it.

I liked it so much I had to try the shawl in ivory silk and wool. I know I can be obsessive compulsive at times. I hoping for a understated elegance with this shawl.

Since all but one of the projects I’m knitting I have sit with directions in front of me, I cast on another shawl of mindless garter stitch, I’m calling Muted Jazz. This is my to go project that I can knit on at stop lights, in parking lots, and at the Chiro’s.

I’m still listening to Inkspell by Cordila Funke and reading Driving Force by Dick Francis.

I get knitting and reading ideas by clicking here.

Published in: on June 27, 2012 at 12:47 am  Comments (4)  
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Yarn Along June 20, 2012

“~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?”  Ginny

This poor little shawl would be done and proudly shown in all its glory……………..but I ran out of beads~I need 25 more. Store is out! 😦

OKAY I need to knit another shawl…….right?
Wendy Knits is hosting a Summer Solstice Knit A Long. It starts today and I am trying to make up my mind about which yarn to use.

THIS

OR THIS

THIS OR THIS, THIS OR THIS , THIS OR THIS …………

To see what others are stitching and listening to click here.

I’m listening to Inkspell by Cornelia Funke and starting to read  ‘Summer Moon’, by Jill Marie Landis.

Published in: on June 20, 2012 at 12:03 pm  Comments (2)  
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Yarn Along, June 13, Still knitting

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well.

This mess is a wanna be shawl – Gaia Shoulder Hug. I’ve adapted a bit hoping to make wider through the body without adding length, a first time for me. My compulsive knitting this week.

I started listening to ‘Inkheart’ bu Cornelia Funke….did you ever wish to be part of the story you were reading…..be careful what you wish for!


Go see what others are knitting here.

Published in: on June 13, 2012 at 11:43 am  Comments (1)  

Yarn Along — June 6, 2012

“~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?” this is what Ginny asks;    I’m answering. . .

Holden Shawlette is off the needles, my circular point came off the cable. the Farmer did a gluing and I’m ready to put Holden back where it belongs.

Coffee Beanz wallably is getting its pouch.

While digging in the ‘stash shed’ this Noro and pattern in its own little bag called out to be cast on – (I heard last night that with obedience comes joy) – I’m Happy! Pattern – Gaia Shoulder Hug by Anne Carroll Gilmour with Noro Silk Garden Sock, color S272, grey,black, purple, turquoise, olive green.

The Stash Shed

I’m reading Faye Kellerman’s short stories in The Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights. Quick reads, humorous with a twist. While knitting I’m listening to Blue Gold by Clive Cussler.

Tami’s is a fun place to visit, too.  See you there!

Published in: on June 6, 2012 at 11:06 am  Comments (2)  

Yarn Along – May 30, 2012

“~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well.” Join others here.

I put ‘Soft Twist Slice of Pi’ on a life-line to see what it was looking like:

I have another last section repeat and the a ruffle border. I’m finally learning what to look for to keep my stitch count accurate.

The Holden shawlette is coming along. I’m ready to start the feather and fan border. I made the body larger; now  I have to work out the math.

Tonight I’m listening to Cloud Nine by Luanne Rice.

Published in: on May 30, 2012 at 8:14 pm  Comments (3)  

Yarn Along, May 9, Ready to Block

 

In checking my finished projects I saw that I didn’t share this shawl after I finished it. Maybe because, the cat climbed in the cubbie and slept on it. So I put it where he couldn’t get to it and I forgot about it  I’m in the season of forgetfulness.

Last week Alpaca Sox Shawl became a finished object! I finally decided no picots and simple edge with beads. I like it.  Now to get both blocked pretty.

Young Holden shawl on size 6 needles was looking small so frogged back and now knitting on 8’s, much better. 139 stitches on the needle, 195 stitches then I get to start the lace work.

I just finished reading ‘Empty House’ by Rosamund Pilcher, all of her’s are favorites.

Join with me to see what’s on other’s needles with Ginny.

Published in: on May 9, 2012 at 11:01 am  Comments (8)  

Yarn Along, May 3 – Stops and Starts

Recap:
Last ‘Yarn Along’ post this shawl Alpaca Sox was trying to add grey to the last few rows and the edging but it was just not working. So the knitter ripped back enough? to finish off the shawl, adding beads to picot bind off.  OPPS, overlooked a row and beads were laying on the wrong side of the shawl! So ripping again, re-knitted and ready for picot row again!

Now I needed something to kind of mindless to work on, enter Holden Shawlette. I’m using Fortissima Socka in this pretty autumn colorway. Right now, it’s just:
Row 1 knit 3, yo, knit to marker, yo, k1, yo, knit to last 3 stitches, yo, knit to end
Row 2 knit 3, p across, knit 3,
Repeat until 193 stitches, then start the pretty stuff

Remember this Wallaby was running out of yarn. It’s now pouting until the knitter figures out just what to do with adding stripes of a complimentary color…..oh well.

Since Wallaby Sox was pouting; Wallaby Coffee Beanz for an almost 2 year old whose mother does not drink coffee got started. I love the Coffee Beanz yarn. After I started W-CBz, I realized mom is Oregon Ducks FAN. So had to find a gold to add a couple of stripes to one, maybe both sleeves.

This Purl Bee’s Wallaby –  It is darling!

Or course, the other WIP’s  are waiting patiently, or at least I don’t hear them if I turn up the Audio Book loud enough. I’ve recently found Jefferson Bass’s Body Farm series. That is my book of choice just now.

I’m joining other knitters with Ginny at http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along, sharing the stops and starts of our projects.

Published in: on May 3, 2012 at 10:21 am  Leave a Comment  

Yarn Along — April 26, 2012

This week two projects have received my attention. The Wallaby Sweater for a little boy who just turned three has both sleeves and decreasing up the yoke. I started this sweater as a ‘I need something to take with me’ not really checking to see the total amount of yardage needed for knitting the sweater in sock yarn instead of worsted. I am running out of yarn. A quick trip to favorite LYS and a nice smokey grey said it would be glad to help out. I trying for a few stripes and finish with the grey as the collar.

“

The mess is the Alpaca Sox Shawl, I’m down to the last 4 rows of the body, then an eyelet row and a picot bind off. Again I ran out of yarn, so I’m auditioning from my stash a charcoal grey for the last 7 rows of body and finishing. I purchased 4×4 cube beads in metallic purple iris to add to the picots. I really not sure about the grey (although it is making a gallant effort) I may have to go back to LYS. 🙂

I am re-reading, tried and true, “Flowers in the Rain” by Rosamunde Pilcher, a book of short stories. I love her stories about everyday life, with every day people, and a story book ending. My favorite novels are The Shell Seekers and September (read the shell Seekers first). If I ever get to merry ol’ England; the towns written about in Pilcher’s stories are where I want to visit.

I share my knitting progress with others at Small Things. Come and see!

Published in: on April 26, 2012 at 8:31 am  Leave a Comment  

Yarn Along — April 13, 2012

I wish I could either knit faster or had more knitting time. So many interesting, beautiful choices, I see while visiting other’s blogs.

Not a lot to show for my knitting time that is divided between four projects. Here is a picture of the newest cast on, from Cheryl Oberle’s folk Shawls, Litla Dimun. I have wanted to knit this one ever since I bought the book. My daughter, Mary, gave me some of her home spun yarn. You can find Mary’s pretties at Hopeful Days.

Neapolitan Sundae


First 24 rows.

Last night I started listening to ‘Murder on Nob Hill’, by Shirley Tallman, from Audible’s info: This book is one of a new series featuring Sarah Woolson, an intelligent, outspoken young attorney in San Francisco in 1889. Sarah Woolson has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. The trouble is that, in 1880, everyone believes a woman belongs in the home. Sarah reminds me of Amelia Peabody. An enjoyable listen.

Joining with Ginny here.

Published in: on April 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm  Comments (1)  

Yarn Along — April 7, 2012

Yes, I know Yarn Along is on Wednesdays.

On Wednesday I didn’t think I had knit enough on anything to make it worth a post. Today I put Tweedily Dee on a life line  —  Wow.  I like.

I have started on my second ball of yarn and just over half way through the pattern. I love the colors. I love the way there are long lengths of color to make cool stripes. This yarn is very light weight, since the pattern has a picot bind off, I’m thinking of adding beads.

I’m listening to ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ by Jules Verne. I have never read this story before, shying away from the ‘classics’, thinking them heavy reading and boring. I am enjoying the story. It is amusing and easy to follow while I knit away.

 

Ginny, here, has a whole list of knitters who did not wait until Saturday to write about their projects.  Go and See.

Published in: on April 7, 2012 at 10:26 am  Leave a Comment  

Yarn Along — March 21, 2012

I saw “Man’s Rasta Hat by Annie Modesitt and Drew Emborsky” and knew I had to knit it for my oldest grandson Alex.

I used some Lion Brand Wool-Ease I received when my Mom weeded out her stash when she moved. I started Sunday afternoon and finished Tuesday. For me, a fast knit.  If I make it again, I’ll shorten the ribbing. Alex had to turn it up about 1 1/2-2 inches; it should fit without folding. He was one very happy guy!

This Wallaby sweater is my take along, so it is coming along nicely. I didn’t add the pouch this time. The sweater will look a little more dressy, which will suit the young man who will receive it.

I’m calling this shawl ‘Tweedily dee’ I like the way the striping is knitting up and it is a nice kind of mindless knitting to balance the lace knitting.

Alpaca Sox Shawl by Yarn Garden
I’m listening to Kathy Reich’s, Bare No Bones, one of the adventures of  forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan.
I love checking out what others are knitting and reading, often adding titles and projects to my lists, at Small Things with Ginny . Come and see what’s going on with two sticks (or a crochet hook) and string.
I also linked with Tami at
Published in: on March 21, 2012 at 12:49 pm  Comments (4)  

Yarn Along — March 14, 2012

I was attacked by a severe case of startitis!

I was knitting along very happily on the Anjou and the Slice of Pi, when it hit.

Alpaca Sox Shawl by Emily Devlin

Now I have to knit a little and knit a little there, here a row, there a row. Oh I love each and every row!

Slice of  Pi is blooming beautifully.

This is where my pretty ones sleep, right next to my chair.

Busterford Jones has taken over the basket when Grissabell isn’t in it.

I’m listen to A Widow’s Story, A Memoir by  Joyce Carol Oates, the story of her life after the sudden death of her husband. The topic isn’t pleasant (what word to use), but the author’s ability to describe the roller coaster ride of a widow is very well done.

Joining Ginny at Small Things. If you visit, you’ll find many beautiful works in progress – some are even finished.

Published in: on March 14, 2012 at 2:07 pm  Comments (5)  

Yarn Along — March 8

I am making progress on Anjou this week.

Last Week

This Week

The Lace

This piece has charts for the individual sections. I have completed:

Point to Pears  – Cast on 5 stitches, 35 rows of knitting, 27 stitches on needles

Widening  –  work all 12 rows 5 times, 5 pears completed, 57 stitches on needles

The Straightaway  –  work all 12 rows 17 times. Whether following Charts or written instructions, work each row as follows, Charts A, sm, B, sm, C, sm, B, sm, D.

I am on my 6th repeat down the straightaway. Once I became accustomed to working the multiple charts and highlighting the ssks to help distinguish from the k2ts, the progress has been easier and faster.

I’m enjoying this project, if I could only stay focused and not sidetracked to all the other beautiful things I want to try.

Sharing my WIP with others here.

Published in: on March 8, 2012 at 12:19 pm  Leave a Comment  

Yarn Along — February 29

This week I am excited. I have TWO finished projects, yeah!

Little blue wallaby will go to Mr. Emerson tomorrow. It is too big for him right now, but he is growing.
The first time I showed Wallaby.
Now its all done.

I was sick this past weekend, so to feel better I knitted and knitted and knitted. I loved being sick so I could give in to just sitting around knitting. I’m all better now so back to having other stuff interfere with knitting.

A slouchy hat in baby alpaca grande, color 4.  ribbed band, with seed stitch slouch. The set took 4 skeins.

with matching scarf…. cast on 32 stitched 8 stitches in seed stitch with a 16 stitch cable in the middle.  For a young lady who I think would rather live in the medieval times.

And then, my girlfriend (I’ll blame this one her) started her first shawl, and I saw this pattern in Rumpelstiltskin  (isn’t that the best name for a yarn/spinning/weaving shop) and HAD to start a shawl for me.

Pattern  – Anjou by Fiber Creams, # FD-52 using Ella rae, lace merino, 100% extra fine merino, color 122.

Working over 4 charts A B C B D, with written directions also. I love the way it is coming along.  I think this is the third start over, ready for the next section so added a life line, I didn’t do that before and when I dropped, I frogged.

Keri at http://whendidibecomeaknitter.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/wip-wednesday-feb-29/ and her goal of 12 shawls in 12 months, encouraged me to at least do one.

Presently, listening to the Moonstone, Wilke Collins,  on Audible, had an Anne McCaffrey marathon over the weekend.

I’m new to taking pictures and in a 27 ft RV there are few options, please bear with me.  Thanks.

find out what others are knitting and reading here.

Published in: on February 29, 2012 at 1:46 pm  Comments (3)  

Yarn Along — Playing not working

Discouraged is the word of the day in this yarn house.

Feather and fan shawl had to have its border frogged out and now sits in time out.

KAL is hiding its face because the beads are not co-operating.

So I played with  a leaf border I saw.  I could do that.

and I played with  a diagonal scarf with two cables that had to be ripped several times before I could read all the directions.

These are just samples to see of I could do them.

Listening to ‘A Garden to Keep’ by Jamie Langston Turner, a story of how a woman reviews her marriage after learning her husband is having an affair. I’m about half way through the book – I have mixed feelings, but it does have me compare my actions and feelings with hers about what makes a  marriage.

Joining in with Ginny for the weekly yarn along.

Published in: on February 9, 2012 at 12:58 am  Comments (1)  
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