Farm Mom's Musings

Channeling Steve Urkel

2012-01-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

"Did I do that?"
Oh, I guess I did.
Chalk it up to stress from losing 2 jobs the same day, crossed with trying to get a new one off the ground, then toss in some people to delight in driving a person crazy.
All I know was that one minute I noticed Knit Picks was having 40% off books sale.
And today these came.
Can I plead temporary insanity?

Sporto Grows!

2012-01-25T09:36:00.003-05:00

Despite the cranky looking face, I love this sweater. I have a hard time trying to take my own picture. I'm concentrating too much on aiming the lense, and forget to smile.

I tried this a couple days ago. There is still some work to do on the length before dividing the sleeves. I couldn't believe the yoke wasn't long enough, or the sleeves wide enough, despite what my gauge and stitch count told me.

They were right, I was wrong.

I need to go about 5 more increase rounds before I should have the right length to do the sleeve divide. Even when you take in to consideration the curling stockinette, I need a bit more. Even Gertrude says so.
I hope to get these rows done soon. (LLLOOONNNNGGGGG rows!) Then I will let Gertrude try it on again before dividing. I need too many arms to decide while I am wearing but will see what Gertie says. I then want to try some short rows for a bit of shaping to accommodate the girls a bit better. Then back to the pattern, There is some unusual shaping in back that will take in some back bagginess.

And then, once the sleeves are off, there should be much faster progress. Loosing about 200 stitches per row tends to speed things up.

Return of Lake Hagen

2012-01-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

Sort of anyway.
It's a good thing both sons are now out and on their own. If not, I think they would be turning the pasture and Lake Hagen into a ice skating rink.
The wonderful snows of last week are gone. Warmth and rain made short work of it all,and flooded the pasture along with ditches and hayfields. And now all is ice.
So far, this winter is everything I hate about spring: rain, mud, up and down temps. Yuck.

Woo Hoo!

2012-01-20T11:29:00.001-05:00

Hey! Look what I just found!
Took a night's sleep, plus some digging around whenever Hubby left the house (it is easier to hunt without his "help".) I finally sat down on the floor in front of the book shelf and checked book by book. I thought it was an oversized book on top shelf. Nope, regulation size on bottom shelf.

It's Driving Me Crazy

2012-01-19T21:16:00.001-05:00

Now I know that I have a copy of Sock Knitting Master Class. But where?
Some of my books were stacked near my knitting chair. I was confident that Master Class was in the stack. It wasn't.
Drat.
Nor was it on the bookcase of knitting books. Or in the stack on the wool room floor; the books that wouldn't fit in the bookcase. Not in any of my knitting bags.
Nowhere.
You know, it has even kept me from doing much knitting tonight, fretting about it.
It is going to drive me crazy.

Sporto Progress

2012-01-18T21:27:00.001-05:00

I have been continuing to mostly knit my Sporto. Now that I have Evelyn's pattern, the guilt is gone about using my "payment" yarn before I make her sweater.
Sorry, Evelyn. But I am enjoying the process of making this top down raglan. I threaded all the stitches on a lllooonnnggg string last night, and tried it on. I still have a ways to go yet before the sleeve divide.
And I am kicking myself for not taking a picture when I had it on.
So, back on the needle, here is a shot taken on my phone camera.
And now I'm off to knit with Angela Langsbury, Frank Sinatra and The Manchurian Candidate.

The New History Center

2012-01-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

Now that I have been officially removed from the library local history room and payroll, I can start looking toward a new job. And the one I have cooking at the moment, is a new History Center. For natives of Fremont, this picture may give a clue to the new location

The newly restored former ice cream parlor still has the marble counter that was brought from the World's Fair in Chicago many years ago. The other counter facing this will be the printing, copying station.

Furniture is being moved into place. We are working on getting data and materials in place and hope to open soon.

I Love This Weather

2012-01-15T12:06:00.004-05:00

Finally, at long last, we got a touch of winter over the past couple days. Of course it is supposed to be in the upper 30's Monday, and possibly rainy. But I can enjoy this while it lasts.

The view from the back porch across the pasture is so.....pastoral. When the snow is proceeded by rain, it makes it stick to the trees and the pines look so heavy.

Even the wood pile was pretty well buried.

But it wasn't long before Hubby had the back blade on and was busily plowing out the drive. And as you can see, the garden as well. Once the ground freezes hard, Hubby can park his truck out there.

Knitting Weather

2012-01-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

Now that winter has really arrived, knitting has taken on a life of its own.
I have sped along on Sporto, and clattered the needles on Evelyn's cardigan. But in the last day, I have worked in Hubby's snowplowing socks. These are the ones with replaceable sole.
I am finding the construction.....interesting.
Tomorrow I'll show some pictures of the weather that has inspired all this knitting. But here is a picture showing the instep flap, as well as the beginning of a heel flap.

This Swatch's For You

2012-01-09T19:39:00.001-05:00

Yeah, Evelyn, I'm talking to you.
In exchange for the marvelous handspun I am using for the Jeweled Sporto, I had agreed to two projects for Evelyn. One was a purple mohair boucle triangle I posted about last summer or so. And now she has come up with the second pattern.
A fun swingy cardigan by DROPS Design and Garn Studio called (I think) Medieval.
The swatch though is what I wanted to share. While I always swatch, I don't always make very generous swatches. And I don't always wash and dry them.
Ok, I only did that once.
But this is a typical swatch. I started with the suggested size needle. That is the bottom section shown below. Then, the reverse stockinette section is down to size 7. Finally on the top we have a winner with size 6.
So, as soon as I sort out the tax papers to keep Hubby happy, I will be casting on.

Here I Go Again

2012-01-09T09:46:00.002-05:00

So I was sitting around Saturday. A veritable knitting machine as I plugged away on my Jeweled Sporto hoodie. And suddenly it occurred to me that it was already the 7th of January and I had not even started one new project. Clearly an oversight.

Since I had recently purchased yarn to make my husband a pair of snowplowing socks, I decided to go with that project. While this stupid mild winter has not made snowplowing a priority yet, that doesn't mean it won't snow one of these days. I better get cracking.

The pattern is from the Favorite Socks book from Interweave and as you can see from the picture, the heel, toe and sole are made from a different yarn than the leg and instep. The plan is to use the Liberty Wool for the leg/instep for warmth, and Coffee Beenz , a tweedy wool blend for the high stress heels, toes and sole. Size 4 needles make the project fly, so I was able to make a good dent on the first sock, although this is still a backup project for the Sporto.

I may not have "startitis", but clearly a new project was in order.

And I hear rumors that Evelyn has picked out a pattern that was part of the barter that landed me the handspun for Sporto. Yup, another project starting soon.

If not more. There is another idea lurking in the back of my chubby little mind.

Clarification

2012-01-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

After posting the previous blog, I noticed the empty tub back in the corner. The fact that it is empty is not an oversight. That smallish tub is my washing tub. It will hold one of my ample sized sweaters with plenty of water to soak in. The strainers that I pour off the water and project into to drain fit across the top of that tub. It works great.

As a bonus, it is the perfect size to use to soak a turkey in for thawing.

Sorting and Planning

2012-01-06T09:37:00.005-05:00

I finally got all the yarn wound for the Jeweled Sporto hoodie. I have about 11 or 12 skeins total and plenty of yarn. I decided to just use this yarn for the hoodie, the 2 skeins that are plied on itself, with no white, I may use for a buttoned cowl. In the mean time, the stack of neat yarn cakes all wound up look pretty impressive. That is the start of the hood for my Sporto lying in front of the pile of yarn.

Here is the dark self-plied yarn that I am thinking of using for a cowl. It is a bit loftier and I am thinking I could make a simple short scarf, and add a button to close it to make a cowl to wear under a coat. See how rich the colors are? The roving used was Northern Lights in the Wild Iris colorway. I love these colors.

And as for the sorting part? I used up my gift certificate to get a new tub and shelving rack. Both the tub, (the red lid at the bottom of Gertrude's stack, and the shelves are already filled up. But the good news is that I found some yarn I forgot about (enough Toe-Footsie for a shawl; 3 skeins!)--and some roving I couldn't find (lush Raspberry Bunny, a luxury mix of wool, alpaca and angora).

Plus, look! more floor space!

Obstructions

2012-01-05T21:06:00.001-05:00

I finally get a chance to get online, and wouldn't you know it? I have to update my virus protection.
I did manage a quick update on The Cemetary Divas, my local history blog. But then I thought I better give the computer a chance to update everything. Hopefully I won't need to take to town for a wireless download. Sometimes dialup can take it a while.
So, gosh, I guess I'll have to knit.

The Best Laid Plans

2012-01-04T16:13:00.001-05:00

I had PLANNED on going on line this afternoon, updating Ravelry, blogging, e-mailing, etc.
However, I hope you will forgive me but....after spending nearly 4 hours (not including a quick meal and phone call) on phone trying to reach unemployment office and filing claim...well, frankly I need to turn to my knitting and relax.
I'll try to do better tomorrow.
In the meantime, Jeweled Sporto, here I come.

Adapting to Change

2012-01-01T17:14:00.001-05:00

You would think, having lost 8 jobs since 1995, that I would be accustomed to change. Well, I may be getting a lot of chances to adapt, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
Case in point (aside from the job fiascos): Presently my church has a supply priest who fills in on a fairly regular basis. She had some traveling scheduled over the next two months. So we have another priest lined up to fill in. However, due to commitments to her regular parish, we will be celebrating our weekly services at 1pm for the next two months to accommodate her schedule.
I am trying to be openminded here. But it is hard to plan a noon meal, which is the main Sunday meal here. Hubs doesn't come with me, so he is ready much earlier for lunch. I had a plate of leftovers for him. But it also doesn't help with maintaining blood sugar levels for this poor old diabetic. I don't usually stay for coffee and it usually is something like cake or cookies. Besides, I have to help clear the altar. So it was 3pm when I got home. I was in desperate need of protein and starch by then.
I'll wait out the two months, although I may miss the week of the Dayton 500. But I don't think I'll like it.
But on a brighter note, the three wise men and their camels are still on their way to Bethlehem. I think they will make it by Epiphany.
And did you notice the lack of snow yet at 2pm today?

Oops!

2011-12-31T21:25:00.001-05:00

Now how did that happen?
I was swatching along for my handspun Sporto, hereby christened Jeweled Sporto, due to the rich jewel tones in the handspun. Then all of a sudden I found myself working on the back of the hood.
Oops. I wasn't going to start it until after the end of the year.
I must have gotten confused after going to see the movie New Year's Eve yesterday. Yeah, that's it. Seeing the 2012 ball drop in the movie messed with my mind.
Entirely understandable, right?
Oh, no turning back now.
I hereby return to my previously unscheduled knittting.
Happy New Year everyone!

Channeling Carly Simon

2011-12-30T21:13:00.001-05:00

As that 70s song sung by Carly Simon goes, anticipation is making me late, is keeping me waiting. Anticipation of a new project that is.
I have wound 4 skeins, checked my last swatch, and decided it has a good body to it. I want to get started knitting Sporty.
Ahhh, anticipation.
Maybe I'll get a needle out and reknit the swatch.

Plugging Away

2011-12-28T10:46:00.002-05:00

I am plugging away on the Midnight Northern Lights shawl. Slow but sure. Black fuzzy yarn is truly the production knitter's nightmare. I was patiently trying to follow the written directions, moving my marker up and down the page.

Finally, my poor brain revolted. I am a more visual knitter. So I dug out one of my graph index cards. I love those things. After several restarts, I finally got the pattern charted out. It looks much simpler this way. I planned on charting it out on the computer, but it was so simple, I simple went over the pencil marks with a good old sharpie, and viola! An easy to read chart for my shawl.

My progress is better now, about 4 inches yesterday.

And, I still haven't started anything new. Although I am ready to start winding up some of the skein of handspun into balls/cakes for Sporto. But no knitting, or even swatching until at least Sunday.

I know myself. Once I swatch, I'm a goner.

A Choir of Christmas Carols

2011-12-25T10:07:00.001-05:00

Having a bit more time on my hands lately, I of been doing a lot of knitting and watching tv. And in the past month have viewed a wide assortment of "A Christmas Carol". A veritable choir of versions.
Versions with Reginald Owen, Alastair Sim, Albert Finney. Even Disney's animated version with Jim Carrey. The only one I would have liked to see was the Muppet version.
And realize too, that I saw White Christmas (twice), Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Holiday Affair, It Happened on Fifth Avenue, and many other movies with a touch of Christmas. But it is the Christmas Carol movies that most touched me this past month.
Each has a different twist. And whole I gained new appreciation for the Reginald Owen version, my favorite is still Alastair Sim's version. Closer to the book. Oh yeah, I read the original this month too.
And don't even bother with the Disney/Carrey version. For animation, it is too graphic, in a pimply faced kind of way.
But as they all end, so will I.
God bless us. Every one.

White Christmas (Eve Anyway)

2011-12-24T11:34:00.003-05:00

Well, we got some snow finally. A little over an inch or so. But, as you can see, the sun is shining as well. I'm not going to count on a white Christmas yet.

But at least the weather is finally nice. At least close to seasonal. But I still miss blizzards. Maybe next month.

Oh Yeah, Life Does Go On

2011-12-22T11:22:00.001-05:00

I am getting lots of knitting done with all my extra time.
The midnight northern lights shawl is progressing. Slow but sure, I hope to be on second skein soon.
Hmmmm. It may be a scarf, unless I can find another skein of this. Or I will need to donate it, if it doesn't fit Gertrude or me.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...October?

2011-12-22T10:07:00.001-05:00

You may be able to detect a theme developing.
Please realise that I normally am not affected by the winter's lack of daylight. I find snow and cold invigorating. But when the weather is more in line with the picture below, I get depressed.
I mean why else should I be depressed? Just because I lost a job last week (#7) and am losing another next Thursday (#8), what reason would there be to be depressed?
Yes, I do know mine is not a popular stance, but I need snow.

Darkness and Light

2011-12-21T19:46:00.001-05:00

Sure, I know it is the shortest day of the year. Darkness and gloom with lots of clouds just seemed to fit today.
I really don't like these days when there is no snow on the ground. Nights are too dark when driving home without the snow bouncing the light around. Even letting Lizzie out for a late evening romp is easier with snow on the ground lessening the gloom so I can see her.
But that said.......
The dark ain't going nowhere. No snow. And none expected till after the new year.
Bah! Humbug!
(The picture is just here to remind me of the glories of winters past.)

The Finished Tee and More

2011-12-20T16:01:00.003-05:00

Gertrude truly enjoyed her chance to wear the Blue Henley Tee. So did I. It is very comfy and warm. The sleeves come just to my elbow and are the perfect length.

I am plugging away on the black Northern Lights Shawl, although it is slow going. Every row is patterned, even if only ribbing. And it is not charted, only written. Even though the repeat is only 6 stitches, I still prefer the charts. So since I have to carefully keep track of the row I am on, I am going quite slowly.

So slowly, in fact, that I have been mulling over new projects. Again. For a while I had no travel knitting. My latest simple socks were waiting for gusset stitches to be picked up. The triangle shawl was patterned, although charted. The Duchess of Cambridge sweater is easy, but bulky for travel. So of course my thoughts were turning to new easy patterns.

Of course I have vowed not to start anything new till after the new year. And I will be spending another year trying to clear up some of my WIPs. But in the meantime, here are the plans January 1st.

This is a bit over 2 1/4 pounds of handspun brown shetland and white lambs wool. I spun it for a recent Tour de Fleece. I am thinking this may work better for a shawl collared sweater than my previous choice.

The yarn I bumped from the shawl collared sweater is this.

Again, I think there is a bit over 2 pounds. This was gifted/earned when I made a custom shawl for me. It is also payment for a future project, probably another sweater. I hesitate to use it until I have fully done the work it is payment for. But right now, this is what I want to use for the Sporto hoodie, from the latest Knitty. I can use the yarn plied with white for most of the sweater, and the darker, plied on itself for cuffs, bottom band and possibly the pocket.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2011-12-18T18:50:00.001-05:00

And I don't mean because of snow. Instead the lack thereof is driving me crazy. Even though I no longer crosscountry ski, don't snowmobile.....don't even make snowmen anymore, I still love snow. And I hate this unseasonable weather. (I had to grit my teeth the last couple weeks at church, when reading the intercessory prayers after some one wrote thanksgivings for warm weather.)
And may I just add, what is with people calling a snowless Christmas a green Christmas? They are not green. They are brown, muddy and dirty.
Yuck.

Final Day Number One

2011-12-15T10:25:00.001-05:00

Well, it is my final day at the lawyer's office, as he retires. I finished a quit claim deed, and packed up.
He is paying me through end of year, softening the blow. Plus he and his wife gave me a gift certificate to my local yarn shop.
Since I will have lots of knitting time for a while, I can definitely put it to work.
And to take my mind of the gloom of unemployment, here is a self portrait taken at work yesterday, in the blue Henley tee. I really like it.

And the Winner Is...

2011-12-13T15:44:00.001-05:00

The black kid mohair shawl from the depths of the WIP pile. This was started way before I heard of Ravelry, back in February 2006. It has been gnawing at the edge of awareness, earning its place on top of the rotation.
The pattern is Northern Lights Shawl by Marla Mutch. I took a workshop on it at the first Knit Michigan marathon and made a sample there. But due to the combination of black mohair and other projects, it had hardly been touched.
It also has a ruffle formed by dropped stitched. That is where I have been since last night, dropping stitches in grabby mohair. Ugh.
And yes the blue Henley is finished. Gertrude is enjoying now and I will take my turn tomorrow.
In the meantime, here is a shot of my northern lights shawl.

Well That Didn't Happen

2011-12-12T10:19:00.001-05:00

I tried to finish my blue Henley tee yesterday. I really did.
But I have learned that when my eyes start crossing while I knit, it is best to stop. Even if there are only 4 rows and 3 buttons to go.
(Is that like 4th down and 3 yards?)
Anyway, I WILL finish it tonight. Even if Hubby will be home, instead of going to cattle auction.
And now my thoughts will turn to which WIP I will focus on next. One of the pairs of socks, perhaps? One of my shawls? I have one that is before Ravelry, in black kid mohair. Or maybe my Dutchess of Cambridge featherweight cardigan.
Ahhh, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Following Made Easy

2011-12-11T15:18:00.001-05:00

Due to overwhelming requests, (ok,one person asked,) I have added a way for readers to get e-mail alerts when I post to my blog.
Now, if anyone else is interested on getting updates, there is a place in the sidebar, just above the archives, to to enter your e-mail address and be notified whenever there is a new post by Farmmom.
I've heard it works well.
Now, back to my regularly scheduled knitting. Just one sleeve left.

Closing In

2011-12-10T22:24:00.001-05:00

Look at that!
Neckband? Check. Right placket? Check. Left placket? Check, plus both are sewn down. First sleeve...almost. About another inch and then the garter edge. And except for sleeves, all the ends are woven in. My final button choice is displayed on the placket. They are navy, with an outer circle of frosted navy, and with a touch of bling. I hope to be wearing it sometime this week. Maybe to spin guild Monday. I can find someone there who can take a picture.
But I think I can convince Gertrude to pose tomorrow.
Yup, the end is almost here.

Sporto!

2011-12-08T13:52:00.001-05:00

Have you seen the latest Knitty? There is a great hoodie knit, from handspun that I love! It's called Sporto, and I have been mulling over my handspun stash, trying to decide what would work best.
White leister? Gray shetland?
Hmmmm. There is some multi colored marl that could be great too.
Decisions, decisions.

On the Mend

2011-12-07T21:08:00.002-05:00

When Younger Son last appeared he, he looked like this, following his moped/automobile accident. At this point we didn't know if surgery was in the future, or what.

Wednesday, after a follow-up doctor appointment, he was released to work. The compression fractures have healed enough to remove the restrictions, although he now has to have some therapy 3 times a week for 6 weeks.

Now we have to hope he can get back into work.

Nearing the End?

2011-12-07T20:33:00.003-05:00

I finally took the plunge, and tried the Henley tee on tonight. I threaded all the stitches onto an long, long piece of yarn, and put it on.

It is wonderful! I'm glad I'm keeping good notes so I can try t

o duplicate it sometime. I was also right in that this will be winter wear. Cozy warm.

Even Gertrude thought it fit well. I think I will go another 2 inches, and then 1 1/2 inch of garter stitch. After that, neck band and tabs on the v-neck so I can add buttons. Maybe, if I can find buttons in my stash, I can finish it this weekend.

Of course if that happens, Lizzie will go to her haircut on Monday with no sweater for the ride home.

It hasn't grown much since this picture was taken in October. I hope I remember what I was doing.!

A New Old Dress

2011-12-05T20:05:00.001-05:00

Well, almost anyway.
This old denim dress is a comfortable favorite. The embroidered skirt and tee top were SO comfy. But, alas, the top had a stain I couldn't get out. Not even with Oxyclean!
However Pat, one of my buddies from Spin Guild (who doesn't spin), is a great seamstress. And she has a heavy duty machine that can plow through that thick demin. Below is the result. We are going to shorten the top about 2 more inches, so Pat still has it. But isn't it great?
But now I am settling down to watch some Charles Dickens movies and plodded along on the blue Henley tee.

Preparations

2011-12-04T22:01:00.002-05:00

As I enter my last two weeks at one of my jobs (and last four weeks at the other) I find that I am still somewhat in denial. I do have a possible position in a new history center that will be opening in town next year. While I am only working 23 hours now between two jobs, it may take awhile to get back to that level of pay again. I am trying not to panic.
However, I am getting a lot of movies watched, and knitting done.
Practicing for all my coming spare time, you know. I have nearly 8 inches completed past the arm division on the blue Henley tee.
And look here: I finished the flap and turned the heel on my first gray blue sock.

Movies Make Me Happy

2011-12-02T20:05:00.001-05:00

As the blue Henley continues to grow at a breathtaking snails pace, I decided to talk about my favorite thing to watch...old movies.
As I sit here in front of "Knute Rockne, all American", I was reflecting on the discoveries I've made this year. I love it when I "discover" new to me actors that have probably died of old age by now.
Eric Blore is a riot. Usually playing a butler as he does in "The Gay Divorcee" and in "Top Hat", he is a put-upon servant, with a pained expression, enduring the people around him.
Frank McHugh has a funny whiny laugh and is always good for comic relief.
Warren William is sauve and debonair. Sometimes romantic sometimes slimy, always fun to watch.
This month promises to be a good one for a movie buff like me. The king of debonair is the featured star this month on Turner Classic Movies: William Powell. Whether he butles in "My Man Godfrey", or sleuths in "The Thin Man" or as Philo Vance, he is elegant, poised and always fun.
Yup, lots of good knitting movies this month.
Maybe I will be able to finish my blue Henley tee after all.
Now, on to the Gipper.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like.......

2011-12-01T22:52:00.001-05:00

Christmas! I don't go in much for that politically correct "holiday" stuff.
And as I sat at my desk at work this morning, I saw this sight outside my window.
City workers were draping and plugging in lights.
Yup, Christmas is in the air.

The Catch-up Post

2011-11-30T17:54:00.001-05:00

I am still bummed about missing yesterday's post. Remember how I said I was sort of planning one out? I was mentally planning a post about how I had almost made it through the month and never missed a single day.
So I forgot to post that, and blew the month. Go figure.
But enough bemoaning my forgetfulness. What about my knitting progress?
I have continued to push ahead on the blue henley tee. I am almost 3 1/2 inches past the armholes in about a week.
I just may get this done by the new year. After all, once my two current jobs end, on December 15 and 29 respectively, I will probably gave a little extra knitting time on my hands.
More on the jobs another time.

Dang

2011-11-30T07:57:00.001-05:00

I was doing so well too.
With my posting every day I mean. I planned a tentative post a couple times yesterday too.
But after knit night, my mind was on knitting and old movies.
Drat. I will try to post again later today.

The Delivery

2011-11-28T19:49:00.004-05:00

Since Evelyn was at spin guild today, the delivery was made on her alpaca faroese shawl. I think she liked it.

No, I am positive she liked it.

It still needs blocking of course, but is a wonderful shawl. I especially like the shoulder shaping that keeps it on your shoulders when wearing.

I think the green that I started plying yesterday would look great in a similar shawl. I was wrong about the fiber on that, by the way, it was Romney, not Southdown, as I mentioned yesterday. It was that Sue Ann grew and dyed. I still have 2 half bobbins, 4 full bobbins, and at least one more that I still have to spin and then ply with the rest. Since I make 2 ply yarn, this will be plenty for an ample faroese. Now I just have to decide which pattern I will make. Although I am sure it will be made in the style of Myrna Stahlman, top down and probably ending in lace edging.

Of course that project will be a ways down in the rotation.

Today I Plied

2011-11-27T19:30:00.001-05:00

After church and feeding Hubby, I decided to empty some bobbins.
So I got out my Louet wheel that I use for plying off my Ashford bobbins. I managed to empty three full bobbins of my brown shetland and white lambs wool blend. I also half emptied two bobbins to make a large skein of pine green southdown.
Now, time to knit and watch an Ethel Merman movie.

Tee, Totally

2011-11-26T22:46:00.001-05:00

Yeah, a cheesy title, I'll admit. But today's knitting was totally on the Henley Tee.
The sleeves have been separated, and I have an additional half inch completed on the body. And with the sleeves set aside, the blue blob magically becomes a very short top. With the rows shorter now, I can make much more progress.

The Pale Blue Blob

2011-11-25T21:24:00.001-05:00

I mentioned yesterday farmhouse main knitting focus is now my blue Henley tee. The yarn is a pale blue cotton/alpaca/polyamide blend called Artesanal. A pricey yarn that I scored off the sale shelves. (Love the close-out shelves.) I am about 6 rows from dividing for the sleeves. And gauge is telling me it should fit fine.
Even though this is supposed to have elbow length sleeves, I am considering this winter wear. After all, alpaca is warmer than wool, and even with the 40% cotton content, I am afraid it will be to much for my high personal thermostat. I hope to be wearing before spring.
Being so close to putting the sleeves on separate holders, I keep stopping to count stitches. At near maximum stitch count the row are slow going. But the pale blue blob is slowly growing.
Wish me luck.

Knitting Onward

2011-11-24T21:25:00.002-05:00

Now that the shawl for Evelyn is off the needles, and resting in the wool room awaiting delivery, I can turn my eye on other WIPs.
While I am concentrating my focus on the light blue Henley tee, with occasional dipping into my panda silk shawl, I also wanted to finish at least one pair of socks.
I turned to my dove gray basic socks, and was able to start the heelflap. I like a good basic top-down sock with a slip-stitch heel flap. This pair is getting my favorite variation of that theme: eye of partridge heel.
Eye of partridge has the slip stitches staggered, instead of lining up. It's a great look, although I recommend either bright lights, or light yarn. It is sometimes hard to see if your row starts with a slip or a knit.
This yarn, in light grays and purples is a good choice for this heel. The picture is a bit yellower when taken by cell phone camera.
But you get the idea.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T22:09:00.002-05:00

To God above, true thanks I give

Hearth, home, family, the full life I live.

Although often I feel that the outlook's not rosy

Nevertheless, at home I'm warm and quite cozy.

Knitting and spinning a safe cocoon

Seemingly ignoring I'll be unemployed soon;

Grateful I am for my hobbies and craft

Instead of just moaning, you'll find that I've laughed.

Verily then I will cheerfully utter

(Ignoring the change that make my heart flutter!)

New jobs, new faces: opportunities abound!

God's brought me this far; he'll keep me around!

In the words from the liturgy;

Thanks be to God. Allelulia. Allelulia.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another One Off the Needles

2011-11-22T21:44:00.002-05:00

True to my word, I finished Evelyn's faroese shawl. This warm alpaca shawl was so easy and a great travel project. I may have to break into my cone stash to make one of my own. I only have a half dozen or so cones of fingering, lace and sports weight yarn .

Here is the back shot, graciously modeled by my Gertrude. I tried it on as well and it is a wonderful generous fit. Skinny Evelyn will be able to wrap herself up int it.

This is hot off the needles in these pictures, and unblocked. In this state the edge looks a bit ruffley. I think blocking will help.
This front shot helps you see how the shaping helps it hang on the shoulders. I really love it. If you don't like ruffles Evelyn, I do.

The back measures 27 inches before blocking. I haven't measured the wing span, but it looks ample.

Improved Stash

2011-11-21T18:54:00.001-05:00

After mulling onver my stash post I was rather embarrassed at the lack of organization. And while my stash has probably reached the SABLE level (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy), I did want to be able to find what I want when I need it.
So on my way home from spinning today, I stopped and bought another plastic tub, a see-through one. With Hubby at the cattle auction, I was free to sort and shift some things around without interference.
And see? Much better. Gertrude stepped aside for the picture, and look at that! Floor!

WOW!

2011-11-20T20:39:00.001-05:00

What a finish to the NASCAR season! Carl and Tony had me on the edge of my seat through the whole race. With all Tony's smack talking all week, I knew he was confident. And he pulled it off.
I couldn't even knit the last 30 laps. I was afraid my gauge would suffer.
You know, in the time since I've been watching NASCAR, I've only seen 2 champions: Tony twice and 5 time Jimmy.
What a ride!

The Stash

2011-11-19T20:57:00.004-05:00

The stash is almost as important a part of knitting as gauge. (And we all always check gauge, right?)

Below are a few shots of my stash/wool room. When both sons moved out several years ago, their old room became my own private stash storage.

Here is one corner. The north row is lined with tubs that I really must organize. Most of the bags but not all, is shetland roving, with a little polypay, jacob, llama and alpaca thrown in. I really need to get the tubs stacked up better, although most of them are two high. The tubs along that wall are mostly full of roving, although I know some have yarn as well. My knitting model, Gertrude presides over that area.

The opposite corner is a bit more organized. The rack has some odds and ends, as well as a multitude of fingering and lace weight cones. I could knit for years just off those cones. Next the the stacked tubs shown here, I also have a tub of some hand-spun odd skeins and another of lace yarn.
Why so much stash? Well, every knitter need a stash. In my case it was enhanced by the fact that I used to work at a local yarn shop that closed, re-opened and closed again. Each time, my stash was greatly enhanced by the clearance sales. Need I also state that very little of that part-time check ever left the store? I am also a sucker for a fiber festival. And, well, I just want to plea that I get crazy when wool fumes are around.

And when all else fails, and I find I can't escape a yarn store, I always can buy a skein or two of sock yarn. It is a well know fact that sock yarn does not count toward the stash.

Here is one of my two tubs of sock yarn.
Oh yeah, I just remembered, I also have a file cabinet drawer (14 X 28 inches) full of sock yarn as well. No wonder I have 5 pair in progress!

The Home Stretch

2011-11-18T22:05:00.001-05:00

Both NASCAR and Evelyn's faroese are nearing the end. As I type this, the truck race finished a rain shortened race and Austin Dillon named champion. Tomorrow and Sunday will see the last 2011 races and new champions crowned. (Since my man Mark is out of the
Chase, go Tony!)
The end also is looking close on Evelyn's faroese shawl. I finished the second lace repeat and decided "Enough!"
(See below.)
The garter rows may grow slowly, but they knit quickly. If not this weekend, it WILL be done next week. (Evelyn, be sure to let me know ahead if you will make it to spin guild for the hand off.)
And then.....nothing new for a while. I will spend December finishing WIPs. I really will. Promise.

Snow!

2011-11-17T11:46:00.001-05:00

Just a few flakes, but they are steadily falling. No accumulation for now, but I can dream of days like this:

Ode to Life

2011-11-16T10:33:00.001-05:00

A few leaves still cling to trees, they don't want to fall.
Not knowing what's to come, can often make us stall.
Jobs come and go; and to worry is just folly.
(Reflecting back on 8 lost jobs--Good Golly!)
But change is a'coming, a brand new page I enter,
And with it comes (I hope and pray) a brand new history center.

Yup, change is hard; don't like it much I say.
But with this change, doors open a bright new day.
I still don't know what tomorrow may hold;
I could, for a time, get left out in the cold.
So we will see what paths this life may form.
But in the meantime, I have my wool to keep me warm!

Half Done

2011-11-15T20:50:00.001-05:00

November is half done today. Of course I started this daily posting a day late. But, what to write?
Hmmm, it is Opening Day of firearm deer season. It's a big deal in this part of Michigan, some schools even have the day off. But none of my immediate family hunts.
Knit Nite tonight. I worked on my Double Heelix foot, and some on my shawl. The lace banished Evelyn's to being "home in my rocker" knitting.
And in just over 6 weeks till I lose jobs number 7 and 8, on the same day no less. While there is something in the offing, it may take it a while to get up to speed (with paychecks).
So, what to write? Sorry folks. I got nothing to read today.
Maybe the rest of the month will have real content.
So till tomorrow, here is a ransom knitting picture.

What? No Glamour Shot?

2011-11-14T19:18:00.004-05:00

My friends laugh at what I call the glamour shot of every project. If it is for me, I try to have one taken with me modeling it. Or perhaps the recipient, if a gift or custom project.

I was rather surprised to realize then, that I had neglected to post a glamour shot of my last Finished Object. Maggie's cardigan. I love the glass buttons. The color doesn't show well here, but they are faintly pink, which is greatly enhanced by the color picked up from the sweater.

And since I did end up with extra yarn, after I bought another skein, behold.....booties. I used a pattern from Knit One, Knit All, Elizabeth Zimmermann's new book. I made a 3 stitch i-cord for the drawstring ties. I hope she gets lots of wear out of them.

After posting yesterday about needing to consult with Evelyn about the lace repeats, she answered all my questions. I am going to continue the lace for at least one more repeat, to be followed with some more garter.

So....I better get off the internet and start knitting!

One Lace Repeat Down

2011-11-13T20:36:00.002-05:00

And after ten interminable rows I finished the first repeat of the lace on Evelyn's shawl. And to my great surprise, it scallops!
The picture below shows two sections of lace. The scallops at least explain why it wasn't hanging straight as I knit.
Now I am wondering, should I stack up another one or two repeats? That would enhance the curves, while following up with a couple inches garter stitch will straighten it out, somewhat.
Maybe I'll switch to another project until I talk with Evelyn. She may be out of town, but I hear she is addicted to reading this blog.
I think I'll hear from her soon.

How the Heel Turned

2011-11-12T22:16:00.004-05:00

Double Heelix class was this morning. What a challenge! Two friend from Knit Night were also there, Sandy and Kathy. Kathy wasn't to sure about the whole thing. Like me, she prefers double points, although I had come with a long circ for this project.

It was hard slogging, and if you look close you can see a small mistake just above my thumb where the purple got mixed into the pink spiral. I decided I could either live with it, or I will duplicate stitch over it when I get done. I left class with this much. Of course, casting on left handed, but knitting right handed meant that I had to tweak the pattern, but I am used to that. I did find the magic loop method way too complicated with four ends of yarn though. I bought a smaller needle to use with the long one. Not sure if that was easier or not.

After I got home, after helping Hubby move a ramp for the manure spreader to keep him happy, I sat down with this project. Perseverance paid off. I am now on the foot section, using the pink varigated color. The leg will be the purple. I'm not sure if I will reverse the colors on the second sock or not.

Fun and funky. One day of careful counting and marking my place on the pattern, and the rest is straight sock making. As long as I pick a quiet day to start the second sock, I am sure this pair will be completed soon.

Where'd the Grass Go, Momma?

2011-11-11T21:37:00.004-05:00

On stepping outside today, Lizzie Bell was in for a bit of a surprise. And I was pleasantly pleased.

SNOW!

New readers may not realize that I love the stuff.

Lizzie on the other hand, not so sure. It is gone now, but this promises to be a snowy winter. I can hardly wait.

On the knitting scene, tomorrow I finally will be having the class on the making the Double Heelix socks.

They said that the heel is best done on circulars. I am not good with the magic loop or using 2 circs for socks. This should be an experience. Wish me luck!!

Sea Cruising

2011-11-10T23:02:00.001-05:00

Good time movies again.
My favorite channel, Turner Classic Movies is featuring cruise movies: Now Voyager, Love Affair, and a new favorite...One Way Passage with Kay Francis and William Powell. A great tearjerker with laughs as well.
And lYre is Dodsworth. But alas, that is at 3am, so I will miss that.
On the knitting front, it has been slow going. You can see below that it has been going slow, still 2 1/2 rows of first repeat. And 3 more repeats after that.

Still Adjusting

2011-11-09T21:54:00.001-05:00

I know I've said it before. I'll probably say it again. But I hate the time change.
This "fall back" switch is supposed to be the easy change, with the extra hour sleep. I enjoyed it Sunday morning, as well as the daylight in the morning again, but I keep waking up an hour early.
Ugh.

O Knitty Night

2011-11-08T21:25:00.001-05:00

Knit Night was tonight. I have plunged onto the beginning lace rows on Evelyn's faroese shawl.
And while Nancy has flown to the warmer climes of Florida, Barb is once again able to drive and is knitting with us again. And Mike has shown an interest in learning to knit. I told him we would try, but since I "knit funny" (the improved Allen cousins method), one of us could help.
Our little group is growing!
And a fun surprise on the radio, on the way home. One of the stations has swiched to their all Christmas music format! I may not be a fan of Christmas sales and advertising this early, but I love singing along with the carols. Noel!

Monday is Spin Guild

2011-11-07T20:53:00.001-05:00

Even though Monday is our spinning guild meeting, sometimes we have trouble staying on topic.
Today was no exception.
For the second straight week I took my knitting. Evelyn's shawl measures about 20 inches down the back. I will be starting the lace rows soon.
But amidst the knitting and spinning and chatting, we had a little extra going on, as you can see below.
Evelyn, come back. We need your steadying influence.

Turkey Time

2011-11-06T17:00:00.002-05:00

Boy, is it dark out, even for 5:00 pm following the "stupid time change" (long time readers may remember that I detest daylight savings and wish we were on standard time year round). We probably have about an hour of daylight left (as I type this.) I am already tired, thanks to the mucking around with the clock.

But enough of my blather. I have knitting to show off. I have completed a bit more on this than the picture shows. It the Two to Triangle shawl from the latest Knitters Magazine, option 2. I love the Panda Silk yarn, and am looking forward to the great drape.

And as usual I have markers to mark all the crucial increases points. With only 4 pattern stitches and the yarn overs always lining up, it is easy to keep track of the repeats.

And here is a picture, such as it is of Evelyn's faroese. I have added at least a couple more inches to this, as it went with me to the genealogy conference I mentioned yesterda.

I had some comments on it. People loved the alpaca yarn, and were wishing they had brought their projects along. I have said all along, I can concentrate much better with knitting in my hands.

Oh yeah. Wondering about the title of this post?

The Catholic church in a nearby town was holding their annual turkey dinner, with all the fixings. Since Hubby gets to that town nearly every week for the livestock auction, he had made note of it and so we went there after church for dinner. Yum. And since I was able to swap his dressing for my potatoes, it was extra wonderful. I can't wait for our Turkey.

Gray & Blue and Black & White

2011-11-05T20:48:00.001-04:00

What a full, fun day. My friend Sandy, her Hubby and I attended Western Michigan Genealogical Society's latest Got Ancestors seminar.
The speaker, Tony Bourroughs, was entertaining, and I learned so much. Even though much of his sessions dealt with black genealogy, so much will apply to my search.
And since I didn't take any pictures today, here is a picture of a gnarly tree. After all, what is genealogy, but studying the sometimes gnarly family tree.
(Does anyone recognize it?)

One Great Project Deserves Another

2011-11-04T11:58:00.003-04:00

I have truly been loving knitting the Faroese shawl for Evelyn. Aside from the black hole thing, which actually makes it great travel knitting. I think it may just accompany me to a genealogy conference tomorrow, as it is easy peasy and I can knit and listen with only 4 spots where I have to check if I am on increase row or not. Other than that, straight knitting. Not exciting knitting, but great travel knitting, if I can find a smaller tote for it.

No new pictures of it however. I can't even find the "toe shot" so I can add that to Ravelry. I did, after due consideration, decide that another project was ready to cast on. (What works in progress are you referring too? You mean I have enough WIPs already? Oh well, too late now.)

This is a pattern that was in the latest Knitters magazine, K104, called Two to Triangle. It is a basic triangle shape, similar to my Red Roses Triangle. The magazine shows several options for the lace and I have chosen option 2. This picture is just the set up, but I have gotten into the lace. Only one pattern to memorize, 4 rows long. Now that I am past the shoulder shaping on the faroese, these increases are similar to that. But with the lace I can get a little challenge and a break from plain garter stitch.

And for my fiber friends...the yarn is Panda Silk, hand dyed by Yarn Hollow. One of the two skeins of yarn I got at the Michigan Fiber Festival this past summer in Allegan. The colorway is Paisley, it has magenta, navy and brown and the white of one of the fibers (silk perhaps) resists the dye so there is a white heathery look to the yarn as well. Despite the many colors, the lace seems to show up just fine. When I get some more length on it, I will share a picture.

Well That Was Sneaky!

2011-11-03T18:10:00.002-04:00

I just checked my previous post, which I actually posted this morning. I had typed it up last evening and saved as draft.
This morning I checked it over, edited a couple items and posted. I figured I was good for the day.
So imagine my dismay just now to find my posto.g dated yesterday!
Yikes, I needed a post for today.
So here it is
Hey, I never promised Shakespeare, just postings

NaBloPoMo

2011-11-02T23:38:00.001-04:00

I saw that rather cryptic abbreviation on a couple different blogs in the past few days. It had me scratching my head. Then today I found out what the excitement was all about.
It is National Blog Posting Month. Participants who sign on the official website promise to post everyday for the whole month of November. It sounds like fun.
And yeah, I know I'm a bit late to start, but I did have a posting on the second. But I could extend into December a few days. As long as I can blog from my phone, I can do it. I may be light on pictures this month but I can do it.
So here is,fair warning.......there may be some rather lame posts. The rules prohibit scheduling a bunch of posts at once. But I can do it. (Does it sound like I'm trying to convince myself?)
And it will make my friend Evelyn happy. She won't have to beg for blog posts for a whole month.

Cardigan Delivered

2011-11-02T09:57:00.001-04:00

Maggie's fuchsia cardigan and booties has been delivered. While I am
posting this away from home, and without the pictures of booties and
cardigan available I will try to add them later.
However I did not get any pictures of myself and Maggie, because,
well, frankly I was too busy cuddling the little cutie. That and the
fact that I left my camera in the car. And my arms were full of
Maggie almost the entire time I was there.
Maggie's mom, Kate and I caught up on lots of gossip, and I also had
the chance to interact a lot with her next youngest. I havn't had
much time with him since he was a baby, but he had to keep coming to
give his baby sister kisses and I got a chance to chat with him while
I brushed off the crumbs his kisses left on his sister's hair. Such
brotherly devotion from the former baby of the family! He is so
devoted that he has even given up being his father shadow on the farm,
and wants to stay where Maggie is.
Again, thanks Kate, Maggie and family for the wonderful time, both the
pink knitting and the cuddling.

Ok Evelyn, This One's For You

2011-10-26T22:30:00.001-04:00

My friend Evelyn just sent me a plea on Facebook for a blog fix. And since, as is usually the case, Facebook wasn't going to let me comment I decided I better come up with a post from my phone.
Between life and knitting it seems like I've been too busy to crank up the laptop. And pictures are on the camera, waiting for the laptop. So...my feet volunteered to stand in... (stand in, get it?) (I apologize for that silly digression.) ...for Gertrude and model Evelyn's faroese alpaca shawl in a quick picture.
It is already in the black hole stage, where it doesn't seem to grow much. To be able to recognize progress, I move a marker to show where I am when I pick it up. That helps immensely.
My toes report the fledgling shawl is soft and toasty. You will love it, if I ever finish it.

Double Heelix Re-do?

2011-10-22T17:44:00.001-04:00

What is my fascination with the Double Heelix sock pattern? I wish I knew.
Once again I was all psyched up to learn this pattern that even Knitty.com labels as being "tangy". And once again the class was cancelled.
Sigh.
At least they called before I left home.
So I cranked up YouTube to learn about Judy's Magic fast-on. I reread the pattern, thinking I can do this by myself.
I decided I can't. So, either they find someone else who wants to learn, or I make regular spiral socks, with alternating solid colors for heels and toes on each sock.
I can live with that.
And we all know that right now, I don't need any more WIPs.

Red Roses Triangle--The Glamor Shots

2011-10-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

No, not the model, but the shawl. I didn't have time to get it on straight, so the center line is off kilter, but you get the idea anyway.

The cormo silk is so soft and warm. One of my friends thought it wouldn't be very warm with all the holes. She hasn't met much wool yet. When she tried it on, she agreed it was very warm.
I really love it.

Inspiration

2011-10-16T18:50:00.003-04:00

It is amazing what a little inspiration can do. I managed to catch a glimpse of a sleeping Maggie this past Friday. Only a glimpse as she was sleeping. Granted, her mother was waiting for her to wake up so she could nurse before going into the store, but I didn't want to be the one to wake her. But so cute,

I left a note on the car, stating that next time, I wanted to exchange some cuddle time for a sweater.

So, I needed to finish the sweater. It isn't done yet, but I am on the second sleeve, with just collar and button bands to finish.

I can almost feel that little snugglebug now.

Growing Knitting

2011-10-11T15:34:00.001-04:00

Although I did start Lizzie's pullover, and am almost to the dividing point for Maggie's Cardi, I really have been working on Evelyn's alpaca faroese shawl.
I was able to finish all the shoulder shaping last night. With Hubby at the cattle auction, and The Wolfman and Fiddler on the Roof on tv, it was some prime knitting time.

Oops, Did I Start Something?`

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000-04:00

Yup, I sure did, two somethings.

As I mentioned, Lizzie was awfully cold when the latest cold snap occurred just after she got a haircut. So when I found this book and some lovely yarn (Sheepish in the colorway Pinkish) I knew what I had to do.

And so I cast on of course. I was torn between the cover sweater and a cabled sweater and finally opted for the cable. Pictures on that will follow. I have to figure how and where to add a hole for the leash.
And then, a friend went and had a baby girl. All my family ever has is boys. So when she had a little girl, born at home, even though the mother is also a knitter, I had to find something. And while paying for my sock class coming up in another week or so, I found some yarn for a feather and fan sweater found in 101 Designer One Skein Wonders. I only started this a couple days ago and am almost finished with the lace. I better check out my button dish for something girlie.

Another Finished Project!

2011-10-09T16:13:00.004-04:00

The news my friend Evelyn has been waiting for! My red roses triangle shawl is finished.

I cast off yesterday, put in in to soak while I set up my cutting board and blocking squares on my bed. As it turned out, I needed more squares and it barely fit on the bed.

I did notice the wonky center seam and straightened after taking this picture. Now off and folded and waiting for a cooler day so I can show off and get some glamour shots. It will probably make an appearance next week at spin guild. Due to the Columbus Day holiday, no spinning this week because the building we meet at will be closed.

Vital statistics on the shawl. Made with my lipstick red cormo silk purchased from Jenny Setzer's both at Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool a couple years ago, about 8 ounces total, and I have only one smallish ball left. It is a 2 ply that varied from fingering to worsted weight, but I think looks lovely. The pattern is the flower lace from Evelyn Clarks lace triangle book. It measured about 8 feet across the top when blocked, and about 40 inches down the center to point. So pretty!

And Evelyn, there was some swatching going on, in alpaca. But I must confess.....

my poor little Lizzie was awfully cold the last cold snap, and a friend just had a baby girl, so I may have accidentally started a couple other new projects too.

Endings and Beginnings

2011-10-02T21:15:00.002-04:00

I mentioned that the Blue Silk Triangle for Betty was finished last week. Gertrude agreed to pose with it.

I love the sheen and drape of the silk.
Then I planned to take a class on the Double Heelix socks, from a previous Knitty, where you knit socks from the heel out, beginning with a spiral, 2 color heel. But when I got to the yarn shop, they had had scheduling problems.

Instead they had socks for hands; beautiful lace and cabled mittens, knit on size 0 needles. What can I say. I took the class. And signed up for double heelix in a couple weeks.

And Another One Bites the Dust

2011-09-30T11:25:00.001-04:00

Well, not literally. But Betty's blue silk shawl is off the needles and ready for delivery, as well as the trip to Rhinebeck.
At least my knitting can go, even if I can't.
I will have better pictures soon, too. Laptop is in for a tuneup, so this is via smartphone.
So what's next? I plan on finishing my red triangle shawl, with work on my blue Henley for knit night.
But I am taking a class tomorrow on how to make Double Heelix socks, (pattern found on Knitty). I'll try to add a link when I get the laptop back.
Then on to an alpaca faroese shawl for my friend Evelyn.
The knitting goes on!

When It Rains....

2011-09-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

As if Younger Son's accident wasn't enough, this past Saturday was the topper.

Many friends know that my job in the Local History Room at the local library has been in danger all summer, if not before. The foundation that fully funded our room always has had certain specifications on where the grant money was to be spent. When an audit was done, there was no receipts to back up the spending. And since the foundation wanted to continue to specify where its money was being spent in our room, it was going to require receipts showing the money was spent as it was intended.

The library directory, and under his direction, the library board declined to accept any conditions on the money it was getting, and so they did not get the grant. (Which, in the past, was the sole means of supporting this room.)

Well, on Saturday I got a letter, along with my co-worker, stating our jobs would be terminated on December 29 of this year. Ironically enough, the same day my job at the local lawyer's office will end, with his retirement.
Sigh.

But, also ironically, it is as though a great weight has been lifted. I don't feel as down as I would have imagined. From being the best job I have ever had, this has deteriorated into a job that I almost dread going to, asside from the fact that I worked with my good friend. And as our hours were cut, we hardly saw each other anyway. But now I can start lookng into new opportunities.

Which I can almost see on the horizon.

I will keep you posted.

Progress Doesn't Show

2011-09-22T20:45:00.001-04:00

Don't you hate it when you can knit and knit but it doesn't look like anything is getting accomplished?
I have been knitting away on the blue silk triangje. The picture may look the same as before, but the first skein has shrunk a great deal.
Of course, if I had grabbed it when leaving for the hospital, I could be well into the second ball.
Ahhh well.
And speaking of hospitals, while Younger Son is doing better, and hardly needing the walker, he does have pneumonia.
Meanwhile, enjoy the pretty knitting.

Why Farmmom is so Gray

2011-09-20T14:14:00.003-04:00

Sons will do that to you. And this pas weekend, Younger Son added several more to my "silver highlights" as I like to call them.

He has (HAD!!) a moped/scooter. I always worried that while riding home after dark, he would get hit by a deer, or a car would pop up and not see him well on the dark country roads. I never imagined he would get hit in town, on a street with lights.
But he got rearended and I ended up with him from 2am until 6pm Sunday. No sleep, chairs in the ER do not give the family member a place to lean their head, and I was to nervous most of the time. Plus I had no knitting or reading material!! It was an extremely long day.
Luckily he came through with no surgery needed. Two compression fractures, with the break no where near the spinal cord. Thank you, Lord!
He is back home, and walking, with the help of a walker that I told him makes him look like an old fart. He was in too much pain to care. Now to worry about his job and paying bills. He has no insurance, and neither do we, except our car insurance.
The next most exciting part was trying to find the main hospital lobby, but my driver, a friend of my son's, and I had to go to 3 different lobbies, on the same street, before we could find the right main lobby.
I am more and more of a small town girl all the time.

Pattern--Cotton Candy Shawl

2011-09-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

Cotton Candy Shawl

Yarn: Bulky weight organic cotton Sprout, 4 skeins. This yarn is a slightly nubby yarn by Classic Elite and is part of their Verde collection. I used the color called Pea Blossom. 109 yards per skein.
(See adaptations section at end of pattern.)

The basics.
One side of the marker will be the plain garter stitch field, the other side is the lace section, with a 4 row repeat. On the field side you will increase 1 stitch every right side row until you reach length desired. Once there, I knit one lace repeat with no increases or decreases. Then began decreases in the field while on row one of lace pattern, decrease until down to 6 stitches and cast off. Only change the garter field from Increase to Even to Decrease sections when the lace section is at the end of a lace pattern repeat.

Begin.
Cast on 6 stitches. (2 for garter field, 4 for lace section.)

Increase section.
Row 1 (right side): K 1, YO, K1, place marker and begin lace: YO, P2tog, , K1, YO twice, K1 (3 field stitches, 6 lace stitches)
Row 2: K2, P1 K1, YO, P2tog, slip marker, Knit to end
Row 3, K to one stitch before marker, YO, K1, slip marker, YO P2tog, K4
Row 4, Bind off 2 stitches, K1, YO, P2tog, slip marker, Knit to end.

Continue knitting as established. On the field section knitting to 1 stitch before marker on right side rows, and plain knitting on wrong side, and repeating the lace section as above.

Even section
Once you reach length desired, or are reaching near the end of first half of your yarn, knit 4 rows with out increases:
Row one: K to 3 stitches before marker, K2tog, YO, K1, slip marker, and row one of lace.
Row 2: Knit row 2 of lace, slip marker, Knit to end.
Row 3: K to 3 stitches before marker, K2tog, YO, K1, slip marker, Knit row 3 of pattern.
Row 4: Knit Row 4 of lace, slip marker, Knit to end

You can continue even section as long as desired, but once you finish 2nd skein, or half of your yarn, finish lace row 4, and start decrease section.

Decrease section.
Row one: K to 4 stitches before marker, K2tog, YO, K2tog slip marker, and row one of lace.
Row 2: Knit row 2 of lace, slip marker, Knit to end.
Row 3: K to 4 stitches before marker, K2tog, YO, K2tog, slip marker, Knit row 3 of pattern.
Row 4: Knit Row 4 of lace, slip marker, Knit to end

Continue decrease section until down to 2 field stitches and 4 lace stitches. Should be at end of lace repeat.
Bind off after row 4.

Adaptations. You can change the lace to a pattern of your choice. Just find a lace edging and make sure the final row bind offs occur on a wrong side row. And make the changes between increase, even and decrease sections at end of the lace pattern repeat.
I made another out of dk homespun alpaca with a different lace pattern. Warm and lovely.

Too Much Knitting Going On?

2011-09-12T12:55:00.001-04:00

I know that statement seems ludicrous, at least to passionate knitters. And I love all my knitting.
But, as I packed up to go to Spin Guild today, I realized I had no empty bobbins. Except for my louet plying wheel.
Obviously, not enough plying has been going on.
And since the louet, with its attached skeinwinder, will not easily fit in my car, I guess I will use my Joy to finally ply a couple of partial bobbins of merino silk into another partial bobbin of mystery wool. (Doesn't everyone have one of those?)
And tonight, after getting offline, I ply.

The Latest Project

2011-09-11T18:45:00.001-04:00

I have been planning all weekend to get online. I have banking and blotting to do.
But every time I want to, Hubby calls someone, and has to leave a message. So, I'm reduced to phone blogging. That is why there may be occasional commas stuck in odd places.
But I mentioned a new project. My latest Betty knitting, as shown below is in heavenly pure silk. A simple triangle, with diagonal yarn overs making a lattice design. I actually had it this big a couple days ago when I frogged it back. I didn't think I liked the lattice going to the edges, so now there is a ten stitch garter border on each side.
The silk is heaven to knit with. I'm loving this project.

To Commenter Diane

2011-09-06T10:50:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure where she.got the patterns. You could try to link to the Etsy stow for her farm. Or search Ravelry.
As for northern Michigan cemetaries, you might check local history societies, for Houghton county especially.
Hope that helps. Or comment with e-mail address. After I get it, ill delete the comment.

Power Struggle

2011-09-05T11:56:00.001-04:00

What a weekend.
I spent Friday trucking Lizzie to the vet for wellness check, and then getting groceries. I did some knitting and turned in early. Visions of a full day Saturday danced in my head.
Alas. I woke Saturday to no lights, and worse, no water! The joys of country living. Even though I trekked to town, and a nearby town, neither of which had power, I still wasn't aware of the extent of the storm, being without access to news. I had a radio, but couldn't get anything but delayed games, no news. And even worse, no cell service. And the house was too dim to do much knitting.
Finally after church, we got our power back early Sunday afternoon. Apparently at one time 75% of the county was without power!
So life resumes, with knitting. Remember this? While I await the handdyed yarn for Betty's last shawl, I picked up my handspun cormo-silk belated Pentecost shawl. Maybe by next Pentecost.

Frugal Farmer

2011-09-01T10:05:00.001-04:00

When married to a thrifty, frugal (cheap?) farmer, I never know what will happen next.
Recently, Hubby found a flat on a small 2 wheeled trailer that he uses around the farm, hauling assorted "stuff." Not wanting to pay for a cheap used tire somewhere, he remembered one that was near the pasture fence, that still held air.
And that brings the interesting aside: Why was the tire, that still held air. next to the ditch, near the pasture in the first place? How long had it been there? Well apparently for a while.
Hubby needed the hydralics to fetch the tire to to barn. And here is why.

Yes, thats right. There is a tree growing through the rim of the tire.
Here is a better angle.

So Hubby cut and pried and pulled. And finally he got it out.
It didn't fit.

Settling In

2011-08-31T22:04:00.000-04:00

My new dog seems to be adapting well. Life on a farm isn't fazing her at all

I did decide to change her name to something I would use, so instead of Isabelle or Izzy, she is now Lizzie Bell.

These pictures were taken after a long romp behind the barn, sniffing and chasing barn cats. That's the only way I could keep her still long enough to shoot these.
Quiet and gentle, loving and funny, close on my heels, especially at the door. My little Lizzie.

This weekend, vet check, and then groomer in another week.

The Dreaded Sewing Up

2011-08-27T21:01:00.001-04:00

Front....check.
Back....check.
Left and right bra cuppy things....check.
Part are knit, only some i-cord and crochet chains left. So, its time to sew.
While screwing up my courage, I decided to make Sandra a matching ram, to atone for the slow completion time.

Farewell Friend

2011-08-26T09:08:00.001-04:00

My FaceBook friends have already heard the sad news. But I want to post something here as well. That is the unhappy fact that my dear little dog, Gilbert the Wonder Dog is no more.

He started ailing last Sunday, and when he wouldn't even eat ice cream from Hubby, I knew I had to get him to vet. On Monday I was able to get an afternoon appointment, and skipped Spin Guild to come home and get him. He met me at the door, somewhat unsteadily, and returned to the bedroom, where he lay next to the bed. An hour later, as I looked for him to get ready to take him to the vet, we found him under the bed, already gone.

Gilbert Armenus Hagen 8 Dec 2002 to 22 August 2011

He has been my bitty buddy for over 8 years. I miss him terribly.

Fifth Annual Christy Day

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy weekend, and I am bushed. But I will try to catch up here, if Blogger allows me. (Dial-up, you know.) This past Friday, Mary and I headed to St. Joseph to for the 5th straight year to help Christy get her classroom together for the first day of school. This time we were joined by Kris, whose daughter is Christy's house-mate/landlady.

As usual, she had her list or chores waiting on the board.

Hmmmm. It gets longer every year.

We plowed through the list and got all but one item done, and that wasn't done only because she forgot the pencil sharpenter.

We even hit a few yard sales while on our lunch break. I found some cedar blocks for my wool room, and Christy found a rug for her room. A great time was had by all, and I can hardly wait for next year.

Cotton Candy Revisited

2011-08-21T11:56:00.001-04:00

I am always thrilled when I get a comment from someone I don't know. My simple blathering?
But it happened again. This time with a pattern request for the Cotton Candy Shawl. And while one request isn't an overwhelming crush, I will try to write it up this week. And while this blog will not allow me to post the chart, I'll also see if I can put the chart on Ravelry.
And thanks for asking!
(Sorry for the poor picture. It's all I had on my phone.)

Bogie Night

2011-08-17T22:03:00.001-04:00

I am still reveling in Turner Classic Movies' Summer Under the Stars. And this 24 hour period belongs to Humphrey Bogart.
As I sat knitting (brown tunic for Flo's granddaughter) and watching The Maltese Falcon, I looked up the cast list on my smart phone. (I'll admit it, I'm a geek.)
All the times I've watched this film and I had never noticed that one of my new favorite stars, Walter Houston appeared in it. Maybe it was because I've just recently became his fan. (Try to catch him in "Dodsworth.")
And that is one of the things I love about old movies. You never know just when one of your friends will appear.
Oh, in case you were wondering, Walter Houston is Captain Jackoby--the man who falls into Sam Spade's office, carrying the battered bundle containing the Falcon.
Next up: Saraha, a tank warfare film. And not a woman on the screen.

Latest Finished Object--Betty's Purple Triangle

2011-08-15T21:19:00.000-04:00

I finished this last Friday, but was unable to post, as my husband was waiting for a phone call, and in the land of dial-up, that means no internet for a while.

Gertrude once again graciously agreed to pose.

Long and lovely. I think it grew much as the lace was added, but it looked good on everyone who tried it on at Spin Guild today.
Now I have a week or so to work on other projects, until my next Betty project.
So--on to the tunic for Flo's granddaughter, Sandra.. I managed to finish the front and one bra cup last night, and if I sign off now, should finsh the second before bed tonight.
Soo.......so long for this time.

Turned the Corner

2011-08-10T11:55:00.001-04:00

Last night I turned the corner on the lace for this project.
In looking at the lace, and the sharp angle, I decided some short rows were in order. As I finished the last row of the lace, I added a wedge of garter stitches. As I knit back to the center, I shortened each row by 2 stitches. After only 2 remained, I reversed the process, until I was back to 12 stitches.
I think it blends in nicely.

Out of the Hole

2011-08-07T17:48:00.001-04:00

Well I managed to climb out of that black hole.
Turner Classic Movies had 24 hours of Lucille Ball movies yesterday, and Hubby mostly slept in front of AC. That meant lots of knitting time.
It was about an 80 inch wing span before lace.
I started and frogged lace last night. I decided loopy mohair boucle and charted knitting every row was not going to get done in time.
So found a new lace chart and am flying. Of course there are a bajillion pattern repeats to get through.
So the pressure is on!

The Black Hole of Knitting

2011-08-05T18:23:00.001-04:00

Yup, that's where I am.
Stuck in the knitting black hole.
I knit and measure, knit and measure. The,distance from center back to end of row stays stuck at 30 to 32 inches for half the "wingspan". After spreading it on the bed for an official measurement, I just got 30.
Sigh.
I MUST start the lace by sometime Monday to have it ready for Betty and the Michigan Fiber Festival.
Wish me luck

First Sideways Sock

2011-08-01T22:04:00.001-04:00

While I have been dutifully knitting on my commissioned knitting, the Purple Triangle, I just had to finishe the sock I started from my new favorite book, the Knit One Knit All I mentioned about a week ago.

I ended up having to buy a skein of coordinating solid for the toe, but I love this sock. As you can see I have already cast on the second. I finished this sock in less than a week, and when you consider I did a lot of working on the shawl, I was quite impressed with the speed of this pattern. Kroy Sock FX is the yarn, with Brown Sheep Wildfoote for the toe.
I took it for "Show and Tell" as spin guild today. Show and Tell is one of the best parts of the get together. Noting formal. We just bring our latest FO and share and inspire each other. "Other Linda" had a crocheted sun that played "You Are My Sunshine" for a certain new grandson of hers

My, or rather Betty's, Purple Shawl is growing along. I have to go to 433 stitches along what will be the two lower sides. Then I can start the lace.And just over two weeks.Yikes! I don't think there will be much blogging going on for a while.

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I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No

2011-07-27T10:37:00.001-04:00

Some readers will recall my recent bout with the never-ending sweater otherwise known as Betty's Jacket. I finished it, although not pleased with the seaming and the gauge it was knit at.
However, when it made its appearance at the recent fiber festival in Charlevoix, it apparently was a hit. So much so that, even though the buttons were not sewn on, and it wasn't even blocked, someone bought it!
Betty was so pleased that she commissioned two more shawls.
And so I bring you, shown above, Purple Triangle, using Meg Swansen's Garter and Lace pattern. The color is a bit lighter than shown, and my wad of keys are there for scale.
With a deadline of mid August.
What was I thinking!

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Another Week, Another Wedding

2011-07-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

I tried to get this posted yesterday, but naturally, Blogger was acting up again. So I will give it a try now. This time the happy couple were my favorite former Army captian nephew and his beautiful bride, my new favorite blonde niece.

The wedding ended up being outside, after being moved in and back out. Since the temps were below 90, I guess they decided on outside. I had a front row seat and great view. My baby brother (and only brother) and his lovely wife were the groom's happy parents.

Despite the claims of both sons and the parents that their family has no dancing genes, they actually got up to cut the rug. Their boys were stunned to see them out on the dance floor.
And just so the picture is complete, here is a shot of the other nephew--my favorite first born nephew with my favorite brunette niece and my two favorite sweater recipients.

Aren't they cute? Saturday was a fun time, and I gained a new niece.

My New Treasure

2011-07-24T21:29:00.001-04:00

The book shown above is my new treasure. The latest book of Elizabeth Zimmermann pattern just published by Schoolhouse Press.
Most of my knitting friends know I am a big fan of Elizabeth Zimmermann. I love her patterns, her methods, easy to read style, and her humor. Thanks to her, mostly, I am unafraid of adjusting patterns. Or even diving in with no pattern at all.
While recently congratulating myself on not succumbing to Knit Picks latest 40% off book sale, I "accidentally" started browsing, with no intention of placing an order. And then I saw IT.........Knit One Knit All.
I had to have it.
And when the fog cleared, I had an order confirmation in my inbox.
And now I have the book. It is great.
And I already have a sideways garter stitch sock started!

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