That Time of Year

Tax time.  Yuck.  The least popular time of the year.  At least we had some snow to keep things interesting.
But I spent some time last week, and all afternoon today sorting through the various papers and forms and entering the information in my data spreadsheet form.  I have been using and tweaking the same for for years.  Probably since I've had a computer. But it works and means I seldom have to come back in with additional paper work.
Well except for the W-2s and such that never seem to arrive until the last possible moment.  Since our appointment is this Saturday, I am sure they won't be here on time.
That has put a damper on the knitting.  But yesterday I was nearing the end of the first one pound ball.

Since then I have started the next ball, as well as begun the armhole shaping.   Only about 9 more inches until I can cast off and start the right front.  But fewer stitches.
And so far I have been good and not cast on anything else.  But that cowl I had started before is looking very tempting.

Snug as a Bug

The weather is snowy and blowy. Roads are treacherous and I am staying inside.  The last couple mornings I made Hubby drive Younger Son to work and back about 15 miles or so away.  The snow is too deep for my car, not to mention the visibility.   Hubbys four wheel drive truck is a much better option than my 14 year old Taurus in this weather.
I am snug as a bug, trying to convince Lizzy that it is a good thing to go out for a walk.

She is having none of it.
So I guess I'll go back to the knitting.

A Yarn Crisis

Yes, there is such a thing.

And not just a case of not having yarn to start a new project, but even worse. Yarn barf.

At least that is what it looked like.

One of our knitters at Knit Nite is making a cowl out of some really cool artsy yarn. It is made of long lengths of yarns of various fibers and textures, knotted together in dark shades of gold, red and black. It had been wound into a cake and she was knitting from the center. In retrospect, possibly not the best end to choose. Because tonight, after being about half way through the cake of yarn, the middle fell out.

Literally fell out. And it continued to roll and toss itself around. As the two main portions were rescued, it did not look good. If she had not been among knitters, it may have been curtains for that cowl.

However, a couple of us picked it up, found the outside end and started to tame the chaos. We had anywhere from two to six hands working in the tangled mess, but over two hours later (and more than an hour later than our usual closing time) we had it back wound into a round ball.

Whew! I would show you pictures, but my hands were busy untangling and unable to handle the camera.

So instead, here is a picture of Leo enjoying his favorite napping place.....clean laundry.

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Into the Year.

The new year is going strong. The weather is more like winter with snow and greasy roads. Good knitting weather. The Green Flowy left front is coming along well. The cable pattern is great for helping mark progress. No black hole on this piece. I figure I am more than a third of the way from the seed stitch bottom to arm hole shaping.

This photo shows just over two complete pattern repeats.

I took advantage of the nice weather and good driving yesterday to visit a couple friends. My good friend and former boss (twice) met together over lunch. In the past year since I lost my job we haven't been able to meet very often. Now that she is also unemployed we made plans to meet monthly so we can keep on top of things. She talked about her life and I shared baby pictures. We may just venture to a few fiber events this year too. We also need to meet so I can help her warp her loom. I warned her that I've only done rigid heddle and she has a harness loom. But the two musketeers are ready for the challenge.

After barely getting home I was asked if I could meet with another friend. I am making Green Flowy for her friend. And since, before starting the sweater, I had purchased some Lambs Pride in nearly the same shade of green. I knew I would never make a sweater out of that after finishing Green Flowy so she traded stash with me. A quick trip to meet her and good bye Limestone yarn, hello Bing Cherry. Much more me.

And very different from the Scottish Hillside used for Green Flowy. Yea!

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2015--Looking Forward

A new year!  All fresh and ready to explore.  No mistakes yet, no tangled yarn.  Just full of projects and possibilities.
I have been working a couple of new projects.  The left front of the Green Flowy Cardigan is far enough that I am almost through the complete cable pattern.  It is working out well so far.  I don't want to get too complacent about the cables, but this one seems fairly easy so far.

I have also started on a great cowl with the most luscious yarn.  Again it is an easy project.  I don't generally think of making a cowl for me, but it can fit more like a collar with the sawtooth edge folded over.  I have no neck for turtlenecks and such, but this is low and will still work.

The plain garter side has short rows to make that side longer, so it will lay flatter on the shoulders when finished.  And being light, this makes a great project to switch to when it gets late. The dark green can tire the eyes after a while.
I also have the vest pattern I can work on as well as a break from the green.  It is another Custom Fit pattern, just a plain vest with a seed stitch border.  It is in oatmeal bulky yarn and will be great to wear in the cold if I finish yet this winter.

With this just being the beginning of 2015, all sorts of adventures are before me.  I know I have at least 2 more sweaters for Little Farmer to work on.  And I may invest in some alpaca or something to make a cowl or shrug for Lil Farm Gal too.  Some nice soft yarn.
And who knows what new knitting adventures are yet to come.  Hello 2015.