knitting a shrug....

This is my latest project even though I'm not quite sure yet how it will turn out! I am using yarn from my stash and filling in to make it last for the project, so it may not develop as desired when all is said and done. Meanwhile, I am on the second half of said project and will post a pic when I can get it photographed. I am using "bowtie" yarn by Moda Dea in shades of lavender, pink and bright green.

Also, I have been thinking carefully about gifts for my secret pal in SP10. I have sent two gifts so far ~ gifts that I carefully considered in terms of the list my secret pal posted as to her likes and dislikes. Upon checking her blog, I think that my secret pal is pleased so far. At any rate, she has gotten two "surprise" packages from me and she seems to be thrilled!

bouna giornata,
starr

a little quiz...

I think I am really an enigma. I appear to be very social in person, but really, I am quite content to be alone and do not seek much company after mandatory work hours. I care very much for others but am quite selfish with my time! I think this little quiz captured me perfectly...

You Are 30% Extrovert, 70% Introvert

You are quite reserved You aren't afraid of social situations... But you very much prefer to go it alone And why not? You're your own best friend!

Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

sad, sad day

The Virginia Tech shootings ~ another heart-breaking day in American history. I cannot understand such things enough to even comment upon them. My heart goes out to all of the families affected, even the family of a young Korean boy who was disturbed enough to do this. There are no words for this extreme sadness...

shopping bags vs spring cleaning...

ok, I'm still knitting away in my spare time, BUT it is spring cleaning time as well! UGH!!!

When I was younger, I tackled such projects in a Very Big Way and took much pleasure in cleaning out the excess from my home.

Well....

Now, it is still something that needs done, but my enthusiasm has waned, to say the least! All that deters me now is the thought that if I don't do it, someone I love with have to and it won't be pretty!! UGH again!

And so I embarked on some closet and drawer cleaning this weekend. But only with my tried and true tricks in place. You see, I make a deal with myself. One, I only commit to working for ten minutes to start with and then, if I am too miserable, I can quit. Usually this will get me going for anywhere from one to three hours. Thank goodness!

Two, I play my current book on tape while I work to distract me. So far ~ so good! It works!! I start out with a small goal in mind and manage to do much more overall. Phew! It is good to know how to trick oneself to do these things!!

Meanwhile, I have lots more to do but am happy with what I was able to accomplish this past weekend. To reward myself, I took knitting breaks to work on Market Bags! I absolutely hate the buildup of all those plastic bags from the grocery, so I am going to make a stash of knitted bags to bring home the groceries. Here are two completed ones and the start of a third. It must be true that old hippies never die!! Peace, my friends! And happy recyling!!

fagioli alla Toscana

or ~~ Tuscan Style Beans
I am an admitted italiano-phile and last night I was reading a new cookbook that I got called "The Antipasto Table". It mentioned how Italians LOVE beans (as do I) and here is how they cook them: they "oven-bake" them slowly to tenderize them and retain their shape, only adding salt at the very end of the cooking time.

BUT ~ one needs a cast iron dutch oven in which to do this (which has been on my "list" for some time) and today I went in search of one. Do you know how expensive these are???????? OMG!!!! I was in sticker shock over the prices of Le Creuset - a medium size Dutch Oven is $150 ~ $225!!!! OMG!!!!!

I'm sure that pan would outlive me by a long shot, but who can afford to have it now??? OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!

And so I took off for my fav local knock-off store, and lo and behold, there ~in all it's glory~ was a no-name brand of exactly what I was looking for!! It was RED, it was medium size (not too big and not too small) and it was OBLONG (my preferred shape). Yeh, it was made in China and it had a chip out of the rim, but not too big and something that woulda happened in short order anyway...

I snagged this prize and headed home to cook some fagioli of my own...


So here is what you do: rinse a pound of cannellini or Great Northern Beans, put them in a bowl covered with cold water by 2" and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. After that, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Drain the beans, put them in the ovenproof casserole with a cover. Add fresh water to cover by one inch. Add a large clove of garlic (peeled), a tablespoon of olive oil and a bit of fresh or dried sage. Bring to simmer over low heat on the stovetop. Move the dish to the oven and cook until tender ~ about an hour or so. Add salt to taste. Remove from oven, smash the garlic and add back to the soup. Serve warm or at room temp with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground pepper. These are really good atop toasted rounds of fresh bread, garnished with chopped fresh onion...

And that is exactly how I just had them ~ YUM!!! Best beans ever! Try them!!!

Family Dinner

Well, I've been on vacation from work this week and you'd think I'd get some extra stuff done, right? Nope! Been busy cooking and having guests and it has been a lot of fun. First up was a family dinner. On the menu were my grandmother's homemade noodles, which are drying on the counter here in the first photo. Just egg noodles, but mixed, cut and dried all by hand just like my family has been making them for over a hundred years that I know of. They came out perfect and everyone had seconds! For those of you NOT from the midwest, these are served atop mashed potatoes (yes, I said ATOP) and you simply go into a coma after eating this delicacy. Some of the shredded beef roast goes into the noodles but you can serve the rest on the side if you feel the need for protein balance...


The table all set and waiting.


My sister had such a good time that she stayed for five days! We had so much fun that I hate to go back to my normal working schedule. Why can't I stay home and knit and make family dinners for a living? But I must be able to afford myself, so I'll go back to work next week. Meanwhile, I've got a precious few days left to enjoy the arrival of spring and the new fun memories of a family gathered round the table. Life doesn't get better than that!

For Cecily & SP10

SP10 has begun! For those who don't know, that is Secret Pal 10 - an exchange with another knitter who would like to be spoiled with attention and gifts from a secret pal. How fun! I misunderstood at first, but now I know who my secret pal recipient is ~ and I do NOT know who my own secret pal is because he or she is the one spoiling me per the questions I answered for the project.

My current project is a pair of socks from the book Socks Socks Socks from Knitters Magazine. These were designed by Sheri Franz of Pittsburgh and I've had to frog them back to the ribbing once already, but that is fine~ I enjoy the process! The pattern is easy to remember so far and I am using Sockotta (Italian collection) yarn in superwash. It has a wonderful feel to it and a very retro look. I had to go down to size 0 needles and I do think I have someone in mind for these socks!


I've also been busy on my own version of dishcloths. I've developed a cotton cloth that is a good size and doesn't get weighed down when it is wet. I like it a lot ~ a whole lot!


And so I made a label for it for when I give it away as a gift:


Label back:


These cloths knit up quick, so you can make a set while watching a bit of TV or a movie on the weekend:


Use up leftovers by crocheting the edging on with a contrasting color:


and then wrap on that handmade label for a special touch:

fait accompli

bonjour mes ami. I have finally finished my first KAL (knitalong) and here it is! The group is Six Sox Knitalong (pattern posted every other month so that the group knits six pair of socks per year together) and the pattern for Feb/Mar 2007 is called "Springtime in Paris". That is because on one side of the sock, ridges in the pattern resemble the Eiffel Tower. Tre bien! However, that is actually the "wrong" side of the sock, so if you turn it out, the pattern is more like raindrops. That is the side I will probably wear, so we shall imagine that is the look of rain on the apartment window as one gazes toward de la Tour Eiffel.

I have been to this enchanting place and stood beneath the rising spires of the tower that looks out over the City of Light. I can still see it if I close my eyes and remember the excitement of being there. And so I am thrilled that my first sock KAL is reminiscent of one of my favorite places in the world...


and a closeup of the stitches, one inside and one outside...

another purse

I finally sat down last night and finished up this purse. It has been knit for a while, but I had to sew on the button and thread the handle through. It is just like Maureen's purse but with some lively color and an Art Glass button, which didn't photograph so well.


A bit of a closeup and it still doesn't do the button justice. I have some pink and blue yarns for a co-ordinating scarf, but that might not get made this winter. We are charging through winter pretty fast and I'm on a sock kick!!

Secret Pal 10

Here is my post for Secret Pal 10, a fun knitting group activity. I signed up, and now I am posting my Questionnaire here so that when my secret pal gets my name, they can come here and learn more about me. I will do the same when I get the name of my new pal. Then we stay in touch and trade gifts with each other for the next three months. It sounds like a lot of fun! Here goes...

The Questionnaire
Here are is the questionnaire for SP10. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than the last day of February.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

LOVE natural fibers. I got back into knitting socks because I learned about Superwash Wool and I fell into all those fabulous sock patterns out there. Can you even imagine life before the internet? I was a sock knitter who quit because my wool socks got holes in them right away and were not worth the investment. Now I've discovered a whole new world!! Haven't used any pure acrylic and cannot imagine doing so except for decorative purposes.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

This is terrible - right now it is a big ole zip lock bag!! The good news is that I can see into it when retrieving needles. But also, I have some embroidered fabric waiting to be made into a needle case. I can't seem to find the time to make it!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit when I was 8 years old. I sat on the front porch steps (late 50's) and my grandmother helped me on a Sunday afternoon right after lunch. I was still tentative, so I walked to the library the next day and checked out a book on learning to knit. From there, I was on my own and knitted mostly gloves and mittens. Later, a sweater for my boyfriend. Still later, sweaters for my children. And then socks. Love at first sight!! Socks! And now there is superwash wool. A match made in heaven. I wish I could tell grandma! I consider myself an intermediate, waiting to advance!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Of course! But there is so much on it that I would never show it to anyone. They'd think I am the greediest girl who ever lived!! It is my private luxury - books to drown among!

5. What's your favorite scent?

Gardenia. also like Vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Dark Chocolate. Also like those chocolate creams that come in a romantic box.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I would like to spin with a drop spindle and have bought some roving in hopes that I will learn how. I don't see myself doing the whole spinning wheel thing, but a bit of yarn on the spindle ~ can someone teach me? Otherwise, I am an accomplished artist and have worked professionally. I was in the beaded jewelry business for several years. I quilted for a number of years and like anything to do with fabric, beads or paint. My hobby is hobbies! I'm hopeless!!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like most any music. My top five are: Mozart, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Vivaldi, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. and yes, I can play MP3s. I have an ipod for books on tape and lots of music. I listen to it every day and it puts me to sleep at night.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Adore Periwinkle Blue; Grape with Lime, Black & Taupe together, Blue-Blood Red. Fond of Cream and Naturals. Can't abide too much Orange or Tomato Red

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am mature, 55 years old, on my own. I have three grown children and three grandchildren who are the light of my life. I am going to go look at Bichon puppies soon in search of a companion.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Wear scarves all the time. Love to change them out with my coats for variety. Not so much hats or ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks, purses

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely. There is a piece of the maker's heart in such a gift. I would treasure it.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Love the Brittany Birch DPNS, but also love the Knit Picks Circs! I didn't wanna like those Knit Picks, but I do! But the birch ones make me feel so mellow. And I have a pair of straight Rosewood in size 11 that are nice.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both! And love using them because I got such a deal. Don't even mind frogging when I rewind myself!!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Believe it or not, I don't have one. I make myself finish things or Frog them!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Sorry, don't much care for holidays. Too much expectation. I like everyday celebrations the best. Just because....

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yes, I collect old Capodimonte Porcelain with a certain look. It has to have porcelain roses on it and be primitive looking, not refined. And I LOVE hand-dyed yarns. And BOOKS! If I have extra money, I will buy a book in a heartbeat!!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I put things on my Amazon wish list when I find them. I haven't subscribed to any mags yet. There is so much online to look at! Always wanting more sock yarn, of course! I'd like to check out those arty needles with the glass tops, but would they work and not break? Would like to have a drop spindle and learn to use it.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

yeh, haven't done Magic Loop yet. Would need to buy some longer circs for that. And I'd like to try some cashmere yarn for socks. Is there a cashmere superwash?

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

oh yeh.........foot length (standing on ruler) = 9.75"; around the ball of the foot = 9"; up to calf with ruler = 7.5". Flat feet - no high arch. Shoe size = Women's 8 or 8.5. Rather medium overall.

23. When is your birthday?

Geez, I hate to say since I don't put much stock in holidays. I will share with a buddy, but otherwise, I like special days and gifts just because.......

for Knitman

I got the nicest post from a new friend, Knitman, who encouraged me to continue with these cabled socks. But of course I did! As soon as I frogged them, I cast on and started again. Along the way, I realized that two circs with this pattern was screwing me up, so I slid them off to my old faithful birch DPNs. such wonderful feeling needles! I do want to do the two-at-once socks on circs, but this pattern repeat didn't work out so well. So I'll probably finish these on the beautiful birchies. Thanks, Knitman, for the encouraging message. I'm adding you to my fav's!!

Frogged!

Well, I've learned a lot recently from my Yahoo knitting groups ~ for instance, if you need to "unknit" a section of what you are working on, that is called "tink" - ing. (the word "knit" spelled backwards.) And if you should find yourself totally off base and need to start over on a project, then you must FROG it! Which means you will hear those tearing-out sounds of "rip-it, rip-it", also known as FROGGING!!!

Remember my recent post of two socks at once on circular needles? FROGGED! I had made so many mistakes in knitting them that it seemed a shame to waste the luscious yarn on badly-made socks. So this evening I sat down at the ball-winder and let 'em rip right back into a yummy ball of exquisite yarn with new possibilities. I will remake this pattern, of course, now that I think I can do it right. And here I was well into the foot of those socks! Never mind, they will be even more wonderful when I knit them right!

And while I was at it, I grabbed the ugly black & white Opal yarn Feather and Fans I made a while back and they took a dip in the frog pond as well. I see them being remade with solid black toes and heels and a lot of ribbing all around.

Here is the fresh start yarn, ready to go. Stay tuned!

I'm a daffodil?

I am a Daffodil What Flower Are You?

on the needles

Here's what I'm working on right now ~ a pair of socks! yes, I'm knitting them both at the same time on two circular needles. This is a really popular method right now so I just had to try it. I can't wait to see how they turn out and just think - you finish them at the same time!

a post for Trish

I had the nicest comment from Trish, who said that she checks my blog in hopes of seeing something new each day. What a nice complement! So this post is for you, Trish! Really, I do something artistic each day or I can't live with myself, but I don't always post it. so I will try to do better at that. Thanks for your interest.

Here is a bag that I made for my daughter while I was off work in December. It is two different pink yarns combined since I couldn't find a shade of pink in wool that I liked. It is trimmed with an antique button that I just love. My daughter ~Ellyn~ loves pink and old buttons, so this was an effort to thank her for taking care of me while I recovered from surgery last Nov & Dec.



Naturally, I needed to make a scarf to go with the purse. I started out with a beaded scarf like I made for Maureen, but somehow it didn't seem right. It was what *I* liked, but not necessarily what Ellyn would like, so I tore it out and started over. I remembered that Ellyn had been particularly fond of a "keyhole" scarf I had made her when she was young, so I found a pattern for one of those. This one is not only a "keyhole" but is done in a herringbone stitch which I had not heard of before. Perfect! It is a free pattern by Kim Hamlin of buleskyaplacas.com and was super-easy to do. I cannot provide it for you per her restrictions, but you can google that info and find it, I'm sure. I added the beaded ends on my version for fun.



The lining is a wild, pleated floral that adds the touch of the unexpected. Who wants to settle for ordinary?



I'm off to do some more knitting and sincerely wish I could knit and draw all of the time. If any of you figure out how to quit your day jobs and do that, would you let me know?? :-)

more knitting

Well, I felt like getting the rest of the knitting out and chronicled here. I want to post to a sock knitting group and I need some evidence! This was my first pair a couple months ago. I got interested when I read Wendy Knits and she talked about superwash wool. Washable wool socks with nylon for wearability? Wow, I had to try that! Years ago I knitted some socks and they got holes in the heels so fast that I gave up. And these are her famous generic toe-up pattern that was pretty easy to do. Once I worked through it, that is. And they don't exactly match because I panicked and started the second sock before I wanted to. I was afraid of running out of yarn and really, I wouldn't have. oh well. I wore them and they are marvelous! Opal yarn. (note - I got those pesky holes in the gusset, but will do that better next time!)


This second pair is another Wendy pattern, the toe-up Feather and Fan in Opal yarn. I trusted the pattern even though it looked too big for me, and sure enough, the first sock is too big. I made the second one anyway, but am still deciding whether to re-knit just one sock or unravel both and start completely over. I'm not really attached to these and I could probably find something I like better out of this yarn. I think I would like this yarn better if the heels, cuffs and toes were solid black.


This pair is a Chevron Lace pattern from knittingonthenet, done out of Lorna's Laces. Nice and lightweight and I'm wondering how they'll wear.


I love how these turned out. I had gotten a lone ball of sale superwash sock yarn and paired it with some solid color yarn to stretch it into a pair of socks. I was amazed that the nondescript looking striping yarn worked up so pretty. I simply can't tell by looking at self-striping yarn how it's gonna turn out! The pattern is Karen's Lace Socks from needlesandwool.


After a few pairs of socks I wanted something even more mindless to do and that began the "cotton dishcloth phase". Sugar & Cream cotton yarn is cheap and I can even get it at the grocery, so I made tons of these cloths. I have gifted most away, but these are a couple I still have.


Then I started trying to use up the Sugar & Cream - I don't think it can be done. I also decided that the cotton cloths are relatively heavy and don't need to be so big. I made them into smaller rectangles like these and I like them a lot. That way you can use them a time or two and throw them in the wash. As long as you have someone knitting you a supply, of course! I do love these!


I wondered if you could make a face cloth that would be nice and this was my attempt with a skein of Bernat Cool Crochet, 70% cotton, 30% nylon. It has a bit of sheen and I thought it would be a treat to leave out for a guest to use. Or a nice gift in a basket with some handmade soap. (I have a friend who makes wonderful soap!)


And this is the latest ~ a baby hat and mitts and mittens for another co-worker. It will be new baby Giovanni's first winter, so I made him a hat with flaps and thumbless mitts. The hat seems stretchy, so thinking it will still fit him next year, I made him some big boy mittens, too. The yarn is Caron Simply Soft Tweed, acrylic and rayon for easy care.


And now what will I start on next? I'm itching to start socks, but I promised my sister another dog sweater for her Yorkie. I forgot to photograph him in the one I gave him a couple weeks ago, so stay tuned for that. He is one little designer dog in that thing! Now let me see.....

Posting some knitting

Today I am posting some knitting so that you can see what I was doing all that time I wasn't drawing! Somehow I got sidetracked, then obsessed, and then, well, you know...

One of the first things was this felted purse. I found the pattern on the internet; I believe it was called Sophie, and I beaded the handles from my jewelry-making stash. It is Cascade 220 wool, doubled, and is lined in black.



Then I made a smaller purse for my friend Maureen. It is from the Pursenalities book, black Patons wool and fun fur with an I cord handle.


And a coordinating beaded scarf for Maureen out of KnitPicks Elegance, baby alpaca & silk, color Redwood ~ yummy~


Then more Cascade 220 in gray for this Lucy Bag and a fun novelty trim. It's a roomy tote.


The Lucy bag closes by looping the large handle up through the small one ~ very fun!


I made the Sophie bag bigger and added flaps to wrap around purchased handles. This one was not planned - just knit with whatever caught my fancy as I went along. It is lined with a black & white small houndstooth check fabric that used to be a pair of slacks!


Another Sophie bag, and the one I am carrying the most, is more Cascade 220. One strand of a solid green and one of heathered. I like the softening effect of the heather.


My DIL discovered this fabric when we were shopping and it was perfect for the lining and to attach the handles. The purse also has little brass feet on the bottom ~ such a nice touch!



I couldn't resist the Candy Cane pattern hat. It was made for Meredith, a co-worker's baby. I improvised on the rose and it came out great.


And I have been doing socks as well! I was so taken with this Crayon Pattern from a magazine that I ordered up a bunch of Lorna's Laces yarn and made a pair for each of my grandchildren. They are surprisingly nice weight even though the yarn seemed so thin. I did weave an extra strand through the heels when finished, just in case.


And that isn't all of it, but it's all I have photographed at the moment. I'll be back with more, but right now I need to go have a knit-fix!

New Year 2007

Unbelievably, I wanted the first thing I did in 2007 to be a sketch. It is...

Major PAUSE

Wow, it has really been a while since I posted. I don't know what got into me, but I just STOPPED drawing as quickly as I started!! I think it makes me sound a bit unstable, but really, it was just the course of events. One day I was drawing, and the next I was knitting like a madwoman!! I was out buying yarn and knitting every free moment of the day and lamenting that I didn't have time to draw! I will have to post some of my knitting because I really did accomplish a lot.

Meanwhile, I did have surgery in November that put me out of commission for a while. I am recovered now and will be going back to work in one more day ~ YIKES!! I was off for seven weeks, which is enough to let you forget the trail back to the evil empire!! Alas, there are breadcrumbs to mark the way...

a random poll...

Not sure why I felt like answering this poll when I haven't posted in forever, but here goes...

1. Explain what ended your last relationship?
He did because I would never have been able to. It was a good thing...
2. When was the last time you shaved?
This morning.
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
sleeping like a baby
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
surfing the net because tv is awful.
5. Are you any good at math?
Not particularly, but I manage.
6. Your prom night?
Was pitiful. I went with a nice fella who adored me but I didn't much care for him. Sad for me and gave him the wrong idea.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Nope.
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
would have if I had been thinking straight. True answer = no.
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile?
No myspace profile. And don't want one.
10. Last thing received in the mail?
Lots o'junk and stuff from ebay.
11. How many different beverages have you had today?
4 - coffee, diet coke w/lime/, water, wine
12. Do you ever leave messages on peoples answering machine?
Yes. I do prefer it to actually reaching people.
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Not a concert gal.
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
of course. I'm memorable even if the tide is constant.
15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had?
A regular filling - which is when I found out that I am not wired like a normal person. ew - ew - ew!!
16. What is out your back door?
A great back yard that lets me be in the city and feel like I'm private.
17. Any plans for Friday night?
Nah - just like anticipating a weekend away from work...
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
The ocean is worth whatever it does...
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Actually, yes!! It is and was a big surprise!!
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
of course!
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Why wouldn't you?
22. Some things you are excited about?
Number one - surgery tomorrow. I'm totally freaked out!! And then bunches of other stuff like not having to go back to work until 1/07, projects I have in mind and sleeping whenever I feel like it. Bliss!
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
don't know about jello.
24. Describe your keychain(s)
half dozen keys and stupid store swipe cards that give you discounts.
25. Where do you keep your change?
In my wallet/change purse
26. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
Open. But only because the upper stairway door is shut.
27. Did you read this far? Consider yourself tagged.
That would be me!!