My Corner of the World...

Remember I went on a Knitting Retreat a few weeks back...Thought I'd share some photos with you -

Dianne figuring out what she wants to start knitting and Pat working with a ball winder to get a skein ready for knitting...

Let's see if I can remember - l to r - Pat knitting, Sue, Sue, and Maureen with spinning wheels and another gal (whose name I can't remember) knitting.

Our very own Massage Therapist - she was there just for all of us. Think most of us got a half hour massage - there might have been a couple who opted for the hour massage. Her rates were really good - and we even had a real massage room (It is part of the Inn).

Terri and I knitting away in the sun room.

More knitting going on - and I can't remember these gals names. But, check out the felted bag that is on the floor between them. It is gorgeous!

Sue and Maureen working away on their spinning wheels!

Talking and knitting on the great sun porch. L to R Terri, a mother and daughter team (whose names escape me) and Sylvia.

Sue and Jeannette getting dinner ready!!!!

Our Sunday group photo...several of the women came from the other side of the state...and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Our room had five beds and all of us from our particular knitting shop stayed in that room. Each group was sort of set up that way!

Before leaving we exchanged addresses...and made plans for next Spring!

A Finished Object...

Don't faint! Scarlett's socks are finally finished! These have been on needles for quite a while - can you believe almost a year (actual start date: June 21, 2008)??? But, they are done - beautiful and soft.

Yarn: Universal Yarn Inc. - Pace

Color: Bark 13 - Lot 6/1104

75% Super Wash Wool/25% Polyamide

Needles - US 3

Yarny goodness...

Last weekend was spent at a knitting and spinning retreat. (More about that in the next few days). It was a wonderful three days with people who knew what you were talking about when you mentioned that you dropped a stitch - or that your spinning wheel was acting funny.

Of course, there was the trip into Sue's store, HodgePodge Yarns. I have been on a very strict yarn diet this year and using up my yarn stash. My rules were that I could buy some yarn if it was at a retreat, Sheep and Wool Festival, and on vacation.

So, I bought this:
The yarn is Linares. Made in Chile. It is the most beautiful subtle shades of the ocean that I've ever seen. Soft, soft! 55% cotton and 45% Viscose and 229 yards per skein. The color is 505 and the Dye lot 30120101 (in case you are interested)

And, this is what is going to be made from it:

From the current (May 2009) issue of Creative Knitting (page 51). It's all about LACE, too.

I don't talk about knitting magazines very often but I have to say this has been the best knitting magazine that I have ever subscribed to. There are always four or five things in each issue that I want to make. Glad it doesn't expire until May 2010!

Knitting Day...

Today is the day a group of my knitting friends are getting together just to sit and either knit or spin. Since I don't spin - I'll be doing a lot of knitting (I hope).

There are several unfinished items in my knitting basket and I hope to have photos of them finished...

1) The Elizabeth Zimmerman BSJ - that has been languishing in my knitting basket for a couple of years. And, I do need to finish it as I know someone who will need it soon.

2) Two pairs of socks - both have one sock finished and the other still on needles - time to get them done...

Always seem to enjoy being with others and tend to work on my projects...so, maybe I'll have a productive day today!!!

Projects...

Been working on these back scrubbers for the OWOH giveaway. They should be done by this week-end. Tried to have them done last week-end but then with all the things going on with Scarlett - I didn't have time to finish them.

Have also been working on a special class project where the final class will be this Saturday - and I hope to post photos tomorrow. (Pat, just for you!!!)

So, Scarlett left today...after we spent last night making two music cds - one to be played at the chapel service...and the other at Helen's celebration of life.

Now, I'm off to have dinner - cooking myself some really good blueberry pancakes...with lovely fresh blueberries...

Retail Therapy...

My quilt store got some new batiks in - can't you tell? They are gorgeous!

Then I dropped by the yarn store next door - I had a purpose - I had no DK weight yarn to knit a hat for the Hat Club. We are trying to knit a hat each month - except that this is the first time I have participated.

Although the top yarn - this gorgeous silk stuff is not for the hat - nope - not even. It jumped in my basket. Honest!

But this Kathmandu is for a hat - with those lovely beads in it. I have never knit with beads - and I'm going to learn how. The beads actually match all the colors in the yarn...

Then because my coat is actually shades of purple - I wanted a purple beaded hat - so those are the beads and that is the yarn...so, I had fun being creative and picking out great beads and yarns for something for myself!

Edited to add: The pattern is called Odessa Hat and I don't have a photo. The pattern is available for free at Ravelry.

No, yarn shop in Claremont. The one I went to today is in White River Junction - where a group of us get together - via Ravelry and in person as time permits - and work on projects. We established a Hat Club last year...and since I only own ONE hand knit hat - I'm getting some knit...

Award...

Roberta over at Quilting and other Ramblings really surprised me by awarding me with this neat blogging award.



So, now I need to follow the rules - I have to admit it took me a bit of time to decide who to award this to...

The rules of the award are:

1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.

2. Put a link to the person you got the award from in your blog.

3. Nominate 5 blogs. ( I did 6 - cause there was a tie)

4. Put links to the blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Here are my picks:

Pat at A Little of This and A Little of Pat - Pat is a new blogger and is a quilter...and, of course, I really enjoy other quilt blogs. Love being inspired by new bloggers!!!

Terri at Terris Bits and Pieces - Terri is another quilter and knitter...and a fairly new blogger, too. Love some of the pretty little quilts she has done...

Janet at Fond of Snape - Janet is a tremendous photographer! Truly talented! She inspires me to take better photos and to look at the way I take photos. She is also the brain behind the Friday Fill-ins that I so enjoy!

Brittany at Knit Witch - Brittany inspires me because she recently moved and took a big step in starting her own yarn business. She also makes beautiful yarn pots...and she knits, too...

Colleen at Loose Leaf Notes - a wonderful writer and poet. She inspires with her words...and the way she enjoys her life in Floyd.

Anna at Quilt Mom's Journey - Another new blogger and quilter. Lovely quilts and just a neat blog. I've been inspired by see her quilts.

So - there you go - some new blogs and talented people for you to check out...

U is for...

Unfinished!

This sweater made with Cascade 220 100% wool - is unfinished! And, from the looks of it - it will remain unfinished.

Once I got it knit - I hated the way the front of it looked - the pattern that was in the sweater looked awful...and, I didn't even bother to block it - because I just knew I would never wear it.

So, now all four skeins are back in cute little red cakes of yarn - waiting for me to decide what I want to make out of it.

Home...

Wonderful time was spent this past week at a quilting retreat! I had a wonderful time...and managed to get quite a few things accomplished. Photos next week...I promise.

Last Saturday, I went to a huge yarn sale - At Yates Farm...Bought ten hanks of worsted weight wool - each hank was $3.50! Bought some really pretty stuff to make a purse, a shawl, and a pair of stripped socks. I'll show you the yarn as soon as I get it wound up into cakes - or manage to take photos of the hanks.

Today, drove down to Brattleboro, VT - it is only about 42 miles from home. Traveled down the interstate but came home on Route 5 - and must say it was a gorgeous drive. Went to the Southern Vermont Fiber Event - it was a small gathering of farm owners, knitters, and spinners. Not much actual yardage for sale - mostly items that were already knit, felted, or woven. But, there were beautiful things to look at!

Busy, Busy Day...

Just walked in the door!

The morning started with a craft show at Colby-Sawyer College...bought 2 photo magnets, 5 decorated envelopes, and three candle holders!

Next was the NH Wool Tour - oh, did I have fun! Went to all five of the sites and traveled a ton of New Hampshire back roads that would take your breath away...and it was a great day. Did not buy any yarn except for one skein of alpaca (330 yards) DK weight and it is gorgeous!

Took tons of photos...and will share with you soon...but, for now I am going to rest...it was a long day behind the wheel!

Breaking Out...

I am so excited! Have joined up with a group at Ravelry that is knitting a mystery sock.

You're thinking that's what the excitement is all about - she's knitting a sock! Please!

No, no. Let me explain...It is the Socktoberfest Mystery sock written by Kristen Kapur from Through The Loops Designs. Each week we will be given a clue and must knit that portion. So, far the cuff is done on two socks and will be starting the leg portion tonight.

But, what is so very exciting - is that I am breaking away from knitting socks from my same standard pattern...the one they taught me when I took a sock knitting class. Having knit about 8 pair of socks from that pattern - decided it was time to break out and be daring and try something new!

Wish I could show you a photo - but, you gotta wait! There are others knitting the same sock and we don't want to spoil the surprise - now do we?

Bye, September...

Hello, October...

The months seem to go so fast...Or is it me?

Another finished project. Henry's People Paws for Scarlett. She bought the yarn and the pattern - for a pair for three of us...two are now done. Mine will be next. They are a gorgeous purple.
Fall flowers - they are lovely! And, I love seeing them in the window boxes outside of some of the businesses downtown on Pleasant Street.

Spent yesterday morning until nap time with Mother. As a matter of fact, right after lunch - she said to me - "it's time for my nap - you can go home now." Okay!

She is doing well and adjusting. She eats well - Spending a few days away was a big help in her adjusting better. Yesterday she went to a concert given by a guy who plays a pan flute. They have all kinds of entertainers who come and visit and share their talents with them.

O is for...

Objects...Finished Objects that is!

Three scarves are ready for the Red Scarf Project this year...
Two Cat Snuggles are ready to go to the local Humane Society.

I've been on a roll!!!

Knitting and Yarn...

My contest prize winners have been patiently waiting for their gifts...and finally finished the last one up last night. They will be packaged up and mailed tomorrow. (Gentle reminder - Shephard I still need your address)

The gifts are hand knit washclothes (for the body - not dishes). The one with the lavender soap on it was knit out of Euroflax Originals 100% linen and is machine washable and dryable. The other three were knit out of Plymouth Earth Oceanside Organic 100% Organic Cotton. Also machine washable and dryable. The soaps are from Stonewall Kitchen, a Maine company which was established in 1991. This is some beautiful Noro Kureyon which I won over at Romancing the Yarn. It arrived the other day and I am busy thinking what I want to make out it. My camera actually did justice to the colors.And, this would be some beautiful white sport weight yarn (approximately 460 yards) which I picked up at The Windsor Mercantile over in Windsor, Vermont. Yes, I talk about going over to Windsor all the time - it is one of my favorite little towns. The Mercantile will be one of my new haunts as they carry Stonewall Kitchen items - which means that I don't have to drive up to Portland, Maine when I want to stock up.

Knitting...Yes, Really...

Knitting has been going on - quite a bit of knitting for that matter. Maybe it is because I sit more with Mom...and have to have something to keep my hands busy...
This would be a Fidget - Is it not cool???? Decided I wanted one...and am knitting it...

Out of this - Araucania Nature Wool Chucky Multy...It's 100% wool! And, it will feel so nice on my neck this winter!!!! Baby washcloth was knit in a couple of hours - using Plymouth Yarn Jeannee - 100% cotton - worsted weight.
Then I found this adorable pattern with baby feet in it - and knit it out of Peaches and Cream...Baby Green is the color.
The above is one of the prizes for someone from my blog contest - it is a washcloth made out of Euroflax 100% linen. It is a bear to knit with - but gets softer and softer each time it is washed. The pattern is called Little Shells.
Then this is the yarn that I am starting another little baby washcloth. The yarn is also Jeannee...and the pattern will be the same as the one shown.

This...That...And T'other...Again...

1) These past few weeks seem to have been non-stop for me...but, now it seems like a slight routine is happening. Have been spending time with Mom and she seems to be doing okay. She has not mentioned coming home - and some days she knows me and others she doesn't seem sure. But, I am okay with all that.

I had a meeting with the staff and it seems that she is doing better than most when they are first admitted - Physical therapy has been working with her and she is walking behind her wheelchair with someone behind her...she is eating 75% to 100% of her meals and has not lost any weight. She enjoys happy hour on Friday afternoon by eating a lot of cheese and crackers...but, nothing stronger than apple juice.

We spent Sunday afternoon and into the evening together watching tv and enjoying dinner together. It was the longest I've stayed since she was in the hospital part...and while she slept for part of it (afternoon nap)...it was nice just being there...and not having to jump up and down to be caregiver...

2) Creatively - I am a mess! Lots of little promptings - but not enough to get me to my sewing machine - but, I am thinking it is time to get off my butt and get some stuff worked on.

Have decided to go back to one of the quilt guilds that I used to belong to when we first moved here...it meets during the day once a month...and there are some tremendously creative people in the guild. I'll be going this Thursday morning!!!! Maybe that will inspire me!

3) Knitting never seems to be a problem - and I have suddenly started experimenting with some wonderful new yarns...

This is a wonderful soft organic cotton - and is perfect for wash clothes (no - not to wash dishes - but for the body) !!! I am making several as prizes for my contest winners...
A new baby yarn jumped into my basket the other day - it seems like there are several people I know who are having babies and it never hurts to have a nice little gift on hand...
And, this would be 100% linen...and it is being used to make a washcloth also - it is my understanding from a friend who used it - that the more it gets washed - the softer it gets. Just have to try it...

4) Am trying to eat better!!! And, cook a nice evening meal each night. Not perfect at it yet - but, getting there.

Great Find...

Check it out! Did I score a great find!!!

Published in 1953 - The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel.

Published in 1961 - The Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel.Found at garage sale - cost each 25 cents...how cool is that!!!!

PS. I went to the BBQ my complex had - and I had a very nice time...scored big time with fresh strawberry shortcake which I truly enjoyed!!!!

I Spy...

These in my future!

Yes, I am going to make a pair of Felt Clogs...This is the woman who has never felted anything in her life...but I just love these...

And this is the yarn... Yep! Purple - what other color do you think I'd pick??? The dark purple will be the soles and the light will be the tops. They are going to be so cute!!!

And, don't forget my contest - you can read about it here!

I splurged...

I did it! Ended up getting the following books. Shopped for the books over at Knit Picks as they are having a 40% off on all books through August 8th...

A Gathering of Lace - I have been wanting this book for a long time - it has been on and off of my wish list forever...so, when I borrowed it from the library - couldn't believe that I sat down with it and read it - from cover to cover - and kept finding things that I would make out of it. I know there were four or five things - so, the price was worth it - cause each pattern comes out to about $3.40!
I am a yarn skein collector - when I travel - I always seem to pick up a skein of this and a skein of that...and then I wonder what the heck am I going to make with this...so, I leafed through this book and saw a ton of cute things I would make...
And, of course, I love the Yarn Harlot's books - and I didn't have this one...so, now I do!'

So, I'm a happy camper!!!!

Beautiful Yarn...

New Beautiful Yarn added to my stash! So soft. And, the colors - gorgeous! You can find some of your own over at A Piece of Vermont!

A Piece of Vermont Yarn & Fiber

60% Merino 30% Bamboo 10% Nylon

Superwash Fingering Weight

4 oz. 434 yards

Color: On the Bay