Is is Spring Yet?

Mother Nature is playing tricks on us here.  One day it's gorgeous and in the 60's the next day it's snowing, blowing and in the 20's and 30's.  I don't know whether to wear my sweater or light t-shirt to work every day.  Either way, it seems like I end up too hot or too cold.

Work is getting busier and busier everyday.  Building up to that "busiest week/month of the year" for us fireworks people.  Seems like everyday there is so much to do that I am starting to have to stay later and later for work.  Which is good, because then the day goes by faster.

I finished my "very special shawl" a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had time to post about it.  So, finally here it is:

It's my hand spun satin angora and bombyx silk blend yarn. It is incredibly soft and warm.  I absolutely love it!  I feel like I have achieved Knitters bliss with this one.  I believe it is the most beautiful thing I have created, plus my precious bunny Copper can be with me everyday now. ( He died of old age several years ago and I miss him very much.)

Anyway, just wanted to get a post in before the entire month was gone.  I am working frantically to get the June Sockamania pattern done right now.  With work being busy and the type of sock I designed it has not gone as quickly as some patterns have in the past.  It is a gorgeous sock!  I'll post pictures of it next time.

Happy Knitting 

Yarn is so PICKY!

So, last month I started designing the sock pattern for the March Sockamania KAL.  I had all of these really great ideas:  cute, bright colored Easter eggs, a nice plain background, etc. 

• I dyed up some bright colored yarn, dried it, rolled it up for a nice center-pull ball, and began knitting my idea that was in my head. 
• Only a few rows in, I decided (or rather the yarn decided) I did not like the "eggs" design I was knitting. 
• Ripped it back and re-vamped my egg design. 
• Again, ewww icky! 
• One more time
• Decided it was the color of the yarn. 
• Back to the dye pots with a new idea for the color combination.  The yellow turned out orange--not happy, but will work with the bright pink that was supposed to be pale pink. 
• More egg knitting.
• WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!! (What's wrong with this yarn!)
• Ripped it all out.
• Avoided knitting for three days while I tried to calm down and re-think the entire design idea.
• Threw the entire "Easter Egg" idea out the window and focused on just "Spring".
• Started knitting again.  
• Got to the heel and thought, "Wouldn't it be cute if I did an I-cord tie!"
• Ripping out again.
• Finally decided on the I-cord tie and found a cute lacey/flower bud looking design and finished the sock in no time.
• I still hate the yarn color!  And since when does yarn decide what to knit it into?  What was wrong with Easter Eggs? 

PMS or Silly Knitter Syndrome

I don't know what is wrong with me the last couple of days, but I seem to be awfully "weepy".  I was reading Elizabeth Zimmermann's book "The Opinionated Knitter" and started crying because she passed away back in 1999.  I knew that already.  In fact I am plenty old enough to remember clearly when it was announced.  So what was I doing yesterday crying over it 11 years later?  She was THE most awesome Knitter ever!  She slapped a whole generation in the face and said, "Stop being a bunch of sheep and think for yourselves!"  There should be some kind of sculpture, statue, or monument built of her somewhere honoring what she did for knitters, maybe even just "plain people", everywhere--who knows how many non-knitters out there have her to thank for their marriages, lack of therapy bills for their spouse, lovely knitwear that keeps them warm and comfortable each winter, etc, etc.  What an amazing person!

Ok, so that's not all.  I found myself in tears again as I gazed at the most beautiful sweater I've ever seen.  The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearle McFee) made a sweater from a Dale of Norway Pattern called Whistler.  I honestly think I have never seen a more breath-taking sweater.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  Go see it!!  She posted about it on March 3rd.  I must have one!  In fact, as a result of seeing it on her blog the other day, I went and bought some yarn to make me something similar.  I haven't made too many sweaters in my knitting career so I won't start with something that detailed, but I plan to make something very Scandivian!  (Unfortunately some other projects will become UFO's because I feel very obsessed with knitting this sweater right now.)

Speaking of obsessed, I am in the process of making my third, yes I said THIRD, Trinity shawl.  I just can't get enough!  They are so much fun to make.  This one will be for my grandma's birthday.  I will get some pictures taken and post them later.  I wonder how many of them I am going to make before I burn out on them?  I don't usually make the same pattern over and over just to see what it looks like in different colors.  I think I've even thought up a way to make it into a circular shawl.  We'll see if I remain obsessed enough with it to try that out.

Happy knitting!

My Trinity Shawl

I know I just barely started this shawl, but I couldn't stop working on it and as a result.....it's done!

I love IT!  HB says that he likes it the best out of all the things I have made for myself lately.

The yarn is Cashbah from Hand Maiden.  It is a superwash merino/cashmere/nylon blend.  I don't remember the name of the colorway.  The way the colors play out in the pattern it almost looks like peacock feathers.  The pattern is called The Trinity Shawl/Shawlette.  You can find the link to the pattern here.  It really looks difficult, but it was VERY easy! and so much fun to knit.  

(It almost looks like a butterfly here).

I have made plans to make another one, but much larger, out of some precious handspun yarn I have been hording for years.  It is the last of my precious satin angora bunny Copper's fiber.  He has been gone several years now, but I am sure he would approve of this shawl pattern for his lovely fiber.  I will definately post pictures when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Good Stuff!!

TADA!  Here is the sweater I started in Florida.  It took all day Saturday to sew up!  It turned out wonderful and I LOVE IT!!  It's a great pattern, but the fact that the entire sweater is knit in separate pieces means I will probably never knit it again.--You know how I feel about sewing--

It is made from Svale by Dale of Norway.  The drape of the fabric is unmatched!  The silk/cotton/viscose blend makes it soft yet crisp.  Great stitch definition!

Now I can start another sweater!  Probably another Lopi one.  I have yarn to make two more of them.  I just need to make up my mind which one.

Look what HB bought for me!!!  He really knows how to make a lady feel loved!  Not only does he listen when I tell him about knitting stuff--that I know he really isn't interested in--but he is willing to support my habit.  You gotta love a man like that!

He also bought this gorgeous yarn for me!! 

It's Casbah by Hand Maiden.  Merino/cashmere/nylon.

I already started a shawlette with the blue blend. That yarn with my new needles is HEAVENLY!  So heavenly that I was up until midnight knitting because I was enjoying it so much! 

I'll post pictures of it when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Promised Pictures

Ok.  FINALLY, here they are:

This is the Westin's private beech.  It was really beautiful!Our motel room was AWESOME!

The Tampa evening skyline from our motel window.

And that is a few pictures from Florida.  I love Tampa.  I can't wait to take the kids and go back for a visit someday!!

Here is the hat I made for The Daughter:

She love's it--a huge plus when making her something.  I used a bulky weight merino/cashmere blend yarn.  The results are warm, soft, and wonderful!  This is another one of my "off the top of my head" patterns--not bad!

So, there are the pictures I promised the other day :o)

Random Thoughts

I spent a fun filled weekend (no really, it was fun!) dying yarn, knitting, watching movies, and making Valentine cards.  I am not usually a home-body, but when I am in the mood to play with my yarn I am all about hanging around the house.  Here's the results:

I got The Daughter's hat finished--oops!  I knew there was something I forgot to take pictures of.  It turned out so cute!!  It was a special request, and when she puts one in I try to fulfill it cuz she is tough to make stuff for.  I swear she doesn't like anything!  I will find 40 things I love and she MIGHT find one.

I love starting projects!  But I love finishing them even more!!  Since I was on a roll I finished the first sock of a new pair for HB, also a special request.  Nothing worth taking a picture of though.  He wants several pairs of plain black crew length socks.  No cables, no designs, nothing fun.  Just boring black.  At least I will get caught up on my books I want to read LOL!!

I almost finished the sweater I started in Florida.  WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT!!!  I made it with some of the Svale (from Dale of Norway) yarn that I sell in my Etsy store.  It is the Jade colored Svale.  Svale is a blend of cotton, silk, and viscose.  It has a very soft hand and the fabric drapes beautifully!  It is a spring/summer sweater pattern that I bought several years ago, but just haven't got around to making it until now.  The color and style will go wonderfully with black, off white, white, or jeans.  Everything from dressy to casual.  I can't wait to finish it!  All that's left are the sleeves and then I have to sew it together. 

Ya, I know.  Another "sewing" project.  I guess it's going to be the year I make projects that need sewn up.  It all started with that afghan.  Now I've made socks (My Victorian Valentine) and a sweater all requiring sewing.  I've got to get it stopped before it gets out of control! (Socks that require some sewing!?  Come on!) 

I have the "Sneek Peek" for Sockamania done so I thought I would put it on here also.  It's the March sock pattern, "Wearin' O the Green".  I got the yarn as a "test yarn" sample from Yarn Addict Anni.  She has a new item she is thinking about putting in her store and asked if I would try it out for her.  Of course, I was happy to help!!  The knitted square didn't look to exciting as it was, but it created some REALLY cute socks!!  I love the color!  (The pattern's not half bad either!)

The afghan is coming along, right on schedule.  I have four squares all done and started a fifth square Saturday.  I would like to have all 24 squares done by the end of October so that I can spend November blocking the squares and sewing them up.  I may even start blocking them now.  If I wanted to I could sew up each block of 4 squares as I finish them.  Which I may do.  One way or the other, I want the afghan done by December 1st so I don't have to rush around at the last minute trying to get the thing together in time to mail it out for Christmas.  It really makes a Knitter feel good to have a Christmas project so well planned out AND be on target for completion in the right amount of time.  Let's see if I can keep it going!

I've been reading all of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books, since I'm making boring socks.  WOW!  She was such an amazing person!  I've mentioned before that I am very fond of history, especially knitting history.  Her life, stories, and patterns are SO wonderful and amazing!  Most of her knitting projects are very provencial, but reading about them and how to put them together makes me want to rush right out and start another afghan--Mystery Blanket from Knitter's Almanac--or the Pi are Squared shawl from Knitting Around.  Heck!  While I'm at it I'll start a couple of pairs of mittens and a Bog Jacket also!!  WooooHOoo!  (I am outta control.  I don't know what knitting bug bit me, but I got it BAD.)  Anyway, I just keep asking myself why I have resisted becoming one of her fans for so long.  I can be so rebellious some times.  (Ok, ok, most of the time.)  I guess it's because EVERYBODY who knits talks E.Z., knits E.Z., and reveres E.Z..  I have never been much on following the crowd, but I should know that knitter's always know a good thing when they see it!  She truly contributed to what knitting is today for all of us!  If you are like I was and have been resisting the E.Z. pull, resist no longer and buy the books!  Buy the workshop CD's!  For crying out loud, I've watched the entire series twice and can't wait to watch it again!

Well, I better quit.  I am sure you all think I am a lunatic by now and there is no sense in making it worse.  I still need to post those Florida pictures....maybe tomorrow.

Catchin Up!

I keep waiting to post until I can post pictures.  Well if I don't post anyway there is going to be so much to post about it will take forever.  So, when I get around to uploading pictures to my computer there will be a "picture catchin up" post.

The trip to Florida was WONDERFUL!!!  I can't think of a better place to go to get rid of 6 years of pain and suffering (oh ya for HB also LOL!).  HB is almost as good as new.  He went from "no hope" to "a world of opportunities", from "you will just have to live with the pain" to "pain-free".  It is truly a miracle!!!  After all of the heart-breaking news we have received about his condition over the past two years his condition now, after a one and a half hour surgery, is nothing short of a miracle.  Words cannot express the gratitude I feel.  If I had just won an academy award I would be saying, "I'd like to thank God, the internet, all of the wonderful staff at Laser Spine Institute, Bernard (one of the shuttle drivers) at the Westin Inn, the staff of the Westin Inn, the helpful and kind flight attendants, the Florida TSA security people, HB's ex-worker's comp insurance company for being so terrible and forcing us to settle (if we hadn't he wouldn't have been eligible for the surgery at LSI), and my boss for hiring me for a job with a business that just happened to have the insurance carrier that LSI accepted."  Without all of these people HB would not be where he is today.

Ok, I gotta stop before I get my keyboard all wet and soggy.  I will post pictures of one of the most beautiful places on earth--Tampa Florida--and THE most beautiful, comfortable, relaxing, amazing hotel's I've ever stayed in when I get the pictures uploaded from the camera.  We will be going back there someday--soon!--for a vacation with the kids.  Everyone should visit Florida at least once in their lives.

On with the knitting update:  I have gone and started what I said I would never make another one of.  Yep!  you guessed it!  I got a wild hare and started an afghan for my in-laws for Christmas. 

I know what you are saying, "Don't you remember that gigantic pink thing for The Daughter and how you swore it was the biggest black hole you've ever worked on?  What about all that ranting and raving you did because it just WOULDN'T GET FINISHED?  Are you CRAZY!?" 

Me:  But, you see, this afghan is different!  There are only 24 squares to knit then you just sew them together and TADA! instant afghan. 

You:  "What?  What did you say?  Did you say you had to sew?  Don't you HATE sewing stuff up?"

Me:  Ummmm, yaaaaaa........but it's only 24 squares......it will be really easy right?  I just knit at least two squares a month, three for a couple of the months, then in November sew all the squares.  It should be ok.  I have all year to get it done.

(Check back with me in June to see how I'm doing or if I've buried it deep in some closet somewhere.)

I don't know what was wrong with me this weekend, but I couldn't start enough new projects.  Apparently it isn't enough to have 6 other UFO's or WIP's laying around.  I started the March AND April Sockamania designs, another tie for PB, two new sweaters, and the hat I was supposed to make for The Daughter for Christmas but didn't quite get to it--good thing the temperatures are still in the single digits or low double digits here!  I was like a kid in a candy factory where I could run from place to place sampling everything.  As I looked over the disaster area this morning I marved that I didn't have a hangover from all the "new yarn fumes"!  It was all terribly fun!!!  Now I have to dig deep inside myself, find my self control, and commit to finishing everything before starting anything new!!!  Except maybe for those off-white lace gloves out of that luscious alpaca silk from Misti Alpaca's I bought a little while back--that yarn is so delicious I want to fill the bathtub with it, dive in, and roll around in it naked!!!  (HB is rolling on the floor laughing at that!) 

Anyway, with all of that out of my system....you should be up to date.  Pictures will follow, not of me rolling in the yarn (LOL!), but of Florida and all my new projects.

Happy Knitting!!  And if any of you have been told there is no hope out there JUST KEEP LOOKING!!  Somewhere is the answer! and people waiting to help you.

What a day!  We are getting ready to be gone for over a week--something we have never done!  I spent the weekend washing clothes, cleaning house, and trying to get everyone organized and their stuff packed.  The Daughter and PB are headed to Gramma and Grandpa's at one end of the country and HB and I are headed to the other end of the country. 

The schools are NOT happy with me!  Oh well!  As long as my kids complete all of the work they will miss in class, what does it matter?  The schools just want their money and aren't really concerned about my kids not being in class learning.  I am not fond of public schools!  Of course, I never have been--even when I was in school.

Today things are so stressful I've managed to give myself such a headache.  I can't even knit, little alone focus on anything else.  I did manage to get all of my employees lined out on the schedule, responsibilities, and work to do while I am gone.  At least I have really good employees!  I don't have to worry about them just not showing up for work and I know that when I get back everything will be done and in order.

I don't know what to do with the cat!  Pampered, spoiled rotten, declawed, big baby!  He is The Daughter's cat and he literally waits for her to come to bed at night.  If she waits to long he comes and finds her and will not quit meowing until she heads up to her room.  It's very cute!

Ok, well just had to vent for a minute.  Maybe I can re-focus now.

Here We Go......

Well, I guess HB and I are heading to Florida on Wednesday to the Laser Spine Institute to see if they can fix his back.  Spirits were really high as we have contemplated the possibility that this could relieve a huge portion of his pain and back problems.

As you may recall he has had 4 surgeries to try to fix an injury he received at work.  He eventually received the depressing news that he has Failed Back Syndrome.  Which lead to us moving to this awful town in the hopes of giving him an occupation that he could do that wouldn't cause any more damage to his back.  Of course you all know how THAT went--the whole "live-in motel manager" was terrible!

A couple of months ago HB came across an ad for the Laser Spine Institute.  It sounded like they might be able to help him and so he sent them his information.  The contacted him a few days later and got the ball rolling.  Unfortunately, we went to see HB's pain management doctor last week who proceeded to tell us what idiots we were and that the place is a scam, is bogus, and that he isn't going to pick up the pieces when they screw HB's back up more.  Well, for someone who has never heard of the place, didn't even know where it was located, etc. he sure formed an opinion about them awful quick.  He puts in spinal stimulator's and pump's and if something like LSI came along and actually fixed people with failed backs he would be out of business.  However, he accomplished making HB and I really second guess things.  Even after checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and the Florida department of licensing we are still nervous.  I did a complete check on every one of the doctor's at LSI and they are all licensed, American Board of Othopedic or Osteopathic certified, and none of them have any bad marks on their reports.  So, I don't know where HB's doc got his information, but it doesn't make him look very intelligent to make such un-researched, ill-conceived statements.

I can't get rid of this nagging pit in my stomach though--one of the "gifts" of being a chronic worrier.  Why would he say that stuff?  What if he is right?  What do we do about him if he is wrong?  He is the only pain management doctor we've been able to find in 16 months that will even look at HB. 

If any of you out there in the wide internet world know anything about The Laser Spine Institute, PLEASE put it in the comments ASAP!  I could really use some un-biased information.

Only Two Things

I have lived in the "Worst Place to Live" for 16 months now and have managed to finally find two things that I like about this place.  Trust me!! it's not the schools, or the "small town" atmosphere, or the friendly people (because there really aren't any, except for those of us that have moved in from other states and hate it here)!!


The first thing I discovered, right after we moved here, was that we can run over to Salt Lake City or Ogden on a Saturday and spend the day at great yarn shops--where Nancy Bush, (no not George's wife!) my favorite knitwear designer, may be seen, great malls, great entertainment, etc.  I have always liked Salt Lake and the fact that my latest favorite LYS (Blazing Needles) is in the Sugar House area is a real bonus!


So after that, I haven't found anything else to really like.  Sure I love the snow and really cold weather.  My job is one that I truly enjoy and never mind working at.  But, other than that this is the worst place I have ever lived (remember that I have moved some 40 or 45 times in my life and travelled most of the US and Mexico so I do consider this to be an educated, well researched, statement).  The schools and school district are......hmmm what word do I use here?......Let's just say that every time I have to deal with them, "W.T.F." enters my mind several times and they never cease to leave me with my mouth hanging open in obvious disbelief.  The people that run things at the schools are so far removed from reality that I am pretty sure Roger Rabbit is the superintendent--or maybe Daffy Duck.  I can't believe I am going to say this, but I would rather my kids were attending school in Monticello Utah than here--I attended there the last two years of High School much to my great horror. (No offense those of you who also attended, you have to realize that it was a HUGE culture shock for me). 


And the town here....don't even get me started!  I am pretty sure that they are all living on some other planet.  "Hi, my name is Tama. I am from planet earth and I come in peace."  I am not kidding.  These people do not live in the real world, or at least the dimension that I live in.  Let me just say that, WOW! this is a terrible place to live.

So, the second thing I found that I like about here came along quite out of the blue.  I was blazing out to my car to start it warming up from -10 degrees farenheit, plopped down into my car and went to turn the key in the ignition when I looked up and...........................

HOLY SMOKE!!!!  I almost ran over two moose RIGHT OUTSIDE MY FRONT DOOR and didn't even notice them.  I was so excited I couldn't remember how to make phone calls.  Then when HB answered I told him to get his.....I couldn't think of what it was called...."you know that thing that takes pictures!! THERE ARE MOOSE RIGHT OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR!!"   I really can't think of the last time I was that excited--even when I found 100% cashmere on sale, a couple of weeks ago, for a killer price I didn't get as excited as I was when I saw those moose.  Maybe the last time I got that excited was when I was riding my dirt bike on a moutain road, came zipping around a corner, and about wrecked because there was a mama bear and her cubs feasting on a huge dead cow in the middle of the road not five feet from my front tire.  That was pretty exciting for them and me.

We took video of the mama and calf moose as they were stripping bark from tree trunk and branches then followed, at a safe distance, until they meandered into the willows out back.  It was AWESOME!!!  I have never seen moose in real life.  Seen a lot of other wildlife, but never moose.  HB told me to pay more attention when I am "be-bopping" out to my car.  I guess mama moose can be VERY protective and are known to stomp things to death that she considers a threat.  It was still AWESOME!  EXCITING! ETC!

Yep, two things. 

Christmas Knits

So what did I end up getting done for Christmas?  What do you make when you are in a rush?  How about a modified pair of Selbu fingerless mitts?  (Ha, Ha)

I made these for The Daughter.  You just never know what she is going to like so I am always a little nervous making something really "different" for her.  However, these got squeals of delight and rave reviews--whew!

The next thing I managed to finish--one of a kind "Mom I want you to make me these gloves I thought up.  I want them to be black and lime green checkered, with......"

They turned out really cute and PB has worn them almost non-stop.  He was so excited to get them.  He loves everything I knit for him.

It wasn't much but at least I got to give them something special from me.  HB got the pair of "Outdoorsman" socks I made for the Sockamania November pattern.  So everyone was happy.

On the Sockamania note, this is the new sock for January:

I love it!  It is called "Snowy Winters Eve".  I used Haneke merino/linen/aplaca for the navy blue main color and Haneke's angora blend for the white "snow".  The socks are warm, soft and wonderful. 

So, I made it through another "Christmas knitting craze".  I am already making New Year's resolutions that THIS year will be different!  I will start right away planning gifts to knit and I will dilligently work on them all through the year so that December doesn't sneek up on me again. (I think that is what I say every year). 

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Merry Christmas!

My heart is full as I approach Christmas this year.  I have so much to be thankful for.  A wonderful husband, really good children, a warm house (it's 5 below zero again right now), a really good job that I enjoy, and good friends--I really miss all of you and think of you every day.

I am thankful for my cyber friends around the world.  You inspire me everyday and I feel blessed to know you.  So much talent and ability!!  It keeps me motivated.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.  May this be the best one for all of you.

Tama

Be Careful What You Look For

Ya, so we found it.  The wiring in the house IS THE ORIGINAL WIRING.  It's like a hundred years old.  I don't quite know how I feel about living in a house where the wiring might start a fire at any moment.  I have WAY too much yarn and fiber.  If it caught fire I would be the crazy lady running back into the house, braving the flames and smoke, to rescue my yarn and knitting supplies, sweaters, fiber, spinning wheels, etc.

Also the boiler is THE ORIGINAL BOILER.  I know nothing, zero, zip about boilers.  But a hundred year old, coal burning boiler doesn't seem to great.  I guess you have to watch the gauges on it and take buckets of water down under the house, where the boiler is at,  to fill it up at least once a week so that it doesn't run out of water, build up too much pressure, and explode.  I don't know how I feel about that either.

I am really torn.  Is it worth the risks?  It has been standing for over a hundred years after all--no fires, no exploding boilers.  Eight rooms, a yarn shop in the front............a fire destroying all of my yarn..........What would you do?  Would you risk it?  Does it sound worth it to you?  I have to have some input here.  Let me know what you think.

It Must Be the Season

Well, it's official.  I have completely lost my mind.  (No it has nothing to do with knitting this time--well, maybe some of it.)  I just agreed to move AGAIN next month.  It really isn't too surprising.  After all, growing up I moved like this all the time.  We would live in a house a couple of months then move or buy a house.  Live in that place a year and then move again.  In total, growing up, I moved 20 or 25 times by the time I was 17 years old.

Why would I even consider moving again with all of HB's back problems leaving him completely unable to help me and two teenagers with all of the packing, cleaning and then unpacking?  Why would I put myself through all of that exhausting work AGAIN when we just barely finished moving into the place we are right now?  WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I THINKING?  AM I COMPLETELY NUTS!!!!? 

Well, let me tell you a little about WHERE we are moving.  It is a three story victorian mansion with 8, yes that would be EIGHT, bedrooms, a dining room the size of my entire downstairs area where we live right now, a parlor that will make the most amazing yarn/jewelry shop in the world, all hard wood flooring, 15 foot ceilings in the kitchen and dining room, beautiful antique chandeliers, an amazing entry way that features a winding solid oak stair case with original banistering, so much storage space that ALL of our current belongings could be put into there--we are talking about furnishings and decor to completely fill a 1200sq ft home and two work shops, a library.....need I say more?  I am sure you get the picture.  Not only that, but a sweet little old grandmotherly lady owns it and is renting it for about the same as what we are paying for the sardine can we live in right now.  When she told me how much rent was, I dropped my phone.  She has had workmen fixing and replacing pipes, windows, etc. to make the home cozy and not drafty and more energy efficient.  As far as the store that we can put in the parlor, the place is zoned for residential and commercial AND it is located right in downtown on the main road.  We are talking about places that everybody in town will drive by or visit DAILY.  Even tourists will be able to easily find it because it is one the main road through town.  AND the nearest yarn shop (competition) is 85 miles away!  I can hardly contain myself!!

The lady that owns it mentioned she would love to see us buy it someday and she would be happy to carry the loan herself.  WOW!  I am sure there is a down side to this somewhere.  We have been looking at the place and mulling it over for about a week now.  Mostly trying to find a downside to the idea, besides the "moving again" part.  I spoke to her this morning and let her know we would take it.  So, I guess it's official. 

It's going to take me six months to decorate the place!  At least there is no lack of space, or wondering where in the world I am going to put all of my paintings.  AND a store....where my yarn can all be out.....where I can see it.....(sigh)......and my spinning wheels can have all the room they want..........and won't it be a sight to drive by and see me sitting out on that victorian front porch, in the summer time, spinning.  WOW.

I'll let you know when I find the downside.

BRrrrrrr!

It has been so cold here for the last two weeks!!  I keep thinking that the temperature is going to rise and we are going to warm back up a little bit since, techically, it's still Autumn--winter doesn't officially start until December 21st.  But, so far, no chance.  The thermometer in my car hasn't registered a number over 3 degrees Farenheit for days and that is the HIGH!  It has been below zero every night and if you add in the wind chill we have seen temperatures as low as 35 below zero.  THAT'S COLD PEOPLE!!!  You don't just run outside real quick to grab something out of the car or a piece of wood without putting on the entire abominable snowman outfit--we are talking serious "keep you warm" fibers here; angora/cashmere/camel down/buffalo down scarf, hat, double layer mittens, and serious Antartica approved coat.  At least we haven't been as bad as the other side of the state.  Laramie, Cheyenne, and Casper have seen 45 below zero.  Trust me, all temperatures once you get below zero ARE NOT the same, as I mistakenly thought before experiencing 20 below zero temperatures.

It hasn't really snowed much.  Mostly because the wind blew all of the snow that was falling here all the way to Colorado--where they got 8 to 12 inches in my hometown (which is in the desert and rarely sees any snow at all during the winter).  My brother, who still lives there, said he would rather have all the snow than the extreme cold.  I am used to the roads melting off during the day, but I guess that regardless of how bright the sunshine is, if it's below zero nothing is going to melt.

So, I am currently experiencing the "two weeks til Christmas knitting frenzy".  In fact, it is so bad today that I can't seem to get going on my knitting because I don't know which project is the priority.  I have PB complaining that he still doesn't have any gloves or mittens and his hands are freezing at the bus stop every morning.  The Daughter thinks I am secretly working on the hat/scarf set she pointed out she would really appreciate having.  I gave up on knitted stuff for my brother, and in-laws completely last night.  And I guess HB will just get the socks I finished last week that I was making for someone else. 

What happened?  I thought I had it all covered.  I had seven pairs of socks finished and all of my yarn and patterns for everything in place.  The only thing I can think of is I moved and started designing patterns for Sockamania.  Moving is so time consuming (wasting!).  There's all that packing and then unpacking.  Trying to find the right box to put things in and then the right place to put it away.  All that cleaning, loading, and unloading.  Of course, when the day is done you are so tired and it is usually so late that you barely have the energy to undress so you can go to bed.  Sockamania hasn't been too time consuming itself.  If I'd quit changing my mind about the pattern or the yarn or the needles and making the sock over and over again it wouldn't take me but a week to have the entire thing ready to go.

Anyway, I hope everyone isn't too disappointed with their gifts this year.  I better get busy on those mittens for PB or he may end up with frost bite and then I will feel really bad.

The Newest Sweater and Some Musings

As promised here is my latest sweater. It is from the same book as the other two--Best of Lopi. I used "Ecology" wool from Cascade for the main color and then left-over's for the accent colors. I thought it was kind of ugly as I was knitting it. After all the main color is quite drab. But when I finished it and put it on I was pleasantly surprised at how great it looked! I am loving these sweaters!! I have come up with a reason that I like them--NO SEWING is involved! I have avoided making many things because sewing was required. Not that I can't sew; I've quilted and sewn many items over the years. I just hate sewing up sweaters!!! I swear it takes as long to sew the darn thing up as it took to knit all of the pieces. These Icelandic sweaters have just a few stitches under the arm that you graft together and that is it! The entire sweater is knit in the round from the bottom to the collar. As I mentioned in the last post, I have yarn to make two more sweaters. Both of them will be out of Lopi yarn. I am so anxious to make them I about can't sleep at night! I've never made anything with Lopi brand yarn and I have seen advertisements that it is the warmest wool out there. I can't wait to compare it with the Australian brand yarn that I made the first two sweaters with. I will let you know if it truly is the warmest--I have tried just about every brand of wool yarn on the planet.

Now for the "Musings". Every winter I find myself doing this--in fact I may have posted about it before--I begin to look around at what people are wearing to keep themselves warm. I see small children in nasty acrylic knitwear that I know is not keeping them warm. There are teenagers on the ski slopes wearing very trendy hats, ear warmers, maybe even sweaters made in various third world countries out of the cheapest, scratchiest, worst wool on the planet (that's right, there is such thing as "yucky" wool). I walk through the malls and shopping centers and see racks and racks of trendy/holiday/fashionable sweaters, socks, mittens, gloves, hats, etc. all mass produced and just like the ones in the store next door and none of which will keep you very warm or comfortable.

During all of this I am wondering, "What are people thinking?" Do they think that ALL knitted items are the same? Is that hat the reason you think all wool is scratchy? Is your childs hat the reason you think that knit items don't really keep you warm? Do you go by that polar fleece junk because you think it will keep you warm in sub-zero weather? Did you spend all that money at that fancy sporting goods store for those socks because the tag says they are the warmest? HB even get's caught up in the notion that "commercially" produced fabrics and knitwear can rival hand-knit items even though he KNOWS it doesn't.

When I go to make an article of clothing or an accessory I ask myself, "Who is going to be wearing this? Where do they live? What temperatures could they encounter? Will it be wet and rainy, windy, snowing, below zero?" All of those play an important part in not only the style of the item, but most importantly WHAT fiber the article will be made from. For example: HB has an earflap hat I made for him a couple of years ago when he was spending almost his entire work day outside in various Colorado locations--some as high as 8,000-9,000 feet elevation. This hat is made from a black yarn--a blend of cashmere, merino wool, and silk. I knit it with needles that would be considered much to small for the bulky weight yarn I used. Why this particular style, fiber content, and needle variation? Because:

1. Black colored clothing will soak up any sunshine and help keep you toasty warm no matter what the temperature drops to.

2. Cashmere, merino, and silk are all very fine, very dense fibers. These fibers are known to keep you as much as 8 times warmer than regular wool (WAY warmer than the acrylic junk!! or polar fleece).

3. Smaller needles than what you would normally use to get gauge with a particular yarn will produce a firmer, more dense fabric. This makes the hat water and wind resistant. HB has actually worn his hat out riding our ATV in the snow and wind up in the mountains and his ears never got cold.

You see, hand knit items, especially when the knitter knows the purposes and uses for the item, are FAR superior to anything you can buy in any store anywhere.

I also spin yarn. Which means that I can get REALLY carried away with the details that go into making an item. I can make the yarn with any blend of any fibers I want. If I need extra strength--hemp, extra warmth--angora or cashmere or silk or all three. I can hand pick the wool. Just because something says it's made from wool DOES NOT mean it is going to be just like the other wool sweater or socks you have. Even wool from the same sheep can vary from year to year depending on it's diet, the climate, the weather, etc. Hand picking the wool ensures that you are getting all of the qualities you want to incorporate into the hand-knit item.

Sorry, I do get very carried away when it comes to the society we live in being slaves to whatever is for sale in the store. There are so many people out there that think they have to endure cold feet, hands, ears, etc. because they have given up finding something warm to wear. Me, I look forward to winter! But then........I knit!

What!?

Did someone say that it's only 25 days until Christmas!? Where have I been? What have I been doing?

Oh.....ya....I've been knitting sweaters for ME instead of knitting Christmas gifts. In fact I just finished #3 yesterday. I don't have pictures yet because it is still drying. I will try to post some later this week. I love it!! I got the yarn to make two more sweaters, for me, last week. Unfortunately, I probably better put the breaks on this "sweater making" spree and get busy making gifts.

These silly sweaters are just so much fun.............and they're for me............and I need some warm sweaters because it's December and it's cold...............I wonder if anyone will notice that I didn't knit anyone Christmas gifts this year?

Socks, Socks, Socks

With the end of November right around the corner my November Sockamania design will be going on sale in my etsy store. The pattern is called, "The Outdoorsman".

The sock features an optional "boot cuff" for keeping thistles and critters out of your hunting/hiking boots. The sock is made with sport weight yarn and the patterning is really simple! Making this sock a quick and easy Christmas gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list.

Also, the December sock pattern will be posted and available on the Google group for Sockamania on December 1st. But since I can't wait another minute to unveil it.........

It's called "Peppermint Stick". I couldn't resist putting a double braid on there! I love braids! I got the inspiration for the sock when we went to a living history museum gift shop and they had jars and jars of the old fashioned penny candy sticks. There was licorice, watermelon, peppermint, cinnamon, cherry, black raspberry, etc. I thought that the twisted candy would look cool as a sock. So, if you don't like peppermint make them in any flavor you like! Black and white for licorice, red and pink for cinnamon, pink and apple green for watermelon, dark purple and pink for black raspberry, etc.

It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with in December!! If you aren't a member of Sockamania and would like to join click on over there and check it out. We will be issuing new memberships starting January 2010.

Happy Knitting!

The Mittens and An Anniversary Present for Me

Ok, as promised, here are the mittens I made for HB.

Aren't they cool? HB LOVES them. I am so glad. I made some cashmere fingerless mitts to wear over them or inside of them so that he can use them for ice fishing. Unfortunately when I told him that is what I made the mittens and liners for he gave me a horrified look and said, "I will NOT wear these ice fishing! It would ruin them! I will wear them for driving. And when I am not wearing them for driving they should be framed and put on the wall for art." He is so silly!

The pattern is one I bought on Ravelry. They are called "Fisherman's Mittens". The Son put in his order for a pair as soon as he saw his dad's. So, I will be making more--sometime.

I have learned two valuable lessons while making these mittens.

1. Always keep the finished mitten with you when you go to make the second mitten. This will hopefully keep you from making two "Right Hand" mittens. (Hege will appreciate this info.) I made the mistake of leaving the first "Right Hand" mitten at home while I worked on the other one in the car, at appointments, etc. BIG MISTAKE! Only after completely finishing the second mitten and presenting them to HB did I realize I had made two "Right Hand" mittens. Swearing and name calling (at the, and of the mittens) ensued. I WAS SO MAD (insanely angry) at myself. I recovered though and managed to make a "Left Hand" mitten.

2. Use the best possible short "finger" knitting needles you can buy! I have tried several different types and brands. Finally, I found some made by Skacel--Addi the other day in Blazing Needles. THE BEST! Making the thumb is my least favorite knitting thing to do--even less favorite than hand sewing, and you all know how much I hate that! These needles were PERFECT, even better than all of the wooden and bamboo ones I have tried. As a result, I may make that second pair for The Son.

Anyway, with that said, this was my anniversary present:

I realize that most of you out there are saying, "Oh boy" (heavy sarcastic inflection here). Actually, if you look closely at the second picture you will see why HB bought them for me. See the selection of washing cycles? "Washable Wool" is on there. HB, knowing that I love superwash wool so much that I have actually written a poem called, "Ode to Superwash Wool", he thought that I would find that cycle especially wonderful. And he was right!! Someone at GE obviously has a knitter in their life! Who else, besides a knitter or someone close to a knitter, would think to put a "Washable Wool" cyle in a washing machine. The dryer also has a retractable rack that you can lay various (meaning socks, sweaters, etc) on to "air dry" quickly without felting them. YEAH ME! He also bought me a whole bucket (basket, huge bag, barrel, whatever large container you can think of) of some of my favorite yarns. Ya, that's why I married him.

Well, now that I have made all of you knitters jealous.......Happy knitting!