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Yes, October is over, and what a month it was. We had computer troubles, and now we have a new computer. We will probably attempt to repair the old one, but even if we have success with that, it is probably good that we bought a replacement, as the old computer seems as though it really doesn't intend to be a computer full-time for years on end. We'll go ahead and totally blame my lack of blogging on the computer woes, but we both know that really is not the truth.
We had medical adventures, oh, so many planned and unplanned medical adventures. Bruce has been doing OT for a sad rotator cuff and PT for sad hips. He got a painful injection in his hand to help a trigger finger. All that and a few regular appointments were all planned. Then the unplanned kicked in for real. Bruce had a new experience--sleep paralysis. That was brought on by chest pain during r.e.m. sleep, and that took us to the hospital, which brought us a couple of medication changes, future testing, and doctor appointments. After all of these years with the heart trouble, it's kind of funny how so many of these visits go. The doctors' assessments seem to often line up with something along the line of, yes, this was something to do with your heart, but you're in no more danger than usual with it and there is not anything we need to do, you may or may not have needed hospital monitoring in this instance, but you need to come in each time this happens because it could just as easily have been a deadly thing. This is the second such hospitalization this year, and even the docs can't really agree on anything other than the usual lifestyle advice. You know how it goes; follow the diet recommendations, take your meds, be active but not too much, and follow up as needed. Lather, rinse, repeat--it's not just a hair care regimen.
I've also embroidered, woven, sewn, and knit. I either finished a handkerchief or just need to add a little something in the other corner. The weaving was not to completion, and I need to get to it because I need that loom free. The sewing was little baby doll dresses that went to my niece, but I never got pictures. As for knitting, I finished a sweater (just need pictures) and made good progress on the Bridgewater.
Does my writing seem more experienced, mature, and nuanced? No? So you're saying I just look older, right? I guess since my birthday is over, I can't expect everyone to be nice all the time, eh? Yes, I had a birthday last month. Many thanks to the many people who remembered and helped me celebrate. I really had some awesome birthday-ness. I will be playing with my new toys for a long time. Looks like I'll be starting with the weaving, as I have a weave-a-long over on the Yarnworker site, and I'm already behind.
Why knit when you can look at patterns? Yeah, I have a new book, New Lace Knitting by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. Wendy reviewed and gave away a copy a while back. When I entered the drawing I decided that if I did not win, I would get it. I didn't, so I did. While I've only given it a quick scan, I see some patterns I think I would knit and even some I would keep and wear. I really like that there are sweater patterns written for lightweight yarns. I am tempted to just knit a quick cowl or two, but I'm going to try to stick with what I have on the needles for now. However, that doesn't mean I can't flip through the book and mentally go through the stash, pairing patterns and yarn.
I had something on my wishlist that my younger brother said he wanted to get for me, but lamented that Amazon had let him down by not being able to get it to me in time. We'll just gloss over the fact that he waited until the last minute to figure out what to get for me. Fast-forward to yesterday, and I was in Costco and spotted the very thing in the store. When said younger brother called to wish me a happy birthday, I told him what I now had. He asked if I would be making him a Darth Vader for Christmas, and also if the book had a Chewbacca pattern. I asked him what he was getting me for Christmas.
The replacement knit for the donuts may be here. What do you think about pigs with wigs?
Ta-da! Julia is finished! I like it, and think it will be a nice addition to the wardrobe for cooler weather. I -alonged this with Stacey, but I think she might have abandoned hers for now. I understand, because I needed to take some breaks, too. Thank you for bringing this pattern to my attention and inviting me to knit it with you, Stacey.
Now that it is done, I need to decide what gets my attention next. I could return to my socks. The roller coaster that was May caused me to have something of a gauge issue, and I need to rip back, but I'm not really feeling it. If I didn't already have the first sock finished, I'd just frog the whole mess and forget about it.
I could focus (no pun intended) on getting to know my new camera. It is a hand-me-down from my brother, and there is a lot to learn. I have had it for a little over one week, and I have been reading, but this is definitely going to be a process for me. I joked that this nicer camera would mean that my photos would magically become better, but like so many other things in life, it will take time and effort. The time, I have. I can put in the work, too, but we are still rather worn out from everything.
So, that leaves the sweater. The big brown blob waiting for its turn. The big brown blob getting close (well, it was for a while) for me to decide whether I want to keep the reverse stockinette hem, or opt for something different. I recall that I was thinking garter stitch, but I don't remember why. What I do remember is that I wanted to have this sweater finished this summer if possible. So, I guess that makes the decision for me. Besides, it's too hot to do anything else besides stay inside--it's sweatering time. If you have any input on the sweater, please chime in with your opinions. I only have about ten more rows before it is decision time. (ETA: the sweater is Featherweight Wrap to Knit)
Of course, I did pre-order this book and am already enjoying it, so we'll just see what happens. As you can see, I've already knit a dolphin and a crab. I love this book, and these cute little creations are perfect for taking a break from those long sweater rows and all the brown.
My friend came to my rescue with this thoughtful gift, I now have lace on the needles, and it feels right--it has been too long. The book is Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World, and it is wonderful. The stories and information throughout the book are fascinating enough, but then there are so many charts, (including ones that fold out!) new (to me, at least) stitches, and the projects include a nice variety of shapes and sizes. I decided on the Rata Scarf for my first project. I thought that would be a nice way to ease back into it. I am further along than my progress picture shows, but still have a long way to go. The center panel has 504 rows, and the right and left edgings have 510 rows each. I have already worked the bottom edging, and am working the left edging along with the center. I am currently working from three charts, and have to keep an eye on the written instructions for additional, important information. It is interesting without being too complicated, and still giving me the challenge that I need right now.
Since I jumped into it without understanding much, I decided that I needed a book to help me with my inkle weaving. Inkle Weaving by Helene Bress seemed to be the oft-most recommended books, so that is the one I chose. While I have been having a lot of difficulty with concentration lately, I kept flipping through my new book, looking at pictures, trying to read some, and finally I began to understand a little. Next, I got out a sheet of paper and began playing with my colored pencils and a day or so later, I hoped I had properly planned 
a draft for the loom.I love how the inkle loom looks when I have warped it. It seems very complicated and impressive to me (yes, I know I can be easily impressed at times). All of the color and order and lines speak to me, and I spend a little bit of time just looking at the dressed loom.
Of course, it would be pretty pointless if I did not take it any further, so I got to the weaving and love how quickly my progress shows. However, the most thrilling was to see that I had been correct in my understanding of creating the draft, and that the pattern was working out the way I thought it would.
The fiber adventure I felt coming on has taken a different path than I would have guessed. Mostly, it has involved curling up with a book. So far, I am quite liking The Knitter's Book of Wool. Slowly taking in a paragraph or two at a time, I am ready to begin the second chapter. Oh, yeah. You did not realize I was operating at that speed, eh? I like thinking about the wools in the context of spinning and knitting, and wondering how the new knowledge might help me. I even took a quiz online, and learned what kind of sheep I am. Who knew? I just know there is never any reason to doubt the results of a quiz from the innerwebz.
The book is more than just talk. When I wanted a break from reading, I skipped to the pattern section, where part of its introduction reads:William Shakespeare wrote, "Joy's soul lies in the doing." Those words ring especially true in knitting, where the fun is truly in the doing. The real pleasure comes when we pick up our needles, choose a yarn, and cast on--which is how we arrived at this chapter.
While I know this was not written solely for me, the message certainly resonated with me. There is a nice selection of patterns, there are more than a couple that I would like to knit now, and getting something new on the needles might currently rank as a necessity. In that light, selecting amongst the knits that first jumped out at me is easy--lace. This is not just any lace; it is an Evelyn A. Clark triangular shawl (Prairie Rose Lace Shawl--just in case you were curious). I love that I can just dive right into one of her patterns, confident that it will be well written, easy to follow, give wonderful results, and have a just right start to finish time. Mmmm...comfort lace.
I fell off the innerwebs for a bit, but (mostly) caught up with blogs (but not much with the email) yesterday and today between laundry and other assorted household tasks. It has been a busy few days, but it was pretty good, too. I spent time with family, played a little Super Mario Bros, slept, and ate. I do enjoy tasty foods, but too much all at once is not quite as enjoyable, and my body has reminded me that doing this once a year is probably too frequent. However, it has already given approval to black-eyed peas and cornbread for a New Year's celebration. Then it begins in on the new fitness routine it would like, and I remind it that we had already agreed that moderation is important in all areas of life.
I have also spent some time getting to know my new books. Over the past few weeks, many new knitting, crochet, and spinning volumes have made their way to me. We just picked up the latest from the post office. There are stories to tell, pages to read, patterns to queue, techniques to try, and lovely things to make. For now, I present this sampling of the wide range of books I have received.
It would seem that I am not the only person who has difficulty with mailing packages. A friend who moved away earlier this Fall says she also struggles with this. However, I think she waited on purpose. She waited to let my birthday celebration stretch out a bit longer. She waited to secure a personalized autograph copy of a fabulous book. She waited a bit longer to give me a much-needed boost during a difficult patch.
When I wrote to thank my friend for the thoughtful gifts, she wrote back that she knew that I would love these, and that I was unlikely to purchase them for myself. She was right. I may be a bit of an emotional wreck, but these tears of love and joy have been refreshing.
Now, I pet my lovely cashmere, and look through this wonderful book. There are such classic, timeless patterns. I could have almost immediately queued the entire book, but I stopped after adding two. Bridgewater and Quincy will be fabulous knits.
With the secret lace back on track, it has become safe to allow my mind to wander. That can end poorly. However, I sometimes remember important things, solve problems, or have good ideas. Doing this while knitting lace is especially inspiring without allowing my brain to run too far. Today it found its way to a general list of to-knit items.
I have been planning to knit some lace scarves, but have not gotten any further than that. I decided to get on with process, and happened upon a theme. All of the yarns I selected have mohair as the main fiber content. Still unsure of what to knit, I reached for A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns and Knitted Lace of Estonia from the bookshelf. Now all that remains is selecting patterns. Oh, and the knitting of course, but that is the easy part, right?
However, just in case, I got this brain-munching maniac out of my home. After hearing how much my 
brother enjoyed Zombieland, making this birthday gift seemed like a--wait for it--no-brainer. I gave him his present Saturday evening at the party. We were hoping for a marshmallow fire, but our abundance of rain put that off for another time.
I am pleased with the finished Corporate Zombie. I took my time and worked a little bit each day. I thought that I had red felt for the dripping blood, but think it turned out for the best that I had to embroider it instead. The assembly and embellishing details took the most time. They are also what made it something I feel good about giving as a gift. It is a painstaking undertaking, but worth it.
Throughout the creation of this creature, I more closely studied the book containing the pattern, Creepy Cute Crochet. It is a good little book, filled with interesting characters to crochet, as well as some helpful information for making them. I also saw that the perhaps the editing process took more from the book than it ought to have. For example, it states on the back cover, "...more than 20 unique patterns for totally loveable zombies, ninjas, Vikings, vampires, aliens, robots, and even Death himself." Well, amongst the 21 patterns, there are no Vikings.
If the author had been allowed perhaps a dozen more pages, this volume would have been outstanding. Still, there are ways to access information that I think should have been in the book. Over on the website, she offers expansion pack patterns that can be made if you already have the book. I think I want to make The Valkyrie. There are also great tutorials, including this one to help with hair. I definitely needed that help. The book could have really used this additional information. I am just glad that I did a little search and ended up at the author's site. It made all the difference, and I finally put that old hairpin lace tool to use.
Well, at least there will not be any more for Wrap Style. I have checked out that book a few times to knit the Shetland Triangle by Evelyn Clark. I think I ended up with late fees two out of three times. Now I do not have to worry about this, as I recently picked up a used copy of the book. Of course, I have also learned (last to know sometimes, I am) that one can now purchase that pattern individually from the designer's website, 
but I am still pleased to have the entire book.
Since I have the book, plenty of yarn, and a gift-giving occasion perfect for a Shetland Triangle; you know what I have been knitting. I am making this one with Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool. Knitting it has been so very enjoyable. I realized that most of my recent knitting has been non-wool. I love wool, and have missed it so much.
I cannot believe how much time I have spent spinning, yet have not used too much fiber. Let me explain. If my calculations are correct, during the first eight days, I spun a whopping six ounces on my wheels. I spun on the wheels all but one day, and that day I spun a small amount on the spindle. Yes, I am still on the first two ounces of anniversary fiber. Lest you think this is complaining, let me assure you that it is not. It actually makes me quite hopeful for the yardage. I must be in the process of creating skeins of yarn that will knit forever, right?
My nightly ritual has been to stop spinning a little after 11pm, take pictures, upload to flickr, and post to the sharing thread in the Tour de Fleece group on Ravelry. They are not very good photos. To say that they bear a strong resemblance to each other is an understatement. I take about three each day--one of the alpaca/tussah on Kiwi, one of the Shetland on Traveler, and one of the two together. While I know the daily progress shots are not likely to win any prizes, (there are two each day) I still like posting them. I think it is great that so many people are showing what they have spun. There is a wide variety of styles, colors, skills, fibers, wheels, and spindles. I am always excited when the voting opens. I usually grab a drink and relax while I just take in the images and inspiration. I love that I can cast a vote for more than one favorite of the day. I feel like I am learning so much.
Speaking of learning, let's talk spinning books. People really seem to like the new book, Spin Control: Techniques for Spinning the Yarns You Want by Amy King. I would like to learn more about spinning, and am thinking about books or dvds. I might like to take a class one day, but the opportunity for that is not currently available. Anyway, I am looking for book and dvd recommendations. If you have suggestions, could you tell me what it is about that resource you believe is helpful? I am seeking this information out for another reason, too. My grandmother just bought her first spinning wheel, and she is seeking books to expand her knowledge and skills, too. For her, it has to be books, as she does not have a dvd (or vhs, for that matter) player, and for some reason (*cough*Grandpa*cough*) seems resistant to the idea of one. She will be visiting at the end of the month, and I would like to have something for her. I already have some fiber, but may not be able to wait. I just might need to mail it to her this week.
It had been a couple of months since my last time at Monday night knitting. I decided to go tonight, but was more than a little late. By the time I arrived, there were just a couple of knitting magazines left on a 
table. I sat and knit four or five rows of my lace, looked through the magazines, and left. It surprised me, as that crowd often gets started a little on the late side, and the last hour is usually the best.
I collected the mail from the mailbox when I got home, and my mood was brightened. I had received a package, and I knew what it contained. I recently purchased a used copy of Folk Hats, and it arrived today. It is a bizarre little volume, but some of the patterns in it caught my eye. I held off purchasing it, but when I saw the chance to pick it up at a bargain used price, I jumped at the opportunity.
I think I took two naps today. I also sat at the wheel for a while and thought about the mittens I plan to knit from the yarn I am spinning. This inspired me to get out a new book. I started a baby hat while flipping through its pages. I'm not sure if I spent more time looking at the patterns or reading the history and techniques. I saw so many I want to make from this book. I just need to set it down and get some things done. My hands long for a new pair of mittens, but for now, they will have to settle for a cup of tea.
Thank you all for the encouragement and suggestions. Both knitting as fast as I can and holding my breath seem to be working. I am beginning to think this is going to work, but I do not want to jinx it with a photo. While the chronic oxygen deprivation seems to affect my speed, and the frequent blackouts also hinder my progress, I am getting the best ideas. After a few deep breaths, designing and knitting new Christmas stockings for everyone I know holds less appeal.
However, some ideas have stuck. I think it is time for some lace. I have been flipping through Knitted Lace of Estonia looking for my first project from the book. First off, I must say that this is a wonderful book, and a fabulous lace resource. There is so much information, many lovely patterns, and the stitch patterns in the back are inspiring. Anyway, I decided I would like to knit something for my mom, and I had already chosen the yarn. It is special yarn. I received a gift certificate from a friend, and when the yarn arrived, I knew it should be knit into a gift. It is GoGo Grassy Dream in Color Baby. I think this is perfect for Mom.
As I looked at all the possibilities, I decided that the Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf is the perfect choice. With the finished dimensions of 15"x49" from 525 yards of fingering weight yarn, I think my 700 yards will make the perfect size scarf for her. I have never worked with DIC anything, let alone their Baby stuff. It is soft and nice, and it seems to me that it is between lace and fingering weights.
Now, I just need to keep from beginning the scarf. I think if I can remember that I ought have my wits about me before attempting to operate the swift and winder, I may be able to hold off for a few more days. If I cannot, I hope my husband knows to call knitting friends to help disentangle me.
I had a wonderful birthday today. Celebrations began early. First, my husband had me order some presents from Knit Picks. It shipped quickly, but when I clicked on the tracking number, I always received an error message. Imagine my surprise when the box arrived just a few days later. I planned to wait until my birthday to open the package, but the daughter was here when it arrived, and my husband wanted her to see what he had gotten for me.
The next day, my mom had a marshmallow fire shindig. We celebrated both my younger brother's and my birthdays. My brother liked his new emo kid. I received the third season of Futurama. It was a wonderful night. The excitement of the night was when a wandering, friendly, stinky pit bull puppy found his way to the party and curled up in a lawn chair by the fire.
On Monday, I kept jumping up at the sound of passing vehicles in anticipation of the mail. I had no reason to be on the lookout for anything, but this did not stop me. Also, the sound of our postal worker's vehicle is distinctive. When he finally pulled up, the truck stopped in front of our home, and I saw him digging about in the back of the truck. I wondered what he was bringing that would not fit in the mailbox. I thought about some Knit Picks. It shipped on Friday; yet, the tracking info shows that the order had activity four days before it was placed. Anyway, I met him halfway to the door, and spied an Amazon box. My mind raced. Was it a book I had pre-ordered? No, Amazon said they would let me know before shipping it to me. Then I remembered something that happened at the marshmallow fire. My younger brother had asked for my address. He bought me the A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker. I immediately flipped through while my mind raced with inspiration. I'm sure it is no surprise that I spent more than a few minutes looking at the lace. Idea after idea flitted along with mental flashes of stash yarns. The fantasy portion my brain kicked in, and I imagined taking a stab at designing.
Today, I made my way about town collecting on a couple of free birthday offers. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Lone Star, and later it was a tasty Like It portion of ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. There was not much room left when my family took me out to Cracker Barrel for supper.
In between the adventures, I added a few more rows to my Lace Ribbons Scarf. It seems like I am finally developing a nice rhythm with the pattern, and it has become an enjoyable knit. I think it will be a wonderful companion for some upcoming extended knitting time.
While trying to choose a project for the Ravelympics, Helen considered knitting a sweater or the Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style. I urged her to knit the sweater, and said I would knit the Shetland Triangle with her afterwards. Interest amongst other Skanky Knitters has turned this into a full-fledged knitalong. I checked the book out from the library. Now that the date to cast on has been set, (9/15) I can hardly wait. I see other people knitting that shawl everywhere. I am ready to begin.
There exists a bizarre rumor that I am a fast knitter. It is a myth, yet despite my protestations, it persists. This legend inspired Helen to suggest that I should knit two of these shawls. I am willing to give it a go. I plan to knit one shawl as written in the book, and one with more lace repeats. I have decided on the yarn for the smaller one, and have narrowed down my yarn choices to two for the larger. While these are not great photos, I present them to you and seek your opinions for the shawl.
While waiting for the time to begin, I have spent a bit of time looking through Wrap Style. I am glad that it is available from the local library. I do not feel much for the other patterns in the book. I take that back. There are those which hold some appeal, but I cannot see wearing them, nor do I know someone for whom they would make a nice gift.
On the other hand, I flipped through my copy of Folk Shawls the other night, and I saw many designs I would love to knit. As I looked at many of the pictures, my mind began to spin. I mentally matched patterns to stash and recipients. Then I recalled Margene's recent writings on monkey mind, and I relaxed.
I have been itching to dig into New Pathways for Sock Knitters book and decided that the baby knitting was a perfect excuse to try something from it. I grabbed the leftover yarn from the BSJ, and began with the Little Sky Sock. I made my way through it, and promptly frogged. No, it was not because there was a problem with the pattern or my knitting, but because I made my way through almost all of the leftover purple yarn. This was fine. I really just wanted to try out the first learning sock. Over the years, socknitting has become almost second nature for me. It was weird to closely follow all the instructions and illustrations. It seems forever ago when I was doing that with my first socks. It was fascinating, fun, and a nice return to the magic of first socks.
Anyway, after I re-wound the purple yarn, I moved on with pink yarn and the Little Coriolis pattern.
When I saw that this pattern was toe-up, I was even more excited to begin. Before I knew it, I had finished the first, and was working up the foot of the second sock. I loved the arch expansion spiraling its way up the foot in the opposite direction. It was bedtime when I was ready to turn the heel. I wanted to press on and finish, but I also wanted to keep the fun of the pair for the next day. This was such a quick little pair, and as soon as I had finished them, I was looking through the book for my next socks.
The book has so much great information. I am glad that I added it to my library. Now maybe I can work towards writing a pattern for SM3.
