A Knitter's Life

New Year - New Blog Site

2009-12-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

The old year is coming to a close and as it does I'm going to close the chapter of my Blogger blog. I've found that I love the format and the publishing options over on Wordpress. AND by changing my blog to my website you all can easily access my pattern shop! So I will now be blogging over on my website, created for me by my father-in-law (didn't he do a great job?).

I'll see you all over at classiccableknits.com !

Happy New Year!

Baby's First Christmas

2009-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

What a sweet Christmas we had with Baby John. Yes, we did wake up early, but for a feeding, not Christmas anticipation. No, he didn't understand what was going on but it was adorable to watch his fascination with the bows, ribbons and wrappings of the Christmas presents.

His Christmas sweater was finished just in time and he fit into it with a little room to spare! Ah, sweet satisfaction.

I have come to the conclusion that Christmas is made even dearer with a little one to share it with. I've been savoring the memories of John's first Christmas...

Christmas Knitting

2009-12-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to crest the hill with my Christmas knitting. Presents are coming together and flying off the needles now, despite the fussy baby with the wee baby cough.

JK hardly ever reads my blog, so I think it's safe to post his knitted Christmas present here. I made his a Guernsey-style vest. I used classic Cascade 220 and am extremely pleased with the stitch definition. I think the vest might be a little too big... we'll see. I went off a vest he had and I think I should have taken actual measurements from him. Oh, well, my fingers are crossed for a good fit.

I also just finished a new hat for JK. I made last year's hat a bit too small. (See a pattern developing here? It is hard to fit my husband.) I LOVE this hat and would like to steal it for my own. Instead I think I'm going to be knitting one for myself when all the Christmas knitting is over (and before I cast on for the Zimmermann Project).

This hat is lined with Princess - a lovely yarn with a cashmere/angora blend. It is wooly and warm inside.

I hope you all are doing well with your Christmas presents. I keep adding last minute gifts I want to knit... we'll see how far I get.
Happy Knitting!

The Thumb

2009-12-16T04:58:00.000-08:00

Baby John found his thumb and oh, does he look so cute sucking it. Yes, I know, I'll have to break him of the habit later. But I was a thumb sucker as a child and I remember how comforting it can be. He'll get through that stage.

Baby John has had quite the week already. Monday morning his little cough that he had been having on and off for two weeks was decidedly worse. Still no fever. But it sounded horrid enough to call the doctor. The doctor wanted to see him immediately due to his decreased activity, sleepiness and fussiness. So in we went at their first available appointment - 3PM. The doctor was a bit concerned because he sounded so congested so she sent us off to get his little chest X-ray. That was an adventure. Fight rush hour traffic around Castleton to get back on 465, get off at Meridian, fight rush hour traffic to go the small distance to 106th Street. By the time we got to the X-ray place John was starving. Nurse in the car. Go in, try to fill out forms while he's fussing because he hasn't had a nap since 1 PM.

Thankfully he fell asleep in the car as I was on 465 driving to Marsh to get his prescription filled and thankfully the doctor called as I was pulling into Marsh to say that John did not have pneumonia. Thank goodness. BUT at the pharmacy we had trouble filling his prescription because somehow the insurance company hit the wrong button back in September and took him off our insurance. OH, MY GOODNESS.

I must have looked so tired and frazzeled checking out of Marsh because one of the store managers came up to me and asked me if I needed help getting to my car! Ha! I thought that was funny, but very sweet. I declined and managed to get everything stowed away myself.

This is Baby John's first taste of sickness and it is so sad to watch him go through it. He'll be just fine, thanks to modern medicine, a 24/7 humidifier in his room and the wonders of Baby Vicks. And of course, thanks to his little thumb he just discovered.

The Regina Cardigan

2009-12-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, our pile of Christmas knitting will soon be completed and we will all hit the January blues desperate for a new project. So here is a new cardigan for you to consider.

The Regina Cardigan is knit, of course, from the top down with the button band knit along the way, so there is virtually no finishing. Don't we all LOVE that!

The one thing I really love about this cardigan is how the 1x1 rib flows without interruption into a 3x1 rib and gives the cardigan a gentle A-line shape.

I knit the model in Cascade 220 because I love the stitch definition Cascade 220 has. However, I think my next version of this sweater will be in Ultra Alpaca. The Ultra Alpaca will give the same stitch definition but add a little drape and swing.... I can't wait to cast another one onto my needles!

You can buy it over on Ravelry. It will soon be up on my shop website too...

Milestones

2009-12-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

My little pumpkin rolled over this afternoon. Can't believe it! JK was on the phone with me as John rolled over so he got to share in the special moment. John also grabbed his rattle and shook it for a long time. What a sweet little boy he is. I'm enjoying every moment.

7 December 2009 - Snow

2009-12-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

Our first snow of the year! Isn't it wonderful? Just enough to be pretty.

Woke up this morning without much of a headache... the first time in weeks. Got things posted on Ravelry for the Knitting Zimmermann project, 40 minutes of exercise in and the kitchen floor swept and mopped all before 9:30 - oh, did I mention the baby fed and back for a nap. Can every day be headache free? Oh, wouldn't that be lovely!

I'm off to clean our bathroom while my headache stays away... later on I hope to post a new sweater pattern! Stay tuned....

December Sisters

2009-12-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

My two sisters are December twins.... 9 years and 4 days apart. Saturday lunch was spent at the Sanctuary, eating, laughing, taking pictures and giving gifts to Heather, as her birthday comes first.

I have the best sisters a girl could ever wish for. I hope you have a very Happy Birthday today, H! I think it snowed just for you!

Love you H & Em -- looking forward to your birthday Em!
C

Baby Leg Warmers

2009-12-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

I first saw a pair of baby leg warmers on Fig & Plum. Her striped leg warmers were too cute for words.

Sure, I thought they were cute, but did a baby really need legwarmers? Come on. But then one afternoon I looked over at Baby John in his rumble seat and realized that Baby John's trousers had the habit of inching their way up his leg as he kicked. Horror of horror, his bare little legs were exposed to the cold air!

Something had to be done.

Note: I am a good mommy and do keep Baby John's feet covered in warm socks
I just took them off for the picture!

I rummaged around in my stash and found some bits and bobs that would work for baby leg warmers. Within no time they were done and placed on the chubby bare legs. Now I can breath easier, he is warm! Ah, the goodness of baby legwarmers. I am sold on them. Several more pairs are in line to knit... after I get my Christmas knitting done.

Here's a recent picture of my little man... bright eyed and happy after a nice long nap.

PS: The baby legwarmer pattern is free and fabulous! It can be found here.

Yarn Journaling

2009-12-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

For several years now I have imperfectly kept a yarn journal. Imperfectly because I wish I had pasted more yarn labels into my book and kept better track of the yarns I like. But you know how it is, sometimes life becomes consumed by that desire to "cast on the next project."

At other times I have done a good job and managed to past in the yarn label and a bit of the yarn before I moved onto the next knit. This little book as been so helpful as I am trying to choose yarns for the Knitting Zimmerman Project. I've been able to go back and read my thoughts about a certain yarn. Whether or not I've liked the stitch definition or not or what it does after the yarn is washed.

The boring pages are the pages I did not include yarn. I can't remember why I didn't include yarn. Perhaps I didn't have any left over. Surely not. But I've vowed never to do that again.

This is why I am a firm proponent of yarn shops putting their bar codes on the backside of the yarn label and not covering the name of the yarn or the dye lot. Both options totally ruin the yarn label in my opinion. This is also why I love pretty yarn labels and have sometimes just purchased the yarn because of the label. Yes, I know, pretty silly.

Have any of you kept a yarn journal before? If so, what are some of your favorite yarns?

Knitting Zimmermann

2009-12-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Knitters,

I've posted over at Knitting Zimmermann. Tell me what you think -- do you knit Continental or English?

Happy Knitting!
Christina

New Project

2009-11-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well, my fellow knitters, Baby John is sleeping and both the washing machine and dryer is full of laundry so I've decided to take a break and sit down with a strong cup of tea to tell you about my new project I'm going to begin in January.

Two days before Baby John's surprise birth I went out with a bunch of friends to see Julie & Julia. I was instantly inspired by the idea of slowly going through a master's work, learning their technique's, their artistry and their passion. After all, isn't that what Julie Powell did with Julia Child's cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking"?

I went home and the next day put the audiobook version of Julie & Julia on hold at my local library. Then my life erupted with the joyful birth of Baby John and I forgot about the idea that was slowly growing in my mind until a month later when I received a notice from the library that the audiobook was available for pick up.

It was while I was listening to Julie & Julia and slowly getting into the routine of life with a wee babes that the idea hit me.... go check it out here. Make a note of it in your google reader and join me, if you wish, as I knit!

Shawls

2009-11-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

There is something alluring to me about a cozy nook with a comfy chair and a warm shawl draped over the back of the chair. It just seems to invite you to come and have a bit of a sit & knit, doesn't it?

I don't think I have enough shawls around the house. I have decided to plan some shawl knitting for the holiday season. Once I have my Christmas knits accomplished, shawl knitting sounds restful and cozy.... I think I'd like to make an Ishbel for myself, and perhaps a wool peddler's shawl...

Shopping

2009-11-27T03:42:00.000-08:00

My sisters and I used to partiscipate in the grand "Black Friday" shopathon. Heather would plot out our route and the stores we would visit. We would pack up some yummy Thanksgiving leftovers into a wicker basket, fill up a thermos of tea and then hit the road early Friday morning. Because we were a crafty bunch (and still are) Hobby Lobby and Jo Ann Fabrics were always on our list of places to visit.

The year Heather had her first baby, Rachel, my mom and Heather were both away for Black Friday. (Rachel was born right before Thanksgiving). Emily and I decided that the tradition could not be missed so we got up early, made a run to Starbucks and hit our favorite stores for Christmas presents. (That was 9 years ago, Em, can you believe it?)

As the years have passed I have grown less and less fond of going out on Black Friday. In fact, if I'm really honest with you all, I really don't like the push and shove of Black Friday anymore. I prefer little shops where I can browse and mull over my purchases.

Besides, this year there is no one to shop with. Heather is in Oklahoma, Emily is in Virginia and my mom will be designing flower arrangements at the florist shop.

In lieu of our Black Friday shop, Em and I drove downtown on Monday to Mass Ave. There we browsed the little shops, laughed over the crazy trinkets in Silver In The City (a really great shop by the way) and sipped lattes at Starbucks. It was a fun, slow paced and relazing time.

For all of you heading out to the shops today, good luck. I'm going to take a walk to Starbucks and knit away on my Christmas knitting....

Cheers!

Missing You

2009-11-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

My heart is heavy today. I'm missing you, Uncle Bill. We had so much fun last year cooking with you. What laughs! What talks we had! You were a great cook and such an amazing uncle. Life passes too quickly. Enjoy every moment.

Recycled Yarn

2009-11-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

One year ago, for some reason, I really got into the art of recycling yarn. It's an art? Yes, it actually is. You can rip out old sweaters made from exquisite materials, but the yarn might look dead and limp. It takes a bit of artistry and "magic" tricks to get it looking "alive" again.

For a while I thought I would sell my "yarn" on etsy but it never happened. Instead, a year later I discovered these two batches of yarn in my stash. The first picture is some really lovely angora/wool yarn that I ripped, respun and hand dyed. I think a hat and bootie set for Baby John is in order.

This is some really lovely 100% cashmere yarn that I ripped and respun. There is enough for a sweater, hat and booties for Baby John. I'm looking forward to working with it!

Feeling Festive

2009-11-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving week! I can't believe the holiday has arrived already. For some reason I feel like I am on vacation all week although JK and I are not "vacating". I suppose that vacation feeling has something to do with the fact that there is a festive feeling in the air.

Saturday JK watched Baby John for five hours while I went and did the food shopping, some Christmas shopping and some badly needed clothes shopping for myself. I think the opportunity to get out by myself added to the feeling of being on vacation!

I have some pretty big goals for myself this week. I would like to finish a really neat sweater design this week -- I'm one sleeve away from being done. I would like to wear it to Thanksgiving dinner... we'll see.

This week I really need to start on Christmas present knitting. I know... I'm really late this year. I'm not going to knit very many gifts but I do need to get on to knitting them. All of the knitting giftees read this blog so I won't be able to talk about them until after Christmas -- I know, no fun.

I'm also looking forward to unveiling a really cool project I'm going to be doing this coming year. Stay tuned this week... I'm going to unveil it soon!

For those of you traveling this week... happy travels and I hope you have lots of happy knitting to take along with you!

Five Years Ago Today...

2009-11-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today I married the love of my life, the very talented JK. I can't believe five years have gone by. They have passed too quickly.

The entire wedding day was filled with beauty, fun and precious family who traveled from both ends of the nation and from England and Scotland to be there.

What an amazing blessing to be married to such a great guy! JK, you are the best! I love you, my dear! Happy Anniversary!

John's Baptism

2009-11-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to update you all about the much anticipated weekend. Some severe headaches have barred me from the computer. But today, I'm back.

John's Baptism was beautiful. I thought we were about to have a meltdown in the pew, for he was very sleepy. But we made it through the baptism and he even fell asleep as the pastor prayed! It was so cute. Although, because I could tell a meltdown was about to ensue, I left his passifier in his mouth. Thus Baby John was baptized, passifier and all!

Here's the little guy, heavy lidded and ready for a nice long nap.

Mom made a beautiful, Williamsburgish centerpiece for the table. I loved it!

The grandmas with the sweetest baby ever.

I did get his little baptism cardigan done. He wore it as his outfit before and after the baptism. He looked so cute. It's a bit big so he will grow into it. Now I want a matching one! There is nothing like a creamy cabled sweater...

Why Do Babies Cry?

2009-11-13T03:38:00.000-08:00

I was dashing into the library the other day and had a funny exchange with the library clerk.

Baby John doesn't like the library for some reason. I don't know if it is the bright lights or whether he just knows he supposed to be quiet and enjoys a good roar to break the silence.

I know he hates the library so I plan my library outings very carefully. All books are selected and ordered online while he is sleeping. No browsing the books stacks for me right now.

Once the note comes from the library that the books are available I either send JK or my mom. Sometimes I have to do it myself, like today. On those occasions I plan our trip to the library to come after morning naps and also right after a feeding (when he is the happiest).

Today I followed the same routine. Nap, feed, pack into the car. Drive the 5 minutes to the library. Put him in the stroller, wheel him into the library. Go directly to the hold stacks, pick up the books and DVDs. He was fine until I reached for the first DVD, then he let out a roar. I threw the DVDs into the stroller and practically ran to the hold book stack. Threw the two books into the stroller and ran to the check out.

At the check out he was screaming and screaming and I was fumbling with my card and the books. The library clerk came over, I apologized for the "noisy patron." "Oh, don't worry. But if you don't mind me asking, what's wrong with him?" I looked at her dumbly. What's wrong with him? Probably nothing more than he hates the library, but would she believe me? No. She obviously had never had a child. Then she explained, "I only have dogs at home." Oh, yeah...

I had to laugh. I've come to learn that babies cry for a variety of reasons. Some of them are just a plain dislike of the library. Ha! Life is funny.

Preparing...

2009-11-12T03:39:00.000-08:00

This coming Sunday Baby John will be baptized. It is amazing, already he is going to face one of life's mile markers. we are going to be hosting all the family back to our house for a celebratory dinner afterward. Thus, I have been cleaning, raking leaves & cutting the dog's hair in preparation for the dinner party.

Thank goodness there are a few more days left. I have a pumpkin cheesecake to make and freeze. I have some more food shopping to do and a ton more cleaning. But it is all fun because it is such a special day.

Baby John will be wearing one of the Wall's baptism gowns. Both sides of our family have gowns but I thought it would be special to start the tradition of the girls wearing the maternal gowns and the boys wearing the paternal gowns. We had four gowns to choose from; all were beautiful. I finally settled on a simple but elegant gown (the first picture) but just had to try on the gown that was the "frilliest" (second picture).

My mother commented on Monday afternoon that Baby John will need a white cardigan to go with his baptism outfit. I had none! Ahhh.... so Monday night I sat down at my desk and worked out a few calculations and cast on.

This is what I have done so far. It will have cables down the front and back. Will I get it done? Hmm... I don't know. But I'm going to try.

Thank You

2009-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day is a bit more gut wrenching when your friends are veterans and married to veterans.

Veteran's Day used to pass me by on the calendar without much of a thought. Yes, I might think about my grandfather who served in WWII. But I never met him and only knew him through pictures.

Now veteran's are much closer. They are the husbands of my friends, the father of fellow knitters, the friend of my youngest sister.

Some of them are still serving, just deployed or serving out deployments, or home, out of the service but forever changed and bearing the evidence of their sacrifice in their broken body.

Yeah, it is gut wrenching. I have finally seen first hand how much veterans give up for me and my family.

All of you veterans have my humble and sincere respect and gratitude.

God bless you all.

Dear Anonymous....

2009-11-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Anonymous Knitter,

You asked if I had a knitting tip... there are all sorts of knitting tips you can find in books or even discover yourself as you get to know your own style of knitting.

But the best tip I could give you is to get involved at your local yarn shop. Sign up for a class, go and sit and knit there. By doing this you will pick up knitting tips faster than you would through books.

This bit of advice is good for all of us. There are so many things we can learn from each other, from what the best yarn is to use for a certain project to how to get your ssk to look exactly like your k2tog. If you don't have a local yarn shop around you, find a knitting guild or club. If you don't have a knitting guild or club in your area, start one of your own! If you are seriously on your own, read all you can about knitting, it will be a comfort to your lonely soul!

Happy Knitting!

A Wee Bit of Christmas

2009-11-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

I know, I shouldn't be blogging about Christmas just yet. But for me, preparation and planning is part of savoring the Holidays.

My sisters and my mom have always had a Christmas tea in preparation for Christmas and Christmas present making. This year it came a bit later in the season, but I wonder why....

It was a fun afternoon -- quite busy now that there are five little ones to look after after and a sixth one on the way. Mom did a Christmas craft with the kids, which they loved. I was torn between the Christmas craft and sitting on the couch with H knitting.

I chose to knit and worked on Baby John's Christmas Stocking! Here is the cuff - Norwegian Snowflakes. The background is a red that I overdyed in the crockpot and the white is some lovely Cascade 220 that I had lying around.... I'm falling in love with Cascade 220 again. Can you believe it? But it is the workhorse of yarns... but more on that at another time.

Happy Holiday Knitting everyone!

HiyaHiya Interchangeable Needles

2009-11-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

I finally received the long awaited HiyaHiya Interchangeable Steel Needle Set I had ordered in the summer. And I think I really like them.

The set comes in a sweet little case, very handy for stashing in your knitting bag.

I purchased the small needle set which comes with #2 - #8 needles. The needles screw in without a tool, something I love. I am always hunting around in my Harmony needles for the little key.
The case itself has two great pockets. One inside and one on the backside of the case.

Four cables are included 16", 32", 40" & 47". Because you can create a 16" circular needle with this set the needles themselves are a little shorter than say, the Harmony set which does not have the option of creating a 16" circular needle. Because of the shorter needles some people may not like the HiyaHiya needles. However, for me, the 16" option is worth it! I use a range of needle lengths when creating a sweater.

Where can you order them? Stitches & Scones. And at $67.50 it's really a great deal!

Raking Leaves

2009-11-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

It's time to rake leaves again. Some people prefer to "blow" the leaves. But I think there is something nice about raking and hearing the rustle of the leaves instead of the loud whirl of the blower engine.

I bundled Baby John up in his woolies and pushed him out on the deck to get his daily "airing" while I raked. He promptly fell asleep with his nook in his mouth.

Tonia notice the hat -- I love it. One of the nice features of his little "helmet" hat are the ear flaps! Love it! Did it come from Itty Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson?

When I realized I didn't have the bags to dispose of the leaves I raked them into piles anyways and decided I'd bag them another day. So now we have all these little piles all over our back lawn.

My reward for raking was a hot cup of tea. Baby John's reward for being so good was some "playtime" in his crib. His Grandma and Grandpa Wall made him the cutest mobile. I just got it hung this past Saturday, much to Baby John's delight. He LOVES it. Yesterday he figured out that I'm the one that makes it go round. Now whenever it stops turning he whimpers until I come back and give it another spin! Ha! Smart kid.

The Wooly Hugger

2009-10-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished a fun knit. It's a short sleeve tunic vest I designed with three leftover skeins of Bartlett Wool.

People often complain about "real" wool. You know, the rough, good stuff. But I love it. Real wool is extremely warm and comfortable. It often lasts longer than the over processed wool. When I am knitting with real wool I feel like I am getting back to the roots of knitting - the historic, time-honored way of knitting.

I always wash my Bartlett wool before I knit with it. When you receive it in the mail it still has some of the spinning oil on it, making it hard and scratchy. Once you throw it in the sink with a good capful of Eucalan wool wash it feels as soft as sheepsdown and is as welcoming as a good cup of tea.

I have named this little vest, The Wooly Hugger because it is so warm and comfortable. I.e. so very "sheepy." No, it's not a pattern ... yet. I've just been having fun knitting!

Speaking of real wool. I love what Rowan has done - offer sheep-breed-specific yarn. The sheep breeds are mainly British breeds such as Bluefaced Leiceister, Black Welsh, Brown Jacob, Suffolk and Shetland but they are wonderful.

I wish more companies would offer sheep-breed-specific yarn. Perhaps Clara Parkes new book "The Knitter's Book of Wool," will spur them on and more real, wooly goodness will be at our fingertips.

The View

2009-10-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is the view out my studio window. No wonder I'm inspired to knit with orange, I've been gazing at it every day.

Have you ever had the thought, "I wish fall would last forever?" Perhaps it is me. But I do. I love fall, the crisp air, the smell of the leaves, cinnamon spicing up the kitchen, mugs of steaming tea and platefuls of molasses cookies.

I've begun to see more bare trees amongst the glorious ones. Ahh... time is passing too fast. It was just yesterday I was bring home my 5 lb, 4oz baby. Today I was dancing to "It's a Wonderful World," with my 10 lb, 5 oz baby. In just two months he is nearly doubled. Where does the time go?

You know, it takes time to knit a beautiful garment. But that is also what is so precious about that garment. In a hand knit sweater you have captured a bit of time. Many of my sweaters hold memories of what was happening to me around the time I knit them. The memories make the sweaters sweeter and dearer to me.

Capture and savor some time today, if you can.

My Orange Project

2009-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

I realized that every autumn for the past three years I have cast on an orange project at some point during the autumn. I know the vivid orange leaves must stir up some innate "orange desire," within me because I have no other way of explaining it.

Three years ago there was a horrid orange vest that end up being felted to use for kids projects. Two years ago there was another orange mess that didn't make it to the "finished" section of my studio. One year ago there was beautiful alpaca/merino roving that got spun up and then knitted up into my Cozy Cable Jacket. Somehow I am missing that sweater. I have not been able to find it in my sweater bin. And then this year there is this new design on my needles.

I am really enjoying it. The design is, again, top down. I just love seamless construction. The design starts out with a k1, p1 stitch and then flows into a ....... well, you'll just have to stay tuned for the finished object and the pattern.

But it's going to be fun! I can promise that!

October Apples

2009-10-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

One weekend in October JK, baby John and I dressed in our wooliest handknits and went apple picking. Handknits are definitely made for apple picking days.

JK enjoyed carrying baby John in the snuggly.

I enjoyed having my hands free to pick apples.

We made a stop in the orchard store for apple slushes at the end.

The Wedding

2009-10-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Baby John and I did make it to the wedding but I have no picture to show that I was actually there. One the other hand, was I really there? I seemed to be always tucked away somewhere nursing or running to change a dirty diaper! =)

Baby John and JK looked so sweet together. Baby John fit into his little gray vest I had made him back in the summer. I was so pleased.

The candelabra arrangements Mom made on Friday afternoon looked stunning.

The groomsmen looked handsome in their boutonnieres.

The bridesmaids looked beautiful with their bouquets.

And the bride was simply radiant with her bouquet. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. And now it is Tuesday morning and I am still in my PJs and I still have the flower arranging room to clean up! Ah, but life is good!

Wedding Flowers - Saturday Morning

2009-10-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was crunch time. We had to get all the flowers finished and ready to go at 9 AM. Pictures started at 10:30 and the church was in Noblesville - at least 45 minutes away. We had never had such an early delivery time that far away. It was a test of our skill.

I couldn't get any pictures in the dark, but we did actually start working on finishing the flowers in the dark. It was brutally cold out on the porch. The flowers were in heaven but we were miserably cold. JK kept passing hot tea out to us to warm us up.

Bobby desperately wanted to be out there with us. He guarded the bridesmaids' bouquets once they had been wrapped and tied with ribbon.

Mom worked on the bridal bouquet until it was a glorious bouquet.

I got all the boutonnieres and corsages tagged and boxed up. It was a bit of a flurry at the end but Mom and JK left the house at 9:20 and arrived up in Noblesville a little after 10. Once the flowers were done I had to scurry and get Baby John and I ready!

Wedding Flowers - Friday

2009-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I had no floral help except Bobby. I think he was happy to have some "mommy and me" time at last. JK stayed home from work and took care of Baby John so that I could work.
And work I did. I had a little over 30 boutonnieres and corsages to make by myself and before 1:30.
I barely made it by 2 pm.

I thought the mini boutonnieres were the cutest.

Wedding Flowers - Thursday 2

2009-10-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Once we got all the flowers prepared we had to begin to make six bridesmaids' bouquets. Thursday I didn't have anyone to watch Baby John. So when he was awake and not feeding, I bundled him up and put him in the snugly. He is learning how to be "mommy's little helper."

Emily was a dear. I couldn't have done the flowers without her.

We thought they were beautiful.

Here is the picture of the roses arriving. Aren't they beautiful all packed in their box?

Wedding Flowers - Thursday

2009-10-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

The flowers arrived Thursday morning from Welch. When my sister picked them up the ladies at Welch declared the flowers to be an absolutely beautiful combination and that the wedding was going to be gorgeous. It certainly gave us confidence!

Emily had gone straight from an early morning test to picking up the flowers so she was starved.

The rust colored freesia smelled divine -- absolutely divine!

The orchids were exotic and perfect.

This funny flower Welch said we really should throw in to the mix. We had no idea what it was!

Gorgeous white lilies filled the sun room with their fragrance!

The button mums and cremon moms were at their peak! We also had rust colored roses and white roses to work with and spray roses -- I guess I forgot to take a picture of that!

Once the flowers arrived there was a lot of floral prep before we could start. And then the flowers had to soak for at least 30 minutes in their solution before we could work with them.

Sweet Sleep

2009-10-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Baby John slept 7 1/2 hours on Friday night AND last night he slept 9! Well, after 9 hours I decided to wake him up -- I was worried something was wrong with him! It felt so good to get that much sleep! I'm in total bliss!

I'll update you all on how the flowers went in just a little bit! It was a fun weekend and a beautiful wedding!

Wedding Flowers

2009-10-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

My two sisters, my mom and I each have our separate and distinct creative crafts. The one creative thing that we do together is wedding flowers. My mom originally taught us how to do them and now when we are asked to do flowers, we each have our little jobs that we do to pull off the big event.

This Saturday my sister-in-law is getting married and we are doing the flowers. To do flowers properly there is a lot of prep involved. Usually I don't get ready until the evening before. But now that I have a 7-week-old baby I decided to prepare two days in advance to actually receiving the flowers -- I just knew I'd be extra slow.

The sun room was cleared out this morning by my mom. I laid down the tarps and sorted out the glue guns, corsage pins, floral tape, wire, wire cutters and all the paraphernalia that goes along with floral arranging.

I even got out the buckets in preparation for Thursday afternoon when we will strip and prep the flowers before we start.

I got the "to-do" list retyped and hung. There can be some dizzy moments in the floral prep where you just don't know which end is up. So it always helps to have the "to-dos" up at easy access.
The one nice thing about using the sun porch for the floral arranging is some of the sun room flowers were moved to the kitchen nook. Now we have some beauty indoors too!

I'll give you all some picture updates of how the flowers are going on Thursday & Friday.

Next week I'll update you all on my knitting! I've been having fun!

Saturday Knitting

2009-10-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

We are finally resuming our Saturday traditions! It is good to find you can still do some of the things you loved doing before baby with baby!

This past Saturday we set off for our traditional walk to Starbucks. It was quite cold, so we bundled Baby John in a bunch of knitted garments.

There are just a few fallen leaves on the ground ... soon it will be full of color!

Baby John slept all the way there and for quite some time at Starbucks.

I was able to sneak in some knitting time while JK and I talked. I was working on the next pair of socks of Baby John.

Sunday Autumn Walk

2009-10-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, after a yummy dinner of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and peasant bread, my mom, my sister Emily and our dear friend Suze jumped in the car and drove to Trader's Point Creamery for an autumn walk. Baby John came along and debuted his pumpkin hat.
Emily is in grad school now, but she recently got a job for "fun" at the Creamery's restaurant on Tuesday and Thursday nights. She says the food is excellent -- I believe her an am eager to try it out!
You know -- there is nothing like a sister. I have the best two sisters in the world! Love you H & Em!
The colors were just beginning to show -- I always find fall colors inspiring. I think this time of year is when I get most of my "design" ideas. The shapes and colors of fall are just incredible!

Had to pose with mom for a quick shot in front of the cows! I have the best mom ever too!

Wasn't it a beautiful day? It was one of those golden afternoons you just wish would last forever! Life goes by too fast -- enjoy EVERY moment, even that bad ones, folks. Life is just too precious.

Happy Knitting! These are the joyful days for knitters!

Knitting Trends

2009-10-08T04:15:00.000-07:00

Knitting trends -- there always is a knitting trend blowing through the knitting community in any given year. Sometimes they vary from region to region, sometimes they are the same. I was remember some of the more recent knitting trends (within the last three years).

Remember the moebius scarf? (Pictured above). It was the rage -- the total crazy rage. We bought 47" + needles (addis of course) and now what are we going to do with those obsessively long needles? But at the time you just had to be making a moebius or you weren't in.

Then there was the Shardigan. This amazing sweater arrived at the TNNA in June and took our little knitting store by storm. You couldn't have too many shardigans. They were quick, easy and fun. People made them, again, by the dozens. But I haven't seen anyone wearing them lately. They were a bear to match yarn with -- as evidenced by the picture above.

And then there was the Kauni sweater. This craze really did bite me hard. Unfortunately I never bought the rainbow colored yarn so, every so often this craze comes back to bite me and I think, "Oh, I want to make one SOOOO badly." I think it is because of my love for Fair Isle Knitting and the colors in the Kauni yarn. Maybe someday...

But do you remember this craze? At first you had to order the yarn from eastern Europe. Finally it became available in the States but it was usually sold out. Everyone in the blogasphere was making one and blogging about it. Every so often I seen one being worn and I think they look lovely.If I had to choose one knitted item that I think is the craze this year it would be Ysolda's Ishbel shawlette. It took the US by storm as Ysolda traveled around with her little booklet "Whimsical Little Knits 1". Everyone started making and wearing an Ishbel. Yes, I made one too and I'm dying to make another -- they are fast and easy. I would definitely agree that the shawlette is the new cowl.

Baby John in Hand Knits

2009-10-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Baby John has been blessed with some adorable hand knitted items and I just had to share them with you.

Who can resist tiny feet in tiny little socks? As he has been growing out of the smallest socks I've been trying to make new ones for him. I think handknit socks stay on so much better than store bought ones.

This adorable pumpkin hat came from Jane G. I LOVE it! It is so applicable to Baby John because JK and I call him "Pumpkin".

This hat and sock outfit was made by Tonia. I think it is so adorable. He wears them for our afternoon walks.
This is a little brown sweater I spun and knitted 7 years ago for my sister's first boy, Andrew. The wool is a soft and spongy merino. He wears it all the time because it is the sweater that fits him the best right now.

Tonia's newborn hat still fits him -- and he wears it a lot. He has lost most of his hair on the top of his head. Totally the wrong season to do that. But, that's what babies do! I suppose he just gets to wear more hats!

This was taken at least four weeks ago so I should try this little brown sweater on him again. At the time it was gigantic on him. After I made it a couple of months ago Lin voiced what I was thinking at the time -- that it was going to be too small for him! Ha! It swims on him!

There are more hand knits to show off but I thought I would tempt you with just a few today!

I just love knitting for my loved ones, especially my little baby!

Happy Knitting

Baby John Sweaters

2009-10-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

I finished two more of Baby John's sweaters. One was had been in progress at the time of his birth and then laid aside (I wonder why) and another I started last week. I'm beginning to find more knitting time! Hooray! Unfortunately they are all still a little big for him right now, although within a week or two they might be wearable. I hate sewing -- even sewing on buttons. So they are all lined up in the window above my desk, waiting for me to get in the "sewing mood" or for me to get desperate for sweaters for Baby John!

New Blog - The Cooks Next Door

2009-10-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

You've got to check out this new foodie blog -- The Cooks Next Door. My sister Heather and a good friend of hers, Alaina, just started this foodie blog and I have fallen in love with it already.

Saturday, after reading the seasonal post I called my mom up and asked her to bring home some Italian sausage so that I could make the butternut squash & sausage pasta described on the blog. It was SOOOOO good! I added a bit of parsley to my finished dish and loved it. To make it gluten free for me I just substituted brown rice pasta! It was great!

They need to post a shopping list for the weekend posts so that we're not running out to the store Friday afternoon or Saturday night.... their recipes are that good... you won't want to miss them!

Fall & Knitting

2009-09-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

I actually finished a piece of knitting! I gave up on all the projects I already had going (sound familiar) and decided to cast on something fun. So, I cast on Ysolda's Liesl. I loved it. It is knit on large needles (US #11) using worsted weight or chunky weight yarn. So it knits up really quickly -- perfect for a nursing mom who does not have much time on her hands!

I used Princess by Classic Elite and knit the body and the sleeves much longer than directed. I love it! The one thing I wish I had done was knit it a little bigger in the chest -- I'm a little busty right now. Never had that problem before so I'm not used to it!

Just in time too -- the Autumn is arriving in all her glory!

1 Month Old

2009-09-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Baby John was 1 month old yesterday. We went to the pediatrician and he weighed 8 lbs 4 oz! Hooray! I can't believe how much he's grown in just a month.

Here he is at 2 days old and 5 lbs 4 oz!

Baby John Pictures

2009-09-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Heather, my sister, took wonderful photos of Baby John on Saturday. She's getting good at taking pictures... I think we all (the family) need to figure out a way of getting her a good camera...

Walking in the Rain

2009-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

JK, Baby John, Mom and I took a walk yesterday in the cool autumn rain.

Baby John wore a merino sweater I spun and knitted for my sister's first baby boy.

Bobby even joined in on the walk and got soaked. But he was so happy!

The Bramblewood Vest Photo Shoot

2009-09-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

As you all already know Bramblewood was published by Knotions Magazine this fall. I promised pictures of the photo shoot because it was so much fun, thanks to the talented Alecia, the photographer, and Emily, the model.

We used my Pearl St. Scarf as one of the props - you can purchase the pattern here

The second prop was a basket bag decorated with felted flowers made by The Blackberry Tree. LOVED this bag!
There is a KAL on Ravelry - join it and have fun!

Grief

2009-09-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

June 2009

I'm so sorry I've been rather absent from my blog. It's been a rather hard week this past week and blogging about it seemed to make things "realer" than I wanted them to be. My mom's brother, Uncle Bill, died September 5th quite suddenly. I still don't think I can write about all the wonderful memories Uncle Bill gave us, not only this past year as he spent time with us in Indy, but also growing up - at least not yet. He was the best Uncle. However, Heather, wrote a little bit here - that will have to suffice for now. I'll be back blogging soon... I promise. Perhaps tomorrow.

Thank you SOOO much!

2009-09-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

You all brought tears to my eyes when I opened the little package filled with these teeny tiny socks! Thank you Thursday night knitters! They are perfect and fit him beautifully! He's been wearing two pairs of socks just to bulk up his feet enough for one pair to stay on.

And the one pair of socks that I started for him hasn't gone very far. I started these a week ago and see how far I've gotten? I have no knitting time right now. I eat, feed him, change poopy & wet diapers, kiss away his tears, giggle at his smiles and then fall asleep when he sleeps. You gift of socks means so much to me.

Visitors

2009-08-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture of JK and John. They both seem so content and happy. John looks like JK, they have the same nose, the same mouth, the same smile, the same chin. It is adorable. The only thing that Baby John has from me is his healthy appetite and dark hair. Although his hair is changing and becoming lighter as the week progresses.

JK, John and I received 41 visitors while we were in hospital. We felt very loved. Here is John with my youngest nephew, David. He is so excited to have someone younger and smaller than himself. He pointed out that very fact to us all.

James, my second youngest nephew also came along on the visit, as well as Rachel, my neice, and Andrew my nephew. They loved John.

Suze dropped by and we had a fun time chuckling at how they had just managed to squeeze the baby shower in.

Caleb, JK's nephew, had been excited all month about John's arrival. He kept asking, "When am I going to get my cousin?" He was a bit miffed when he did finally "get his cousin." His reaction was, "It moves."

JK's sister, Emily (Caleb's mom), was so happy they were in town for the birth. Emily, Greg and Caleb have been living in Cyprus for the last 3 (?) years and are in the midst of moving back to the States. They were visiting until August 28 and were hoping John would come early. Their wish was granted.

My dad dropped by several times and seemed really pleased to have another grandson.

JK and I decided we had choosen the nicest pediatrician ever. She dropped by every morning and answered all of our questions and explained so much to us. She even showed JK how to diaper John because John just happened to "poop" while she was there. What is with this baby and pooping?

My two sisters came by Sunday afternoon (we didn't get a pic of Em holding him -- sorry Em). John is Heather's first nephew or neice on the Winslow side. She seemed to be very pleased to become an Aunt.
Mom and Dad Wall were Baby John's first visitors (my mom was with me throughout labor, per my request, and so I didn't count her as a visitor). They were so excited and pleased.

JK and I have found we love showing John off -- I guess that makes us normal parents?

Baby John's Birth

2009-08-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who haven't heard, Baby John arrived Sunday, August 23 at 7:31 am. Saturday morning Heather, Emily and Suze hosted an amazing baby shower for Baby John and me. I had such a lovely time. Check out the full story here.

I had contractions and cramps throughout the shower but as I went home and put my feet up things eased. I made dinner with and we watched a movie and around 10:30 pm, I went to bed. A huge, painful contraction brought me fully awake 30 minutes later. I sat bolt upright, panicing a bit from the intensity and then a felt a trickle. That brought me fully out of bed and running to the bathroom. My water had broken and started to trickle .... John was coming.

I managed to wake JK and he held me tightly as I cried -- Baby John was 2 weeks early and I was a bit nervous about him coming early.

I labored at home for 5 hours until I went to the bathroom and wiped away something green -- Baby John had pooped. At that point my doctor wanted me in ASAP.

Once in the hospital they checked me to see how far I was dilated and felt..... a baby's bottom not a head. Once they brought in the ultrasound it was clear, what I had thought was John's bottom all these months was his round little bottom. I needed an emergency C-section. Because I had eaten dinner the night before we had to wait 2 hours. I was thankful. I needed some time to adjust to the fact I was going to have a C-section.

After a few tears and some very kind words from my husband, my mom and the nurses around me I managed to joke, "Well, I guess Johnny found the john." We all burst out laughing. (He had pooped directly over my cervix.)

JK had to get dressed up for the occasion. I thought he looked very scholarly in his "garb."

Very happy parents at 7:31 am -- it was worth it all. It was hard to wait to hold him. I cried as soon as I heard his little scream -- I just couldn't believe it all.

I was so happy when I got to hold Baby John. All of a sudden the intensity of the last 8 hours melted away.
Baby John is a very good nurser which is a good thing. He was born weighing 5 lbs 12 oz but lost weight so that he was 5 lbs 4 oz. By the time I left the hospital he had nursed so much he was beginning to gain a little weight, something the nurses said rarely happens in the hospital. (Tonia -- recognize the hat? He wore it all the time in the hospital because it was the only hat that would stay on him. Thank you sooooo much!)

30 minutes after the C-section I hemorrhaged terribly. They had to clear the room while the nurses worked to stop the bleeding. Again, another terrifying moment. Over the next day and a half my hemoglobin dropped in half and I had to have two blood transfusions. I felt better after the transfusions, but I'm still anemic. They say it's going to take a while to recover.

I'll share more pictures later. In the meantime I am working on a tiny pair of socks for Baby John whenever I get the chance -- friends and family have been searching for preemie clothes but they are hard to find -- especially socks. Baby John is in desperate need of tiny socks.

Ishbel

2009-08-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

I finished my first Ishbel and now I know what the excitement is all about -- it's really fun and fast to knit.
This one is not for me -- it is a gift. However, I think I need one too.... =)

Pattern: Ysolda's Ishbel Shawl
Yarn: Spud & Chloe Fine/Sock in Popcorn
80% Superwash Wool/ 20% Silk
248 yards
I used approximately 1.5 skeins for the larger sized shawl.
Needles: US # 6

Hair Update

2009-08-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for writing in or emailing me and letting me know your suggestions for hair salons. It was such a big help. I have written them all down in my daytimer so that I'm never without an option again.

I ended up going to Allure Salon because it was really close to my house. Thank you, Anita, for the suggestion. I LOVED it.

The decor of the salon is adorable and the staff was extremely friendly. I love how they wash your hair -- they bring you into a dimly lit room, give you a warm towel to place over your hands for relaxation purposes and then really massage your head. For a girl who suffers from frequent headaches it was a dream come true.

Chang Sanders was the stylist who cut my hair and she did an AMAZING job. I was really impressed. My hair is hard to cut because it is so thick. If it is not cut correctly it looks like a bird's nest. She texturized and thinned and cut until it lays absolutely perfectly. (I'll have to post a picture as soon as I can find someone to take a pic for me).

If any of you would like to try the salon they gave me some cards which would give you all 10% your hair cut or color -- just let me know and I can pass them along.

Again, thanks for saving the day for me!

Baby John's Room

2009-08-21T04:08:00.000-07:00

Baby John's little room has been ready for quite some time now, waiting patiently for his arrival.
His little crib is all fitted out with his newly washed bedding.

My comfy nursing chair is ready with my favorite lamb skin in preparation for those cold nights ahead of me. The pillow says, "Now I lay me down to crash!" A very appropriate gift from Nancy!

His changing table is ready -- complete with diapers, diaper cream, and all of his bathing items.

His little dresser is full of his newly washed clothes, his receiving blankets and his toys.

I can't bear to put away his cute little knitted hats. There is one missing -- a sweet little one from Tonia, which is packed in his diaper bag, ready for the hospital.

Mr. Donegal is waiting in his crib -- ready to welcome our little boy to his new home.

My mom painted some beautiful watercolors for his room. Here is Mrs. Ducky sitting patiently on her nest. I feel much like Mrs. Duck right now, my nest is ready and waiting, I just have to keep my little one safe and warm until he's ready to arrive.

Mrs. Sheepy, standing protectively over her little lamb...

And another one of Mrs. Sheepy with her lamb peaking out at the world. My mom knows I love sheep and all things woolly.

Bobby continues to sleep under Baby John's crib in the morning. I'm going to have to make sure he still gets a lot of hugs, walks and treats once the baby arrives.

Knotions Magazine Preview

2009-08-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Knotions Magazine has it's preview up! There are some beautiful designs and knits I'm eager to cast on. One of them is my Bramblewood Vest! It's a fun, top-down vest with a cable up the center front and a cable up the center back. I-cord edging finishes off the neck edge, sleeves and bottom ribbing for a more tailored look. AND, of course, there is gentle shaping on the sides for our female hips.

I'll post some more pictures and tell you about the photo shoot once the pattern goes live!

HELP!

2009-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, I need help. I am sooooo fustrated. I just received a letter from my hair salon saying that the stylist who cuts my hair quit. I wouldn't be too upset by this but this is the second time in a row that this has happened with this particular salon. I have decided I'm not going back.

The first time this happened I dutifully went back and finally found a stylist I liked. Now, I receive a letter saying that she has quit -- four days before my next appointment. Something must be wrong with that salon for it to happen two times in a row. I have never had this happen before.

I called another salon this morning but they don't employ a front desk clerk. You have to call back a zillion times to leave voicemail messages in everyone's box to see when they are next available. Can you imagine that!

So, do any of you in Indianapolis have any recommendations for places to get your hair cut? Oh, the joys of life, isn't it funny?

Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2009-08-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday JK and I took a picnic to the Art Museum gardens. At first we almost canceled, due to the 90 F weather. However, we decided to give it a try and found that the shade of the old oak trees was cool and inviting. We had a lovely time and promised ourselves we would do it again, even with Baby John. It was so relaxing.

We took a walk through the shaded paths after lunch to admire the dense gardens.

I loved inspecting their "orchard garden". They have created a wonderful fruit and veg garden in the space across from the green house. It gave me ideas for my garden next year.

I could not believe the towering heads of these sunflowers. They were huge and made JK and I look like dwarfs.

It was a wonderful afternoon. If you haven't been on a picnic in a while, try it! It's absolutely wonderful!

Broad Ripple Farmer's Market

2009-08-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

JK and I headed off early Saturday morning for a fun outing. We're trying to tuck a few of those "special times" in before the baby arrives.

I adore farmer's markets so we set off to the Broadripple Farmer's Market.

The first crop of apples had arrived at the market. The scent of sweet apples wafted up to you as you stood over the bins and selected your apples. They were crispy and sweet! Oh, the joy of an approaching autumn....

Flowers were abundant....

I got such a kick out of this sight. This dog sat patiently and moved his head back and forth as his owner and the stall manager talked. It looked as if he could really understand what they were saying.

Beautiful harp music serenaded us as we shopped...

The sunflower selection was amazing!

And the veg was at its peak!

Not to mention the flowers.....

At the Zionsville Farmer's Market I usually buy fresh pasta for our Saturday dinner. At Zville there is three types of pasta to choose from. Here at the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market I was overwhelmed by the selection!

After the Farmer's Market we headed over to Irvington on the eastside of Indy and checked out Laze Daze Coffee House and a used book store that was right across the street called, Bookmama's. We loved the book shop -- it was definitely a place to return to. The coffee shop was kind of sketchy. The coffee was great and they had a great selection of teas. But they seemed to be running an unsupervised daycare out of the shop - so the atmosphere was very strange. Not the sort of place you would choose for a quiet cuppa.

Works in Progress

2009-08-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to have a ton of projects on my needles. However, currently I seem to be having a brain malfunction. My mind is constantly coming up with new designs and projects I must cast on and start. But then my body gets tired and sleepy around 2 pm and starts to shut down no matter what I do.... it's the baby, I know. But he's worth it.

So here are 4 of the 6 projects I am currently working on. I have stacks of skeins around my desk of projects I want to start but I'm determined to finish a few of these first.

Above -- I finally succumbed to all the Ishbel chatter and cast one on my needles! Oh, my -- it is balm for my weary brain right now. It is soo easy and fun. This particular one is a gift, but I may just have to cast on another one for me -- it really fits my current knitting mood. Thank you, Ysolda, for such a lovely pattern!
Next up is another little sweater for Baby John. I decided I wasn't enjoying the mini mochi socks I was knitting so I unraveled one and started this little sweater for Baby John. I think it is going to be a fun, whimsical little sweater.

Then there is a shawl with some simply yummy merino that I dyed myself. The feel of this yarn (and wouldn't you know it, but I lost the label) is simply scrumptous and addictive. I want to knit on this project ALL THE TIME but I'm trying to finish the gift shawl first. The pattern is my new Pearl Street Scarf pattern -- which is another fun knit.

And last but not least is the new vesion of the cozy cable jacket knitted out of Bartlett Yarns. I'm eager for autumn morning walks when I can cozy up in this jacket...

Wool from the State Fair

2009-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

I love going to the State Fair. As a child I read "Charlotte's Web" and "Windy Foot at the State Fair" and fell in love with the whole "Fair" ideal. However, it wasn't until I moved to Indiana that I actually got to go to the State Fair.

Now that my sister, Heather, and her family live in Indiana I always try to make it to the State Fair with them. For me, the Fair is even better seen through the eyes of her kids. It was fun to walk through the hands-on village with them and imagine Baby John enjoying the fair in a few years.

The other reason I love to visit the fair is.... you guessed it, the sheep barn and the wool room. I will never have a flock of my own -- but I love sheep. They are soooo cute! The little Shetland sheep caught our attention while we were walking up and down the aisle - they looked like sweet little dogs with long hair!

Heather and I made a dash to the wool room while the husbands talked to the shepherds and the kids looked at the sheep. I purchased a wheel of "Spiced Heather" for a lace shawl and three skeins of a deep amethyst for a new vest idea I have. I even talked Heather into buying a wheel of lace yarn to make another lace shawl -- I think she's hooked on lace shawls!

After our traditional stop at the Dairy Bar for ice cream JK and I made our way home while Heather and her family headed onto the Midway. My feet were swollen so that I could barely walk but I was happy and contented with all the memories we had just made.

Little Yellow Guernsey

2009-08-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Baby John Winslow and I are hanging in there. He seems to like his new "dropped" position. I bet I'll be fine for the next four weeks and John Winslow will decide he would like to be late. We'll see!

I finished another little sweater for him. It's a modern version of a Guernsey cardigan.

Pattern for Hat & Sweater: My own
Yarn: Wash Day Wool by Reynolds, 3 skeins with a little left over.
Lovely yarn. When washed it is so soft.
However, do watch the gauge. It seems to grow by one full stitch per inch when blocked.
Needles: US #3

Summer Dying

2009-08-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been up since 1:30 AM with cramps & small contractions. I honestly thought that I would sail right up to my due date with no pain or contractions and then, boom, one day I would start labor and John Winslow would be here. No.... so far it's been a little bit of a miserable process of annoying cramps & contractions during the day and sleepless, crampy nights.

So.... I thought I would distract myself by showing you all some of the hand dyed yarn I have recently worked on.

Above, I dyed some lace yarn for two different projects -- I can't wait to cast on.

Some fleece to spin -- will I ever have time again to spin?

Beautiful denim Lin and I dyed last Friday along with some beautiful vintage rose below... both the denim and the vintage rose are available for purchase at Stitches & Scones.

Happy Knitting! Right now knitting is keeping me from going nuts!

Zionsville Farmer's Market

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

My mom, sister and I headed over to the Zionsville Farmer's market Saturday morning. I love farmer's markets. They are such community events. I have my favorite vendors that I love to go back and talk to each week. I love the recipes they suggest or the new kinds of veggies they challenge me to cook.

I couldn't eat a thing at this booth, but aren't her baked goods amazing?

I was excited to see the first acorn squash. I definitely snapped up one of those along with the fresh pasta. I can't eat the pasta but JK and my mom love it. Fresh pasta is the best.

This stand is adorable. It is run by a teenage boy who grows all of these flowers and then packages them into darling bouquets. He usually sells out too!

After a long stop at the Eagle Creek Coffee Co. we headed home for a brunch. Mom whipped up a fantastic meal. Oh, for Saturday mornings every day....

A BIG surprise

2009-08-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

This Thursday night I had the biggest surprise ever - the Thursday night Sit & Knit girls gave me a surprise baby shower. JK was even in on the surprise. Weeks ago he had suggested that we go out to dinner at Keltie's sometime. Last week he very casually suggested Thursday night -- one of the few nights we had open.

We arrived up in Westfield 15 minutes early for our reservation (15 minutes late for the shower as I later found out -- sorry girls) and he suggested we pop in to Stitches & Scones. I said I didn't need anything -- I had been there the day before and was headed back to S & S on Friday. But he wanted to kill time so in we went.

I totally did not expect to find everyone gathered for a baby shower for me -- I was shocked. It was such a fun surprise.

I loved seeing everyone's current project. Yes, Briar Rose definitely got the prize for being the most loved yarn... ah, we have to get that stuff in the shop, don't we?

Tonia, Nancy & Gina had decorated and baked -- everything was soooo yummy and cute, including my delicious gluten free cupcakes (Nancy even sent me home with a bunch and now they are sitting in my freezer, talk about major temptation).

Everyone's gifts were so thoughtful from the soaps for me to the little booties for Baby John. I received too many things to post all of them but I thought you all might get inspired by the handknitted items....

Little washcloths -- they are so soft, perfect for bath time.

The cutest little football hat you have ever seen -- oh my goodness, this just too cute.

The sweetest little booties. Don't they look comfy?

This was too creative -- onesies all rolled up and packaged to look like cupcakes!

Thank you all so much -- you really surprised me and overwhelmed me with your kindness.
Happy, happy knitting to you all!

PS: Gina has more photos over on her blog!

Thoughts about knitting

2009-07-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

I cleaned out some of my old knitting notebooks recently and came across a hilarious essay I wrote about knitting when I was 18 -- four years into my "knitting adventures." I thought I would share it with you so you can laugh at me and with me....

"My adventures in knitting began when I was 14. Oh, sure, I had taken up knitting needles before that time, but never seriously.

My inspiration came from a conversation I overheard between my mother and a friend of my mom's. The friend was lamenting the fact that it was hard to find a good wool sweater. My mother, who had made many knitted items for me and my sisters growing up, suggested she try knitting a sweater. The friend of my mother's never did take up knitting, but I did.

Soon I was begging my mom to take me to a knitting shop to buy some wool. I couldn't afford much at the time. I had to fund this project myself and only had the $3 a week I got for mowing our lawn. But I was happy with my purchase -- a hunter green bulky wool/acrylic blend to make a pullover sweater.

I worked diligently on that first sweater, often taking my knitting to the kitchen after school to knit and talk to my mom as she made dinner. I finished the sweater and wore it with pride those first few weeks. But alas, it was bulky and ill fitting and made me, an already chubby child, look even chubbier. And I missed the feel of pure wool. I vowed to never touch acrylic again. It was soon thrown to the back of the closet and forgotten. But I was hooked on knitting.

I dug up my Scottish grandmother's needles and found and old picture of her knitting in Long Island, New York with her friends. With that inspiration I began wool vests for me, my mom and my two sisters. It became a Christmas tradition for me to make them wool vests for Christmas. Unfortunately it was hard to hide what I was doing and they would always know about their presents ahead of time.

During my first trip to Scotland I started the tradition of buying wool as a souvenir and made a lacey vest from wool purchased from the wool mills at New Lanark.

This past year when I went again to Scotland I bought wool, again, for two more vests.

NOTE: the two vests turned into a fair isle pullover which then turned into this tea cozy. My knitting always gets recycled.... I know, it's a bad habit of mine. But when you only had $3 a week for yarn you learn to reuse and reknit things....

My knitting has changed. I am more interested in fine gauge, old fashioned patterns. But my mantra for pure wool remains the same. So much so I took up spinning to support my knitting habit.

I am by no means finished learning all the techniques I need for knitting. I consider myself a beginner. But I love the inspiration and excitement I feel as the fiber passes through my hands to my two bamboo sticks and is shaped into a warm and cozy garment. There is just something delightfully wonderful about that process.

Perhaps it is strange to say, but as I knit and create I do feel oddly closer to the women before me who, out of dire necessity, washed, carded, spun, plied and knitted garments for themselves and their loved ones. May the process never end.

Knitting Spaces

2009-07-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday I posted about knitting outside -- well, here is my knitting space inside. JK and I had to combine offices and use my old office as Baby John's room.

It is working out well. JK and I have a blast together when we are both working from home. I have a little window ledge I can lay out some of my knitting to muse on while I work.

I cleaned up my "idea board" and I know actually have room for my "ideas."

And, of course, I always have new skeins of yarn just waiting to be touched and molded into something new. I think it's inspiring to have yarn around - don't you?

I would show you what is on my dress form but that's a surprise that will come out in September! And yes, it is a free pattern! Don't we all love free things?

Happy Knitting!

A Rainy Saturday

2009-07-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

You probably get tired of Saturday morning coffee shop pictures from me. But it's my favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning.

This morning JK and I were out at 8 AM and managed to leisurely walk around the Zionsville Farmer's market before it started raining. Once the rain started we dashed to G. Simons for coffee.G. Simon's has a tiny seating area beneath their front awning. It's a fun place to sit because you can "people watch" as you talk. Of course my big knitting bag went with me. It rained quite a bit while we sat and had coffee and talked, but we were dry and happy.

I tell you, there is nothing like a Saturday-morning-coffee-shop knit. It's the best!

PS: I'm getting bigger, aren't I? I feel like my cheeks look like a chipmunk's and I'm wearing a basketball on my tummy! 5 more weeks! I'm not too sure I'm mentally prepared for this little guy -- but I'm so excited about meeting him!

Knitting Outside

2009-07-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

The weather was a bit rainy yesterday, but the temperature was so pleasant I couldn't resist moving my office outside for the afternoon. I had patterns to edit, patterns to write and some test knitting to do.
My mom has made our deck and gardens burst with color and greeny goodness this year. It is so lovely to have a cup of tea in the garden in the late afternoon.

I'm suffering from a bit of a head cold right now. It has made me feel like sitting in a big comfy chair and just staring. Colds in the third trimester are just as bad as colds in the first trimester I have determined. You brain is sapped by the baby and your energy is sapped by the cold. I am really missing the second trimester....

The Pearl Street Scarf

2009-07-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all are wondering if I'm working on any new patterns for adults! Yes, I am. Here is one that is about to be finished.

The Pearl Street Scarf is a lace scarf knit sideways. I got the idea for it when I was out in Boulder, Co walking up and down Pearl Street window shopping. At that time, everyone was wearing a cloth scarf around their neck -- even some of the young men.

I was tempted to buy a scarf just to fit in. But then I realized, no, I needed to knit one! So here we are!

This is a fun knit that uses sock yarn and US #6 needles. I found it almost mindless and am eager to cast on another. For some reason mindless knitting is appealing to me right now....

It will be out soon... stay tuned!

Brown Bear Cardigan

2009-07-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Another wee little knit is off the needles for Baby John. This was so much fun to do. Little knits go so fast and are so rewarding.

Yarn: Wash Day Wool from Reynold's Kids Collection
100% Superwash Wool
This yarn is really soft once it is washed. Lovely!

Pattern: My own design for Baby John

Needles: #2
I have found that I really like knitting small gauges for babies.
Little arms and legs look so uncomfortable in big chunky knits.

The next one on my needles is a cute little yellow sweater for Baby John. It's going to be adorable! =)

Baby Leg Warmers

2009-07-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Check out Fig & Plum's newest FO -- the cutest baby leg warmers. Aren't they darling? It's a free pattern from I Knit, That's It. Oh, so cute. I think I've got to make some.... add that to the list.

Baby Knitting Planned

2009-07-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Well, since my last post we've been to Labor & Delivery Triage twice to stop premature contractions. This little boy wants to come out and experience summer I think. I'm on medication now and relegated to "house rest" although, thankfully, I'm not barred doing small things.

But all that activity has made me get my act together regarding Baby John's knitting. On the needles right now is a lovely chocolate brown cardigan. And, as you can see above, I've got grand plans for more. (Although, realistically, I know I won't get it all done.)

Bobby isn't too sure about all this new activity in Baby John's room. He's taken to sleeping under the crib with all his bones or sleeping in my chair in Baby John's room. I think Bobby is thinking the room is for him. Ha! Poor guy, we'll have to make sure the transition goes smoothly. He's so used to being the baby in the family.

Shibui Onesie

2009-07-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't this vintage baby onesie by Shibui adorable? Oh... all the things to knit in the next 7 weeks....

Getting Ready...

2009-07-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

I've got 7 weeks left until Baby John arrives! I can't believe it. Time has flown. Definitely the second trimester was a "babymoon" of sorts. Now I'm back to feeling foggy in the afternoon and totally drained around dinner time. But, I suppose that's normal. I'm getting eager to get this hot, squirmy basketball off my tummy -- I suppose that's normal too.

Little things have been arriving for Baby John. I just had to show you this adorable soaker from, I think, NancyL. Thank you so much Nancy! It's sooooo cute! I'm dying to know what pattern you used. Or did you make up your own? Do let us all know because it's just so cute.

Have a great Saturday. It looks like our Saturday will be a stormy one. But that means I don't have to water the garden! Hooray!

The Beach Street Knitting Society

2009-07-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm off for a bit of a read right now. I've been ordered to put my feet up for the rest of the afternoon and chill out. I had pretty intense contractions for 6 hours last night -- contractions that were for the most part 5 to 1 minute apart. I'm not supposed to be having those right now.

Two things I've decided since experiencing "contractions." 1 - it will be a lot better when I'm 39 - 20 weeks. Contractions when you are in your 32nd week are VERY stressful. 2 - the breathing bit that they teach you in childbirth class is a bunch of bunk. Sorry to be so strong about it. But I'm convinced it does nothing but exhaust you. Perhaps I'm not breathing correctly. I'll have to check with someone on that. Perhaps they have a "breathing" video somewhere online.

But, back to the book above. I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book, hoping against hope that it is really good. I'm on page 35 and I'm not so sure. I can't get into the story line. Has anyone else read it?

Happiness

2009-07-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happiness is waking up on a Friday morning and realizing you have the entire day to spend with your husband.

We took an early morning walk to Starbucks to sit & read & of course knit.

Bobby enjoyed the walking bit. But he's not too fond of the sitting bit. He hates to sit on concrete so I usually pull up a chair for him. I know it looks funny, but it makes him a little happier. He's always SOOO happy when we start walking home again.

Knitting In Public

2009-06-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I met my younger sister, Emily, for coffee and knitting at a local coffee shop. I was excited, it was finally an opportunity to sit down, relax, knit and chat.

So, there I am, knitting away and there is Em, knitting away, all was peachy. Except every time a cute guy came into the coffee shop Em's knitting dashed under the table to hide. It was hilarious!

"Em, what's up with the knitting?" I asked her. "I'm embarrassed to knit in public." OH MY! I nearly died laughing. I have never given it much thought. Of course I'm going to knit in public. Who cares what people think. If I have a chance to sit down, I'm going to knit - I've got a lot to knit.

Em ended up joining me in my laughter. I think she too saw how silly it is to be embarrassed about knitting in public. But, no matter, I love her anyway.

Do any of you have issues with knitting in public?

2009-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Isn't this yarn scrumptious? On Wednesday I noticed that the second shipment of Malabrigo Sockyarn, Color: 850 Archangel had arrived.

We haven't been able to keep this colorway in stock for very long. It really is extradinary in person.
I had to purchase one skein. Since then it has been adorning my "sweater bust" next to my desk. It is simply a work of art. The colors swirl together with such fluidity I am reminded of a watercolor painting.

I'm working on some really cute lace neck scarf patterns. Neck scarves have been the rage -- just look in the accessory department of Target, there are gobs of colors and styles to choose from. So far I have resisted buying one because, "Well, hello, shouldn't I be wearing a knitted one?" After all, I'm a knitter. We'll see if you all like them. The first one will debut soon!

happy knitting!

Circular Needle Cases

2009-06-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Blackberry Tree has done it again! She has created a wonderful tool for us knitters, circular needle cases.

I've always wanted something pretty to carry my circular needles in and now I have a very pretty case. I'm so excited.

The Blackberry Tree does not have anymore for sale right now on her etsy site. However, I'm sure you could talk her into pre-orders. Send her an email at: theblackberrytreeATgmailDOTcom (change AT & DOT to symbols).

Honestly, isn't this wonderful? I think I'm going to need at least three!

The Friday Night Storm

2009-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

JK and I had great plans on Saturday to organize our garage in the morning and then in the afternoon to ... rest!

Ha! That did not happen. Friday night a nasty storm flew in and huffed and puffed and blew a third of our pear tree down in our back yard.

We don't have many tools but we did have two hand saws. So we attacked the tree with vengeance.

Yep, me too! And before you knew it, the tree was in bundles for the trash and we were moving on to organize the garage.

We didn't get our rest time in. But it really is nice to have an organized, clean garage.

How does your garden grow?

2009-06-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

My garden is looking lush and green, thanks to all the wonderful rain we have been having and all the hard work we put in this past spring.

We have started to eat the green beans -- oh, they are so sweet and tender.

We have also been eating radishes and lettuce for quite a while now. I think it was definitely worth the effort, even though I questioned myself when we were digging out the clay.

Cherry Picking

2009-06-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Cherries are in season! Monday morning Heather called me up and said they were going cherry picking. Well, of course I wanted in on the fun. So off we went.

Upon arriving at the cherry trees the three oldest swarmed the only ladder available.

Poor little David was left on the ground wondering how he was going to get any cherries.

He contented himself by "driving" the tractor nearby. You can barely see him over the steering wheel.

What a happy boy!

We didn't pick a ton of cherries -- the trees had been well picked already. However, we got enough for a pie or maybe some preserves.

This afternoon I'm headed over to Heather's to made strawberry freezer jam and decide the fate of the cherries we picked.

Don't worry, I'm knitting. However the project I'm trying to work on right now is a secret project only to be unveiled this fall....

The Knitter's Book of Wool

2009-06-20T03:05:00.000-07:00

Clara Parkes was at the TNNA last weekend signing previews of her new book, "The Knitter's Book of Wool." The book is due to come out in October and is in the last stages of publishing.

OH, MY! I love it. Right now it is in my sun room for early morning reading with a big cup of tea. I love her preface - it is so inspiring. She makes you want to go and search out all the little CSA fiber farms and buy wool from them.

I haven't finished reading the book, but so far it has been an excellent introduction to understanding the structure of wool, plies, wollen vs worsted, and the different breeds of wool and how they differ. In the second section of the book she has lovely knitting patterns that showcase a certain wool's strength.

It is really an exciting book!

Happy Reading & Knitting and have a great weekend!

Baby John's Wedding Vest

2009-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Baby John's little gray vest for Bethany's wedding is finished. Bethany's wedding is 6 weeks after Baby John's due date so I really wanted to get this done and out of the way before any of the other knits I have planned for him.

I put a little opening in the back neck edge so that it would be easier to get over a baby's head. I need to look for a little gray button for this vest.

I used Wash Day Wool from Reynold's Kid's Collection and knit it on #2 needles. I have fallen in love with this wool. It was wonderful to work with and really soft after a soak in Eucalan.

I have plans to pick up more Wash Day Wool next week.

Well, back to the grind -- I have one more big design deadline before I officially can go on "maternity leave," and just concentrate on designs for Baby John.

Happy Knitting!

TNNA Market

2009-06-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

The grand exibition of the TNNA is, "The Market." Vendors go all out decorating their booths and showing their wares. Unfortunately, I found out that you are not supposed to take pictures, except of people. So the above photo was the only picture I have of beautiful knitted things from "The Market."

Not allowed to take pictures of the garments, I asked Nicki Epstein -- there to sign her newest book, "Knitting in Tuscany" -- to pose for me. Isn't she adorable? And isn't her scarf stunning? It's in her newest book!

My sister and I love to read Susan B. Anderson's blog so I couldn't wait to meet her in person. She was signing copies of her book and sharing tidbits of her new book, "Itty Bitty Toys" which is going to be released soon.

Last but not least I stopped by Alpaca With A Twist and saw my designs on display. I must admit that was an amazing moment. I had not one but three designs at the TNNA. I still don't think I'm walking on the ground yet.

Around 5: 15 I could no longer stand up. My feet hurt, my legs hurt and I was exhausted. So I said my goodbyes to Lin and Holly and the wonderful "Market" and headed out. My dear husband was waiting in the car to drive me home. Oh, I was so happy to sit down! Another TNNA passes.

Saturday Morning at the TNNA

2009-06-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning at the TNNA is usually characterized by waking up early, getting ready in a rush and heading out the door to find some sort of breakfast before you arrive at your 8 AM class. It's always a bit of a rush.

This time it was no different. Lin and I got up around 6:30 and were out the door by 7:15 to scrounge around for breakfast. For most people eating out is no problem. But for me, it's another story (I can't eat gluten).

We managed to find some yogurt and coffee at Einstein bagels. It just happened to be "THE" place to bump into people. Sally Melville was just passed us in line, coffee in hand. She stopped Lin and commented on her sweater (It was a Sally Melville sweater). I admit -- it's fun to bump into "Knitting Celebrities."

The class I took was on hand dying sock yarn. It was a ton of fun and well executed. I was inspired by our teacher's sense of color (the first picture) and amused by some of my fellow students' sense of color (below).

All in all it was a wonderful class.

As the last of the yarn I dyed steamed away I hurried off to the bathroom for a quick change. There was no way I would be caught dead wearing my grubbies to the TNNA Market.

TNNA - Friday

2009-06-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Despite two potty stops for the pregnant lady (me), Lin, Bonnie & I arrived in Columbus, OH. We were excited to say the least. The TNNA is always a time of inspiration for me. Although, it always, always, always goes by too fast. You really need to stay through Monday to see everything... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

We checked into our hotel, the lovely Hyatt, and changed from our travel clothes into something more suitable for a fashion show.

After browsing the "What's New" section we headed over to the fashion show. The fashion show was hysterical, complete with runway, lights and techno music! We found good seats -- approximately 4 rows from the front. We sat right behind Barry Klein & his mom Maria Klein (Barry Klein owns Trendsetter Yarns). Barry had two pieces in the fashion show.

Unfortunately I soon found out that it was REALLY difficult to take pictures of the models -- they were in constant motion. I laughed to myself several times as I watched them - depending on the fiber they were wearing, clouds of fluff would fly from their sweater and trail behind them in the air as they pranced down the runway.

Out of 103 pieces I saw three garments that made me think, "Wow!"

The Lagune Cardigan by Hanne Falkenberg

The Vancouver Olympic Sweater by Kristina Hjelde

The Gothic Snowfall Sweater - by Robin Melanson (Couldn't find a link)

Off To The TNNA

2009-06-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off to the TNNA tomorrow. I'm almost packed and ready to go. The last thing I needed to do was -- figure out which knitting projects I'm going to take with me. I narrowed it down to two, Baby John's gray cable vest & a new design project.

What's on the agenda at the TNNA?
8 AM I'm taking a dying class. We're going to focus on dying sock yarn, which should be a ton of fun.
10 AM -- hurry back to the hotel to change out of dying clothes
10:15 AM -- hit "The Market" -- the gigantic room filled with so many yarn companies, vendors, designers, indie dyers and knitters you instantly overwhelmed. Molli has given us a list of things to look for and buy. So, don't worry, we'll find some goodies to bring back to the shop.
12:15 PM -- Clara Parkes of "The Knitter's Book Of Wool" fame is signing aforementioned book. I have to dash over and meet her. I'm so excited about the book. I think it's now available for preorder.
1:oo PM -- Susan B. Anderson is signing her book "Itty-Bitty Hats" -- love her blog. She's a wonderful knitter
And that's just a taste of the day. I'm really hoping to meet or at least "see" Ysolda!

Bobby know something is up. He's been sitting by my bags just hoping all of the packing doesn't mean I'm going away. Poor doggie, he'll survive.

I shall return, my friends! Meanwhile, Happy Knitting!

Queen Anne's Cardigan in French

2009-06-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

This morning I received the nicest request in my email from Flora. The request was to publish my pattern in French for our fellow French knitters to enjoy. As a result, Queen Anne's Cardigan is now available in French! I can't wait to see some finished cardigans!

On another note, Flora did bring to my attention my failure to note in the pattern that the sleeves are worked in the round. The sleeves are worked in the round. You will want to pick up the sleeve stitches from the stitch holders on a 16" circular needle, place a marker and join in the round.

Also, on the edging: the pattern is a multiple of 10 stitches until Row 7, where you work an increase so that the BO edge is nice and stretchy!

I hope this helps everyone knit smoothly!
Happy Knitting!

What's In A Wool

2009-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Clara Parkes is coming out with a new book this fall (October '09). It looks like a must read and a must have. Not only does this book explain the characteristics of different wools, but she gives us 20 patterns that are specifically designed for particular wools! Doesn't that sound fascinating?

Potter Craft has a little blurb about the book and a link to pre-order the book. It also has a funny little quiz you can take to find out what Ewe you are most like! Ha! Guess what I am?

What Ewe are you?

Happy Monday everyone!

The Seaside

2009-06-05T02:44:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming of the seaside lately. It is a dream that befalls me every summer. The smell of the salt air, the cry of the gulls, the sound of the waves start playing over and over again in my mind as spring turns into summer.

We have no plans to visit the seaside this summer. But that doesn't mean I have to stop dreaming.

Last Friday my mom painted this picture for a wedding gift and I nearly died when I saw it. It was the seaside picture in my dreams. Can you just imagine sitting there and knitting? I almost begged her to keep it. But, alas, the picture was gifted away.

Absolutely Fried

2009-06-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it is because I am entering the third trimester of my pregnancy or because I have been so busy lately, but I am absolutely fried -- tired, exhausted, out of energy....

So, a few days ago I set up my office outside. I made a tray of tea, used my favorite tea cup, and sat on the back deck. It was blissful! I felt like I was on vacation, although, in reality I was getting work done.

In fact, I got so much done, I mapped out several baby items I am designing for Baby John. Don't worry, you all will be able to get your hands on these delightful little knitting patterns. I am planning on putting the collection of baby patterns together and publishing them as a little booklet. I think you'll enjoy them.

So, the moral of the story -- if you're exhausted and need a bit of a rest, indulge yourself and take the time to rest. You'll be so much more productive and so much happier!

PS - there is a story behind this tea cup. When I was 5 or 6 and had experienced a terrible day and was terribly down and out, my mother would pull out a blue willow cup just like this and another one that was a quarter of its size and make tea. My older sister and I and my mom would all sit down and have tea. For some reason having a cup of tea had a calming and inspiring affect on me.

Last Christmas my mom found a cup exactly like her grown up blue willow tea cup and gave it to me. It's my go-to cup when I need a bit of cheering up.

Knitting In Boulder, CO

2009-06-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

So, to continue with the Boulder, CO adventure.... here is the knitting side of the expedition.

JK and I were staying with JK's college buddy, still a bachelor and a hiking fanatic. I love to hike and walk but on the second day, being 6 months pregnant and still adjusting to the altitude, I was tired.

So I took the day off from hiking and walked around Boulder. It is a charming little town -- I adored Pearl Street -- who wouldn't? Unfortunately the knitting shop (Gypsy Wools) within walking distance to Pearl Street was closed. I was soooooo disappointed.

In the middle of my shopping spree it began to rain. I ducked into a coffee shop and spent the afternoon knitting and reading a really neat fashion article in the recent Atlantic Monthly.

The boys came back, eventually, from their hike and picked me up. When they heard about my Gypsy Wools misadventure they took pity on my and dropped me off at Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins -- I had 15 minutes to look around before it closed!

Can you believe it? 15 minutes? I nearly died, but I was thankful they had taken me there in the first place.

I found some sock yarn from Pagewood Farm that I had never seen before. This picture does not do it justice, there is a tinge of purple in the orange -- quite lovely. It is hand dyed in CA -- not from CO, unfortunately, but it would have to do in this circumstance.

On another note, I saw this bag while walking around Boulder the first morning we were there. I just adore it and am planning on making one for myself. It is a basket bag, embroidered in wool. Absolutely a stunner!

Happy Knitting!

Queen Anne's Cardigan

2009-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

I adore lace shawls. They seem to evoke an era when life was slower. (Couldn't we all use a bit of that right now). When friends would gather for afternoon tea in a shady garden or dress up to hear a concert in the park.

Honestly, I long to wear a shawl dripping with delicate lace and not feel out of place. Perhaps, someday, I will be able to do that. Meanwhile, I have designed a cardigan with a deep lace collar and flowing sleeves to mimic the drape and feel of a fine lace shawl.

The lace collar and sleeves reminded me of one of my favorite summer flowers -- Queen Anne's Lace. So, in honor of that noble flower, I named this sweater, "Queen Anne's Cardigan."

And on another note -- I am offering this pattern to you free of charge. Times are tough right now and everyone's budget is a little stretched so hopefully it helps to have a free pattern.

But the one thing that I would ask is -- please purchase yarn for this sweater from your local yarn shop rather than the internet. Our wonderful local yarn shops could all do with a bit of a boost right now. So download the pattern and hit your local yarn store.

Happy Knitting!

Back from Boulder, CO

2009-05-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here I am, back in Indiana, sipping iced coffee (decaf of course - for Baby John's sake) and sweating buckets. I can barely believe this picture was taken on Sunday. Oh, the wonders of travel.

JK and I had a nice time in Boulder, CO. I had never been that far west (I'm from the east coast originally). I was fascinated by the arid/desert-like climate coupled with the snowy mountains. What a contrast.

Yes, I did hike and I did very well (although I say so myself) for being 6 months pregnant. It took me a day to get used to the altitude and I hiked a bit slower than JK and his friend, David. But I enjoyed it!

I did get a 10 minute visit to a yarn shop -- I'll post about that tomorrow....

Lacey Temptaion Cardigan

2009-05-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

Just before I left last week I finished and mailed out the next design for Alpaca With A Twist.
It is the Lacey Temptation Cardigan.

I LOVE this cardigan. Temptation (Baby Alpaca & Silk) makes the feel and drape of this cardigan seem so elegant and rich. Because the yarn has a lot of drape I went with another a-line design and a loose feel. The lace collar down the front is accented by the garter stitch body, making this a fun knit. You have relaxing rows between two lace & cable panels.

The best part is .... this cardigan is entirely seamless! Yes! No sewing, no seaming. It all starts at the lace panel at the back of the neck and the yoke is picked up from there. It's magic!

Want to knit it? Have your local yarn store contact Alpaca With A Twist for the pattern!
Happy Knitting!

Graduation

2009-05-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Bethany & Rusty

The end of May always seems to be a whirl of graduations and open houses. This May is no exception.

Bethany (JK's sister and the youngest of the Wall siblings) graduated Summa Cum Laude from Geneva College this past Saturday.

JK & I, Andrew & Alecia, Mom & Dad Wall and Bethany's fiance's family all traveled out to PA to celebrate her graduation.

All the Wall girls wore hats to the graduation. I loved Mom Wall's hat, which she decorated herself.
Yep, I'm the tallest Wall girl (and the only Wall girl with brown hair)! =(

The boys looked just as grand all dressed up.

Bethany looked so grown up in her cap & gown and all her ribbons.

After graduation, changing and checking out of our hotel, we drove to a lovely restaurant where we all celebrated Bethany's big day by eating these enormous hamburgers. This was a Pittsburger with french fries & coleslaw slapped on top. It's fun to see what different regions do with their food. We all were so hungry most of us had a clean plate at the end of the meal. Can you believe it?

Did I get any knitting done? Oh, yes! My hands were busy the seven hours out and almost all of the seven hours back home. I'm working on a new pattern I think you all are going to love. AND the best part of this pattern is..... it will be a free PDF download for the first few months!

Summer Knitting

2009-05-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

For me, summer knitting evokes visions of light and airy lace. Lace shawls are perfect for putting a little pizazz in a sundress or wearing on a breezy evening in June.

Lace is also great for knitting in hot weather. The light yarn doesn't weigh heavy in your lap as you are knitting.

These two books are my new favorite lace books. Knitting Lace Triangles is the design guide to triangular lace shawls. Evelyn Clark works her magic and makes designing lace shawls easy to understand.

The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting is a treasure trove of old lace patterns you rarely see today. There is a lace tea tablecloth in this book that is going to become Baby John's baptism shawl -- it's simply stunning.

So, if you haven't ventured into lace knitting -- start an easy project this summer. You won't regret it. If you're an avid lace knitter -- you know what I mean!

Happy Knitting!

The Clara Dress

2009-05-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

I finished The Clara Dress last week but didn't have time to post about it. I loved knitting it and would love to do it again. However, I think little boy things are next in my knitting line up.

I ordered the pattern and yarn from TUTTO -- they were very helpful.

The dress is knitted out of Isager Alpaca 2 and I would definitely suggest using it. It is a dream to work with. It's nice to knit with a high-quality yarn that is reasonably priced. I loved the drape of the yarn as well as the softness.

Don't worry -- I'm not going to put Baby John in a dress. It was just a "must knit" kind of knit.