Clapotis - modeled photos coming soon

..because the kids are still sleeping...

EVERYONE except for me must have finished a Clapotis...well, not anymore!

This Knitty pattern has sucked many a knitter in. I've stalked the Clapotis on blogs and read the woes of those who have began knitting it. Those testaments kept me at bay for a very long while.

Last month I spied a skein of Schaeffer Yarns Laurel in a small LYS. This skein had been fondled by me before and it drew me in again. Surprising because I am not a huge fan of cotton - especially mercerized cotton. On top of all of that, the colorway was Judy Garland - a garish display for my tastes. Yet...it called to me (heh heh, you see where this is going). That skein and a friend of it's followed me home.

Over the weekend, the yarn crawled out of my yarn pile and sat on the table in front of me. We looked at each other for awhile...it screamed Clapotis! I resisted, knowing full well that the color strands would lead to pooling...it screamed back - CLAPOTIS!

I cast-on.

I now own a beautiful finished Clapotis! It is marvelous and drapey. This yarn was the perfect choice for me. The colors remind me of tye-dye...and I love them...yes, even the pooling! Best of all, this will be the perfect beach accessory - I will take pictures to prove it.

So...proceed with the photos but be warned: the following is not for the faint of heart. If you are

extremely adverse to pooling, get out now --- while you still can...

2 skeins Schaefer Yarns Laurel 100% mercerized pima cotton - Judy Garland; sz 7 needles

Catching up on the unfinished objects

The floor of my home office is covered with knit-things that are drying. The blocking process doesn't usually get away from me. A wonderfully knitted piece needs to be blocked to achieve it's ultimate glory.

This week has been both frustrating and enlightening. The Icarus Shawl that I am making from Briar Rose Forth of July progressed and I am ready to begin the final 20-some rows...I ran out of yarn. Google helped me determine that many knitters have started Icarus and few of those who have finished posted about their final yardage. I did find one site that seemed to support reasons for my dismay - she used 900 yards before the final chart! The goal will be to finish this shawl and weigh it for final yardage and then try to cut out some of those repetitive rows on the first chart to make this a manageable knit.

Project withdrawl nearly set it...but I had planned to finish up a few things once Icarus was...um...complete? The Tilly Garden Shawl needs to have the knitted on border . I love this shawl. This is my first knit on border and I didn't do the math prior to getting to it. It has turned out well and the final corner is nearing. Tilly sat on my lap most of yesterday evening and family began talking to me, rows were taken out, Tilly was put aside. This may be finished today.

The Blocking

Zip neck vest knit from Blue Sky Alpacas Cotton - Navy: Began before vacation, dreaded until now. The front and back are finished and there is not much left to do.

Multi Directional Scarf knit from Rowan Tapestry: Finished months ago

Yet to block: Bugg's Eyelet Cardigan knit from Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton

...Oh, I wasn't really smoking that cigar (at least, I don't remember smoking it). That is a funny photo from our family trip to Washington, Vancouver, Victoria a few years ago.

Tea Rose Tank and Eyelet Cardigan-modeled

These knits have been finished for some time and Bugg slowed down enough today to run by the camera!

Tea Rose Tank - modified from the Tea Rose Halter in the 2007 Summer Interweave Knits.

Made from Blue Sky Alpaca's Cotton Color 627 Flamingo. Small post info here

Eyelet Cardigan - Made from Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton Color 81 Sand

I asked for a silly shot and wanted to share this last photo

...and then she was off to play tennis again!

Screwing up my knitting

THE SHAWL

Thrill overtook me when Chris asked for a sample in her Fourth of July. It is a shawl pattern I have wanted to knit and just haven't properly prioritized in my knitting projects.

The 2 hanks of yarn were fabulous, but not dead-on matches as those of us who love to knit with hand painted fiber know. This is something I know about, the precise moment when this fact burned itself into my brain is lost to me - but I KNOW.

Excitement over took me and I cast-on and knit and knit and knit some more. 3 days - 550 yards all knit wooohooo I was moving fast...(insert screeching halt here)! I realized that the second skein was not a dead-on match - big surprise? No...shock was not one of the emotions that I felt. Anger with myself was what I felt because I knew - I KNEW.

Gracious Chris offered to send more yarn so I didn't have to rip out 550 yards of progress (she's so sweet). Freshly through my meltdown, realization hit that if I did not do this right, it would haunt me all my knitting days (and I plan to have many of these). Out came the knitting - with out alcohol, I might add.

My original goal was to have this to Chris by the time she goes to Iowa...I am into the 3rd/5 repeat for the first chart...I think I can.

IMPORTANCE

Kristy sent an e-mail earlier this week. She made my scarf for ISE3 and I have been so thankful for her friendship. She has had medical events for a long while and I am praying for her - please take a second and put her in your thoughts.

Last but not least

...a picture of Darby. I know, he needs a haircut!

Intestinal Fortitude and the New Neighbor

OMG! I am so astonished that I put down my knitting (gasp) and came to share my new neighbor with you.

The back story: We live in a newly (last 5 years) developed area with 12 lots. It is arranged in a 'court' type area with a 5 acre pond on each side so nearly all of the homes have pond in their 'back yard'. The area used to be a gravel pit long, long ago. Up until last summer we were one of 2 homes and the other lots were unoccupied.

This is a small community where families have raised their families, have raised their families. We've been here for 4 years and are still 'outsiders'. Kids from all over the town have always come to these ponds to swim and I believe they always will. I know a woman who swam here growing up and she is 50 years old!

The back sides of the ponds are undeveloped and owned by one family who are smart enough to realize that the kids are going to come and they don't stop them as long as they are congenial. If foul language has been expressed, the kids have always apologized for offending and returned to an acceptable disposition.

Enter the new neighbors: They are middle aged retirees and have built many-a-quality-home in this neck of the woods. This is meant to be their final resting place (no pun intended) and they are also building their daughter a house next door to them. I heard that their other daughter built the house across the street and just moved in...not a tight-knit (pun intended) neighborhood, ya see?

The new neighbors (she a retired teacher) have grown children and apparently have forgotten that kids are kids. They DO NOT like kids swimming in any part of the 5 acre pond they back up to...

Sidebar: I really saw this coming and thought the community kids would have gained revenge last Halloween

The new neighbors cont'd: Up until now, it has been pretty low-key where my 14-year old son and his friends are concerned. He has good friends, I know them. They are respectful and helpful and pretty funny to listen to. Awhile ago, my doorbell rang and the new neighbor (wife) stood at my door. I must say, her body language and twisted face gave it away - she was upset!

Me: Hell......
NN: (interrupting the greeting and talking loudly) Is your son one of the boys back there swimming?
Me: Yes, he is with two of his friends. Is ther......
NN: Do you know what kind of kids he is spending time with? (no breath) AND he is on private property!
Me: I know his frie...
NN: The one with a beard is using filthy language
Me: My son and his friends are 14 - they do not have beards. Many many kids go swimming back there. (glancing over her shoulder, I see at least 2 cars which had transported kids to swim) It is a big pond, they are not with those kids. I will take care of my son and his friends getting on the private property, they shouldn't be doing that - I apologize.
NN: WELL, you should be more concerned with the company your son keeps

(ok, I'm getting pissed!)

Sidebar: At this point, my son's two friends are coming up the driveway, my son is coming across the street to avoid walking on anyone's yard...smart kid! Meanwhile, NN is hastily retreating down my driveway while yelling various parenting tips over her shoulder. She gets to the curb by my mailbox and turns and yells that I need to...

Me: Kids have always come here and they always will. Maybe you should have taken that into consideration before building your house.
NN: Those ki...
Me: (finally raising my voice a small tad) Don't stand at the street yelling at me, go home
NN: Now I know where your son gets it!

Summary: Ok, she got the last word. Seriously, I am amused. She was a teacher? No wonder our school system leaves much to be desired.

Anyway, the boys filled me in (and I saw beard-boy scramble to a car). A couple of the other kids did choose to use foul language after being chased down and harassed by said NN. 'My kids' were talked to and told that is not a way to resolve anything...they already knew that. Beard Boy and Cousin of Beard Boy remain unknown to 'my kids'. Must have been a random swim-by. 'My kids' will not again rest on any 'private property' (the ponds are not part of their land deed). Just for good measure, they also will not go onto the shore on NN's 'side of the pond'.

As for the NN; I guess we won't be exchanging birthday cards and I'm going to look out this Halloween. They were lucky last year, but you know those kids are going to get even...kids are kids.

Hmmm, I'll bet NN would be nicer if she knew how to knit!

Knitting - past, present, future

So....I tagged Wanda last week and she graciously meme'd (which I found very interesting) and then posted an 'inventory' of her own. I'm intrigued and decided to be tagged myself:

Bold for stuff you've done, italics for stuff you plan to do eventually and normal for stuff you don't intend to do.

As a knitter, I reserve the right to change my mind and cast-on something not planned at any time in the future!

Afghan (only half finished)
I-cord
Garter stitch (sworn off due to the boredom factor)
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up (tried it, honestly - I didn't GET it)
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up

Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL (Briar Rose)
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn

Domino knitting
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with Bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn—soy blend
Cardigan
Toy/Doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
baby items

Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (I don't even know what this is - say Google!)
Continental Knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit

American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with Alpaca
Fair Isle Knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors (does grass stain count?)
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars

Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living (otherwise, I will never use a portion of my stash)
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn

Steeks (yes, I'm planning...yikes!)
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously-Why??Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured Knitting
Kitchener Bind Off
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching!!!!!!

Long Tail CO-that's what I use the most!
Entrelac
Knitting and Purling Backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegated yarn-umm, can you say socks!!
Stuffed Toys
Knitting with Cashmere (still trying to figure out if there was really cashmere in it)
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn

Writing a pattern
Gloves (They were great gifts!)
Intarsia
Knitting with Linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows

Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/Bolero/Poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public (before it was cool)

Lutea Lace - Shoulder Shell modeled

Ask and you shall receive! Doulicia has been thinking of making this pattern from 2007 Summer Interweave Knits.

I adjusted the size to a 38" by adding 8 stitches at cast on.

After working the decreases, I had 60 stitches left (which was the number for a size 40").

I worked the short rows as noted and finished according to the size 40 schematics. When working the lace shoulders, there were not enough stitches for a complete repeat (I believe it was one stitch short). The pattern is such that I just worked the last 2 stitches (instead of 3)as called for (*k3 became k2 for row 1; k3 tog became k2 tog for row 2). After the first 4 rows, there was the correct number of stitches. Also, for the Left-back shoulder, I reversed the order of the stitches and worked backward i.e. Row 1: k3 (2)*, yo, k1...(don't forget, you are one stitch short on this side too~repeat what you did for the right-back shoulder).

After accomplishing the first two shoulders, I just repeated what I had done for the front two shoulders.

You can do it Doulicia!! E-mail me if you get stuck.

Back to creativity

The idea of knitting lace shawls appeals to me. I can become fanatically passionate when something creative sits on my mind for awhile. I have books, needles, and have amassed many skeins of yarn ideal for knitting lacy shawls.

There is the Tilly Garden Shawl that I have nearly complete. My first stab at knitting a lace border on - it is going well, but has been pushed aside. Chris asked for a sample for her shows and that has been finished and delivered. It was a joy to make and I am sorry not to have taken a photo of it before hesitantly handing it over to her last weekend.

It is not surprising to me that I picked up the yarn, pattern, AND needles for this Feather and Fan shawl while visiting Charleston, SC last month. It was destiny and the stitches were cast-on before we returned to our villa that evening. I've continued to work on it since returning home. I am content to finish a few rows and peruse the wonderful memories we created on such a fantastic adventure.

O~Wool

A LYS had stocked O~Wool Balance. It is 50% organic merino and 50% organic cotton. The colors were fabulous and I decided on the Lutea Lace pattern in the 2007 Summer Interweave Knits. The yarn is dreamy and blocked beautifully. The pattern has some issues and will no doubt have errata published, but if you are comfortable with your knitting, you will be able to figure out where they went wrong. I used size 7 needles and less than 4 skeins of yarn.

My needlepoint has gone by the wayside. After visiting Theresa last week, I decided to shock her and get to work on my bargello pillow. I finished all of the boring stitches and only have the varying, exciting ones left. At this rate I will have my first finished needlepoint project finished by July 4th - I don't count the eyeglass kit I made for my mom a few years back.

All in all, the decrease in work has much improved my spirits and allowed me to return to my creativity. I'm hauling butt to finish one more work in progress because Chris asked for another sample...and it is a pattern I have long wanted to knit!

Acck! I've been tagged

Kristy tagged me and I'm ok with that. Just remember - these are Random facts, not interesting facts, knitting facts, or top-secret facts.

Each person who is tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Here we go:

1. I have more yarn in my stash than a handful of retail yarn shops that I have visited. I'm not proud or ashamed of this fact, but realize that it does give me lots of options.

2. I have a tatoo. I got it to celebrate my 30th birthday and it is about the size of a nickel and unseen by most. People who know me would be very surprised by this, me thinks.

3. My dream career growing up was to be a Veterinarian. I have a passion for all animals. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 hamster, and 1 canary (that sings).

4. One pet peeve is to 'love and keep animals, but do not EVER smell them'

5. I have never smoked or tried to

6. I have tried quilting, crochet, scrapbooking, sewing, card making, rug hooking, needlepoint, weaving, cross stitch, basketweaving, and knitting. The ONLY things I totally enjoyed were weaving (I bought a loom) and knitting (my passion, see fact #1).

7. I collect teapots

I am tagging the following people because I read their blogs and would like to know more about them:

1. Tomme
2. Corinne
3. Chris
4. Anne
5. Soyezforte
6. Wanda
7. Dame Wendy

Knitting as fast as I can

It's hard to hold knitting needles and a beer glass at the same time. If you are accustomed to seeing photos of my yarn, the newest cast-on item, or a finished object - I guarantee you will be disappointed in this post. Just to clarify, I have new yarn and cast-on objects, but I have not been taking photos of them.

Hubs and I snuck off for a little R & R- without the kids! At 17yrs and 14yrs, we have never left and went on vacation without them unless they were visiting with their biological father, which was not often. We celebrated our monumental birthdays this year - me, 40; him, 50 - by waifing our way through our favorite part of the South.

After nearly missing our flight, we landed in Savannah, GA to pick-up our rental and we were STARVING!!! No time to be fussy so we drove to the historical area and landed at the Moon River Brewing Company. Fortunately, their food was as good as their beer! We were able to visit with friends from my previous workplace and went on a carriage tour through the squares in Savannah.

Our next stop led us to the Isle of Palms, SC for 3 days. It is very near Charleston and we spent most of our time roaming the streets and eating at fabulous restaurants. Neither of us had been to Charleston before and it is one of my favorite places that we've ever visited. The weather was in the mid-80's every day and the flowers were everywhere!

We enjoyed our trip to Magnolia Plantation and spent a lot of time going through the gardens.

During our travels through Charleston, I happened across one of the most fabulous yarn stores I've ever seen - Knit. If you are a knitter and in the area, you MUST visit this store. It alone made me want to relocate! My Hubs had promised to be patient and not rush me. He held to his word and sat patiently in the seating area - with another not-so-patient-husband -and read the paper. I'm telling you, this store was designed with husbands in mind.

Mid-week we packed our sandals and headed to Hilton Head Island, SC - our regular stomping ground. We usually visit SC during the steamy months of July and August. I enjoy the humidity of the summer, but the weather in April was a real treat, too. We walked on the beach a lot and ate at our favorite places. By the second day, we were looking through the local papers for jobs (like always).

By the end of the week, it was time to head back to Savannah for an EXTREMELY early flight home. Our last night in Savannah was much like our first day there. We found The Sixpence Pub!!! We bellied up to the bar for a refreshment, or two...or three...(we were walking, not driving). It was dinner time and the food was delicious! On the way back to our hotel, we ran into Capt'n Morgan and I took his photo!

I'm pretty sure it was him - see the resemblance?

I hated to come home, but there were no viable job leads and a work conversion was in the works. We jumped on our plane and headed back north to Michigan : (

Yarn and knitting? I took loads of yarn and bought a load more at Knit in Charleston. I did knit a little, finished nothing. I'm pretty sure that there will be numerous finished items flying through my blog pages in the upcoming days.

A lacey tank, birthday surprise, and my mother-in-law

My late mother-in-law could grow African violets like there was no tomorrow. I was blessed with a green thumb, but those blessings failed me where these fickle flowers were concerned. Shortly after my mother-in-law passed away, we moved to Michigan. While shopping for the new house necessities, I passed the plant department and was drawn toward a tiny African violet plant. I immediately picked it up, added it to the cart, and took it home with me. It was named 'Maxine' after my husband's mother. For three years, Maxine thrived and honored me with blooms aplenty until the day came when she needed to be moved to a bigger pot. Six months passed and I continued to care for Maxine, but she didn't bloom. Recently, I spied sprouts and have been patiently waiting to share her blooming beauty. I feel like I've been blessed with a visit from a long - missed friend!

Bugg's tea rose tank is finished. She won't stay still long enough for a photo, so here is a shot of it by itself -- It is adapted from the Tea Rose Halter in Interweave Knits Summer 2007. It knit up quickly single-stranded on size 11 and 13 needles. I used Blue Sky Alpaca cotton. Bugg really likes this tank and she is pretty picky! Better pictures coming soon.

How much more loved could I feel? My dad went shopping for my birthday present...no joke - my dad found The Craft of Cable Stitch Knitting by Barbara Walker! What more could a knittin' girl want? My dad is the best and he supports my obsession even if he doesn't understand it - I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

The Easter Bunny Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Happy Easter!



I love Easter - it signifies upcoming delights. The singing birds, blooming flowers, and budding trees. Plus, it means my birthday is soon to arrive! All of those things (except the impending birthday) have been postponed by old Mr. Winter. It has been snowing for DAYS...true, it does not accumulate, but it is still snowing. Cold creeps through my bones and a tub of hot water is the only thing to whisk it away.

My knitting has slowed somewhat, but there are a few new things to share. The multi-directional scarf is finally finished and will be blocked soon. I borrowed Corinne's theory and cast on 40 stitches. I used 2 balls of Rowan Tapestry and had maybe 12" left over - perfect

A finished baby hat snuck off the needles and to the expectant Grandmother before having it's picture taken (darn).

I grabbed some Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton, cast on, and started a Tea Rose Tank for Bugg. The pattern is from Interweave Summer 2007.

She spied a model in a not-so-LYS and fell in love. I am single stranding the Cotton (pattern calls for 4 strands of something and how manageable is THAT!). Bugg's version will also be a tank instead of the halter. Again, due to someone else's imagination-not my own. Have you spied the Tilli Thomas Disco Lights? I walked away with this little purchase as well -

Hopping back to the Tea Rose photo - If you look really hard, you can see my stitch marker. I was so surprised and absolutely elated to receive a gift from my warm-weather friend, Kristy. She showered me with Lisa Souza yarn that I have been longing to try, gorgeous stitch markers made by her own talented self, and the adorable candle holders in the 'opening photo' above.

Up next: The Fiber Event to visit Chris' Briar Rose booth. Stop by our KAL and check out some of the fiber I will be after!

Grins and giggles

Yes, I finally ironed a white shirt and took my vest to work with me. The colors are very nice together - 2 different colors of Briar Rose Earth Song worked well together.

One last picture of me with my braces...after 3 L O N G years, they come off on Monday!

Chris will begin her summer tour soon - be sure to check her schedule for an opportunity to appreciate her work in person. I am working on a plan to get to one of the shows myself. She has ruined me for all other fiber and I can't get enough!

My shawl was bound off and the edging is coming along nicely. Honestly, this is my first knit on lace edging for a shawl and I did not feel much like doing math to figure out how to get around the corners. The first corner has been accomplished and will block out nicely. I made notes so the other corners should be fine. For projects in the future I will probably take the time to figure it all out beforehand if only to relieve the stress around wondering.


Bugg's camera has been spending more time with me than with her. A new camera has been on my list for quite awhile, but there is always one feature or another that seems to be missing. When downloading my photos, I found this last shot of her and her Pop. The picture makes me smile whenever I see it and it needs to be shared.

We have wacky senses of humor and the grins are welcomed daily - the things the kids come up with are priceless!

When friends knit you socks

What does it take for someone to knit something for you?

This picture was taken from my favorite knitting spot on our couch. I'd been feeling under the weather and was feeling extremely pitiful for myself when I looked up and realized that I must be very lucky. My friend, Mitzi, knit me these socks that I call 'good-n-plenty'. I loved those socks from the moment she cast-on...and they ended up being for me!

I'm going out on a limb here, but I can only remember two people ever knitting something for me - Kristy, my ISE3 knit pal, knit me an incredible scarf - and Mitzi knit me these socks.

Knowing how much effort and time go into handcrafting such wonderful gifts make them even more precious to receive.

So, there I was, with my feet up, in front of a fire, candles lit, happy thoughts, knitting in my hands, and a smile on my face to think of how lucky I am to have a friend who cares enough to knit something just for me!

Finished Legend sweater

I struggled to finish the sleeves...the front and back progressed quickly, but knitting both sleeves at the same time has positive points and negative. The negative being that it seems to take so dang long to finish and see results. Not to worry, I am SO pleased with this sweater and it is one of my most favorites!

After beginning to knit this with Legend, I worried that I may not have enough and ordered another batch...I've joked that I have enough of this yarn to make an entire wardrobe. So, I've started my shawl which was my original intention for this yarn.

Everyone was out of the house this morning, but I was able to take a few shots with the camera on timer.

My first Socks That Rock shipment came last week. The colorway is Monsoon and has greys, greens, and browns -VERY nice!

Negligence on my part posting the FABULOUS socks that Mitzi made me for Christmas! This is a teaser because the photos were taken on Bugg's camera and I haven't downloaded the files yet...a little something to look forward to for my next post!

Multidirectional scarf

This yarn hasn't been in stash long. A few months ago, Corinne knocked my socks off with a posting of her version on her blog. I've been reading her blog for a few months now and love the way she chooses to use color.

As luck would have it, I have the EXACT same yarn and colorway she used which is fabulous. I wanted to experiment first with this Rowan Tapestry that seems to be a colorway that my mom will absolutely love - shade 171 which they call Rainbow.

This will be a FO before I know it!

Earth Song Lace Vest

This pattern came from Louisa Harding's Modern Classics. I love this book because the patterns are timeless and are arranged by yarn weight. I adapted the neckline and length a bit because I plan to wear it over a crisp, white shirt (if I ever get one ironed...the dry cleaner never gets the collar right!) Anyway, once I iron the shirt - I will, I promise - and get someone to snap the photo, I will post the picture.

Thank goodness I finished something!

For my next amazing feat, I will be finishing the sleeves to my 'v' neck sweater knit out of Briar Rose Legend...remember? (I know, it looks blurry)

I've also procured some of Chris' fabulous Grace. Once again, she amazes me! 60% superwash, merino, 30% bamboo, 10% nylon. I have the perfect shawl pattern chosen.

Birthdays

I've been pondering - How is it that I became old enough for my baby to turn 14 years old? The time truly does fly...

As luck would have it, we were in Chicago last weekend. It was a much needed break and the weather cooperated wonderfully. We did the art, we went to the ice rink, shopped, but mostly ate. I love the anonymity that the city brings and always feel right at home.

Yes, I found a yarn store...or two. Strangely enough, I didn't really want any yarn. All of the handpainted was measured against Chris' Briar Rose and just didn't cut it for me. I did find those buttons for the Making Tracks Cardigan and will post a photo soon. They are sewn on, but I am protesting my camera. Bugg was gifted with a new camera for Christmas and it has spoiled me. There is definitely a trip to Circuit City coming up in my near future!

It was sad to have to come home, and reluctantly, we schlepped back into the small town groove.

My other baby is having a birthday in a few weeks. Bugg will be 17! My goodness, I have been blessed!

Stopped dead in making my tracks (cardigan, that is)

Remember my Making Tracks Cardigan? Well, it is almost finished.

The only thing missing are the buttons. I know what size, I know they should be hand made out of cherry wood. I have not been able to find buttons that fit the bill.

So, the photos get posted because I need to know something is being finished. I will continue on my hunt for the buttons.

A trip to Chicago is in our near future and maybe I will try to find Corinne's LYS...I always need new yarn