Notice anything different?

That's right. I changed the color of the provisional cast on. That red color was just wrong. Really bothered me. Made the colors of the actual yarn really difficult to see.

Then I thought I might as well correct the gauge since I was starting over anyway. And I was able to use a longer needle that I just happened to have in the bigger size. And this time it only took about an hour to do the 441 stitch cast on. I'm really getting the hang of that one.

When I first noticed that my gauge wasn't what it was supposed to be I figured it wouldn't matter since it's a shawl. Then I realized it did matter since my row gauge was about 2 shy per inch and the shawl would come out too short. Since I'm decreasing four stitches every other row there was no way I could just keep on knitting until it was long enough. Of course I'd worked a few more rows before I figured that one out. So now I have four rows done.

I was also informed that Easter is on the 8th of April. Whose idea was that? So this might just become the May Day Shawl.

The color is better in the photo, especially of the provisional cast on.

And forsaking all others

at least for now. Forget the Aran, the socks and all the other projects I've started.

Remeber the eight skeins of Koigu I got last Saturday? this is what I got it for. The color is totally washed out. That dark pink/red line you see is the provisional cast on, all 441 stitches. Took me over two hours just to do that. And I've worked about twenty rows. There are fewer stitches now but there are still lots. I'm hoping to make a big dent in that today.

My friend S made this using some Jitterbug and it's really smashing. I don't think I have enough of the Jitterbug that I got and haven't found the other two skeins I bought that I think are the same colorway. I'm making mine a little larger that she did. I think my daughter is about 40 stitches larger.

The ruffle goes on last. That's not the ruffle in the photo, just a lot of stitches bunched up on a too short needle. I hope I don't run out of yarn. If I do I'll make a coordinated ruffle and pretend that's the way it was supposed to be. I'd like to finish by Easter. We'll see how good my attention span is.

Little Jack Horner

wouldn't be happy. The westher is causing me some problems. Yesterday the high was only 58°F and it rained a bit just to make things worse. I think it's the weather although it could just be that my arthritis has racheted up a bit. My left thumb is really hurting this morning. Right in the joint where the thumb meets the hand. I can bend it but at a price. I worked on some socks yesterday and had to do my best to keep my thumb straight. Given my technique that was hard to do. I should probably take a couple of days off but that's not likely to happen. After all, that's why they invented ibuprophen. Not going to be pulling out any plums for a while.

I know I'm behind the curve on this but I just listened to my first podcast. That's not strictly true. I did listen to parts of one that a friend had on her i-pod. I don't have an i-pod so I listened on my computer. I could probably get hooked on this. (How do you write that anyway? ipod, iPod, i-pod?)I read wabi-sabi every day. She has a series of podcasts called Purl Diving. You can link from her blog. I love her laugh.

I've been trying to teach my cat to speak English. I have to admit though that there hasn't been much progress. Sometimes he will say mmm-keh which I think means okay. That's usually right after I've told him to wait a minute. His only other word is more of a whine than a word. That's also usually after I've told him to wait a minute. Other than that it's pretty much body language. And the constant meowing he's doing this morning isn't making any sense at all. I gave him some treats but that didn't seem to be what he wanted. I brushed him some but that wasn't it. He doesn't want to play string. It will be lots easier when he learns a few more words.

I'm so confused!

It's Saturday, right? I was convinced it was for nearly half an hour this morning when I first woke up. There's not much difference between Tuesday and Saturday for me. The cat wakes me around 4:30 or 5. It's dark. I worked yesterday so this could be Saturday. I don't have anything planned for today. I went to bed early which I frequently do on Fridays 'cause I'm usually worn out by then. Everything pointed to Saturday.

I had turned on the radio and heard one of the annoucers talking about what was going to be on his program this evening. My first thought was that someone had put on the wrong recording. That happens a lot on that station. But then I began to think, maybe it's not Saturday. But what day is it? Obviously I figured it out and I do have something planned for today.

Later today I'm going to take my swift and ball winder to a friend's house to help him wind a truck load of yarn for an afghan he's making for the bedroom he's decorating for this year's Showcase House. I hope he makes it.

And furthermore! I heard this is the first day of spring. It's more like winter. I had to get out my heavy coat when I went for my walk. It's dark and gloomy. Hard to believe it was 97F here a couple of weeks ago. Guess I'll go turn on some lights and knit for a while.

From the ridiculous to the sublime

or the other way around, depending on your point of view.

It was a busy and fantastic weekend starting with an evening of hilarious juggling and commentary by The Flying Karamozov Brothers at Cal Tech's Beckman Auditorium. I'd heard of these guys and seen a short clip on some TV program years ago. They're amazing, not only with their juggling, but their sense of humor.

At the other end of the spectrum was a trip to see Tannhauser. I haven't been to a live opera in maybe twenty years and have never seen a live Wagner performance. This one was worth it. Thanks to my friend E for a wonderful Sunday afternoon.

And in between that there was the sale at Unraveled.



Eight skeins of Koigu and four of Colinette Jitterbug. Not only was it 30% off but I had gift certificates from my birthday that offset about half the purchase price. I think I have two skeins of the Jitterbug already that I'll add to this for a shawl. The Koigu is also for a shawl. My friend L (of L&H fame) is making the Spanish Dancer shawl and I want to make one like it. I just have to find out how many more stitches to add to the original pattern to make it bigger.

And then there was St. Patrick's Day Dinner at Judy's. A really perfect dinner of corned beef and cabbage and potatoes and carrots. And jalapeno rolls just for fun and they had some green in them.

Tofutsies

I'm lovin' this Tofutsies sock yarn. (Click on the photo to see it a little better. Not perfect but better.) I'm using a free pattern from South West Trading Company. Look for the pattern under Free Patterns. The yarn does have a tendency to split but since I need to keep an eye on what I'm doing with the stitch pattern it's not a big problem.

I really like this color way and the fabric makes me think of haberdasheries. It's hard to see the lace pattern until it's stretched. The fabric has a slightly dry feel to it, more like cotton than wool. I can't detect any shrimp or crab shell, nor does my cat.

The collection

You may have noticed. I buy a lot more sock yarn than I ever actually knit. I've begun to think of my stash, especially the sock yarn, as a collection. Something that gives me pleasure just to look at rather than for its more utilitarian aspect. I don't have one or two of everything that's out there but I do have a lot.

Here are the skeins of Sweet Georgia Super Sock that I added yesterday. It's a colorway called Coal Harbor. I wasn't familiar with this yarn and had barely heard of it. But when my friend L (of L&H fame) mentioned a few weeks ago that she was going to Unwind to get some I tucked the reference away thinking maybe someday I'd see some.

I got an email newsletter from Unwind on Monday that said they had a very limited supply of this yarn and that there wouldn't be any more because the vendor was not going to make any more, ever. So I called and purchased two skeins, sight unseen, just so I'd be sure to have some in my collection. I'm pretty glad I did. It's not a colorway I would normally choose but I liked it more than the three others that were available. And it is nice to the touch. It's 100% merino, hand paint.

Other than that, I've got nothing. I've been really busy with other stuff but I think my week is settling down a bit. Tonight's our last Thursday night knitting group. I work tomorrow and am going to the the Flying Karamozoff tomorrow night. Nothing planned for Saturday though. Oh, no. Wait! I forgot. I'm having breakfast with Mendy before we go to the St. Patrick's Day Sale at Unraveled.

Summer! So soon?

I'm not ready. Yesterday, according to my weather page, the high in Pasadena was 97F. It's not even the middle of March yet! I've already made arrangements to have the freon in my ancient a/c replenished. The guy that was here this weekend to replace my hot water heater said that so long as the a/c is still working that it probably only needs a resupply. I sure hope he's right. The hot water heater replacement turned out to be a lot more difficult, and expensive, than the original projection. But if we're going to have the kind of summer weather that's been predicted I'm going to need that a/c.

I took a couple of pictures this morning while I was out walking. It was still pretty early, just barely getting light.



The sky was not quite as blue as it appears in the pictures. There were no spectacular cloud formations. Just my favorite palm trees.



And these irises. Another of my favorites. I used to walk by these several times a week but I haven't been on that street for a while. There's usually a lot of trash caught in all the leaves but this morning I didn't see any. I don't think these are volunteer but they're usually pretty neglected.

Oh! You want knitting news? I worked on some socks while I waited for the hot water heater guy. And sorted a bit of yarn.

The real news is that Mendy has decided to discontinue our Thursday night knitting group. "Our" isn't the correct pronoun. It's really "her" knitting group. She started it, what, four years ago? She's also the host for our Tuesday night Dulaan group. She stated in her email that she was just taking a break and will resume sometime. For now we'll only be meeting on Tuesday. The Thursday group has experienced a lot of negative growth recently. Last week there were only three of us, including Mendy. It was a bit of a surprise but I can certainly understand. I haven't spoken with her since she sent the email as she was away for the weekend. I'll be calling her later this morning.

I forgot

I had the day off yesterday. No plans. Nothing in particular to do. Somehow I forgot to blog. Not that that's a big deal, except it's a strange feeling to realize that you totally forgot something that's a part of your routine.

Speaking for things forgot. While I was wandering around looking for something with which to entertain myself, I found this scarf that I had forgotten. I meant to use it as a holiday gift but when I was looking for it last December I couldn't find it. Seems I forgot where I put it. I'm almost done.

Not a forgotten but a belated birthday present. Have you seen or tried this yarn? Tofutsies from Southwest Trading Company. It's wool, soy silk, cotton and chitin. I'm told that chitin is ground up shrimp and crab shell. And that it has some therapeutic value but I don't know what the therapy is. I'm looking forward to making some socks for me. There's 425 meters in this one skein. Should be enough. Thanks L&H.

Yarn sales abound

When I got to work yesterday there was a sale going on. None of us knew it was going to happen. The owner, who is on vacation for the next couple of weeks, left some flyers and a note for us to post the flyers and have a sale while she's gone. It's called "Shhh! The boss is a way and we're having a sale." So that's 25% off on all knitting yarn and books and needlepoint canvases. I emailed everyone on my knitting group list but I want to make sure that everyone who might be interested knows about it. The sale is at Stitch in Time in San Marino.

I also had a couple of emails from other yarn shops. Needle in a Haystack in Montrose is having a sale on some of their knitting yarns and some of their other needlecraft items. I think that one goes on just for this week. And Unraveled has marked down a bunch of stuff. I haven't seen their selection but I know they always have big discounts once they decide to clear out some of their yarns.

Aran Update

It's been a while since I've had time to work on my Aran. But this weekend was a good one. No plans that took me away during the day so I was able to sit and knit without interruption (other than the cat wanting some attention) for several hours at a stretch.

I finished the yoke back first and then picked up for the right sleeve and have maybe half of that done. I'm beginning to think the sleeve is going to be short. Once I finish the pattern section I'll put it on hold and work the other sleeve and the body. Then I'll be able to tell if I'm going to need to add some more pattern repeats before I do the ribbing.

That's all a long ways off.

Jitterbug

Who could resist such a yarn? Not me. I was definitely not going to buy anything. Just taking my friend on a yarn shop hop. But then I saw this Colinette Jitterbug in the colorway Jewel. I guess it was a good thing they only had one hank.

My camera batteries died right after I took this photo. Otherwise I'd have tried again to get something with a better focus. The colors though are pretty accurate.

There's supposedly enough for a pair of socks but I doubt it. I'm looking for somethng to use for heels and toes. No hurry. I'm just as happy admiring the yarn in the hank.

If these be showers

then I don't want to see your thunderstorms. It was pouring this morning when I got up. Showers were predicted. That was a bit of an understatement. But now, four hours later, the sun is shining and the clouds seems to be moving away. Although there were warnings that there'd most likely be more rain later today and into tomorrow.

I finished the Iceland Scarf last night. It's a little wider than I thought it would be but it's certainly going to keep someone warm. Lisa was taken with it when she saw it last Saturday so it'll probably be hers.

Now that the sun is out I'm going to be going to Studio City to work with my private student. We had agreed that if it was raining I would skip this week. I haven't heard from him so I guess he's expecting me. Once that's done I'll come home and work some on my Dulaan sweater. Haven't touched that in months. I have some new yarn that I got last Saturday but I really need to get caught up first. Like that's going to happen.

Who needs the Oscars?

My cat is enough entertainment. Patrick never gets up on tables. At least he didn't until now. I don't know what possessed him to climb up here and sit in the very middle of the current jigsaw puzzle. He seemed quite pleased with himself though. And he hasn't tried to get up there again. Unless it's while I'm not here.

I don't watch the Oscars. I almost never go to movies nor do I follow what is going on with all the hype and gossip about the so-called stars. So I don't much care who wins or loses.

Instead I started a new Kureyon Zigzag scarf. One of the ladies I work with at Stitch in Time saw Mendy's Zigzag scarf last week and asked me to show her how to do it. I'm not sure Kureyon is the best yarn for this project. The color changes are a bit too long so you don't get the full zigzag impact. But it's what I have on hand and will the fine for now.

Quick shift

After doing all those hats (I finished another one on Wednesday night) and struggling with the tinyness of stitches on dpns, while trying to look alert, I succumbed to the impulse to start something else.

The problem, if you want to call it that, was that I didn't have anything with me that I could switch to. Happily I was on my way to Unraveled where I knew there'd be lots of things from which to choose. They have a bunch of needles on sale. That's good since I haven't been able to find my US13s. Got some Britanny for about $7.00. Then found some yarn with an appropriate gauge. Not, unfortunately, on sale.

It was raining and cold so I thought another scarf would come in handy. And there it is. Worked this bit up last night at knitting group. A 9 stitch braid cable centered between two opposing 4 stitch rope cables. And a little ribbing to fill it out a bit. I'd have more done except we were also celebrating a birthday so we had to stop for cake. (Good, but not chocolate.)

A little more filler

Yesterday's gig with the new knitter went well. At least after I found the correct gate to enter. I don't feel entirely dumb. The gates don't really match the houses that they're in front of. I had to drive back down the hill to find a pay phone since I don't have a cell phone. I called the guy and he cleared up the mystery.

I never know what a new knitter's expectations are. Many times I think they're envisioning a sweater or something large scale. I think that might have been what this guy was planning. Until he got the needles in his hands and started his first knit row. Before it was all over he was talking about just practicing the knit stitch for the balance of the week. We'll take up the purl stitch next week. Once in a while I get a student who can move quickly through the basics but just getting the knit stitch is where most of them get by the end of the first hour.

I knit another hat for Dulaan last night so I'm averaging one a day. I have to switch for the next couple of days though in order to knit something for someone's birthday gift. Unless I find a good alternative before then.

I have a couple of friends who are going to Stitches West. I'm only moderately envious. I'd like to take some classes but we all know that I'm not buying any more yarn. So what's the point in going?

Filler

A couple of days ago it was 90F here. Today it might get up to 65. Very erratic weather this winter. When I leave for my morning walk I'm usually wearing a hat, a scarf, gloves and a heavy coat. By the time I get back I'm usually carrying at least part of it. I've been trying to go out a bit later so I don't have to wrap up quite so much. But today I don't have time to wait.

I'm giving a private knitting lesson today. I have to leave Pasadena by 10 in order to get to the guy's house by 11. Somewhere on Mulholland Drive. I haven't been to that part of town for over twenty years. Way before it became the chic address it is now. It could be interesting. I forgot to buy the supplies he will need so I have to stop at Skein on the way to pick up needles and yarn.

Yesterday was one of the busiest Mondays I've had since I started at Stitch in Time. Several people came in that had the holiday off. Hooray for holidays on Monday! So I didn't do much personal knitting, maybe two rounds on some socks. And then in the evening I had a call from my older brother. That's always good for an hour or so. And another call from a Chinese friend I haven't talked with for more than two years. That was another hour. So very little knitting yesterday. I did finish another hat for Dulaan. It's drying right now. You don't really need another picture of another Dulaan do you?

The rest of this week will be pretty busy. I'm working on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, covering for the other knitting instructor who's going to Stitches West. So, if you're close enough and want a lesson or just want to come and visit I'll be at Stitch in Time from one to five in addition to my ten to five on Friday.

I also have three knitting nights this week and a yarn shop hop on Saturday. I am home tomorrow evening, at least for now.

Hats Aplenty

There are lots more hats in the works. These are the ones I completed this weekend. I didn't get much else done though. Some yarn sorting. I found more sock yarn, enough to fill one of the new storage boxes that I got for my birthday. And a lot of Tahki Cotton Classic that's already wound into center pull cakes. I don't remember doing that or what I was going to do with all that cotton. I know I have enough other Cotton Classic that I can combine with this and make one of the Mason-Dixon Log Cabin Blankets.

So today's a holiday. For most people anyway. Unless you're in retail. A Stitch in Time is open today. I'm hoping that some of the people I don't usually get to see will come in and say hello. But it's also raining today. That's another cause for celebrating. Our rainfall this year is way below normal so rain, even on a holiday, is a welcome change.

End of the day

So, the Cloud Hat is finished and I'm just about ready to start the top shaping on this Canadian Hat. My camera just doesn't do red. Not that this is a bad colorway; it's just not anywhere near accurate.

I've made several of these hats over the past few years. The pattern is from Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch and can easily be made for children or adults with a change in needle and yarn size. No change to the instructions. I'm using a Zitron yarn called Loft. I've forgotten where I got it. Maybe it's from Handmade in Burbank. The price sticker looks kind of like theirs.

I'm using a needle four sizes smaller than the suggested size. I made a hat from this yarn last year and it was fine for Southern California but no where dense enough for the Mongolian climate. I expect to finish this tomorrow or over the weekend.

So what else did I do today? Stood in line for half an hour at the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up my gluscose test strips. Went to meet some friends at Unraveled for an hour or so. And went to my Thursday night knitting group. Now it's time to play with the cat. He sleeps all day and is ready for some string chasing usually around eleven o'clock.

Happy Valentine's Day

to those who observe it. And for the rest of us, better luck next year. Actually I did get a sweet card from Lisa. It has been a nice day though. Had a chance to catch up some on my sleep and managed to get my laundry done a day earlier than expected. So tomorrow will be an open day for me.

Here's my latest completed Dulaan hat. I used some Calmer (Rowan) and some Paris Rainbow (Plymouth) that I had in stash. The yarns are both cotton but there's enough synthetic and it's a very tight knit that I think it will still be a warm hat.

And I've started another one. This is the celebrated Cloud Hat from Ryan's pattern list. This one uses one strand of Plymouth Encore and one strand of a very fuzzy mohair that I recycled from a less than successful shrug I knit a few years ago. I should be able to finish this tonight. Especially since I have no Valentine's committments or opportunities.

Thanks

Thanks for all the good wishes on my recent birthday. I'm doing my best to respond to everyone individually but there's a slight problem. Blogger's Comments doesn't work the same way as my YACCS comments did so I don't always get an email address. But I do appreciate each and every one.

It has been a terrific event. And it still continues with a few more dinner invitations and the promise of more to come. It's a balancing act to keep my glucose levels anywhere near what the doctor wants given how far away from my diet regimen I've been. Not complaining, just commenting. And walking as much as I can stand.

No new knitting to report. I did finish the first of the mock rib socks and have done the ribbing and one pattern repeat of the second. I meant to do more last night but everytime I sat down to knit I went to sleep. So I gave it up and went to bed. A whole eight hours worth.

Today is Dulaan knitting. I'll work on a hat or two and maybe another square for the afghan we're putting together. We weren't going to get together this week since Mendy is out of town but one of the other members of the group volunteered to host so there should be at least a few of us.

BDFO

I finished the Goal Color socks while I was waiting for Lisa to come over to celebrate my birthday. The yarn has been very popular with people who've seen the socks in progress. This is the sock yarn that I discovered I had purchased three times. So I have plenty in case I want to make another pair. It's Regia #5399 in case you're looking for some.





So, after I finished that I pair, I picked up this sock that I had abandoned a couple of months ago because I had lost the second ball. I found the missing skein a couple of weeks ago. It's amazing what you find when you clear off the dining table. I've just begun the toe shaping. Should get that done today and get the second sock started.

I found another abandoned sock. I think it's a couple of years old. No picture yet. I've just ripped a few rows and picked up the messed up dropped stitches. I'll have to check the pattern before I continue. I think I remember but I've learned, the hard wy, that I need to check first.

Happy Birthday to me, almost

So that's what 68 looks like. I always wondered. I would swear I'm closer to 50. Well, except for the aches and pains, the wobbly memory and the row of pills I take everyday.

The Thursday night group turned out in almost full force tonight to celebrate my birthday. I hadn't actually thought much about it until I got to Mendy's. I should have been tipped off when the owner of Unraveled wished me a happy birthday. Turns out two people had purchased gift certificates there for me. In addition to the gift certificates I received four bottles of wine, a gift certificate to Trader Joe's (and a dinner with margaritas), lunch tomorrow and a new Walkman and a portable CD player. Plus some great cards.

When Mendy purchased the Walkman the salesperson tried to get her to get an IPOD. She explained that I would never download music. "He's a very 20th century person." I suppose that's true. I'm not really into media. Rarely watch TV. I don't usually know what people are talking about when they get onto the subject of any of the popular TV programs. Almost never go to movies. I listen to classical music, I knit and I spend time with friends. It's more than enough.

Sorting yarn, sorta

If I never buy any more sock yarn it will be too soon. I spent part of yesterday going through all the cubicles in my living room, pulling out sock yarn. Some of it is is already in balls, ready to work. Others, like what's on the second shelf, mostly still needs to be wound into cakes. This doesn't include the three plastic bins that are in another room. I took a picture of them but I haven't yet figured out how to post more than one photo on new Blogger. I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong.

So I decided it would be a good time to change my blog template. What do you think?

It's back to more sorting of yarn, all kinds. I think I'll focus on getting all the novelty yarns separated. I'm also editing. Anything that I can tell I'll never use is going into plastic bags to be used for Dulaan projects or donated. I discovered yesterday that I had bought the same sock yarn at least three times.

Joey's Natural Color Farm Yarn. American grown wool, made in USA by Farmhouse Yarns, LLC. I got it at Unraveled a couple of weeks ago. I'm sort of in to tweed yarns this year and am really tickled with this one. It's a bit rough in the hand but it's already a little softer just from being wound. I got two hanks. Enough for a decently sized scarf. I still have to decide which pattern I'll use. Probably something with a cable or two.

I did knit a hat last night for Dulaan. No picture because I didn't remember my camera. But it's just a stocking cap, some beige Jo Sharp cashmere blend and some blue stripes to make sure I had enough of the cashmere to finish the hat. I had maybe a yard left over. We're not going to meet next week but I'll try to do my weekly Dulaan from home.

I took some pictures of the yarn I bought on Sunday but I'm still not sure how to post more than one photo. And they were pretty blurry. I'm sure you've all seen Cascade anyway.

Still having problems using the new Blogger. I'm over here on Mozilla right now and I can at least log in. I don't understand what the problem is but apparently it's something to do with my browser. Blogger suggested that I try using Mozilla. I don't have time right now to set everything up on Mozilla (email, bookmarks etc.) but I'll spend some time tomorrow and see what I can do.

Very little knitting since yesterday. Tonight is for Dulaan knitting so there'll be something. Another hat most likely.

What was that!? All weekend long, and on Friday too, I've been trying to log in to Blogger. I wrote and got no actual reply. But, here, just because I decided to try one more time, all without warning, I'm getting to actually post. Because I couldn't access my blog for the past three days I still haven't played with any of the new toys and I don't have time this morning. But maybe I'll be able to over the next few days. Hope I don't break it.

One of the first things I'll need to figure out is how to move photos to where I want them. Like the photo above. I have finished that sock since I took the photo. Finished it last night after sort of watching the Super Bowl. (I say sort of because my TV doesn't get decent reception so really I was just listening to the play-by-play.) But, about the sock. It's some Regia sock yarn in a color called Goal Color. Don't know what that means but the sock is nice. I used my new Crystal Palace (2.5mm, 1.5 US) and made them very dense. The pattern is just K6, P2. Enough to keep things from getting too boring but now too demanding. I started the second sock last night and will be working on it today at Stitch in Time.

Judy and I went to the anti-Super Bowl sale at Unwind. There was a long line of people already waiting when we got there. We got our extra 10% discount tickets for being there before opening and were able to get into the back room where all the 50% off stuff was. The line to get in there was tremendous by the time we got back on the main salesfloor. I haven't taken any photos yet but maybe I'll have some tomorrow. I should have been better prepared. I wasn't planning on buying anything. But I did. Now I have to figure out what and why.

It was fun to see so many people that I know from other shops. It was too crowded to spend much time chatting though. I keep thinking about that Karabella Breeze I bought and wondering what to do with it.

New Blogger

New Blogger







So far so good. I haven't tried any of the new toys yet so I'll have to wait and see. Hmm! I can't seem to get the cut and paste to work right now. And why is this paragraph showing up in bold type on my preview. Can't seem to get it to undo.


But the real reason for the post is that I did, in fact, finish the bamboo lace socks. I don't have any blockers that are big enough and no one, other than me, to try on the socks. So you get this smudgy, washed out image. The colors are really much prettier. More raspberry than rust. And there's some pale teal that doesn't show at all. I don't dislike these socks, even though I've complained a lot about them. I think they'll be very nice on someone's foot. But I really don't like the bamboo sock yarn. Fortunately I didn't stock up.

I started the Besotted Scarf. I don't think I'm going to continue, however. It may be that the yarn I'm using is too firm for this scarf or maybe I need to use a larger needle. It just seems too stiff to drape nicely and it's a bit more attention demanding than I want for a take-a-long project. Nice pattern though.

Blogger has been bugging me to switch to the new format. So, finally, I decided I'd give it a try. I took the tour and it seemed like the new version would have some nice features (that I will maybe be able to understand). So I clicked on the switch button. Can't switch to new Blogger right now. The reason given is that there are too many people being switched so they can't handle the volume. Then my backbutton wouldn't work so I couldn't exit. Kinda makes me wonder if it's going to be all that wonderful.

Sorting patterns and recycling yarns can have some nice side effects. I found two store credits for Skein that I had forgotten. So on Sunday I hied me over there and did a bit of shopping. I needed some Encore for Dulaan hats and some Dale of Norway Daletta for some demi-fingered gloves. And there was a new book. Favorite Socks from Interweave. I had seen the ads for this book but was surprised that Skein already had it.

So far I really like it. A few of the patterns are familiar because I have seen them in the IK magazine, but some are brand new, designed by Ann Budd, especially for this book. And a few of the patterns are from older IK mags as well as a couple of their other pubs and I had never seen them. So I'm slowly going through each of the patterns to see which ones I want to get started on right away. Meanwhile I think I'll see if I can finish those bamboo socks. I'm about half way down the foot of the second one. I don't know why they're taking so long, except I'm not all that crazy about the yarn.

I may have to give up jalapenos. Thanks to a bunch of roasted ones that I had on Saturday night I wasn't able to sleep much past one o'clock. So I got up and finished my Irish Hiking Scarf. It could have been longer I suppose but it'll be just fine for my morning walks. At least until the weather is warm enough again so I don't need a scarf.

I used some wool that I recycled from an old sweater. I have lots left so I'm probably going to be making The Besotted Scarf. You gotta love free patterns. Especially ones that offer a bit more than just garter stitch or stockinette. And I'm currently enjoying cabling without a cable needle so both of these patterns are perfect for a little practice.

I haven't touched the aran sweater in at least a week. I've been sorting old projects and ripping them where indicated. I did fit in a quick hat using some Trendsetter Stripes. The colors are totally washed out but after four tries I gave up and went with the best of the lot. The background grey knitting is a project from four or five years ago that I'm recycling into an as yet to be determined something. Ripping isn't all that hard except this is two strands held together that I'm separating as I go. That'll take a while.

The rust tweed sweater is finished. None of the pictures I took are any good. Maybe I'll get some better ones this weekend when Lisa comes over. I think the tweed just masks everything. Anyway, it's done. Now I just have to wait to see if it fits. I never did find the 24" needle but a 29" worked just fine.

Not much else going on. Still ripping old projects and sorting yarn.

A productive day even if it doesn't show all that much. Except for the balcony windows. I cleaned those for the first time in a long time. The cat was fascinated. He couldn't believe the window was still there.

Then I cleared off another shelf in the closet that I'm going to use to store most of my stash. I found several old projects that I had forgotten. All had been abandoned for various reasons. Two of them I started before I moved to Pasadena seventeen years ago.

I'm not one to throw away yarn so I spent much of the day ripping. One piece was a very fuzzy mohair so that took quite a while. Had to do it by hand. I'm planning to recycle that yarn to make Cloud Hats for the Dulaan project. Maybe not all of it since there's enough for at least a shawl. So I'll make as many hats as I can stand.

The other old project was a ribbed sweater. I had to take it apart first. Then I used the ball winder to ravel the stitches. It took longer to undo the seams. That yarn will probably also be used in Dulaan projects.

I finished to glove repair tonight. Now I'm looking for my 24" size 4 circulars so I can do the neckband on the tweed sweater. I knew where it was before I started all this organizing but I sure can't find it now.

A couple of people have asked why I haven't posted anything for the past few days. The truth is there isn't much to post.

I've knit two hats for Dulaan, including one I finished tonight. Our Dulaan group has moved to Tuesday nights instead of mornings. It does make it easier for more people to come.

My aran sweater is moving along. Twelve more rows and the back will be the same length as the front. At that point I'll be able to pick up and knit the sleeves. But it's still looks about the same.

I finished setting in the sleeves on the rust tweed sweater and just have the neckband to pick up and knit. Should be done by Friday.

I'm also repairing some gloves I knit for Lisa last fall. Some of the stitches broke when she washed them. I cut away the fingers and picked up stitches just below the thumb and now have only three fingers left to knit and they'll be back in service.

I also have been trying to rearrange my knitting books. I think I have most of the books shelved and the shelves moved to a better, more accessible location. Now I have to figure out what to do with twenty years worth of Vogue Knitting and ten or fifteen years of Knitters and Interweave Knits. I also have a bunch of miscellaneous knitting pattern books that I'm sorting through to see if there are any I want to save. Most of them are from the 90s but there are some from the 60s and there may be a few that are older. Does anyone collect these things that might be interested in having them?

Thursday night knitting was great! We had a much larger turn out than we've had since before the holidays. Eight people and as someone commented a better gender balance than usual. It's a lot of fun when we have that many people even if it is noisy and a little crowded and you can't hear everything that's being said.

I tried working on my lace bamboo socks but ended up having to rip several rows. Not only did I mess up the pattern but I kept losing stitches off the end of the middle needle. I usually work with a set of five but this pattern fits on three needles. I think I mentioned before that the pattern was originally written for two circulars. I'm still not ready for that but I'm reading the Cat Bordi book and that may help. I guess I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and make a pair using that technique before things will get better. And I guess I'll have to break down and get some Addis even though I'm not fond of them. I finished the evening working on my Irish Hiking Scarf.

I work tomorrow and am looking forward to a busy day. I have some finishing to do so maybe I'll take that along since I'm having a problem with knitting anything more complicated than stockinette, at least in public.

Brrr! It's really cold here right now. There was ice on the sidewalk in a couple of places this morning when I went for my walk. And there was rain mixed with sunshine, I mean at the same time, off and on throughout the day. Right now it's 37F here in Pasadena. Perhaps not cold by your standards but definitely cold for us.

But it was a perfect day to open my last Christmas present. I got a "gift certificate" from Mendy for a lunch and yarn shop hop and today was the day. The two shops we went to did not open until noon so we had an early lunch at Montana Cafe, on Montana in Santa Monica. Great food, nice decor and good service. I had a sandwich with buffalo cheese, or is it buffala (that's the way it was spelled on the menu). That was new to me. And worth it, even if it's not an approved food.

Since we were in Santa Monica we went to Wild Fiber first. I hadn't been there for at least five years. Wow! Has is grown! Lots and lots of yarns, of course, including several from Australia. We were looking for Socks That Rock, and there was a space for it on the shelf, but there wasn't any.

I got to chat briefly with Mel Clark, the owner, and co-author of Knit 2 Together. I was flattered that she remembered me, even the shop where I was teaching at the time.

I didn't buy any yarn. Just a set of size 1US Crystal Palace dpns. I think those are my favorite needles.

Our second stop was at A Mano in Mar Vista, just down the road from Venice and Santa Monica. My first time there. I had met the owner, Shannita Williams, back when we did the first Knit-Out in Santa Monica. It's a small shop but is crammed with yarn and other knitting and crochet accessories. I'm hoping to get back there before too long. They have Sunday hours and it's very close to where my friend Robert lives. A good, if dangerous, combination.

Shannita asked if I'd be interested in teaching a men's knitting class. Yeah. I'm interested but it's a long way to drive. I'll have to get some more details before I can make a decision.

I only bought three hanks of Koigu. My collection grows. One of these days I'll have to actually try it.

I've been working on this sock for months! It took a while to even find a pattern that would work. Not that it shows up. Basically it's a zigzag lace pattern. The yarn is Regia Bamboo and is a bit of a pain to work with. Not a whole lot of give and it snags pretty easily.

I've cast on and worked the ribbing for the second sock. The original pattern was designed to work on two circulars but I converted it to dpns even though it meant that I had to work with four needles instead of my preferred five. I thought I'd try working the second sock using two circulars. How do you get rid of those huge ladders where you switch needles? I think there must be some kind of manoeuver that I'm not getting. I have a friend that teaches a sock class that uses this technique. I may have to sign up for that. Or see what the books say. Meanwhile I'm going back to the dpns.

And, by the way, the sock is way bigger than I had intended. Much longer. I had a problem measuring the length of the foot on the three dpns so much so that when I finally got the sock off the needles it was a good inch longer than I thought it would be. Good thing I need a variety of sizes for my holiday gift drawer.

Every once in a while, say every four or five years, I get the urge to sort my needles. Yesterday afternoon was one of those times. I found the sleeves for all of my dpns that are not in use and got those put away in a small cardboard box. The needles at left are ones that I couldn't find a sleeve for either because I've lost it or, in the case of the short ones, they are needles that were given to me without sleeves.

These are sleeves for which I have no needles. There are two size 4US, one size 5, five size 6, six size 7, six size 8, one size 9, one size 10, one size 11 and one size 15. And that's just the Clover. I'm not sure what this means except there must be a lot of incomplete projects hiding somewhere. I have a few Plymouth sleeves too that don't have needles in them but I think I can account for most of them.

And here are the empty circular needle sleeves. More unaccounted for projects no doubt. I don't use circulars unless I have to, especially bamboo. Hate that miserable bump at the join. I don't know why I have so many empty sleeves because I have a lot that are matched up and stored in their own separate cardboard box.

These are the homeless, undocumented circulars. Most of these were given to me without sleeves and include some flexi-needles. I don't know what those are for. Guess they're sort of a cross between a straight needle and a circular for when you need a longer needle but don't like circulars. I need to figure out how to store these so they don't get all mixed up and so I know what I have.

Needles sure have gone up in price. Some of those Clovers were selling for around $4.50US when I got them. They're double that or more these days. And Addis! I'm glad I'm not addicted to those. If I have to use a circular I try to find some old Susan Bates Quicksilvers or Inox.

On Monday I knit a simple hat using Malabrigo Chunky in the Oceanos colorway. Of course I don't have a picture but it's just a plain ol' stocking stitch hat. But the yarn is anything but plain ol'. We have the yarn in lots of colors at Stitch in Time. The only hard part is deciding which color to try first. I'm glad I got to make a shop sample so that now I don't have to buy any just to try it. And if I weren't trying to cut back on yarn purchases I'd be there getting some more.

I've heard that time heals all wounds. I hope it also heals all loose and irregular stitches. I haven't touched this since the weekend but I hope to get back to it later today or sometime tomorrow. Right now it's a huge exercise in cabling without a cable needle. When I started this aran a couple of years ago I hadn't tried that technique but I took a class at the Knitters Retreat and I also got some pointers from Wendy Johnson. I haven't had much occasion to cable until now. It sure does make a difference in my speed. But I'm wondering if it's also contributing to kinda wonky looking stitches.

No photos today. I did take a couple but they weren't successful. At least not enough so that I'd use them.

I spent most of Saturday working on the aran sweater. I'm almost to the end of the front yolk part and will then do the same thing on the back. That's probably a few weeks away so I'll wait until then to try for some progress shots.

I also got the new Sock That Rock yarn wound and cast on some stitches to see how it was going to look. Not enough to show yet plus I'm not sure what kind of stitch pattern I want. I think something lacey will be good.

And I ripped a sock that I've been struggling with for the past couple of weeks. Not with the knitting. The yarn. It just isn't something I can get used to. I kept telling myself I'd grow to like it. It just kept getting uglier and uglier. So that's over. Rewound and put away. And then I worked on another pair of socks that have been lingering. I sure do have lots of projects that need to be finished.

You don't have to buy yarn. Not when you have friends that are generous (and who have excellent taste). Socks That Rock in the colorway Rare Gem. I can hardly wait to try this out. I've heard lots about its qualities and they all sound great. I'm going to work today but I have tomorrow off. Guess what I'm going to be doing.

Well, I did figure out where I am in the aran pattern. Much easier than I thought it would be. But I didn't get to sit down and do it until around 9 last night. The day was much more chaotic than I had planned. Laundry which always takes hours and hours. Then I spent a lot of time dealing with homeowners' association stuff. And fitted in where I could some repeats on the Irish Hiking Scarf that I'm making as a start on replenishing my FO drawer. Never too soon to start your holiday knitting.

I plan to get in several hours on the aran today but right now I'm making soup and a chocolate zucchini cake. I'm trying to use what I have. I happened to have exactly the right number of eggs for the cake and just enough zucchini. And the soup is just red beans with some vegetables thrown in. I guess I could say that I'm taking the same attitude toward my knitting. Trying hard to use what I have. Not exactly going on a fast but definitely cutting back on buying. I've run out of storage room and I don't want to buy any more plastic boxes. Kinda like when your clothes are too tight and you decide to lose weight instead of buying new ones.

Now where was I? I started this aran a little over two years ago. It's been in storage for a while. Recently a couple of friends have mentioned it and wondered what ever happened to it. Maybe that's a sign that I should get back to it and get it done. If I can figure out where I am. Definitely not a portable project. I think that's why it got put aside.

Really inaccurate color. It's more of a sage green. The yarn is Phildar Fleur de Laine. I think it's discontinued. And the pattern is from Two Sticks and a String by Kerry Ferguson. We'll see how long I can stay interested this time.

It's all over but the cleaning up. I didn't go to the parade yesterday. I meant to but once I saw the great crowd of the unwashed I went back inside and stayed there until everyone had left the boulevard.

There's always an amazing amount of trash. This is only a sample. I did go for a walk in the afternoon. Believe me there were a lots of places that were much worse. It'll be a couple of days before the city can get it all cleared away. Other than that it's back to normal around here. Well, there's still the grandstands that need to be torn down and stored for another year.

So. What did I do while I wasn't watching the parade? I finished knitting the second sleeve of a sweater. Actually it was the first sleeve but I had to rip the cap shaping and redo it. Then I made a hat while I watched "Angels in America" for the second time. A productive day after all.

Umm. Let's see. Oh, yeah. It's Monday again. I like Monday. It's one of the days that I don't go for an early morning walk. I'm not going today, probably, unless I get too stir crazy. If I do go I'll have to take a new, different route. My usual route includes Colorado Blvd. Can't go there today. It's filled with out-of-towners who've come here for the annual extraganza known as The Rose Parade. (Happy New Year, before I forget.)

It was loud all night. A couple of different bands played in the Carl's Jr. parking lot, with varying degrees of success. I had thought about going to bed eary but when I went into the bedroom the noise (cacaphony) was just too much. So I knit for as long as I could and then had a second snack and played Free Cell until the big moment when everyone screamed, shouted and tooted that blasted tuba thing that someone brings every year.

And then I crashed until 4:15 AM when Patrick decided I'd slept long enough and that he wanted me to walk him to his dish and afterwards he'd like a nice long brushing session. Nothing new in that. We do that every day. So here I am, waiting for the parade. It doesn't get this far until around 9. I may go see if I can get anywhere near it. Or I may just watch it on TV.

Happy New Year! again. I'm actually enthusiastic about starting a new year. There's no obvious reason for my enthusiasm. Maybe it's just because I now have more free time and can actually imagine taking on some bigger projects. Bigger than socks and scarves. Not that there won't still be socks. Maybe it's because I'm really happy with the new teaching gig. Whatever the reason(s), I'm going to do my best to hold onto this feeling.

It's not too late.

I think everyone knows Stephanie. I mean, the woman is practically a household word, at least in knitting circles. I actually know a couple of other people named Stephanie but if someone says Stephanie to me, it's always that Stephanie that comes to mind. She's absolutely one of the most inspiring of bloggers that I know. She gets way more comments in a single day than I get hits in a week.

Remember the Knitting Olympics from earlier this year? That was her doing. And remember how she got a lot of people motivated to donate to Doctors Without Borders during the tsunami disaster two years ago? Well, she's up to it again. You can read all about it on her blog. Just search her December 2006 archives. I think it's somewhere around the 6th. (Forgive me but I'm too old and lazy to figure out how to do the permalink thing.) In essence she's asking us to imagine that we've added a new family member and that we need to include them in our gift giving. Which I think most of us would really try to do even if we could only spend a small amount.

Now, imagine that this new family member was someone you didn't know personally but you could still include them on your list of people you want to gift. You can make a donation to Doctors Without Borders (just Google it) or you can find a link on Stephanie's blog that will take you to a page that gives you all the information you need on how to make a contribution. It's really easy. I mean, I did it and I had no problem so you know it's got to be simple.

It's never to late to remember the plight of others. But if you can do this before the end of the year it's also a great tax deduction. (If you're motivated by that sort of thing.)I think the goal is getting closer and closer. Maybe you'll be the one that puts it over the top.

A happy group! Here's everyone that was at our Thursday night knitting group party. There are two people in the photo who were not in the original shot. Ain't technology grand! Thanks, Judy, for sending the pix.

Today won't be such a fun day for Patrick. He's going to see the vet for his annual booster shots. I dread it. It's not the vet part. It's the ride in the car. He really doesn't like it and wails and cries the whole way there and back. No matter how much I talk to him and reassure him that everything is going to be all right and that this is just temporary he continues to whimper and sob about how terrible it is to have to ride in the car. He's okay with the vet though. Doesn't seem to mind how much she pokes and prods him. I will probably get a lecture on how important it is that I brush his teeth on a regular basis. Patrick doesn't like having his teeth brushed. Even more than when I brush the back of his legs. So I don't do it as often as I should.

I pulled out an old project last night and worked on it for a couple of hours. Once I figured out where I left off it was easy. I'm almost done with the second sleeve. I have to redo the cap shaping on the first one though. It doesn't fit the armhole. Sweater Wizard really let me down on this one. But there's a pattern in Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns that's almost identical to what I need so I'll just use that, plus a bit of fudging if necessary. It's raining today and I don't have anything scheduled other than the vet visit so I might even finish both sleeves and get them sewn in.

Or I might just rearrange the furniture.

Things are getting back to normal. Today was Dulaan knitting day. I spent four hours making a simple, rolled brim hat. I'm almost done with it. The hat is way too big. It's even loose on me. I'll be starting over. Like I said, things are getting back to normal.

I forgot my camera yesterday. I left it at Lisa's. The pictures of my holiday knitting are in that camera. So there'll be an indefinite delay. Maybe I'll see her this weekend and she will bring the camera, along with the two or three other things that I forgot. This whole forgetting thing is getting to be normal.

There's talk of rain for tonight and tomorrow. Not such a good thing for right now since the grandstands are still being set up for the Rose Parade. But if it does rain it's supposed to be over by tomorrow and we're scheduled for sunny weather through the weekend, including New Year's Day. Last year it poured all morning long and the parade was pretty messy. I may walk over and watch it this year. I can no longer see it from my balcony since the neighbor's palm tree has grown and now blocks my view. Or I may just stay inside where it's warm.

Merry Christmas! That about sums it up. Everything is done. All that's left is to load everything in my car and head out to Lisa's house. I need to be there around nine this morning. I'm looking forward to it.

I spent Christmas Eve in the kitchen. It was wonderful. I rarely have occasion to bake anymore but I do enjoy it. All the presents had been wrapped. All the knitting was done. I had the whole day to do nothing but bake. I made three different kinds of quick breads. All my favorites. Zucchini raisin nut, applesauce and carrot. I have to make the carrot bread because it doesn't call for nuts of any kind. My friend Robert doesn't like nuts in things so he'll get a loaf of that. The other two are loaded. Big chunky walnuts pieces. Mmmm!

I was going to try a new recipe, peanut butter bread. Knitting patterns aren't the only things that have errors in them. The list of ingredients doesn't include butter but the directions tell you to add it. No idea about how much. So I didn't make that one. I'll find something else to do with the peanut butter I bought. Or I'll just have it on toast.

I don't work this week until Friday. That gives me some time to clean house and get things put away. I don't think my little tree will last until New Year's. Lots of dried needles all over the place. So that will probably go tomorrow or Wednesday. Tomorrow is Dulaan knitting day. Wednesday Patrick goes to the vet for his annual booster shots. (I haven't told him yet. He does not like riding in the car.) Thursday is open except for the evening knitting group. So I have stuff to do but there's still lots of time for knitting. What to do first?

Part of what I got in the white elephant exchange last night. Three skeins of Manos del Uruguay, about 400 yards total. It's a beautiful yarn and I'm probably going to make a scarf, once I get over all the scarves I've done for gifts.

The other part of my haul. A hank of Schaeffer Helene, a 50/50 wool/silk blend. Another candidate for a scarf since there's only 218 yards. Or maybe some wrist warmers.

It was a fantastic party. Lots of really delicious, interesting food and free-flowing wine. Who knew knitters could be so wild and silly! There were actually three different yarn exchanges. One person destashing two times. So those weren't technically yarn exchanges. We drew numbers for our turn at picking what we wanted from the wide assortment. I didn't participate in those since I really, really don't need any more yarn. I took a couple of hanks of Colinette Isis for the white elephant exchange that were much admired and lusted after. I think the person who won them was very pleased.

It's finally turned cold enough here for people to think seriously about Christmas. It was 36F when I went out for my morning walk. That may not be cold where you live but it is here. It's a bit warmer now and I'm trekking back and forth to the laundry room. Gotta take care of the mundane. When that's done I have nothing specific to do the rest of the day. I think I'll check out my recipe file and decide which cakes and breads I want to do for Christmas morning. And try to finish one more scarf.

Brown paper packages, wrapped up in string, or in my case, red ribbon. Couldn't find any string. I've just spent the last four hours wrapping fifteen packages, including one birthday present and the white elephant gift. I sure hope there are no surprise guests tonight because I'm fresh out of knitted items.

How's your holiday prep going? I'm nearly done except for some more wrapping for Christmas morning. I don't think I have anything else to buy. One package is yet to arrive but I have faith in FedEx. I'm pleased that I got all this done in time and that now I can get back to my regularly scheduled projects.

Find the cat. Lisa's cat, Jeremy, rarely makes a public appearance. I guess he thought this year's tree trimming was an appropriate time. Give up?



There. Can you see him now? I don't think I've seen this cat more than three times in all the years he's lived with Lisa and her mom. I hear he's very cranky.

Speaking of cranky. I'm getting there myself. Seems like the more projects I finish the more they keep popping up. But I am almost done with the holiday stuff. Finished some hand warmers and a hat over the weekend. One more scarf is past the half way point. I'm working today so probably won't get a lot done but tomorrow is the day I have to wrap some of these things for our knitting group's holiday dinner party. I think I'll be ready.

As it turned out, yesterday's errands didn't take all that long. Traffic wasn't as bad as I expected and I didn't even have to wait in any lines to make my purchases or to pick up the package. So I was out and back in just over and hour. I still have a couple of items to go but those I can get at work.

I worked on some wrist warmers yesterday until I realized there was a problem with the pattern. At least I had a problem. I've written the designer and am waiting to hear back. So I found a different pattern on line. It too had some major errors. Typos mostly. And I changed a couple of things. I made SSKs where the pattern called for SKPs and made an SSSK where the pattern called for SK2P. I almost never use the SKP anymore and wonder why anyone would. But that's just me. And I used a one row buttonhole instead of binding off on one row and casting on on the next row. I think it's neater and firmer.

So I just finished the first of the wrist warmers and am getting ready to cast on for the second one. I think I'll take the time to chart the pattern as it will be easier than reading text and I'll have it in case I want to make another pair sometime.

I don't know what happened to yesterday. I remember thinking I'd sit down and blog even though I didn't have much to say. Just a quick hello sort of thing. Next thing I know it's way late and time for bed. Someone even reminded me that my blogging has been kind of sporadic.

It's hard to blog about knitting when everything you're working on is a secret as most everything I'm working on is for someone who visits this blog from time to time. I know. That's stating the obvious. But that's how it is right now.

I started a pair of fingerless gloves for someone and I worked on a hat for someone else. I'll get back to those today. We didn't have our Tuesday Dulaan knitting because Mendy is still trying to recover from whatever virus that's been wrecking havoc with her. I did knit a small hat for the project though. I had started it the week before and needed to finish it so I could use the needle for the other hat.

I had worked about half of that hat before I realized that it just didn't look all that great. So that's started over. If this comes out better I have three more just like it to make before Christmas. If it doesn't I'll just go back to my basic stocking cap pattern and get them done.

I have to go to Petsmart today. Patrick is down to the last few nibbles of kibble and we could certainly use some new litter. I dread going. Petsmart is in the same shopping complex as Best Buy and Old Navy. I just know it's going to be a madhouse. And another trip across town, in the opposite direction, to pick up a package that USPS didn't leave. I'm bracing myself and plotting the least likely to be crowded routes.

Roger's Gardens has lots of interesting things to see. I was especially tickled by this bank of ornamental cabbages. I'm tempted to get some and put them on my balcony but since it's already overcrowded out there I'll probably just forget it.

It was a beautiful, cool day. There was talk of rain but there wasn't any. Well, it did rain later that night but while we were out and about it was all sun, all the time.

A planter filled with anemones. You can see how sunny and bright it was.

There were lots of temptations. Rooms filled with every kind or tree ornament, wreathes, garlands, whimsical dishes. Just lots and lots of stuff. I don't want or need any more stuff but I love to look at it.

Holiday knitting proceeds apace. I spent half an hour looking for a size 8US, 16" circular. I know I have several but they're all hiding somewhere. So I'm using a set of dpns to make a hat for one of my most frequent students. I don't like the way it looks so I'll be starting that over once I get another circular. I finished a couple of other things and have started some more that I may or may not get finished in time. Or maybe I won't need them once I make a definitive list. Some people will get a package with just the yarn and a promissory note.

Me: Ugh! I don't feel like walking today.

Other me: You have to go walking. It's important for you to do it every day.

Me: I'll take a longer walk tomorrow. I have the day off.

Other me: You can't. You're going to Roger's Gardens

and you have to be in Fullerton by 8:30. Come on! Get going!

Me: But I'm tired and I want to sit and knit for a while. Besides, my gluscose readings are really good now so I think I can afford to skip a day once in a while.

Other me: Your glucose readings are good because you walk every day.

Me: I hate it when you talk sensibly.

I have this conversation, or a very similar one, every morning. All the while though I'm getting dressed and ready to go out. Some days are harder than others. And today, for some unknown reason, my legs were really feeling fatigued. Sort of an overall ache and maybe a cramp in my right calf. It got better about half way through the walk. Maybe just because I knew I was on my way home.

No time to knit this morning though. I have to do a couple of things on my way to Stitch in Time so I have to leave earlier than usual. I'll get to knit while I'm at work. Still making progress on the Christmas gifts. And mentally sorting my stash for the white elephant yarn exchange.

My sister sent me a Christmas tree from Maine. The tree's from Maine. Not my sister. She lives in Arizona. They have trees there but not this kind.

Patrick had to check it out. I don't think he's ever seen a Christmas tree. I haven't put one up since way before he came to live with me. I think he ended up being kind of neutral about it. He didn't try to eat it so I guess it'll be okay.

Still plugging away on the Christmas knitting. No pictures yet. Not until it's all gifted. And I keep thinking of things I'd like to knit and people I'd like to do something for. Must stay focused and finish what I've started.

We're having a White Elephant gift exchange at our Thursday night knitting group. We're supposed to bring a yarn that we love but know we will never knit. That's hard. How do I know I'll never knit something? How do I know I won't live to be 175?

I tell you, it's really nice to have three days off in a row, plus the two day weekend. Working two days a week is going to suit me just fine. Today is knitting and chores. Yesterday was Dulaan knitting. Tomorrow I'll figure out when it gets here.

So. I finished the socks that I've been working on for the last few weeks. Picture after they're gifted later this month. I also started another pair using some bamboo sock yarn that I've tried several times before. I don't think I like working with bamboo all that much. Not much give and it splits and frays easily. I've only done the ribbing and the first two rows of the lace pattern so I'll wait until there's some visible progress to take a picture.

A nice leisurely day yesterday. Knitted until eleven the went to meet my friend Mendy for lunch. Stopped on the way to pick up my prescription at Kaiser and then to the property management company to drop off a check for my association fees. Went to the barber shop since I had some time before meeting Mendy. He was too slow so I left and walked across the street to The Peach. After lunch we went next door to Unraveled and had an impromptu sock knitting lesson.

Back to the barber shop and got my hair cut. Back to Unraveled and stayed there and knit and chatted until time to go to Thursday night knitting. Worked on my current multi-directional scarf.

It was really great to just be able to take my time and not be rushing to get somewhere.

Today starts the big sale at Stitch in Time. I'm curious to see how that goes. I went last year as a customer and it didn't seem all that frantic. So I hope I have time to work with a couple of people who have said they'd be in for a lesson.

Done. No tears were shed; no walls crumbled. It was a great final day. Lots of my favorite students dropped by to sit and chat. And then out to dinner with one of them. Ann Mary wished me well and encouraged me to come back if I get bored with all the extra time on my hands.

All that extra time is quickly being turned into more knitting exploits and other venues. Private knitting lessons and additional knitting nights are being proposed. We'll have to see how that goes. Probably nothing will happen until after the holidays.

So, on to something else. I finally got my copy of Victorian Lace Today. I'm looking forward to spending some time with that. And working my way through a stack of unfinished projects. Clearing up the living room. And getting ready for the holidays.

It is awkward, to say the least, at Skein. Ann Mary, understandably, doesn't want me to say anything to anyone about my leaving. I, on the other hand, feel that I need to let people know that I won't be there when they come in for lessons. I have tried during the past month to be as low key as possible. Other than what I've written here and the few close friends I have made while I worked at Skein I have not said anything. Today Ann Mary finally began mentioning that there would be a different teacher later in the week. She hasn't been able to tell anyone that I'm leaving. I'll be glad when it's over.

Not much to report on the knitting front. Just working as fast as I can to finish the current sock which should happen tonight or sometime tomorrow. I need to check my completed projects drawer and make a list so I know how much more I have to do to be ready for Christmas. I'm afraid to find out.

One final reprise of Thanksgiving dinner, sans les pommes, and now I'm done. And I'm feeling just as uncomfortable now as I did last week. But I couldn't stand to throw anything away and there wasn't really enough to save. Now I just need a nap and the repeat will be complete.

But I can't take a nap. I'm running too far behind on my holiday gifts for that. But I'll be having more time starting this week. Two more days at Skein and then I'm back to two days a week. My schedule at Stitch in Time has been changed. I'll be working Monday and Friday from 10 to 5, and that's it. I'm looking forward to the extra time off.

I'm not as busy at Stitch in Time as I was at Skein but we're expecting that to change now that the schedule has been finalized. And there's a big sale on yarn and needlepoint canvases starting this coming Friday. 30% off all knitting yarns and canvases. So come on by.

I've finished one pair of socks so I have a set of needles available. Just have to decide whether to start another pair or to finish some of the ones that were started for Christmas last year.

The street in front of my condo is empty today. There are no classes at the community college so no vans or SUVs are blocking the view as I try to exit my driveway. I think everyone is at the mall already. When I went for my morning walk the parking lot at Michael's was full. It wasn't even seven o'clock yet. I don't get it. What's so great about going out before daylight to spend money on stuff you could get anytime? Are the deals really that good? Or is it just part of the holiday hype that makes everyone think they need to do this?

I used to work for a major retail store. Back in the day, we didn't open early the day after Thanksgiving but shoppers still got everything bought. I wonder if it really makes that much difference in the day's take. I'd much rather shop on-line.

So. How was your Thanksgiving? I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I didn't overdo it this year, except for the second dessert. And there's a surfeit of leftovers in my fridge including some delicious pumpkin soup. So tonight, when I get home from my last Friday at Skein, I'll be able to just heat up a few things and relive yesterday's gourmand experience.

Happy (foggy) Thanksgiving!

Happy (foggy) Thanksgiving!

This morning we've got fog. It's lovely. Especially since we've been having really warm weather lately. It appears that things will cool off for the next few days. For which I'm thankful.

Not much for me to do today in the way of Thanksgiving preparations. I bought the wine a week ago. That's my contribution to the event. Robert insists on doing all the cooking. Another thing for which I'm grateful. I can cook but I don't enjoy it anymore. I plan to spend some time going through stash and trying to restore some kind of order. At least to the stuff that's on shelves in my living room. I was going to try to get my laundry done but someone else beat me to the machines. I think it's the people that are moving out today. What a way to spend the holiday! But they've managed to buy a house after the husband won a bunch of money on a TV game show. Anyway, since I can't do laundry, I'll just relax until it's time for me to head over to Santa Monica for dinner.

Why is it than when you're knitting lace the yarn over you forgot is almost always at the beginning of the previous row? I'm knitting a lace shawl, not from the new Victorian Knitting Today but from Nancie Wiseman's Knitted Shawls, Stoves and Scarves. I do have the VKT on order (from Overstock.com)but it hasn't arrived as yet. Maybe tomorrow. I'm hoping to have the shawl done before Christmas but at the rate I'm going it may not be this particular Christmas.


Here's to everyone, celebrants or not. Have a happy Thanksgiving Day!