Knitting with my Mother's Hands

9/11

2011-09-11T17:28:00.002-04:00

I was teaching in a school across the river from the towers in New Jersey. The view outside my classroom window was the WTC and the Empire State building.
A coworker saw the planes hit and I saw the towers go down. Many of the staff and students lost friends and family.
I will never forget the smell in the air for days.
I will not watch any of the 9/11 programing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of us who lived that day and must live with the pain and loss.

We Will Miss You Lena

2011-08-25T13:23:00.009-04:00

Lena

The knitting world has lost a truly amazing person Lena Lundbladh.

In her blog she shared her life,knitting and beautiful designs,some of which can be found here on Ravelry.

I made two of her Oden Sweaters for my Ella.

I hope to start her Poppy Poncho soon.

Thank you Lena for your continued inspiration.

Posting On My iPad

2011-07-30T04:35:00.000-04:00

This is very cool but just learning at this point.
So here goes!

I have been doing tons of knitting for my first grandson. He will be here in November and I have so many more things I want to make for him.
I'm not sure how to put links in so the next post will have the details of the little sweater.

I love to learn new things and at my age I must keep my mind active.
Thanks to my daughters I will enter my 60s with a young mind.

Jo Ann and Vickie Howell

2011-06-29T18:31:00.006-04:00

A new Jo Ann store opened near my house!

I ran right to Vickie Howell's yarn.

The model on the yarn is her very cute daughter Clover.
Check her out here on Vickie's Blog.

Ready for some Boy knitting!

I love Vickie's books especially this one which is full of great projects that are planet friendly.

Going to put a boy sweater on the needles.

It's a Boy!!!!!!!

2011-06-28T17:17:00.002-04:00

Just found out today that Last Born is having a boy. I went to the ultrasound with them and all I did was cry! My first grand son will be born in November so I better get started on some boy sweaters.

Hooked Up

2011-06-11T14:29:00.003-04:00

My newest toys!
I love my new iPad and FlipSlide camcorder.

I know I can live without an iPad and iPhone but why should I!

Back to my roots.
Crocheting a blanket for my new grandbaby which we will meet in November.

A simple shell stitch in cotton ease.

I love Christmas Cacti and this one is older than I am. It must be well over sixty years old and blooms twice a year.

This is the magnolia in front of my house in full bloom.
It's a messy tree but so beautiful.

No Time to Blog

2011-05-27T18:25:00.008-04:00

My new life has left me little time to blog but much time with the new love of my life!

Lula
Here doing just has her mother did at her age, pulling out all the books.

Here she is wearing one of the many sweaters I made her.

I'm back to making new baby sweaters because Last Born will be having her first baby in November!
YES I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA AGAIN!
Such a blessed life I now live, doing what I've always dreamed of, taking care of my grand babies!
We hope to know the sex of our new little one at the end of June.
For now I am making gender neutral things.

This is the same pattern Lula is wearing above Raglan Cardigan with Fully Fashioned Shaping by Debbie Bliss.

The hat is a free pattern Little Boy Blue Ribbed Baby Hat by Tonya Wagner. found here

Here is one of Lula's friends modeling another one I made.

This is a great free pattern Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys found here

It also had a ribbed hat to match.

I've also made some gloves. This is a pair I made for my husband. The pattern is free Ken
by Berroco Design Team found here

I lost my Mother, Father and Brother between 1990 and 1993. My birth family all gone in 3 years. After that we spent many years just the four of us. Now there is new life as the family grows again. Everyday is a gift I hold very dear!

Snow Again!!!!!!!!

2011-01-21T07:41:00.012-05:00

This is when it all started. A few days after Christmas we got 20+ inches.
Today we had the 4th storm in 4 weeks and I hear there is another storm on it's way for Tuesday.

We had a special holiday this year with Lula added to the game table.

Now that First Born is back at work Lula is with me all day and I'm loving it.
This is the bookcase filled with books and toys from her Mom and Tia.

I have everything I need to take care of grandbabies. Bring them on Last Born!

Here is my new laptop and the awesome screen saver pictures of my family.
I'm still working on learning to use it but I do love it.

This is a sweet little jacket I made for Lula. Jardin Baby Jacket is by Melissa Matthay free and can be found here.

The button are for show and there are snaps behind them.

This was a sweater I had on the needles for many months and is now done.
Lucille by Courtney Kelley is free
here.
I ran out of yarn and had to shorten the sleeves but I still think it looks nice.

Back to my love of making gloves. These are another pair of Magical gloves without the flap to cover the fingers. First Born wanted them so she could take care of Lulas needs without taking off her gloves.
It's a free pattern by Jo Calvert but for some reason I was not able to find the site found. The yarn is by Rowan Kid Classic and amazingly soft.

I just started a pair of gloves that will also be fingerless made out of Flat Feet.
The pattern is a great basic glove pattern by Sandi Rosner found in a great book Not Just Socks. Anyone who enjoys working with small needles and sock yarn must get this book.

New Laptop New Stuff To Learn

2010-12-26T05:02:00.004-05:00

This is my first post on my new laptop! I can't tell you how hard it is to learn new things at my age but with First Borns help I'm pushing ahead.
My new Grandbaby Ella is an amazing little girl. She has had so many tummy problems any other person would be sad all the time but not my Lula! She is such a happy baby and I hope she gets a break soon.

These little leggings are a free pattern by Jennie Kuzman found here.

These Bonnets are from a great new book I just got.

Vintage Modern Babies by Hadley Fierlinger.

The Modern Baby Bonnet is a great pattern that is easy to follow and the Bonnet fits beautifully.

They look even better after they have been blogged.

Last but not least a picture of Ella in one of the sweaters I made for her.

Now off to get supplies and get ready for a big snow storm.
First Born and I hope to Skype for the first time today and I will get to spend more time with my Lula!

The World of a Grandma!

2010-10-24T12:26:00.010-04:00

My first faceless pics of my Lula(I think that maybe my nickname for her) and she knew just what to do!

I think I may have to eat those feet.

Gifts from good friends and a Bunny from her Tia.

Mommy getting L ready to go home.

As they leave the Hospital/Hotel.

Home resting and enjoying each others company on a blanket I crocheted.

In my arms wrapped in a blanket crocheted by her Great Grandma!

L dreaming while covered by the Teddybear blanket I made her.

Back to knitting.
This is a sweater I posted about a while ago. I added the crocheted trim and the flower and think it looks much better.

I finished this cable sweater by Sirdar Spinning Ltd in Berroco Weekend cotton yarn.

It's still too big for L but can't wait to see her in it.

Now let me can to reading some of my blog friends posts.

She's Here!

2010-10-09T10:28:00.007-04:00

My beautiful granddaughter was born September 14th. First Born went in to the OBGyn to check how things were going and found out that little L wasn't breathing well and even though she wasn't due for 2 weeks he thought it best to do a c-section
So at 5:14 Tuesday September 14th L came to meet her family. She was 7lb 6oz and 19" long.
I've been staying with First Born and her husband to help with L, so haven't had time to post pictures. I will be getting some faceless pics of L to post soon.
I also have some knitting to post as well.

No Knitting Because Life Gets In The Way

2010-08-30T06:07:00.010-04:00

Belly watch!
Less than a month to go.
First Born is so tired I don't know how she is going to make it to the first day of school on the 8th.

Construction has come to an end for First Born with the beautiful new floors in the family room and the amazing new windows on the first floor.

Family room done!
Smudge Bunny must make room for L.
Check her Blog for more pictures of Smudge.

Baby Shower went great and was a surprise thanks to Last Born giving up her birthday.
She is the best sister!

First Born and husband spent a few days with us during window install.
I loved have them.
We made sugar cookies.

Mommy made one special for L.

More attic finds.
Rainbow Bright is perfect after a good bath.

What more will I find?

Great Finds!

2010-08-13T07:39:00.016-04:00

Belly pics

L's bed

More pictures here on First Born's blog.

I'm now rushing to put buttons on all of L's sweaters.

This is a Smocked cardi details here.
I found then cute heart button on the floor of the middle school I worked(key word) at.
I'm thinking of adding more details. Crochet trims and maybe some little flowers.

This is a cabled smock with ribby yoke details here.

While cleaning the attic I found these treasures.

These beautiful linen hand made baby things were given to me by my Titi Lidia in a beautiful basket to bring my babies home.
.

They are all hand made by an order of nuns in San Juan Puerto Rico.

I was so happy to see that they were all in perfect condition after 30 years.
I love to look at the tiny stitches and the amazing details these women put into there little garments. At the time we had no idea if we were having a boy or a girl. In the OLD days boys and girls would wear these.

The yellow blanket has Dios Me Bendiga (God Bless Me) worked into it and has a little dress to match.
The white has Baby on it

Retirement and the Start of My New Life

2010-07-08T14:43:00.008-04:00

The last day of school was not sad. There were no tears or long goodbyes.
I just walked out with my flowers,balloon and chair to my husbands waiting van.

I thought of my 36 years and what it all meant. I guess time will help me understand.
Today was the start of the Understanding.
When I got home from spending time with First Born and her constuction war zone this was waiting for me at the door.

In my 36 years of teaching there were some wonderful people that entered my life.
Mr.JV was one of those wonderful people. His kind,caring soul has shared the births of my girls as well the passing of too many of my loved ones.
His puns would help me get through some hard days and when help is needed he is always there.
Thank you Mr.JV for being a good friend and a class act!

Here is First Born getting Ela's room ready.

Ela is not the only thing under construction!

This is what the construction war zone looks like. For better pictures check her blog
HERE

This is my husbands new family. I love to hear him play!

Have not had much time for knitting but did finish this little hat.

These are a few examples of crochet beading I did prelupus.

I gave away many things I had made.
Here one can see the different textures you can make with the use of different size beads.

I hope some day to be able to do this kind of work again.

WWKIP And More

2010-06-20T04:44:00.010-04:00

What would a post be these days without a picture of First Born's growing belly.
Some people want a child and it just happens but we don't seem to have that kind of luck. It took my husband and I six years and a miss to have First Born. First Born and her husband had a difficult time as well so this little girl is very special to us.

We went to stix-n-stiches to Knit In Public and had a great time with First Born and Pat.

I left with some great yarn on sale!

A good friend had a surprise 60th birthday party. There was a knitting birthday cake(First Born has a picture here on her blog) and these yarnie cupcakes were given out at the end.

I went to a party my school gave for the retiries just the week before. Those who planned it did a great job but I just didn't want to be there because I didn't like most of the people that were there and I'm sure they feel the same about me. This birthday party came at just the right time! It was filled with love and joy for my friend and such welcoming people.

Look what I won!!!!!

I entered a contest Impausible Yarn was having and won this beautiful yarn. I'm feeling a pair of gloves!

First Born has always been an Alice and Wonderland nut so I will be passing these on to her.

Heather is such a sweet person and added this cute Alice bag!
Thank you so much you made my day.

These are vintage Alice fabrics.

I think I will make a bag out of them.

This is a cute little baby hat by Jennifer Sauselein and can be found here for free.

This is a blanket I'm working on for L out of washcloth patterns.

I'm two days away from the end of my school teaching life. I will soon start my grandbaby teaching life and can't wait!

More Gifts!

2010-06-04T05:56:00.009-04:00

Our little L is getting bigger and at 23 weeks is keeping First Born up at night.

When I started to clear the attic I found a box of booties made by my Mom and my Aunt.
They were crocheted and knitted with love for my girls and I can't wait to see my grandbabies in them.

I finished the Autumn Leaves sweater for L. Made with Rowan Kid Classic yarn it is super soft and warm.

This great pattern by Nikki Van De Car can be found here for free.

Now that I'm 58 and retirement is days away I gifted myself something I've always wanted but never dreamed I would get. Not one but two Michael Kors bags.

This is part of his classic tote.

I love the lock and a key comes with it!

There's enough room for me to take knitting with me.

The second one is a satchel and was on sale so I just couldn't pass it up.

It's smaller than the tote but still tons of room.

I hope this is not the start of a bag frenzy!!!

New Toys!

2010-05-23T12:49:00.005-04:00

On my "When I retire" list is learning to quilt.
I got this beautiful Janome sewing machine.

I hope to take lessons this summer.

Also on my list was "learn to Text"
So I got me an iphone

and lots of cool apps

even a stitch counter!!!!

I also got this great floor steamer by Haan.
The floor must be clean for Eloise!

On the knitting front I finshed a Whirligig Shrug by Stefanie Japel in 3 month size.

I'm going to start a 12 month size next.

This is my second Oden finished.

I add a crochet trim to the sleeves.

Spring has Sprung

2010-05-06T05:41:00.006-04:00

This is what February looked like!

Now we're here!
My Azaleas are over 60 years old and every year are more beautiful!

First Born is also blooming with her First Born!

Yet another sweater for the baby is almost done.
This is my second Oden Baby Cardigan by a gifted designer Lena Lundbladh who is one of the original Lesser Known Skeins. This free pattern can be found on Ravelry here. The fabric this pattern makes is great for a baby sweater because it's warm yet soft.
Her great blog is here check it out.

Almost two years ago I had an idea to start a group for fiber artists who blog.
The Lesser Known Skeins is now a group on Ravelry here
and also has a website here.

First Born started the website but was unable to keep up with it because of all the stresses of being a 5th grade math teacher, working on her Library Science degree, husband,house and now Baby on the way.
I reached out to the LKS for help and Sara was kind enough to help. She is doing a great job keeping my dream alive and I can't thank her enough!
Check out her great website here.

Road To Retirement!

2010-04-24T05:37:00.011-04:00

On April 9th my world changed!
After 36 years of teaching in the public school system my retirement papers were filed.
Those who have gone before me have always said, "When you're ready you will know!" They were right,I know I'm ready!!!

I will miss going to work with my daughters and seeing some of the people I work with, but there is so much I don't like about teaching in a Middle School that makes leaving a good thing for me and my students. Time to let the Young Bloods take over.
I am sad for the Young Bloods and what they face in public education today.
The Govenor of New Jersey wants to make needed changes in the budget but feels he must bully teacher to make those changes.

Stand strong Young Bloods!

On the knitting front I just finished another Top Down Raglan Sweater by Carole Barenys.

I just love this pattern!
It's free and so easy a beginner can make it.

I made it from Zara Filatura Di Crosa yarn. The colors and feel of this yarn is amazing and great for baby sweaters.

This is a little hat I made out of some left over yarn.
The pattern is from Natural Nursery Knits by Erika Knight,a beautiful book filled with special baby pattern.

This is a sweater I'm making with size 17 needles out of Loop D Loop yarn.
The pattern is Dumplin by Kim Hargreaves and can be found in Rowan Babies.

On the Grandma front.
I got this great Grandma photo album/memory book and can't wait to start filling it up.
I also got Martha Stewart's new sewing/fabric book. I love sewing and hope to take quilting lessons this summer.

Not sure how much time I'll have in the Fall when the baby comes.

Many Good Things!

2010-04-01T04:12:00.015-04:00

A great thing!
First pictures of First Born's baby bum.
Only 14 weeks and my grandbaby is pretty big!

The girls on their way

to the

Martha Stewart Show!

The set is just beautiful as you would expect.

Planting set.

This show had a doctor from the ASPCA with some cats.

This is some well known designer. Well known to those who follow that kind of this.
Sorry don't remember his name.
I thought he was full of himself but his designs are beautiful.

I love all the Jade Wear!!!

Joey Kola is the warm up comedian for the show.

He's very hard working and funny! I hope Martha knows what she has in this great comedian!

Martha will be 69 in a few months and looks great!

At the end of the show she stays a while to answer questions.

Check out the shoes. She started the show with a pair a few inches higher!

Now some knitting.
I just finished these cute little hats.
Aviatrix baby hat by Justine Turner is a free pattern and can be found on Ravelry.

This one is made from Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Let's Twist. Just love her yarns!

This one is made from Baby Zarella.

The Teddy Bear Baby Blanket by Barbara Breiter is finished!

Made with Sky Tahki cotton yarn this free pattern was well written and easy to follow.

A View of Many Things

2010-03-06T19:25:00.011-05:00

I just love our Maggie! She's an old lady but still has a great spirit.

We had a great time at The View!

Barbara came out to talk to everyone before the show started.
She looks awesome!
I have a signed copy of her book Audition which is a great read.

The girls getting a touch up and chatting.
Whoopi was off but we saw her the last time we went.

Barbara getting ready for the next guest Lisa Kudrow.
I have no pictures of her because she ran off without even looking at the audience!

Sherri is very sweet and funny.
Both times I've gone to the show she spent the most time in the audience during the breaks.

Here is Producer Bill Geddie with the cast.

There were no give aways but it was great fun and First Born put in for more tickets!

I finished the Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater a great free pattern by Carole Barenys.

I have been making button holes on both side because we don't know what we are having.

Also finished is the Oden Baby Cardigan designed by Lena Lundbladh. Lena is an awesome designer and she was so nice to give this great pattern for free.

I made it with Finnean's Rainbow yarn by Autumn House Farm.
I love the pattern and have already started a second one.

I'm also working on a design by Bianca Boonstra who was so kind to gift me two of her beautiful patterns. More details to follow.

This free pattern Teddy Bear Baby Blanket by Barbara Breiter is another project I'm working on for my future Grandbaby.

Last is a picture of the last snow fall. I hope!!!!

Take A Little Time To Enjoy The View!

2010-02-14T04:59:00.009-05:00

We got tickets to The View for March 3rd!
Last year I went with First and Last Born. My friend PF was to have gone with us but found out she had Breast Cancer and was about to start the fight of her life.
Happy to say she is doing great and will be going with us this time!!!!

Now to baby knits.

The first is Child's Placket-Neck Pullover. It is a free pattern by Joelle Hoverson.

It is made with Miss Priss Schaefer Yarn. First Born gave me this awhile ago and it was waiting for just the right project.

This is a Debbie Bliss pattern from Baby Knits for Beginners.

I made it with Baby Zarella a Filatura Di Crosa yarn.

It is cute and thank goodness I like to seam because it's made up of five parts!
I don't see the need to made this sweater again when I can get the same raglan style with a top down pattern like the one I'm working on now.

This raglan is more like it and it's free Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys.

A few years ago my Husband and I went on a little trip to Mystic Connecticut. We had gone with our daughters many times when they were little and found it to be very peaceful and relaxing. I, as always, checked out the local yarn stores and found Mystic River Yarns.
That's where I found this amazing yarn!
If you are member of Ravelry you must check out Ellyn Copper's yarns because they are amazing!

By the way shouldn't Valentines Day be everyday!

What a Difference a Day Makes

2010-01-30T18:53:00.011-05:00

I was going to wait to post this but First Born has already posted on her blog.
I'm going to be a Grandma!!!!!
First Born is the writer in the family and she has been writng about her 3 year struggle having a baby on her blog.
She is only 6 weeks so we are taking it one step at a time.

Last Born couldn't wait to buy something!

Now to some fiber work.
I started this crochet blanket years ago. Now that a baby is on the way I wanted to finish it.

I made it out of Bernat Handicraft Cotton. I love the feel of this blanket and the shell stitch pattern I used for it.

I started this sweater last week as soon as we found out about the Baby.

It's a free pattern from Lion Brand Heirloom Cables Baby Sweater.

It is made with Cascade 220 Tweed. I love working with this yarn and the pattern was easy.
I put button holes on both sides to play it safe.

The Chalk Dust Knitters/Crocheters met up Thursday.

There was less knitting/crocheting but lots of eating and talking about Grandbabies.

I would like to thank almondrose
for this

She has a great blog and if you have not checked it out you must do so!
I was to tell ten things about myself.
I'm going to be a Grandma is my 10 things.

Brag Time

2010-01-17T05:22:00.014-05:00

I must show off some off how gifted my daughters are.
Not only are they awesome teachers but they are artists as well.

First Born has made beautiful jewelry.
These are just a few things she has made for me.

More can be seen on her blog
The GrimmWitch of Jersey
on the left bar under My Jewelry.

Last Born is a visual artist.
These paintings are of her grandfather.

This is from a picture of Pipa,as they called him, in the 1940s.

Those who knew my Dad know this painting looks just like him!

I just love this painting and was so thrilled when she gave it to me!

More of her art can be found at The Art Geek.

Look What I Got!!!!

I have been eyeing this
Namaste Bag online for months!
I walked into a LYS to get needles for the Central Park Hoodie I am going to make for First Born and asked the sales person to show me the bag. I almost past out when she told me it was on sale for $36!
There is tons of room for big projects.

I will be showing it off when The Chalk Dust Knitters/Crocheters meet on Thursday!

This is the cable scarf I made for Mr.J being blocked.

It is the Reversible Cable Scarf by Lion Brand made from Adriene Vittadini Trina.

I normally don't like making scarves but I enjoyed this pattern so much I'm sure I'll have another one on the needles soon.

Finally finished Wisp by Cheryl Niamath made from Tilli Tomas Silk 'n Shimmer. I love this yarn!

Thanks to Sunday for recommending it.

First Born is modeling a beret I made out of one of my fav yarns Cascade 220 tweed.
The pattern is from Le Slouch
by Wendy Bernard which was free on Ravelry but is no longer available.

I looked for it on her website but couldn't find it.

I'm glad I have a copy because I know I will make another soon.

Last Born is modeling Norwegian Gloves by Nancy Bush.

They're made with Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Baby Ull. The yarn is nice to knit with but it's not wearing well.

I will make this pattern again but I will never use this yarn again.

Next post will have faceless pictures of The Chalk Dust Knitters/Crocheters meeting.

The Gift of Family and Friends

2010-01-01T07:21:00.010-05:00

I would like to thank all who are nice enough to read and comment on this little blog of mine.
I wish all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

This is when you know you gave birth to a Yarnie.
My first born's tree topper!

This is first Christmas day at First Born's house.
Girls making Bocaditos. The Croquetas are in the center of the platter and off to the side are the pastelitos de carne and the quava on queso crema.
A very Cuban Christmas in memory of my Dad!

The traditional Christmas games that son-in-law BB gets. This year is the Zombie game year.

We got a PS3 which shows Blueray movie as well.

The perfect game for me with this little yarn guy!

We spent some time with good friends.
The food was awesome but the friendship is priceless!

This is Otto their cute little puppy.

I made another scarf for Mr.J.
It is all garder stitch Knit Picks swish yarn.

Here's Mr.J modeling his new scarf.

I hope to cast on another scarf for him today but would like to make one with cables in it.

This is Last Born's tree for next year. She and her husband went out the day after Christmas and got it and some orniments on sale. They're all set for Christmas 2010!

This is my Debbie Bliss Pleated Wrap I finished after almost a year of it sitting in my kniiting basket.
It is made with Patons Silk Bamboo on size 5 needles.
I loved working with this yarn but love wearing it even more. I use it more as a scarf than a wrap and it is very warm and comfy on the cold days we've been having.

I'm on a mission to finish the projects I have sitting in my basket but I do have Mr.J's scarf, First Born's Central Park Hoodie and Last Born needs something new from me. Well I think I'm off to the Yarn store tomorrow. There's no hope for me but I love it!

No Knitting Only Family

2009-12-19T04:38:00.006-05:00

It's been difficult to find time to post. I read and comment on a lot of blogs but just not posting on my own.
Knitting has been slow because of my lupie hands. The cold just makes my hand unable to function. So I sit sadly looking at my knitting basket with dreams of finished projects dancing in my head.

These are pictures from Thanksgiving.
Our puppy Maggie who now lives at my Last Borns' new house.

Last Born has taken over Thanksgiving. Here she is making pumpkin bread.

Yarn is never too far away in our family.
This is First Born crocheting a Spiderman Blanket.

Every year after the big Lupus Gala in NYC that raises thousands of dollars to find a cure. A friend at work brings me this.

I am thankful for people like her who care enough to help find a cure and I get chocolate too!

First Born has a new livingroom which we will be breaking in Christmas Day because she has taken over that holiday.

Oh no I have no more holidays to host!!!!
My plan worked.

My 100th Post!

2009-11-13T10:26:00.007-05:00

My Tower of Gloves!

I have given many away but still have a few.

Just finished this pair out of Cascade 220 Tweed.
I used the Blackthorn pattern from Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson.
I didn't add the little vest part as I had on my first pair and I used a 1x1 Rib for the cuff. I just love tweed yarn!

These are the same pattern without the Rib cuff and made out of Noro Kureyon. I love the natural rustic look and the beautiful colorway Noro creates.

Now my venture into Fair Isle Gloves! Winter Twilight Mitts
These are for my First Born. A free pattern from Knittingdaily Winter Twilight Mitts that I am working on making gloves. I hope it works and I don't have to frog them because my daughter doesn't like them as mitts. Time will tell.

These are for my Last Born and are also a free pattern, from Interweave Norwegian Gloves
(when you go to the link scroll down to find the pattern)
They are beautiful gloves but the pattern is a little confusing for my old brain.
I was able to finish the little finger after frogging it once and have started the ring finger.

The palm and the thumb gusset are also very beautiful.

The reason for the missing pictures is because Geocity is no more. I must wait for First Born to fix it.

Owls and Gloves

2009-10-23T04:25:00.008-04:00

My good friend ML's daughter stopped by with these cuties!

Not only are these Owl Cupcakes the sweetest things in the world but they are also the sweetest as in good to eat!
Thanks AL!!!

I finished the gloves for them.
This is ML modeling hers.

AL modeling hers. Yes these are the hands that made those great cupcakes.

The pattern is from a great book Not Just Socks by Sandi Rosner and they're made out of Colinette Jitterbug. I just love this yarn for gloves because it knits up beautifully,the fit is great all the time and it wears well after months of use and washing.

This is my First Born modeling the fiished Almeara Gloves by Jared Flood.

I made them out of Cascade Yarns 220 Tweed a yarn I love to work with but I didn't love making them. They are warm and will be great on very cold days but I will not make another pair anytime soon.

I made another pair of Raspberry Mitts by Krista A. from Tidewater Knits for a coworker's daughter. I used Bernat Satin and good acrylic yarn.
NO that's not an oxymoron. There are some very good acrylic yarns out there.

I'm working on yet another pair of gloves! These are another pair of these Blackthorns I made a while ago.

They are from Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson a great book for anyone who loves to make mitts and gloves.
I'm making them out of Noro Kureyon and will not be putting on the little vest.
I love this pattern because it has great shaping that gives the glove a more fitted look.

I picked up some goodies at my LYS stix-n-stitches.

Those are 4" needles to make fingers on my gloves. They are made by Hiya Hiya and made it so much easier working on fingers. The book is Traditional Fair Isle Knitting by Sheila McGregor. I love learning the history of fair isle and there are tons of designs. Thanks Sunday for suggesting it!
I also got my Interweave Knit Holiday Gifts and it's filled with great projects.
Maybe I'll start making something other than gloves! NOT!!!!

On the way to keep others warm!

2009-10-04T05:26:00.012-04:00

Part of empty nest is going through a life time of Things. I went to the attic to check out how many things I had and I found this.

She is so sweet!

I have no idea how she got in the attic but she is home now.

On their way to a new home.

The school I teach in is 6 years old. In the summer the air often doesn't work but in the winter it works great! The classrooms get very cold and I made these for a coworker.
The pattern is Raspberry Mitts which is a free pattern by Tidewater Knits.

This scarf is for the son of a new friend who feels like an old friend.
He started an upscale NYC high school and will be doing a great deal of walking in the city on cold days.

I hope this keeps him warm.

My family is blessed to have the L family as friends.
This scarf is for Papa JL who wears a scarf at all times.

JL has multiple sclerosis but doesn't let it hold him down. He holds a full time job and whenever you talk to him he has a smile on his face and is inspirational.

To find out more or learn how you can help here are a couple of websites.
National MS Society
MS Association of America

The gloves I'm making Mama ML and Daughter/College Freshmen AL are ready for the last fitting.

I've started the second Almeara Glove which already is better than the first. I will have to make another pair so they both match.

Today I Meet My Son.

2009-09-13T06:44:00.003-04:00

OK so he isn't my for real son.
Jared Flood better known as brooklyntweed did a book signing at stix-n-stitches my LYS.

He was nice enough to humor me!

Getting my book signed.

KP getting her book signed.

My Beaumont Beanie Done

The Fresco Classic Elite is too fuzzy for my sinuses.
I messed up the top but will make it again and get it right.

I'm all set for my next Flood project. Quincy in Ariosa Classic Elite.

Thanks to Sunday Holm

2009-08-27T06:50:00.009-04:00

Sunday helping Pat get some yarn for a project she was making.

Last summer The Chalk Dust Knitters went to our LYS Stix-n-Stitches to have Sunday Holm give us some lessons on Fair Isle knitting. She told us the story of an EZ sweater she was recreating the pattern for. We were amazed as we often were with Sunday, her gifts as a knitter and the giving and humble person she is.
Now this lost EZ sweater has been found and will be brought back to life by the many knitters that will make it.

Please take the time to read these articals because they will touch and inspire you. Twist Collective Joan Morhard Smith

Twist Collective Sunday Holm

Let's remember and thank Sunday Holm for the many months she spent birthing the pattern. If not for her love for knitting and EZ this sweater would have been lost forever.
Thank you Sunday!

Chalk Dust Knitters showing off their Fair Isle last summer.

This was mine.

Now look what I can do. See what a good teacher Sunday is!
This is a pattern by Jeanne Stevenson.

It's very easy and fast to knit up. The model is First Born

I used Knit Picks(brown)and Zarella(green)yarns.

While at Stix-n-Stitches this week I picked up Made in Brooklyn by Jared Flood.

I also picked up some Fresco from Classic Elite. My daughter posted beautiful picture of the yarn on her blog and we will be making this together.

Good People Good Knitting Good Life!

2009-08-23T05:26:00.008-04:00

I would like to thank the following bloggers for helping Lupies after reading my last post.

First Born amazing daughter.

Two Cables

Sickstitches

What Did I Learn Today?

Living Lupie my friend in the fight.

Dr Chop Suey Knits

Lunaticraft

Thank you all for taking the time to help. You are not only great bloggers and knitters/crocheters but awesome people!

The Chalk Dust Knitters met up. Some members were missed
Crochet with me where are you?

School Nurse Jackie feel better soon we need you!

Diamonds and Purls hurry back from AC.

New to the group Sassy Super Librarian her blog is new and will soon be on it's way.

As always lots of good food, knitting/crocheting and talking.

My husband and I went to dinner with some good friends to a new place.
Assembly Steak House is an old school Steak House.

The pictures were sent to me by Daughter A and I don't know how to center them. I will ask First Born to help.
I had the Filet Mignon.

Mom M and College Freahmen Daughter A had the Roast Prime Ribs of Beef.

Hubbie and M's hubbie J had the Maryland Crabcakes with Chesapeake Corn Sauce.

There is nothing like good food and time with great friends. I am truly Blessed!

Now to some projects.
I am almost finished with the first Almeara Gloves by Jared Flood.
I am making them out of cascade 220 tweed. Always check for corrections when starting a project. I didn't do that and the middle finger isn't right. I went to the Vogueknitting sight and not only found that correction but found one for the thumb. Other than that I am enjoying the pattern.

This is Flora by Tentenknits an inspiring knitter and designer.

This is only the 3rd fair isle project I have done and I need more work with those floats.

Lupies Need Your Help!

2009-08-16T07:04:00.003-04:00

No pictures or stories just asking for help.

Lupus Foundation of America Needs Your Help -- Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act

Go to here

Click on the link "Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act," enter your zip code in the box called “Call Now” and click on the “go” button. You’ll then be presented with the contact information for your senators, as well as get talking points for what to say when you call.

Please ask your family, friends and coworkers to call on your behalf as well.

For more info about Lupus go here.
Thank You

Lancaster Pa

2009-08-09T05:10:00.014-04:00

Picture crazy post!
Projects are ready to go!

I love the sight of farm-land and rolling hills.

We had breakfast at Clinton Station Diner.

Oh yes it is a train going right into the diner!

When you go in

you can eat in the car!

We stayed at Best Western Eden Resorts Lancaster
Check out our room.

The housekeeping staff is awesome.
The best part of the room was not the two large rooms with large flat screen TVs or the double sinks or the turn down service with the chocolate coins left on the bed each night.
The best part of the room was the shower!

When you get past all the cornball tourist things

and this sight is no longer a surprise

there are some amazing places for fiber nuts to go.

The Kitchen Kettle Village has some great shops.

I found some beautiful pottery at theVillage Pottery for my daughters.

My new yarn home the
Lancaster Yarn Shop.

The shop is so beautiful I couldn't pick one picture so I am posting all!

I have walked to new yarn shops alone and felt I just wanted to turn around and run out because the people were so cold.

Wendy made me feel at home.
I wish I could have gone to their Thursday night meeting because I'm sure all who go must be friendly folks.

These are yarns by local fiber artists.

I found some great books and amazing yarn!
I hope my First Born will make a shawl for me out of the yarn by
Rachel-Marie.
I will make a pair of gloves for her from theWhorled Peace yarn.

The last day I found Labadie Looms.

She has beautiful spinning wheels and looms.
As always I found more great yarn.
Autumn House Farm yarn is so beautiful I can't wait to start a project with it.

The best part of the trip was our visit to Eastland Alpacas.

Picture from Eastland Alpacas website

These sweet animals are so soft and friendly I just wanted to take one home.

The ranch is so beautiful and run in such a loving way. The animals seem to be part of the family. The tour was very informative and even my lupie body could handle it.

This is one of a few llamas they have.

At the store I found this beautiful yarn.

If you are ever in the area make the trip to Eastland Alpacas it is great.

On the road home I finished the gloves I have been working on for months.

I Love Crochet!

2009-08-02T06:18:00.011-04:00

While cleaning out my Last born and Hubbies apartment upstairs I found a bag of projects I made many years ago.

These are two blankets I made from Make One For Baby by Carole Rutter Tippett.

The pattern is called Waffle Stripes and you can see why.

This is #2 blanket.
I made up the trim.

I think this pattern makes a great fabric for any blanket. It doesn't have many holes but the fabric is very light. I don't like when the fabric is so heavy that you get tired just having it on you.

These little sweaters are from Worsted Weight Layettes by Carole Prior.

A little cap to go with it.

The pattern was easy and fast to make.

This is another example of the great fabric crochet can make.
I may make a blanket but don't think I can find the same yarn.

Those knitters out there that think the fabric made by crochet doesn't meet up to the fabric one can get from knitting are missing a world of beautiful and inspiring work.

Knitters Learn to Crochet/ Crocheters Learn to Knit It will open up a New World to you.

Back to Normal?

2009-07-26T07:47:00.012-04:00

My husband and I are getting better with this empty nest thing.
We are starting to turn the dining room into a sitting room and now that the piano is out my living room looks much larger.

First born and hubbie are back form their trip to Boston. Check her blog for details.
Last Born had to take time off from all the new house work because she was getting sick.

So I am not only back to knitting but also back to my Chalk Dust Knitters/Crocheters Group.
At the meeting my good friend Pat pulled out this gift for me!
It is so cool and I have wanted to get one since I saw it online.

One side has a tape measure,cutter,crochet hook and a counter.

On the other side it has a compact.

It contains scissors, point protectors and stitch markers.

I am so blessed to have great friends.Thanks Pat!!!!!

In glove world I'm finishing this pair of basic gloves and will be taking time off from the basics to do more challenging gloves.
The frame was a gift First Born brought me from Boston.
I love William Morris designs. This is called Seaweed.

Here are another pair from a book I love Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson.
I'm not using the right yarn but the design is so great I'm sure they are going to come out just fine.

No Time To Knit!

2009-07-11T06:16:00.011-04:00

My first born and her husband moved into their first home a few months ago. She posted pictures of her beautiful home on her blog.
Here is their backyard with some new additions.

I just love this little guy!

My last born baby,her husband and Maggie(our dog)moved Thursday.
This move was a little different because when they were married they moved into the apartment I have upstairs. That apartment was my parents and when they past the girls used it.
My husband and I haven't been living alone since 1977.
She doesn't keep up with her
blog so here are some pics.

It is a beautiful house but just needed some love.

This picture shows the wall paper and rugs which are gone now.

Now the floors and walls are beautiful.

Before and after of the stove.

The Den had paneling and the sister pulled it down.

First Born found $5 when she was cleaning the lint trap.

My desk after the move.

I gave them my dining room set.

Now we start a new stage of life.
What will it bring!

Cable Glove Crazy

2009-06-27T05:51:00.004-04:00

I am sure my obsession with gloves will pass but right now it's so bad that I look at any yarn as future gloves.
These Welig gloves by Robin Melanson are made from Cascade 220 Tweed.

I love this pattern and am sure I will make another pair soon.

On the family front, both my daughters are teachers with MA degrees and are now home owners. They live 10 min. away from each other both farther away from me! I guess I will be moving very soon.
My first born is an amazing writer and I wish she would do more of that because I know there is a best seller waiting to come out.
My last born is an awesome artist and now that she has a studio in her new house I hope she will soon have a showing of her work.
I am so proud of both and bless to have them.

Oh Yes I Did!

2009-06-07T04:50:00.009-04:00

My lupus flares keep me from moving so my goal this summer is to start moving more.
I hope the Wii Fit will help.

I started yesterday and was sad to see how little I could do.
I hope to be better and able to do more as the summer goes on.

On the knitting front I finished the Welig gloves by Robin Melanson.

The pattern can be found in Knitting New Mittens & Gloves a great bookby Robin Melanson.This pattern is well written and the cable chart is very easy to follow.

I made them out of Berroco Ultra Alpaca so they are super soft and warm.

I'm up to 11 hand wear projects. Most knitter/crocheters hate doing detail work but I enjoy it. I guess that's why I like making gloves and doing the fingers!
Yes there are more gloves on the way and another lace shawl.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-06-03T04:41:00.006-04:00

My mother gave birth to me 57 years ago today.
Today is a perfect day to celebrate this amazing women.
This is El Escudo De Puerto Rico (The Seal of Puerto Rico)

A proud, strong Puerto Rican women who had dreams of Puerto Rican Independence.
She never went to college but had more insight, intelligence and wisdom than all of the professors I had when I went to college.
She worked hard in a hot hospital kitchen to give me the best life anyone could ask for.
When I was planning a family she put her life aside to care for my girls.
When she past in 1990 I spent many years working on being like Mom and came to the understanding that she lived her life making me ME.
I miss her more than I can say and as I write this I am filling my healing vase with tears.

Somethings Old and Somethings New

2009-05-23T05:49:00.009-04:00

These great vintage books belonged to Annette.
Check out the can of Tab the guy is holding!

This is a great free pattern Lacy Stole from Lion Brand.

I'm just starting to get into lace and this pattern was very easy to follow.
It's made out of very soft Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK.

The stole calls for a 5 pattern repeat but I wanted to make a scarf so I only did two repeats. I also added a crochet trim because it just looked unfinshed.

My First Born gave me this great Araucania Ranco Solid blue yarn. Working with it is amazing and I still have a tons more left over. I see a matching scarf coming.

Annette

2009-05-16T04:33:00.003-04:00

One of the Chalk Dust Knitters has past.
The knitting sky has lost a star.
Annette was a master knitter who loved to pass on her gift to others with love and peace.
One of the greatest moments I've had in the short time I've been knitting was when Annette told me the sweater I made for my daughter was well done and beautiful.

Pat and Annette at one of the meetings.

Our meetings will never be the same again.
We will remember her often and were blessed to know her.

My First Blogiversary

2009-05-03T06:09:00.008-04:00

One year ago today I entered the world of Blog.
I was reading so many great fiber art blogs I was inspired to start one of my own.
My first born helped me but I had no idea what was going to come of this.
I had to come up with a name. Should the name have something to do with Lupus, teaching, knitting, family. I remembered one day looking at my hands and realizing they looked just like my mothers hands. Now I had a name. My Mother was Puerto Rican and the picture is the Puerto Rican seal.
My daughter came up with, The map to the kingdom of knitting and the country side of crochet.

This was my first post.

Saturday, May 3, 2008
I have no idea. How do people start blogs?

I have to have socks on the needles all the time. At first, I was afraid I couldn't make socks, but now I must have socks available all the time.

I got some Lang JaWoll at a store called Yarn Diva. It comes with thread that lets you reinforce the heel. Yarn Diva is a nice little store, but I still love Stix-n-Stitches.

I'm going to go to get myself a new camera tomorrow. I want to learn how to use it and take some pictures of my stuff and I'll be on my way to blog-land.

I have learned so much in the past year and I thank my daughters for teaching me.
When I had the idea to start a group fiber artists who blog Ravelry made that possible and the Lesser Known Skeins was born.
I have met so many great people this year because of the blog and I hope to know and be inspired by more awesome fiber artists in the future.

All Wrapped Up

2009-04-26T05:35:00.005-04:00

I have stopped all of my other projects to work on a wrap found in the latest issue of debbie bliss knitting magazine.

My pleated wrap is being made with gray Paton Silk Bamboo.

I'm a very slow knitter so it will take me a long time at 71" long.

When The Frog Turns

2009-04-12T03:25:00.005-04:00

I have started many small projects because whenever I started a large one it would be frogged for one reason or another.

The gloves are still safe and almost done.

I started another Noro Silk Garden Scarf.

This is a scarf from Knitty.

I will post details when I finish it.

This was to be a top down cardi from Lion Brand. It met the frog way because I just didn't like it in this yarn.

I enjoy working on many projects at a time but I also like to finish them!

I'm Still Here!

2009-04-09T06:48:00.006-04:00

No post since March 15th just isn't like me.
Lupus has done me in and knitting has been slow.
When I get down I find others who are having a more difficult time and that stops me from feeling sorry for myself.
I ran into a friend I have not seen for a long time and she was with her beautiful 6 year old daughter who has Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This sweet angel goes through so much pain she can't walk sometimes. They are going to start her on shots of Methotrexate. I'm on this chemo and I know what it does to me I can't begin to imagine how she will deal with it. We must find cures to these diseases.
My first born and husband are in their first home so I've spent a great deal of time with them.
I hope to post picture of my slow moving unfinished projects this weekend.

Small Projects

2009-03-15T09:03:00.011-04:00

These are some finished projects.

Garter Stitch Loop-Through Scarf from by Marci Richardson.

The yarn is some Berroco Ultra Alpaca I had in my stash.

The pattern can be found in 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders.

This is yet another calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf from knitty.

It is fun to make and wear. I'm sure more will follow.

I finally finished nordic-headband by Heidi Nyberg of Heidi's Knitbits.

Thanks again to Sunday from stix-n-stitches who was a great teacher!

I've started a pair of gloves with the yarn tantej sent me.
It's a great colorway and very soft.

The group I started on Ravelry Lesser Known Skeins has 122 members now! It's so cool!!! Great fiber artists from all over the world sharing ideas was my dream and it's working thanks to Ravelry.

I Love My Girls!

2009-03-07T07:25:00.006-05:00

It has been a long time since I've met up with my friends in the Chalk Dust Knitters.
I love getting together with these women and just relaxing for a few hours. We are so lucky to have each other!
These are the bags my daughters and I gifted to the group for Christmas.

Annette has not been well and was unable to meet with us. We miss her and hope she gets better soon. Lynn was also missed.

We recently did our Christmas Scarf gifting.
At the time Jackie wasn't able to make it and Pat draw her name. Pictures of that scarf will be posted in the future.

I don't remember who made what but they were all awesome scaves!

These are some more members with great Blogs Diamonds and Purls

Purls and Curls

Grimm Witch of Jersey

Geek of all Trades

March 3, 2009 is the Lupus Foundation of America’s Advocacy Day

2009-03-01T05:32:00.008-05:00

Anyone one who has reads this blog knows, I have Lupus.
Last week a teacher I work with came to my class to tell me she had a student who was in the hospital and was diagnosed with Lupus. As it happens this 8th grade boy is in my daughters art class and his cousin is one of my students.

More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus and more than 90 percent of people with lupus are women between the ages of 15 and 45.
It was 50 years ago the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last approved a drug to specifically treat lupus.

On March 3, 2009 the Lupus Foundation of America is having the 11th Annual Advocacy Day on Capital Hill.
For more info visit the LFA site and take part in changing legislation so we will not wait another 50 years for better treatments.

A great blog to have on your blog list is On the Road to a Cure. You can find a list of inspirational bloggers! Lupus may slow them down but will not stop them from living full lives.

Please think about helping! You can make a difference!!!

I'm getting off my soapbox and will post about my kitting next week.

Kreativ Blogger Awards

2009-02-24T05:45:00.001-05:00

I was so honored to have been nominated for a Kreativ Blogger Award by two amazing fiber artists!
Hopieknits
Lansingerland
Both are Lesser Known Skeins on Ravelry and have inspired me to become a better knitter.

Here are the rules for the nominees:
1. Copy the award to your site.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate 8 other bloggers.
4. Link to those on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

Because I received two awards I will nominate 15 Lesser Known Skeins
Here are my nominees:

1 Diamonds and Purls

2 Interwoven

3 Fun with Knitting

4 Plumpknitter

5 ponykeg

6 Paradiseknits

7 Lunaticraft

8 little sheep. big sheep.

9 Knitting like its my job.

10 spinknit up

11 knit's a living....

12 Sel & Poivre

13 Tantej knits

14 Fascination with Needles.... I guess~

15 one stitch at a time

I could have listed 15 more blogs I love!

Tantej Made My Day!

2009-02-20T07:58:00.006-05:00

I'm home from work because Lupus has done me in these days.
Yesterday after a hard day of dealing with pain and school, I came home to find this awaiting for me!

A Lesser Known Skein,
tantej had a contest and I was one of the winners.
I can't begin to say how this gift lifted my spirits.
Araucania is one of my favorite yarns and I love the color. The star is chocolate and was the icing on the cake!!!
Thanks again tantej!
Now I'm off to start a pair of gloves with my beautiful yarn and start a Lace Ribbon Scarf kayskay790 an other Lesser Know Skein introduced me to. I'm not very good with lace but she said it was easy. We'll see.

Who Needs More Needle? ME

2009-02-14T05:38:00.009-05:00

Oh yes I did!!!!
I have added to my collection of Signature Needles.
On the beautiful US size 5 DPN is the start of my Garder Stitch Loop-Through Scarf. I'm 3/4 of the way through and will post pictures with all the details as soon as I finish.

Back to the amazing needles. I now have a complete set of 5 size 4,5&6 DPN.
The red single pointed are 5" US size7 Spiral caps. The yellow are 10" US size8 Teardrop Cap. Both have Stiletto points which I love to knit with. I know I will continue my collection of these beautiful needles. They make great gifts for Mothers Day, Birthdays and Christmas! I'm just saying!!!!

I finished the ever popular Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf found at knitty.
I made it out of Elizabeth Austen Andes I had in my stash. It's a fast knit and I enjoy the shortrows that give it the sea creature look. I will have another on the needles soon.

Finally I have my sock yarn gloves. Made from Knit Picks sock yarn, they are warm and fit perfectly. I just love them!

When you make socks you know there is nothing like wearing a pair that is handmade. It's the same with glove! I will be casting on a new pair today.

Gloves, Needles And What Was I Thinking!

2009-02-01T05:29:00.005-05:00

I can't seem to stop making gloves.
These are out of Knit Picks sock yarn and will be for me.
I also got some great books from Knit Pick. They are having a 40% off sale on their books!

These are not such great picture of my first Signature Needles and a case for the. I started my collection with DPNs US size 5 and 6. They're so beautiful I can't wait to start working with them. I ordered an extra 5 and 6 because it is better to have a size of 5. I also ordered a set of 5 US size 4 and some single pointed ones which I'll post better picture of next time.

I will never post about a project that isn't well on it's way again.
I have not been able to get past the I-cord cast-on for the Flood gloves! I've started 5 or 6 times.

I made large copies of the chart and set it up on my Knit Picks chart keeper.

I started to color in the different cable to make it easier. What was I thinking! I in no way have the skill level to follow this complicated chart.

There are a pair of cable gloves in my new book that I may try first because the chart is much easier. No posting on them until they are half way done!

Hubbie Scarf

2009-01-25T06:31:00.005-05:00

I finished brooklyntweed's Noro Scarf I was making for my husband.

Made with the Noro Silk Garden I got for Christmas from my first born.

The colorway of this yarn is amazing!

I find the yarn to be a little hard on my hands but when knitted up the fabric is soft to the skin.

Now I can throw out that old scarf he has been using. Happy Day!!!

First born and her husband close on their first house Wenesday!
It seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. Life goes way too fast.

More Gloves

2009-01-18T05:06:00.006-05:00

These were made with Ragia sock yarn the Kaffe Fassett Line. I just couldn't get the them to match so I gave up and just enjoyed knitting.

They're for my youngest and I think the colors work great for her because she is an art teacher.

I'm proud of the space between the fingers. There are no holes and they look pretty good,if I do say so myself.
She gave me Two Thumbs Up!!!!

I just got my Vogue Knitting! So many beautiful thing but because I'm on a glove kick....

These will go on the needles today! Yes that is Jader Flood Brooklyntweed.

I'm not sure what yarn I will use from my stash. I have to chech gauge but I have some nice Cascade 220 Tweed left over from my daughters sweater or some beautiful Rowan Felted Tweed I got from Santa.

Good Time to Remortgage!

2009-01-11T04:54:00.010-05:00

I was just sitting knitting with The Chalk Dust Knitters and Jackie takes out her new set of addiclicks. She texted Patricia's Yarns and had her put aside her last set for me.

The next day a little snow wasn't going to stop me!
So we stopped off at the bank to remortgage the house,and we were off.

HERE IT IS!

They come in a beautiful box.

When you open the box it looks like Jewelry!
The set comes with 10 pairs of addi Turbo needle tips sizes US 4-15, 3 blue cords, 1 connector, and a pretty little heart pin!

The tips are easy to put on and take off. The join is very smooth and I can't wait to use them!

Patricia had these Blue Sky Five Inch Double Points.

They're made of beautiful dark rosewood and perfect for making fingers on gloves. I'm working on my second pair of gloves and just about ready to start the fingers.

I'm a happy camper!

Knitting, Eating,Friends,and Wii

2009-01-03T05:25:00.015-05:00

My Columbia Beret is done. This is a free pattern by Sarah Pope and can be found on Ravelry.
I made it out of Knit Picks Swish yarn on US #7 16" circular needles and then size 5 dpn's. It is an easy, fast knit but I messed up one of the rounds. I will have another on the needles soon.

The model is My first born Grimm Witch of Jersey.

I added the berry button.

So I hear the first step is admitting you have a problem.
I am a wii addict!
I missed many hours of knitting because of this Animal Crossing game!
My little friend is Lupie and she lives in Knitting Town.
I know it's sad but I can't help it!

To make matters worst I got the Simms Castaways. I hope going back to work Monday will help.

What is a post without pictures of food.
The Chalk Dust Knitters met at Pat's house and first we ate lunch.

Then we had dessert! The Apple crumb and the cookies were homemade and awesome!

We did get to knit/crochet. Pat is working on another sweater for her granddaughter and check out Annette's beautiful scarf!

My first born is working on yet another BSJ.

My last born Pepper is making a beautiful basketweave scarf. You can see Crochet with me with the gift I gave the group. More pictures to come when the rest of the group gets their gifts.

When members are missing the meetings just aren't the same. Jackie,Maria,and Steph were greatly missed. The next meeting is Friday so there will be another post of lots of food and gift giving.

Way Too Many Pictures!

2008-12-28T04:42:00.016-05:00

We have had a tradition in our family since the girls were little of getting Christmas board games and playing them all day. The tradition continues but now the games are more mature.

Even tradition will not stop the knitting! There is also origami being created in the background.

Yes,these are a Christmas present my first born is making for her sister.

More game playing.

Lots of origami.

And more game playing!!!! All the games are beautiful and lots of fun.

I got some great stuff! I do love Lucy!!!!

Lots and lots of awesome yarn.

This is my silly husband with one of his gifts.

My last born is and artist.The Art Geek is the website of her work.
She took these beautiful pictures for me.

I am working on Columbia Beret by Sarah Pope Blue Garter.

Yarn Heaven!

This Noro Silk Garden will soon be a take off on brooklyntweed's Noro Scarf for my husband.

This is all way too much for Maggie. She is the reason everyone should go to a shelter and adopted an older a pet!
This is where we found Maggie Pet Finder.

First Snow!

2008-12-20T06:22:00.005-05:00

I was able to finish my first pair of gloves just in time to give them to my daughter for the first snow of the season.
Some people don't like making gloves because of the fingers and I am sure those same people hate to weave in ends. Well call me crazy I enjoy doing both!
The only problem I have is getting hole in the space between the fingers. I have added and extra stitch and passing it over but I still have to do touch ups when weaving in the yarn.
Any help out there?

Martha has some knitting patterns in her January issue. I mean real knitting(not just cutting up a sweater knitted by someone else and crafting with it).

We had a one session day at school because of the snow and I got home to find my car smashed! Hit and run!!!!!

Needless to say I was a little upset! After yelling and cursing in the middle of the street for a few minutes I went went into the house and started to count my blessing.

Blessing 1. I have insurance and I can pay the $500 deductible,for something I didn't do! Oh right, I'm listing my blessings.

Blessing 2. My husband and I are off for almost 2 weeks which gives us time to handle all of the paper work.

Blessing 3. If the car isn't ready by the time I have to go back to work I go to work with my daughters and they can drive.

Blessing 4. I was going to stay home but went in because the other teacher in my group was going to be out. Oh! this is for the person that hit me because if I would have been there I may have gone out and beat them.

Blessing 5. I have enumerable blessing.

The Spectrum Is Done

2008-12-14T05:52:00.005-05:00

I finished the Eunny Jang's Spectrum Scarf and I love it.
I have not blocked it but was checking out the Spectrum Scarves on Ravelry and may just have to do that.

I'm not much of a scarf person but I like wearing this one.

I made it long so I can loop it and the pattern is lace like so it is light so it's not bulky.

I'm on the second glove I'm making out of Jitter Bug yarn. I hope to be done by next weekend.

No Knitting Post

2008-12-07T06:48:00.006-05:00

So here I am with my coffee and no knitting to show.

I did finish the glove I was working on but why post about one glove.
The Spectrum Scarf still needs to grow more.
Thought I would show my new favorite thing and some old favorite things.

I love the circular needle organizer I got from Knit Picks.

Now instead of looking through the box I had them in and checking for size I know just what I have when I want to start a project.

Old favorite things. My collection of Martha Stewart magazines.
When my friend Pat was moving out of her house she told me she may have a few old Martha Stewart Living magazines.
This is the oldest one in my collection April/May 1992

I always loved the magazine but was raising my daughters and would never spend money on such an expensive magazine. So whenever I went to the doctors office I would read my fill.
Thanks to Pat I now have many of them up to February 2002.

Empty nest has allowed me have a subcription of my own!

Keeping Hands And Necks Warm

2008-11-30T06:46:00.006-05:00

I found this great pattern while reading one of The Lesser Known Skeins blogs.
Needles of Iron made the Eunny Jang's Spectrum Scarf with some beautiful Lambspun Prism.
I was so inspired I picked up the Crystal Palace I bought at Yarn Diva, printed out the pattern and was off.

I have so many projects I'm working on that this will be my mindless knit.
The pattern is super easy and the yarn is soft with a beautiful colorway.

My first pair of gloves are for my daughter. I found the pattern in Not Just Socks By Sandi Rosner. This is a great book for those of us who like to work with sock yarn.
I'm making them out of Jitter Bug merino wool. It's so great to work with this yarn, not only because it's so soft and squishy, as my daughter said, but the colorway is amazing!

I am getting better at joining the fingers without making a hole.

I finished the second pair of Magic Mittens.

I made the mitten top a little different and I think they came out cute.

These are gauntlets I made a while ago for my younger daughter.

The pattern is Evangeline by Michelle Szeghalmi made with Berroco Ultra Alpaca.

Last but far from least is the puppy of the house! Maggie is a shelter dog we adopted about 5 or so years ago.
She is ready for Christmas! Isn't she beautiful!!!!

She is a sweet heart with humans but has a problem with other dogs. I think she must have had many fights with dogs when she was on the streets and that is why her left ear looks that way.

A Gift Received And One Yet To Be Given

2008-11-21T07:56:00.008-05:00

My good friend Pat gave me this knitting journal to write the details of my projects.

I have always wanted one! Thanks Patricia!

This is the scarf I went on and on about making.

Made of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk(the tan part) and Cashmerino Chunky(the light blue). Both yarns are super soft and I crocheted it in a shell stitch pattern so it should be very warm. I bought both yarns at stix-n-stitches.

It is 80in. which is long enough to fold in half and loop through.

We will put our names in a bag and the name you pull is the scarf you get. I hope the Chalk Dust Knitter that gets my scarf likes it

Hats and mittens everywhere

2008-11-15T05:54:00.013-05:00

This is my first pair of magical mittens.

They're made from Filatura Di Crosa 127 Print i picked up at my LYS stix-n-stitches.

The fingers still give me a little problem but I'm getting better. Us 50 somethings just need a little more time to pick things up.

So I started the second pair and made two right handed gloves! Don't ask! Yes then I made a pair of left hand gloves.

There are many ways to fasten the flap but I like the snaps. I will try to find snips that match the color of the yarn for the next pair.
They're made from Knit Picks Swish Superwash.

Here is my daughter Pepper with a hat she recently made and her new magical mittens.

Perfect match if I do say so myself.

This Flap Cap is a pattern from Mighty Mitts & Flap Caps a book by Cottage Creations,which was given to me by my friend Jackie.

I used Bazic Wool superwash by Class Elite. I'm new to fair isle and love doing it.

This was my daughter Zel's first fair isle project. The pattern is nordic-headband by Heidi Nyberg. She turned it into a very nice hat.

I am off to pick a pattern for a scarf I will make for a fellow Chalk Dust Knitters. Karen had this great idea that we make scarves for each other for Christmas.
I'm not good with deadlines but she said, "You have over a month!" I still feel pressure but it will be nice to have something made by someone in the group.

Field Trip with Lots of Pictures!

2008-11-07T07:29:00.017-05:00

It's teachers convention time again and again I didn't go. Why break my 35 year record of never attending!

Perfect time for the Chalk Dust Knitters to hit the road.
We had a great field trip to Patricia's Yarns in Hoboken. It is a sweet yarn shop with amazing yarns. Patricia and her husband are a beautiful young couple who are very welcoming.

Here are Jackie(the field trip leader)and Karen looking at some of the many amazing projects around the shop.

This is a beautiful charity knit blanket for Hoboken Homeless Shelter Silent Auction.

Here is my daughter Zel, The Grimm Witch picking out the yarn I will use to make Tahoe from Knitty for her.

This is the shop pet Riley. He is the sweetest little Baby and full of love!

Here is Jackie holding Riley for a picture. Check out the beautiful blouse she has on!

This is a young man that is a regular or,as Jackie said,can be irregular at times.
Nice to see young men knitting.

Now time to eat!!!
We went to the Frozen Monkey Cafe just a few blocks away.
It's a retro restaurant that makes you feel like you stepped back to 1952.

I had half a Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella & Roasted Peppers Panini and Lentil soup. The food was fresh and simple.

Dessert was served on great plates. This is their Homemade Coconut Cheese Cake Slice.
It was awesome!

Yes that is a chart for a new project next to Karen's plate. We are never too busy to talk about knitting.

I had their Homemade Brownies w/ Tasti D-lite. You could not have made a better brownie at home!

We all came home with some beautiful yarn and a 15% discount for the group! Thanks Patricia!!!

Thanks Jacket for a great field trip!!!!

Friday my daughters and I went to another yarn store we had visited several months ago Yarn Diva. I was invited to join their Ravelry group and found out they had opened a new larger shop. It is as cute as their old shop just bigger and now they are able to carry more great yarns. As always mom and daughter are friendly and welcoming. Best of all the they have great sale yarns.
This will be the next Chalk Dust Knitter field trip.

I got this beautiful Crystal Palace Yarn for 40% off!!!!

Still have three more days. Lots of time to knit!

I Have Been Nominated!

2008-11-01T05:59:00.009-04:00

I would like to thank Lizzzknits for the nomination.

All recipients of this award should do the following.

First mention winning of the award on your blog.

Second add a link to the person who awarded you.

Third nominate at least 4 fellow bloggers for this award.

My nominations are:

The Grimm Witch of Jersey also known as Zelphine. An amazing young women who teaches 5th grade math in an inner city. She love to read,write,knit,crochet and make jewelry just to mention a few things. She is also my first born.

Pepper is an artist who teaches middle schoolers, in an inner city, art.
The Art Geek is where you will find her art. She loves gaming as does her husband and enjoys knitting and crocheting.
She is also my last born.

Diamonds and Purls is the mother of a daughter and fellow knitter/blogger Purls and Curls. They both work in education and are new to both knitting and blogging.

School Nurse Jackie is, as her name states, a nurse in an school. She is the mother of two awesome sons.
She is a part of the knitting group Chalk Dust Knitters as are my daughters and myself. We are blessed to know such a kind giving person. Her blog, as her life, is interesting.

LenaL is a blogger from Sweden I met through Zimmermania.
She is a proud grandmother of Alex, a lover of wine and an awesome knitter.

Forth add links to the recipients.

Fifth leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award.

This is such a great way to find other great Blogs and so much fun!!!!

The Knitting Frog Fairy & The Sweater From Hell!

2008-10-25T06:21:00.005-04:00

Allow me to preface this post by saying that in fact the sweater didn't come out so bad. The sleeves are too long, not a pattern error, and I will be learning a way to fix that with the help of indigodragonfly who shortened the sleeves on her Susie Hoodie.
I think my dislike for the sweater came when I saw the colorway change to huge circles on my buttocks! Then the decreasing started to give me problems, but I didn't give up. I then had to rip out the collar a few times, but as the Knitting Frog Fairy called to me to start frogging I continued.

I finished it only to find it didn't fit!
In a fit of rage I started to pull on the ribbing along the front and broke some of the yarn! As the Knitting Frog Fairy laughed the ribbing began to fall apart!!
Being the hard head that I am, I fixed it and here it is.

Doesn't look too bad does it?

I made a swatch to practice shortening the sleeves as indigodragonfly said. I just need a break from it for a while. I'm already feeling better about it and think,this time, I will not listen to the Knitting Frog Fairy.
If things change I will post pictures of the frogging just for the Knitting Frog Fairy.

Hat and Mitten Kick

2008-10-19T08:05:00.006-04:00

It happens to all knitters/crocheters. We find a pattern that is easy and fast so we make them over and over again. I made two of Yarnsticks Kristina's free Earflap Hat pattern.

This size will fit a toddler and I made it out of Lion Brand wool-ease Chunky.

This one is made of Filatura Di Crosa Baby Zarella perfect for a baby.

I then found this free pattern Buggy Mitts from Morehouse Farm Merino Knits.
They aren't buggy but the next pair I make will be very Buggy.

I bought the yarn at Stix-n-Stitches and I love it!

I just finished a pair of mittens from a Classic Elite free pattern.

They were made of Cascade Pastaza. They are very soft, warm and easy to make.

I Got My Crochet Groove On!

2008-10-18T04:31:00.009-04:00

It feels so good to have a crochet hook in my hands again! I make small short projects and it doesn't stress my hands. I must,again, thank My Photographic Life for posting her crochet cardi.

This baby cardigan was designed by a gifted crocheter Bella Bambina Kelly Kearney who is generous enough to give some of her patterns for free.

I think the vintage buttons are perfect!

The stripes give it a geometric look around the collar.

The yarn is Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk and very soft.
Thank you Kelly!

The Chalk Dust Knitters Go on another Field Trip

2008-10-11T16:47:00.013-04:00

Here are some more of my no face pictures. I'm just funny that way.
We had a great time at stix-n-stitches as always. Lots of yarn, lots of talk of future projects and where we were going to eat!

My daughter Pepper was busy looking for just the right yarn for a scarf. Here she is showing Karen her newest scarf design.

Jackie and Pat are checking out the merchandise.

Marie,Steph, Karen and Pat full of questions.

Here is my daughter Zel wanting to take all the yarn home.

Jackie and Lynn checking out the sock yarn.

Here is Pat's Flame Hat for her grandson well on it's way.

Here is Pat showing off her hat.

We went to Brooklyn Pizza.
We started with a healthy salad and then it all went wrong from there!

Everyone placed their orders and some even shared a meal.
Then I had the great idea to order a pizza as well.
Many of my Chalk Dust friends started looking at me like I was nuts! Way too much food they said!!

It looks to me like maybe it wasn't too much food after all.

We were even able to that food home!

The next Feild Trip will be to Patricia's Yarns in Hoboken. I can't wait to go and get some Rowan yarn!

I am so grateful to know these awesome women and to share knitting,crochet and life with them.

DPN or Circulars That Is The Question

2008-10-05T06:45:00.011-04:00

My blog friend Lena posted about her experience knitting a pair of socks at one time and inspired me to do the same.

So back in March I got the book and was ready to learn how to knit a pair of sock at one time. That has got to be better. Who wants to start that second sock anyway.
Your eyes are not fooling you those are DPNS I was working on. I should have know this wasn't going to go well.

I stopped working on the DPNS and started my pair at one time.
Lookin good!

I needed my DPN fix and put the pair at one time aside.
Yes the old one sock at a time were done in a week or so.

One sock at a time is just fine with me!

I love my DPNS!!!!

Bobble Blanket

2008-09-27T05:38:00.004-04:00

This is a blanket I crocheted many years ago.

I remember it took me forever but when I was done I was very pleased.
I still feel it's a beautiful pattern and an example of the beauty of crochet stitches

So many knitters feel crochet can't produce a fabric as beautiful as knitting can.
So sad for them because they're missing a world of amazingly beautiful stitches and patterns.
Just look in pages of Interweave Crochet and the many incredible crochet designers it features.
I will never understand the need for a scale when it comes to the fiber arts! We who love the fiber art should respect and be open to skills we may not know.

Big Sister Little Sister Giovanna's Cardis

2008-09-26T04:32:00.005-04:00

I made these Giovanna's Cardis for a coworker who is having a baby girl.

I used knit picks swish superwash and trimmed it with lion brand Moonlight Mohair.
The big sister is 10 years old and I hope this will fit.

Knitty Emerald up date

2008-09-22T17:10:00.000-04:00

The progress is slow on my Emerald from knitty.

I'm not happy with the lower body and hope I feel better when I continue. I started the second sleeve.

The colorway on the back looks a little odd. All I need is to call attention to that part of my body! We'll see.

Lesser Known Skeins Has Gone Ravelry!

2008-09-21T07:39:00.006-04:00

I will be ending the blog because I wasn't able to work it on my own. I feel Ravelry will be something I can keep up with.
I would like the help of the original Lesser Known Skeins. Think of some good topics we can start.
I'm looking forward to this and think it's going to be a great place to get to know some wonderful fiber artists and share great ideas!

ChalkDust Knitters Meeting

2008-09-21T07:14:00.004-04:00

As always we had a great time but I left a little early because I was tired and it was my older daughters 28th birthday.
We shared patterns and setup future dates. I can't wait for our next field trip to Stix-n-Stitches on October 11th.
This is the Teddy Bear I'm making for Mother Bear Project the groups charity project.

Problem with Followers

2008-09-17T04:56:00.006-04:00

cybele seem to have a problem becoming a Follower. I think you have to click on Follow this Blog. Please let me know if you are are having a problem. I did this on my own, without my daughters help, and I may have done something wrong.

Followers

2008-09-16T17:01:00.008-04:00

Check out this new Blogger Gadget. Anyone who reads your blog can just add themselves to your follower list. So cool! Now watch no one put themselves on the list.

Chalk Dust Knitters Meeting

2008-09-14T05:39:00.009-04:00

The Chalk Dust Knitters on the move!
This time we met at Panera Bread.
We welcomed three members that never came to a meeting.
There was lots of knitting,crocheting,sharing and eating.

Here is the knitting newbie with her teacher who was my student.
It's the circle of knitting.

I was very nervous because we met in a new place and had some new members. I just wanted everyone to have a good time. I think they did!

Regrouping Lesser Known Skeins

2008-09-13T08:05:00.002-04:00

When I got the idea of starting a group of little unknown bloggers working in the fiber arts I had no idea the response there would be.
My daughter and I are back at work and are finding it difficult to keep up with the needs of the super growing group.
We are rethinking the direction we will take and starting a group on Ravelry seems to be the best way to go.
As soon as we get it started I will let all of you know.

Struck Gold!

2008-09-07T05:26:00.003-04:00

I had a friend give me her aunts old knitting and crochet things. These are vintage treasures that will be shared with both my daughters and a fellow Chalk Dust Knitter.
How lucky are we!

These wooden boxes are so beautiful!

They were fulled with old knitting needles and some crochet hooks.

There's more! There were two hairpin lace loom. When I first learned to crochet my aunt taught me how to do hairpin lace. She gave me her looms and they are older than these. I hope I can find them. I want to teach my daughters to use them.

We also got this vintage knitting needle case.

So cool!

I love a challenge!

2008-09-07T04:40:00.005-04:00

I was challenged by Lenal to answer the following questions and send them to three other bloggers.

What are the last 3 things you purchased?
Food,Yarn,Pad locks I know it weird!

What are the last three songs you downloaded?
I don't know how to do this so my daughter does it for me.
Cyndi Lauper's new CD, Ann Lennox's new CD that's all I remember.

What where the three best places you visited?
Puerto Rico, Boston and Washington DC I don't get around much!

What are your three favorite movies?
A little known movie Romano with Raul Julia. The Way We Were I'm such a sap!
What ever happened to Gilbert Grape or anything Johnny Depp.

What three things can you not live without? (Other than family and friends)
FOOD I love to eat! Yarn and needles/hooks and my cane or I wouldn't be able to get around.

What would be your three wishes?
I wish my daughters and their husbands good health.
I wish an end to all illnesses.
I wish an end to all wars.

What are three things you haven’t done YET?
I would like to retire.
I would like to be a grandma and take care of my babies.
I would like to travel.

What three celebrities do you want to hang out with most?
Annie Lennox because of her work to help others.
Meg Swansen to pick her knitting brain
Tracey Ullman because she is a knitter and so funny.

Name three things that freak you out.
People that go out of their way to put others down.
Bugs They love to attack me!
Kabuki scare They crap out of me!

What are your three favorite dishes?
This is a hard one because I love food.
My mom's meatloaf I miss it.
My dad's spanish omelette I miss this too.
rice and beans

Name three things you are good at.
This is a hard one!
listening (I hope)
making rice and beans
teaching those who want to learn

What are three things you are currently coveting?
The gift of knitting and crochet that the super stars have.
The cooking ability great chefs have.
The money the very rich have, because they are able to help so many. That must fill great!

I'll be honest, when I started this challenge I thought it was silly. Who wants to read this! Now I get it! It's not for other it's for yourself.

These are the three bloggers I will send the challenge to.
Grimm Witch of Jeresy
Geek of All Trades
Diamonds and Purls

The Top Lesser Known Skein!

2008-09-06T18:55:00.008-04:00

I had a dream to start a group of Bloggers who were Gifted fiber arts with great ideas, nice blogs and interesting lives, but were unknown!
We have a name and a button
We started a blog Lesser Known Skeins
We don't know where this will go, but we thought we would give it a try.
We are thinking of starting a group on Ravelry in the future.
At this point there are ten members from all over the US and beyond.
The member that has reached out the most is Lenal from Sweden.
Not only has she commented on every members blog but she translated her blog into English.
This is why Lenal is THE TOP LESSER KNOWN SKEIN!

Anyone interested in become a part of The Lesser Known Skeins leave a comment or go to the blog and send an email.

This is my closet!

2008-09-05T06:15:00.003-04:00

I'm starting my 35th year of teaching and for 30 of those years I taught in large classrooms with windows. My fellow workers would make fun of me because I would open the windows in the middle of winter.
Now, as you can see,not only do I have to fit 16 students a teachers aide and myself into this little room, I have NO WINDOWS.

This may be my last year so I got myself a new chair.

I knit when I get a minute to keep me from going crazy!
End of nonknitting post.

One Finished, One Still In Progess

2008-09-04T04:41:00.005-04:00

Turn a Square needs to be blocked.

It didn't come out as well as I would have liked. I will make another and hope to do a better job. The square on top is very cool!

The first sweater I am making for myself is coming along. There's lots of shaping in it and I'm not sure if I'm doing it right.

Lots of pain today and school starts. We'll see how the day goes.

Now on the Needles

2008-08-28T04:59:00.007-04:00

The projects I was going to make, Arwen and A cardigan for Merry, are taking a back seat for now. My daughter and I have to figure out the reversible cable.

I'm making another Turn a Square.

This time I'm making it with strips and the square will show up on the crown of the hat.
The main yarn is Cascade 220 Tweed and the strips are Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed.

The other project on the needles is Amy Swenson's Emerald cardigan on Knitty.

This is the first sweater I'm making for myself. The yarn is Andes by Elizabeth Austen that I purchased a while ago on sale at six-n-stitches.I can't pass up a good sale, even if I don't have a project for the yarn. This time it worked out. I have more than enough yarn to my this sweater.

Two Free Hat Patterns

2008-08-27T04:46:00.008-04:00

This is a new hat I finished.

It's based on Turn a Square by brooklyntweed and can be found on the Ravelry store

I added little cats I found used in a sweater in the winter 2007 Interweave Knits.

I just wanted to practice my newly acquired Fair Isle skills.
I've just put another Turn a Square hat on the needles but the one will have the strips that will show the squares.

This little Moe baby hat is an old one, made with moda dea kickx yarn.

It's very soft for baby heads.

Side note: This is my 40th post!

New pictures of old projects

2008-08-26T05:55:00.004-04:00

The Debbie Bliss, Baby Bobble Jacket was my first attempt at cables.
The yarn is Rowan handknit dk cotton and was very nice to use with the cables.

The knitty Trellis was my next cable project.

The yarn I used was Adrienne Vittadini Trina that I bought on sale at stix-n-stitches.

As I have said in the past, the buttons can make the sweater. I'm still looking for the right buttons for this sweater.
These were the projects that started my CABLE MADNESS!

My first Crocheted project in two years

2008-08-24T05:11:00.009-04:00

It has been two years since I put down the crocheted cardigan I was making my daughter.

All I had left to do was finish the sleeves but the pain in my hands got so bad I couldn't go on.

Thanks to Marianne, a blogger I read often, and her beautiful Giovanna's Cardi I was inspired to make one.

I used a J hook and Debbie Bliss cashmerino dk in tan for the body and the trim was done in a green Rowan felted tweed.
It's easy and only takes a couple of hours to make. It took me a little longer because I had to rest my hand.

I was so happy I was able to finish this little cardigan.

My hands are a little painful today, but it was worth it! As I have said in the past, I am first a crocheter. Getting that hook in my hands and finishing this cardi means the world to me.
I now feel I'll be able to finish my daughters cardigan as long as I take it slow.

My Baby is 25!

2008-08-22T05:00:00.004-04:00

Here she is with one of her birthday gifts.

A bag she has been eyeing for years at Stix. It's a woolybully bag to carry all her knitting projects.

No two bags are exactly alike. All bags are handmade in their NYC workroom and are all limited editions.

I Have Flat Feet

2008-08-21T06:26:00.010-04:00

I'm talking about the yarn Flat Feet. I picked it up at Stix-n-Stitches.

Check out the ticket stubs to the Martha show and The View. I went with my daughters and had a great time.

So cool and can't wait to knit it up.

My daughter has it on the needles.

Chalk Dust Knitters on the move!

2008-08-20T07:02:00.009-04:00

Traditional Picture of Chalk Dust Knitters on their way to lunch after doing some damage at Stixs.

Detail of group: Most of us are in education
Newest member was a nurse
Currently there are 10 members
Ages range from 20 somethings to 70 somethings
We have crocheters as will as knitters
Some have been knitting for 40+ years others a few months and everything in between.
We are all welcoming, tolerant, nonjudgmental and accepting.
Most of all we have a good time!

Susie Hoodie Final Update

2008-08-20T06:20:00.003-04:00

Here is my youngest modeling her sweater.
I got it done faster than I thought I would.

The only problem with it is I should have gone another round to row 15 on the hood.
I love the shaping and the cables.