...or maybe fancy.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I had a lovely day today! So many nice friends and relatives wished me a happy birthday -- it was quite heart-warming! My family thoroughly feted me, from my nice hand-made cards from my kiddos, like this one:
Yep. The child that choose a pink marker initially called me 60, then, realizing her mistake, corrected it in pen. Jane, watch out! She may use this one for your birthday next month, too!
When I thought about this comic mistake, though, it is reassuring, right? To our kids, or any kid, we're just way up there. Then the truth will out: age doesn't matter.
Last night I cast on the first few stitches of the "Birthday Cowl." Today it morphed into this one. I call it "Sha-ZAM!" There is a lightening bolt zigzagging down the front.
Thank you all, who contributed to a fantastic day!
Yep. The child that choose a pink marker initially called me 60, then, realizing her mistake, corrected it in pen. Jane, watch out! She may use this one for your birthday next month, too!
When I thought about this comic mistake, though, it is reassuring, right? To our kids, or any kid, we're just way up there. Then the truth will out: age doesn't matter.
Last night I cast on the first few stitches of the "Birthday Cowl." Today it morphed into this one. I call it "Sha-ZAM!" There is a lightening bolt zigzagging down the front.
Thank you all, who contributed to a fantastic day!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Tale of Two Mittens
Yesterday, I finished two mittens. Unfortunately, they don't match, but they are in the same general color family.
The first is the first mitten I have knit from Eeva Haavisto's Sata kansanomaista kuviokudinmallia. And what I really want for my birthday is that book. Please. I will gladly swap yarn, another book, mittens... Turns out it is scarcer than hens' teeth, even in Finland.
A nice lady in Oakville, Ontario sent me two patterns from the book, and this mitten is pattern 92 of the 100 in the book. I am confused, though, 'cause Ravelry has it in pictures as pattern No. 89. I knit this out of Kauni yarns, a Danish yarn milled in Estonia. The yellow/orange yarn has gradiated yarn color. The color is dyed in the wool prior to spinning. It is a 8/2 two-ply yarn. The turquoise is also a 8/2 Kauni, but a solid color.
In addition, I have finally scanned the Seattle Times Photo of us taken at the Nordic Knitting Conference and published in the October 18, 2010 paper. Here 'tis:
Yesterday, I finished two mittens. Unfortunately, they don't match, but they are in the same general color family.
The first is the first mitten I have knit from Eeva Haavisto's Sata kansanomaista kuviokudinmallia. And what I really want for my birthday is that book. Please. I will gladly swap yarn, another book, mittens... Turns out it is scarcer than hens' teeth, even in Finland.
A nice lady in Oakville, Ontario sent me two patterns from the book, and this mitten is pattern 92 of the 100 in the book. I am confused, though, 'cause Ravelry has it in pictures as pattern No. 89. I knit this out of Kauni yarns, a Danish yarn milled in Estonia. The yellow/orange yarn has gradiated yarn color. The color is dyed in the wool prior to spinning. It is a 8/2 two-ply yarn. The turquoise is also a 8/2 Kauni, but a solid color.
In addition, I have finally scanned the Seattle Times Photo of us taken at the Nordic Knitting Conference and published in the October 18, 2010 paper. Here 'tis:
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Gettin' the Fur on!
So, there we were in bed last night. And I was winding the fur tape.
I know what you're thinking! You're thinking it has another name. It does. Today, I was thinking that "yarn ruff" might be more descriptive. During the Medley of Finnish Knitting Techniques at the Nordic Knitting Conference last October, Carol Huebsner Rhoades said that a Japanese woman came to the first or second Nordic Knitting conference, absorbed as much as possible and then returned home and wrote this book.
It's great! It has entrelac, stranding, fur tape, garter stitch beaded wristlets...
Anyways, over the weekend, I knit the two mittlets, got out the packing tape covered 3/4" flexible thingy and started wrapping.
Here's how it goes. Get your working yarn, and another thinner yarn that will be used for binding. You will also need a crochet hook in a smaller size that matches the binding yarn.
Make a slipknot in the binding yarn and insert the crochet hook (one loop). If right-handed, place the working yarn on the left. Wrap the fur tape yarn thrice around flexible thingy, pull the binding yarn under and up (second loop), then grab the binding yarn over the top and pull through the other two loops = single crochet stitch.
Here are some pictures that demonstrate the knitting technique:
These three pics are 1) The wrap, 2) The second loop, and 3) The final loop pulled through
After one has made a whole tape of wrapped yarn held together by crocheted loops, one can apply them to a finished, knitted piece. This book has fur tape added to the top of a knitted purse, knitted throw pillow, and these mittlets. The mitt pattern called for it to be knit flat, four fur tapes applied to the top, sewn on together, then the seam sewn shut. I knit the mitt in the round and applied three fur tapes separately.
The teacher of the Finnish Medley class recommended linen thread. It is very strong. Maybe this is just tradition? Anyways, it isn't very common, but I found a spool at Erica's.
Okay, I'm hating this photo layout. I'm going back to the largest picture to stop the words over pictures and misplaced explanations...
Fully attached fur tape (second of three).
The cutting of the ruff.
The finishing of fur tape is to steam 'em up well.
And, here's the final product.
The "finished" ruff:
So, there we were in bed last night. And I was winding the fur tape.
I know what you're thinking! You're thinking it has another name. It does. Today, I was thinking that "yarn ruff" might be more descriptive. During the Medley of Finnish Knitting Techniques at the Nordic Knitting Conference last October, Carol Huebsner Rhoades said that a Japanese woman came to the first or second Nordic Knitting conference, absorbed as much as possible and then returned home and wrote this book.
It's great! It has entrelac, stranding, fur tape, garter stitch beaded wristlets...
Anyways, over the weekend, I knit the two mittlets, got out the packing tape covered 3/4" flexible thingy and started wrapping.
Here's how it goes. Get your working yarn, and another thinner yarn that will be used for binding. You will also need a crochet hook in a smaller size that matches the binding yarn.
Make a slipknot in the binding yarn and insert the crochet hook (one loop). If right-handed, place the working yarn on the left. Wrap the fur tape yarn thrice around flexible thingy, pull the binding yarn under and up (second loop), then grab the binding yarn over the top and pull through the other two loops = single crochet stitch.
Here are some pictures that demonstrate the knitting technique:
These three pics are 1) The wrap, 2) The second loop, and 3) The final loop pulled through
After one has made a whole tape of wrapped yarn held together by crocheted loops, one can apply them to a finished, knitted piece. This book has fur tape added to the top of a knitted purse, knitted throw pillow, and these mittlets. The mitt pattern called for it to be knit flat, four fur tapes applied to the top, sewn on together, then the seam sewn shut. I knit the mitt in the round and applied three fur tapes separately.
The teacher of the Finnish Medley class recommended linen thread. It is very strong. Maybe this is just tradition? Anyways, it isn't very common, but I found a spool at Erica's.
Okay, I'm hating this photo layout. I'm going back to the largest picture to stop the words over pictures and misplaced explanations...
Fully attached fur tape (second of three).
The cutting of the ruff.
The finishing of fur tape is to steam 'em up well.
And, here's the final product.
The "finished" ruff:
Friday, January 07, 2011
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Day of knittin'
Yesterday, I had a day of knitting. Changed the top of the Molly hat posted a few days ago, and created a New And Improved Molly. Then, I knit it. The original is now the "Chrissy."
Today, I have cast on a self-design ascot, I am affectionately naming "The Secretariat." Nope. Coincidence.
New resolution: learn how to write up these patterns and link them to this page.
Sigh. It never ends, does it?
Yesterday, I had a day of knitting. Changed the top of the Molly hat posted a few days ago, and created a New And Improved Molly. Then, I knit it. The original is now the "Chrissy."
Today, I have cast on a self-design ascot, I am affectionately naming "The Secretariat." Nope. Coincidence.
New resolution: learn how to write up these patterns and link them to this page.
Sigh. It never ends, does it?
Monday, January 03, 2011
Another day, another insult
The day dawned early, with a 4:30a squirrel sneaking under the covers, shivering and complaining of alligators. Thankfully, he went back to sleep, but unthankfully, I did not.
Instead, I continued my study of the Sami peoples in the Northern Nordic countries, and the Kola peninsula of Russia. Fascinating info, and I kept being reminded of some of the folk practices of Mongolia. I emailed several Ravelry people in Norway and Finland asking questions re the handcrafts of the Sami peoples, particularly knitting traditions. Through a series of exchanges, Tuulia in Finland burst my bubble and basically said there are no knitting traditions. Sob! All knitting has come in through the majority culture of Norway, Sweden, Finland (and Russia?), and all "Sami" patterns are done by other cultures mimicking symbols from Sami weaving, or silvermaking.
Bummer. I love the vivid colors of the Sami, and am intrigued by their cultural history. Too bad I can't combine the study with my love of knitting.
In the course of the morning, I had message exchanges with people in Iceland and Sweden as well. This here internet thing is pretty fun! Life is sooo different from when I went to college in Canada and lived overseas in Siberia and Mongolia. I feel like an old-timer when I say I had no phone, there was no computer, I had no TV and the only way for communication was letters home. And yet, that was freeing, as well -- to not be tethered to an electronic gadget. I was able to do my real work.
What with the early wake-up, I was in a fog most of the day as well. Enough to insult people half-way around the world, and not operate heavy machinery. I'm good that way.
My brother-in-law opened his Christmas present late. Here is a picture of it. Oh, I forgot to tell him it won a first place ribbon at the fair. It is also encrypted with a code. Enter it, when you figure it out!
The day dawned early, with a 4:30a squirrel sneaking under the covers, shivering and complaining of alligators. Thankfully, he went back to sleep, but unthankfully, I did not.
Instead, I continued my study of the Sami peoples in the Northern Nordic countries, and the Kola peninsula of Russia. Fascinating info, and I kept being reminded of some of the folk practices of Mongolia. I emailed several Ravelry people in Norway and Finland asking questions re the handcrafts of the Sami peoples, particularly knitting traditions. Through a series of exchanges, Tuulia in Finland burst my bubble and basically said there are no knitting traditions. Sob! All knitting has come in through the majority culture of Norway, Sweden, Finland (and Russia?), and all "Sami" patterns are done by other cultures mimicking symbols from Sami weaving, or silvermaking.
Bummer. I love the vivid colors of the Sami, and am intrigued by their cultural history. Too bad I can't combine the study with my love of knitting.
In the course of the morning, I had message exchanges with people in Iceland and Sweden as well. This here internet thing is pretty fun! Life is sooo different from when I went to college in Canada and lived overseas in Siberia and Mongolia. I feel like an old-timer when I say I had no phone, there was no computer, I had no TV and the only way for communication was letters home. And yet, that was freeing, as well -- to not be tethered to an electronic gadget. I was able to do my real work.
What with the early wake-up, I was in a fog most of the day as well. Enough to insult people half-way around the world, and not operate heavy machinery. I'm good that way.
My brother-in-law opened his Christmas present late. Here is a picture of it. Oh, I forgot to tell him it won a first place ribbon at the fair. It is also encrypted with a code. Enter it, when you figure it out!
Sunday, January 02, 2011
2011 has started with a bang
has started with a bang. I began it by knitting till 3am and managed to get the back done to the Short-Row Fair Isle. It is chock full of knitting that requires thinking, and with the rest of them pooped out and snoozing, I was able to do a short-row fair-isle WHILE decreasing at the shoulders. Kind of mind boggling. Now I just have hundreds of ends to weave in. My goal is to be done with the whole thing by my birthday. Since all I can do is dream of knitting other (smaller) projects ever since the late knit, I'm not sure if this goal will be achieved. 
We slept in, somewhat, and then began the New Year together. Nice holiday. We all took it easy, but also went to a walk in the beautiful weather. It was just about freezing, but we went on a trail none of us had ever been on.
Today, we had a start of a new series with a sermon from our pastor titled "Resolve." Good reminders that things don't just happen. Then this afternoon we had our annual family meeting.
Looks like it will be a good year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Out With The Old
It has been an eventful year. My youngest has gone to all-day school. I began a blog. I began designing.
My kids are still alive and healthy. My man is great.
What will 2011 hold? I'll answer that in a year.
On the micro-level, today was a very strange day. It got up to 52F, at least. I scrubbed the garage floor (there's a first time for everything). And I planted my Spring bulbs. Thank you, God, for providing this day for my procrastinating! We had a thunderstorm in the middle of the morning, which freaked out two of my chicks. And I started sorting the landfill which is my desk.
Here are a few more pictures of, at least, the last few weeks in review:
This is a moebius cowl of my own design, knit in Colinette Iona. I simply love this yarn.
Here is a hat I designed for my friend, Molly. This is the Christmas present for her, I believe I posted about when I began it. Here it is all steamed and blocked and ready to mail her. Although, I harbor a deep suspicion that it will be too large on her.
Here is my friend Mary Catherine, fellow knitter, crocheter and attender of one of my circles. She did this afghan in Tunisian Crochet. Isn't it beautiful?
Finally, here are some more festive picture of the family in celebration:
Happy New Year, everyone!
It has been an eventful year. My youngest has gone to all-day school. I began a blog. I began designing.
My kids are still alive and healthy. My man is great.
What will 2011 hold? I'll answer that in a year.
On the micro-level, today was a very strange day. It got up to 52F, at least. I scrubbed the garage floor (there's a first time for everything). And I planted my Spring bulbs. Thank you, God, for providing this day for my procrastinating! We had a thunderstorm in the middle of the morning, which freaked out two of my chicks. And I started sorting the landfill which is my desk.
Here are a few more pictures of, at least, the last few weeks in review:
This is a moebius cowl of my own design, knit in Colinette Iona. I simply love this yarn.
Here is a hat I designed for my friend, Molly. This is the Christmas present for her, I believe I posted about when I began it. Here it is all steamed and blocked and ready to mail her. Although, I harbor a deep suspicion that it will be too large on her.
Here is my friend Mary Catherine, fellow knitter, crocheter and attender of one of my circles. She did this afghan in Tunisian Crochet. Isn't it beautiful?
Finally, here are some more festive picture of the family in celebration:
Happy New Year, everyone!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. And, three clarinets and a sax, please!
It is Winter Solstice and I have resurfaced. It's been almost two weeks since I've posted, and in that time, I have had two kids gain a year, all three sprint through the final stretch of school before break, and we all endured a band concert. Most importantly, we have survived at least two days of break!
My youngest is back on antibiotics after one of his emerging boogers requested statehood. His ears have not been checked lately, but here's hoping the antibiotics clear up his hard-hearing. Otherwise, I must put it down to male pattern selective hearing.
The email is acting up. Many pictures won't download. I almost didn't post this. Rather than try for too much (or wait too long again), here are two videos of the band concert. One is great, the other not so much. I'm not telling which is which. But I will say, in the first video, the guy who walks in late is our mayor. This was the third song in the concert!
General consensus in these parts is that the baritone section is stunning, both in tone and execution.
I know I am more old-fashioned than many, but it still bugged me that through the whole concert, the middle-aged woman next to me was texting. She had a three year old sitting next to her. What can she say when the girl is wanting to text during a more formal setting? Of course, I was knitting. Is that activity on the same level as texting? I can pay attention mentally to something else when my hands are moving. Hmmm.
It is Winter Solstice and I have resurfaced. It's been almost two weeks since I've posted, and in that time, I have had two kids gain a year, all three sprint through the final stretch of school before break, and we all endured a band concert. Most importantly, we have survived at least two days of break!
My youngest is back on antibiotics after one of his emerging boogers requested statehood. His ears have not been checked lately, but here's hoping the antibiotics clear up his hard-hearing. Otherwise, I must put it down to male pattern selective hearing.
The email is acting up. Many pictures won't download. I almost didn't post this. Rather than try for too much (or wait too long again), here are two videos of the band concert. One is great, the other not so much. I'm not telling which is which. But I will say, in the first video, the guy who walks in late is our mayor. This was the third song in the concert!
General consensus in these parts is that the baritone section is stunning, both in tone and execution.
I know I am more old-fashioned than many, but it still bugged me that through the whole concert, the middle-aged woman next to me was texting. She had a three year old sitting next to her. What can she say when the girl is wanting to text during a more formal setting? Of course, I was knitting. Is that activity on the same level as texting? I can pay attention mentally to something else when my hands are moving. Hmmm.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Thursday
A friend called this morning and said the kids and I were on South Bend's channel 22 11 0'clock news last night. Yesterday, my friend and the kids and I had all gone up the the South Bend Chocolate Company's Downtown Cafe Store to see Karolyn Grimes, the child actress who played Zuzu on It's a Wonderful Life. She said the shot was of our family posing with her -- the photo below, and of her signing my IAWL snow globe.
I must confess, I brought the rose that is sitting on her signing table. I thought and thought about it, and decided, by golly! If her stage teacher can give her a rose, so can I! She was so kind! She jumped up and gave me a hug and reassured me that she does still like roses.
An unusual Wednesday, but lots of fun.
As for today, I am making soup for a friend who had neck surgery two days ago. Potato and leek. Yummm. As well, I am gearing up for birthdays. I have several things for bake for a carry-in tomorrow. As well, in our home one birthday boy requested hotdogs and apple slices for his special dinner. And store bought snack cakes to take to school for his treat. Let's hope his tastes improve with age.
As well, I am continuing to work on the sweater. Past the armhole shapings! I'm glad there haven't been any major problems so far.
I'm back to working out. Youngest still has plugged ear tubes and is deaf as a doornail. Makes for interesting conversations.
A friend called this morning and said the kids and I were on South Bend's channel 22 11 0'clock news last night. Yesterday, my friend and the kids and I had all gone up the the South Bend Chocolate Company's Downtown Cafe Store to see Karolyn Grimes, the child actress who played Zuzu on It's a Wonderful Life. She said the shot was of our family posing with her -- the photo below, and of her signing my IAWL snow globe.
I must confess, I brought the rose that is sitting on her signing table. I thought and thought about it, and decided, by golly! If her stage teacher can give her a rose, so can I! She was so kind! She jumped up and gave me a hug and reassured me that she does still like roses.
An unusual Wednesday, but lots of fun.
As for today, I am making soup for a friend who had neck surgery two days ago. Potato and leek. Yummm. As well, I am gearing up for birthdays. I have several things for bake for a carry-in tomorrow. As well, in our home one birthday boy requested hotdogs and apple slices for his special dinner. And store bought snack cakes to take to school for his treat. Let's hope his tastes improve with age.
As well, I am continuing to work on the sweater. Past the armhole shapings! I'm glad there haven't been any major problems so far.
I'm back to working out. Youngest still has plugged ear tubes and is deaf as a doornail. Makes for interesting conversations.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
December Can Be a Low Month, Too
I saw one of the saddest sights of my life the other day, and I've been mulling it over ever since.
Keep in mind, the woman who types this baked homemade three-kind-of-chocolate chip cookies, apricot bars and lemon bars before eleven am today.
O.K. There was a woman in Kroger toting a three year old child who was...
...wait for it...
buying no-bake cookies.
BUYING NO-BAKE COOKIES.
One can't even say, "maybe her oven went out." Buying them.
I had no idea stores even carried them.
They are disgusting, and I hate them. The only thing they are good for is a sugar fix in case of emergency. And doorstops. I did, however, make them yesterday for my eldest to take to youth group. The are middle school fodder, and I almost understand how someone might want to eat them. But, buying? No Bakes?
I wanted to rush up to her and offer sympathies. I wanted to give her the recipe. I thought, maybe I should give her the 2-1-1.
I seriously need to think awhile longer to try to come up with the best possible scenario. Any ideas?
I saw one of the saddest sights of my life the other day, and I've been mulling it over ever since.
Keep in mind, the woman who types this baked homemade three-kind-of-chocolate chip cookies, apricot bars and lemon bars before eleven am today.
O.K. There was a woman in Kroger toting a three year old child who was...
...wait for it...
buying no-bake cookies.
BUYING NO-BAKE COOKIES.
One can't even say, "maybe her oven went out." Buying them.
I had no idea stores even carried them.
They are disgusting, and I hate them. The only thing they are good for is a sugar fix in case of emergency. And doorstops. I did, however, make them yesterday for my eldest to take to youth group. The are middle school fodder, and I almost understand how someone might want to eat them. But, buying? No Bakes?
I wanted to rush up to her and offer sympathies. I wanted to give her the recipe. I thought, maybe I should give her the 2-1-1.
I seriously need to think awhile longer to try to come up with the best possible scenario. Any ideas?
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