Meow!

You Are a Lynx

You are a quiet observer of the world around you. Your wisdom comes from listening carefully. You've always been extra sensitive and aware. And it's made it difficult for you to fit in. You see past people's outward personas. You are able to penetrate a stranger's soul. What you've learned about people is both beautiful and ugly. And you keep these secrets to yourself.

What Big Cat Are You?

For the love of knitting and the internet

Dear Mandella,

I was sitting and knitting one afternoon at my LYS (String of Purls). Well, actually, I was sitting and knitting a bit as I chatted with Sally who works there. I'd finished early at the stationery shop so it was natural that I'd go across the way and get in a bit of calming knitting.

Anyway, this nice guy came into the shop. He was visiting from out of town and he wanted to bring back something nice for his wife. She was a knitter and she also taught knitting classes. Well, Sally and I had a hundred ideas for him, but he didn't have a lot of room for packing up three great projects (we suggested Anne Ginn's Circle Vest, among other things), so he bought some nice yarn.

Here we are, a few days later, and I'm looking into the String of Purls forum on Ravelry. The guys wife posted a nice note about how he'd stopped in, etc., etc.

Now, isn't this great how the internet has brought all of us together? You can shop, you can blog, you can stop over at a knitting site and leave a nice note . . .

This was one of those days when I needed a happy ending. No, it's not because of Kutner's suicide on House (I realize he's a fictional character, you see), but because it's been cold and I've been tired and I've been grousing about having to work and clean house (gawd, our home is a pig sty again!). Would you believe I came home early today and cleaned one of the bathrooms just because (1) I didn't want to take a nap (it would mess up my sleep) and (2) it had been driving me crazy? Yep, today was a day for happy endings.

Hope you're well. Hugs to you and Dave,

Judith

R.I.P. Kutner

A Pace Near Madness

Dear Mandella,

My Ravelry shop is open, they've got me set for uploading PDFs and actually charging for patterns now, and I'm crazy busy with all sorts of other things so I can't get to it all that fast!

I had a migraine all day on Saturday, so I was able to get only a few things accomplished at home. Then on Sunday I went to my mom's house and started the process of skeining up some washable merino (dk weight) to dye. I have 13 skeins, each about 8 oz. I will skein them up into 26 skeins @ 4 oz each, then dye them. After that I have 10 lbs (thats 20 skeins at 8 oz each) of the Purlie Fat Sock yarn to go after in the same way.

On top of that, I worked a bit on the simple quilt that is for one of my sisters. I'm about 1/3 of the way to having it all constructed. It will be queen size (not your queen, of course -- she's far too small -- but ours, which is about 86" square).

Oh, did I hear a mention of laundry? Well, I've got most of it clean and waiting in baskets until I can run a vacuum (Hoover, to you) to pick up all of the black hair from the dog that has made a thin coating over everything. (Note to self: Black dog + beige carpeting = Lots of vacuuming.) After the vacuuming I would have some room to sort and fold all of the clean and dry laundry. (Yes, I do it on the living room carpet as I watch television -- you have to do something to make a dreary task less so.)

I may not have to put in as much time at the stationery shop this week. It means less pay over all, but also more time when I'm needing it. I'm going to try to get the yarn dyed by the end of this month.

Oh, did I mention I've been given a new task at my full-time job? It's creative -- coming up with some logos/images for promotional materials. At last! Such a dearth of activity, then the big boss comes in with two Blue Suits and needs actual work done! I'm all a-flutter.

Which likely explains why I can't sleep. At all. I've had an impossibly long day (that included a 25-minute walk, a 60-minute workout, plus a meeting at the stationery shop) and I just can't sleep.

*sigh*

Did I mention that the new cotton top I'm knitting is coming along well? I'm calling it Sweet Honey because of the Flight-of-the-Bumblebee stitch used in the center panels and also because the color is a kind of honey-beige. Or beige-y honey. I don't know. I just like it. And I've got the pattern all worked out now, so all that's left is to finish the knitting. I'm at the part where I increase again from the waist up, so I've got about 1/3 of the body knit (it's being knit in the round -- can't have side seams on this one or it will be too bulky). I slogged away at it through four episodes of The Sopranos this past weekend. If I continue knitting as I watch that series, I should be done with the knitting by the time I'm done with the entire series (I'm through Season 6, Pt 1, episode 9 so far).

In the meantime, I've got at least four other projects going and two more in my head. I need more hands.

Hugs!

Judith

My Ravelry Shop is Open

Ok, I admit that I’m late in coming to this, but I have a shop open on Ravelry now.  Here’s the link:

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/judith-brodnicki

There are four free patterns available:  Dishcloth Socks, Garter Linen Scarf, Quill Lace Socks (from knitty.com), and Waffle Stocks.  The Summer Sunner is there as a place-holder (you can purchase the pattern from String of Purls) until we get the whole “paid patterns” part worked out.

Right now the patterns are linked to various places where they are available for free – just print them out from the online site.  But I’ll soon be able to upload PDFs of the patterns which will include my illustrations and my preferred layout (for easier reading).

Enjoy!

Judith

Garter Linen Scarf

This is done with two skeins of Manos silk blend yarn, one in a solid blue-grey and the other in a variegated that included the same blue-grey color. On a US 9 needle, I cast on an uneven number of stitches and knit back and forth as follows:

Row 1 (solid color): *K1, Sl 1 with yarn in front* across, end K1. Turn work.

Row 2 (solid color): Purl all sts. Turn work.

Row 3 (variegated color): *K1, Sl 1 with yarn in front* across, end K1. Turn work.

Row 4 (variegated color): Knit all sts. Turn work.

Gauge is pretty much unimportant, but with this I'm getting about 4 sts to the inch.

Another One in the Family

Dear Mandella,

This is the sweetest picture of the day for me. It's my 10-year-old niece and she is showing me how she can do the knit stitch. She is taking a class at her school to learn to knit. I'm so pleased!

We all gathered at my mom's today to celebrate various milestone birthdays. My twin sisters celebrated their 60th (which is actually tomorrow), and that was doubly special (no pun intended) because one of the twins, K, emigrated to Canada. She arrived with her beau (E) this past Tuesday so that they could drive into Iowa and celebrate K's son's 40th birthday. Then they came back so that we all could descend upon them today at my mom's house. We even had Aunt Mary come over, which was a real treat for everyone because they don't get to see her as often as I do.

My niece's birthday was actually earlier in the week (same day as K's son, actually) and she was to have had a skating party today, but because K was visiting she gave it up so that they could visit us in Omaha. I made for her a little shirt and shorts, and then I made a stuffed animal for her (a dog) from the leftovers. I also made a set of Crane notes for her with her name on the front in 10 different styles/fonts. Honestly, I don't think she was crazy about them, but that's just how life is. (She was over the moon about a birthday card from one of my other sisters that contained CASH.)

Anyway, I'd gotten out some of my knitting to show my mom and that's when my niece reminded me that she'd learned knitting at school. So, we talked about circular needles and holding two strands of yarn together and all of that kind of thing. On the scarf where she's knitting a row, I'd shown her how to slip-with-yarn-in-front as a preliminary to showing her the purl stitch. It's all a bit clumsy in her hands yet, but you could tell she was feeling the magic of it, the absolute joy of knowing "the code."

Oh, and my Aunt Mary wore her scarf -- the one I'd knit for her -- so that everyone could see it. My little niece was in love with it. She loved the lace, she was intrigued by how I worked in the garter edging, and (get ready for it) she loved the colors. She loved all of those blues. She said they looked like the sky and mountains.

Oooooh. Another one in the family. I'm so proud!

Hugs!

Judith

Summer Sunner Pattern

Summer Sunner

Sleeveless pullover worked in King Tut mercerized cotton on US 7 needles.

The sample shown (size 36) is in three colors but you can certainly knit it all in one color if you like. It is written for sizes 36 through 60 (those are actual measurements).

Pattern is available at String of Purls . Visit their web site for a toll-free number to call. They can mail the pattern to you.

Flight of the Bumblebee

Dear Mandella,

you have to click on this to see it larger. I've been having some issues with uploading and downloading photos and emailing them (they sometimes get stripped by overly suspicious mail servers). Anyway, this is my latest favorite stitch. It's from the Big Book of Knitting Stitches, but they had a bit of a mistake in the directions, so I worked it out and am putting it here along with my detailed photographs (never mind my short nails!) of how that long stitch is worked.

I'm using this for a summer top that I'm knitting with King Tut cotton on US 4 needles.

Hugs!

Judith

PS - Hugh Laurie is a GOD!

Why We Block

Dear Mandella,

At left you can see a photo of a summer top that I'm in the midst of designing. The back is done. It is the one that is blocked and drying on the towel. The front is (obviously) the one that is in progress on the needles.

I don't quite know how it happened, but I had knit a gauge swatch with this yarn (King Tut mercerized cotton on US 7) and came up with 18 sts and 24 rows to 4" square in stockinette stitch (unblocked). However, in the course of knitting the simple lace pattern shown, I didn't get my gauge until I blocked it. Seriously.

I admit it: I am a fan of not blocking. I supposed that's why I mainly knit things like hats and socks that pretty much get blocked in the wearing, even if they're lace patterns. And I hate to have to find space to lay out the piece that's being blocked. Have you had much success in finding a place where neither the dog nor your spouse will disturb the item being blocked? I have found a rather unlikely place: the big sofa in my living room. OK, it probably helps that I've usually got it piled up with laundry that needs to be folded, but I think the main reason it works is because it is not facing the television. (Even the dog likes watching television!) Still, the cushions add a bit of roundness that I'm afraid will be much to my dismay at some point, and I dislike the idea of having a damp towel on the upholstery. Maybe I can figure out a way to rig the towel to rest above the sofa. (Yes, and maybe I'll win the Powerball Lottery, too!).

At any rate, the photo above is a perfect illustration of why blocking is necessary. I'm about halfway up the gold portion on the front. I'm looking forward to posting the photo of the finished product.

Hugs!

Judith

Kimono Scarf Done

Dear Mandella,

Here is a photo of my Aunt Mary in her new scarf. The "Kimono Scarf" (about half the width of the Kimono Shawl in Folk Shawls) was knit on US 7 straights with five balls of Mirasol Hacho (100% merino wool, 137 yds per hank) in color #306 Deep Blue Ocean. The scarf is about 8" wide and about 64" long. I worked it with 8 garter sts on each side of the main pattern.

The lovely lace pattern gets lost in the high constrast of this variegated yarn, but it's soft and it's my aunt's favorite color.

And it's another item I can cross off my list!

Aunt Mary is one of my favorites. She tells some of the best jokes, she sews and crochets, she can bring organization to any amount of chaos, and she's a hard worker. She's in her 80s and still lives on her own. About the only thing she can't do is drive.

When we visited Aunt Mary she always made us feel as if she'd like nothing better than to have all of us kids running around her house. Of course, she and her husband (Uncle Ed) mainly sat in the kitchen with my parents; they drank coffee and talked a lot while my brothers and sisters and I explored every inch of her home. Her bathroom had lavender walls, deep violet guest towels, and a mosaic tile that used violet in it. It was magnificently exotic to us!

After my dad died, Aunt Mary came to the little town where I grew up and helped my brothers and my sister Jodie get all of the accounts set up and on a computer with the family's telephone company. She helped to sort out a lot of stuff. She'd worked as a bookkeeper of some sort all of her life. In fact, I think she was working up until she was 82 or 83 years old.

Aunt Mary might be getting older, but there's not much stopping her!

Judith

Winter's Last Hurrah

Dear Mandella,

We've had a fairly mild winter compare to other years. There have been some heavy snowfalls, but no blizzards (i.e., snow storms with wind speeds in excess of 35 mph and visibility of 500 ft or less and all of that lasting at least 3 hours), and none of the storms have caused massive power outages or road blocks. We just had another snowfall on Friday/Saturday which left about 4" of snow at my house. By the time I went out around Saturday noon the main roads were merely slushy, the Interstate highway was bone dry, and the sun was shining.

Still, I could have lived a full and complete life without this latest snowfall and without the attendant chilling temps. I seem to be fighting a cold or flu virus. I had a sinus migraine all day on Sunday (it went away around 10:00 p.m. and then only after another dose of Exedrin and my husband's chai), then today after lunch it started in again with a feeling of nausea as well as aches all over. Yes, I could have lived a full and complete life without all of that, too.

I'm knitting on several things, among them the Kimono Scarf, the Manos del Uruguay scarf, and a sleeveless cotton pullover that I haven't photographed yet. On top of that, I've been working on quilt tops at my mom's. The king-sized one has the binding on, my mom is hand-stitching the binding to the back of the queen-sized one, and that just leaves the fat quarter quilt and the "Jane Austen" quilt that need bindings.

I also started sewing a simple top and pair of shorts for my niece Marky who will be 10 in March. We are planning a big family party to celebrate the twins' 60th birthday as well as Marky's birthday. My sister Kathy will be coming down from Canada. Her son (my nephew) Mark, who lives in Iowa, celebrates his 40th birthday in March as well. It's a big year for milestone birthdays in my family.

So, I am waiting for the cold weather to give way to warmth and I'm waiting out this cold or flu or whatever virus that seems intent on taking up residence in my body. Sadly, I don't have much patience for hand work when I feel this poorly.

I hope spring is well on its way to your house. Thanks for the updates. I'm thinking about you and hoping you all are well.

Hugs!

Judith

Felted purse or felted hat? You decide

Dear Mandella,

You have to run right over to USAToday and see this hat.

It’s only a small picture, but I’m sure that’s Lamb’s Pride bulky in Chestnut and felted to within an inch of its life before adding the handles and the bottom band.

Did you read the little paragraph entitled “Quirky Caps?”  This little gem especially:

“Anna Sui’s feather-festooned ski caps.”

Why didn’t I think of that?  Oh, I’d have been the talk of the town all winter if only I’d have knit in feathers to my caps (patterns below).

*sigh* I’m so behind the times when it comes to fashion.  Well, I suppose it’s because I have neither the wallet nor the size 2 body for it.

Hugs!

Judith

Adobe.com is the New Satan

I work with Adobe Creative Suite at my full-time job.  I started having problems with it (when it was running on Windows XP) in mid-November 2008.  The problem I started having (same as below in the Friday list, # 3) was supposedly fixed, then I started having the second problem (see Wednesday’s list) that the program would open for a few seconds, then close.  It was deemed that I didn’t have enough RAM on my computer.  So, 3 months later, I finally have a new computer and I’m loading up Adobe Creative Suite again (this time on Windows Vista, but I doubt that makes a difference here.)

 

Friday, 20 February 2009:

1.      I installed the software.  When it came time to activate the product, I couldn’t get an Internet connection, so I did it over the phone.  I input the activation code I was given and all seemed to be fine.

2.      When I clicked on a photo to open it, an older version of Photoshop opened (Adobe CS is an upgrade from an upgrade – long story short, I have Photoshop 6.0 and Photoshop 5.5 installed, too).

3.      When I tried to open Photoshop CS, I got a pop up window that said I didn’t have authorization to activate this software.

4.      When I tried to get on the Internet to get to Adobe.com for a phone number, I got an access denied message.

5.      Mark N, a programmer in my office, showed me where to put in the appropriate proxy/socket info so that I could get the Internet working again.

6.      I went to the Adobe.com web site, found the customer service number and dialed it.

7.      After 4 minutes, I was cut off.

8.      I dialed the number again.

9.      I was cut off again.

10.  I dialed the number for Technical Support.

11.  Upon being answered by a snot-nosed technical support child, I was informed that (1) Adobe no longer provides support for the basic Creative Suite Program, (2) the registration/activation problem wouldn’t be addressed, (3) no, I couldn’t speak to the snot-nosed technical support child’s supervisor, (4) this is a policy problem, not a software problem (according to the snot-nosed technical support child at Adobe).

12.  Adobe.com’s technical and customer support service s^cks.

13.  I headed out the door for the day.  Friends close to me prayed that I didn’t commit heinous acts while driving.

 

Monday, 23 February 2009:

A talented young man came into my office and solved Friday’s problem, which was that Adobe has a “services” file that needed to be adjusted.  Everything was good.  I was ready to knit that young man a pair of socks and invite him home for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Wednesday, 25 February 2009:

1.      I started Photoshop.

2.      I waited a few seconds.

3.      Photoshop closed of its own volition.

4.      A check of the Task Manager showed that the application was not running, but the process was.

5.      We searched the Internet for solutions.  Apparently people have been having the problem with all sorts of Photoshop versions.

6.      We can't get to the web sites where some of the possible solutions are posted because those sites are blocked by my employer.

7.      One solution was to delete the Photoshop preferences file.  We did that.  It didn't fix the problem.

8.      Another solution was to reinstall the software.  We did that.  It didn't fix the problem.

9.      Yet another solution was to completely uninstall Creative Suite and reinstall it.  We did that.  It didn't fix the problem.

10.  Adobe doesn't provide telephone technical support for this version any longer (see #11 above).

 

Can you say, "hosed" boys and girls?

 

(I just heard a clap of thunder -- I'm in deep doo-doo now with the Adobe satan.)

 

 

 

Dear Judith

Yes, it's me, your absentee blog-pal. You know, the one you spoil with care packages, phone calls and Valentines Cards that actually appear on the appointed day. The one who rewards you by never posting and hanging out at "the other place". Well, here I am, shame-faced and thankful that you have never, publicly or privately, castigated me for being missing.

This is just a quickie whilst I eat my breakfast before trudging off for another weary and challenging day at work (at least with 2 jobs you get a bit of variety). The bunny is jumping around my feet, Dave is in the shower, because if he's not ready by the time I go to work his left foot stays cold because I have to put his sock on still.

Your quilts are beautiful. I wish I had somewhere to put my sewing machine, but that will come in the fullness of time. In the meantime I trudge onwards with the everlasting baby shawl. Tonight Dave and I are going over to Mum's where she will gloat as hers is finished, bar the sewing up.

We have the builders in replacing the leaking utility room roof, which is (ick alert) sodden, mouldy and smelly. It's a good job it's going. Oh well, the work was on the list, we are just having it done earlier than planned. Dave will be off work for at least another 3 weeks, but he's doing much better. He doesn't use his crutches any more around the house, only when he goes out for his walks and physiotherapy starts next week.

All in all life isn't bad, and it's all the better for having friends.

Love,

Mandella

My Stars! They're Almost Done!

Fat Quarter Quilt - Very Easy

Thimbleberries - 9 Patch Variation (sort of)

Lewis & Clark Reproduction Fabics

25 Things from my Stash

Dear Mandella,

Apparently I have missed out on the big “25 Things” event that has been running across blogdom for the past week or more. I even have a Facebook account and I haven’t done a list. Well, that’s because I’ve been crazy busy or sick or God-knows-what-else and therefore unable to devote hours and hours of time to posting on the Internet. So, here it is at last, my “25 Things” meme, but I’m limiting it to 25 things in my stash right now:

1. Striped pullover for one of my nieces. If I’m lucky I’ll get it done before she grows out of it.

2. Pair of red socks started for my SIL Deb. I have only one sock started and it’s vaguely near to the heel flap part.

3. Ab-Fab throw. I’ve gotten through the first iteration of the 58-row color pattern and barely started on the second.

4. A simple shawl started from a lovely skein of Oceana (was the 1300-yard skein very big in England?) that is in time-out because I’m not please with it.

5. The kimono scarf – an adaptation of the kimono shawl in the Folk Shawls book – it’s 3/5 done.

6. A ball of merino yarn from Lisa Souza that’s dyed in the gendarme colorway. It’s meant to be a pair of socks. For me.

7. A ball of Socks That Rock (StR) Heavyweight in the Grandma’s Flower Garden color way that’s meant to be a pair of mittens.

8. A skein of Mountain Colors sock yarn in bubblegum pink that’s meant to be a pair of socks for one of my nieces.

9. A scarf knit with two shades of Manos del Uruguay wool/silk yarn. It’s about halfway done, maybe less.

10. Sock yarn from Claudia Handpaints in the “Oops!” colorway that I’m dying to knit for myself but I’m having too much fun just enjoying the colors are they appear on the skein.

11. A pullover started from odd balls of Cascade 220. I’m sort of halfway up the back.

12. A beautiful pullover from Louet Gems sportweight that I dyed *red* and that I’m designing for myself. I’m not very far up the back on that one.

13. A pair of socks in a variation of the waffle pattern. It’s knit from some Louet Gems sportweight that I splatter dyed with all sorts of colors. I’m not quite half way to the heel flap on the first sock yet.

14. A pair of socks – knitting two at a time on circulars from the toe up (the very first of their kind for me) – that I’m knitting from a lovely sock blank that I dyed.

15. A simple 1 x 1 rib scarf in grey KFI Cashmerino that is 2/3 done. *DONE* And given to a great neighbor across the street who helped to clear the driveway of snow.

***This list is getting to be depressing! But, I soldier on***

16. A blue and white pillow cover that proclaims “Go Jays!!!” for a Creighton University student. I don’t know who it is, yet. It’s a sample for String of Purls. It’s nearly done. Just 3.75” of knitting and I can block it, then make it up. *DONE*

17. Yarn enough for four more of those KFI Cashmerino scarves.

18. Jojoland Melody in the green/violet/navy colorway for knitting yet another hat.

19. Gorgeous olive green dyed silk yarn from Lisa Souza that I want to knit into a scarf for one of my sisters.

20. Odd skeins of Lambs’ Pride bulky that I keep promising myself I will knit into a blanket.

21. Several skeins of Galway that I got to knit into a felted tote bag.

22. A pair of mittens from KnitPicks Swish in a blue-green color that’s going to be for one of my nephews. He’s only six, so they should go fast, but I’ve barely started on the cuff of the first one.

23. Yarn in Iowa Hawkeyes team colors to knit an scarf and hat for a nephew who will be enrolled at the University of Iowa this fall.

24. Two skeins of the “Raven Clan” StR mediumweight that I haven’t even wound into balls yet.

25. Some Schaefer Marjaana yarn that I will eventually knit for me, but I don’t know if it will be a shawl or a pullover yet.

I know. I’m going straight to hell for all of this! If I can get two of these finished each month I’ll have them nearly done before the year is out. But don’t bet on it. J

Judith

An Invitation to Tea and Thankfulness

Picking up this idea from Lady Euphoria . . .

You are cordially invited

for tea and thankfulness

Sunday, February 22, 2009

All Day

Your Place or Mine

Be prepared to make a list

of things you are thankful for.

I shall be spending my day of Tea and Thankfulness at my mom's. I'm going to work on bringing over her sister Mary (who lives fairly near me) to visit.

Dark Chocolate

For all of you who have eschewed romance in favor of reality, here are some Bitter Sweets for your enjoyment.

Me and Mr. Rogers

You Are a Cardigan

You are traditional, old-fashioned, and even a little conservative. More than anything else, you are a creature of habit. You haven't changed much over the years. You shy away from flashy ideas, people, fashion, and foods. You have simple tastes. You go for established quality and longevity every time.

What Kind of Sweater Are You?

Blog Tag

I've been tagged by Lady Euphoria and must now tell you all six quirky yet boring and unspectacular details about myself:

1. I have a 4" scar on my neck. (I almost stayed a fish -- long story.)

2. I don't exactly whistle. It's more of a low hooting sound.

3. I have "the heartbreak of psoriasis" but I've never had dandruff.

4. I can introduce myself properly in Japanese.

5. I can write my first and last names with the Korean alphabet.

6. I have stood on my sister Jodie's farmhouse porch and made cow noises until the dogs in the neighboring farms started barking.


The six bloggers I am tagging are Alcariel, Dragon Mad Knitter, KT, AbandonedByWolves, Knitting in Color, and Karoline.

Turbine Hat Pattern

I call this hat a Turbine because the crown (where all of the decreases happen) comes out looking sort of like the blades of a turbine when you look at it from the top. If you just stand it up, though, and push down the top a bit, the whole thing looks rather like one of those fancy Jell-O molds. Oh well . . .

There are ribs all around this hat which make its size deceptive. When it’s collapsed (as in the photos) it looks thinner all around than it really is. The nice thing is that it will stay that way to fit a smaller head, but it expands beautifully to fit a larger head. As always, this pattern will work best with wool or a wool blend. I don’t recommend cotton, linen, or other such yarns because they really don’t have the stretch necessary to keep the hat hugging your head.

Materials — Jojoland hats:

US 3 circular needle, 16” long

Extra US 3 circular (for “magic loop”) or set of US 3 dpns to use when there are too few sts to work on one circular.

2 balls Jojoland Melody (each ball is 50g, 220 yards superwash variegated wool) of the same colorway (samples were done with MS26 and MS27)

Materials — Cascade 220 Hat

US 4 circular needle, 16” long

Extra US 4 circular (for “magic loop”) or set of US 4 dpns to use when there are too few sts to work on one circular

1 ball Cascade 220 Superwash (100g, 220 yards superwash wool)

Optional scraps of 2 other colors to knit 2 rounds each.

Gauge: About 6 stitches per inch. Don’t be fussed if it isn’t exact. The ribs in this design make the hat very flexible.

Cast On:

Jojoland Cast-On: Holding both strands together, knit cast on 108 sts. Join into a circle (being careful not to twist) and work 2 x 2 rib (K2, P2) for 18-24 rounds or until brim is about 2” – 2.5” long.

Cascade 220 Cast-On: If using the optional contrasting colors, start with a scrap of a contrasting color, knit cast on 108 sts. Join into a circle (being careful not to twist) and work 2 x 2 rib (K2, P2) for 18-24 rounds or until brim is about 2” – 2.5” long. If you’re using the contrasting colors on the Cascade 220 hat, work one 2 x 2 rib round in the first contrasting color, then work 2 rounds in the other contrasting color, then change to the main color.

OK, now all of the directions are for both hats:

Increase Round: *K8, Kfb* repeat all around. 120 sts total.

Knit the Hat: *K8, P2* repeat all around until work measures 7” from increase round.

Decreases:
*K6, K2tog, P2* repeat. 108 sts total. Work 2 rounds *K7, P2* repeat.
*K5, K2tog, P2* repeat. 96 sts total. Work 2 rounds *K6, P2* repeat.
*K4, K2tog, P2* repeat. 84 sts total. Work 2 rounds *K5, P2* repeat.
*K3, K2tog, P2* repeat. 72 sts total. Work 1 round *K4, P2* repeat.
*K2, K2tog, P2* repeat. 60 sts total. Work 1 round *K3, P2* repeat.
*K1, K2tog, P2* repeat. 48 sts total.
*K2 tog, P2* repeat. 36 sts total.
*P2tog, P1* repeat. 24 sts total.
*P2tog* repeat. 12 sts total.
*P2tog* repeat. 6 sts total.

Finishing: Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail on needle. Draw threaded needle through rem sts and pull tightly. Secure the cinch. Bury ends.

Abbreviations:

Kfb Knit into the front and back of one stitch (increases 1)
K2tog Knit two stitches together (decreases 1)
P2tog Purl two stitches together (decreases 1)

An Original Poem

Pretty Polly Hums and Longs*

for Bob

Last night I woke in a song
humming long,
swelling low in my bones.
Ridged and bare,
the floor spread beneath me,
knees scrubbed
sore in the earth,
dew-damp as early spring.
I couldn't hide
the moon, rein in the tides
breaking my spine
into single syllables of light.
Then, drawing ember and ash
through blood, I breathed
my woman's-magic into flame,
seared the sharp-silver night
with my tongue.


*The title is a line from the play Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas.

Silent Poetry Reading

Sure on this shining night
Of starmade shadows round,
Kindness must watch for me
This side the ground.

The late year lies down the north.
All is healed, all is health.
High summer holds the earth.
Hearts all whole.

Sure on this shining night
I weep for wonder
wandering far alone
Of shadows on the stars.

— James Agee (1909-1955)
excerpt of "Description of Elysium" from Permit Me Voyage

Click to hear the version set to music by Samuel Barber.

Three Hats and a Scarf

This is basically what I've been doing. OK, this and sewing at mom's house nearly every Saturday.

The photo collage that starts the post is just something fun to show detail. I especially like how the colors change in the second two. Those are the two color-fusion hats knit with Jojoland Melody (2 strands of the same colorway held together). The matching hat and scarf are knit with Cascade 220 superwash (1 ball each of royal blue, lime green, and variegated blue/green).

I'll post the patterns tomorrow. I have to get supper out of the oven before it burns!

A silly post

I seem to recall that the blogosphere tradition on the first day of the new year (or was it to be the last day of the old year?) was to make a post that consists of the first sentences of the first post for each month of the previous year. Well, we've been up only since September, but I can come up with something nonetheless:

OK, OK, I know I've jumped the gun, but I just couldn't help myself. I am at last finished with a major project at my part-time job, which was menu cards (with names on top) and service programs for a wedding that with sit-down reception that will be attended by about 400 people. I'm scheduled to go over to my mom's today (instead of on Sunday, which has been the usual day for sewing) because I'll be at a "personal shower" for my friend M on Sunday afternoon/evening. A whole month got past me and I was only marginally aware of it.

Well. That was, um, nice.

Happy New Year!

Sand Stitch Mania

Dear Mandella,

I think I may have choked the Blogger on my photos. At any rate, I am at last posting photos of some of my knitting (none of it completed), and even this isn't everything.

In no particular order . . .
A pair of socks started from a skein of Louet Gems superwash sport weight. This is splatter dyed (by me) in a number of my favorite colors. I'm knitting these (on US 1.0) in a variation on my favorite waffle stitch over 64 sts:

Rnds 1 - 3: Knit all sts
Rnds 4 - 6: *K2, P2* all around
Rnds 7 - 9: Knit all sts
Rnds 10 - 12: *P2, K2" all around


It offsets the waffle so that you get a kind of honeycomb effect. At least, that's what it looks like until it's worn. After that, who knows? Anyway, this is just the start of a pair of socks.

Didn't I once mention that my friend Lorna had given me one of the KnitPicks sock blanks? Well, here it is, all dyed, and I've started knitting my first ever toe-up socks, 2 at a time. The pattern is a zig-zag lace from one of Charlotte Schurch's sock books. I'm getting 9 sts to the inch on US 1.0 needles, so I cast on 72.

The linen/garter scarf has made some progress. This is a 2-color scarf knit back and forth on US 9 (I'm using a short circular to accomplish this) with Manos del Uruguay wool/silk blend yarn on the following pattern (multiple of 2 sts):

Row 1 (solid color): *K1, sl 1 with yarn in front* repeat to the end. Turn work.
Row 2 (solid color): Purl all sts. Turn work.
Row 3 (coordinating variegated color): repeat row 1, turn work
Row 4 (coordinating variegated color): Knit all sts. Turn work.

Each side has a unique look, so I don't consider it to have a right or a wrong side. And the yarn not in use is carried on one side (it's just 2 rows).



And here we come to one of the larger projects. This short-sleeved pullover has been started and frogged several times. I started it around the time I attended the Melissa Leapman workshops this past October. As you can see, I'm utilizing one of her simpler cable patterns (but I'm still varying it to my tastes). This is being knit back and forth on US 4.0 needles (I'm using a long circular) with Louet Gems washable merino in sport weight. I dyed the yarn a deep red color. Here's a better photo of my progress on the back:

I'm getting about 6 sts to the inch. For the back I've cast on 145 sts. The first and last 18 sts are worked in plain stockinette stitch (I worked a 2 x 2 rib to start). Then, working toward the center, is this simple cable motif offset by some columns of knits and purls. At last we have the center 49 sts which on the front will be worked in an elaborate cable motif (also from one of Leapman's books). On the back I am working it in sand stitch, which is my latest passion.

Here is the sand stitch pattern (multiple of 4 sts):

Rows 1 and 3 (RS): Knit

Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1* to the end

Row 4: *P1, K1* to the end

Of course, you can vary that as follows:

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1* to the end

Rows 2 and 4 (WS): Purl all sts

Row 3: *P1, K1* to the end

Either way, you get a nice texture. In fact, either side is acceptable. I happen to like the side that's mainly knit stitches. Anyway, I discovered this stitch in an old book that catalogs various craft stitches (knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery -- you get the idea). I think it's also called a double moss stitch, but I've also seen double moss stitch worked as something else.

At any rate, I've incorporated that stitch into a few other things:

The bright fuschia (sp?) section of this pullover-in-progress (I'm using up lots of odd balls of Cascade 220) is in sand stitch. (The dark blue section is in the linen/garter stitch, but that's another story -- I'm using a different stitch pattern with each band of color).

And here it is worked onto the back of a glove (the first of a pair) I knit for my husband, Ed, also in Cascade 220, but the washable version, on US 3.0 dpns. Yes, I have pattern notes; no I'm not printing it yet. I have to get the second one done. And then I have to do it again because I've got gargantuan fingers on this thing (all except for the little finger, which seems to be just right).

Not pictured is a coordinating scarf (also from Cascade 220 superwash) that utilizes both the sand stitch and the seed or moss stitch. I call it the Moss and Sand scarf. I'll post that pattern as soon as I have a photo of the scarf. And that scarf is actually finished (hooray!).

Also finished but not pictured is a hat that coordinates with the the aforementioned scarf and the above glove, also from Cascade 220 superwash, and worked on a US 3.0 circular. I really like the density of the fabric that I get in working Cascade worsted on US 3.0 or 4.0 needles.

Added to the above is a hat in progress with more Louet Gems sportweight (in a space-dye that I'm not crazy about but c'est la guerre). I'm knitting that on a US 2 circular and using the heel stitch pattern for 2 reasons: it's thicker, and it goes faster with slipping those stitches!

Oh, and I have another hat in progress that is with 2 strands of a sock yarn held together. It's a very nice yarn, Jojoland or something like that. Anyway, 2 strands of it knits up quite nicely on a US 3.0 needle. That hat is about halfway done but it's at my LYS as a demonstration of what can be done with that yarn.

None of the above includes, of course, a number of other works in progress. Seriously. Just wait until you see my To-Finish list for 2009!

Hugs and happy crafting!

Judith

Very Square

Dear Mandella,

I was going to post this with the photos in the previous post, but I was having a few problems with Blogger. Ed gave me this as a small, fun gift. It's plastic (unlike the really expensive ones you can get that are gold plated). It was a sweet thought. He knows how crazy busy I am.

Today I went over to my mom's. I sorted out a bunch of fabric over there (most of it for quilts). I had scraps kind of all over, so everything got grouped together. Then I sewed together 13 little churn dash squares (the final measures about 5.25" square) that I had started some time ago. I also finished up 12 large squares from a Thimbleberries pattern (last ones illustrated below). Sorry, but I didn't have my camera with me or else I'd be posting photos of them.

The churn dash squares (left) will make a small quilt, probably baby size. The larger squares are for a larger blanket (obviously). Oh, and I have my "Jane Austen" quilt back from the quilter. I have to put a binding on that.

In addition to those just mentioned, I have the puzzle quilt that I've posted images of already (I don't know if that pattern has a name, but that's what I call it.) that needs sashing between the squares. The sashing is a deep, deep red. I'll use gold squares in between as shown.

And then I have 12 large (16.5") squares from another Thimbleberries pattern called My Stars. That will make at least a full-size quilt.

This is how I imagine I will finish it, with little stars in between the blocks. At least, that's what the pattern calls for. I've already started the stars on the sashing. I don't remember which colors went with what, though. Oh, well....

And then there is this one, also from my Thimbleberries book. I don't remember what it's called. If you look at it you can see that it's a variation on a 9-patch.

And this is a vague vision I have of how it all will fit together. The center squares are actually a print that utilizes the gold, brown, blue, and teal. I don't know. Somehow it all will work out.

Time Turner Needed

Dear Mandella,

A whole month got past me and I was only marginally aware of it. First it was Chance being ill and needing attention, then it was being burned out each day by The League of Helpless Women I encounter (especially during the holiday retail season), and at last it was my own frenzy to get things done.

As it turned out, I did get a shirt sewed for my brother-in-law Ron, but only after one completely failed attempt and a second attempt, which had only been cut out, went completely missing. I spent the entire Saturday prior to Christmas with my arse in a chair at the sewing machine. That was 9 solid hours of sewing. And Ron loved the shirt. He hasn't tried it on yet, but he loved it.

Now that it is the day after Christmas, I feel very much at loose ends. I have three days before I'm due at the office and I have more to do than (1) I have energy to accomplish and (2) I even have hours in the day.

Here are some photos:

My brother-in-law Ron opening one of the gifts in the
free-for-all gift game.

Marcy (black shirt, in front), Jodie (green shirt), Carla (white shirt),
Colin (red shirt), and Mason (clutching yellow envelope).


From left: Colin, Mason, Joan and Bud


Colin put in a set of small painted plates he'd brought back from Spain.


Our Christmas Tree.

A crocheted star done by my Aunt Helen.

Santa on a mountain bike, a Hallmark ornament I'd gotten for Ed early on
in recognition of his enthusiasm for bicycling.

Chance and Me

I didn't do the best job on taking the red out of Chance's eyes, but at least he doesn't look like the devil dog in this one.

The Daily Slog

Dear Mandella,

I think it has been about two weeks since I've been able to get to my home computer and take a look at the blog. Work has increased at both of my jobs. On top of that, Chance had a nasty case of doggie-bronchitis that left me exhausted from vet clinic visits and just cleaning up after the little vomit bombs he'd left all over.

But, that's over now. Chance is a happy and healthy dog (we're still finishing up the course of antibiotics, but he's over the contagious stage) and I'm trying to catch up on everything else.

I did finish something, but I'm trying to remember . . . Oh, yes, the Kimono Wrist Warmers. I'll post photos soon. I made it a free pattern that people will get with purchase of the yarn (Berocco Ultra Alpaca Fine) from String of Purls. It's machine washable, which I think is wonderful, and soft as can be.

I've got the top left shoulder together on the Dinan jacket/cardigan that I've been knitting for my friend Jane. The right shoulder is coming along. Just a few more rows on the top right and I can stitch that shoulder. Then it's just the sleeves and the ribbing around the neck and fronts.

I finished up a scarf I'd started some time ago. It is knit with three strands of acrylic yarn on US 13 needles. I used two strands of Caron soft in dark blue and one strand of a Red Heart (or something) in dark blue. The Caron soft has a deepness/richness to the color.

Here's a simple scarf pattern:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Rows 1 and 2: *K1, P1* repeat to the end
Rows 3 and 4: Knit all sts.

Repeat the four-row pattern until the scarf is about 60" long. Add fringe if you like.

It lays flat, has a nice texture, and works every time no matter how many stitches you cast on. For the above-mentioned scarf, I cast on 22 stitches.

Anyway, I found that scarf at more-than-halfway done, so I finished it on Thursday evening while watching the 2nd half of a Law & Order rerun, a Daily Show/Colbert Report rerun, CSI (original), and Life on Mars (the USA adapted version). I put the fringe on it this morning. Someone will have a nice surprise at the office Christmas party (Dec. 2) when we do that gift-exchange game.

I have since started in on a scarf for the family gift exchange (Dec. 25) from Cascade 220 washable in a lovely colorway that utilizes dark blue, turquoise, and lime green.

Today I finished up the annual Christmas letter, something I usually have done by the end of September. I try to get all of my Christmas cards into the mail by December 1st, especially since I send so many outside of the USA. We'll see how I do this year.

I didn't go over to my mom's house today for sewing -- I was just too exhausted from everything else that has been going on -- but I'll be there all day this coming Thursday, which is our annual Thanksgiving holiday. We'll actually do the Thanksgiving meal on Sunday (a week from today) with all of the family at my mom's, so having a mid-week break for sewing will be a treat. I don't have to work my full-time job on Friday, but I'm scheduled to be at the stationery shop as usual from 2 to 6 in the afternoon. We've gotten very busy as the holiday season has come upon us.

And, as usual, I'm far behind on laundry.

Big hugs!

Judith

Chance

Dear Mandella,

Here is the newest addition to our family. We found him on Saturday at the Nebraska Humane Society. He is a black Labrator Retriever, about 2 years old. His name is Grant -- at least that's what the NHS named him and we signed off on it, but we've lately taken to calling him Chance. That's Ed's decision, and this is Ed's dog. Since I like both Ed and the dog, and since I like the name Chance, I'm all for it.

So far I have taught Chance to sit. Yes, he is that smart. Good heavens, I can't even get my husband to sit on command! Unfortunately, I think we gave him too many treats today because he vomited on the carpeting. Well, I think that's better than urinating on the carpeting. And I must add that my husband has never once vomited on the carpeting, which puts him one up over the dog. (In fact, my husband cleaned up the carpeting after the dog vomited on it, which really earns him some Good Husband Points.)

Chance has been acting like he has been with us for ages. He knows where the door is to go out and do his thing (he sat there and barked). He has only chewed on the rope toy we've given him. When I went downstairs this morning to check email he went back to his designated blanket in the bedroom and went to sleep.

The NHS gave us 50% off on the first obediance/behavior class for Chance; it starts on November 23rd. I expect that the class is really to teach adults how to act consistently with a dog, something we've at least had practice with, but techniques have changed from 10 years ago when I was in an obedience class with Charka.

Also today, I finished up a quilt top, a small one I had started some years ago. My mom was looking at the fabric and saying how this one would make her want to quilt again, so we got it all stitched up. I made some miscalculations in the border sashings so I had to piece them, but it was worth it to create something my mom really wanted to work on.

I'm tired and heading for bed. This has been an extraordinarily good weekend. I hope the same for you and Dave.

Hugs!

Judith

Joy

Dear Mandella,

Despite feeling still a bit under the weather and despite the weather here having turned quite cold and windy, I went to the wedding ceremony of M & J last night. I didn't wear the dress I'd made for the occasion; instead, I wore camel-colored woolen twill trousers, a cream-colored blouse, my black raw-silk jacket, and a stunning silk scarf (in gold, red, black, and tan) from my mother-in-law's collection. I looked very nice (at least for the one photo that was taken of me with the bridal couple), and I was still warm.

I don't know how to describe M as she processed up the aisle on the arm of her eldest brother-in-law (M's father died 5-6 years ago). The only word that comes to mind (hackneyed as it is) is radiant. It was as if joy had been transformed into light and warmth, something you could see and feel. We all were so happy for her and J that you could just feel it in the air.

And then, when the ceremony was over, it was as if all of that joy were multiplied even more, like a field of flowers that suddenly opened up because they couldn't contain themselves any longer.

The bride was, of course, lovely. She had a white/cream colored dress (not quite either color, really) with a V waist embellished with embroidery and rhinestones. The dress had a modest train. Her chestnut hair was twisted into a simple chignon and decorated with small white flowers. The bridesmaids wore a smoky, dark-blue halter dresses. The gentlemen were in dark tuxes with understated dark green brocade vests (waistcoats) and dark green ties. The bride's mother, whose coloring is very light, wore a light blue dress and the groom's mother wore a tan ensemble that complemented her coloring quite nicely.

The reception was at an historic home about 3 blocks from the church. It's called The Renaissance Mansion, which is a mis-nomer because, of course, it does not date to the Renaissance; however, I believe they use the name in its original French sense of having been re-born from a home into a lovely venue for receptions and meetings. I was in charge of moving the guest book and the two roses (the ones symbolizing the bride's father and the groom's father, both deceased) to the reception site. We took a moment to admire the cake and the surroundings, then went home because I was quite exhausted.

At home, my husband cooked up a lovely warm chai for me as I changed into a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and wool socks. I curled up with my chai and my knitting for the remainder of the evening. This morning I woke feeling refreshed and happy.

Big hugs and much joy to you!

Judith

Sick Again

Dear Mandella,

I'm very sorry about the socks. Was it one skein of hand-dye? Well, at least you can think of them as Dobby socks (you know -- socks that purposefully don't match, a concept described by the house elef Dobby in the 4th Harry Potter book). And they'll still keep your feet warm, right?

Both my husband and I are at home and ailing. There is some sort of bug going around. In me it is manifested as a sinus infection (I get those more than anything). In him we're not sure because he refuses to see his doctor. *rolled eyes*

I have been working on finishing up the 2nd of the hand/wrist warmers I've been knitting up from the Berocco Alpaca/Wool/Nylon yarn (mentioned earlier). I've just held off the thumb stitches and will now finish up the tops of the mittens, but I can't remember how far I went and the first one is at my LYS for show-and-tell. I'll try to snag it back tomorrow. I knew I should have written out the full pattern before surrendering it!

Also on the knitting front, I've made headway on the back of a pullover knit from leftover Cascade 220. I'm getting all sorts of ideas as I knit it, ideas that should be written down as I go except that I've rarely got pen and paper at hand. Who can write when they're knitting, any way?

As for your knitting mojo fading, I'd say not to worry about it. You've been putting in so much time on your home and everything else that all of your creativity must be sapped. You're right: pattern books help. Maybe you'll want to sort your books and your stash and your needles in order to spur the creativity into action. Or maybe I'll let you select from the ton of projects I seem to have going on ALL of the time! (Perhaps I do this to ward off ennui?)

Time for a bit of a lie-down. I'm afraid I'm getting rather giddy thinking about all of that knitting!

Big hugs, and best wishes for your mojo to return!

Judith

Dear Judith

I hope things are settling down a bit for you now after the awful events of the last couple of weeks.

I was watching Stephen Fry on TV tonight. He's doing a road trip through all the States of America. It's nice viewing and very quirky. Tonight I got to see Nebraska, probably for the first time ever. Well it makes a change to be watching him rather than Hugh Laurie, and of course the two are inextricably linked in my mind because of the TV series they did together, and Blackadder of course.

I have been wrestling with my knitting. Here's a pair of mismatched socks I finished. I can't kick up too much of a fuss because the yarn was a gift, but it just shows the variations you can get with a handpaint.



I'm bored with my knitting. I've got a couple of baby items to finish and they're cute, but I'm just plodding through them. I think I need something with a spark, like that book you just gifted!

Daring and Square-ish

Dear Mandella,

I'm scheduled to go over to my mom's today (instead of on Sunday, which has been the usual day for sewing) because I'll be at a "personal shower" for my friend M on Sunday afternoon/evening. I found a copy of Naughty Needles for M, which I wrapped up with three little skeins of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk. I was going to get Knitting Lingerie Style, but the local bookstores didn't have it. I was only notified of the shower on Thursday evening, so there wasn't time to order it.

So, the coffee is brewing and I'm trying to wake up and type at the same time. I am grateful that we get an extra hour of sleep this weekend (Daylight Savings Time ends here tonight).

We had extraordinarily good weather for the Trick-or-Treaters last night. Most of the time Hallowe'en night is cold and wet; this year it was pleasant and dry. How I remember having the wear a pullover with my costume, and always debating whether to wear it underneath would the costume still fit?) or over the costume (would the costume allow that?). We didn't open our home to the Trick-or-Treaters, though. It's been too busy, and for the past several years there have been very few children coming by. In fact, most people bring their kids to planned venue for trick-or-treats -- the office, shopping malls -- or just stay in their own neighborhoods. In the little town where I grew up we went to every house we could get to! Good heavens, we'd have gone to farmhouses out in the country if we'd had a car and a license to drive!

I've been looking through books of knitting patterns and have happened upon several that make me think it would be fun to knit up a bunch of squares in different colors and textures (i.e., to use up the leftovers of my Cascade 220 stash) and then make them into a blanket. I've knit 1 so far, a bright yellow mostly-square that uses a triangle type of pattern in knits and purls. The 2nd one I've started is called "sand stitch" and it's even easier than the triangle pattern. In fact, I'm rather liking this because it's giving me exposure to some knew knitting textures but in small enough swatches that I don't have to commit to a whole pullover in case I find it too tiring to keep up with. I suppose it's sort of like *gasp!* swatching, except that I'm not working it out on the yarn I intend to use for the final project. And these are much larger swatches (about 7" square-ish).

Well, no time to be thinking about that now. The coffee is done and I've got to get to my mom's and start sewing up that dress if I want to have it to wear to a wedding on the 7th! (AUGH!)

Hugs and good knitting to you!

Judith