Sweet Pea's Fiber Frolic & Other Stuff

Outta Here

This weekend I am going here.  My sister and I are having a long-planned spa day - fancy soaks and massages all around.  I am sure that will all be followed up with plenty of wine to complete the total relaxation.

As my college flame used to say, "How can you miss me if I don't go away?"  So the kids and Captain Fantastic will just have to miss me.

I have only been to a spa one other time  - while in Scottsdale last August.  My daughter and I made a whole day of it, lunching at the spa restaurant and spending the rest of the day in a cabana by the pool and in and out of the assorted hot tubs, saunas, etc.   What an experience.  I am not sure the spa at the Hotel Hershey is quite up to the same standards, but I am sure it will be a great girls get-away.

So today is laundry and general clean-up so that the return home will not include a back-log of undone stuff.  Reality re-entry is brutal enough.

Sunshine and Shadows

Well, I finally feel like we are emerging from the shadows in this house.

My teenage (15) daughter suffers from depression.  Sometimes, when life is really difficult for her it feels like the entire family is hostage to her illness.  She takes medication, and generally the situation is manageable.  Several times a year, she has what I would call an "episode" - excessive tiredness, irritability, crying - you get the picture.  These episodes are almost all related to school stress.  Let's just say that we recently survived the perfect storm.

Within a 10 (calendar) day period she had 8 tests or quizzes, 2 major written projects all along with routine homework.  Did I mention that she was PMS-ing during this time?

In the end, though, she made a difficult decision in a very mature and thoughtful way.  I am so proud of her, and the way she is learning to manage the demands of school while seeking balance in her life and health.  It fills my heart to see her persevere when she faces these life challenges.

Um, knitting.  Baby Gundy is complete:

I used this project to work on my seaming.  And work, I did.  Seam, rip, seam, rip.  I am glad it was just a tiny baby sweater, and not something for my husband.  The sweater is OK, but the hat is what makes this project for me.  Both are accented by (matching) vintage buttons inherited from my grandmother-in-law, so the gift has that grandma-love good karma to it, too.  Best wishes Mama Gundy for a safe and healthy addition to your family.

And a new WIP:

This is a capelet (design based on one in Wrap Style) knit in Malabrigo yarn in two gauges m- lace weight and worsted.  It is shaped with short rows and edged in the heavier yarn.  I will pick up stitches around the neck and add a collar if I can figure out how to make that happen gracefully.  This is my new favorite yarn.  Move over Manos.

I really enjoy reading about everyone's Olympic knitting, but am very glad I did not attempt a time-pressure project, given that my life has been  a bit "full" lately.

In The Mire

You will sink in a mire. You like to think you're normal, but deep down you really just want to strip off your clothes and roll around in chicken fat.

I am deep in the mire right now.  I'll let you know if the chicken fat part turns out to be true.

I can't even figure out how to code paste this funny quiz onto the blog I am so mired.

Utter Disgust

There will be no photos today because I don't have much to show for my recent knitting efforts.  Equal time has been spent knitting and un-knitting.  I goofed on the jaywalker socks causing a misalignment of the "point" in the pattern and did not notice it till about 7 or 8 rows later.  Duh.  These socks are intended for me so I will just leave it be, especially since it is on the instep and will never be seen while the socks are in shoes.  Pisses me off just the same, and makes me not want to knit on them anymore.  Blech.

Then there is the little issue of seaming together little Baby Gundy.  But before we get to the seaming we have to get through the picking up of the neck stitches.  I actually like picking up and knitting stitches - and generally feel confident doing so now that I have knit a number of socks.  Not this time!  The stitches are picked up and the neck edging all knit and it is decidedly underwhelming.  Looks OK but not great.  I am hoping a little blocking will straighten things out.

Because I really hate suck at um, am not too fond of seaming, I thought I would be all smart and 3-needle bind off the shoulder seams.  So I did and it looked like, well, like I did 3 needle bind off where there should have been an invisible seam.  Rip.  Graft instead.  OK - but it is a little droopy so I reinforced the shoulder area from the inside.  Sew in sleeve the way Mom showed me.  Rip.  Sew in sleeve according to directions in book and the seam is the nicest I have ever done, only the sleeve is not centered.  Rip.  Step away from the sweater.

Pick up lovely brown shawl and compare results to pattern.  Looking good, but detailed review reminds me that I have selected a slightly thicker yarn and larger needle (thus larger shawl) than pattern requirements.  Decide that I should start the next chart (thus reducing shawl size) to compensate.  Current chart increases 12 stitches each repeat and next chart has a 12-stitch repeat so everything should be A-OK.  Except that the current chart increases those 12 stitches over the entire row and the subsequent chart has the 12-stitch repeat on each side of the center stitch.  No amount of math or foul language solves this problem.  I must knit the remaining 3 repeats for this to work.  This thing may be the size of a small bedspread by the time I am through.  Luckily I have plenty of yarn.

I would step away from the knitting all together and do some spinning but I have no interesting fiber that I feel like dealing with.  Maybe I will card up the rest of the black alpaca that has been hanging around for a while.  Maybe not.

Um, Mom, What's That Smell?

Why that would be a whole pot of onion skins, dear.  I originally dyed this skein of KnitPicks lace weight with marigold flowers in August while absent from blogging and took no photos of the result.  Let's just say that it turned out *YELLOW*  I was extited at the chemical success of my first attempt with natural dye, but knew there was no way I was ever going to make a screaming yellow lace anything.  So I saved a bunch of plain old onion skins and yesterday was the day to see if I could make the yellow yarn useable.   I believe I have. 

I did not stir the dye pot after adding the yarn so that there would be subtle variations in the depth of the color, and I think it worked.  I will definitely try some more of this.This photo does not have the resulting color quite right.  It is really a nice autumny - Williamsburgy muted gold.  Definitely wearable, for me, anyway. I can see that I will have to try some more of this.

Today's agenda included lunch with an old friend and a trip here.  Purely reconnaissance, not really a shopping trip.

Progress!

I am not a fast knitter.  Not terribly slow, but really not fast.  With that said, I have a very successful (for me) few days of knitting progress to report.  That would be an unchanged brown blob of lace shawl in the center.  Disregard that as there has been no progress there.  What is exciting is the wee Baby Gundy sweater with a complete left and right front and two complete sleeves, just waiting to be cast off.  Baby Cashmerino knits up beautifully.  Now onward to the back and seaming it up.  The seaming will be the big challenge here.

That is also a growing sock over on the right.  This photo does not show the pattern well, but the Jaywalkers are fun to knit.  Despite using size 1 1/2 needles, these babies are going to be a bit snug.  I am not one to rip back this much sock, so if they do not end up fitting me, they will be a gift to someone with smaller feet.

I also received the nicest note from H & Annie about their (unphotographed) Christmas mittens.  Best of all, it included a photo of the mits in action which I will add to my completed work gallery.  The picture does not show the pattern well, but at least I have some proof that I finished this project.

I briefly considered the Knitting Olympics yesterday.  It would be a great opportunity to knit my felted blag from the Navajo yarn I bought in Arizona while on vacation last summer.  The challenge there would have been in the designing.  What is really calling me right now is that skein of Anne, purchased during a naughty moment at a LYS last week. 

I am desperate to knit it up into some springtimey lace thing.  I have a ONE LACE PROJECT AT A TIME rule, so that would mean abandoning the brown Shaped Triangle Shawl from A Gathering of Lace.  I really like both the brown yarn and the lace pattern, but it is mind-numbingly dull right now.  A four-row pattern repeat of a six-stitch pattern that is just causing my eyes to glaze over....That, plus the fact that by the time I get that baby done it will not be "brown" weather, it will be time to wear colors like these:   

So what to do?  Maybe if I wind the yarn into a ball it will speak to me and tell me what it really wants to be.  However that turns out, I have decided to let the whole Olympic knitting thing be taken up by better, faster knitters than I.

Yarn Shopping and Pure Bliss, But Not Together

So, I went yarn shopping yesterday.  I am on a yarn diet until further notice, but this purchase was planned prior to committing to "No More!"  A LYS was having a SALE.  And not just on old, odd-ball leftovers, but on EVERYTHING.  Perfect opportunity to get patterns and supplies for the Baby Gundy knit, so off I went on my way to work.

The shop is very nice, although somewhat sterile for a yarn shop.  It is well-stocked in the yarns she carries, but I often wish there were greater variety available.  I had decided to knit a sweater for the baby, but needed a pattern.  Can you believe I have never made a baby item before?  Anyway, I settled on a cardigan in the Debbie Bliss "Baby Knits for Beginners" book.  It will need a matching hat and a little embellishment to dress it up, but I liked the shape.  It kills me to spend all that $$ on a book for one pattern, but I am under a little time pressure here and it gets the job done.  So far so good.

Here is where I start to lose my enthusiasm.  The owner is just not creative.  I was interested in seeing what other yarns (instead of the baby cashmerino called for) might be appropriate.  Her response was "Why on earth wouldn't you want to use the yarn called for?"  Well, maybe because I like to explore my options.  Maybe because knitting is all about making a unique garment.  Maybe because I want shocking freakin' pink and not a prissy baby color.  I don't know.  Maybe I want to CHOOSE.  I did end up choosing a cute green and peach combo in the baby cashmerino, but I feel like I sold out.  See?  Just disregard that little skein of Anne.  I have no idea how that ended up in my bag. 

So what I figured out yesterday is that when I have MY yarn shop, all knitting levels of creativity will be encouraged, whether you want to knit an item exactly as called for in the pattern, or take a little (or a lot!) of creative license.

I have a little problem with Anne yarn.  I really really really love it, and I had never seen this colorway before.  YUM.  I already have two half-pi shawls in two beautiful and different colorways, so I do not know what this will become.  Certainly not socks, because it just begs to be seen and not stuffed into stinky shoes.  So somehow I bought that, too, even though I swore I would only buy the planned project supplies.

Anyway, I am very happy with how this is knitting up.  Beautiful stitch definition, very soft yarn and EASY pattern. 

I also started a pair of "Jaywalking" socks over the weekend.  This is a great pattern - no wonder everyone is knitting a pair.  I won the yarn ages ago in Margene's "Give A Little" fund raising drive.  Probably not the best selection for this particular pattern, but I do like the results and these babies are for my own feet.

This is "potato chip" knitting at its best.  You keep doing just one more row to see how the zig zag thing is coordinating with the color change.  Fun.

And finally, the day concluded with finding the last bit of vanilla Haagen Dazs left from Christmas hidden in the way-back of the freezer.  Clearly the kid's sugar radar must be broken, because this stuff is usually inhaled.  It was probably only about ten bites worth, but they were worth it.  I shared the last molecules of it with Ralph:

What you can't see is his tail wagging with each lick.  Pure bliss.

Blog Housekeeping

It was way past time for a photo album update and it turns out that I failed to take photos of my recent finished objects which are now on the hands and feet of the recipients.  Both Helen's socks and the Jacob wool mittens for Henry and Anne went on their way without documentation.  Bummer.  I am especially disappointed about the mittens - I had been working on them since October.  I spun the wool (a nice Jacob sliver from Meridian Jacobs, and a beautiful heathered red merino from MdS&W) and designed the mittens myself, based on basic instructions here.  So it goes.

I should get Super Dude's hat done today - I had promised completion by the post-Christmas back to school day, but I was sick over the holiday weekend, and that really cut into my knitting time.  The shawl in the WIPs will be a long-term project.  I am not a fast knitter, but I really enjoy having a lace project on the go for whenever the mood hits, and I really love lace shawls.

I have to figure out how to make the photos larger when inserting them into the text.

I have recently discovered StuntMother's blog which I really enjoy.  She poses an interesting thought - what would you do if you were rich?  Hmmm.....If I were rich I would:

1. Give more money away - not just to significant charities, but to individuals in need.
2. Help my mom out financially on a monthly basis.
3. Have college funds set up for both of my kids.
4. Have a house at the beach, that I would use all summer and for vacations.  It would be big enough (note that this does not have to mean brand new) to host family Thanksgiving.  It would have a big hot tub.
5. Not worry when expensive stuff breaks.
6. Buy organic groceries all the time.  Maybe even have the regular items delivered.
7. Go away on a "Girls Only" long weekend with my sister or a girlfriend a couple of times a year.  Preferably to a destination spa.  Oooooh ahhhhhh.
8. Buy my husband the classical guitar of his dreams.
9. Have a mini-tummy tuck to correct the c-section scar left behind after Sugar Plum was born.  I would have to get over the whole anesthesia fear thing for this one, not just be rich.
10. See more of the world.
11. Open a yarn and wool craft shop.

I would not:

1. Accumulate more "stuff."  Enough is enough already.  Except for yarn, I might have to make something cashmere.
2. Quit my job.  It makes me happy and I feel good when I go to work.  I also think it makes me a more interesting person.  Unless, of course, the yarn shop thing works out.  Then I would be too busy at the shop to continue my regular job.
3. Drive a really expensive car.  You don't get there any sooner.
4. Move.  I really like my house, and the school system is doing right by my kids.  Why mess with that?
5. Put TVs or computers in the kid's rooms.  Or buy them every little techno-gadget that they want.  There is no incentive to come out and interact if they have all that stuff in their rooms.

There are probably lots more things for both lists, but that is what comes to mind right now.  What would you do, or not do?

Fresh Start for a New Year

What is not to like about a fresh start?  When I first decided to start a blog, it was primarily with the intention of becoming a part of the online knitting community.  Now I am thinking that I will use this more as a tool for personal growth - really more like a personal journal.  I want to document the significant events and thoughts in my life, and include photos so that the record is visually complete as well.  Now to actually make that happen in real life!

I have a number of goals for the new year:

1. Be truly present in the moment, live (and knit) mindfully.  In order to accomplish this, I need to be more organized in my daily routine so that chores are accomplished on a more timely basis.  Be disciplined about accomplishing basic responsibilities so I am not so scattered during the after school and dinner hours.
2. Make deposits in the good health bank.  To accomplish this I will use my "checklist" tool to make sure I am taking care of myself, and not being careless in my eating (and drinking) habits.  Make the treats really worthwhile and get rid of the junk!  This will also include a thorough check-up and blood work and the dreaded dentist.
3. Lead by example.  Opportunities here include service on the Friend's Board and church Vestry.  Give these positions my best effort, and limit other volunteering so that I am serving joyfully, not begrudgingly.
4. Pay bills on time.  Yup, just what it says.  I have gotten sloppy and it is time to make sure the $$ house is in order as we approach the college years.

I might change these or add to them as the year unfolds, because you never know what might be in store.  I figure this gets 2006 started off in the right direction, though.

The immediate knitting goal for the remaining 2 days of the holiday break are to get Russell's new hat done, or nearly done.  Then I can select some new projects!  I am looking forward to making a blanket for Baby Gundy.  Need to find a pattern and pick a nice yarn.

Right now I need breakfast. 

Not Going To Rhinebeck

Soooooo, I am seriously wishing I was heading up to Rhinebeck.  Not that I need a single thing that could be purchased there.  Or really anywhere else for that matter.  But it sure would be fun...

Here would be my agenda if I were going:

1. Jacob sheep roving - I really should have purchased this at MdS&W in May.  I was ogling it.  I even had it in my hands, but I let it go.  Clearly a moment of extreme fibery restraint insanity.  Of course I now need to find a source for this online because I have concocted the perfect Christmas gift for my uncle and it must be knit from Jacob wool.  Or, I could save myself the shipping and head up to Rhinebeck.  Hmmm...
2. Angora for spinning.  How bad could a few bunny balls be?
3. Lace shawl patterns.  Probably several of them.
4. Alpaca - in yarn or ready to spin - any color.
5. Natural dyes and some instructions.  I know winter is not the best season to be thinking about getting into dye projects, what with ventilation requirements and all that.

But very best of all, would be the opportunity to take a break from the routine at home.  Every once in a while I get overwhelmed by the constant "needs" of parenthood and spouse-hood and time alone, or away from home, is the best cure.  How can they miss me if I don't go away?

We enjoyed the company of my sister's 2 dogs for a long weekend while they were traveling.  Here they are with Ralph in the yard:

It rained every single day they were here.  You can just imagine what the house was smelling like.  3 wet dogs.  Beagles are so sweet, but they stink even when they are dry.