louise knits

Wembley England

2010-11-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

Good Morning from London!

I arrived safely and soundly, actually a really nice flight over but as usual didn't sleep much on the plane.

My first day was spent getting to the hotel, checking in unpacking, a really short nap and then dinner and bed.

Sunday the second day was spent walking. I went to the Sunday Market at Wembley stadium and took a wrong turn coming out. Needless to say I walked all the way around the stadium and was farther from the hotel than I needed to be. But the weather was good and a nice walk never hurts. In the afternoon I took a bus to Brent Cross to buy a few supplies shampoo etc...

Watched American football with a British Commenator, it was an interesting game, the terminology was different than we use and it was not the Vikings! it was the Jets and the Oilers!

Today off to the Air France office to work. More later this week....

Off to London

2010-11-16T19:50:00.001-08:00

At the suggestion of my niece I am going to try to blog while I am in London. After I finally finished school it only took 30 + years, and came through the largest airline merger in the world, I might finally have time for this again.

I am travelling to London for my job at Delta Airlines. I will be working as a support person in the Air France office for a month. No promises about how much I will post but I will try to at least every few days.

Watch for an update this weekend from Jolly old England !

Still knitting and almost finished with school

2009-05-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am guessing that anyone who reads this thought I had quit blogging...well I have sort of. I am still just too busy with school. I walked at graduation but still have a few classes left. The actual finish date for classes is in July. But they let you go through ceremonies if you are close to graduation and I was really close.

I will post more after graduation, maybe if the time permits

Switzerland and School

2008-03-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

So this is the big hill behind where we stayed in Switzerland and you know what is on the other side France. I don't ski but Bob and my brother in law Richard who do ski have been planning this once in a life time trip to ski.

So on Feb 1 we headed off to Switzerland to Portes du Soleil, or the doors to the sun for skiing. I had plenty of homework to do for school so I was busy. Did I forget to mention one of the joys of online classes they are portable and go anywhere with you. I also got a lot of knitting time in too but no pictures of what I worked on yet. We flew into Geneva and drove to Portes Du Soleil, on the way we dropped off my sister and spouse in Champoussin and continued on to Les Crosets. Les Crosets is literally at the end of the road you can go no further and the road is narrow and twisty and curvy and you are literally hanging on the side of the mountain. We spent a week there and unfortunately, Champoussin although only 4 miles away as the crow flies is hard to get to if you don't ski, so I did not see much of my sister that week, and then to top it off the bus that runs between the resorts had a reduced schedule due to school break.

However the two skiers saw each other everyday as it was really easy to ski between the two resorts.

Did we find yarn in Switzerland now that is a silly question of course we did, on the way out of the mountains we stopped in Geneva at two yarn stores both in the Carrouge Area of Geneva. One was called Tricolaine and they had some Swiss handspun, I resisted temptation and did not purchase any. The next shop was not far away and I believe it was called Le Rouet or something like that. There I purchased some yarn that is similar to Koigu for socks.

Did I forget to mention where I went everyday to do homework? I went to the bar Le Grange, it was the only place in Les Crosets where they had wireless that worked with my computer. I learned there are many levels of Coca Cola. One day I ordered a Coke and was asked which level, Coke original, coke light, coke zero, coke cerise ou coke limon. Yes they only spoke French, so at times it was interesting but I could at least for the most part order meals and find the rest room. I loved Switzerland and hope to go back some day.

Since we have been back I have finished two classes College Writing and Group Dynamics. College Writing was okay, I did get a good grade an "A" but I think the content could be directed more toward APA style which is what Concordia requires for every paper. Group Dynamics just finished last week and I am not sure how I did, I had one really bad week and it may have cost me the grade I wanted.

I also went on the semi annual convent knitting retreat and sorry to disappoint you no Chippendales showed up again this year. One of the spouse is sure we go to have a wild weekend of Chippendale dancers and who knows what else...In ac
tuality we sit around in jammies and knit all week end. Since then it has been pretty quiet just work and school and work and school.....

Let me leave you with one more shot of Portes du Soleil, the church in Les Crosets. It is about the size of my 8 X 8 kitchen.

Knitting and School

2008-01-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

So in my last post I told you I was going back to school, well this is week 3 and I am still hanging in there. I am taking College Writing Online, and it is a challenge. The class meets once a week in a chat room and talks and then I have assignments to complete as well. The class is accelerated which means 12 weeks squished into 6. I forgot how hard school is, the good part I go to school at Panera and then get to knit afterwards with my Weds Nite Knit Friends.

Today I got my syllabus for my co hort, it made it seem so much more real. It lays out all the classes and says I should be finished by July 2009. I will keep you posted.

Okay for knitting news, it is Preemie Hat Month I knit 11 and did not take any pictures. But I do have two finished objects. First a Christmas Present for my brother in law's wife, in primary colors. She teaches Kindergarten so appropriate colors for her. The pattern was from the Sock Journal and is called Cobblestone Socks.
The picture on the left is a close up of the stitch pattern

I also finished a pair of socks for me out of the new Berocco Sox and I don't remember the colorway I think it is Liverpool.

I will keep you all posted about school and what little knitting I might get done.

School Days

2008-01-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update....I decided last fall to return to school and applied to and was accepted in Concordia University's Degree Completion Program in Organizational Management and Leadership. But I still needed to finish up some general ed requirements either because I missed them the first time around or because the credits I had did not meet Concordia's requirements.

So tonight was my first class "College Writing", I think the class went okay. All my classes will be online and the class meets in a chat room and discusses the weeks reading assignment. The amount of homework I imagine is no less than going to regular class but with my schedule that just did not work for me.

I will keep you posted...I think I am the oldest student in the class and kind of worried about it.

Knitting content coming soon I promise as soon as Megan gets my camera back to me.

2007-12-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

Now where did Boo and Baby go just when it is picture time they disappear....I guess it is okay because after all I am the cutest one of the three...Ducky

Happy Holidays!

The knitting pictures will be posted after the gifts are opened!

C'est Fini

2007-12-07T15:59:00.001-08:00

I finished the endless baby blanket. The pattern is Kay's Argosy Blanket
It is for my new great niece Caitlyn and I think it is beautiful and purple is not even my color.

To go with it I made this

A Faux Fair Isle Sweater and Hat, she will be the best dressed baby around.

I had this week off of work and did not do what I planned but got some projects done.

Miscellaneous

2007-11-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

So here is what I have been knitting
* Mittens for the Mitten Fairy at the Yarnery
* Felted Clogs for the teen age nieces
* Socks for my son
* A sweater for my daughter
* A lace scarf for Grandma
I only have pictures of two of the above

Mitten Fairy Mittens, I am using up all my leftover bulky acrylic and acrylic and wool blends. No set size just cast on a multiple of four, knit 2 inches of ribbing and keep going. I still have 2 pairs on the needles.

Socks for Nick, of course the knitting inspector is checking them out.

So pictures to come soon of the rest and remember

JANUARY IS PREEMIE HAT MONTH FOR DETAILS CHECK OUT JEANNE'S BLOG

My work here is done time for a bath and a nap

Happy Birthday

2007-11-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Baby and Ducky's 2nd Birthday!!!!!

They were born in Wisconsin on a farm. Megan's friend Caitlin had a purebred Siamese who got out one day and then came Baby and Ducky. They are half siamese and half barn cat. They act more Siamese, they talk to you. I have never had a cat who talks, if you are in the bathroom longer than they think you should be they sit outside the door and let you know it. But we love them anyway, just in case you are wondering Ducky is the darker one and has a really sweet dispostion, Baby is the lighter and somewhat of a prima donna. Baby does not really like Boo so this picture may be the only one I ever get of all three together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

"They are turning out okay Mom especially since they moved in with us" according to Boo

A little knitting content....

I finished some felted clogs and a pair of half mitts. The clogs were from Stash Yarn and the mitts I started last year and finally put the thumbs on them, as soon as I can get the mitts back from Megan I will post a picture.

Cats and Knitting

2007-10-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tonite I went to see Crazy Aunt Purl at the MOA Barnes and Noble. I ran into some old friends I had not seen in awhile Cathy and Marcia and Nora I used to knit with them at Clickity Sticks in Minneapolis and sometimes on Saturday Mornings at Como Park in St Paul, but we are all busy and don't see each other much. So back to Crazy Aunt Purl she wrote "Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair" I hadn't read her blog much but the title of the book caught my eye because I am always covered in Cat Hair. She was funny and had a delightful southern accent, it was a good time.

Speaking of knitting and cats

Ducky has a new job CHIEF KNITTING INSPECTOR she likes to sniff and check out my knitted items while I am trying to take pictures. I really thinks she wants her picture taken

Then there is her sister Baby who has discovered a new cat bed

She thinks my sweater drying in the sun in the porch is the perfect place for a nap oh well more cat hair....

But Grandma it is so comfy just like a hammock

I joined Ravelry and love it...It is so much fun to see what everyone is knitting and to see who is knitting what you are and what yarn they are using....My ravlery name is Louisecat25 just in case you want to see what I have been up to

I also found out tonite that I may be traveling for work again to Singapore...I should find out next week if and when it would be...stay tuned

State Fair Socks Update

2007-08-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

****note I actually wrote this post from my laptop and even though I said publish post it did not and so I was able to recover them and post now****

The two pairs of socks in the previous posts took 4th place at the Minnesota state fair. The blue in the plain or ribbed category and the red in the textured category. Jeanne took first in the plain or ribbed category.

Warning Long Post

2007-08-22T19:50:00.001-07:00

Let's start off with my trip for work to Chisholm Minnesota:

Yes, it is Bob Dylan drive located in Hibbing, MN
and it is in front of the house where he grew up.

The family that lives there has a real sense of humor check
out the garage

Next up is a short trip to California to see my sister and her family

We went to San Francisco to see the Wave Organ

Colin really liked trying to hear the waves through the pipes

Then a walk on the beach and back to Minnesota.

On to finished objects. While I was in Singapore I made a baby bib for one of the reservation agents who was expecting

Next two pairs of finished socks

The blue is Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino and the red is Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Ruby River.

Final finished object a cute baby hat modeling by Malena with the the help of a friend.

So tomorrow is the Minnesota State Fair and I can't wait to see who won in the knitting categories.

One last picture if you have a cat you need one of these:

Although you want one without the scratcher having been destroyed by Boo and the girls. Hours of fun for the cats and for only $8

Happy Birthday Mom

2007-08-20T20:08:00.001-07:00

In honor of what would have been My mom's 90th birthday yesterday, I am posting a picture of the house where she was born and lived all of her life. We sold the house in April and the weekend before closing in May I took this picture.

How many of us can say we stayed in one place that long?

Finished Objects coming soon as Megan gets back with my camera.

Bob's Birthday

2007-07-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am posting this from Las Vegas. Bob for his Birthday wanted to go to Carmel, California and especially to the
Big Sur Roadhouse for dinner....well...the airline in Minneapolis who I work for had other plans...as an employee we fly standby and could not get on a flight to San Jose or San Francisco so....we went to Los Angeles and then caught a flight on Southwest to Vegas....not quite the same ambiance but we got here now How We will get home remains to be seen....

Temperature in Las Vegas today 90 with an expected high of 106....While it is hot it is not as hot as Singapore and no humidity to speak of....Also no yarn stores within walking distance of the Strip. More to come and when I get back a post with some FO's

Finally Pictures of Singapore

2007-06-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

I am still waiting for my friend to send me some pictures, but I was able to recover these few from my camera.

The MerLion from Sentosa Island

Bob on Sentosa with the Singapore skyline in the background

A temple in Little India

Final Picture my favorite dinner Kashmiri Rice and a chicken curry made with coconut and mangoes.

I have some finished objects but I have to wait until I can get a camera to use.

I also received my KTS3 package from Doborah. It contained so many good things, 2 skeins of Kroy in a denim blue, a skein of varigated in primary colors, some red mohair yarn, bannock bread mix, a bar of locally made soap, a knitted washcloth, bannock bread mix, a candle and tea two kinds of republic of tea, and some local Montana tea. Thanks Doborah

Next week I am off to Chisholm Minnesota for work. I will post some more when I return.

I.ve been tagged

2007-06-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Adrienne from Singapore tagged me....First time being tagged so here goes

7 random things about me

1) I don't care for 99% of the dogs I meet the two exceptions are Charlie and Sam Bono

2)I have always had a cat or two, when I was little we had around 10 in our backyard but they were not allowed inside the house.

3) I love dark chocolate.

4) My least favorite color is purple. My favorite color is red.

5) I have quit biting my nails with the help of some acrylic ones while some grow out.

6) I live in a 625 square foot house with one child, my husband and 3 cats.

7) I don't play any instruments but used to sing with a gospel group at church

I am tagging

Christie P of Ghostknitter
Chris of Stumbling over Chaos
Jeanne
Deb
Julie
Lu
Kathy in DC

I am waiting for pictures of Singapore from my friend Robin then I will post some more about that.

Boo and the girls

2007-05-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well while I was in Singapore Megan and Baby (ducky's sister) moved home so I thought I would share a picture of Boo with his girls

Most of the time they fight growling hissing and howling but this one time I caught them in the lie. They really do get along.

Leaving on a jet plane

2007-05-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am at the changi airport and for the first time since 9/11 I have no knitting to fly with, either it went into the checked bag or lose my addi's. Easy choice into the checked bag it went. They did let me keep my crochet hook though go figure.

still in Singapore

2007-05-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hello from Singapore!

Yes, I am still here and will be back this weekend to post pictures and some updates.

Work has kept me busy but I have managed to find 2 yarn stores, I wanted to go to a third but am running out of time.

While I was gone Boo gained a roommate Baby, Ducky's sister and also Megan moved home. Bob says the house is covered in cat hair but they are all getting along. Baby has taken over the cat house and growls when Ducky tries to go in with her.

What can I say about Singapore...will I come back. Yes possibly for work in September but also maybe on vacation or holiday as they say here. The city and people are wonderful, safe and clean. The food is exceptional I have had food cooked in Banana Leaves, Curries, Chili Crabs and so much more. Today is multicultural day at work and it is a festival of all the nationalities employed here, so lots of variety of foods to try. yarn stores not many but the Singapore Knitters are a great group and adopted me as a member see Lois' blog www.peesnkays.blogspot.com for a picture of the group.

See you soon!!!!!!!!!!

Singapore

2007-04-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hello from Singapore

It was a long flight and I tried not to sleep to avoid Jet Lag. I arrived on Sunday in the middle of the nite and was met by a car at the airport. Went to the apartment with the most beautiful pool and slept for about 3 hours. Then I got up and started my adventures by meeting with a group of Singapore knitters. Pictures will come when I get home. One of the knitters was from Roseville Mn and teaches at the International School here.....
29April:
all of that happened a week ago and all I have been doing in between until this past weekend is working....Saturday my husband came and we spent the day familarizing ourselves with the local MRT system as all I know how to do is get to work, then we went to dinner at an Indonesian Restaurant and Sunday I met again with the Singapore knitting group. They gave me some really beautiful self striping yarn as a gift. Then back to work on Monday while Bob is out having fun....see you all soon

So now it is April

2007-04-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I should post before April goes away.

I have been really busy getting a training manual written, finishing up my training and organizing my life before I go to Singapore.

Yes, I did attend the Yarn Harlot gathering at William Mitchell. Funny thing she remembered me from California. Who would of thought she would remember anyone, after all the knitters she meets. Her talk was just as good here as it was there and while I waited in line to get my book signed I won a door prize. It was...a toe up sock pattern, now how perfect is that? Thank You Yarnery for sponsoring such a fun evening.

I also hosted a rescheduled retreat at the end of March and it was cold and rainy so perfect weather to be inside with your good friends.

Currently I am knitting C3 from Knitty and some socks out of Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino yarn. I can't wait to see the yarn available in Singapore.

IS it March already

2007-03-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy since the last post that until someone pointed out to me that it had been over 6 weeks I did not realize. So lets get up to speed...On January 29 I started a training for a newly created department at Northwest. It involves about 12 weeks of training, I am just finishing up week 8. I am learning how to price and ticket reservations,in addition to my old job functions and also WorldPerks functions. Besides that I am helping to edit and write training manuals for my previous position and they will be used to train the new agents in our Singapore office. The big news I am in the end of April traveling to Singapore to train the new agents for 2 weeks. I can hardly wait to see a part of the world I have not seen.

So on to knitting I finished my son's Garter Stitch Beanie from Never Knit your Man a Sweater

I made a flying trip out to see my sister and attend Stitches West the last weekend in February, and I do mean flying out on Friday night to San Jose and home on the red eye on Sunday morning. We took an all day sock class from Lucy Neatby and shopped the market. While at the market I met Lu
she was my spoiler for Sockret Pal. Although, I confess I knew who she was before because Full Thread Ahead is one of the stores my sister and I go to when I am in California. Visit the link to see the picture of us together and the wonderful socks she made me.

So what did I buy at stitches? No Socks that Rock, the booth was completely out of sock yarn by time we got there, I did pick up some of Cookie's Patterns and some
Lisa Souza yarn, some Ellen's Half Pint Yarn, a skein of Opal Huntwasser and cashmere and merino blend sock yarn from JoJoLand Yarns of Texas. It was a great buy at $10.00 per skein and oh so soft to touch. Of which I took no pictures sorry...

I also delivered this sweater to Colin

Colin is my great nephew and has decided that hats are it...my sister (his grandma) made him this hat and it reminds me of an old mechanics hat my dad used to wear. Colin is just too cute for words.

So since I have been back from California I finished my Sockret Pal's socks

I have not really been doing much else, maybe next time I will be posting from Singapore.

Random Cat Generator

2007-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

The random cat generator has a cold so was moving kind of slow, but at last results.

Ducky who is my cat that loves crumpled paper had her choice of 9 correct answers and chose Julie. The funny thing is Julie was my partner for the first swap I ever did the Knitters Tea Swap I. BUT to prove it was legitmate here are some pictures of Ducky in action.

The names waiting for the cat generator to appear

Ducky and her supervisor Boo checking them out

Finally, she has made her choice you can see it in her paws

So Julie from Maine if you send your Address to me I will send out your prize.

Other news, I have been knitting on sockret pal socks and I have been knitting on mittens and half mittens ...Pictures to follow of the mittens my memory card on my camera seems to be full.

New York

2007-01-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and I had a great time in NYC. Rebecca thought I was never going to buy any yarn but I finally managed to buy 5 skeins, and she bought 5 skeins for a grand total of 10, so that means LimeDragon won the Birthday contest.

Now here is a second contest guess which picture below is Rebecca's yarn and which is my yarn purchased in NYC and a skein of yarn will be on its way to you. You have until midnite on Friday Feb 1 to guess....

Picture #1 to the left

Picture #2 to the right

So we went to 7 or so shops, we started at The Yarn Store on the upper west side, it is on the second floor up a steep flight of stairs. Personally an ok shop we have better here in Minneapolis. Then we went to The Point and Purl, in Greenwich Village and SoHo, both are cute little shops and both carry just a little bit of different stock from the other, The Point also has a coffee bar with soups and sandwiches and treats.

The next day we went to Seaport Yarns this one is my favorite. So much yarn that I am sure we missed some. It is at 135 William Street and on the fifth floor, it is one I visit almost everytime I am in NYC. Then we stopped at Habu, Stitches East and School House Products. We also went to the Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting exhibit at MAD (Mueseum of Art and Design) It was not your typical knitting, there are lace sculptures made from porcelain, a dress knitted of shredded dollar bills and some teeny tiny greek gloves. Check out the link above.

Next a preemie hat update I am finishing up number 12 and then I will be done

I told you red is my color, thanks Meg for letting me ride in your hood...D

And for the final one here it is . . . The Bow Tie Hat

Birthdays and Preemie Hats

2007-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

First tomorrow I am going to NYC with my friend Rebecca to celebrate our birthdays. So I decided to have a small contest. The person who comments with the correct number of skeins of yarn we purchase while in NYC will get some yarn what else. I will be gone until Sunday so you have until midnite on Sunday to guess. Winner will be announced on Monday evening or Tuesday in the morning.

So for a preemie hat update...I am up to 10 and here with my son Nick are two of being modeled by Boo and Ducky.

Nick I think mom has really lost it
this is a girls hat....Boo

and I really like the red one better so why am I in this one..Ducky

They both survived the ordeal and to prove it here is Ducky hard at work supervising my blog writing

It is so hard to get a nap in around here all I do is work work work..D

It's Cold Outside

2007-01-18T23:43:00.000-08:00

The cold weather has finally arrived in Minnesota, but still no snow.

After reading on many blogs about Knitting from your stash all year I decided I agree with Charris that moderation in yarn purchases is better than none at all. So I am not going to purchase any yarn until Stitches West in February, but I have two exceptions

1) The skein of Jitterbug I just purchased for my birthday present to me shown to your left in Mardi Gras colorway.

2) If I find some in New York next week for socks or mitten or a scarf

I am also in the midst of preemie hats, they are being collected by Michelle and Jeanne and will be taken to United and Children's Hospital in St Paul. I set a personal goal of 10 and am at number 9 almost there.

Today I received my Knit Mitt Kit Swap package

Grandma look it has your name on it and it smells like chocolate

Here is what was inside

Some Lorna's Laces in nearly solid a skein of Claudia's handpaints in the carousel colorway, those were meant to be for Lucy Neatby's Fiesta Mitten pattern that came too, two kinds of dark chocolate, a really neat index card holder to carry in my knitting bag and a great small red project bag for my mittens when I start them. Although when I emailed Sarah to say thank you I did tell her that as a sock knitter it will be hard for me to use the Lorna's Laces for mittens.

How Time Flies....

2006-12-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a really long time since I last posted. What is new you ask? Not much. I have been still working 10 and 11 hour days and usually at least 4 hours on my days off. But I hear as of Next week it should slow down...because I don't have any new trainees out on the reservations floor until the first week in January.

So how are Ducky and Boo you ask...Presenting the Christmas Kitties

Remember Ducky's Birthday Present, the cat house from IKEA well one day I was in the kitchen and I heard this cross between mew and chirp and it sounded distressed. So I went to the living room and Ducky had tipped the house over with the butt in the air and she was caught inside and could not figure out how to tip it back ... She has done it many times since and still can't tip it back the other way. Unfortunately no pictures were taken do to laughing too hard at the cat but from the tent wiggling furiously and not getting anywhere.

So on to Christmas Knitting...I made a Scandinavian Sweater outfit for an American Girl Doll

Grandma I know this is not for me but red is my color..D

Also my sockret pal struck again some beautiful hand dyed yarn from South America

Happy Holidays to All and to all a good nite

November is almost gone...

2006-11-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am again working and working and more working. So many things to finish before Christmas and when I looked at the calendar today I realized YIKES November is almost gone!!!!!!!!!!!

I just have to knit more and work less....

So an update on my knitting projects, I finished a pair of socks, almost have a second pair done, I turned the heels and am trying to decide what to do on the cuff. For both of these I used Lily Chin's short row heels. There seemed to be some missing directions, as I could not figure out how to do the second set of wraps to turn the heel. It appears I was reading them too fast...So I missed some important parts. It appears however that Jeanne and Kate and a few other knitters also read them too fast as none of us understood what to do after the first row of wraps, to get the heel to turn. So finally one night when no one else was home, I got out a sticky note and went through them line by line...Finally the light dawned on how she did the second set of wraps and I got the heel to work out. It really is a nice heel and I really do like it, now I am in the process of rewriting the directions so the normal knitter will understand and hope to post them here soon.

Update on Boo and Ducky still hanging out together...They are true soul mates.

I will post pictures later this week when I get my camera back.

The Sweetest Thing

2006-11-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is how Boo and Ducky nap everyday.

It's a Knit Mitt Kit Swap

2006-11-07T23:28:00.000-08:00

Here is my questionnaire for the Knit Mitt Kit Swap

The Questionnaire:

What are your favorite colors?
Reds and Primarys all but purple

Are you a new mitt knitter? How long have you been knitting mittens?
no about 5 yrs

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
no preference

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?
wool

Where do you usually knit mittens?
work or watching TV

How do you usually carry/store small projects?
Smaller bags with ties or zippers inside a larger bag

What are your favorite mitten patterns?
Latvian or color work

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?
Two at a time

What new techniques would you like to try?
Intarsia

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?
Two 24" circulars

What are some of your favorite yarns?
Paton's Merino for felted ones//Dale Falk and Heilo

What yarn do you totally covet?
Malabrigo or Manos del Uruguay

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
Lucy Neatby's Fiesta or Paradoxal Mittens

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
Addis for circulars because of the great joins//bamboo for double points//Wood for Straights

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
Cashmere or Cashmere Blend or maybe Malabrigo it really depends on the day

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
Dark Chocolate

What’s your favorite animal?
Cat specifically my cat Boo and then the grancat Ducky

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?
Warm Mittens

If you were a color what color would you be?
Red

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
Flowers not the shape but all the colors and color variations

Do you have a wishlist?
Not really

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?
not really

Sir Francis Drake came for a visit

2006-10-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

October must be my lucky month I received packages from all the swaps I am involved with plus my Yarn Aboard Box came.

And here are the goodies inside from Julie in Maine.

She sent me lots of good things from Maine. Brownie Mix, Maine Berry Tea and an infuser, a mug with scenes of Maine on it, 2 skeins of Jawoll sock yarn and one Cherry Tree Hill Sock Yarn and a post card with a picture of a friends Lobster shack.

Thanks Julie it was a nice surprise on a dreary Minnesota Day. Sir Francis is packing up and getting ready to head south.

On other news

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to MEEEE!!!!Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Sockret Pal Strikes again

2006-10-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

So again all I am doing is working, working and more working.

But I did come home today to find this nice little fun package in my mail box. A bag of Halloween Treats and a cute little white tape measure to match my little black one from the Knitters Tea Swap.

Last weekend was my sorority from College Beta of Clovia's Semi Annual Bazaar and I managed to finish a few scarves and this very cute pumpkin hat.

Also the kitties have a new house, it was supposed to be Ducky's Birthday present she will be one on Halloween but as you can see Boo has taken it over.

Look what I got for My Birthday

If she thinks she is keeping this house to herself

Good news about Boo he had some black spots on his nose and the vet we saw in the spring said it could be pre cancerous, but it isn't. Boo was not feeling well, breathing heavy, not eating and throwing up, so of course I thought the worst and took him to the vet. Dr Hansen said he doesn't have cancer, but has freckles and an upper respiratory sinus infectin so he is on Amoxicillian. He seems to be much better today as you can see

Just checking out the package Mom and it passes the sniff test

KTS2 Package arrived

2006-10-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

My KTS2 package arrived today in the mail what a wonderful surprise to get on Friday the 13th.

Here are the goodies see my post at Knitters Tea Swap 2 for full details.

Thanks Kathy for the perfect package!

Weekly Update

2006-10-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

I seem to be managing about a post a week with all the time I have been spending at work, so here goes...

Finally, had two days off in a row, so we took advantage of it and headed to Duluth for the weekend with friends. It was beautiful, warm and sunny and had a great time. We drove to the French River and watch the Kamloops salmon or maybe pink salmon swim and jump in this little stream that feeds into Lake Superior.

Sunset over Lake Superior

Checked out both Yarn Shops one in Two Harbors and the other in Duluth. Playing with Yarn in Two Harbors was first, I had a nice visit with Judy the owner and Winnie her Yorkie. Yarn Harbor has one of the best selections of Dale yarn I have seen and it is a nice store.

Monday my sister from California stopped over nite on her way to Harmony Minnesota to go to an Austins Angora goats and Mohair farm. She really came for her nursing school reunion and this is just a little side trip.

I finished my scarf for the Red Scarf Project

Red scarf with hat for the Red Scarf Project

I used a yarn called Magnum from Borealis Yarns in St Paul, it was a wool and acrylic blend and nice and soft to knit with. I used a twisted stitch pattern and am really pleased with the results, I had a little left over so I made a matching hat.

And today my Sockret pal package arrived!!!!!!!!!!!

The kit contained two skeins of Southwest Trading Company Karoake and a great hat pattern and a really cute sheep card.

But for closing a picture of my kitties

It's a standoff and the winner is.....

to be continued

Knit Sock Kit and other ramblings

2006-09-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today in the mail my KSKS swap kit arrived. Turns out my pal who did a wonderful job, asked her college age son to mail it and he forgot. Hey I understand I have two college kids and both forget things that I ask them to do. It was a wonderful package though. A cute flowered bag, just the right size for socks and inside was some yarn she dyed for me special called "Cherrie Pie", a yarn cutter, a tape measure (she must be a mind reader I just lost mine somewhere) a glow in the dark sheep some little post it notes and some smoked salmon. The kitties must have smelled the salmon because they were trying to open the box as soon as I brought it in the house.

Can you see
the glow in the dark sheep?
It is hiding in the yarn.

Next I won the contest at Jeanne's Blog to guess how many socks in her pile and here are the goodies that I got for my prize.

A sock blocker key chain, a sheep pin, a sheep pez dispenser with sour pez, a skein of Socks that Rock yarn and some greenies for the kitties, plus two mice and a sparkly ball and of cours Ducky had to inspect everything and as of today we are missing one red mouse, but I am sure it will turn up.

So what have I been knitting you ask well....

It seems I have 5 pairs of socks going
and one red scarf for the red scarf project.
Plus a baby hat (not pictured) .

You see I have the red socks for the Red-sock-knit-along, then the blueish denim kind of ones in upper right corner for fun, the striped ones are for my work and car project just plain vanilla, and the top is Regia Bamboo but I am not happy with the pattern so I am at a sticking point.

I usually do some socks for CIC but this year decided to do a scarf for the Red Scarf project and I think I have enough yarn left to do a skully type hat too.

And finally I do have a wonderful husband who even fixes kitchen sinks

Sockret Pal Questionnaire

2006-09-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the Sockret Pal Swap and here is my questionnaire.

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

The basics:

How long have you been knitting? since I was 8 stopped for awhile then took up socks about 6 yrs ago
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I could knit a pair in my sleep of basic socks and have been known to knit at plays and movies in the dark

The measurements:

While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. 8-8.5 wide I will have to measure some socks, you see I knit until the sock hits the front of my ankle and then turn the heel and a short cuff usually 6 " or so.

(fiber related) Favorites:

What colors do you love? reds and denim type blues not overly fond of purple

Do you prefer solids or variegated? either

What fibers do you most love to knit with? wool and wool blends natural fibers not too crazy about cotton

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendor? socks that rock, lucy neatby, trekking, lorna's laces, ellen's half pint farm I have not met a yarn I did not like

What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? Hats mittens quick projects, although I am starting a red sweater

(fiber related) Dislikes:

What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? none

What colors would you never wear? Yellow

The Tools:

Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? metal and wood

Circs or Straights? circulars

DPNs or Magic Loop? Two 24" at once for my socks and usually from the toe up

Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I have to think about this because there are really alot of them but the first one that comes to mind is a sheep or cat tape measure

The Extras:

Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link!

Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) sweet or salty, dark chocolate is my favorite

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) allergic to most perfumes and make ups

Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? I am okay with apple or mint or coffee scented things

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? I am not really a collector

When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) 01/25

Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? dye my own when I have time

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better...

I read a lot of mysteries. l work for an airline, so I have traveled all over the US and some countries in Europe. I really liked Denmark,Amsterdam and Paris, but have not got a favorite place to go, my favorite type of travel is a cruise, because you don't have to do anything if you don't want to or you can do all kinds of things. I listen to Jazz and Country, no particular favorite bands or artists. My favorite animal is cats.

Now there are two...

2006-09-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

All I have been doing since California is working, regular shifts, overtime shifts and double overtime shifts. So I have not had much time to post sorry....

But for some news, Boo has a permanent roommate now, Megan and Cliff decided to let me keep Ducky. Boo seems unpreturbed about it and I think he actually likes having a roommate.

The two of them are always so innocent looking but don't let it fool you. They are frequently up to no good.

How could you say that about us ? We are always perfectly behaved

So like Chris I now have two cats, unfortunately both long haired and both shed alot....know anyone who spins cat hair, I may be able to be a supplier. They are both fun and it has been great for Boo he has someone to chase and he has even lost a little weight. Of course sometimes I worry when Ducky Body Slams him that he will get hurt, but it is good that she is not afraid to let him know she is queen. At least he lets her think she is ......

Friday Frolics

2006-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is what greeted me as I came in the door this morning from taking Megan to work. They look so innocent it made me wonder what they had been up to.....

we just wanted to greet you because we love you so much.

The other day I went to put clothes in the hamper and here is what I found Ducky must have crawled in when the lid was up and it fell down. Yes Ducky is still with us, but maybe this weekend she will go home.

So for some knitting content, I started my scarf for the Red Scarf Project and it is going well, pictures to come later. As I was looking for some needles I discovered that I have 4 pairs of socks started in various stages, so I really need to finish a pair soon. The baby sweater is in the same spot it was last post.

I am still waiting for my KSKS Swap kit to arrive, maybe today will be the day.

Introducing the "SOCKTOPUS", I picked it up at IKEA and they call it JABBA. Not sure what IKEA intended it to be used for but it makes a great sock dryer.

California on my mind and knitting too

2006-09-12T05:24:00.000-07:00

A few months ago when I got the email from Full Thread Ahead announcing the Yarn Harlot Visit, I emailed my sister and said Lets Go. My sister emailed back she had already reserved her spot and I shoule reserve mine.

So the original plan for the weekend was to go to California the Yarn Harlot. Then all kinds of other activities got added. My great nephew's first birthday, sorry no pictures but it was fun. A picnic and sprinkler party, complete with a slip and slide. Then Vintage Santa Clara an alumni event at Santa Clara University, they have local wineries and restaurants come in with samples and as long as you have a wristband and a wine glass, you get food and wine. We tried lots of varieties of wines and really great food, I might have to go back next year for it.

Okay back to the Harlot, Hollis the owner of Full Thread Ahead, had it set up really well. She arranged with the city of Los Altos to close down the street behind the store for the speech. I did not get a good picture of the street, but Cookie of Pomatomus fame(she was in line just ahead of us for the signing) did. There were about 300 knitters for the book signing and more attended the speech. Hollis had a Concierge to answer questions about where to eat and what else there was to do in Los Altos and for the book signing she handed out signing passes like this one:

The Harlot's speech was great, she is just as funny in person as on her blog. One of the knitters I met was on the Sock Team USA with me and it turns out she is in my sisters Weds nite knitting group. After the speech we got books signed and pictures taken,

I promised Stephanie a good beer the next nite in Wisconsin, delivered by Chris and Jeanne. Thanks for the delivery. The other picture I took was Hollis presenting Stephanie with a gift basket from the store. Notice the Tiara on Hollis all of the staff with the exception of her husband wore them so they were easy to identify.

It was a fun weekend, but I do have some knitting news to post. I finished 2 pairs of socks
The one on the right is for my niece made from Trekking from Church Mouse Yarn and Teas, and the other is Cotton Fantasy by Meilenweit.
And finally an almost finished 3rd baby sweater, being inspected by Boo.

why do these needles taste so good?

Trust me it was really the needles they are Swallow Casein needles and he really likes them.

California and the Yarnharlot

2006-09-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

I am in California visiting my sister and we went to see the Yarnharlot at Full Thread Ahead. Details and Pictures to follow.

State Fair Update

2006-09-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

I picked up my state fair entries tonite and here are the results and some comments from the judges. Almost all the points I was missing were on workmanship, and all the items said beautiful knitting and got maximum points for technique.

My pink baby sweater got a 95 (the maximum for anything is 100 and first place is 99, I know because I had first place socks last year. Only the Grand Prize is 100) the missing 5 points were on workmanship, the judge did not like the ribbon ties thought I should use a clasp or frogs.

Next up my felted bag, 93 and they felt the top flared and the bottom was too loose of a circle. It was also moved to the same category as Jeannes wobbly tote which took 3rd place
Lot 345, Adult sweater, limited use, color pattern cardigan.

My socks, got a 95. The comment was need a better join and cast on, I think they thought they were top down socks and they were toe up.

Finally my little pink hat, it took 4th place and a pink ribbon, final finish and crown not pulled tight enough was the comment and it got 93 out of 100.

Oh well time to start planning for next year's entries.

The House Guest

2006-09-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Boo's House guest aka Ducky is still with us. It has been really good for Boo as he was getting kind of sedentary. She makes him play and play they do.

Boo is hiding from Ducky but I think she knows where he is ....

It has been a busy few days at work and home. Megan finished her TSA training and started work and school in one week. The computer we ordered for her came and I want one too.

I finished a pair of socks for my niece and started socks for the red sock knit along I am hosting. The state fair ended yesterday and for me that marks the end of summer.

I am going to California at the end of the week to see the Yarn Harlot at Full Thread Ahead
with my sister and for Colins First Birthday

I will update with some pictures of the completed sock later I have to go to the dentist and run some errands with Megan.

State Fair Results

2006-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

For as long as I have entered at the fair, I have never been able to figure out the judges. First Jeanne, entered the Wobbly Tote and got third place, but not in the felted bag category in some knitted dress category. I took a fourth place for my pink skater hat, it was a last minute decision to enter it and so that was okay.

When I get my entries back I will share some of the judges comments. They are always interesting, as sometimes they make no sense and many times are critical of color selection. I was really hoping my Fair Isle bag would have won something but no such luck. As I say every year there is always next year...

Red Sock Knit Along Sign Ups and some miscellaneous things

2006-08-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

I created a blog www.red_sock_knit_along.blogspot.com for the knit along. Please send me an email at redsockknitter@yahoo.com post a comment to join. Please include your email address, your blog address if you have one and why you knit socks.

The random Boo Generator for the winner of my contest is being run as you read this.........

and the winner is

Jodi

and in honor of having Ducky with us I added one more winner, although Ducky technique for choosing a winner was different than Boo's. She dumped them out of the bowl picked up the paper ran with it and threw it around, then spit it out. (unfortunately the camera is not here so pictures will come later)

and Ducky's winner is

The Knit Wit
If Jodi and the Knit Wit would contact me with their snail mail addresses I will send out the prizes.

Here is a picture of my State Fair entries:
a simple hat,
a baby sweater,
a felted fair isle bag
a pair of socks what else!

Finally here is a picture of the bag and goodies for my KSKS partner

The Bag

and the goodies

Hope she likes it!

Friday and Boo has a house guest

2006-08-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the comments remember you have until midnite on the 15th, I have a great idea for picking the winner and Boo of course will help me.

This is Ducky one of the gran cats and he is going to come and stay with us while his Mom Megan is in training for the TSA and starting school at the same time.

I see Jeanne put pictures up of her state fair entries. Mine will be posted soon. I have a felted bag, a baby sweater, two pairs of socks and a hat, and maybe a felted bowl.

KSKS and Yarn Aboard II

2006-08-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

I have been busy dying yarn and deciding which other yarns to send to my knit sock kit swap partner and my Yarn Aboard II partner. Some of the above will be going to both along with some other goodies.

Small Contest:

What do you get a knitter that has everything?

I will enter the names of anyone who posts a comment by midnite on 15Aug to this post in a random drawing for a surprise prize.

Thats all for tonite and Boo says Hello to all!

Vacation is Over

2006-08-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I work for Northwest Airlines. The flight attendants did not pass their contract, I decided it was wise to come home a day earlier than planned in hopes of avoiding a CHAOS manuever and I don't mean Chris' cat. So I am back and already missing...

The wonderful California weather and Monterey Bay

Colin, my great nephew

Eric, his older brother

We went to Las Vegas for two days and just did nothing. We sat by the pool, and yes it was over 100 degrees but no humidity. Gambled a little bit, it is amazing how long $5 lasts on a penny slot.

Then we flew to San Jose very early on Friday am. We drove to Big Sur that nite and had dinner at the Big Sur Roadhouse. It is owned by a friend's daughter and she is one great chef.

Then on Saturday, we went to the San Jose Giants game for the 1st Annual Stitch and Pitch nite. Funny thing we couldn't find the knitters section, but had a good time anyway.

Sunday, it was back to Monterey with the boys and a stop at Dennis the Menace Park

Eric, Colin and their dad Jeff in an old engine at the park

And you know it wouldn't be complete without Boo....

My mom is home and I am glad, Megan brought those gran cats over and they drove me crazy

Finally I hope to have the red sock knit along sign ups ready around the 15th of this month.

Vacation

2006-07-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation in Las Vegas and California update later

Woeful Wednesday

2006-07-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Okay so now I know why they call Wednesday Hump day...It was really hard to work tonite. I missed knitting and it was darn busy on the phones too at work.

Yesterday Angela and I went to NYC.

We stopped at Purl in SoHo and checked out the new Purl Patchwork store just down two doors. Stopped at the Sullivan St Bakery and then Zabars before coming home.

Today before work, I went to Jim and Willies Two Guys Flowers on Stinson in NE Minneapolis to buy flowers. They had a new puppy Rose so I asked where is the cat? (they have a cat that roams and lives in the store) They said Jims cat has had kittens do you want to see them? Well of course I said yes and guess what? There was one that is all black just like Alice. Actually he has 3 all black kitties and 4 grey tabbies, just 4 weeks old and so cute...When I got home and put the flowers on the entertainment center as usual I had help....

Mom I am just arranging them better really

I am thinking Jeanne maybe right that Boo needs a playmate. So maybe in a few weeks I will go back and check those kitties out.

What is exactly do you mean check them out, Mom?

Updates

2006-06-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hello I have been limiting my knitting to less than the Dr requested and my shoulder does feel better.(darn I hate when Dr are right). So instead of knitting I have been in a crocheting frenzy...of potholders pictures to come later.

The gran cats were here at my house again. Baby no longer cries like one now she just growls. She is so cute she growls when she eats when you walk by when Boo comes by she growls at anything and everything.

ducky taking a bath

But now Ducky and Baby are moved into the new apartment and loving it. It is in an old (1920'S or earlier era building) by the Parkview Cafe on Raymond and it is a big 3 room studio, no doors on any of the rooms inside the apartment. But it has great hardwood floors just perfect for two little kitties to run and slide to catch toys on.

Boo is glad to be a bachelor again the little ones just wore him out

Just leave me alone I am so exhausted from the kittens and helping mom clean the fridge

NO KNITTING and Trashy neighbors

2006-06-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

I went to the orthopedic specialist today and she said I have arthiritis and tennis elbow in my right arm. She then said the best treatment would be a cortisone shot and no knitting for 6 weeks. I balked and so we compromised. An hour of knitting a day and physical therapy and Glucosamine chondrotin msm, for 4 weeks then we reevaluate the elbow. She also looked at my left knee, which in 2000 I had arthroscopic surgery and told me I have a knee cap that doesn't fit like it should, it leans to the right and very little if any cartilage left. So I get to get orthotics for my shoes and some exercises for my knee and in 15yrs a new knee. As I told someone it isn't easy getting old.

This is the view from my kitchen window after the city of St Paul sent someone out about a month ago to clean this guys yard. It was clean too and then some people moved in with him and they started some kind of scrap metal business out of his garage and the mess is back. We again have called the city so we will see what happens.

I don't think I am any tanner than I was before the sunlamp so maybe I will just sleep today

Baby Sweater KAL

2006-06-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so I haven't posted in a long while....so here is catch up on everything!

The sweater I made for the baby sweater KAL at K3tog is done!!!!!!!!!!

Modeled by Gunny but it is for my great nephew Nathaniel.

Next up this little cutie for a girl finally !! My friend Lisa from work got notice that they have been approved for a baby girl from Guatemala. I am using some stash yarn Sirdar Baby Care a cotton and acrylic blend. The color is called Tangerine.

The pattern is free online at http://www.knittingpureandsimple.com/babycardi.html and looks really easy.

Remember to plan on August for my Red Sock KAL.....

I will make a button up but for now here is the reminder picture

Of course no blog entry is complete without a picture of Boo....

This is the Boo SunLamp Special....

Raining Cats and Dogs

2006-06-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Tonite when I came home from work it was raining so hard I had to sit in my car for about 10 minutes until it let up. You could say it was raining cats and dogs,

what do you mean raining cats and dogs I don't see any cats around here but me

or as my grandma would have said "the angels are bowling and they got a strike" about the thunder and lightning and "the nuns are going to chapel" about all the bubble in the puddles on the street. We have needed a good soaking so I am glad it came.

As far as knitting goes, I am working on another felted bowl and need one sleeve on the baby hoodie. I am almost ready for the heels on my cotton socks and then I am starting the socks from the six socks knit along, they are called color blocked socks and written to use up left over yarn bits.

Let me Bowl you over

2006-05-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a felted bowl for Cliff's (Megan's boyfriend)Birthday. The colors match their dishes. The first bowl I tried came out too tall.

Here is a picture of the too tall felted bowl:

Here is a picture of the next size not yet felted a different shape too...

Here is the felted finshed product....

For the second bowl I did a provisional cast on and less rows before the mitred squares, then when I did the I cord bind off it made the top have a scalloped edge.

This morning at Latvian Knitting one of the ladies had made a felted mobeius bowl from Cat Bordhi's Second Treasury. I really liked the shape and decided that instead of a mobeius on top I would do a latvian twist. So more felted bowls to come.

I have almost finished my baby sweater for the Baby Sweater Knit along at www.k3tog.typepad.com. Pictures to come soon.

The screens are on and Boo has a new vocation he follows outside animals from window to window.

The Cat is out of the Bag

2006-05-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mom in case you can't tell this is a laundry hamper not a bag

Ok so I let out the news today that I am planning a knit along to start in August...

The Red Sock Knit Along

Details to follow....

I have been busy this week helping Megan and Cliff look at apartments and jobs and etc... the good news is Cliff got a job in his field (graphic Arts) at a screen printing place. Megan is still looking for part time as she is going to school in the fall.

I have been knitting felted bowls and trying to come up with a pattern that is the right size, so far I have one too big and one on the needles that might be too small, pictures to follow soon.... Also I am still working on my cotton socks and tried a short row heel, did not like it and ripped it out! So now I am back to my original plan of a spiral replacement one. And finally I ripped out the baby sweater hood and am redesigning it...More to follow on all of the above.

Boo The Helper

2006-05-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

So we all know that Boo likes to help but did we all realize just how much? The other nite I babysat my friends little one and Boo was certainly intrigued.

I am just checking on Gunnie, Mom he might need help with that toy

Then Later I found Boo doing this

I was not trying to get at his formula, I was searching for wet wipes for you mom, Gunnie smells funny

Finally on to knitting content, I am currently working on some beautiful red sockotta socks and came home to find this the other day

I think my helper was involved again.
Anyway back to knitting I am working on a baby sweater for Chell and Ana's knitalong and have decided that the designer's baby had a really small head because the hood is too small for any baby's head I know.

I also have some plans to make C3 from Knitty, Annie Modesitt was wearing it at Yarnover and it looks much better in person, than the knitty picture.

Tea Swap Time

2006-05-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today I received a post card from my swap pal, she wanted to know some information about me. Well here goes I like any kind of yarn and prefer it to have some red in it. I am not crazy about green or purple for colors, but that would be okay too. I really like wool blends, cotton and wool blends or all wool, my motto is any kind works for socks. Actually, that is what I tell my students when I teach socks that you can use any kind of yarn you like for socks.

As for tea, I realized when I took my picture of my stash it is mostly herbal. That kind of surprised me, because I drink all kinds of tea. The only kind I am not too fond of is Green Tea but I am trying to learn to like it because it is so good for you.

Boo liked the post card too...

Let me see if I can figure out who this is from for mom....Hmmh a US flag and a pickup truck, I don't recognize either one so maybe I will just sleep on it...

Boo is Alone

2006-05-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ok so the excitement is over and the kitties are back with Megan's friend Lisa. Boo is all alone again. I think he likes being alone, he gets undivided attention and has a prime position for blog editing on the back of my chair. He especially likes to spin around.

I am participating in the Knitters Tea Swap and am looking forward to receiving a mystery package. I drink mostly herbal teas, and like any kind of yarn. Also I am putting a package together for my partner, I went to Mrs Kelly's Teas at the farmers market yesterday and picked up some tea now to just get the rest organized.

I have signed up at Michelle's Blog (K3tog.typepad.com) for the baby sweater knit along. It should be fun to see everyone's baby sweaters.

The Gran Cats are here

2006-05-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well the little ones have arrived seems they are both girls and both prima donnas. Baby (the lighter faced one aka Cornflake) has taken to growling at everyone and everything, Ducky just licks ears and hisses at Boo. Boo seems somewhat unpreturbed and just hangs outside the door to the room they are in because maybe they will come out. I though maybe we could keep them until at our house until next week when Megan moves home permanently...but I think poor Baby who is scared to death of Boo would have heart failure.

Hi I'm Baby aka Cornflake and I am scared of Uncle Boo, and when I get scared I scream just like a real baby

Hi I am Ducky and since I was kidnapped oops I mean kitten napped in Indiana I like to stay close to a real person who will protect me from kitten nappers

So yesterday I went to Indiana to take empty suitcases to Megan, and bring Megan home with full ones. I got there and she wasn't all the way packed yet so I told her I want to go to the Yarn Shop while you pack. Ft Wayne only has one and it is in a refurbished train depot.

this is the outside facing the river, the two humans in the picture are Megan and Cliff

This is the main room

this is the hallway to the second room where the classes are held and more yarn

It was a nice shop and the owner did not mind me hanging out for a couple of hours. She had the usual yarns and then some I wasn't familiar with, she is a Rowan stockist and has lots of Jamison. I found some Rowan CashCotton in a light blue for socks.

I am currently waiting for Megan to get home so she can take care of her cats

The Gran Cats are coming

2006-05-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Megan and the grancats are coming this weekend. I am excited, but Uncle Boo seems uncconcerned.

Why should I worry I am the king of the house

Here are my newest socks, from Meilenweit Cotton Fantasy, featuring a spiral toe and the pattern is Springy Socks from Knoxknits designer Judy Sumner. As usual I changed the toe and probably will do a spiral replacement heel to match the toe.

Finally the rain stopped so I need to go outside at some point today and work in my garden. I am cleaning out some excess perennials in the front Bee Balm, Jacobs Ladder, Orange Day Lillies and Columbine. I need to go look at some new perennials to add to the garden then decide what to do with the window boxes and the back yard.

Rain Rain Go Away

2006-05-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to be rid of this rain.
I need to get to my garden and want to have a fire in the pit. However this is good knitting weather, so I should not complain right?

Currently I am working on some Meilenweit Cotton socks and yesterday at Borealis found some red cotton sock yarn, I have wanted some plain red cotton socks for awhile.

When I was reading Yarn Harlot today it reminded me that we all have special people
that have passed on and here is mine.

This is my mom

My mom was a knitter too and I remember the first socks she made me for skating. The air was blue as she was turning the heel and I don't think she enjoyed sock knitting. She told me once that the reason I knit socks was because they were small and went fast. She did knit some beautiful mittens though, I remember once when I was about 10, we had an oil burning stove in our house, that had doors that opened and when we came in from outside in the winter we would drape our wet mittens over the door to dry. My Mom had just made me some red and black Norwegian mittens with a boy and girl holding hands and one day I lost one. We looked all over for about a week and couldn't find the mitten. So she made me another one and then one night at supper my dad said what is burning and then we all smelled it coming from the oil burning stove and I went to look and there sitting inside stove was my mitten smoldering. I must have hung it to dry and it fell in...No more hanging mittens after that.

So here is the moral of the story don't hang your mittens on the stove door cause they might fall in.

The days leading up to Yarn Over

2006-04-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

April 26
I picked up my booklets for yarn over today. They turned out great!

I have so many things in my booklet, and I am wondering if the class will have time to do them all, but here is what I would like to cover.

I would like to cover, some things about ribbing, replacement heels, garter stitch heels, turkish cast on for toe up socks, Latvian Twist sock topper and I cord bind off that also makes a nice sock topper.

April 27
Today I babysat for my girlfriend's 4 month old. He is a real cute little guy.

Gunny and I had a lot of fun. He is a cat napper, sleeps in short bursts and often.

April 28
Friday before YarnOver and my packets for class are all put together, I am ahead of myself from previous years. I am only working 3 hours today and then picking up my friend Lucy at the airport she is teaching at Yarn Over and also Amazing Threads here before heading out on a long teaching trip. Sometimes I am really envious of her but then sometimes I think I would miss my family too much.

April 29
So the day started with picking up Lucy and Joan Schrouder at the hotel to take them to Yarn Over, while waiting for Lucy to check out I met Annie Modesitt and Melissa Leapman. We got to Yarn Over and set up our rooms, headed for breakfast and then Lucy gave a speech on designing and becoming a designer, she made you think you could just go out and do it! Then class I had a wonderful class only 4 people, they were great students and I think the day went well. I was good too did not buy any yarn, I did pick up a free skein to knit a baby hat from Yarn Garage for Bundles of Love. It is kind of light blue grey color, so I think an over dye is going to happen this week, they surely don't want all blue grey hats. The day ended with dinner at Champs with all the teachers and committee members, we had a great day!

April 30
I did not realize how tired I was yesterday after all the activities, I slept from around 10p to 830a this morning and then it was raining which makes me more tired so I took a nap before work. It was slow at work so I even snuck in a little knitting. April is now officially over and May is here, I am starting my 3 or 4 months off of teaching!!!!!!!! I plan to clean my house, get my teaching resume in order and get some patterns ready to publish, I hope to sell them to local stores and through The Knitting Vault. Watch for them...
but right now I need to go to bed Boo is patiently waiting for me.

Haircuts

2006-04-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

We are in search of a groomer, but so far Petsmart is the least expensive at $45 for a butt only cut and around $60 for a lion. The vet charges $120 for the lion cut but also puts the cat to sleep for it.

Yesterday I ended up giving Boo a butt cut, so maybe no groomer after all.

here is the perfect hiding place mom will never find me here

Oh no she found me, but mom I don't want a haircut

Boo is doing okay without Alice, he did not eat for about 3 days, and has become very needy. The needy/cuddly thing is okay if you don't mind being covered in Boo fur...

I am finished with my booklet for Yarnover just need to get it to Kinko's...good thing I save all my files and just need to pull them out and put them together.

Yarn Over

2006-04-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on my workshop for Yarn Over. What is Yarn Over you ask? It is the annual meeting for the Minnesota Knitters Guild. They have a keynote speaker, lunch and you can take half or whole day classes. I am teaching a class called "Lets Talk Socks" about different toes heels ribbings and sock toppers. I really enjoy yarn over and getting to meet the other teachers. So if posts are a little slow this week that is why.

If mom thinks I am getting a haircut she is in for a surprise!!!!!

Soon you will see a new Boo gracing these pages. Boo is going to the groomer sometime in the next two weeks. He will get a bath, and Perhaps a lion cut more to come... Keep watching for the new look of Boo

New Great Nephew

2006-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ok so the doctor was wrong and my niece's baby showed up just about when she thought it should. She thought the end of April, but the Dr said no Middle of May and Nathaniel came last nite at 8:10pm. Here is a picture of Nathaniel and Dad Lyle. The whole family is doing well.

I personally have just one problem with his arrival, I did not start his sweater yet! I have been very indecisive about this because I wanted to make a sweater that Zips up the back like my mom used to make for gifts but was unable to find her pattern so here I have the yarn and no sweater!

I am thinking about a baby surprise jacket or maybe just a garter stitch sweater with some stripes the middle skein is varigated with the colors of the other two.

So lets talk about Boo, we have the old fashioned windows that you change each year. It has been nice, so we just open the ones to the porch to get some fresh air. Well Boo has decided that is how he should be going in and out all the time so he sits and mews until we open the windows, boy is he in for a surprise when the screens go on next week.

Alice's sweaters

2006-04-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

I thought maybe I should post a pattern for Alice's Sweaters.
I used Cascade Fixation and size 4 needles. One ball makes 1 and 1/2 sweaters.
Cast on 64 stitches join into a round and knit for about 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
K8 inc 1 repeat to end of round, total now is 72 stitches.
Knit 4 rounds, then increase again 8 times for a total of 81.
Now you need to make two thumb gussets, so I knit 8 placed a marker k4 placed a marker knit 16 placed a marker knit 4 placed a marker then knit to end of round. Then in the next round I increased after the 1st and 3rd marker and before the 2nd and 4th markers every other round for 4 rounds on the non increase round I just knit(8 rounds, 4 inc and 4 knit).
Then on the next round I increased in between the markers by knitting 5 increase one knit 6 increase one knit 5. Then I knit 7 rounds increasing between the markers every other round until I had 24 stitches in between the markers ending with a knit round.
on the next round knit to the first marker and bind off all the stitches between the two markers and knit to the next one and bind off in between and then knit to the end of the row.
next round I knit to the bound off stitches and cast on 20 stitches on both gussets, knit to the end of the round. Then I knit about 2 or 3 inches (it depends on your cat, Alice's sweaters started out big and then the last one I made was a little smaller and shorter due to the weight loss) then I did about 1/2 inch or maybe a little more of ribbing. then bind off.

So there it is as a rough draft.

We are handling the loss well, but last Weds when I came home from work around 11pm there was this big fluffy yellow cat on the front step. my first thought was Boo got out and so I started to chase it, then I realized the back yard was not well lit and went to get a flashlite and there was boo in the porch. My first thought was Bob let him in...Bob said no and I looked out and there was his twin again, next nite I came home from teaching at Borealis and there was a Big Black cat, then the next nite it was luna (neighbor's cat), everynite since there has been a cat at my doorstep......My husband says they are coming to pay their respects.

So most people have pictures of the grand kids to show off not me just Grand Cats. my daughter adopted two adorable kittens Ducky and Cornflake...

They are living with her but when they do get to come visit every now and then....

The Rainbow Bridge

2006-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that I am posting tonite. Today Alice the inspiration for Alicat Knitting Designs crossed the rainbow bridge to a better place. Her tumor was getting worse and was affecting the muscles in her back legs so she was having problems walking and doing stairs. We will all miss her.

Alice Cooper
Born 1986 to April 12, 2006

Spring has Sprung

2006-04-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Look what greeted me when I went out this morning!
Spring really is here. I think I need to knit something in cotton or silk to celebrate.

Also I think we will have mini roses in the window boxes this year.

and for the obligatory cat picture
Now if I just scrunch down enough mom won't know I am here and she will take me with her to work....

I have SOLD my first pattern

2006-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry to disappoint anyone but the Skater Hat pattern was purchased by Depth of Field and will be sold there and maybe other stores around town. SO if you want one go see the girls at Depth of Field.

So what is my blog without a picture of a cat or two....and as usual Boo is helping me do something knitting related

A few weeks ago Boo learned to make adjustments to the yarn on the swift and now he is learning to turn the handle on the winder. Of course first he needs to figure out that is not the right handle to be using.

Here is an Alice update, she is still with us and doing ok...Bob has taken to giving her baths as she has a hard time doing that for herself. Next time Bob is bathing her I will try to get a picture to post.

Knitting Retreats

2006-03-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Yes it is a picture of a church, well actually the chapel from St Francis Convent and Retreat center in Little Falls where last weekend we had a great time at the Spring Knitting Retreat.

We had lots of food, fun and quality knitting was done by all attendees.

Here is a picture of Deb wearing part of her white elephant gift that she got from Paula.

Let me explain, the white elephant exchange is really a good way to get rid of yarn you don't want or leftovers from a project. Or in Deb's case a mobieus that Paula passed on to her.

Then on sunday back to reality and work. It has been really busy at work and I even worked an extra nite on Wednesday.

and here it is finally the Skater Hat made from Kraemer Yarns Lehigh Valley cotton Little Pebbles.

Soon to come the pattern as soon as I can get it into pdf format.

I Gave Up

2006-03-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

I was trying so hard not to start another pair of socks before I finished two of the three I have on the needles, but that Ellen's Half Pint farm kept calling out "knit me" So I did! I gave in and started a pair the yarn is wonderful to knit with I wonder how the wool/tencel blend will wear.

Here is something I did finish another sweater for Alice. She has more sweaters than any cat I know and wears them all extremely well.

and to keep peace in the family here is a picture of Boo.

I went to Fort Wayne, Indiana Yesterday to have lunch with Megan and take her shopping for her Birthday. The weather was beautiful high 60's but Fort Wayne is still not my favorite town.

This weekend I am going to St Francis Retreat Center for a knitting retreat I hope it goes well.

A Tail of Winding Yarn

2006-03-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

Boo just loves to help me knit. He either sits on my lap or next to me, but his favorite part of knitting is winding yarn. He gets so excited when he sees the swift and ball winder come out. I used to use my two kitchen chairs one for the swift one for the winder and he would lay between the two and watch the process. When my mom passed away in April,I was gifted with a refinished library table, that had been my grandparents. Lo and behold it is the right length to put the swift on one end and the winder on the other. This creates one minor problem:

Boo can get right in the middle of the swift and help out, like adjusting the position of the yarn and even when necessary with his teeth. Maybe he was just test tasting to make sure the quality was good, like you would with a fine wine.

Brother and Sister

2006-03-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

Who would think that Jeannes cat Pud and my cat Boo are brother and sister...Take a look. Do they look alike? This is Jeanne's cat Aja/Pud

and here is Boo Radley her brother

I see little family resemblance accept for the face shape and eyes.

So back to knitting I am currently finishing up a peach colored sweater for Alice. She is still doing okay just sleeps more and eats less. She has become a little arthiritic in her hind legs so some days getting downstairs is a little hard so we carry her.
Lastly here is my newest great nephew Colin he is just a doll and looks like a miniature of my dad.

and so he doesn't feel left out here is his big brother Eric at the Beach

Finished Projects

2006-03-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Ta Da the gold medal has made it to my blog not exactly where I would like it, but it is here.

I still haven't decided what to do next so I am just finishing UFO's. I finished Alice's lime green sweater and Jeanne at knitting said it was really bright. Yes, it is neon lets just call her the safety cat.

I also finished a felted fair isle bag and am awaiting felting and need to find some leather handles for it.

Finally, here is the founder and production manager of Alicat Knitting Designs hard at work.

what next

2006-02-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

Ok so with the Olympics over what am I going to knit next? Actually I am going to finish up some unfinished projects, socks for my niece, a felted bag and socks for me. I also am working on the Anthropologie shrug for Megan, the pattern can be found at

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=62184.0

I am using Blue Sky Alpacas silk and cotton. Meanwhile I am planning in my mind what to start next maybe some socks from that lovely wool/tencel blend or maybe the Lily Chin socks. But first a new cat sweater for Alice in Lime Green to match her eyes.

C'est Fini

2006-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

My Olympic Flame Socks are finished! Yes I can knit socks from the top down and do beading and lace! It was really fun and I am ready to knit for the Summer Olympics how about you!!!

Now for the Stitches West Report: I bought "Hot Flash" by Socks that Rock, Gramercy Park by Lily Chin, Big Top and St Valentines "sock" by Lisa Souza, Hemp for a cami for Megan, Ladybug Opal, a new Chinese yarn that is 70% wool,30% acrylic and 7.6% water (the label is in Chinese and the water content per Chinese law has to be included, and some Wool and Tencel sock yarn by Ellen's Half Pint Farm.

And here is Alice in her newest sweater it is purple and green fixation. She definitely is thinking my mom is crazy, I like bright colors!

Just Knitting away

2006-02-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy knitting my socks I haven't had time to post any pictures. Both heels are turned and I have about 2" to knit to start the toes. I will post as soon as I am finished.

Ok so that was Friday nite after work and now it is Sat nite after work and I have 10 rows to go on both toes....I will finish tomorrow and post the pics!

Stitches West

2006-02-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am at Stitches West and Jeanne I found bamboo size 1 circulars for $7.75. Of course I had to buy them and some yarn to go with. I will post pictures of all my finds when I get home to Minnesota. My Olympic socks are 1/2 way thru the heel flap on both so if I knit fast enough they will be done

Life looks better inside

2006-02-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

So here is the scoop...both cats are indoor cats closest they get to outside is the porch. Well lately the minute Boo gets out to the porch he mews to come in. So today Alice was sitting on the table looking out (she doesn't go out too much anymore too cold for her) and Boo was looking in. Now the real story is that if they were both on one side of the glass they would never get this close. Alice would have taken Boo's eye out or at the least scratched him. I just thought this was cute and it is true when you are outside in Minnesota in January Life does look better on the inside.

Olympic Socks

2006-02-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

Okay so the ribbing is done and two rounds of the lace pattern with beads, I am on my way. I will post pictures tonite when I get home from work.

I am currently however looking at Alice and see that she has a hole in her sweater now how did she do that ? All she does is sleep and eat.

More to come after work..............................................................................

The colors are much more vibrant than shows up on this picture really orangy reds and bright oranges ... so I renamed the socks Olympic Flames

Knitting olympics

2006-02-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

I am doing the beaded socks from the Six Socks Knit Along. I know they are top down and not my usual thing so that along with the beads I felt qualified for a challenging project. I have strung the beads and am just waiting until Friday to start.

2006-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my son's latest socks. He has size 11 feet so I am glad he doesn't mind sportweight socks.

I started a new pair of socks out of Icelandic sock yarn today. The yarn is pretty stiff so I hope it softens when I wash it.

The knitting group at Como was big again today 3 more new people came. It was nice to see so many.

2006-01-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so here is my wonderful knitting companion Boo studiously trying to decide how to pick up that skein and run with it.

In case you can't tell ...I love my cats!

So for knitting content I finished two classes today at All About Yarn. It was so nice to have students who finished their socks. Next class is Lets Talk Socks: Heels, Toes and Ribbings at All About Yarn and Minnesota Knitters Guild Yarn Over in April.

Sock Olympics and Cats

2006-01-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

So here are pictures of Boo Radley and Alice Cooper. Boo is lounging which for him is a rare occurence, and Alice is modeling her new sweater .

Well I have decided to wait and see what the six socks KAL sock is for February before I decide which sock pattern to do for the Olympics. Currently working on another sweater for Alice. She really does like them now that she is used to them. However I did not know that if you lick fixation enough (alice does that when she is taking a bath) it eventually looks like mohair.

Enough already about the cats. Once I figure out how to download pictures and links I will download add some links to my favorite sock sites.

Louise

sock knitting olympics

2006-01-29T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hello from Minnesota where it is finally snowing. Today I am signing up to be on the USA Sock Team for the Knitting Olympics. I have some beautiful mohair and merino blend yarn from Denmark that I will use for my socks. Other things I am working on are another sweater for my cat, she is around 20 yrs old and has a tumor on her shoulder. The tumor has caused her to lose her fur in that spot so I have made her two sweaters from fixation and working on a third. She actually seems to like wearing them. I will post more details and some pictures of Alice in her sweater later.