Knitting for me and my friend, Paddy

I have been busy knitting, I really have. Just have not posted lately. Made a lot of gifts for grandchildren, neighbors and Christmas tree at Curves. Curves has a tree every year that clients fill with knitted hats, scarves, gloves and socks. They go to a local womans shelter. But I thought I would post just a few things I have done that I haven't given away. The mittens I just finished. They are super warm. They are knitted with Crystal Palace Taos yarn and a strand of solid mohair. Very fast knit and with this frigid temperature, very useful. The cat bed was knitted with Homespun, I have tons in my stash. Although I hate to knit with it, it made quite a nice cat bed. So far, Paddy is the only one who has made himself at home with it. Sorry my cats are not more like Terry's. They seem to love cat beds.

Christmas in years past

Every year I drag out the Christmas tree, ornaments and decorations. This year I thought I would post a few I painted in years past. I really need to pick up those brushes again soon, but my paint table is in the basement now, and it is sooooo cold down there. Other than my needlework stands that I get orders from, The Artists Collection, I have not painted much this year. Soon, very soon.........

Photos from Retreat

Fall Knitting Retreat at Buena Vista

Girls just want to have fun and KNIT!!!!! Three days and three nights of fun, eating and knitting. What more could a knitter want.....Well, there is a fair amount of fiber, patterns, stitch markers, stash buying, swapping, etc. This year we had a hat contest sponsored by Black Water Abbey yarns. The hat pattern was called, "Oh Snapp Hat". There were seven other beautiful contenders in the contest besides me, but to my shock and SURPRISE, I won.....I got a $25.00 gift certificate to spend on beautiful Black Water Abbey yarns. I put it to good use right away. Thanks to all the wonderful ladies that voted for my hat. Had a great time and met many new fellow lady knitters and reunited with the ones I have met before. Now....on to those new projects........By the way, you can purchase one of these Oh Snapp hat patterns at www.abbeyyarns.com....they are adorable and would make a great Christmas present.

Twisted V Pullover

I finished this sweater in record time. The pattern is in Simple Style by Ann Budd. It is my first long sleeved pullover. I was attracted to the pattern after my good friend, Judy Pearce, told me about it and said " I think this pattern would look good on you". The pattern was easy, no side seams. Did have to pay attention to the chart for the ribbed shaping. The V neck is a bit deep. I may add a few rows before decreasing next time. I used Knit Picks DK City Tweed in the colorway, Enchanted. It is a pretty forest green with lots of tweedy specks. Really liked the yarn. It called for 8 skeins, I used 7, with a bit leftover. Knitted the 34-36 bust size. It fits great, maybe a bit too great. Hugs the curves you might say. I would make this again, but maybe add a few inches in length, adjust the neck decreases, but definitely make again. I love the DK weight. I may have hubby take a photo of me wearing it, you'll get a better idea on the fit.