Paint and Knit

Alpaca Fun

2011-10-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been awhile since I last posted. I have knit a ton of course but just haven't had a chance to take photos and show you what I have been knitting. I joined a group called "Warm Hearts, Warm Babies". The group meets one Thursday a month at a church in Arvada and takes knitted, crocheted or sewn baby items and delivers them to hospitals, unwed mother's homes, or clinics to distribute to needy Moms. So I have been knitting quite a bit of baby items of late. Have always loved knitting for the "wee ones" and now that my grandkids are getting bigger it gives me a chance to do just that.

This weekend we went to an Alpaca ranch. Who knew that they are located almost in my backyard, right off of Indiana St. The owner, Cheryl, was kind enough to greet us and tell us all about her ranch. They also had beautifully soft alpaca yarn for sale. I bought some bulky weight yarn that came from a cream colored alpaca named Sophie Mae. It was the softest yarn ever. I bought 200 yards, thinking I would knit a hat, but found that I so enjoyed the feel of it that I wanted it even closer to my skin, so it is going to be mittens. Long mittens that will be sure to keep me warm this winter. The pattern I found was a free one on Ravelry, named Lofty Cable Mittens. After reading the comments from other knitters about the pattern running big and knowing that I have itty bitty hands, I changed the needle size from a size 9 to a size 8 for the ribbing and 7 for the remaining pattern. Perfect fit. One down and one to go. The brownish sport weight will be a hat to match a lace scarf I am knitting.

If you ever have a chance to see these beautiful alpaca's, please do so. They have an open house every fall and have invited me to come to there shearing event around Mother's Day in May. Ancient Treasures Alpaca Ranch, 7870 Indiana St., Arvada, owner Cheryl Keydel.

TNNA

2011-06-15T08:20:00.001-07:00

Off to Columbus for my first experience with a needlework tradeshow called TNNA. Yes, yarn and knitting are included. My dear friend, Gail, had asked me to tag along and help her at the booth this year. I had been unable to go the last 2 times she asked due to health issues, mine and my mother in law's, but this time nothing came in the way, and off we went. I met Gail several years ago. She was a neighbor of mine that lived close by and saw me painting screens for an upcoming Lone Tree show that I did every year. We became close friends and she used my painting abilities to come up with stands to display her needlepoint designs. It worked well. Her husband, Ken, hit it off well with my husband, Paul. They have both been engineers at the same company and had similar interests. Since then we have enjoyed each other's company and gone on many trips together, including our last trip to Ireland. Our third, their first.

I enjoyed perusing the aisle after aisle of merchandise. The knitters were mostly on one side of the convention hall and needlework on the other. I made my way to the "other side" when things weren't that busy for Gail and enjoyed seeing what's coming up for the Fall season in knitting yarns and patterns. I also ran into Allegra and Marly Bird, they were checking things out as well for their upcoming designs.

On Friday night we went to "Sample It". It is a one hour free for all held in an enormous room. The distributors select an item that they sell at a great price to all who attend. It was my one chance to buy, as the show itself is only for retailers. I managed to find some great deals and bought a wonderful set of interchangeable circulars and yarn to make a shawl. I had some how lost my knitting that I brought on the plane to Columbus and I was itching to knit "something"........I also purchased a lovely Atenti bag. The photos are of Gail in her Artists Collection booth and the some of the wooden stands I paint. Also there is a photo of the goods I brought back. All together, it was a great time. Tired, but happy.....

Coventry and Shamus

2011-06-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is my grandaughter, Coventry, modeling the cardigan I knit her from Interweave magazine. It fit her just great and she seemed to be pleased wearing it.

The cat in my knitting stand is Shamus. I had just emptied the stand of much of it's contents and he made himself at home right away. Who needs that old yarn in there anyway........

Ireland Revisited

2011-06-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

It was our third trip back to the emerald isle. It had been sixteen years since we had been there last and much had changed. Ireland had gone from a poor economy to prosperity and back to the poor economy again. As we visited Dublin, I could see many of the properties with "For Let" signs on them. Much like our stagnant real estate market in the U.S. But I could also see many new homes that had been built during their prosperous years in many of the towns we visited. It had become much like our suburbia. Lost was some of the charm I saw years ago. What wasn't lost was the warmth of the people in Ireland. It will always reamain one of the friendliest places I know. I reunited with a pub singer in Dunmore, Ritchie Roberts. He came out to our hotel on our second trip to Ireland to entertain us when we couldn't make it to Farley's Tavern in Passage East. He still has a wonderful tenor voice and it was magical to hear him sing once again. I only managed to find one dedicated yarn shop in Killarney, wouldn't you know it, it was closed when we were there. Oh well, there may be a 4th visit someday.

More Knitting

2011-02-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have had some January. Snow and sub-zero temperatures can dim the spirits of many, but knitters can always look at the upside. Uninterrupted time to stay in those cozy jammies and knit all day long. Not a chance that someone will show up at the door and interrupt the whole thing. Along with recuperating from gallbladder surgery, I had plenty of excuses to stay in my jammies by a warm fireplace watching old movies and knitting. Here are a few of my finished objects.

1. Two scarves. One knit in Noro Silk Garden sock yarn , pattern taken from the book Sock Yarnk One-Skein Wonders. If you don't have this book there are 101 patterns for sock yarn.

The other scarf is a ruffled concoction that I slightly altered from the potato chip scarf pattern. Casting on 30 stitches and doing short rows. Knit with Crazy Zauberball sock yarn

2. A sweet yoked pullover for Coventry. Shipped off to Nebraska in time for her Valentine's party. I got this pattern from my dear friend Sally. She copied it from a magazine that had to come from the 40's or 50's. Knit in one piece, fun and quick.

3. My second sweater from this pattern, Mondo Cable Pulli. Knit from some beautiful Turquoise wook that I purchased a few years back at the Estes Park Wool Festival.

I am trying to knit with the yarn I have and not purchase any more for awhile. We will see how long this lasts.............

Christmas Gift Knitting

2011-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just had to knit a few things for the family. Requests were made and warm socks and hats were in the works. You only hope they appreciate all the hard work that goes into knitted gifts. Either way, I love knitting for my family.

Christmas Gift Knitting

2011-02-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

More New England Photos

2010-10-14T16:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry about that last post, one photo got uploaded twice.

Fall in New England

2010-10-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Went on an 8 day tour of New England. Saw Maine, New Hampshire, Boston, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Conneticut. Just beautiful. Some of the trees were at their peak, others were still green, but the Sugar Maples were and they were beautiful. Visited 2 knit shops. One in Woodstock Vermont and the other was in Maine. Bought yarn and knitted socks on the bus. We went to Old Sturbridge Village and watched ladies dye the yarn wearing Colonial costumes. Great trip.

2010-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Coventry and her doll

2010-08-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well the doll is finished and residing with her new owner, my grandaughter Coventry. Better known as Covey or Cici. I gave it to her at her brother Cameron's birthday party as a consolation gift. I always try to bring something for the sibling missing out on a gift. It was well received even though most of the clothes were either felted on or sewn on. Hopefully they will stay that way. On the knitting front, I am presently busy working on a sample sweater for BWA. It is the Cassidy pattern from Chic Knits and it is a hoodie. It is almost entirely cables so it is not a quickie project but I think it will be beautiful, a lovely colorway called Pippin. Have a great summer......

A windy day in Santa Fe

2010-06-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

I always wanted to go to Santa Fe and just never had the chance to do so. Was not under the best of circumstances. We were on our way back from an unexpected trip to Encinitas, CA., where we visited with my vagabond Mother in Law. She had just returned from a trip to Russia, then England, where she was hospitalized. By the time we left, she was doing much better and promised us that at 86 yrs. old, this would be the last trip on the "bucket list"......we only pray she was being truthful, and not under the influence of her many pain meds.
Santa Fe was beautiful and had three wonderful knit shops I visited while ducking out of 45 mph winds. There is not much vegetation in Santa Fe, so the wind provided a virtual sandblasting. If you go, visit Needles Eye, that is where I got the cutest doll and clothing kit along with the adorable ruffled shrug pattern. I know that Coventry will love them, and her birthday is in September (gives Grandma time to knit them). Also don't miss Tutto's, a new knit shop. The guys that own and operate the shop used to be reps for Opal sock yarn. They had machine made socks from Opal that were originally used for samples. Had to snatch a pair up, along with a very nice shawl pin. The third shop I visited was "Oodles". Very nice ladies there, but alas, no purchases.
Loved Santa Fe and will have to go back and try and make Taos as well. Who knows, maybe I will see "Julia" in one of the knit shops in Taos.

Ruffled Shrug Pattern

2010-06-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

Opal Socks and shawl pin

2010-06-14T18:13:00.001-07:00

Opal Socks and Shawl Pin

2010-06-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Things I purchased in Santa Fe

2010-06-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

Standing outside of Tutto's

2010-06-14T18:03:00.001-07:00

Oklahoma....where the wind comes rushing down the plains...

2010-05-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

2010-05-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

Wall murals

2010-05-08T08:20:00.001-07:00

Whatt have I been up to.............

2010-05-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted on Ravelry. What have I been doing????? Well, I have been knitting some, painting some and visiting family some....As far as knitting goes, I have finished socks, preemie caps and a hoodie for BWA as a sample sweater for their website. According to Marilyn, it should be available on her website soon. She was very gracious in sewing on the buttons for me. The sweater is a Chic knits pattern and it is the basic hoodie (lace version). Fun knit and a very practical sweater that you would wear a lot. Check it out soon.

On the painting front, I have painted two wall murals for a lady who wanted to make her grandkids overnight room special. She wanted an outdoor scene that had a tree and frog pond. She later requested another wall with kites and their names on the kites.

On the family front, we just returned from the annual family reunion to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Paul's 93 yo aunt lives there with her son and daughter in law. Saw the baby donkey ( now grown) that was conceived before our very eyes at the last reunion we attended. Yes, Shrek (the daddy) and Fiona (the Mom) have been busy yet again and are expecting again later this year.

2010-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

2010-02-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

Kilkenny Cable Shawl

2010-02-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Wow! Some things take a long time to knit. This was one of those projects that seemed to go on forever. Partly because this shawl is pretty warm on your lap and knitting it in warm weather was enough to remind me of the all too familiar "hot flashes" I experienced a few years back.
The shawl pattern is from Cheryl Oberle's, Folk Shawls book. I love the shawls in that book and when I saw a fellow knitter, Cathy, modeling hers a few retreats back, I knew I had to knit it. I knit it smaller and narrower than the pattern called for. The yarn is Black Water Abbey's, colorway Bracken. I think this will keep me pretty cozy this winter.
Thanks go to Karen for taking the photos. She is such a good photographer. The photos were taken at my favorite knit shop, Knit Knack in old town Arvada. I love the shop and our little group of friendly and gracious knitters.

Finally....Two Sweaters I Love....

2010-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

I love to knit, but I don't always love the finished project. I love these two sweaters. They are comfortable and they fit great. I started the brown pullover last Fall when I was on our knitting retreat in Buena Vista. Marilyn King brings such lovely patterns and yarn, couldn't resist this vnecked pullover by CHIC knits. It's called the Mondo Cable Pulli, it also comes with a cardigan version. I bought brown tweed Himalayan yarn at Serendipity and started it and completed it in just a few weeks. I loved that it was knit in one piece, NO SEAMS......yea!!!!

The second sweater, the turquoise cardigan is from one of the best books ever, a fine fleece by lisa lloyd. The pattern is called Amanda (happens to be my grandaughter's name as well). The yarn I used was a great yarn swap purchase from my dear friend Christie's stash, it is called Dream in Color Classy in the colorway Blue Lagoon. It is a wonderful handspun with wonderful color varigation and is smooshy soft. It has a wonderful textured stitch repetition through out the body of the sweater. I fell in love with the shawl collar, but it took forever to complete all the short rows.

So there you have it, two sweaters I love. The year 2010 is starting out pretty good knitwise. I hope it keeps up!!!!

California Dreamin

2010-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

December 26th we headed out to California for a long, long car trip. On the way there I started a fair isle hat. I discovered just how much I loved fair isle. I loved watching the colors and pattern come to life. I may have to try more of this fair isle knitting.
When we got to Encinitas, I decided to look up local knit shops. I found two that I will definitely go back to on return trips. They are both on Hwy 101 by the beach. Black Sheep had a lovely assortment of sock yarns of which I purchased two skeins of Ambiente, Schoppel Wolle. The next shop, Common Threads, had a lovely selection of Koigu and Mini Moochie, which I also purchased intending to make yet another Chevron scarf. I was very disappointed in the lack of yarn shops in Anaheim, where I grew up and where my Mom now lives. After two dead end attempts to find shops, I did find on, Velona, in Anaheim hills. It had the most yarn inventory I have ever seen in any one place. Floor to ceiling stocked with yarn in plastic bags. I should of taken photos of the chaos, but I am afraid I would of insulted the owners. No purchases there.
I did come home with a new found appreciation for all the lovely and organized yarn shops we are so lucky to have here in the Denver area. Like they say, "there's no place like home." So true......

Knitting for me and my friend, Paddy

2009-12-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-11T10:05:00.001-08:00

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.........

2009-12-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

2009-12-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Photos from Retreat

2009-10-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

Fall Knitting Retreat at Buena Vista

2009-10-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Coventry's Doll

2009-09-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are going to Nebraska to celebrate Coventry's third birthday. I had asked my daughter, Jennifer, what I could bring back from our Rhine cruise trip last month. She said, "Mom, they have the nicest dolls in Germany, I think Covey would love a doll for her birthday." So, while on our trip we came across a perfect Gotz doll. Only about 14 inches, but she is adorable with the same blue eyes as Coventry. I picked up a few doll clothes on the trip for the doll. I know that half the fun of having a baby doll at that age is the dressing and undressing of the doll. Then I came across a little poncho pattern to knit. Fits the doll great. Now I am working on a baby doll blanket. Will try and take photos on the trip of Coventry and her "new baby".

Wine socks

2009-09-22T17:37:00.001-07:00

These are the socks I was knitting on the river cruise we took down the Rhine in Germany. I call them my "wine socks" because of the color and because while I was knitting them we passed on vineyard after another. Have not knitted socks in awhile and it was a great vacation project to bring. Everyone is so impressed to see someone knit socks.

Valour

2009-09-22T17:31:00.001-07:00

I bought the yarn at Stitchin Den at Estes Park last month. Fell in love with the colors. The yarn is Colourscape and the pattern is Valor. It called for 4 skeins of yarn but I got away with three, and at 23.95 a skein, I will be happy to take one back and get store credit. I am not sure if I like it that well or not. It was easy and fast but I think I will stay away from bulky yarn for awhile. Right now I am working on DK weight yarn and I like the look better. I opted not to put the button and the crochet loop on it but secure it with a shawl pin instead.

Knitting on Ship

2009-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

What's a woman to do with a little extra time on ship? Why, of course, knit socks. I think the other passengers were intrigued with my knitting. I took it on bus excursions or port talks. How sad for those watching, with nothing in their empty hands......

Sock yarn in Germany

2009-08-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Alas! I hunted my way through Germany, the Netherlands, parts of France, only to find many little shops who carried sock yarn. Oh well! I came home with 4 skeins of it, but many happy memories of Europe and all it's charms. It will have to be back to the good old USA for yarn choices...... Took a photo of one of the yarn displays in Germany, yes, sock yarn......

My gifts from Judy

2009-07-30T18:27:00.001-07:00

My finished Feather and Fan Noro Wrap

2009-07-30T18:26:00.001-07:00

The beautiful wrap from Christie

2009-07-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

2009-07-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have some of the dearest knitting friends. Today my dear friend, Judy, (aka Fiber Experience), took me to a lovely lunch at a new restaurant in Littleton by Cottage Yarn. We eagerly consumed pork schnitzel, mashed potatoes and carrots, followed by a scrumptious apple strudel sundae. Needless to say, not a diet day. Then we perused Cottage Yarn, and also went to Posh. Judy gifted me with some lovely fingering weight yarn, a book of clever craft stickers ( to be used on knitting gifts, and a wee kitten to sit on my window sill. A lovely day with a wonderful knitting friend, (the best kind of friend).
On Tuesday night at Knit Knack, Christie, (aka Crittie 42), gave me a beautiful wrap in my favorite colors. I don't think the photo does it justice. It looks like it is handwoven and is a perfect light weight, gonna take this on my trip this month.
All in all, a great birthday, made ever so special by these two special friends. Thank you, Judy and Christie.........

Happy Birthday Cameron

2009-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Coventry in her new outfit

2009-07-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Covey's Sun Top and Nebraska

2009-07-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Had fun knitting the suntop. Quick and easy. Knit it from Cotton Ease in the 2-3 yr. size. Took some looking to find a cute skirt to match but I think the outfit is precious. And of course Coventry looks great in it. We so enjoyed our quick trip to Papillion Nebraska. Over 8 hours of boring driving to get there but it was great to see my grandkids and be there for Cameron's 5th birthday. We came on a rare weekend, no humidity and temps in the high 70's. I took an early birthday present from my hubby, a Kindle. Love it, love it, love it. I read one book on the way and started another on the way back. It holds 6,000 books, download one in seconds without hooking up to WIFI. It also has an audio feature if you get tired of reading and just want to listen. I hope I can squeeze some knitting in between books now.

Pay it Forward

2009-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

To all you fellow knitters out there......Want to receive a handmade item????? Well, I read Fiber Experience's blog just in time. If you are one of the first three to comment on this blog entry, you are eligible to receive a handmande itme from me within 365 days.
If you comment, please make sure I have your email and blog name, so I can get the item to you. You must also post on your blog that you will send handmade items within 365 days to the first 3 commenters on your blog, thus Pay it Forward.
I think this sounds like a lot of fun.....and you have a whole year to do it. Even for a procrastinator like me, this is achievable.....whatcha think?????
Now if I can just get enough of you to read my blog........he...hee.....

Just have to show you the yarn for the scarves...

2009-06-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Estes Park Wool Market

2009-06-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I said I was not going to go, but hubby felt like going to the mountains and I decided "why not?". Well, I ended up buying far too much yarn but.....it all needed a good home. I bought some lovely silk yarn to make the Cheryl Oberle Kimono Shawl after seeing a finished one in a lovely orange. I love orange, but it is not my color, so I bought some lime green. Also bought a pattern to make a cardigan and turquoise yarn. At another vendor, I aquired two skeins of beautiful yarn to make some lightweight scarfs. I will have to go into more detail about color and fiber content after they are finished, ( in due time.....right?) Anyway, enjoyed the festival more this year. Then I went to Stitchin Den in town and acquired two more patterns and had the silk wound, hate to wind silk..... It was a fun day......

Montego Bay Scarf

2009-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

My Irish "Paddy" on my Wool Peddler's Shawl

2009-06-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

So I'm Knitting Again.....

2009-06-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Three months of having a 2 and 4 year old underfoot 24/7, really cut into my knitting time. I was reduced to very simple things, you know, like dishcloths. Love them, they are practical and my daughter Jenn took several to her new home in Nebraska, but I am over dishcloths......over....over....over.
So what else have I accomplished. Well, I finished a beautiful Montego Bay scarf in the Handmaiden Sea Cell, color is a bright turquoise and has a beautiful blue running through it here and there. Although the fishnet lace pattern was a bit tedious with all the K2tog's, it was easy and I love the yarn. Light as a feather and so silky......
Nest I finished and blocked the Cheryl Oberle, Wool Peddler Shawl. This is a project that I and my good friend Gail, bought to make shawls for an upcoming trip to Ireland next year. She picked a burgundy wine color and I picked a beautiful teal green. We used Cascade 220 Superwash, great yarn and blocked beautifully. Would use this yarn again for worsted weight projects.

Feeling "Old" but Proud......

2009-05-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday was graduation for my grandson Andrew. He graduated from Lakewood High and was the speaker for the Senior class. He gave an amazing speech. He will be attending CSU in the Fall and plans on going into the engineering field. We are very proud of him. Seems like only yesterday I was changing his diapers, they grow so fast. Makes me feel really old when you look at the photo of him holding my great grandbaby, Jackson, one year. Where does the time go??????

2009-05-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

2009-05-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

2009-04-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Coventry

2009-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Finally finished Coventry's sweater. The basketweave stitch seemed to take forever. But the reward was a pretty cute sweater. After washing it seemed a pretty dense stitch, so it will seem more like a light coat than a sweater. Mission Falls sweaters always run a bit wide and a little short in length. I cut one inch off in length on the sleeves though, as Coventry is little for her age, and judging by the photo in the book, it eleminated rolling them up. Love the raspberry color.

2009-03-29T17:46:00.001-07:00

2009-03-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Knitting and meeting Cheryl Oberle

2009-03-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

Darn.....I forgot to take my camera to Knit Knack to take Cheryl's photo, but I did get my new book signed. I loved the knitted jackets that she brought from the book. Cheryl Oberle had me try on the red one. It was beautiful on. I also loved the lace jacket. I honestly was not that impressed when I first saw this book, but loved the finished sweaters I saw. Also working on a baby sweater for Coventry in the Mission Falls book, the pattern is called Checky....almost done.....photos soon.

2009-03-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

Jenn turns 33

2009-03-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Actually her birthday is April 1st, but we celebrated a little early so her husband, John, could join in before he had to fly back to Omaha. It seems like only yesterday that she was a little girl, time goes so fast.......

2009-03-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Snow, Birthday and Missing my Knitting Retreat

2009-03-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday was one snowy day. I had everything ready to join my knitting friends for 3 days of pajamas, wine, and knitting relaxation and then...........snow, and lots of it......and wind with the snow. To make a long story short, I stayed home. We had a birthday celebration planned for my daughter, Jennifer, before she had to take her husband, John, back to the airport to fly home to Omaha. It wasn't all bad. Sunday we took the grandkids tubing down a neighborhood hill and then worked out at the gym for a bit before we all went to Cinzetti's for the birthday celebration. It was a good day, but I can't wait until I go to the next retreat in the Fall. Until then I will knit on.

Swifty

2009-03-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this is crazy, but I have been wanting to knit one of these mop covers in the Mason Dixon book for sometime. I altered it a bit, as I wanted it to fit the wider mop that does my hardwood floors. The washable mop thing that came with it is just about had it and I thought that knitting a new one might be just the ticket. Instead of the 45 stitches cast on for a standard sponge mop, I cast on 68 stitches for the wider head. I also made 4 buttonholes instead of the two called for in the pattern. I washed it and dried it prior to sewing on the buttons to insure a tight fit, especially important, as they want the mop cloth dampened prior to using on your hardwood floors. Well, it was a quick knit. Not pretty and I won't be wearing it anytime soon, but it will get a lot of use.....

They are moving away

2009-03-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

They are moving to Omaha, Nebraska in May. My son-in-law, John, found a great job, but it is in another state. We have been blessed to have them close by in Broomfield for many years but with the bad economy and a chance to get a good job, they are moving. They are renting to see if they like it there and renting their place in Broomfield as well. We are going to be very sad to see them go. Right now Jenn and Coventry,2, and Cameron,4, are rooming in with Grandma and Grandpa until Cameron completes his school year. We are very busy and life is pretty noisy compared to our normal, but we are trying to soak up as many good memories and hugs and kisses as we can, while we can.

2009-03-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

The year long socks......

2009-03-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

I started these socks last year and finally finished them. I guess buying two new sock books and seeing fellow knitters finish their socks, inspired me to pick them up again. I love the colors......

Ariel the Mermaid Doll

2009-03-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to making something out of this book. Coventry will be the proud owner of a new knitted doll made by Grandma. Don't ask me where I found the time, but right now, my spare time is used knitting.....my therapy.

Flower Baby Hat

2009-03-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome little Bella..... I made this hat for a new baby girl who lives two doors down from me. It's Kate and Cade's first baby and a long awaited one. Congratulations!!!!!

2009-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

2009-02-18T17:17:00.001-08:00

Manos Vest

2009-02-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

This vest was fast. All stockinette and reverse stockinette. Not crazy about the curling on the edges but love the color and the yarn. Bought the pattern at Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins in Boulder last year and finally dragged it out of my stash to knit. Called for 4 skeins of Manos and the pattern is called Super Quick and Easy Vest by Roxana Designs. It turned out okay and I may like it better if I was 20 years younger and at least ten pounds smaller. Never gonna happen.....alas....sigh

My 3 Feline Buddies

2009-02-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

These are my feline friends, Bailey, Paddy and Shamus. Shamus is the gray one, and the oldest, seven. Bailey is the blonde female, six. Paddy is the mischief maker, five. They are my dearest pals and watch every knitted and painted project come to life. What would we do without our pets..........

2009-02-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

2009-02-17T16:27:00.001-08:00

2009-02-17T16:22:00.001-08:00

I love this scarf. I used the pattern from the book titled "A Fine Fleece" by Lisa Lloyd. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn, in colorway South Shore. I have been looking for a lace scarf pattern that was simple enough yet pretty. I love this one. I may make my next scarf using this pattern and a solid yarn. I bought two skeins for the scarf of 215 yards each. I used all of one and just a bit of the next skein. It turned out much longer than I thought it would after I blocked it and pinned it to dry. I would highly recommend this pattern and especially purchasing the book. It has a ton of great patterns in it.

Paul's Caught Cable Vest

2009-02-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! A promise to knit up that box of yarn from Ireland that was a late Christmas present.....finished. It was really a fun project and after knitting all those cables, I am so glad it doesn't require sleeves. Best yet, it fits him perfectly and he wore it work today. Always a good sign. I love the Black Water Abbey yarn, and the colorway, Jacob, will go with everything. He better wear it a lot. Despite the crazy photos, he really was happy with it.

I have not joined a Cult

2009-02-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

This is my hooded cabled scarf. Sorry if you cannot see the cables that well, as I knitted it in black wool yarn from my stash. Although I look like I may be a scary woman from a demonic cult, I assure you that the only cult I belong to, according to family members, is a kntting cult. Yes, that is what one of my dear daughters describes it as. Anyway, a woman has got to keep warm....

Noro Scarves Done

2009-02-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Two instead of One

Another finished project. Loved knitting these Noro Scarves and seeing the color changes. Made the first one with bold colors and the second one with softer shades. After wearing one for a Village Girls outing, I had all the fellow knitters onboard. Now we look like an elderly Harry Potter group.....strange.

2009-01-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

2009-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Cabled Hooded Scarf

Saw this pattern on Knitting Pattern Central's web site. I had some black wool yarn and decided to knit it. I chose the pattern because I have several hoodless coats and jackets and with my short hair, I thought it would keep me toasty. I now discovered why I don't knit more things in very dark colors. You need good light and no wine. By the way, I am still a novice to this blog thing, so please excuse the photos being in all different directions. Give me time and maybe my computer geek husband can give me the help I need next time.

2009-01-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Caught Cable Vest

2009-01-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Hubby,

Had planned for this vest to be a Christmas gift for my husband, Paul. Instead he received a box of yarn, pattern, and a promise to make him this lovely vest. The pattern was purchased from Black Water Abbey, along with the yarn, color is Jacob. It is a lovely brown/gray color that will go with anything. The vest is all cables and it takes some quiet time but I love the results so far.

2009-01-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Noro Scarf

Many of us at Arvada Knitter's are having a lot of fun knitting this scarf. It is easy, requires two or three (contrasting) colors of Noro, I am using Silk Garden. This is my second attempt at this scarf as the first one did not have enought contrast and the stripes ran from non distinguishable to stark black and white. Not a good look. Much more pleased with this one. It goes fast. I have yarn for a second that will have a much different colorway. Care to join our KAL?

2009-01-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

What's on the Needles

Right now, I am working on three knitting projects. Two of which have cables, I don't know if that is so wise as one can often get confused in the wee hours if that was a 4 stitch cable or a 6 stitch cable. The third is a no brainer but very fun scarf.

2009-01-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Washing Off the Evidence

Here is a better picture of Coventry in the tub at Grandma's. That night she got a bit sticky with the Christmas candy we gave them when they couldn't eat the Gingerbread tree. She's pretty cute, don't you think. Grandma's can say that.......

2009-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

The Gingerbread Tree

Here they both are putting together a Gingerbread tree. As you can see from Coventry's mouth, she has been very busy sampling the candy ornaments. They did a great job though. Unfortunately Cameron is allergic to eggs and the royal icing is loaded with it.......Don't worry, Grandma had treats on hand to compensate.

2009-01-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

Coventry's Shrug

I had purchased 4 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran months and months before I started knitting this shrug. It was initially meant to be another Debbie Bliss pattern but alas, she grew, and then so did the amount of yarn needed. So I found this pattern titled Baby Shrug in Debbie Bliss's "Simply Baby" book and knitted it instead. The challenge was finding something to wear with it, as it is a deep purple. I found this Oshkosh jumper at Target and then I added the flower embellishment to the shrug. I haven't seen it on her yet but will try and get a photo when I do. She hates the camera right now.

2009-01-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

Cameron wearing his sweater

Here is my little guy in his sweater, excuse his sometimes drifting lazy eye. One of the many challenges that Cameron has to deal with. He is a special little boy and embraces all his challenges head on. One of the reasons we love him soooooo much.

Christmas Knitting

2009-01-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Cameron's Sweater

One of the thing's I enjoy most is knitting for my grandchildren. Cameron is 4 and is allergic to many things, including wool. So I found a perfect sweater for him. It is in the Berroco Comfort DK book, the pattern on the cover, it is called Caleb. This sweater was so soft and it looked really cute on him. It was easier when he was a toddler to find cute boy patterns but this one would be perfect for that older child.

Oh my gosh, I did it.!!!!!!!!

2009-01-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

After years of remaining blogless, I decided to try. After all, it is the beginning of a New Year and it is time to complete those resolutions, even if we are a year late. I hope I remember to check in every once in awhile to put in an entry. I love reading my friends and fellow knitter's blogs, I only hope I can live up to their inspiring, humorous, and often touching entries. Wish me luck............