AA Knitting

I've got to get more of this yarn - I think it's STR Fairgrounds - but it is so so cute - it would make the best baby sweater! It's from the Traveling Stash. I'm making short socks for M2 now and am sure there will be enough left over for me too. Watching the Academy Awards was fun - I've got to see The Queen!

Thanks for all the painting ideas. Ann - I've used that technique before and it works. In this case the green doesn't work - so am looking at carmel or muted gold or I don't know. It'll take me weeks to figure it out - and lots of test spots. The other main room in the house is a Golden Ecru - which I love - but want to be a little brighter in here. Then of course there is the hall - and it's 6 doors - Oh I dread the doors! When I moved in here 12 years ago we painted almost everything - but not the doors in the hallway - so there's no escaping it this time. I have two more bedrooms to paint too - The joys of homeownership!!

Remix

These are the remix of my folk socks - added another pattern before the toe - to make them longer and then redid the first sock to match - so now I have new socks for me - hurray!! I think I have enough yarn left from these and some other left overs to do a fun pair of stripped socks - wild but fun.

Other remixes were completed today also - M3 daughter rearranged her room and we moved some furniture around - also made a big pile for the thrift store. Washed her canopy and curtians in my office - oh my gosh they look crisp and wonderful. Also slapped a test paint color on the window trim while the curtains were down - I was trying for a sage green - but don't like it. It's too washed out and dreary looking. I'm having trouble coming up with the correct color - will keep trying things out. The room needs a repaint - want something colorful that will still be light - there are big windows in here - I love the natural light. Maybe a carmel color? I hate picking colors!!!

Tonight is new sock night - just a pair of short socks for M2 - a good project while watching the Academy Awards.

Hope everyone has a great week - they keep saying it's going to snow here - and although we've had flashes of rain and hail for really short moments - I doubt we'll get much. Have tomorrow off so it doesn't matter!

Dream Knit Peace

Had to share

I had to share this story - although I'm sure most of you will be in tears.
Middle daughter is part of a Sparrow Club - where they adopt a local child in need. This young man was the schools Sparrow last year. In the past few days his family was told he only will live another few weeks. His wish has always been to graduate from High School - so tonight they are holding a special graduation ceremony for him - community leaders, family, classmates - the works.
I can't imagine the agony that he and his family are going through. But what a wonderful thing the High School is doing. Knowing this community, the auditorium will be packed. My heart goes out to them all.

These pictures are a little washed out - sorry. I spent the afternoon repairing. The top sock - Cherry Tree Hill yarn now has new toes. I was just going to darn it (pun intended) but decided to re-knit both toes. Notice how crisp the new stitches are and how fuzzy the rest of the foot is? The bottom sock my newest -STR - only washed a few times and it is fuzzy too. (No repair on this one) They both lost their stitch definition - the dryer I think is the culprit....any ideas? The color seems to lose it's brilliance too. I think we're going to skip the dryer from now on.

Also fixed heel blow out on two other pairs - so now I have a drawer full of socks again. So far my Trekking XXL has held up the best - no fuz, no holes. Also my very first wearable socks - Opal - are in great shape and they are at least 4 years old. No fuzz there either.

I'd be interested to hear from all of you what your experience has been with durability...let me know.

Beautiful evening here - the last for awhile I'm afraid - we're going to get the big snow this week I hear - we'll see.

Life has been pretty boring and ordinary around here the last two weeks. Last weekend I planned all this cleaning - but then put it off because I expected to work - but didn't - so knit on this instead. From Folk Socks. Molly gave me this last summer and finally I had some concentrated time. I wanted to do some stranded color work before tackling a big sweater. The knitting was fine - although I did add the cuff - they would have been way too short otherwise....wish I had added another series of something to the foot - they are a little short for me. When I am finished with the second sock we'll see what colors I have left and maybe I'll take out the first one. I'm not thrilled with the heel - afterthought - I think it's a little messy. Had to cinch up the corner holes when I wove in all those ends. I practiced hiding the jog - need more practice (I didn't show you that side) but it will work for socks. I find Nanette's blog so helpful and inspiring.

This has been an interesting week - eldest daughter decided to withdraw from college - just feels it is too stressful and she panics and in turn doesn't get her work done. I feel bad because I doubt she'll go back. A lost investment. She plans to work hard this spring and possibly move to Colorado this summer. She has a friend there and there is plenty of employment opportunities. It is time for mom to let her be herself I guess - I tend to enable her I think - I'm always sending her a few dollars more. That's the deal - in school I'll help all I can -otherwise don't expect it - she is doing really well and definitely has been very happy the last 4 months or so - I have been so excited for her. It has been like having a new daughter. So hopefully this will be a good path for her.

Spent all day yesterday shampooing the carpets - it was back breaking and gross work - I had no idea they were so bad. I'm going to do it again in a few months - I was still pulling out dirty water. But it sure looks better - I was amazed. Exhausted afterwards - afraid I wouldn't stay awake for Gray's Anatomy - I can't believe Meredith would really die - can't eliminate the main character can you?

The weather is predicted to be nice tomorrow - so maybe a walk is in the day - but am having a new hair day in the morning so we'll see. There will be plenty of time for knitting - oh have been working a lot on the Celtic Sweater again - really need to get it off my plate.

Hope everyone is surviving the cold east coast - we've been there done that and I'm sure we all will again.

Knit Peace

65 and a Warm Breeze!

Alpaca - wanting to go for a walk with us Can you guess what the above is?

Sunday Sky along the Deschutes
Yes, it was 65 degrees out - a warm breeze and just beautiful - in February no less! In Central Oregon. Molly and I went for a good walk - the dog is now totally exhausted - I was a little concerned because she kept trying to go for a good swim - luckily she is pretty smart and realized the current was really swift so didn't venture very far out. I doubt she'll move much more this afternoon.

A good time was had by all - (Marianne was too exhausted from Dancing the night away!) Now that dinner dessert brownies are baking and the Super Bowl is on - its time to put in a movie and knit!

Knit Peace
(So how do I get SOME of this text to be centered and the rest to be not - I tried highlighting just the bottom part and left justifying it - but then the whole thing is that way....gurrr)

STR and Beautiful Young Women

Oh my gosh - how fast they grow up!!

I like em!

Blogger....

I'm not liking this Google-blogger stuff - I never know what name to use as my sign on - Old blogger or New Google. I hate using my email address to sign on places - I'm getting lots more junk mail! I've thought about getting a gmail account - but then what happens to my hotmail account used to sign into everything.....When I try to comment on another blog I have to sign in again - blogger or google?
What I really wish Blogger would fix is this tiny edit window for posts - How can I make something look good if I can't see it - doesn't matter if you switch to Preview - you still can't see where the pictures are. Sorry I'm just ranting.
Very Very cold freezing fog today - my feet are ice. Since I'm working at home tonight - here at the desk - my feet are really going to freeze - I think the coldest place in the house is under my desk - OK enough complaining.
Later I can knit and finish my socks. I was thinking that STR is so wonderful - could I knit a sweater? It would drape, be comfortable and take forever. But it's something I'm going the investigate...know any patterns for such? OK I know there are still UFO on my plate - I'm getting there. Finish the socks and back to the sweater and one scarf for quick work....what a plan.
Knit Peace! (This is my new slogan - it says so much, to me anyway!)

Did I paint? Nope - paint was rock hard and the paint store wasn't open today...stupid to not check the supply first.

But - I did cook - this great receipe for Lasagna from Sunset Magazine. It was a long time stirring - but really good. I think I'd add a quarter more ingrediants to the Ragu sauce - but it was really good for a cold day!.

Knitting? Well yes - I'm back to my STR socks..wish the colors came out better in this photo because they are really cool - I can't remember but I think they are Highland....

Pumpkin had a rough day too - sun seeking.

I actually worked today too - I'm scanning pictures to make a design book to present to the land owners of a new development. These are ideas for what the Clubhouse will look like - pictures come from here (all three) and here. My boss is designing it - but will have furnishing like these in the books. Really great for this area. It's fun looking at all the great places. Here I am copying pictures from Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone - and I get a call from my buddy in Montana - asking about if she can knit mittens from the sock yarn I gave her for Christmas - and guess where she is....here. I am so jealous. It is such a spectacular building...and the location isn't bad either - what fun.

Remember this....

Well now it's this...

I just wasn't liking the first one - so out it went. I've learned a big lesson with this one - never knit stranded unless you are knitting in the round - I just can't do a nice edge (nice enough for sewing seams) going back and forth....they don't look bad - but they don't look good either - too messy. How do you turn and not have too much yarn that your were carrying? I did do the sleeves in the round - wish I'd done the whole thing that way - better to do raglan sleeves too - so much easier. The sleeve seams do look good. I had a ton of ends to deal with too and I was afraid I was going to run out of yarn - but had just enough. Sweater is more toddler than baby size - but it will be great for next fall-winter. Speaking of which - winter was over here...we had a few great days. I was planning on a good walk on Thursday but put it off because I had work for my second job. Then Friday we had freezing fog - it's still here - go away...I was really enjoying the sunshine. And really looking forward to a good walk with the dog on the Deschutes, we have a favorite spot that is a short but perfect walk.

Since it looks like I'm not walking tomorrow either, I'm getting the paint brush out. The finish carpenter was here on Friday - cleaning up the mess the tile guy left in November. He laid a nice oak strip between the new tile and the old carpet - looks great. And he did a project that involved building a new wall to cover up the raw heating duct that had been gracing the entry way for the last 10 years. So tomorrow I get to repaint. Then my little remodel will be finished. I ran out of money before the new refrigerator found it's way to my kitchen - but I still am pleased with the results.

Since painting will not take up the entire day - I also hope to reorganize my knitting storage corner - I've got too much stuff just lying around. You know - patterns open, books open, yarn boxes open - etc. While I'm there I'll look for another stash busting project...I've got a niece who could use a IPod cover for her upcoming birthday - or maybe a pirate hat if I can find the right colors.

Oh yes - I've still got two scarves, a sweater and a pair of socks for me on the needles. Maybe I'll get to one of them too - you just never know what Sunday may bring. I actually have paid work to do also - darn I forgot about that!

Oh look what the mail man brought me.....from Julia.....I am so appreciative!! It is a beautiful book full of inspiring sweaters. I'll have to do some pattern adjustments as these may be a little snug for my advanced age figure!! (What happened to Weight Watchers you ask...don't). But I'd sure like to try one of these. Will add to my wish list.

Warmer here today - might get past 30!! But haven't done much knitting - but tonight is good TV so will get working on the sleeves for the Toddler sweater.

Have the day off and I accomplished a ton - FASFA forms and taxes all completed....I will get a smaller refund - (Darn those daughters for getting older)...maybe it will have to go to stash enhancement - imagine that!

The Gems of the Cascades - The Three Sisters and Broken Top
Cabin in Camp Sherman today - where I used to spend my summers
View across the Metolius River

Yep it's cold but we do know how to get around. I'm sure you've all seen the news clips of the car sliding into numerous others in Portland yesterday. The driver is a friend of my fathers and my neices happened to be there and witnessed the whole progression and called 911 - while the other Adults were busy calling thier insurance companies! Driver is OK - has huge gash on his head I hear. The girls comments were "The EMT's were so HOT!"

Portland panics in the snow. But here we are used to it.

The pictures above were all taken today - the mountains are my morning view while driving to work - too bad!!

Yes - I do knit....will have pictures soon. Am working on my STR socks FOR ME! And on a bright blue baby sweater - which is turning out toddler size - OK with me!

All is well!

Cold Cold and more cold

Last Friday morning - Minus 12 degrees - full sun and beautiful

Friday afternoon - going over the pass - icy and challenging
Today - coming home. Mt. Washington. Beautiful drive

Spent the weekend with daughter in Eugene - gosh it was cold there too - usually the Willamette Valley is a banana belt - not now - there is snow on the ground and it is coooold! Here at home on the east side of the Cascades my thermometer in the shade now says minus 5!!! It can't be that cold, but that's what is says. Edited: If I'd learn to tell the difference between C and F it would be better - try 20 degrees - it's cold but not that cold.

I hear the midwest is really suffering - Ann - am thinking about you! Power? Trees? Have been through lots of freezing rain like that growing up in Portland - I remember listening to the trees cracking under the weight of the ice - scary!

Did a little yarn browsing while in Eugene - visited a new shop - but didn't purchase anything - do I get a gold star? Didn't even knit while there. Had a great visit and did lots of other shopping. I so enjoy spending time with my kids!

Middle daughter had some wonderful news while I was gone - she got her financial award offer from Linfield - extremely generous - she can go and not have to have a full-time job and borrow money too.....I am so proud of her - most of the award is based on academic achievement - which she so deserves. I am a lucky mom to have three successful and productive kids....I have to pinch myself sometimes. I am doin the happy dance!

Who needs more socks?

This was just too good to pass up!

Camp Sherman Journey

The famous Camp Sherman bridge - HUGE fish that love bread wait for treats
My office - upstairs
View from the window - sorry for the flash
Camp Sherman Community Hall
The Woods.

Lots of snow today - everywhere - very icey here at home - and I'm going over the pass on Friday? We'll see!

Forgot the camera

No snow pictures - forgot the camera. But we're under a winter snow warning for tonight - so maybe tomorrow.
Instead - The Family....My Kids Christmas Eve above and all the Kids Christmas morning below. They've grown up way to fast!

Winter is here again - yesterday it poured - more rain than the High Desert usually receives in any month - then last night it froze and it snowed. The drive to Camp Sherman this morning was very snowy and it snowed out there all day. It was so beautiful - must remember my camera. Again - I thought I was finished with driving on snowy roads. But the slow time gives me a chance to plan and reflect -

So in 2006 I completed:
6 pairs of socks
3 scarves
1 hat
2 pairs of gloves
4 iPod covers
18 wash-dish cloths
1 bag

I started but didn't complete:
I pair Nordic mittens
Celtic Sweater
Little Lace scarf
Wave scarf
STR Socks

All of which I plan on finishing ASAP......
Mittens are 2/3rds done
Celtic Sweater back finished and fronts started - both together on single needle
Little Lace scarf - long way to go
Wave Scarf - 1/4 finished?
STR Socks - 2nd sock on the needles (I started these to have a Christmas traveling project)

I also have to knit a baby sweater this month (baby came early) -all is OK
and another iPod cover - with a Pirate design - fun.

I'd like to do a sweater for both daughters and of course get socks started for next Christmas.....see Abigail's plan.

Looking at all the other accomplishments - mine is pale in comparison! Everyone does so much! I just plod along and get done what I can. I do need to start and complete some 'big' projects - like those sweaters. I will, I will! And I want to do socks with some complicated stuff....I've got lots of patterns stashed so that shouldn't be too difficult. The projects I haven't finished are for me - so of course they get put by the wayside pretty easily - but it's now my turn!

By the way - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash has left Oregon and headed east....which could be anywhere!! I won't tell! Enjoy.

If I remember my camera I'll get some snow pictures tomorrow - it is so pretty.
ttfn and knit on!

Let’s first establish that I do have my priorities straight! I arrived home, after a wonderful Christmas Holiday with my family, late afternoon on Wednesday. My neighbor who had taken care of the animals had kindly brought a big box into the house for me --- Yea the Traveling Stash had arrived!! I opened it as soon as the car was empty – before laundry, food, thank you notes, almost before heat…..what a stash. So many interesting things…I loved looking at all the patterns and took two sock patterns for upcoming projects.

I put in enough Lopi for a child sweater, a couple of Happy Trails, two Knit Picks Essential, a Lorna’s Laces, some Hot Sox, two Kid n Ewe, some really old green something that’s been sitting around way to long and a beaded row counter – this is my ‘must have’ tool – it is wonderful for circular knitting.

I took out the red Wildfoote, two green Some Assembly Required, the STR and an Anne.

I’m ready for next Christmas knitting! The box is full – actually stuffed – with lots of interesting stuff – enjoy!

Christmas was grand – I really enjoyed being with all the family. My favorite cousins and their families joined us for Christmas Eve, so there were 21 of us for dinner. A big crowd to all sit down – but what fun. We ranted and cried about our Dads (brothers) who weren’t present, laughed over memories of childhood Christmases together and toasted our Moms who did way more than we do!!! Christmas Day was spent with my sibling’s families – we had a great time – enjoying the children, playing National Park Monopoly, telling stories, watching movies and eating all day. Good Times! Because there are three teenage girls – we had to go shopping the next day. Wasn’t as hectic as I remember.

We came home on Wednesday – a long snowy drive with lots of traffic over Mt. Hood – lots of blowing snow – it was not fun. I’m off this week so have lots of chores to do. Time for taxes, the FAFSA for both girls (Oh yea – M3 got accepted to Linfield – go Wildcats!!), all the year end chores – like organize my knitting stuff.

I’m going to inventory my completed projects and really work on those WIP that are sitting around. Of course I had to start a new pair of socks since I received my new Celtic Swan DP’s just before Christmas – had to take a project with me!! Duh!! I love them!! I did get a gift card for the LYS but am going to wait a while before I cash it in. The Traveling Stash has filled my need for more at the moment!

Hope everyone enjoys the New Year's Celebrations!

Too Cool

This is Wrapping Paper - how cool is that!!














Socks with my label - cool too.

But the best cool is my Celtic Swan needles that came yesterday from The Loopy Ewe. They are amazing and the best knitting gift I've ever given myself - I deserve it!

It's coming.....

It's on it's way
Hurray