The joys and pains of moving...

So moving, at any time of year, is not easy. No change is. It's also a lot of work. Doing it during the holiday season, well, adds some special challenges.

This is the first Christmas since mom died that I've felt "Christmasy," and with the move, there isn't alot I can do about it until I get some things put away. We've downsized significantly, so that is taking some thought and time.

The cats love the new place, and clearly are enjoying the boxes!

Downsizing is so freeing. Stuff is a weight around ones shoulders, for sure. And the smaller, stairless house is just what my fibromyalgic body needs. I am so grateful for the provision of this home.

What, TWO YEARS later???

I haven't been here in forever. Time to get myself back into my writing groove, I think...

My knitting is continuing. I'm currently working on two active projects, and have one "hibernating." It's my Log Cabin Moderne afghan...it's big enough that working on it in the summer is just not appealing...

The active projects are some convertible mitts for Josh, the blue and green project to the left. It's a pattern taken from an old knitting book, "Mens Mittens" by Jaeger Handknits. I'm usin an Opal sock yarn that he chose.

I'm also working on a"Mara" shawl. I'm in LOVE with the yarn for that one. It's Tosh DK, and like all of Madeline Tosh's yarns, it's beautifully dyed and marvelously squooshy soft! It's a lovely red, "Tart."

I've taken up spinning since last posting. LOVE that. I began on an Ashford Scholar, Minerva, that I bought from one of the girls in my SnB group. For my last birthday, the man bought me a Kromski Sonata, and I am totally in love with her. I named her Wanda, and she allows me to spin with far less pain. I'll need to get a nice photo of her for the blog.

The latest...

So my son is off to do his thing as a roadie for Invisible Children, and since his district isn't anywhere cold, I knitted him a "sock" for his cell phone:

The pattern is free, I found it through Ravelry, the link to Smariek Knits' blog is the caption for this photo. I used leftover sock yarn from my Oak Ribbed socks. It's Regia Stretch color, I think it knitted up wonderfully in this pattern.






Four-Rib Braid I Touch Sock Pattern


I also knitted him a case for the camera he bought to document his trip:

This pattern was also free, and found through Ravelry. Doing the math for sizing took a bit of time, but from start to finish, the whole thing only took maybe 2 hours. For this one, I used leftover yarn from Josh's Camo Earflap hat. It's Red Heart in the "Woodsy" colorway. He picked the button out of my tin of my Grandma's old buttons, so he's got a camera covered in love!!! The link to the blog is also on the caption for this photo!




Free "recipe" for camera case

Currently, I am knitting a ruana for Char, to barter for haircuts, and deciding what to cast on next...I have an 2 purses that need finishing and am still working on my Log Cabin Afghan...it's simply too hot here to have it on my lap right now!!!

If you're curious about Invisible Children, I linked to them at the top of the post. If you want to follow Josh on his adventure, check out his blog: http://www.dailyleaps.blogspot.com/!

Gratuitous Cat Cuteness!

In the spirit of NOT having to title an entry with the word "overdue," I'vd simply decided to share some feline adorableness:

Sweet, sleepy Frosty

"Uh, excuse me, but could I bathe in PRIVATE????"

Come, on, you KNOW they're cute!!

The Really, REALLY overdue post...

Okay, so this time it's been nearly a year!!!

Facebook, the devourer of time, sort of took over my online life...I'm seriously considering dialing that back, if not off, and returning to the "simplicity" of the blog form of self-publication. It's just much less time consuming. No gaming and constant live chatting....though I love having gotten in touch with some folks from back in the day!

My knitting life has been fairly steady, I've finished lots of projects since my last post...

Oak Ribbed Sock from Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks"

Lichen Ribbed Sock, also from KVS

Currently, I've got these on the needles:

Waving Lace Sock from "Favorite Socks" (Interweave Press)

I'm really enjoying this sock, I'm doing it with Knit Picks Essential Kettle Dye yarn, in the Bordeaux colorway. I love this lace pattern, it's simple enough to remember, and you can find where you are in the pattern without too much trouble. Yet it's varied enough to be interesting to knit, especially since the two previous pairs wer just basic ribbed patterns. Those two were done in two different colorways of Regia Stretch sock yarn. I LOVE the Regia for wear and tear, it holds up excellently, and washes very well. The stretch factor is really nice, they have great memory and don't end up sagging when you wear them. I have two more colorways in my stash!

And miracle of miracles, neither is blue!!!

In my kitty life, sweet Beasley crossed the Rainbow Bridge to pet heaven 2 days after Christmas. He went in his sleep, after 19 long years. He was ready, and now is with my mom and his! He's missed, he added so much humor to my life. The two remaining boys are doing very well, though they've been tussling with one another more often since Beas passed. I suppose it has something to do with pecking order.

Miss Zoe is still my sweet, lovable pup, a clown as always! She's finally finished (fingers crossed!) shedding her coat out, so hopefully I won't be sweeping up hairballs the size of elephants again for a while. I swear, she should be bald!!! It's never been so much before. I think it was the strange weather as summer came on this year, lots of ups and downs in temps, which is strange for Arizona. It's usually just a steady climb to blistering heat!

Hope all is well with any and all who "stop by" to read this...with my lax posting schedule, I'm sure you are fewer and farther between.

The really overdue post!!!

Okay, it's been literally months since my last post. Life is like that sometimes. I guess I need to see if I've been kicked off any of my blog rings!

Let's see, since my last post, I've done some knitting, I made these cabled socks:

I got the pattern through Ravelry. They're called Naive Socks by SpillyJane. (PDF pattern here) My pics probably don't do my socks justice, as they were taken with my phone, still a problem. I knitted them in Opal Prisma on size 2's. The next time I do the pattern-and I will probably do it again-I would do the leg portion on 3's, as the cables really tighten up the leg and reduce elasticity.

I am really pleased with the result, though!

I also made another cat bed-the Kitty Pi from Wendy Knits. Milo has claimed it as his and sleeps in it EVERY day. Seriously. Definitely the most used cat thing I've ever knitted. The other cats haven't had a chance to lay in it even once.

Kitty Pi pre-felt-Notice Mr. Milo already staking his claim...Mi says, "My kitteh Pi!"

Blocking-I used a Tupperware cake carrier and a bunch of towels.

Look at the face!! This was taken about a minute after I finished blocking, and wanted a photo of the bed. There was no way I'd get the pic without the cat! A "Milo Pie!"

I used Paton's Classic Merino, double stranded, Worn Denim and Wedgewood colorways on size 11's. It took 1 skeins of each, and was just short of enough. Fortunately I had some in my leftovers to finish the last row or so. The eyelash was a skein from my stash-Berroco Zoom in brown.

Well, it's off to the Saturday morning Stitch n' Bitch!!!

Kitty Knits-a knitter's book review

I have the privilege of being a stop on Donna Druchunas' blog tour for her latest book, Kitty Knits. Donna is the author of another book I admire, Arctic Lace, as well as others. The book is nicely put together, with projects for cat lovers, as well as the cats themselves. I love the variety of skill level available, as well as the variety of knitting styles. Like Donna, I love all sorts of knitting, from lace to felting! There are lots of pictures, clear instructions, and even cat poetry!!! I was hoping to interview Donna herself here, but it didn't work out. She did some Q & A on some of the other stops on her blog tour-links to those are on her webpage.

Here's Donna, with her cats, Dee Dee and Uno:

In my previous post, I mentioned the first project I completed from Kitty Knits, the Felted Catnip mouse. It's a hit, and so fun and easy, I'll be making another-especially since Milo and Frosty are both in love with it.

Milo and the Mouse!

Frosty loves it, too...clearly I'll be making another!

The second project I made from the book is the Bull's Eye Cat bed. It's one of 3 different cat beds in the book, all of which are really adorable! This one most closely resembled a commercial bed that the boys all love, so I chose it. Since it's been on the chair-even before finishing it, it's been occupied regularly! It's worked in the round, in 2 pieces, and stuffed with some batting! It's a fairly simple pattern, good for learning increases and knitting in the round. Again I substituted the called-for yarn with something from my stash. I used up the RH acrylic from the bass hat project, but did buy the novelty yarn. The bed is definitely a hit with the boys, all three have used it, though Frosty uses it most. It sets off his blue eyes nicely!!!!

Early stages-notice Milo already checking it out!

Here it is just prior to stuffing

Stuffed and Finished!

Occupied!!!!

My next project from the book, though, will have to be for me-the Peruvian Cat Lace Scarf!! Beautiful.

I definitely enjoyed the book, and would recommend it! Thanks to Donna, and to her publisher, Martingale and Company, for allowing me to preview the book!!!

Book Tour Delay...

Donna Druchunas' interview IS coming...it's just a bit delayed. I love the Kitty Knits Book...here's a preview of one project:

Frosty with his Felted Catnip Mouse

This was a terrific project...it knitted up in about an hour to an hour and a half. It's knitted in one piece, beginning at the tail. It was my first foray into knitting bobbles...a great introduction, since there are only 2!

As you can see, it met with cat approval. Milo also likes it. And, as with every toy, Zoe likes it, too. (In Zoe-land, ALL toys are dog toys, and ALL dog toys are for her!)

Catnip Party! A cool new toy for Zoe...knitting, of course!

Frosty "under the influence."

Milo, enjoying the sun, and feeling "nippy!"

Talk about cheap entertainment. Formula: a new container of Cosmic Catnip, and to nip crazed kitties!! Sprinkle a bit on the carpet, and watch 'em go! Beasley didn't join in the fun. Not because he's a senior citizen, but because he's just never been much of a catnip guy. I wonder what that's about??

I got to go to coffee yesterday with my good friend, Kim, who is a knitter, and a HUGE dog lover. She has two Border Collie boys, who are as much her sons as her own, human son. She was thoughtful enough to bring me a present for Zoe. It's a nifty dog toy called a Pooch Ball. I have had so much fun watching Zoe try to figure out how to get the ball out of the tube. She got it once, but hasn't yet made the connection as to how. Here's a pic:

"How do I get this thing out of here????"

As for my knitting, I've got the Bulls-eye cat bed from Kitty Knits underway, using some leftover yarn from the Bass Section Hats. I bought a skein of Paton's allure to make the outside edge fuzzy. I got it with a 40% off coupon at Michael's, so the bed has only cost me about $3 so far. I'll have to buy some batting, which I'll do with another coupon. Since I'm on a tight budget right now, and trying to do some destashing, the projects from the book so far have been great! Though I'd love to do the 2 scarves...and...well, I'll save all that for the 16th!

A Kitty Burrito...

Yet another installment in the "Cute Kitty Sleeping" photo series...

Naomi and boyfriend, Anthony, noticed that Beasley was cold a day or two ago, and thought he would enjoy being tucked in. I'm sure he was fine in the donut bed, but apparently didn't mind, as once he was wrapped, he stayed this way for some time!!!

Just wait until I knit up the Bulls Eye Bed from the Kitty Knits book. He should be extra cozy!!!! Don't forget to stop by for the Book Tour!!!

Sunday Funny

My favorite part of the Sunday paper has always been the "funnies." AKA the comic strips. I guess that means I'm not as mature as my age might suggest, who knows?

Anyhow, I was surfing the Ravelry boards this morning, and found a link to this kitty manifesto. It's on the James S. Huggins Refrigerator Door site. Which I'd never heard of, but which has lots of diffferent "goodies." Cat lovers, don't tell your kitties you've read it...that might cause a kitty uprising! Enjoy:)

I know, I know, It's about time!!!

Here's the latest in the photograph series, "Cute Kitty Sleeping." I have a million, but never can resist taking one more! We were snuggling and watching the news last night! I was taking a bit of a break from knitting the handle on Char's purse. Here it is all knitted up (except for maybe 5 more inches on the handle:

Once I join the completed handle, oh, and add the pocket, it's of to the washer for felting, and then I just have to pick a lining fabric and decide on a closure. I'm thinking magnetic snap right now.

I think I managed to get a bit better lighting to show the colors. I'm happy with them, hopefully Char will be, too!

I also knitted up my first project from the Kitty Knits book. This is a mouse from the Felted Catnip Mice pattern. I couldn't wait to go out to buy yarn, so I used some leftover Paton's Classic Merino from some slippers I made a year or so ago.



Here he is pre-felt:

And while drying post-felting:





Sorry for the bad lighting. On the day of the Book Tour, I'll post him in all his stuffed, nose and eye-having glory. He was really fun and fast to knit...all in one piece. It took me maybe an hour or so to knit! Very easy and good practice on some techniques.


I'm so excited just a few days, and Ron is home from Fiji. I have a countdown to his return to the right of the posts!!!

Well...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Hope everyone will have a wonderful, love-filled day!!

Kitty Knits Book Tour...I'm flying solo for awhile.

I'm really excited, as this blog gets to be part of Donna Druchunas' book tour for her new book, Kitty Knits. March 16th I'll have a blog "interview" with Donna, and discuss the book. I'll let everyone know what project I'm working on, and my review of the book, as well. Here's Donna's website!

Milo is voting that I do a bed, because he and Beasley are always in competition for this one:

And of course, no store-bought, fake fleece bed could ever compare to a beautiful, hand knitted one made by his own personal servant! I think he might like it to be a bit bigger, too.

Frosty seconds that:

Methinks the basket is a wee bit too tiny to contain the kitty cuteness!!!

I'm continuing to make progress on Char's Purse. I've put on about 10 rows since this picture was taken. (Sorry for the poor color...it's tough with the camera phone and such a dark color!) It's a fun, quick knit, what with it being double-stranded and worked in the round. It's a good companion to my Log Cabin Blanket, as it's a quicker project, and in stockinette rather than garter. Kind of breaks up any monotony!

Ron flew off to Fiji with the Vision Abolition team on Saturday. I posted a countdown 'til his return. I'm thrilled for the work he's been called to over there, it's just hard being without him for such a long stretch. Though if I think of all the military wives, I have no complaints! I miss him already!

Super Tuesday! A Rainbow Day!

It was a soggy day in the desert yesterday, but when I looked out my back door late in the afternoon, I was blessed to see this rainbow! As always, I could wish for a bit better picture quality, but since I use my camera phone for my digitals, this is as good as it gets! It was a full rainbow, something that still inspires awe in me.

I am continuing to progress in my Log Cabin Afghan...I try to do at least a few rows each day. I got quite a bit done during the first half of the Superbowl. The second half was too exciting to look away from, so I put it down. I really don't like frogging, so I avoid it when I can.

I am posting a photo of the yarn for Char's Purse. I'm going to gradually stripe from the purple on the bottom to the teal at the top. I think I'm going to use the variegated for a pocket. I'm casting on today. I think it will work up fairly quickly, as it is double-stranded and uses 15's. I haven't done anything felted in a long time, so it will be fun.

It's Super Tuesday, so exercise your right to vote!!!

My "I voted" sticker!

A Good Movie, A Good Weekend, and other Good Stuff

Seems like forever since I posted...other than kitteh photos;)

It rained all day yesterday, which we really need, but the cold and damp really make my fibro flare. So achy. Yuck.

Ron and I had a really nice weekend. He took me to see 27 Dresses Saturday night-I loved it! A really funny and sweet romantic comedy, and I even liked the ending! If my opinion matters, I'd recommend it!

I picked out the yarn for Char's purse-I'm using Lion Wool in Dark Teal, Purple, and Ocean Blues (variegated). I'm using a pattern from the Bag-a-holic Yahoo group I belong to. It's called Knot Sew Hobo Bag. It's a felted bag, very simple, but I think I'll add an outside pocket. I've posted a pattern picture.I'm going to do the larger version, add some sort of button, and line it.

Work on my LCM afghan is coming along nicely, I'm still working on the fourth color-block, it's about halfway done. Pretty soon it's going to be too big to carry around easily, so it will be good to get my New England Socks and/or Char's bag OTN. I really need to do both...especially if I want to keep up with my knitting resolutions...I'll get a new photo of my progress soon. I'll have to use Ron or Naomi's camera, and maybe do it outside, it's getting too big for my phone camera, plus I'd like a nicer representation of the colors.

Vote for Frosty!

Okay, I loved the icanhascheezburger.com site so much, I decided to make my own pic.
Here it is:


moar funny pictures

If you go to the link, you can vote for Frosty, and he might make the front page!!! Come on, you know you wanna!! As they say on the site: hez a kewt kitteh!

Be Afraid...

This was so cute, I absolutely HAD to share:


moar funny pictures

Bask in the cuteness!

The latest on the LCM. Milo the Adorable!

I just couldn't resist sharing the adorableness! This is Milo's favorite, "Pet me, worship me, see how adorable I am..." pose.

Notice the buttons on his fur coat? Very proper. He is, of course, the royalty of the house. Very regal, and very easily irritated by the dog, and the other cats if they throw off his "groove."

In the knitting portion of my life, my Log Cabin Moderne is moving right along. As you can see from this photo, it has received approval from Frosty. I took this picture maybe an hour ago, and he seems to have taken up permanent residence. The sun has moved onto it, so he's in cat heaven. I want to work on it, but haven't figured out how to get it back! So it's a "2 Tails Up" for the LCM!


I've begun the fourth block, if you look to the right, you can see a bit of the dark blue. I think the colors are coming along well. So far I'm happy with the yarn overall. It has a nice hand for an acrylic. Much softer than the Red Heart I used for the Bass Section hats. I guess the real test will be how it wears with washing.

I have a new project to add to my list, I need to find a cute bag pattern to make for my pal, Char. She's willing to trade haircuts for knitting. I knew this hobby would payoff someday!!!:) If anyone reading this has any good suggestions for a medium to large bag, especially a nice felted one, send it my way!

LCM coming along!!

So, here's my progress on my Log Cabin Moderne as of last night. I wish the photo gave a better idea of the colors, it's really dark. The brown is a lighter taupe than you see, and the blue is also quite a bit lighter.

I love picking up the stitches, it looks so nice on the front, and saves me from a million years of finishing. I'm weaving in the ends (so very few ends, foolish grin) as I go. So when I'm done, I'm done! I'm telling you, those Mason-Dixon gals know what they are doing.

Of course, being on Ravelry as I am, I've found another afghan pattern I want to do...this one, of course, will require much assembly....it's called Circles to Squares. I saw it done in a completely different color scheme on Ravelry, and it was GORGEOUS. Each square was done differently, instead of the same color scheme, and it reminded me a bit of the Babette Blanket. How many afghans can a person do in a year????? And still get my knitting list done??? And of course TYF keeps offering classes I want to take...like the Einstein Coat. Sigh. What's a poor pattern and yarn addicted girl to do?