Elizabeth Knits

2011 knitting completed

2012-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

2011--Some my own design, some not

Some I have no photos Socks, scarfs, etc

I know the shows on the needles but it is complete, My daughter is wearing it as I type ..yarn from String in Manhattan, bulky Italian Cashmere, the most wonderful feeling yarn I have ever knit!!!

Also completed Vogue Caplet in Debbie Bliss Wool

Stash busting!!

2012-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

I joined a site that is stash busting and here is the link, you may be interested in doing the same.
The Destash Challenge

Last year I decided to knit every pattern in Knit One, Knit All by Elizabeth Zimmerman using all stash yarns (see previous posts) and although Holiday gift knitting postponed that project, I am back on track.

Another use of my stash----A few weeks ago I just happened to stop at one of the local yarn shops, Sonoma Yarn and a guest author was presenting a trunk show that afternoon..so happy about this show, but had to wait a while. So it was off to lunch at The Hacienda for my favorite fish taco..then back for the show.

The author is Sandra McIver and she is absolutely a genius..her book knit, swirl is beautiful and the designs are lovely. The most amazing thing is that one size sweater fit perfectly on women of various sizes!! One young lady, who had to be a size 2, tried on a swirl and then another woman put the exact same swirl on (she was at least 6 inches taller and many sizes larger) and the sweater hung and draped perfectly on her also!!! It was just amazing. I don't think I would have believed how gorgeous the sweaters looked if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Take a look at the designs. knit, swirl
After much swatching and combining yarns, I choose to use Melody by JOJOland (purchased at the Adventures in Knitting event in Provincetown Mass in 2010) and a silk and merino yarn from A Touch of Twist (purchased in Rhinebeck 2009) At this point I have about 5 welts done, mind you I cast on over 650 stitches!!!

Loving Rhinebeck

2011-10-24T03:18:00.001-07:00

NYS sheep and Wool festival, what a wonderful weekend. The company, Donna, and the weather was perfect. we packed alot into a short period of time, cooking demo, watching the chopsticks fastest knitter contest, sheep shearing, dog fresbie players, and of course yarn browsing.

Home Grown

2011-09-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Back to gardening ..it's been a long time. Probably lost my desire to work in the garden about 6 years ago, knowing that there would be that long distance move and that the house would be sold. We had a beautiful garden, by the way, it was mostly perenials or self seeders..so the iris, delphinians, lavender, cosmos, tulips and carnations continue to bloom

Cardigan Knit one knit all Adding the front and collar

2011-08-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

This project is really working up much faster then expected. Back is on the stitch holder and collar is worked on the circular needles.

It this point the front side and back are knit together at the same time that the collar is added.

Notice the I cord binding which is knit in all at the same time and the collar. Now to begin the left side.

The needle to pointing to the front side and I corded buttonholes.

From Fleece to Wool I Hope!!

2011-08-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

So now to spin. A friend has Dorset sheep with lovely coats. She asked if I'd like the wool and since I had the time (who I'm I kidding) thought it would be a fun thing to do. Wash, comb, card and spin some wool... Well at least some of the washing is complete... the wonder of the Internet, enabling me to watch a video teaching me how to cleanse the fleece while I was washing it. Mind you I have done this before on a teeny tiny scale. When in college my Primitive Weaving course began with the professor handing each of us a handful of unwashed fleece..from which we were expected to create a finished product, all using primitive tools.. even had to make our own spindles and loom. Loved the project back then, but I can see that this is going to be a lot to do...why now that I look at this beautiful white wool ...I'm realizing I'm going to have a TON of yarn!!!

Enjoying the craft and workmanship

2011-08-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to crochet a bedspread. Crochet is where my interest in fiber began. It always seemed such a task..yet I have the materials in my stash. This is not my work, bit it is lovely and a wonderful bargain ..less then $20 at a local garage sale.. It needed a touch of loving care, delicately washed and sun dried. There are a few loose chains that need repair, but overall this is a beautiful piece. Ecru in color and not a mark on it. Probably stored in a cedar chest waiting for a special guest to visit. I decided a few years ago that nothing should be tucked away waiting to be enjoyed. So out came the silver (a gift from my brother) and any other items in my cedar chest that could be used and enjoyed everyday. This coverlet is laying across my quest room bed. I'm just waiting for my guests.

Knit One Knit All #4

2011-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Total pink and bulky --This next hat is shaped with shortrows and will be woven together top to bottom. (notice the blue yarn, that's the provisional cast on) What is really nice about working in the Bulky yarn is that no short row holes can be seen, and that's even without knitting the wrapped stitch. A super quick project- this is the work of one afternoon.

The top of the hat is on the left and you can see the levels where the hat increased in size across the right side and the middle (center of photo) less increased

Last week was a knitting week!

2011-08-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

Noro Silk for Katie

Knit straight (I tend you use circular needles not matter what I knit--I never drop a needle this way!)

Moebius using Opal yarn (lace weight) I used Cat Bordhi's book Treasure of Magical Knitting for the pattern..just getting used to calculating cast on stitches. It always seems that the circumference is larger then expected for me.

Scarfs,wraps and hats

2011-07-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

The last week has been filled with projects.. Finished projects
Entrelac noro silk cowl
Vogue caplet in wool
A moebius wrap in variegated Opal sockenwole. Photos to follow

Also started the third K1, knit all hat...may fingers are working at super speed

Knit One, Knit All Fall cardigan

2011-07-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

As I said I will be working on two projects at a time for this sojourn through this wonderful book. My Vogue capelet is finished (just featured on a Yarnmarket email, as soon as it is blocked a bit I will post the photos.), now it's time to begin another large garment.

I had planned on knitting a cardigan with this yarn anyway. The main portion will be knit in Knit Picks City Tweed DK. This blend of merino wool, supefine alpaca and donegal tweed, feels wonderful in my hands. What I really like about this particular design is that I will be able to do some minor shaping so that this cardigan will not have a boxy look and the button holes are so cool, Icord again. The other consideration is the contrasting panel..I may consider a knitted pattern of some type instead of a color change for this portion of the sweater... Just have to wait and see. Above you can see what I have knit so far. Now to choose my second project .. maybe one of the glove patterns.....

ko,ka #2 the brim

2011-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

So once I sewed the tapered side together, the hat looked very strange to me. Adding the border and brim was very easy and this is where I feel you have the flexibility to make the hat longer.

Knitting in the design, I choose light olive and turquoise and then used the green for the brim. this part is knit in the round (my favorite way to knit) and again the use of icord for finishing really gives this a rich look.

Knit One Knit All #2

2011-07-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

I decided to take the liberty to skip to any pattern I choose during this endeavor..so I am knitting the Single Border Hat , page 15. Again I read over the pattern instructions and wondered how is this going to work.. but of course it does because Elizabeth Zimmerman is genius!! Using Paton's Merino wool (from my stash) I cast on the required stitches and knit away..

Love the spiral affect

Still did not get the look of the hat?

Finishing the caplet

2011-07-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of the edging on the caplet. Only 8 more repeats to go!!!

Blogging from my IPad...

2011-07-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

Don't know if I mentioned I have an I Pad..absolutely love it..you down download patterns, knitting apps and now seems that I can blog from anywhere...now I know thus should not be such an amazing thing to me but somehow my tech brain has been on a long vacation thinking about knitting and hypnosis instead...well let see if this really works for me...hey where can I add photos????. Whew the spell check?? This may be a problem!!!!

So spelling is definitely going to be a problem ..plus the keyboard high-jacks my intended words

Knit One Knit All --One down more to follow

2011-07-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

The first project in Elizabeth Zimmerman's wonderful book Knit One, Knit All is complete. The Spiral Hat (yarn Cascade 220 super wash)

Knitting an I-cord and creating a fabric (piece) at the same time is pure genius

I found during the construction of the hat that by changing the way I picked up the side stitch the look of the join changed.

Sometimes I knit two stitches together from the front, or the back or I would pick up a stitch with out knitting it and yarn over.

You may be able to see the effect on the spiral above the outside edge. It's only a slight difference.
For my next project I'm going to take notes on everything I do or adjust. What an innovator Eliz Z is .....I love this technique and can see using it to attach I-cord to any project easily.. what a great way to add a hem!!!

I'd like to knit this piece again using a different yarn, something with a little mohair or angora.

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

We have a few Yarn Bombers here in Sonoma..but of all that has been done in the past this is outstanding!!! Even the hub caps are knit!!!!

Lavender Field

2011-07-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Everyday I look out my window and see the mountains and gorgeous blue sky (almost every day). Sunday I was fortunate enough to travel North up the highway to Kenwood and visit the Sonoma Lavender Festival. It was a lovely day. The fields were in full bloom and the lavender was ready to be picked. My first visit was to the chocolate shop --lavender infused truffles...absolutely delicious and then for a hand massage with lavender salt rub and lotions... there were cooking demonstrations and authorities in lavender cultivation giving presentations, it was a perfect day. Lavender is healing and soothing..great to use creams on those knitting hands

sneak peak

knit in public day

2011-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful day in the Sonoma Plaza Rose Garden.. The park was filled with children playing, birthday parties and tourists...the sun was shining and although the wind picked up it was a perfect day..life doesn 't get any better.. Photos to follow

The sweater Ella

2011-06-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Finally finished all the last touches, and in this case that means sewing on the buttons... Oh about the buttons I searched and searched all the shops for the best button and low and behold the perfect buttons were in my button box.

Swirls!!!! with the exact same colors !!

Plan on posting to ravelry ElizSCknits pattern and all..

So it begins -- Knit One Knit All Pattern #1

2011-06-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

Knit One Knit All Chambered Nautilus Tam

picking up I-cord stitch

Although my caplet is not done I decided to begin the first pattern in Knit One Knit All. Saturday is Knit in Public day and this is a wonderful piece to work on, the caplet is too intense to be able to knit and talk. It is a spiral I-cord beret. You know I love spiral designs, it must be the hypnotist in me!! The pattern is written as Elizabeth Zimmerman would have written it and I realized that I needed to read the directions over twice and then experiment with the stitch. I began with a chunky yarn on a size 7 needle to get the gauge desired, but found the fabric to be stiff and the spiral was not lying as it should. Then taking Cascade 220 superwash in a lovely brown I began all over again. The fabric swirl is created by knitting across 7 stitches, including short rows and attaching to the I cord you create in the row. My knitting style is unconventional, the legs of my stitches do not lie on the front of the needle, so many times I need to re-load the stitch in order to get the desired result. I found that in the beginning of this project I was not following the directions as clearly written and created a new version at the attachment to the I-cord, with a second raised row running along side. Once I realized my error and how to create a more seamless attachment the spiral took on a new look. See below.

Knit One Knit All

2011-06-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this book? I am in love.. never thought I would want to knit almost every design in one book but I have changed my mind...Soooo here is the plan I will knit every design,, except the pullovers. ( At my age and body type ..definitely not my style) but who's to say I could knit them and give as gifts... hum..
Game Plan:

I will have two projects going at one time, at all times
I use quality yarn from my stash, before I purchase new yarn
Each design will be photographed in progress
I will update this blog frequently with the details

Oh but I must finish this project first. It's on the cover of Spring Summer Vogue --Caplet--knitting it in Rowan DK Wool and working on the border now.... I'll keep you posted... really I will!!!!

Best Wishes

2010-11-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Please enjoy your time with friends and family, and think of others.

new classes

2010-11-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have 4 knitting classes scheduled for the winter the Fair Isle hat, Elizabeth Zimmerman's Surprise Jacket,

Sonoma Hoodie and a dog sweater!!!

This is a small world

2010-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've heard and used that saying so many times, when I run into a friend while 100's of miles from home, or I meet someone new and find that they are married to my 3rd cousin on your grandmother's side of the family, or ......well you know what I mean. But sitting in the airport the other day, just watching all the people pass.... made it clear to me that there are millions and millions of people.... living a life, wanting the basic things is life we all should have, food, shelter, love and compassion. I sat there and watched, and made eye contact and smiled and even though everyone was in a rush to catch a flight or get their baggage, they all smiled back.

Getting it together

2010-11-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy 30 days!!! To NY and Back, the move, new classes at Broadway Quilts and the International Knitting Studio, and now back in NY. Handed west today. It will feel good to get settled!!!

Where did this month go?

2010-11-14T06:02:00.001-08:00

The trip to Rhinebeck was absolutely wonderful. All 10 Divas were there, plus a few more ladies, and we made a new friend. . It was great, it's been a while since we were all together. The chatting did not end until late at night and then began again early in the AM. Lily Chin's class was outstanding, as usual..........The Fall weather was gorgeous ........ Everyone is planning to return next year.

Rhinebeck bound

2010-10-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to Rhinebeck, lots of great friends, great classes and yarn. Lily Chin's class is on the schedule and who knows I may add another.... See you in Rhinebeck
That's me ( on the left) last year in one of Lily's classes

Alpaca Visit to Brookfarms

2010-09-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Brookfarms, Glen Ellen Ca

My visit to Brookfarms was wonderful. It's amazing how beautiful and gentle the Alpaca is. What beautiful eyes, large round, gentle and kind .
The added treat was spending a lovely Fall (95 degrees) day in the Valley of Moon, Sonoma Valley. The other night driving home there was the most amazing moon rise--yes "moon-rise" The moon was huge, golden, red and orange -coming up from the mountain. 10 minutes of absolute wonder and then somehow 10 minutes later, the moon shrunk and floated up into the night sky!!!!

This area is heavenly- "Another day in paradise"

Sonoma Hoodie

2010-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sonoma Hoodie- My new pattern It is so easy to do. Knit from the top down and in the round for the sleeve. I used a crochet hook to weave in the ends and absolutely no sewing. Then I found all these great sports buttons in my stash.

Elizscknits on Ravelry

Alpacas in Wine Country

2010-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sept 25 and 26 is National Alpaca Farm Days & Weekend Brookfarms in Glen Ellen is having an event.
Knitting and spinning demonstrations, yarn and roving for sale. Alpaca is a gorgeous yarn and it seems that the number of alpaca farms in the US has increased greatly over the last few years. Why even one of my physicians has alpacas as pets!!!

In a classroom again

2010-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

I knew I couldn't stay away for long. This summer a new quilt shop opened in town, Broadway Quilts. Of course I had to visit and when I introduced myself, Gery (the owner) asked if I'd be willng to teach a kids beginning sewing class!! Well, of course I would!!! And so it began.... We had a wonderful summer with classes for adults and kids, everyone was really attentive, worked dilegently and so willing to learn.. the projects are bags, beautiful bags as you can see below. Fall classes have begun and again I have a wonderful group of students. .

Sewing Class at Broadway Quilts

the finished bags- Kids Love to Sew

OTN & super garage sale find!!

2010-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

I love to go to garage sales!!! It my only addiction (not counting yarn, needles and books-- well I have to go somewhere to find this stuff!!) and I found this basket at a sale a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it lovely!!

Mini Mochi yarn (pattern online www.straw.com)

Last month was the anniversary of Elizabeth Zimmerman's birthday and and a local yarn shop had a celebration. A group of women from the International Knitting Studio met at Village Knitters in Santa Rosa and it was a great night.

Lots of demonstrations, beautiful yarns and I saw this hat. A few of the ladies have been asking to learn fair isle knitting and this is a wonderful introduction to learning the technique-- The trick in this design is that the yarn is variegated and the color changes happen as you knit.

Sept 12th

2010-09-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

It is Sept 12th. On Friday as I drove by a local school, I watched as children placed small American flags carefully and neatly in rows on the lawn. It took me a few seconds to realize what was happening- the respect and honor paid to those who lost their lives was clear------thank you

Rhinebeck here "we" come....

2010-09-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned the Divas? We are a group of women, most friends since high school, who have reconnected and travel together. Our last big trip was to the Dominican Republic, wonderful time, but best of all fantastic to be with great women. We may not have contact on a day to day, week to week or month to month basis, for that matter, but we do enjoy getting together to have fun, support each other and share what life brings us. Well anyway, we are going to Rhinebeck this year some for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, some to take in the sites of the beautiful Hudson Valley, some to shop, but all to share some time together. I am so looking forward to this trip.

Back again

2010-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the delay in getting back to my posts!!! It has been a busy time for me. Moves, sales, classes to teach ( sewing and knitting) and new friends. This is heaven!!
I published a few patterns on Ravelry Elizscknits and one in particular is very popular. Sophia --It's top down and no seams at all. I have more to knit and write and looking forward to posting the patterns.

Have to run off to garages sales!!!

Pi Shawl

2010-02-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

This week has been super busy and the weekend it going to be even more busy & fantastic. I'm going to Stitches West- have 3 classes scheduled. Again I'm so happy to be able to participate in this event. My knitting has been focused on design and since the classes are all about design, I decided to start a Pi Shawl- The ladies at Sonoma Yarn have begun a KAL and although they meet on Thurs. nights and I will not be there for a few weeks-the idea of bringing something "easy to knit" along with me to the convention was a no brainer!!!

Just finished these sweaters and will teach a top down class in May. I have more sweaters on the webiste
http://www.seamlesslysimpleknit.com/

Publishing on Ravelry

2010-02-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi, Finally finished the revisions, reviews and additions to the pattern I've been working on and although I'm tempted to tweak it a bit more- I've got to let it go out into the world of knitter's so that they can create this fun, easy, no sew sweater. The sweater is titled "At the Game" and it was posted to Ravelry (for Sale) this morning. My Design store is Elizabeth Calabro. I'm so excited!!! There are two versions. One is
"At the Game" a basic pattern incorporating short row shaping, top down knitting and no sew techniques

and "X At the Game" which I consider the extra special instruction sheet, that includes photo's of all the steps and detailed instructions. I personally love to make this sweater and I decided that although my goal was to design instructions enabling the beginner to have total success--the experienced knitter should have the option to purchase a pattern and not download all those extra pages.

Back on Track

2010-02-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Created a schedule for myself and I'm happy to report that I have accomplished so much in the last few days. Figured out how to use the timer and video features to my satisfaction. Will have videos to share soon on via my website. Short row wrapping-finally found a great technique that makes sense to me. http://www.elizabethknits.com/

Making Time Work

2010-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure excactly when it happened, but I have lost control of my time. My life has always been regimented, controlled by bells and schedules, due dates and meetings. Now I'm totally to my own devices. I taught time management, created detailed plans, schedules and agendas for large and small groups of people and rarely felt overwhelmed by this. Now I have "all the time in the world" and it just doesn't seem to be enough. Is it that after all those years of working and raising my daughter, that this freedom I have now has spoiled me??? I can knit, travel, sleep late, eat, read and do nothing when I want to and not based on when I have to. There are so many things I intend to do now and I'm feeling "a lot" overwhelmed----I guess it time to make a daily schedule-but without the bells.

A peek at the beginning of My Pattern "At the Game"- still working out the final draft and will be posting to Ravelry (ElizSCKnits)

I did finish these socks though - great instructions and Chris loves the socks. He actually asked me to make him another pair.

Back to reality

2010-01-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks, well really who am I kidding---I have been relaxing, sunning and taking in all the beauty of the wonderful island of Maui---- Great views of nature, whales so close that you can hear them sing, Waves so tall that the surfers get lost in the white water, flowers so lovely that it's hard to believe the colors that exist in the world. Sunsets and rainbows, yes rainbows-it rained but just a touch.

I did knit the whole time. Socks from the bottom up, loved it. Knitting More Circles Around Socks, Great photos and a wonderful way to make socks two at a time on circular needles., Just my cup of tea, or should I say Mai Tai.

knitting groups/ new projects

2010-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Well I have attended my third knitting group. A lovely group of women affilliated with the Sonoma Newcomers. I feel like I'm in a hotbed of knitters since I've been here-very nice feeling. I highly recommend joining a knitting/crochet/crafts group if you enjoy the craft and enjoy being with people. So much information is shared and always laughter. What beats that?

OTN: a whispy blue variegated lace mohair scarf--All for me!!!

NOTN: (next on the needles) Socks " Toe-up " I think is best- for my trip next week, easy to carry and hopefully quick also.

Happy New Year / New Decade

2010-01-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year-- Christmas gifts finished-well almost (still have to refine a crochet bag) so I'm posting pictures of some of the items that were given away

Audrey's sweater: my design and the pattern will be available soon. Knit in Vanna's Choice- easy care and quick to knit.

Neck wrap-- Ivory Aran wool

Lucious Laces from Ravelry -- I added beads on one side

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket- So much fun and amazing to do.

This was knit in Baby Bamboo by Sirdar

Up All Night

2009-12-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had an endless night? It could have been due to a chance first meeting, a great party, a newborn or one of the thousand other reasons/events that life throws you. I had an endless night last night-no desire or need to sleep--I was knitting-endless knitting, that brought me peace, calm and a clear mind (that's unusual in the middle of the afternoon, let alone in the middle of the night) . I had to force myself to get to bed. My sleep patterns have been strange lately-sleeping til 8 a.m.or falling asleep at 3 p.m. and not getting out of bed til the next morning. Is this what retirement does for you? Maybe it's the adjustment my body is making after following a bell schedule for MOST of my life. What do you think?

The Sunset in Hilton Head

Making discoveries

2009-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving

I have discovered a few knitting groups in the area over the last few weeks There is the knit night at the local pub (every other Monday night) and Anita's place "The International Knitting Studio". Anita is a jewel- a woman who has knit most of her life, and is willing to share all her knowledge in her charmig way. Kind, friendly and patient in all that she does. I also joined the Newcomer Club and they have a knitting group also.

Knitting update:
Surprise Baby Jacket-from the Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmerman- Yarn BabyBoo/Sidkar in pink, lilac and turquiose. Absolutely loved making this - great to see how a strange shaped piece could be transformed into a lovely jacket
Finished some xmas gifts today- can't post them till after the 25th of course.

By the way- my laptop is driving me crazy-every other key stroke is NOT showing on the screen!!Do I have some kind of bug? I'm going to leave this sentence uncorreced (See what I ean? that's mean!!)

Contests-Namaste Bags

2009-11-24T14:11:00.002-08:00

Hi, I have been asked to review a book and post a contest on my blog. Looking forward to doing that but in the meantime I've been looking at other contests to get an idea of how to run it. Anyway I found this contest today, you may be interested in it Knit, Purl Girl is a great blog Check it out Namaste bags are wonderful. I have the clutch and love it -
http://www.knitpurlgurl.com/2009/11/namaste-hermosa-bag-review-giveaway.html?

For Kate

2009-11-03T17:05:00.002-08:00

Some of the 2009 finished projects!!! My daughter modeling

Purple wrap

Norah Gaughran

See I actually have been knitting and crocheting!!

On the needles: Big Afghan (three strands of yarn in a baby pattern)

Lucious Lace (ravelry pattern) in Ella Rae merino/silk blend and of course all the top down patterns I'm designing!!!!!!

Touching Base

2009-11-03T13:45:00.002-08:00

Hi, Have had a wonderful month, traveling on the East Coast. Savannah, Charleston, Hilton Head and Rhinebeck of course. The Sheep and Wool festival was wonderful. Visited with friends from the past and spent a terrific day in class with Lily Chin, She is unbelievable, the knowledge the humor and great teaching techniques. I have loads of photos, finished projects, travel and more knitting to do. Promise I will post them, but you know being retired really is time consuming ---where did I put that to do List???????

Well this really takes the cake!!!

2009-10-06T15:37:00.003-07:00

Hi All- as you may recall I had to run to get fingerprinted---here's the funny story that goes with that experience. Seems that with new technology, fingers are scanned to a computer- sort of like the grocery store scanner. Well, it took longer then usual to scan my prints!!! And do you know why???? Seems my 47 years of knitting/crochet have WORN AWAY MY FINGER PRINTS!!!! Can you believe it??? By the fourth attempt and then doing each finger individually numerous times, the policeman said we did the best we could and they would call me back if needed. I laughed all the way out the door!!!

Busy, busy

2009-09-30T10:17:00.004-07:00

What can I say-if anyone said retirement can be boring, they can join me and help me find the time to do everything I want to do!!! I have been so busy, and somehow the days are going so quickly, more projects have been added to the mix and at the end of the day I really have to concentrate to remember everything I did!!! (Guess that's what happens as you get older)
The past few weeks have been filled with painting rooms (5 rooms in 3.5 days-have I got the best painter in the world!! oh it's not me!), hanging curtains / artwork and buying fabric for new curtains. It's time to find my sewing machine (that is in a storage unit) It's time to get sewing. Yes I sew also-It's the Home Ec. teacher thing.

on a knitting note- I have been very busy --even took pictures, can't post them now, I've got to run to the police station to be finger printed--Volunteered for Mentoring Alliance in Sonoma
www.sonomamentoring.org and need to have the prints done!! Wonderful organization, definitely a excellent program and should be used a model for other communities to follow. I'll be back --

Sunny and Hot

2009-07-14T15:54:00.005-07:00

Again the days have slipped away-but all good things to share. Traveled to California with my cat and she is definitely a California Cat. Loves it here and so do I --- My knitting has suffered though--hardly touched a needle and when I did it was to crochet- again for my daughter. This is the photo of the piece I'm working on in Patons Glace-soft green and size E needle. Better Homes and Garden pattern. Once it is done I'll post the final product. One of these days I'll make myself something!!!

Dim Sum

2009-06-07T14:13:00.003-07:00

Saying good-bye is not an easy thing to do, so since I like to do things the easy way, it's best to not consider a good-bye a good-bye. Better to spend time sharing a meal, talking about the next time you will see each other, plan for future trips and make sure that where ever you go the people you love know that they are welcome to join you any time. Dim sum is a great meal to share- with the delicate appetizers spinning around the table- you get to know people, what they like, how they treat each other and how much they care about each other.

Where has the time gone?

2009-05-28T12:53:00.003-07:00

It's hard to believe that the month has passed and that I haven't been posting. It's been a busy month, knitting gifts so I can't share now. It's hard to believe 34 years have passed--I started teaching in 1975-ages ago, yet I remember those first years so clearly--as if it where yesterday. Tonight I'm off to my retirement party. So much to be thankful for a wonderful daughter, great friends and rewarding career

Finishing

2009-04-30T19:27:00.002-07:00

Actually finished projects--afghans for donation, sweater for my daughter, you know the one I started in December. I should get a photo posted soon. Went to the Westchester Knitting guild meeting on Monday night, thanks to Donna (no car now). It was fun, informative and there was a goodie bag, thanks to Lion Brand Yarns. At some point I have to make a trip to their Studio in the city. Well it seems that we are going to have a nice size group of women going to the NY State Sheep and Wool Festival, this fall. Looking forward to that!!!

Project Update

2009-04-11T14:34:00.003-07:00

Loved making this shrug. Plymouth Yarns Pattern - Plymouth Fantasy yarn- Quick and Easy

Rib stitch all the way!!!

The spell is broken

2009-04-05T15:16:00.004-07:00

The last 48 hours have been a comedy of errors--a dark cloud followed me but now the spell is broken!!! I'm not going to go into all the details but let's just say I have had car problems, lock outs, lost mail, missed appointments, a robbery and an accidental black eye. Mind you that these are all separate incidents--and I'm prefectly safe, healthy and happy.

You know when I was talking about a positive attitude, well this was certainly a test of my ability to maintain that "half full" theory. I'm proud to say "that a good attitude got me through it" . Now you may ask, how do I know the cloud is gone?--I know!!!-the mail was located and the stolen item was replaced (not with the original, but a replacement none the less). My friends tell me with all that bad luck--I should play the lotto!!

The purple shrug, (purple my favorite color, it matches my eye)

It's not blue this time!!!

2009-03-28T19:22:00.008-07:00

Realizing that almost everything I knit in the last year is blue, was quite a revelation!!! I love color, but obviously blue must be the favorite. Although all of my knitting is for others, somehow I must believe in my heart that blue is their favorite color also. Perhaps it's the soothing feeling of blue, light blues, sky blues, ocean blues, cloudy, dusty blues, that draw me to this hue. Whether it is bright, jewel or muted my hands and mind are relaxed and calmed by blue.

Today was a wonderful day. Took a pilates class and then dropped quilts off for the local Project Linus group. The group was meeting at a quilt and knit shop nearby.

My students have been working on these quilts over the years, a little bit at a time. Each quilt passed on to the next student who stitched a row of blocks together, added a border, layered the fabrics or hand stitched ties. I could not tell you the number of students who touched these quilts, it could be in the hundreds-many hands make light work.

Project Linus is a great organization. Today's meeting was my first, but definitely not my last. Women and young girls sat and sewed squares or labels and crocheted and knit blankets. Many hands make light work! I ended up spending the afternoon-enjoying the company and feeling of giving. Today is a wonderful day.

Oh by the way, the blanket I worked on was multicolored, jewel tones with a bit of blue and I purchased yarn for my next project!!! Purple, it's not blue but pretty close.

Finding Beauty

2009-03-08T06:53:00.012-07:00

Stress can be deadly. I'm talking about the bad stress, negative thinking - over scheduling, everyday life that happens-illness, loss of loved ones, loss of job, money problems, confrontations, loss of faith and list can go on and on. I think it's crucial that we learn how to deal with stress, I believe that having the skills and knowing and practicing stress management techniques adds to the quality of life. I spend much of my time teaching these skills - in my classroom and though knitting and hypnosis.

The way you see things (cup half full or half empty) will make a difference.

Finding beauty in the world fills the cup.

Sharing images from my last trip to the west coast.

Enjoy isn't that rainbow, unbelievable!!!

Discovering New Things

2009-03-01T18:23:00.005-08:00

They say that keeping your mind sharp, reading, following your interests, learning new things and activity (mental and physical) will increase your chances of having a healthy mental future. This week I read an article refering to a study that suggests knitting "may" delay memory loss!!!!

The study comes from the Mayo Clinic

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7896441.stm

It's so nice to know that my hobby will help me in the future as well as giving me joy now.

Special Olympics

2009-03-01T18:00:00.001-08:00

What a great Idea!!!! Knit or crochet for the Special Olympics. Donna, Mary and I made these scarves

And to my delight a group from the organization walked in the inaugural parade-proudly displaying the beautiful scarfs.

Progress Report

2009-01-25T07:29:00.004-08:00

Just an update

but I had to stop to work on a baby sweater - more to follow.

Blue cables

2009-01-11T16:56:00.001-08:00

This is my new project, I know I said that I wouldn't buy more yarn or start anything new, but this is a gift for my daughter. The yarn is Berroco Palace and the pattern is by Norah Gaughan. Great feel of the yarn, but this is definitely a pattern that needs to have rows marked and counted. I knitted at least 6 inches and decided to start again. Back on track now and devoting at least an hour to knitting each day.

Lots of knitting -- no time to blog

2009-01-06T19:45:00.002-08:00

Although I think a blog is a wonderful way to share information and journal life, it seems that when I have free time and it comes to choosing between posting to a blog or knitting--knitting will always win out. I'm been busy knitting and will post pictures soon!!!! Lots to blog about and that will come soon also. By the way I just ripped out the last 3 days of knitting!!!!!!!--Gauge ---oh gauge---why do you mislead me!!!!!

Old news but good news

2008-11-24T17:49:00.002-08:00

I attended the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool festival last month with friends. Definitely a great weekend in the Upper Hudson Valley. There were so many delicious yarns and projects awaiting and best of all I went two wonderful workshops. Lily Chin was absolutely a jem, her tips and techiniques for saving time and making knitting so much more enjoyable are like gold. She has a new book coming out soon--definitely one to add to the research stash---that I'm so looking forward to seeing.
This festival is truely a great family event-between the sheep judging, tasty foods, lovely music and beautiful setting, this festival will become a regular event for me and my friends.

Knitting for others II

2008-10-11T08:07:00.004-07:00

There have been a few opportunities to help others that have come to light this past week.
Knitting caps for Save the Children www.savethechildren.com

A Scarf for the Special Olympics (www.redheart.com)
and now a cap to go with the jacket I purchased for a local child in need!!!
This all works out perfectly because I'm not supposed to be on my feet ---so a 3 day crochet and knit fest are in the works!!!!

Surprisingly yarn was not a big draw for the garage sale. Who would have imagined that all that yarn would still be here, more to donate and more hats to make!!!!

Breaking the rules

2008-10-03T17:29:00.004-07:00

I'm moving -- not sure when but in the near future and I must reduce the amount of stuff I have in order to make the move less painful. I'm breaking my own rules this weekend because of the

GARAGE SALE. Yes some of my yarn and pattern books are on the selling floor (driveway). I did manage to go throughand sort all my pattern books and magazines. Those I will keep, Vogue Knitting and Cast On and Mon Tricot (yes from the 70's) and of course the Workbasket booklets from the 50's Yes I am selling yarn also---

As you can see there is so much to share!!

Northfork

2008-09-21T15:30:00.004-07:00

Hi, Spent the weekend with the Divas. ( my high school friends) It was wonderful seeing everyone in beautiful Northfork NY by the bay. The fortunate thing was that the night before I left for the overnight in Long Island I attended my brothers 55th high school reunion. It was wonderful to see how happy everyone was in seeing old friends and just having the time to talk. Appreciating the opportunity to reconnect was very important, and I realized that our next reunion must be planned soon. I imagine us 20 years from now, still gathering together to share stories and miss those who could not attend.

Knitting has definitely been on the back burner for the week, but look at this wonderful pattern found during the summer at a garage sale. The gentleman I purchased this from had a wealth of information about knitting resources in addition to the many vintage pattern books he sold me. What a find!!!!! The following week I found nylon yarn to make the bag. This is definitely a book that will get lots of use. I have had 2 requests so far. Well somewhere between packing , and moving I will begin this project Yet the scarf must be finished before I begin this bag. My new rule "Finish a project before you begin a new one" and yes I will tell you about my friends Rules but that will have to be another day.

"If I see anything Knitting I buy it"

2008-09-14T06:07:00.003-07:00

My friend "D..........." goes to garage sales and visits craig's list and ebay daily. Can you imagine what her stash looks like!!!! You are going to have to image it because she has forbidden me from taking any photographs. (It's a security issue) All I can tell you is that she stopped counts of needles at 1000 pairs!!!!! Mention a needle and "D..." will have it, and if she doesn't she will find it within 12 hours online or at a garage sale. D..... says ""If I see anything Knitting I buy it". I love "D...." dearly (she taught me how to do continental knitting!!) and she is a great friend, but I'm going to have to find a new territory to garage sale in.......cause she always gets to the Knitting stuff first!!!!!

What a Stash!!

2008-09-14T05:15:00.003-07:00

Spending a few hours in the attic yesterday was quite interesting. I know many of us talk about our stash and most people consider the term stash to refer to "yarn". I think we need to think outside the box here, because we knitters have more then a stash of yarn, well at least I do. How about Needles !!!! Stitch Markers!!!! Pattern books!!!!!!! Oh let's not forget the "Projects in Progress" !!!! You know what I mean, don't you?

Getting ready for a garage sale and future move to a smaller space, forces you to go through your things and make the decision to keep or sell. A hard decision to make, but I've developed some guidelines that may be of help to you also.

Rule 1- Any pattern dated prior to 1988 is considered an antique and must be preserved. Although if you think of it, at some point all the pattern magazines will be older then 20 years - so keep them all!!!!

Rule 2- Knitting books are reference materials and are of great value. I noticed that once a book is out of print it becomes most desirable - did you see the Knitting book that is going for over $400 on ebay!!! Keep them all!!! I prefer to think of this as a decision in retirement planning.

Rule 3- Keep at least 1 complete set of needles (circular, straight and double pointed, crochet hooks, tatting, afghan, hair pin lace) in every medium; wood, bamboo, aluminum, bone, plastic etc. To think of it, I travel a lot so perhaps two sets of each would be a wiser decision, and there is always a friend who wants to start a project... or learn how to knit.... so keep them all!!

(The problem is at this point, I know I don't have two sets of all those needles. I'll have to do some online shopping when I sign off here.)

Rule 4- Yarn.........just keep it all!!!!

Next time I'll introduce you to my friend "D...." She has her own set of rules and let me tell you, they are good ones---better then mine that's for sure!!!!

See you in September

2008-09-07T10:54:00.010-07:00

The welcome back to school has been wonderful. People are full of energy and looking forward to the new school year. The kids are excited about seeing their friends and beginning new friendships. Knitting definitely took a backseat all week, between setting up my classroom, reviewing and revising my plans, helping out our new teachers, and reading 3 boxes of mail, any down time was spent completely still (OK asleep is more like it)

Thought I'd add photos of my current project.
Jezebel in Merino, lace weight by Southwest Trading Co.
The pattern calls for beads but my last project was beaded and I wanted to do a no bead piece for a change of pace.

What do you think of my stitch markers, My jewelry designer daughter taught me how to make them!!!

End of Summer Vacation

2008-08-31T07:42:00.004-07:00

The past 8 weeks have been wonderful, visiting my daughter and my best friend (and her family) in California Wine Country, but it's time to travel home and begin the new school year. Looking forward to seeing the kids (my students) and starting classes. I have some great new ideas that I'll implement, new recipes and projects.

Although I have plenty of yarn and great new knitting and crochet projects to begin at home I could not resist picking up more yarn at a garage sale ($1 a skein) Paton Merino and Chunky (new yarn from a store that closed in town) and of course in the name of research (ha -ha) when visiting the lys, it is only polite to purchase something!!!

Just finished this child's sweater. Top down with a great new technique, but more on that later.

New for me in Napa

2008-08-22T07:02:00.006-07:00

Hi, Well it's been a long while but I have been very busy knitting---and although I am on the computer daily -I must make a note to visit and update this blog at least once a week!!!
Found the most beautiful yarn shop the other day in one of the most beautiful parts of this earth.
Napa ( Somona is just if not more beautiful but back to the yarn) The shop is set up by color, every skein is tucked into lovely wood shelves from floor to ceiling, there is plenty of room to move around and a wonderful oval table in the window for classes, sharing ideas and chatting. Yarns on First, Napa California, In all my travels I make sure to check out the local yarn shops and this one rates top on my list, Friendly knowledgeable service.

These are two of the projects I had been working on, the blue top is done in Knit one, Crochet two Baby Bamboo-absolutely luscious to work with and the pattern is from Best of Interweave Knits

The other is a sad story of a lost scarf. The crochet pieces you see are part of a beautiful scarf I created for my daughter. The scarf disappeared shortly after it was completed. We have no idea where or exactly when. Hopefully someone found it and is enjoying it's warmth.

Recap the year 2007

2007-12-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Year 2007 Projects.... more to follow.....

Showing Off

2007-11-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm back again. Everyday real life (although it is wonderful) gets in the way of knitting and blogging!!! Well that's actually not a truth, because knitting has been a priority over the last few months. As has visiting a few Yarn Shops (Chatham NY- The Wooly Ewe, Ridgefield and Greenwich Ct, Sonoma Ca "Bella Yarns" and "Sonoma Yarns") Totally in the name of research!!!

This a photo of my cat. She has a perfectly shaped heart on the side of her neck. Isn't that too much.

Summer Relaxation

2007-07-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Where have the days gone? You would think that this is the perfect time of year for me to post to the site, but there are so many things to do. One by one the projects are completed!!! Pictures to follow. Still visiting yarn shops (a must do for any excursion) and reading knitting and crochet books. Three came in the mail today!!!! Knitting Loom, Lily Chin (crochet) and Lacey Little Knits.
This craft is definitely addicting.

Winter GET AWAY

2007-03-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy--Traveled to West Palm Beach and had a wonderful vacation. We call ourselves "The Divas" and we are linked through High School Years, you either went to High School with us, married someone who went to highschool with us, or are a new diva friend. Mind you we graduated in 1971 and since our 2001 reunion we have been traveling together. The group began with 10 members and has grown to 17. There is always room for more. Many of us are knitters so of course there was the visit to the local knitting shop, in this case "Great Balls of Yarn (Love the name). It is a wonderful shop and within walking distance of the rented house. Could it get any better then that!!!! Sun, warmth, friendship and knitting!!!

Here's the finished poncho.

Boy is it cold outside!!!!

2007-01-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a while and I've been busy knitting - crocheting and staying warm. We have been so spoiled here, with a warm, very warm winter, but boy is it cold outside NOW. The prediction is 10 below for tonight and single digits tomorrow. It's a good thing I finished this sweater (one of my 2006 projects) It's big, bulky and sooooooo warm. Lion Bulky Oh that's Pumpkin, never realized she loves to pose for the camera.

Jan 9 2006

2007-01-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

The poncho has been started and I was right, the yarn is lovely to work with. Now I am crocheting this piece and although this is a knitting blog, I will be showing (off)my crochet skills also. (I'm not really this boasterous in real life, trust me!!!) Photos to follow.
What I really wanted to chat about was the wonderful book that arrived at my doorstep yesterday. Totally aware that the box contained knitting books, I kept my hands off till all the chores were done. (sounds like we're in a past century!!!)
"Confessions of a Knitting Heretic" by Annie Modesitt validated my knitting style. I "discovered" the combination stitch on my own, when friend Donna taught me the continental method of holding yarn, over 25 years ago. Nothing else felt right, or smooth or fast enough. Now mind you, I didn't realize I was doing it wrong, until my recent knitting research began. My stitch is even and the yarn flows so effortlessly. Thank you Annie, wish I had discovered you and your ideas earlier. Better late then never.

Treats!!!

2007-01-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

This book has been hard to find, so I wasn't looking for it. Yesterday, on a visit to a local craft store, as I waited on line---It was there on the shelf!! "Knitting on the Edge" Nicky Epstein's wonderful book. What a resource! what beautiful stitches!!! I will never rib stitch an edge again!!!!

Gifts Equal Knit

2007-01-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

I actually made it back. Let's hope the pattern continues. I have so much to share but decided to do so, a little at a time. Today's topic is gifts equal knit. This year my lovely daughter give me 2 bags of beautiful yarns. Dark Lime Cascade Magnum and Browns/Rust/Green/Gold hand dyed 100% wool by "chasing rainbows dyeworks". Both lucious to the hand. She picked the yarn up in Pennsylvania on one of her Bead Show Jaunts (She is a jewelry designer and will travel hours for a show-more about her craft in another post) The hand dyed is for me and I'm considering the short poncho (crochet). The green is hers, What shall I knit?

Back to blogging

2006-12-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here I am back to blogging and a commitment to add posts to this site on a regular basis. Well, let's see what would be considered regular? Shall I say once a week? or once a month, at minimum. For all the time I spend here at the computer, that is so much less time I spend Knitting!!!!. This has been a busy year. My goal has been to finish projects, knitted and otherwise. I will post pictures of the sweaters, bags and hats that I still have in my possession soon. Glad to be back and looking forward to sharing. Any machine knitters out there? I'm looking for instructions, (visual preferably!!) for an singer LK-100.

2005-03-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

The finshed product. Made with love

Working on a sweater

2005-03-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Do you ever begin a project with all good intentions of getting it done within a time limit and it just isn't going to happen. Life gets in the way of knitting!!!!
Thought you would like to see the finished afghan though.

Vacation Week

2005-02-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hi, the kids have finished the afghan and it is absolutely lovely. The greatest thing is that the ladies are sooooo proud of the work they have done. I love how well they worked together and the fact that they are ready for a new project- Not for themselves but for someone else. Project Linus perhaps.

Happy Valentine's Day

2005-02-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy day. Bought 3 skeins of alpaca yarn and spent a good 2 hours rewinding one of the them. Any tricks I should know about? The yarn has absolutely the most delicious feeling in my hands. It will be a lace scarf, I have about 2 inches worked up and I just can't wait to finish it....but I still have my sweater to finish. Well I'm off to knit.

Pumpkin

2005-02-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin loves to hang out with me when I'm knitting. She is particularly fond of this knit afghan created in the late sixties.

Knitting for others

2005-02-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

My sixth graders have been working on an aghfan for one of our teachers who was injured in a car accident this fall. The kids have just learned how to knit or crochet and with the help of staff members who knit/crochet they have collected over 50 blocks. Here the kids are sewing the blocks together.

Previous Next

2005-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Squares made with love

2005-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Putting the afghan together

2005-02-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Zen Shawl Summer 2004

Getting Started

2005-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of my life as a blogger. I've been standing in the background looking at all the wonderful blogs that feature knitting and have discovered a wonderful world of thoughtful, sharing and talented people. I feel proud and honored to join you!!! This is my daughter modeling a shawl made last summer.

Presently I'm working on a beautiful sweater (Debble Bliss pattern) in a heather green. I have the back and part of the right side completed.