WallisKnits

Fairbanks

2010-03-16T16:13:00.002-04:00

Fairbanks is here.

The spot on his nose is a rain drop.

He's very mellow. Likes to lay around on his pillow and play with his toys.

He does explore

He has a black nose.

Hanny

2010-03-12T18:06:00.004-05:00

Hanny began her transition to her new raiser today. She'll spend the weekend at Chalquest Kennels. Sunday there is an outing to a local park planned for her and Primrose. There are 3 possible homes getting ready for her sometime within the next 2 weeks.

I packed her bear (it's actually a dog but I didn't want her to know she was chewing on her own kind), her Wubba, tennis ball and a squeaky toy. And the cover to her pillow. I know her raisers will have all sorts of fun things for her to play with but I wanted her to have her "stuff" (you know how us girls are)

Her favorite spot at Noon each day

waiting for dinner

Her go place in the kitchen

At class Monday night

I already miss Hanny and her pink nose!

Pictures

2010-03-09T19:56:00.003-05:00

Over the last few weeks I've taken pictures. Mostly of snow.

And a full moon.

The last snow.

Hanny's reaction to the last snow.

And while I was standing with snow falling on me I looked up to see the first robin of 2010 in the crepe myrtle.

Preparing for the arrival of the new little one, I purchased a new pillow. Hanny's trying it out for him tonight.

Update......

2010-03-09T17:03:00.002-05:00

GEB was not able to gather all of the puppies coming down to the NOVA/VAB areas in time for the trip tomorrow from Yorktown Heights. Sooooo, Hanny is still with me and Fairbanks is in NY. Maybe this weekend or Monday. More time to spoil Hanny.

Douglas or Alaska??????

2010-03-07T08:04:00.002-05:00

Received this email the other night :

I spoke to J on Friday night at 5:30; She has chosen "Fairbanks" for Linda to work with as her next pup to start. Fairbanks is a yellow lab who was born near the same time as Garvey and Gemma, as well as Beatty and Beauty, so he should fit in nicely with the new clan.

They are hoping to have a ride for these pups this coming week on Tuesday or Wednesday (3/9 or 3/10) but the ride details have not been set in stone...

I suspect we will not hear anymore news on this until Monday, but Linda i wanted to give you the heads up... We will discuss on monday what adventures Hanny will take on during the next few weeks while she prepares for her future raiser... She will have plenty of adventures in the meantime, and Linda- we will keep you posted on her goings ons...

Thank you again Linda for the wonderful start you have given to Hanny... I commend you for all your hard work and patience, and it is AWESOME to have such a dedicated person in the VAB area to get these pups off to such a great start!!!

Talk to all on monday,

It's a boy! The F's and G's were born Dec 12th. That will give us 7 babies in the area. There's also Adria and Adam. And there's Albert who will come with J every other week or so.

And as for Hanny, there are 2 raisers who are ready for her.

A Difficult Decision

2010-03-02T20:23:00.002-05:00

Way back in August, during Puppy Class, it was mentioned that one of the volunteer opportunities was to raise "babies" who would go off to Puppy Raisers at about 5 to 6 months.

I have made the decision to do just that. Raise the babies. 8 weeks to about 6 months.

Hanny will be moving to Northern Virginia to live with a lady who goes to work each day. It's what Hanny needs. I can't offer her that. We get out each day, but the 2 or 3 hours is just not enough stimulation for Hanny any longer.

The plan this afternoon was for Hanny to go back with Jody early next week. A baby will come from NY in a few weeks. But as you know, this could change. I'll keep you updated.

Oh, it's snowing, but that's now considered normal weather here in the south!

What???

2010-02-17T08:39:00.002-05:00

Will the person who took the last bag of Orville Redenbacher's Salt & Pepper popcorn from my kitchen cabinet please not leave the empty box giving me the impression there was more popcorn when there wasn't.

Thank you.

Comments & snow

2010-02-10T11:20:00.003-05:00

To the person who is leaving comments that are little squares....We can't read them :)

And it's now snowing for the 4th time this winter. Sigh.....Is there a state in the US that doesn't have snow, or earthquakes, or tornados, or hurricanes or mudslides or over 100 degree heat that I can move to?

Snow Jan 30

2010-02-05T19:40:00.002-05:00

Here's Hanny's second snow in pictures

Just out the back door. I'm not too sure...

It's kinda deep!

I found my ball!!!

I love snow!

There's more snow on the golf course.

I'm ready for the snowball fight!

I might get fired as a puppy raiser for this next picture, but I couldn't not take it.
We came in, I dried her off, she flopped down on her pillow and was asleep in seconds. I left her thinking she'd be okay for a few minutes and changed out of my wet clothes. I came back into the living room to this....

After I took the picture I carried her back to her pillow where she slept all morning.

And I love this picture.

Seems like old times

2010-01-20T21:18:00.006-05:00

When my nieces were little, they would spend the night with me. We'd go places, fix dinner, watch movies on tv. We did the same thing this past weekend.

Check it out on Becky and Katie blogs.

Pictures of yarn, fiber, friends, food and Hanny!

And incase you wanted to know, ArtsyFish is blogging again.

A moment to myself

2010-01-12T08:31:00.003-05:00

Take a look at this face

Doesn't she look like a little angel? Ha! She's a non stop, into everything, growing by leaps and bounds hellion! Just kidding, sorta. She'll be 4 months old on the 14th and is moving into the tween years.

Me? I'd forgotten about the tweens. Everything is exciting. Her training is going well. We're going out somewhere each day. Yesterday we stopped by the Library to watch electric doors open and close, sniff trash cans and then ignore them, and sit inside and watch books being checked out.

She loves being in the backyard.

And if she can't be ON the furniture she'll be UNDER the furniture.

When she arrived on Dec 4th, she was 11 pounds. A week later at the first vet check here she was 15.08 pounds. Last weeks vet check she was 23.08 pounds. And picking her up last night I think she's at least 25 now.

She has a pink nose from her fathers side. He seems to produce quite a few pups with pink noses even though his is black. And great eyeliner!

And right now she's sound asleep and I have a few minutes where I can sit and update my blog.

And I have been reading blogs, just not having time for commenting.

Fun card/game for Christmas

2009-12-23T11:56:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Card Game

Hanny's first snow

2009-12-20T15:54:00.003-05:00

Most of the east coast was blanketed with snow this weekend. Here, we had rain, tidal flooding and snow.

We woke up to this....A winter wonderland!!!

"This is all there is?"

"I'll look cute so they won't notice there's no snow!"

An art picture

Hanney 3 months old today 15.8 pounds

2009-12-14T12:51:00.004-05:00

She went to sleep in her crate just now. I can't get up to get the camera because she'll wake up. It's the first time she's slept during the day in her crate. She wore herself out sitting and downing for rewards and trying very very hard not to bark and whine. Did I say she's not very fond of her crate. I have to lay next to it/her at night before she'll sleep. But she does sleep about 5 hours now before she wakes. I quietly take her out to "get busy" and then right back into the crate she goes. I don't say a word. She goes right back to sleep. I think tomorrow when I work with her in the crate I'll make sure my pillow and blanket are near by so I can nap too.

Hanny pictures...what else!

2009-12-12T10:27:00.002-05:00

Get ready to say "Awwwwww!"

My toys and I are going to take a nap

Not enough room for all of us!

No need for a crate, I'll just live here with my food

Hanny's here!

2009-12-04T09:45:00.003-05:00

After 90 minutes of full blown play and exploring, she's sound asleep in the smallest bed .... snoring.

edited to spell her name correctly. there is not an "e" involved.

Like waiting for Santa

2009-12-03T20:36:00.003-05:00

What I'm watching on TV right now. My hair is in a bun like Aunt Bea's. Mine's falling down though.

Christmas is on it's way! Spice drops are on the shelf.

A "Doo Dad". It can be put on sweater, hat, scarf, where ever. I think mine will become the edge of a side to side shawl.

The Full Moon this morning at about 6:30 from my front porch.

At the ready

2009-12-03T19:24:00.003-05:00

I pick up Hanney early tomorrow morning. Here is a picture of 5 from the litter. A lot older than the newborns with their mom.

Do you think she's one of them?

Her borrowed crate (thanks Maggie!), toy, water bowl, leash, and chewy are in the car. The Garmin is programmed. My alarm is set, clothes ready to throw on, coffee in the Keurig, car keys and glasses ready.

It all for a 15 minute drive!

Knitters Review Retreat 2009

2009-12-01T17:08:00.004-05:00

When you take a week or more to post about a trip that 110 other knitters took you find that you have nothing to say because they've already said it. So I will use pictures to describe my experience at KR '09.

Packed and ready to go

9:30 a.m. ....Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

The next day...Heading into NY state

Later that day...on "the Pass" to Williamstown, MA from Troy, NY

About a mile of "The Pass" as pictured on the Garmie aka Garmin GPS

The first night there were about 40 knitters gathered. Those that were taking classes on Friday

By Friday night all 110 had arrived; here's half the room

My Saturday class was with Kathryn Alexander . Here's how she set each of our knitting area's. We knit "doo dads".

Loved loved loved her class! I actually finished the class project. Something I don't think I've ever done before. Ahha stories to follow about Kathryn.

Sunday we cast on for our "new beginnings" project

Susan cast on for her first pair of socks

Joanne cast on for a shawl with her own handspun yarn

And I cast on with lace wt Rowan yarn I picked up in the KR "swap" room (where we brought what we didn't want and swapped) with a pattern I wrote Friday night (fingers crossed it works)

Ann Budd, Kathryn Alexander, Melanie falick...only rubbed shoulders with the best. Melissa Morgan-Oakes was there somewhere as was Ann Hanson and quite a few designers of patterns that are in Clara's new book The Knitters Book of Wool.

And I can't thank Joanne enough for driving all 4 days!

Check out the following blogs for more pictures and weekend descriptions or go to the KR Forums to read more

http://knitspot.com/
http://knittingmatters.wordpress.com/
http://www.carolbeech.blogspot.com/

Puppy update...again!

2009-11-24T19:47:00.003-05:00

I'd heard that to raise a puppy for GED you must be flexible and expect changes.

Arrangements have been made so that Persia will go to her raisers home.

Hanny will be coming to me sometime next week.

It could be Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday...or maybe another day.

Not sure where she'll be. Might have to go to Richmond to get her. Or maybe she'll be brought here.

She was born September 14th.

She has 9 siblings...Hadley, Hagrid, Harlow, Hildy, Harvard, Hosta, Houston, Honor, Hopi

Her mother, Moni, is black. Her father, Yuri, tan. Both Labradors.

The GED site has just undergone some changes and pictures of the litters are not available so I can't see what color puppies are in her litter.

What color do you think she'll be?

What day do you think she'll get here?

How many toys do you think Santa will bring her?

In other news: There is still knitting!!!! In fact, ArtsyFish and I spent this past weekend at the Knitters Review Retreat in Williamstown, MA. Details to follow as soon as I can puppy proof my house!

Puppy update

2009-11-17T20:49:00.002-05:00

Pulled into the parking lot of the 4H Building where last nights meeting was taking place and there outside on the sidewalk were 5 little puppies working really hard at sitting and standing and downing (is that a word?).

And mixed in with the 3 yellows and 1 black labs was our newest puppy Diesel...a German Shepherd!

Yes... I know I said in an earlier post that GS were not raised in this area but M, who began the program at the same time as I, has raised and trained GS for years. She and one of her GS just won several ribbons at a national competition.

So having Diesel among the Labs will be interesting. Labs will work for food, Shepherds not so much.

As for me...it's still up in the air. After talking with the coordinators this afternoon I may babysit Persia for a month or so in December. She's the sister of Primrose & Paulson. Her current raiser is a true "puppy raiser". She/He raises the dog until they're 4-5 months old.

Which works well for those who wish to raise a dog for GEB but cannot be home to care for a "baby" (multiple feedings, outside to potty, etc). They get the puppy when it's old enough to be crated a few hours and no longer needs that mid day meal.

But Persia is not local and may be able to find a permanent placement. If so, it will probably be sometime in January before the next group of puppies are brought down.

So that's the puppy update.

Comments ....

2009-11-13T07:18:00.003-05:00

Diane writes ...Hi and thanks for this pattern, i have done it in different yarn and added a pocket to the front and I am so pleased with it(see my project in Ravelry) I tried to attribute it to you but im fairly new and i dont think it worked out right.Made it for my friends xmas so i hope she likes it.

I'd love to take a peek Diane. What is your Ravelry name? And I love the idea of a pocket! A bit of lavender would be nice to add.

Croby writes...I reallly like your using the ribbing instead of closure. This will work with someone with limited dexterity in the hands.

I did try a button closure but that was a bit fiddly to get the HWB into/outof. So ribbing it is.

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the pattern. I've knit a head band with the left over yarn. I'll post a picture and the pattern later.

November Nor'Easter!

2009-11-12T16:38:00.002-05:00

I thought the leaves were beginning to turn a pretty golden color on the trees that line the back of my yard so snapped a picture on Tuesday. They're on golf course property.

I didn't really want to see the leaves up close so soon!

If you look beyond the fence you'll see the pond that develops during heavy rains. So far it hasn't entered my yard. It's ankle deep.

I'm staying in and knitting hats.

This and That

2009-10-30T14:18:00.003-04:00

On "Let's Make a Deal" the prize was a llama. I was all "yippee" your own llama!!!! It was a zonk prize. The winner was not happy.

Don't wear a red shirt to Target or you will be asked by other customers where to locate an item.

I like knitting hats.

I purchased a pair of women's jeans that zip on the left side.

I CAN do to much research on a product I am interested in purchasing.

Original Law & Order is my favorite tv. Last night there were 2 hours of new shows.

I'm having fun on Twitter. Today's tweet is "Light frost makes everything sparkly".

There's a way to respond to someone else's Tweet. Can't figure out how to do it.

Lot's of brown yarns in my stash. Why?

Backed out of a very tight parking space yesterday and made it without hitting another car...or person!

Gilmore Girls is another favorite TV show.

There's enough General Tso's Chicken left over for lunch or breakfast.

Yankee Candle "North Pole" scent smells like butter mints.

Hot Water Bottle cover for Maks ..free pattern

2009-10-26T14:47:00.003-04:00

This is a generic pattern that you can modify to fit your Hot Water Bottle (HWB). Assumption is made that the knitter understands basic knitting terminology or has knitting dictionary available to them.

Materials:
• Appx 140 yards worsted wt yarn (I used 1 ¼ skeins of Trendsetter “Tonalita”)
• US #7 double points or US #7 12” circular
• US #9 16” circular
• 1 marker
• tapestry needle
• scissors

On size US #7 needles, cast on 44 stitches or more/fewer as needed for your HWB).

Place a marker and join to knit in the round.

Knit 2x2 ribbing for 4” or until ribbing is long enough to cover the neck of your HWB.

Change to US #9 needle and Knit 2 rows in pattern.

Next row: *K2, P2, M1* around. Stitches increased to 54 if you are following the pattern as written.

If additional width is needed for your HWB, knit 1 row and then on the next row increase 4 stitches evenly around. Repeat these 2 optional rows until it will slide over your HWB.

Knit every row for 7 ½ inches or so to fit the “body” of your HWB.

Still on US 9 needles, knit 2x2 ribbing for 3” or until long enough to cover your HWB.

Bind off in pattern. Weave in ends and enjoy!

2009-10-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

Carve your own pumpkin...over and over again! Enjoy

2009-10-25T10:38:00.002-04:00

You guess correctly Katie...a hot water bottle cover for "Maks".

The yarn is Trendsetter's "Tonalita" a wool/acrylic blend.

I'll write and post the pattern when finished. I'm making it up as I go along.

End & Begin

2009-10-24T10:02:00.002-04:00

Give your shawl a nice long soak in a woolwash of your choice. Not dish soap or woolite. Some use shampoo. I haven't so can't comment. And have lots of towels ready to gently press the water out of the shawl. And make sure to have your favorite coffee maker in the picture along with your favorite coffee cup.

Lay out your shawl to block making sure there are enough towels on your carpet or floor. I didn't use my blocking wires for this shawl. The points stay in place without them. I did weave in my ends before blocking but I didn't cut the ends until after blocking. Why? Stretching the finished item will also move the woven in ends and they may pop out or worse, come loose. And if you cut them to short you may be in trouble.

Let it dry and then take it outside for a photo op!

Then begin a new project

HWB update

2009-10-19T19:35:00.002-04:00

I didn't realize how BIG Hot Water Bottles are! And take a look at how one Raveler used her fished shapped HWB.

Post 157

If you can't see it, she tented her tomato plant to protect it against frost and used her HWB to keep it warm.

I did purchase one today. Just the basic shaped red one. A bit smaller than I remember. And it wasn't as easy to find as I expected. Neither Bed,Bath&Beyond nor Target had them. Rite Aide had 1 left.

It's warming my toes right now and I don't want to leave it to find yarn to knit a little jacket for it.

Perhaps I should give it a name?

And arm/shoulder update...surgeon released me from his care today (yippee) but I must continue p/t. And I must be careful with driving until I have more movement in my shoulder.

YES!!!!!!

2009-10-19T08:34:00.002-04:00

Knitting faster does work! I have about 20 yards of yarn left. Still need to weave in ends and block. Then I'll post a picture.

I asked a question on the Ravelry "Remnant's" board...Hot Water Bottle Covers. I never expected so many responses. Check out the link on page 5, post 110. I'm adding hot water bottle to my Target list. And someone suggested a baby size.

And I've fallen in love with this afghan. Nice carry around project and stash buster. Course you have to sew it together....

Surgeon's appt this afternoon. Fingers crossed he'll let me begin strength exercises.

Jane Austen Shawl update

2009-10-18T15:49:00.002-04:00

Just made it to the 1/2 way point.

Am I going to make it?

Shawl update

2009-10-17T10:53:00.002-04:00

Jane Austen shawl update: After several attempts to knit it, I had decided that the pattern for attaching/adding/knitting the lace edging was wrong. But the Friday mid morning knitting group straightend me out. What I thought was the bottom is actually the top! I love my knitting group!

I'm using an age old measuring tool to determine how much yarn each lace point will use. I pulled the yarn out as far as my reach will allow 5 times and then knit one repeat of the 8 row pattern. I had just over 1 arm length left. So now I will knit the next point with 4 arm lengths.

Now to knit as fast as I can so that I don't run out of yarn!

Good news!

2009-10-06T10:16:00.003-04:00

Received good news about my arm yesterday.

Physical Therapist measured the degrees of movement, compared to day 1 and said I improved very nicely. I now have unassisted exercises to do. Those are the ones where I lift/move my right arm without assistance from my left arm.

Surgeon was pleased with the movement I have and gave me the okay to drive short distances. Yippee!

And puppy class was fun. I stood on the side and observed. Wanna see a cute picture of Primrose? click here!

And there is knitting news. I started the Jane Austen shawl from Cabin Fever using stash yarn (yea me!) Jo Sharp Silk Road DK Tweed. The color is no longer on the pallet page. It's called "Ambrosia" and it's somewhere between "Asparagus" and "BeanShoot". The pattern calls for a chunky yarn so I am doubling the dk.

According to the yarn requirements of the pattern, I'm going to be about 25 yards short....BUT..because you knit on the lace edging after knitting the shawl there are several things I can do...

not put on an edging
crochet an edging
add fringe
knit a different edge
knit a few repeats of the lace edging pull it out & measure how much I really use

...I'll let you know what I decide when I get there. I'm knitting so slowly it's going to be a while before I have to worry about it!

Updates

2009-10-05T08:40:00.002-04:00

Thank you Margaret for your Majacraft "Rose" info. I've updated yesterday's post with the info.

Becky, my plans for the cotton is a shawl. Something lacy maybe. Here's her blog with samples and other info. Wolle

I like the Montpelier festival because it is small and you can see everything in a few hours without feeling rushed. We probably got there about 11:30 and had finished shopping by 2:30. And that was taking 2 trips through tents. Trip one was to see, trip two was to purchase! We did buy lunch (barbecue, then picked up "Rose" and were back on the road by 3:30.

So today is arm update. This morning p/t will test my progress and this afternoon it's back to the orthepedic surgeon for his update. Fingers crossed I'll get the okay to drive in a week or so.

And tonight I'll go to puppy class. Fame's mom Debbie is going to pick me up. It will be fun to see how much the babies have grown.

I do still plan to raise a puppy.

Fall Fiber Festival & Dog Trials

2009-10-04T13:02:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, bright and early (8:30am!) Artsyfish, Macadoodle and I headed northwest to Montpelier for the 22nd Annual Fall Fiber Festival. We had a beautiful day. No rain. A nice breeze. Lots of sunshine.

Warning: I still cannot raise my right arm high enough to actually see what I'm taking a picture of. Right hand holds camera, left hand presses button. They are what they are.

Much smaller than MS&W

it's a nice size with a nice selection of fiber, yarn, wheels, and animals (rabbits, goats, llamas, alpacas, sheep & dogs)

Artsy went with a mission. She wanted to try out different wheels. She came home with Majacraft "Rose" from Misty Mountain Fibers.

She smiled like this all the way home

Mission Accomplished

Mac was looking for pink yarn. Not much pink out this year. But she did find a nice hand dyed fingering wt. Here she is putting it away.

Mac and I walked around until we saw something new and different. We both fell in love with this cotton from Wolle

Four colors that "blend" into one another. These are the 2 skeins that came home with me.

And I cannot pass up lace wt. especially these 3 skeins from "The Drafting Zone"

It was a super fun day. (I'll come back later and update the brand of wheel Artsy purchased and the store she purchased from. It has left my mind!)

Puppies & Lace

2009-09-21T16:36:00.001-04:00

Puppies and Lace...Estonian lace!

A broken shoulder

2009-09-17T11:38:00.004-04:00

I found out Tuesday that the sprain/strained arm I have been nursing is acutally a broken shoulder...pout....now it hurs worse than before.

Good news! No surgery..yippee.. It's broken in a place that cannot be splinted so I am keeping it in a sling. It's also in a place that doesn't allow for surgery unless it's a new shoulder, which is not necessary now.

And waiting the 3 weeks did not do any damage. I'll begin Physical Therapy next Friday and go 3 times a week for at least 6 weeks. I may not get full range of motion back.

My neighbor said she would take me to my appoitments for a few weeks until I can feel comfortable driving. It's really hard to reach the gear shift with a bum right arm. And a few friends have emailed to say they'd help me out....Coco and Deb said they'd move up here for me!

Very very nice offer from both, but I think I'm okay for now on my own with drivers.

I'm in a much better mood/place tonight than I was last night. I can plan to go to a few fibery places later in the fall.

Puppy will have to be postponed until after I see how physical therapy works.

Thanks for all the good wishes sent my way.

Puppy Class

2009-09-14T21:42:00.004-04:00

Let me introduce you to the newest Puppy Class

Paulsen

Primrose

Maverick

Lynne

Aries

Pile of Puppies

Aries is 16 weeks.
Primrose & Paulsen are 8 weeks and brother & sister
Lynne & Maverick are about 9 weeks

How it went down...

2009-09-06T13:40:00.002-04:00

...or should the title be "How I went down"?

It began as a lovely Wednesday afternoon. I met Fame and Debbie at Lowe's where we walked around and Debbie showed me how to interact with people wanting to pet Fame, how to let Fame look around and experience new things. Then we went to Starbucks for an iced coffee and tea.

Once back at my house we unpacked Fames overnight things...crate, blankies, toys, stuffed bones, food, etc. Fame and I had a nice dinner, she slept well in her crate (I slept well in my bed) and the sun rose on Thursday.

We played ate breakfast, rested, played in the backyard, went for a short walk in front of the house and Fame had a stuffed bone while I had lunch.

Then it was off in the car for a trip to The Knitting Corner. She was wonderful. Laid at my side with only a few reminders. Sure, a few balls of yarn were tasted, but nothing harmed.

Once home, we had dinner and settled in with Judge Judy. I thought...hmm, how about another walk!

So off we went, just across the street, not to far. We met a neighbor and chatted a minute, and turned back for home.

And there he was...Evil Eyed Cat. Now I knew how Bailey reacted to this cat (barking a very high shrill bark) and I've even walked Nixon by this cat (barking and wagging of tail). What I didn't know was that Fame didn't have much experience with cats...and an Evil Eyed Cat at that!

I felt her stiffen and saw the hair on her back stand straight up and she stopped. I put the leash in my right hand, took her collar with my left and hustled her along, talking to her. She relaxed, looked at me. So I released her collar and as I went to put the leash back in my left hand she made her move.

She turned back to the cat and took off jerking my arm. I had no choice but to follow. But I lost my footing and fell forward flat on my stomach with my right arm outstretched.

My arm hit hard. Every muscle was screaming. Thanks to my neighbors I was able to get back home.

So here I sit, a week and a few days later, still not able to move my arm out to the side. But the colors are interesting...red, black green...from below my elbow to my shoulder. Each day it gets better. I went to the grocery store yesterday. The hard part was clicking in my seat belt. Never realized how hard it is.

So, that's the story.

But while sitting around doing nothing I've had the gutters cleaned. And replanned my backyard. They'll be out in the next week or so to rip out the azalea's, trim back the gardenia's, and put in more pathway's for pots. This winter we'll do a big trim on the 3 crepe myrtles. This should allow more sun the the yard.

Arm & Puppy update

2009-09-04T11:32:00.002-04:00

With the bum arm, I had to make the decision to postpone receipt of puppy. A few pups arrived this week and the rest will be here early next week. I still can't brush my teeth with my right hand so there is no way I could handle an 8 week old puppy!

I'm hoping by October releases I'll be ready and able to handle a baby.

And I am reading your blogs about soups and sheep and little ones going off to school, just trying to keep the arm rested so am not commenting.

I just watched Cat Bordhi's video on her new book. Hmmmmm, sock may be in my future. Interesting concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6d076POJ04

short update

2009-08-31T15:51:00.002-04:00

Great day/night with Fame. We saw a cat. We passed it. I thought she had forgotten, she hadn't. My right arm is messed up. Can't drive. Details when I can type better. Hope this doesn't mess up my chances.

Puppy Adoptions, Toys & Vet Services

2009-08-25T14:21:00.002-04:00

To answer KatieGirl's question about dogs that do not make it as a service dog, yes they are offered to their raiser for adoption. If the raiser does not wish to adopt, then they are offered to the public. I believe the fee is $1500.00.

I think I mentioned that if the dogs do not make a good guide for a blind person,then they may be trained for an austic child, or drug/bomb sniffing or search and rescue. Then they are offered for adoption.

Last nights class was interesting. We watched a video made by Debbie & Fame and a few others. It showed how to work with your dog through a normal day. Example, Debbie was putting clothes in the wash, Fame was on a "go place/stay". Debbie dropped a sock and said something like "not your's" in a pleasant voice, few more clothes in the wash, drops another sock and repeats. Debbie continued to speak to Fame about what a good dog she was. Fame stayed laying on her rug and watched Debbie load the washer.

And we watched little Aries figure out what he needed to do on his own last night. He's great with commands sit/down but could he figure it out on his own? So his raiser was asked to sit in a chair without commanding Aries and ignore him, pretend she was speaking to someone.

As we (15 or so all crowded in a hallway) held our breath Aries tried really hard to get her attention, (he looked up at her, there was no jumping) when he couldn't, he looked around a bit and then layed down next to the chair. When the trainer said "good" we exploded with applause and Aries received a "puppy party" (about 10 pieces of kibbe) Exercise took maybe 20 seconds if that.

And speaking of toys...Target had a sale so few new toys came home with me today. And I bought a treat bag for me. Clips on your belt/waist band.

And a huge Thank You to Dr. Brooks of Chesapeake Animal Hospital He's agreed to sponsor my puppy for his/her medical needs.

My Day with Fame

2009-08-24T09:30:00.003-04:00

Raising a puppy as a service dog is much different than raising a puppy to be a full time pet. I took classes 15 years ago on how to raise a pet. I now must learn how to raise a service dog.

Little things I didn't think about, like, offering a reward (piece of kibble) and dropping it before getting it into the dogs mouth. I would normally just point to it for Bailey to pick up. You don't allow a service dog to pick up something dropped (food, clothing, anything!) because you don't want them to pick up something a blind person might drop.

On walks, no stopping to smell/mark because they will be leading a blind person and you certainly don't want that to happen while walking the blind person to work. They'd be late everyday! Now that's not to say they won't have the opportunity to greet other dogs or humans. Sure, but not everytime.

Holding the leash. I learned in Puppy Kindergarten with Bailey that the loop is held in the right hand and slack in the left. A service dog leash is all held in the left hand. The dogs will wear a collar & leash with harness and the blind person will hold it all in their left hand.

Calling them to you. Hahahaha! How many of us would do this: Bailey come here. Bailey Come here. tug on leash BAILEY Come here!!!! pull really hard BAILEY I SAID COME HERE! Then I go over and get Bailey fussing at him the entire time. It is a LOT different..something like this....Fame, Let's Go! count to 10. Fame, Let's Go! count to 10. Walk to her, get her attention with a kibble, Fame, Let's Go! and walk. There's lots more you can do to get the puppy's attention, but that's the big change for me. No pulling or tugging on the leash.

That's just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.....and when Debbie offered me the opportunity to have Fame for the day I said Yes! I need the practice. Habits are hard to break.

So at 8:00 Debbie brought over Fame (with her crate, reward kibble pouch, toys, peanut butter filled sterlized bones and several comfy blankets and pillows).

Debbie walked her around the house. Even upstairs, where no one has gone in months or with the amout of yarn and Guild things on the floor could even walk!

Then to the back yard so that Fame could "get busy". She did. Then off for a walk around the block. Debbie led Fame and pointed out to me what to let her, or a puppy, explore as it would give Fame new experiences to add to her list. Storm drains, manhole covers, they smell different in each neighborhood. We met "Amber" the dog. Debbie had Fame sit. Amber seemed a bit skittish so we chatted with Ambers mom and then continued our walk.

Half way around the block, I took the leash. That's where MY training comes in. Keeping her next to me in a heel, when to call her back to me, how to call her back to me, what to let her explore, how to recognise a new experience for her.

Just the 1/8 th of a mile I walked leading her showed me how much of a routine Bailey and I were in. It's been years and years since I walked up my driveway holding onto a leash. I would always (after checking for traffice) drop B's leash and let him race across the street, up the drive way and to the porch.

So yes, I have many routines to relearn.

Debbie left us after our walk. Fame and I played in the back yard. She took a nap in her crate. Got Busy a few times. Spent a good 2 hours playing with her blue square block in the house. At dinner time, Debbie came for Fame. She showed me how to use serving dinner to Fame as a learning experience for her. It was nice having a dog in the house again.

Later this week Fame will come to spend a few days and nights with me. She and I both will have new experiences.

Having a 60 pound dog in your house is much different tha having a 18 pound dog in your house.

Yesterday and Today

2009-08-23T13:32:00.004-04:00

How do I feel about no costumes? 1/2 of me is saying Yippee! and the other 1/2 saying BooHoo..

Yipee because there's less clothing for me to care for on a weekly basis, I'm not able stop at the grocery store or where ever on the way home... I did...once...the stares and strange looks made me a bit uncomfortable. And the layers of the Colonial era costume makes for a very warm me.

BooHoo because it is FUN!

But I do understand why it's not financially feasible to costume 30 volunteers and 5 employees with $300 costumes. And asking us to pay for our own would limit who would want to volunteer. And most of them do need replacing. And replaced with the correct fiber. The shift I am wearing is made from a modern cotton (and it feels like a bed sheet) In 1725 cotton was very very expensive so my shift would be made of wool.

So for now we'll dress in costumes for special events.

And in Puppy Training News

Fame spent the day with me.

"I LURV my blue square"

"I wonder how many dogs live around here?"

2 things

2009-08-20T14:31:00.002-04:00

I've followed Maggie for many years. Way back when I practically lived in San Francisco. Check out her Aug 17th post (you may have to click on older posts at the bottom) for the top 10 dance videos.

A few weeks ago I answered a question on Cliodhna's blog. I love old movies and had just put this on my Netflix list. And I won! Check out the stitch markers

Tangerine Scream

They're very pretty....and she's the one who began the Stories of the Traveling Stitch Markers!

I'm back....

2009-08-19T13:44:00.003-04:00

I have weeks when I have no plans and so just sit around and watch "Housewives of Some City" reruns. That hasn't been the case recently.

MY puppy training classes have begun (2 down, 2 to go). Fame will be visiting my house tomorrow. It has been a very long time since I've dog proofed my house. Bailey was curious, but unless it was something for him to eat, paper given to him to tear up, or a plastic bottle to "kill" he wasn't interested. All of my yarn was left about without incident.

The Va Beach Historic Houses are going through some changes. We're going to talk about the house/family and Tidewater vs. the time in general. So new tours have been written and we are meeting to discuss and learn. And another change....no costumes except for special events.

Why no costumes? Money. There is none and what the city has provided needs to go to education. The School tours have also been rewritten. And more in class room artifact hands on will be offered.

This past Saturday the Library offered a free Origami Class. ArtsyFish, Macadoodle and I made a crane for the Duke 1000 Crane Project.

And the stitch markers went along. I'm not sure what happened between ArtsyFish phone camera, Cox, my saved pictures and Flickr but if you squint....

Oh, I purchased the Swifer Wet Mop thingy to clean my kitchen and bathroom floors. Nice to have everything all in one. Anyone know where to purchase a different flavor of cleaner? I'm not crazy with the Fabreeze smell.

an update.....

2009-08-14T08:07:00.002-04:00

Fame is 1 year old. She's lived with her Puppy Raising Family since she was about 8 weeks. She'll know closer to 30 commands. And if you stop to pet her, be prepared for a wet hand...she loves to lick!

Introducing Fame

2009-08-13T18:33:00.003-04:00

It was my prividelge to walk through the mall this afternoon with Debbie and Fame.

Fame

Sit

Good Girl!

Fame has been training since birth. She will know 36 commands before going back to the center for additional training. There she'll learn to lead through the streets, on public transportation and find the exit of a building.

Notice: Fame never breaks eye contact with Debbie even with me running around taking pictures, birds flying overhead, cars going by.

PS: Am I the only one that is singing "Fame" in her head? I'll bet you are now ;)

Itty bitty

2009-08-11T20:46:00.001-04:00

Itty bitty knitting....
Lia Hoogenhout's.

To answer Becky...I have 3 more Puppy Pre Placement Classes to complete. That will take me to the end of August. Then, as puppies are available and we are deemed compatable, one will be placed with me. Hopefully September.

After a puppy is placed, we'll have 6 months of weekly training classes. I must keep Monday nights free! Boohoo Guild and Monday night at B&N. Then it will be twice a month. Testing is also performed during the year.

If I'm remembering correctly there were 6 new puppie raisers and 5 experienced puppy raisers in class last night. Singles, 2 brothers, families, a teen (and his family) husband & wife.

One of the regional instructors, Debbie, will be bringing her puppy to my house in a few weeks for the day. After we make sure she's comfortable, she'll come back to spend a night or 2 with me. That's one way to make sure I can handle a 60 pound dog!

As for sponsoring I copied this from the website. I'd post the link but it puts my info in the fields :)

Helps buy dog food and other basic provisions $10
Pays for a guide dog's annual vaccinations $25
Helps pay for mobility training in urban areas $35
Helps provide home-cooked meals and housing for a blind student in training $50
Helps pay for a student and new guide dog's trip home $75
Buys a leather harness $100
Helps raise a puppy in our foster family program $250
Helps pay for special home training when needed $500
Aids our Veterinary Hospital with the purchase of sutures, oxygen and surgical drapes $1000
Sustains our Adaptive Technology Program which allows our blind students to learn new employment skills $5,000
Sponsors a Guide Dog Team $45,000

I will be responsible for food, treats, bedding, travel to classes, leashes, collars.

I'll be given a crate, flea protection, heart worm preventative. Collars/leashes are provided if I can't. I will ask my vet to provide free check ups and shot updates. If he is not willing, I will be reimbursed for the costs.

Gosh, I got a bit long winded there! Hope that answers some questions.

Sit, Down, Stand & Witchduck

2009-08-11T10:32:00.003-04:00

Puppy Pre Placement Class 1 - What I learned

Dogs don't ask to go out to potty; you tell the dog when it's time

Male dogs do not lift their leg

Massages are given to dogs by their raisers; starts right after birth

Dogs are named at birth and the name stays with them for life

There are sponsors of individual dogs; they get to name the dog....Pepsi

There is about a 4 year waiting list to adopt a dog that did not find a career with or through
Guiding Eyes for the Blind

You need a large box of tissues for the 8 hour drive home

Sit Down Stand

Our instructor thinks the area has odd street names like Witchduck. Wait until she hears the story of Pleasure House Road or Quarantine Road. You can probably figure these out for yourselves.

If you're reading my blog for it's knitting content. Sorry. Knitting on the FLH shawl continues. The second half looks like the first half.

And the Guild will knit hats for our 4th quarter charity project. I've already pulled a few single skeins that I'll use.

My niece used a nice simple pattern with a great idea for a pompom. I think I have that book and I'm pretty sure I'll steal the pompom idea!

How many knitters...

2009-08-08T16:37:00.002-04:00

....does it take to break a world record? 237

How many knitters set a new record? 935

Watch it happen: Sock Summit

"Puppies with a Purpose"

2009-08-06T12:29:00.003-04:00

Just incase you missed The Today show, here is a link to the video...

Today Show/Guiding Eyes

And the video.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

An update:

2009-08-05T18:04:00.003-04:00

Just received this from Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Be sure to watch the Today Show tomorrow, Thursday August 6 between 8:30 and 9 am. Correspondent and animal lover Jill Rappaport has prepared a wonderful segment on Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s work and volunteer programs.
Thank you for your support.

Knitting Nights and Sales

2009-08-04T14:29:00.005-04:00

The Markers enjoy Knit Night at The Knitting Corner

And the August Guild meeting.

I received Sue's email about the ginormous sale at The Knitting Corner. She wasn't kidding

Even the Sale sign is ginormous!

This is what I left with

Two skeins of pale pink lace wt from Skacel. A skein of Araucania sock wt to go with the skein I purchased a few weeks ago. Probably be a shawl. And the latest Harmony Guide. I felt the other Guides were repeats of Barbara Walker and others, this is giving me new ideas. The only thing missing is charts.

a Book meme

2009-07-31T21:37:00.002-04:00

This is going around the blogasphere. How many "classics", as defined by the BBC, have I read? (in blue)

Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen
The Lord of the Rings JRR Tolkien (part)
Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte
Harry Potter series JK Rowling
To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee
The Bible (at least most of it to count)
Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte
Nineteen Eighty Four George Orwell
His Dark Materials Philip Pullman
Great Expectations Charles Dickens
Little Women Louisa M Alcott
Tess of the D’Urbervilles Thomas Hardy
Catch 22 Joseph Heller
Complete Works of Shakespeare
Rebecca Daphne Du Maurier
The Hobbit JRR Tolkien (part)
Birdsong Sebastian Faulks
Catcher in the Rye JD Salinger
The Time Traveller’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger
Middlemarch George Eliot
Gone With The Wind Margaret Mitchell
The Great Gatsby F Scott Fitzgerald
Bleak House Charles Dickens
War and Peace Leo Tolstoy
The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
Brideshead Revisited Evelyn Waugh
Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck
Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll
The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame
Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy
David Copperfield Charles Dickens
Chronicles of Narnia CS Lewis
Emma Jane Austen
Persuasion Jane Austen
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe CS Lewis
The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Louis De Bernieres
Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden
Winnie the Pooh AA Milne
Animal Farm George Orwell
The Da Vinci Code Dan Brown
One Hundred Years of Solitude Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A Prayer for Owen Meaney John Irving
The Woman in White Wilkie Collins
Anne of Green Gables LM Montgomery
Far From The Madding Crowd Thomas Hardy
The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood
Lord of the Flies William Golding
Atonement Ian McEwan
Life of Pi Yann Martel
Dune Frank Herbert
Cold Comfort Farm Stella Gibbons
Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen
A Suitable Boy Vikram Seth
The Shadow of the Wind Carlos Ruiz Zafon
A Tale Of Two Cities Charles Dickens
Brave New World Aldous Huxley
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Mark Haddon
Love In The Time Of Cholera Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck
Lolita Vladimir Nabokov
The Secret History Donna Tartt
The Lovely Bones Alice Sebold
Count of Monte Cristo Alexandre Dumas
On The Road Jack Kerouac
Jude the Obscure Thomas Hardy
Bridget Jones’s Diary Helen Fielding
Midnight’s Children Salman Rushdie
Moby Dick Herman Melville
Oliver Twist Charles Dickens
Dracula Bram Stoker
The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett
Notes From A Small Island Bill Bryson
Ulysses James Joyce
The Bell Jar Sylvia Plath
Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome
Germinal Emile Zola
Vanity Fair William Makepeace Thackeray
Possession AS Byatt
A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens
Cloud Atlas David Mitchell
The Color Purple Alice Walker
The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro
Madame Bovary Gustave Flaubert
A Fine Balance Rohinton Mistry
Charlotte’s Web EB White
The Five People You Meet In Heaven Mitch Alborn
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Faraway Tree Collection Enid Blyton
Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad
The Little Prince Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The Wasp Factory Iain Banks
Watership Down Richard Adams
A Confederacy of Dunces John Kennedy Toole
A Town Like Alice Nevil Shute
The Three Musketeers Alexandre Dumas
Hamlet William Shakespeare
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Les Miserables Victor Hugo

44 out of 100...not to bad. I don't understand why some of these the BBC considered "classics" though. BJD?

I didn't highlight the complete works of Shakespear but I have read more than Hamlet...Romeo & Juliet, Merchant of Venice, Taming of the Shrew, his sonents (do they count?)

I did begin each of the Tolkien's, but I just couldn't get through them.

Where's the rest of Jane Austen? The Bronte's? And Louisa certainly had better than LW (that was good but her dark writing is much better) And Willa Cather?

Not a hit of Nora Roberts?

Here a bit of what I'd add if I made a top 100 list of books:

Out of Africa
A Year in Provence
How to Make an American Quilt
Mutant Message Down Under
These is My Words
The Knitters Book of Yarn

Rain rain....

2009-07-31T18:46:00.002-04:00

It rained Monday night so puppy class was cancelled.

Instead Markers enjoyed a cup of coffee and knitting with Tidewater Markers at B&N

That pretty blue is ArtsyFish's swatch for a shawl she wants to knit with her handspun. Now that's how to knit a swatch!

And yes, I will let you know when the Today show airs the segment on Guilding Eyes.

Last night...

2009-07-29T09:24:00.004-04:00

... I met a woman who is blind. She came into The Knitting Corner for help with her knitting. A lace project. With her was Copper, her guide dog. He is her 5th dog. He's her independence. While Sue fixed her knitting we chatted about what makes a good guide dog. She shared that while "sit", "stay" and "let's go" were important, more important was "come". Copper is having trouble with that right now.

And from USAtoday this story "Blinded by Nazis; guided by a dog". Tobin was raised by a local family.

And allow me one more...Thursday on NBC's Today show will feature a story on the Yost Family who foster two of Guiding Eyes studs. Alex & Alfie. Should air between 8:30 -9:00. UPDATE: just learned that this has been postponed.

Alfie is Tobin's father.

I finally love computers!

2009-07-28T09:19:00.003-04:00

I complain alot about computers. I don't understand how to fix it when it breaks...ie, gives me weird error messages that do not make sense. And all the connections you need to have just to get to the internet....

But I've finlly found a reason to put up with it.....take a look at what VogueKnitting has done

VogueKnitting 360

No more trying to quess what the sweater looks like in the back. No more wondering how the sleeve fits. No more wondering .....

I love you VK!

Stitch Markers meet the Frances Land House

2009-07-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

Meeting the at least 250 year old Sycamore. This beautiful tree was around long before the house was built between 1805 and 1810.

A few steps to the right a glimsp of the house itself. A little history: the porch and portico were added in 1955 when the house was purchased and used for "Rose Hall" an exclusive dress/bridal shop.

After a tour of the house (no photo's allowed, it's a museum) a short break on one of the many benches on the grounds. The door leads into the dining room. The kitchen, as in many plantations, would have been outside.

This is new to me....

Not sure what is planted to grow. The Master Gardners of Va Beach take care of the plantings/gardens for the House and didn't leave info. Perhaps grape vines?

After this picture the camera battery died. But Markers will have the opportunity to see more of the FLH soon!

Tonight....puppy training!

Stories of the Traveling Stitch Markers

2009-07-24T15:56:00.003-04:00

Please let me introduce you to 5 beautiful stitch markers.

*****

They are traveling the state of Virginia living in differnet knitting projects while they tour one of the 13 original states.

They began their journey 4 months ago in Appomattox where they enjoyed time with handspun and dyed yarn from a sheep named Liza and were photographed on a cannon.

Easter Sunday they attended church service while their tour guide played the organ in Greenwood.

Then it was off to the Shenandoah Valley where they had many adventures including a trip to the dentist and a 4th of July Celebration!

What's next for them to experience? Stay tuned.

Check out "Stories of the Traveling Stitch Markers" Group on Ravelry to read the adventures of other Stitch markers traveling in other states.

**** sigh...this was the best of about 10 pictures. they are beautiful! delicate!

Big ambitions

2009-07-22T20:18:00.002-04:00

Jenni is going to knit 365 pairs of socks.

The Sock Summit "is making an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “The Most Number of People Knitting Simultaneously”. 1600 seat ballroom.

Me? I'm knitting my 12th puppy blanket for Chesapeake Humane Society.

Need to go find yarn and cast on for one to take with me tomorrow to knit while watching the new Harry Potter movie. #12 is being knit in dark yarn and it would be hard to see when to change from knit to purl and from purl to knit in the dark.

Hmmm, I do have a lighted crochet hook......

Movie week

2009-07-22T16:29:00.002-04:00

I like romantic movies, Paris, New York, Julia Child, blogging, food, Meryl Streep.

Bobbie received 14 free tickets to a preview of the movie "Julie & Julia". She shared them with 14 of her knitting friends.

It was wonderful.

Addicted!

2009-07-21T10:27:00.002-04:00

The other afternoon, a thunderstorm blew in and power was knocked out. I knit for about an hour and then became restless. I tried to read, but the book light I have just doesn't do it for me. So I pulled out a deck of cards and played Solitaire until the power came back on 3 1/2 hours later.

After the power was restored, I thought...gee, I haven't played online Solitaire in a long time. I remembered that the Lifetime network had a games page so off I went. Played a few of the cards games and then went looking to see what else was offered.

And there it was....my favorite game even before online games were invented!

FIND IT

Don't go there or you to will have to play over and over and over until you become smug and know you've beat the game and then....it throws in a new item to find and your confindence is shattered and you have to play again and again because that damn white cat is hiding somewhere and you can't find it....

I have to go now. Um, dishes need to be washed, yeah, dishes....

Time traveler

2009-07-15T19:17:00.003-04:00

Received my 19th century dress which is appropriate for the time of the Frances Land House.

Here's a close up of the print

A pretty blue flower with pale olive stems/leaves on a dark natural background. Cotton.

Here is a picture of the dress hanging on the closet door.

The front touches the top of my foot while the back of the dress goes into a small train. There are ties that will pull the gathers on the empire waist closed. I didn't do that before taking this picture.

There are problems though. I can get both of my arms through one sleeve. The edge of the neck sits on my shoulders which then makes the sleeves come way past my elbows. And lets not talk about how low and wide the front is.

At first I thought that my weird body shape had caused this. But no, the other Docent who ordered the same fabric dress was the same way. We have a feeling the seamstress used the wrong pattern for the top, (is that called the bodice?)

So, back they go to be fixed.

I will say that the cotton is very nice, the bodice lined and it's not as heavy as it looks.

But of course after what I'm wearing now (shift, pockets, petticoat, apron, vest, modesty scarf & mob cap one layer is going to feel light.

Harbinger Lavender Farm

2009-07-13T13:00:00.002-04:00

ArtsyFish and I celebrate our birthdays a week apart. Our friend, Macadoodle, took us on a field trip to Harbinger Lavender Farm celebrate.

Harbinger Lavender Farm Gift Shop

The lavender was harvested in June, so we didn't get to cut our own.

Lavender drying in the barn

One of the lavender fields

Eucalyptis Tree

What I brought home.

I'm enjoying the Lavender/Goat milk soap. I plan to purchase a few bars at the Chesapeake Heritage Arts Festival in September.

One the way home, we stopped at The Weeping Radish. The BEST barbeque sandwhich I've ever eaten! And stops at 2 farmers markets for

Cherries, peaches, honey, cookies, cantelopes, and fudge!

It was a fantastic day spent with some great friends!

Fourh of July

2009-07-13T12:51:00.002-04:00

Let's do some catching up....

ArtsyFish invited me to her neighborhood Fourth of July picnic. After taking this picture

The batteries on my camera died. But imagine a lovely lake right in the middle of a large neighborhood where people were swimming, boating and floating around. DJ was playing music and children and adults were encouraged to play tug of war, hula hoop, and other assorted games. Food was tasty: barbecue, hot dogs, burgers, and the assorted sides. And there was a nice breeze so flys and other buggy things were not hanging around.

The Fourth is also ArtsyFish's birthday, so we went back to her house and had birthday cupcakes and key lime ice cream.

Later, we went back down to the lakefront to watch the firewords. All around the lake neighbors were setting of some pretty good ones. And in the distance we could see the professional setting off the ones over Mt Trashmore.

It was a very nice day.

Why I like summer....

2009-07-08T16:08:00.006-04:00

Sure I like summer because it's warm, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and all the other stuff poets write about.

But for me summer begins when CBS begins to air "Big Brother". Eleven seasons watching the hampsters. I love it!

And this year I joined a Ravelry Big Brother 11 Group Pool. My player is Natalie. She's 24, Tae Kwon Do champion and plays poker. She sounds like she could be a contender.

So the idea behind the "pool" is each Ravelry Player is randomly assigned one of the 12 BB Houseguests. If the Houseguest you are assigned wins BB, then you win a knitterly type gift from each of the other Ravelry players. Rumer has it a 13th person will join the Houseguests at some point, if that Houseguest wins, then the 12 Ravelry names will be but in a hat and a winner drawn.

It's not to late to join. Group 5 sign ups are being accepted now!

I can't wait until tomorrow night! And no, I don't follow the feeds. I like to see the edited version.

And since we're talking about summer, these are from my friend Macadoodle's garden!

Some of her cucumbers are shaped like squash. Anyone know what causes this?

I'm a planner

2009-07-07T12:28:00.002-04:00

Background: Coco and I communicate by email. This mornings discussion.

Wallis: I think I'll plan my funeral at Scope. Not as big as Staples Ctr, but large enough to hold my family and friends. And I should increase my life insurance so y'all can buy that $25,000 gold plated casket for me. And I'd like Paul McCartney to sing a tribute.

Coco: OMG – I busted out laughing! I needed that! If you go before me I’ll to a “Tap” number after Paul sings a few songs. Maybe “Putting on the Ritz”!! And I’ll carry a Coco Channel purse and wear my Jackie O sun glasses!

If you would like to participate let me know. I'll add you to the program.

Dryer Balls

2009-07-06T13:28:00.001-04:00

I finally found the directions for the dryer balls. I hear they work really well.

July 4th

2009-07-04T08:38:00.005-04:00

In most cities in the US, Independence Day, July 4th, is celebrated on July 4th with music and fireworks in the city park. Not so in the city where I live. I enjoyed music and fireworks last night, July 3rd. The City Park is about a mile from my home, so I hear the music and can see the fireworks that go above the trees. So today I might celebrate again in another city or two.

Now let me introduce you to another niece....Becky. A gardner, knitter, baker, cook, former school teacher, day care provider, sewer, wife, and a mother...where does she find the time. And if you want movie reviews, check out Becky's husband's blog.

To answer Katie's question about the Guiding Eyes dogs, the ones that are currently in this area for raising/training are Labs. I'm told occasionally a Golden is sent. And German Shepherds are rarely used any longer. The public see Shepherds as police or protection dogs and are afraid of them.

Puppies are named at birth and keep the name for life. And they are not neutered/spayed until they complete their training at the Center. This is so dogs with good temperment, etc. can be selected for broods or sires.

If the dog is not cut out for Guiding, another career may be in their future. A service dog for autistic, deaf or other needs, search & rescue, or bomb/drug finding. If they just are not able to make it, the original raiser is offered the chance to adopt. There is a dog in our group, she's 7 now, that would become so depressed when she couldn't complete a task that she was deemed not usable. She lives with her raiser now and comes out to classes to visit the puppies.

Here's a link to the May 09 graduates.

And please let me add, that I am not an expert about Guiding Eyes. I've asked lots of questions and read quite a bit. I'll share what I learn as I continue in this process.

A random picture because I haven't taken any in a while and what's a blog without pictures!

The Snow of Winter '09

June 2009

2009-07-03T21:06:00.003-04:00

Many years ago, on some newsy type tv show, I saw a story about seeing eye dogs and the people who raise/train them. I added that to my list of things to do one day. Wasn't quite sure when that day would be. The last 20 years at Big Bank my job entailed to much traveling to join clubs, or organizations or even take a class at a university.

There was a break about 16 years before I retired, one year and three months to be exact, that I only left the city 3 or 4 day a month. So I bought my first house, signed up for dance lessons and brought Bailey home, and thought....this is what it feels like to stay still.

But that changed when Bank bought another Bank and became at Big Bank that in 15 years would be Really Big Bank. I was on the "transition team" which meant I had to be where the transitioning was going on. Check out Ravelry to see the states I visited/lived in during those years.

So Bailey adjusted to week days at Four Paws Inn, I adjusted to weekends at home and life went on.

When I retired, I thought about those seeing eye dogs, but Bailey was adjusted to being an only dog and really liked having me to himself.

In late May I called the local rep for
Guiding Eyes. She invited me to attend their mid-June training session for puppies.

I begin MY training to raise a puppy in August. I can't wait. Hope I pass.....

May 2009

2009-07-03T20:47:00.003-04:00

May is
Maryland Sheep & Wool. I did watch my spending and came home with 5 skeins (1 lace wt cashmere, 4 lace wt wool) of yarn and 2 patterns. Not bad at all.

I was very excited about one of the patterns. A shape for a shawl that I had not knit. Started right away and found so so so many problems with the pattern. Designer posted corrections that made it even worse. I rewrote it. It works. It's the start for my next WallisKnits pattern.

The month of May was spent learning about life in Princess Anne County from 1636 to 1810 on the Plantation of the Frances Land family. Two of my friends were roped into "volunteering" for my first tour. It's been lots of fun. My "Jane Austen" costume hasn't arrived so I'm wearing a 1750 style.

The end of the month was a very happy time indeed. My niece Katie married her David in a beautiful ceremony on a beautiful day. Here's her Blog where she discusses her new life of a wife & step mom. Check out her chickens, her lovable dog Scooter, her new puppy Elmer, gardening and her felted items..check out her etsy store...

April 2009

2009-07-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

The first weekend in April, the weekend Bailey was acting like a 5 year old, the Frances Land House (link on the right) held their annual "Gathering of the Guilds".

This is an event the Knitting Guild has participated in for many years. Smockers, quilters, sewers, basket makers, hand carvers, bee keepers, potters, spinners, blacks smiths and so many many more demonstrate their craft. I've attended this event since 2001, when I joined TKGV aka The Guild. So much to see that I never really stopped to talk to the "workers" at the House.

This weekend I commented to a "worker" on her dress (think Jane Austen). She replied "you can wear one too". I learned that the majority of the workers are volunteers. I signed up!

2009 The First 3 1/2 Months

2009-07-03T16:07:00.005-04:00

January '09: My calendar says I was at Ewe Knit Kits quite a bit working and teaching.

February '09: In February there was the "Super Sale" on the 1st. You know the day of the big football game but you can't name your sale after it or you risk receiving a nasty letter from a lawyer representing a big corporation.

Bailey had his annual check up.

Melissa Leapman stopped by to teach 4 classes for
The Guild. Cables!

The Guild held our annual Charity Knit In. Lots of fun and blankets for St. Mary's Children's Home and Chesapeake Humane Society.

And I got my hair cut.

March '09: KnittaPalooza was fun. Not sure if it will be the final one. No word from Bobbie. I released the last 2 George Family Patterns, RosaBelle and Marguerite.

Nixon visited for a week. He and Bailey slept while I folded clothes.

And a group of 20 or so knitters got together to duck tape ourselves. T shirt, duck tape wrapped around the body several times, cut up the back...

Bobbie closed Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn brick & mortar store. (First time since I was 12 I do not have a job. Began with babysitting most weekends) Website is still open and has been updated. You can find all of my patterns there for PDF download.

April '09:

On April 8th, Bailey's kidneys failed and I had to make the decision to euthanize. He died 15 years to the week he had come to live with me as a 12 week old puppy. The Friday before he wasn't well. His regular vet wasn't available and his partner diagnosed arthritis and gave him an injection for pain. Bailey a new dog. We walked for 2 days like we hadn't in the last few years. 2 miles plus each day. But by Monday he was showing signs of distress so back to the vets office. Wednesday the results of Monday' tests were in and I made the decision.

They say when one door closes others open....and they did.

An update

2009-07-03T11:54:00.009-04:00

It's been just over a year since I blogged. An update on the highlights from my calendar:

July '08: Celebrated my birthday. Had my annual checkup.

August '08: Had my hair cut and car inspected.

September '08: Coco flew in from Atlanta for a mutual friends 70th birthday celebration weekend. We all worked at Big Bank together. Caught up on all of the Big Bank gossip...nothing changed. And we celebrated Coco's birthday. Knitting Pure & Simple knit in Plymouth Baby Grande Alpaca.

Bailey guarding Coco's Birthday Gift

Later in the month I helped "man the booth" at the Chesapeake Heritage Fiber Arts festival for Tidewater Knitting Guild of Virginia. A last minute decision to enter my knitting resulted in Best In Show cup, First Place and 2 Second Place ribbons.

. AND an alpaca vendor asked me to knit a few display pieces for her in exchange for yarn after seeing these.

October '08: Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier was fun. Purchased 1 skein of yarn..alpaca, black, 600 yds.

Stepped down as President of the Guild, 3 years is looong time. I'll work on the Community Committee...a committee of one.

Took a Tatting class...don't ask. I made lots of knots.

Began training to work as an Election Official in November.

Clara Parks, Knitters Review & The Knitters Book of Yarn presented a fantastic talk on fiber. It was fun catching up with her.

Had my teeth cleaned. No cavities.

November '08:

Worked the elections. Very long day.

Started a knit-a-long at Ewe Knit Kits for a top down sweater with a different stitch pattern every few inches. Still have a sleeve and the button bands to finish.

J, K and I went to KnitXperience at Graves Mtn. Fun weekend meeting new knitters. And of course Graves Mountain Lodge is always fun.

And I was re-elected to BOD of my homeowners association. Not a big deal...no one else voluneered. It'll be my second time. I took a year off.

December '08: Quiet month. Christmas Day with my mother. Working at Ewe Knits.

So that was the last few months of 2008....

5 sweaters, 7 knitters & 1 heat pump

2008-06-11T08:36:00.002-04:00

May here in the Tidewater of Virginia was very mild. Actually cool some days. Ususally we've turned on the air conditioning a few times before June's heat and humidity comes rolling in. But not this year. So as the first day of real heat hit us I flipped the little switch to turn on my air. Nothing. So a call to John's Brothers on Monday morning had them coming out on Tuesday morning to tell me...we can fix what's broken for eightyeleven dollars and something else will break because your system is old old old. So, bright and early last Thursday morning when it was already 95 degrees 5 Men & their trucks pulled up to my house

and by the end of the day cool air was pouring through the vents from a brand spanking new heating and air conditioning machine that cost caused my checkbook to say "we didn't for plan this, what about that new roof we wanted!".

That night, Bailey enjoyed moving from favorite place to favorite place finding the cool spots. No picture, but imagine a long haired black dog in 100 degrees panting really really hard finally finding cool.

Friday, the Men in Trucks, showed up to hook up the heat side of the new machine.

A week later cool air is still blowing out the vents and we've had a nice break in the 101 heat. A nice balmy 85 with low humidity today.

In knitting news.....

Andrea redecorated Ewe Knit Kits to include a "Wall of WallisKnits" patterns.

Thank you Andrea!

And let me introduce you to the "Morning Knitting Group at Ewe Knit Kits".

Almost any morning of the week, you can stop by and find them knitting away, discussing the lastest pattern, yarn, their families or where to go for lunch. Stop by and join them some morning!

I've been busy knitting sweaters and shrugs.

All are Knitting Pure & Simple patterns.

A black (looks charcoal but it's very dark black) cardigan in Rowan's Calmer

And a great way to use up all of that novelty yarn we purchased 2 years ago that's still sitting in your stash A red cardigan in Berroco's Love It and Trendsetter Charm.

And 2 new patterns from KP&S that knit really fast. The Woman's Bulky Shrug
that probably took 4 hours of straight knitting to finish. I used Plymouth's Baby Grande Alpaca 2 1/2 skeins for the size 40. Didn't quite get gauge so I went up a size.

The note pinned to the front says "2 KnitIn's will be held for this shrug". I'll be holding a 5 hour "class" where we'll knit this shrug. Wed July 9th or Sat July 26th.

And look at this little tiny shrug! I'm knitting the 18mo size in Kertzer Butterfly. And I used the optional lace bottom.

The lace wt Morehouse Merino sweater is still on the needles. Very slow going there and I'm enjoying the portability.

In Ewe Knit Kits news: Bobbie just returned from TNNA. She said she shopped til she dropped and shopped some more. So in addition to the Universal and Berroco yarns we've already received, we should be getting in lots more over the summer. Mountain Colors order was big. Namaste Bags are coming in. Lots of patterns. Trendsetter had good deals.

This Saturday, June 14th, is World Wide Knit in Public Day. Ewe Knit Kits will hold our annual "Sit and Knit" so bring a chair and join us. I'll be there. And Bobbie will be sending out the email to talk about the days events (and by events I mean what's on sale) soon. I'll update the Ewe Knits Group on Ravelry when she does...because you know she doesn't tell us in advance.

And Happy 90th Birthday to my Aunt Trony! THE Aunt Trony that the "Trony" shawl is named after.

2008-06-02T15:54:00.002-04:00

Where have I been you might ask? Scrabulous and
The SAT Question of the Day and knitting 3 sweaters, 1 scarf and planning 2 classes.

To explain...

2008-05-14T09:53:00.005-04:00

To the Raveler who questioned my use of the term telemarker: It is the term the Client Group I supported while working for Big Bank used to differentiate groups of associates that answered incoming calls. Those that assisted customers or client groups with a problem were Customer Service Associates. Those that answered incoming calls from customers or potential customers that were responding to a mailing were Telemarkers. Why? I don't know. It was better to accept the things I could not control slide by and concentrate on my part of the projects because there were so many acronyms that I had to know and use for my job there was not much brain left for other things...except knitting!... I always saved a few cells for that.

The reason I did not respond to your question on Ravelry? By habit, I clicked on delete vs reply and I didn't remember your Ravelry name. I also do not keep up with all of the Ravelry groups and don't remember which one you used to find my blog.

As for the cute picture, that's my boy!

Have it make sense!

2008-05-07T17:20:00.002-04:00

This is bothering me 2 hours after it happened so I must ask...am I the only one who wishes the companies who write the speil telemarkers use would proof read it?

The woman who called kept saying/telling me that I needed to "support breast cancer". Not "support breast cancer research" or "support cancer awareness" or even "donate to provide education/tests/etc for those without insurance". No. She wanted me to support breast cancer.

And she said it many times. Even after I mentioned that I didn't support breast cancer because it was a nasty thing. I was scolded because "you don't care woman are dying".

Well, yes I do care woman are dying and men too. But I support and donate to breast cancer research, I don't support breast cancer.

She hoped I would have a blessed day and hung up.

She was from "Pink Ribbon". I've not heard of them. Maybe I'll "google" them...which of course is not a verb it's a proper noun.

MS&W '08

2008-05-05T09:33:00.002-04:00

I spent the first 30 minutes in a bit of a sensory panic. I then let go of the requirement to keep up with 3 other knitters and enjoyed my day.

Spirit-Trail Fibers 1000 yards of a beautiful merino lace wt.

Swirl Shawl by jojoland.com

handspun by jamieranibowyarn.com

Spring cleaning

2008-04-28T10:25:00.003-04:00

I'm ready to begin fresh new still in hanks knitting BUT I had too many ufo's. Socks, swatches of possible projects, pet blanket, scarves, shawls, sweaters, just to many. Much was frogged, but I did finish a few and even started and finsihed one.

Bobbie knit a little jacket using the Knitting Pure & Simple Summer Cardigan and Purled Llama "Concha" in KnittaPalooza '08 colors that the Yarn Sellers at Ewe Knit Kits fought over. We'd actually "call" wearing it over KnittaPalooza weekend. I remember both Debbie and I planned our clothing for the weekend around it. And of course the yarn sold out before I could purchase a skein.

Finally. Terry finished dyeing batch 2 and here is my very own KP&SPLKnitta08 cardi:

Knitting Pure & Simple "Summer Cardigan" in Purled Llama "Concha" in KnittaPalooza '08 color

With some handdyed yarns you have to be careful because the color of the skeins are not identical. Bobbie knit the x-small and used 2 skeins, alternating every 2 rows or so. She had enough yarn left for a nice size shawl. So the question was...can we knit it with one skein?

Let's see: cast on size x-small, increase armholes on number short of the small, pull from center of skein to knit neckline and sleeves, use rest to knit body.

2 1/2 yards left

It's a short fun little jacket and a very fast knit! I cast on April 20th and bound off April 26th. But I did have 2 days of knitting at the Va Beach Spring Craft Show. Representing the Guild is hard knitting work.

Completed from the knitting basket

Cast on Dec 31, 2007 . Only 8 rows left to knit. Finished April 27, 2008.

Tahki "Terra" side to side vest (I'd call it a jacket) and Knittng Pure & Simple sleeveless shell. Both knit in Kertzer Butterfly.

Swatched for Morehouse Lace Wt cardigan in "butter"

Buttercup

Yeah, a lace wt cardigan.

Couldn't get gauge on either US3 or 4's. I like the results of US3's. Since it's a top down sweater I've decided to knit it on US3's and knit a smaller size, changing the armholes as needed.

And another pet cuddle for the Chesapeake Humane Society

I cut it close to with just a foot of yarn left!

And being tested by a team of test knitters: "John"

What's left in the knitting basket?
My Favorite "Summer" Shawl in EL Silky Wool
"Trony" for my Aunt Trony in Lorna's Laces "Jeans"

Going to be on the needles
KP&S Cardigan in Black Rowan Calmer
Morehouse Lace Cardigan in their lace wt yarn

Joanne sent me this link yesterday. Have you seen it?
Interweave Knits Summer Preview. Any sweater named Wallis I must knit!

2008-03-24T09:14:00.001-04:00

Pictures from KnittaPalooza 2008

Getting caught up....

2008-03-23T10:56:00.004-04:00

It's been a month since I last updated. Lots of knitting has occured.

I had begun the Knitting Pure & Simple "Woman's Bolero".

It's off the needles. Sorry about the blurry photo. And the color isn't the greatest. But it does fit well and I'd knit the pattern again.

Speaking of KP&S...this April I'm scheduled to teach a top down class and I'm going to follow it up with a KP&S "Shell" class. I'm knitting one of each now.

The round neck shell to match this:

.

Tahki "side to side vest" from the "Terris" booklet. It's knit in 2 strands of Kertzer "Butterfly". I chose 2 different colors and it's make a great summery blend of colors. The shell, I'm using the darker of the colors. And the great part about this top....I knit it in a weekend!

The KP&S Turtle Neck shell is being knit in black Rowan "Calmer" and I've enough to knit a KP&S Cardigan to match.

On Feb 29th Ewe Knits had a "knit in" and a great sale on wool....

My purchases. 5 skeins of Tahki "Donegal Tweed" in a great yellow and a Lantern Moon basket...smallest size to match the large one that sits next to my knitting chair. I enjoyed knitting "Shrek" with the Tweed that I had to have the yellow for another cardigan.

Speaking of stash enhancement...I brought home these from KnittaPalooza

3 Bad Cats patterns. The Jade Sapphire Silk Cashmere for the Driftwood Shawl and the Pink Lacey Lamb for the Fern. I've ordered the Green as in the Fern photo too. And as for the Cashmere for the Queen Anne...2 skeins are still at the store calling my name.

And from Universal Yarns....
Flax. I'm swatching with the Flax. I'm thinking curtain..or window covering, if you will, for my front upstairs window. I began using my "My Favorite Shawl" pattern on US2's though 6's and ended with some yarn over's and SKP.

KnittaPalooza '08 was so much fun. I worked from 9:30 am Thursday morning until 3:00pm Sunday afternoon (with a few hours of sleep) and it was still soooo much fun!

You can read attendee and instructors "memories" here:

Kimberlys Korner
Dawn's Dream
Knit it. Knit it good.
Annie Modiset

"Trony"

2008-03-23T10:35:00.004-04:00

The weeks before
KnittaPalooza is always busy busy busy. Trunk shows, new yarns, new books, you name it.

And as in the previous 4 years The Purled Llama develops a color just for the event. This year in blues/tans/greens. Bobbie handed me the skein of "Dulce" (wool/nylon, 440 yds, fingering/sock wt) and said "We need a pattern" . So I swatched and swatched and came up with "Trony".

Named after my mother's sister (the 4th George daughter), my Aunt Trony. Aunt Trony's had a long career in fashion/retail, she raised 4 children and at 87 is living on her own and going strong with bridge, bingo and lots of grand and great grand children.

"Trony" the shawl, is a simple side to side light weight lacy shawl. Straight across the back, it works well for a light weight cover across the shoulders and can be wrapped around the necks as a scarf.

You can purchase at Ewe Knit Kits.

2008-02-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Lizzy....that's me alright Bess! ...LOL...

2008-02-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Last Friday I found myself at work with no customers, all stock on the shelves and straightend. I had a few minutes to do something very rare. Knit.

So there I sat with a few yards of Lorna's Laces Black Purl in sock weight, eating a few of the purple M&M"s from Beth & Gang at Lorna's for their 5th Anniversary celebration and drinking a bottled water with a purple cap.

Oh yeah, I was wearing a black sweater.

2008-02-19T09:11:00.002-05:00

Take the Quiz here!

D, J & I spent a cloudy Sunday watching P&P, knitting and eating. 6 hours.

KP&S Bolero is on hold. Bobbie selected the colors for KnittaPalooza 2008 from The Purled Llama and I'm working on a new pattern in sock weight yarn. "Trony". A shawl/scarf. Named after an aunt. I do love the color. It will be revealed next month.

2008-02-02T08:56:00.000-05:00

I do apologize for not getting back to moderating my comments. Thank you ladies for the well wishes on my blogaversary. I do have the moderate comments turned on. You wouldn't want to read some of the spam I received. Let's just say they're not knitting related.

What have I been doing?

Opening boxes, entering new yarn data, printing labels, putting labels on new yarns and then trying to figure out where we're going to put it at
Ewe Knit Kits. Rowan, Plymouth, Berroco, Filatura Di Crosa and a few more. And new patterns and books.

We now have the store almost seperated into animal and vegtable. On your left (as you enter) are corn, cotton, bamboo, soy. Quite a few "green" yarns. On your right, sheep, alpaca, llama, goat. We haven't moved the sock yarn or the acrylic...yet. And I guess the milk that should be here soon will go with the animal?

I'm knitting like mad to get Shrek finished before Thursday. Here he (are sweaters he or she's?) this morning with the color waaay off.

.

Basic pattern from KP&S #9725 with the cables from Knitty's Mr. Greenjeans. I added cables to the cuffs, bottom, and collar. The button bands will be in 4x2 ribbing. The yarn is Takhi's Donegal Tweed and was so nice to work with. Now if you don't like "itchy" wools this is not for you, but it doesn't bother me.

Why finish by Thursday? I'll be teaching a class cleverly titled, I might add, "A Sweater Before Spring" Thursday night, 6:00-8:00. We'll be using the KP&S neckdown patterns. I'll be knitting the Woman's Bolero with Rowan's Summer Tweed color 525 a periwinkle. I can't find it in the list, it's a new color for this season. So if you're in the area for the next 4 weeks, join us.

It's my blog-aversary!

2008-01-28T10:34:00.000-05:00

January 29, 2003......Happy 5th Anniversary to my blog! And thank you, kind readers, for sticking around through the lean blogging times.

I have not planned a contest, or yarn give away.

So celebrate with me and spend 5 hours knitting today. No interuptions. No getting up. 5 hours of knitting.

Or if 5 hours is not an option...how about 30 minutes? What ever the knitting time, enjoy!

Bailey says: Knit all you want, just give me a few carrots before you sit down because I can stand in front of the fridge all day.

2008-01-23T15:46:00.000-05:00

April 4, 1979 - January 22, 2008

Start-itis & Continu-itis

2008-01-21T11:55:00.001-05:00

I had a major need to start new projects in the past few weeks.

A neckdown Cardigan from Knitting Pure & Simple. I'm using Tahki-StCharles Donegal Tweed. I named it Shrek the Irish Cardi. I began this cardi right before Bobbie returned from TNNA with the news that Diane Soucy of KP&S had released the Woman's version of the Child's Bolero. You can see both on the KP&S site. We're expecting the pattern this week. I promised myself I wouldn't cast on for it until Shrek was completed. And I'm trying not to pre-shop for yarn. It's hard though.

Right before Bobbie left, I heard about a new sock yarn concept by Paradise Fibers called "Flat Feet". And being a sock knitter Bobbie scouted out and found them at TNNA. We'll be receiving our shipment soon.

The yarn is pre-knit into a "blanket" (my description) or a "scarf" (Maureen's description after I said "it would make a nice scarf too" Maureen said "it's already a scarf"). You pull out a holding thread and the sock yarn unravels as you knit. It does not unravel on it's own, you do have to give it a gentle tug.

The result is a crinkled yarn (because after all you are frogging). And of course I had to cast-on. I swatched on US3's and it was much too lose for socks, but a nice fabric. Pulled out my 7" US1's & the extra 5" from my other 2 socks (see below) and cast on. The crinkled yarn seems to make this still a loose knit on 1's. I'll knit a few more inches and then block, as the directions indicate, to see what happens. So far the only downside I've found is that when I frogged I didn't have a ball to wind the yarn around until it was reknit.

So to get myself through the need to shop for yarn, I decided to join the Quant KAL held at Ewe Knits and lead by Donna yesterday. I used Crystal Palace Taos so pictures would look just like Knitty. Just imagine only 2 rows knit.

Now prior to casting on for Shrek, I had the need to knit lace and the Flared Lace Smoke Ring from HeartStrings called out from my stack of patterns. It also helped that someone pulled it out of the binders at Ewe Knits and left it on the table. So, armed with natural colored sock yarn, I cast on. It's a fun knit. A little tricky there at first, so many markers were utilized. But now I'm at the repeating of the final chart of 8 rows until it's as long as you want, so it's a nice tv project.

Speaking of TV, heard last night that Big Brother is starting in February! My favorite reality tv show! I could so be on it! Of course, I'd add to my contract that I'd have to bring my knitting.

There are other items on the needle and I have actually pulled them out and started to knit on them again.

Toe up socks. They were on Magic Loop but I just wasn't feeling it. So, off to double points. There's another sock at the same point. So just look at this twice.

And My Favorite Shawl in Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool .

So you're caught up. Of course this will change as the new yarns and patterns start to come into Ewe Knits. Did I tell you Bobbie has ordered all of the Elizabeth Zimmerman DVD's and books from Schoolhouse Press including the reprint Barbara Abbey's Lace book. I'm soooo in trouble.

Mr Greenjeans...aka Dec07

2007-12-31T09:53:00.000-05:00

On Dec 3rd I frogged this and cast for Mr Greenjeans. With a few modifications (narrowed the sleeves, knit body cables on US8 and added a few rows to the button band) it was soon time for a bath and a dry and was worn on Dec 27th!

No pictures of acutal wearage yet.

For me, Mr. Greenjeans as written, is a bit to deep of a V. It teneded to slip off my shoulders when I reached and moved around. It fits well in the body. Would a smaller size have been better on me? Perhaps I'll marry it with the Knitting Pure & Simple "Summer Cardigan"

more this and that

2007-12-19T19:43:00.001-05:00

=

1 tablespoon of popcorn kernels + 1 brown paper lunch sized bag + 2 1/2 min on high in a microwave = 1 cup of popped kernels

This is important when you can have 1 cup as a "free" food on NutriSystem. And when you add a squirt of liquid ICBINB you've got a tasty treat. Okay, I haven't tried the ICBINB but I read it's tasty.

of course, Christmas Gingerbread mini muffins cancel the effort

Bought myself a couple of Christmas gifts.....

and Knitting New Scaves by Lynn Barr. I can't wait to try her new-to-me techniques. And a Pilates mat with the 25% off coupon from B&N.

And on my New Year's gift to myself list are: Cover Up, Knitting America and Kristin Knits.

this and that

2007-12-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

Mr Greenjeans...I've renamed mine December 2007 because I plan to finish it by the 31st...has sleeves.

I'm now working on the body. I just love neck down sweaters! And shocker ... it's my first cabled project. I've knitted cables in swatches to test yarn. I've taken a class or so where we practiced cables. I've assisted customers with cable problems. But this is my first cabled project. And it's FUN! And I realized that I "cabled in public" (CIPed) for the first time at Monday night knitting.

Have you visited this blog? Twin sisters who knit and blog. Jan is a Guild member and shared her site with us the other night.

Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn had our holiday dinner last week. Each year we have a secret Pollyanna. We wrap a gift without a to/from name, pick a number and choose a gift. It's one of those where you can steal a gift from someone and number one gets the choice to steal from anyone at the end. The first year Kiki brought one of her thrown bowls and we fought over it. The second year, another bowl was fought over. Year three another bowl, another fight...but I had Number 1!!!! This year, Kiki announces she brought something different...but I didn't trust the gleam in her eye...so I selected her gift...PLATES! And luckily for me, we're all women and the fugde was the gift everyone fought over this year.

Here is my collection of Kiki-ware.

Kiki is a very generous person. She'll open her boxes a few times a year and gift her friends with her beautiful work. Thank you Kiki!

The weekend

2007-12-09T19:13:00.000-05:00

Thursday begins the weekend, right? So I frogged Sunrise/Sunset and it's now the beginning of Mr. Greenjeans.

Right now it's in it's pre-cabled stage. I still have 1 inch of stockinette to knit.

Bailey had a sleepover last night. Nixon, the poodle mix from down the street.

Occasionally they'd change chews, put for the most part, this was their Saturday inbetween walks.

As for me, I found my Christmas cards. and must now try to remember who I sent which one to last year. Hate to send repeats. And yes, two are originals by Clara Parkes of Knitters Review. You can find them in the Boutique.

Frogged

2007-12-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

The KP&S cardigan I began last February in the pink/orange Andes....frogged. It was waaaay to big. And it didn't even have the button band. I thought for sure I'd be able to wear it through this winter, but, no. All of this exercise I'm doing is shrinking my body and inturn my wardrobe!

But it's okay....I wound it into balls yesterday and immediatly cast on for Knitty's Mr. Greenjeans.

It's going to be a fun knit. My favorite top down knitting, combined with cables. Now I've not knit a full proejct with cables, so fingers crossed, this won't be to mindnumbing.

Ravelry....

2007-12-01T07:08:00.000-05:00

....you can spend hours there! I have. And you can now find WallisKnits patterns under the Patterns tab. $3.95 + tax each. And if you've not received your invitation to Ravelry you can purchase them at Ewe Knit Kits. Bobbie will email them to you so no shipping charges!

I'm finishing up projects. "My Favorite Shawl" in Plymouth's 24K.

KP&S Cardigan that I began last year.

"My Favorite Shawl" in Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool. Begun last spring.

And a Swedish Yarns vest in fingering wt on size 10.5 needles. I've just picked up for the collar.

I'm considering a single button instead of the double breasted look. What do you think?

I've been up since 4:00a.m. Why? I don't know. But my house is somewhat clean. Groceries have been purchased. Bailey has been walked...twice. Ravelry is updated. So, it's going to be a good day to sit and knit.New programs on The Food Network. Philosophy on QVC. 2 Netflick movies to watch. Can't remember which ones...I'll be surprised.

If you're in the Va Beach area stop by Ewe Knit Kits. We've received some really nice knitting themed gift items. Beautiful shawl pins in sterling with Swarovski crystals, pearls in sterling from $7.50 - $45. Claudia and Wool in the Woods sock yarn is 40% off. A shipment of Addi Turbos' was expected in yesterday. We've been out of the 7's & 8's for a while. And Rivka, who is our sales rep for many many companies, spent 4 days here this past week showing us everything. And boy did Bobbie order! Some will arrive in the next few weeks. Others in the spring.

We're opened on Sunday now. 11:00 - 4:00. Stop by and see us. You may run across me tomorrow acting as a customer.

And I'll leave you with this Advent Calander of free patterns from Garn Studios.

"Marlo"

2007-12-01T06:49:00.000-05:00

This is a simple, knit in the round hat. Knit in a soft Alpaca yarn, it folds double over your ears. Enjoy!

I forgot to take a picture before taking it into Ewe Knit Kits. Until I can get over there to snap a shot, picture Marlo Thomas as That Girl in a really cute warm cuddly hat saying "Oh Donald". You'll look just like that!

Updated with pictures! There's a bit of ribbing hiding under the brim to keep it close to your head and ears.

Materials:

Plymouth Yarn “Baby Grande Alpaca”
Small, 1 skein*,
Medium, 2 skeins
Large 2, skeins.

Size 10.5 16” circular and 10.5 double points
1 marker
tapestry needle

Abbreviations:
K2tog – knit 2 together
1X1 ribbing – knit 1, purl 1 around on each row
Stockinette – knit every round

Notes:
The store sample is a Woman’s Small and knit in the natural color.
*Small is knit in 1 skein of yarn. There was about 6 inches of yarn left. You may wish to purchase another skein of yarn.

Pattern:

On 16” circular, cast on 70 stitches for all sizes, place marker and join.

Knit 5.5”(7”, 8”) stockinette in the round. (you'll have enough yarn to make the larger sizes wider)

Change to 1X1 ribbing for 6 (8, 8) rounds.

Change back to Stockinette for 7 (9, 11) rounds.

Begin decrease rounds, changing to double points when necessary:

Round 1 - Knit 8, k2tog around
Round 2 - Knit
Round 3 - Knit 7, k2tog around
Round 4 - Knit
Round 5 - Knit 6, k2tog around
Round 6 - Knit
Round 7 - Knit 5, k2tog around
Round 8 - Knit
Round 9 - Knit 4, k2tog around
Round 10 - Knit 3, k2tog around
Round 11 - Knit 2, k2tog around
Round 12 - Knit 1, k2tog around
Round 13 - Knit 2 together around

Thread yarn on tapestry needle and run through stitches on needle. Tie off.

Please do not copy the pattern or hat for sale. You may knit the pattern for yourself or family/friends. updated 12/8/09

"Julia"

2007-11-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Julia is named for the 2nd George daughter. Aunt Julia has 4 children, was a WAC during WWII, owned a dress shop, and I always admired her bracelets.

You may purchase the pattern and yarn at www.eweknitkits.com. The pattern isn't listed on the website yet. Call the 800 number and ask. It's the new pattern knit in Blue Sky Alpaca Sport. 4 skeins. Size 5 needle. Or use any yarn and needle size you wish.