Project Knit

Back to a Life..........

2009-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

We have moved house. Above is my new den and I love it. As you can see I chose my WWII knitting poster as the inspiration.

Life has changed much since my last post, but things are finally balancing out. I like my job, but for the last two years it has been all consuming. The project is still intense, but there are more people up-to-speed who are of great help.

The knitting will now begin!
Have a great day.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.............

2008-06-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

This is what travels with me, city to city. All my tech-y goodies. All geeks can stop drooling now.
Today is my last day in Monterey. I am surprised at how much I will miss the staff here. They are an incredible bunch and have moved this project along more than they know. I have made two close friends here and will miss them both very much. Monica I will see, as she works for the same company and Jaki is an amazing knitter ,who I will see on Ravelry. "People" are truely the silver lining in this travel cloud.
I will be home for two weeks, so back to my "homies" at Knitique.

Have a great day!

For Home and Hearth........

2008-05-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

For home and hearth, I thank all who serve. May I be as stead-fast in service and never forget those who have sacrificed themselves for us. As a nation, we may not be perfect, but we have the heart, strength and courage to always strive to be better. As American's we sometimes forget, that fighting for freedom is often easier than the responsibility of using that freedom appropriately.

Freedom is neither free, nor without responsibility.

Have a great day.

My Morning Walks

2008-05-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Each morning I haul myself out of bed for this:

And walk along the shore/rocks to this:

then across the street for this:

Needless to say, mornings are my favorite time of day.

Have a great day!

Liza's Cup Sleeve with Stopper Holder

2008-05-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

"What" you say? Well I have a little pattern for you, but first, pictures:

One Venti Soy Hazelnut Steamer with a new tapered Sweater, accessorized with the

ever-elusive green Starbuck's stopper.

This multi-function garment, not only keeps your drinks warm, but helps you keep track of that ever-elusive Starbuck's stopper.

They are great with cold drinks too. Keeps the condensation away and the drink cold longer.

Liza’s Stopper Cup Sleeve

Gauge 21 = 4 inches ( this needs to be a firm fabric, or your cup will slip out of the holder when full)

Needles = US size 4 DPN

Yarn = Echo Yarn Worsted Weight Superwash Wool (wool will felt from extended use, so chose a superwash and knit it tight. One ball will make three, easily.

CO 36 (Longtail is best) join to knit in the round.
Rows 1 thru 7 - work in 1x1 ribbing
Row 8 - increase 1 (closed increase) in the first stitch, then knit the remainder of the row.
Rows 9 thru 11 – knit all
Rows 12 thru 19 - Repeat rows 8 thru 11, two more times (you will have a total of 19 rows)
Row 20 - increase 1 (closed increase) in the first stitch, then knit the remainder of the row.
Row 21 – BO 1 stitch, knit to end of row
Row 22 – CO 1 stitch, knit to end of row
Rows 23 thru 27 – knit all
Row 28 – Repeat row 21
Row 29 – Repeat row 22
Rows 30 thru 32 – knit all
Rows 33 thru 39 – work in 1x1 ribbing
BO loosely
Weave in ends

Keep in mind this has only been knitt by me, with no official test knitting. If you find errors in the pattern.....................................good for you!

Have a great day!

Monterey Memory Shawl

2008-05-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

I've decided to knit something from each place I am in this year. Each city will be three weeks (at least) so why not have something to remember it by.

Started 5-5-08
Yarn: Organic 50%wool/50%cotton
Needles: US 8 Addi Lace Turbos
Pattern: My own, with fishtail lace stitch pattern.

The entire shawl reminds me of Monterey.

Have a great day!

My hotel room

2008-05-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am back in Monterey for the next 4 weeks. Fortunately, for me, the only rooms left were suites........................................Sweet!

I have made some friends here over the last 2.5 months and have enjoyed getting to know them. The best knitting shop around is Monarch Knits in Pacific Grove.

To my friends at Knitique...........................come knit on my balcony!

Have a great day!

Well hello there.................

2008-05-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have been in Monterey/Carmel for the last 2.5 months.
If you have to get stuck somewhere for that long, Monterey is the place to be. Great people and fabulous scenery.

Not much knitting going on, but I am going to try to blog more. *Note to self* bring the damn camera next time.

Have a great day!

Zune

2007-10-01T08:59:00.001-07:00

This little baby came to me this weekend. The husband knows how much I love the geek stuff.

30 gig of memory for music, movies and photos.

HEAVEN. I will be traveling for work again for most of 2008. Ugh. But this will keep me company and entertained during flights (on time and delayed)

Have a great day.

Nifty Mags

2007-09-28T11:43:00.001-07:00

These were sent to me by some lovely person.

A note was attached, but no name.

It could be my SP11 spoiler, but I am not sure.

Whomever it is...........I love it!

These are vintage issues from classic old Mags. Included in one, were handwritten notes.

Pretty Cool.

Have a great day.

Where is the knitting......

2007-09-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

When you figure it out, do let me know. It's not as if I'm not knitting, just exploring other stuff as well. Like cooking! Who knew an empty nest meant freedom from short order chef life? Hello!

Coq Au Vin

From this.............................

to this................................

Thank you Julia Child, you lovely woman.

Have a great day.

Ravelry YES!

2007-09-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

It's official. I am now on Ravelry.

Does anything else matter? I just have to figure out how to run it from my PDA.

It only took me a day to figure out I needed to join the ravelholics anonymous group, straight away.

If you haven't put yourself on the waiting list yet, do. Ravelry is amazing.

Have a great day.

Random Thoughts........

2007-09-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

RT#1. 5x8 index cards are the glue holding my world together. I use them for everything. Notes, lists, bookmarks, project/chapter outlines, paper plates, in a pinch.

RT#2. Target is the western equivalent of Mecca. I swear I go there 5 times a day (some days) and everyone should make the journey as least once in their life.

RT#3. Sewing is not for wimps. Damned dangerous affair. Cutters, needles and irons. A girl could get seriously hurt!

RT#4. Laundry rooms should be bigger! With tables! And Cupboards!

But, most of all...................on the same floor as the bedrooms!

RT#5. 96 days till Christmas. KNIT!

Stuff I Do/Love.........

2007-09-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

Tomato Salad and homemade crackers

Queen Cakes

Shrimp Tacos with black bean Salsa and

Pineapple Water

Craft time with the Grandbabies

My Big lovely bed!

Harvest time - Could it really be Autumn?

Have a Great Day!

SP11 and Sockapalooza 4

2007-08-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well first off, I have to tell you I think I may have the best Secret Pal ever!
She must have read my mind because without it being on my
questionnaire,or anywhere on my blog,
she sent me just what I was going to make next!
My oldest daughter and her husband are expecting a new baby
at Christmas time. A little boy, who will be named William.
So how perfect was it, when I opened my parcel and found this?
A perfect pattern and the yarn to go with it.
Thank you so much Secret Pal!

I also received my Sockapalooza 4 socks.
You can read about them and see a picture on my Sock Pals Blog.
Have a great day!

Secret Pal 11

2007-08-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love anything natural. I do not care for acrylic or microfiber
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Different containers. I am looking for some sort of DPN holder that will hold a few sets of needles for socks
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? 23 years, advanced
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes
5. What's your favorite scent? Lavendar
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Spin, gardening
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Classical Music is my favorite
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? All deep, jewel and natural tones.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Children are grown, just me and my lovely husband
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves, socks and shawls
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Shawls and socks
13. What are you knitting right now? A scarf for my son
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circular for most things. DPN for socks
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes
17. How old is your oldest UFO? 1 month
18. What is your favorite holiday? New Years
19. Is there anything that you collect? Old knitting books, posters etc.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? My grandson will be born in December. I am looking for good baby bootie patterns.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Turkish knitting
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? YES> 9.5 inches long and 10 inches around
23. When is your birthday? August 624. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? No. I am not worthy YET.

Done --- Yeah!

2007-08-06T13:05:00.001-07:00

Sockapalooza 4 socks are done and will be mailed tomorrow. I am 5 days late. Bad Me!

Day 6 Scrumble

2007-07-13T09:41:00.001-07:00

Day 6 Scrumble

It's Friday. YEAH.

Highlight of the Week:

My perspective has changed. Maybe due to the ugly little scrumble. Thought of scrapping it a few times, but I don't think I will. Just because it is an ugly little thing, doesn't mean it can't serve a purpose. We'll see.

Have a great day.

Day 5 Scrumble

2007-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Day 5 of Scrumble

It is amazing how perspective changes with just one addition. Somehow I like this little mess more today.

Have a great day.

Day 4 Scrumble

2007-07-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Day 4 of the Scrumble

Awful picture, I will try harder tomorrow.

Don't really like this thing so far, but who knows, maybe it will grow on me.

Have a great day!

Day 3 Scrumble

2007-07-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Day 3

I added some crochet (had to teach myself - not too hard) I like the texture in this section. Not something I would wear, but it is a different look.

The yarn is simple Cascade 220 wool. A staple in my stash.

Have a great day.

Day 2 Scrumble and Breakfast

2007-07-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of Mystery knitting:

Blue Verigates sock yarn was given to me by a friend who decided her boyfriend was no longer sock worthy. For that matter, he is not boyfriend worthy either, and has been "kicked to the curb", so to speak. So.............. I got 300g of great sock yarn. ( he had large feet, and not much else, if you get the idea)

Breakfast this morning at Chez Collins cost a whopping $1.17 in cash and about 300 in calories.

Not bad.

Have a great day!

Discovery Day 1

2007-07-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Day 1

P.S. I have no idea what this will become. Let's find out.

Sock Progress

2007-07-06T14:02:00.001-07:00

One sock down and one to go. I should be done on time to ship them out the last week of July. It always amazes me that something I made will be walking around in another country. These are going to Japan. I do hope my pal likes them.

The african violets are doing well. They stay picture perfect for so long, they are worth the time it takes to care for them.

Have a Great Day!

OH MY GOSH!!

2007-07-01T18:46:00.001-07:00

These goodies were waiting for me when I returned home from 2 weeks of business travel.

What a lovely surprise from my Secret Pal.

I have been wanting to get my greedy hands on some of this, but have not been able to find any.

The tonal beige on beige is amazing.

This will become a winter scarf for ME!

I have two other skeins of "Socks that Rock" and this colorway ties the other two together beautifully. A shawl is in store for these babies!

Gorgeous!

My two favorite scents.

Looks Yummy Huh? Gone! Good thing I took the pictures fast.

Leigh-Anne is my spoiler. Thank you Leigh-Anne, for a much needed boost to my day!

Have a great day.

Summer with Socks and Gardens

2007-05-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

This year for, Sockapalooza 4, I am knitting " Go with the flow Socks" from the new "Favorite Socks" book from Interweave. They are extremely easy, yet have a lot of texture and give, which is always nice when you are knitting for someone's foot on the other side of the planet.

Yarn: Lorna Laces, Super sock (Thank you Knitique)
Needles: Cascade DPN, size 1 US
Started 5-16-07 at Knit Night

My Herb Garden this year consists of one hanging pot, with 5 herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives and nasturshums. The lime & fig trees are fruiting well, but there will be no lemons this year :(. I usually go all out with the herbs and veg, but will be away too much this summer to keep up with it.

I am looking forward to this Summer. Lots to do and many fun projects to finish.

Have a great day!

SP10 and Sockapalooza 4

2007-04-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

My SP10 received her package, finally. Sometimes it takes forever when you ship outside the US! She loved it. I am so glad as I had a great time picking things out and sending them. I am going to send out more this week. What fun this type of thing is. Gift giving for no other reason than the love of fiber.

I also have my Sockapalooza 4 person. This is a very interesting person, who lives in a fascinating country. On I know little about, but am going to do some research before I start her socks.

Check out the new Martha Stewart line at Michael's. Some seriously cute stuff there. Not as cute as my grandchildren, but cute none the less.

Have a great day!

Sockapalooooza Opens today

2007-04-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the sign-ups for Sockapalooooza. They will only be open for a day or so, so don't miss out. It is great fun! Knit a pair/Get a pair. I will be traveling quite a bit in the next few months, so I will have plenty of time to knit. Maybe I'll take pictures of all the places the sock is knit.

Have a Great day!

Hello to Friends

2007-03-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

I am okay, just very very behind. Why I picked an industry, in constant change I do not know. Except, that I love it and couldn't dream of doing anything else.

Have a great day!

Desperate Knitting

2007-02-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why I made this. It is practically useless!

My mother-in-law has one in green crochet from the 50's. It sits on the back of her ca mode, next to a roll of TP (also with its own matching cover), on top of a coordinated "doily".

My kids always loved it. Maybe my own grandchildren will remember mine.

Have a great day!

SP10 Questionaire

2007-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I have joined SP10. Yeah!!
Questionaire:
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love all natural fibers and prefer not to knit with acrylic, microfibre or nylon.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I use a vase to store my DPNs/straights and zip pockets in a binder for my circulars

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
22 years (my mother-in-law taught me) - advanced

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent?
Hyacinths (also my favorite flower)

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
No really, but I do like chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Spinning, beading and cooking

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your
buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all music, except rap and country. MP3s are great.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like the darker shades of all color, as well as creams and beiges. I do not care for pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets.

Married 25 years and have grown children

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, shawls and mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Sweaters, Lace shawls, curtains, throws, washcloths, socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A lace shawl for my youngest daughter.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have a full collection of needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
2 weeks

18. What is your favorite holiday?
New Year’s Day. I love beginnings.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Knitting artwork and books; the older the better.
Small ceramic bowls and all shapes, colors and sizes.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have been searching for wool/silk blend fingering weight yarn in black and dark brown.
I like the Interweave Knit, Vogue Knit, and Rowan magazines.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I continental knit and have always been fascinated watching English knitting. I would also love to learn the Turkish method. I have never found anyone/book to help with it.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. 9.5 inches around. 9 inches long.

23. When is your birthday?
August 6th.

My Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies

2006-12-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

Grandma's Oatmeal Currant Walnut Cookies

Sift: 2 cups Flour, 1tsp baking soda, 1tsp baking powder, 1tsp salt, - set aside

Cream: 1 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown
sugar, 2 eggs, then add 1 tsp vanilla

Add Dry to wet and stir to incorporate.
Add 2 cups oatmeal (NOT QUICK type), 1 cup
currants and 1 cup Walnut pieces.

12 minutes in a 350 F oven.

Packed and ready to go
Enjoy!

Spinning Bug & Writing Update

2006-11-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have been, once again, bitten by the spinning bug. It has been gone for a few years,
allowing me to learn to bead and improve my knitting, but I fear it is here again.
And I LOVE IT!
This is the result of a few hours of courtship between my wheel
and some lovely Moreno.

Novel word count 43,787. I may make it.

Have a great day.

Christmas Gift 1

2006-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

Pattern: "Chunky Cable Handbag" Free Pattern from Knit Picks
Yarn: (Double Stranded) Cascade 128 in color 7633 (LYS - Knitique) 2 skeins
Needles: US11 Addi Circs
Lining: Canvas tote bag from craft store

Start to finish including sewing the lining in takes about 5 hours. Another blog said it took them 2 hours, but I am a slow seamstress. (translated, it takes me 20 minutes to thread the needle and another 20 minutes to apply the band-aid to all my "pokes")

Have a great day!

Elegance

2006-11-14T05:08:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore this picture. If only I looked so elegant knitting. In 20 years of knitting, I've never seen myself knit, but most assuredly I do not look this elegant!
I am officially behind in my writing and will try to catch up this week.

Have a great day.

Rogue Finished

2006-11-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Rogue Front

Rogue Hood

Rogue Back

Fini!! Now, on to writing.

Have a great day!

God Save the Queen

2006-11-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

I am moving back to England!!

Nancy Pelosi as Speaker? WTF?
Well, if nothing else this ought to be entertaining to watch.

Luckily some of the stupid decisions Bush made were nulified by our Constitution, lets hope the same will happen with the "Nut Case" from SF as Speaker. Even Hilary is better than this. At least she is an intellegent woman who learns from her mistakes (and knows how to deal with and make the best of an idiot of a husband. Right there she knows how to govern with the best of them)

Well, head down, knit and write. The lord said, "this to shall pass", not "this to will come and stay". She will go away eventually, then we can fix what was broken and move forward.

Working..........Where?

2006-11-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

Jane asked "How do you Blog" in a physical sense. Well, this is where I blog/work/sometimes knit from. As with everything I do, it is controlled chaos. Most things have a purpose and a place and still, yanking every word of this novel is herculian. Organization should count for something!! But alas, unless you sit your butt in the chair and crank out some decent S%*t, I mean work, then who the heck cares how organized it was?

50k by 11-30-06 Good Heavens!

2006-10-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this is coming along rather nicely. I've yet to finish the rest of the hood, attach the sleeves and knit the hem. I should be done by weekend.

Which is lucky because I have committed myself to an insane writing goal. 50k words by 11-30-06. I've lost my bloody mind! I will keep you posted on the word count and will be relying on the kindness of Jane and Danielle (because I am a football widow until December) to make sure I see the real world at least on Wednesday nights.
Have a great day!

Gone Rogue

2006-10-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Pattern : Rogue from Girl from Auntie
Yarn: Cascade 220 #9338 (green heather)
Needles: Knit Picks Options #7

Love it.
Advice - Don't try to talk and read the directions/charts for the first time, and think you can get it right.
More Advice - don't do it three times in a row.
Final Advice - let your friends help you!!!!

Have a great day!

For Chloe

2006-10-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Chloe is 4 months old. Red hair, blue eyes and lovely.

This cardigan is for her.

Pattern: Jasmine Lace Edge Cardigan from "Natural Knits" by Louisa Harding

Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in sh515 which is a soft sage/celery green

Needles: US 5 circulars (Knit Picks Options)

Buttons: JHB 309 from JoAnnes Fabrics

* This pattern and yarn were a joy to work with. Some changes were made to the pattern, just for personal preference. I did not care for the "round" look in the original pattern so did not switch to larger needles after the first two garter rows. The neck edging lays better if all edges are bound off and the stitches picked-up all the way around and then knit vs. picking-up and knitting each stitch. The original buttons were a clear pink strawberry, but of course I managed to lose them. But I do like these as well.

Welcome Chloe.

Have a great day!

Break Time

2006-10-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tea and T-mobile. I could be an ad.

Knitting for Peace

2006-09-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

I picked up this truely inspirational book at my LYS, Knitique, last week. This is the first knitting book to bring me to tears.
Yes, there are projects. Yes, there is beautiful photography. Yes, it's well written and produced.

But, no, it is not your everyday knitting tome.

Images of clumsy prison convicts armed with yarn and needles to knit for orphans in middle eastern countries is just not something one thinks about. But one of the many charitable and peaceful things you will read about in "Knitting for Peace" by Betty Christiansen.

I hope you enjoy it and are as inspired as I was to go forth an make a difference "one stich at a time". Have a great day!

Hemp Tank

2006-09-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

In all the craziness I never posted the picture of the finished Hempathy Tank. This yarn is wonderful and I plan on using it again. The pattern needed a bit of tweeking but all-in-all was a good knit.

Yarn: Hempathy "Elsebeth Lavold"
Needles: US2 Addis
Pattern: Sebring

Stash & Novel Outline

2006-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

All stash as of 9-11-06.
Not too bad. Considering this
entire cabnet was full in Dec 05.

Story as of 9-11-06. I feel so official!

Have a great day!

Defining

2006-09-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am sorting through things lately. Not just stuff, but my life in general. Trying to define what this phase of living is going to be about. In the cycle of Maiden, Mother and Crone, I am now in Crone.
The previous two phases where fabulous, but I am unsure as to the path to follow in the last one.
A path I have every intention of defining myself. The last two phases had too much of "others" involved and dependent upon, to be entirely mine.
But this one, this last phase, this is all mine. And I intent to LIVE it. That being said, knitting brings much joy to my life, as does the writing of a good mystery. The knitting will remain my semi-private indulgence, but the writing will become public. It is a dream I have had for ages and am now undertaking with a vengence. Writing classes have begun along with manditory sessions were my butt is in a chair and my brain is engaged in the tedious process of page after page after page of what can only be explained as pure fear, not for my characters, but me. Oh, the fear! What if I fail? Fail? Hell, what if I succeed? That is almost more frightening. But as with everything I have ever done, there comes a point were you just say "Fuck it" I am jumping in with both feet. I will learn as I go and "I ... will... win." Here goes.........................splash!

Yeah, I have my site back

2006-08-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have my site back. Blogging and knitting and whatever can now commence.