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Q: What can turn a room full of adults into gibbering idiots?

A: This:

And yes, that is a new sweater that her Nana made for her. The pattern is from Toddler Sweaters From the Neck Down. It has a whole host of cute little sweaters in size 1-6, both basic and more elaborate. And the best part – no sewing, which as you all have guessed is NOT my favorite part of the process.

As I mentioned, my daughter-in-law is a new knitter. Here’s her first project:

I think she and her poncho are both way cute! She’s even offered to make one for me. No one’s ever knitted me anything! That’s the trouble with being a knitter – everyone just thinks you can make it yourself. But who better to appreciate all the trouble someone has gone to?

On the knitting front, I have frogged the Unst Stole. I got about one center panel repeat into it and realized I was not having a good time. I kept telling myself I needed to do this to prove that I could. Well, yes, I can. I did a whole repeat without a single mistake. But what’s the point if you’re not enjoying it? So the cobweb is put aside for the time being. I think at some point I will probably design my own Shetland Shawl, but for now I need something less intense.

So, I have started Peacock Feathers:

Now this is fun! I am really enjoying this knit. The yarn is Shadow from KnitPicks in the Jewel colorway. The yarn is very nice and the picture doesn’t do justice to the color. This is proving to be nice knitting for my busy life right now – enough challenge to be interesting, but not so much that it takes all of my concentration. And it has nice “rest” rows so I can be completely mindless (which some would assert is my normal condition).

Would you like to see what one happy Nana looks like? Like this:

I finally have all my ducklings on the same continent! It wasn’t a easy day for anyone. The airline zonked them with a huge unexpected expense for shipping the dogs – at check-in no less when it was too late to do anything about it. Because of the delay there they had to run for their gate. The plane was almost an hour late coming in and by the time we got out of the airport, Izzy was tired and hungry. At the border we all had to get out of the car and get in the immigration line and they would not let us out to either feed or change her. Very interesting – Abby handed the agent her immigration papers and his exact words were “What am I supposed to do with these?” She politely told him that she didn’t know – she thought he was supposed to! In the end, they figured it out and let us cross the border. Her permanent green card should be in the mail. By this time Izzy was howling (we encouraged her, hoping it would speed the process!). She would not be consoled, but finally fell asleep when the car started moving again. By today she was in much better spirits and obviously LOVES her grandpa:

And her Uncle Allen:

And great news – my daughter-in-law is a knitter. Today she finished knitting a Rowan Kim Hargreaves sleeveless turtleneck for herself and I taught her how to seam it together. I was going to get a picture, but Izzy got fussy again and Abby took her over to the apartment to put her down, so the picture will have to wait until tomorrow. As for my knitting – I’ve learned that knitting can soothe an anxious spirit, but that doesn’t always make for accuracy. On the drive to the airport and while waiting, I knit and frogged the same 5 inches three times!

The fifth and last Estonian scarf is done! Yes, the last. If I even make sounds as if to start a new one, you have permission to come whack me upside the head. I honestly thought the last round of nupps was going to do me in. As I told Junieann, “Enupp is enupp.” No photos yet because I have to bring myself to block it. Of course, that’s after picking it up after flinging it across the room yelling, “Finished!”

Of course that means I have to start some new insane project. Behold:

The beginnings of the Unst stole from Heirloom Knitting. This is turning out to be one of the most challenging projects I’ve attempted. Two things contribute to the challenge. 1. Teeny tiny yarn on teeny tiny needles (cobweb wool on size 1’s). Of course, those of you who know me know that I love little yarn on little needles. But this makes the alpaca cloud on size 3’s seem like rope knitted with fence posts! 2. There is pattern on every row. That means you actually have to pay attention on every row rather than every other row. Dang! No “rest” rows! And because you are doing decreases right above previous decreases, there is not the “give” that a plain knit or purl provides. Of course, if you drop a yo, there’s no where for it to go and it’s pretty easy to pick up. I will, however, admit that it’s getting a little easier as I go along. But it does make me reconsider whether I will ever do the Wedding Ring shawl, which is done with even tinier wool on even tinier needles.

I have decided that there is no way that this can be my only lace knitting. I just can’t work on it more than about an hour without my eyes and fingers screaming for mercy. So, I have ordered the pattern for Peacock Feathers and several varieties of yarn from KnitPicks – several colors of Shadow, 3 skeins of dyeable lace (although I don’t think I’ll dye it) and just for good measure some of the solid sock yarn just because I’m always trying to convince myself I will actually knit more socks one day, but know that I just like collecting sock yarn.

I also recevied my copy of the bookbook. It’s just as good as the last. I feel that I have found a kindred soul! I read the introduction to my husband and he said, “That sounds just like you!” I also dialed the 877-SOS-KNIT number. Way cute. Option #3 is my favorite. I made my husband listen to it and he did – all the way through. What a trooper! I hope he paid attention!!

And just because I have no further knitting pictures to share, how about a nice Alpaca Kiss? This is Bambino – I think he likes me!

Beautiful Madli is finished:

I realized too late that I didn’t get a “before” picture. Too bad, because it’s such a treat to see how blocking really brings out the beauty of lace. But this puppy was on the floor being blocked about 10 minutes after being finished. The pattern calls for the edges to be blocked out in points, even though they are knitted straight. I wasn’t going to do this but decided I was too lazy to thread blocking wires through the edges. But I think I like it this way. It’s probably not quite as large as the original pattern – I think my gauge was a tad smaller. Did I do a gauge swatch before? You’ve got to be kidding! But I was so tired of nupps, I just did the suggested number of repeats and quit! I DID NOT like having to graft the second border on. I much prefer a provisional cast on, knit the border outward, then pick up and knit the other direction.

I was really proud of my grafting as it came off the needles, but not so much when it blocked. Hence, I will show you the other end:

What’s up next? The 5th Estonian scarf needs to finished – drat, more nupps! And Izzy’s Christmas sweater is progressing nicely. This next week will be really busy with an exam, a paper, lots of reading for class and getting ready for Ben & family to arrive. Only a week from Saturday!! Woo hoo!!!! All the visas have been acquired, tickets bought, transportation arranged. Now they’re just down to divesting themselves of anything that can’t be carried on the plane. Minimal living, to say the least! I couldn’t even get my yarn stash on a plane! Well, maybe the yarn, but not the books! Given a choice, I’d take the books. I may treat myself this week to doing a gauge swatch (yeah, I know) for the Unst Shawl from Heirloom Knitting, which will be my next lace project. But I have promised myself I will not cast on for it until I finish the Estonian Scarf. I know, you’ve heard THAT song and dance before.

Knitting was on the road this weekend. Along with my husband and sister, I went to a Washington State University (Wazzu to those in the know) football game in Seattle. WSU is located on the eastern edge of the state, but lately has been coming over to the west for at least one game a year. It’s amazing all the Coug fans that come out of the woodwork in a normally University of Washington (Husky) town! We almost filled a professional football stadium. In all fairness, though, I think a lot of people came to see the opposing band. We played Grambling, and although we wiped them out on the field, there was no contest with the bands. Grambling rocks!! They’ve been traveling all over the area doing benefits (they’re from Louisiana) and have played to sell out crowds. They did not disappoint us – I just wished they could have gone on longer. Before the game there was a reception of us “non-traditional” (read “old”) students:

My husband even won the door prize – a jersey worn in a game by a star player whose name eludes me. I guess it takes a guy to appreciate getting a grubby, ripped up jersey. I just hope they washed it. And, ala Yarn Harlot, there was knitting at the game (although not necessarily during the game):

Before the game we sat in the Qwest Field center watching the crowds and having a great time. My favorite was the little old lady standing on a chair in her Cougar gear singing along with the marching band – she knew ALL the words to the fight song! Or was it the little 2 month old baby in his Cougar outfit? His dad was all excited that this was his first Cougar game. You gotta know – this school has spirit! And I met an elderly gentleman who bragged that he was still a Cougar – class of ’52!

On the knitting front – I’m coming down to the wire on Madli and may actually finish her this week. I’m anxious to finish my two lace projects because only then will I allow myself to start the Unst shawl. Izzy’s Christmas present is coming along nicely and should be done in plenty of time (she says with confidence and a just a little bravado). Two weeks from Tuesday I should actually be able to measure her in person! Tomorrow is a big day as they go into London and Isobel gets her passport – officially being recognized as a U.S. Citizen. Way to go Izzy!!

Listen – do you hear that? That’s a huge sigh of relief from a mom/mother-in-law/nana. Abby got her immigration visa! If all goes well they will be here in just a few weeks. I can’t tell you how happy I am! It has been so hard to have them so far away. Now we need to get to work. We’ve got to get the guest room cleaned out and ready for my younger son and get the apartment all cleaned up and ready for Ben, Abby & Izzy. At least the time should go quickly with all we have to get done!

As promised, here are pictures of St. Enda:

I am very happy with how she turned out. I know that I usually whine about the fit, but this fits perfectly. And Cascade 220 – what can I say? It is so soft – this will be a pleasure to wear. Wow, two new sweaters in a week. I feel spoiled. And the weather is turning cool enough that I might actually be able to wear them.

Of course, knitting for Isobel has gone into high gear. In addition to her Christmas sweater, I have started a larger strawberry hat. That will only be about a couple of evening’s work, though. And you won’t believe this – yes, I have started yet another Estonian scarf. I am a glutton for punishment. My husband and I were talking about giving of our gifts and I decided I would do a scarf for our church’s Christmas bazaar. The proceeds go for both local and foreign missions. This will go in the silent auction portion of the bazaar. I can request a starting bid – what do you think? I’m thinking at least $50 to start with. I know people pay a lot more than that for nice scarves. Besides, we’re going on a road trip this weekend and I needed a portable knitting project. We’re going to Seattle to see the Washington State University Cougars play Grambling. The Cougars only come over to this side of the mountain about once a year (except for Apple Cup and I’m not fighting the crowds for that one!) and as a distance ed student I not only get a free ticket for me, but lunch for me and my guests. So along with my sister and my husband we will go support our favorite team. What do you think about pictures of the scarf (ala Yarn Harlot) at Qwest Field?

What a week! I finished 5 (Yes, that’s FIVE) projects this week. An Estonian scarf, two hats for Izzy and (drum roll here) both Rogue and St. Enda. Granted, all Rogue needed was the zipper, but still . . . Unfortunately, I think one of the hats for Izzy is too small, but it only took one evening to knit, and I have enough yarn left over for another. Why, you ask, was I able to accomplish so much knitting (oh, and a six page paper for a Sociology class)? Lots of time off from work and no place to go, that’s how. Both doctors were gone and we don’t even try to schedule anyone for the first day of school. So, without further ado, here’s Rogue:

I am pretty pleased with the outcome. I think I do prefer a little looser fit, but once again my husband assures me the fit it just fine. I think Rogue will see a lot of wear this fall. St. Enda still needs a bath and blocking to look her best so that picture will come next week. I also have one more hat to go for Isobel and will wait until that’s done to do a group shot of the hats. I’m still a little gun shy about the whole bandwith issue. However, here’s a group shot of the Estonian scarves:

I think I can officially say I am now tired of this pattern. I will probably make one for me down the road, but I think I need to give it a break.

A little name dropping here. I met Cat Bordhi today! I was in my LYS and saw a woman with the cutest purse. I said, “That’s a Cat Bordhi purse isn’t it?” She said, “Why, yes it is.” Then my LYS owner said, “By the way, that IS Cat Bordhi.” We ended up having a very nice conversation. She’s such a nice lady. I admitted that although I have her book, I have been a little intimidated by the Moebius cast on. She assured me that it was pretty easy if I just followed the directions. I have a very lovely skein of Alpaca Cloud in Peppermint, so I may just have to give it a try. Madli is coming along quite well – over half done. A Moebius scarf might be a nice transition project before I start the challenge of the Unst shawl from Heirloom Knitting.

Speaking of which – I did receive my copy! As I think I mentioned before, a very gracious knitter from my group gave it to me. The olive green Estonian scarf will go to her as thanks. The book is wonderful, although a little overwhelming. However, the time has come to challenge myself, so I am determined to try the Unst shawl. Stay tuned!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled knitting program to bring you:

The beginnings of Izzy’s Berry Cute Hat (Fiber Trends pattern by Bev Galeskas). Abby reports that Izzy has outgrown all of her hats and she will need one (or more) for our cold, rainy Washington winter. What, you say? They are in England. But they are moving here!!! I am excited beyond belief. With the grace of God, Abby will get her immigration papers approved soon and they will be here the beginning of October. They were unsure about where they were going to live. We made sure they knew they were welcome here, but quarters are very tight in our house for three extra people and two extra dogs. But our younger son has graciously agreed to move back into his old bedroom and sublet his apartment to them. It’s a winner for everyone – Ben and family get some space and privacy, we don’t end up with four dogs in the house and Allen gets to save up for the computer he desparately wants. And did I mention that Izzy will be right in my own backyard? Well, not actually in the backyard, but you get the idea.

I have also been making progress on Madli:

I think this pattern is going to make it. It is very addicting and I love the way it’s coming out. Between little fruit and cupcake hats and Izzy’s Christmas present, I may be limited in progress during the coming months, but I think I will finish it. And, I ordered 12 balls of cobweb weight wool (say that three times fast!) directly from Jamieson & Smith for the Unst Stole from Heirloom Knitting (more on that next week). It was on sale for 1.50 in British pounds – a great deal even taking into consideration the exchange rate and shipping. I loved talking to the saleslady. She was so gracious and sounded straight out of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”

The following is probably as political as you will ever hear me get on this site. I have watched with everyone else the horror and tragedy in the South. My heart truly aches and I know that all of you will donate to your favorite relief organization. Our choice is the American Red Cross. I know they are not perfect, but without fail they provide relief not only in the U.S., but all over the world as well. My husband teaches Disaster Preparedness classes for the ARC. He constantly comes home shaking his head at the people who tell him outright that they don’t think they need to be prepared because someone will come to their aid. What they don’t understand is that relief takes time. It is very, very difficult to get relief into an area when the infrastructure is shattered. Roads are impassable, bridges are out and even planes can’t land because of cracked runways. There may be blame to lay over the slow response in the South, but none of us know because we are not there. It saddens me that so much effort will be expended in pointing fingers and placing blame. Instead of that, let’s each of us commit to taking personal responsibility for preparing our families for disaster. Have on hand a minimum of 3 days food and water for each member of your family. I realize that for those in New Orleans this might not have helped because their homes were 10 feet under water. But there are many other scenarios where it will help, and if you are prepared, you are providing a solution for the problem, not becoming a part of it. If you are not sure how to go about getting prepared, this website should point you in the right direction.

No pictures today because: a. I haven’t taken any. b. I’ve gone over my bandwith allottment by about 5 times this month. I’m fairly computer savvy, but know aboslutely nothing about bandwith. Does posting a lot of pictures have anything to do with that? Up until a few weeks ago I wasn’t resizing my pictures, assuming TypePad did it for me, but I could be wrong. I am such an ignoramus in this area. Anyone out there who knows, please feel free to comment and let me know what I’m doing wrong. I suppose I could call TypePad support, but so far they haven’t seemed to notice and I certainly don’t want to draw it to their attention.

School started this week, so my knitting time is considerably down. I think my classes will be interesting, though. One is on the anthropology of linguistics. There’s some technical stuff at the beginning, but the instructor assures us that it will get more interesting later. She is a real hoot! In her lectures she makes chimp, cat and dog sounds and advises us that although one of the writers of our textbook is a “crappy writer”, he does have good points to make. She and her husband have written one of our required texts and she tells us that the best thing about this text is that it’s short! My other class is on the Sociology of the Family – a subject that is near and dear to me, so it will be interesting.

On the knitting front – thanks to all who offered advice and suggestions on Lily of the Valley. I still frogged it. There was just something about it that didn’t hold my attention. I’ve never been afraid to cut my losses. I really do have to love a project to invest that much time in it, and although I love the look of the finished project and the pattern was lovely, it just wasn’t meant to be at this time. Maybe another day. But I have started Madli’s Shawl from Interweave Knits and think this one just might make it. It still has nuppage, but not on every row. The pattern doesn’t seem quite as easy to visualize and/or memorize, but I’ve only done one repeat so far. And, in my constant quest for rationalization, this does not count as a new project, since I frogged the other one. I know, I know, as Debi so kindly pointed out, the knitting police are not going to come arrest me for starting something new. But with my current schedule, I need to keep things simple to avoid stress – and too many things on the needle definitely causes me stress, albeit of my own making. Tomorrow – quality knitting time! My husband and I are going on a road rally. He drives, I knit, we both eat out. A perfect combination!

Barbara is a completed project and I wore her to church today:

I can’t say enough good things about the Silky Wool. It is warm (yes, I needed it this morning), lightweight and just plain nice! I love this shape too because it stays on without a lot of fiddling. I can’t say it was the most interesting knit in the world – it got kind of boring, but I will definitely do it again. I’m thinking about some of the Knit Picks DK or sport weight wools.

But not yet – I’m trying to be good and not start new things. The exception is Izzy’s Christmas sweater, which I started yesterday. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll post pictures. It would be nice to be a surprise, but if all goes well, they may be here in a month or so and I’ll have to knit in front of her parents or it will never get done. So stand by for pictures, perhaps at a later date.

And regretfully, I think I’m going to frog Lily of the Valley. Man, this yarn is beautiful, but just does not want to be knit. This is the second project I’ve frogged with it. (Please note – I’ve deleted the picture because of my bandwith problems, but you can probably get the gist of the problem without pictures)
The nupps are fine, but those parallelograms on the left side of the picture are supposed to be diamonds. I finally decided that this is not a quick and easy knit and if I’m going to spend that much time on something, I just cannot tolerate those wonky diamonds. I’m not sure what I’ll do yet. I may look for another pattern for that section, because otherwise I love the way it’s turning out.

And in closing, if you are Abby – TURN AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. DO NOT SCROLL DOWN! (Ben says these kind of things freak her out) OK, ready?

Does anyone know what this cute little guy is? My neighbor found him in her driveway. I’ve looked through the internet and can’t find anything. I hope he’s not harmful because he’s munching away in our lavender plants. We couldn’t bear to destroy him. Please, please don’t tell me he’s some kind of wool eating caterpillar. It would break my heart!