Wow.

west side story history in the making video

Sock Wars 2

Sock Wars 2
The story from the Wall Street Journal.

There's even a video.

And who said that knitters were sedate? And he always uses the feminine pronoun (which I've come to expect.)

Bookmark this site

go to it regularly so you can feel smart (or get smarter) and help feed people. 

FreeRice

Thank you. 

12 days of Christmas

KnitMary (who hasn't blogged since October because she's been busy getting a 4.0 in college!) sent this to me. Enjoy!

Nice T-shirt

I think I like this idea.
Don't you? A Wifi Detector T-shirt. I don't work in IT, but I think everyone who works with a wireless network connection should have one of these. Can't you just see it?

"I don't have a wireless connection!"
"Yes you do, see my shirt."

Overheard at knitting

Noro Sock yarn arrived and I bought 10 skeins. Gifted to KnitMary was this skein. She was excited and opted to CO immediately. She was working nicely on the ribbing. While she was pulling yarn out from the center, she had a bit of trouble. So she yanked it out and look what happened.

Songferret was heard commenting about the pulled out part "gee, my mom usually puts that to the side and uses it to make gravy." That made us all laugh!

Nice photo

Check the Dave & Bry flickr images.

I want one of some yarn that I have.

( 12/12/07) I corrected the link to the right set.

Stripes resource

Found this stripe generator online. Don't know where I found it but its a nice resource if you need help. It's from Kiss Your Shadow

That Was Quick

I visited Amaz0n on friday and did a bit of "feel good shopping." We've all done that, right?
Almost all of what I got was knitting related. 4 dvds and two books.

Knitting Around with Elizabeth Zimmermann & Meg Swansen. Own the book and like watching EZ and MS knit.
Knitting Lace with Meg Swansen. Getting lace obsessed and thought this might be a good watch.
Knitting a Guernsey Pullover. I've not done one and thought it would be fun to see this being knitted.
Knitting the Baby Surprise Jacket. Yep. I've got to make a few more and this will be fun to watch. And it has extra stuff on it!

I must admit, I like watching knitting videos but not knitting what they are showing in the video. These items will probably be viewed when I need to escape. I'll report back on them after the holidays.

Knit Kimono has been one of those books that I heard about on L&V Podcast and thought "I should really take a look at it." And I got it from the library and thought, "There are enough patterns that I would knit in this book that I should just buy it!" So I did.

And KnitMary brought her copy of Kaffe Knits Again: 24 Original Designs Updated for Today's Knitters and I saw a few sweaters that I might consider knitting. Truth be told, intarsia scares me more than it should so I should probably put intarsia on my to-do-list.

Those are my additions. I like them. :)

This is not currently on my to-do-list

But it's kinda funny.
Go here.

A new way to discover music? And knitting?

It amazes me (but it shouldn't after all these years) that things come across my life in interesting sets. 
The library just changed its catalog searching using a new technology called AquaBrowser.  I like it because it give great visual options that aren't always linear in thought.  I'm s u r r o u n d e d by people who are linear thinkers.  I'm not, usually a linear thinker. 
I happened upon this site musicmesh that also uses the same display for its searching.  Nice way to lead into new music, isn't it? 
I wonder if there is anything like this for knitting? 

Is there something out there that does the visual representation between projects and offers different ideas? 
Raverly may be able to help me and to be honest with you, I've not spent much time exploring?  Are you on Ravelry?  I am.  Did you "friend" me yet?  I think R does this...but I've not put enough information in yet. I am scared I may not be able to stop adding stuff...it looks like a lot of fun

Christmas Knitting?

*gasp*
Christmas is coming up quickly. I've got quite a few items on my 2007 Christmas list and many patient people waiting for socks, house slippers, a shrug and three shawls. Yes, I've had enough notice to get all of this stuff done in a timely fashion. And I've made choices not to knit on things because of what was going on in front of me. I often don't knit when I'm under a grea deal of stress. I don't want "that stuff" in knitting, do you?

My in-laws are coming to our house to celebrate Christmas on Tuesday, the 18th. (yes, that was my heart that was stopping because this removes 1 week or 7 days or 168 hours or 10,080 minutes or even 604,800 seconds. *sigh* And on top of the knitting, I need to declutter my dining room. It seems that knitSB would like to be able to have family sit around one table for a meal! Imagine. :)

Tonight, I've been able to clear out much of the "junk" that needed clearing in the dining room. What's left is really a good cleaning and rearranging. it will be fairly easy because we'll work together.

In-law gifts are almost done. MIL house socks done. They've been washed and dried. I have yet to take photos of them. I knit them using three strands of Rowan Calmer. I don't remember the colors but I will when I post the pictures. I knit them from toe up with an afterthought heel. I created a cable pattern for the top of the socks. I like them.

My BIL (knitSB's brother) will receive a Peruvian Alpaca K2,P2 hat taken from Hip To Knit by Judith Swartz. I like this book. It has some great designs including a cabled vest that I would enjoy knitting. knitSB finished the knitting on Wednesday. It's a wonderful feeling hat. I helped knit it because I cast-on the sts and completed several incidents of forensic knitting.

Now for my future SIL's socks. I'm doing toe-up holding two strands of Wildfoote Sock Yarn. I wanted to use a larger needle to have the knitting go faster (elderberry and bluegrass are the yarns). They are knitting faster on a size 3 than on a size 1 needle. I'm glad. I am doing two-at-once on one circular needle. I think I'm going to try to do some lacy pattern on the leg to get the socks to be taller. I just don't know what pattern to use.

Songferret purchased some wonderful alpaca yarn from Swisher Creek Alpaca. It's a yummy yarn that will be very nice house slippers. Thanks for your patience, Songferret. The goal is by New Years.

N-cubed has been waiting on some socks knit using a wonderful Cider Moon glacier in Casablanca color. (no word about Cider Moon, btw.) I has a nice pattern from these socks and I need to sit down and cast on!

Then I was going to make a shrug inspired by the Knitscene shrug. (click here if you want to download). It is going to be colorful and artistic. I just wonder when I'm going to get to it.

I guess I should be knitting. :)

he still exists

Been a busy time.
Let me give you a bullet list of details:

• After John died, knitSB and I went to England. You can see pictures.
  
• Work continued without me and therefore piled up.
  
• I finished my shawl for my sister. See?
  

• I think I might be hooked on lace knitting.
  
• My family celebrates "Thanksmas" on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a good thing.
  
• My mom missed Thanksgiving and "Thanksmas" because she was in the hospital with intestinal pains. This on top of her continual heart problems.
  
• She was in a lot of pain. They ran lots of tests. Painful tests.
  
• She had a heart cath that showed no serious blockage. (A good thing!)
• They "cleaned her out" and then did they did the hernia repair. All the kids were there to support mom.
  
• She's much better and should be released soon.
  
• I attending a training session last week on instructional design. Amazingly great workshop that I'm already starting to apply the skills learned.
  
• I finished my MIL's house socks. I'll take some pictures later.
  
• I'm working on my (future) SIL's socks. They're going well.
  

There you have it. Updates more regularly including knitting content.

Photos Galore!

England 2007 photos can be found here.

Please be patient as knitSB and I are working on adding details about each of the 955 photos that I uploaded.

We're Back!

Arrived safely on Monday.
Got home on Tuesday (because half our luggage arrived at 4 a.m. so we slept at the M's house).
Took lots and lots of photos. Downloading them to the laptop now and will get them on flickr in the next several days.

We had a wonderful time. The weather was great, company extraordinary, and vacation a great success.

Some knitting was done on socks. I'm getting ready to start the "afterthought" heels and I'll call them finish.

I've overpacked!

So I'm taking a few things out.  *grin*

David was surprised that I snuck in a few more knitting projects into the checked luggage.  They won't take up much space, but I am taking them out.  i don't want to be distracted with additional options. 

David has written some wonderful vows that we'll be working on making the permanent vows for the ceremony.  They are lovely!  Sums up things quite nicely about love and relationships.  I am fortunate to find "my something better." 

Do you drink tea?
Do you use tea bags? 
The M's know of a woman who collects the tags from tea bags and donate them to turn them into wheelchairs.  So, if you're a tea drinker and are willing to collect the tags, let me know.  I can send you my address to send them to me.  Give me a heads up via email.  knittingbrow (AT) gmail (d0t)com

Cheers!

And They're Off!

(actually on Monday but we're on the way to Cleveland to pick up the M's and that's where the flight leaves)

Packed.
Knitting decided and packed. I'm making up a sock pattern and think I'll be able to get at least one sock on on the flight over. Of course, I'm using size 0 needles with the Kaffe Fassett
sock yarn from Regia. I'm getting 10 sts to the inch so it's solid sock.

Just in case I need a knitting change, I have some additional sock yarn that I'll be able to knit on size 3 needles. Probably a plan sock pattern, but we'll see if there is any time.

(and I just threw in another sock pattern and yarn in my checked luggage)

Thanks for all of the supportive comments about my brother's death and my grieving.

Don't expect any blogging for the next 16 days at least.

*exhale*

Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I have appreciated them greatly.

I'm just home from the services and it went well overall. I mean, as well as it could be expected when the first sibling dies.

I kept myself busy at work on Monday and Tuesday at work providing back-to-back training sessions. Those ended at 4 and by 4:30 it was all catching up with me. I felt great pressure on my chest, a sure sign it all was catching up to me.

I tried working on the remembrances Monday and Tuesday night and only got a bit done on them. That writing stuff...how to structure, what I remember...all that priming the pump stuff so I can think about how things should be structured.

Wednesday viewings had lots of people attending. That was nice. We were surrounded by great pictures of John in many aspects of his life. There were some great ones that I hope to be able to get copies of for my collection.

The service went well, as did the remembrances. Of course, I got an inspiration on the way to the funeral home to change what I was doing and focus on those great pictures.

On the way home, I started to need that reminder to breathe again. The pressure welling up inside my chest. I expect this will get better over time. The holidays will be hell to get through, as will the annual boys fishing trip for 2008. I understand why people die. I have an understanding what happens after we die. But it still does not make it any easier.

I need to exhale and allow it all to become real so I can honor myself and sort through my emotions.

My brother John (1954-2007)

My Brother John 2006
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I received word today that my brother John died this weekend.

He is the first child of the twelve original children to pass away.

Light and love to Ellen and their two boys.

phone portraits

Let's see how annoying this can get, shall we?

England Bound

Oh my!
We leave for England in 8 days.
So.much.to.do.
I know everything will work out great.
and knitSB and I will have a nice ceremony while we're there.

If you want a post card from me, please send me your address. knittingbrow (aT) G mAil(d0t)com.

I'm working on the leaf lace pattern. It's going well.

Thanks for the Congratulations on the Class

I wanted to say thank you to those who commented about my experience teaching.

It really was a great experience. Now, what should I teach as a next class?

I wonder about how to get the pattern out from the class I thought? Should I just post it here? Sell it?

Thoughts? Do comment. I love those comments.

what a week

What is your favorite caption to this photo?

Yeee-ouch! Squeemish? Move along.

(long version)
It all started just over two weeks ago when knitSB dropped a drinking glass (simply by walking past it as it sat on the kitchen table) causing it to break, making glass and water go all over the floor.
After cleaning it up, we went along, minding our own business.
That is until the shard of glass decided to embed itself in my left foot. Ouch.
I dug at it and thought I got it all out...but, you know, there was that intuitive flash that said "nope, there's more."
After several days of soaking my foot in an epsom bath, I still woke up with the sense something was in my foot. I dug at it. I could feel it, but not get it. And then I couldn't tell if my foot hurt because of something in there or because I dug at it so long.
A call to the dr's office put me on the "emergency appointment" list for Monday. Monday came and went without a call reaching me. So I called and schedule one for today, Friday.
I arrived on time, got checked in and escorted to the room to wait for the nurse practitioner to come in to see me. The Dr was out on Friday and I'm always glad to see the Nurse Practitioners. They are way cool in my opinion!
She looked at it. Asked questions
"is it red or warm to the touch? Have you had a fever"
"No, no and yes, but related to getting a cold. "
Well, you need to keep soaking it and the glass will come out. We don't want to dig at it because you might get a nasty infection. Not good for a diabetic.
(what?!)
I'm going to England and need to walk. I want you to dig at it, get the glass out because there will be an infection (if there isn't already one, right?)
Let me check with the Dr.
(a few moments later they were back with the stuff to dig, but not without going to numb my foot first)
This might sting a bit.
(holy, f**k, ouCH!, oooh, danggGG, o.mi. OUCH!)
a bit (I said) Sorry if I cursed.
That will be the worst of it (she said, calmly)
(she squeezes and pokes at it)
Oh, there's pus. There was an infection. Let's get all this pus out.
(good idea, pus bad)
There's a foreign object. Almost got it. There we go!
(she shows me a sliver of glass about 5 millimeters long, no wonder it hurt)
I'm glad you made me dig. You're foot will be numb for about 6 hours or so.
(I got treated well, left with a prescription and an appointment for a physical to celebrate my 41st birthday)

And numb my my foot was, making it interesting to try and walk.

(short version)
got glass removed from my foot today. Better. Going to England in a week.

Successful Class!

I taught my first knitting class at my LYS yesterday. I was fortunate to have 7 good students that were interested in learning a new pattern. The pattern was put in the schedule as the scallop scarf but I changed the name to Color Wave Scarf.

Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns was a great help for the pattern design. The Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts gave great motivation for the use of color.

I'm in!

Got my Ravelry Invite this weekend!  I'm knittingbrow there as well. 

Where are you on the waiting list? 

Ah!  I'm running out of time!  I am teaching a class at my LYS for a scarf pattern that I wrote.  I'm still working on the final pattern and my lesson outline.  It will be great fun.  I used a Barbara Walker stitch pattern to create an interesting scarf pattern that lays flat.  I was inspired by the Chevron Scarf that everyone has been knitting.  I like using two colors to make a wonderful scarf.  The class is called scalloped scarf...but I want a more exciting name.  I'll post some pictures of the scarves and we'll see what you all think. 

Still knitting lace and need to get more done on it.  I don't think I'll be taking the lace to England when I go.  Socks will join me on my England trip.  21 days and counting! 

Distracted By Lace!

ack!  I'm not blogging because any free time I have is being spent on knitting lace!  I'm having lots of fun, really I am. 

I'm using the Leaf Lace pattern by the wonderful Evelyn A. Clark from Fiber Trends.

I worked at my LYS on Sunday and found a few more patterns to knit up by Evelyn. River Scarf will be next out of a Kaffe Fassett sock yarn.  

My sister will get the Leaf Lace shawl for Christmas.  I'm using the Araucania Ranco Multi yarn in a pretty dark blue. I'm almost finished with the 10th set of repeats.  I'm now able to see what "should" be happening without having to look at the graph. 

Sorry that I've not read or commented on blogs.  This lace distraction is unexpected. 

and of course, the planning for England for the end of October continues. 

Groovy site

http://retroland.com/

go here for some flashbacks! 

Late Lace Progress

What Kay in New Mexico wants, Kay in New Mexico gets.
She wanted to see the lace progress.
Well, it is going well.
This:

is looking nice when it gets stretched. It looks like this:

lace

I started knitting lace this weekend. 
It's working out well.  I'll post a picture later this week.  I'm doing the fiber trends leaf lace pattern. 

Not as much as I thought

I've been organizing my stash by moving it to wire bins.

Here's what I've discovered:

1. I bought some yarn that I don't like when I first started to learn to knit. The yarn was on sale and I often bought all that was there. Deep discounts still thrill me (40% off or even 60% at my lys).
   
2. I find it easier to get rid of find new a new home for yarn that isn't wool, silk or another natural fiber.
   
3. I tend to buy enough yarn for a specific "type of" project (like sweater, vest, etc) when I discover a yarn that I really like. The Maggi Knits Linen is a good example. I bought ample to make a sweater vest.
   
4. I have enough projects to keep me knitting for at least 5 years if I complete one project a month. This does not include my sock stash.
   
5. I have a lot of nice sock yarn.
   
6. I am getting rid of sock yarn that I don't like.
   
7. I have a large number of unfinished projects that will take less than 15 hours each to complete. Good yarn that has been knitted up to the point that I need to concentrate on what I'm doing to finish. Some examples include my Tahoe handspun sweater vest that I only need to work the neck decreases, steek the sleeves and neck and pick up those edges to make the bands...the second sock that I started knitting while at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Fest in 2007....and the socks I'm knitting for NW using Yarmando's sock pattern. I just need to do the gusset increases.
   
8. Knitting books are multiplying in my house! I'm getting them all on LibraryThing so I know what I have.
   
9. Some of these knitting books are more interesting now than when I got them. (Purl Stitch)
   
10. Some are less interesting now than when I got them. (Loop-d-loop)
    
11. I have started to acquire some nice spinning fiber. Now I just need to sit down and spin, don't I?
    

I'm thinking though some of how to organize the yarn. I think the sock yarns need to be put together so enough yarn will be together and easy to find.

How do you organize your stash?

Great Weekend!

I had a great weekend. Friday, we spent time putting together some wire bins for my knitting books and yarn stash. I'm actually going through my yarn and culling out what I don't want from stash. I wonder...can I get people to pay me for stash I don't want.

The M's came to visit and we enjoyed a full Saturday of fun. We ended the day with a picnic dinner at Schiller Park to see a version of Taming of the Shrew. I thought it well done.

Sunday, photographerSteve came to town and enjoyed a gathering at Songferret's house. We had a nice potluck dinner and watched A Room with a View. It was the first time I saw it. This was after I worked at my LYS and saw The Prudence Scarf that maryellen started knitting at Knitters Connection in Jun 2007. She finished it and it is beautiful!

After breakfast on Monday, the M's, knitSB and I spent time talking about our "ceremony." It was quite nice. After a late lunch with LJ, photographerSteve, and knitSB, we had my niece come over and allow us to adopt Sophie, the newest cat in our home. My niece's son developed allergies and we're interested in a new cat! I'll let you know how the other two cope with the addition.

A few more episodes of Twin Peaks watched and many more rows knit on a shaw.

Sunday Update

I've been rather busy with work and have not posted. (duh)

I have been knitting. I figured out the scarf pattern that I was working on. Thanks for the comments! The pattern I created will be straightforward and won't need supplemental directions. What will be interesting is how to write up the "extra" stuff that I have learned when doing the sample. This includes color selection for example.

I've begun clearing out/organizing my yarn stash. I bought a lot of wire bins so I can display the yarn instead of using closed bins. What should I do with stash yarn that I no longer want? Will people be willing to buy the stuff from me? Pictures and updates later.

I've got friends in town and will enjoy movies and food with them tonight. I have the best friends. I might even take some photos.

knitSB and I have been watching Twin Peaks. I think he's hooked.

Scarf This!

I'm working on a pattern for a class that I'm teaching at my LYS. I have been knitting up a sample for the pattern and don't know which direction to go with it.

So, I present some questions:

1. Do you like a variety of options in patterns? Say I have 4 options of how to knit a particular pattern and write it up all on the same pattern, would that confuse you?
   
2. a scarf in stockinette stitch or garter stitch with a st st edge (to help prevent curling)?
   
3. When reading a pattern, it is helpful to have suggestions for yarns. Do you mind color suggestions? This design is going to depend on the yarn choice and the unexpected difference in color selection.
   
4. How can I help people feel comfortable getting outside of their zone for the colors?
   

Vague questions, aren't they? Suggestions are appreciated.
I'm thinking of using Cider Moon or Jitterbug or Tiny Toes. They all are beautiful, aren't they?

Breathe, breathe, it will be here before you know it!

October 2, 2007 the new Annie Lennox Album: Songs of Mass Destruction is released.

I happen to be a big fan.

Yarn Update

Only a few days ago, Micah asked me which yarn I purchased when knitSB and I took the Monday I had off to explore some other LYS's.

Here we have knitSB holding the new Regia sock yarn designed by Kaffe Fassett. I got two of each color and plan on making jaywalkers. I'll make the larger size because that's what I've heard is needed. They are tight. Have you knit them? Please advise on the size!



We also picked up some Shi Bui sock yarn in these nice colors.


The solid is for knitSB and the other for me.

So, any other questions?

Chevron Scarf

Chevron Scarf
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Well, this is what I've been knitting for about 4 weeks. It is the Chevron Knitted Scarf from Joelle Hoverson's "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts." A quaint pattern and quite easy to knit.

This is for my MIL. Made using Silky Wool that knit SB and I dyed. The yarn feels good and looks great too! I used size 5 needles. The rhythm of the pattern was enjoyable. Switching colors every two rows made it easy to keep track of where I was in the pattern repeat.

I'm starting another scarf using Jitterbug. It is my own pattern variation on the feather and fan. I will be teaching a class on it at my LYS.

knitSB, Songferret and I went to see San Francisco at the CAPA Summer Movie Series. Songferret described it as one of the first disaster films ever made. it was pretty incredible. You should go to your local library and borrow it now. I thought knitSB was really interested in seeing the movie. However, what he meant was that he wanted to go to San Francisco. Made me laugh and I appreciated seeing it.

Current knitting is the new scarf.

Various Links

I've been finding some interesting sites of various interest that I wanted to shared. Only two of them knitting related.

Top 100 Tools for Learning This is an interesting site that I found at work. Made me go "hmmmm."
Broadway Beat Referenced during a knit gathering. Not a site for young viewers.
The Institute for Figuring This was floating around the net a few months back. Interesting, I thought.
Unclutterer I need this.
43 Folders For those of us who really like Getting Things Done.
Playbill Show Listings: London Anyone going to England in a few months?
Kent's Craft and the Moss Stitch Beret A nice pattern and a good photograph.
Interactive Sock Gang Way cool options with great yarn. Spread the word.
knitSB, Simpsonized.
DigitalGunfire The site for streaming industrial music on the net.
Stephanie Rond Artwork. Currently has a display until end of the August 2007. Reviewed here.

I have been knitting. Really. I should post a picture next time to prove it!

BF2007 Fire (Boys Fishing 2007: adventure in flames)

There has been some interest in the non-fishing activity on the recent vacation with my brothers. So I give you the Photo Adventure in Flames:

The second oldest gathers brush, fallen trees and general wood into a pile, waiting for the youngest (and favored) son.

After several hours of planning and "preparation," the youngest (and favored) son ignites the fire in the special ceremony.

And so, the wood pile ignites and turns into flames, much the same way that the youngest (and favored) son did when he first realized he was so "happy."

As joy filled the heart of the youngest (and favored) son, dancing ensues.

Happiness can be seen, reality style.

The dancing invigorates so much joy in the fire, that it dances a mighty dance. So much excitement is created that the close by trees decide to join in and leaves "burst into flames."

Alas, time goes by and the flaming settles into a comfortable goal, much as when the youngest (and favored) son did as he got older.

After more time, the fire relaxes into the comfortable flaming, much as the youngest (and favored) son has.

The next day, the fire has burned and needs assistance in regrouping. So the youngest (and favored) son gets his "butch" out and uses a tractor to assist.

Daylight brings evidence of the evening celebration, reminding the youngest (and favored) son of his younger days in college.

Damaged has been limited and will simple rejuvenate the natural surroundings, the way nature intended.

So ends the adventure in flames. Until next year. :)

Brand New Knitter

On Monday night, I had a great opportunity to teach a person how to knit! 

Of course, I taught him continental knitting.  I gave him the choice.  He could knit just like his partner or he could knit faster than his partner.  *grin* He picked to knit faster. 

He seemed to pick it up quickly.  The yarn that was selected for him was Ara by Dale of Norway (I believe).  Not the best yarn to learn to knit with but it was available and he seemed to catch on.  I am hopeful that they go pick up a smoother yarn but it's not required. 

KnitMary seems to think that I'm not updating my blog enough.  That may be true in the knit blogging world.  I don't post everyday.  At least I've posted since April, right KnitMary?  *grin*

I'll be adding some pictures to the flickr account for my fishing trip with my brothers.  A great time was had by all! 

On my knitting news, I'm excited to get my chevron scarf off the needles.  It's for my MIL using silky wool yarn that knitSB and I dyed.  The end result is nice and I'm wanting to do different knitting AND get things off the needles.  I'm avoiding casting on something new without getting things done.  I'm certain you understand, don't you? 

I'm also working on two at once on one circular needle socks for a friend that was promised these socks during 2006 National Road Tour. I'm ready to start increasing for the gussets.  That shouldn't be hard.  I am using a pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks book.  It has YOs and could almost be called lace.  Not not really. 

Speaking of socks....Have you gotten your copy of the New Pathways by Cat?  A M A Z I N G material!  I'm going to be knitting some sample socks and give them away as baby booties. 

Comment away!

Knittingbrow's been busy

Well, I've been busy with getting back into the swing of work after "fishing" with my brothers.  It's been rather warm here...high 90's most of the week and high humidity.  I don't have air condition in the house except in the bedroom.  knitSB has been home for the week, getting dehydrated simply breathing! 

I did knit with the wonderful Monday knitters.  I'm working this weekend at my LYS.  Perhaps I'll see you there? 

I do have more pictures to post on flickr.  I've got so many that I upgraded my account to PRO so I could do better organizing of them.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy posting them. 

BTW: I took knitSB to another LYS and found some wonderful sock yarn and a bit of lace weight malabrigo.  I think it is now just a matter of finding the right pattern to start knitting lace, don't you? 

Great Advice

Someone shared this advice that was given to the mother of the groom as she was looking for a dress to wear to the wedding:

"You don't want to me mistaken for a guest."

Nice advice, don't you think?

Uncle Guido and Aunt Pumpkin!

Go view the newest child who will receive knitted items!

Parody!

I like a good parody. Especially by French and Saunders.
This video was the inspiration



for one parody that makes me laugh.

Not to be left out is a song for a video that Trixie and I enjoy. And this parody is good too that combines this song and another.

I made it home from the trip without incident. I've got lots of photos to add but wanted to spend time with knitSB instead!

Knittingbrow on the Tractor

Knittingbrow on the Tractor
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

As promised, this is me on the tractor, moving the remains of the fire around.

Comment away!

Yarnball Boogie Stash Sale

Go visit and see what he has available.

When the brothers get together

I've not knit much today. My thumb hurts and I'm hoping that it is not serious. There is slight tingling and numbing in my thumb so I thought I would lay off the actual knitting and do a bit of catch-up on my knitting projects. I've got the next steps I need to take for the ESP sweater. I've got about one inch left on the second sleeve, then I join with the body and work up in a raglan sleeve. It is a cardigan sweater I'm knitting and I think that I will add a slight V-neck to the design. Matty is going to do the v-neck too, so it will benefit us both if I have it worked out.

I've spent time with my brothers while they worked on adding a flat floor to a boat so they can use the foot pedal for the trolling motor. It took math and patience and at least one or two beers.

There is a great deal of concentration that has to happen.
The end result was quite nice and they were able to go out on the lake for some fishing.


I took a few pictures to share.


My brother Mike tends to read while we go on these "fishing" trips. See?

Oh, Matty and Micah...This is the burn pile for the fire on Friday night! Sweet, huh?
You know I'll be using the tractor to move the wood around, right?

Socks!

Knitter's Review has just reviewed 4 new sock knitting books. Socks are so much fun to knit. There are an amazing amount of patterns out there.

I've got lots of sock yarn and I'm closing in on getting everyone of the sock books published on my bookshelves. I am currently a member of two sock clubs (soon to be three).

You might recall that I asked about sock clubs recently. Only a few responded so I don't have any great insight into your thoughts.

In June, I got to meet Judy Ditmore of Interlacements Yarn. We got talking about sock yarn and wonderful colors and sock patterns and knitting from the top down or toe up and circular sock knitting or dpns and such. Guess what?! She now has an Interactive Sock Gang that just got posted on her sight. The details look fun. I get to pick what weight yarn I want. Nice variety and a reasonable price. I'm going to investigate some details. I want to help with the blog and such. Wouldn't that be fun?

I'm working on some socks right now in Toasty Toes. I'm test knitting a pattern and should start working on these a little more aggressively, don't you think?

We plan on going out on the boat tonight for some fishing. I'll go and probably take the socks then. Pictures to follow!

Lopi Sweater Trouble 2

Lopi Sweater Trouble 2
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Knitter error has created the need to pull out the last six inches of knitting. Look carefully at the needle points and you can see the pattern is lost. Lost because I didn't get the 216 sts needed. I had 214 sts. That can make a big difference in the pattern. I thought I might be able to figure out a way to fake it later. I tried and found it unsatisfactory.

I'll be putting this project away for the trip and starting another project. I pulled out my EZ sweater and found that I have to join the sleeves to the body. I've forgotten that I didn't get that far along in the design. I'll sit down tomorrow morning, get my book out and see if I can find out where I am in the pattern.

I remember needing to determine what yoke treatment I want to use on the cardigan design. I could do the yoke pattern....I wonder if I brought the book I needed for the decrease information.
Nope. No book. Anyone out there reading the Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann and willing to email me the decreases for raglan design, I would appreciate it! knittingbrow ( At) G mail (d0t) com. (my something better got the information for me, so I'm set!

I hope to get at least one project done of the five done that I brought with me. Did I even mention the projects?

Did you see the cool information about the Interactive Sock Gang? One of my projects is sock using Toasty Toes!

Boys "Fishing" Weekend 2007 part 2

I have included two pictures of my first knitting project (of the five I brought with me). It is a Yoke sweater design from Lopi. I've not worked on this project since last year. I pulled it out of the bag to find this:



Interesting what I found. It only took about 15 minutes of looking at the pattern and the sweater to get started.



I needed to alter the pattern from how it was written. The front, back and sleeve section of the pattern were all written as *flat*. Once you get to the yoke, the pattern had you joining in the round and completing the sweater. D'oh, I wouldn't want to do that. So, I re-wrote the pattern for sleeves in the round and body in the round. I am a bit off of the pattern, but it is working out well.

Other photos of the weekend are posted. They are mostly of us relaxing and chatting.
Additional photos will be added over the next several days. I hope to have this sweater completed before bed tonight!

Arrived Safely

I have arrived to the location of the "boys fishing trip" without event. The trip took 6 hours and was uneventful. Unfortunately, I was only able to knit for about 2 hours because it got dark. The conversation was good so I didn't mind.

I have packed 5 specific projects to work on during the trip. I'll post more about these later today.

I did listen to a few podcasts from "Stash and Burn." I enjoy this podcast mostly because I relate to what they are saying. It feels really great to use the yarn I have in my stash! I do want to post a few comments to them. I'm concerned with the loss of sock "mojo" aren't you?

Just discovered on Interlacements Yarn..the Interactive Sock Gang. Sounds like fun. I'll review what details I find and share them with you.

Gone Fishing

My annual "fishing" trips begins today with my brothers. The five of us have been getting together for 14 years (or is this year 15?). The boys and Dad would get together and fish.

I've packed my fishing tackle knitting so I'm ready to head out. I will take my laptop and will try to post a bit while gone.

I've got some fun stuff to share. Cool stuff and great knitting progress.

I'll leave you with something funny. I remember singing this song when I was in elementary school. I heard it on the radio, made a tape of it and sang it a lot. You remember how to make a radio recording, don't you. You hold the recorder up close to the speaker? Yes, it was annoying. No, I was not an annoying child.

(now, if any of my siblings are reading this, feel free to dispute that statement!)

a few moments to reflect

on the importance of life and love.

Jason's mother passed away on June 18, 2007. She was fortunate to share her life with Jason.

Hot-lanta

I'm going to be away until Friday for an out-of-town training in Atlanta for work.

I am taking some knitting but expect to have a lot of "homework" for the training session. I don't expect to get too much knitting done, but I've got the chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts on the needles for the plane ride. I am test knitting a pattern for the evil sock knitting genuis. I'm actually enjoying testing the pattern. It's fun.

BTW, knitSB didn't know that the original movie of Hairspray
actually starred a man in the role of Edna. *sigh* (I think he was kidding me because he's going to miss me)

Exciting Artwork on view

knitSB and I went to the Oberlin College area on Saturday and saw the Allen Memorial Museum. Open to the public for free, this little gem of a museum has some amazing pieces of artwork available to be see.
knitSB was amazed to see "Landscape at Cagnes" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.


I was amazed to see Alberto Giacometti's "Figure" from 1951 and took a reality style photo of the event.

Grace Jones - I'm Not Perfect (1986)

This will answer a few questions from Monday knit knitting. songferret, here's the video.

Knittingbrow and knitSB celebrate one year

KB &knitSB anniversary 1
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

It was one year ago on 7/7 that knittingbrow met knitSB.

I'm very happy. :)

jj reality style

jj reality style
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This is my reality style photo of me helping one of the kids at the library's "get your knit on" class for teens. jj had already got to learn some of the basics of knitting earlier. He was thrilled to see my sock. He just wanted to knit on them. So I let him. He enjoyed the knitting on the socks.

Cat arranged this to happen at her library. KnitMary also was there to help. She got j started (see other photo on flickr). A good time was had by all!

ROY G BIV quilt

ROY G BIV quilt
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I got this quilt back in 2005 for my birthday from my friend N-cubed. The title is "The Universe of ROY G BIV." I have recently hung this quilt in my new office. It is in the perfect place and makes me very happy.

Thanks N-cubed for the wonderful piece of work.

Surprise!

I've been burning through my yarn stash lately. I've made five pairs of short socks with a twisted cable out of Lamb's Pride Bulky. Using bulky yarn and size 10.5 dpns really make a fast house slipper/sock. KnitSB is happy because two of the socks are his. I'm working on my sixth and need a recipient.

KnitSB and I are doing a knit-along for the baby surplice sweater from the Vogue Knitting from Meg Swansen. She found the pattern among Elizabeth Zimmermann's notebooks and published it. It's a nice pattern. Garter stitch throughout with decreases placed at the beginning and end of every other row and strategically placed increases to create arms. I finished one in April for a new baby for someone I worked with. I didn't take a picture.

The most recent completed object is knit out of cotton yarn (from statch) using the Knit Picks options needles. The perfect point for the yarn.

I was scanning my bloglines and saw a post from Needles & Hooks about an EZ Baby Surprise Sweater. Isn't this one cute? Another nice surprise from b r o o k l y n t w e e d.

Of course, if you're really interested in all things Zimmermann, there is a blog dedicated to projects from her books. Check it out.

Simply Shetland 4 book

While I was at TNNA, I got to see some information about upcoming books.
I'm looking forward to Simply Shetland 4 because there are some wonderful men's sweaters. It is out in "fall 2007" so it could be before Christmas?

You know how hard it is to find good men's sweater patterns that are interesting to knit? It's hard people! I'm going to need to write my own patterns. *wouldn't it be cool to actually get something published on knitty? It has to be better than most of the items from this issue.

Speaking of patterns, Kent left a comment and asked if I have a favorite sock pattern.
No, I don't have a favorite pattern. I haven't been able to get a sock that doesn't bunch on the top of my foot around the ankle. I do like toe-up sock patterns because I can be certain not to run out of yarn if I have two skeins. Yarmando has a nice pattern that he's working on frequently. (check out the sidebar). Do you have any suggestions?

Since you're reading this, did you answer my sock questionnaire? Please do! Spread the news, I'm looking for information.

Really Good Service

I am always on the look out for places that provide really good customer service.
Always. I have spent the last 17 years of my career training and developing service skills of people.

Common courtesy goes a long way. You know those three "magic words" when used with sincerity are really magic! We can all tell when someone really means it when they say "Thank you."

I've also found it helpful to be nice to people and expect to be given really great service. Not only does it result in good service but it also startles most people. (an added bonus! *grin*)

Go to Red Bird Knits if you want to get good service. Polite, speedy service and fast delivery have been consistently experienced.

Psst! She's opened up the sock of the month club again. Go there now and sign up!

streaming music

I'm not sure how I got this website address but I have listened to the streaming audio a few times and rather enjoy it. DigitalGunfire.com Recommended if you like Industrial type of music.

If not, simply click here to be taken to a safer place where you can decide what you want to listen to (Pandora)

ArtYarns Sock Fiber? Did you know?

I was visiting a LYS last Wednesday as one does when one has the afternoon free. I like to visit shops during the day because they tend to be quiter than on the weekend.

I didn't know that ArtYarns has yarn specifically for socks? Nice colors and it feels good.

I actually went to the Yarn Shop because I wanted to search for a spindle. They had only three left (none are worth mentioning). Yarn Zombie's picture of her spindle made me want to go and find one for me. *sigh* I have two top whorl spindles and would like a bottom whorl to try it.

Hmmm, I kinda want to spin but don't want to make the time to try it. *oh my* Any suggestions on where to go and get some motivation?

HFeet Jo Handoff

HFeet Jo Handoff
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

A week ago, I got a call from Trix asking me "why aren't you here?" She was visiting my sister and her husband and was spending the night. Well, Trix was there, my sister and her husband were there, my other sister and her two kids and another two nieces. That's a long winded way of saying that an impromptu family gathering was happening without me and knitSB.

So, a slight change of plans for the weekend and we were able to drive the two hours to spend the night at Jo's. A fun time was had by all and lots of laughter happened. I mean lots. We were up until 3:00 a.m.!

I cast on some quick knits socks Friday as songferret, knitSB and I went to comfest to fulfill my obligation to go for the first time. I can knit and walk around hippies while there is still light, right? Yes.

I had the cuff done when I showed up at Jo's on Saturday afternoon about 2. I continued to knit these while chatting. We got on the topic of christmas and that paula wants me to knit her socks for christmas. I have no details of who I will have for christmas. (there are a lot of kids in my family so we pick names). I thought it would be fun to knit socks for Jo who was going to see Paula the following weekend and taunt her with the socks.

Well, I completed the first one just after dinner and cast on the second. I got them done and handed them off to Jo. Can you tell how thrilled she is? I like that smile!

Anyhow, these are knit using size 10 dpns and lambs pride bulky in a variety of colors. It is a simple, basic pattern from a former LYS used during my "learn to knit socks" class. I've altered the pattern using a twisted rib ribbing stitch throughout. I did the star toe to finish.

You can go to my flickr to see some additional photos of the sock and the sock hand-off.

This pair of socks is my fifth pair of these in about a month. I like these because of the quick nature and my comfort with the pattern. I almost don't need to pattern. I'll add a few pictures of the other colorful socks later this week.

Sock Clubs

Are you a member of a sock club?
I am.
Which one(s)?
I'm a member of two of them, Rockin' Sock Club and Red Bird Knits SOTM. I like them both for different reasons.
What do you like about your sock clubs?
I like Socks That Rock yarn. It feels great and the colors are wonderful. I have yet to knit one of the patterns from the club, but they look good. And the comments on the club blog certainly are exciting (and varied). My, who would have thought that toe-up socks would cause so much controversy.
Red Bird creates a special pattern using mass produced yarns by great companys. Last month was Jitterbug yarn from Colinette. Robyn who creates the the is great. She sends out an email to members about the new club, responds quickly to emails, and sometimes gives a chance to "suggest" specific colors that I might like. This got me thinking...
Do you like to have a choice about yarns and patterns?
Yes. I wonder if you do and why.
Do you always knit the socks with the pattern you get? Why?
No, sometimes the color would work for a different pattern.
What do you wish there was available in a sock club?
I'm still pondering this one. Dream big and share with me.
If you had your way, what would you keep the same about the sock clubs you are in?
I like the monthly payment option of Red Bird. The single fee can be a bit daunting.
What would you change?
*still thinking*
Thoughts about clubs?
It's all about the yarn for me. I want delicious yarns before everyone else. and I want enough yarn to make socks that fit me and are tall. And the pattern needs to be engaging but not mind boggling. And no pattern errors!
What is it all about for you?

I'm interested in your answers. These are some thoughts that keep me up at night. Strange isn't it, but I like to take an idea to it's logical end sometimes. Help me get some sleep and post your answers in the comments or email me at knittingbrow(AT)gmail (d0T)com. Once I get 25 answers, I'll post the compiled answers. I am hopeful that it won't take too long to get 25 answers. *grin* Share as needed.

I think there are about 6 people who read my blog. I haven't figured out which blog traffic software to add to my blogger to track this. Any suggestions? The instructions need to be easy! Maybe we can meet for coffee and you can help me do it and I can buy you a coffee.

KnitSB and Red Robin and mundane stuff.

KnitSB and Red Robin
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

So KnitSB and I went to dinner at the local red R0b1n for dinner on Tuesday. The scary bird came our way and I wanted to take this picture with the two of them.

KnitSB and I were out buying an air conditioner. He's got some allergy troubles and reactions to heat. Sinus stuff too. *insert icky sounds of nose blowing here* We installed the air conditioner tonight.

While were were out, I found some wire crates that I'll be able to put together and move our yarn from containers so they can be out. I like this motivation >I see it, I want to knit it<
We got 8 sets of 6 crates for a total of 48 crates. And I might be able to get 6 more spaces in the display units if I work it out properly. These will be good for the baskets I have of yarn. These will go in the large foyer.

We continue to clear clutter in the house and organize. Tuesday, we were looking for a unit to hold all the CDs we have in the house. We've seen a few nice set ups that are close, but not perfect. We need to hold about 1200 CDs. We'd like it behind doors. KnitSB likes the idea of glass doors. We'll find it. Of course, the "footprint" needs to be small.

My Rockin' Sock Club shipment came today! I'll post a picture Thursday. I've been thinking about sock clubs. I've got some questions to ask!

Wow

not only is this a lovely photo but it inspires me to start knitting lace.

I'll be watching this blog.

Summer Means Reading

right? You read during the summer? If you have children, you should be reading and encouraging those kids to read too. Nothing worse than letting a brain go to jelly over the summer.

Read this nice post from Ethical Thought about how to find suggestions for summer reading.

Now, if you really want good advice about summer reading, go to your local library! Library staff rock!

True Color Photos

Click on the photos and visit my flickr and read the small description.

Dancing in True Colors!

Guess where I went tonight?
I got to see the True Colors Tour when it came through town!

Deborah Harry is an icon and has a new album coming out in August. I didn't know any of the new songs but they sounded great.
Erasure is one of my favorite dance bands from the 80's and today. Such a nice sound. *and no, their songs don't sound alike Trixie, similar yes, but not alike*
We got up and danced to Erasure. Well, Wendy, Mike, Don and I got up and danced. I enjoyed myself so much, I kept track of their play list. I share it with you:

• Sunday Girl
• Blue Savannah
• Drama!
• I Could Fall In Love with You
• Chains of Love
• Love to Hate You
• Sucker for Love
• A little Respect
• Sometimes
• Oh L'amour

Then Cyndi showed up. Did you know that she has an amazing voice. I mean, amazing. She can belt out a tune like few others. Her version of Money Changes Everything really rocked the house. Then she got acoustic towards the end and that highlighted her voice. Time after time with just her voice and the dulcimer.
Cyndi's set list (as I remember it...please help fill in the few I've missed)

• (insert Cyndi's songs)
• When You were Mind
• She Bop
• I Drove All Night
• Money Changes Everything
• Time After Time (acoustic)
• Girls Just Want to Have Fun (just the short version)
• Take a Chance on Me
• True Colors (Acoustic)

The version of True Colors was inspiring. We were holding hands, swaying back and forth. Have you listened to the lyrics lately. So don't be afraid!

I did take some pictures of the event. I'm experiencing a slow learning curve on including the flickr photos correctly to the blog. I'll see what I can do about that. Of course, it was with my phone and the quality is a bit off.

Now go....don't be afraid to show your true colors!

knittingbrow&MissLime

knittingbrow&MissLime
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Here's that "reality" style photo of me with Miss Lime.

Knitters Connection 2007

You can see some of the photos of people and yarn I experienced while at Knitters Connection in 2007. It was amazing.

there are stories to tell and all of them fun and humorous.

I had several "brushes with greatness" I saw LimeNViolet. I hung out with them in the evenings. I got to be their "bitch" while they were podcasting. They even signed my body. I got this reality style photo of Miss Violet and Me. These are people that I want to knit with again. I also got to meet "sideshow husband" who is a really nice guy. And I didn't get a picture of me with both Lime and Violet.

What an amazing two weeks. (abridged)

I went to TNNA when it was in Columbus.
Took a crochet class from Melissa Leapman. Apparently, my grandmother taught me to crochet and I completely don't remember.
I walked around the exhibits.
I started a new position at my place of employment. A great change.
I worked at Knitters Connection.
I got to listen to Lime and (Violet) do a podcast. I got to be Lime & Violet's "bitch" while in they were in town. You know... bring coffee, bake cookies, etc.
Got to hang out with them over a few drinks.
Met some really great vendors at Knitters Connection, including Yarn Love, Chameleon Color Works, Interlacements amongst others. Continued my great connection with the fab team at Cider Moon.
More later and pictures too!

knitSB and knittingbrow: abridged

I've not told you, but I've got my "something better."

We met last year and spent a lot of time together. I taught him to knit. He continues to knit and is good. He's just learning to knit a sleeve on double points. He's using the EPS.

Ever know when it is just better than you ever expected? I do. And when that happens, I like to make a commitment. And I like to exchange jewelry. See?




We had them specially made.

They say "my something better"













knitSB's has my handwriting on it.















Mine has his handwriting on it. And the wonderful thing is that the writing is cast into the ring, not just etched in. So it is not going anywhere.


The place that made the rings was thrilled to have such a unique request. They were wonderful to work with in the creation. We're thrilled.

We've done something private but are considering a ceremony sometime in the fall. And probably a party. I mean, we all need a great reason to celebrate, right?