Mike's Thorpe

I finished a hat for my brother Mike in January. It is the Thorpe Hat by Kristen Kapur. (ravelry link) I recommend the pattern.

Mike wanted a hat that covered his ears. This one does that! I snapped these photos of me wearing the hat. They aren't the best picture of me but I kinda look like my brother here. It's weird thinking I'll look like him when I'm his age.

this picture shows the true color of the yarn. I think it is perfect for him.

I'm wearing the flaps up in this picture.

Trisha Mitts completed!

Knit using the Berroco Jacoby pattern.

The yarn is Just Our Yarn Travelor (Ravelry link).

I thought I was knitting them using a US size 1 (or 2) but i was using two zeros and two ones. Ugh. I think they fit beautifully.

Modification: I extended the thumb to please the recipient. I wish I had trusted my instinct and put the thumb stitches on holders and knit them longer. Instead I had to pick up the bind-off edge and knit more ribbing. There were a total of 14 thumb stitches but I picked up 18 stitches to close the gap and to allow me to follow the 2x2 rib correctly.





I have some yarn left and will keep it to use when I knit with the other skein I bought at Maryland Sheep & Wool.

Mary Ann Crago

I walk around the Visual Learning: Connecting Readers to Art display by a co-worker and great artist, Mary Ann Crago.
She has a blog I think you should visit. Go ahead and click the link. I'll wait but please come back.

What did you think? I am inspired by her process. I'm lucky because she encourages me to make some "art" and has recommended a few books to help overcome the blocks preventing me from creating. She might even be willing to trade a piece of her work for some of my knitting. That makes me feel really good and I believe she would value the knitting as much as I would value her art.

I have Mary Ann's permission to post the photos I have in a flickr set. Enjoy.

What's Different?

Can you see what is different in these two pictures?

I'm not wearing my wedding band in the second photo. My 5 year relationship ended unexpectedly in December and the final move out happened Saturday. I feel very sad about this because I thought it was different than it was. I cannot say horrible things about knitSB and I wish him well. We'll still see each other because of the puppehs.

I spent Sunday cleansing, cleaning, and rearranging the house to help it feel different. It will take time to get all of it finished, mostly because I have big ideas and only little time with work.

The blogging/vlogging will resume as I have knitting to share. Go hug the ones you love. You never know when they won't be there.

Curiosity Cabinet No. 7

I bought this piece of art on Tuesday. The gallery at work had new art hung on Tuesday with a display entitled "Art from the Other Side"

"Art from the Other Side" includes a truly remarkable body of work from artists who cannot easily be defined by a particular movement. We hope that viewers are moved emotionally by the raw and earnest offerings of this wonderful selection of artists."

I saw this piece and feel in love with it. Nikkie Rogers created this mixed media piece in 2011.

I like the size, the design and visual texture. I also liked the price, $35.00. I called immediately and purchased the piece.

I am an artist and know how important it is to be able to sell my work. When I connect with a piece of art, I consider purchasing it. When was the last time you supported your local artists?

Trellis Lace Scarf Bind-off Oops

Ever have one of those experiences when you thought the project was going to be perfect and then discovered a DROPPED stitch? Trellis Lace Scarf by Yellow Dog Knitting is a perfect simple project when I don't want to concentrate too hard but want to have relaxing knitting. I knit this using Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn on size 7 needles. I changed the pattern by casting-on 42 sts. I'm happy to say I fixed the bind-off. I will block the scarf before giving it away. I would knit another version of this scarf. BTW: The Lucy Neatby DVDs can be found here. I have most of them and learn from them each time I watch them.

Knitting at Dirty Franks

I took two co-workers to Dirty Franks for lunch today. The menu is based on hotdogs. The menu give lots of options for hotdogs and beer on tap.

I enjoyed a Sriracha Slaw Dog as a lettuce wrap. I don't recommend the lettuce wrap because it gets messy. I also had three pretzels with salt. They were delightful.

I'm knitting the Thorpe hat (Rav link), a design by Kristen Kapur, using size 10 DPNs with a bulky baby alpaca yarn. I'm supposed to be able to get the entire hat done with just one skein of yarn. Fingers crossed. The hat is a surprise gift for my oldest brother who wants something to keep his ears warm.

Knitter's Manifesto: Artist's Edition

I received the Knitter's Manifesto: Artist's Edition as my holiday gift. It's a lovely collection of essays from Brenda Dayne of Cast-On podcast fame. I've shared my love for Brenda in a previous (fanboy) post. The high quality recordings are excellent essays delivered by Brenda. It's like sitting down and having tea with Brenda. Tea with Brenda is something would I would enjoy. Here's a picture of the items that came with the Artist's Edition. Hurry, because there aren't many copies left. Oh, the oranges were not included. Thanks Brenda and Felicity for a holiday gift that will continue to give throughout the year. Go get your copy before they are all gone. Tell her knittingbrow sent you. :)

Recap Thanksmas 2011

My family celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.(2010, 2009 blogposts) It works well and reduces stress because everyone is rested and not rushing between obligatory visit. I've blogged about it before. I rather enjoy the event. For those interested, we draw names for a gift exchange. This year I had my brother Steve and I knit him another pair of socks. I used Ella Rae superwash in navy. I finished these during the Annual Boy's Fishing Trip. Here's a photo of them after he opened them. I find the beer in the top right corner humorous.

My sister Terri had my name in the exchange. She got me a copy of The Knitter's Handy Book of Socks by Clara Parkes. I'm really happy about this gift. This book is filled with great information and a nice range of patterns from a variety of designers. I'm looking forward to reading the book and knitting a few of the patterns.

FO Gale Stole

I finished Gale Stole.
Pattern by knitspot
Yarn by Briar Rose Fibers, Grandma's Blessing. This yarn appears to be discontinued. Go look at the other yarn options.
used size 10 nylon circular needle
Cast-on 3 years ago.
for knitSB

I'll post a picture of the finished stole after I block it.
This was an enjoyable knit. A well-written pattern and a nice yarn. I do hope I'll have enough yarn to knit myself a pair of socks with the remaining yarn.