Back, with Sparse Posting

A souvenir from our vacation was the fabric and pattern for this quilt. I cannot find a link for the pattern but I bought everything here: Common Threads in lovely St. Louis, Michigan....the official center of the mitten. A very cute shop with more creative quilts and ideas floating around than I have seen in a long time. My only complaint was I found it to be very dark inside. Maybe it was just such a bright, sunny day that I was blinded by that but I doubt it. Still, they had a nice selection of fabric and patterns. The quilt is called California Dreamin', a very quick quilt to piece indeed!



The second quilt pieced last month is this Album quilt. Yes, there is a mistake in the picture but it's been corrected. Directions for this quilt are found in Scrap Frenzy, among other places I'm sure as this is actually an old block. I am debating about adding borders to this one to enlarge it. I love the way everything came together with this one.





And lastly, the current work-in-progress. This lovely fabric has warmed the shelves of the china closet for 2 summers now. I just could not figure out what to do with Gracie that would really make me happy. There are still about 4 rows of blocks to finish piecing (I ran out of black!) and borders to add yet. Another instant favorite! I normally steer away from black in quilts as I tend to drift to the brights and pastels which call for whites but this one needed the black to make it work. Planned for the stopper/inner border is a lovely fleshy or salmon color. The outer border is still up in the air but I think something will fall in place once the blocks are finished.


Very little knitting has been happening as my right wrist is very tender. Hopefully, more rest will allow whatever is hurting to heal and knitting can resume. There has been, however, much reading. As a young girl, it drove my mother to distraction the number of times she would have to call me for dinner, chores, whatever because my nose was buried in a book. Didn't matter if I'd read it a hundred times already, I was still lost in my own world. Living miles from the nearest library meant new books were hard to come by so now that we live just a mile from the main branch, we make daily visits most weeks. I need to keep a reading journal so titles aren't lost to me.

Don't expect regular posting anytime soon. I plan to enjoy these last few weeks before school outside, reading, working on quilts and putzing around the garden. 2 tomatoes and 2 peppers have been devoured already with promises of many,many more!

Clessidra and Skirt

I finished these weeks ago. They lay in a heap on the floor near my knitting spot crying silently to be modeled and packed away lovingly until fall. The sobs were just too much for me. Forgive the icky indoor shots, we are having a bit of dreary, cold weather and rather than wait another few days and endure more sobbing from the socks, I begged one of the resident photogs to get busy already.







Vital Stats: Clessidra from Spring '07 Knitty. Knit on US 1 dpns using less than 2 full hanks of Bare. Actual knitting time was about 2.5 weeks,I think. While I have a love-hate relationship with Knitpicks most of the time, Bare is heavenly. I do believe underwear could be knit from it and be an enjoyable wear. It's just that soft to me. I have no idea why this shot looks so pixelated to me, I hope it's clearer to everyone else. (This is the Sexy Leg pose for someone who knows what I'm talking about. haha)






I am bit embarassed to blog about this latest FO. Not because I am unhappy with the actual finished project but because I'm unhappy with how I look. Anyone over 25 can relate to that, I'm sure. Ignore the knee socks...the photog thought we were shooting kilt shots appearently. Also ignore the green shirt...I was too lazy to change into the pale yellow shirt I have for this skirt. So there.



Vital Stats: 100% cotton print found on the $1/yard table at Stuff*mart, packaged bias tapes (2 packages: one single fold, one double fold). Pattern drafted by yours truly based on directions found in this great book, Sew What! Skirts that I borrowed from the library. I made the A-line wrap skirt (called Breezy Beach Wrap in the book) but left the actual ties off since this is a muslin of sorts and I am toying with the idea of using snaps to close this. The total time invested in this project, including drafting the pattern, boiled down to one evening after dinner. We eat dinner at 5, baths start at 7:30, so that's fairly quick. Total cost for this skirt is roughly $5.00. Intended wear: vacation '07. Will I make another one? Probably, from denim and a smidge longer. Do I recommend this book for everyone? Definitely. I am not a talented sketcher at all, nor have I ever been able to draft a pattern from directions before. This book is well-written although I had to read it, lay it down and let the info stew a bit before it completely made sense to me. (Hey, Christy and Amanda, I think you both would find this book useful. Especially since you have girls to experiment with!)

MUST HAVE SOCKS

The socks I MUST HAVE BEFORE I DIE: Clessidra. Not many things in life I can honestly say I must have, taste, try, whatever before I die but baby, these socks are a must. Only two questions: color and yarn? I am leaning towards either natural or a green since I have been hording a skein of KP Bare that Cynthia sent as part of my YA box a while ago. My thinking is that it is natural, therefore no dye lot to muck things up big time should I need more yarn. Which after checking, I see I would need a second skein. Perfect! I needed something to round out my KP order for Mariah anyhow. And I could probably dye the finished socks rather than take my chances dying two skeins. Don't ask. I'm weird, we all know it.

Mariah came out of the corner last night and hummed along mightly until the yarn ran out. Now she's pouting because the fun has halted. Same picture, one non-flash and one with so the increase markers show up.
I really love this knit. Cables used to frighten the pants off me until I knit Blaze for my sister a couple years ago. Not only did I teach myself to cable but did the entire sweater (well, after 3 or 4 rounds) without a cable needle. If I only had such luck with colorwork. ::sigh:: Maybe some day.

Borrowing an idea from Shizzknits, my version of Love Thursday:




Hubster's endless cardigan: DONE. Well, it still needs buttons and blocking but hey, I have roughly 9 months to get those done. Vital Stats: No-name 100% wool picked up last spring at a big box craft store, clearanced. US 5 and 6 circs and dpns, using the V-neck Cardigan pattern from The Complete Book of Raglan Sweaters (Thanks, sis Jan!) I just noticed that the picture looks like it has reddish blotches, it does not. Straight, boring Army green.


Definitely lovin' these Garterlac Dishclothes. So easy once you get going and perfect car knitting now that J has her permit. I am a flinchy rider. Let's call it a control issue and move along. These are now safely tucked away in my gift drawer. No particular person in mind, just one of those things I had to knit.


Mariah will be coming back out to play this weekend. I finally understand the whole sleeve issue but felt it best to have an entire day devoted to just her before starting up again. Well, that and I haven't ordered the rest of the needed yarn yet. I just cannot stash yarn like I have fabric. You'll see why in this coming to a blog near you soon, a whole post about my sewing mess and the massive clean-up efforts, complete with pictures! It should be enough to make anyone cringe. lol.

Mariah, I am stuck.

Earlier this week, I cast on for Mariah. This is a Christmas '07 knit. R requested this hoodie earlier in the fall and I was not sure she would wear it enough to warrant the work I thought it would take. Silly me, once I remembered how to cable without a needle and color coded my chart, the fun began. That is 6 inches of cable-y goodness right there, folks, on US 6, 2 stitch markers and 2 row counters because I am all about the organization. (ROFLOL). Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Hush. I have some reservations about using this yarn for cabling but it is what I had on hand to swatch with and what R likes so WoA Hush it is. An order must be sent soon as what you see is what I have left.


Now I am confused. Really, really confused by something that should be clear as water to me. Am I overthinking it or just stupid today? The directions (see above link)say that at 6 inches, increases begin. That part I get. Every sleeve must get wider at some point. What stumps me is this working increased sts in pattern as set in Chart A. Umm, how does this work out? I am confused as to how to figure out how to work the increased stitches in set pattern. HELP!! I think until I can figure this out (or browbeat someone into blowing the fog away) I will use the other end of the skein to cast on for the second sleeve. At least that way, the odd ball skein will be used uniformly and hopefully, if the next batch isn't the same dye lot, this will at least fool the eye a bit. Ya know, look like I planned it?!




The much sought after Trekking 126 sock. Ebay auction went above my limit. Mia may have a lead on some. My fingers are crossed. I love this colorway, which is a huge shock since I normally do not like browns. This pair will be for me after all. Because I hate to swatch for socks, I just cast on and went to town. Turns out 72 stitches on US 1s fits me fine. Only thing I should have done differently was the heel. Silly me used just stockinette stitch for this one and I really should have used eye of partridge or the heel stitch to pull it in some. Oh well. I will wear them no matter what.

ISO TREKKING XXL 126

I am searching for a skein of Trekking XXL 126 (pink, brown and white). This week, I bought one from the destash blog and have decided that I really want to do a second pair of socks in this colorway. One pair will be mine and the other pair(s) will be Miss E's. So, knitters, if you have a skein you'd part with or know where to find it, please email me: sewjillquilts AT verizon DOT net. I need to keep the price below $15 if at all possible or am willing to make a tote bag with matching eyeglass case, tissue holder and zippered sock bag (approx 9"x10") as trade.

ETA: 03/05/07- Mia the goddess of the hour has secured some for me. Much bowing and kissing off the royal feet from a distance has begun. Thanks again, Mia. You rock. May the knitting goddesses smile upon you for many, many days to come.

Answers,Batteries and Cooking

I still have problems with Blogger letting me know I have comments. I do like to reply when I can so:

To A. who asked if we were still planning on a move: YES. When we find the right house. I have a very specific area in mind but see very few houses available to rent there right now. I also have a very, very specific list of things the next house will have so we may be another year or so yet. :::sob:::

To Miss Amy and Emily who both commented about KP's needles: I am still having mixed feelings about it. About KP in general. I am constantly drawn to them based solely on prices, which is what happens when you live on a fixed income. I am not happy with the fact that so many of their products are made in other countries or their customer service for the most part. My last encounter with Ms Randi did redeem customer service from KP a bit but not enough to overshadow some of the past.

To Red Sock Mama: BRING ON THE PJ PARTY!! Honestly, I had considered asking you after Christmas if you had an empty bed somewhere in that huge house of yours...I needed to be physically away from the demands of this house but after catching up with you a bit, I see it worked out for the best that I didn't ask. Please know that you, M. and the family are in my prayers.

Helen: Pics are coming IF the girls ever remember to charge the batteries for the camera! And only if you promise to not comment on my lump-plumpness! ;o)

Ren: You ornery girl, you! I owe you a thanks for the surprise you sent me through Kelli (or is it Kelly? I never remember those spellings!). Maybe one day a surprise will find its way to you.

And finally, Lynn...yes, Aunt magic is pretty powerful stuff. A certain spoiled little girl refuses to let me put B'ella away, even for a night, after all these years.


Batteries, batteries, who ate my batteries? Early last spring, after using entirely too many disposable batteries in the digital camera, I bought a small charger with the correct batteries. Someone lost one battery so we are down to only 3. Factor in a teenage girl and her boyfriend always using the camera for silly pics and well, Mama rarely gets to use the camera anymore. And wouldn't you know, I have another pair of socks finished needing their beauty shots? That's 3 pairs this month alone and yes, one pair is almost knee socks.

Am trying my hand at homemade yogurt today, thanks to Thicket Dweller's Time to Cook blog. The girls would live on yogurt alone if we could afford it so after reading what TD wrote, quizzing her a bit and gathering some courage, yogurt is now incubating in a quart jar in the oven. I'm crossing my fingers it turns out well since I shelled out over $4 for a bag of frozen blueberries last night. It sounded good, blueberry yogurt that is. And I am not a yogurt fan by any means. Hopefully homemade will convert me.

Customer Service

Remember that defective KP needle? The replacement arrived today and guess what! It was defective as well. I could not believe it, a burr in the middle of the needle. Being a fiery redhead, nothing would do but a phone call this time. Best to deal with it person to person instead of person to computer. A very pleasant sounding woman named Randi (yes, with an "i", I verified that) answered and was prompt about addressing my problem. She offered to send me yet another replacement needle via priority mail (last time was slow first class). When I stated that I could care less about the priority shipping but really wanted someone to physically pull the needle from the packaging, run it through their fingers and check the damn thing first, she said "Let me check and make sure we can do that before I make a promise". She checked and said the warehouse WOULD check the needle. Then she also said that she would give me a $5.00 credit on my account because they aren't having many complaints about this particular needle. I'm betting most folks are like me, you get what you pay for and since these needles are the cheapest price out there, many just toss them in the trash when they turn to shit, as my dad likes to say. I am still not convinced I would invest in the entire collection of classic circs or buy the interchangeable set. Their customer service evokes mixed feelings in me. Some times it has been awesome, like today, and other times, well, less than stellar sums it up nicely.


In other news:
I have an internal stitch working it's (or is it its?) way to the outside. ICK!

I had a small visit with my former boss lady last night. So nice to be loved and missed after all this time. I love how she always finds time to chat with my girls, get caught up on their doings a bit and how she keeps me in the loop despite the fact that I left the work force years ago. I think she holds out hope I'll return and kick some butt again someday.

2007's 1st FOs!

Vital Stats:

2s2c using Knitpicks classic circs, US 1 (Crappiest needles on the market!)

Regia? knit at 7.5spi

For: E, possibly. She initally told me these colors were hideous so I intended them for the parish sock drive next fall but she has since said she likes them. Time will tell.

Pattern: My own 56 st/2x2 rib, short row heel thanks to QK. I carried the ribbing down the heel to the turn point because I wanted to see if E likes that better.

Stripes do not match colorwise but they do line up. Like I care?

Started in 2005, finished one sock and forgot about it. Ended up frogging said sock after completion of second sock this week. Yup, an entire pair in what, 4 days or less?

Vital Stats:

Lichen Ribbed Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush

US1 circs, done one sock at time

Changes to pattern: short row heel. rib carried down heel to turn

Fleece Artist yarn (Merino sock?)

7.5 spi?

Finished on New Year's Day!! (had started before appendix struck)

I like the yarn but not enough to seek it out on my own. I can't explain it. I love the pattern and will, at some point, knit another pair for myself, possibly from some solid Lorna's Laces. I could actually see this pattern as one of the ultimate gifting sock patterns.

One of my goals for 2007 is to use up the sock yarn stash before obtaining more. ALL of it. I'm pretty sure I have enough to knit 5 adult pairs, then there is the leftover stash which should yield about 5 or 6 pairs of children's socks easily. I may amend this goal to allow the purchase of single skeins of black, tan, blue, etc to use with the leftover balls. SINGLE Skeins.

So with the completion of 2 pairs, my knitting socks goal remaining for the year is 25 pairs. I have it on good authority that I am ahead of at least one person in the sock race by 1.5 pairs. While I am enjoying this lead, I know it won't last long. That's why I have 2 more pairs on the needles: one pair on US2 addi turbos with Lorna's Laces and the other with leftover knitpicks simple stripes on their crap-tastic circs.

Those knitpicks classic circs are pure junk. I've emailed them asking for replacements and have yet to hear back from them. No surprise since their customer service department seems to have a love/hate relationship with the public. One of my US1 needles is flaking chunks of silver/nickle and scratching my fingers with every stitch while the other came out of the package with a nick the cord undetectable until a project was CO (Lynn, that's cast on). To say I am disappointed is an understatement but I should have known: we get what we pay for. So it's time to save up for more addi turbos.

ETA: Email from Knitpicks today came with the promise of a replacement needle being mailed out already. Nice of them to do so but the time to reply was simply unacceptable to me. It is one thing to put off an email to a friend so you have time to share everything but from a business? Not so great. So I will use the new needle but continue to save for more addi turbos in a variety of sizes.

FO Rundown

Once again, I'm blaming Jane for something. She always gets my brain going and usually my needles too! One of her recent posts was a tally of FO for 2006, which reminded me that in January, I set a goal to beat her ungodly number of socks knit. Did I manage to do just that???

11 pairs of mittens
2 scarves
1 Clapotis
1 child sweater
1 hat
1 baby sweater
1 baby afghan
4 pairs wrist warmers
AND

26 pairs of socks!! That would include 10 pairs of infant socks and 16 pairs of adult and child socks.

Sewing FOs:
2 round handle bags
5 tote bags
Kitchen curtains
2 skirts for E
1 skirt for me
1 needle case
2 dresses for E
1 top for me
2 jumpers
1 Laura Ingalls costume
5 aprons
1 quilt completed start to finish
2 quilt tops pieced

I know I've sewn a lot more than this but did not blog about much of that. Bummer. Better luck in 2007.

Goals for 2007:

Find a pressure canner (hopefully thrifted!)
Knit 5 more pairs of mittens for the parish mitten tree
Knit 27 pairs of socks. (Jane, that is a challenge to you!)
Another Irish Hiking Scarf, possibly in blue this time.
A cardi for me, maybe in lavender?
A pullover or two for me...top-down raglans
Finish up the stack of quilt tops and sell them off.
Make some tote bags for my shop
A few summer outfits for my Ems out west
3 rag dolls...one for E and two for some cuties down south
2 visits with Duck.
Finish Christmas shopping by Halloween.


ETA: LUNCH WITH JAN. Make that raising you-know-what with Jan!! We'll probably get tossed from the place and threatened with the joint because, well, we just will. (Note to Jan: Forgive me for the oversight? It really HAS been on my mind for a while now. Somehow, I think you'd laugh until you pee when you hear about the adventures of the mighty-yet-completely-useless-appendix and his good friend, green-pus. I promise to only use my fork to eat with and leave the mud at home!)

What are your goals?