Knittea Kitty

The joys and pains of moving...

2011-12-12T06:10:00.001-08:00

So moving, at any time of year, is not easy. No change is. It's also a lot of work. Doing it during the holiday season, well, adds some special challenges.

This is the first Christmas since mom died that I've felt "Christmasy," and with the move, there isn't alot I can do about it until I get some things put away. We've downsized significantly, so that is taking some thought and time.

The cats love the new place, and clearly are enjoying the boxes!

Downsizing is so freeing. Stuff is a weight around ones shoulders, for sure. And the smaller, stairless house is just what my fibromyalgic body needs. I am so grateful for the provision of this home.

What, TWO YEARS later???

2011-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't been here in forever. Time to get myself back into my writing groove, I think...

My knitting is continuing. I'm currently working on two active projects, and have one "hibernating." It's my Log Cabin Moderne afghan...it's big enough that working on it in the summer is just not appealing...

The active projects are some convertible mitts for Josh, the blue and green project to the left. It's a pattern taken from an old knitting book, "Mens Mittens" by Jaeger Handknits. I'm usin an Opal sock yarn that he chose.

I'm also working on a"Mara" shawl. I'm in LOVE with the yarn for that one. It's Tosh DK, and like all of Madeline Tosh's yarns, it's beautifully dyed and marvelously squooshy soft! It's a lovely red, "Tart."

I've taken up spinning since last posting. LOVE that. I began on an Ashford Scholar, Minerva, that I bought from one of the girls in my SnB group. For my last birthday, the man bought me a Kromski Sonata, and I am totally in love with her. I named her Wanda, and she allows me to spin with far less pain. I'll need to get a nice photo of her for the blog.

The latest...

2009-08-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

So my son is off to do his thing as a roadie for Invisible Children, and since his district isn't anywhere cold, I knitted him a "sock" for his cell phone:

The pattern is free, I found it through Ravelry, the link to Smariek Knits' blog is the caption for this photo. I used leftover sock yarn from my Oak Ribbed socks. It's Regia Stretch color, I think it knitted up wonderfully in this pattern.

Four-Rib Braid I Touch Sock Pattern

I also knitted him a case for the camera he bought to document his trip:

This pattern was also free, and found through Ravelry. Doing the math for sizing took a bit of time, but from start to finish, the whole thing only took maybe 2 hours. For this one, I used leftover yarn from Josh's Camo Earflap hat. It's Red Heart in the "Woodsy" colorway. He picked the button out of my tin of my Grandma's old buttons, so he's got a camera covered in love!!! The link to the blog is also on the caption for this photo!

Free "recipe" for camera case

Currently, I am knitting a ruana for Char, to barter for haircuts, and deciding what to cast on next...I have an 2 purses that need finishing and am still working on my Log Cabin Afghan...it's simply too hot here to have it on my lap right now!!!

If you're curious about Invisible Children, I linked to them at the top of the post. If you want to follow Josh on his adventure, check out his blog: http://www.dailyleaps.blogspot.com/!

Gratuitous Cat Cuteness!

2009-06-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of NOT having to title an entry with the word "overdue," I'vd simply decided to share some feline adorableness:

Sweet, sleepy Frosty

"Uh, excuse me, but could I bathe in PRIVATE????"

Come, on, you KNOW they're cute!!

The Really, REALLY overdue post...

2009-06-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this time it's been nearly a year!!!

Facebook, the devourer of time, sort of took over my online life...I'm seriously considering dialing that back, if not off, and returning to the "simplicity" of the blog form of self-publication. It's just much less time consuming. No gaming and constant live chatting....though I love having gotten in touch with some folks from back in the day!

My knitting life has been fairly steady, I've finished lots of projects since my last post...

Oak Ribbed Sock from Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks"

Lichen Ribbed Sock, also from KVS

Currently, I've got these on the needles:

Waving Lace Sock from "Favorite Socks" (Interweave Press)

I'm really enjoying this sock, I'm doing it with Knit Picks Essential Kettle Dye yarn, in the Bordeaux colorway. I love this lace pattern, it's simple enough to remember, and you can find where you are in the pattern without too much trouble. Yet it's varied enough to be interesting to knit, especially since the two previous pairs wer just basic ribbed patterns. Those two were done in two different colorways of Regia Stretch sock yarn. I LOVE the Regia for wear and tear, it holds up excellently, and washes very well. The stretch factor is really nice, they have great memory and don't end up sagging when you wear them. I have two more colorways in my stash!

And miracle of miracles, neither is blue!!!

In my kitty life, sweet Beasley crossed the Rainbow Bridge to pet heaven 2 days after Christmas. He went in his sleep, after 19 long years. He was ready, and now is with my mom and his! He's missed, he added so much humor to my life. The two remaining boys are doing very well, though they've been tussling with one another more often since Beas passed. I suppose it has something to do with pecking order.

Miss Zoe is still my sweet, lovable pup, a clown as always! She's finally finished (fingers crossed!) shedding her coat out, so hopefully I won't be sweeping up hairballs the size of elephants again for a while. I swear, she should be bald!!! It's never been so much before. I think it was the strange weather as summer came on this year, lots of ups and downs in temps, which is strange for Arizona. It's usually just a steady climb to blistering heat!

Hope all is well with any and all who "stop by" to read this...with my lax posting schedule, I'm sure you are fewer and farther between.

The really overdue post!!!

2008-06-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been literally months since my last post. Life is like that sometimes. I guess I need to see if I've been kicked off any of my blog rings!

Let's see, since my last post, I've done some knitting, I made these cabled socks:

I got the pattern through Ravelry. They're called Naive Socks by SpillyJane. (PDF pattern here) My pics probably don't do my socks justice, as they were taken with my phone, still a problem. I knitted them in Opal Prisma on size 2's. The next time I do the pattern-and I will probably do it again-I would do the leg portion on 3's, as the cables really tighten up the leg and reduce elasticity.

I am really pleased with the result, though!

I also made another cat bed-the Kitty Pi from Wendy Knits. Milo has claimed it as his and sleeps in it EVERY day. Seriously. Definitely the most used cat thing I've ever knitted. The other cats haven't had a chance to lay in it even once.

Kitty Pi pre-felt-Notice Mr. Milo already staking his claim...Mi says, "My kitteh Pi!"

Blocking-I used a Tupperware cake carrier and a bunch of towels.

Look at the face!! This was taken about a minute after I finished blocking, and wanted a photo of the bed. There was no way I'd get the pic without the cat! A "Milo Pie!"

I used Paton's Classic Merino, double stranded, Worn Denim and Wedgewood colorways on size 11's. It took 1 skeins of each, and was just short of enough. Fortunately I had some in my leftovers to finish the last row or so. The eyelash was a skein from my stash-Berroco Zoom in brown.

Well, it's off to the Saturday morning Stitch n' Bitch!!!

Kitty Knits-a knitter's book review

2008-04-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have the privilege of being a stop on Donna Druchunas' blog tour for her latest book, Kitty Knits. Donna is the author of another book I admire, Arctic Lace, as well as others. The book is nicely put together, with projects for cat lovers, as well as the cats themselves. I love the variety of skill level available, as well as the variety of knitting styles. Like Donna, I love all sorts of knitting, from lace to felting! There are lots of pictures, clear instructions, and even cat poetry!!! I was hoping to interview Donna herself here, but it didn't work out. She did some Q & A on some of the other stops on her blog tour-links to those are on her webpage.

Here's Donna, with her cats, Dee Dee and Uno:

In my previous post, I mentioned the first project I completed from Kitty Knits, the Felted Catnip mouse. It's a hit, and so fun and easy, I'll be making another-especially since Milo and Frosty are both in love with it.

Milo and the Mouse!

Frosty loves it, too...clearly I'll be making another!

The second project I made from the book is the Bull's Eye Cat bed. It's one of 3 different cat beds in the book, all of which are really adorable! This one most closely resembled a commercial bed that the boys all love, so I chose it. Since it's been on the chair-even before finishing it, it's been occupied regularly! It's worked in the round, in 2 pieces, and stuffed with some batting! It's a fairly simple pattern, good for learning increases and knitting in the round. Again I substituted the called-for yarn with something from my stash. I used up the RH acrylic from the bass hat project, but did buy the novelty yarn. The bed is definitely a hit with the boys, all three have used it, though Frosty uses it most. It sets off his blue eyes nicely!!!!

Early stages-notice Milo already checking it out!

Here it is just prior to stuffing

Stuffed and Finished!

Occupied!!!!

My next project from the book, though, will have to be for me-the Peruvian Cat Lace Scarf!! Beautiful.

I definitely enjoyed the book, and would recommend it! Thanks to Donna, and to her publisher, Martingale and Company, for allowing me to preview the book!!!

Book Tour Delay...

2008-03-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Donna Druchunas' interview IS coming...it's just a bit delayed. I love the Kitty Knits Book...here's a preview of one project:

Frosty with his Felted Catnip Mouse

This was a terrific project...it knitted up in about an hour to an hour and a half. It's knitted in one piece, beginning at the tail. It was my first foray into knitting bobbles...a great introduction, since there are only 2!

As you can see, it met with cat approval. Milo also likes it. And, as with every toy, Zoe likes it, too. (In Zoe-land, ALL toys are dog toys, and ALL dog toys are for her!)

Catnip Party! A cool new toy for Zoe...knitting, of course!

2008-03-08T12:04:00.001-08:00

Frosty "under the influence."

Milo, enjoying the sun, and feeling "nippy!"

Talk about cheap entertainment. Formula: a new container of Cosmic Catnip, and to nip crazed kitties!! Sprinkle a bit on the carpet, and watch 'em go! Beasley didn't join in the fun. Not because he's a senior citizen, but because he's just never been much of a catnip guy. I wonder what that's about??

I got to go to coffee yesterday with my good friend, Kim, who is a knitter, and a HUGE dog lover. She has two Border Collie boys, who are as much her sons as her own, human son. She was thoughtful enough to bring me a present for Zoe. It's a nifty dog toy called a Pooch Ball. I have had so much fun watching Zoe try to figure out how to get the ball out of the tube. She got it once, but hasn't yet made the connection as to how. Here's a pic:

"How do I get this thing out of here????"

As for my knitting, I've got the Bulls-eye cat bed from Kitty Knits underway, using some leftover yarn from the Bass Section Hats. I bought a skein of Paton's allure to make the outside edge fuzzy. I got it with a 40% off coupon at Michael's, so the bed has only cost me about $3 so far. I'll have to buy some batting, which I'll do with another coupon. Since I'm on a tight budget right now, and trying to do some destashing, the projects from the book so far have been great! Though I'd love to do the 2 scarves...and...well, I'll save all that for the 16th!

A Kitty Burrito...

2008-02-28T09:35:00.001-08:00

Yet another installment in the "Cute Kitty Sleeping" photo series...

Naomi and boyfriend, Anthony, noticed that Beasley was cold a day or two ago, and thought he would enjoy being tucked in. I'm sure he was fine in the donut bed, but apparently didn't mind, as once he was wrapped, he stayed this way for some time!!!

Just wait until I knit up the Bulls Eye Bed from the Kitty Knits book. He should be extra cozy!!!! Don't forget to stop by for the Book Tour!!!

Sunday Funny

2008-02-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of the Sunday paper has always been the "funnies." AKA the comic strips. I guess that means I'm not as mature as my age might suggest, who knows?

Anyhow, I was surfing the Ravelry boards this morning, and found a link to this kitty manifesto. It's on the James S. Huggins Refrigerator Door site. Which I'd never heard of, but which has lots of diffferent "goodies." Cat lovers, don't tell your kitties you've read it...that might cause a kitty uprising! Enjoy:)

I know, I know, It's about time!!!

2008-02-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest in the photograph series, "Cute Kitty Sleeping." I have a million, but never can resist taking one more! We were snuggling and watching the news last night! I was taking a bit of a break from knitting the handle on Char's purse. Here it is all knitted up (except for maybe 5 more inches on the handle:

Once I join the completed handle, oh, and add the pocket, it's of to the washer for felting, and then I just have to pick a lining fabric and decide on a closure. I'm thinking magnetic snap right now.

I think I managed to get a bit better lighting to show the colors. I'm happy with them, hopefully Char will be, too!

I also knitted up my first project from the Kitty Knits book. This is a mouse from the Felted Catnip Mice pattern. I couldn't wait to go out to buy yarn, so I used some leftover Paton's Classic Merino from some slippers I made a year or so ago.

Here he is pre-felt:

And while drying post-felting:

Sorry for the bad lighting. On the day of the Book Tour, I'll post him in all his stuffed, nose and eye-having glory. He was really fun and fast to knit...all in one piece. It took me maybe an hour or so to knit! Very easy and good practice on some techniques.

I'm so excited just a few days, and Ron is home from Fiji. I have a countdown to his return to the right of the posts!!!

Well...

2008-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Hope everyone will have a wonderful, love-filled day!!

Kitty Knits Book Tour...I'm flying solo for awhile.

2008-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited, as this blog gets to be part of Donna Druchunas' book tour for her new book, Kitty Knits. March 16th I'll have a blog "interview" with Donna, and discuss the book. I'll let everyone know what project I'm working on, and my review of the book, as well. Here's Donna's website!

Milo is voting that I do a bed, because he and Beasley are always in competition for this one:

And of course, no store-bought, fake fleece bed could ever compare to a beautiful, hand knitted one made by his own personal servant! I think he might like it to be a bit bigger, too.

Frosty seconds that:

Methinks the basket is a wee bit too tiny to contain the kitty cuteness!!!

I'm continuing to make progress on Char's Purse. I've put on about 10 rows since this picture was taken. (Sorry for the poor color...it's tough with the camera phone and such a dark color!) It's a fun, quick knit, what with it being double-stranded and worked in the round. It's a good companion to my Log Cabin Blanket, as it's a quicker project, and in stockinette rather than garter. Kind of breaks up any monotony!

Ron flew off to Fiji with the Vision Abolition team on Saturday. I posted a countdown 'til his return. I'm thrilled for the work he's been called to over there, it's just hard being without him for such a long stretch. Though if I think of all the military wives, I have no complaints! I miss him already!

Super Tuesday! A Rainbow Day!

2008-02-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

It was a soggy day in the desert yesterday, but when I looked out my back door late in the afternoon, I was blessed to see this rainbow! As always, I could wish for a bit better picture quality, but since I use my camera phone for my digitals, this is as good as it gets! It was a full rainbow, something that still inspires awe in me.

I am continuing to progress in my Log Cabin Afghan...I try to do at least a few rows each day. I got quite a bit done during the first half of the Superbowl. The second half was too exciting to look away from, so I put it down. I really don't like frogging, so I avoid it when I can.

I am posting a photo of the yarn for Char's Purse. I'm going to gradually stripe from the purple on the bottom to the teal at the top. I think I'm going to use the variegated for a pocket. I'm casting on today. I think it will work up fairly quickly, as it is double-stranded and uses 15's. I haven't done anything felted in a long time, so it will be fun.

It's Super Tuesday, so exercise your right to vote!!!

My "I voted" sticker!

A Good Movie, A Good Weekend, and other Good Stuff

2008-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Seems like forever since I posted...other than kitteh photos;)

It rained all day yesterday, which we really need, but the cold and damp really make my fibro flare. So achy. Yuck.

Ron and I had a really nice weekend. He took me to see 27 Dresses Saturday night-I loved it! A really funny and sweet romantic comedy, and I even liked the ending! If my opinion matters, I'd recommend it!

I picked out the yarn for Char's purse-I'm using Lion Wool in Dark Teal, Purple, and Ocean Blues (variegated). I'm using a pattern from the Bag-a-holic Yahoo group I belong to. It's called Knot Sew Hobo Bag. It's a felted bag, very simple, but I think I'll add an outside pocket. I've posted a pattern picture.I'm going to do the larger version, add some sort of button, and line it.

Work on my LCM afghan is coming along nicely, I'm still working on the fourth color-block, it's about halfway done. Pretty soon it's going to be too big to carry around easily, so it will be good to get my New England Socks and/or Char's bag OTN. I really need to do both...especially if I want to keep up with my knitting resolutions...I'll get a new photo of my progress soon. I'll have to use Ron or Naomi's camera, and maybe do it outside, it's getting too big for my phone camera, plus I'd like a nicer representation of the colors.

Vote for Frosty!

2008-01-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, I loved the icanhascheezburger.com site so much, I decided to make my own pic.
Here it is:

moar funny pictures

If you go to the link, you can vote for Frosty, and he might make the front page!!! Come on, you know you wanna!! As they say on the site: hez a kewt kitteh!

Be Afraid...

2008-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

This was so cute, I absolutely HAD to share:

moar funny pictures

Bask in the cuteness!

The latest on the LCM. Milo the Adorable!

2008-01-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't resist sharing the adorableness! This is Milo's favorite, "Pet me, worship me, see how adorable I am..." pose.

Notice the buttons on his fur coat? Very proper. He is, of course, the royalty of the house. Very regal, and very easily irritated by the dog, and the other cats if they throw off his "groove."

In the knitting portion of my life, my Log Cabin Moderne is moving right along. As you can see from this photo, it has received approval from Frosty. I took this picture maybe an hour ago, and he seems to have taken up permanent residence. The sun has moved onto it, so he's in cat heaven. I want to work on it, but haven't figured out how to get it back! So it's a "2 Tails Up" for the LCM!

I've begun the fourth block, if you look to the right, you can see a bit of the dark blue. I think the colors are coming along well. So far I'm happy with the yarn overall. It has a nice hand for an acrylic. Much softer than the Red Heart I used for the Bass Section hats. I guess the real test will be how it wears with washing.

I have a new project to add to my list, I need to find a cute bag pattern to make for my pal, Char. She's willing to trade haircuts for knitting. I knew this hobby would payoff someday!!!:) If anyone reading this has any good suggestions for a medium to large bag, especially a nice felted one, send it my way!

LCM coming along!!

2008-01-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

So, here's my progress on my Log Cabin Moderne as of last night. I wish the photo gave a better idea of the colors, it's really dark. The brown is a lighter taupe than you see, and the blue is also quite a bit lighter.

I love picking up the stitches, it looks so nice on the front, and saves me from a million years of finishing. I'm weaving in the ends (so very few ends, foolish grin) as I go. So when I'm done, I'm done! I'm telling you, those Mason-Dixon gals know what they are doing.

Of course, being on Ravelry as I am, I've found another afghan pattern I want to do...this one, of course, will require much assembly....it's called Circles to Squares. I saw it done in a completely different color scheme on Ravelry, and it was GORGEOUS. Each square was done differently, instead of the same color scheme, and it reminded me a bit of the Babette Blanket. How many afghans can a person do in a year????? And still get my knitting list done??? And of course TYF keeps offering classes I want to take...like the Einstein Coat. Sigh. What's a poor pattern and yarn addicted girl to do?

A weekend filled with family and knitting! My 2008 knitting plan so far...

2008-01-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was really lovely, we had family in from California. Lots of good visiting, shopping and eating WAY too much. Just my kind of fun! My Aunt Susan, a crafty lady, brought me a big bag of yarn and another bag filled with knitting books and patterns!! I was especially excited to get 2 books that have been on my wish list: The Knitting Experience Book One: The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville, and A Treasury of Magical Knitting by Cat Bordhi. There were lots more goodies, too.

I also got a lot done on my Log Cabin Moderne. I finished the second color block, and later last night started the third. Here are some photos, both front and back:

I'm really enjoying the process on this project. It's very simple, just knit, knit, knit. Yet I don't seem to be bored at all. It's great for when the T.V. is on, and I get to change colors before I tire of it. Of course, that may change when I get to the larger blocks, though I hope not. It's making a very nice fabric, and should be warm and soft. I also happen to love the colors! Plus it's just beginning to drape across my lap a bit, and seems to have met with feline approval, Milo even gave it a purr!

As soon as it's to bulky to travel, I plan to cast on my New England socks from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush.

My 2008 projects:

1. Log Cabin Moderne (underway) for me

2. Babette Blanket for Naomi

3. New England Socks for me

4. Rambling Rows Afghan for Cassie (one for me, too, but that'll have to wait!)

5. Throw (pattern undetermined) for Nicole and Lance (a wedding gift)

6. Curve of Pursuit Afghan for me

7.-11. Socks in Ravelry queue for me...I'd like to do at least one pair every other month

12. Log Cabin Afghan (similar to Joseph's Blankie of Many Colors in MDK) for Brennan

Some 2008 resolutions:

1. Organize craft room

2. Downsize yarn stash (both through knitting and trading/selling)

3. Be more consistent in home duties (housework, cooking)

4. Get back to some type of exercising

5. Have that yard sale I've been talking about for 6 months!

That's about all the resolution-y stuff I can handle at this point.

Progress on my Log Cabin, Recipe stuff for the MDK contest;)

2008-01-03T10:38:00.001-08:00

So, 3 days into the new year, here's my progress on my Log Cabin Moderne:

Though I've added some rows since I took this. I'm enjoying the simple nature of the project, perfect for knitting while DH Ron watches endless college bowl games!

The gals at the Mason Dixon Knitting blog (link at right) are holding a little show us your recipe box contest. Though I don't have a box, I have a binder (that was supposed to organize my endless papers, cards, cut-outs). Here it is:

Frosty shows the lovely, well organized nature of my binder!

And here is the recipe of choice, which I scribbled on the back of the words to a hymn at a Christmas women's brunch at a church probably 5 or 6 years ago. The recipe is now a New Year's morning tradition for our family. We eat it and watch the Rose Parade on HGTV. A Pasadena native, I have to watch the parade, even though I am now an Arizona resident.

Caramel Rolls

18 frozen Rhodes white dinner rolls (1/2 the package)

1/2 Cup butter (one stick)

1/2 Cup packed brown sugar

1/2 box Jello brand butterscotch cook and serve pudding (NOT instant!)

pecan halves

Grease bundt pan, put in rolls. Melt brown sugar and butter together. Sprinkle the pudding powder over the rolls. Pour melted sugar/butter mixtures over. Sprinkle with pecan halves. Cover with waxed paper and let sit overnight to rise. In the morning, heat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 1/2 hour. The rolls will get pretty dark, that's okay. Remove from oven, don't let stand more than 1-2 minutes, invert onto large plate and serve warm.

Here's photos of the recipe, and the other side. Yes, the binder came with cards that fit neatly into the nice, plastic covered pages...what's your point?

Bye-bye '07, Hello '08! One Project done, a new one cast on!

2007-12-31T10:33:00.001-08:00

Well, a Happy New Year to any and all who may read this!
My completed project, as of last night, December 30, 2007, the "Waiting Room Socks." Here they are, in all their glory:

A bottom view: Between "Second Sock Syndrome," the holidays and the Bass Section hats for Chicago, I was beginning to think they'd never get done. But done they are.

And now, for my next cast on...Michael's sent out a mailer for their current sale, 30% of all yarn!! And a 50% coupon good for one regular priced item...so I bought Mason Dixon Knitting (yay!) and enough yarn to knit up a Log Cabin Moderne! I bought this yarn:

It's brand new to my Michael's (at least around here) and to me. I liked the way it felt in the skein, a little more weight and body than Simply Soft, and quite a bit softer than Red Heart. I was thinking Vanna's Choice, as I've heard some good things, but I preferred these colors. Of course if I had the budget, I'd have gone nuts at Tempe Yarn and Fiber, but that's just not in the cards right now. Hopefully it will wash well!! I'm going to swatch it up today (if I ever get off this computer) and decide on a needle size.

I'm hoping to get several projects done this coming year. I'd like to complete the Log Cabin, and an afghan for Naomi (the Babette Blanket, as mentioned in earlier posts.) Also I would love to do a pair of socks every (other???) month, and complete the projects to the right. Beyond that, I have a HUGE Ravelry queue, and would like to try to do a project or 3 from there:) Maybe begin my first sweater???

The kitties are looking forward to being spoiled for another year, and I think Frosty has a future in computers, or at least computer decor:

By the way, notice he's on Ravelry!!!

Well, Happy New Year, once again!

Christmas come and gone...

2007-12-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I got through another Christmas. While I am so amazingly grateful for the birth of Jesus, since Mom died in October of 2005, it's just been really tough.

We had a nice, quiet family time this year, really all I want or can handle. On Christmas Eve, we got the tree up, and baked some cookies. The day before, Naomi and Anthony did a bit of decorating in the house, they were so sweet. We also made the fudge and divinity that day. Yesterday we opened gifts, talked on the phone with a few friends and family, and had Mat, Tabitha, Brennan and Austin over. We did our brunch with them, then hung out and watched movies and played games. Cassie worked, and when she got home she joined in, and we exchanged gifts with her. Ron, the kids and I never got out of our jammies!

Frosty got into the spirit, investigating boxes. I wasn't quick enough with the camera to get a pic when he was inside the box, looking out at me, but here he is snooping around it!

And here is little Austin Shane, on his very first Christmas:

Now it's time to get to enjoying the vacation time with the kids! And back to getting to work on finishing some of the UFO's!

I seem to be drawn toward afghan projects, so I'm hoping to do some. I want to make a throw for my cousin and her new husband, who ran off and got married. Congratulations Nicole and Lance! I need to make the Babette Blanket for Naomi, as mentioned in an earlier post. I also want to do a Rambling Rows afghan (for Cassie), a Log Cabin Moderne (for ME!!!) and for Brennan, a Joseph's Blankie of Many Colors.

And, of course, Ravelry keeps inspiring me and giving me multitudes more ideas....that queue just keeps growing!

Christmas rush...finally back to my socks!

2007-12-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well, DH and I did our shopping yesterday, finally. With finances what they are, it was as minimal as possible.

In trying to get everyone together to do anything in the way of baking and decorating (no, I don't have a single light up!) I have discovered how things change when you have teenagers. Josh got back from the trip on Friday night, went out last night, and will be gone to a party and a gig tonight. He seems to think we can cram it all into Christmas Eve. Sigh.

As for my knitting, I'm working on the gusset decreases on the waiting room socks. My Ravelry queue keeps growing, especially with big projects (i.e. afghans and more afghans, plus a couple of sweaters from the Starmore book I checked out from the library...I think St. Brigid may be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!!). My feet may never get warm again. I didn't buy any socks this year, thinking I'd knit a sock wardrobe...I've been wearing lots of thin and holey socks. The next pair up is New England from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road. I love the pattern, and they look so warm done in a sport weight. I've got 2 skeins of Nature Spun Sport ready to go!

Today is fudge and divinty day, they need to set, and I will want some when we trim the tree tomorrow. Sorry Josh. We'll do the spritz cookies tomorrow.

If I don't post, I wish any and all who may read this the merriest of Christmases!!

Josh is off...scarf done, but no photo!

2007-12-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the Obnoxious Orange Scarf did get completed, even though I was knitting at 2 in the morning! My hands are so stiff I can barely type today! Stuff just kept getting in the way of my getting it done! But done it is. As soon as he either gets back or sends me a photo, I'll post it. It was a simple k4 p4 rib, in RH Super Saver "Pumpkin." It should be called "Traffic Cone Orange" or something. If I ever see a pumpkin that bright, I'll assume it grew near a nuclear power plant or something. I used the yarn left from the trim of his Camo Earflap hat.

As I write, the Orchestra is on the plane to Chicago, the bass section with their bows and hats, and everyone else with their instruments. Basses are being provided for them their, thank God.

Josh was so excited, and I'm excited for him, I only wish I could go, too. Here's Josh and a couple of orchestra buds on their way to a previous clinic:

A Truce!!!

2007-12-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been pretty cold this week, and the boys have been scoping out whatever blankets are around. This fleece on is a feline favorite. I put it on my chair for Beasley, whose old bones suffer in the cold. (Beas is the dark ball of fur hiding his head!) Next thing I know, Milo is snuggling up with him. This isn't surprising, as they nap together occasionally. But when Frosty joined them (the cushion on the chair is one of his very favorite spots), I thought I'd have a heart attack. They were SO cute, I had to get a photo. Or two:

Of course, when Beasley woke up (about 3 hours later), the cease-fire was officially over! Oh well, you can't have everything, I guess...

Bass Section Hats DONE!!!

2007-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I got the girls hats done! This is Molly's:

I did it in RH Super Saver in the hot pink, with some black acrylic from my stash. I crocheted the flower, and added a black sc border for some contrast. I opted out of a tassel on this one, and did the braided long tassels on the sides.

Here's Shandon'sThis was my first "fair-isle" experiment, and I'm pretty happy with the results! I did an i-cord on the top, adding the purple in, and double-stranding it, endid with a tassel. The side ties are also i-cord.

Now it's off to finish the Obnoxious Orange Scarf. I've decided to name it that officially, thus the capitalization!

I looked at my ticker, and I am stunned that Christmas is a mere 2 weeks away. Please excuse me for a moment while I go in the bathroom and scream at the top of my lungs....

Guess I better be off to do SOMETHING Christmas-y!!!

What's new...tea poll closes today

2007-12-07T10:58:00.001-08:00

I'm moving right along on the hats! To keep it interesting, I've been doing something a little unique with each one. I made this one second. I striped it, and decided on a tassel for the top, rather than a pom-pom. I like the result:

I did this one next, and did an i-cord knot on top, and did i-cord on the sides, instead of braiding the yarn. It looks pretty cool, I think.

I'm almost done with the first hat for one of the girls.No pics yet, but soon. I'm doing a bit of fair-isle (my very first, and without instructions!) on one, and will probably do a flower on the other!

I'm actually having lots of fun with the hats, and will insist on a pic of the whole bass section together, in hats!!!

Today is the last day to vote in the tea poll!

Knitting Hats like a Crazy Person! Big Crochet Project(s?) on the Horizon...

2007-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am knitting the hats for the whole bass section of Josh's orchestra. On his dime...I'm about 2/3 of the way through one. I will post pics when I can. He even took "orders" for colors...knitting round and round and round for the next week!

As for the new project, I've been trying to find an afghan Naomi likes forever. I was cruising Ravelry, and saw the Babette Blanket, check out pics on Flickr here, and a gorgeous Hexagon afghan, pics here. She's rejected everything I've shown her so far, so I didn't think she'd like them, but I did, and wanted to make one for myself. She LOVES the Babette. Her room is in aqua, teal and other cool colors, so I'm thinking that's what I'll do, then she saw this. So I'm doing one in warm colors like these. She'll have the afghan longer than the room, so I'm good with that. It is gorgeous. Oh, and of course, me, who LOVES (dripping with sarcasm, btw) finishing, will be making this in 2008. I ordered the back issue of Interweave Crochet, so I could get the pattern. (IW Crochet, Spring 2006) And I still want to make one for myself (similar to this colorway...and Josh (who already has an afghan, btw) wants one (he likes this). Maybe I'll get him one before he goes off to college. Oh, and Ron digs the hex...link above. Funny I'm in a knitting obsession, and here come some enormous crochet projects....will my "waiting room socks" ever get done??? Will any of my socks ever get done????

I know the furbabies will love all this "afghaning," lots of yummy warm yarn to sleep on!

Only 4 days left to vote on the "What's in Your Pot?" poll!

Fastest FO in a long time!!! It's RAINING!

2007-11-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's raining...it's actually raining. In Gilbert. In Arizona. The desert. How cool is that? Two weeks ago it was about 90 degrees.

The downside is, my fibro does not like the rain. The rest of me loves it. You folks in the Pacific Northwest probably aren't impressed. But I love the rain. Probably because it's such a rarity in my life. Perfect knitting, sleeping, reading hot cocoa or tea weather!!! (Speaking of tea...the poll closes in a week!)

Oh, and the Camo Earflap hat is DONE!!! An FO in less than a week. Maybe I'm slipping. My knitting ADD took a sabbatical. I don't know, but it is done, and done in plenty of time. Note this day, it may never happen again. Of course, now Josh wants me to make one for ALL the bassists in the Orchestra. That would mean 4 more hats. Before December 17. I find out today if this is something the rest of them want to do....and I was all set to do a scarf (already cast on in that truly obnoxious orange!) and possibly wristwarmers to match. Oh well, we will see. Here's the hat in all it's pom-pommed and tasseled glory:

Off to knit on aforementioned scarf.....

Cloudy Days, Earflap Hat Movin' Along! 8 days left to vote

2007-11-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

So here's the masterpiece so far, on the head of it's intended wearer! I still need to make the pom-pom for the top (in the bright orange) as well as long, braided tassels (also in the orange, with some of the "camo" mixed in) for the ear flaps! I have a nice big skein of the orange, which I am going to knit up into a ribbed scarf, possibly with a bit of fringe. Josh is ready for the ear flap tassels to be about 4 feet long...I'm thinking more like 9-12 inches....

Today was a very November-y, overcast day. I don't think I've seen any sun. Quite different for the AZ desert. Good tea, reading, and knitting weather. Not too bad for blogging, either!

I checked out Debbie Macomber's book Susannah's Garden on Monday, and finished it yesterday. Since Susannah was mentioned in the latest of her knitting books, Back on Blossom Street, I wanted to get her story. A nice, quick read. I figured out the "mystery" within the book maybe halfway through, but I still enjoyed it.

The kitties are loving the weather, all except poor old Beas, his arthritis and the cold don't mix too well. I need to get him back on his glucosomine. It's good snuggle weather, so they all pull up an afghan or a lap, and nap their furry little buns off. Milo and Frosty are trying to work out sharing our bed with us. First one in seems to get my side, the other get's Ron's. Beasley likes the blanket on the sofa downstairs, so he usually doesn't come up 'til it's time to yell at me for breakfast.

The tea poll closes in 8 days...vote even if you don't drink tea!

Prayer Shawl is Done, New WIP, don't forget the poll!

2007-11-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished Gloria's Prayer Shawl. I hope and pray she will feel God's love and comfort wrapped around her. I'll get it off to Oklahoma today.

These are the photos I took while it was blocking. The pattern can be found at Elann.com-Pacific Waves Shawl.

I cast on a new project yesterday. It's the Camo Earflap Hat from Knitty Gritty. Josh and I were watching one day, and he thought it would be a cool hat to wear for the Chicago trip in December. (His Orchestra was invited to the Midwest Orchestra Festival-a big deal!) Since we live in AZ, and he won't get a lot of wear out of it later, I substituted the called for yarn with something a little more economical. It's knitting up fast!! My first hat, and I like the progress so much, I doubt it will be my last! Here's what I got done yesterday:

The yarn color is "Woodsy." There will be a bright orange border, pom-pom and tassels (a sort of "hunter's" theme.) I will be using "Pumpkin" for those. I find it funny that Josh wants these, since he's such a tasteful guy, normally, but he's going kitschy for the trip.

There are 10 days left to vote in the tea poll-if you aren't a tea drinker, there's a place for you, too!!! I leave you with a cool tea quote:

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Unknown

No shopping for me today! Take my tea poll!

2007-11-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

I know lots of Americans are out shopping the "Black Friday" bargains. Me, I'm home, putting fun stuff on this blog. As you can see, I've put a countdown to Christmas up!

Also, there's a poll to the right and down a bit. I have my little "What's in My Pot Today" blurb up, and I got to wondering what's in everyone else's. So take a sec to vote! Although I have a pot of the Irish Breakfast every morning, my afternoon cup can vary. Right now I'm sipping on a double-bergamot Earl Grey, with a bit of Splenda in it. It smells wonderful, and is really satisfying.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving, with the four of us, our nephew and his wife and two boys, and our niece, Cassie, who lives with us. Tabitha, Mat's wife, made a yummy pecan oatmeal pie, and I made pumpkin pie, of course. We had turkey with all the trimmings and it was fun to have baby Austin and his brother, Brennan, who is 3. Though I'm in the midst of a pretty decent fibro flare, I was glad to have us all together. I think Thanksgiving may be my favorite holiday, less commercial and more family and God-focused.

I was pretty pooped from all the cooking, so I didn't really get any knitting done, although I've begun the heel-flap on my pink socks today. I'm hoping to get to the heel-turn by tonight, and finish them by the end of the weekend.

I bound off the prayer shawl, it just needs washing and blocking, then I'll send it off to Oklahoma. That leaves me with 3 WIP's. Josh wants a hat for the orchestra trip to Chicago, so I may have to put aside the others for now and get that done. I'd like to do a scarf to go with it. He wants the camouflage ski hat from Knitty Gritty on DIY. I will probably substitute an inexpensive yarn for the Lorna's Laces that the pattern calls for, since we live in the desert, and he won't wear it much after the trip. I know Bernat makes a camouflage yarn, so that's probably what I'll use. I might even brave a trip to Joann or Michael's to pick it up this weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish any and all who read this today a joyful feast and a Happy Thanksgiving. I pray that God will bless you all.

I am so grateful this year for my wonderful family. The blessing of my faithful man, my awesome kids, a healthy new great-nephew (Happy first Thanksgiving, Austin!), all my nephews and nieces. I'm thankful for my furry children, without whom my life would be so much emptier and lonelier. They bring so much comfort and joy.

Another chapter in the saga of Cats and Yarn, Zoe goes hi-tech,and some knitting progress!

2007-11-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

As I photograped yet more of my stash for Ravelry, Frosty could not be left out!

Of course, being the pretty boy he is, he simply struck a pose!

Being the cat he is, though, he couldn't resist getting paws on with all that lovely string!!!

Of course, since this is my yarn eating cat, I had to take it away as soon as I snapped this!!!

I really like the photo on the left, it shows his flamepoint mask better than any I've taken. Most of the photos I have, he looks white.

There was a low-cost microchipping clinic at the local Pete & Mac's on Saturday, so Zoe finally has entered the computer age! It's a real relief to know that if she got loose (God forbid) and didn't have her collar (yikes, naked puppy!), she could still find her way back to us!

Despite the busy-ness with the furry fam, I did make some headway with my knitting! I've finally gotten over second-sock-syndrome with my pink and white socks, hooray! It started Wednesday in the waiting room at the lab...I had to get some bloodwork done, and apparently so did the rest of the town! I only had my first row done, but got a good inch or so of cuff there! Then the doctor's office was running behind, so I worked on it for a good hour and a half. Did some more on Saturday, here are the results:

Simple Sock in Three Sizes

From Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi,

knit in Marks & Kattens Clown

I also got about 8 more rows on my Prayer Shawl (no new pics, sorry). Not bad, considering I had to tink back about half the width of the shawl twice yesterday! (One should not knit lace, even simple lace, while on the phone!) All in all, not a bad knitting weekend!

Cats and Yarn, the ongoing saga...

2007-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm trying to get my Ravelry profile looking good, and had a few minutes to photograph some of my stash. So I try to get just a little artistic and pull out some tablecloths to make a nicer background for my yarn.

Milo reminded me why I don't keep tablecloths on my tables most of the time. Nosy, playful cats who like to play hide and seek. He also reminded me, with Beasley's help, that cats, not yarn, are the appropriate subject to photograph. (How COULD I have forgotten!)

In the above photo, Milo was still okay with checking out the tablecloths.
Then:

Look at ME!!!!

And, of course, Beasley HAD to get in on the action...

I may be old, but I look GOOD! Gimme some of that yarn!

All this before 10 a.m. on a Saturday!

LYS trip today....

2007-11-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

So, I had a Dr.'s appointment today in Tempe...about 20 minutes or so from the house. How lovely that this particular Dr. is close to my favorite LYS-Tempe Yarn & Fiber. I do some shopping online, but there's nothing quite like touching and seeing the yarns in person. The lovely thing about TYF is that Terry and Fred even encourage fondling! The only no-no is drooling, wouldn't want to felt the wool, you know! They are so gracious and helpful. Of course, I fell in love with a bunch of yarn I really can't afford right now...but restrained myself to two skeins of Nature Spun Sport...I want to make the "New England" socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road. The pattern calls for Koigu Merino...not in my price range, and all my fingering yarns in my stash are too fine a gauge. I bought a tan color-almost a light brown, really, called Bev's Bear. I thought it would show the stitch pattern nicely.

I also stopped by another LYS on my way home, as they carry Elsebeth Lavold's books, and TYF doesn't. They didn't have the one I want, but will call me when it comes in. It's her 13th book, which I want for a pattern I saw in an ad in the Vogue Knitting 25th anniversary issue-it's called "Grove," and it's really beautiful! Yet another pattern to add to my ever-growing queue on Ravelry!!! I don't know how I'll ever knit all the patterns I fall in love with...or find patterns for all the yarns I fall in love with!!! Every knitter's delimma, I suppose.

Yarn Eating Cat....arrgh!!!

2007-11-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so look at this adorable angel...

Is that the face of destruction????

This little darling chewed through the working yarn of a prayer shawl I've been working on for a few months!!!!

Thank goodness the little termite didn't eat the shawl itself...I REALLY need to get it done, and had been working at a nice clip. I was so bent out of shape, I didn't think to get a picture of the drooly, chewed end.

Here's the shawl itself:

The photo isn't the best quality, I took it with my cell phone

The pattern is from Elann.com, it's the Pacific Waves shawl.

I'm using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in

colorway Cherry Chip. It's actually a much nicer color than the photo shows. Because the gauge of the yarn is quite a bit heavier than the pattern calls for, I modified it by doing fewer waves so that it would be fit for a human being, rather than Bigfoot!

Kitty Wake Up Call!

2007-11-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this little cartoon! To all who share my love of kitties:

Notice the damages to furniture and other goodies. The joy of my Friday was Frosty chewing through the working yarn of my prayer shawl, right in the middle,when so far I had managed only to change yarns at a new row. Sigh...

Austin Shane is here!

2007-11-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Austin made his appearance at 9:42 a.m. I guess he decided he wasn't going to wait until Thursday. He weighed in at 7lbs. 10oz, and was 20 3/4 inches long. The pics were taken with my phone, so you can't really see his hair color too well. It's brown, with some golden tints.

As you can see, he found his thumb right away!

Welcome to the world, little guy:)

Yea for Ravelry!!! Austin on the way?!?!

2007-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I figured out the photo glitch on my Ravelry page...so for anyoned interested, my ravelry name is knitteakitty!

Well, my great-nephew, scheduled to be born on Thursday, has a mind of his own. Mom has been in early labor for at least 2 days now...so we may be at the hospital today:) I'm so excited to be able to be there for the birth.

Austin's Blankie

2007-11-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

I completed the afghan for Austin Shane, who should be here any moment now. The birth is scheduled for the 8th, though he's been trying to get here in the last 24 hours, so who knows.

Anyway, here's the photo-I modified the pattern a bit, so there's sort of a ridge bordering the granny squares. I can't decide if I like it or not. But it's soft, and will be nice and cozy, so hopefully Austin and his mom and dad will approve.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to get this photo onto Ravelry...

At last...Homecoming photos

2007-11-02T10:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, they finally made it...

My son, Josh, and his date, Arielle.

Naomi and her boyfriend, Anthony

Aren't they the cutest???

I finally got my Ravelry invite:) Homecoming and Halloween, too

2007-11-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am on ravelry now!!! My screen name there is knitteakitty. So if you want to be Ravelry buddies, that's my "handle." Now I REALLY have to get this picture thing rolling!

Thid kids had Homecoming this past Saturday...I'm waiting on DH for my photos, he takes his camera everywhere with him....time for me to get a digital of my own! They looked so cute...photos ASAP.

We had quite a few kids for Halloween, though I do have some leftover chocolate (TOO bad!) Lots of Hannah Montana's and Star Wars characters. Zoe loved handing out candy...though I think she really wanted some for herself. Naomi and Anthony handed out...and watched scary movies with us. I fell asleep during the Omen. 1408 was pretty good....gotta love John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson! It was hot yesterday, a typical Arizona Halloween.

Check out my furry fam!

2007-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

I managed to add some pics of the furry kids! Aren't they the cutest!! Now I just have to get some photos taken of some of my WIP's so you'll know I really do knit!

I'm actually really pleased at how well the pictures came out, I took them with my phone...I don't think the knitting will translate as well, though...not enough detail.

It's about time!!!

2007-10-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I waited almost 2 years to post. Life is like that sometimes!I seriously doubt anyone has read it anyway:) Hopefully that will all change.

In my knitting (uh, in this case, crochet) life, I just finished an afghan for my due-at-any-moment great-nephew, Austin Shane. I'm over halfway through a prayer shawl, and have 2 pairs of socks on the needles. I also have an entrelac bag going (something for ME). I also have a bunch of pattern ideas in the works for my stash (which I'm desperately trying not to add to.

As soon as I learn how, I will post some pics!

It's been really nice the last couple of days, in the 80's, it feels like fall to me!!! I want to go get my pumpkins and make something with gravy!! It's supposed to go up to the 90's by the end of the week...boo hoo. I want to wear a sweater already!

I did it, got my own blog...

2006-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know if anyone will read this, but I went ahead and started my own blog, mainly so I could access others...I hope it doesn't get too addictive. I already have a ridiculous schedule.
My addiction to knitting has got me online more and more, for patterns, yarn and now KnitAlongs. I am part of the craftylosers (dishcloth) KnitAlong, and the Knitting Novices Triangular Shawl KnitAlong. As soon as I learn how, I'll put the button(s??) on here.