WIP's - Too Many! 

WIP's - or What Shall I Work On Next?

Well, I decided to own up to my evil ways ...I have WIPs. Too many. And I'm too easily losing focus, so that's not good. The photo you see above details the sad state of affairs. There's the Scarf from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks (that's the ivory furry thing you see in the top right of the photo) - it's gorgeous, sensuous, satiny, and a pain in the you-know-what to knit, so I don't spend much time on it, a row here and there at best. Then there's the muted amethyst and charcoal fun fur, garterstitch scarf, you can see it along the bottom right of the photo. The yarn is acrylic and a tad bit less than soft, but the shades of purple, silver and charcoal are just stunning. Since I haven't been to the doctor's office lately (YEAH!!!) it's just been sitting and waiting for me to go somewhere that I can't knit a long row (to stop in the middle) or have to follow a detailed chart (like lace).
Then in the far right corner, in blues, greens, yellows is the infamous Sunset Wrap from Knitters - the one that Birdsong miraculously had the extra yarn I needed to make the pattern...now it's not Birdsong's fault that I've completely lost interest in this (she's reading it HERE first!)...and it's getting too cool to wear it this year anyway. lololol! But I'm not in love with the yarn in this, tho' it's what the pattern called for. I think I'd use something else another time (I don't know what!).
Then in the upper left corner, you see my lovely, lovely Knitpicks Hollyberry Merino Style Queen of Hearts Shawl, being knitted for Knit Red KAL. This is so soft, such a joy to work on, and I can't wait to wear it. But it takes a lot to get through a row, and I have to focus. Not something I've been the best at lately. On top of it is a Dishcloth for Cloths for Katrina KAL that gets done in a row here and there and really isn't an issue!

Finally, there's the Traveling Vines Scarf in the purple, fushia, olive, and teal sock yarn (it's there on the bamboo needles on the left).
This is the one WIP that brings me total joy and satisfaction right now. It's lace. It's coloration is gorgeous. I can do a row or two and not lose track of what I'm doing, and set it down when my brain flies off in another direction (Ain't Love GRAND?), or when I have to run to do something else.
Maybe I do have a focus right now: to just be. And when I need to knit (which is fairly often) I'll still do the lace I love, it'll just be smaller than the shawls I love...I suspect this little scarf just might get done first!

ooops...Jane noted that I'd mentioned (and have photographed) only 6 projects...but it just occurred to me that I have two more - my DD's Clapotis and a beautiful Healing Shawl in Lion Brand Homespun colorway Blue Ridge. I'm more than 1/2 way finished, but must get that done, too! Hmmmm...maybe that's just the calming mechanism I need...K3, P3...repeat.
Thanks, Jane - you didn't even know you were helping!

Secret Pal 6 Questionnaire!

I'm so sorry, whoever you are, my Secret Pal!!! I wanted to get this up before now, but life has been determined to get in my way...So here's the info, and I hope you find something here you can use! (((hugs)))

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Not really. I’m allergic to most wool – tho’ have just started using Merino from Knitpicks and I love it! (It’s not making me itch)…Alpaca is fine, silk, cotton, and I use Lion Homespun and dishcloth cotton, too…not a fan of Red Heart, but Caron's Simply Soft works well in lots of things. I enjoy Fun Fur stuff, too! Except for most wools, anything is fine as long as it's SOFT.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? No to spinning, and used to crochet but can’t anymore (my hands won’t let me.)

3. Do you have any allergies? SMOKE, most perfumes.

4. How long have you been knitting? Since a wee one.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, Amazon under my name and Knitpicks under my "blog" name.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) French Lavender

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Dark Chocolate Raspberry, and um, Dark Chocolate Almond, and oh, yes, Dove Dark Chocolate!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Sewing.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? No MP3s, but I’m a classical music fan (Romantic and Baroque eras), as well as New Age (Enya, Space Music and such!).

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? Love jewel tones, pinks, purples, teals. NOT a fan of yellow or orange.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Sort of single (but spoken for), two grandsons – no one lives with me right now but my 3 cats.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) Ummmm…marriage…retirement…travel

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Knitpicks Merino, Alpaca/Silk, love the new Moda Dea yarns at Michaels - they're so soft...

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Red Heart acrylic

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? LACE

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace Shawls

17. What are you knitting right now? Lace Shawl, Lace Scarf, Clapotis, various odds and ends.

18. What do you think about ponchos? They’re okay...shawls are better.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? CIRCULAR!!! (saves my hands)

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo - especially Skacel circs! Vintage pink aluminum (most of my aluminum straight needles are 14" and I'd love some shorter! ;)

21. Are you a sock knitter? Not yet

22. How did you learn to knit? Mom taught me many moons ago, the rest came from on-line knitting this past year!

23. How old is your oldest UFO? Less than a year

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? The Disney Siamese Cats from Lady & The Tramp, any CAT

25. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

26. Is there anything that you collect? CATS – ceramic, wood, photos, paintings ANY medium as long as it’s cats (ESP. Siamese cats) and pink/rose hearts for the kitchen!

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None (wish I did…)

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman, the Cat Brodhi books, Opinionated Knitter, see my Amazon List.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Lotus Blossom Shawl and FiberTrends Leaf Lace Shawl, OH and this one: White Lies Designs Filigree Lace Jacket

ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like? Think I’d better pass on this one…don’t know how to measure my foot to give you correct dimensions!!! ;) I wear a size 5.5-6 shoe tho’

Romance - Roses - Who Could Ask for More? 

A Wonderful Weekend!

These beautiful roses (yes, there's a dozen) are what met me when I answered the knock at my door on Friday afternoon! The weekend was beyond anything I could have imagined, the opera wonderful, and the man from my past is now firmly in my present and future! I even got in a few rows on the Traveling Vines Scarf as we watched a vintage movie on TV! How perfect is that?

It's Almost Here!

We've been talking and emailing, but the long-awaited visit is upon us! The "man from my past" will be here this weekend...we have plans with my DD's family and plans for ourselves...we're opera buffs and the local company is doing one of our favorites! Otherwise, we'll just spend the weekend "re-acquainting" ourselves. Knitting will take a backseat again this weekend, but I can tell you I've made 7 facecloths for the Cloths for Katrina KAL (already en route South with that big box and then some shown down below!), and have enjoyed looking at my Queen of Hearts shawl - haven't had a minute to stitch on it since our knitting group last week, but enjoyed showing it off to my Sis! The St. Luke's Craft Show last weekend was successful, too, and my Sis, SIL, and I had a ton of fun shopping and dining at La Madelaine's in Alexandria (our favorite French cafeteria).

Till next week - love every minute of your life!

St Luke's Craft Show!

Soon to be headed north! So excited, I really like this show...it'll be fun to be back where Nana Sadie Rose really got her start! So stop and see us on Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria on Saturday, okay?

And for those of you who keep watch on my blog for the kitties...don't worry a bit - my police detectives next door are going to watch my girls...tho' their Beagle isn't too happy about it! lololol (Even tho' the Calico Curmudgeon and the Beagle have the same first name, they are definitely NOT kissin' cousins!)

I'll catch up with everyone next week! Keep knitting those Cloths for Katrina, too!

Box of Katrina Cloths & Soaps headed to LA! 

A Proverb to Guide Us thru CKKAL

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 8:11
My thanks to Knit and Pray for this lovely Proverb today. I needed the peace it brought.

Technical Difficulties

You'll notice the dreaded red X's on the right sidebar over there
---->
We're experiencing a few technical difficulties due to the brand new Nana Sadie Rose website which is currently under construction. Check back soon - it will be worth it!
(((hugs)))

Just One Short Week Ago...

Kitt and I, distressed over the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, decided to start Cloths for Katrina KAL.

Tonight the membership stands at 225 and climbing. I have met (online, of course) some of the most amazing women. It is a chatty group, so if you'd like to join but wish to save the overstuffing of your mailbox, take the digest or special notices option for your membership!

I'm anticipating the first cloths arriving on Monday or Tuesday. We are planning on accumulating at least 100 before we re-box and ship out - hoping that larger quantities will be more appropriate and a bit less expensive to ship as well.

Soap is not crucial, tho' the original plan was to include a bar of soap with a facecloth. Soap will be available at the shelters, we know. If you'd rather forgo that, please do, or you can send coupons for soap! We've also had some generous donations from the handmade soapers, including my bestest pal Lynette at Enchanted Forest Soap here in SW Virginia.

Kitt and I are terribly grateful to the online community of knitters and crocheters for answering our call!
((((hugs))))

Briefly...I've made some progress on the Fibertrends Queen of Hearts shawl today, and am preparing for the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Craft Show in Alexandria VA next weekend, September 17...Nana Sadie Rose is hitting the road!

RAOK'd! Thanks Christina!

A huge thank you and a big squishy hug for Christina for the delightful ecard I received today...

I have been having a meltdown of sorts, with the overwhelming success of Cloths for Katrina KAL, a major calamity at work, and the ongoing emotional rollercoaster of my renewed relationship with "the man from my past."

But I digress. Things have been challenging to say the least and here was this wonderfully funny, totally delightful ecard in my mailbox this noon! Just exactly the thing to lift my spirits!

Thank you thank you thank you!

Cloths for Katrina Update

Wow! Knitters (and crocheters!) are the greatest bunch of people on the net (I'm NOT biased, here folks!) - we put out the word late on Saturday night that we were starting this new Cloths for Katrina KAL...and here it is Monday night on a holiday weekend and we have over 50 members in the KAL already. Now...we also happen to know a bunch of people who are participating, but chose not to join the KAL, which is just peachy, too! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Keep knitting those facecloths and passing the word along - even people you know who are not involved in the internet knitting community - if you knit or crochet you are invited to participate. Let your local Stitch & Bitches, Knitting Meet-ups, and LYS's know, too. Heck, just for good measure I announced it to my high school reunion group (we're 31 years young...). Just let me know that you want to participate, if you don't want to join the KAL...

And while you're knitting or crocheting those facecloths say a prayer or two for the folks we're knitting for (the survivors of Katrina), the ones who are helping with the rescue and cleanup effort, and for our government officials, too. This disaster is taking a toll on everyone involved, so regardless of your political persuasion or how you feel about the handling of this crisis, everyone deserves our prayers and well-wishes.
(((hugs)))

Nana Sadie Rose Batik Mera Bag

Diana of TalkKnitting does not have a blog, but she asked me to let you see the bag I just made for her...I LOVE the forest green and burgundy leaf batik she chose for her bag, don't you?

Diana's Batik Mera Bag 

Inside of Diana's Mera Bag 

How Fast Can a Good Idea Multiply?

Well, if it's a good idea for helping and healing, I'd say pretty darn fast! Membership in Cloths for Katrina is climbing higher each hour, and even those who prefer not to join the group are letting Kitt or me know they want to participate. Kitt suggested a drawing, so on September 30 we'll have our first: if you send us a cloth we'll put your name in the hat; if you send us 10 cloths, we'll put your name in the hat 10 times! See how this inspires your commitment to this wonderful idea? After Sept 30, we'll have a drawing in the same manner every two weeks - and what do you win, if your name is drawn? A skein of yarn from either Kitt's or my private stash! We'll be building a database into CKKAL for those of you with allergies, so be sure to let us know...

Oh, don't worry about the soap? Clip coupons, or slide 50 cents per cloth into your package of cloths, and we'll take care of the soap on this end!
(((hugs)))

Cloths for Katrina KAL

Kitt and I have been moved to tears by the devastation in the Gulf states from Hurricane Katrina. Casting about for some way to feel as if we'd be doing something, not just writing a check, which helps, of course, but is just so impersonal, we hit upon knitted facecloths. Kitt has been thru her share of hurricanes, and understands the simple pleasure of having a clean facecloth and fresh soap - how good that can make you feel when you're hot, sticky, dirty, and tired.

So you'll see on the side over there ----> a brand new group - a new KAL (yes that makes 9 for me!) - the Cloths for Katrina KAL at yahoo. Please join us? If you knit or crochet, you can probably turn out a few of these pretty quickly.

Like everyone else, I have to watch my pennies these days...but here's a way to help that puts our hearts to our hands and our hands to our hearts! Knit what you can...

(((hugs)))

Tagged Again! It's All Ruinwen's Fault....

Ok...the 23rd post (and I chose not to count photos, which are listed as posts the way I do Blogger), the fifth sentence - what on earth?

"Well four isn't too bad...
Can't help it, knitting consumes me, as does sewing...if I'm not doing one I'm doing the other...but one is more portable (guess?!?)"

I'm talking about KALs. I'd just joined my fourth one, way back in March when I wrote this...just look over there -------> and you'll see that knitting indeed DOES consume me, because there are 8 of those KAL buttons now...I haven't started the Corset Knit-Along yet, because I'm waiting for a couple of paychecks (or sales from Nana Sadie Rose) to fund the yarn purchase - but "the man from my past" fell head over heels for this pattern, as did I. Indigomuse is making it and I've seen hers at our Roanoke Valley Knit & Spin group, it's just the most lovely lace garment I've seen.

So you see, even months later, KALs are still a focus, knitting is still my passion (as is "the man from my past!"), and, OH YES...so is sewing! lololol!

Now let's see, whom shall I tag? I know...Indigomuse!