Who ME? Well....Maybe Someday...

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.

Holiday Gifts? Nana Sadie Rose!

If you're looking for something special for that holiday gift for someone special (or for yourself) jog on over to Nana Sadie Rose and check out my totes, purses, and accessories. The Mavis Knitting Bag (shown a couple of posts below) is the ultimate gift for knitters and crocheters, and something cute like the little Kerri purse immediately below is great for young ladies (and older ones, too, who like to travel light!). The Kerri purse has 4 pockets instead of the Mera's 6, and the Mavis' 10! Makes it the purrfect accessory for parties, and for shopping trips when your hands will be full of packages! And don't forget a matching (or complimentary) checkbook cover?

Let me help you solve your holiday gift dilemma? I'll be taking orders until November 20 for Christmas delivery. (((hugs)))

Christmas Kittens & Ribbons!

 
 

Oct 27! Happy Birthday Big Sis! Love you LOTS!!

  

Traveling Vines Frogged!

I was too cocky! No lifeline (in fact, there still isn't one) and last night I blithely took Traveling Vines Scarf with me when I visited the local tire shop to have a slow leak checked (yes, I now have to come up with the $$ for 4 new tires on my mini-SUV...boo hoo!). I was having a lovely conversation with a high school government teacher and her equally lovely Yorkshire Terrier, Madison, and at some point in the conversation, I stood up (don't remember why)...that was when my orange post-it fell to the floor! I thought I'd put it in the right spot...apparently I didn't and 4 rows later, I had a mess - there is definitely a WRONG side to this pattern. Frogged it was tonight, in recovery mode, and now...I'm back on track. The photo below is 2 rows from the end of the 15th repeat of 20. I'm not sure I think this will be long enough, but I do know that lace will stretch when blocked, so maybe....or perhaps I'll just knit till I run out of yarn, then block?
Whatcha think?
I've included a close-up too, but you'll see it better when it's blocked!
(((hugs)))
(and don't forget your lifeline when you're knitting lace...wonder if I have something thin enough to use?)

Traveling Vines Scarf 15 repeats complete 

Close-up of Traveling Vines Scarf 

Nana Sadie Rose Mavis Knitting Bag!

I only make the Mavis Knitting Bag by special order, so when I have a neat one, I like to share it! Below are three photos of the most recent - the Cat Silhouettes, all done in black and white. There are 10 pocklets there, sized just for your knitting necessities. Come by Nana Sadie Rose and discover your own? Or order a holiday gift!
(((hugs)))

Cat Silhouettes Mavis Knitting Bag 

Second inside photo of Cat Silhouettes 

First inside photo of Cat Silhouettes Mavis Knitting Bag 

Knitnana...Sadie's Place?

When my DD set up Nana Sadie Rose she also set up a new blog space for me on WordPress and stored it on my website. If you visit Nana Sadie Rose and pass along the shop windows with your mouse you'll see things in the windows that relate to the shop signs...one is Knitnana and a ball of yarn and knitting needles appears. Another is Sadie's Place and the image there is a dreamy cottage...just the sort of place I'd love as my "studio." If you click your mouse on any of these, you'll be redirected to what those windows display.

Now DD originally thought I'd switch all my of my knitting blog over to Sadie's Place and leave Blogger. Her intention was to archive Knitnana on my website. Then she realized how big Knitnana's files are. So that idea went bye-bye.

I hate to lose Knitnana. So I've decided to continue right here. But I have Sadie's Place and I like the idea of it. So if I can figure out how to use WordPress (all helpful ideas would be appreciated!), I think Sadie's Place might become a blog of ideas centered on the philosophy of creativity. I'm sure I won't post nearly as frequently there, as that kind of writing takes a bit of "space" to do and that's a limited commodity in my life, especially as the holidays approach and Nana Sadie Rose gets really busy with Christmas orders!

So keep watch...won't be long, there'll be at least an initial post at Sadie's Place. Maybe the first one will simply be a description of just what Sadie's Place might look like in reality...if I ever win that $100 million from the meme down below! lolol

Another Meme - This is Fun!

I stole this meme from The Knitlette:

Ten years ago: I had almost completed the classwork for my doctorate in education and was caretaker to my mom before she died. Was also mom to a troubled teenaged DD (who turned out okay!)

Five years ago: I was recovering from a heart attack and double by-pass surgery

One year ago: I was in the process of discovering what autoimmune disease I had and receiving treatment for it. I was starting my own business Nana Sadie Rose and enjoying being a nana to two. I also restarted my love affair with knitting!

Five snacks:
Dark Chocolate w/raspberry
Cheese Straws (rarely, but I love them)
Dried Pineapple
Popcorn (Smart Pop)
Yoplait Blackberry yogurt (fat-free)

Five songs I know all the words to:
Anything from Oklahoma!, South Pacific,
Music Man, West Side Story,
Hello Dolly (all those musicals from the 50s-60s)
Most songs from Cats
Most John Denver songs

Five things I would do with $100 million:
-Pay off bills (doesn’t everyone say this?)
-Fund college accounts for my two grandsons
-Buy all the “drool-factor” yarn, a swift, a ball winder, another Bernina, floor loom, quilting frame – all the toys & supplies for my crafts that I don’t have...
-Buy a large farmhouse in New England for my man & me to retire to (w/ room for a large, sunny studio for: sewing, knitting, weaving) and finally getting my German Shepherd Dog.
-Fund my own foundation for MY pet charities

Five places to run away to:
Vermont, Vermont, Vermont, Vermont!
Paris
Boston
Nova Scotia
Maine seacoast in fall

Five things I would never wear:
minis
bikini
sexy lingerie outside the bedroom (sorry ladies, that’s just déclassé for anyone)
any body piercing other than the single holes I have in each earlobe
any tattoo (These last two are just things my Mom taught me not to do, and I just can't see it for me...it's okay for YOU!)
(okay - you get a bonus - a sixth thing I'll never wear is platform shoes!)

Five favorite tv shows:
Criminal Minds (I think the character Gideon is sexy - his MIND, not just the outside package!)
NCIS (I love Abby - so go figure on the body piercing/tattoos from above?)
E-Ring
Design on a Dime
Decorating Cents

Five biggest joys:
My man
My grandsons
My cats
KNITTING
Sewing

Favorite toys:
Bernina Quilter’s Edition sewing machine
Skacel Addi Naturas (LOVE my circular knitting needles – especially bamboo - can't wait to try the Denise needles)
Computer/printer/scanner/digital camera
Cell phone
Cuisinart Food Processor


Five people to pass this on to: Anyone who wishes may copy!

Halloween RAOK from Angela! 

I've Been RAOK'd!

By Angela from The Knitting Diva! What a cool holiday assortment of stuff, and I'm such a dunce, I didn't get a photo of the way-cool crepe paper pumpkin everything was wrapped up in...but as I unwrapped it, things kept appearing...a stitch marker, the bookmark, confetti, chocolate and ultimately a black tea light - just the perfect stuff for ghouls and goblins! Thank you, Angela, you made my day!

Queen of Hearts only 3.5 repeats left to do! 

Motivation...Lower than Low

Haven't been too well this week - fighting off bugs that should've been easier to avoid but with my immunity suppressed that's not as easy as it once was. Started with a tummy bug that progressed to other things (I won't gross anyone out) and the doc finally said today..."You already have no immune system, so now that you've been sick it's opened you up to all the rest of the bugs out there." AGAIN. Been through this more times than I care to admit in the last couple of years.

So bear with me folks - there's not a lot to post about, little knitting other than a row here and there on the Queen of Hearts Shawl, and I'm finishing Nana Sadie Rose bags from the St. Luke's show last month and starting on orders from the website.

OH...you might want to jog on over there, DD has done a really nice job on the site. Let me know what you think? I think she's gotten things cleaned up from the old site. She's also gotten the bones set up for my new blog "Sadie's Place" and I just have to somehow find the time to learn WordPress in order to start posting there. We'll see how long that takes me!

If you're interested in your own Nana Sadie Rose bag, orders will be happily accepted..and if you were thinking of something for a Holiday gift, don't wait to long, deadlines are approaching!

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed that I can beat these little bugs before they become something a lot bigger?

It's Decided!

This has been such fun! The voting has been neck and neck most of the time, but when it came right down to it, the tie breaker came from a certain someone special! (He does read my blog, ladies, but rarely, so I figured I was safe - just asked which he liked better and sent the photos along...)

So the winner is? The Faroese! (And the lace does appear to have hearts in it!) I'll probably make the Shaped Triangle Shawl, too, in another color, on down the pike...but the Faroese will be the special one (guess I might have to make a second one for my sister, too, huh?). Now I have to find my lace weight yarn in ivory or cream - Merino, silk, alpaca? Any thoughts?

Thank you all for your input!
((((hugs))))

Decisions, Decisions...

While I'll keep the voting open a bit longer, the consensus seems to be falling in favor of the Shaped Triangle Shawl - but as someone (Shelob?) suggested, I just might make both! The Faroese would make a wonderful gift for my dearest Big Sis, Jan! And I don't mind if she reads it here. (It won't be this Christmas!)

To my 'net sis, Birdsong, and to Ronnie and Kathy, too: No new jewelry. That's not to say there won't be any in my future, it's just to say not now. Trying hard to follow the advice from many: take things slow. That's not my normal nature, so it's a challenge.

But as long as it takes me to knit something intricate, I suspect I'd best get started soon on a very special shawl. And you know, white might not be the best color...I'm a bit mature for that...and a Nana to boot! Perhaps ivory?

Help Me Decide?

I love both of these shawls, photos below. If you had to make yourself a VERY special shawl (whichever is chosen will be made in white) which of these two would you choose? I love them both. HELP! Leave me a comment, would you? I appreciate your input! (((hugs)))

Shaped Triangle Shawl from A Gathering of Lace 

Faroese Style Shawl from Knitters 

Rainy Three Day Weekend

It's been raining for 2 days. And is supposed to rain for three more. I'm one of those few remaining lucky people who get Monday off as "Columbus Day" - which frankly, I like to call Early Fall Holiday.

So with three days ahead to veg and create, what do you think I'm looking at? New things to knit? OF COURSE.

I've been so good with my UFOs. I'm close to finishing the Scarf from H-E-L-L (only 4 - 8 more rows, tho' Jane says I should cut my losses and just do 4!). I've finished 12 repeats of the Traveling Vines Scarf and have done 6 more rows on Knitpicks Hollyberry Merino Style Queen of Hearts Shawl. All of this just since Tuesday night when I joined the Knitter's Anonymous KAL.

So I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and am thinking forward! Everyone is so in love with felted bags, and my pal Diana here in town (she doesn't have a blog, which I think she really should do, she loves to read blogs, and is a prolific and wondrous knitter!!) has made the most wonderful felted bags. I'm jealous. I'm a bag lady for heavens sake, I should try a felted bag. So can I use Merino? Because if so, I think I'll make the Booga Bag but will use Knitpicks Merino Style and get the Storm and Moss colorways. Diana has used novelty yarn in her bags as trim at the top, so I have a ball of Bernat Matrix in Acid that would go well with these colors. So whatcha think?

AND I've decided that the next shawl just has to be the Shaped Triangle Shawl from A Gathering of Lace but then again I just love the Lotus Blossom Shawl (I'm thinking of using Knitpicks Sock Garden in Rocky Mountain Dusk colorway) and the Fibertrends Lace Leaf Shawl (which Diana is making btw in Knitpicks Sock Garden colorway Mesa! (It's gorgeous! And it's her first lace shawl - YEAH, Diana!) If I made this pattern, I think I might use Knitpicks Gossamer in colorway Trail.

And if I make the Booga Bag, I'll need the "I-Cord Factory" (also known as the Embellish-Knit) shown on Kathy's blog (scroll down below all the bags she's making and the terrific yarn she's bought - not to mention those lovely puppies - to see this neat item). That's going on my wishlist somewhere...I haven't seen it at Knitpicks! I want an I-Cord Factory!

Ah but decisions, decisions. As I work on my 3 UFOs this wet, wet weekend, I'll debate the next shawl issue, but if you're my Secret Pal you just got a bunch of hints (especially the Booga Bag and items to go with it!)! I'm off to work, too, on Nana Sadie Rose bags! With the price of gasoline, it just makes cents (!) to work at home as much as possible!

Have a Wonderful EARLY FALL weekend!

Knitters UFO's Anonymous

Ok. Have tried to get to Knitter's Anonymous and add my info there (YES, I just joined another KAL!), but since I can't I'll put it here. I'm going to work on these three UFOs (or WIPs, all three are pictured below in the Sept 27 post): The Ivory Scarf from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks, the Fibertrends Queen of Hearts Shawl in Knitpicks Merino Style yarn, and the Traveling Vines Scarf in the Sock-It-To-Me Sock yarn from elann.

That's the list of the three projects I've chosen to work on for this KAL. I'm knitting tonight on the Traveling Vines Scarf and am finally on repeat 8 of 20. I'd like to get this done fairly quickly as it goes nicely with my olive quilted coat (it's a good "in-between" one for fall). So I'm going to aim to have this done by the end of October. I would like the other two projects to be completed in December. The Shawl because I love it and want to wear it. The Scarf from Hell because I'll probably gift it!

If someone on the Knitter's Anonymous KAL can tell me how to put this on the blog for the KAL, I'll do it! Otherwise, check back here for progress reports!

Can't Stop Knitting Dishcloths! 

Dishcloths & Concentration

Well, I've never had a desire to knit a dishcloth till the Cloths for Katrin KAL (see the button over there ----->).

NOW, however, I can't seem to get past the dishcloth knitting to any of the other WIPs that you see in the photo down below! My powers of concentration seem to have taken a vacation for the duration. (And my poet grandfather would have loved that sentence!)

What I've had fun doing, though, is making dishcloths with various motifs - you'll see two heart patterned cloths in the photo (both in rose), the traditional Grandmother's Favorite (appropriate for a Nana to make!), and then the woven-look dishcloth I'm working on now in jadite green (from the Lion website). Those rose and green and ivory tones all work well in my rose-strewn kitchen, so these may very well stay right here, and not get sent out for the KAL (I've already done a bunch of those!).

But of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most - I wish I'd get it back!