Wylde Women Award

I've been enjoying the new bloggers I've met courtesy of the fall issue of Artful Blogging I showed you a day or two ago...

In following a link I came upon this:
and the instructions found here: Women-Art-Life: Weaving It All Together.

Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgement to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

Well.
You knew I had to pass this along! (No, I wasn't awarded it, that's not the point...you don't HAVE to pass it along if I award you, either! And there's no limit...but do link back to Tammy Vitale won't you?)

My Wylde Women are:
Margene
Birdsong
Jocelyn
Ruinwen

Of course there are others ... but I'm only hitting a few here.

You are all women artists who inspire me, with the yarn, the words, the photos, and just who you are.
((((hugs))))

Ok...Those Words? Nom.Nom.Nom.Nom....

Remember I told you I wanted someone to make me eat my words in the event I broke my no more yarn buying pledge? (Those words might taste like cardboard, but that's okay.)

I stopped by Knitter's Knook, one last time tonight.
I couldn't help it. The final week: 65% off.

Two skeins of Baby Alpaca Lace in navy. Two balls of sock yarn. A ball of Mango Moon mohair. And a size 0 Addi Turbo (16-inch) - I'd have gotten two but she only had one. And I wanted to take more, but I did reign myself in (ok, just a little).

Becky and I chatted for an hour. The store closes for good on Friday evening.

I didn't cry. But I surely felt like it. I hope she didn't after I left. She's got a cold, crying would make her feel worse.

Becky? Every best wish I can think of, I'm sending your way, love. Thank you. I'll miss you. And see you very soon, I know. Stay safe in your travels. Godspeed.

A Contest - You Might Know I'd Have to Enter...

JC is having a contest, and I just had to enter it...she does such lovely quilting (something I wish I had more time to do...)

So were I to win? My best and favorite three colors for such a lovely little quilt would be .... hmmmm .... sage, burgundy, rosy pink!

Thanks for the opportunity, JC!

Brrr.....!

Tonight it's blustery, the winds are up, the temps down. It's REALLY cold and there were snowflakes in the air on the way home (tho' my car thermometer only read 48 degrees!). I gathered the trash and rolled the can to the curb wearing my heavy winter jacket and Habitat (Ravelry link). The stew from the weekend was welcomed, in a steaming bowl, and with grilled garlic olive bread, made a nice dinner...

Our local electric utility, thinking, I presume, that we're not already hurting enough these days of economic strife, has petitioned the State Corporation Commission for a 21% rate hike. It goes into effect on Nov 1. This on top of the 12% hike that went into effect on Sept 1. Of course, the SCC could make them refund it, if they find it unnecessary. A bit over a year ago, they hiked everything 25% and the SCC denied it...the refunds took a bit to come through and you can never understand the bills to see if the refunds are correct or not.

(I know...I'm ranting. Sorry. This second hike took me by surprise. I'm already doing a lot to keep the bills down on this total electric townhouse. It's been something of a personal challenge to use less electricity! But I think I might have to turn up the thermostat a bit tonight with the wind and all...)

So tonight, I finished up this lovely set, ordered for delivery at the shows next weekend:
This is for a crocheter who uses the wonderful Brittany turned wooden hooks. I resized the pockets on the Oressa case to all the same size for her collection. (Oh, sorry...it's another cat bag, right? lolol! That's what the order was for...)
When I heard about the electricity rate increase? I did exactly what folks aren't supposed to do. I headed to Barnes & Noble. And found these two magazines. I looked at all the Holiday knitting magazines, but was only tempted to get Vogue Knitting's Holiday issue. But behind it? That's Artful Blogging. I hadn't seen it before and frankly, as expensive as it was, I'm not sure I'll get it again. But the photography is stunning. I know a few of the blogs mentioned in this issue, and intend to become more familiar with the rest of them. Perhaps it's just eye candy. Or maybe you'll see something change around here.

After all, with everything going up and up? I'm probably going to be spending a lot more time at home on the computer!
*wink*

Stay warm....

More Bags for the NoVA Shows...

I've been busy sewing all weekend, and here are a few of the bags I've finished:
I understand there will be a few musicians attending at least one of the shows so there's one music bag in there, and the stripe is a really neat black ticking with tiny wine rosebuds (I know who gets this one, if it doesn't sell! *wink*) The other bag is an Asian-influenced print of bamboo (black on black).
And I thought this was really neat fabric...

I also made a really good beef stew tonight. We're really dropping into the cold temps (a bit early, as usually the kids can get out at Halloween with only a light jacket, but from the sounds of it this week is going to be COLD!), so a stew sounded wonderful. It tasted wonderful, too ...

I'm hoping for a calm week. And a productive one. Hope your's is, too!

Early Sunday Morning...

I really should be heading to bed, but I thought you'd like to see this:
Last night, the Knitter's Knook knitters met up at Jersey Lily's for dinner and drinks to say farewell to our Becky. (She IS ours...and we won't really let her go completely...) She's off to China soon after the first of the month, and we'll see her again, but it won't be the same without the shop...

I didn't see tears. We had a blast, laughed and carried on. But we all knew why we were there. Becky's already spent some time in China and has fascinating stories (and funny ones, too). I know she'll bring us back even more, and perhaps help us see this other culture in a new light...

Saturday was spent cutting and fuztying with bags for the Northern Virginia Shows my Big Sis and a friend of hers are hostessing for me in two weekends. I'm trying to hurry, but we all know that can pose problems. Finally, this evening I said, "I go up with what I can get done, and the rest is fabrics for orders! It does take a bit of stress off the plate.

So I sat down to Saturday Night Live and finished the first of these:

The Knotty Gloves in STR lightweight colorway Mustang Sally. I love them. But this wasn't exactly intuitive. The next one, of course, will be reversed (I bet the photo of that one will be WAY better - as I'm right-handed! Using my left to take this photo wasn't easy!

The Meezer has been underfoot and nearby all day. At one point, she vaulted from the back on my wingchair to the back of it's mate (I was very glad there was no one sitting in it as her bulk almost sent it careening to the floor). In between the two chairs is a stereo system, with a stack of CDs, and a heavy Ott floor lamp which could have created quite a mess had there been a paw's breadth of misstep.

And your point, Mom? Please note that I did not create chaos.
I knew exactly where I was headed and how much power I needed to launch myself and land without a speck of trouble.

She's never been a climber. But then, she's never been a lapcat, either. Suddenly, she's both.
(sigh)

Just living up to my breed standard, Mom

Mid-Week Shenanigans...

I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering how on earth it's already Wednesday (not complaining, as it means we're closer to the weekend, but still - things are going so blasted fast!).

So in addition to having fun today with Section 125 plan documentation, and preparing for annual independent audits, I have a couple of knitting things to show you...

Ok. These are Darning Eggs, two types:
They were my mom's and quite possibly her mom's (or an aunt's) before her, especially the egg-shaped one. They're quite worn, but then my mom was a teenager (the eldest of 8 children) during the Depression Era and a young wife in the WWII years, so these probably got a lot of use. Neither her family, nor my dad, had much money. Darning was something she knew how to do. I wish she'd passed that along to me, but I think I can learn, anyway.

And on the subject of darning, and in the interest of answering a couple of comments left for me today: I think the yarn colors are playing tricks on folks. My gauge is spot-on with both of those socks. But dark, dark colors tend to make things look smaller (which is why I wear a lot of black, navy, gray, and dark purple! teehee!) and lighter colors make them look larger. Both of the socks in the photo yesterday have a stitch count of 7.5 stitches to the inch on size 1.5 needles. I've compared both of the leftovers of these yarns and there's a definite difference in how they feel. How about the twist on them? The Claudia is not as tightly spun as the CTH. I just can't in good conscience toss these socks. For one thing, I LOVE the colors. And you know the Nana is all about the colors, right?

But it's more than that. It's that I was raised by that Depression Era teenager. When one spends what I do for sock yarn (which would have mortified my mom!) - I just can't toss the socks when a hole appears. They may just become "around the house" socks, but that'll be fine with me!
:)

I did start another pair of socks this week - have to have something totally mindless to knit at lunch and at traffic lights. Yes, I've started to do that again. Since I learned to read and knit, somehow it's easier to sit in the car and knit at the lights. I do not hold the needles in between lights either, so don't shoot me, okay?
*wink*
Trekking XXL in colorway 66 - shades of black and gray. I'm going to make very simple socks, but haven't decided if I'll make them the stockinette with picot edge or Wendy's Easy lace pattern that I've used before. I do so love my Trekking.

Finally, this is the other activity of my week: making items for the Alexandria Home Shows the first of next month...
Seven more Fiona cell phone cases are ready.

And boy am I ready for the weekend. It's been really chilly - the afternoons warm up, but the nights have been cold. I made a large tuna noodle casserole on Monday night and there's enough left for tomorrow night. I'm thinking of lentil soup and corn muffins this weekend...Tonight is to be our first hard freeze. And the weather this weekend looks to be chilly and damp and dreary - at least on Saturday. It's time to hunker down and enjoy this time of year, with soups and stews, good movies on the tv, classical opera on the stereo, knitting and sewing...

I am not really certain where summer went. I know it was here, because I remember closing the books every month.

I guess that's my answer. The summer, as always, went the way of work.

So now I'm heading to bed. And speaking of the bed, I ordered a flannel topsheet this week to combine with a plain one - a vintage flannel "blanket" from my mom's stash - to make a comforter cover. I inherited my great aunt's antique satin goosedown comforter (a twin size for my queen sized bed!). Over the years, the satin has developed minor tears...and the goose puff slips out and flies all over. I used to think I'd take the time to embroider the tears closed. That thought has finally been abandoned, as there just isn't enough time to do all I must. But I can't toss this and it's impossible to wash...Trying to salvage it, I decided to make a comforter cover in this:

Considering the red/burgundy curtains and green and roses rugs, I thought this would be a fun accent in the winter bedroom...(And I betcha that flannel won't slide off the bed the way the satin does!)

(It's on backorder...so the slippery sliding will continue into next month, unfortunately!)
lolol

Surprise! ( Big Sigh)

Way back a year ago...I knit my only pair of Claudia Handpaint socks. They were the Ingrid's Blues colorway, which I liked a lot, and to begin with I had problems just getting the yarn into a ball...(I believe I called it Claudia Spaghetti, but I finally did get it wound up).

I knit a lovely pair of socks, in only a month...which was a huge improvement over another pair I'm going to talk about...the Cherry Tree Hill Green Mountain Madness Feather & Fan socks. Those were started TWO years ago, and finished a mere 6 months later...yes, to say I have progressed in speed, is a bit of an understatement.

I have worn the CTH socks more, because the colors go more with my clothing, and I've had them longer...

So tonight, when I took off my Claudia socks...I was totally unprepared for this:
That is one huge honkin' hole. I'm really glad I ran into a tutorial not long ago for darning socks. I am going to need them. I'm also glad I saved the leftover yarn...
But here is a comparison of the underfoot of both of those socks. The left one is the CTH. It's 6 months older (and a lot more "time on the hoof") than the sock on the right, the Claudia sock.

Not sure what the base yarn is on Claudia...It's my understanding that CTH uses Louet Gems. But I knew when I knit up the Ingrid's Blues that the yarn was far softer than I like for a sock...I guess I should have decided there and then to use the gorgeous yarn (the colors are phenominal) in something else. A Chevron Scarf perhaps...
(sigh)
So here is another knitting rite of passage...My FIRST sock hole, after only a year of sporadic wear. How many of you sock knitters darn your socks?

I will darn them. If only because it's an art form I'd like to add to my repetoire. No. I like the socks, too...Hmm...wonder where my mom's darning egg is?
*wink*

What A Monday!

It's been one of those Mondays...BUT.

There was an enormous bright spot that befell. I think I got an extra special something from one of the most amusing and talented guys in blogland:
Is this an Original Franklin lamb? It certainly appears to be...

It was on the envelope that enclosed this!

When Franklin announced this special 2009 calendar, I knew I had to have one of my very own. How better to warm the next 365 nights normally spent knitting away than to have 12 of my own gorgeous hunks fondling fabulous yarn and in-process knits in a truly elegant setting? Oh. Yes, you can have one of your own if you go here! (Oops. I hope he's not sold out! Check back there...in a day or so? or email him)

(I happen to truly *heart* Mr. February. I'm just sayin')

TGIF!

It's been a long week. I'm looking forward to making something warming and wonderful to eat this weekend - the temps will be in the 50s during the day...and some freeze warnings in the deeper valleys around tomorrow night - just the right weather for soups and stews, and bread...Perhaps for knitting by the fire at Panera (and maybe some of their bread, since I don't bake).

I'm pleased to say that I finished these today:
Trekking 172 Feather & Fan Socks knit on size 1.5 Hiya Hiya bamboos. Love them.

And I cast on for these:
Knotty Gloves in BMFA STR in Mustang Sally. Let me tell you, I'm in love love love with this ribbing. I have never been so happy with the quality of the rib. I don't think it's me. This yarn is scrumptious and has such stitch definition!
;)
Plus the color is divine. I'm thinking all kinds of things I want in this colorway.
(Hope it doesn't get retired...but I can't get it right now, since I'm determined to calm down my mad purchasing behaviors...)

Anyway...this weekend will be sewing again. With a bit of cooking and knitting in between the chores, too.

Hope you have a good one!!

The Last Debate!

I'll say one thing...all these debates have encouraged a LOT of knitting on my part!

And I wanted to share these with you, quickly...
My new Birkies (with the Northern Lights Feather & Fan socks). I have my fingers crossed. I've worn them half a day yesterday and today as well. My foot feels better, but is still a problem...still I'll take what benefits I can get!

The Meezer has been a bit miffed over the debates...with knitting in my lap, she can't camp out there, so tonight she opted for the wingchair that's holding a Nana Sadie Rose order to be delivered....I caught her curled under herself...
So when the flash went off, you know she was ticked...
eventually though she seemed to relax again...
but not so completely that she missed hearing the filip of tones when I turned the camera on again...
Until, finally, she was so blissed out, she missed everything else that was going on in the room...

How I wish I could relax like that!

(Hmmm...maybe once the election is over? Do ya think?)

Last Big Splurge For A LONG While...

And please, make me eat my words if I go back on this?

It really has been a touch over the top, here in Knitnanaville, lately...

But with 50% off sales all over, it's been really hard to resist. Especially when the stuff is so yummy. And as in the case of Knitter's Knook closing? It's been an exercise in supporting a gal I think a lot of, too...

I'm making lists of all the stash I'm going to knit up (and WIPs that will be completed - promise!).

Today's mail brought my new Birkenstocks...and I think I like them, and maybe they'll be good for my feet - 1/2 a day isn't long enough to make that judgement. *wink*

And the mail also brought this from Little Knits:
Noro Iro color 63 for "My First Vest." The pattern arrived also (but was bought at NoSoKnit a couple of weeks ago). No, not casting on yet...WIPs to finish, remember?

And then there was this:
Elle Merino Tweed in Graphite. A luscious medium/dark gray with copper flecks. I'm in love. I bought a ton of this. Mainly thinking of the Daily Sweater from MDK Outside the Lines, but then, I really thought this was superwash, and it's NOT. (sigh)

eta...both of these photos are trending on the "light," as in "reflective," side - the yarns are dark, the Noro is black-based...

Still, it's marvelous wool. So I'll think on it a bit. Perhaps I'll decide that I can handwash the Daily Sweater in cold every time it needs it. After all, sweaters don't get washed every week, right? Or perhaps it will make a wonderous shawl that would have to be reblocked every time I wash it (and needs washing even less often than a sweater...)

As much as I love this yarn, it'll probably end up in the Daily Sweater.

I do have one more skein coming (found it on Ravelry, whoohoo!) of the Green Mountain Spinnery Cotton Comfort. I'd hoped to use the 7 skeins I bought Sunday at Knitter's Knook for Cheryl Oberle's Sampler Stole from Folk Shawls but I was just 1 skein short of the yardage.

I'm hopeful that since the yarn is "undyed" it won't be that much different ... Keep your fingers crossed for me, okay?

A Long, Productive Weekend...

but man, am I bushed...

Still and all, the cat show bags are finished and ready to ship, the vet's books are done for another month, the quarterly payroll reports filed.
Isn't this a striking set? The lady wanted everything to coordinate (and no, they're not identical, you know I make each bag just a touch different here and there, right?). A Grace, a Posy, and a checkbook (this fabric is almost gone...a beautiful Hoffman batik cat print from a few years ago).

The invitations are going out for the Home Shows at my sister's in Northern Virginia on November 8th (there'll be two that day, a morning and an afternoon get-together). If you're going to be in the area, or if you already live there, and would like to come to either one, let me know, okay?

And I have to get busy creating as many Non-Cat bags as I possibly can before then...

(oh. yeah. and it's "back to work" tomorrow - sigh)

But tonight? There's still dinner out with my sis-in-law and the first Roanoke Symphony Masterworks Concert of the season! And one of our favorite cellists is back! Guess I won't need SIL to nudge me awake after all, Zuill Bailey is such a talented young man (and good looking, too!).
*wink*

Now I Will Put On the Brakes...

There is much to report. A second trip to Knitter's Knook store-closing sale, which truly was to visit and spend time knitting on a Sunday afternoon, but ended up being something of an orgy of yarn buying (again!)...(and there is an order coming from Little Knits, but I swear, I'm putting on the brakes after this...except for an occasional skein of sock yarn...until AFTER the holidays, at least!)

I knew I needed more Mission Falls 1824 for the Log Cabin blanket (the one that will NOT end...at least it seems that way) and I did get another 11 balls for that purpose, but then there was this:
Green Mountain Spinnery's Cotton Comfort undyed, 7 skeins (80% wool and 20% organic cotton, and so soft!). There is probably a Folk Shawls shawl in my future with this DK weight yarn...

And then, there was this - in the $1 per ball bin:
four balls of lavender and 3 of royal purple. I have no idea what I'll do with this. Perhaps a hat and mitts? It's 100% wool, and someone said "felted bag..?" But then I found this:
for a pair of socks - in my favorite colors and then this:
...which when combined with black will make a wonderful felted bag for me...I have some of the teal for my February Lady Sweater, so the bag and socks are a necessity, no?

And then we had a blast knitting together - there were five of us, but I only got this one photo of Becky and Sandra (who is busy checking out the Sock Monkey Posy Sock Sack Becky has, along with several others, at her shop ... helping me to market my wares!). Sandra and I tripped down 220S together for this delightful junket this afternoon:
Can you see how bare those shelves are? But Becky still has a lot to sell, ladies, so don't delay...OH - And I'm considering the purchase of that loveseat. I have first dibs...

Many, many happy knitting hours occured on that loveseat. Imagine the knitterly history? I'm debating whether it will make it up the stairs to my knitting room/office (the second, and much smaller bedroom of my townhouse)...Technically, it will, and I can just boot out the stuff that won't fit, right? RIGHT? Please help me convince myself this is the best thing for me to do...

Tell me I'm not just being nostalgic in the face of losing Knitter's Knook?

(Ok...now I have to go back to work to help pay for my booty)

Three Day Weekend...

It's only one day thru a three-day weekend, and I'm pleased I've been able to accomplish quite a bit:
Here is a Knitnana and Fiona set in the Eliza Kitty fabric. (Yes, more cat show orders)
And here, two Kerris, one with the Condo Kitties and then another one that a great medallion print in ivory black and gray with gold etching. It's a beautiful print.
And I managed to finish my sis-in-law's socks!
I'm so pleased with the way they matched up!

And frankly, they're so lovely and warm? I don't want to give them up...but I will.

It's been a busy day. Tomorrow (today, actually) I'll have the vet's books to get done before I make a trek down to Knitter's Knook...and before the weekend is over, I have one more order to complete from the cat show.

I'm really glad I have Monday off!
*wink*
Hope you're having a great weekend...
eta...the yarn in the socks is Austermann Stepp! I LOVE it

When I Got Nothing - I Find a Meme!

Book Meme
A meme from Booking Through Thursday. (which I don't normally participate in, but hey, why not?)

What was the last book you bought?
Mason Dixon Knitting: Outside the Lines
Name a book you have read MORE than once
There have been several over the years, but I think the ones I’ve enjoyed most were women-focused books – mostly novels, tho’ not all:
Diary of a Divorced Mother, by Marilyn M Willison
The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
The Women’s Room, by Marilyn French
The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley (written about the other day)
Drinking the Rain, by Alix Kates Shulman

There was another one, Lifelines, that I can’t seem to remember the author of. I’ll try to find the book tonight at home and edit this…written by a woman in the 1980s and about living through the loss of her husband to cancer (eta: the author was Lynne Caine and the book is out of print).

I seem to want to read stories of women like me overcoming struggle in their everyday lives, if I’m reading non-fiction for inspiration…
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Oh my yes. The Women’s Room and The Handmaid’s Tale, specifically, and lately? A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Fair & Just America , by Virginia Senator Jim Webb.
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
I usually read by subject. So whatever my current fascination is – ie: knitting, voluntary simplicity, vegetarian cooking, the current political environment…if non-fiction; then, women’s fiction (even historical romance/bodice-rippers, not just present-day “true-life” non-fiction. I also particularly enjoy Susan Wittig Albert’s China Bayles mysteries with a herbal theme…Just call me eclectic!
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
It’s about 50/50. Either/Or. Depending on my mood.
What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot? either works for me....but I love witty writing in my fiction. Emilie Richards is one who can put together an interesting story (plot), but without her turn of phrase, it would be just another romantic fluff novel…
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Viviane in Mists of Avalon.
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Mists of Avalon.
;)
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
Animal Vegetable Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver – I didn’t completely finish it before having to return it to the library right after the cat show…and it was late. Frankly, tho’ it was interesting, and the setting is not too far from where I live, I just was having a rough time working through it while handling the mechanics of my sewing business.
The last one I completed was Sister’s Choice by Emilie Richards – a fun frolic! And I finished it before the National Capital Cat Show in September. So other than flipping through MDK Outside the Lines, I'm not reading anything really right now.
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Often. Why waste my time slogging through something I can't stay interested in for whatever reason.

I love books. I collect books. I love to hold books while I read, but lately, it's been easier to listen to books. So I've spent some lovely evenings knitting and "reading." Or sewing and "reading." I would never have thought of audio books as a possibility for me, but they've been wonderful!

And in recent years, I've realized that my collecting of books had to stop (except knitting books, which I consider a reference library necessary to my creative hobby). I have too many, and not enough bookshelf room for them. I hate that they're stuck away in boxes...so I've been using the library to feed my reading addiction. (Saves money, too!)
*wink*

I'm Still Here, I Promise!

Even tho' this particular news junkie is swooning over the political and financial news that's non-stop, and completely over-the-top these days (and yes, even I am on overload), there are some normal things going on in Knitnana's life - and some that are not normal at all!

Take this for example?
It's the Scrap Challenge that I succumbed to back when I seemed to think that October might be a slow month for me in the sewing realm. (Whatever gave me that idea? End of the cat show, beginning to think about Christmas orders, three home shows in November? What was I thinking?)

J Casa has organized this and that photo above? It's the contents of the package I received from her today. So now, I have 1-2 weeks to come up with something creative using these scraps. I have absolutely NO IDEA what that might be...give me a bit, I'm sure something will come to mind, but today's been pretty intense, so the brain is fried...

OR...maybe that's when I really need to go play with those scraps and something may hit me smack in the middle of the forehead when I'm not expecting it? Hmmm...

Okay, I'll finish the blog post first. Also in the mail today was the new Knitpicks catalog...
Can you see it underneath all the sock knitting going on? I have to tell you that whoever Knitpicks has doing their photography on the cover and first pages is doing a really good job of making me think of Victoria Magazine...Very, very artsy.

I'm a color fanatic (even if golds, oranges, rusts, and greens are not my colors at all, this cover is luscious. Especially with the yarns in vases with the new Harmony straight needles...

I'm thinking of ordering that wonderful Andean Chullo Hat kit on page 20. It's so completely out of character for me, it's not funny. But it's also the challenge...

I'm seemingly into challenges these days: scrap challenges, knitting challenges.

Challenging the conventional wisdom about Plantar Fasciitis. Oh, that one slipped in there, huh? Well, it appears that the hard orthotics are causing me enormous pain (I knew I was in pain, but when it's the feet? Pretty hard to say - THIS spot...it ALL hurts!). The "off the shelf" orthotics have the arch support hitting me about 1 inch above the true arch of my foot. I had noticed the bruising, but didn't make the connection. I saw my rheumatologist for my routine checkup yesterday and heard, "If those rubber/plastic shoes are cushy, and your feet feel better, I'd say, go get yourself some thick foam inserts and see if that doesn't feel better...two steroid shots is all you can have awhile, now anyway" So I did. And put them inside my Birkenstocks. Um. Only one day later? I'm still sore, but I'm sooooooooo much better.

The last thing my rheumy said before I left? "Everyone's feet are different, and treatment of Plantar Fasciitis is pretty individualized."

I like that so much better than hearing "You can never wear any shoe but a jogging shoe with these hard orthotics for the rest of your life; you can never go barefoot again!"

I have another pair of Birks on the way, by the way...and my disposition is suddenly much sunnier! (In spite of the financial news of the day...)
(((Hugs)))

A Productive Weekend....

Thank you for your commiserating about my bamboo circular...The Meezer is having a harder time getting to them, now that I'm on to her...

Heading back to work today, of course, but I wanted to show you all the fruit of my labor this weekend...
There was one more, of course, but I try hard not to show duplicates too often. And please note that there is ONE bag that's NOT cats! It's WOLVES!
:)
I keep telling you all I do more than cats, and that's the proof of it!
lolol

Hope you have a great week!
(((hugs)))

Knitting With A Cat..

I've said on many blog comments that I don't seem to have a problem with The Meezer going after yarn, and other than one 10.5 dpn that has gone missing (and I'm pretty sure is in a dark corner that will only be found when I move) she's always left the needles alone.

I rarely pay attention to her when I'm knitting, so this morning as I worked on my sis-in-law's sock on my Harmony circulars, while watching Sunday Morning, I only vaguely was aware of her movement out of the corner of my eye...

And then suddenly - WHAM! - I realized she was at my Posy Sock Sack, with MY Trekking socks inside...and there was a dangling thing that was whipping around...!

On closure inspection?
One chomped-upon Hiya Hiya bamboo circular...(sigh)
And I really don't want to buy another one right now...so I pulled out the nail file and sanded away. It's smoother at least

(and I apologize that my limited skills as a photographer only produced these sad photos...)
The Meezer wasn't impressed by my stern talking-to...Why don't you find my tearstrip and then I'll leave your dangly things alone?

(sigh) So much like a recalcitrant child...

FO! FO! Alert! Habitat is OFF The Needles!

It's still damp, but I couldn't wait any longer to model it.

Pattern: Habitat by Jared Flood

Needles: Harmony 16-inch circulars, size 7 and 8, and Plymouth size 8 dpns.

Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair in Wintergreen, a bit more than 1 skein. (From Knitter's Knook)

I enjoyed this cabled pattern, tho' I'm still wondering if cabling is where my true knitting love lies (okay, I'm probably pushing that - we all know the knitting love of my life is socks and lace shawls, right?)

It's my second Jared Flood pattern. For the most part I think they're clear. I surely did a better job with this one than with Koolhaas last January, but of course, that hat was black yarn on dark Harmony needles, and was my first attempt at so much cabling. It was more difficult (or maybe I've just matured in my knitting?). Koolhaas was a "coming of age" thing, for me...challenging...teaching me patience - especially since it took me several tries to get it going right and to understand what was happening...

I did get off in the patterning of Habitat somewhere in the last few rows, I think, but I'm not sure exactly where. The top of the hat isn't quite what I think it's supposed to look like. But there are broken cables in the pattern, so maybe that's just what I'm looking at?

Anyway, it's pretty. I knit it for me, so broken cables (right or wrong) don't seriously bother me.

And it's DONE! Whoohoo!

A Month to Say Good-bye...

I mentioned a few days ago that my favorite LYS is closing. She's not leaving us for economic reasons, but instead for matters of the heart. Off on adventures with the man she loves, and who, pray tell, can fault her for that? Surely not I.

Others have mentioned that it's a bittersweet event that's taking place now at our beloved Knitter's Knook. A store-closing sale.

It is, indeed, difficult to do. We love Becky so much and the store became a huge part of our lives in a fairly short period of time. It was a bit hard to visit Friday after work, knowing that, while I was about to help her remove stock from her shelves (and stash enhancement is such a wonderful, fun event), I wouldn't be seeing her nearly as often and that would happen very soon. She'll be back now and again, and will keep in touch, via Ravelry. Still...it's just so darned sad to say good-bye...But I did help her with lowering her inventory and I'll be back for more (that Log Cabin blanket needs a bit more yarn, but I'm not quite sure how much yet!).

Two Addi Lace circulars (size 1 and size 8) were added to my collection


And then there was the enhancement of stash - these lovelies had to come home with me, and once they were ON the desk to be photoed? I realized my propensity towards compatible shades:
Three skeins of violet Kidlin for Lilith from Louet (yes, I bought the pattern, too); a skein of Cascade's Heritage Handpaint Sock yarn; two cakes of Zephyr laceweight in Peacock and one in Plum. I also picked up another skein of Green Mountain Spinnery's Mountain Mohair to finish my Habitat hat...it took a bit more than I'd hoped.

I've finished Habitat and it's blocking now. I'll show you that tomorrow.

I Agree!

You're The Mists of Avalon!

by Marion Zimmer Bradley

You're obsessed with Camelot in all its forms, from Arthurian legend to the Kennedy administration. Your favorite movie from childhood was "The Sword in the Stone". But more than tales of wizardry and Cuban missiles, you've focused on women. You know that they truly hold all the power. You always wished you could meet Jackie Kennedy.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Very appropriate choice for me. I truly loved this book...and the movie...the book sits on my bedside table! And yes, it's more than the fantasy and the political intrigue. It IS the women. I spent years immersed in educating myself in women's history & thealogy. Had I not come to it long after I'd begun accounting as my career, I would now be a professor of Women's Studies. (Hmm...makes me think of Barbara Walker, except that I don't think she's a professor?)

Note to self: buy the remaining 3 books in Barbara Walker's Treasuries to go with the rest of the books by her on my bookshelf!
And maybe it's time to re-read Mists!