Lazy Weekend

I spent a good part of Saturday in front of the TV, knitting on my sock. I came across two movies on IFC. The first was Ikiru and the other Umberto D.. Both were made in 1952, black & white, about lonely old men. They were both also sub titled. I found out that I could knit and know just when to look up for the conversation. I highly recommend both films.

I received a shipment from Knit Picks today. Friday or Saturday I received an email from Knit Picks that something on my wish list was in stock. I plan on making some baby caps from some of it. So... you know how it goes. I just had to add more to my cart. Two skeins of EssentialSolid in coral on sale. Then two books jumped in. 2-at-a-time Socks and Start Spinning. Carol had purchased both of these books and I really liked the book on spinning. Great pictures and breaks down the whole spinning process. I also added in a 24" Harmony Size 1 circular.

I am at the heel flap now of my 9 to 5 sock and should turn the heel tonight.

I will leave you with a video of Stanley. Please pay no mind to my kitty talk but that is what makes him do his antics. He was staring at this birdbath. Last year it was his favorite spot to spend a weekend morning. No sooner had I cleaned it out he took it over.



So I am going to leave you now and look through both books.

Much better

Don't you agree? I have dozens of patterns. I looked through Ravelry. So many new sock patterns are toe up. I haven't tried that yet. I always say the next pair.

What I look for in a pattern is how many stitches and row in the repeat. The Show-off Stranded Socks fits the bill but it really looks better in a variegated yarn. So I went back to a pattern I did for Robin's PIF socks. You work the pattern repeat over 4 stitches + 2 p, and 4 rows. With my beaded stitch counter it is a no brainer. I can set it down and and always tell were I'm at. I'm knitting 9 to 5 again.

Have mentioned how Sissy wakes me up by shredding my magazines. She does this when short of sitting on my face does not work. BUT when I hear the shedding she know I will get up and yell at her to stop. In trying to not set this bad habit in stone, I've been holding back on the reaction. Just leaves more damage. Usually it is the cover or the post-it notes I tab on the pages. There are a few babies past and coming up that I thought, gee, why not knot a present? So I wanted to do the BSJ but I have not brought the pattern. This EZ sweater was in last years Vogue Spring Summer issue. I had the page turned back and set it down...next morning this...

Today was a beautiful day as was the whole weekend. Here is Stanley enjoying some time out.

Nothing, Nada, Zip!

I finished my Graffiti (raverly link) socks last Saturday. Sunday I decided to make the tiny sock for the key chain sock blocker. Between laundry and cleaning I spent 5 hours, 5 effing hours. I could not turn the freekin' heel. The heel for goodness sake! I must have started over dozens of times. End of the night I put it away for another day.

Monday--

for the first time in over a year I had nothing, nada, zip! OTN. I went to work without my knitting. I felt venerable. What if I had to wait for something! I would not have anything to do while I waited. Wait, I don't have a doctors appointment, but my car could break down then what would I do! The day was busy at work. Got home and looked at my sock yarn. I selected my Dream in Color Smooshy in Spring Tickle. I started the k2p2 ribbing. Figured I'd settle on a pattern when I had that done. Here are my sock yarns

Tuesday--

What pattern to choose? I am doing Show-off Stranded Socks. I started off using my size 1 addi. I cast on 72 stitches. Going Magic loop. When I get to the pattern I was having trouble PSSO. Gotta love these abbreviations. So I ripped out.

Wednesday--

OK, I have now cast on 72 stitches on two size 2 susan bates. Working the rib back on.

Thursday--

I'm not loving this Smooshy. It is so much thicker than all the yarns I have been using for months. I keep knitting the rib. Too tired --I go to sleep early

Friday--

We got out of work at 2:00. My BFF had brain surgery on Wednesday. I was going to the hospital to visit when her husband called to say they were releasing her. Meet them at the house. Get this, she was in intensive care Wednesday & Thursday. They were going to move her to her own room on Thursday. They did not have one so out she goes. She is doing very well. On her weekend in WVA, they own a place up there, she brought a skein of Handspun Leicester Longwool & Alpaca 4 oz. She was told it was enough for a pair of socks. I don't think so this is very scratchy so I don't even think it will make a good scarf. I think I am going to wash & condition it first. She will like what I make with it. Got home and once again, too tired. Watch some TV asleep by 8.

Saturday--

This pattern is not working with this yarn

So I ripped it out.

I have started again. Will have enough to show tomorrow.

Weaving a Tapestry of Sound

Check out this article in today Washington Post. Pretty cool.

5/17--Edit: The post had a picture but it is not in this article so I found this other story about artist Laure Drogoul's amplified knitting project.

I am now doing the decreases on the 2nd graffiti sock.

5/17- If I get my butt off the computer I will finish the foot today. I've been updating my audio books on Librarything.com as well as posting some for sale on eBay. I listen to so many books that I've lost track of what I have read, I now have a spread sheet started.

I am on disk 8 of the Friday Night Knitting Club. That too will go on ebay after Carol has a chance to listen to it.

Purple Passion and it's not Wednesday!!

I spent the whole day at work thinking it was Wednesday! That is going to make this week a day longer!!

I could not help myself buy when I saw this yarn from Amanda of NH Knitting Mama I jsut had to have it! This is 80% Merino & 20% Bamboo. I love the colors. Purple is one of my favs and these will make a beautiful pair of socks.

This is a Robin who has made a home nearby and just took a bath in my bird bath. I took this through the window of my storm door. I'm not used to seeing the Robins up on anything like this they are usually just scurring around looking for food. I'm turning the heel tonight on grafitti #2. I am now going to watch last night TV. Bones, House, Medium, CSI Miami.
Have a Good Day!

Wisteria

This beautiful Wisteria was given to me by a friend. It all started with a couple of pods. She lives in her family home in Herndon VA. Her Wisteria is at least 35-40 years old when she gave me the pods back in 1990. I had no idea what to do or what I was in for. The pods are hard as rock and velvety smooth. So I left them on the kitchen counter. I came home one day to find all these black things on my floor and counter. Then I found the pods split open. Now I could get my own plant. I took a cookie sheet and put down a few layers of paper towels, spread out the seeds, covered with more paper towels and wet the whole thing. I put the cookie sheet on top of the fridge. I can't remember how long it took but they started to sprout. When they looked big enough I planted some in a pot and kept it on the patio. Only one made it. When it was about a foot tall I transplanted it to the back fence. This was a place that was an eyesore. The apartments behind my property has a large drainage culvert. I also planted what were called tree of china that I found in a catalog. I got 10 trees for under $20. I have no idea what they really are but they said they would grown fast and make a great fence, which they did. What I did wrong was plant them too close together having no idea how fast and big they would grow. But they and the Wisteria have created the fence and privacy I wanted.

You can read about the pods here. If you would like to try a Wisteria from scratch send me you address and when the pods come up I'll pick them and send them your way. Be warned, if you succeed in growing one from my seeds you need to either maintain it or put it where it will grow wild like I did.

I'm new at using the movie feature with my Fuji Finepix camera. I also hate the way I sound. I've been in VA since 1966 but born in NYC. My sister said I have a southern accent. What do you think, other than me sounding very nasel from the pollen.

Happy Mother's Day

to all the mother's out there. Mine called me yesterday. We don't talk so it was a surprise. I will leave that subject alone.

I have completed sock 1 of graffiti and will start the heel flap today for the 2nd one.

Garden

We have had rain for three days now. It looks like today may turn out to be a nice one. Every year the rain crushes my peonies and this year is no exception. It also took one of my climbing rose bushes down. I plan on going out today and trying the rose up to the wall. I sure hope I can do it without too much damage to myself. The climbers can also get the better of me! This is the one peonie that I have braced up.

This was the 1st to bloom and was laying on the ground. Peonies are so heavy that I always cut them off and soak them head down in a bucket to get rid of the ants. I than can bring them in the house and take some to work. I did run this one under water and left it in the bud vase in the kitchen yesterday and returned later to find ants everywhere! So an hour later with every surface once again cleaned of ants, I was able to bring the flower to my computer.

This is the 2nd peonie with part of the rose bush crushing it.

My Columbine held up beautifully. When the blooms are spent and I can collect the seeds I am going to give it a try to get more of this beautiful plant.

New Neighbors

Earlier in the week, leaving for work I came across these two. We have a lot of kids so my neighborhood is not the place to start a family but I think these too will. I'll be on the lookout for the babies.

Dinner time at Casa KSee

What would be knitting without Contests

Head on over to (Not So) Cynical Knitting Gal she is having a caption contest and make sure you tell her I sent you! Deadline May 15th.

Abigail of 1870 Pearl is having a comment contest. This blog was a great find as she writes beautifully. Unlike me, I leave the pictures to do the talking. Deadline end of May. For the life of me I'm still learning how to embed links to a picture when in a post. So follow my link above.

Peaceful Knitter is looking for inspiration and ideas for using up more of my stash. Leave her a comment to help her out and you could be a winner of some Knit Picks Shimmer! Oh, I could be a winner too!!

Spin, Spin, Spin

As promised yesterday I have these two videos to share with you.

Linda and Carol went on Saturday to the MS&W to buy a spinning wheel. Linda picked up Carol at 6:30 which is one of the reasons I did not tag along. Well, look at this!! She brought it into work yesterday, and today and I'm sure every day until she has enough to ply, dye and make a cabled project. This is the coolest thing I ever saw. Linda is very experienced, as a knitter, weaver and spinner. She did not plan on this but when she knew it could plug into a cigarette lighter and battery pack she was sold.

Then Carol took a turn. Carol has a little experience with a drop spindle. Listen to Linda's instructions. Then I tried. I have touched fiber and the spindle Carol brought back for me but I tried. See where Carols yarn snaps at the end because it was spun too tight, well I lasted 30 seconds. I hope the sound is good and I added title and credits, well, because I could. I still don't get the edit feature.

This 2nd video is well worth the viewing.

This machine is a work of art. the base is made from ribbon mahogany, maple bobbin. It is so quite. It is Wild Meadow's Butterfly Electric Spinner

Almost done...

Monday at work is done!

My graffiti sock #1 is almost done. I was going to ribbed all the way but figured I'd add a twist. Mock twisted cable. Should be able to start 2nd sock by Friday. Doing these on one 24" addi is working out well.

My 1st spindle, my friend Carol brought this for me at MS&W. Perfect for a 1st spindle. Now I really need to bone up.

My Garden

I have to say this has to be the best flower picture I have ever taken!

I hope to see the rest in bloom tomorrow

What I brought with a 40% off coupon at Michael's. Well, I just had to use the coupon, don't you know. Then Carol got her project ready for a cruise she is taking mid-month. She was going to do two on one 40# for the 1st time. Well, this bag is perfect! I don't remember the yarn but it is just beautiful and perfect colors for a cruise.

Kitty update

Zorro is doing better. He is walking on all feet now and is jonesing to go out! I am keeping him in for another week, if I don't loose the battle. He is one quick and cagey kitty. Stanley wants out too but he is OK sleeping in.

My big fat Pia jumped up to entrainment unit via the kitty tree. This is only the 2nd time she did this. 1st time I grabbed the camera she jumped down.

Watch this space tomorrow. I have a great video to share with you all. I need to see if I can learn to edit.

LOL

Last night, Zorro recuperating

Pia really wanting her spot back, but since Zorro has been hurt this is his convalescing bed and she is letting him have it.Sissy taking over the heating pad because I and up. When I return to knitting, she will leave and get on the back of the couch. I get up she get down in my spot, I could do this all night, up and down. She is too funny.
now I will unwind and knit on my sock

I'm addicted to socks.

I can't stop myself. I want to knit other things but I can't help myself! I have such lovely sock yarn that I have to knit it up. I know I could use the same yarn for something else but I find knitting socks so satisfying. I love the process. Thing is you would think after making so many pairs in a row that I would not have to spend time ripping and tinking back. I just loose myself. Here is the start of my Graffiti socks

The Rocky Roads as a pair.
Zorro Update

After getting me all worked up yesterday morning and staying hidden all morning, he came out for dinner last night and this morning. Last night he got on the back of the couch to get close to Sissy. She licked him a few times and then he settled down. He spent the night with us watching TV.

Last year I had a problem with Stanley and his leg. He had a gash but let me doctor him and his is OK. Since Zorro is not hiding out and eating and drinking and wanting love I am going to give him a better exam this evening. Now get this. I have kept Stanley in all weekend and after dinner tonight, he limps away! I'll check him out too.

As I sit here and write Zorro just stopped by. I was able to touch his feet but when I got to his elbow he meowed. Swelling has gone down since yesterday. I'll keep a watch and feel the situation out.

This is the way I feel about what the boys are doing. Using up their lives!

Zorro update

Well, after looking everywhere and running the vacuum and taking a dust mop under most to the furniture, Zorro showed up. There was one corner under the entertainment unit and where Pia was facing. As that was the only place I did not look it was a good bet that he was there. I went out side and when I came back in he was looking to get out. He then backed off so I went and got a bowl of food for him. He was interested but backed up. There is something wrong with his right leg. He went back into my bedroom where I have locked him in. Last I checked he was on the bed. He let me pet him and when I touched his leg he hissed. OK, enough for now. I'll be getting a better look later on. Vet appointment tomorrow.

dum de dum Rocky Road done

OK poor attempt a the Rocky theme but I finished the 2nd Rocky Road sock yesterday morning. Knitting the magic loop on a 24" size 1 addi is perfect. I have already cast on another sock with the same needle. I am using Amanda's NH Knitting Mama Graffiti that I won in her contest.

I worked in the garden yesterday morning, still weeding out the vinca vine. It rained last night and it looks like everything grew a foot overnight.

Something is wrong with Zorro. He came home late Friday night at bedtime. I go to sleep. The next morning I get up with Sissy help, this girl just won't let me sleep in. I get to the kitchen put the food down, Stanley was out all night so he comes in. No Zorro.

Since he did not run in with the girls and it was early (CRS), I figured he was out. So I go out to call for him. No Zorro. I take my coffee to sit on the couch to read the Sunday paper and there is Zorro on the chair opposite me. I go to him and he runs off. I follow and he hides. I find him later sleeping in a up turned cat carrier, that should have been put up in the attic 3 years ago. He goes to bolt but I get him and do a body check. He is skittish but lets me love and pet on him. He purrs. I put him on my bed. I am able to check him out. No cuts or bruises. He is just wary. I brush him and she stretches out and loves it. All in limbs seem to be OK. I then I leave him to rest. He spends the day on the bed.
At 6pm I am reminded by Pia that it is pass dinner time. So I go through the feeding routine. Call for Zorro. He shows up but does not want to eat with the others so I bring his bowl to him. He eats. Good sign. He then goes back to bed. I know he has used the litter box since he is the only one that has to scratch to pad to the point of turning it over. This morning no Zorro.
99% of my furniture are hiding places. I can no longer get down on my knees and search like I once was able to. So I keep calling him and will be searching for him all day.


Fun and Interesting Sites
Apparently the make-up line E.L.F. ( Eyes, Lips, and Face) has beenbought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid of all the make-up in ELF packaging.They are selling everything for $1. yes - one dollar. You do have to pay shipping, however, even with that charge it's cheaper than buying make-up anywhere else and it is fun to try things when you don't have to worry about the cost! They have powder, mascara, brushes, nail polish, you name it .. Also, if you use the coupon code: CAROLINA you will get $7.50 off your first $15 of your purchase. Here is the site, have fun!

Hell Bent and Heaven Bound!
You blew your shot with Saint Peter when you blew Peter Saint.
No worries. You can save your soul online at reserveaspotinheaven.com. For less than the cost of a couple of cocktails, you’ll get a certificate of reservation, registered in the Book of Light; a first-class ticket to paradise (why climb stairs when you can fly?); an official ID card; and the heaven 101 mini informational guide (find out what’s really behind those pearly gates). A few bucks more and you’ll have VIP access to the Big Guy and a pass that gets you into the Land of Milk and Honey as well as Thug Mansion, where the cool angels hang.

Got enemies? Ensure they burn for all eternity: Sign them up for one-way tickets to fiery damnation at reserveaspotinhell.com. Sound like blasphemy? Heaven help us.

For my Friends that cook. Baker’s Sto ’n’ Go or Sticky Fingers

For My Tea Lover Friends

For Gardening Gifts

New site will send a polite, anonymous e-mail to incessant e-mail forwarders.Why: One more urban myth from Mom and she’s added to blocked senders.Where: Online at stopforwarding.us.

Everyone needs a little help from time to time. This is a hoot.

Stinky Feet?
Leftie: Yo, Rightie. You reek something awful.
Rightie: Stank you very much. As do you, pal.
Leftie: I feel like I am locked in a monkey’s cage against my will.
Rightie: Well, One Star over there told me about these new things called Fragrant Footings.
Leftie: Whoa, heel buddy. Talk to me.
Rightie: They’re insoles laced with essential oils that are released with every step you take.
Leftie: Dude. We need those stat.
Rightie: Fo sho. They come in lemon, mint, and jasmine scents.
Leftie: I’ll take any scent over that of toe jam. But wait, can they be worn with sandals and heels?
Rightie: Totally. They have both trim-to-fit and mini cushions, so they work with all shoes.
Leftie: How are we gonna get Twinkle Toes to foot the bill on this one?
Rightie: Now you’re overstepping the boundaries.
Available online at summersoles.com.

Good Causes
Secrets of Charm Safe Horizon Orange Cotton Scarf
A great accessory that benefits an amazing cause- what could be better? Orange cotton square scarf features a sunshine print, 100% of the net proceeds benefit Hope Shining, a nationwide initiative to help children impacted by violence and abuse.

HuluWhat: Tons of movies and TV shows — for free — at the click of a mouse.Why: There goes your weekend.Where: Online at hulu.com.

Back on the needles!!

Thank goodness for DVR. Last night I was able to watch the 1st new episode of Bones while I put my stitches back on the needle. Took my nighttime pill and I hit the pillow at 10. Tonight I start the decreases again.

Friends...

Robin presented her Mom a early Mothers Day present. Isn't that shawl like beyond gorgeous!

Contests...

Head on over to The Written Word for a chance to win Comfort Food a new book from Kate Jacobs. I want to read her book, The Friday Night Knitting Club. I just ordered the Audio book.

Then check out The Craft Gossip Blog Network they are having a giveaway for Noni’s Patterns, Angelika’s Yarn Store and Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles are supplying everything you need to complete one of these adorable “Three Confections” bags.

Leaving for work I took these two shots. Pia in the cubby of the cat tree

Sissy is the SPOT that Pia made

4/23/08- I started this yesterday morning but you all know google!

OK, I'm now back on track. I finished all the decreases while watching American Idol. We are playing at work with all departments and I gave up watching but last night they sang Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, I LOVE ALL HIS WORK. Syesha knocked it out of the park. I think David Archuleta is the most talented and when you "watching" TV while knitting you tend to listen more than watch, at least I do. This kid takes any song and makes it his own. While I think he is the most talented of the group I fear David Cook will win. Jason is going tonight.

Rocky Road Sock 2 down and down

I took the day off Friday to get my PT Cruiser serviced-- oil changed, state inspection and checked out the AC. That was $235.00! Since I was only 5 miles from a LYS, I decided to FINALLY make it to Knit Happens in Old Town Alexandria. I finally found where they were but finding parking was a bitch, plus I did not have any cash on me. So I went down the street to Trader Joe's so I could 1) get some food 2) pee 3) get cash back in case I had to pay for parking in a lot. After several turns around the block I got a metered space and then only had enough change for 36 minutes! I walked up a block and had to make it a quick visit. I made the circuit around the shop and ended up in the sock room. I could not put down this skein of Misti Alpaca Sock yarn in Miriam- it is to dye for!!

When I got home I searched online and found this swatch. My skein looks just like the picture above, much lighter than the swatch.Saturday morning I worked in my garden, using a pitch fork to turn the soil to get out weeds and a vinca plant that is taking over. I left piles to dry out so I could save as much soil as I could. Sunday I would finish up. Work up Sunday to rain and it has been raining all day today and they are calling for more tomorrow.

This is my Columbine. It will have light yellow flowers. This plant seems so tender but it does not die back in the winter. Go figure.
This is a close up of my Japanese Red Maple. I brought this for $3.00 about 15 years ago. What did I have to lose? It is about 5' high and is beautiful.

I have been working on Rocky Road sock #2 all last week. I had to tink back quite a few times after I turn the heel. As I worked the decreases I would keep knitting the k2.p2 on the bottom, tink back to where I messed up. Then I couldn't remember if I had decreased the last two stitches so I tried to see if I did. Then I couldn't figure it out so I tinked back another row, then another. I spent my knitting time Saturday getting back on track. Yesterday I was finally at even stitches on each needle. Well, I showed the sock to my friend Carol this morning at work and look what I found.
This is a MF dropped stitch. No nice way to say it. This sucks big time. So I frogged that GD thing. So here I am tonight. I will try and get it back on the needles tonight. I hope, the stitches are so tiny.
I will leave you with a picture of Stanley watching me work in the garden Saturday.

Now excuse me while I go fix the damned sock!!