Cable Guy

I'm embarrassed to admit that 1. This is the only knitted item I have ever made for my hubby. 2. I started this hat over a year ago. Make that almost 2 years ago. Embarrassment aside, I'm happy with the end result. He has worn it every single day since I finished it. After his initial dismay that this beanie would need to be hand washed, he tried it on and was surprised at how well it fit and realized that my offer to hand wash it for him was a good one. There was a period of worry due to his remark, "Sure I'll wear it if it fits okay and isn't scratchy". I think that's why it took me so long to finish. The prospect of all my hard work resulting in a beanie that would forever sit on the shelf was enough to make me set the project aside for months.. Okay, yes, years. Never mind that...it's done. He loves it. He will be rewarded by possibly receiving another knitted item this year. Heavy stress on the word 'maybe'.

Pattern: 3AM Cable Hat by Smariek Knits

Made For: Hubby

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino

Mods: Extra ribbing and cable repeats for a super long hat

Very Very Busy....The Ambitious Life of a Multi-Tasker

Phew, I'm tired. I've been knitting since Friday at 9pm. No stopping. Night and day. Okay, so maybe there was a bathroom break here and there, but it really does feel as though I've been knitting 24/7. I have to go back to work tomorrow and the thought of not being able to knit for 8 hours is devastating. Even more devastating is knowing that instead of knitting, I'll be working. Ugh. Double up....Ugh Ugh.

This weekend has been wonderful for my knitting ego. I PLOWED my way through Dahlia. Seriously, I never knit this fast. Not only did I knit at the speed of light, I did it without making any mistakes! Bravo me! (She's not finished yet, fingers crossed I can make it through without a disaster)

I successfully knit my way through 4 inches of the Miranda Cabled Scarf. Again, no mistakes. Whatis happening here? Am I in the Twilight Zone? The team consisting of Knitting, Me and Zippo Mistakes is not usually up to bat!

Well, I don't know about you, but I've had quite enough of knitting without mistakes. It's boring. My poor Mother has been patiently waiting for her birthday shawl since the end of October. Looks like she'll be waiting a bit longer. Mistakes in lace make the hair on my arms stand to attention. They also cause me to run and hide for an unknown length of time. You can't see the mistake in the photo but it's there alright. There's no telling how many rows I'll have to frog back. I feel sick. However, due to the numerous high points in my knitting extravaganza, I am not going to beat myself up over this one for long. I'll see you again soon Woodland Shawl.

Now what do you say we round off this post with another happy knitting experience? My fourth Irish Hiking Scarf. Actually, it may be the fifth, I don't know, I'm losing track. This scarf is so incredibly fast and easy, it just flies off the needles. You can never ever go wrong with this pattern. When your knitting has you down and you're questioning your skills, pull out a couple of hanks of something warm and squishy and knit away. You'll be patting yourself on the back in no time.

Well I Do Declare....

He kissed me in Target. He held my hand in Michael's. He never complained as I wandered through the aisles of yarn, over and over again. He walked beside me and told me I am "one of those girls who doesn't need to wear make-up" (I'm surely not). Today there were no flowers or candles or romantic music. He's just not that kind of guy. But in his own special way, he has a knack for making me feel like this....



Oh how I love that man of mine.

Come On. What Are You Waiting For?

My yarn damnit! I'm patiently (actually I'm not being patient at all) waiting for 4-skeins of Cascade 220 in Lake Chelan Heather to arrive on my doorstep. I told myself I was on a yarn diet. I lied. As soon as it gets here I will immediately drop whatever I'm doing and start the lovely Dahlia from Knitty. I was inspired by the beauty Knittymuggins recently finished. I only hope mine turns out as lovely. Oooooh I wish that wool would get here NOW!!

Park. Drive. Neutral. Reverse

I was a woman on a mission. Usually I knit several projects at the same time. Not this one. This was an absolute monogamous knit. It's still somewhat chilly here in Phoenix and I've found that wearing a scarf in the morning is the perfect accessory to take the chill away. So of course I needed a new scarf. In steps the Asherton Reversible Scarf by the very talented Smariek Knits. On a side note....holy moly, red is VERY hard to photograph.










Pattern: Asherton Reversible Scarf

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Made For: Me, the ultimate selfish knitter

Who You Callin' a Lady?

Fantastic. I finally finished. I wore her to work today and couldn't even wait for people to ask. I would just blurt out to anyone that happened to look my way, "I made this you know".



Pattern: February Lady Sweater
Made For: Me Mee Meeeee
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers, Summer Sky

Oh...cause I feel special right now...

I'm just sayin'..........

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 1 or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A. http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

I've made a discovery. My thumb is green.

My inspiration is my Mum's lovely garden.

It will be many, many years before I have her knack for growing and caring for plant life. Until then, I imagine (hope) my love for gardening will continue to grow just as my garden does. To date, I have only had one casualty. RIP Dear Hawaiian looking flower/plant thingy. You were pretty while you lasted. On a lighter note, here's a little photo shoot of a few of the survivors.

In Knitty news, after an extended stay in the closet o' never-finished, I have pulled out my February Lady Sweater and now have an 'almost' wearable cardi. One sleeve to go and *POW* she's done. You have no idea how incredibly excited I am to finish this one.

Tudora Too Bigga

It's my own fault. One of these days I will hopefully learn that a gauge swatch could prevent many swear words. Swear words that are uttered upon realizing that a project is far too big or small. In this case, instead of a neckwarmer with a bit of a Tudor twist, I have a cabled neck brace. Poo.

Pattern: Tudora

Yarn: Not sure...label lost

Made For: Apparently, the intended wearer is a linebacker with a very large neck. :(

More Christmas Lovin...

A few more knitted Xmas goodies for your consideration.

Pattern: Felted Nintendo DS Case / Or as I like to call it, "I've Got Game" (see previous post for Ravelry Link)

This are post-felting photos. My very first felting experience. SO surprisingly easy!

Pattern: House Hats (see previous post for Ravelry Link)

Made For: Gracie

Yarn: Universal Classic Worsted

Pattern: Calorimetry

Made For: Gracie

Yarn: Patons SWS
*please* excuse my 4-finger forehead. I know it's distracting...try to pay attention to the knitted item only.

Pattern: Recipe for a Scarflet

Made for: Sissy Jayne

Yarn: Red Heart Soft - Sissy has a serious wool reaction and not in a good way. It's all acrylic, all the time for her. She can handle cotton as well but cotton and my hands don't get on very well.

Oh and by the by......I am already 12 minutes into keeping one of my New Year's promises to myself. I did an A.M. Yoga program this morning. 12 minutes long. Doesn't sound too impressive does it? If you knew how many times I'd been to the gym in the last 2-years...you'd be very impressed with my 12 minutes of yoga.

Oooh You've Got Some Pie.......

I love pie. Cherry pie. Apple pie. Rhubarb pie. Pretty much any pie (except peach-yuck) you put in front of me will be consumed. I have never actually made a pie. Until now. Triple Layer Pumpkin Spice Pie. It was super easy. Granted, that was because it was a cheater's pie. It included ingredients such as "Honey Maid Graham Pie crust" and "pumpkin spice pudding mix". Although I did caramelize pecans for the first time. I am quite proud of myself. Not only was it easy, it tastes like fluffy slices of heaven. I'm like Betty fricking Crocker.

In Knitting news, I've finished a few Christmas knitty items. I better hurry the hell up or I'm never going to finish everything on time. To top off my knitty anxiety, my neck went out yesterday morning and the pain is going all the way down my right arm. As you well know, that is not good news for a knitter. Not to worry, I will persevere if it kills me. I went to the Doc and the nurse proceeded to give me a shot in the bum!! It didn't help the pain but it did give me a good laugh when the nurse told me, "It'll burn but don't worry...I'll blow on it". And she wasn't joking. What a sight it must've been. Me with my dress hiked up and my pantyhose pulled halfway down. Nurse Joanna with a needle in one hand, blowing on my butt cheek.

Pattern: House Hats Beret (Ravelry Link)

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Universal Classic Worsted Tapestry - waaay less than 1 skein

Pattern: Felted Nintendo DS Case (Ravelry Link) - Photo is pre-felting

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Patons Soy Wool Stripes - less than 1 skein

Pattern: Fetching

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Silk in Cornflower - less than 1 skein

Three Christmas Knitties down. Seven gazillion to go.

When people try to progress, someone must suffer.

Unfortunately, that person is my Hubby. He strongly felt that yesterday be devoted to the cleaning o' the house. Now, I was sure he'd received my memo explaining that this weekend be entirely devoted to Christmas knitting. Apparently he had not. After a few huffs, puffs and evil glares (from both of us) we went our separate ways. He to the back yard for a little John Deere mowing time. I sequestered myself in my knitting room and knit until my fingers felt like they were broken. Granted, a few "me" projects made their way into the Christmas knitting queue. That was to be expected. I'm a selfish knitter to the bone. Spending an entire day without working on something for myself would probably end in a tantrum. I found out yesterday that unselfish knitting is not the only thing that will throw me into a fit. It seems my hubby trying to make me pick up dog poo instead of knitting will do it as well. It took me a long time to get all the stitches back on the needle after I threw my WIP across the desk. Where is this anger coming from? Aah that's right....I quit smoking two+ months ago. Good for the health...not so good for the demeanor. I knew my mood had gone a bit too far down the bitch path when later in the day Hubby asked me to help him with something. I thought I had very nicely said, "Sure no problem". Turns out it came out of my mouth a little differently because his response was, "Maybe we should do it tomorrow when you like me a little more". Poor Poor Hubby. I guess he's now learned the hard way that knitting ALWAYS trumps chores. He'll forgive me when he wears his lovely new mittens on Christmas Day.

Pattern: Basic Men's Mittens

Making For: Neglected Hubbs

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease

Pattern: Warmest Mittens

Yarn: Universal Yarn Classic Tapestry Worsted

Making For: My Niece, Gracie

Pattern: Chevron Scarf

Yarn: Knit Picks Memories - don't remember the colourways

Making For: Me

Pattern: Koolhaas
Yarn: Malabrigo, Terracotta

Making For: Me

Well Hello Ladies, Did You Miss Me?

A good friend of mine kindly pointed out today that I haven't blogged since my birthday. Even though I feel a little guilty for my brief departure from the blogging world, I don't come back to you empty handed. Don't get me wrong....I do realize that in three months time, I should be able to produce more than a hat and a scarf. Unfortunately, my knitting mojo has been sitting in a drawer these past few months and I've had to drag it out kicking and screaming. The good news is that I'm very pleased with the two items I've managed to finish. The even better news is that I'm 99% certain my knitting slump is officially over.





Pattern: Cabled Beret (Ravelry link), Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine
Yarn: Cascade 220, One Skein
Mods: Due to serious yarn shortage issues I had to cut out approx 9 rows towards the end of the pattern. I really don't think it made that much of a difference and I am still VERY pleased with the finished item. I will wear this many times in the cold days to come.



Pattern: Chevron Scarf, Domesticrafts
Yarn: Random colourways from Claudia Handpainted and KPPPM
Mods: None...this pattern is practically perfect in every way
Made for: My lovely Mum

Stay tuned for more knitty news....it's going to be a very busy December

Happy Birthday To Me

My hubby thinks he's terrible at buying birthday presents. I beg to differ.

So You've Settled Down Then?

No, I have not. I had no idea it would take such a long time to feel at home in our new place. I'm sure it's due in part to the lack of furniture acquisition. Is it really that hard to select a couch and a dining room table? For me, yes. We found a couch, fell in love, had it delivered and immediately realized it was too small. Drat. We went looking yesterday for a replacement but there was nothing that tickled my fancy. My Mother-In-Law has offered us her couch. She's ready for a new one and knows we've always loved her sectional. It's a little too long on one side but I think I could live with that. Hey...it's a free couch. I did have luck finding a loveseat for my library/music room. It is by far the most beautiful little loveseat I've ever seen. It was love at first sight.






To date, it is the only thing worth swooning over in this room. I have yet to buy book shelves or lamps or end tables or art or ANYTHING to make this room a habitable place. All in good time.

In knitting news, the world has been a mightly desolate place. I have knit approximately 30 minutes worth in the past month. It's shameful. I've been in such a funk since moving in the house and the thought of picking up my sticks and paying attention to something has been too much for my brain to handle. I don't know why I'm being so dramatic about this move. I should be elated that I have this beautiful new home with so many design possibilities. Day by day I'm starting to settle in a little more. I gave myself a kick in the arse yesterday and decided that I'm being a big baby and need to enjoy this transition in my life. There. Drama over. It's that easy, right?
To celebrate this newfound optimisim, here are a few pictures of my favourite place....my back garden.

Cardi Knitters Unite

If you haven't already seen it, the new Vogue Knitting is a beaut. There are pages after pages of fabulous cardigans. The kind that make me go all warm inside. I've made some serious progress on a cardi of my own. The February Lady Sweater is a joy to knit. The Cascade 220 is a tad rough but think it will do well in a nice, soapy bath. It's longer now than in the photo. I always get nervous when I know I'm nearing the end. I'm never sure if I've made it too long or too short. I try it on but my heart still does a flutter when I'm binding off. All is moving along with the new home. I'm not so far as painting but I did install my very first door knob. I'm quite the handywoman you know. Although I'm told I still need to work on my laundry skills. All in good time.

I don't really give a rat's behind. I'm moving in. I'm tired of living in a van down by the river!

Well friends, it's done. My townhouse is sold and hubby and I are the proud owners of a new home. I've been doing a happy dance ever since I got the phone call to say everything was finalized. Hubby didn't hoot and holler until he had the keys in his hand. Then I got to see his happy dance. I ran through the house like a 5-year old and then laid in my beautiful grassy back garden and stared up at the clouds. The seller left us a wonderful note to tell us the neighbours names and even told us not to worry about the big dog next door (his name is George) because he's ever so friendly. She wished us many happy years in our new home. What a lovely thing to do.

Movin' On Up?

I preface this post by informing you that I started my monthly visit with Auntie Flo this morning, so it's likely I'm a bit more emotional than usual. That said.....

Pardon my french, but this moving business is quite shitty. I have lived in my townhouse for almost eight years. It is the only place I've lived (since I moved away from home at 18) that I've found peace, quiet and security. Leaving that to go not only to a new house, but a new neighborhood as well, is quite the shock to my system. We haven't moved in yet, but I am already starting to feel the emotions of leaving my home and starting a new one. As we did our final walk through today, I discovered that my next door neighbour is an incredibly large Bull Mastiff. He greeted me by standing against the fence and poking his head over (He's taller than me!!!).He then proceeded to announce his presence by loudly barking. I can only imagine how my two little mutts will react to this. I see a barking war in the near future. Unless my dogs are such chicken shits that they immediately run inside. That's the option I'm hoping for. I'm also hoping that the monster dog does not bark all the time. I have a small anxiety issue when it comes to things like this and I know I need to find a way to try not to worry about things I cannot control. Maybe this beast is a life test for me. On the other side of the worry fence, our closing is possibly (most likely) going to be delayed due to the buyer of my buyer's home. Their docs are not yet at the title company and that transaction must close before the sale of my townhouse can go through. The purchase of our new home cannot close until the sale of my townhouse goes through. And the dominos tumble. I'm trying to keep hope alive and send positive vibes and what not out to the universe (I've watched 'The Secret' several times). It just gets tough to be optimistic sometimes. The thing that keeps me going is knowing that once we've moved in, we get to spend some money on new furniture. Shopping always has a way of lifting one's spirits.

Mamma Mia

Since I'm a slacker knitter and still have no finished object photos to show you, today I'd like to show off the work of my Mum, Lorraine. She is my knitting heroine. She's full of knitty wisdom, her cables are second to none, and she knits so fast you can see smoke coming off her needles. She's an underarm knitter. I've tried it several times, but it felt really funky and made me feel like I was born with a deformed right arm that's several inches shorter than my left arm. Mum doesn't at all look like that when she knits. I, on the other hand, was in serious risk of having my right shoulder become permanently higher than my left because of the way I contorted my body while knitting.

I wish I had photos of her many knitted goods from when I was a child. They are truly cabled bliss. Seriously. It's like Medusa's head snakes formed themselves into a sweater. I do however have a photo of the Clapotis she recently finished. Proudly I tell you that she started it due to inspiration from the one I made for my Sissy. My Mum is fantastic. I love her so very much.

A pair of eyes

That are brighter than the summer sky

When you see them, you'll realize

Why I love my sweet lorraine.

Sweet Lorraine - Nat King Cole

The Fat Lady Aint Singin' Yet

It's almost over. 2 more weeks....it will all be over in 2 weeks. I have a feeling this will be the longest 2 weeks I've ever experienced. We're almost done because......WE FOUND A HOUSE!!!!!!! The seller even agreed to close on the same day my house sale is closing. So no short-term housing for me. You have no idea how relieved I am. I watch "Intervention" on A&E a lot. A lot of the addicts stay in extended-stay hotels when one of their family members kicks them down some cash. I didn't want to be staying next door to Crackhead Connie and her friend Heroin Helen. Now I don't have to! WOO HOO!!!! The house we found is perfect with the exception of the master bedroom. It's a little small, but the 4th bedroom is next door so essentially we could break through the wall and create a master suite. The absolute best part about this house is this......



This will be my knitting room. Look at the built in shelves and workspace. I'm pretty sure this room was made to be mine! I cannot wait to move in my books and stash! I also can't wait to rip down that frilly thing hanging over the window. I'd really like to paint the room but I'm a terrible decorator. So I have no idea what would look good. Any thoughts?