Alum Creek

I've Moved Again!

2007-06-29T00:12:00.000-05:00

You can find me over at iweb. Here is my blog link: Alum Creek

I've Moved!

2006-08-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

I have a trial membership to typepad and have moved my blog to http://alumcreek.typepad.com/alum_creek/. It will most likely stay there. I am already really enjoying the features that typepad offers. Please update your links so you can find me.

See you there!

Dye-O-Rama Socks and Some Jewelry

2006-08-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been scarce lately. School is starting soon. And since I am a teacher, I've been rather exhausted with getting my classroom ready and writing lesson plans. These are my August socks for Sock-a-Month. Of course, I am not finished with them. I love the way the yarn is knitting up. This yarn was hand-dyed by Penny and sent to me for the Dye-O-Rama swap. It is beautiful yarn. I've been working on Bobble Blue. The right front side is almost done. I will post pictures soon. I hope. I would like to set up an Etsy shop. I used to make and sell jewelry on Ebay, but got burned out with it. It took a lot of time to make the jewelry and it didn't sell for very much with all the competition from mass producers. I thought Etsey might be a good place for doing this. Here is one of my designs. It is called The Dew Drop Dangle.

Well, I have lots to do today and orientation for school is tomorrow. I better go!

Amazing Lace Challenge #5

2006-08-06T10:32:00.000-05:00

Where's The Not Knit Round Scarf?

Amazing Lace Challenge #5

Is it in the scarf drawer?

Is it on the sweater shelf?

Is it hanging in the closet?

Mmmm? Where IS the Not Knit Round Scarf?

Belated Amazing Lace Challenge #4

2006-08-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

If I were to stop knitting the Iris Warp at this very moment and find a use for it, it would become....

Penny Royal!

I am so mad at my team partner, the Iris Wrap, that she has been fired and frogged. My new team member has been chosen. It will be Penny Royal from the latest issue of Knitter's. A temporary member, The Not Knit Around Scarf, will be filling in until Penny Royal is up to speed.

The details of the estrangement are not necessary, lets just say that the team members--the Iris Wrap and Jenni--were in over their heads.

Fiber Arts Museum in Goliad

2006-07-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

On the way to the coast a few weeks ago we stopped off at Goliad State Park, where a historical Spanish mission still stands.

It was nice surprise to find a whole area of the mission complex dedicated to fiber arts! Here are a few pictures:

This first one is off some various fiber implements. I was especially interested in the spindles on the right.

This one is my favorite. Each one of these skeins is dyed using natural dyes. They are in direct sunlight for most of the day and have been there for about 5 years and haven't lost their great colors.

Also, here is a loom and some woven fabrics...

And some spinning wheels.

One Skein Swap

2006-07-22T22:09:00.000-05:00

Here are the two fabulous skeins of Plymouth bamboo yarn that I received from my One Skein Swap pal. I love them. They are so shiney and smooth. I am going to use them to crochet the Racing Scarf from the latest issue of Crochet Knits. My Isis Wrap for the Amaziing Race is not going well. I thought I made a lot of progress today. I bound off the ride front side and then found that it was too small and doesn't match up with the back. There are so many wierd increases done all at the same them, not to mention keeping track of the lace pattern and working it into the increases. I missed something somewhere...or there is a major mistake in the pattern (which is usually not the case). Either way, I am going to have to frog everything I knit today--YUCK! This is very silly--but you may have noticed that Gretchen the Bun has a liveJournal. You can visit it at Gretchen's Live Journal (Creative title isn't it?_

Dye-O-Rama Crocheted Socks

2006-07-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

I used one of the skeins of yarn that my Dye-o-Rama pal, Penny, sent me to try crocheting a pair of socks. I have knitted socks before, but I have never crocheted any. I was inspired by Amanda's crocheted socks. I really enjoyed it, since sometimes I am not in the mood to deal with all those needles. To make these, I only had to use a hook. I am not very experienced with crochet, however, and the directions are sometimes not all that clear. I have since ordered a book on crocheting socks and hope to learn more. I was also very surprised how fast these were done. I did both socks in about 2 evenings--WOW!

Going Fishing

2006-07-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

I don't want my first fur-child to feel left out now that Gretchen has arrived. Beamer gets to go on outings, while Gretchen the Bun does not. Here is Beamer and he is going fishing. You can see my rod case under his chin. We didn't catch anything. The pond that we went to was about 10 feet below normal level.

My 1st Drop Spun Skein.

2006-07-09T19:40:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of a yarn skein that I made on my drop spindle--my very first one. It is only 50 yards, but I love the colors. I spun it from some silk and wool roving that I got as part of my beginning wheel spinning class. I think I am hooked. I am working on a blue skein now.

Gretchen Update

2006-07-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

IMG_3447, originally uploaded by lilfawn.

Don't be alarmed by the picture. She is not dead. Gretchen is almost back to her spunky self after her spay surgery. She had just done a bunny flop before this picture was taken. For those of you who don't know rabbits, that's when a rabbit suddenly flings itself to one side and falls down right where it had been standing. Usually they only do this when they are relaxed and comfortable. You can see her shaved tummy and stitches--poor Gretchen. She has been confined to her cage for almost a week (except for her great escape last night when she ran up and down the stairs). She won't be able to come out and play for 2 more days. I miss her.

Dye-o-rama swap

2006-07-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

I never showed y'all how I scored in the Dye-o-rama swap. A package full of these goodies were waiting for me when I got back from my trip. My swap partner sent me a beautiful skein of violet and yellow sock yarn, a blue skein of sock yarn, a tube of lotion, and an adorable hand-knitted sheepie. I was overjoyed when I opened it. Thanks again Penny for the lovely package!!!

Catherine's Cami

2006-07-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

This is my Wuthering Heights project for KTC. It is a romantic post mortem wedding gift for Heathcliff and Catherine. I hand crocheted the edging and straps. I did this on my trip to Yellowstone. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to crank the crochet lace out quickly. I made a mistake with the buttonholes however. When I sewed them on my machine, I made them too small for the buttons. Luckily, the cami can be slipped on over the head, so the buttons and buttonholes are purely decorative. This was also my Sew? I Knit project and my Sew Retro project. A three for one seems like a pretty good deal!

Amazing Lace Challenge #3: Poetry

2006-07-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

My Love

Your skin glows like the strawberry,

blossoms lacey as the rose in the purest hope of spring.

My heart follows your flute voice

and leaps like a bunny at the whisper of your name.

The evening floats in on a great cardinal wing.

I am comforted by your Isis Wrap

that I carry into the twilight of knitting needle beams

and hold next to my hands.

I am filled with hope that I may dry your tears of wine.

As my smile falls from my shawl,

it reminds me of your yarn.

In the quiet, I listen for the last tweet of the day.

My heated eyes leap to my lace.

I wait in the moonlight for your secret yarn-over

so that we may knit as one, eyes to eyes,

in search of the magnificient merlot

and mystical ribbing of love.

(Please forgive me Waterhouse)

A Big Day for Gretchen

2006-07-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Gretchen's spay surgery is today. I just dropped her off at the bunny vet. She is being operated on by a vet who is very experienced with rabbits, but I am still a little nervous. It didn't help when the lady at the counter called her a kitty when she took Gretchen into the back. I wanted to say, "You do know she is a rabbit don't you?" I think that would be vet technician 101 stuff. This picture is a little old. She is sitting in her food dish. I think she is too big to do that now. I have missed Amazing Lace Challenge #3: Poetry. I couldn't think of anything and then it sorta passed me by. I guess that is pretty pathetic, considering I am an English teacher. I actually think that is part of the problem. I do not want to write no stupid poetry unless I can do it like Shakespeare. Mmmm? I think I have an idea. Maybe I'll go ahead and do it and just post late. I am starting to become overwhelmed by projects. Here is a list of what I have going on. I think I need to prioritize and start knocking some of these out. Bobble Blue The Isis Wrap The Mini Sweater Wuthering Heights Cami Best Friend Sweater Recycled Bag EDIT: Gretchen breezed through her spay. It went very well, and although she was uncomfortable and drugged for the first 12 hours, she is eating like a pig tonight and tried to escape from her cage. 7/4/06 9:30 pm

Bye Bye Blue

2006-06-30T21:53:00.000-05:00

I had a lot of blue adventures this month.

I crocheted a blue bag.

I made a baby hat for charity.

My Dye-o-rama partner sent me a great skien of blue yarn. (I'll soon post more goodies from my swap partner. I had such a wonderful swap buddy!)

And I died some roving for my new spindle.

I can't wait to get started on Project Spectrum July.

Stash Sunday

2006-06-25T19:32:00.000-05:00

I wasn't able to publish my stashalong updates while I was on my trip. I knitted madly on the Isis Wrap while I was gone. I will post a picture of that soon, although it is still not finished. I did make my one planned stashalong purchase at the Estes Park Wool Market. I have been very good at not buying any yarn and that was part of what helped me. I was so looking forward to the wool market! I was overwhelmed once I got there! There was so much great fiber. I bought 500 yards of a wool/mohair blend that I plan to knit into a shawl and a bag of fiber to spin on my new drop spindle! I got a spindle instead of a wheel. I thought that I would practice drafting with it and if I really caught the bug I'd get myslef a wheel for Christmas. I am almost done with my 3 months of the stashalong!!!

Don't Laugh

2006-06-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the skein that I spun in my beginning wheel spinning class at Estes Park. There are parts of it that look alright--I guess. Maggie, my teacher, insisted that it was a good first skein. My husband laughed at it when he saw it.

Lush Hat put to Good Use

2006-06-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

I am almost home! I think I will fly next time. It's been a long way. I am at my parents' today, picking up my bunny. Here is another knitting-related vacation pic. This is me at Mammoth Hot Springs. I am wearing a hat that I knit from Classic Elite Lush. The pattern comes from a knitting magazine that I purchased on a vacation five years ago. I didn't know how to knit at the time. Who knows why I bought it, but that magazine is what got me into knitting. The wind was so bad on the day this pic was taken that it actually blew the hat off my heaf a couple of times! On this hike, it sleeted on us. It was about 35 degrees! It wasn't very pleasant, but the storm made for some great pictures!

Home on the Range--Amazing Lace Challenge #2

2006-06-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

In true Texas cowgirl style, extreme lace knitting involves two hard weeks of hiking, riding, fishing, and soaking up the sun in Big Sky Country! Along the way, Jenni and her knitting encounter grizzly bears, a black bear, bison, a moose, pronghorns, eagles, a river otter, and too many elk to mention. Both are travelling home safely. (I know this is really late!! Real adventure doesn't promise an Internet connection.)

Vacation--End of Week 1

2006-06-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture that my husband took of a very firendly chipmunk in Rocky Mountain National Park. I just finished my two day class on beginning wheel spinning at the Estes Park Wool Market. It was FABULOUS! My teacher was Maggie Casey from Shuttles and Skeins and she was such a great teacher. I bought a drop spindle so I could practice drafting. I may be getting a wheel, but I will probably wait a few months. As soon as I get home I will post pictures of my first skein! LOL! I am in Buffalo, WY, right now. We are snaking our way up to Yellowstone. I'll try to post a picture whenever I happen on an Internet connection.

Fishing at Dinosaur State Park--Day 1

2006-06-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

I managed to find an Internet connection at a road side park in the panhandle of Texas (WOW!)

Here is a picture of my friend, Shelbie, and me. We are fishing on the river. I am holding up a sunfish that I caught on my fly rod. And she is showing off the minnow that she caught with her bare hands! Too bad that we discovered later that it was dead! No wonder she was able to catch it.

Well, gotta get back on the road!

On my way to The Wool Market

2006-06-07T20:02:00.000-05:00

I will be leaving on vacation in the next few days. I made this square bag for my trip, a little something to carry around my keys and a credit card.

I will be gone for several weeks and I may not be able to update my blog while I am gone.

I am so excited. I will be going to the Estes Park Wool Martket, where I am taking a class on spinning. We are also going to Yellowstone. I can't wait, but there sure is a lot to do as I am getting ready.

Gretchen is going to spend the two weeks with my parents. They will take good care of her. My dad loves bunnies.

I am going to be taking a lot of books with me so that I can read for the Summer Reading Challenge. I am almost done with Wuthering Heights. I plan on taking my longest novels with me: Mill on the Floss, Sons and Lovers, and The Ambassadors. I usually get a lot of reading done on trips.

Stash Sunday and a Wedding

2006-06-04T21:08:00.000-05:00

My brother-in-law Paul got married to his girlfriend Jen on Saturday in a beautiful ceremony. Aren't they cute?

I also managed to do a little knitting, although it was a very busy weekend! My stash project is this little baby hat for the Lucy Bug KAL.

Amazing Lace Challenge #1

2006-06-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

A Day in the Life of Jenni and the Isis Wrap.

An Amazing Lace Production

The day begins with a long commute to work. Jenni, her hubby, and the Isis Wrap all face the traffic bravely and patiently.

At work, the Isis Wrap and Jenni are responsible for teaching teenagers many exciting things about Shakespeare and Sophocles. Look at their bright and excited faces! They are so happy to be learning and treat Jenni and her Isis Wrap with great respect.

Unfortunately, the teenagers don't always listen. The Isis Wrap and Jenni must give them F's.

After a busy day, Jenni and the Isis Warp get to rest as hubby drives them home.

...But before Jenni and the Isis Wrap can relax there are chores to be done. Grocery shopping is one of them.

At the end of the day, Jenni and the Isis Wrap enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends. (The children are ficticious. Any resemblance to actual children, real or imaginary, is unintentional.)

Project Spectrum--Green!

2006-05-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some green items from this month.

First there was my Moll Flanders project, the spiral bag from the book, One Skein.

Next I worked on dyeing yarn for the Dye-o-Rama. This skein is the one that I am mailing to my pal. I think I am going to call it "Texas Hill Country". It reminds me of the green fields, bluebonnets, and blue, humid sky of central Texas.

And of course, there has to be a Gretchen inspired green picture. Gretchen sure likes green! It is the color of all her favorite foods. She gets a green buffet every evening.

(She doesn't keep her room very clean.)

I can't believe I'm doing this.

2006-05-29T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Wardrobe Refashion Pledge

I Jenni,

Pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months.

I Pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recylcle pre-loved items for myself for the term of my contract.

I Pledge that I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract.

I Pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings!

I have to be honest. The stashalong is not that difficult for me. I could probably stashalong indefinately, especially if I am allowed a purchase day a month. But THIS! Oh, I am not sure I can do it. At first I thought "NO WAY"!! But then I thought of the potential savings and the brownie points I could scored with my husband. You see, I love to buy clothes. And I don't buy cheap clothes either.

But as I thought about the options, I realized that I can alter, sew, and knit clothes! I thought that this might just be do-able. I am however only committing to 2 months. We will see how it goes.

My summer challenges go this way:

Ride out the Stashalong
Read along with others in the Summer Reading Challenge 2006
Fulfill the Wardrobe Fashionista Pledge
Sew a top for Sew? I Knit.
Knit an item for Lucy Bug
Make a purse for Bagaholics
Continue to knit One Skein items
Participate in the Amazing Lace
Work on Bobble Blue

I think I can combine some of these, but it sounds like I will be busy!!!

Stash Sunday

2006-05-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

I've had to put my Labyrinth Rug on hold until I build up my stash of worsted part-skeins. I am running out of color options for it. This week I worked on my Amazing Lace (red) project and my KTC (violet) project. Both are a part of my de-stashing efforts. For Amazing Lace I am knitting the Isis Wrap. This is a fun pattern that I think I will wear quite a bit; however, the pattern assumes quite a bit of knitting knowlede, leaving to figure out much for yourself...which is okay I guess, but I hadn't anticiapated it and had to start over. The KTC project is the Minisweater from Glampyre. I am working on the edging and each little point requires me to break the yarn and re-attach it, so it is moving along slowly.

Horror on the Sheep Farm!

2006-05-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

Edit: Since posting this entry I have had communication with several informed persons in the US sheep industry, some of which have never even heard of these practices. I think I can say with confidence that these are isolated instances. Even in Australia, the practice of "musling" is being phased out. I am happy to say that I don't think that my notion of happy sheep is a romantic one. It is truly a realty and I think I can buy wool with confidence. I am, however, going to try to do more to support local American wool production, even if it is at times more expensive. I think that buying US products is the best way to know what I am getting. By the way, Beaversilde Dry Goods gave me a lot of great information when I emailed them about this subject.

Also, many of comments were also very helpful. Thanks!

I saw this horrifying video aptly titled The Horror of Wool on Katie's blog. It is about the Merino sheep industry in Australia. Although this may be old to some of the knitters out in blogland, it sure was news to me. Beware if you watch it. I had to close my eyes a couple of times and I am not really a squeamish person.

Now, the video is produced by Peta, which would like us knitters to use only acrylic yarns--which is NOT going to happen. And although they are often extreme in their views of animal treatment (like we should all be vegeterians), their concerns seem founded in this case. I guess I had the romantic notion that the sheep lived in some kind of pastoral utopia, wandering through green fields, all happy and well-fed.

Reading Challenge

2006-05-25T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here is this summer's reading challenge list. There are several on my list that I've read before (I hope that is okay). I feel like I need a refresher.

However, Saint Joan, As You Like It, Twelth Night, Persuasion, Hard Time, The Mill on the Floss, A Passage to India, Return of the Native, The Marble Faun and The Ambassadors are all books that I will be reading for the very first time!!! I am so excited!

Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw
As You Like it by William Shakespeare
Twelth Night by William Shakespeare
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Hard Times by Charles Dicken
The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
Canterbury Tales by Chaucer
A Passage to India E.M. Forster
Sons and Lovers D.H. Lawrence
Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Ambassadors by Henry James
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

KTC Project

2006-05-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

I've been working on my Pride and Prejudice project for KTC. This is taking way longer than I expected. I am knitting the edging, which is from my practice Dye-o-rama skein. Do you see all the little yarn tails hanging down from the points. All of those will have to be weaved in. UGH! I think it is going to be really cute if it ever gets done.

Bunny Feet

2006-05-21T20:56:00.000-05:00

Here's some bunny feet for all of you with a bunny foot fetish--enjoy!

Stash Sunday

2006-05-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

I am continuing to work on my labyrinth rug. I didn't take a measurement this week, but I figure it about 10 feet now, with 8 more to go. I am actually beginning to run out of yarn scraps and am having to get creative. The pink section is knit from same sample yarn that I died at a natural dye workshop. I never thought I'd use it for anything. I am week 8 of the stashalong and am having a blast!

High School Graduation--Not my own.

2006-05-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

I am a high school teacher. My school graduated the class of 2006 on Saturday. I was their Senior sponsor and got to hang out with them some, but mostly had to make sure they followed the rules. Aren't they are handsome group of young men and women? They are smart too. As you can see there aren't that many of them. I teach at a private parochial school. I love it. When I started teaching at this school right after college, these students were in the 2nd grade. I literally watched most of these kids grow up. Some of them I have taught since they were in the 8th grade. It is always hard to see them go, but how can I be sad? They off into the big world. And they have so much talent and optimism and so much to look forward to--congratulations guys!

Estes Park Wool Market

2006-05-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

I got my registration confirmation for the Estes Park Wool Market today. I am signed up for a two day course in B eginning Wheel Spinning. I am so excited. I don't have a spinning wheel, but I called the instructor and I am going to rent one for the class for $5.

Isn't this beautiful! I am sure it is very expensive. I'll see how the class goes, and I may just start shopping for one. I know absolutely nothing about spinning at the momment, so it wouldn't make much sense to buy one now.

The Amazing Lace and Bobble Blue

2006-05-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

I've been swatching for the Amazing Lace. My partner/project is the Isis Wrap from last summer's issue of Interweave Knits. I am using the Wool-Ease that I won during from Anti-Craft for the Knitting Olymipcs. It is a beautiful color, called berry I think.

Here is the progress I've made on Bobble Blue recently. I have the back done--Horray!

I love this project. I think I like knitting cables better than lace, although lace is much more pratical here in Texas.

I got my undyed yarn in from KnitPicks this week. I also picked up some packets of Kool-Aid. I guess you know what I will be doing this weekend!! I'll post pictures as soon as I am done!

Gretchen is being particularly destructive tonight. She grabbed a seam on our leather couch and pulled hard--using her whole body weight. She surprisingly didn't do a lot of damage. She loves the TV remote also and keeps on biting the buttons off of it--thankfully it still works. Now, she is coming after the laptop. She is in what is called "the bunny from hell" stage--her teenage years. They will pass.

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say Happy Mommy's Day to my mom!

This a picture of my mom and dad in Hawaii last year. We went with them and had a blast. They are going back for their 40th anniversary this year. We were going to go again too, but decided it was too extravagant to go two years in a row. Plus, they should have a little time alone together, even though they would love it if we went.

I don't have any kids; however I do have a godson, CJ. He gives me mommy's day gifts and cards. And since I can't have any kids of my own, he is really special to me. His birthday was this week and this picture was taken at his party. He's three and loves trains.

Stash Sunday

2006-05-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

Here is the lastest progress on my Labyrinth Rug.

I coiled it up a bit so you could see how it will ultimately look. I have 7 feet so far--11 to go! It moves a lot faster than I imagined, but the knitting is kind of boring, just a basic slip stich pattern. Although, I feel productive and I am really enjoying the fact that I am using up all the tidbits of yarn that I don't have the heart to throw away.

Here is a picture of Gretchen's cage. She is eating some nice mustard greens. Last week I put the wooden shelf in myself. I am so proud. My parents gave me a cordless electric drill and a bag with various tools for Christmas. I had to have my hubby trim the board with a saw, but I drilled the holes and used zipties to attach it the the cage. Originally I added two shelves, but took one out, because she didn't have enough room to stand up on her hind legs. She spends quite a bit of time on the shelf and has added a nice bevelled edge to it with her teeth.

Another Swap Quesitonaire--One Skein

2006-05-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

Here is, yet, another questionaire. This one is for the One Skein Swap.

1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)? Classic Elite Lush in Pink Icin

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with? Blues, Pinks, and Browns

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns? I've used some, but usually opt for solid yarn

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns? alpaca, wool, angora

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn? doesn't matter

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them? I'd like to try some of the bamboo and soy based yarns

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year? About 10--2 sweaters and some smaller projects

8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year? probably

9. What is your favorite one skein project? the labyrinth rug, I would also like to make the tank

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it? I have a few drawers full. I store it in some wire drawers in a closet

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it? A skein of Classic Elite Lush in Grasshopper and an orange Skein of Classic Elite Waterspun

12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer? I try to knit winter projects in the summer, because it takes me a long time to finish.

13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)? I am in Knit the Classics and a machine knitting Yahoo group

I am joining Amanda in the Summer Reading Challenge. I am going to plan my challenge carefully, so I will post it in a few days. I have a reading list that I would like to get through. I am looking forward to some reading time and this sounds like fun!

Gretchen is fine, but she just bit one of my Denise Interchangeable Needle cords. BAD BUNNY! She didn't bite all the way through it, but there is now a sizeable crack in it. I guess it will still work (unless it decides to break all the way through during a long car trip or something). When something is wrong with my stuff, it just messes with me. (I probably am a little OCD). I can order replacement cords right?

She's still adorable though!

Dye-O-Rama Meme

2006-05-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a Meme for the Dye-O-Rama Swap. I am so excited. I can't wait until I get my yarn from Knit Picks so I can start dying!

Your favorite colors? Blues, Reds, Pink, Browns

Preferred yarn weight (Fingering, Sport, DK, maybe even Worsted)? Fingering or Sport

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? Either

If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn? If my buddy wants to that's fine, but I don't really prefer it over solid or multicolored yarn

Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)? wool or wool blend is fine, I love alpaca and angora

Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it? English Garden

What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along? The one-of-kind nature of the swap. I will give and receive a truly unique skein or yarm.

General yarn/fiber questions:

Have you dyed yarn/fiber before? yes

If so, what's your favorite dye and method? I've only dyed using natural dyes. I don't have experience with other methods.

Do you spin? I am taking a spinning class at the Estes Park Wool Market. I am a newbie.

Have you knit socks before? yes

Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too? I might make a lace scarf or shawl with sock yarn

What are some of your favorite yarns?Andean Silk, anything by Classic Elite and Cascade

What yarn do you totally covet? Classic Elite Lush

Favorite patterns? Interweave Knit Patterns

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? A pink angora cardigan in Interweave a few winters ago

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Denise Interchangeable and Turbo circulars

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Sorry to be repetitive, but I would have to be angora or mayvbe alpaca

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? dried fruit

What's your favorite animal? bunnies

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? Dog named Beamer who is 13 and a Westie-Poo mix, Rabbit named Gretchen who is less than a year.

If you were a color what color would you be? Pink or light blue

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else's).. Tailored, chrisp, white, button-up, princess-seams, and shirt-tale hem--classic

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? The rose or a beautiful mountain scene

Tell me the best quote you've ever heard or read.

"harmony is in immortal souls;
But whilst this muddy vesture of decay
Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it." William Shakespeare

Do you have a wishlist? No

Fur Friend Find

2006-05-08T19:42:00.000-05:00

One of my friends told me about Dogster. This could be old news to many of my blog readers, but it's this goofy on-line place where your dog can have his own web-page and make doggy freinds--kinda like MySpace for dogs I guess. There is also a Catster, but I don't have a cat so I didn't check that out. (Gretchen is actually my cat replacement. My cat Cricket got hit by a car several years ago) Beamer has his own page and 10 pup pals. He also has about 30 bones too--How Fun!

Here is the lastest picture of Gretchen. She is becoming a member of the family. Click on Beamer's Dogster page for a picture of Beamer and Gretchen co-existing quite nicely together. She adores him, but I am not sure he feels the same way about her.

Stash Sunday

2006-05-07T19:38:00.000-05:00

Here's the progress I've made on the Labyrinth Rug. I am hoping I can get this done during this run of the Stashalong. I am having fun knitting it and feel so productive as I put my yarn stash to good use.

I ordered two skeins of dyable sock yarn from Knit Picks and I am reporting my purchase here. One skein was for a swap so it doesn't count, and the other is needed to finish a WIP that is part of my de-stashing efforts. So I believe all is well and I have not fallen-off-the-wagon!

I have also completed my Moll Flanders project for KTC. It is the Spiral Bag from One Skein. I am happy with how it turned out.

Gretchen's Bunny Feet

2006-05-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Stephanie and Teabird both wanted to see bunny feet. Here is picture of Gretchen's feet. She has very fuzzy feet and has trouble staying in one place on our wood floors. When she tries to sit her feet slide out from under her. And yes, Stephanie and Teabird, Gretchen can be your virtual bunny

KTC blanket 2006

2006-05-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

KTC blanket 2006, originally uploaded by Knit The Classics.

WOW! The KTC blanket is done! My bunny block is part of this fabulous blanket for Warm the World. Thanks Amanda!

Poetry Project

2006-05-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

First, I would like to say that I just realized that some of my blog comment moderation emails have been going to my spam folder. I don't know when this started happening, but I apologize if you commented and I did not post your comments. I was not dis-ing you or anything. I probably deleted them without even looking. I think I have the problem fixed now--I hope.

Here is my Sew? I Knit project for this month. It is a Goblin Market inspired sewing pouch for the new blog, Crafted Poetry.

The fabric is decorated with various types of berries: blackberries, cherries, blueberries. It has a small pincushion in the center and eight pockets for thread and various sewing items. I even crocheted a doiley for the center of it using some sport weight wool that I had in my stash. I am new to crochet and found it quite fun.

The blackberries on the fabric reminded me of a berry harvest that I recently had in my yard. Here's a picture of the crop.

Every year we have wild berries that grow in our yard. We are able to pick them and eat them and they are very good. An elderly neighbor told me they are called dewberries, which I guess is just a term for wild blackberries. We've had a lot of rain recently, so there seems to be a lot of them this year. They never last long enough to make a cobbler or anything. They get eaten up pretty quickly--YUMM!

Gretchen the Bun is doing fine.

She is already litter box trained--and has had NO accidents! She is getting very tame and sociable. As I was writing this post she repetitvely jumped into my chair and walked on the laptop. She tried to bite the cord a few times (oh no!) This is the only cord that I have not protected with plastic tubing. She jumps on the couch while we are watching TV. I thought that was pretty neat until tonight, when she jumped on the couch and started biting us. I don't think she was being mean. I think she is hormonal and needs to have her spay operation soon--or a bunny lobotomy :)

Beamer likes her except when she tries to crawl on him. Something about her claws digging into his back doesn't sit too well with him.

Dye-O-Rama

2006-05-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

I am in the Dye-O-Rama. Only I have not received my exchange information yet. I am eagerly anticpating it and am waiting until this weekend to order yarn for it. This does not count against the Stash-a-long. I checked ; )

I was browsing around on Knit Picks and I couldn't get the wish list feature to work, so I thought I'd post my Dye-O-Rama needs and wants here! I plan on ordering two skeins of Color Your Own Sock Yarn. One will be for the exchange and the other will be practice yarn that I will use to finish a WIP; therefore, it doesn't count against me in the Stash-a-long.

I will probably also order The Dyer's Companion. I went to a seminar several years ago on using natural dyes and I would really like to try that--although dying with Kool-Aid looks so much easier. I would really like the book, Indigo, Madder, and Marigold, but it is a little expensive. Maybe I can find a used copy on Amazon.com. I already have a book on useful native Texas plants and it has a dying section, but it really doesn't give me all the information I need as a newbie.

I'll probably stick with Kool-aid for the first round, but I aim to experiment with some natural dyes in the near future. Especially since that are so many potential plant dyes right in my own yard!

Stash Sunday

2006-04-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

I am still going strong in the Stashalong! I have not fallen off the wagon, so to speak, as some others--bless their hearts! I am still knitting on the Labyrinth Rug. I added a yellow section in honor of April's Project Spectrum, which ends today. I love this project. It is kind of like quilting with yarn!

I also knit a block for the KTC blanket.

It is a bunny block. Can you see the bunny? The pattern is by Judith. You can find it on her blog Knitting Pattern Depot.

Of course, I am obessessed with rabbits right now so I joined a Bunny Kal.

Farewell to Yellow and Orange--Hello Green!

2006-04-29T14:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a recap of my Project Spectrum doings for the month of April

I especially like the Swallow Tail Butterfly . Thank you Paula for identifying him!

I think for May, I will retire Spectrum Saturday and a recap at the end of May instead. That way I can concentrate on quantity instead of quality. I've enjoyed orange and yellow so much...so long! Hello Green!

Meet Gretchen

2006-04-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

Meet my new fur-child, Gretchen.

Okay, I said that I wasn't going to be getting a house bunny until summer; I did it anyway. However, this wasn't a impulse Easter purchase. I have been reading about house bunnies for about six months. I even bought a book on the subject. She is already very good about using her litter box, but I still can't trust her outside her bunny condo by herself. She's still pretty young. I will be getting her spayed as soon as I can. This is good for her health and makes her a better, more affectionate house bunny.

She is not very happy in the above two pictures. The position of her ears indicate a grumpy girl. Most rabbits do not like to be picked up. But I like the one above since you can see how big her ears are.

Here she is doing some exploring!

Stash Sunday!

2006-04-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

I am going to make it one month! This is my fourth week in the Stash-a-long. I am starting to get the hang of the stash busting thing now. I've made a cupcake from my stash and am working on The Labyrinth Rug from One Skein! I am able to use all the bits and pieces of worsted wool that I have laying around: 2 feet down and 16 more to go!

Now that I am starting the fifth week, I have to change my rules just a bit. I am going to need to order 2 skeins of undyed merino from Knit Picks for the Dye-o-rama. I need one to practice on (I am a beginning dyer) and one to mail off for the exchange. The one for practice will be used to finish a WIP, so it really doesn't break my previous rules. Also, I may need to order some yarn for the Estes Park Wool Market class that I will be attending. I will try to use what I have, but if I don't have it, I may have to make a purchase.

So there are my rules for the next four weeks!

Spectrum Saturday

2006-04-22T22:01:00.000-05:00

My Project Spectrum craft for the week is this cupcake from One Skein. I used part of a left over skein to make the yellow cake and some Lion Suede for the frosting. I added some rainbow sprinkles in the form of seed beads.

I am also working on a set of tab curtains for our dining area. I am real excited about them, but need to wait until I have a clear head before I begin sewing. The fabric is a peachy-red and the tabs and tie-backs are to be made out of yellow-gold grosgrain ribbon.

Wish me luck!

Poetry Monday

2006-04-17T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here is one of my favorite poems by ee cummings: "Grasshopper". It is a puzzle just to read it, but I love how he forces your eyes and mind to behave like the poem's namesake.

r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r

r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r
who
a)s w(e loo)k
upnowgath
PPEGORHRASS
eringint(o-
aThe):l
eA
!p:
S a
(r
rIvInG .gRrEaPsPhOs)
to
rea(be)rran(com)gi(e)ngly
,grasshopper;

ee cummings

By the way, I really really hate grasshoppers.

If you don't get the picture, don't ask.

Stash Sunday--Week 3

2006-04-16T22:50:00.000-05:00

My stash hasn't diminished much this week. But I am happy to report that it hasn't grown--oops--except for one thing. I received a box full of Wool-Ease in the mail from the nice gals at Anti-Craft ! I was on Team Angstvania in the Knitting Plympics and won the yarn in a drawing for having completed Swamp Witch. My prize was 4 skeins of Cranberry and 4 skeins of Oxford Grey, along with 3 really cool stickers. I have great plans for this yarn and the colors fit well into my wardrobe. I guess this technically doesn't count for the Stash-a-long, since I didn't break any of my rules: I didn't go out and purchase the yarn. It, innocently, came to me.

My stash project, The Spiral Bag, isn't going very well. I just don't like how it is turned out. This is one of my frustrations with stash busting. When I just have odds and ends skeins, it seems difficult to make them into worthy knitted items. I tried to make due with this one, by doubling my yarn and turn my one worsted skein into bulky, since this is what the pattern called for. Although this might work with some yarns and patterns, I am not happy with it here. I ran out of yarn and the stiches look messy.

Most of my stash consists of a these skeins of yarn left over from previous projects. I think I will concentrate less on those skeins and more on the skeins that I have more of. I still need to finish the Best Friend Jacket and knit something out of my 7 skeins of Svale.

I am working on a cupcake from One Skein. It is almost done and really cute! I am going to sew some "sprinkles" on it in the form of seed beads. I might just make a lot more of these. This pattern might prove to be a great stash-buster. There may be hope for my stash yet!

Easter Sunday and the Passing of my Great-Great Aunt Anna at 108 years

2006-04-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish a Happy Easter to everyone! Last night I went to the Easter Vigil service at my church, so today I am lounging and avoiding the Easter Sunday egg-hunting crowds for now. I plan to a little of that later.

Last week my Aunt Anna died at the age of 108. Please read this newspaper article, Monday's Child is Full of Life, about her last birthday, a month ago. Aunt Anna has been an inspiration to me much of my life.

I have been digging through my keepsakes trying to find the last letter I got from her, about a year ago. If I find it, I will post it! (Let's pray I do!)

Spectrum Saturday

2006-04-15T08:24:00.000-05:00

This week I made a Project Spectrum inspired scrapbook page for my Godson, CJ. I used the scrapbook materials I had, which weren't many.

He has his own scrapbook. I try to add only a few pages a year, hoping that I can get a lot of years in one book. I especially like the picture in the top right, the one with the Nemo sticker on his forehead. He usually has a bruise on that spot. He falls down a lot.

Here's some yarn that is just waiting for me to knit something. The yellow is Alpaca Silk. The orange yarns are Waterspun (do they make this anymore?) and Hemp06. I thought I'd knit a beanie out of the Hemp06 and might try a cupcake from One Skein out of the yellow Alpaca Silk.

And here's one more pic. for Project Spectrum. This is a picture of a huge butterfly that my hubby took this week. Does anyone know what kind it is?

Good Friday Yard Work and Easter Bunnies

2006-04-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

My husband and I are working in the yard today, burning brush and installing fence around my rose garden. Every year about this time, I have clean the winter's mess out of the garden and take stock of what I have. I usually don't water during the winter months and since this winter was pretty dry, I lost two plants. I did start watering, but it was too late. One of my rosemary plants died and I lost a Jackson Perkin's rose (not cheap). I am going to try to go organic this year. I am setting up a compost bin and have been doing some research on growing roses organically. I found these great books and links.

Mountain Valley Growers

The Organic Rose Garden

Roses

Growing Roses Organically

Encyclopedia of Roses

So, I guess it is not impossible to grow roses organically. As long as you are not too picky...which I am not.

As we are working on our fence I am also pondering the prospects of getting another pet. I have been wanting to get a house rabbit. Beamer seems to get along with other species more than dogs like himself. It occurred to me: If I get a large rabbit, like a Flemish Giant or an English Lop, I could let it outside to hop around in the fenced garden and not worry about it being carried away by a hawk.

I doubt I will be getting a rabbit anytime real soon. Maybe when I am off for the summer I will consider it a little more seriously.

Poetry Monday

2006-04-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

What care the Dead, for Chanticleer

Emily Dickinson

What care the Dead, for Chanticleer-
What care the Dead for Day?
'Tis late your Sunrise vex their face-
And Purple Ribaldry-of Morning

Pour as blank on them
As on the Tier of Wall
The Mason builded, yesterday,
And equally as cool-

What care the Dead for Summer?
The Solstice had no Sun
Could waste the Snow before their Gate-
And knew One Bird a Tune-

Could thrill their Mortised Ear
Of all the Birds that be-
This One-beloved of Mankind
Henceforward cherished be-

What care the Dead for Winter?
Themselves as easy freeze-
June Noon-as January Night-
As soon the South-her Breeze

Of Sycamore-or Cinnamon-
Deposit in a Stone
And put a Stone to keep it Warm-
Give Spices-unto Men-

This Monday's selection is far from humorous, but--nevertheless--is inspired by Canterbury Tales.

Stash Sunday--Week 2

2006-04-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

I have been working on my Best Friend Jacket--getting near but, hopelessly, never reaching the end. Here is a pic of my progress so far, just a tad bit more than last week.

I have also been working on my spiral bag. Again, I am so close yet so far from being finished. I think I am running out of yarn. I might have to do something else for the tie. I don't seem to have enough yarn for the I-cord.

My next stash project--as soon as I finish one of the above-- is going to be to use up some Svale that I bought two years ago. I knitted several half sweaters that never did work. I either got bored, or there wasn't enough yarn. I am going to knit this bandeau sweater from Interweave Knits, Winter 2005. I have really enjoyed knitting cables lately and I thought this would be fun. I have 7 skeins so I think it should be enough--let's hope.

Spectrum Saturday

2006-04-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

Inspired by April's colors--yellow and orange--I created a photocollage of yellow/orange flowers around my yard.

These were taken last summer. But there is no doubt that we have many blooms around here again soon.

Bobble Blue Update

2006-04-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

This is going to be short. I am home sick today. I don't even feel like knitting. But I thought I'd go ahead show you this update on Bobble Blue.

I am loving this pattern. I think that there may be quite a few aran-style projects in my knitting bag soon.

Poetry Monday

2006-04-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

April's poetry inspiration comes from the very satirical classic The Canterbury Tales

My first selection for this month, although connected to Chaucer's humorous work, can really only be called witty. Really it is a game of wits between a hormonal teenage boy and a sensible, however, immature and naive 13 year old girl. It is from Romeo and Juliet and is one of my favorite passages from the play. It does relate to The Canterbury Tales in the sense that Romeo claims to seek Juliet, as a pilgrim does a saint, just as the pilgrims of Chaucer's tale are on the way to see the grave of Thomas Beckett.

ROMEO:	[To JULIET] If I profane with my unworthiest hand
	This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
	My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
	To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.
JULIET:	Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
	Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
	For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,
	And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.
ROMEO:	Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?
JULIET:	Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.
ROMEO:	O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do;
	They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.
JULIET:	Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.
ROMEO:	Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take

I am also now part of a blog group called Crafted Poetry. Amanda came up with this idea and I am very excited! We are reading Christina Rosetti's "The Goblin Market", discussing it, and then crafting something inspired by the poem. I plan to make a purse out of some reproduction fabric from the Victorian period that I have in my fabric stash. The bag will include fruit as an element in its design, to signify the f ruit that tempts the Victorian ladies of the poem as the goblins are calling out to them.

I will leave you a short passage from "The Goblin Market" as well as a great Pre-Raphaelite painting of Romeo and Juliet.

"Come buy," call the goblins
Hobbling down the glen.
"O! cried Lizzie, Laura, Laura,
You should not peep at goblin men."

Pattern for Tiger Tweed Pencil Tote

2006-04-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

Yarn: 1 skein of black worsted weight yarn, 1 skein of orange worsted weight yarn Needles: Size 6 Gauge: 20 stitches per 4 inches Materials: crochet hook, lining fabric (if desired), 9 inch zipper Finished size: 9 x 3 inches Directions: Cast on 47 stitches with the black yarn. Row 1 (RS) With the orange yarn, k3, *sl wyib, k3; rep from * Row 2 With orange yarn, k3, *sl 1 wyif, k3; rep from * Row 3 With black yarn, k1, *sl wyib, k3; rep from *, end sl 1, k1 Row 4 With black yarn, k1, *sl 1 wyif, k3; rep from *, end sl 1, k1 Repeat Rows 1-4 six more times. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 once more. Knit two rows with black yarn. Knit one row with orange yarn; purl one row with orange yarn. knit two rows with black yarn Repeat Rows 1-4 seven more times. Repeart Rows 1 and 2 once more. Cast off with black yarn. Block flat. Fold in half and crochet the sides together with black yarn. Weave in ends. Sew in zipper. To make a fabric liner, use two pieces of fabric 10 x 4 inches. Sew together with 1/2 inch seam allowances leaving one of the long side open. Turn and hiand stitch in place. If you have any questions, or if the pattern doesn't seem to work right, comment and I will try to help.

Stash Sunday--Week 1

2006-04-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

I will report on my dwindling yarn stash on Sundays during the Stash-a-long. I am getting a little destracted by all the going-ons in blog land and feel the need to focus just a bit. I am excited about using some of the odds and ends of yarn that I have around here. I am also knitting in the One Skein KAL. And these two KALs fit perfectly together. My first destash project is my Life of Pi project for KTC , as well as an orange project for April's Project Spectrum. I made a tiger tweed pencil tote for my sketching pencils. This little bag is, of course, inspired by Richard Parker. There is a portion of the book in which Pi reports that he kept a journal of his experiences at sea, when possible. It would have been nice if Pi had some journaling supplies with him. Moreover, since I use my pencils for a nature journal/sketch diary, I thought it was fitting to the book as well. Pi, a naturalist at heart, is forced to eat the creatures of the sea to survive. This grieves him greatly, for he considers each animal a creation of God and even prays the first fish that he killed with his bare hands. This tiger tweed bag is for Pi and his love for God's creatures. I have begun another destash project for Moll Flanders. This is an interesting book, because the reader cannot be sure if Moll is a reliable narrator. She seems forced into her debauchery by her circumstances, gender, social standing, and bad luck. But always at the back of my mind I wonder if she is, infact, spinning the tale in order to make excuses for herself. Her ultimate goals seem to be money and vainity. So I am making her a green coin purse. This pattern comes from the book One Skein and the yarn is Cotton Fleece in the color, Mint Condition! Can you believe that? I am learning to have faith in my yarn stash. Another destash project has been a thorn in my side for over a year now. I bought 7 skeins of Cascacde Pastaza from Kaleidoscope Yarns last year after the Tsunami. A great deal of the profits went to the Red Cross, but this yarn was not cheap. I knitted a red pullover. The pattern was from Knitting for Dummies. But, alas, I made the pullover too small. And although it didn't look bad, the sweater was incredibly scratchy due to its high lama content. It fit too close for comfort, so I frogged it. I decided to knit the Best Friend Jacket from The Knit Stitch. I thought I could finish this for March's Project Spectrum, but this did not work either. I am half a sleeve away from completion, so I still am knitting a way. I hope this has a happy ending. This yarn is beautiful and really does deserve to be a great sweater!

This made my day!

2006-03-30T19:05:00.000-06:00

I got my mystery swap package from Liz today! It was perfect timing. I was a little bummed and it cheered me up quite a bit. I don't know if I should start reading or knitting. I am so excited about the books and the yarn! The yarn is Allhemp6 in pumpkin--perfect for April's Project Spectrum.

The package also contained some gormet coffee, a candle, a cute blue emu thingy, and some dog treats for Beamer!

I am very happy!

Poetry Monday

2006-03-27T06:01:00.000-06:00

To the Thawing Wind
by: Robert Frost

Come with rain, O loud Southwester!
Bring the singer, bring the nester;
Give the buried flower a dream;
Make the settled snow-bank steam;
Find the brown beneath the white;
But whate'er you do to-night,
Bathe my window, make it flow,
Melt it as the ice will go;
Melt the glass and leave the sticks
Like a hermit's crucifix;
Burst into my narrow stall;
Swing the picture on the wall;
Run the rattling pages o'er;
Scatter poems on the floor;
Turn the poet out of door.

Jeep Jamboree

2006-03-26T21:27:00.000-06:00

I am back from the Jeep Jamboree. I will staying around for awhile now. Home is good.

The weekend was great, but unfortunately we were having camera problems. I will try to post some better pics soon. I did a lot of the driving, since Scott was spotting others on the trail. Some of the people on the trail were not used to seeing a girl like me behind the wheel. There was lots of cheeing as I went over the various obstacles. I felt like I was a celebrity, especially when total strangers were cheering my name. It was fun, but unfortunately I did not get as much knitting done as I would have liked.

I am hoping to finish my red Best Friend Jacket for Project Spectrum this week. I've started my tiger tweed pencil tote for The Life of Pi. (Orange...for April's Project Spectrum) Pictures are coming soon.

Over the weekend I finished reading The Red Badge of Courage. This is a great book. I hope my students like it as much as I did.

Time to knit and go...

2006-03-23T20:31:00.000-06:00

I am forever going out of town. I've been at home for four days, and off I go again tomorrow. My husband is trail help for the Inks Lake Jeep Jamboree in Texas. He's already there. I decided I'd go late.

I hope to get a lot done on Project Spectrum. I am knitting The Best Friend Jacket from Sally Melville's series: The Knitting Experience. I am using Cascade Pastaza, which I love. This is my second project to knit from this yarn. I frogged my last sweater and am reknitting it. The yarn is too nice to knit a mediocre project. I bought it last year from Kaleidoscope Yarns as part of a fundraiser for the Tsumani. If I remember correctly, 75% of sales that day went to the Red Cross.

I'll be out of range for a few days. Talk to you later!

Vacation Knitting

2006-03-21T20:27:00.000-06:00

Here is the work that I've accomplished on Bobble Blue while on my vacation. I am really enjoying the knitting. It is pretty easy to keep track of the pattern and interesting enough that I haven't been getting bored.

I like the light blue yarn. It shows off the stitch pattern very well.

I am back from my vacation and I guess I need a vacation from my vacation, as they say. I am finally starting to feel rested. I hiked quite a bit, and since I have been working out pretty regularly, I was able to motor! I love hiking and it is even more fun when I am not out of breath. I thought I'd post a few vacation pictures over the next few days. This one was taken at Bryce Canyon on the Navajo Loop Trail. It looks cold, and I guess it was. But it wasn't too bad once we got moving.

The man in the picture is my father-in-law. He and my mother-in-law did all the hikes Scott and I did, albeit a little slower, but I was impressed with the way they can hike.

I finished The Life of Pi on my trip. I have lost a little sleep pondering its point. I suppose that could be a sign of a good book. I am not sure why it is "a story to make you believe in God". Perhaps it has to do with having enough faith to believe the improbable, but that seems weak. And I can't help but think there must be more to it. So I will have to ponder a little more--maybe I'll even cheat and read some commentaries.

I wasn't going to knit a project for this book, but nevertheless, I have started one despite myself. It is a tiger patterned pencil bag for my sketching pencils and pens. I will post a picture and let you know more about it. It is my own design.

Poetry Monday

2006-03-20T18:16:00.000-06:00

The painting is by John Williams Waterhouse and is called "The Flower Picker". The poem is by Gerard Manly Hopkins who offers a unique perspective on the change of seasons.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–89). Poems. 1918. 31. Spring and Fall to a young child MÁRGARÉT, áre you gríeving Over Goldengrove unleaving? Leáves, líke the things of man, you With your fresh thoughts care for, can you? Áh! ás the heart grows older It will come to such sights colder By and by, nor spare a sigh Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie; And yet you wíll weep and know why. Now no matter, child, the name: Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same. Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed What heart heard of, ghost guessed: It ís the blight man was born for, It is Margaret you mourn for.

Vacation Update

2006-03-15T19:21:00.000-06:00

Day four of my vacation has me worn out! We hiked three trails today at Zion. We took some great pictures, but haven't downloaded them yet. Here are a few from yesterday and Monday. At the beginning of the week we went to Las Vegas and stayed at Circus Circus (Yuck! We won't do that again). Here is picture we took of the fountains infront of the Bellagio. I told Scott that if he ever wanted to surprise me with a really nice anniversary trip, he could take me there. I absolutely fell in love with it.

This next picture is a panoramic. It was taken on the balcony of our hotel room in Springdale.

I have been getting a lot of knitting done. But with all the great scenery, I haven't been motivated to take any pictures of it. I am about 3/4 done with my spectrum project and about 1/2 through the back of Bobble Blue. Talk to you later (if I get time and have Internet access!)

Hi from Zion

2006-03-14T22:07:00.000-06:00

I am staying near Zion National Park and I have Internet access. Here is a picture of me in Bristow. I finished it just in time for my trip. My husband took this picture in Zion.

I'll try to post a few more pictures throughout the week. We spent the first few days of the trip in Las Vegas, we are now in Zion, and we plan to go to Bryce Canyon as well (except I just saw on the news that it is -12 degrees there) . I am getting lots of knitting done and I finally have a chance to wear some of my finished objects!

Poetry Monday

2006-03-11T06:08:00.000-06:00

I am posting my Poetry ~~Saturday~~ Monday selection because I will be on vacation this week. I don't know if I will access to the Internet or not.

My second March poem is one by Shakespeare.

William Shakespeare

Winter

WHEN icicles hang by the wall,
And Dick the shepherd blows his nail,
And Tom bears logs into the hall,
And milk comes frozen home in pail,
When blood is nipp'd, and ways be foul,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
To-whit!
To-who!-a merry note,
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.

When all aloud the wind doe blow,
And coughing drowns the parson's saw,
And birds sit brooding in the snow,
And Marian's nose looks red and raw,
When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
To-whit!
To-who!-a merry note,
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.

Spring!

2006-03-07T19:06:00.000-06:00

It is beginning to be spring here in Texas. Here is one of the first signs (despite the fact that it is 80 degrees outside)--a hyacinth! This one comes up in my front yard every year. I am always so happy to see it.

Speaking of yards, some bloggers I know are taking a backyard field trip. I read about this on Katie's blog and haven't got a chance to post yet. The idea is to take a picture of your backyard and then post it on your blog, so your readers will be able to take a virtual field trip in cyberspace! Here's my backyard:

Not much to see. My husband and I built our own house (literally!) and we have never had much time to spend on the yard, because other things (like the roof) always took priority. Now we're tired.

Here is my finished skirt for Sew? I Knit. I needed to finish it this week, because we will be on vacation next week. And I may not be able to post. I wore it to work today and am quite happy with it although the picture of me could be better.

Poetry Monday

2006-03-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening

Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
When I read March's theme for poetry Monday, I immediately thought of this poem. March always seems to start out blistering cold and end with springtime. "Comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" I guess they say. So I thought I'd do a few winter poems and then swtich to spring poems when the ides of March comes around.

Book Meme!

2006-03-05T19:08:00.000-06:00

This is a meme from Carrie K's blog. Here it goes:

1) Name five of your favourite books. Wuthering Heights, Dune, Riders of the Purple Sage (or anything by Zane Grey), Othello, anything by Hawthorne

2) What was the last book you bought? The Life of Pi

3) What was the last book you ~~read~~ finished? Woman on the Edge of Time

4) List five books that have been particularly meaningful to you (in no particular order). Slaughter House Five, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Wizard of Oz (as a child), Go Ask Alice (as a teenager), Gone with the Wind (as a teenager)

5) Name three books you've been dying to read but just haven't gotten around to it? War and Peace, As I Lay Dying, The Turn of the Screw

I am tagging all who read this!

Book Swap Questionaire

2006-03-04T08:35:00.000-06:00

Here is KTC questionaire for the April Fool's Mystery Book Swap!

1. What is your favorite type of yarn/fibers? Alpaca, wool, angora
2. Any yarns/fibers you absolutely hate? acrylic
3. Any type that you would love to try but haven't yet? bamboo, soy, linen, hemp
4. Any yarn allergies or sensitivities? no
5. Favorite colors? blues, pinks, corals, lavenders
6. Favorite type of thing to knit: socks, lace, fair isle etc. lace, cables
7. Any knitting tools you would love to have? sheep tape measure, cool stitch markers, Row Counter Plus, circular kneedle id tags, knitting journal
8. Favorite tools you already have? u-shaped cable needles
9. Favorite knitting designer? Jean Moss, Nancy Bush
10. Favorite knitting book? The Knitting Experience by Sally Melville
11. Any knitting books you would like? Jean Moss's Sculptured Knits, Jean Frost Jackets, Color Wheel and Color Book from Knit Picks, Folk Shawls

Food:
1. Favorite foods/flavors? strawberries, pineapple, coconut
2. Foods/favors you dislike? none (except, maybe, oysters)
3. Any food allergies? none
4. Do you like tea or coffee? YES! especially coffee!

Books:
1. Favorite genre? short stories, plays, poetry (sorry I can't pick)
2. Favorite authors? Hawthorne, Gerard Manly Hopkins, Shakespeare, Zane Grey (this is my escape author)
3. Top three favorite books? Hawthorne Short Stories, Wuthering Heights, Othello
4. Anything you dislike to read? not really, I don't read books off the best seller list very often.
5. Do you like to listen to audiobooks? Cassette, cd or mp3 format? YES! mp3 (I just got an I-Pod Shuffle!)

Misc:
1. Other hobbies besides knitting? fly fishing, sewing, canoeing, growing roses
2. Do you collect anything? tea cups, saucers, and tea pots
3. Favorite scent? apple spice, roses
4. Any scent you dislike or are allergic to? none
5. Music that you like or dislike? I don't like pop music and rap. I grew up in the 80's. I like U2, Elton John, Billy Joel, and The Beatles, and Texas-style country music

Bobble Blue Yarn

2006-03-02T18:42:00.000-06:00

I just got my yarn for Bobble Blue. I picked Bluebell for my color. I liked the green best, but I don't have a lot of clothes that will go with green...so I ordered the blue, a nice spring color. I haven't started knitting yet, I am still trying to finish Bristow, my Andean Treasure Vest, and my Best Friend Jacket. In fact, I may skip The Life of Pi project this month. I thought that I would do Bamboozelle. If I get the chance, I still will. But since I am going to be out of town a week for spring break, I am not sure that I will be able to get the yarn. I will be watching for cool yarn shops on my trip--for sure!

We are going to be going to southwest Utah, mainly Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon!

Poetry Monday

2006-02-27T18:29:00.000-06:00

This Mondays's poem is a sequel to last Monday's: "The Passionate Shepard to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe. Today's is by Raleigh and it is "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd". I love it. The nymph tears the shepherd's pastoral romantic posturing to roving!

The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd

- Sir Walter Ralegh (1554?-1618)

If all the world and love were young,
And truth in every shepherd's tongue,
These pretty pleasures might me move
To live with thee and be thy Love.

But Time drives flocks from field to fold;
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold;
And Philomel becometh dumb;
The rest complains of cares to come.

The flowers do fade, and wanton fields
To wayward Winter reckoning yields:
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,
Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall.

Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses,
Thy cap, they kirtle, and thy posies,
Soon break, soon wither - soon forgotten,
In folly ripe, in reason rotten.

Thy belt of straw and ivy-buds,
Thy coral clasps and amber studs,-
All these in me no means can move
To come to thee and be thy Love.

But could youth last, and love still breed,
Had joys no date, nor age no need,
Then these delights my mind might move
to live with thee and be thy Love.

I've been reading The Life of Pi and like it so far. I think I am going to knit Bamboozelle for my project.

Swamp Witch

2006-02-25T13:05:00.000-06:00

A strange creature rose out of the swamp today. It crawled out of my tackle box and deposited itself quite stubbornly on my knitting chair. As I watched it materialize, I attempted to capture it on camera. Its image did not register well--probably due to its supernatural constitution.

It appeared to have legs, but I was not sure.

At times a head emerged, without features or form.

It seemed to writhe and struggle for existence...

...which was fleeting, for soon it crawled back into my tackle box and was gone.

Now really, this is my knitting olympics project Swamp Witch--which is now finished! Hooray! It is also my Woman on the Edge of Time KTC project. My fur-child, Beamer, especially likes it!

The View out my Window

2006-02-22T20:21:00.000-06:00

This is one reason I have an hour commute to work. Monday morning my hubby took this picture out one of our windows. We think it is a hawk, but he looks a little like an owl since his feathers are all fluffed out to keep warm.

Poetry Monday

2006-02-20T07:20:00.000-06:00

I have joined a great new blog group: Poetry Monday. Each Monday everyone in the group posts a poem. February's poetry theme is love/affection. I have chosen Christopher Marlow's poem, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love". This isn't one of my favorite love poems, but the nymph's answer is. I plan to do that one next week--so please return for the sequel.

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
by Christopher Marlowe
1599

Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields
Woods or steepy mountain yields

And we will sit upon the rocks,
Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks
By shallow rivers to whose falls
Melodious birds sing madrigals.

And I will make thee beds of roses
And a thousand fragrant posies,
A cap of flower, and a kirtle
Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of the finest wool
Which from our pretty lambs we pull;
Fair lined slippers for the cold
With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and ivy buds,
With coral clasps and amber studs;
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me and be my love.

The shepherds' swains shall dance and sing
For thy delight each May morning:
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me and be my love.

Adventures in Pound Cake II

2006-02-17T19:16:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I chronicled the creation of some poppy seed pound cakes. I know you have been anxiously awaiting the sequel to this first gripping adventure. Making a second variation pound cake proved a little faster than the last. I guess the practice is making me more familiar with the process. This recipe was for a basic pound cake that included three types of ginger: ground, crystallized, and fresh. Although it sounds like a little much, it bakes up mildly spicey and delicious!

Here are a few shots of the butter creaming process. I whip the butter and sugar for three minutes total, until the mixture is fluffly and cream-colored.

Here are my finished pound cakes. My hubby loves them.

Next time it will be lemon pound cake. I know the anticipation is unbearable.

Spring Project--Bobble Blue

2006-02-12T16:27:00.000-06:00

I have been spying on the upcoming issue of Interweave Knits, trying to anticipate my next project. I am about to block Bristow and want to start a spring project soon after. I always wait too long into the season. I have found this project: Bobble Blue--except I might knit Bobble Green.

What is so nifty about the spring 2006 preview is that the editors have included the yarn and number of skeins, so I can go ahead and order! The cardigan calls for a worsted weight alpaca blend. I think I am going to use Knit Picks Andean Silk. I am using it now to knit Bristow and have enjoyed it. I am not sure what color to knit it in.

Above are a few possibilites.

Sew-A-Long

2006-02-11T17:15:00.000-06:00

I joined a KAL for knintters who sew--sometimes: Sew? I knit! I hope this will motivate me to use my Bernina a little more often. Plus, I am not able to follow through with sewing projects as well as knitting ones. A little outside motivation always helps. I can't wait to see everyone's skirts.

I am sewing a straight skirt out of a leopard print cotton.

I've been working on this skirt today. I am not able to start my knitting olympics project because I am still waiting for three balls of yarn to arrive in the mail. I expect they will get here at the beginning of this week, but if they don't I probably won't get my gold medal. This delay makes my project a little more challenging!

Weekend Rock Crawling

2006-02-05T17:25:00.000-06:00

I have decided to knit Swamp Witch as my project for Woman on the Edge of Time. It is also my Knitting Olympics project. In order to make my project a little more challenging I am going to knit it using the English method. I am a continental knitter and the large size 35 inch needles will be very awkward, flapping away, so learning to knit English will add a little challenge and will be helpful with those project, like this one, where contintental just doesn't work. I also plan to knit it only while watching the Olympics--no knitting it in the car, or watching movies, etc.

I went Jeeping this weekend and it was very relaxing. Jeeping is one of my hobbies, but I haven't done it in awhile. We are helping some other Jeepers from San Antonio Jeep Exclusive get ready for the Jeep Jamoree that is in about a month. We mapped out trails and hung markers. The guys even moved a giant boulder with a hydraulic jack (which was really quite pointless). We joined Austin Jeep Exclusive while we were there, so there should be some more Jeeping soon, a little closer to home.

I got a lot done on Bristow by the way. I have about 1/2 a sleeve to go!

Pink Skies, Hats, and Mitts

2006-01-29T09:51:00.000-06:00

Last night, we had a beautiful sunset. This is a digital shot that my hubby took in our front yard. I think it is beautiful how the sky fades from blue, to violet, to coral. I just might use it as inspiration for a project.

I have finished my Knit Flat Hat and Mitts. They match the sky. Pink is one of my favorite colors, especially to wear.

Also, I finished my Sniper Cozie for Mrs. Dalloway. I liked the book; however, it is not one that I would have chosen to read on my own. I am so glad that I found Knit the Classics. I really need to read a wide variety of books, both for my job as an English teacher, and my personal enjoyment. Because I have to read so much for school, sometimes I find myself reading the same books over and over, with no time for any others. I am looking forward to the February's, Woman on the Edge of Time. Unfortunately, I am a little behind on my school reading. I need to finish Benito Cereno in two days, so I can't start Marge Piercy until after I finish Melville.

Knitting Olympics

2006-01-27T21:06:00.000-06:00

I 've joined the Knitting Olympics!

My project will be Swamp Witch from Anti-Craft. I can't wait to get my yarn and swatch! Not start of course. I can't do that until February 10th. I think I will be able to finish this project in 16 days.

Tagged!

2006-01-25T19:49:00.000-06:00

I believe I've been tagged by Sherill !

4-Jobs you have had in your life.

1. Cotton candy concessions at a waterpark
2. Girl Scout Camp Counselor
3. Daycare worker
4. High school English and art teacher

4 Movies you would watch over and over again.
1. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
2. Gone with the Wind
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
4. A River Runs Through It (or Seven Years in Tibet--I can't decide)

4 Places I have lived.
1. Kansas
2. Nebraska
3. Arizona
4. Texas

4-tv shows you love to watch.
1. Dirty Jobs
2. Keith Oberman
3. ER
4. The Dog Whisperer

4-Places you have been on vacation.
1. Hawaii
2. Colorado Plateau
3. Yosemite
4. Hilton Head Island

4-Websites you visit daily
1. Knit the Classics
2. My blog...as hub to cool internet stuff
3. My school's website
4. Yahoo

4- Favorite Foods
1. Blackened Catfish
2. Strawberry Shortcake
3. French Fries
4. Turkey and Dressing

4-Places you would rather be right now.
1. Hawaii
2. Hiking in the Mountains
3. Fishing
4. Home, with no place to go

4-People you tag to complete this.
1. chittavrtti
2. Knit Annie
3. Susan

4. Melissajoon

Reflections on Mrs. Dalloway

2006-01-22T09:42:00.000-06:00

I am a little more than 1/2 way through Mrs. Dalloway for Knit the Classics. I have not made a lot of decisions about the novel yet. I remember enjoying Virginia Woolf quite a bit when I was in college, but nowadays I guess I am quite more adept at reading Hawthorne than Woolf. I do not dislike the novel, but at times I am just not in the mood. And lines like the one that describes "chickens swimming in casseroles" strike me as forced.

My knitting has been proceeding slowy. I decided to go ahead and cast on a Sniper Cozie since it requires less in time and money than my other ideas. I am still trying to finish up a few other large projects, so I do noy want to start another. I decided to knit the Brioche Gaiter from Interweave Knits Fall 2005, figuring it would warm a soldier well.

I have never knitted Brioche before and it just didn't make sense to me, especially knitted it in the round. I cast on about 10 times and could never make it work, so I frogged it and began knitting the project flat. When I finished there were too many mistakes to make a suitable gift so I frogged it again. This time I felt confident enough with brioche to knit in the round. And after a few more failed attempts, I am knitting happily in circles. I am beginning to like brioche and may even try a larger project in the stitch.

Despite so many difficulties, I am happy that I have picked this project for Mrs. Dalloway. My two favorite characters are Septimus and Peter. Knitting something masculine reflects the affection I have for both of them.

Adventures in Pound Cake

2006-01-16T18:46:00.000-06:00

I have been learning to make cakes recently. Here I have chronicled the creation of two poppy seed pound cakes, made from scratch. The first picture shows my ingredients and tools, set out and ready to go..."mise en place". I am trying out two new loaf pans for the first time. They are insulated and covered with a gold-tone non-stick surface. The item at the top center is a cake candle and not part of the recipe.

Below is a picture of the batter before going into the oven. It is light, fluffy, and goey--all at the same time. Don't eat it! All the butter will make you sick. You have to wait until it bakes.

Here are the two finished pound cakes after about 1.5 hours in the oven. Next time, I will adust the temp a little. They came out a little browner than I would have liked.

Here is a finished cake, ready to eat. Its twin went in the freezer to be enjoyed another day.

The pans were a success!

I hope I haven't bored you to death. Next time I will try a variation...ginger pound cakes! Mmmmmm...

Boden Spring Catalog!

2006-01-15T17:13:00.000-06:00

I am slightly obsessed with Boden, a British, online clothing catalog. I discovered it about 2 years ago and can't stop buying clothes. The spring catalog just came out and I am trying to use some self-restraint. I try to limit myself to the purchase of one clothing item per month (that rarely happens). I was hoping they would have more navy in their spring line, but alas no. But there are a lot of pinks, which I love. There aren't any actual skirt suits though, which I also love (sigh!). I guess that means that I'll have to knit some cardigans to go with a few skirts (too bad).

Please allow me to indulge so I can list some of my favs. Jersey Dress, Printed Silk Dress, Linen Shirt Dress, Funky Cardigan, Cotton Tie-Top

1920's knits

2006-01-13T18:40:00.000-06:00

Here is another pattern to go along with Mrs. Dalloway: The Erte Cloche (I can't stop looking) . It is on this great website that I have never seen before: Marniemaclean.com. I probably won't make it anytime soon, but if I post it here, I'll be able to find it later.

Angora Dreams II

2006-01-12T20:44:00.000-06:00

I love Angora! I got an email from Knitter's Review today that describes what sounds like the most wonderful angora yarn: Kimono Angora. I want to try it!

Mrs. Dalloway Project!

2006-01-10T20:19:00.000-06:00

I have finally chosen my Mrs. Dalloway project, now that I am halfway through the book! I am going to do this faux-racoon coat from Interweave Knits Spring 2003. It is based on the capes of the 1920's and looks pretty authentic. I've found some colors of Fun Fur that look realistic so I decided to go for it. The only problem is that I need to finish one of my current projects before I begin. I promised myself that I would not have more than two major projects and one small project on my needles at one time. I may end up getting behind a month with my KTC knitting, but I think that's okay! No pressure.

The Knitting Experience Update

2006-01-08T17:03:00.000-06:00

Here is my Knit Flat Hat and Mitts from The Knit Stitch in progress. This is the hat about half done in Lion Wool Prints, Wildflower. Previously I made a wish list for Book 1 of the series. Here is the list for Book 2: The Purl Stitch.

Tricia's Shawl (I might use some Svale that I have in Tea Rose)
Simple Cardigan in Shine
Simple and Sleeveless in Zen
Two Tone Top in Elegance
Basic Vest in Merino Style
Cross-Over Top in cotton twist
Kangaroo Duo in Wool of the Andes
Raglan Body-Hugger in frogged Cherry Hill
With a Twist Turtle Panache
Classic Ribbed Pullover in Sierra
Classic College Cardigan in Wool Ease chunky
Elaine's Scarf in Thick and Quick Chenille and Shannon
Simple Socks on Two Circular needles
Elegant Gaunlets in Koigu Painter's Pallete
Canadian Winter Hat and Mitts in Koigu Kersti and Cascade 220 held together.
Collared Wrap in Lush
Another Coco jacket in cotton twist
Luscious Pullover in Patons Katrina.

WOW! I guess there are a lot of good patterns in this book! It seems I want to knit everyone!

Tess Project Done

2006-01-08T10:19:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of my Tess headband. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I haven't worn it out in public yet, but I think I will get a lot of use of it, especially on camping trips and the like when I want to keep my hair from blowing around. I made it out of KnitPicks Merino Style, which was alright, but maybe a little too heavy for the pattern

Strategies for Wardrobe Management

2006-01-07T15:27:00.000-06:00

I love this link to Bridgette Raes Style Group Newsletter Annex. She has some great ideas for wardrobe management and I try to follow a lot of these. I don't have many summer clothes though, and I thought I might use her "Round Robin" planning technique to incorporate some handknits into a fun summer, spring wardrobe...mmmm, something to think about. Anything I start now needs to be for warmer weather, because we probably only have about 2 months left of winter here in Texas.

Some Cute Kid

2006-01-05T21:19:00.000-06:00

This is C.J., my godson. Isn't he adorable? He is the smartest two-year old ever!

First Day With Students

2006-01-04T20:21:00.000-06:00

The first day back to school was murder. By the end of 6th period I developed a pretty serious headache--the kind that affects only one side of my head...usually developing into a migraine if I don't stop it in time. I guess I'm not used to all the stimulus and will have to adapt. I am reading Mrs. Dalloway for KTC. The first few pages blew my mind, due to the stream of consciousness style, but I got into it pretty quickly. I like how the perspective changes from one character to the next with no warning. I've been trying to think of some project ideas to go along with the novel. At first I thought some gloves might work. The current issue of Knitter's has a great pattern. And then when Woolf took me into the tortured mind of Septimus, I wondered if knitting something for a soldier might be in order. There is a group of knitters that knit objects for soldiers called Sniper Cozies. However, Clarissa does seem pretty obsessed with flowers and I need a bouquet for our upstairs bedroom, so I went seaching the Showers of Flowers website for a project I remember seeing--a knitted bouquet of flowers. The only problem is the price. It is $60. It doesn't seem worth it for something so frivolous. So, I guess I will keep reading and see what hits me.

Last Day of Winter Break

2006-01-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

We went hiking today at Bastrop State Park. I discovered that with my new LLBean Large Touring (knitting) Bag, I can hike and walk at the same time! It was great! (Sorry about the blurry picutre! I hate digital cameras)

I am making a lot of progress on my Bristow sweater. I am almost done with the front. I am pretty confident about it.