tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-298674262024-03-23T12:49:01.052-05:00Lady's SlipperMainly a blog about knitting, with some basketry, crocheting, sewing, etc.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-19694098966893898002009-09-18T22:41:00.004-05:002009-09-19T10:32:41.829-05:00New York Sheep and WoolIt's only a month until the biggest Sheep and Wool Festival of the Northeast, the New York Sheep and Wool, which is commonly referred to by knitters as a single word, "Rhinebeck". It's not about getting yarn on sale, it's hardcore yarn browsing, finding that perfect, and sometimes exotic yarn. It's a mix of all things yarn, fiber, and related items, in addition to many "farm foods and products": wine, cheese, honey, apples, etc. Can't wait! In previous years, I had visited only for one day, while this year, I'll be going for an entire weekend!<br /><br />Someone on the Ravelry group wanted a list of the vendors in excel. Here <a href= http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtybiDjjPPqqdGZfOFk4LXVRdE9fcUhMUE9BQ2dDR0E&hl=en> it </a>is; all the information is from the NY Sheep and Wool website; all I did was reformat the list to Excel. Please, if you see any errors, let me know.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-38870784535859787842009-06-07T11:54:00.002-05:002009-06-07T11:58:45.693-05:00Blogging & RavelryI've been ignoring my blog for the past year or so, and have been devoting my free time to knitting, and posting on ravelry. I should either blog from time to time, or delete the blog.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-13463875989520203102008-05-03T12:40:00.006-05:002008-05-03T13:18:02.144-05:00Mystic Light FinishedThe Mystic Light Shawl is finished and blocked. So far, I've only taken a picture of it blocking. The shawl was a really fun knit, and the shift in the pattern to the "flames" in the last part of the shawl was definitely interesting. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladysslipper/2455605610/" title="Mystic Light finished 3 by ladysslipper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2455605610_6dd708bc71.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mystic Light finished 3" /></a><br />The yarn is fingering weight-Painted Sock Too (The Painted Sheep), and I used 4.6mm (US 7) circular needles. The yarn is beautiful-some of my favorite shades of blue-but the variegation does hide the pattern a bit. I'm planning to knit this pattern again in a solid color, or a gradual color change. <br /><br />I think that I'll wear this to the Sunday's knitting group. It may be a smaller group tomorrow, as quite a few of the regulars will be at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. The CT Sheep and Wool was last weekend, and although a small show, was lots of fun. I went with Virginia, who patted and admired the angora rabbits. We missed the sheep to shawl competition, but saw the judging. We also saw some knitters from our area group, and met a couple of the spinners, including the Painted Sheep, who handpainted the yarn noted above. As I'm watching my spending, I only bought a few things- an Ashford spindle and roving set from <a href="http://www.rowanwoodfarm.com"> Rowanwood Farm </a>, three skeins of laceweight yarn (100% coopworth) from <a href="http://www.shortandsweetsheep.com"> Short and Sweet Sheep Farm </a> in a lovely, natural brown color, and a silver shawl pin from Leslie Wind. Hmmm...was this really watching my spending? Well....it was a lot better than driving down to Maryland, staying overnight, and also shopping! The best part of the festival was meeting a nice group of knitters from Massachusetts, who invited Virginia and me to sit down and showed us both how to use the drop spindle. It's a bit harder than it looks! I knit on my leaf lace shawl for a little bit, too.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-26618428711555628632008-04-12T09:18:00.003-05:002008-04-12T09:29:55.073-05:00Lace knittingI'm currently juggling two lace projects, one more challenging-the Mystic Light KAL, and one easy- the Fibertrends Leaf Lace Shawl. Both of the projects use fingering weight yarn. Oddly enough, they have similarities: both are knit top-down, and begin with a provisional cast-on. The Fibertrends shawl is a repetitive pattern (leaves), while the Mystic Light pattern changes-the chart must be followed carefully. <br /> <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladysslipper/2406990187/" title="leaf lace shawl beginning by ladysslipper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2406990187_0ff0508105.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="leaf lace shawl beginning" /></a></center><br /><center>Leaf Lace Shawl</center><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladysslipper/2405947508/" title="mystic light clue 3 finished 1 by ladysslipper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2405947508_dd60d41fa6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mystic light clue 3 finished 1" /></a></center><br /><center>Mystic Light, Clue 3</center>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-49275472617218610402008-04-05T09:58:00.002-05:002008-04-05T10:09:19.270-05:00Mystic LightThe Mystic Light shawl is coming along nicely. It's a welcome change to use fingering weight yarn for a shawl, as it knits up much quicker. The yarn is from The Painted Sheep (www.thepaintedsheep.com), and is called Painted Sock Too, and the color is Blue Note. It's always tricky to use a variegated yarn with a patterned shawl, as it often masks the patten. One of the lessons that I've learned is that a solid color shows a pattern off the best. It's amazing how often I forget this as I pick yarns for a project, as the beautiful handpainted, variegated yarns are so alluring. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R_eVcOhG6II/AAAAAAAAAMc/WUVXPfbvVGU/s1600-h/mystic+light+clue+2+finished+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R_eVcOhG6II/AAAAAAAAAMc/WUVXPfbvVGU/s320/mystic+light+clue+2+finished+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185777808106252418" /></a><br />It's actually 40% completed, as this is the second of five clues. :) I'm really enjoying this pattern. The design is by Anna Dalvi of Knit and Knag.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-81145679036364547302008-03-17T20:58:00.005-05:002008-04-12T09:35:51.352-05:00sos ii finishedSecret of the Stole ii is blocking:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladysslipper/2342052530/" title="sos ii blocking by ladysslipper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2342052530_fa97b62cb5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="sos ii blocking" /></a><br />The completed stole before blocking, the color is more accurate in this picture:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R98igAxGJmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ywuTSzd4i3c/s1600-h/sos+ii+finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R98igAxGJmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ywuTSzd4i3c/s320/sos+ii+finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178896029856441954" /></a><br />Secret of the Stole ii is nearing its end, and it's been a great knitalong. Fellow knitters have been very supportive of each other, and there are some pretty stoles.<br />The finished blocked size is 82 inches long x 28 inches at the widest point(center) or 208 x 71 cm.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-40684134109309981442008-03-12T18:21:00.003-05:002008-03-12T18:29:03.454-05:00SOS ii Clue 8 finishedI finished Clue 8, and am awaiting Clue 9 on Friday--the last clue! It's been a fun knitalong with interesting people, and some beautiful (almost finished) stoles. The most amazing thing is that for the most part, I've kept up with the clues. Fitting 50-60 rows in a week sounds easy until one's schedule is factored in. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R9hmvt5F73I/AAAAAAAAAME/yzVWbh5OhAY/s1600-h/Clue+8+finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R9hmvt5F73I/AAAAAAAAAME/yzVWbh5OhAY/s320/Clue+8+finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177000741621329778" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-27291753895665436532008-02-18T19:48:00.003-05:002008-02-18T23:46:11.877-05:00SOS ii Clue 4 finished<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7pemZsoGbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/z_dU5c8dN6Y/s1600-h/Clue+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7pemZsoGbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/z_dU5c8dN6Y/s320/Clue+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168547536187169202" /></a><br />Things are going along better with Secret of the Stole ii, and Clue 4. It was a bit tough pulling out 12 rows of knitting, however, it was for the best. Knitting from charts is still a bit new for me, and the "chutes and ladders" was due to misinterpreting the chart. I increased one on the wrong side as there was one more cell in the row. Not sure why I did that; I've done triangular shawls, and do understand that there is an additional cell or two produced from knitting the chart itself. <br /><br />Thanks, DK, all is well!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-24758982852585592412008-02-16T12:57:00.003-05:002008-02-16T13:07:44.960-05:00Chutes and LaddersI knew the stitch count was off, but thought that I was making adjustments so that frogging wouldn't be needed. On Clue 4, row 217 of Secret of the Stole ii, I realized that there was a glaring mistake several rows back, and couldn't be overlooked. Here you go; the crooked "ladder" that must be fixed:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7ck6ZsoGaI/AAAAAAAAAL0/SJnx1TbaoH4/s1600-h/mistake+to+frog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7ck6ZsoGaI/AAAAAAAAAL0/SJnx1TbaoH4/s200/mistake+to+frog.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167639683180009890" /></a><br /><br />No lifeline, must place the stitches back on the needle and hope for the best!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-26167348741797759702008-02-11T19:52:00.000-05:002008-02-11T19:58:28.337-05:00Secret of the Stole iiClue 3 of Secret of the Stole ii completed last week, posted on the KAL group & ravelry, but not on my blog:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7DuE5soGYI/AAAAAAAAALk/kUjvo16Kzvk/s1600-h/sos+ii+clue+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7DuE5soGYI/AAAAAAAAALk/kUjvo16Kzvk/s320/sos+ii+clue+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165890540568844674" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7DuFZsoGZI/AAAAAAAAALs/LQNiFPpomv0/s1600-h/sos+ii+detail+clue+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R7DuFZsoGZI/AAAAAAAAALs/LQNiFPpomv0/s320/sos+ii+detail+clue+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165890549158779282" /></a><br /><br />Hmm...shows up better on the white background..Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-17010634521456209182008-02-02T09:41:00.000-05:002008-02-02T09:55:12.990-05:00SOS ii, Spring Shawl SurpriseIt's clear to me now that joining two lace KALs was pure folly on my part. The Spring Shawl Surprise is definitely an intermediate to expert knit, and not especially a great choice for someone who has worked on and completed one lace project to date. No, it's not time to give up, however, it will be a longer term project. The sos ii is more of a beginning to intermediate project, however, with approximately 55-75 rows per week and one's busy life, it can be tough to finish on time. But two at one time? Pure folly!<br /><br />Here's Clue 2 of sos ii.....finished on Thursday, just before Clue 3 was released:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R6SDRS2CNII/AAAAAAAAALc/uKpTHUUGF0M/s1600-h/sos+ii+clue+2+finished.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R6SDRS2CNII/AAAAAAAAALc/uKpTHUUGF0M/s320/sos+ii+clue+2+finished.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162395406012920962" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-36936978187579883822008-01-21T19:27:00.000-05:002008-01-21T19:35:05.584-05:00Spring Shawl Surprise, clue 1<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R5U4w9dzOBI/AAAAAAAAALU/jCynkKRHe6k/s1600-h/Spring+Shawl+Surprise+clue+1+finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R5U4w9dzOBI/AAAAAAAAALU/jCynkKRHe6k/s320/Spring+Shawl+Surprise+clue+1+finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158091362007201810" /></a><br />Clue one of the Spring Shawl Surprise is completed. I'm a bit behind on this KAL as clue #4 is due to be posted tomorrow. There were a few important (non-knitting) things that stood in the way of beginning the KAL on time. Knitting is going smoothly now, and there was only one frogging episode early on. On to clue 2....and back to work tomorrow............Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-49585859710308341372008-01-20T20:02:00.000-05:002008-01-20T20:16:51.652-05:00SOTS ii Clue 1 finished<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R5Pw4ddzOAI/AAAAAAAAALM/QsZGvdDTOQw/s1600-h/Clue+one+finished+pic+2+ssi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R5Pw4ddzOAI/AAAAAAAAALM/QsZGvdDTOQw/s320/Clue+one+finished+pic+2+ssi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157730851042310146" /></a><br />Clue 1 of the secret of the stole two (sots ii) knitalong was released on Friday, Jan. 18th. I started knitting Friday night, then Saturday, and finished the last 3 rows on Sunday. So far, the pattern has been an easy knit, however, who knows if the difficulty will change? The Mystic Waters KAL definitely helped me to improve chart reading, and knitting with laceweight yarn. <br /><br />Also knitting the Spring Shawl Surprise, which is turning out to be at least a intermediate, if not expert level pattern. Will post when Clue 1 is finished, 10 rows to go.................Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-64419843668066007192008-01-15T19:40:00.000-05:002008-01-15T20:10:16.949-05:00Spring Shawl Surprise<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R41X99dzN9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/xrtCvFx26ec/s1600-h/clue+1+row+20+closeup.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R41X99dzN9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/xrtCvFx26ec/s200/clue+1+row+20+closeup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155873870392276946" /></a><br />Progress has been a bit slow for me on this KAL. It took a bit of practice to become familiar with the symbols and to follow the chart. My first mistake was with the empty cell, which stood for knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side, and my second was misinterpreting the "increase 2" symbol. After knitting the first 10 rows, and two mistakes, it was time to start over. So far, I've made it to 20 rows with no frogging, and things are going smoother. Adopting a careful, slower approach has helped; there's no rushing this project. The malabrigo laceweight is very soft, and enjoyable to knit with. The only thing that I've noticed is that the yarn is harder to frog than others I've used, its fibers tend to hold onto each other.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R41ZJddzN_I/AAAAAAAAALE/28L1TPPshm4/s1600-h/row+20+completed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R41ZJddzN_I/AAAAAAAAALE/28L1TPPshm4/s400/row+20+completed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155875167472400370" /></a><br />It's such a pretty pattern, though, that it's worth the effort. :)Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-3839242206110278802008-01-05T11:58:00.000-05:002008-01-15T20:12:12.406-05:00Spring Shawl Surprise, Swatching.....This lace KAL by LUL began on January 1st, and will have 12 clues. This is my second lace project-Mystic Waters was the first- and I was a bit intimidated by:<br /><br />1) the number of different symbols on the the two swatches<br />2) even more symbols for the shawl<br />3) there is a design to follow on both sides of the shawl! <br /><br />not to mention the most basic dilemma-which yarn to choose! Every knitter is aware that choosing the wrong color or a yarn that one is not totally in love with, can cause the project to go dormant and never be finished. <br /><br />Completed Swatch #1, and resolved a small portion of the issues above:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R3-639dzN4I/AAAAAAAAAKU/gcNHgNtS7PQ/s1600-h/swatch+1+SSS+malabrigo+emerald.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R3-639dzN4I/AAAAAAAAAKU/gcNHgNtS7PQ/s200/swatch+1+SSS+malabrigo+emerald.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152041969290262402" /></a><br />Unblocked Swatch #1, yarn is malabrigo laceweight, emerald, using 3.5 mm (US4) Knitpicks Options. <br /><br />It wasn't that difficult, and looks pretty good. The yarn is soft and a pleasure to work with. It's on to the rectangular shawl (138 sts wide)! One of the new stitches, the loop stitch, was easy, and explained well by LUL on her <a href="http://www.lulsblog.blogspot.com/"> website </a>, and further on the yahoo group. Gotta love those brave enough to ask; it clarifies the process and helps the rest of us out! Back to knitting...currently on row 6 of the pattern...Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-1107982455058597782007-12-28T21:39:00.000-05:002008-01-10T19:07:34.700-05:00Lace Blocking<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R3WztNdzN3I/AAAAAAAAAKE/9da7pATVze8/s1600-h/mystic+waters+small+size+blocking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R3WztNdzN3I/AAAAAAAAAKE/9da7pATVze8/s200/mystic+waters+small+size+blocking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149219338258167666" /></a><br /><br />Mystic Waters was completed a week ago, and it's currently blocking. Hopefully, it will come out fine; I really have no idea what I'm doing! Pixisis (from Monday's SnB) offered a couple of really good tips: Mist the shawl (instead of soaking it), and pull it out gently at first; it can always be blocked more severly later. The blocking board that I used are the foam interlocking mats (intended as flooring), purchased from the home improvement store. As space is a premium, and there isn't a spare bed, the mats were a good choice. Almost ran out of pins though. <br /><br />I had lunch with Mom yesterday for her birthday, and showed her the (unblocked) shawl. She liked the design and really liked the color. <br /><br />Meanwhile, I've started a pair of charcoal gray wool/silk ribbed socks for Dave. The Christmas list (Socks for Everyone!) went well, but it was Socks for Many but not everyone. After the ribbed socks, it's more shawls: the Leaf Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark, and the two shawl KALs which start in January: Spring Shawl Surprise, and Secret of the Stole ii (both Yahoo & Ravelry groups). New yarn was purchased: Malabrigo Lace in Emerald and Misti Alpaca Lace in a sage green.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R4ayUddzN5I/AAAAAAAAAKc/ue5NRm9p6wg/s1600-h/secret+of+the+stole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R4ayUddzN5I/AAAAAAAAAKc/ue5NRm9p6wg/s200/secret+of+the+stole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154002888148858770" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R4azF9dzN6I/AAAAAAAAAKk/qY9PmOiFwAI/s1600-h/spring+shawl+surprise++button.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R4azF9dzN6I/AAAAAAAAAKk/qY9PmOiFwAI/s200/spring+shawl+surprise++button.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154003738552383394" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-38476621151329495692007-12-04T18:18:00.000-05:002007-12-29T10:07:23.738-05:00Mystic Waters......More lace knitting, and for some reason, it's been my exclusive project for the past couple of weeks. All else has been ignored, even CHRISTMAS KNITTING! Actually, I've done much more knitting this Christmas than I've ever done. It's ok.....<br /><br />So, Clue 3 is finished! Reading the chart has become easier, and the design is really starting to show, and make a bit more sense to me. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R1XhT29-7UI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YQSPXFDGQyY/s1600-h/Mystic+Waters+Clue+3+finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R1XhT29-7UI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YQSPXFDGQyY/s320/Mystic+Waters+Clue+3+finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140262281002544450" /></a><br /><br />The variegated red has a tendency to hide the pretty design, however, it also will hide any mistakes! For the next project, though, I think that I'd match an intricate design with a solid color, and a repetitive design with either a variegated or a solid one. Yes, another (lace) lesson learned!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ladysslipper"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149169697026160466" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R3WGjtdzN1I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/eCas4V7tV9w/s200/Ladysslipperravbutton+copy.jpg"/></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-69886483646127382882007-11-29T22:26:00.000-05:002007-11-29T22:51:52.984-05:00Mystic Waters<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R0-ElvKei0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/LGHm3lfq2gk/s1600-R/Clue+2+finished.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R0-ElvKei0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/dzRmllmk5OA/s320/Clue+2+finished.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138471483703462722" /></a><br />WHAT IS IT? IS IT A DOILY? LACE UNDERWEAR? <br /><br />NO! It's Mystic Waters! <br /><br />Lace knitting and wraps may be making a fashion comeback, however, there's clearly more work to be done!! Yes, three separate people asked the above questions. Hmm....who wears lace wool underwear? <br /><br />Well, I'm proud to say that Clue #2 is done! The pattern is not a repeating one, and carefully reading the chart is really important. Knitting is going smoother now, with less frogging, as my chart reading has improved. In addition to the magnet under the current row, I'm also using a magnet to highlight the cell I'm on, and moving it along every series of stitches. Lace knitting....challenging.....and fun?Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-5297393461305193542007-11-24T10:02:00.000-05:002007-11-24T10:24:12.673-05:00Lessons in LaceLace knitting really is different and a challenge. For one thing, "holes" in the knitting are part of the pattern, and not a mistake to be fixed. Some tips which have helped me in kniting lace and working from the chart:<br /><br />1. Place a stitch marker just before the center stitch, and also where one chart ends. The Mystic Waters shawl is large enough that it spans three charts wide.<br /><br />2. Use a metal cookie sheet and a long strip magnet to mark the current row. Place a check mark next to each completed row.<br /><br />3. Count the stitches after each completed row (every 2 rows in Mystic Waters) to make sure that the stitch count is correct. If the count is off, there is a mistake somewhere. I also mark the stitch count on the side of each row on the chart. Mystic Waters is a triangular shawl which increases 1 stitch on each right hand side row.<br /><br />Despite these tips gleaned from the KAL, I'm finding that this shawl has been slow going and there's been quite a bit of frogging. Still, I've finished Clue 1! Perhaps it would have been wiser to begin lace knitting with a smaller project...........<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R0hBcwFXriI/AAAAAAAAAJc/QAYe_dX_4Yw/s1600-h/Mystic+Waters+Clue+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/R0hBcwFXriI/AAAAAAAAAJc/QAYe_dX_4Yw/s320/Mystic+Waters+Clue+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136427337215618594" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-37054335045741043522007-11-14T08:27:00.000-05:002007-11-15T08:31:58.793-05:00Mystic Waters<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RzxJ3U1nyGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/6y5al0U4YGQ/s1600-h/mysticbadge.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RzxJ3U1nyGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/6y5al0U4YGQ/s200/mysticbadge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133058890130770018" /></a><br /><div><div>Mystic Waters, a lace shawl KAL, will be my first lace project. There has been much indecision and angst in choosing:<br /></div><ul><li>yarn (color and weight)</li><br /><li>size of needle</li></ul><br /><p>After much frogging (much needed practice!) and trying out different needles and yarns, I finally settled on a red variegated laceweight yarn from handpaintedyarns.com, and a size 4 needle. Much of the indecision was due to not really understanding how the lace should look. For example, how open should the project be? Does it look better when it's tighter or more open? Here's the first 78 rows:</p><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rzr9aI3HtdI/AAAAAAAAAJE/tSKpw-JJNu8/s1600-h/Mystic+Waters+close+up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132693350839203282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rzr9aI3HtdI/AAAAAAAAAJE/tSKpw-JJNu8/s400/Mystic+Waters+close+up.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p></p></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-21294988813758024722007-11-07T18:15:00.000-05:002007-11-07T18:41:32.549-05:00Finished Projects<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RzJJts3u-UI/AAAAAAAAAIs/RTOdT3hLQwQ/s1600-h/snowflake+socks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130243975016282434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RzJJts3u-UI/AAAAAAAAAIs/RTOdT3hLQwQ/s200/snowflake+socks.JPG" border="0" /></a>I've been spending some time on ravelry, posting some previous and current projects, and also inputting some yarn, not to mention browsing to see what fellow knitters are working on. It will take some time to record the yarn that I currently have, but it will be worth it.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Christmas is fast approaching, and the list is getting a bit shorter as some of the socks are completed. Mark's brown (Sockamania Elegance) socks are finished, and Megan's snowflake socks are done. For some reason, I put this project aside for 1 1/2 months with one repeat of the pattern and the toe to go. At least it's finished now!</div><br /><div>The MAN socks left will be a bit troublesome to complete, as all of the rest of the receipients like a SIMPLE pattern (knit and purl, nothing fancy), and I'd like to work some sort of pattern. Perhaps a compromise? Maybe something in Sensational Socks will work?</div><div></div><div>Meanwhile, I'm a bit stalled on the Mystic Waters KAL. A choice of yarn has been made, and I'm waiting for some needles. If I spend too much time on the knit along, the remaining Christmas socks won't be done.</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-12499921676452022912007-10-27T12:56:00.000-05:002007-10-27T13:37:33.383-05:00October Elegance Socks<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RyN8Xs3u-TI/AAAAAAAAAIk/_eUIfEWDDeQ/s1600-h/Marks+brown+cable+socks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126077547501517106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RyN8Xs3u-TI/AAAAAAAAAIk/_eUIfEWDDeQ/s200/Marks+brown+cable+socks.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Very easy pattern, and a quick knit! This pair is for Mark, for Christmas.</div><div></div><div>The Friday before Rhinebeck, I was invited to join Ravelry. Ravelry is very fun; it's not a blog, but more of a photo, project, yarn, sharing, chatting site. Basically for those who like to cruise the organizer aisle at their local store, can't get enough of HGTV, or just dream of being organized, it's complete nirvana. Even those who aren't interested in organizing will find themselves cataloging their projects, yarn, size needles, etc. It's like an online knitter's notebook. My name on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry</a> is ladysslipper.</div><div></div><div>Also joined another KAL, Mystic Waters. It's a lace shawl, and clue #1 has been released. The yarn which I chose in Rhinebeck was lighter than the yarn recommended; the yardage was right, but it was 100 grams versus the 200 grams recommended. The swatch and the initial 28 rows seems rather small and lightweight. I'll have to decide whether to use this yarn- and have a lighter and smaller shawl- or shop again for a heavier laceweight yarn. The decision is tougher as this will be my first lace project. It's already freaking me out that there are HOLES in the knitting that are SUPPOSED TO BE THERE! :O</div><div></div><div></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-18898960682122548532007-10-23T20:05:00.000-05:002007-12-29T10:01:58.975-05:00RhinebeckTraveled to Rhinebeck on Sunday along with a busload of crazy knitters. It started really early in the morning; rising at 5:30 to leave by 6 to drive 1/2 hour to get the chartered bus. The drive up was very scenic, with the autumn colors at their peak. The bus arrived at the New York Sheep and Wool early, and we were able to browse many of the shops before the crowds arrived. The products at the fair ranged from yarn, to spinning and weaving supplies, every type of knitting needle/yarn accessory, to rugs, hand made slippers and earmuffs. Although there were many choices of food, there were many lamb related choices, including the lamb chili, offered by the 4-H tent, which was (surprisingly) excellent. The sheep judging was quite interesting, and I enjoyed knitting while learning about the many types of sheep. There was also a canine frisbee show which was quite amazing.<br /><br />As far as purchases, I was quite conservative. I bought some supplies for the Mystic Waters Knit a Long-1300 yds of lace-weight wool, circular needles, and a knitting guage to replace the one which was broken. There was a unique shop which sold leather handles for bags, and the bagaholic in me couldn't resist purchasing two handles for bags which I'll have to make to match the handles! Doesn't make a great deal of sense.........<br /><br />When we all returned to the bus, it was apparent that some bought a few things and others went wild! After leaving Rhinebeck, we traveled to <a href="http://www.morehousefarm.com/">Morehouse Farm </a>in Red Hook, New York. Very nice shop, with much too many choices of yarn! It's closing its store and staying open as an internet store. As a joke to my husband, I brought home a stuffed ram. I had joked that I was bringing home some sheep. Near the yarn shop was a very large fork (25-30 ft high) which bore a sign "fork in the road". No pictures of scenery, people, Rhinebeck or the unusual fork, as I left the camera at home.<br /><br />The trip home was very fun as "Alpacca Annie" recounted a story about a casmere sweater which she had knit which had turned out too small. She frogged the sweater and set it aside, and lost track of it. When her bathroom was being renovated, her son found a mouse nest which was made of the casmere yarn. Many jokes arose from this story! Gotta give the mouse a lot of credit for its taste in picking out the softest, expensive yarn.<br /><br />Very interesting fair, and a nice family destination, not just for crazy yarnies!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-9733097684688122092007-09-23T16:42:00.000-05:002007-09-23T18:29:02.191-05:00Just knitting along<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rvbvao_N4EI/AAAAAAAAAIU/oZuPr1RBJz8/s1600-h/leisure+socks+for+soldiers+91507.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113537667883982914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rvbvao_N4EI/AAAAAAAAAIU/oZuPr1RBJz8/s200/leisure+socks+for+soldiers+91507.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last week, I mailed two pairs of Men's leisure socks to Socks for Soldiers. This brings my contribution to date to 6 pairs. I'm definitely not a big supporter of the war in Iraq, however, my hope is that the handknit socks will bring some comfort to our soldiers, and remind them of home.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rvbqa4_N4CI/AAAAAAAAAIE/skhTQi_JGPQ/s1600-h/snowflake+socks+in+progress.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113532174620811298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rvbqa4_N4CI/AAAAAAAAAIE/skhTQi_JGPQ/s200/snowflake+socks+in+progress.JPG" border="0" /></a>Knitting for Christmas is going pretty well. OTN is the Snowflake Sock design from Fall 2007 Interweave Knits. It's been a while since I've knit a two color design, and they were a bit tight at first. This actually will work out better, as they will fit my younger niece. Finished sock #1, and expect to finish the second sock later in the week. It was really tough going until I enlarged the pattern on the copier. In the magazine, the snowflake chart is 27 sts wide and 14 rows high, yet was only 1 x 2 inches.<br /><div><br />I really love the new Interweave Magazine. Before receiving this issue, I was thinking about cancelling the magazine. The projects were a bit too trendy, and there were too many larger projects, and too few smaller projects in it. This month's was a good mix of trendy and traditional, small and large projects, and will better fit the wide range of family and friends I'm knitting for. The new editor really made an impact with her first issue. </div><br /><div>Today began with a trip to the <a href="http://www.coventryfarmersmarket.com/">Coventry Farmer's Market</a>. This Sunday, it was called "Fiber Twist". It was a small fairgrounds and there were lots of people! In addition to the fruit, vegetables, maple syrup and jams, there were goats, llama, sheep, and angora rabbits, and all types of fiber artists. The demonstration of yarn dyeing was interesting, and there were quite a few spinners. DH noticed that all of the spinners were pedaling wearing only socks; I wonder if this is very common? We picked up some jam (raspberry rhubarb), vegetables, and two skeins of yarn (great self-restraint!).</div><br /><div>We ate lunch out, and had a nice walk along the beach. Back home, and time to catch up on housework, and later some cooking.</div><br /><div>I like quiche, and I cook every day, but this is the first time that I've made quiche. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113533394391523378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/Rvbrh4_N4DI/AAAAAAAAAIM/evl-lZPy5dQ/s200/Quiche.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29867426.post-3657096508477482072007-09-06T18:27:00.000-05:002007-09-06T18:50:06.967-05:00Finished Projects<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RuCNpMcVfdI/AAAAAAAAAG0/atJyP1YXEzk/s1600-h/red+white+blue+socks.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RuCNpMcVfdI/AAAAAAAAAG0/atJyP1YXEzk/s200/red+white+blue+socks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107237716292369874" /></a><br />The red white and blue socks for Socks for Soldiers are done, and I'm also on sock one of another pair. They are in a more subdued color, a grey multicolor. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RuCO3scVfeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/o5HEKbOhNtE/s1600-h/DSC00998.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gxm-NGZoT-U/RuCO3scVfeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/o5HEKbOhNtE/s200/DSC00998.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107239064912100834" /></a><br /><br />Took a brief break from socks and knit this pink beanie. The pattern is "fuchsia", and from Emma King's "Fun and funky Knitting". I'm not even close to a hip and trendy knitter, but this book has some nice hats in it, perfect for gifts for younger relatives. I liked the end result so much, that I think that I'll make another one, maybe for another gift, or even for me. <br /><br />The Christmas gift tally is looking better; slowly crossing off names from the list. Back to knitting.......Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03495888875225743269noreply@blogger.com0