CPAKnit aka Cindy

Our Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-27T08:49:00.002-05:00

Due to my daughter's work schedule, we had planned our family Thanksgiving for tomorrow (Saturday). But we had reservations for dinner for 2 at our favorite restaurant, and plans to visit my sister's home for dessert. But our dogs decided to get into a major brawl over a tennis ball, and the Retriever won. Result - The Vet ER for our Lhasa Apsa. Poor Spike!

Knitters Review Retreat 2009

2009-11-24T08:13:00.004-05:00

Although my blog has been superceded by Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and Life, it wouldn't be a knitter's blog without mention of the Knitter's Review Retreat.

School obligations kept me from going to the retreat last year, the first one I had missed since I started attending in 2004. Being able to attend this year was especially meaningful due to all of the losses and changes 2009 has brought.

How to describe the event? Old and new friends and roommates, beautiful lace, beautiful yarn, a room stuffed with talent, yummy food (and plenty of it), mountains, and GPS! A special thanks to my roommate, Helen, who loves Mounds bars too!

How to Pick a Color for Next Knitting Project

2008-09-16T13:31:00.002-04:00

You Are Mint Green

Balanced and calm, you have mastered the philosophy of living well.

Your friends seek you out for support, and you are able to bring stability to chaotic situations.

You're very open and cheerful - and you feel like you have a lot of freedom in life.

Your future may hold any number of exciting things, and you're ready for all of them!

What Color Green Are You?

Autumn Sunshine and Shadows Shawl

2008-08-22T11:47:00.006-04:00

Something new to wear to school. I don't plan on going "back to school" shopping, so I scheduled some back to school knitting. A few more days and I won't see my needles again until the Christmas break.

I finished this shawl from "Knitting Lace Triangles" by Evelyn A. Clark.
The yarn is Sundara Sock Yarn in the Spiced colorway. I used one skein with about 10 grams left over. I added 3 beads to each scallop which you can see in the close up picture. The color of the yarn is darker than it appears in the pictures. It is a rusty orange.

Olympic Liesl is Finished!

2008-08-16T22:23:00.004-04:00

No, not the swimmer, but my sweater.

The pattern is Liesl by Ysolda Teague.

The yarn is Aran Silky Merino by Sundara in the Celestial Clouds colorway, a spring color from last year's "Seasons" yarn club. I used 600 yards (3 skeins) of the yarn and the sweater was knit in 8 days on 7.0mm needles.

I found pretty handmade buttons with the colors of the yarn swirled inside. The sweater should be dry and blocked, with buttons attached, and ready for wear on this week's short vacation to the beach.

Be back soon!

KNOTIONS

2008-08-07T09:52:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the new online knitting magazine? Knotions.
Check it out!

Summer Knitting

2008-08-04T12:43:00.004-04:00

bluespringthaw1
Originally uploaded by cpaknit
I have been making good on the promise to myself to knit during my 8 week break from school. I finished my "Spring Forward" socks this weekend. I spent half of my knitting time squeezing the yarn to try to determine if I had enough to finish the second sock. Next time I will measure and wind the yarn into two skeins. It's not like I don't have the yarn meter to accomplish this.

I also started a "Sunshine and Shadows" triangle shawl from Evelyn A. Clark's "Knitting Lace Triangles". I ordered the book after finishing her Swallowtail Shawl. I gave the Swallowtail as a gift to a friend who was in need of a gift, and wanted to make myself something for fall. The "spiced" colorway of sock yarn from Sundara matches the leaf design and autumn feel perfectly.
Sundara's yarn are in demand, the last time I checked, she had no yarn available for sale. Luckily, I belong to her "Seasons Yarn club" and I haven't regretted signing up. I LOVE the shipments of yarn I receive, especially in the middle of the semester, even though I have no hope of doing anything with the yarn right away.

Swallowtail and Sundara

2008-07-18T16:39:00.006-04:00

These two went perfectly together.

The yarn is Fingering silky merino from Sundara Yarn in Robin's Egg. I obtained the yarn as a member of the Season's Yarn Club. (I may not have time to shop for yarn while going to school, but I love getting my surprise packages from Sundara in the mail.) The yarn was a dream to work with and the color is beautiful.

The pattern is Swallowtail Shawl designed by Evelyn A. Clark. It took me about 2 weeks to knit this shawl, and I enjoyed the time knitting it. Perfect project for summer break.

My blog account still exists!

2008-06-29T17:42:00.003-04:00

Boy, that surprises me! I thought they (whoever "they" are) would have suspended it due to lack of posts - I haven't posted since the middle of January, 2008.

That's about the time I started the second semester of nursing school, along with tax season at work. Although I did have a short break and vacation between the spring and summer semester at school, posting to my blog was not top priority for those few days off. Those days were spent at the beach and pool in Marco Island, FL for a much needed get-away.

I doubled up on classes for the first summer semester in order to have a whole semester off before the last year of nursing school. So, after this Wednesday's final, I will have 8 whole weeks without studying and classes. (Wish I could get that many days away from work.)I've been dreaming of knitting, sewing and finishing my niece's wedding afghan. Now- I have to force myself to study for my final in pharmacology...... Just hold on a few more days.These pictures are of a few of the WIP's waiting patiently for me to get back to them. Can't wait to be a knitter again!

The Happiness Project

2008-01-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

In and among all the knitting blogs I read, I stumbled on "The Happiness Project". The link here is to today's post, "21 Phrases to Help You Fight Right with your Sweetheart".

As my DH and I are celebrating our 11th anniversary tomorrow, I thought it especially appropriate to read and share with you. If you have a chance, dig through the archives of the blog. Gretchen has written alot of encouraging words and I have found other supportive blogs within her links.

2008-01-14T14:11:00.001-05:00

Your Heart Is Purple

For you, love is about establishing and developing a deep connection.

If it's true love, it brings you more wisdom and inner strength.

Your flirting style: Sincere

Your lucky first date: An afternoon at a tea house

Your dream lover: Is both thoughtful and expressive

What you bring to relationships: Understanding

What Color Heart Do You Have?

New Member of the Family

2008-01-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

My new Grandcat, Peyton, adopted today.

He likes marabou.
And sitting on the bed next to the afghan I crocheted for my daughter.Don't mess with the afghan, little kitten.

ABC Along 2008

2008-01-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

ABC Along 2008

A
Azalea in Winter

Starting the New Year Off With a Post

2008-01-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been hectic. Studying for finals kept me preoccupied in the beginning of December. Getting ready for and enjoying the holidays took up the end of the month.

One of the most meaningful gifts I received this holiday was this scarf, knitted for me by my youngest daughter, the first project she has ever knitted.Needless to say, I think it is absolutely beautiful.

I have also been busy knitting, trying to spend some time with my needles before class starts up again in the middle of January. I made small items for my children as Christmas gifts. For my youngest, I made a pair of Princess Mitts. For my first born, I knit a cabled headband. Both patterns came from "A Knitter's Book of Yarn" written by the wonderful Clara Parkes.

For my son I knitted the Maze hat. I used Cascade 220 and felted it a little to get the skullcap look he likes.

I also found time to knit myself a pair of Maine Morning Mitts, also from Clara's book. If you go back to my previous link to the book, you will find a free pattern for these fingerless gloves.
Blogger is acting up, I'm having trouble uploading some of my pictures. I will post pics of the girls' gifts in my next post.

A Great Place to Pose!

2007-12-03T18:43:00.000-05:00

How many knitters do you think leave this store without shopping bags in their hands? None that I saw. We look very happy after our excursion, don't we?

Gift for Baby S

2007-11-18T02:36:00.000-05:00

I spent most of Friday doing the finishing work on this little cardigan for one of my newborn nieces, Baby S.

It is "Daisy" designed by Stephanie Pearl McPhee. The pattern is from Knitty, Summer 2003.

I'm glad I added the hood to the sweater. I grafted the top, rather than doing a 3 needle bind-off. I also added one embroidered daisy to the bottom of the back of the sweater. If I had it to do over again, I would have added more buttons and done a different type of buttonhole, something a little sturdier.
But overall, I am very happy with how the sweater turned out.

There's a Reason It's Called a "Retreat"

2007-11-12T15:28:00.000-05:00

The Knitter's Review Retreat is exactly that. A weekend away from day to day life, a few days to forget your everyday worries. It's a chance to see old friends and make new ones. It's 2+ days of being immersed in your knitting and yarn and being surrounded by 90 other people who feel the exact same way.

It's also a time to add to your yarn supply. (Because we all need to add to our yarn supply!) We stayed at the Seven Hills Inn at Lenox, Massachusetts, a mere 1 hour drive from WEBS.

Want to see what I brought home with me?

From the Goodie Bag put together by Clara- (see the Lantern Moon Circulars at the bottom of the picture?)
From the Stash Table (Tables - 3 large ones) is a better description!
More to come in the next post!

Starting to Pack

2007-11-06T10:40:00.001-05:00

I went through my stash this morning to find items to add to the swap table at the Retreat. I filled this bag. Wonder if it will be filled with new items for the trip home?

Early Christmas Present

2007-10-28T20:24:00.000-04:00

From my husband to me. Isn't he a sweetie? He gave it to me early to use for my trip to the Knitter's Review Retreat. It's the Swift bag.

Christmas Knitters

2007-10-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

What every Christmas Knitter needs! Holiday knitting stamps from the US Post Office.

Stitches East- Belated

2007-10-22T15:32:00.000-04:00

I made a 1 1/2 hour run through the market on Sunday (October 14) . I convinced my husband to stop on the way from our home in the Philadelphia area to his parents' house in Alexandria, VA. Little did we know the Ravens would be playing at home and parking would be such a nightmare!
But I grapped some Koigu KPPM from Mannings to knit the "Chevron Scarf" from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I also bought 2 skeins of red cashmere from Hunt Valley Cashmere, part of a kit for another scarf. I picked up Addi Lace needles in the size I needed for the cashmere in case I wanted to start knitting at my in-laws. (I forgot I needed to wash the cashmere first.) I didn't even look at Webs - I hope to visit the store when I am at the Knitter's Review Retreat in a few weeks!

Sunday morning is a good time to shop at Stitches. There were very few people in the market, making it possible to see, touch, and buy everything I wanted/needed in short order without alot of frustration.

Yes, I Have Squeezed in Some Knitting

2007-10-20T17:02:00.000-04:00

What with work, school, tests, and clinicals, I have still managed to find some time to knit. Usually, it is when I am in a zombie state, so the knitting is not complicated. I have been working on making a pair of Jane's Hedge row socks, except I discovered last night that I misread the pattern and the ribbing pattern I have been knitting is not as directed in the pattern. But the results are still very pretty, so I will stick with my "mistake" throughout the socks.

I finished the socks for my daughter's 21st birthday.

She likes ankle length socks, so they are a quick knit. The yarn is a hand dye I bought from Ellen's Half Pint Farm at Camp Stitches a few years ago. The pattern is Fancy Silk Sock from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.

I did get a chance to cruise through the marketplace at Stitches East (in Baltimore) last Sunday. Bought a few things, some cashmere and Koigu to make the Chevron scarf in Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

I have also been looking around the Ravelry website. Haven't had a chance to post my WIP's or finished objects, but have set up the necessary Flickr account and joined a few groups. I need more time and alot more energy to accomplish what I want for my account there.

I Just Got an Invitation!

2007-10-12T02:51:00.000-04:00

I found it in my inbox when I decided to get up in the middle of this night (morning). Spent the next hour and half playing around on Ravelry
Time to go back to bed!
Look me up - I am CPAknit.

Taking the Plunge

2007-10-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

I just signed up for the "Seasons Yarn Club" of Sundara Yarn. I have never gotten involved with such a venture, but my good friend Tanya suggested that buying yarn would be an excellent way to celebrate yesterday's good news, and I thought it was a lovely excuse. I have bought sock yarn from Sundara in the past, and it usually is a matter of knowing exactly when she is going to make her beautiful hand dyed yarn available on her website and be on the site within minutes of the starting time. If I am a little late, I find everything sold out.

Now I am guaranteed delivery of specific yarns at specific times, and I was able to pick a color scheme (spring, summer, winter, fall).

Take a look at the website and check out what is offered. I don't think you will be disappointed!

Now, to get some studying done in order to find time to knit!

I am a Proud Mother!

2007-10-03T11:44:00.000-04:00

Why have a blog if you can't use it to announce your child's achievements?

My daughter just found out that she passed the Bar Exam in Delaware! On her first try! Delaware is one of the hardest bar exams to pass (along with NY and California).

Congratulations, sweetie.

Countdown to Ravelry

2007-10-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

5657 invites before they get to me! On Saturday, the number of people ahead of me on Ravelry was 8000+. Looks like the invites are going out at about 1,000 per day. That means I should be getting mine on Sunday/Monday.
Better go get my studying done!!!!

KR Webring

2007-10-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

My blog was officially accepted into the Knitter's Review Webring. This Webring is not run by KR, but includes the blogs of members who belong to the KR forum. Click on the link >>>>>>>> (to the right) on my blog for more blogs and check out the forum for knitting help and friends.

This is a Test!

2007-09-21T14:48:00.000-04:00

And there's alot of studying to go along with it. The nursing program is a very busy one, with lots of instruction and simulation and LOTS of reading. I don't mind at all and find most of the reading fascinating.
My husband and I drove to Pittsburgh last weekend to celebrate my youngest daughter's 21st birthday. Her actual b-day is this weekend, but apparently it isn't cool to have your mom go with you on your first official bar crawl. Hey, when did that happen?

Stethoscope Sock

2007-09-10T07:04:00.000-04:00

Stethoscopes all look the same. Some have different color tubing, but these choices are limited. So, in the clinical setting, you need to somehow mark your own stethoscope in a way to make it stand out. Why not knit it a little sock? It will stay on, but is easily removable to wash.

Using sock yarn and size 2 DPN's, I cast on 12 stitches (the circumference of the scope, including the tubing is 1 and1/4 inches, I was aiming for 1 and 1/2 inches) and join in the round, being careful not to twist. For this little cover, work the first 5 rows in a seed stitch, work 10 rows in stockinette stitch, another 5 rows in seed stitch, then 10 rows in stockinette stitch, and end with 5 rows of seed stitch. Bind off while working the last row. The finished length is 3 and 1/4 inch. I am not sure of the amount of yarn used, I will measure for it soon and edit this post, but it's just a small amount of scrap sock yarn.

Now you have something to make with all of those little balls of leftover sock yarn. It will make a thoughtful gift for someone you love who uses a stethoscope!

First Day at the Hospital

2007-09-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is my first day in nursing clinical. The clinical is the practice we do on real patients! I need to report at 6:45 am in the lobby of the hospital. Tomorrow will be an orientation day only. I worked in an ICU for about 3 years as a unit clerk 30 years ago, but some of my fellow students have absolutely no experience around hospitals and are scared to death! So, if you live or visit the Philadelphia area within the next few months, please do your very best not to end up in a local hospital!(Thanks to free-clip-art.com for the clip art.)

I Can Go!

2007-08-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

The nursing instructor gave us the clinical dates on Wednesday night, and I am NOT scheduled the weekend of the KR Retreat!

Now, what knitting projects do I plan on completing for the Friday night Show and Tell?

(Thanks to free-clip-art.com for the clip art.)

Ravelry

2007-08-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

Why oh why didn't I sign up when Tanya first mentioned it? Or when Jane listed the link on her blog? (Oh that's right, I was studying and ignoring my knitting life!)

Now I am way back of the line. There are 16,257 people who will get invites ahead of me. The only people I feel more sorry for are the 2,243 people who will have to wait longer than me. (And the number is getting bigger everyday.)

Hopefully the floodgates will be opening soon as the website will be taken out of beta. Then, about 5,000 invites a week are expected to go out. That means I should be able to get on the site sometime in late September?

I want my oompa loompa, and I want it NOW!

(Unbelievable, I had left a post on the ravelry blog just a few minutes ago, asking for any little bit of update info for us starving people in line, and Casey already responded to me via email!)

Ready to be Wrapped

2007-08-25T18:44:00.001-04:00

With tissue paper and pretty baby wrapping paper!

Crochet is Complete!

2007-08-24T18:34:00.001-04:00

The "Heirloom Baby Blanket" is in the hand wash as I write this post. The pattern came from the premiere issue of "crochet today"

I was given a free copy of this magazine at Stitches East 2006. My friend Tanya had made the blanket the previous summer, and I loved it from the start. The fact that the pattern was thrust into my hands for free was a sign that this project had to go on my "to do" list. I waited (with my fingers crossed) to find out if my niece was having a baby girl as this lacy number is very feminine. Then I rushed to my LYS to buy the yarn. I decided on Plymouth Encore DK in a ballerina pink. I am a believer in using yarn that is machine washable when making something for little ones. I wouldn't want to add "hand wash only" responsibilities to a busy new mom's life.

I will post pictures after the shower on Sunday.

Knitting Retreat 2007

2007-08-22T19:31:00.000-04:00

Will I be able to go? I hope to find out next week.
I received the email from Clara about this fall's KR retreat last week while on vacation. The information on the retreat can be found here.
I have been able to get away to the retreat for the last 3 years and have always enjoyed the weekend with fellow knitters and KR members
Nursing school may interfere this year. I have clinical (training in the hospital) every OTHER weekend this semester. As of yet, I don't know if my training weekend will be the same as the retreat weekend. Hopefully I will know soon. Classes start Monday (August 27).

Until then I will dream of the Berkshires and the Seven Hills Inn.

It's a Good Day for a Nap!

2007-08-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Or some knitting.

The rainy weather is a perfect excuse to sit and relax before going back to work tomorrow.
I have spent the day catching up on the blogs I read and watching "Wedding Crashers". I have been icing my left hand as it hurts from the work I've been doing on the baby blanket. (The baby shower is next weekend - only 4 more rounds to go!) Do I dare try to complete another round today? Maybe if I knit something, rather than crochet, I will not be using the same (painful) muscle/joint.

I Almost Forgot

2007-08-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

How hard it is to go into a yarn shop and not buy anything!
This morning's walk included a premeditated visit to the LYS here at the beach, Knitty Gritty.
While the shop carried quite a few yarns available elsewhere, (i.e. Plymouth Encore and Cascade 220) I did manage to find one or 2 things (oops, just looked into the bag, there are 4 items!) that I could use.

Sock yarn still doesn't count as stash, right? I bought a skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn in Earth. I have enough sock yarn to make a pair for just about all my relatives, but I'm sure I don't have yarn in this pretty red/brick/blue colorway!

(Day 2 of writing this post - my eldest daughter and her little brother arrived to visit yesterday and we went to the beach and the boardwalk. )

I also found a basket full of Lantern Moon Sox Stix in a basket at the checkout counter. Clara (from KR) had written a review on these needles ( go here to read). Who could resist these rosewood DPN's in the pretty bag?

Well, that's about it, except for the Size 1 Addi Turbo Lace needles, and the darning needles in the clever container (I did need something to hold my needles - they were always getting away from me.)

It's a beautiful sunny day here at the beach. A little warmer than the last few days, but there is always the ocean to cool me off. Have a great day!

Morning Walk - Part III

2007-08-13T10:37:00.001-04:00

The thought crossed my mind that I should create a collage - "Doors of Rehoboth". This garden door would certainly be included!

Summer Vacation - Day 3

2007-08-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

Morning Walk - Part II

Do you know that the sounds of a bagpipe drift down the beach over the noise of the ocean?

This gentlemen willingly turned around for me to take his picture.
No, I'm not in Ireland!

What I Did on Summer Vacation - Day 3

2007-08-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

Don't look, there aren't posts for Day 1 and Day 2.
Synopsis : Day 1 - Get There. Day 2 - Settle In.

To me, one of the best parts about being at the beach is a morning walk by the ocean. It acts as a salve on all of the stress points in your mind and body.

Almost Done - 2 Nights and 2 Tests To Go

2007-08-08T14:42:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night is my Physiology final. Tonight is the lab practical exam. So while all of my knitting friends are thinking "knit, purl" my mind is considering the wonders of pulmonary ventilation, gastric digestion and how our bodies produce urine.

After one summer of class, words and phrases like lumen, adenosine triphosphate, myenteric plexus and nonkeritanized stratified squamous epithelial cell don't cause me to stop in my tracks to remember their meaning. Isn't that amazing? I didn't get to celebrate the summer of socks, but I have learned a whole new vocabulary.

And, if I can remember back that far, I think there are a couple skeins of new sock yarn in my closet, just waiting to be knit into comfy covers for feet this winter.

Almost done, two more nights!

The Fascinating Human Body

2007-07-27T22:22:00.000-04:00

That is what I have been learning about this summer. Human Anatomy and Physiology.

I go to class 4 nights a week, work MWF, study TR and the weekends.

And I am loving every minute of it. Now, time will tell whether it is school in general, or the nursing program, that is maintaining my interest. But it doesn't matter right now, I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of class, reading the textbook and studying and taking the tests.

So I hope you understand why I haven't been posting to my blog. I haven't been doing any knitting. Once in awhile I pick up the crochet project I am working on for my future grandniece (the baby shower is late August).

Don't forget about me! I haven't disappeared!

Radiculopathy

2007-05-16T16:53:00.000-04:00

Cervical Radiculopathy to be exact!

Over the last 6 months, I have struggled with pain in my right hand/thumb that has slowly worked it's way up to my shoulder. I have tried switching the side my computer mouse is used and (gasp!) even stopped knitting for several weeks. I took Aleve, and ibuprofen, used heat and ice. Nothing relieved the pain The pain in my shoulder had gotten to be so bad, I couldn't roll over in bed at night without wincing in pain.

I finally was able to get to my doctor to discuss the problem. His testing showed no damage to the shoulder, no bursa. A trip to the radiologist ended with a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Now I have a name for it and I don't need shoulder surgery!

Recovery Operation

2007-05-10T17:01:00.000-04:00

Just looked at my blog and saw that my last posting was in the middle of March!

That's what tax season does to me. The last five weeks before the due date, I was in the office working every day, including Sundays. The first few days after April 17 were spent taking care of all the people, animals, and things ignored during the rush. You know, little things, like saying hello to my husband, going to the grocery store, doing wash, and petting the cat and dogs.

Oh, and I also had to finish all of the coursework for my class that I hadn't the time for when I was working. (I did end up with an "A" for my efforts, though!)

There's still lots to do at the office. I have to bill everyone for the work I did, and those whose returns were extended are clamoring for them to get done soon.

It's so hard to get back into the swing of things.

The Middle of a Storm

2007-03-16T20:18:00.000-04:00

The title of this post could refer to the snowy sleet that has been falling since around 9 this morning. But it actually refers to what life is like for a CPA during the second week of March. I got a little peek of spring when I received this gift from my in-laws this week. Thank you Suzan and Nelson for the beautiful flowers on my desk!

A Pretty Sight

2007-02-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

Something pretty to look at on my desk courtesy of my beautiful daughters. Thank you!

These are much more pleasing to the eye than the piles of tax documents and forms on the other side of the desk.

Last Week's Storm

2007-02-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

As the warmer weather starts to melt the hardened ice, I post a few images of the first major (and hopefully, last) winter storm of 2007.

Road Trip

2007-02-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Just the drive to work in the morning. I am very lucky to have this scenery every morning to remind me how beautiful the world can be.

(To respond to comments - NO, I wasn't driving when I took this picture, but I was in the car. The car was at a complete stop, with no traffic behind me.)

Sock Yarn Is Not Stash!

2007-02-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

I didn't make that rule - Wendy and LB did. But unfortunately, I don't think I can justify the elsebeth lavold Chunky AL in the color Dune. Oh well, everyone falls off their diet now and again. It doesn't mean I should give up altogether, does it?

WEBS was having a sale, and I fell for the RY Cashsoft 4 ply for socks. The yarn is buttery soft. The contents of extra fine merino and cashmere with microfibre combine with beautiful solid colors. I couldn't resist.

Is It Tax Season Already?

2007-02-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

I have been very busy at work. It seems people and businesses are ready to get to their tax returns earlier than usual this year. So I have been trying to get work turned around as quickly as possible.

I've also been busy visiting our new baby. She's only 2 weeks old in this picture and will be ready to come home at the beginning of March.

I've been very good about not procrastinating on my homework for my Abnormal Psych class. I've figured out what I need to do each week in order to keep a fairly even pace. And I've been keeping up, even trying to get ahead. I have a terrible fear that it will be the beginning of April and I will be behind in classwork and crazy-busy at work. What am I going to do when I am carrying 10-12 credits and not 3? (Switch to Scarlett O'Hara mode- I will worry about that tomorrow.)

I have been doing some knitting, too. Last week I knit a ribbed hat for my husband from a skein of Cascade 220 I had in my stash. He has a 4-5 block walk from Penn's Landing to his office in Philadelphia, and it's been so cold, he was happy to have something on his head this week.

Excuses, Excuses

2007-01-27T17:29:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten you, really.

I am trying to adapt to life as a full time worker and a student.

I am taking one class this semester, Abnormal Psychology. Trying to stay up to date with my reading and the homework. Seventy five percent of our grade consists of a notebook covering the chapters we are to read and the notes we take in class.
Can't decide if I am being overzealous and anal about the work I plan to hand in. But, my goal IS to get an "A"!

Actually, my goal is to learn and enjoy the process of going back to school. (Similar to "process knitting.") I'm going to school because it is what I want in my life now. Not something I have to do. I have already learned new information and met many nice and interesting people.

Bad news, I have already gone off of my "Knit from your Stash Diet." Bought a box full of yarn from WEBS.

Most of it was sock yarn, which doesn't count, but I did buy enough skeins of yarn to knit a sweater. And the sock yarn has cashmere in it. I will try to get some pictures of the yarn and post them.

Now I only need to find time to KNIT!

Knitter's Blogroll

2007-01-16T12:18:00.000-05:00

Anyone interested in getting their blog listed on a blogroll for fiber artists? Need more knitting blogs to read everyday?

Check out this website - http://www.getstitchy.com/blogroll.htm

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Winter Has Arrived

2007-01-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

The cold weather has arrived in the Middle States. Last week it was 72 degrees, this morning it's in the low 20's.
Hopefully the fish in the pond can adapt more quickly than humans. They have a heater in one corner of the pond to help keep them warm. (See the green and white object in the upper right corner of the pond?) They can also swim to the bottom of the three foot hole at the front of the pond.
The weather is supposed to warm up again this weekend. I hope so. This weekend Chuck and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary in Philadelphia. We have a horse carriage ride on our agenda.

Storm Water Shawl

2007-01-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

My dear husband gave me a fabulous knitting experience as a Christmas gift. I have tried my best to use my camera to capture a picture of what it is, but I have failed to properly show the beautiful colors of the yarn. Please click on this link to the Storm Water Shawl to see a picture of the kit I received. The Sea Silk yarn included in the kit was Wildflower.
The yarn is beautiful to look at, wonderful to knit with, and I can only assume it will be luscious to wear.

Shattered Peace

2007-01-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

On Sunday morning, my husband and I decided to enjoy the sunshine and take a hike in the area of the Brandywine River owned by the Woodlawn Trustees.
We had parked our truck in the lot on Ramsey Road. When we got back from our hike, we found the passenger side window smashed and several items stolen from the truck. Another couple's car was broken into at the same time.
As we waited for the police to arrive at the scene, we talked to others using the park that day. We were surprised to learn that many had similar experiences in the same area.
It was a jolt to learn that an area of our town, which we had considered quiet and safe, was a target of criminals.
Somehow, I don't feel as safe today as I did before our walk yesterday.

How to Know If You Have Enough Yarn For Two Socks

2007-01-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

Here's the answer.

Notice that this item has already been used. See the remnants of yarn left from the skeins of Seasilk run through the counter?
I didn't even notice they were there until I uploaded the picture onto my computer.

The counter can be purchased mounted on a board from knitting suppliers for about $50. But my daughter (who gave this to me as a gift for Christmas, isn't she the best?) found this at Dick's for alot less. It's used by fisherman to measure how much line they have out.

I found I don't need the mounting board. The device attaches directly to the table I use with my swift and ball winder.

Now I can easily divide that one skein of sock yarn into 2 skeins of even length. I really don't need the suspense of waiting until I am almost done the second sock before I know if I will have enough yarn!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2007!

I wish everyone a year of peacefulness, health, and personal growth.

Cozy Feet

2006-12-31T08:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who left comments to help my hurting hand. It feels much better and I have been able to work on my knitting projects with alot less pain.

I finished these socks during the Christmas Holidays! There is nothing like a pair of hand knitted socks to make your feet feel special. I contemplated giving these as a gift, but decided they wouldn't be properly appreciated by others. These socks needed a home where they would be loved by someone who could understand why feet need socks made of $16 yarn and the time spent in knitting them.

My Hand Hurts!

2006-12-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

Ever since the KR Retreat, I have been knitting like a crazy woman, and my right hand is really aching! I don't know if the pain is caused from overuse or from the multiple socks I've been knitting on size 1 circulars.

The pain is centered around the pad below my thumb. My wrist is sore also. I wonder if it could be carpal tunnel syndrome?

I've even gone a few days in a row without picking up my needles and yarn. I've tried to keep ibuprofen in my system, but I'm going to switch to naprosyn (Aleve) in order to only take it twice a day (instead of 3 times a day). I switched my mouse at my work computer to the other side, it's a good thing I'm lefthanded.

Does anyone have any ideas how to relieve these symptoms? I know there are a few nurses who read my blog. (Mom? Sis? Daughter?) HELP!!!!!

Another Diet - Knit From Your Stash 2007

2006-12-18T16:27:00.000-05:00

Knit From Your Stash 2007 is a great/challenging idea from Wendy of Wendy Knits.

The goal is to only knit with yarn you already own - for the next year. Remember the 1200 yards of worsted weight merino wool you bought 2 years ago to make that perfect poncho? Now, you know ponchos are not coming back into style for another 25 years, but the yarn is great, so look through your bookshelf full of knitting patterns (note:knitting books are not included in the diet, thank goodness) and find a sweater to knit!

If you don't think you have enough yarn hidden away to keep your needles clicking for a year :
1. You just started knitting yesterday.

2. You have serious rationalization issues.

3. You need to inventory your stash.

4. Your significant other is hiding your yarn in an attempt to make you think you are going insane!

Merry Christmas everyone!. I hope you get to spend time with your family and friends and experience the love you deserve.

Thank You, Rosi

2006-12-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

Rosi, I didn't give you a proper "Thank You" in my previous post. Sorry about that, being fairly new to blogger, I haven't quite figured out all of the ins and outs of the system, and wasn't able to properly edit my previous post.

To anyone who meets Rosi, you will find a very generous woman. She may not have an extra copy of "Victorian Lace Today" on her person, but I am willing to bet she has wine or homemade cookies in her knitting bag!

Victorian Lace

2006-12-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

One of the most amazing items I got from this year's swap lounge at the KR Retreat actually never made it into the room. Rosi brought a brand new copy of "Victorian Lace Today". She sat down next to Clara and me when she first arrived at the retreat and just happened to mention what she had brought to give away. Luckily, Clara will receive a copy of this beautiful book as part of her job as publisher of the Knitter's Review Newsletter, so that left me to calmly (haha) pipe up and offer to take it off of Rosi's hands and save her the walk all the way over to the next room.
For any knitter who loves lace, or those who think you might, please find a chance to flip through this book. The pictures are gorgeous and inspiring!
I began my first project soon after I returned home from the retreat. I had 1800 yards of vanilla Zephyr which I had purchased online from Rosie's Yarn Cellar in late August of this year. I decided to use the merino wool and silk yarn to knit the "Beginner Sampler".

Socks for Christmas

2006-12-02T15:27:00.000-05:00

I was at this same point on a sock last weekend when I decided to restart from scratch as I didn't care for the pattern or the gauge. This sock is the same yarn as the original sock, a machine washable, hand dyed merino wool that I bought at Stitches East.

The pattern is from "Sensational Knitted Socks" and the stitch pattern is the baby cabled rib.

Is It Cold Enought Yet?

2006-12-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

It's been so warm lately (75 degrees yesterday) that I haven't been able to wear the socks I knit for myself. Don't get me wrong, of course I had them on my feet as soon as they came off of the needles! But these socks are super soft and super warm, and the recent unseasonable weather has not been conducive to cuddly socks. But a cold front came into town last night and now I have the perfect excuse. (Why do I think I need one?)

One of Those Quizzes

2006-12-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

This would be no surprise to my husband. I am always asking him to build me another bookcase.

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm You're probably in the final stages of a Ph.D. or otherwise finding a way to make your living out of reading. You are one of the literati. Other people's grammatical mistakes make you insane.
Dedicated Reader
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Non-Reader
Fad Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Adapting to the Real World

2006-11-28T15:20:00.000-05:00

After a fabulous long weekend at the KR Retreat in early November, I have spent alot of my free time getting back to my knitting. The retreat reintroduced me to my love of the needles and yarn (I had been letting other things get in the way) and gave me 3 days with fellow knitters and friends. Nothing like being in the mountains with rooms full of women (and men - Hi Robert) knitting at all hours of the day, wearing beautiful lace shawls and other gorgeous creations to get you back in the mood.

During my weekend away, Cat Bordhi personally taught me how to knit socks on two circular needles, a technique that saves alot of time and energy and is very easy to learn. Cat also taught a class on Moebius knitting and Teva Durham gave a class on short rows. Teva is a wonderfully creative person. She showed many of us the gallies of her new crochet book. Beautiful pictures and amazing ideas!

Since I went to the retreat by myself this year, Clara made roommate arrangements for me. She did a great job putting Mindy and me together. We found that we hit it off immediately and got along great for the entire weekend.

It was also great to see friends I met at previous retreats. I would list everyone here, but I'm afraid I would forget someone. There were also many new friends to make, some funny, some shy, some pregnant, some (one) male! There is something about the KR retreat that makes you feel as if you are coming home to family.

Moving Day

2006-11-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my new blog. I'm moving from Typepad. My postings have become infrequent, and I don't believe it is worth the annual fee Typepad charges for blogging on their site. I apologize to those of you who have my blog linked on your blog.

Give me a few days to get this site up and running. For now I will try posting a picture to see how easy (or hard) it is to do this.

There, that was easy!