A Great Place to Pose!

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Stitches East- Belated

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

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 Hedgerow 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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

With tissue paper and pretty baby wrapping paper!

Crochet is Complete!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

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

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

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

There you will find an alphabetical list of blogs.

If you want to get your blog on the list, go to http://www.getstitchy.com/contact.htm to sign up!

Winter Has Arrived

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

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

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

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!

Welcome to 2007!

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