Days of Yarn & Roses

Long time, no post

2007-11-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

It is pretty obvious that I haven't posted in a long time. Althought I really love to read the blogs written by others, I have a hard time writing my own, which is strange since I write all the time. I have been a knitting fool since I last posted and have taken a few pictures for my Ravelry page. Seems like I spend a lot of time at home working and knitting.

We are not traveling nearly as much as we did before since our kids are enrolled at pricey schools. My oldest hated Wake Forest and has transfered to the University of Oklahoma, where we wanted him to go in the first place. The difference in cost is amazing, even though he got thousands of dollars in scholarships to Wake. The ironic part of the situation is that he went to Wake to debate and OU won one of the college national tournaments. We purchased a house, so hopefully the youngest will just plan to go to OU and not make us suffer with the long distance student.

I am working on my second lace shawl from the same pattern. It is the Hyrna Herborgor from a swedish book that I don't have handy. The one in the picture above was knit with Royal Bamboo from Plymouth. Lace at that weight is really enjoyable and quick. I am almost finished with the second using Blue Heron Rayon. My other large lace project was inspired by the Hemlock Doily that made the rounds, but I wanted to be different, so I did the Azelea Doily from Kinzel's First Book of Lace. I used 10 skeins of Debby Bliss Silk Alpaca that I got from a grab bag sale at Webs. It it a pretty pattern, but the shape is a little odd for a lap blanket.

Next post-- assuming there is one-- I'll share more adventures in gigantic knitting.

Secret Pal

2006-12-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

I got two packages from my secret pal today. They were pretty interesting and full of stuff. I have mailed my secret pal some challenges. First, I sent lace weight yarn and a lace pattern book. Next I sent sock yarn and DPNs. My final challenge to her was dishcloths. I sent cotton yarn and a pattern book.

I cannot figure out how to put the pictures in my posts anymore. I have taken lots of pictures and done lots of knitting. I have a picture of the Melon Shawl that I finished from the cover of the Victorian Lace book but I cannot post it. I also took a picture of the packages I received but ..... no pictures. I am completely hooked on lace but I think that I am going to try some cables just for fun. I, like the rest of the knitting world, always have some socks on the needle. My boys love those hand-knitted socks.

Late again

2006-11-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

Once again, I have let loads of time go by without posting. I have been really busy knitting away on several projects from the new Victorian Lace book. I am currently working on the Melon Shawl, done unimaginatively in the exact same yarn and same color as the pattern calls for. Not too exciting, but I really liked the lime green color and I was able to buy four balls of yarn from a new LYS in Norman at the last football game.

In keeping with my lace obsession, I sent my SP9 person a lace pattern book and some lace weight yarn. I think that she is a fairly new knitter, so I am going to send a "challenge" for her each time. Obviously, the first challenge was lace. The next will be socks.

I got some interesting knitting needles from my pal. I don't think that I have ever seen dpns quite so long. Among other things, there were several sets of long dpns, including some that were huge. I'll have to keep these around for some special project.

I'll try to post some pictures next time. Maybe the melon shawl will be done by then.

Bad Secret Pal

2006-10-17T21:33:00.000-04:00

Well, I was a little distracted this summer and did not do right by my "pal" in SP8. In fact, I never sent her anything. I intended to, I really did. I bought stuff. I bought boxes. I bought envelopes. I stacked all of this in my craft room and felt guilty about it. When I finally got my groove back--sending the oldest to college was far harder than I expected-- I put together what I considered to be a really good one time gift.

Then it got lost. And stayed lost. I started buying more stuff. I bought several things while I was in NYC, mostly at Knitty City. I had a great time in New York. Hubby had a one hour hearing that lasted two days. I had two days alone on the streets. I actually met one of my invisible friends from a list that I love. I swear, we were so compatible, you would never have believed that we had never met before.

Anyway, I digress.Today-- the box returned! Two numbers in the zip code were transposed. It went out again today, this time with receipt. The irony was that I had put together a couple of things in an evelope, not nearly enough, and addressed it (but had not sent it). I also packed a little something for my SP9 pal-- timely, I might add. I finished my scarf for the International Scarf Exchange and packed it. I am finally on the ball, at least for this week.

Sp9

2006-10-05T22:37:00.000-04:00

Here are my answers to the SP9 questionnaire.
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I like almost anything, but love silk. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like ? I HATE ackrylic
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a folding, fabric holdre.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I thought myself as a young child. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?Definately advanced.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?no
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) right now it is Lavendar.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes Favorite candy?Chocolate-- no fruit
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Almost anything Do you spin? Not yet
8. What kind of music do you like? I really don't love music. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) yes
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Right now it is Pink or Leopard Any colors you just can't stand? Orange
10. What is your family situation? Married with two kids Do you have any pets?Two Italian Greyhounds
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Shawls
13. What are you knitting right now? Shawls
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo circulars?
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Both
17. How old is your oldest UFO? ten years old
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect? Yarn
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I read everything.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Sure
22. Are you a sock knitter? Yes What are your foot measurements? Size 9 shoe.
23. When is your birthday? 05/07

Summer is over already?

2006-09-10T13:02:00.000-04:00

Well, despite my best intentions, I have let some more time pass without a post. This is against the rules in the swaps and doesn't make my swap pals very happy. I had a great SP8 pal. She is from Estonia and send tons of stuff-- mostly representative of her country. I got mitten yarn and patterns, post cards and lots of candy. Unfortunately, it was 116 thousand degrees here and some of the chocolate was not in very good condition. But man, was she generous. I was not a very good partner. My oldest son went to college this summer and my youngest spent a month at debate camp. I was really depressed, way more than I had expected to be. I kept buying stuff for my pal all summer and just couldn't get the gumption to put it in an envelope and get it mailed. How stupid is that? Anyway, I got a big package mailed to her this week and I hope it will make up for the long delay.

After the stress of the summer, we went to Cabo San Lucas for a week. The same week as Hurricane John. I have a couple of pictures from the storm that I have to put up, but am not sure where they are right now.

On a knitting front-- I finished my PI shawl that I did with the Create your own PI group. My, in keeping with my past knitting, is huge!! I think I used 6 or 7 balls of Kidsilk Haze. I'll have to look at the yardage, but the thought scares me. I am going to block it soon, then will put up a picture.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to a more relaxed fall.

Trying not to be depressed!

2006-08-04T13:27:00.000-04:00

Well, once again, I have let months go by between posts. As I say often, I HAVE A GREAT LIFE--but there is just something about writing a blog that brings out the negative side of me. Here is a list of the great things that have happened to me this summer and why I should never be depressed--ever (is that convincing)

1. My first baby has turned out to be a really fine man. He is 18 and will be attending Wake Forest in North Carolina on a debate scholarship.
2. My second baby is 15 and is also turning out well so far. He is at debate camp at the University of Michigan and is doing well--as he tells me often in text messages.
3. I got great stuff from my SP-8 pal. She lives in Estonia and sent me all the stuff to make latvian mittens. I know that there should be a picture here, but one thing at a time!
4. I saw the Yarn Harlot.
5. I learned how to do mobius knitting, and I really love it. My picture is on the web site for one of our LYS--http://www.gourmetyarnco.com/knitting-oklahoma-blog.html --scroll way down.
6. I took classes with Lucy Neatby, Lilly Chin and Cat Bordhi.
7. I have a good job.
8. I love my family and they love me.
9. I had my 25th Anniversary.
10. I went to a fabulous resort in Mexico.
11. I am going to Cabo San Lucas in 3 weeks.

OK-- I feel better now.

SP8 & A Grad-u-ate

2006-05-26T01:07:00.000-04:00

Here are my answers to the SP 8 questions:
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? cottons and wools, but I'll knit with anything. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Most acrylics and most novelty
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I don't really knit with straight needles. My circs are in two different circular pouches, sizes 0-7 in one and 8+ in another.
3. How long have you been knitting? about 30 + years Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Advanced
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? None
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) lavendar, satsuma
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Anything chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Tennis, reading, sewing, quilting. Do you spin? no
8. What kind of music do you like? Not much of a music lover, but show tunes and standards. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? yes
9. What's your favorite color? pink, or purple, or red--I like all colors, really
10. Family situation: Husband (25 years) 15 yr old son, 18 year old son, two Italian Greyhounds, one 3 one 9
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? yes
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? shawls, carves, hats, afghans, handbags
13. What are you knitting right now? round Lily Chin shawl, cardi, mobius scarf
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? yes!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like Circ wooden needles
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? yes
17. How did you learn to knit? I was about 9 or 10 and have always knit and crocheted
18. How old is your oldest UFO? coupla years
19. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Is there anything that you collect? beads, fabric, craft supplies
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Not really
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? anything and everything
23. Are you a sock knitter? Yes, but I don't really wear socks. I make them for my husband and his golf buddies.
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) May 7

I know we are supposed to be anonymous, but I had to post a picture of my family at tonight's graduation. My baby is graduated and ready for college. He is going to Wake Forest and we couldn't be more proud.

My How Time Flys

2006-04-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

I always intend to post all kinds of things here on this little portion of what seems like outer space to me, but somehow I rarely get around to actually doing it. This picture on the side is the Flower Basket Shawl that I did in a cotton and sent out for a shawl exchange. Below is my Kiri Shawl that I did in Kidsilk Haze.

My life has been a little crazy over the last year since I am the mother of an unhappy child, but.......... (I don't want to say this too loud) I think we are over the hump and he has started regaining some of his formerly personable self. We have had much strife over the college selection process with our older boy. He is a talented debater and is leaving tomorrow for the National Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Ky. Only the best 72 teams in the country are included in the tournament.

As a result of his debate success, he recieved scholarship offers to both Wake Forest and the University of Texas at Austin. Although both schools are great, the cost difference between the two is huge. Also, UT has an enrollment of 50,000, while Wake has 4200 students. He was awarded a Presidential Scholarship for Special Distinction at Wake, but that still left 30k a year to be paid by us. UT would require under 10k. At the last minute, Wake came through with a pretty good academic scholarship that evened out the disparity-- so he chose Wake. What a relief to have that over with.

This is what life is like at my house right now! The pool is heated and we are proceeding like it is summer. Hopefully, I'll post again soon.

Pictures?

2006-03-09T01:14:00.000-04:00

Maybe I found them? This is the Crazy Eight that I did a month or two ago. Given the bulky nature of the yarn, two strands of some very nice cotton held together, I decided that I had to make it much longer to suit my ample personage. I am not quite as fat as this picture makes me look and the sweater is very nice.

Kiri-- Easy lace, wonderful fun.

I did this scarf for the International Scarf Exchange. It is the multidirectional scarf from the Yahoo Group out of Noro Silk Garden. It turned out well.

And Now it is March.

2006-03-09T00:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I have no excuse. I compulsively read blogs everyday. I would list them, but then I would have to learn how to link to them. I have been really knitting alot lately, but I cannot find my pictures. I am the biggest idiot on the planet. I have Kodak software and cannot find the fucking pictures. I finally knit a sweater that fit-- and took a picture. I knit the Cable Eight from IK, but I knit it at least twice as long for my ample personage and..... it actually looks good. But I can't find where the pictures are stored. I also knit Kiri in a fushia Kidsilk Haze and who knows what else-- its all in the pictures. Maybe someday I will figure out where the heck they are. On my previous computer, I knew how to post them, but not now.

In other news, my oldest boy has been accepted at the University of Texas at Austin, which we were really sweating. They only admitted 4% out of state freshman last year and you know that included all sports. Debate is not really a priority. We can actually afford UT, so it made it easier to let him consider to consider Wake Forest. We are set to visit on March 19, as he is a finalist for a Presidential Scholarship for Special Distinction. Younger son is really getting into debate, but he will have big shoes to fill.

I have been compulsively reading blogs lately. I wish that I lived closer to some of the great women that share their lives with all of us. I don't have a SNB locally or anything like it. Every group that I know of in the general area is made up of "newbies" (does anyone else hate that word like I do?) who just want help knitting novelty scarves. Oh well, I am healthy, reasonably weathy (if you consider yarn options owned) and wise enough to stay away from these groups. Maybe someday I will venture to one of the Stitches venues or other fiber venue. I can only hope.

How can it be February?

2006-02-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

I would love to be a smart, witty blogger that everyone read everyday, but I have decided that it will never happen. I love to read blogs and waste much time doing so. I can't figure out how to use blog lines so I just jump randomly all over the planet. Time can sure get away when I do this. I mostly write for a living-- as a lawyer-- and of course I think that the Great American Novel is inside me somewhere. But I won't be a great blogger.

Today, things are good with me. My kids are at a debate tournament in Norman. My youngest son is a novice, freshman. My oldest son has already qualified for the National Tournament of Champions, to be held in Kentucky in May. His school has really been concentrating on the national debate circuit and ignoring the local in-state tournments. Consequently, neither of them have qualified for the State Tournament. The oldest will have no problem, but the youngest, is working hard to get there. Because he was the Oklahoma State debate champion last year, we are really hopeful that he can repeat.

I am knitting like a fiend lately. I wait to blog until after I take pictures, but then I don't take the pictures, so I don't blog-- got that? Really, I just knit and work, with a game of tennis here and there. I am working on my hat for the International Scarf Exchange. I did the scarf several months ago, but couldn't decide on the hat. I have finally completed about half the hat, now I cannot find the second ball of yarn necessary to complete the thing. I will be late, I guess I am always late. I did send secret pal gifts out on time this month, although I cheated and ordered stuff to be sent directly. This counts, I believe.

I am going to see the Hornets play the Lakers tonight and am thinking about wearing my newly completed Cable-Eight Top from the Spring Knits. I love this top. I made one or two repeats longer to balance the bulk-- inevitable in my size-- and I think that it turned out well. Picture? Maybe tomorrow.

Secret Pal 7

2006-01-10T17:18:00.000-04:00

Days of Yarn & Roses
I have signed up for Secret Pal 7. Here are my answers to the questionaire!
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Actually, I am kind of a yarn snob. I buy yarns like Red Heart occassionally when I need a quick fix, or when I feel cheap, but then when I start to knit with them, I just cannot do it. These yarns have their place, but not often with me.
2. Do you spin? Nope, but I have purchased a drop spindle. Crochet: Yest, but don't really enjoy it anymore?
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?I generally only use circulars or DPNs. I have two needle pouches that I use. One has needles under size 6 and the others are over size 6.
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have knit since I was a child. I consider myself fairly advanced. There is not much I cannot do, but I am currently stumped by how to pick up all the gusset stitches on the two socks I have on two Circs. Just trying to learn that technique.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I really like lavender and vanilla right now.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Oh yeah!!! Favorite candy? Anything with sugar in it.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I like just about every craft. I quilt, sew, do needlepoint. I also like stained glass.
9. What kind of music do you like? I occassionally listen to opera, but don't really listen to music. I am a Audible book lover. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) yes
10. What's your favorite color? Purple Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Pastels. Any colors you just can't stand?
11. What is your family situation? Married, 25 years, two kids, boys, ages 14 and 18. Do you have any pets? Yes, two Italian Greyhounds.
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Right now I am hooked on laceweight and socks. I really like varigated yarns.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Acrylic.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Lace
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace shawls and socks
17. What are you knitting right now? Two socks on two Circs, two different lace shawls.
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Who doesn't?
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circulars20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? No preference
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes.
22. How did you learn to knit? Taught myself out of a Family Circle Magazine.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? One year... maybe?
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Tazmanian Devil
25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
26. Is there anything that you collect?Craft supplies
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None, but I buy most of them--OK, all of them.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Silk laceweight29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I trying to learn 2 socks on 2 circ. I was doing OK until time to pick up the second gussets. Maybe tommorrow.
30. Are you a sock knitter? Yes. What are your foot measurements? I wear a size 9 fat.
31. When is your birthday? May 7
Well, I should be more wordy, but not much time today. Maybe more next time.

OK-- So I'm not a blogger

2005-12-30T20:39:00.000-04:00

Well, it is clear from my sporatic postings that I am more of a blog reader than a blog writer. I have the best of intentions, really I do. I have some great finished objects to show-- if I just took the pictures. I am finishing-- late- my socks for the Holiday Sock exchange. I did Medrith's Little Lace socks from the Gathering of Lace Book. I shortened the ankle, my partner asked for ankle socks and used thicker, but not thick yarn-- Rowen 4ply Soft, in light lavender. They are great and I am sorry that I am sending them away. Best of all, I knit them in about three days!!! Maybe after I block, I will put up a picture. I hate blogs without pictures. I also have a completed Kiri in Kid Silk Haze, done except for blocking. I have done Blogging by Mail 3- mixed results- bad package, but good conversations with sender and am almost finished with my hat for the International Scarf exchange. I did the multidirectional scarf in Noro Silk Garden. I am going to be happy this year and count my blessings. I may not be a frequent blogger, but I am going to try. Pictures soon.

Could I be any Lazier?

2005-10-30T21:50:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a glorious day in my life. I have not left the bed except to obtain food, beverages and to potty. I have watched hours of landscaping programs on HGTV, a cake decorating show on the Food Channel, two episodes of Law & Order and will soon view Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. His Honor just brought me a huge pile of food from PF Chang's and I am going to dive in, then go straight to bed. Tomorrow I will worry about my diet-- while I get a pedicure and then eat lunch with a good friend from Law School. I have been reading blogs and knitting on a semi-awful novelty yarn shawl. Just the basic garter stitch triangle, but in two crazy white yarns. More, with pictures, another day!!

Got to get Happy

2005-10-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

I have made a committed committment to be HAPPY. There is no reason in the world that I should be anything other than joyous! So, I am going to post only happy stuff. I would post some pictures, but don't have the camera right here, so maybe tomorrow-- or I mean on Monday. We leave in the morning at 4 dark o'clock for Chicago. I have never been there. I can't wait. I think that I will take my Feather and Fan shawl, but won't be sad if I don't get anything done on it. Soooooooo..... more on Monday!!

Somehow the Summer got away from me.

2005-10-09T19:51:00.000-04:00

Well, it is now fall. I didn't write all summer. I am going to do better. I knit lots of stuff this summer that did not fit. In keeping with my pattern, I knit two giant sweaters. I did knit a wierd little cotton tape sweater from a Rowan book. It's ok, but I haven't brought myself to wear it. Maybe I will put it on and put a picture up soon. I just started the third ball of Kid Silk oon my Kiri. I think that I will finish it soon. I should be done, but made lots of mistakes in the first third and ripppppped the whole thing out and started over. I'm pretty proud that I didn't abandon the project. I am really good at abandonment.

In other news, we found out today that my oldest boy got a 31 on the ACT!! I am the mother of at least one smart boy-- although we think that if he uses his brain, the second son is actually smarter. Son 2, age 14, is currently crabby, having broken his wrist during a roll down a hill. It is a bad break and will require at least 4 months in a cast. He is probably going to miss tennis season this year. He also has the singular ability to keep our whole household in an uproar. If he isn't happy, none one is happy.

My oldest is thinking about going to the University of Texas. The debate department is interested in him and has made a scholarship offer. Not great, but not bad. It's not like he is a football player. Academics are so under-rated by colleges that it is sad. Anyway, we are embarking on the college exploration. I hope that the journey is both fun and fruitful.

Bad Week For No Good Reason

2005-06-02T21:16:00.000-04:00

I am having a bad week and I don' know why. Although I lost another toe nail(!!!! same toe, other foot), got a brand new car that my husband has mostly driven since it arrived, have been chewed out by a judge for missing a hearing (I was in the wrong courtroom, thank you secretary), I don't think any of these things are the reason. I just want to cry and any slight thing has got me watering up. I hate feeling like this. I have been looking forward to Friday all week, hoping for good weather. This is my inviolate, everybody knows that its Friday so come over to my house and drink all day by the pool day. Husbands hate it, those late afternoon hangovers don't do much for family time later, but by god, we love it!! I bought 6-- yes, 6, bottles of Beringer's White Merlot in preparation for the day. This is not a typo. White Merlot. Smoother than white zinfindale and plenty sweet. Stands up to a glass of ice and an ambiant temperature of 80+ degrees. Plus--- at $4.05 a bottle, purchased at Tom Thumb in Plano, Texas with case discount and customer loyalty card--- you just can't beat it. It is chilling nicely in the pool fridge, where it will remain for another week. His majesty has a golf match at 12:30 tomorrow and a pretrial conference at 1:30. Guess who gets to go back to the courtroom where she was throughly embarrased today? Me!! No wine for you today.

Oh well. I have to get over this feeling. As you can tell from this post and many previous posts, I have a great life. I just can't figure out why I want to cry.

Update; Ugly Foot

2005-05-23T09:22:00.000-04:00

I guess that I was not very clear about the "trauma" associated with the destruction of my beautiful Mother's Day Pedicure. The nails are real, only the color is not my own. The nail that fell off was not fake, but a real nail. I just wished that it had chosen a different time to let go of its tenuous hold. I am waiting for the corrosponding nail to fall off on the other foot.

I took a break from knitting for most of the weekend because I have given myself a "crick" or, in my house, a "cricket" in my neck. I think that this comes from, once again and as usual, laying on my fat ass and knitting. You would think that I could at least sit up. But, my personal life philosophy has always been Never stand if you can sit, and never sit if you can lay. And I wonder why I have a fat ass-- and for that matter fat abs as well.

I am waiting for a shawl kit from Yarnia.com. I had previously gotten a purse kit from them and it was spectacular. It is the white purse in previous pictures. Based on this experience, I ordered a shawl grabbag. Unbeknownst to me, I was sent a scarf kit by mistake. I didn't think that two 50 gram balls of cotton would make a shawl (long eyelash was knitting with the cotton), but I went on faith and undertook the pattern provided for a fairly basic triangular shawl. It turned out to be an over sized triangular scarf. I stewed about the prob for several days, and finally wrote Yarnia. I was not pleased with the price that I paid-- supposidly discount-- for two small skeins of cotton and one of eyelash.

I am so glad that I did not just write Yarnia off as a bad company. My e-mail was answered within an hour, even though I wrote it late in the evening. They are sending a replacement. I opted to try again rather than receive a refund-- which was offered. I'll let you know when it comes.

2005-05-22T21:50:00.000-04:00

You want Roses, Check out these Roses!!!!!!

2005-05-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

How about this view!!

2005-05-22T21:48:00.000-04:00

Ignore the dirt around this bed, but I planted hibiscus and white lantana today. This rose tree is like the energizer bunny. It will not stop blooming. It has gotten so heavy with flowers that I had to put a trellis under it just to prop it up.

2005-05-22T21:45:00.000-04:00

This is the first wave of the blooms. Note the lounge chair. This is where I lay and work on making sure my ass gets as fat as humanly possible.

2005-05-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

This is the best view of everything.

Roses, Roses and assorted other Flowers

2005-05-22T21:30:00.000-04:00

No knitting content at all today. I worked in my flower beds all day today. I think I have planted all the flowers that I can plant this year, or at least until the nursery that I like reduces the perenials by 50- 75%!!! I finished my bead markers today for the bead-it exhange. Does that count as knitting content? I tried to take a picture of them, but I could not get one to stay in focus. Anyway, today is all about the flowers-- and the four racks of ribs that I put on the smoker this morning at 11!! Six hours later, they were some kind of good!!!!!!

What a Pisser-- Warning, Ugly Picture

2005-05-16T17:47:00.000-04:00

I was very happy to receive a very much wanted gift certificate to my favorite nail spa for Mother's Day. My kids did the thinking and the shopping!!! Amazing event in my family. Sooooo--- I went to get a wonderful spa pedicure on Saturday. I met a friend and we smuggled our Diet Coke and Vanilla Vodka drinks in Sonic Cups. I got a nice pink color and splurged for a painted flower. Lovely.
Here comes the pisser part. After leaving the nail place, I came home and got in the pool. You know, to enjoy a little sunshine. As we all know, brown fat looks much better than white fat. That is why we don't eat our pork chops medium rare. Wellllll, I have a couple of bad nails from tennis injuries, but didn't really think anything about it. I put one foot in the pool, a nail floated off and this is now my perfect pedicure.

2005-05-16T17:44:00.000-04:00

Yuck!!

2005-05-16T16:58:00.000-04:00

This was a great bag. The crocheted rose was really fun and easy. I still need to add two leaves, but wanted to post now.

2005-05-16T16:56:00.000-04:00

This was a bag that I test knitted for the Bag-a-holic group. It was designed by Karen in Utah-- thats the only name I have. The design was brilliant in my simple opinion. No sewing. I wish I had made it bigger.

2005-05-16T16:54:00.000-04:00

This is the March bag from the Bag-a-holics Group. My mosaic knitting was terrible. The checks, that I added on my own, felted way tighter than the rest of the bag. Also the handle tabs felted crooked. Its ok, not great.

Bad Blogger

2005-05-13T15:51:00.000-04:00

I swear, I spend so much time reading the e-mails from the several lists that I follow, I have little time to knit or work. In the past week, I have read at least 2.5 billion e-mails, drafted three important legal briefs and knit three bags. I would post pictures, but I don't have time. I have had to resort to listening to book on my Ipod. There is only so much a girl can do in a week. All three bags felted last night, hopefully pictures tomorrow!

Can't even Frog right.

2005-05-03T01:24:00.000-04:00

OK, I'll admit that a hot pink, sueded yarn tam was probably not a really good idea. I have been to France, more than a couple of times, and although we always sing about the raspberry beret, I have never, ever been tempted to buy one. So why was I compelled to knit one. And in Suede, no less. Needless to say, it was a disaster. No elasticity. No shape. No fit. Sooooooo, I decided to frog away and add the hot pink to my Ruana-- which is almost to the halfway point. I cannot get the sorry sucker to frog. I have been picking out stitches for almost 2 hours and it will not rip. Somehow, I am froging in the wrong direction. Never has anyone been so stupid as to have a problem unknitting. I could not feel more stupid. Done in by a not even Raspberry beret. I'm going to take my bath now.

Back from Atlanta

2005-04-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

Now that I am no longer traveling, I am staying in some major luxury hotels lately. In Denver, we stayed at the Peabody. The room was not very great, but the hotel amenities were terrific. Both of the bars in the hotel were really nice-- of course, we went to both of them-- and we had the most amazing meal at a French restaurant in Downtown.
In Atlanta, we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Bucktown. We stayed on the Club level. Drinks available all day, as well as breakfast with Bubbly, lunch with wine, snacks with cocktails (seeing a pattern here) dessert with cordials. Although we left the hotel for dinner, we pretty much stayed in the hotel the rest of the time. Although I helped with the preparation for the deposition (the reason we were there), we saved our client a few bucks and I didn't attend the show. I stayed in the hotel-- imagine why!!! I tried to get to a LYS that I read about on the internet, but a sudden thunderstorm forced me back to the Club room. There is not much that I like better than a crafting opportunity, but I was OK with the Club room.
Although I really did not enjoy the experience of my first clappy, I decided to do another. I'm not really sure why. The first one was my first experience with so many knitting rules. I have always been a strange knitter; my mother claimed that I knitted backwards and would never help me with anything. When I started Clappy, I learned about twisted stitches. At the time, it didn't occur to me that all my stitches were twisted, so I struggled to learn a new way to knit. With the second, I did more thinking-- or should I say less thinking. Once again, for some reason I chose acrylic again, even though I have loads of really nice yarns. This time, I just knit like I wanted to. All I have to do is knit 5, then purl 1. I only pay attention when it is time to make a new stitch or drop an old one. So much more enjoyable. I started the decreases yesterday and, of course, cannot wait to finish. Socks are next up, but I have vowed not to start anything new until I finish Clappy. This one is really going to be a shawl!!!!

2005-04-27T12:37:00.000-04:00

Clappy Revisted!!

2005-04-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

What do you think of my beautiful baby?? He is going to the Prom and boy, did he look good, if I do say so myself.

2005-04-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

This was an amazingly fun night. Hubby, who is incredibly technologically stupid, somehow turned the pool heat up to 97 degrees. I generally keep it at about 81. The lower temp is pretty good in the spring, but as soon as you get out of the pool, it is really still cold. At 97, our pool became Oklahoma's biggest hot tub!! It was fun while it lasted, but I am not looking forward to next month's gas bill.

2005-04-27T12:30:00.000-04:00

My husband hates this plant. We, among our many interests, make homebrew!!! So, being over-achievers, I decided that I had to grow my own hops. This plant takes over!! It produces major amounts of really large hops. I think that they are Cascade hops.

2005-04-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

This was a tiny little rose tree last year. I can't believe how big it has gotten.

2005-04-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

I love purple!!

2005-04-27T12:23:00.000-04:00

Every time I see a flower, especially a large purple flower, I believe that it it my favorite ever. Look at these Clematis. They are going great. My other favorite has to be yellow roses. I don't know why my yellow roses are blooming so much earlier than any of the others.

We are Not Traveling This Year!!!

2005-04-15T23:41:00.000-04:00

I swear, his magesty and I swore that we would not travel as much this year as we have in the past. Last year, we went to England during March, France and Italy during August and Las Vegas at least three times. This is in addition to any business travel. So far this year, the year of not traveling, we have gone to Denver (Appellate argument), Philadelphia (Mass Tort Seminar) Dallas (Spring Break), Memphis (Mediation), Las Vegas (Golf Tournament) and Dallas again (Mass Tort Seminar). This week we leave for Atlanta, another mediation, next week we go back to Dallas so hubby can play in a golf tournament with my father. We are planning to go to Las Cabo in August as our family vacation. Where in the world do you think we might go between now and then? I am afraid to think about it.

The Good, The Good and the Ugly

2005-04-11T16:49:00.000-04:00

I cannot get the hang of putting my photos in the right order to get them in the content how I want them. This should be last. Its my new patio set. The coffee table has a fire pit in the middle. I wish we could S&B right there right now.

2005-04-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

My baby is a Champion!!! My 17yr old, previously known as Hairboy, got a haircut and then won the 4A State Debate Tournament!! We could not be more proud!!

2005-04-11T16:40:00.000-04:00

This what he looked like last weeK. I can't call him Hairboy any more. He donated 22 inches of hair to Locks of Love, while we were out of town. I almost didn't recognize him!!

2005-04-11T16:36:00.000-04:00

This is me-- ignore ugly tennis skirt-- didn't turn off the flash-- in the giant Laguna. I am seeing a pattern with my knitting. Big, Bigger, Biggest. I got to get more careful. This baby will never see the light of day.

2005-04-11T16:35:00.000-04:00

This is the Ugly!! Its Laguna done in Brooks Farm Harmony. I made the Large-- without measuring, swatching or any of the usual safeguards-- and it is HUGE!!!!! It is probably a 3xl. I guess I will frog away and maybe it can become the Clapotis that it was meant to be in the first place.

2005-04-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

Look what I got!!!! Come on over, bring your knitting, I've got the wine.

I Get Interviewed!!!!!

2005-04-06T21:17:00.000-04:00

I have been interviewed!!! Here are my questions and answers:

1. As a lawyer, what is your professional opinion about knitting while on jury duty, either in the jury box or during deliberation? I know that I sometimes get lost in my knitting and miss all the critical issues during one of the 17 Law and Order reruns that I seem to watch in a day, so I would really worry about a juror knitting. In our state-- Oklahoma-- most judges will not even allow the jurors to take notes. I have never seen a juror knit.
2. How long have you been knitting? I believe that I have been knitting approximately 35 years. I am 45 and taught myself to knit at about age 10. My mother, who really only liked babies and teenagers, would not teach me. I learned from a book that I checked out of the library. Somehow I tought myself what is now known as Eastern Combined. When I asked my mom for help, she could not figure out what I was doing. I always believed, until about the last month or two, that I knitted backwards-- whatever that means.
3. Have you ever knit anything for your 17 year old son that he lost? If the answer is yes, did you ever knit for him again? Yes-- when he was about three, I knit him a great cabled sweater. It was red, so naturally, he wore it when we went to an Oklahoma Univ football game. He watched the game on TV at a Norman church that babysat during the game. When we picked him up-- no sweater. I later called the church, but no one saw it. I think that I might have made him one more sweater, prior to presenting him with a brother, that significantly cut into my knitting time!
4. You are a gardener - do you ever find knitting inspiration from the garden, or vice-versa? Yes!! I love color-- especially riotous color, like a cottage garden and hand-painted yarns.
5. What is the strangest thing you have ever knit? No question, the Clappygan. I hate acrylic yarn, but for some reason felt compelled to make the shawl d'jour out of Red Heart. I completely failed to think in any way, about gauge or finished size. Brain fart of the ultimate degree.

This was fun. Hopefully, I'll have pictures to post tomorrow.

Where is Betty Ford when you need her?

2005-04-02T01:38:00.000-04:00

Holy cow!! We just came back from four days in Las Vegas. I think my blood alcohol level is still over the legal limit days later. We had a great time-- as usual. We stayed at the Rio. It was OK, but I won't choose to stay there again unless there is some reason to do so. The pool was smallish but pretty-- only one cocktail waitress was a big draw back. Hubby played golf in a tournament, so I was on my own most of the time. All I will say is that I really enjoyed myself. You know the line, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

I finally bought a swift to go with the yarn winder that I have had for years and was dying to use it. Searched the house, then remembered it is in the trunk of my car-- which is in the shop. Hope to get it tomorrow.

One great think that happended while we were gone-- Hairboy, my 17 year-old, donated all 21 inches of his hair to Locks of Love!!!!! What a suprise. We didn't recognize him. I will try to post a picture tomorrow.

Still working on Laguna, Ruana and the Clover thing from SnB. Pics soon.

Nothin happning!

2005-03-27T03:46:00.000-04:00

Not much to speak of at this time. I was in Memphis on Wednesday and Thursday, and wanted to take a picture of me not going to Graceland, but i never found Graceland. We drove the 7 hour trip in my Saab convertible, listing to The Devil and the White City-- a tremendous book for listening. In fact, we listened the whole trip and didn't finish. I can't wait to hear the end. I looked for any LYS but only found poverty and squalor. I finally drove to Tunica just to get out of the ghetto. I don't think that I like Memphis, although I will do more research before I go again. We leave on Monday for Las Vegas. Hubby is playing in a golf tournament, so hopefully, I'll get to lay at the pool and knit. Did I mention that my #1 son, Hairboy, just won the west regional in debate and goes into the State Debate tourny as the #1 seed from this region? Also, #2 son, the maniac, just won second place in #1 doubles at his first tennis tournament. You have to love having talented kids.

What a weekend.

2005-03-23T02:07:00.000-04:00

As I suspected, a considerable part of my trip to Dallas was consumed by video games and the like. On Thursday night, we went to Dave and Busters in Frisco. Although we won, at considerable expense, 10,000 (not a typo) tickets, it was a bitter sweet occasion. In the past, my family has been absolutely giddy with excitement (and more than a few beers for me & dh) at D&Bs-- or any place of similar amusements. This time, it seemed as though my 17 year-old son had finally finished enjoying this kind of family fun. The same was true the next day when we went to a giant Malibu racecar track. I was really sad that the end of his childhood was looming. Finally, I realized that at 17, I never went anywhere with my family and had my own seperate life. I tried to be happy that he was with us at all. Did I mention that he is almost 6 feet tall, has hair down to the middle of his back, wears a 13 shoe and is the best debator in Oklahoma at the present time? I miss my baby, but celebrate the man.

On a more positive note, I did sneak out of the hotel and into the Galleria---- where I got a terrific pedicure. Actually, since I was given 3 glasses of wine, any pedicure would have been good.

On Saturday, we allowed Hairboy (Son 1) to drive the Maniac (Son 2) and himself home a day early. (Because DH wanted to work late, we took two cars. So much for economy.) They stayed home by themselves and did not cause any trouble at all-- or at least none that we were able to discover. DH glued himself in front of the TV-- March Madness you know--- and settled in for the day. I drove to Plano and went to the Woolie Ewe. Actually, I think I died and went to heaven.

There are no words to describe my pleasure!!!!! There is nothing in the entire State of Oklahoma that comes close to this shop. We have one really good one in Guthrie, but not as good as this. Now here comes the good part---- After paying for my purchases, and they were numerous, I (who rarely shuts up) was chatting away with one of the owners of the shop when we suddenly discovered not only that we had been in the same high school class, but that we had also been friends!!!! What a thrill. I can't wait to go back.

OK-- here's the real knitting content. On the trip, I took the Brooks Farm Yarn that I bought for Clapotis and did not use--- see prior posts (got carried away by Red Heart before the good stuff arrived). I cast on at least 4 different lace projects. None were good. At the WE, I bought an Oat Coutour pattern for Laguna. Its a very simple tunic looking tee shirtish sweater that has built in sleeves. It was a perfect match with my yarn. The back is almost finished. Maybe a picture tomorrow.

Off to Dallas

2005-03-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

Not much to say today. I am working on the appeal of a property settlement in a divorce action. I hate working on anything to do with divorce. Nothing brings out greed and averous like money and family-- or ex-family as the case may be. I am bored with everything that I am currently knitting and at very loose ends with Clappygan finished. Why is it that when you are working on something that you are bound and determined to finish, every other project calls your name? I want to work on my Ruana, but it takes so many different yarns, it is not really portable and I need something to work on in the car. Dallas is just over 3 hours away, so some good sitting and knitting time.

Last words about the Clappygan, then I am moving on for sure. I used almost three full skeins of Red Heart. That is a lot of yarn. I did all the increase rows as the pattern requires. After dropping the 9th ladder, I started the decrease sections-- worked completely according to the pattern. I probably would be over 10 feet long if I had completed all of the straight rows as written.

I Need Inspiration!!!! I'll let you know how the weekend with the kiddo and DH in Dallas turns out. We will probably spend every waking minute at Dave & Buster's.

The Red Hearted Monster is Complete!!!!!!

2005-03-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

Well--- at long last-- the monster is finished. After much angst and anguish, along with lots of stopping and hating and starting again, I have finished Clapotis or the Clapogan as my little project has been titled. In case anyone has forgotton, I started this KAL project before I obtained yarn that I ordered specifically for the project from Brooks Farm. I couldn't wait, so I grabbed a hank of Red Heart and went to town. I thought I would just explore the pattern, but then I never stopped. Because of the weight of the yarn, I increased to a 10.5 needle. I also knit at such a loose gauge that a truck could drive through my stitches. All thoughts such as the potential size of the finished project flew out of my pointy little head. And so, I have this as a result!! Please note the computer, legal files, magazines and other assorted stuff. This photo was taken on my queen sized desk.

2005-03-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

What a monster!!! it is almost 8 feet long.

2005-03-16T20:35:00.000-04:00

I swear, these ladders are over an inch long.

2005-03-16T20:34:00.000-04:00

The weather here was so great this weekend, I had to buy a little something for my mental health. Probably still too early, but I bought these at my local big box hardware store. I got another camelia, a coreopsis, several hostas and some carnations. I just have to decide where to put them.

2005-03-16T20:31:00.000-04:00

This terrible mess is my perennial garden, with the roses in the background.

2005-03-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

I don't think that you are allowed to have a blog if you don't show gratuitis pictures of your pets. This is Leo the wonderdog, whom we believe to be part ferret. He is an Italian Greyhound, the only dog bred solely for companionship. He has a high body temp so that he can keep you warm during the harsh winters in your castle.

2005-03-16T20:25:00.000-04:00

This, in keeping with the Italian theme, is Da Vinci-- now 9 months old. We just call him Vinci. He refuses to allow me to work on any project at my desk (bed) without sticking his head into my lap. I have given up trying to discourage him and just think of him as this strange body part over which I have no control.

2005-03-16T20:22:00.000-04:00

This is what my Hubby dearest brought me when he got home from work. Its a gimlet with a sugared strawberry. I, who work from my bed most days, have done a terrific job in training my dh. He slaves away at the office all day, then brings me a cocktail. Could life get any better??

Work day

2005-03-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

Although I had to do a lot of work today, mostly composing Interrogatories in a Medical Malpractice case, which I hate, I did get to knit a little. I have now dropped 9 stitches on the Clappygan. I have some serious questions with respect to the decrease section. I am going to ask the gang on the KAL if they have done the decrease rows early. I absolutely love having a resource like this. Also, because I work at home, I really feel like I have friends calling me all day. Until I resolve the questions about decreases, I think I will work on Ruana the Expensive. She is really pretty, but at what price???

2005-03-14T19:23:00.000-04:00

My Clappy is bigger than your Clappy!!

2005-03-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

This beautiful thing is my first camelia. I am going straight to the nursery to get more of these. I think this is my new favorite flower---- although Roses are always tough to beat. I pruned all 25 of my rose bushes this weekend. It was hard since they have been budding leaves since February. I cut everything down to approximately 12 to 14 inches. This is the first year I have ever had the nerve to actually prune. I always wait too long and cannot cut any branches that have growth on them. Accordingly, all the bushes are ugly and leggy looking. Pictures will follow-- in about 6 weeks!! We will see if I am successful in producing a bumper crop of beautiful roses this year.

2005-03-14T19:15:00.000-04:00

For all of you wishing for spring, I have to show you part of my front yard. Jealous? Here is another wonderful part of spring--

2005-03-13T00:38:00.000-04:00

This is a bag of my own design made out of recycled sari silk. I started Unbiased, but did not like how it was looking. I have an Icord somewhere to make this into a drawstring bag. I used black cotton along with the pretty stuff to make the bag.

2005-03-13T00:36:00.000-04:00

This is the beginnings of Ruana from Folk Shawls.

The Clappy from Hell

2005-03-13T00:27:00.000-04:00

This is the red hearted monster!!! I have dropped only 5 stitches, but this thing is huge. the picture in on a queen size bed. I think that I might finish it just to prove that I can. I clearly did not consider the gauge of the yarn or the size of the needles that I used. Maybe my kids will love to sleep under this thing.

I have several other photos to show, but have no idea if I know how to work the software.

Clapotis from Hell

2005-03-08T22:45:00.000-04:00

This has to be the ugliest Blog on the planet. I really am going to learn how to post photos and how to change the look of this thing so that it is more interesting. I am hooked on reading knitting blogs. I really would like to have a decent one myself.

I have been working feverishly on my Crappy Clappy. I made a non-choice and started the thing with Red Heart in 100% pure acrylic. I just giant weight yarn with huge needles (10.5) and my tension is so loose that a truck could drive throught the stitches. I am going to take credit for doing the first Clappy afgan. I promise I will try to take a picture tomorrow. You will not believe how big it is, and I am just now dropping the 6th ladder. I have to start the decreases soon!!

I really think that I might just have to put the monster away and go back to working on Ruana from Folk Shawls. I have spent a fortune buying different yarns for this shawl. I definately will be more likely to wear it (judging at this point anyway) than my crappy clappy.
Wish me luck-

Back to Life

2005-03-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

Well, my friend died. I was so mad at him for drinking himself to death that I could not mourn. I finally broke on Monday afternoon and cried until after the memorial service on Tuesday. I spoke about our college days and my dh sang Friends by Elton John and Imagine. Strange day.

I have turned into a serial starter. Rather than work on Clapotis, I have started the Ruana from Folk Shawls in two different sizes. Really dumb decision. I am so worried about my Clapotis and my inability to produce twisted stitches, that I have not been able to continue on it. I have learned that I knit Eastern Combined, whatever the heck that means. My mother always told me that I knitted backwards, which really made me afraid to knit. Generally, I don't think that my way of knitting is a problem, except when you need to have twisted stitches. I am going to try dropping one of the stitches on Clappy and see if it works. If not, I guess I start over. Wish me luck.

First time for everything.

2005-02-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is my first attempt at a blog. I have been lurking for a while, looking at and reading all the other knitting blogs. Today is a weird day for me because one of my very best friends in the world is in intensive care, and not expected to live the weekend. He is a sad story, with lots of opportunities lost. His death will be a tragedy-- a life wasted for nothing. That is what destroys me.