Monkey Socks are done!

Monkey Socks- by Cookie A- Available- for free at knitty!

Yarn- Trekking Pro- Natura Color-# 1606

US 2 Ebony Lantern Moon Sox Stix

Pattern notes- never checked my guage- will make these again on a 1 1/2 they are a bit loose.

Shoes- Crocs- Mary Janes in chocolate ;) Ugly but comfy.

Ummmm yeah. Another Chevron… Couldn’t resist- the Artyarns silk was perfect bay colors;)

Oh- and just a shot of the sun breaking through the clouds;)

 

Well now—- here I am! Mystery Stole 3 update and Trip To Thread Bear Review!

Where to start? Where to start?

Back is better- whew. That’s a good thing.

My post is up over at Laced With Grace- Don’t miss it- you’ll see how a family table political debate turned us all to prayer……through the leading of the littlest member of the family (of course;)

We went to friends’ 25 anniversary party on Saturday… it happened to be on the West side of the state so a stop at Thread Bear Fiber Arts Studio was a must…. and is something NOT to be missed!

Things I loved about Thread Bear-

1) Over 6,000 sq feet of YUMtastic Yarn! (A word of caution- I was a bit crestfallen when I pulled up- I was expecting a huge shop–(which I got) — however-the store front was average size…. (front window) —-totally deceptive- it is DEEP-goes back forever and - huge on the inside- don’t let the curb-effect fool you;)

2) Staff immediately welcomed me in and included me in conversation… about fall plans- and even a stroll through the new Vogue Knitting anniversary edition..

3) Owners were present- and delightful.

4) I bought- Blue Skies Alpaca silk,
Blue Sky Cotton,
Dream in Color Smooshy sock yarn, and lovely stitch markers;)

5) Big, sleepy, sweet, black dog on his own Ottoman- of course;)

6) Shop is visually stunning- bright, loaded with yarn yet still open and easy to maneuver through without knocking yarn out of every bin. (I hate it when I feel like an oaf knocking stuff all over in an overly crowded shop;)

7) Fiber for spinning;)

8) Comfy spots to sit n knit

9) Wi-fi available for non-knitting members of your excursion

10) Lovely displays- did I mention the visual appeal????

Thread Bear- it truly is Michigan’s Knitting Mecca…. Excuse me, if from now on, I must face the West to knit;)

My Mystery Stole 3 is coming along quite nicely- I’m at row 292- Melanie’s recommended lifeline secure….(And somewhat freaking me out…for the life of me- I cannot anticipate what’s coming;) )

I finished my African Violets Inspired Chevron Scarf in silk:

And- I cast on The Invisibility Shawl From Charmed Knits:

It’s in some random- stash dived lavander Feza mohair blend

 

Mystery Stole #3 Knit along… working clue 3

Knitting- this time it’s a mystery to me too! I’m bit less than half way through clue 3. My goal? 10 rows per weekday. (Yes, I am a freak. I gave myself a knitting quota…) I know. I know. Shut up.

It’s a rainy-ish overcast day.. which didn’t exactly make for beautiful pics. Honestly-I have absolutely NO CLUE what the theme for this stole could be… I’ll just keep knitting.

I suppose I have another update too… the bee that stung me a couple of weeks ago?
(go a head scroll down to the pic, I’ll wait)

The one that had me running across the yard screaming, swearing off yard work for ever? Remember how I was sure there were hundreds more chasing me?

Well- the lawnguy (who came to clean up the mess I had made of the bushes in the front yard during the escapade) let me know he DID have freinds. A whole nest of them DID come pouring out when he yanked the remnants of the bushes.

I’m baking him blueberry muffins. Even though they didn’t get him. (my homeowners policy holder breathes a sigh of relief)

A new Chevron scarf- (to balance out the lace knitting)

This one was inspired by a pot of african violets. I’d show you a pic of those— but my cat likes to eat just about every flower that comes into the house.

Apparently, he thinks violets are truffles, Or some such cat nonsense.

Till tomorrow- some flowers that cat has yet to eat:

 

Well. Maybe not. And Ravelry revelrie (I know.. I spelled it wrong….)

Just a fly-by blog update.

My post is up at “Laced With Grace” Find out what find out about one-sided hide and seek.

Prayer request:

My Grandma is in the hospital, chest pains abnormal EKG after a diagnostic thing… I found out “through the grapevine” (complicated, complicated) please pray for her and for the family. (my complicated, complicated family)

Knitting… another Chevron…. oh my word I’m SO the daughter of a recovering addict.

At least its chevrons.. could be worse. Fleece Artist Seawool (lt pink) and Kigu KPPPM darker pink variegate. YUM. Better pic later- was updating stash for Ravelry taking loads of pics… when the sun met with a cloud collision;) just as I was taking this one.

Don’t forget soltrcy on ravelry. Oh, did I mention I got my invite for RAVELRY????

 

chevron scarf. Scarves. SCARVES..

Knitting in short time increments, can still result in finished objects.

Left:

Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarn- Rio De La Plata sock wt in “Harbour Blue” Here-to-fore to be known as robin’s eggs in the shade blue;)

And Lavold Silky wool… in a color as close to birds nest as I could find. Yes- again with the eggs and nest theme….this time in knit! I did it for the “Inspired by Nature Knit Along”

Right:

Chevron Scarf from Domesticat

Artyarns handpaint silk- “pink/orange” colorway and “olive green”

I also finished the other chevron in artyarns silk- no Finished objects pic…. it was a special gift. I needed to get in the mail…for someone I know online going thru treatment for brain cancer. (Please pray for Heather……click the Pray for Heather button to the left for more of her story)

I have been on an internet hiatus- (more like a self imposed grounding) my habits around online time had just gotten out of hand… it’s like going down a rabbit hole- a couple of hours go by in the blink of an eye. I’m also having even more (worse) e-mail problems… hate that.

Another bout of strep is also coursing through the house……looks like nice weather isn’t going to the be cure. I REALLY HATE THAT. Last week it was the oldest- this week the little one.

I am beginning to wonder if there is a streptococcus mary (or mark) among us… could one of us be a carrier? Could it be the cats? They’ve been known to like the kitchen faucet. (which I then, of course have to disinfect every 30 minutes or so…)

And that is what’s happening at my house…. how bout you? (End of incoherent update)

Non-knitters look away!

Quick. Knitters. Two of the Yarn Harlots books just became available on ITUNES! Yes—- listening to stories about knitting, while knitting! Fyi- Stephanie is both a fab knitter and excellant writer. Her writing draws you in, she is a writer and a knitter…. not a writer of knitting. I’m quite confident she could write on whatever topic she chose.

Booksellers- stop selling this woman as a knitting book signing- its a BOOK signing. That is all. Going to administer more ibuprophen.

 

Chevron Scarf knitting.. and HELLO! My knitting met the President!!!!!!!!

Inspiring colors- captured in yarn….

I know— enough with the eggs already….. a post about that obsession is in the works- but for now- yes I’m still knitting;) (in short bursts between cleaning tasks)

The yarn- is Elizabeth Lavold Silky Wool (the brown_

And Rio De La Plata Merino SOck in “Harbor Blue” Here-to-fore known as: “Robin’s eggs in shade”

The silk chevron is still growing slowly…..

A quick chevron dishcloth! Had to actually FINISH something!

And, in true ADD Knitter style- a quick chevron dishcloth to grace my very clean, kitchen;)

Sugar and cream cotton….

I adapted Domesticat’s pattern

I used US size 7’s - cast on 33- knit in pattern till I thought I’d run out of yarn…. then bound off on a wrong side row.. (so the ends would curl out the same way)

As for the title of this post???? I mean literally. My knitting, met The PRESIDENT of the United States!

To see the evidence: visit Katrina , she was my SP 9 pal t0 spoil…. During our round of SP… she sadly lost her police officer brother. Not knowing how else to help- I knit her a comfy shawl in deep purple KSH- in the “forest canopy” pattern…

She went to DC for National Police week… and wore her gift- when she met the prez! Click over and scroll down to see the pic!

Regardless of your politics- ya gotta admit that’s pretty cool;)

(Just hoping SS doesn’t contact me to knit one for the prez….that wouldn’t be right;) Although, I’m sensing something in a red white and blue theme there! Tacky, but patriotic!

PS: Noah (the youngest bugger around here) has stopped asking why he smells “pool water.” Apparently we’re making progress in the housekeeping department- as the bleachy scent of toilet cleaning is now more recognizable than a trip to the pool…..;)

Thanks “Flylady”

 

Random update….chevron scarf, still cleaning……If you give a room a cleaning, it will need to be vacuumed….

Chevron Scarf stats: here

Still making progress, though it’s mostly in snippets, between bouts of cleaning.

If you give a room a walk through-

If you give a room a walk through,

It will ask you to be cleared.

If you clear the clutter,

It will ask you for a dusting.

If you dust it,

It will cry for fingerprints to be cleaned.

If you wipe the prints,

It will whine to have cobwebs cleared.

If you clear the cobwebs,

you’lll notice the dirt in the carpets corners

If you vacuum up the dirt,

The carpet will need to be cleaned.

If you clean the carpet,

You’ll notice the messy bookcase.

If yu straighten up the bookcase,

The entertainment center calls your name.

If you clean the entertainment center-

You’ll notice the windows need to be wiped

If you wipe the windows,

You’ll notice the sills are covered in dust.

If you wipe the sills,

You’ll notice the curtains need to be washed.

While you’re washing the curtains,

The pillows will look funky.

If you wash the pillows,

You’ll notice the couch cushions need to be vacuumed.

If you vacuum the cushions….

You’ll need to lie down.

If you lie down…. you’ll notice more dirt.

Close your eyes- you’ve done enough.

(Loosely based on “If you give a mouse a cookie” a favorite at our house)

(Working in the livingroom this week…. can you tell? This afternoon’s planned task? Move the couch and clean out from underneath it——THAT should be interesting…. probably some home-brewed- hard cider under there—-I think Noah’s been experimenting with micro-brewing in juiceboxes under there….)

The windows in my living-room are currently naked. As a reward for making progress in my spring cleaning, I picked up new sheers. The new sheers are in the dryer- trying to remove the wrinkles without actually ironing. (I don’t iron without causing damage;) The light coming in today is lovely… I love sunshine! (Couldn’t resist taking pics…a short diversion -also between cleaning bouts.)

I’m still on track with “Flylady.net” . It’s interesting doing work in 15 minute increments….(although- I tend to run over the timer;) I don’t feel like I have to work the current area all at once- until it’s finished. (Which was just making me feel overwhelmed and then, procrastinate :0!)

I do however have a desperate question….

If I give my dog* pseudophed- will she stop leaving dog snot nose-prints on the windows?????? It’s driving me NUTS!

Dear Lord- I thank you for the sunshine streaming through the windows and for the rain that’s making everything start to bloom….I love you Lord- amen.

***Please don’t bother calling PETA….Bad Dog Sami isn’t being drugged— I’ve been tempted- but not yet sinned;)

sorry for the re-posts- trouble with blogger today;)

 

Chevron Scarf.. and adventure in color.

Chevron Scarf- from: Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Joelle Hoverson

Art Yarns Regal Silk- in colors #119 and 115- green and Pink/orange

Holz and Stein Circ’s in US #7’s (the regal silk is heavier than what’s called for in the pattern)

The thing about this scarf…… it’s a stretch for me, not the knitting- that’s simple. The colors. The directions call for “Complementary” colors. I get the concept- it’s just contrary to my personality. See- I’m a “matchy- matchy” kind of girl….

S0, my first attempt at this scarf was with 2 pretty- but coordinating not complementary yarns. Solid pink with a variegated pink granite color— (STR and Reynolds Sea Wool)

On the left- It’s Schaefer Anne In a blue-green, handpaint and STR in Mustang Sally

On the right- it’s STR in Pink Granite (from the sock club- o6) and Reynolds Soft Sea Wool in Pink. Both combinations are nice— (the yarns are FAB) but they just aren’t “popping”…. they were safe. blue and red- go together. Solid pink and pink variegate go together… but no zip. So I went to the LYS… and sat on the floor until I could make myself go outside of my little color box. and this is what I came up with.

I figure- If God would use these colors together- I can too;)

Today is Tuesday— and I’ve posted over at Laced With Grace- “My name is Tracey, and I’m a Human Being, not a Human Doing.” click over to seee my take on CWO’s meme- In Other Words;) See you there!

 

Accidental Earth Day Celebration…..chevron scarf- in artyarns silk

Accidental. No, Really. Our attending the Earth Day Festival at the Matthai Botanical Garden, in Ann Arbor was an accident. We’re not a worship the Earth before it ends… kind of family. We’re more of a take care of the Earth to honor God- since it’s His creation- you’re goofing with, kind of family. So how did we end up at the festival?

The Botanical Garden is one of our favorite- sunny day family hike spot. (They hae a very easy 1 1/2 mile trail) Since Saturday was spent cleaning the garage….changing the oil in the car… Cleaning the driveway because the pan of oil ended up spilled.. (Father and son they’ll get it done..) .. cutting the grass…. basically, a continuance of the Spring Clean-a-thon, we needed a break. Sunday was a funday. We didn’t remember it was Earth Day until we arrived at the BG and discovered our normally quiet spot- over run with Earth friendly activities of every kind.

Total accident.

I’ve never seen so much tie-dye and Birkenstocks in one place. (I’ll refrain from making any fashion color commentary, as I recently decided that my favorite sweats need to be disposed of because they’re falling apart— and I haven’t done it yet! It’s on my to-do list;)

There were Bubbles:

There were other kids- there- I promise… but well- I don’t want to go to jail or get sued for putting their pics up;)

There was planting of seeds- then transplanting them in the yard….

Oops- couldn’t edit this one fre of other kids…. sorry bout that;) And, as a side note- the seeds are in the ground right near little guys feet…. but- at the time of this picture’s taking- the hose had become a gun to shoot the birds at the back of the yard. Boys!

There was a nature walk with treasures found:

There were flowers in the conservatory: (No weapons- just flowers… this was Earth Day… not a game of CLUE!)

There were even flowers knitted!

Well—- kind of— This is my Chevron scarf— my third start , actually. ( don’t ask… let’s just say the directions are to find two COMPLEMENTARY yarns… I tend to be a bit matchy/ matchy—so using yarns that don’t MATCH or COORDINATE was a stretch for me….) It’s a pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts .

I’ve substituted the yarn- since it’s like 75 degrees here— (made that number up- it’s warm, though- I promise;) it’s too warm for the wool sock yarn called for in the pattern- so I’m using Artyarns silk…. it’s like knitting with rose petals….. yum. I have yet to finish my CPH… but I’m all about the chevron at the moment!

Details: Artyarns hand painted regal silk in color ways #119 (green) and 115 (pink/orange) It’s thicker than the yarn called for so, I’m using size 7 Needles. (Holz and Stein Circs)

There was a ride on Daddy’s shoulders to the car…..

There was soccer in the yard:

This pic was a moment of collusion against one of the teens- between dad and son.. they were gonna “‘astract (distract) him, I believe.

Finally- a very tired little guy- at the end of the day;)

Happy Accidental Earth Day! It was for us!

(I never thought I’d say that— even in print;)

Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Jeremiah 51:15

“He made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. He has stretched out the heavens by his understanding.”

Dear Lord- Thank you for the beautiful world you’ve created- give me wisdom to care for and enjoy it—- as you’ve intended. Amen.