Welcome to Knittyitville. Where you will find....

2011-12-24T09:56:00.000-05:00

Christmas time is here at our house. We're getting ready to celebrate the new year, too. We have a new grandbaby and we're thrilled. There's nothing like a brand new baby to help you count your blessings and let you know how very lucky you are.

I wish all my friends and family a blessed Christmas, and happiness and good health in the coming year!

On the road again...

2011-03-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

Well the girls and I are off to Punderson again. A lovely weekend spent in one of Ohio's beautiful state parks. We rent a cabin twice a year, spring and fall, and soak ourselves in knitting food and lately dominos. Yup, we live right on the edge! Have a great weekend all.

Just do it....

2011-03-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have all these wonderful ideas in my head - things I want to do - I guess you could call them my "bucket list." They aren't fantastic trips or amazing feats of accomplishment, just some crafty things I've tucked away for when I have lots of time to get started and hopefully finished.

That quilt class I've been taking for the last 6 weeks (over now, so sad) has really got my brain working and I've decided to just jump in and do it. I have a pattern, a freebie from Elizabeth over at Sew, Mama Sew, I have the fabric, and what the hay, nothing ventured nothing gained right?

Why should I wait until I'm a fabulous quilter (if ever) to make this beauty??? I shouldn't, waiting until you good enough is futile. So I just decided to jump in and do it! That's just what I'm gonna do!

Here's the first block done for the Sawtooth Quilt. Isn't she pretty?! I love the way it turned out. I'm still struggling a little with the seams (which way to press for the least amount of bulk - but I think I'l catch on with the next block.

Those fabrics have been sitting in my stash for over 10 years. They were all free, can you believe it? I worked at a local college that had a lovely interior design department and at the end of each year they would offer their fabric samples to anyone who wanted them. When I saw this pattern on Elizabeth's blog I new it was just the one for these fabrics, It will look just like a garden of flowers. I hope! Wish me luck as I take my first steps into the wonderful world of quilting!

Sewing machines...

2011-03-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

Took a ride up to Pins & Needles in Mayfield Hts. this afternoon and checked out their prices on Janome Sewing Machines.....whew, was that an eye-opener. I new they were expensive (well worth the price though, I hear) but had no idea they were in the thousands!!!!

I sat in on a little demo on the 3160, a lovely little machine that weighs about 5 lbs but runs like a Briggs and Stratton engine. I think it does everything but cook. Anyone have any input on what a decent intermediate quilter should purchase? Im open to suggestions.

Welcome 2011

2011-03-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

Boy that seems strange to write...2011, sounds like the beginning of a Star Trek episode.

I've been conspicuously absent on this blog, and I'm going to try and remedy that. I specifically noted that I would "blog without obligation" (you'll note the crow over on the right side of the blog) therefore relieving me of any responsibility. However, I really would like this blog to be about chronicling my knitting and now, quilting, experiences. I'm an average knitter, I LOVE the process, the fact that my hands know exactly how to knit and purl without any help from my conscious mind. I can listen to a book on tape, watch an episode of 'Big Love', or just let my mind wander as I listen to Mozart in the background.

What I cannot do is follow a pattern or count to 10. I'm always in a rush, have 27 thousand projects started, few finished and then go off on a tangent making cowls over and over and over again, I made 5 within a weeks time (the Ridged Lace Cowl here), super easy and fun project. But really, why stop in the middle of 2 top down sweaters, 1 Bohus sweater, at least 4 pairs of socks and 3 shawls? There's certainly enough variation there to warrent stimulating knitting. Maybe I have a touch of A.D.D. I know I'm dyslexic, but all these unfinished projects are getting on my nerves - I have so much yarn I still want to work with and so little time! Any suggestions out there?

On another note, I finally got the studio into some semblance of order and I'm excited to have a place to really get creative. I signed up for a quilt class at Stitch, Piece'n Purl six weeks ago and just finished my last class yesterday. I completed the quilt top and have it all layered and pinned, ready for quilting (not my favorite part however) I much prefer putting the puzzle together, that's the fun part for me.

You can see from this photo that it isn't really large - about 23" x 23", but I'm pleased with the way it's going so far. I've just started hand quilting, outlining each shape, and hope to have it finished by Easter to send off to a dear lady. She's a MASTER quilter so I think she'll get a kick out of seeing my first attempt. Here's a close up of those points I referred to earlier as well as my bad attempt at hand quilting. I'm told I'll get better as I progress - ha!

And here's a shot of the back - nothing too fancy just tried to give it a little interest. Not sure if you can tell, but I had several small pieces of batting left over from my son-in-law's OSU quilt so I joined them all together to make the batting for this one. Worked out just fine and helped me adhere to my "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" philosophy that I'm trying to maintain around here.

Here's a photo of hubby holding up the son-in-law's OSU birthday quilt -

and he loved it! Whoo hoo!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!

2010-09-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Yup, all year long I wait for this day...September 21st. THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN! It's my favorite time of year. I'm energized but the chill in the air. I want to open all the windows and air out the house, turn on Brooks and Dunn and listen to Boot Scooten Boogie while I sweep out all the hot air and humidity that the summer brought.

I love to listen to the crackling leaves as the dear run through the yard on their morning jaunt down to the river. The sound of all those acorns falling off the oak trees on to the barn in the back makes me smile, as does watching the squirrels and chipmunks gather their food stuffs for storage but they sure make Cooper crazy!

I'm anxiously awaiting the fall colors and soon it will be clam-bake time .... oh the smell of that broth and those chickens on the grill....mmm, mmm, mmm, I can hardly wait!

Do you think they're happy?

2010-09-19T22:43:00.001-04:00

Wow, favorite son tied the knot this weekend. I now have a brand new daughter-in-law (and she's a real keeper) and get this, 3 more grandsons! I must be the luckest gramma in the world 5 grandchildren and I never had to change one diaper!!!!! Whoo hoo!

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-03T22:01:00.002-04:00

Wishing you all a wonderful 4th and hoping you all stay safe - enjoy those fireworks from a distance!

6 months!

2010-06-13T10:10:00.004-04:00

Good grief, I cannot believe that it's been 6 months since I last posted - SIX MONTHS!

And 12 months ago it was No. 1 daughter's wedding day...such a beautiful day and a lovely memory. Happy Anniversary A & O, may you always be as happy as you were on that day!

Haiti....

2010-01-13T15:16:00.008-05:00

I have a very dear friend who's husband is Haitian. J is a charming young man with a beautiful accent who has family in Haiti.

In case you hadn't heard, Haiti was struck with terrible earthquake early this morning and there's no telling how many lives have been lost and what damage has been done. If your interested, please go over to the Yarn Harlot's site and donate to Doctor's Without Borders. The doctors are already in Haiti but they still need your help. Please do whatever you can.

(photo compliments of cbc.ca news)

Crazieness!

2009-12-23T21:22:00.003-05:00

Crazy that's what I am...just finished all my shopping, wrapped all the packages, cleaned up the kitchen FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE THE FORTYITH TIME, and finally settled down to knit.

And what am I knitting? Well, it's a surprise. I asked to be a test knitter for Susan at A Few Stitches Short, and I'm really excited because her patterns are so incredibly beautiful. She creates the most lovely shawls and she has a new pattern called Taliesin. She worked her gorgeous sample up in Manos Silk Blend - colorway Abalone (a delicious blend of lavenders and sage greens. I've chosen to dig into my stash and found a wonderful worsted from Dyed in the Wool. The photo doesn't do the yarn justice. The colors are rich purples, turquoise, peaches and greens, and it's working up just fine! I can't wait to find buttons for it...yup there are buttons called for. Very Exciting....I'll keep you posted.

On another note, thank you all for visiting and leaving comments, I read every single one and try to respond as soon as I can. I love reading your comments and look forward to them. If you have an suggestions for buttons I'm open!

Have a wonderful holiday season - however you celebrate - and remember to be kind to yourselves!

A give-a-way at Whispering Creek House

2009-10-29T11:25:00.003-04:00

Jump on over to Stephanie's at Whispering Creek. She's having a sweet little give-away. Her blog is full of wonderful things she's refashioned.....hurry.

Say farewell to October...

2009-10-29T10:41:00.005-04:00

I knew it had to come but I always dread the day....October 31st...the end of my favorite month. All those beautiful colors, gone for another year.

But somehow I'm encouraged because that end only reminds me that spring is on it's way! I know you all must think I'm nuts but I'm invigorated by the cold winter months and always think of this time as cleansing sort of rebirth (sorry for the metaphysics there).

So in honor of the last few days of October, here is what I have the pleasure to see in my back yard each October day.

Give away at Karen's!

2009-10-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

Check out Karen's blog for a great give-away....here's the link

My Favorite Month of the Year!

2009-10-01T21:18:00.003-04:00

Ahhhhh, October. How I love you. Crisp clear mornings that creep through the open window bringing the scent of autumn leaves and fresh cut hay. I adore these mornings when I can see my breath and watch the dew evaporate on the spider web as the morning sun warms the air.

I love the sound the trees make as the wind rustles their brittle leaves. I love listening to the acorns falling to the ground as the squirrels gather their fall harvest. And watching those brilliant yellow leaves emerge from my beech and maple filled backyard - it's a treat that takes my breath away every autumn.

I wait for this month all year - and it only lasts 31 days..........

Lit'l Brown Bird

2009-08-15T20:56:00.002-04:00

Cute new website for anyone that loves working with Felt!

To my other half on his birthday....

2009-08-13T16:34:00.005-04:00

After 39 years you never cease to amaze me...
If I say I need something you are right there with it...
You encourage my knitting expeditions even when they involve overnight travel...
You put up with my silly whistling...
You let me drag you to little theater...
You lovingly tolerate my book and fabric addiction...
You are the best dad a son and daughter could have...
You tell the very best stories...
You love to laugh and entertain as much as I do and
You are generous and good hearted and supportive and I love you.

Happy birthday darlin!

The Shirt Stripe Quilt

2009-08-03T10:56:00.004-04:00

Di, of The Cut Cloth fame, made this absolutely beautiful quilt.
Just click on the photo to embiggen it. I love the softly worn faded blues - I can only imagine how warm and snuggly this quilt would be on a cold Ohio winter night. I need to make one of these immediately!

Sock of the Month - July Edition

2009-07-31T23:18:00.005-04:00

And just under the wire I might add!
Another Opal sock yarn I just love this stuff - no brainer - perfect for road trips and doctor visits.

Got another one in the works for August but September is going to be a pattern - I think I'm burned out with plain old ribbing. Maybe Cookie A's Monkey Sock...I think I'm the only one on the face of the earth that hasn't made it yet.

Alyson's Petals is having a give-a-way!

2009-07-28T20:20:00.002-04:00

Quickly, run over to Alyson's Petals - she's having her first give-a-way and it's lovely. A Layer Cake of luscious Moda fabric ready to be turned into anything your heart desires - or a beautiful quilt like is one that Alyson made. Isn't it lovely? Hurry, go now!!!

Quilt Exchange

2009-07-28T13:45:00.004-04:00

Well I just joined my very first quilt exchange - a mini quilt that is, and I'm very excited. I quilted quite a while ago and I've been wanting to get back into it. I think this is just the ticket to get me started again.

I don't know who is making my quilt in this exchange but I was asked to show some of my favorite quilts. I went online to flicker and added quite a few to my favorites and they can be found here.

As for favorite colors - I love those autumn shades and jewel colors of vivid purples, reds, oranges and greens. My partner also asked if I was looking to receive anything in particular...as this is my first exchange I'd be thrilled with an autumn theme. And in case you need an animal theme I LOVE ROOSTERS!!!!!

We just came back from a long weekend in Branson, MO. Too long of a trip to make there and back in just 4 days, but enjoyable none-the-less. And guess what? I SAW MY VERY FIRST ARMADILLO (He was very dead, but it still counts)!

Well I'm off to wash clothes and take a nap see ya'll later.

SUPER EASY TUTORIAL

2009-07-21T21:45:00.002-04:00

I just found a great tutorial on how to make your own fabric labels! Run quickly to the Sometimes Crafter here.

She's got it down pat both in Illustrator and Photoshop as well as Word. Run, hurry, I'll wait here.

Fabulous Fabric Give-away!!!

2009-07-15T22:33:00.002-04:00

Go, quickly to Fabricworm!

She's having a FABO give-away in celebration of her 1 year anniversary. She has wonderful fabric, great ideas and excellent service! RUN HURRY!!!

Wedded bliss.....

2009-06-16T14:16:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to all of us...we did it. Amy and Owen were married on Saturday and it was a lovely event! We have a wonderful son-in-law and two beautiful new grandchildren (Noah and Ella) and we couldn't be happier.

The wedding went off without a hitch. There were no major screw-ups (other than a perfectly HORRIBLE CAKE, in which the bakery refunded our payment). Flowers were beautiful, the piper was magnificent and the DJ kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

Breakfast at the hotel with our guests on Sunday morning was a very nice touch and the cookout at our house in the afternoon was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

We can only wish our daughter and new son-in-law a wonderful life together - they deserve nothing but the best.

Mood and the weather.....

2009-06-03T23:15:00.003-04:00

My mood matches the weather...dismal, cold, and gray. We' in a funk here at knittyitville. Our daughter lost her baby yesterday morning. Only 20 weeks into her pregnancy things just didn't work out and we lost what would have been our first grandson.

There's nothing I could tell my daughter. I felt so helpless and useless, standing there watching my little girl go through something I'd never experienced. I had no words of comfort. I could only hold her and tell her it would all be better soon...such weak words. It seems like the world should just stop.

One of my friends wrote....

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

We were very luck to have met you, little Harrison.

I can see you sitting on grandpa's lap while he teaches you to hammer the pegs.

I'll be back later....

XXOO

On the road again....

2009-05-21T22:21:00.004-04:00

Can't wait until tomorrow...the M-Jets are headed off to Wooster again for the 2nd Annual (ours) visit to the Great Lakes Wool and Fiber Festival!

M-J, E, T, and S are heading out first thing in the morning to meet up with Donna and Cherry and Cindy and Susan for a fun filled fiber weekend. There will be knitting, of course, and lots of shopping, and eating of course, and more shopping, and then there's the knitting, of course and, well, you get the picture.

We're taking classes on Saturday, Double Knitting for E on Saturday morning and Mitered Squares for E & T on Saturday afternoon - both classes are being taught by Annie Modesitt and I'm looking forward to meeting her...she's an amazingly talented designer.

Then a full day of shopping the vendors on Sunday - can't wait to bring home some fibery goodness and maybe some new needles - can one have too many needles? I don't think that's a possibility. Anyway, I'm off to pack and watch a bit of telly. More on the flip side of the weekend. Hopefully I'll have lots of photos to share.

Have a Great Memorial Day and please HUG A VET!

Thursday before yoga....

2009-05-14T07:43:00.006-04:00

Morning all, just wanted to let you know that I discovered a new website that I think you should all visit immediately. Click here now, I'll wait.

Her name is Janet Bell and she has the loveliest artwork - whimsical and fresh. Did you see these lovely cups? She's an illustrator and I think her work is so charming...just love it. She has a gallery and a shop where she sells her wares. GO. SHOP NOW.

....off to yoga.....

Musings on Mother's Day....

2009-05-10T20:07:00.003-04:00

I read this over on Berlin's Whimsey's Blog (see it over there in the right side bar?). I had forgotten this quote from one of my favorite books.

..."In the novel, The Red Tent, the author writes, "If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully... The more a daughter knows the details of her mother's life---without flinching or whining---the stronger the daughter."...

I wish my mom was still around to talk with but she's not - I can only hope that my daughter will know all the details of my life and face them unflinchingly.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms!

Wedding update...

2009-04-08T11:57:00.004-04:00

Well, Houston, we have ignition!

We've reserved the venue.
We taste the food on Saturday.
We meet with the florist on Saturday at the venue to review the settings etc.
The dress is purchased.
The flower girls dress is purchased.
The groom and ushers have decided on their tuxes.
A portion of the music has been arranged.
The favors have been decided.
The minister has been arranged.
The invitations have been selected.
The guest list is ready.
The cake has been decided,
and the shower is in production.

Whew! Although I must admit that it wasn't as difficult as I thought - just took a little persuading and some focus. Now, where are my knitting needles?

Extreme Sheep LED Art

2009-03-19T09:02:00.002-04:00

I found this little gem on Youtube - take a minute to watch it. The sheep are brilliant!

Wedding madness...

2009-03-05T11:03:00.004-05:00

I think I've just had my first panic attack. The wedding is June 13th and I have so much to do I feel overwhelmed and under-skilled (is that even a word?). Have any of you planned a wedding recently? There are so many things that can slip through the cracks!!!!!

Invitations
Wedding reception sites
Cakes
Flowers
Favors
Bridal gowns
Bridal party
Guest lists
Showers
Theme
Colors
Ceremony
Ceremony Site
Music

Holy crap - there's tons to do and only 3 months to do it in - I'm really in a panic! H E L P!
(And where does that leave my knitting???????)

Pardon Me (I Didn't Knit That for You)

2009-02-21T09:03:00.002-05:00

Those crazy women from Mason DIxon knitting have done it again - just watch the video above and tell me if an intervention isn't needed.

2009-02-11T09:18:00.003-05:00

Big News!!!!

They got engaged last night...evidently he couldn't wait until Valentine's Day...how sweet is that? We couldn't be happier for them both!

2009-02-03T10:31:00.008-05:00

February 3, 1972, the event we both had been waiting for...our little son Ralph is born.
Married only 2 years, we were so excited and so scared. Husband recently laid off - wife with no job - recently moved into an older home now with a mortgage AND children! How were we going to do this?

Somehow, like so many others, we managed.

Ralph grew...and did all the typical things a child does. Had a great time with Santa,

He started preschool with his buddies and learned all about constructing things.

It was in first grade that he discovered the game of soccer and would spend the rest of his school life playing his heart out.

Of course, there were those days when he had to hang out with his little sister,

or maybe even his sister and his father.......

and maybe even his mother! Somehow we all managed to get along, even during some very heated political discussion at the dinner table. Boy do I miss those dinner times together.

Soccer took him through high school where in his freshman year he had the opportunity to play for TEAMS USA and traveled for 6 weeks through Russia, Germany and the Netherlands. What a great experience for a 15 year old. Although his parents were a nervous wreck while he was gone. The day after his return from Europe he began tryouts for the varsity soccer team and was the only freshman who made it. We were so proud of his accomplishment.

He graduated from high school and had no plans to go to college, he didn't think he was cut out for it. Ralph more or less charmed his way through high school.

But after a summer of working as a landscaper with 14 hour days he changed his mind and went off to Lake Erie College (after a brief stint at Kent State - the local party school!).

He was a changed man....got excellent grades, got a scholarship, even studied Italian and could hold his own in a conversation with his Sicilian grandfather. WE WERE AMAZED! What happened?

He traveled to Greece, and spent a semester in Perugia, Italy studying Italian and roaming around Tuscany and Umbria. He came home a strong focused young man.

Ralph held out for a year after graduation - waiting for the job he wanted and has worked there now for almost 10 years. Then he surprised us all 2 years ago when he announced he was going to grad school!

And just last May he earned his EMBA from Cleveland State. Whoohoo.... what a ride that was.

And now he has a lovely young woman in his life. Someone as smart and funny as he is who can share their lives together.

We couldn't be more proud of him - he's the best parts of both of us and so very much more....

Happy Birthday Ralph, we love you!

Change has come...

2009-01-20T20:50:00.005-05:00

Can you feel it? There's something electric in the air. It's palpable - so much so that I can't help but believe that a change really has come....finally! I pray that he and his family stay safe, and strong through the next four years and that he along with a cooperative congress can get this country back up on its feet and rollin' again. Amen.

It's a CONTEST!!!!!

2009-01-08T13:04:00.003-05:00

Attention one and all... run over here (I'll wait) and enter the contest to win a fabulicious new printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. Mommycoddle is giving one away! Can you imagine. HURRY, hurry, hurry!!!

Hoiday wishes...

2008-12-28T10:50:00.003-05:00

Well, the presents have been opened, the ham devoured, and all the Christmas cookies have been eaten. The house is trashed and we're out of coffee and tea. I think we need a break and we're taking one.

I'm wishing one and all a very happy, healthy, and knitterly 2009

See you all next year!

Hugs, Tora

I'm thankful.....

2008-11-26T20:02:00.003-05:00

I'm thankful for:

A healthy husband

A daughter and son that have both found special someones to share their lives with and that they are all strong, healthy and happy;

Our incredible friends that made bearable, what could have been a very difficult year.

May your Thanksgiving day be filled with love and happiness and lots of sweet potatoes.

Freedom.....

2008-08-12T16:16:00.002-04:00

I know it's 4 days into the Olympics but better late than never...

I think we should all take a moment to think about the following: None of us are free until ALL of us are free." If you agree, check out the link and maybe win a contest. But most of all, lets all think peace!

The Birthday Girl

2008-07-09T08:46:00.015-04:00

There's nothing that makes you feel more satisfaction and contentment than going to a party at your daughter's home.

'A' turned 33 yesterday and she celebrated by having a party at her house. Not a big blow-out, just a family cook-out that also included a few friends.

See, she has a new beau. A wonderful young man with great character, a clever sense of humor and a quick wit. And she wanted to make sure he and his friends were introduced properly to our crazy Sicilian family (we are nothing if not a wonderfully crazy family)!

I couldn't help thinking of her as she's grown up over the years.

Oh, how she's always hated socks,

almost always cheerful but always inquisitive...

Managed to live through the 80's and several different hairstyles...

And blossomed into a beautiful teen with poise and graciousness...

she even remembered to say thank you when she graduated (as did we all)!

and now this wonderful little child that never cried or fussed as a baby, that brought me so many smiles along with dandelions from the back yard has grown into a warm, thoughtful, considerate woman planning her own life and following through the best she can.

I'm very proud of the woman she's become and I love her very much, happy birthday Wheezie!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T10:35:00.005-04:00

I love this quote from Erma Bombeck and I want to share it with all of you;

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”

Erma Bombeck

Knitting Funk....

2008-07-01T23:16:00.002-04:00

So, is it me or is every one in a knitting funk? I've started a dozen projects, but the only thing I can manage to knit on is the table runner - maybe it's the heat (it's been hellatious here in Ohio this month - well last month since it's July 1st today and Happy Canada Day btw).

Standing in the wings, I have sock yarn, thrum mittens, roving to be spun on a new drop spindle, a Fair Isle childs sweater to make as a practice piece prior to starting the Dalegarn Fair Isle Sweater for MOI, more sock yarn, my son's cabled sweater to finish, my daughter's cabled sweater to finish, 2 felted bags to finish, the patchwork mitered square shawl to finish, etc., etc., etc.!

So what's the problem?????

Fibertarians Unite!

2008-06-14T21:47:00.003-04:00

Friends, Romans and all knitters, unite! Please join me in rallying around the future President of the United States of America - Dolores.

They're back.....

2008-05-25T10:19:00.030-04:00

What a whirlwind... the JETS had a great time in Wooster, Ohio, and yes, the town is still standing, although Calla Lilly's will miss us (more about them later)!

Friday afternoon we arrived in Wooster at Barrister's End, a beautiful Victorian Bed & Breakfast run by Kevin and Kathy Barnet and located at 356 North Market Street (330-262-4085). The photo below was taken from their website.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Our accommodations were lovely. I shared a room with "J" and we had our own attached bath (with heated floor no less). "S" & "E" shared a room as well and while their bath was down the hall, it was their's exclusively. There were 5 bedrooms on the second floor all done up exquisitely in the grand old Victorian style. Kevin and Kathy were charming hosts and made sure our every need was taken care of. The little fridge tucked away in their lovely dining room stored our wine for later in the evening and the parlor waited patiently for our nightly knitting session after a tour of the town.

We started off on East Liberty, Wooster's main street, and our first stop was Sam & Stan's Army Navy Store.

As we drove by looking for a parking spot, "E" noticed a sign in the window that proclaimed, "Mom called and needs Combat Boots!
At which we immediately parked the car and ran in. "E" spotted a vintage (1953) Eisenhower Jacket, with pants, that fit her PERFECTLY! Bingo, it was her's and we were off.

Leaving Sam & Stan's, we headed off down East Liberty admiring the architecture of this lovely little town, when "E" yelled out, "YARN"!

There, right in from of us was Calla Lily, Wooster's newest yarn shop, owned by Donna and Gill Ning, and what a lovely yarn shop it is!

This is Donna and one of her employees (sorry, but I can't remember her name). The store is beautiful, a wonderful mix of lovely touchable yarns interspersed with beautiful gifts from candles to pottery, to greeting cards as well as handbags and project bags.

Donna is the perfect proprietress. She is so warm and inviting and has a contagiously friendly personality that immediately puts you at ease. We spent a few hours in her shop, browsing and fondling all the luscious fibers she had on display. We hit it off so well that she invited us back for her shop's Knit Nite - which just happened to be THAT NIGHT! Of course we said "a, duh.....yes", bribing Donna with our offer to share our wine and cheese with the Wooster Knitters. She even asked "E" to teach a class on Fair Isle and Steeking, as "E" is THE Fair Isle Queen!

How serendipitous! Webster's says that serendipitous is: "an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident", and that surely was what this was.

On our way over to the Everything Rubbermaid Store we came across these unusual arches covered in ceramic tiles and made by the elementary school children of Wooster.

Click on the last photo to enlarge and read the message.

Our next stop was the Everything Rubbermaid Store...

It's a well known factoid in Ohio that Wooster Rubber Co. created Rubbermaid. You can read the complete story here. We had fun roaming around the 4 floors of containers (can you imagine 4 floors of containers?????) until we were taken aback by none other that the LARGEST dustpan ever seen.

"S" just couldn't resist the photo! Another factoid: The "rubber" dustpan was one of the first successes for the Wooster Rubber Co back in 1934.

Well, that's about all for now - I have more photos and more to tell but that will have to wait till later - life calls........

Mini Get-a-way...

2008-05-23T08:31:00.003-04:00

We're off...that is the JETS are off, "J", "E", "T", AND "S" are off to the Great Lakes Fiber & Sheep Show in Wooster, Ohio! Whoo hoo! We have a great time together - We all went to Punderson State Park last November for the weekend and did nothing but eat and knit all weekend long.

We're gonnna immerse ourselves if alpaca, and merino and silk and cashmere and whatever else those feisty spinners can provide us with. I hope to find some hand dyed/spun for my Swallowtail Shawls, I plan to make 5 of them for Christmas presents (I hope my thumbs can hold up for the nupps!).

And I also want to pick up some SOCK YARN! I'm working on a really cute little pattern (don't know what the stitch name is but it's sort of a spiraled lace). I'll post pics when I get back from Wooster.

Also, I ordered some silk from ColourMart.com yesterday. 2500 yards for $16.00!!!! I can't wait to get it and see what it's like. Well, I gotta finish packing and pick up those JETS...See ya all on the flip side!

Wonderful Weekend!

2008-05-13T13:06:00.001-04:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day last weekend - I certainly did. No. 1 son graduated from Cleveland State University this weekend with his EMBA!

And as a thank you for moral support for the last 18 months I received these...

(aren't they gorgeous?)

We had a wonderful brunch back at the house with No.1 Daughter and her beau "O".

No.1 Husband even joined us for some French Toast Casserole (I was very pleased as he's just recuperating from 6 weeks of intensive radiation and chemotherapy and has found it difficult to swallow until recently).

The weather cooperated and we spent time on the patio with neighbors and friends - "O's" puppy (and I use the term 'puppy' loosely as he weighs in at about 50 lbs) had a blast being chased around the back yard by our undeterred 20 lb. Westie, Cooper.

All in all it was a perfect weekend!

Spoiler Ahead - Serious frogging in progress...

2008-05-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

Well, where do I start?

I began this blanket on April 24, 2008.
I ripped it several times in the beginning as this was my first lace project and I needed to get used to those pesky yarn overs.
I posted a photo on the Yahoo Hemlock Ring group and was greeted with the knowledge that:

I HAD 16 PETALS IN THE CENTER INSTEAD OF 8!!!!!

Holy s***, my blanket was way to big in circumference and I was waisting a lot of yarn.

So I did what any "process" knitter would do, I ripped it. Yup on row 100 with over 1000 stitches on my needles I ripped it, rewound the balls and started again!

Here it is, 3 skeins of wool, spit-spliced and read for re-winding. It took great courage and way less time than I expected to undo and re-wind which was a little disconcerting....

And here are the rewound balls and the new start for my blanket - please note there are only 8 petals this time, thank you!

Here's a close up Mr DeMille, of the 8 petaled Hemlock Ring Blanket, and it's moving along quickly!

And yet another project...

2008-04-30T15:09:00.000-04:00

And here at last is the project I've been wanting to start ever since I saw it on Jared's bog (see Brooklyntweed link lower left). And I can't for the life of me figure out why I waited so long to start this piece. I think the "lace" aspect made me nervous. What with "life lines' and tiny needles and yarn overs......oh my! The whole thing was intimidating however, using size 10's and this wonderful worsted weight wool has made this much easier. I still need the lifelines (frogging over 600 stitches in a single row is daunting!) but slow and steady makes the process much more palatable...I may have to stop all other projects and just make these all year long, hmmmm.

I'm on row 63 as of this morning with over 600 stitches on the needle. It's a little unwieldy but still manageable. I have about 2000 yards of this wool in my stash and the original pattern calls for approximately 950 yards, so I know Ill have enough to make it bigger than the original 4' in diameter that Jared made. Hope I have the patience to complete it. It's going to be a wedding present for a friend so keep it a secret, okay?

More works in progress....

2008-04-30T15:02:00.000-04:00

Here's the next project, St. Ninian's Sweater from the Jameison's Book. I'm using Ela Rae Classic for this sweater for DS and it's quite a workhorse. I must have frogged the ribbing on this piece a dozen times and the yarn looks just like brand new. I love the color - a beautiful taupe that will go with everything and the pattern is delicious as well - very easy to memorize. Hopefully it will be finished in time for Christmas! :-)

Another FO!

2008-04-28T14:03:00.001-04:00

Well it's been more than a week but not quite as long as the last post. Since I'm not working anymore I have plenty of time to knit..therefore I have finished the Baby Albert Bunting and here it is. I wasn't sure about the colorway (I'm not a big fan of hombre colors but this came out really cute - unfortunately the camera doesn't do it justice. I'm not sure you can tell from this photo but the buttons are little fishtanks with gold fish in them and if you look really really close there are three little bubbles floating up to the top - TOO CUTE!

2008-04-14T12:17:00.001-04:00

My how time flies....

2008-04-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

It's really hard to believe that it's been more than 6 months since my last post. But I'm making a concentrated effort to post at least once a week from now on!
Here's the latest venture - the Baby Albert Bunting from Sally Melville's book, The Knit Stitch.

I'm using Plymouth Encore's Colorspun - a pastel varigated yarn. I hope it comes out nice - not sure yet.

2007-09-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

And here's the owner of The Knit Shop - Edie Tait (L). She's an amazing knitter and has fabulous color sense. She's giving Elizabeth a hand with her first steaked sweater. Elizabeth is an amazing knitter as well - she's only been knitting for two years and she breezes through the most incredibly intricate patterns. They are both prolific knitters - with a new item finished almost weekly (well, it seems that way)!

2007-09-16T20:09:00.000-04:00

This is Tish and Laraine - think they're related? They're cousins...and very tallented. They're new to Knitting Night but not to knitting. Laraine (L) is working on a beautiful cabled sweater.

2007-09-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

This is Laura (L) and Nancy (R). Laura is working on the Einstein Coat from Sally Melville's Knit One Book - and she's very pleased with the results - and Nancy is making another sweater for her daughter. Some of you may recognize Nancy, she owned a quilt shop in Aurora called The Gathering Room. She's "multi-talented!"

2007-09-16T19:59:00.000-04:00

Here's Renee, I'm sure she must be working on something for her daughter - who, by now, must be the best dressed gall in Bedford! As you can see in the photo Elizabeth brought munchies - this time it was scones - YUM!

2007-09-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

I know! It's been almost 2 months since my last entry - I've changed jobs - good friends have gone through divorce - way too much has been going on. But it's time to get back to business...here's some shots of our knitting group that meets every Wednesday night at Edith Tait's Knit Shop on South Chillicothe in Aurora, Ohio. If you're ever in the neighborhood on Wednesday night - stop by and say hello! The photo above is of Mike and Sue. I'm very proud of the fact that I taught Sue how to knit and now SHE LOVES IT! She's in the process of making her FIRST SWEATER, and doing a wonderful job too! In this photo she's making a pair of booties for her little niece Sophia.

2007-07-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

These beauties came from Nate @ Allan Graphics where my husband works. Aren't they magnificent? I love the colors and since they're fresher than fresh, they taste as good as they look....mmmm yum, can't wait for breakfast!!!

Happy anniversary honey, I love you!

2007-07-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Aren't these flowers beautiful - my son and daughter sent them to me for our anniversary...wish they could last forever.

Here we are, Sandy and I, 37 years ago today! I can't believe that it's been that long.....seems like only yesterday, I swear. Sorry about the quality of the photo but I'm at work and I just took a photo of the photo I had in my wallet. Gosh but we were young. I know if I had it to do all over again - there's nothing I would change.

Finished my scarf....

2007-07-25T08:51:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share the finished scarf (needs to be blocked) made from the alpaca/wool that Casey sent to me. It really has a beautiful hand and the color is lovely. Thanks Casey!

Cute Tote from Casey!

2007-07-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

Well here it is! My tote from the latest International Tote Exchange #4! Can you believe there have been four already? This bag from Casey will be my new knitting tote (I always need an extra, don't you?). I'm not sure the colors came out right in the photo its sort of a pale sage green with the stripes being lavenders beiges and dusty pinks.

I'm really dissapointed with the Postal Service. They must have seriously abused the package that this bag came in as the handles were really wrinkled. So much so that I had to steam them to straighten them out. Casey included a Strawberry Leomonade, the latest KnitScene Mag and a skein of Reynolds Alpaca/wool yarn that I'm already turning into a delicious winter scarf. Thanks Casey, your hard work and attention to detail was really appreciated.

Latest bags!

2007-07-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

I know, it's been forever since my last post....forgive my absence please!

I've been really busy feeding my sock habit and finally gotten around to posting photo's of my latest bags...and here they are!

To the left is the lovely Bar Harbor Shell Bag available here http://www.knittingdream.blogspot.com/ from Madeline.

She did a beautiful job on the pattern - really easy to follow and it turned out perfectly. I really should have taken a photo of the bottom of the bag as there's a lovely rosette there.

Here's the inside. The lining is a lovely polished cotton in teals, greens, yellows and golds. A perfect match for the teal bag.

I used iron-on transfer labels that I fed through my printer to label the bag. I'd never used them before and I was very pleased with the results.

The bag is on its way to my Tote Exchange Partner in Estonia! I hope she likes it. I filled it with lots of goodies to keep her busy.

Here's another shot of the completed bag. Too bad the photo doesn't do it justice - it really turned out nicely - the recipient is quite a knitter and I really hope it meets her high standards. (gulp!)

And then there's this little number (98-48) from Garn Studio. I LOVED the little asymmetrical flap. That's not how it's SUPPOSED to look - but I liked it so much I left it alone! I made it with Patton's Classic Merino Wool and it felted beautifully. That yarn is really incredible for the price. The bag isn't very big - just the right size for an evening out. I donated it to the the Cleveland School of Music's Women's Auxiliary for a fund raiser and I hear it brought in quite a tidy sum at their auction. I will definitely make this one again. If you're interested in the pattern you can find it at the URL listed below:
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/search.php.

Now this little item to the right really looks better than the picture lets on. Not sure exactly why my photo's are coming out so weird - I'll have to ask the photomeister daughter what I'm doing wrong.

Again another Patton's Classic Merino wool but in a beautiful claret color with three different shades of red for the roses. I thoroughly enjoy embellishing these bags.

The bag pictured above was sent to Janice @ Willow Way Knitting(http://jarlady.blogspot.com/) for the International Tote Exchange II. I's my first original design and I love the way it turned out. it was so much fun to make because I was never sure exactly how it would turn out.

My Bags

2007-02-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally got my bags up! Whoo hoo!

The photo's were taken by my, oh so talented daughter Amy, in her back porch/studio. I love the way they came out - very professional, don't you think?

Now that I've posted them - I'll be back to post my socks! The latest addiction!

Most of these bags were made from the Bags, a Knitter's dozen by XRX Books in Patton's Classic Merino - both the wool and the book are great for beginners!

I recently lined the grey bag on the right in the photo - found a yummy upholstry fabric in my stash with just the right colors - turned out perfect!

And don't you just love the little evening bag in front...I'll have you know those are fresh water pearls with Austrian crystals and sterling silver beads - too cute!

And finally, there's my favorite bag - I call it my "hot-air baloon bag" it's the yellow entralac sitting on my copy of The Historian" (great read, by the way).