tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189978582011-04-21T15:36:54.006-05:00this refers to my yarn stash. however, as I continue to learn and grow along life's path, it could easily apply to me.Jaenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-45417498882870320262008-10-09T12:58:00.000-05:002008-10-09T13:00:50.670-05:00

Jaenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1166623461709371852006-12-20T08:36:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:04:23.950-05:00

I'm not living here any more. I want more for myself - more space, more freedom, more.... So, I've taken matters into my own hands. My bags are packed, the stash has been sent ahead, and the movers are coming next week to pack the dishes and the furniture.My new home is http://www.someknitreq.com/. If you are looking for the new feed, I've got it stored in the garage labeled http://

Jaenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1164211821978337922006-11-22T11:01:00.000-05:002006-11-22T11:10:22.013-05:00

I am in charge of the stuffing for tomorrow's feast. I will be making a pumpkin sausage concoction. Yummmmmm! So, the pumpkins have been picked and are ready for the ride to my brother's house.I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1163962445080296952006-11-19T13:22:00.000-05:002006-11-19T13:54:25.803-05:00

Since casting off the alphabet blanket, the creative flood gates have opened. In my effort to finish by the second mother threatening self-imposed deadline, I have ignored the voices in my head. Don't pretend you don't hear voices, too. They are usually disguised as the alpaca laceweight, corriedale roving, or worsted tweed in the back of your stash.I've envisioned lace sweaters, cabled sweaters,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1163810367996117362006-11-17T18:46:00.000-05:002006-11-17T19:40:20.326-05:00

It isn't until one has to photograph a pale beige blanket, that one discovers that one lives in a pale beige house, with pale beige carpet, pale beige couches, pale beige bed quilts and - for a little variety - a bright white bedspread.Thus, my electric piano will have to do as a posing table for the recently finished alphabet blanket. It was either that or the English style public phone booth

Jaenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1163552213906915772006-11-14T18:15:00.000-05:002006-11-15T08:59:27.106-05:00

Tomorrow my blog is one year old. Yes, a whole year has passed since I wrote my first post. As I reflect on the past twelve months, there is only one thing that comes to mind. It isn't the finished objects (surprisingly few). It isn't the new techniques and gained knowledge (too many to count). It isn't how my confidence as a knitter has grown (by leaps and bounds). Nor is it the newly

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1163352189827375282006-11-12T12:06:00.000-05:002006-11-12T12:40:03.356-05:00

Available here

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1163202635414495042006-11-10T18:14:00.000-05:002006-11-10T18:50:35.603-05:00

I knew that my scarf was due to arrive any day now. Corrie had emailed me to let me know. I have spent most everyday rushing to the mail box as soon as he had driven past.Yesterday I did a dance all the way from my mailbox to my front door. It was here!I bet there are days that my postal carrier is scared of me.It is beautiful, soft, light, airy, and a perfect color! That is just the bonus, she

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1162985767716791952006-11-08T06:33:00.000-05:002006-11-08T06:37:34.060-05:00

One to go.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1162675357633727332006-11-04T15:57:00.000-05:002006-11-04T16:28:08.723-05:00

My LYS owner convinced me, way back when, that I should handpaint my peacock shawl. It took some time - me to make the swatches, the store to make the "goop". Today we tested our theory.There was soaking.There was mixing.There was painting.We didn't strive for perfect colors. Our quest was really to determine if the idea was practical. We quickly came to the conclusion - not so much. Our new plan

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1162593028637905822006-11-03T16:59:00.000-05:002006-11-03T17:30:28.833-05:00

Some time ago I was invited to join a wonderful group of women. I have been blessed with getting to know them. Especially Donni. So, when she told me that something nice was coming my way, I knew it was going to be NICE. If you know what I mean. ;) I had mentioned that I wanted to learn how to dye my own fiber. I wanted to move past Kool-aid and into acid dyes. I have some nice silk and cashmere

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1162342977655609112006-10-31T19:48:00.000-05:002006-10-31T20:02:58.516-05:00

... own a very tolerant lap cat.As long as there is a lap to be had, Cleo will put with almost anything. She has fallen asleep with a skein of yarn slowly unwinding from her back.As you can see, the alphabet blanket and I have decided to try for deadline number two - Thanksgiving. (The fourth Thursday of November for the non-Thanksgiving celebrating folks). I have two sides done and a quarter

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1162149715308943792006-10-29T14:17:00.000-05:002006-10-29T14:54:13.156-05:00

Yesterday started (and stayed) cold, windy, wet, and miserable. Rain was falling sideways the wind was so forceful. There was no way I was stepping outside for Saturday Sky. Even a well seasoned weatherman would have thought twice.Today dawned a little better. Wet and miserable have been dismissed. From the comfort of indoors, it looks downright pleasant outside. If one can ignore the howling

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1161736802706754422006-10-24T19:00:00.000-05:002006-10-24T19:40:02.890-05:00

It is not red, chunky, wooly, or garter stitch. Nor is it finished. Also, I might as well tell you that none of these photos are the true color. Some closer than others, but not a one is spot on. Oh, and it's late for the ISE3 deadline.But I like it. A. Lot.Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, color #6288, 1 skeinBeads: 4mm glass, qty 70Pattern: My own. Finished dimensions after blocking are 5" x 70"

Jaenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1161647613126598972006-10-23T18:31:00.000-05:002006-10-23T18:53:33.206-05:00

Considering the mid-week point was so disappointing, it would not have taken much to improve the mood around my house. So, imagine my surprise and delight at two unannounced packages landing at my doorstep. Both were full of treats, not a trick in sight.Amysue sent a wonderful note, ribbon cord, and charm with my initial. The cord is doing double duty. Not only did I use it to make a small

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1161208613583857392006-10-18T16:06:00.000-05:002006-10-18T19:36:42.650-05:00

Every year ABC's Wide World of Sports would change the image for Thrill of Victory. Agony of Defeat, however, was always the same image of Vinko Bogataj failing to make the ski jump. You can watch the video here. Sometimes defeat arrives so brutally that it can never be outdone from that moment forward.Such is my battle to finish the blanket. I was slow to recognize defeat. I did math. It seemed

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1160857452608386192006-10-14T15:09:00.000-05:002006-10-15T16:49:55.290-05:00

So the trip to Mackinac Island that I planned with Jae is going well, cold, but well.Oh yeah, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm M-J, and I'm today's guest blogger. Why does Jae need a guest blogger? See previous post re: train.This is what most of the trip has looked like to me so far....Jae: "Hey, did you see that great view?"M-J: "Yeah, it's nice, keep knitting."Since I am the one that

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1160481992500416202006-10-10T06:38:00.000-05:002006-10-10T07:06:41.506-05:00

Have you ever been blissfully knitting along on a thousand projects your project d'jour? You spy a calendar and realize with sudden dawning horror that the months weeks you thought you had left to finish a gift knit is now mere days away? I'm referring to this...Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby CashmerinoPattern: Alphabet Blanket by Debbie BlissI started it over a year ago for my brother's first child to

Jaenoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1160250269803552142006-10-07T14:39:00.000-05:002006-10-07T14:44:29.803-05:00

Not a cloud in the sky. The hickory trees have started to turn and the maple leaves are very bright red. The moment is almost here.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1159919950097680162006-10-03T18:57:00.000-05:002006-10-03T18:59:10.116-05:00

Caesar, you make a better door than a window.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1159723119492165502006-10-01T11:26:00.000-05:002006-10-01T12:18:40.100-05:00

Marji is in town visiting her family. She and I decided to meet up yesterday at one of the LYS in the area. I was needing some assistance on a project I'm designing. She wanted to see the store that dyes the yarn that DeeAnn and I have blogged about. Although, the truth is, those were only excuses. Spending time with Marji is always time well spent.Her arrival was a bit delayed but the owner of

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1159401356418723442006-09-27T18:02:00.000-05:002006-09-27T19:00:20.550-05:00

A mediator was called in to settle our differences.I set aside the shawl for a few days. That didn't stop me from going insane thinking about it. I decided the only way to truly know was to pull it from the needles and block it.However, that prompted new concerns. What if I find something new to hate?, Have I officially become a crazy obsessed person?, Will it be smaller than I am imagining?, I

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1159038351582288412006-09-24T13:42:00.000-05:002006-09-24T10:07:52.566-05:00

This past Friday was a long day. I have been fighting a migraine for most of the week. Thus, Friday could not end soon enough. Being able to sleep in Saturday did a lot to relieve the tension in my neck that the headache has been causing.So given the achiness of the week, I was delighted to find a package waiting for me at home Friday afternoon. A very lightweight package with my name on it. In

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1159040330884330212006-09-23T14:05:00.000-05:002006-09-23T14:38:51.100-05:00

The day is gray and overcast. Saturday Sky will be this way for awhile. Autumn has begun. There is a rhythm to Michigan's autumn that never varies. The tempo may change from year to year but never the beat. First, the beech turns a vibrant butter yellow. This is quickly followed by the red of the maple. Then there is waiting. A long pause in the sequence of color. Finally, the hickory will show

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1158966112975638342006-09-22T17:49:00.000-05:002006-09-22T18:01:53.000-05:00

The response to my previous post has been overwhelming. I have loved hearing about all the great reasons for blogging. So many of you have also encouraged me to not let one woman ruin what could be an otherwise great group of knitters. Thank you so very much!In the meantime, I have turned my ire on the bird. I am not happy with the look of the peacock eye. The top of the eye looks, well. . . ,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1152222334978240452006-09-18T17:43:00.000-05:002006-09-18T18:06:13.173-05:00

Recently, I was sitting in on a LYS knit night when the woman across the table said that she didn't "get blogs." I started to speak when I realized that she wasn't finished. She proceeded to say that she thought they were stupid and what crazy person would spend their time blogging. I had the internal debate - respond / don't respond, let her have it/let it go, pick a fight / be the bigger

Jaenoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1158113079053774002006-09-12T19:37:00.000-05:002006-09-12T21:04:42.086-05:00

I never made it to the sale. I got distracted by design ideas for my ISE3 scarf. And the slight worry that the house would float away. In fact, I knit quite a bit this weekend - all swatches.It took several swatches and many more wadded up pages of graph paper before I found the right combination of yarn overs and decreases for the scarf design. If only the real scarf was as short. ;)

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1157815559101953012006-09-09T09:33:00.000-05:002006-09-09T10:25:59.266-05:00

It is raining hard enough that I am considering looking up plans on how to build another ark. It is supposed to do this all day. None of my windows have an open view of the sky. Thus I went for the no towel required an "artsy & creative" way to capture today's sky.I just received my match for the ISE3 exchange. I'm very excited because some of her preferences are in line with mine. It should

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1157577517004444832006-09-06T15:57:00.000-05:002006-09-06T16:22:51.866-05:00

Lace is soooo hard to photograph. Let's face it. The beauty of lace is similar to that of a butterfly's life. At the beginning it looks lumpy, blobby, and ordinary on the needles. Then, after some stretching it transforms into a thing of grace and beauty, like a butterfly from it's cocoon.I've knit past the peacock's small tail feathers and am now to the section of feathery V's and "eyes".

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1157232424135094762006-09-02T15:50:00.000-05:002006-09-02T16:27:08.543-05:00

The house was a chilly 68F degrees this morning when I awoke. A few hours later, the sky still looked like this. Grey, very, very grey. It is actually raining in the photo. One of those incredibly light and misty rains that puts a chill dampness in the air, but does not manage to wet the ground in the slightest bit.Between the chilly temperature and grey skies, it is clear that autumn is ready to

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1156810768615794702006-08-28T18:55:00.000-05:002006-08-28T19:19:28.746-05:00

A few random thoughts because I'm not quite together enough for a real post. ~ I think I read somewhere that I'm supposed to wait till Wednesday to be random. However, when you think about it Mondays are probably a better day. Mondays are tough enough most weeks without the added pressure of a proper blog post.~ My husband went grocery shopping earlier today. Yet he is now complaining that

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1156698383275530172006-08-27T11:36:00.000-05:002006-08-27T12:06:28.896-05:00

Last we met, I was in a quandary. Deciding between toe-up or toe-down, beads or no beads, green or blue. It was too much for me to handle and I called for a vote. Thankfully, you helped me out.The count started out fairly even, but eventually Baudelaire pulled slightly ahead. The final total was six for Baudelaire, four for Reptilian Lace, and three undecided including myself. I swatched to

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1156293902669548752006-08-22T19:13:00.000-05:002006-08-22T19:45:02.806-05:00

I have to make a decision. But I can't. I want to, but I am torn.All the thinking, calculating, charting, and in general creative noodling for the peacock shawl has left me with little brain power. It has also created the desire to knit some lace. Not just any lace, but some lace where someone else has done all the work.I have narrowed it down to the following two items. They fill the requirement

Jaenoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1156090037683808492006-08-20T10:28:00.000-05:002006-08-20T15:22:53.680-05:00

During my time at Stitches, one topic of conversation was a frequent visitor among my friends and I. Knitting what you love, knitting what you will use or wear, and not knitting what you impulsively fell in lust love with only to quickly lose the excitement days later. I came home from Chicago filled with a new determination to do a little housecleaning, of my yarn stash that is. Some of my wips

Jaenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1155994608713868912006-08-19T08:34:00.000-05:002006-08-19T08:36:48.730-05:00

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1155939206103302992006-08-18T16:55:00.000-05:002006-08-18T17:13:26.203-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun! It is hard to believe that the end of August is almost here. But, the end of the month brings the knowledge that Deborah is my SP8 spoiler. She sent along all sorts of goodies, even birthday gifts to make sure that my birthday lasted for a long time. One package was even marked open last. I resisted temptation and followed instructions. :)She has been funny,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1155859097434535902006-08-17T18:22:00.000-05:002006-08-17T19:13:38.720-05:00

The excitement of Stitches has rejuvenated my desire to swatch for my Peacock-Palawan Shawl design. As Marji has mentioned, it also inspired me to take a hard honest look at my stash and wip's. Some yarn on my needles is going to come off. Some have found new motivation to finish. I'll post more about the swatches, and stash & wip reduction later. Amidst all the Stitches excitement, I also found

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1155562517779919562006-08-14T00:45:00.000-05:002006-08-14T13:27:36.806-05:00

I'm home! It was so much fun and I still haven't taken it all in yet. There was a great deal to see and to learn. A presentation on the new book that XRX will have available this November, Victorian Lace, has me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for this to hit bookshelves and yarn stores. I'm still absorbing the knowledge I gained from my technical classes with Jean Frost, Lily Chin, and

Jaenoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1155134273274035532006-08-09T09:29:00.000-05:002006-08-09T09:37:53.300-05:00

Whew! I'm exhausted and ready for a vacation. I've been vacuuming and doing laundry. I even dusted. What is it about leaving for a few days that prompts this huge need to have a clean house? I think it's because I know that when I get home, I will be able to stare at, fondle, knit without interruption all the wonderful yarn goodness I hope to find at Stitches. Complicating matters is that

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153750086457085372006-08-07T20:15:00.000-05:002006-08-07T21:53:54.483-05:00

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." - Jane HowardThe biggest surprises are the ones you do not expect. They aren't always good, I'll admit. But they are always big, in emotion, if not physical size.A while back I was invited to be part of a Tribe. A tribe of wonderful, creative, thoughtful women. I accepted.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1154819371187971482006-08-05T17:46:00.000-05:002006-08-05T18:35:53.510-05:00

"I never knit a swatch!" If I was starting gloves, hats, or a scarf - I reasoned that the item was so small that the start of it would in and of itself constitute a swatch. If I was starting a sweater, well than I'd start the sleeve. Again, same thought process.Fate is ugly business. You should really think long and hard before you tempt her. She is sneaky and she is patient. very. very. patient.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1154821091669398092006-08-05T17:01:00.000-05:002006-08-05T18:38:53.263-05:00

It is gray skies here at Chez Jae. I'm not complaining. The yard could use the rain and I could use the continued break for the extreme heat.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1154477185298666372006-08-01T18:37:00.000-05:002006-08-01T19:06:25.646-05:00

Do you remember when you first decided to learn how to knit? Do you remember why you wanted to learn?I have been knitting for more than eight years. Actually, it's closer to nine. It was only recently that I found an old journal that could pin point the date to within a given month. A lot has happened in the intervening years. While I've known how to knit for almost a decade, the date I actually

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1154171836054310282006-07-29T06:14:00.000-05:002006-07-29T06:17:16.070-05:00

It's Saturday. I'm at work, but atleast I got to watch a beautiful sunrise.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153784621768626702006-07-24T18:04:00.000-05:002006-07-24T18:43:41.900-05:00

I appreciate all the supportive comments. Knowing that so many of you are willing to lay down road flares, cones, traffic barrels, and post signs warning of a knitter down to avoid the possibility of me becoming another speedbump on the road of knitting mishaps is truly touching. Fortunately, it won't be needed.The sleeves are indeed a bit too long - to my knuckles. If I were to knit it again,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153688885122298182006-07-23T15:40:00.000-05:002006-07-23T16:08:05.136-05:00

I had been waiting to block this sweater until the humidity level dropped. I would hate to add mildew to my list of worries about this sweater. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. That I am blatantly ignoring the very real possibility of having to cut the cuffs and reknit the sleeves shorter had nothing to do with my procrastination.I choose to wet block the sweater instead of steam it. One,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153437767068591052006-07-20T17:14:00.000-05:002006-07-20T18:22:47.186-05:00

According to this source, the first purple dye was extracted from shellfish around 1900 BC and became known as "Tyrian Purple". Given that it required a huge amount of shellfish for a very tiny amount of dye, it isn't hard to understand why only the wealthy and powerful could afford it. All that changed in 1856 when William Perkin discovered how to make a synthetic purple dye. An incredible feat

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153177964767743082006-07-17T17:50:00.000-05:002006-07-17T18:12:44.816-05:00

After having a serious case of the blahs, yesterday morning did not dawn much better. Someone decided in the middle of the night that my lace stole knitting needles made a great toy. Essentially, I had to tink back ten rows to find a spot that I could start moving forward again.I didn't get a picture of the mess I found. I was too freaked out to think about the camera. I am amazed that ten rows

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1153004659062217032006-07-15T17:28:00.000-05:002006-07-15T18:35:26.210-05:00

I really tried to think of a title for this post. Nothing. Not a single cliche or kitchy phrase. Probably due to the fact that all week it has been hot, humid, and/or rainy. Also, my husband left for fish camp earlier this week. Therfore I have been suffering from a case of the blahs. There has been knitting and almost an equal amount of unknitting. The mystery stole was kicking my butt earlier

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1152463297149772282006-07-09T11:27:00.000-05:002006-07-09T11:41:37.166-05:00

Ailsa has told me the first clue of the Mystery stole is a beautiful knit. The chart certainly indicates that. But, the overwhelming number of WIPs is beginning to nag at me. If I had a volume control on the little voice in my head, I would turn it to mute and cast on for the stole immediately. Alas, I don't. So, I awoke this morning full of energy to finish something.It's made from GGH Safari,

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1152367318382440142006-07-08T08:57:00.000-05:002006-07-08T09:01:58.396-05:00

If you lay down on my deck, this is what you see. By now, you should realize that the trees always have to get in on the act. Actually, I don't think I could take a treeless picture anywhere in the neighborhood.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1152218441060792222006-07-06T15:40:00.000-05:002006-07-06T16:43:01.460-05:00

Recently I had a conversation with a friend that went something like this -Friend: "Oh, I'm not a knitter. I just knit blankets. YOU are a knitter."Me: "Why am I a knitter and not you? What's the difference?"Friend: "I know how to knit, but I do it to keep busy. For you, it's a passion."Is she right? Is being a knitter more than understanding how two sticks and some yarn make fabric? How does one

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151752335504318922006-07-01T06:05:00.000-05:002006-07-01T06:12:15.533-05:00

If you look real close, there is a straight white line about the middle of the picture. We live about an hour and a bit west of Selfridge Air National Guard base. Our house is in the flight path. Several times through out the day we will hear jets or helicopters.I also received a great Tribe pressie from Cece. After I've had my morning cup of tea to wake me up, I'll post all about.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151324208630833472006-06-30T11:36:00.000-05:002006-06-30T11:44:56.926-05:00

I have little fear of SABLE (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy). My bank balance, mortgage payment, and the desire for regular meals will prevent this syndrome from developing. I have empty cubby holes to prove it. Besides, the fear my husband has on my behalf is great enough to eliminate the need for extra fear from me.However, MUKBEL* (MUst Knit Before End of Life) is becoming a real

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151454172198811792006-06-27T18:41:00.000-05:002006-06-27T19:22:52.313-05:00

After much swatching and graphing, I have figured out the design for the center of my shawl. I have also decided to design a peacock that will be colored like a Palawan. Therefore, I have moved on to the next part of the bird.Does this look like a peacock eye to you? Me neither. Back to the liquor cabinet drawing board.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151174770845218812006-06-24T13:34:00.000-05:002006-06-24T14:03:52.906-05:00

Sandy is starting .She wants to the see sky where ever you may be. I suppose if enough people do it, we could see the whole world. I'm just wondering if she has thought about the fact that our Saturday is Australia's Sunday. Except for the hours of 2PM to midnight in the land of Oz. (Do I have that right?)Now, Sandy understands that it takes time and effort to take photos of your sky. So, she is

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151154831782083442006-06-24T07:58:00.000-05:002006-06-24T08:13:51.846-05:00

... Hey, you! Yeah, you the chick with the pointy things. Over here. No, here. Rumor has it that you are going to be stuck in a moving vehicle for four hours. Need something to knit? Come on, you know you do. That silly peacock thing can't be knit while moving. You have to do math. Math and maps never mix. Hey, don't leave. Didn't mean to be rude to the bird. My apologies. Seriously, I've got the

Jaenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1151018173819667402006-06-22T18:12:00.000-05:002006-06-22T18:16:45.873-05:00

Some days don't you wish that you didn't have anything better to do than watch the world go by?

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1150728449605536092006-06-19T09:39:00.000-05:002006-06-19T10:56:23.116-05:00

You know your father loves you when you ask for a simple storage unit and he builds a custom stash cabinet. This weekend my parents arrived for a variety of reasons, Father's Day among them. He brought this beautiful piece of furniture as well.I had been using crates to hold my stash. However, single skeins would get lost in the back and become forgotten. Also, my crates were fairly tall, so

Jaenoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1150517071809824232006-06-16T22:49:00.000-05:002006-06-16T23:04:31.843-05:00

~ Practice makes perfect ~ To see your potential you have to stretch yourself ~ Show and Tell isn’t just for kids ~ Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ~ You have to learn the rules before you can break the rules ~ Give and get to stay balanced ~ Be flexible ~ Don’t be afraid to start over ~ Lace has it’s high points and low points; so does Life ~ Borrow from the knowledge of others; it saves

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1150333304181032142006-06-14T20:01:00.000-05:002006-06-14T20:02:41.770-05:00

My plea for my Amazing Lace partner to get her fiberself home has been answered - mostly. For the curious, she was herding llamas in Tibet.I have one more class before I graduate magna cum lacey. I cannot begin to describe how sad I feel about this. I have learned so much from this series of lessons. My final assignment is to knit an item of my own design.We were taught that you should sketch

Jaenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1149872982337147362006-06-08T19:03:00.000-05:002006-06-09T12:09:42.370-05:00

This was waiting for me when I arrived home after a long day of work. If I had known that the inside was bigger than the outside, I would have put something in the picture for scale. (Mental note for next time!) Seriously, this box has defied the laws of physics.Look at the pile of loot it contained. Not one, not two, but three wonderful books of knitting patterns, including how to make Socks

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1149554205016553452006-06-05T19:34:00.000-05:002006-06-07T19:59:19.700-05:00

I have half of a finished object! I wove in the ends Sunday night. Of course, life has gotten in the way of properly announcing this until now. Crusoe socks in Koigu #P105L knit on size US2's. I am trying to resist second sock syndrome. However, the Palawan shawl is demanding my attention. The call of the potato Pomatomus socks is pretty strong, too. And the Kiri Shawl is being pretty vocal as

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1149427325695087992006-06-04T07:55:00.000-05:002006-06-04T08:22:07.966-05:00

Yesterday's post was brought to you by my mother. Or rather my mother's curiosity. She had come to visit for the weekend and one of the stores we visited during our shopping adventure was a lovely tea store in Birmingham. The store offered a variety of flavored teas. In a few of the jars were little balls of . . . well. . . something. Mom pointed these out and looked a bit dubious at my

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1149376966892610062006-06-03T18:19:00.000-05:002006-06-03T18:25:10.556-05:00

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1149130675122586562006-05-31T20:50:00.000-05:002006-05-31T21:57:55.226-05:00

The first challenge of the Amazing Lace is to provide an introduction of yourself and your team member. Sounds easy enough. Yeah, right! Me? I am present and accounted for. Ready to intro myself away. However, my teammate, a shawl of my own design, is on holiday, trekking through Nepal, or on a mission to save alpacas worldwide. Your guess is as good as mine. Personally, I am betting on the

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1148914736540837362006-05-29T08:57:00.000-05:002006-05-29T10:00:15.330-05:00

I do not own a pair of hand knit socks. I suppose that is because for the past seven years of my knitting career, I've concentrated on scarves and hats for my portable projects.This year, though, has an added sense of adventure. I've tried lace for the first time and many times since. I've completed my first set of socks and moved right on to a second pair. I have even managed to avoid second

Jaenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1148849703388381742006-05-28T15:28:00.000-05:002006-05-28T15:56:27.496-05:00

Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Sock TroutPattern: Fancy Gentleman's Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush, with modificationsYarn: Louet Gem Opal, hand dyed in Trout ColorwayNeedle: US2 DPN What is left after knitting Sock Trout.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1148659816627440732006-05-26T10:43:00.000-05:002006-05-26T11:10:16.836-05:00

I have left you in suspense. It has probably been so long that you cannot even recall what is causing you to cross your fingers for me. I sincerely apologize for the delay in reporting my knitting progress. I would like it noted, however, that if these Trout socks were for me I would be finished by now. I have three repeats of the 2 x 2 ribbing pattern before the toe decrease. There appears to be

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1148337522006154972006-05-22T17:35:00.000-05:002006-05-24T16:40:50.926-05:00

Courtesy of my green swap with Becca, I have been growing a turtle. My husband wanted to plunk it into water as soon as the package was opened. I, however, made him wait until I could be home for more than one day to witness this miracle of an expanding turtle as well.According to the package, it only takes three days. Its about to come out of it's shell and we are only at day two.Work has really

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1148236818911676082006-05-21T13:32:00.000-05:002006-05-21T13:40:18.923-05:00

The 5-stitch nupp is the latest technique I've learned during my lace class. This week I only had to knit one swatch. The pattern is Lily of the Valley. A really easy knit, except for the nupps.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1147866678204857832006-05-17T06:12:00.000-05:002006-05-18T18:46:49.893-05:00

That phrase is often associated, at least in my mind, with the famous Muppet - Kermit the Frog. While Kermit may be the most well known, he certainly wasn't the only green muppet associated with the Muppet Show.According to this character guide green Muppets also extended to Kermit's fellow frogmates Robin, Ms. Appleby, and Norman. There were muppets that were alligators, birds, and turtles. The

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1147299728045211492006-05-10T16:49:00.000-05:002006-05-10T17:26:22.060-05:00

They led to . . .The first clue would be my sudden impulse to sign up for a 4 month lace class. Little did I know this was going to be my training for the big event.Next, an email from Marji sending me the link. She didn't stop there. She publicly outted me as a possible contender.The third clue would be from Sarah. She is writing a book of knitting patterns. (How cool is that?) I get to be test

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1147013953982436182006-05-07T08:59:00.000-05:002006-05-07T09:59:14.066-05:00

My foray into the world of blogging has generated some interesting conversations between my husband and I. The most recent was yesterday.DH: All the yarn is green.Me: Yes, that's this month's color.DH: You are sending a box full of green yarn and stuff?Me: Yes, and I'll be receiving a box full of green stuff. That's the way the swap works.DH: I'm jealous. Nobody ever sends me a box of green

Jaenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1147007904317957622006-05-07T08:13:00.000-05:002006-05-07T08:58:58.463-05:00

I had so much fun with my first Secret Pal exchange, I'm trying it again.1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like Merino wool and alpaca (who doesn't like alpaca?). Rowan Cashsoft is nice and so is Koigu. I'm not a fan of stiff yarns or squeaky yarns like acrylic.2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have several quilted

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1146955257077102372006-05-06T17:12:00.000-05:002006-05-06T17:43:28.773-05:00

I was supposed to work today, but at the eleventh hour the mold I was supposed to evaluate wasn't going to be able to run after all. So, Caesar and I took advantage of the sunny day. I will never cease to be amazed at how cats can be comfortable in the strangest of positions.I realize some of you may be wondering if the drama of the Trout socks has reached it's peak. Sadly, not yet. I don't

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1146609704083620642006-05-02T17:24:00.000-05:002006-05-06T17:45:24.356-05:00

I have been blogging for six months. I was all set to wax philosophical about the joys of blogging, the friends I'm making, the new ideas I'm learning. Except that I am distracted by this... This is all the yarn I have for my hubby's Trout socks. Can you see it? The cliff I am doomed to knit right over? The total lack of yardage?!? In my defense there is plenty of yarn for my feet, which

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1146405000397137262006-04-30T08:00:00.000-05:002006-04-30T08:50:00.436-05:00

1) Toothpicks on the cheese platter tray. For the DPN that prefers food over fiber.2) Gap Checkers. For the DPN that is obsessed with straight lines.I suppose if your job doesn't involve automotive interiors this might require explanation. In the auto industry, achieving perfectly sized gaps between parts is a really big deal. Why this is remains a mystery, because every one outside the

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1146267545942771562006-04-29T06:31:00.000-05:002006-04-29T09:20:47.870-05:00

I worked stateside yesterday. However, my days at the plant this week have given me the indication that I will be visiting there frequently for the next few months. So those of you near St. Marys, Ontario give me a shout. It's always good to meet fellow knitters. If my colleagues suspected before that I'm weird a knitaholic, they now have proof. I didn't drive to dinner so that I could knit

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145999382205406112006-04-25T15:56:00.000-05:002006-04-27T18:51:28.496-05:00

I am still without a camera cable. This is a real shame because I have made a good start to the Trout socks. And the color! I am enthralled with this colorway. Beautiful vibrant blueish-greens and reddish-purples. As I knit each stitch, I am pleasantly surprised at the colors running across my needles.Since I have no pictures of yarn to offer, I am offering the real thing. The prize is Heritage

Jaenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145912430635531032006-04-24T15:45:00.000-05:002006-04-24T16:00:30.676-05:00

Hello, You have reached Some Knitting Required. The owner of this blog has been temporarily relocated to spend time with her Canadian colleagues. She has taken along the necessary knitting implements and fiber to sustain her during her work mandated adventure for this week. Well, everything that is except the camera cord that transfers pictures to her computer. Blogging will commence upon her

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145401680404217282006-04-20T06:36:00.000-05:002006-04-20T06:37:28.306-05:00

...is admitting you have a problem.Blame it on my need to horde sock yarn, or the yellow-orange month of April. In my entire knitting career, I have completed only one pair of socks, and barely started a second pair. However, that doesn't seem to stop me from acquiring more of the stuff to make knitted socks.The store that offers my lace class, has various fibers aptly named Heritage Handpaints

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145398874785881982006-04-18T16:48:00.000-05:002006-04-18T17:35:38.513-05:00

Lace homework for week 5 is half done. I need to complete a lace swatch sample. However, the mini-Estonian scarf assignment is lõpetatud, viimistletud, täiuslik, finished. No starch this week. Seriously, you don't think I'd starch a scarf?After class, I was complaining commenting about all the swatches we have to chart and knit. My teacher explained patiently for the gazillionth time that the

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145199983273328362006-04-16T09:46:00.000-05:002006-04-16T10:06:24.343-05:00

A few weeks ago, my DH's niece came over to dye yarn. Most of it went to live with her, but I kept the strawberry / lemonade to make baskets for Niece and Nephew. Baskets loaded with sugar and chocolate. After all, I will not be the one peeling the kids from the ceiling.We are visiting for dinner this evening. This should make a nice surprise for the little ones. Their parents may think

Jaenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145112959373020372006-04-15T09:42:00.000-05:002006-04-15T09:55:59.666-05:00

I finished the book in one day. I cried.I love when a book has absorbed me so deeply that it cannot possibly end without my wanting more from it. I can't get it out of my head. I am wondering, if they could have changed things, would it have been better or worse for Henry and Clare. I wish that I had been given more of Clare's life after 35. I want to know what happened to their daughter Alba. I

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1145059559255010302006-04-14T18:54:00.000-05:002006-04-14T19:05:59.273-05:00

My employer declared today a holiday and gave me the day off. Nothing personal, they told everyone to stay home. I have taken advantage of the long weekend by catching up on some “me time”. I slept in until a little past 8 am. I’m normally up between 4 and 5 am. I made some tea. The flavor is English Breakfast. Between you and me, if the English make breakfast as sweet as this tea smells, I’m

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1144891510559549582006-04-12T19:44:00.000-05:002006-04-12T20:25:10.626-05:00

Work has me upside down and inside out. Not literally, but I'm lucky to have thirty minutes uninterrupted for knitting. By the time I get home, eat dinner, say "hello" to the hubby, it is almost time to go to sleep. Thus very little dusting, vacuuming knitting.I haven't given up on the Aran cable, just set it aside for the time being. The hat on the other hand may be a never knit. It and I cannot

Jaenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1144540496811947412006-04-08T18:33:00.000-05:002006-04-08T18:54:56.830-05:00

I absolutely love this pattern. It might actually convert me into a doily person. I'm trying to think of a hundred good reasons why I would need to knit a hundred more of versions of this doily. It took me less than 90 minutes to knit the center. Oh, wait. . . it took me 3 hours to bind off with all those crochet chain points. Perhaps, just one of these will do.To demonstrate that I haven't

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1144281661703376662006-04-05T18:15:00.000-05:002006-04-05T20:00:36.900-05:00

According to this source- Crayola first introduced yellow and orange crayons in 1903. In 1949, lemon yellow, orange yellow, and yellow orange were added. 1958 saw the creation of burnt orange and goldenrod. Ultra orange and ultra yellow arrived on the scene in 1972. Not to be outdone, dandelion, vivid tangerine, and unmellow yellow were in, but lemon yellow, orange yellow, and yellow orange were

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1143841941399732642006-03-31T16:40:00.000-05:002006-03-31T16:52:21.413-05:00

I attended my 4th lace class last night. We are graduating from swatches to doilies. Calling it a doily doesn't change the fact that I'm still knitting a swatch. A swatch with a purpose, but still a swatch.We did actually do something last night with the lesson samples we've been knitting other than file them away for future reference. I blocked and starched my first piece of lace.I need some

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1143681211833540032006-03-29T19:43:00.000-05:002006-03-31T16:54:19.736-05:00

Blogger is being stupid! Either that or it has developed allergies to uploading photos.I wanted to show the progress I have made on the Aran Tweed. One because Marji asked so nicely, and two because that is why you are here. I am not so silly as to think that you are attracted to my great use of punctuation. Here is where I hope that the mom half of my mother is reading and not the english

Jaenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1143578075520656142006-03-28T14:52:00.000-05:002006-03-28T15:38:37.686-05:00

I'm home! Friday, we drove to Cincinnati, OH and then to Bristol, TN on Saturday. Hubby and I didn't realize how long a drive it was until yesterday. We drove the whole route home in one day - over 12 hours in the car. Today, I can't sit still for more than a few minutes. Hmmm, I wonder why?Arriving home, I was greeted with two packages. The first was from Donni. It was the lace weight yarn she

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1143241347200063302006-03-24T17:51:00.000-05:002006-03-24T18:04:58.390-05:00

In the headlines today, a woman was found wandering aimlessly in the metro area. When approached she was heard mumbling, "Need yarn, need to knit, 5 stitches to the inch, need yarn....." She was carrying a single US6 straight knitting needle and a severely knotted skein of Koigu KPPPM. Emergency personnel responding to the scene, determined that the woman was suffering from knitter's

Jaenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142904894621927622006-03-20T19:41:00.000-05:002006-03-20T20:38:55.303-05:00

Everyone had their task. Sis-in-Law was in charge of documenting the mess fun. I ran the microwave and the steam pot on the stove. Niece had the hardest job of all - deciding color combos for the stripes, solid, or variegated effects she wanted.It's a good thing my husband brought all this corning ware into our marriage. It came in handy for the soaking and the dyeing. Especially this

Jaenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142802693214554522006-03-19T16:05:00.000-05:002006-03-19T16:11:33.230-05:00

Guess what my husband's niece and I have been up to! : )Clockwise from top left: Grape, Lemonade, Arctic Green Apple, Grape Illusion, Strawberry, Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade, Orange, Ice Blue Raspberry, Lemon-Lime

Jaenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142692832444706752006-03-18T09:28:00.000-05:002006-03-18T14:02:58.973-05:00

Has it been since Tuesday that I last posted? I finally had Blogger's cooperation to upload the photos in the last post. For those of you still pretending, you can compare your imagination to the real thing.I have been swamped at work. Some weeks designing plastic car parts can be a real drain on the knitting time. As a result, this is how far along the hat has come. I would be much further

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142379346959665462006-03-14T18:04:00.000-05:002006-03-18T09:28:15.050-05:00

I believe I promised knitting news. Of course, I promised it for Sunday. In my defense . . . all right, I confess - I don't have an excuse. I hope you'll forgive me and play along. Whatever you do, please don't call my mom and tell her I don't know my days of the week. As promised, here are Sunday's Tuesday's knitting updates. - Silkroad Aran - Since you've graciously agreed to pretend that

Jaenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142117416163530622006-03-11T17:41:00.000-05:002006-03-11T17:50:16.176-05:00

I saw Donni's "ad" for Lynne's Project Colorswap. I love giving and getting. Plus, the creative challenge of a color themed package seems like a lot of fun. Of course, I signed on. She's limiting it to 40 people. So, if you are interested, let her know in the comments.

Jaenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142095158032002222006-03-11T11:03:00.000-05:002006-03-11T11:39:18.073-05:00

I know I said I was going to use the weekend to knit but I got distracted by yard work. I strive for low maintenance landscaping. However, with spring on its way the beds around my house demand my attention. It has been a pleasant morning and I thought that now was as good as any. I've trimmed the decorative grasses back to the recommended 4 inch height and tackled my clematises (or is

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18997858.post-1142040016199071952006-03-10T19:17:00.000-05:002006-03-10T20:20:16.250-05:00

This has been a crazy week at work. Which means I have accomplished almost no knitting. I did however manage at least one home cooked meal using the guess and taste method.Veal Scallopini with Lemon Caper Sauce1/2 lb veal scallopini1 eggEnough breadcrumbs to coat veal mixed with a palmful of lemon pepper spiceCoat veal with egg and then breadcrumb-spice mix.Enough olive oil to keep veal from

Jaenoreply@blogger.com0