Getting there....

Chrismahanakwanzadan

Right around Thanksgiving, I realized, to my horror, that Christmas was coming.   I am an early Christmas shopper, but an insane, last minute, scrambling, maker.   This year my plan was/is to make an ornament for everyone in Hubby's family along with a few for my friends and family.    Thanks to Wild Olive's inspiration, I did get an early start.   However, I quickly figured out that, at a couple of days each, the ornaments would take too long.   I chose another, this time simpler and of my own design.   Still, the going was slow.   Then, while working on my Chrismahanakwanzadan Wreath, I found the perfect solution.  

Peace & Goodwill

I am now making ornaments based on the peace dove that I made for the wreaths (found here).   Unfortunately, I dithered, started, stopped, and changed my mind so many times that once settled on a workable idea, I found myself with only seven days to finish the first twenty (assuming that we will mail out of town presents on the 15th).   Today is the 12th.  I have nine done with eleven to go.   Wish me luck.

It must seem that I don't knit anymore but, really, I am just doing a lot less of it.    The socks in my handbag are almost done (just the ribbed cuff to go), and I am about half way done with the bind off of my latest Shawl That Jazz (would be nice if I finished this in time for T2's performance tomorrow night).   I have lots of ideas for new cast ons but am trying to stay focused on those ornaments for the time being.

Enjoy the holidays even if the lead up makes you nutty.

Olympic Knitting....

Olympic Knitting

Epcot Canada

Not very sporting, I know, but I have accepted the fact that there is no way, after four rip-outs, that I will never get this sweater done in time for the closing ceremonies of this years Winter Olympics.   I will complete the sweater, just not on time.      For now, I will work on this sweater until the Olympics end.  Then, I think, I will finish Shawl That Jazz (only needs another inch of ruffle) before finishing Liesl.  Next Winter Olympics I am going to knit a dishcloth scarf.

Olympic Liesl

Day 9

Saturday we went to Epcot to celebrate our 14th anniversary.   Among other fun things, I got to work on my Olympic Knitting in Canada.   We were at Disney during the last Canadian Olympics (summer) and there were tons of Olympic themed items for sale at Epcot Canada.   This time not so much.   I was a bit disappointed with that.   I had really wanted to get an Olympic tote bag for my Olympic knitting (hokey, I know).   Also, missed were the Dale of Norway knitting kits in Norway.   I think, like so many other places, Disney is cutting back.   All was not lost, though, I found a cute knitting tote in England (photos to come).  It has sheep in a field and the caption "Baaad Girls".

At guest services we picked up Anniversary buttons that we wore all day.  Consequently, we were picked as the "first family" for the show at the USA pavilion.   It was so much fun to be made a fuss over but Hubby and I agree that the best part was getting to sit on real chairs for the concert (rather than benches or the floor).   We may be getting old but at least we are doing it together.

Special Knitting Olympics...

I was not going to do this.   It was not even on my knitting radar.   Last time I did it I had to drop out due to a bout of carpal tunnel (ouch!), that left me unable to knit for two weeks!   However, after reading this post over at Chez Harlot, I am going to give it another go.  I must be crazy inspired. 

After checking out the available options (This is, after all, the last minute), I have decided to go with Liesl.   I have been trying to get this sweater on my needles for some time but something always gets in the way.   The yarn (Comfy Bulky in Sea Foam) shipped on Friday.   I did forget to call KnitPicks re: the needles but I will get that done tomorrow.  I'll just use another brand until replacements arrive.   So, my challenge is simply to get it done.

In the meantime, after my funk of last week, I cast on for the Shawl That Jazz using a gorgeous hand-dyed cotton that I found in NYC a couple of years ago.    I love the way it is turning out.   The yardage is just a little short so I will have to find something complimentary to use for the ruffle.  I also decided to stick with the size 1 needles for my Koigu socks.  Now that I am further along, I like them.

Be good, and keep knitting.

(((hugs)))

Grumpy/Schizophrenic Knitter

As you can see, I finished the second Dipped Infinity Scarf.   I really love the way it turned out.  That much, at least, I am sure of.    I have, however, run into angst regarding my next project.   My fingers itch to make another Dipped, but I live in FL and, really, how many scarves do I need (maybe just one more?).   Ysolda’s Leisl is high on my want list.   So high, in fact, that I started it twice; once with Sierra Quatro (ridiculously loose once I actually got gauge), and once with Rowan Summer Tweed (too draggy.  I might shoot myself before I finish.).   Oh, did I mention that my Options 10.5 splintered (Fortunately, KnitPicks is wonderful about these things).

Okay, put the sweater on hold while I wait for my KnitPicks order to come (which I can not even place until Friday).    I am counting on a new needle and some Comfy Bulky (yes, I know it has a bit of man- made in it but friendly consensus states that a bit of acrylic keeps the cotton from growing) for  a killer, Sea Foam, Liesl of my very own (I especially like Amy Singer’s).

What to knit until then?  Socks!  Socks are good.   Out comes the beloved Koigu, I cast on both socks, knit a bit on each and start wondering if, perhaps, I might want to start over with a smaller needle (US0).  All of my Koigu socks are knit on US1’s but after knitting the Jitterbug on 1’s, and getting that nice firm fabric, maybe I want to drop down a size for Koigu.   Am I going to do this?  Only time and my mood will tell.

Obviously, I need a comfort project to get me over the hump.   After all, I am still getting over the mother of all sinus infections (can illness and yucky anti-biotics turn one into a grumpy knitter?).   My plan, of the moment, is to knit another Shawl That Jazz (The first one went to an admiring friend).  I cast on with the Summer Tweed (already wound).   Hopefully, it will prove less draggy with in a simple garter stitch.    If not, out will come the Sierra Quatro (also, already wound).   Both the lighter softer Quatro and the more textural Summer Tweed appeal to me (at least until I snarl and change my mind).

(((HUGS)))

Breaking the fast...

Kathleen, Lisa, Angie

She Sells Yarn

222 South Beach St.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

6 Hanks of Koigu KPPPM (assorted colors)

8 Hanks of Cascade Sierra Quattro (SummerDaze)

7 balls of Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton (Dusty Blue)

Yea! I bought yarn today. After a year long yarn fast, Angie and I visited "She Sells Yarn" in Daytona Beach, FL, so that I could fall/jump off the wagon. The owner, Kathleen, was lovely. We had a wonderful time. I choose her shop because she has Koigu, so leaving with some was no surprise. I chose these colorways with the Dipped Infinity Scarf in mind. Although, I have knit with other Cascade yarns, I have not come across Sierra Quarto before. I loved the color and feel of it. This will likely become a Shawl That Jazz shawl. After the petting, drooling, choosing, paying, and picture taking, were done, Kathleen was kind enough to give some recommendations for lunch. We ended up a couple of doors down at a pub with great burgers and (according to tween) awesome fish and chips.

One the way home, we stopped at Joanne's to get thread. While there I grabbed some Nature's Choice Organic Cotton. Yes, I know that this is a bargain yarn, and I am a self professed yarn snob, but I like the stuff. I used it for Nancy's Xmas shawl and liked it enough to want one for myself (Hopefully she will let me take pictures of it when she gets back from Chicago).

That was my day, yarn, lunch, more yarn, home. I am a very happy camper.