Love Wins

Love Wins Wrap

I was just so please with the recent SCOTUS decision to legalize same-sex marriage, that I decided to knit myself a rainbow and wrap myself up in it.   If you would like to do the same, feel free to use to download my new pattern "Love Wins" .   It's free on Ravelry.

Serial Monogamy

I have not stuck to one project in years.   Even my everyday knitting basket always has at least two projects at a time (one simple, one more complicated).   However, an odd bug bit me recently.   I woke up compelled to start something in lace wt yarn.   Theoretically I dont even like lace wt yarn.

After fight it for a day or so, I  gave in and started the Reunion Shrug with some grey Findley Dappled that I had in my stash (earmarked for I don't remember what).   I am so hooked.   Lace is my new favorite wt yarn, and the soon to be finished (focus is a wonderful thing) Reunion Shrug is my new obsession.   It's all I've worked on for a while now,  and now that it is done,  I can't wait to cast on another lace wt project.   Re-yarning my Simple Comforts Wrap in lace is appealing, but I am also attracted to the Ethereal shawl.   Still thinking.

Can You Hear Her Laughing?

"Sitting here, I am pretty freaking happy".   That is what I said to my BFF just the other day.   She says I should begin and end a novel with that line.   I decided to use it to restart my blog.

I could not tell you when exactly I went from abjectly miserable to "pretty freaking happy".   No doubt it was a process helped along by settling in to, rather than fighting, my life here in FL.   Sitting outside at Starbucks in December while my sister tells me about the next blizzard to hit NJ (aka home).   Knitting on the beach in March is pretty wonderful and friends to do it with can't be beat.

The realization came when Hubby and I started talking about finally moving.   Our oldest is living on campus now and our youngest leaves for college in less than two weeks (I am going to be an empty nester! Be prepared for tears).    We could downsize.   With two kids in college, we could use the extra $'s.

Then it hit us.   We've made friends it would hurt us to leave.   Hubby likes his job and hates change.  I have become (dare I say it?), rather fond of our house.   Did I mention the weather?  So, it was decided, we would stay (at least until the boys are out of school and maybe to Hubby's retirement). 

I would participate in a Cozy Minimalist workshop (at www.Nester.com) to cozy up the place.   We  made a plan to rearrange the secondary bedrooms so that Hubby and I would each have our own office (Niether of the boys plan to come home for the summer and they can share a room for visits).

Surely, you've heard about God's sense of humour.   Can you hear her laughing?   Half way through the Cozy Minimalist thing, Hubby called to tell me that is job will not exist after Jan1st (really?!).   Will he find another posiiton in Jax?   Will he move to his current employer's Orlando headquarters?   Will he find a good position somewhere else (please, let it not be a state without an ocean)?   Jax & Orlando are tied for our first choice, but we will go where the money is (two kids, college?).

The thing is, even with all of this uncertainty, I am still pretty freaking happy.

The Phoenix Shawl Flies Again

Find the Phoenix Shawl on Ravelry

A pattern two years in the making. That is when I began to knit the sample, create the charts, and work on the written directions. Then, the Memorial Day before last, our house burned. The boys were out with me, Hubby was in the pool, and the dog came when called. We were (and are) fine.

However, we lost almost everything. Much of what did not burn, was deemed “toxic waste” by the fire marshall. Up in smoke (literally & figuratively) went my computer (No, I did not back up regularly. Yes, I do now.), and, I believed, the first sample.

My written notes and the printed charts survived. So being a good little soldier, I used those to start over. Eventually, I even found the sample (in a grocery bag in my trunk. Don’t ask. I just don’t know.).

So here we are, almost a year after the restart, and it is finally done and for sale on Ravelry.   The Phoenix Shawl, a pattern that rose out of the ashes.

So long and thanks for all the fish...

Happy Chanukah,  Kwanza, Christmas & New Year.   Merry any holiday not coming to my mind (even Festivus, which I think is just plain silly).

You need only look at the last date I posted to see that I have been taking a blogging break.   I am here to tell you that I do not know when (or if) I will be back.   I really do not know how to explain why, except to say that I seem to have run out of blogging gas.

From the beginning blogging has come easily for me.  It has been my habit to blog my joys, and journal my sorrows (I have not been journaling much either, so I guess that is good).     It just seemed a natural consequence of my knitting/designing/ teaching enthusiasm.   It is that, I think, that I am missing; enthusiasm.

So for now, I am taking a break.   Emotionally & physically, I will be sticking close to home.   Reaching out certainly has it's rewards, but so can tucking in.   I am going to try that for a while.   Hopefully, I will be back to let you know how that works for me.

If you want to know what I am up to, you can find me on Ravelry, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. I am not a frequent contributor but when I do share, this is where I will be.

Thank you all for sticking with me.

(((HUGS)))

Mommy Knitting...

Wingspan

Fibranaura Heaven

US 6/4mm 24" Circs

I thought I knew what I was making for my mother.   She is moving back up North just before Christmas and I thought a nice warm cowl (Gaptastic? Pretty Thing?) would be just the thing. Then while perusing an LYS closeout sale, I found a few balls of  Fibranatura Heaven in the Autumn Leaves color way.    My mother is all about earth tones and these colors are just perfectly her.   I quickly grabbed the six remaining balls and started searching for the perfect pattern.  

After much hemming and hawing, I finally decided on the Wingspan scarf/shawl.  It is fast easy and is really shows off variegated yarns beautifully.  I cast on the Sunday before last (while watching "Captain Phillips", an excellent movie) and finished this past Tuesday.   Including the time it took me to cast on and knit the first two wedges twice (once with a US 7/4.5mm needles, and then again with US 6/4mm needles), it took 9 days to finish.  I worked on it everywhere, home, church, the movies, and even, as you can see,  Medieval Times (where we celebrated T1's 21st birthday).

This means that my two most important Christmas presents (Sis and Mom) are done, done, done and it is only just mid-November.    This is me feeling very accomplished.

Let The Holiday Knitting Begin...

Little Witches
Simply Worsted
US 6/4mm DPNs

It is that time of year again.   Time to get started on holiday knitting.   My first contribution to the season are these lovely Little Witches.   When I saw these ladies on Facebook, I knew I had to hunt down the patten and make one (or three) for my kitchen (kitchen witches are good luck).   Then I realized that a friend with an upcoming birthday might like one (or three), and maybe another friend would really appreciate one (or three).   What can I tell you?   They are a lot of fun to make.

Still, Halloween is only the beginning of the season.   There is of course a Thanksgiving wreath to be made (not done yet) and Christmas/Hanukkah gifts to whip up.   My sister's gift is done (Yes, I said done).   I love, love, love it and I hope she does too.   No pictures yet because she reads the blog and I want it to be a surprise.  

Almost there...

Phoenix Shawl

Check out the Phoenix Shawl in all its glory.   This baby has been in the works for years (literally).   There was the idea, which became the charts, which became what you see above.    Then came the fire, the loss of the shawl, the laptop with the charts (backup, backup, backup!), and the preliminary pattern.  

From my written notes came new charts, and new samples, and a rewritten pattern.   I've got three test knitters working on it as we "speak".    One, is three rows from being done.   One has put it aside to work on Xmas gifts, and one is waiting for a meet-up with me.

First known as the Old City Shawl (we live in St. Augustine, FL), then the Simply Exquisite Shawl (thus dubbed by a LYS owner), it is now, finally, the Phoenix Shawl (because it rose out of the ashes).
I used Colinette's Jitterbug for the lost one. Two of the test knitters are using Knit Picks Stroll Tonal (Canopy & Thunderhead).   It occurs to me that I have no idea what my third knitter is using.   I've got three samples on the needles, one of Knit Picks Stroll Tonal  (Pearlescent), one in Malabrigo Lace, and one in Ella Rae Lace Merino.   It is not so much that I don't have a favorite, but that each one is my favorite when I am working on it.

If you would like for me to drop you a line when the pattern is good to go,  just follow the link to Ravelry and leave a comment.   I am hoping (but not promising) to have it up and available for sale before the end of the year.

Day 13: Dinner on the Water

Taken from
Clark's Fish Camp

One of the things I really do like about living in FL is how often we eat outside.  One of my favorite places is Clark's Fish Camp.   The place food is great, the menu is extremely varied, and the mood is casual and fun.

This is number thirteen, in the 31 Days of Where I live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 12: Sew & Quilt Shop

Sew & Quilt Shop
Bunnell, FL

Look what I made today at my favorite local yarn shop!   Even though there isn't any in the shop name, once you get there you will find plenty of yarn, along with friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming staff.    This is my favorite place to go when I feel like running away from home.

Today, the talented Teresa Bovino, demo'd her Christmas Ornament pattern (available at the Sew & Quilt Shop).   We used Plymouth's Steletto on #3 needles but you can use any fingering wt. yarn.    I bought a ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino to make some more for my family.   I didn't have #3's with me (and I am trying not to buy things I already own) so I used the #1's I had in my purse.   I am happy with the final product but the finishing was a bit tight.  For my next attempt I definitely will go up a needle size or two.

This is number twelve, in the 31 Days of Where I live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 11: Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos @ Tijuana Flats

I am on my own tonight.   T1 is off with his friends, and Hubby & T2 are preparing for a fundraiser.   I,  on the other hand, took myself off for a massage, followed by fish tacos at Tijuana Flats.   Fish tacos, apparently a Southern thing, are my current favorite food.   How did I go so long without fish tacos? :-)

This is number eleven, in the 31 Days of Where I live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 10: It's pretty where I live...

Marineland, FL

This is number ten, in the 31 Days of Where I live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day Nine: Rest

So here it is, a day late and a picture short, Day Nine in my "Where I Live" series.

Yesterday, I got to do the most amazing thing.   I got to stay home sick.  It may not sound that exciting to some, but to the Moms among us it is a rare treat.

You see, because we live in FL, our youngest was able to take (and pass) his drivers test last week even though he is only 16.   When we lived there the NJ age was 17.   That means that he is on the road and I am not.

Yesterday, while T2 took himself off to school, I (stricken by the plague, or perhaps a cold) snuggled on the couch, read, knit, and watched three (!) spooky movies.    It was awesome.   I am feeling much better today, and quite pleased with FL license policy.

This is number nine , in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day Eight: City Coffee

City CoffeeSt. Augustine, FL

Our youngest (16yo) started college this year.   In September, when school began, he did not have his license.   He did pass his test last Thursday, but yesterday, my car went to the dealership with a mystery ailment and is not expected home until tonight or tomorrow.   That means that I am still driving him to school and waiting for him.

I thought this would be pretty miserable (St. Augustine does not have a single Starbucks!), or expensive (the shopping is grand) but that first school day in August, while looking for someplace to work/knit/read/caffeinate, I happened across the City Coffee Company, easy access, free WiFi, lots of parking, good coffee, the best ever breakfast burrito, with warm and welcoming staff.   JackPot!  

Two months on and I still look forward to coming here.

P.S.  Although they make them rarely, their zuchinni walnut muffins are to die for.

This is number eight , in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge.

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day Seven: My Favorite Restaurant

Columbia RestaurantSt. Augustine, FL

The Columbia has been my favorite restaurant since I was a little girl.   I can remember my mother taking me here as proof that I was "good enough" to eat in a grown-up restaurant.   The food is Cuban (a particular favorite of mine).   Their 1905 Salad is famous and for good reason.   Sometimes we go there just for their Spanish Bean Soup and salad.   Others, we do it up big with soup to desert (their flan is heavenly).

When we lived in NJ, I would only get to eat here once or twice a year.   Now, I can go when ever the mood strikes me.

This is number seven , in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge    

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day Six: Ponte Vedra Beach

Sorry for the delay, our internet was wonky yesterday :-)

Ponte Vedra Beach

This is number six, in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge    

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 5: Farmer's Markets

Earlier this week, after dropping T2 off at school, I decided to explore the roads behind campus.   Not only did I find the hoped for shortcut to my favorite Panera, but I happened upon a weekly farmer's market.    Just that morning I had been wishing for zucchini walnut muffins and here was my chance to score some locally grown zucchini.   These markets are everywhere down here and I love that.    I get excited every spring when my favorite fruit market pops up with juicy Gerorgia peaches.    Many of the markets have not just produce but ethnic foods, crafts, and the work of our local artists.  As a maker myself, I get a kick out of wearing locally made clothes and jewelry.

I got so excited that I forgot to take pictures.   If I get back there this week, I will take some and add them later.

This is number five, in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge    

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 4: Can't beat the beach...

Crescent Beach

This is number four, in a the 31 Days of Where I Live blogging challenge    

Each day I will post a thought and/or picture relative to something I like about living in NE Florida.  

You can see the whole list of posts here.

Day 3: Happy Days

We spent the weekend before last at SeaWorld (Orlando).   It was awesome.   I know there is a documentary coming out about how bad it is for the Orca's to be kept in captivity.  I know I am going to see it and likely change my tune.   But, for now, OMG what an awesome place.

We went down Friday evening so that we could get an early start on Saturday.

Saturday morning, after riding a couple of the roller coasters (not me, I knit) we met the daughter of a friend for a private behind the scenes tour of the Antarctic exhibit.    Wow!   That was wonderful.   We got to see, and pet, hold penguins.   It was an amazing, once in a lifetime, experience that we are all still talking about.

This was the first time we have gotten their meal plan.   We were given wristbands that allowed "all you can eat" and, more importantly on a hot day, drink throughout the park.   This made it less worrisome to let the boys take off on their own.   I did not have to worry about them having enough to eat or staying well hydrated (a particular concern for T2 who was recovering from an upper respiratory thing).

We did and saw everything, somethings twice.    My favorite part was (and has always been) the dolphins.    I got to see the show, the babies, and feed them both days.   As I texted to a friend on Sunday, "It is impossible to be sad while feeding dolphins".

So today, I am feeling pretty happy about living just a couple of hours away from SeaWorld.

This post is part of a 31 day series.
Find all the posts in this series here.

Day 2: Sometimes things just work out

Find out more about Florida Virtual School here.

During the planning phase of our move to Florida, I found out that St. John's County had the most highly rated schools in Florida.   I was thrilled and never considered living anywhere else.   This is where a little bit of knowledge got dangerous.   What I did not find out until we got here is that Florida was 50th our of 50 in education nationally.   I was appalled.   I had happily moved my kids to the best of the worst (Note: FL is no longer 50th.   Thank heavens for Mississippi).

So what could I possible like about that?   Nothing, really, it was definitely a fail on our part.   What we do like, what saved the day, was Florida Virtual School (FLVS).    This is a student driven on-line school.   Not home schooling, because I did not have to be the teacher.   Student driven because, as recommended, I let my youngest set his own pace.  It is not the choice for everyone.   Our oldest tried it for one class and hated it. 

He came to us with the idea.    There was never any doubt that he would do well (he is that kid), but even an extrovert, needs some social contact.   He pushed, we relented, and it turned out to be one of the best things we could have done for him.  He went from bored and miserable to engaged and confident.   He also learned that even he needs social interactions.   He flew through 7th grade, then choose to go to traditional HS with a virtual class or two thrown in to maintain interest.    This year, at 16, he is doing a combination of FLVS HS and traditional college.   He is doing very well and we are very proud.

  

This post is part of a 31 day series.
Find all the posts in this series here.