Bod Dylan Tribute concert

We went to CNE to listen to a band (The Dylan Tree) that plays Bob Dylan songs. Not that I was a huge fan of Dylan's but he did have some songs that I liked. "Like a rolling stone" and "Tambourine Man" .
(Bob Dylan himself sings the TM in that you tube video)

Before I got my brain working cleverly, the battery in my camera was going down and down. I managed to get one song completely, but only 11 seconds of "Tambourine Man"

The musicians in the band are Canadians, and boy, was a ever impressed of their talent.

While waiting for the concert to begin, I was crocheting, and chatted with a lady from California.
She said that she only uses sc stitch. That's so cool to be able to do that.

Here is a link to Xenobia's site. I think her work is fabulous. I believe that she uses only sc stitch.

Ravelympics 2008

FINISHED my project! It's a freeform bag.
I used stash leftovers, Sherri's homespun, Koigu yarn given to me by Julia, and some beads at the bottom.

August weekend

Our grandson turned one year old.


His party was great. There were lots of kids, lots of moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The table was full of goodies, meatballs, cookies, salads, some other stuff that I don't know the
name for them. Plus, of course hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, lots of water and other drinks.

The kids were having a ball in the pool, sliding down and playing with water. It was a great day, and even the rain stayed away.

Of course there was the cake, and this little birthday boy had the cake all over him and his face. That's what happens when one eats with his little fingers.

Today is another beautiful day. It was warm and sunny all day. I foolishly stayed inside all day, knitting a scarf for a co-worker, who will have a birthday on Thursday, but since she decided to take a vacation for that day, we are going to have a luncheon for her on Wednesday.
There is no escape here for her. Here is a picture of the scarf. It is done in garter stitch, with
size 5 mm needles. The "yarn" is Eros Herwool. It's some sort of ribbon yarn. There is no way a pattern would show up, so just a plain garter stitch is the best.

No imagination for Title

It's funny how time flies when you are crocheting freeform stuff, or knitting socks (I can't believe I just said that).

Every day, or rather, night, after work I hit my seat by our dining table. Not to eat (well I do that too) but crochet. One day it was a freeform bag for Ravelympics, and one day it was still working on my freeform top/jacket/shawl...I have decided that I have no idea how the scrumbles will get together and form something wearable.

One little problem I have with that project is that I like to make little pieces and then crochet and crochet, and don't stop, and those little pieces take time to make, just as joining anything to form something sensible. I must say that this project is the most difficult project I have made. I know I made an Irish Crochet - type tunic, and also a jacket, using lots of IC motifs. This project on the hook now is strictly freeform, the way I like it, and it's taking forevvvverrr, because my thread is really thin. I bought the thread at CGOA Manchester, NH, Knit and Crochet show. Oh,
and some of the thread I bought at Valley Forge Knit and Crochet show.

See, I do use my yarns and threads, maybe not immediately, but eventually. I hope the yarns from years and years ago don't hear me talk like that. Can you imagine, I had just bought some
Fiddlestick lace yarn to take part in Mysterystole 4 project, which will start in September.

I also have started three of four scarves for a co-worker, who has a birthday coming up, but she is not going to get the scarf. My fingers just don't work with a lace pattern right now. They are geared for free movement.

I took a break from everything else, and decided that I will be able to knit a pair of socks for our grandson, who is going to be one year in a two days.
I started this morning, without a pattern, but after searching the websites, I decided that I just combine some of the patterns and then get the socks done. The yarn is Regia Crazy Colors, and the colors are crazy, indeed. I tried four times to match the yarn for the second sock. I kind of did, but the yarn played a trick on me, the colors didn't run as perfectly as I expected, so some of the stripes are off. I am sure our one-year old little boy isn't going to worry about some design
features that grandma had done.

This afternoon, after work, I went grocery shopping, and wouldn't you know there was a new Vogue Knitting magazine.

I have not had time to look very closely at the patterns, but have been drooling over some new stuff that is appearing in the market for knitters.

I hope some of these neat gadgets are going to be at Portland Knit and Crochet show. I have made a decision, I will not buy yarn, just gadgets and perhaps that fancy knitting bag that is shown in VK magazine. It's a must to have for me.

Stitch 'n Pitch

Yes, I have my ticket for tonight at Roger's Center (used to be Skydome) for

the Stitch 'n Pitch event. I will be going there right after my workday.

Yes, I have my knitting with me. Actually I have three knitting choices, and a crochet

choice. I have never been quick to decide what I want to do. Perhaps that is why I have such a bad case of perpetual startitis.

In my younger days it was not so noticeable, because my yarn stash contained only

current work in process (WIP) project. However, my magazine collection had started

in those early days, by subscriptions to magazines that were available. All of them were

for knitting. My mom was the one who collected crochet booklets, and then eventually

gave them to me. I have kept the tradition in good shape.

For tonight I have two sock starts. One is Seaweed pattern by Wendy Johnson. I had started

it with another yarn (Clown, 1786), but realized that the yarn and the pattern had some issues in making a harmonious union. I frogged the sock starts just to the beginning of the lace pattern and decided that this yarn was meant to fly solo. No special patterns, just plain stockinette stitch. Good choice.

Second sock is with Patons Sock Stretch yarn, boy is it ever soft and stretchy, when touched, but not so soft when knitted. It has some cotton mixed in with wool, and that cotton might make it a little bit harder than plain wool would. Which is fine with me, I prefer the cool hint of the cotton that this yarn gives.

The pattern is Seaweed by Wendy Johnson, and although the yarn color isn't perfect, it will do much better than the other yarn.

My third project is a lace scarf for a friend, who has a birthday coming up soon, and I have only made about 15 cm. The yarn is Fiddlesticks laceweight, in Curry. It has Merino wool and silk, so it should be a nice scarf. The pattern is from the web, Pixie's Patterns "Fern Lace Scarf"

All these pictures were taken at my desk, and none of thse projects are blocked. The scarf start really isn't giving the real picture, but it will follow, as soon as it's done and properly handled.

Now, I do not want to take too much stuff with me, so I need to do some smart thinking about my take-along projects. Oh, I forgot the crocheting project. That would be freeform, no pattern, just thread and hook. The liiittttle problem would be the small hook and thin yarn. If I dropped the hook, I probably would not find it (it's size 10 steel hook) and thread is size something, between 10 and 20, I think. I am not sure if I want to fiddle with that stuff, I need a table and good light, and nobody bothering me, so that my mind can guide my hook to incredibly imaginative designs.

You guessed it, the plain stockinette stitch sock it will be, since there is no hope in hell that I would be able to follow a lace stitch pattern, either in that scarf or that sock; after all

I am going to a baseball game to watch Blue Jays, and some other team, duh, Oakland, I think.

Do you think I should check the names of the players, or do I just go to the event for fun?

I am sure I will have some pictures later on, since I have my minuscule camera with me.

Wrong choices

The last two days have been hot and humid. My A/C isn't on all the time, though, because I don't really like the "artificial" cool air that A/C produces. I also get sniffles and coughs, when the cold air blows too long.

What did I do yesterday and today? Cleared my work area in the dining room. Yes, I have all my stuff on the dining table because I like working at that table. I have created a little "cubicle" for myself around the table. Even another table, but small, one of those end tables, that have a shelf in the middle. That table was full of my critical and current supplies, as well as books and magazines that were bought most recently. There was a fairly high pile of pattern printouts, and some other paper which didn't know where else to go at that moment when I was emptying my tote bag to make room for new stuff. You see, my tote bag contains patterns, magazines, and books, in case I have time to work on something at my lunch time at work.

Did I mention that the mentioned tote bag is the one that goes with me to work every day.
Did I ever mention that my current tote bag was made by my dear, dear friend, who lives in Sweden? She does quilting, and look at the two bags she made for my birthday. No wonder I carry them with me everywhere. The other bag has works stuff and bills and some other important items that have nothing to do with knitting or crocheting.










I also received, from another dear, dear friend, who lives in Finland, a quilted pillow case, which I
use all the time on my comfortable recliner seat when I watch TV. It's soooo pretty.










What was the wrong choice? To start heavy duty organizing, moving furniture, and yarn bags, yarn boxes, yarn tubs, books, and magazines. This was yesterday, and I felt as if I was working in a sauna in a brutal heat condition. Today was time to move the boxes and bags away, move the small table somewhere else, and organize a space for my treadmill. Another friend had given me this huge treadmill, since she did not have room in her new apartment. Like I have. But I have it now nicely put by the window, and I can watch TV while doing my walk. I refuse to use the e-word in this case, because if I do, I won't walk on my treadmill, if it means it's e.......
and I don't care if I put enough dots after e.







I am now so tired that any thought of crocheting or knitting sounds like work. My hubby suggested that we order pizza tonight. I must love him. He was at work on both days. When he is at home, I get none of this organizing done, it just doesn't happen. Maybe because he might want to help me (with my yarns, snicker, snicker), and I don't want any help. First, he has organizing skills, I don't, he would know what to do (throw most of my stuff in the garbage), I would not know (I keep EVERYTHING). He would be organizing my stuff so well that I would not find anything any more.

Even after I did my own clearing, I already have stopped to think "where did I put that one?"

This is going to be a challenging time for me. I need to prove to myself, and myself alone, that I can live in an organized area. I will wish myself luck.

New socks

I am starting to feel very strange, I am knitting socks during my free time. I should be working on my freeform top and hubby's cardigan, but nooooh, socks it is, and many of them started.

Belle Eloque socks that I mentioned in my previous post, are frogged and started again with a "normal" cuff. I didn't like my picot edging, I wasn't careful in turning the cuff, and it was crooked at some parts. I could have tried again, but was too busy to start the new pair. So far it looks great.

Here is a new sock, "Seaweed Socks" by Wendy Johnson. I went to get the link, and noticed that Wendy has started new socks. This is going to kill me, this sock phase.

Second Summer sock

The yarn is "Trekking Pro Natura" and pattern is from the book
2-at-a-time Socks, by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. Socks are "Belle Epoque".

I want to finish these socks by the weekend. I am not being very realistic, but a girl can hope.

Nutkin Socks

Summer socks 2008, first pair done. I am planning another few days vacation, so I can knit "vacation socks".

These socks are not perfect, but will do. I might make another pair with this pattern, except the heel and toe part. I don't care for short row heel and toe too much. The pattern is super easy and pretty. I want to try it with a solid color though.

Back to sock knitting. Hmmm, maybe some freeform crocheting to give some variety to my obsessions.

Time for summer socks

I've been knitting my socks for weeks, and got one sock done. It's been startitis syndrome time again. I started new socks practically every day...not really, but sometimes it feels like it.

I ordered some sock books, from Amazon, and borrowed one from Library.
The "Socks Socks Socks" book is from the Library. I have to return in at the end of this month, so I have to be very busy to get all those socks done, Hahah, in my dreams.

I have not started any from this book, though. Too many nice ones.

From the "2 at-a-time socks" I learned the "Magic Loop" method. I did practice with two circular needles, but got tired of the fiddling with needles and dropped the other needle and continued with one. This apparently is the ML technique.


I have not forgotten embroidery stitches. Found two marvellous stitch books at the library. I should go there more often, specially before I am planning to order books from Amazon.

Some other books I have hoarded lately







My son's SIL gave me a gift certificate for Chapters, one of our bookstores. I went and looked what they could inspire me, and found a great book, "Knits from a Painter's Palette" that I almost bought at one of the yarn shows, but my budget didn't allow it. Had I bought the book at the store, my gift certificate would not have been enough, so I ordered it on line, and here it is, my birthday gift from Sarah.

I love that book. I cannot stop looking at those amazing creations.

What's in the agenda today? Going to drive around in my new car, and perhaps get lost in a yarn store near the Beaches, heheh.

My friend Sherri is going to go to Purple Purl, and I am sure that I might head that way, too.
First I need to sort my sock projects, because one of them is coming with me. The one that is finished is the Nutkin sock, that I started a long time ago. The other one is still just a start, and not worth mentioning at this point. It will be a miracle if it ever gets done. I started it on my mini vacation couple of weeks ago.










Some time ago I had a birthday, and the office gang gave me another gift certificate, this time from Purple Purl. I bought loads of Noro Sock yarn to make a coat or something.
My boss gave me a hand-painted, wooden trinket box, which I love. I love boxes...hmmm...and of course I got flowers and a cake and lunch. It was a great day. I did manage to do some work, too.

Amigurumi Cat

There was a birthday party on the weekend for my son's SIL, and I had made an Amigurumi cat for her.

Summer of Socks 2008

My first sock is on the needles. I started a day late, but never mind.

Here is the beginning.

The pattern is from Knitzi, and the sock is "Nutkin Sock"
I am using Austermann "Step" yarn. It has Aloe Vera squeezed in with 75% Virgin Wool, and 25% Nylon. Love the softness, but don't like the splitting too much.

More information on the challenge here.

Adding a picture of progress with Nutkin Sock.

Should be knitting

I am on vacation until Monday. I was planning to knit socks with my newly learned technique, magic loop. I started my socks, yes, using Marks & Kattens "Clown" yarn in variegated greens and blues and other colors. (Funny, it says it's Swedish, but the label says it's made in Italy.) My pattern is "Seduction Socks" from Interweave Knits, designer is Ann Budd. It's funny, every time I want to make socks, most of the time I end up choosing her designs.
Not that I have made too many, but I pick her patterns first.

Oh, yes, my socks are not for the vacation section in "Summer 2008 Socks". I have to make another pair for that, but I have not decided on those socks yet. This pair is just a practice with magic loop technique.

Ok, enough with the socks, I have not touched the needles yet, as I was doing some embroidery stitches. The new stitch to learn is "Lazy Daisy Stitch" or "Detached Chain Stitch" . This is the group program in Stitchin fingers,

Take a Stitch on Tuesday (TAST)

I have been playing with my threads and canvas, and here are some things I made today (I am at learning stages so I am slow)

Now that I have nourished my embroidery needs for the day, I think I will go and do some damage on those socks,

or

find a pattern for my vacation project. Which I am going to start either today or tomorrow. I promise, but the picture will not follow, until August, when this section of the summer sock program is over.

Sock knitting on Circular needle

I got the book on knitting socks with one circular needle. The book is "2-at-a-time Socks" by Melissa Morgan-Oakes.
After my first try, it was two different yarns, as taught in the book. Well, my brain could not handle that kind of a complication, and off came the stitches from the needle. TWICE. Then I got a smart idea and checked You Tube, but the only thing I found was with two circular needles. I had one needle on my lap, with one set of stitches.

Again, I tried, but this time with just one "sock". After a few tries, I got the thing staying put on my needle and cable, and here is the result:

It's time to test the two socks at the same time. It might take some time, since it's already after 9 pm.



I did it!

Kitting in Public

It was iffy, if I went today to that worldwide knitting event. My excuse was that I didn't want to sit on the grass, and if there were not enough benches, I would be then standing.
The other excuse was that my toe was hurting, but for some reason I found some antibiotic cream that helped. Also, I bought a lawn chair when I went to the mall. I had no more excuses. It was not even raining, the weather was quite nice.

I arrived to the park and settled down on my brand new chair. I donated the recommended $5.00 for breast cancer charity, and started crocheting pink ribbons. I managed to get 5 ribbon- look-a-likes and one freeformish swirl, that didn't want to form to a nice pin shape that these ribbons are presented. So I took that one with me and gave the other ones to Purple Purl that organized this location for the Worldwide Knitting in Public.

I am sure it was a fun event.

Here are some pictures:

More on embroidery

There is a needlework and woolshop in Scarborough. The store would be on my way home from work, if I took a detour.


Before I went there, I called the lady in the store, and told her that this time I will ask something that she will have.

(usually when I call her, if she has this or that, she doesn't). Sure enough, she had everything I asked, needles, canvas, the round thingy (hoof????), embroidery thread etc.


A friend of mine, in Sweden, had mentioned a book "Watermelon" by Marian Keyes. On the way to the needlework shop, I stopped in the bookstore that had that book. (I had called, to make sure they have it, so I wasn't wasting too much my valuable time that I was going to spend in that needlework shop).


I got the book, then drove to the wool shop. The lady had piled up some needful things for my new hobby. She was quite excited that I was interested in the embroidery field. She had even put a little Coats & Clarks Embroidery booklet for me. It has all kinds of stitches...just what I need.


I got some needles, thread, the booklet, a medium size (could be small) round thing, and then she gave me a mini round thing as a gift. I didn't buy any fabric.


It was stitching time then when I got home. And the picture on my post from yesterday shows what I did.

Stitching

Here are my first serious attempts to embroidery stitches.
The red stitch is "herringbone" and the green is buttonhole stitch.

I spent about two hours doing that, oh, I did same stitches on a practice sheet first. I am slow, much slower than in knitting or crocheting. Somehow I like this craft, for now, after I saw a freeform project done entirely with embroidery stitches. Hey, I could try that. First I should just sit down and start from the beginnig, not from the middle, like I usually do with my knitting and crocheting.

New interests

I joined another group

New stitch once a week, in embroidery. Can you just scratch your head?

Well, I have been surfing the net since joining that group. I managed to make three stitches. Of course I didn't have the right canvas, so WalMart here I came, saw, and bought, some canvas.
I didn't remember to buy the round thing that holds the fabric. I could swear I have one, for what reason, that would be one other mystery. I printed a lot of freebie stitches from the net, but that really didn't satisfy me. I had to buy something. So I did. It's an embroidery magazine, but it was packed in plastic so I could not check it out in the store. It did come with a free embroidery supply pouch. Maybe I was more interested in that than the magazine.

This morning, or better around noon, I went to a nearby mall, to check the books in the "leftover" bookstore. The store was gone. It was a sign: either embroidery isn't for me, or I should check what I have at home. Sure enough, I have three great books on my book shelf.

Since I have never done any stitching other than crochet and knit, and some buttons and pant hems, these books have had a restful time on the shelf, since they were bought.

This new hobby might not last long, since it involves healthy attention, and my attention isn't the best on anything. Perhaps that is why I love freeform crochet and knitting so much, and perhaps that is why I have such a severe case of startitis. In any event, I am going to try, so I can say I did.