The Mystique of Socks and my October Goals

Here are my October goals:

#1 Priority is to Unclutter my home office.
I will ( I mean, I WILL) sort through all the areas in this room and pitch things that need to go. I will begin by showing you my room - this is just the entrance into the room. There it is....all ready for the organizing to begin! Stacks and Stacks of books and stuff.

More books....

Still more books...

Yet, more books and the file cabinets and computer desk, too.

Another view of the entrance into my office....stacks of books everywhere!!!

It is a delightful and sunny fall morning here in Western Pennsylvania. In fact, it is Sunday morning and the last day of September. I am feeling satisfied with the work I accomplished in September. I finished two knitting projects and I organized my fiber studio. I got some wonderful work done on my Sabbatical project, making encrusted bead work. I should be happy, but then I look around this room where I am sitting to write this morning, and here is more clutter that needs to be attended to....soon.

Tomorrow will be the first of October. I was reading some blogs and catching up on some other knitters who write a blog that I enjoy reading. I love to see what other people are doing. Some are taking trips, some have knitted some fantastic things that are beyond where I am at in the craft. Some keep making socks and more socks. When it comes to this kind of sock mystique, well....I just don't get it.

I cannot quite figure out what the allure of socks is, but I can see that it must be addictive. I have knitted only two pairs in my life. I have two more pairs started but they just remain in my Yarntainers, there, on the back burner of "things to do." (I keep all my UFOs in Yarntainers or a basket or bag...all ready to go at any time.) Somehow, socks don't excite me very much...yet. Maybe, the sock mania will hit me one day, but it hasn't yet.


I like to knit things that I can WEAR...I mean FLAUNT....things that everyone takes note of...like sweaters and ponchos and jackets. Things that get noticed when I walk into a room...things with FLAIR...socks just don't get it for me. Maybe someday they will, but not yet.

I was thinking about setting some Goals for October this morning. I looked around my office, here where I sit to type my blogs and other things on the computer. It needs some serious attention. I took some photos just to remind me of what needs done here. I think if I set this as a goal and give myself a whole month to accomplish it, a little bit at a time, I can do it. I need to go through the stacks and shelves of books and sort them out. Just about all of them are poetry or art books in this room. I need to give some serious consideration to them and root out ones that I really don't need to keep.


Why it is that I just can't stand clutter, yet, here I am sitting amid a room full of clutter? Indeed, it is an "organized kind of clutter" and not just "anything goes type of clutter." It is limited to my passion for Poetry and Art. Yet, it is still unorganized and it is still clutter. I gotta do something to get it under control. It makes me feel sick when I look around and see things piled everywhere, yet I still do it. It is a paralyzing kind of feeling. Makes me anxious, and upset.

I sat up late last night working on updating my 2007 list of Knitting goals. I have 31 listed, and to date, I have completed 11 of them.



OCTOBER Knitting Goals:

Finish the second "Knit for Kids" Sweater - charity knitting for Guideposts project

Knit the second "Penelope Blouse" out of Dale of Norway yarn

Finish the Lana Grossa sweater that I started in July, in Germany


OCTOBER Jewelry Goals:

Finish the MTV Dragon Neck Piece. It is a big project so will take the entire month, I imagine. I am not sure if it can even be done in a month. We'll see about it. This necklace is part of my Sabbatical work, part of the group of encrusted bead works I am creating. I started the necklace just a couple days ago. It will have TEN cabochons in it when completed. I have "captured" two of them, at this writing...if you are not a bead worker, then you have no clue what that means. It could be the topic of another blog...later.

Today the bushes outside the front of my house need a haircut so people can actually see that we have a sidewalk and front porch. After today, then the goals for October will commence...

Rings and Things

Today the Rings and Things Show came to Pittsburgh, PA. It is about an hours drive from where I live. My grand daughter Brandi and I made the trip there. You only have a short time to shop in an entire room FILLED with delightful gemstones. The show runs only from noon to 4 pm! Yes, you have to get there and make your selections with determination because you have to decide what you are getting since you cannot come back another time.

At first, the room seems to spin and blur. It may be because I am partially blind since January. But, it may also be because of the dazzling of the zillions of strands of beads and there you are smack in the middle of them all. The lights glare down on the beads and you can turn around and from every angle there they are, all those beads. They are just waiting to be picked up and touched. It is overwhelming. I just have to breathe in a little deeper, and remind myself that I can take my time and look around at everything. I just say, 'stay calm, my spirit.'

Brandi and I came home with a bag of stones. I focused on replenishing my stash of Pink Opalites. I have sold most of the jewelry I made with that stone last year. I needed more.
Then, Brandi found a table full of the most far out and zaney beads. Well, I hade to have some of those ones too. They are SUPER bright - metallic looking glass beads - that have such a pizzazz they seems to sparkle from every angle.

Other finds for me today were some very large stones on a strand. Don't know what I will make from them yet, but they were so beautiful I had to have them. After I picked up that strand, I found a table of PEARLS in every color and size. I bought several strands of them in copper, and deep violet hues, and cranberry colors.

Finally, I bought a lot of copper beads. I am in love with copper these days. I guess it is the softness of their color and the warmth that radiates from them. They have a nostalgic kind of feel and look to them. They remind me of something that I cannot quite put my hand on. Something that I love. Something from my past, maybe. I don't know. But I love Copper!

September is for FINISHing

September is for FINISHING some UFOs...here I am showing off my latest FINISH!
The yarn I used for the blouse is by Lanna Grossa. It is "BASIC" in 100% cotton.


Finish #1 for September is now completed. I finished the "Knit for Kids" Sweater that is sponsored by Guideposts. I have set a goal of knitting TWO of these sweaters this year. I did the same last year and it made me feel so satisfied to know a little child somewhere in the world is wearing my sweaters.

Right after I finished this one, I stared the next one. I vow to get this done before I begin my Christmas gift knitting. My goal for each year is to send two sweaters to this charity project. It is a good feeling to know that a child is wearing one of my sweaters...somewhere in the world.



We spent five days in September on a little holiday in the Allegheny Mountains. Bob and I canoed in the Allegheny River every afternoon. It was so much fun. Then, we came back to the cottage exhausted and had dinner. After that, I was able to knit in the late afternoons and evenings on the sweaters. It was sweet. I got in a lot of knitting time, and I also worked on a piece of encrusted bead work (my "September" bracelet). We gathered lots of wonderful stones along the river's edges and those will be made into jewelry in the future.

My SECOND finish for September was the Penelope Blouse by Oat Couture. I had planned to have it finished by June but that just never happened. At long last, it is now finished. It has been a hard one for me and I spent a lot of time in the frog pond. But, I have learned a lot, too.

Here's to some good finishes for you this month, too. September seems to be a time of new beginnings. Now, I need to set some goals for October.

Happy September 1st

Happy September FIRST to everyone.

Today I will be traveling up into the Allegheny Mountains of Western PA. We'll be there for a few days, enjoying our holiday on the river in our little red canoe. I am taking my knitting along and plan to finish up my first "Knit for Kids" sweater for this year's donation to that project. The knitting is finished and now I must sew it together. I have already started another one. My goal is to do two for the project.

In addition to my knitting, I have packed up some bead work projects to keep me occupied. I am doing some kick A** pieces of encrusted beadwork and can barely stand to put them down I get so excited with them. This has turned into a passion.

In the photo we are enjoying the beginning of the summer on the Allegheny River. These special times are important for the soul. I find solitude and time apart from my daily routine so satisfying. There is peace and joy in being with family, working in my studio, teaching my grand children how to "make things." And more.

Peace and joy to you.

I was wondering, what YOU do for your soul? I would love to hear from you.

What I Have Been Doing Recently

Esther's Homecoming, Encrusted Bead Work





Twilight Reverie, Encrusted Bead Work






The Eyes of God, Encrusted Beadwork



I am now officially on Sabbatical for Professional Development from my teaching position. After 12 years, I finally applied for a Sabbatical to pursue my special interests and get a break from the classroom. Today, instead of going to work for the first day of school, I am working here in my studio. It's WONDERFUL, I assure you! I began my Sabbatical Project in June, by visiting museums and special exhibits in Austria and Germany.





What am I doing, you ask? My project is the study of the work of Hildegard of Bingen, 12th Century writer, artist, composer, nun, evangelist, and much more. She lived and worked in the Rhine area of Germany. That is such a beautiful part of Germany, in the grape growing and wine making area.





You gotta look into Hildegard - I tell you she is one woman to celebrate. Are you aware that in the 12th Century, a woman was not permitted write? That is because writing was for men only. She had to have special permission from the Pope to write otherwise we would not have her work today to read. And, Hildegard was the first female preacher who took evangelistic tours to preach the gospel. She did FOUR of them, in fact. But, for me, it is her ART WORK that I am most interested in doing research on - she had visions and she made pictures of the images from her visions. I am wild about the Middle Ages iconography, and the use of the MANDORLA as an image for holy purposes. I will be using the Mandorla as a motif in upcoming work.





Along with my study on Hildegard, I am working in my studio on a series of fiber/bead works that will be in response to 12th century sensibilities.





I am posting photos of the first three bead works that I have completed in this series. There are lots more to follow. Some will be using imagery directly from Hildegard's paintings. These pieces I have just completed look like they are directly taken out of a museum of art showcase of work from the 12th Century.





If you have any information you could share with me in this project, I am most grateful to hear from you. I have only just begun to learn and I am greedy for more insight. Information and comments are most welcome. Thanks.

Contest #8 - SP10

Robyn, hostess of Secret Pal 10 has asked us to post
on a special topic for Contest #8.  Her insturctions to
us stated: 

"Blog/Post about 3 yarns you're just dying to try/get  
your hands on, and why! You have until Saturday,
June 30th, 2007 to post your entry.  This is also the
last day of SP10."

My focus this summer is going to be on Lana Grossa Yarns.
I am about to leave tomorrow for a three week trip to
Austria and Germany.  Of course, I will be visiting
every yarn shop I find on my travels. I have decided
in advance that my mission will be to come home with
some beautiful yarns made by Lana Grossa.

Currently, I am making the Penelope Blouse by Oat Couture,
out of Lana Grossa Basic Print. It is my first adventure
into Lana Grossa Yarns. I love it.
Therefore, I will be looking for more as I travel.

I have THIS BOOK and want to do some of the patterns in it.

Here are the THREE I want to get for making some sweaters.

#1: Pashmina Cashmere Mix Up - for something wonderful for
FALL/AUTUMN - It is a blend of 22% Cashmere and
28% Merino Extra Fine yarns.

#2:  Tocco - because I am crazy about yarns that have a
halo or haze effect. This yarn is 25% Kid Mohair and
20 % Merino Extra Fine, and 55% Microfiber.
I would like to try one of these blends with
microfibers since I have never used them yet.
I enjoy trying new things.

#3:   Terra Meilenwert 50 - Classic Sock Yarn
I am not yet a sock knitter. I have made two pairs,
but I want to do more.

Here are some photos of the yarns I want to try. 
Right now, I justwant to do some work using Lana Grossa
yarns. That will be my focus.
I have my knitting needles all packed, and some
pattern books. I am just about ready to fly EAST,
Across the Pond.

Where are my TREATS?

Where oh where are my knitter's treats?
I signed up for the Knitter's Treat Exchange.

I sent out my treat package to my Downstream Pal, Brandi.
I have not yet heard from her that the package arrived. It was sent last week, and does not have very far to travel. I hope all is well with the package and it's Treatee.

I visited the Knitter's Treat blog this morning and suddenly I realized that I have heard nothing from my Upstream Pal, and no treats have arrived yet. Hmmmm. I wonder just WHO is my Upstream Pal and if I will be getting a treat?

Where oh where are my Knitter's Treats?

I received a wonderful thank-you for the box I sent to my Downstream Pal, Christine. This was my package for the Secret Pal 10 Exchange.
She even posted the package contents on her blog. Go HERE to see it.
What a neat person she is. I enjoy reading her blog regularly - she is very witty!
I am delighted she is so enthusiastic about her gifts from me. It is always a worry, waiting to hear from your treat-ee to see if your package got there and if your gifts were received with joy. I always hope I got it right.

UFO is now FINISHED

At last, I have finished this Kimono using Lion Brand "Moonlight Mohair." I love it. It took me over a year, because I put it aside when the weather got hot last summer. I finally picked it up again this spring and got it finished up. I am very pleased with it.

Sequel to "A Clean Studio"

There is nothing that can compare to the feeling of having cleaned up my studio for the season. I close it down about December when the weather here in Western PA gets cold. My studio does not have heat in it. Then, in May it gets a good cleaning. Here in PA we say we "Redd it up."

Once the redding up is over with, then the fun and the work begins. Often I get visitors who stop by to spend some time with me as I work in the studio. Today, I was visited by two of my grand daughters, Brandi and Angel.

Not only do the grand daughters come for some relaxation and fun in my studio, so do my two cats. My grand daughter Angel is holding each of the cats and rocking them in one of the three rocking chairs that are in the studio. Angel the cat likes to be rocked and he also likes to have you sing to him. His favorite tune is "Rock-a-bye Baby" and you have to say his name as you sing about him falling down from the "tree top" when you get to that part. He purrs, puts his head on your chest, holds onto you with his soft paws, and just relaxes. We have to take some time every day for Angel to be rocked.

Blaise is older and grumpy most of the time. But, today he wanted to be rocked, too. So here you have them getting rocked by Angel this morning. What am I doing during the rocking and singing, I am WORKING on a project. But, I am smiling, so that means I can work and have fun at the same time. Life is good. Dontcha think?

Beginning the Master Knitter Program

It is very exciting to begin something new don'tcha think?

I like something with a time line.
I like something with a goal to be reached at the end of the project.
I like a challenge.
I like to push myself to learn new things just for me.

I thought about this for awhile and now I have officially begun the Master Knitting Program offered through the Knitting Guild of America. I got my package of instructions. I have bought my binder with the see-through pages that I will fill up as I progress through the program. This will be for my knitting samples as I complete each assignment. It will also be used for my notes and the answers to my questions.


I needed to get some really nice worsted yarn to do the samples for the assignments. I went to my LYS yesterday to buy my yarn to get started. I selectedGALWAY "Pure Wool Knitting Worsted Weight" yarn. This is by the Plymouth Yarn Company of Bristol, PA. It is wonderful yarn. It costs about $6.00 a skein and it's so soft and nice to touch.


I found it on this site.

I have one year to complete part I of this program. There are THREE LEVELS. I am signed up to begin #1, which is the Advanced Beginner level. I am very excited as I love to challenge myself and set goals to work towards. This gives me a goal. I bought the yarn yesterday so I can begin work on it now. I have until April 23, 2008 to finish it all up, for Part I. I would love to hear from anyone else there who might be working on this program, too. Please, please let me know if you are also doing this as I would love a buddy to talk it over with from time to time. That could be you, if you want to contact me. If you want to know more about this program then you can Contact TKGA here.

I will begin my first assignment this weekend. I have 10 UFOs which I have listed on this site and I set deadlines for 7 of those projects. If you want to see what else I am doing, visit these two blogs. Knitty-Prof and Stashalong.

A Clean Studio

After an entire week, my summer studio is now open for the rest of the year. And, it is CLEAN.

You know how things happen sometimes. You think of doing something ambitious and before you realize it, there you go tearing apart the entire space. That is what I did last week. I started a major cleaning of this space about a week ago. I decided that it needed a good cleaning out, a purging. I had stuff accumulated there from as far back as grad school, which was completed in 1991.

Day after day I tore things apart. I started at one end of the studio and methodically went through every cabinet and drawer taking out the things that I no longer use or will ever use again. I think that over the week I carried out about 10 large bags of unwanted things. Some were taken to the Salvation Army, some to the dumpster, and some art supplies donated to my art room at the college to be used by students next year. A few things were put on Ebay. I had two wonderful French Sketch Box Easels - one never used. And, I had some killer Wood Carving Tools that I used for making my large Wood Cut prints. I don't paint outdoors any longer, and I don't make woodcut prints. I have changed over the years. Now, I prefer to work in fibers and do bead work. I have returned to my first love - quietly working with my hands on things that are small and precious. My work has matured and so have I.

My first project, in my cleaned up studio, will be to make many crystal bracelets. The proceeds from the sale of the bracelets will be donated to the Race for the Cure. I am a breast cancer survivor. This is my small way of giving back. I call it "Crystals for the Cure." I plan to be selling them at all my art festivals this year.
When I left the studio this evening it felt so good to look back and see it all organized and clean. I am anxious to begin my work now.

VISUAL DNA for Knitty Prof

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Picture of the Soul Sister

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is in a very different place (both physically and mentally) from where you are right now. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

Secret Pal 10 Strikes Again...

I have received another surprise package from Agent Secret Pal 10 - and it is sure a nice one. Thank you, thank you,thank you, my secret pal for this lovely surprise package. I have really enjoyed it so much. Ummmm, you will notice that something you sent is not included in the photo. Well, it's the candy...ummmm....well, the empty wrapper is in my waste basket here beside my computer desk. I just didn't wait to photograph it before I ate it all up. Sorry, for my greedy lustfulness but this kind of chocolate just cannot be resisted and I have no restraint when it comes to FERRERO ROCHER Fine Hazelnut Chocolates. None at all.

I simply LOVE the two yarns you sent me. ORANGE is my favorite color, so this sure hits the spot. ROARING ORANGE 100% Egyptian Cotton made by Classic Elite Yarns. It is PROVENE yarn. OMG, it is so soft and silky looking. I cannot wait to see how it knits up...maybe something nice for summer? And, the other yarn is JOJOLAND RHYTHM, 100% wool and it is a lovely veregated yarn with oranges, blue-grays, and yellows. I never saw this brand before, but it sure feels nice to the touch and the colors are soft and sensitive. Maybe a nice scarf from this one?

She even sent me an Easter Bunny and some Healing Garden relax therapy Green Tea lotion which I have already used. All so nice.

Thanks to you, my SECRET PAL. Your two packages are such nice surprises and I am far more than pleased with what you sent me.

Beautiful New Designs

I have been putting a lot of time into doing some new pieces that feature a spiral weave. Some are done with Japanese and Czech seed beads, and some with gemstone chips. I LOVED working on these new pieces.

The Green one is Aventurine Chips spiraled around a core of Czech beads that are a complimentary green. I call this one my "Spring Sea Garden Party Necklace" because of the watery green effects, and the beautiful brass starfish toggle. I LOVE this one. I plan to make a matching bracelet and the toggle on that one will be a brass fish, to keep with the sea green theme. I have already made the matching earrings for the set.

Next is a bracelet, earrings and pendant that was created in "Beaded Beads." I make the beads out of beads!!! Intersperced with the beaded beads are Czech Fire Polished Crystals and gem stones. Beautiful, is it not? I love the sizzling reds and crystals together. It is a combination of sizzling hot red, with ice cold crystals. WOW!!! This one is called "The Red Hot Momma set."

Midnight Garden is what I call the next one, done in black Snowflake Obidian gem stones. And the core of this spiral is made of aqua Czech beads, with a purple lining. You talk about brilliant glam, this one has it all. Elegant and classic at the same time.

Finally, there is the red and crystal Sweetheart Surprise Necklace. It is done in Russian Spiral weave. I have made a detachable pendant out of Peyote Weave, and that features lots of brilliant Swarovski crystals mingled in with the red and crystal Czech beads. I think it is a very festival and happy feeling necklace. Is there anything in this world that is nicer than Swarovski crystals...well, not much. I simply love working with them and I love the elegant razzle dazzle I get when I weave them into my jewelry.

On Saturday, April 28th, I will be going to the Akron Lapidary and Gem Show, with the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA group that I belong to. OMG, a day of looking at gems and beads. I can hardly wait to be there. I always come home from gem shows with so many wonderful new stones to work with. I try never to plan ahead as to what I will be buying. I like to browse around and just wait for the right ones to let me know they are waiting for me. Being sensitive to the stones is part of the process. They speak. I listen. And, I come home a VERY HAPPY CAMPER!!!

Just wanted to share some of my most recent works with you. Hope you enjoyed seeing what I do.

Stashalong is STASHBUSTINGalong

I began my commitment to the Stashalong Knit-Along Blog on January 15. My commitment is to buy NO new yarn for 12 months. I can buy yarn to gift to others, such as for my Secret Pals in the SECRET PAL 10 Group; the International Scarf Exchange; the Favorite Color Swap 2.
I have done that. I bought yarn for gifts for the Secret Pal 10 and the Favorite Color Swap2. And, instead of buying yarn to knit my scarf for my International Scarf Exchange Pal, I had three nice skeins of Noro Silk Garden and I have used that.

I am no into month THREE of my commitment. I am feeling so good about doing this. It is freeing to be using up yarn from my stash and not buying it.

Here is what I have accomplished in the past 2 1/2 months from my stashbusting adventure:

1.) I made a stack of washcloths and towels out of Lion Brand Cotton. These will be gifted at Christmas time. I had four cones of this yarn. I still have lots more to get knitted but I am now on cone 3 and 4.

2.) Series of wash cloths in Sugar and Cream, in purple/blues and also for Christmas gifts.

3.) The Allison Bolero out of Paton's Pebbles in Moonstone.

4.) Wick Yarn, a pair of short sports socks. This yarn is 100% cotton and it is from Knit One Crochet Too yarn. I am wearing these socks as I sit here and type this blog.

5.) A Scarf out of Ozark Handspun yarn, bought from Y2Knit at the October workshop in Vermont. This yarn is so unique and I love the textures and colors. It stands out in the crowd. So if you like to be noticed, as I do, check out this wonderful yarn right here.

6.) Socks out of Cherry Tree Hills cotton sock yarn in the color "Wild Cherry." BEAUTIFUL.
Just go HERE for more of this wonderful yarn.

7.) Poncho - out of Cherry Tree Hill's Baby Loop in soft gray/pinks/green
I love wearing this poncho as it is light and airy, yet very warm and soft.

8.) Feather and Fan Scarf - out of Malabrigo in "Cinnebar" color - For ME! I love it.

9.) Diamond Modular Scarf - used Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn, color "Moose Creek" which is very soft pinks/grays. OH, I love this monair and marino scarf. It is silky soft.

10.) a Pair of Slippers for my Mom to wear for her burial. I used a lovely white Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn for this gift of love. It was the final thing I could make for my Mother.

11.) Sand Stitch Scarf - used Vermont Fiberworks, Inc. Yarn is a very soft color called, "Red Wash"

12.) Pea Coat Sweater - I used Paton's Pebbles Yarn in "Sand Stone" color. It is warm, lightweight, and oh so very touchable.

13.) Diamond Modular Scarf - used NORO Silk Garden yarn, and this one is for my Secret Pal International Scarf exchange.

14.) Caryl's Kerchief - out of KPPM-KOIGU yarn in a very soft pink and green colorway. This scarf is a small kerchief for the neck and will be trimmed in beads. I am finishing it up now. Here is a GREAT PLACE to buy it. KOIGU yarn is pictured here - it is wonderful to work with. It is light and airy, soft, and silky.

So there you have it - I have completed 14 projects from my STASH thus far.

Favorite Accessories?

My favorite accessory for knitting is my handy little Yarn Tainer. They are on sale right now at this location, and are 2 for $15.00 which is a GREAT PRICE.

They are transparent tubes, with a lid and handle for carrying my projects. The lid and handle is in colors that are sharp and contemporary. It also has a hole in the top for putting your yarn through. Then you shut the lid and knit, with your yarn neatly contained inside the tube. It's great.

They feel great to carry and the are so practical. Each one holds ONE project. I have several of them sitting about. When I want a project, I just select which one I want to work on and take that little yarn carrier with me. I bought them at JoAnn's and they cost about $8.00 or $9.00 each. But they are just beautiful to look at, very practical, keep my yarn and needles together, keep my yarn from rolling about on the floor, keep the yarn clean, etc. I have bought them for daughters and grand daughters. Everywhere I go, people remark about how nice they are. I love them!!! They are especially nice to carry when traveling and on planes. No more balls of yarn rolling down below the seats of the plane.

Of Course! I AM a STAR

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

FAVORITE COLOR SWAP #2

whoooooohooooo.......I GOT my package from my PAL in Canada. My secret pal is Debbie aka Jinxsa! She did such an amazing job at finding things that just suit me perfectly. Can you believe this? I am sooooooooooo spoiled by my pal. I LOVE everything she sent to me.

First off, I cannot stop myself from touching (fondling) the CASHMERE she sent me. It is from hipknits in the UK. OH, MY! it is in a color that I am so crazy about - soft yellow-oranges. This is a cashmere lace weight yarn and I am just thrilled with it. And, if that one was not enough, she also sent me a skein of "Sweet Socks" Merino and Tencil yarn, "Hand Dyed with Love," in the colorway "14 Kt." and this one is from my pal's favorite yarn shop, TheSweetSheep.
These two yarn companies are now on my list of favorite places to shop, too. The yarns are just beyond anything I could have asked for and I am so happy with them.

And, then, there is still so much more in this box of surprises. There is a Boyds M&M bear...so cute. And, in ORANGE. My favorite color. There is an orange covered photo album which I will greatly enjoy using to show off my family photos.

My pal must have found out that I love to make jewelry. She sent me a Photo Bracelet Kit featuring Swarovski Crystals. There is a key chain from Australia, Cadburry Popping Mine Eggs, lovely note cards, lip gloss and wool SOAK for washing my lovely hand knits. And, then there was this nice big candy bar - uh, oh, well, it's gone now.....

Oh, did I mention the very beautiful bracelet she sent me? Yes, I am wild about the color of it. It is in aquas and turquoise glass. Wonderful, I love it.

Permeating this entire package is the scent of Patchouli. My Pal knew I loved this scent and she got me a bar of handmade soap from DoBeClean . It is handmade hemp soap - my favorite kind. I love to bathe in Patchouli soaps and use Patchouli lotions.

This is just the best package ever. I am sure one lucky lady with this surprise package from my pal. Thank you Debbie! I appreciate this all so much.

I have to also say that I am working on getting a package together for my Favorite Color Swap #2 pal at this time. I had a delay due to a death in my family, and personal health problems. My pal is patient, but dear Pal Olie, I am putting it together for you and you shall have a surprise very soon.

Knittin of the Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone today.

We, here in Western Pennsylvania, are enjoying our St. Patrick's Day snowfall. It has been snowing for two days and we always get our last big snow for St. Patrick's Day. Spring simply cannot arrive until we have it. Anyone who has grown up around her knows that is a FACT of LIFE...St. Patrick's Day brings SNOW and normally LOTS of SNOW.

Here is a neat site where you can see the history of this day. Find out what is fact and what is pure BLARNEY. It is a great VIDEO, enjoy it.

Today, since I have sniffles and overall not feeling GOOD, I am happily working away on my Irish Green Lana Grossa yarn on the Penelope Blouse by Oat Couture. I am working on the bottom lace and have just finished using up the first ball of yarn. There will be 8 balls of yarn in it. I have tied on the second one, and my goal for today is to finish that second ball.

Trachten Sweater in Translation

Last week, I went to my favorite yarn shop in Sewickley, PA., Yarn's Unlimited. http://www.yarnsunlimited.com

I visit Germany and Austria every summer and I love to buy yarn and patterns from the local Yarn shops while I am traveling. I make sure I bring an extra suitcase along to put my new yarns into for bringing home each year.

What I especially love about this yarn shop in PA is that an Austrian woman works there. My big problem is that I don't read German and I am crazy about German knitting patterns. I had bought a great Trachten pattern (that is Germanic Folkwear) and yarn for a sweater. But the directions are in German and I can't translate. She is translating the directions for me right now, and soon I will be knitting away to my heart's content on the Trachten Sweater I have had for three years. The bag of yarn is waiting for me to begin. I had searched and searched all over Austria as I wanted to make it from Austrian yarns. Austrian yarns are not easy to find, let me tell ya!

I will be in Austria and Germany in June and July, and this is the only time I will be buying any yarn for the entire year. But, I intend to be very selective and keep in mind my stashbusting goals even there. See this blog (stashalong) for more information on how to begin working from your own stash instead of buying new yarns all the time. It's fun and I am committed to doing it.

And, here is another yarn I brought home from Germany last summer. It is by Lana Grossa. This yarn is made in Italy, but I bought it in Germany. Go figure, huh? My own yarn is in the lovely blend of spring greens. It retails for about $5.95 a skein. Each skein has 126 yards, and is 50 grams. I have 8 balls for my sweater. I am now beginning to do a summer top designed by Oat Coutour

Esther Luella McKinney

The Comfort Shawl

When I wrote about making my Noro Silk Graden Shawl last year, I had no idea at that time of the purpose of it beyond just wearing something that I like and that feels good and looks good. But, last week it had a new significance and purpose. In the days preceeding my Mother's death last week, her family kept watch around her bid and ministered to her. We kept her warm and tended to the needs that she had. I touched her face and head and realized that it was cool. I took off my shawl and gently tucked it round her head and shoulders. The shawl was perfect as it was lightweight, soft, and just the right shape to encircle her head so gently. Nurses would come in and see her laying there encircled with a bright purple/blues scarf and smile. Her doctor came in to tell us he believe she would pass that day. Then, he said "she looks so cute in that." I am sure her image was memorable to everyone who came in to her room and saw her during those final days. You never know when you knit something that it just might have a purpose you never realized as you were knitting.

Today, as I anticipate her viewing and funeral this week, I am beginning to knit a lovely pair of slippers to put on her feet. While my shawl kept her warm when she was living, the slippers will warm her feet for eternity. I am honored today to begin to make my mother's final pair of slippers for her journey home.

International Scarf Exchange Questionaire

1. Your name. Lynda with a "Y"

2. The name you use when blogging. Knitty_Prof

3. The best email address for us to use when contacting you.
generationsjewelry@yahoo.com

beadn_Prof@yahoo.com

4. Your Blog URL.
http://www.beadznyarnworks.blogspot.com

http://www.knittyprof.blogspot.com


5. Country
USA

6. Where you live. Western Pennsylvania

7. Colours you like.
Russets, Oranges, Yellow-Orange, Blue Violets, golden colors, chocolate brown

8. Colours you hate.
Light Pastels and Yellow because I do not look good in them

9. Fibres you like.
Cashmere, merino's, linen, mercerized cotton

10. Fibres you hate/allergies. fun furs, acrylics

11. Preferred scarf length. Long enough to put around my neck once or twice - I like DRAMA

12. Solid or variegated? either

13. Cables or lace? Sure

14. Are you interested in a crochet or woven scarf? Sure

15. Would you prefer a pal with a blog? Sure

Diamond Modular Scarf

I have a new project on my needles today. I bought an ArtYarns pattern last year and I bought Mountain Colors Barefoot yarn to make the scarf. TODAY, I got it out and got it started. You can see my ArtYarns pattern at: http://www.artyarns.com/newsite/patterns_main.htm

I am making SCARF # P50.

You might enjoy taking a look at the art yearns website. There are dozens of very beautiful things to make there, and of course lots of wonderful yarns. http://www.artyarns.com
This site veatures luxury handpainted yarns and designs by Iris Schreier, author of Modular Knits. I will be posting a photo of my scarf soon.

This project will use up a skein of Mountain Colors yarn, and the pattern calls for 312 yarns of yarn. Another great stashbusting project in the works!

10 Balls Down - More to Go!

WOW, just look at what I made out of 10 balls of Paton's Pebbles yarn. I am CRAZY about this Allison Bolero Sweater. It feels so wonderful, soft, and warm. And, I am really excited that I have used up 10 balls of yarn from my Stash.

Since I joined the stashalong blog (http://www.stashalong.blogspot.com), my Stashbusting Attitude is affecting other areas of my life as well. Recently I was at Barnes & Noble for about an hour. I was killing some time, waiting for my meeting of the "Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA" to begin. I found that I enjoyed LOOKING through all the knitting books but not BUYING any of them. OH it felt wonderful to just look and then have a cup of coffee and then go to my meeting. It is a very FREEING thing, to be able to fully enjoy things without having to own them. I am really enjoying the new found freedom this has brought to my life.

Allison Bolero Sweater

Allison Bolero Sweater

I finished knitting the Allison Bolero Sweater out of my stash. It was not on my list of UFOs nor was it on my list of New Projects for 2007. I guess it is what you have called a "Screaming Stash" project. I was looking through some magazines, and my binders full of pattern. I saw this pattern I had downloaded and remembered the Paton's Pebbles (Moonstone color) yarn in my stash. This yarn is so nice to work with.

See it here: https://secure.webquarters.ca/wooltrends/detailedproducts.asp?pid=20

I have knitted up 10 balls of it by making this sweater. That FEELS GOOD, to know I have de-stashed so much yarn in one project. I still have another 3 1/2 balls of it left over so I am envisioning a scarf or hat. That will be my next project, to finish up this very beautiful and lofty yarn and not return any of it to my stash.

You can find the pattern at http://www.dailyknitter.com/allison.html

I will sew it all together later today and plan to wear it this week to work. I will take photos an post them after it is finished. I LOVE making things I can wear. It feels so good to know you are wearing one of a kind original works of art.

Of course this project has led me to think about another "Screaming Stash" project. I have another 14 balls of Paton's Pebbles in a very light "Sandstone" shade. Now, I am searching through my patterns and books for just the right pattern.

I bought a pattern for the "Trends Peacoat" by Sudha Mehta of http://www.glory-ousknits.com last year. I think it might be perfect for this bulky weight yarn. I am envisioning using up another 14 balls of yarn from my stash and that is exciting!!! It is soft and oh, so, beautiful to work with and the finished product is lovely. I am excited to know I will be able to wear it this week.

With these two projects, I will use up approximately 28 balls of yarn from my stash! Way to go, huh?

Yesterday, in between working on this sweater and another bead work project, I sat down and typed up a list of my UFOs. I have it hanging here with my computer, at my desk so I can view it and keep my goals in mind to stay focused. My progress is slow, but I am vowing to knit from my stash for the next year. Can I do it?

I AM a CENTAUR -

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person.However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways.You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order.You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatmythologicalcreatureareyouquiz/">What Mythological Creature Are You?

FAVORITE COLOR SWAP #2

Here is my response to the Swap Questionniare for the FAVORITE COLOR SWAP #2

1 . What are your top three favorite colors?
Russet ORANGE; BLUE-VIOLET; Yellow-Orange


2. What crafts do you really enjoy? Knitting and Bead Work
I am a member of the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA

3. What products do you really covet?
Cashmire Yarn; Lantern Moon Needles; Skacel Addi-Turbo needles; Manos del Uruguay yarn;
Cherry Tree Hill Sock Yarn

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?
I am a motorcycle rider, a Biker Chick

5. Is there anything you collect?
Hazel Atlas Dishes; Zuni Fetishes; Puerto Rican "Santos" and lots more

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?
Virgo

7.What are your favorite……

scents/smells?
Patchouli and Sandalwood scents

types of music and/or bands?
Appalachian Mountain Music, Minimalist Classical, Germanic Folk Music

…authors?
Contemporary Poetry

…animals?
I love all animals and I am a member of PETA

…places to shop?
Crystal Bead Bazaar, Lawrenceville, PA (Pittsburgh neighborhood)


…season?
Winter

yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?
Yarn please but no acrylic, fun fur or other novelty yarns


…candies or goodies?
Anything that is good chocolate - particularly DARK chocolate

8. Do you have any wish lists?
No. I have "goal" lists instead. I believe that wishes have to be turned into goals.

9. Are you allergic to anything?
Nope

10. Do you have any pets?
Yes, of course. Two cats named Blaise and Angel; and one dear little guinea pig who wears a tutu and tiara for special occasions

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy.
I LOVE wonderful beads, such as Swarovski crystal and handblown furnace glass beads.
I LOVE Japanese seed beads. I LOVE wonderful yarns that are natural fibers.
I will enjoy whatever you choose for me. I like not knowing what I am getting as it helps me to see myself through someone else's eyes.

Doing the RUSSIAN SPIRAL

Tomorrow I will be going to my monthy meeting of the "Obsessive Compulsive Beadworkers of PA." For "Show and Tell" I will be taking two necklaces I have finished using the Russian Spiral technique that I learned at our last meeting.

The purple one features a pendant made of Peyote Stitch. Hanging from it are four rows of amythist and Swarovski crystals. The beads used in the necklace are done with two colors of purple using the Russian Spiral technique. The clasp is hand blown furnace polished glass.

The Black and Red one features a single faceted tear drop of Swarovski Jet, a Czech Fire Polished cube bead, and Swarovski Crystals.

Secret Pal 10 Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love Manos del Uruguay; Lorna's Laces; alpaca, and almost anything by Cherry Tree Hill. Please no acrylic or fun fur or novelty yarns.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have storage containers for them. But, of course I have lots more needles than I have storage. Therefore, I have a nice arrangement of "needles" in flower vases in my kitchen. They look so great in the antique vases.


3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting as a child, about 8 years old. I am advanced.


4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? no


5. What's your favorite scent? Patchouli or Sandlewood. No florals and definitely nothing that smells like baking.


6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Godiva Chocolates or other fine chocolate would be my fav.


7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I do not like to spin. I weave and knit and I do very intricate beadwork. I am a member of the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA...seriously, I am.


8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Prefer Classical music, and also love Appalachian Mountain music.


9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I don't like pastels or soft colors much. I like strong color.


10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Been married since 1961. Five children are grown. We have 7 grand children, and 3 great grand children. Two cats (Blaise and Angel), one guinea pig (Sparkles), one mineature bunny (Lunesta). I LOVE animals!


11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, ykes, yes, and yes.


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Things I can WEAR.


13. What are you knitting right now? Multiple projects: Items for Christmas gifts for 2007; a poncho out of Cherry Tree Hill's Baby Loop; a bolero jacket from Moda Dea "Pebbles" yarn; two pair of socks with yarns I brought from Austria last summer; a Kimono jacket out of Moonlight Mohair...and probably a few more UFOs I am not remembering at the moment.


14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely!


15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Lantern Moon needles, and Skacel Addi Turbo needles are my favorites. I only have a couple pairs of them.


16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes and Yes


17. How old is your oldest UFO? About 10 months or so. I plan to finish it in the next week.


18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas


19. Is there anything that you collect? Zuni Fetishes; Puerto Rican Santos; Fine Yarns; Hazel Atlas dishes; Ruby Red Viking Glass wear; ANY Viking Art Glass objects; Green Santa Clause figures; Knitting Needles; and more....yes, I do collect. My oh My, do I collect!


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Knit & Style magazine. I love most any knitting magazine and often pick up issues when I am shopping.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? ? Not sure - I enjoy anything challenging.


22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not a lot - I have only knitted two pair of socks this year. But, I have 2 more on the needles. I do love them but I also love doing more visable products that I can wear that get a LOT of attention. I wear size 8 shoe size.


23. When is your birthday? August 27th