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

The Russian Spiral

Let's do the....
RUSSIAN SPIRAL







This bracelet is by Janie Warnack and is done in the Russian Spiral. Here is her site for more photos, instructions: http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/janiesbeads/org_basicbeads.html

I attended the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of Pennsylvania meeting yesterday afternoon. It was my first meeting since joining the group last summer. I had a blast there will fellow bead workers and addicts like myself.

The project we worked on yesterday was the Russian Spiral.
I came home so excited because I "got it." Here is a website where you can see the Russian Spiral and get directions. It is so beautiful and I can't wait to work on it again today. http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/janiesbeads/gift.html This is what it looks like. It is a spiral
that radiates around the bracelet or necklace that you create. If you like to read instructions
in Russian, then click on this link for directions for the Russian Spiral. http://www.df.aha.ru/anya/lessons_fiol_shnur.shtml

I just loved learning how to do this and I loved my first meeting of the OCBWP group. I can't wait to join them in February. This group meets monthly and each session involves some teaching of techniques which will be fantastic for me. I wish I could find a group like this for Obsessive Compulsive Knitters, too. I need to be involved with other OC people.

Since today is our national holiday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. I have no classes to teach. That means I get a holiday to KNIT and work on my Russian Spiral bracelet today. I think I will knit on the two wash cloths I am making out of Lion Brand Cotton in Wedgewood and Spruce colors. I have finished the 2 dish towels I was working on, and now I am making the wash cloths to match. This project is on my list of UFOs that I have committed to finishing up during the stashalong project. See my previous posts on that.

Another project I am working on is the poncho out of Cherry Tree Hill Baby Loop Yarn that I brought home from Vermont in October. It is going slowly, as this yarn is tricky to work with, but it is very lofty and beautiful to the touch as it makes up into a fabric.

I am SETTING GOALS

This information is from the website: http://www.drmercola.com/
Dr. Mercola puts out a daily newsletter that might be helpful to you for optimum health and success in your life in 2007. I enjoy receiving it and wanted to pass along some information I found there today about setting and achieving goals. The goals listed below were taken from a book by Brian Tracey.

Seven Step Process

To Achieve Goals Faster and Easier

First, decide exactly what you want to achieve.

Second, write it down CLEARLY and in as much detail as you can.

Third, set a specific deadline. If it is a large goal, break it down into subdeadlines and write them down in order.

Fourth, make a list of everything you can think of that you are going to have to do ao achieve your goal. As you think of new items, add them to your list.

Fifth, organize the items on your list into a plan by placing them in the proper sequence and priority.

Sixth, take action immediately on the most important thing you can do in your plan. This is VERY important.

Seventh, do something every day that moves you toward to attainment of one or more of your important health goals.


Fewer than 3 percent of adults have written goals and plans that they work on every single day. Hen you sit down and write our your goals, you move yourself in to the top 3 percent of people in our society. And you will soon start to get the same type of results that they do.

Study and review your goals EVERY DAY

to be sure that they are still your most important health goals. You will find yourself deleting goals that are no longer as important as you once thought.

Whatever your goals are, plan them out thoroughly, on paper, and work on them every single day. This is the key to peak performance and maximum achievement.

I truly hope that the steps provided assist you in your journey toward health and in creating the life you choose.

Setting goals is necessary

if you are going to direct your life.

May you be blessed with wisdom and love as you go about setting goals and achieving them!
As stated in the beginning, these goals are abstracted from Brian Tracy's book "Maximum Achievement" It is a book definitely worth purchasing and reading more than once. It will greatly improve your likelihood of reaching your goals.

By joining the Stashalong http://www.stashalong.blogspot.com I have committed myself to setting some knitting and (non)buying goals for two months - January 15 to March 15, 2007. Now, I am going to set down and write out my other goals for my personal and professional life and well being for this year, too.

Looking Ahead - Knitting GOALS for 2007

In addition to beginning the stashalong and working towards getting the UFOs finished that I have listed in my last blog, I plan to begin a number of new projects this year. Looking through my stash has inspired me to think about what I might do with some of the yarn I already have here in my stash. Here is what I have in mind as I look over my options today. I work best under stress - I thrive on it, so my list helps to inspire me to "git er done!"

1.) Feather and Fan Poncho, Wool/Hemp blend yarn by Deborah S. Daniels, of http://www.dzined.com

2.) "ROCKTORP" Jacket, from Cash Iroha and Silk Garden by NORO. This Jacket is in the book, Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Book #2. I have the Silk Garden in my stash, and I will buy the Iroha BEFORE I begin my STASHALONG next Monday.

3.) "FORSA" Scarf and mittens out of Silk Garden, in the CIRCUS color. This pattern is in the same book as #2 above.

4.) 2 pair of socks out of COLORI that I bought in Austria last summer

5.) 2 pair of socks out of Schachenmayr Normotta Trachten Wolle, also brought home from Austria last summer.

6.) Swing Coat, from Cherry Tree Hill Baby Loop - bought it in Vermont last October.

7.) Poncho, from Cherry Tree Hill Baby Loop - brought from Vermont last October.

8.) Another poncho from Cherry Tree Hill Baby Loop - brought from Vermont last October.

9.) Wash Cloths out of four skeins of Peaches and Cream that I have in my stash.

10) One Wash Cloth out of one skein of Egyptian Cotton that I have in my stash. It was a gift from my One Skein Exchange Pal last summer.

Stashalong for 2007

I have joined the Stashalong project for 2007. I think it is a GREAT way to begin the New Year. You can find information on this way of dealing with your STASH here: http://stashalong.blogspot.com There are three different levels of involvement. I have chosen a combination of #1 and #3.

First of all, for level #1, I am designating a two month period where I will purchase NO YARN at all. (GULP....BREATHE DEEPLY...BREATHE AGAIN, DEEPER YET...) Yes, I CAN DO THIS. I am SURE I CAN DO THIS...OK, I pledge to NOT BUY ANY YARN between January 15th and March 15th.

Now, for level #3. I will work on getting my wife's finished up over the next two months when I am not out shopping for more yarns. Here are the UFO's that I plan to get finished up:

1.) 1 pair of "Canal du Midi" socks. They are in the book, Knitting on the Road, by Nancy Bush. My socks are being made from "COLORI" yarn that I brought home from Austria last summer. I have just started the knitting on these socks, and they are on size "0" needles, so they will take awhile. I think they will be well worth the effort and time. This yarn is AMAZING.

2.) 2 Kitchen Towels made from Peaches and Cream Cotton Yarn. The towels are in the "sand" stitch and gets so tedious for me and then I get bored and quit. I resign myself to finish these towels and move on to make some wash cloths out of the same yarn for Christmas Gifts, 11 months from now. I am just thinking ahead.

3.) 1 pair of "Fortissima Socka" Cotton Socks, yarn by Schoeler & Stahl. It is a very lovely and soft yarn. The pattern is Climbing Vines and I got the yarn and pattern from http://www.TheKnitter.com The pattern is by Rebecca Perry. I have one sock done, so I am now working on it's mate.

4.) Kimono Jacket, made from Lion Brand "Moonlight Mohair." This is the jacket: http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/merinof_kimono.html I have it nearly knitted and just have to sew up the sides, put the color panel on the font, and knit the kimono sleeves. A few days of concentration should do it. I WANT to wear this jacket very much.

5.) Diamond Modular Scarf. Designed by Iris Schreier. I am making it from my FAVORITE "Mountain Colors" yarn. I LOVE this pattern and can't wait to wear this very light pink/peachy colored scarf when the weather gets warmer and Pennsylvania is moving towards spring again.

6.) Caryl's Kerchief, designed by Marian Nelson. This beautiful scarf is made from KPPM KOIGU Painters Palette Premium Merino, only one skein needed. It is very lacey and soft. I will put a beaded edging on the scarf as I knit the final row. It is elegant.

There you have it - my two month committment. I am not sure I can get all the knitting done in the next 8 weeks, but it is something to shoot for. BANG!

Knitting Runs in My Family

Here is my daughter, jewelry designer,

Heidi McClure, wearing the beautiful poncho she just completed. She used JoAnn's yarn in this brilliant jewel color and put a contrasting edging around the bottom for accent. Everywhere she goes people want to touch her poncho. At one party, she said, everyone wanted to try it on. It is truly HEAVENLY, and made from ANGEL HAIR yarn.

Two Top photos are my Great Grand-daughter, Delaunay, age 9 who is a young knitter.

She keeps her yarn and needles at my house, and another set at her Grandma's house so she can knit every time she comes to visit. Delaunay began learning to knit 2 years ago on an Easter Sunday when we had nothing to do. We hopped in the car and went out to buy yarn and needles. I spent the afternoon teaching grand-children and great-granddaughter Delaunay how to begin to knit.

In the photos she is wearing two of the outfits I knitted for her for Christmas. The red one is Moda Dea yarn. The Black and pink set is made of a soft and thick boucle yarn.