Calling All (Experienced) Sweater Knitters...

I've not quite cast on yet for Cheryl Oberle's Three Sisters cardigan. (Ravelry link) A caution - the data on the page are not correct. Gauge on 9s is supposed to be 16 sts and 26 rows, but it says 6 rows!)

I knit my gauge swatch. Twice. The first time, blocked I was off using the recommended size 9s. I went down to 8s and got the row gauge - spot on. Blocked, 16 stitches over 4 inches. Isn't this Knitpicks City Tweed Heavyweight just plain gorgeous? (ok, I've tried several times to get the lighting right when I photo it, and the reflection off the nicely faded bluejeans color just washes out...believe me, it's the color of my favorite jeans)

However, over 4 inches, my row gauge is 2 shy of what it's supposed to be. My thinking is, this is a cardigan, I can knit a couple more rows per 4 inches and, of course, double-check as I go against myself to be sure I'm okay. I have enough yarn, I think, because I bought for a larger size, and this is an oversized sweater. By the time I finish it, I intend to be smaller. (Don't laugh, I know all about the best laid plans of mice and men...)
*wink*

Am I crazy? I can't start it yet, quite, because I'm either going to have to order another set of size 5 Harmony tips from Knitpicks, or I'm going to have to find the ones that came with my set of interchangeables. I'm not in the mood right now to tear the knitting room apart. And I'd really like to finish something. Anything, frankly, since my track record hasn't been that great lately.

And I'm going to wait for advice on the gauge from you all.

In the meantime? I won a contest over on Chris' blog the other day, and the prize arrived today...

I opened it and took a few minutes at lunch to read some of it.

I was in hysterics!

(Thank you so much, Chris, for putting quite the smile on my face!!!)

Time for Some Space?

Last night was Red Hat Ladies, and I was terribly bummed by the fact that I'd spent quality time with the O'Charley's nutrition website and thought I had my dinner all planned, only to discover that the way they made a certain substitute for dressing on the salad made it impossible for me to eat.

(Pico de Gallo, the last time I checked had a nice mix of onions (often green), peppers and tomatoes and cilantro in it, NOT 90% chopped raw red onions, which of course, don't agree with me - but it was too late, it was all over the salad - and at my request).

I was starving when I got home. And my blood sugar was on the floor, so my mood was pretty bad...until I saw:

The cover of Winter Interweave Knits! OMG. I'm in love, I think.

Next to it there, you'll see the Red Hat sock I'm working on. I think it's going to be ripped (yes, I know, my track record lately is pretty poor, huh?). The yarn is lovely and soft....too soft to hold up to the wear I put my socks thru.

Maybe a nice feather and fan scarf?

Thankful Thursday

Can you believe it's Thursday again already?
Hmm...
Ok. Three things I'm thankful for this Thursday are:
1. Weight Watchers, and the decision I made to join. Every week, regardless of the amount I lose (or don't) I meet up with folks in the same boat, who have great ideas, and mostly positive outlooks (and by the time Meghan gets thru with us, we do again, if we didn't when we came in!). I'm especially grateful to be 10 pounds lighter right now, and feeling the difference in my hip and spine. YAY!
2. I'm very thankful for achieving a point in life where I'm far less likely to over-react. Having spent a lot of my life suffering from the drama-queen syndrome, at some point in the last few years, I've managed to move beyond it (mostly). I can really appreciate being more calm, more philosophical, less reactive. (I can still lose it, but usually not for as long or as intensely, and the difference that makes on my overall well-being is huge. I'm able to talk myself down from the ledge pretty quickly...Maybe it's maturity, maybe it's yoga. Whatever it is, it's cool. And I have my fingers crossed that I didn't just jinx it! *wink*)
3. I'm thankful to have lived in the same town for my entire life (except for a few months in DC, during which time I was plotting my return). I know that seems strange in this era, and it's not a little bit unusual. But this town, with all it's idiosyncracies, is just about the best place in all the world (I might just be a touch biased). Politics aside, I am grateful to live in a beautiful place, with friendly folks, and a decent standard of living (for the most part). When I leave? I can't wait to get back. While I'm here, I drag my feet at leaving. I come across Afton Mountain from the DC area and as soon as I spot the Blue Ridge, a space in my chest expands and I realize I can finally take a full breath again. Who knows why? It's home. And it's mine. Blessed Be.

Road Trip!

Ever since I signed up for the Community Supported Agriculture program way back last February, I knew this day was coming. I've had it marked on the calendar as a vacation day for some time, and I have to admit, I wasn't anticipating it in a good way. About a week ago, it dawned on me that this could be fun, even tho' I knew there'd be physical work involved, tho' I also knew it wasn't going to be back-breaking work, by any means. I've been less uncomfortable about it the past few weeks as my back got better and, besides, I could do a photo essay for you! Whee!

What did I have to do? Drive to Check, VA and bring shares of the CSA back to Roanoke for distribution. Now, if you're wondering, yes, Check is in a rural county, about 30 miles from where I live. And it's up Bent Mountain.

Bent Mountain?

There's a reason it's called that. The road up, while 3 lanes wide (it's the NEW road which has been there as long as I've been driving - in fact, my first day in driver's ed I had to drive UP it!), is at an 8% grade and so many S-curves that double back on themselves in such a way, that if you're not the one in control of the wheel? Motion sickness is a real possibility. It's a dangerous road, and one where many accidents have occured over the years. The posted speed limit is 25 on those turns. I'm able to do 35-40 most of the way up, but the locals just flat-out fly by me.

One of the big reasons I've been dreading this day, is because I could not predict whether the day would be sunny and if it was? Driving that hour up the mountain and the hour back could have posed a major problem for me.

Guess what? Tuesday was a true example that our winter is fast approaching...

As you approach the mountain, you pass through the tiny community of Poages Mill, where Poages Mill Farm is located. This is a local landmark, and the ex and I once looked at property up behind the farm to buy. That would, indeed, have been a small "share-crop" sort of farmstead, so I almost got my wish (see yesterday's Ten on Tuesday post below)...

Can you see those skies? It was gray and chilly - only in the low 50s here, and in the mid-40s on top of the mountain...mist threatened the entire trip...

I stopped mid-way up the mountain (not the smartest thing, but there is a shoulder, so I could walk back and snap this shot for you...I didn't dare cross the road to point the camera down the mountainside. Scary!

Back in the day, the "back-to-the-land" movement of the 70s, many folks moved to Floyd County to start farmsteads and one of the ways they survived was to raise Christmas Trees. Small farms and nurseries, the land is so hilly that's about all you can have, but I did see lots of cows this trip. I looked for sheep, but saw none, tho' I'd have thought they'd be good farm animals up there. The tree farms are thriving businesses 30 years later.

Once you get to the top of Bent Mountain, you continue on thru Copper Hill and finally you get to Check...down a couple of roads and off to the left, you turn onto a dirt track:
The farm sign greets you. Of course, that photo is thru my windshield, but the mist was heavy at that point, too...it did lift a bit later on.

I carefully guided the Forester down the farm track to the CSA barn at the back of the property...when I got out, through the back of the barn, I spied a cat.

And you know me...I had to have a photo:

That dark gray blur at center of the photo in the right angle formed by the cold frame and the wood frames? She took a flying leap just as the shutter went off.

Well, of course, photos were not why I was there, so I joined Polly in the CSA barn

where she was already way ahead on bagging the shares.

Another helper arrived, we packed everything into the two Foresters (she had one, too!) and joked about that vehicle being the requisite CSA car for transporting shares...

As I drove off, I caught this view of the farm, still showing some of the greens growing...cold as it is!

And just a bit further down the track?

The cat reappeared and I quickly snapped her photo - but I really do think she's camera shy, because she looked back at me (showing a lovely white vest) as if to say, "HA!You didn't get my best side!"

On the way home:

I came upon this and it reminded me that I should have mentioned in yesterday's wish list that I've always wanted a log home...but that would have made Eleven on Tuesday and that's not what it's about! *wink*

Doesn't this look cold? And dreary? I love winterscapes, and this shot of seed pods was quick and through the open car window as I drove off the farm. I am glad it turned out, even if only a little!

Back in town, you can tell we're warmer here, there's more color

But not for much longer. After all, it's mid-November!

And in light of feeling chilled to the bone, I made a cup of Earl Gray and settled in with my knitting to warm up at the end of the day! Not a bad day off, if I do say so...and I topped it off with a big weight loss - check out that ticker up there, please? *wink*

Ten on Tuesday

This week's Ten on Tuesday question is "Ten Things You Wish You Knew How to Do"
(now usually, if I want to know, I learn it, but sometimes? It's just a matter of having the time, inclination, or money to learn, so here is my wish-list of sorts:)

1. Photography - good photography! (as you can see, I'm mediocre at best)
2. Spindling. I know. Taking a class at Sock Summit wasn't that helpful, and someday I'll take another and finally learn, perhaps from Toni at The Fold, because I liked her teaching style when she demo'd at SS09. But for now? It's a matter of time, mostly. And not really wanting to expend what I know will be outrageous sums of money once I finally learn and then have another fiber habit to support!
3. Weaving. A small loom would fit in my small space (not a floor loom -sigh- but a table loom would work) and I already have tons of fiber, I even think it might use up odds and ends, tho' I'm not sure of that...
4. Ballroom Dancing. (okay, here, it's not just money, or time. It's having a partner who's willing, and barring that? It's not gonna happen)
5. I've always wanted to learn to play the harpischord. Well, that's more money than time at this point. They're not cheap, and neither are lessons. Not to mention the space requirements of a harpsichord!
6. Quilting: like Jude. Someday, maybe I'll have the time, tho' perhaps not the money to build up the exquisite stash that she must have. I'm saving scraps and neat stuff now...One of my winter projects is to put them in some sort of order. (One can only hope I get a snow day or two to make a dent in it!)
7. Herbalism - as in growing them, harvesting them, putting them into tinctures and potions, and using them appropriately. Once upon a time, I wanted to attend Rosemary Gladstar's herbal school in Vermont. Or Susun Weed's (you don't have to run the add-on, there). But since I'm very grateful for the home I'm in, and I don't have garden space outside and not enough interior light to grow anything inside, that's probably a "not unless I move" wish.
8. Along with #7, I also have always wished I could raise sheep and have a farm (even just a few acres)...I enjoyed gardening when I lived at my mom's (my daughter jokingly refers to my tomato forest when the subject comes up) in the early 90's, but I think probably the time in my life for that experience is long gone. However, I still swoon over white and black woolies dotting green landscapes when I travel north to the Shenandoah Valley and see the sheep farms there.
9. Becoming a yoga teacher. I cycle through this wish every few years...It's doable, expensive, but doable. If I really, really want to. Classes work well for me, tho...
10. My all time wish I could learn to do? Or rather, just something I'd love to do, and I know there's a learning curve in everything, is opening my own shop - an environmentally sound junk shop. What do I mean by that? Reduce, reuse, recycle. Used books and music, vintage clothing (especially wools that can be repurposed), vintage/collectible "stuff" - you know, china and glass and all the dustcatchers anyone can imagine - a shop with overstuffed chairs, and tables, with coffee and tea constantly available, and little bits of enjoyables to taste, music in the background (all kinds, depending on the time of day and my state of mind, or what's come into the shop) windchimes that catch the breeze, and a place to knit, and read, and chat...on a neat little street (I think of Grandin Village, but there's already something similar there, so perhaps someplace else - even another town, tho' don't hold your breath...)

Oddly enough, there are variations of all those things that I could do, and probably will. I've got a lot of time and space to fill ahead of me (I hope!) and with a little luck, some budgeting, and willingness to try new things? Yup. Most of them will be tried (ok, maybe not the sheep farm).

On the subject of yoga?

I forgot to share this other new project with you on Sunday. It's recycled sari silk that was gifted to me a few years ago at one of our holiday parties with the Roanoke Valley Knitters & Spinners group. I've been wanting a smallish pillow to sit upon at yoga class (have been using a folded blanket which works, but...). I'm hoping the two skeins will be enough, but there is a third one if not. It will be a sort of crazy-quilt styled pillow cover, there's no doubt about that! And any scraps left over will be added to the crazy quilt stash - it's too pretty to toss out!

Happy Birthday Mera!

Tommorrow is my Dear Daughter's birthday, and she'll be working (and I have yoga class), so we celebrated at Panera today (I think I did okay on WW points, but if not, I'll spluge and accept the weight loss/gain/no change results no matter what).

She had a sandwich and their new macaroni and cheese, mentioning that HER Nana (Nana, the First!) would have loved it because it's made with Vermont cheese. I had to remind her that her Nana would have found fault with it because there was no crumbly crust on top. And no, I didn't have one bite (but it was hard).

Instead, I had the black bean soup and 1/2 a Greek salad, with the balsamic sugar-free dressing on the side. Oh, and a side of their bread. I realized too late that I didn't get my usual multi-grain - I have no idea why.

Then, DD surprised me: I had told her I had another commitment at 2, but didn't say what till we were together. And at that point? She asked to come to my KnitIn group! We scurried off so she could pick up her knitting (she's learning, and if she ever lets up on the death-grip on her needles, I think she'll really enjoy it! She had several offers of assistance at the meeting, which is great, because I'm not a good teacher - at least not where she's concerned...)

Early this morning, I put the Personal Sock Club November edition OTN. I wasn't quite finished with October (but am, now, finished them during the news tonight, so you can find them on my Ravelry page as they are holiday gifts and won't be seen here till AFTER December 25!)

Why, yes, those are Red Hat socks. That's the Knitpicks Imagination colorway Wicked Stepmother. I plan on doing Feather and Fan on the cuff (surprise!) and those are my Addi Lace needles. Thanks Miss Muffin for doing the modeling duties...)

Today's meeting included a yarn and book swap/sale. Lots of lovelies were available...

And folks spent a lot of time shopping instead of knitting.
I swapped with Christy for this lovely alpaca blend yarn from Lion. (DD has her eye on something from this...we'll see!

But the piece-de-resistence? Fleece Artist Sea Wool in the most wondrous reds.

You would not be surprised, right? (I traded Sandy a yarn that I loved, but knew I'd never in a million years wear: The Wooly Wonka laceweight that came with the Honey Bee Shawl kit. Those yellow/greens? Not in my color family. Not at all. But it's going to a new home where it will be well-loved (and probably knit a lot faster, b/c I've not been doing too well in the lace department lately (maybe that will change with the Fleece Artist, tho'!)

Now to find just the right pattern (there are 5 skeins there).

All in all? A terrific day - and my daughter and I had a great time celebrating her birthday. She says she wants to come back to our group again next month!

That sounds promising, eh?

More Than Usual - TGIF!

This week at Weight Watchers they were having a half-price sale on cookbooks, so I indulged and picked up the Momentum Cookbook and almost the first thing I spied was their receipe for Sausage and Lentil Soup (with turkey kielbasa, one of my favorite things).

I had all of the ingredients on hand so Wednesday I made it and had my first (and last) serving for lunch yesterday. It was really, really good. Unfotunately, something did not agree with me, and I've paid dearly for that lunch. There's not a thing wrong with the recipe, nor the ingredients...but the remainder of that soup has gone to my daughter's house for dinner! (She was delighted)

(sigh)
I really have to accept that older tummies have to be cared for more gently. It's not something I'm happy about but, there are, indeed, worse things in this world.

The joint achiness from the cold rain and pressure changes was kept at bay till yesterday evening when it hit me hard! I'm finally starting to feel better (the storm has passed and finally late afternoon today, the sun came out, it will be 72 on Sunday, so they say!) but I'm still taking it easy, playing it safe. The past 24 hours or so haven't been much fun.

But - I think I mentioned that I dug out Helsinki Hat Scarf (Ravelry link) and began working on it again? I've been enjoying the amazing softness of the Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn and the wonderful way that yarn makes the cables pop! I wanted to show you, so I arrayed it on my knitting chair, under my Ott light so you could see the cables nicely, and off I went for the camera (it was just across the room!).

When I came back this is what I found:

(wouldn't you know I've got the opposite problem from Geraldine!

Long-time readers of my blog will remember that The Meezer is the perfect knitting cat, she doesn't chase yarn, and she leaves *most* needles alone (except bamboo), but she does have one minor compulsion...

Mohair drives her every bit as wild as catnip!

What? Like you have no compulsions? Mine's not that big a deal...I can stop anytime I want

Right, Meeze, right.

Three Thankful Things On Thursday...

Moving right along with the month of gratitude...I've been considering more things I'm grateful for:
1. The feline members of my household. The Meezer's adoration and devotion are the stuff of Siamese legend and anyone who is owned by one doesn't need me to tell them how wonderful it is to be the recipient of it. And even if she is a calico, with all *itchy-ness that can mean, CC has brought much to my life. She challenges me to come up with ways to soften the edges of her curmudgeonly grumps - tho' it's not easy. But she also teaches me what I hope not to be when I attain an age worthy of hers...at 18.5 she's elderly indeed. I suppose she's entitled to her grumps, huh?
2. I'm especially grateful for the home I inhabit. While I'd change certain things if I could, the most important aspect of this place is that it is smoke-free and will remain so. I'm grateful that every breath I take is clear of contaminants. I have a wonderful landlord & lady for my next door neighbors, and you can't ask for much more than that.
3. These days, I'm more than thankful that there's food in my larder. All the food banks are stretched to capacity this year, so this fall I've been adding a few extra things to my grocery cart each week to contribute to a couple of different food drives we have locally. I'm extremely thankful that I can afford to spend a little to help others who have the need. It hasn't always been the case in my life - I've been the one in need before and so I remember how it felt when someone helped me out. If you find yourself in a spot where you can, I hope you will help your own local food bank this holiday season. They need you!

Let me know if you're contributing to the Thankful Thursdays, as I'd like to visit and read your lists!

Happy Veteran's Day!

And thank you to Navy Mom Julie for the clip-art heart flag, as well as a huge thank you to every veteran today.

I'm lucky to have today as a paid holiday, and have been slow to get started this morning, but I'm intent on making progress on a long-neglected knitting project and along with a bit of cleaning here in the house. It's absolutely pouring around here (a tropical un-named storm!).

But I will get out and walk at the mall, and get the grocery shopping done that I missed on the weekend. (And please do note, that ticker up there? Yup! Down another 6/10 of a pound! Whoohoo!)

What's Wrong With This Noro Scarf? Or...Is It Monday or Something?

I am about to take a serious break from knitting...could this become a yoga blog, perhaps?

I frogged the EZ Mittens. They were, for whatever reason, impossible for me.

Now? I'm trying to knit the simple, everyone has made it, tried and true, results are stunning...Noro Scarf

Doesn't that look wonky?

Well...look at this:
That's the 2nd row edge, the part where you're slipping the first and last stitch of the row purlwise to make a "nice" edge - Tell me, does that look like a "nice" edge? Not to me...
This is the side with the first row of color change. I think it's much more even, and "nice." Right?

ARGH. Yes, I think this is going to be frogged. I am a competent knitter of lace and socks. Please explain why I knit something as simple as a garter mitten, or a garter scarf and it looks like ...

C*R*A*P

The idea of a yoga blog is sounding quite appealing. And B-R-E-A-T-H-E!

BTW, The Meezer can't be called Sneezer any longer. As soon as I published that blog post, she stopped...thank you all for your concern, and Carrie I had no idea kitties could get H1N1!!!

Finally At The End!

It's been a busy weekend. Yesterday morning I was at a local department store, early-early, to help sell coupons for a Charity Sale they put on a couple of times a year. The nonprofits involved get to split the money for the coupon sales (they're $5 off your purchase) and the store sweetens the deal by running a sale on items that rarely, if ever, go on sale. I actually picked up a Fossil wallet for a fraction of the regular cost! (YAY! I would never have bought one otherwise).

But that took getting up and getting ready like a regular work day, but early. I met sis-in-law afterwards and we did a little Christmas shopping and had lunch at Panera Bread (yes, I was able to figure the points and do it in a Weight Watchers-friendly manner!)

Then it was hurry home, because I was completely determined to finish the National Capital Cat Show orders this weekend (when I say 8 weeks max to delivery, I mean it, and I DID IT!!):
Here are three of the Kerries I completed, and down below:
Two more and I know, it's amazing, please don't spit coffee at the computer, but there are NO CATS in these two bags!!!
SEE?
I told you I don't *just* do cats!!!

But just so you don't think I've gone and lost my mind completely? Here's another cat bag - and the very last order from the show! Whoohoo!!

I'm ready to hit the post office:

So this afternoon, my sis-in-law and I will go to a lovely symphony matinee and I can relax a bit.

Someone has decided, tho, that I'm maybe not keeping the heat up enough (it's 73 outside, folks, so don't feel too sorry for her)

She found where I'd stashed this in preparation to refill the stuffing in it with fresh. (She's been sneezing the past few hours, so either she's gotten into a bunch of dust, or is not feeling the best...we'll watch and see)

In the meantime, I'll call her "Sneezer Meezer..."
:)

So Tell Us, Knitnana, How Was The Show?

Ok...some of you have heard from me via email in reply, but I'll admit I had to think how I'd post this.

Avenue Q is a rather unorthodox musical. It gives all the appearance of being suitable for children, since the characters are hand puppets. Don't be fooled!

It's a raucous, bawdy, definitely adult comedy. With adult themes that could offend some people.

The puppets make the entire thing lighthearted and fun. The songs are catchy things that have you toe-tapping in your seat. You cheer for certain characters, and smirk at others.

But the entire premise is that these youngsters (and they are 20-somethings living on Avenue Q in NYC) are learning about life and doing it the hard way (as most of us do). I don't think anyone who saw this would feel that it wasn't something they'd had to encounter and learn to deal with as a young adult: relationships, friendships, new jobs, job losses, finding out what they're meant to do in life, or perhaps that they haven't a clue and won't figure it out anytime soon. And thru it all, they have a blast. And make us laugh.

But. All that said, it's quite riske. So be prepared if you get the chance to see it.

How did I like it?

Well...I LOVED IT. But had I just heard about it from someone else, or read about it? I'm not sure I'd have gone. We were lucky to have tickets given to us. So we went, with no real idea what to expect.

And you know what? Sometimes you have to mix it up a bit so you don't get stale! And that's exactly what this was....

An Evening On The Town: A Tale Told in Handknits

I scurried home last night after work to prepare for an unexpected night on the town. Sis-in-law had scored a couple of tickets to Broadway in Roanoke's Avenue Q and I had to quickly put something Weight Watchers appropriate together to eat and change clothes. The food had been percolating in my mind all day, and turned out well (only 4 points for a mix of diced turkey kielbasa, brown rice, Stoplight Peppers, scallions, Yoshida Sauce (1 Tbls) all sauteed in a non-fat cooking sprayed pan till cooked through (all total, probably 5 minutes or so). I added in a serving of cooked fresh spinach (YUM!) from the CSA share, and a dessert of Pumpkin Fluff (1 point!). A SKINNY meal...

The clothes were another matter. I tend not to dress up much these days (which I suppose could change if I manage to lose a lot of weight, but for now...not so much). So I figured the base would be black jeans. I ended up with the following for accessories:
The Hollyberry Queen of Hearts Shawl, my STR Mustang Sally Knotty Gloves, and one of two of my evening Kerri bags. I knew I wanted to also wear my STR Mustang Sally Spiraluscious. Went thru a couple of tops and this is what I decided on:

Just a simple black T.

After that? It was just a quick swipe with the lipstick, toss on the black swing coat, throw the shawl over my shoulders and dash out the door.

A night on the town for Knitnana (aka Nana Sadie Rose) in handknits! Whoohoo!

Thankful Thursday

Carole suggested that we consider posting Three Things We're Thankful For every Thursday in November, and I thought that I could surely include this in my weekly posts.

Obviously, as most of us would, I have to say I'm thankful for my family and friends (which include my blog- and online-buddies!). You all keep me sane, mostly reeled in on some of my wilder stuff, and support and encourage me. I could not do any of what I do with out you.

Equally obviously, I'm thankful for my work. I'm very lucky to have a full-time position in this economic environment when so many don't, but I also have a part-time business client I care about and respect, and fabulous customers who sustain Nana Sadie Rose. I couldn't ask for better.

And today, I have to say I'm very grateful for my health. Even if it's not always tip-top, even with some challenges, my body puts up with a lot (I'm a hard task-master) and keeps on going. I'm finally beginning to try to take better care of it in recent years, and I'm very grateful that it has hung on long enough to reap the benefits of that care. It had to slap me upside the head a few times to wake me up to the prospect, but that's okay. I'm very grateful for it's resilience.

Tune in next week and see what I come up with for my next three! (I'll be thinking on it). And join in with us if you'd like!