Butterfly Away

(That’s the desk the Knight and Uncle Bobby share in the background…)

Well, it’s done.  My ever-faithful model MJ is sporting the Butterfly Lace Stole, from the current Knit ‘n Style.  I love this photo of her.  She says her eyes are closed, but it’s just because she’s really smiling hard.  Photos of happy people make me happy!

Pattern:  This pattern is getting a bad rap on Ravelry.  I loved it.  It was as close to mindless lace as it gets.  I knitted on it at our retreat.  I hung my GypsyKnits bag on my left wrist and knitted on my feet while I played with Sissy and Mugsy in the yard.  I knitted at the S ‘n B.  I did 44 repeats, 3 fewer than the sample for the pattern, but I do believe it will fit its recipient perfectly, and she is 4 inches taller than MJ, with much longer arms.  On me - 5′3″ with fairly short arms - once blocked, it hit below my fingertips.  I think it will be the perfect lightweight wrap for my mother.  (Shhh!  I think it’s embedded enough that even if she does read my blog she won’t notice!) 

It also turned out to be a great lace project to learn how to fix otherwise frogthewholedangthing mistakes.  Thanks Grace for the coaching!  When I was showing the shawl to MJ, *I* couldn’t even find the fixed booboo.

Yarn:  My beloved Tofutsies, in colorway 847.  Yes, this yarn splits.  I found it split less with the bamboos than with the Bryspuns, but I’ll talk about that more in the needle section.  However, it’s machine wash and dry, which makes it great for gifts.  Tofutsies blocks well with just a steam iron, which is what I did this time.  I would have liked to wet block it, but it had to get in the mail. 

Needles:  I started with #6 Bryspun straights, my lace needle of choice.  Everything was going swimmingly until Sissy seriously chewed the tip on on one needle.   I can report that Pampered Chef Kitchen Shears will hack through Bryspuns, not that the average gal needs to know that.  I then used the remaining Bryspun for the knit/lace rows, and a wooden needle from Peace Fleece for the purl rows.  That system sucked, as the point on the wooden needles was too dull for the K3togs.  The Crystal Palace Bamboos I picked up in town were better.  The points were fine, but if I ever use these suckers again, the Knight will have to sand on them; there were a lot of invisible rough spots that grabbed constantly.  I did notice that the Tofutsies splitting was less of an issue with the bamboo though, so that’s something to consider.  I tested some more Tofutsies with Addi Bamboo dpns last night, and there was no splitting to speak of.  For me, matching the right needles with the yarn and pattern is another key to happy, pretty knitting.  That’s why you’ll see me use dpns, circs, straights, metal, whatever my Bryspuns are made of, bamboo and wood, in all kinds of combinations. 

Again, I really was pleased with this project, although stoles do seem to go on and on forever.  I don’t think I’d make it again, but that’s just because there are so many lace wraps and so little time.

I haven’t forgotten my tea blog along  post this week.  I’ve taken a couple of photos, and will likely blog tomorrow, since I forgot to bring my camera to work today.  Today’s a busy day.  We dropped Sissy off for her spaying this morning (should be complete by now… I’m sure the vet will call soon!), and Mugsy is in the office for a change, so that when we pick her up, he can get his annual shot(s).  Sissy’s also getting micro chipped while she’s under.  We didn’t chip either of the boys, but since we’re headed to the beach several times a year, it seemed like a good idea.  Needless to say, this will be a quiet weekend for us as we try to keep the wild woman calm!

 

Three Dogs Full

Happy Dogs on Thursday!  As promised earlier this week, today’s post is all about our visit to cousin Sam’s on Saturday. 

The greeting session was as wild and loud as could be.   Sam - the dark blur with the red collar, belonging to my sister and her husband - wasn’t able to contain her excitement over visitors.  Mugsy just wanted to greet my sister, and Sissy thought it was all a bit much and wasn’t sure where to turn.  Mugsy and Sam shouted out hellos and how do you dos, and the humans just tried to stay out of the way.

The Prince zeroed in on the toys in Sam’s crate, and DEMANDED access to them repeatedly, to no avail.  (Never fear; he was taken into the family room with the humans to play fetch with his auntie while I knitted and the wild girls raced around the kitchen.)

Sissy and Sam played hard, for over an hour, and then I took both girls outside before we said our good-byes.  My sister reports that Sam slept quite a while, and our two did as well, because as soon as we got home, the Knight and I turned around and headed out to dinner. 

A good time was had by all.  Thanks for hosting romper room, Sis!

Lookie!

Not to be confused with the don’t peek post… 

I’ve found all kinds of goodies today.  The first three are from the Yarn Market e-newsletter. 

Socks for a cause.  (No great photo exists, or I’d have shared.  Honest.)  Yarn Market has a great kit with a limited edition yarn to support breast cancer.  Since this is also Pampered Chef’s Help Whip Cancer month and they’re pink, they caught my eye.  I’ll be ordering the kit, just because…

Next comes the Molly Messenger Bag by Della Q.  I’m in search of a bag that will allow me to slide a regular, unfolded pattern into a pocket without any real damage, and I’ve been thinking a messenger style would work best.   Anyone know anything about this bag, this company, or messenger-styled knitting bags?  Keep in mind that I don’t really do huge projects, but I do like lace wraps, so would I have to cram them in (as I do now with my large, sock project bags) or would they rest happily?  Would my needles be protected, because when I can, I like to do lace on straights.  Would it be easy enough to drop my project (including all yarn and needles) within, and drop the flap to discourage a certain, beautiful, bad dog from sampling said project/needles?

Now, I’m generally not a pre-order kind of girl, but given my new-found love of non-Kureyon Noro yarns, I’m beside myself.  Silk Garden Sock Yarn!  Gasp!  Swoon!  Does Tofutsies  have competition as my favorite sock yarn?  We’ll have to wait until AUGUST to find out.  The Panda Soy  comes out about the same time, so I might have to take a day or two off from work and just sit at home and whip out socks!  (I’m not joking.)

Then, there’s the  media hype over BPA and “plastic” bottles.  Nichole and I had been chatting about a zillion things (bentonite is both a grouting substance in water wells AND an anti-diaherral), and she introduced me to another must-have.  Camelbak always has great products, and I can’t wait to get mine!  For all of its bells and whistles, Lexie has crapola cup holders, so I need spillproof bottles, aside from toting my own green tea to work.  In Sissy’s honor, I’ll be ordering the purple and probably the bright blue, or maybe the pink (or all three).

Also, this can count as my Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap week #5 free-form post.  As usual, my poor pal will likely get her package right on time or a day or two late.  I’ve had a blast shopping for her, and I have all the confidence in the world that I’ve made some great selections.  It’s been torture, remembering not to post here as the goodies arrive, so I’ll be sure to share a link to her blog when she receives her package.

Don’t Peek!

If you’re a Loopy Sock Clubber, you may not want to read this post or click on the links to the photos.  I paid my invoice the second it showed up in my inbox, so I’m pretty sure I’m one of the first to get my May package.  (Note to peekers - the yarn actually is more colorful than that…)

As usual, it was loaded with goodies, and I’m rather curious about one LITTLE item.  I think I know its purpose, but if you sneak a peek and know for sure, let me know.  There’s a website addy on the bag it came in, but I’m afraid Sissy ate it.

I was so into my package that I failed to notice that my girl was really into the box.  She doesn’t actually EAT the paper/plastic, but she enjoys making a tremendous mess.  So that’s why the photos are so craptastic; by the time I took the box away from Sissy and cleaned up the mess, there was no daylight for outdoor photos.

For those curious folks desiring more info about my latest package, please just ask me to email you with the details.  I really don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone else, because I was blown away - again!

 

Gussied Up

Derby Day is normally a big deal for my family.  Fancy hats, mint juleps, a party or two… but not this year.  It overlapped with the Richmond Nascar race, so Mugsy, Sissy and I went over to visit with Sam and my sister.  I’ll share photos about playtime on Thursday, but here’s a shot of Sissy’s first mani-pedicure.  The Knight only did her front paws, but in time,  he’s going to teach her to be still long enough for all four!

I was sent off to find PURPLE polish for the event, so if your monitor isn’t showing a rather bright purple, then you’re missing the full impact.

I spent every spare moment of the weekend knitting, and the end is within sight on the Butterflies.  I can’t seem to add another photo right now (due to weirdness with the “add media” box), so you’ll just have to wait and see it when it’s finished later this week. 

 

Coffee Swap Week #5

Be glad you don’t work with/for me.  I can’t get motivated to do payroll today.  Didn’t do statements yesterday either, but I’m sure the customers don’t mind. 

You know with Spring the famous saying goes “April Showers, bring May flowers”, please tell us what you like to do when those April Showers are pouring down on you. Do you like to curl up with your knitting, take in a movie or crawl back in bed?

So, we’ve had the April Showers.  Now come the May flowers, but I can tell you what I did while it was pouring down rain; I knitted and tried to entertain Sissy inside.  Mugsy is old enough that he enjoys some down time once in a while, but not the curious, wild child.  (We had to interupt this post to let her pretend she’s a lap dog.)   I’m not fond of rainy days.  I like the idea of it only raining at night.  (From the musical Camelot)

Mayday!

Er, uh, um…  May Day.  Happy one to you.  It’s one of THOSE days at the family business.  Before 10am, I’d been cussed twice, walked all three dogs while at least one phoneline rang and rang, and had spoken with two other less than pleasant customers.  (But I do appreciate their class, restraint, or whatever kept them from swearing at me.) 

And Dappy Hogs on Thursday.  Mugsy the Gluttonous Pig, formerly known as The Prince and/or My Perfect Angel, has wolfed down all sorts of Sissy’s treats in the last 14 hours or so.  I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but I think the Knight pointed it back out.  Mugsy’s my dog, but a good stare-down from Dadaw will straighten up him every time.  Add in an index finger pointed between the eyes, and even Mugsy will adjust his attitude. 

I snapped this one evening at the beach.  Doesn’t it look like God stamped paw print on her side?  The Knight rolled his eyes, but he didn’t disagree with me either.  Getting the wild child to hold still for this shot was a real challenge!

Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, scoot over and wish Cass a happy post number #555, and tell her I sent you.  You shared some great stories with me, so entertain her too, will ya’?

Last night, blogless Jessica and I attended the regular Wednesday Night S’nB at Panera’s.  Almost everyone but me was working on socks.  Jessica was using some Shi Bui for her Jaywalkers, and I can see why some of you rave about that yarn now.  Yum!  We met Susan, Elizabeth, Kate, Krista and Erica, and we learned about some local fiber resources that were new to me, Jessica or both.  I look forward to going back next week.  It was a very pleasant group.

Happy Little Friday to you!

Tea, Colorful Tea

April 27 - May 3
The White, Green, Black, and Herb of Tea

Tell about your favorite tea. How do you prepare it and serve it? Milk and sugar? Plain? What are some of your best memories of serving or sipping on this tea? Share a picture if you can. Tell the health benefits of the tea(s) you prefer. Where do you purchase your tea? Is there someplace you enjoying purchasing tea from? Who from and where?

This week’s assignment for the Tea Blog-along is tough, because I like ‘em all (save red teas).  Every tea has a time and a reason.  So, as it happens around here rather regularly, grab a cuppa’ and a treat and away we go!

Here’s a day in my life with tea, or what one might look like, anyway…

Morning:  It takes a pot of black tea to knock the cobwebs out some mornings.  One of my favorites is Harney’s Irish Breakfast Tea.  It likes a healthy shot of cream (or milk) and about a half-packet of Splenda in a very large mug.  An alternative would be chai with a good dose of milk, but I’ve yet to find that perfect chai to share.

Next up, for through the day sipping is a nice green tea.  There are plenty of sites promoting the health benefits of green tea, but all I can tell you is I’m almost never sick, and if a cold finds me, it moves on quickly.  I like a variety of green teas, but one of my favorites for all day sipping in an iced form is Republic of Tea’s Sip for the Cure Pink Grapefruit Tea.  I drop four bags in the Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Pot and have a pitcher of tea ready in no time.  No sugar, no nothing. 

 

When I want a treat in a mug, I reach for Harney’s Chocolate Mint, which has a black tea base.  Again, add the dairy, please?

As the sun sets, I often switch to a white tea or an herbal for the last pot of the night.  My white tea favorite is Adagio’s Silver Needle.  Devon gave me some White Pomegranate from Trader Joe’s that makes me long for said store here. 

Herbals are special-use teas for me.  Upset tummy?  Celestial Seasoning’s Tummy Mint.   Can’t sleep?  Yogi Tea’s Bedtime.  Both of those can be found in most grocery stores or health food stores. 

My favorite tea memories still come from my early childhood.  They’re hazy memories, but I treasure those first cups and pots of tea with our neighbor in the afternoons.  I think it was a basic black tea with plenty of cream and sugar.  I still feel elegant and “all grown up” when I use sugar cubes and tongs, although now, I find cane sugar too sweet!  That inspired me to have tea parties in my bedroom and in my sandbox with that great, nearly “adult-sized” plastic set.  (Know where I can find one, new and shiny?  Not china, but PLASTIC.)

Spin and Learn

We had an overnight guest at our house last night.  This Ashford Traveller came to visit.  It’s a used, single treadle that Barbara kindly let me try overnight.  (Yes, that’s a suitcase from the beach trip that hasn’t found its way back to the guest room, and a wad of new work tee shirts the Knight deposited there too…)

The short version is, I cannot treadle consistently enough with a single treadle to make yarn.  It helps none at all that my right leg is currently the one affected by my back problems.  I also STRONGLY prefer a delta orifice (the wide-open one that doesn’t require a special tool to fish out the end of the yarn when it breaks, which happens a lot when you can’t keep the wheel spinning in the same direction).  That’s actually exceptionally helpful, because as far as I can tell, it limits my shopping to Majacrafts and Frickes.  (And I’m betting that if Barbara still has the two double treadle Frickes, they’ll sell at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.) 

So, here’s a shot of Sissy’s damage to the one Bryspun.  The one on the top/left is unharmed, and I used it for the knit/lace row, while using a wooden #6 for the purl rows.  That got me through the weekend, and yesterday, I was able to pick up some bamboo needles.  They’re working fine. 

It was also a good mail day.  The bags I ordered from Stuck in Illinois arrived.  The pink one is for MJ, and she liked them enough to have me order one for her best friend too.  They plan to use them for non-knitting items.

Then, fortuitously, my spinning bag arrived from GypsyKnits.  Kathy sweetly included some lovely roving for me to sample, but given my spinning difficulties last night, I put it back in the bag for a better day. 

The other thing I realized is that when I spin at a wheel, I pinch with my left hand, have the fiber on my right leg, and draft with my right hand.  When I’ve ATTEMPTED to spin with a spindle, I do the exact opposite.  I roll the spindle UP my right thigh, wrap the fiber around my left arm, draft with my left hand, and pinch with my right.  I need to switch that around, don’t I, since what I do at the wheel is so comfortable and the spindle feels awkward??

In other news, the Prince and Princess are at work today, and will be all week.  Shadow was very happy to see them, and all three are resting quietly right now.

I keep forgetting to mention that Knitpicks has a Wrapped In Comfort KAL.  Of course, Fredfoot and I have joined…  I hope that I’ll return to him soon enough, but the Butterfly Stole didn’t see much progress last night. 

And since many of you are asking, we’re fine.  We were quite a bit west and a north of the tornados.  My brother inlaw was only 12 miles from the worst of them, but they’re safe and sound, as is his girlfriend’s family, which is good, as they have a funeral today for her maternal grandmother. 

Monday Mishmash

Grab a cuppa’ and a snack, and hunker down.  We’re going to play catch-up.  See, it’s a rainy day at work, and that means I’m just sitting here in case the phone should ring.  Slow isn’t the word for it.  Pop is napping, and so is Shadow.

Firstly, I have to boast.  My dear friend Aviva has finished her Jupiter Shines piece, for which my hands were the model. 

Please follow any of the links to her post, because her art is PACKED FULL of detail, and you don’t want to miss a thing!  It’s a part of a fabulous series she’s doing, so I encourage you to poke around her site.

Next, it’s time to share the Secret Project.  It’s really called Mary’s Omega. 

(Modeled by MJ.)

Details:

Pattern:  Omega Wrap by Chris Bylsma Designs  This is my second Omega, and I think the pattern loves contrast.  I really enjoyed matching up the yarns for this one.  I did leave off the special bind-off and the little flappymadoo at the seam, because I find it uncomfortable when driving.  (It presses into my back.)  I just mattress stitched the two ends together, and MJ agreed that it was a better finish.

Needles:  My trusty #10.5 Harmony Options. 

Yarns:  The purple and the berry are both Cotton Fleece.  The boucle is Lion Brand Homespun, and the novelty yarn, which coordinated perfectly with both Cotton Fleece colors is Squiggle, by Crystal Palace.  I very randomly changed yarns as I knitted along.  The yarn did all the work; I can’t say enough about this pattern! 

I hope it fits Mary and she loves it.  I selected the yarns with her Vegas climate in mind, and I hope it arrived early enough for her to wear it a few times before summer grips them hard.

I also have a book review for you.  I mentioned Laura Moriarty’s The Rest of Her Life earlier, but I finished it Friday afternoon.  It’s a great book that reads quickly, for me anyway.  I soon got emersed in the lives of Leigh and Kara, and I needed to know how it all turned out. 

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!  Don’t read the next paragraph if you want to be surprised by the book.

This isn’t The Glass Castle.   Ms. Moriarty’s work is fiction, and it has a rather peaceful ending.  (Not happy, but I close the back cover with a feeling that Kara and Leigh were both going to be okay.)  Kara - the daughter who accidentally hits and kills a girl in a crosswalk while driving through town - is very much aware of what she’s done, and takes a more responsible path than her father would have liked her to take.  She and Leigh - her mother - begin the novel with that rather stereotypical (and yet real!), strained mother-teen daughter relationship, and that impacts much of the book.  In the end though, there’s a real climax, where Leigh’s maternal instincts REALLY kick in, and the reader knows instantly that the very public display will make all the difference to Kara.  It does. 

Leigh is not the soccer mom whom every kid wishes was her mom.  She’s not even a particularly empathetic friend, but through the course of the book, we learn why she is the way she is.  I’m sure some of my wonderful mom friends would be aghast from the first chapter at Leigh’s rather clinical approach to the crisis her family finds itself facing after the fatal accident.  However, I think I would have related to Leigh without Ms. Moriarty’s in-person plea that we try to understand where Leigh was coming from before we judged her too harshly. 

Kara is a remarkable young woman, the kind of daughter ANYONE would be proud to claim.  Even in her response to the accident, she remains a model teen.  I’d like to think there are young adults like Kara out there.  She’s truly a good kid, and she handles a horrible situation with tremendous sensitivity. 

I liked this book so well that in my rainy day tedium, I’m going to go order Ms. Moriarty’s first book, The Center of Everything.   She’s the first of our Literary Feast authors about whom I can say I want to read more.  I liked two of the other three books well enough, but not enough to seek out more from the author.  I’m eagerly awaiting the announcement of next year’s author-speaker.

If you read it, or have read it, let me know your impression of the book.  I’ve found that while I cannot knit while I sit on the front porch playing with Sissy, I can read, so look for more book reviews in the future.  This book gets a “couldn’t put it down to knit” rating, which is eclipsed only by a “couldn’t sleep until I finished it”.