Shawl Shock

I’ve been doing quite a bit of knitting this month. I just haven’t taken the time to post much about what I’ve been up to. While I was visiting my daughter and granddaughter in TX I finished several projects and started a couple more. Here’s a sort of run-down on what I did then and have been doing since: What kind of Nana would I be if I didn’t knit a sweater for that little darling? I started this after I finished the blanket and finished it just in time for Sylvia’s arrival at home. I call it Sylvia’s Homecoming Sweater:

The purple and grey (silver) it’s done in are Texas Christian University (TCU) colors. My daughter and her husband met there and are active alumni. It seemed fitting to knit her at least one outfit in school colors; and since her Nana is very partial to purple, pretty satisfactory too. Pattern: Baby Sweater on Two Needles; Practically Seamless (aka Baby February) from the Knitters Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman Yarn: Butterfly Super 10 by Kertzer in Violet and Silver – this is a DK weight yarn and worked up very nicely. Needles: size 6 Pattern Mods: I left off the button holes so and knit the sleeves last so that I could knit them in the round (thus making it truly seamless). I also did two pair of matching booties (one in each color) with the leftover yarn using the pattern Knit Mary Jane Booties by April Cromwell The sweater is a little big for her now, but I am confident she will grow into it eventually. There’s also enough yarn left over that I may even add a hat to the ensemble. I also finished my contribution to the square a month swap that my two daughters are doing.

You’ll have to go here to get the details, but one of them suggested it would be fun if I contributed a knit square and I was quite honored to do so. I chose a fun mitered square that is knit from the center out. Pattern: Turn Back Time Spa Cloth from Creative Knitting Magazine January 2008 issue Yarn: Vanna’s Choice for grey square and for Blue Square Paton SWS and Red Heart for the border Then I finished one of the two pair of Sister Stripe socks (Noro Kuryeon Sock Yarn) that I'm also knitting for my daughters.The first pair was for DD#1 (the new mom) and turned out great.

I cast on for the second pair as well. I’ve worked on them some since and got them this far:

I also started a shawl while I was down in TX. On my first attempt I followed the pattern the way it was written, but decided my cast on was too loose and sloppy so I started over. Then I didn’t like the hole that the first and last yarn-over made on the top edge, so I decided to redo it and knit the yarn-over through the back loop (ktbl) on the next row. I liked that result much better, but on that attempt, I also decided to slip the last stitch of each row, which gave me a loose and uneven edge which I didn’t like at all, so out it went. After all that tinkering though I came up with a very pleasant arrangement of alternating stockinette and garter rows and on the third start using only three stitches as the base doing the ktbl’s and not slipping the last stitch, I got a result I was super happy with. I finished it off with a cute little picot bind off. So even with all of that, I started this on the 21st and finished it on the 27th so it’s fair to say it was super quick and easy. I think it turned out quite nicely.

(End of Summer Shawl) Pattern: Simple Yet Effective Shawl Yarn: Sunuvasock by Ceallach Dyes colorway, Vintage Needles: size 7 Which brings me to my current project; even though it’s quite embarrassing to admit that this project has been (gasp) OTN for OVER a year, I made excellent progress on the long-languishing Swallowtail Shawl (I KNOW!) (Hanging head in knitterly shame) I completed all the repeats of the 2nd chart and am ready to move on to the next section. I am doing only one pattern mod on this: I’m replacing the nupps with beads in this section. I’m hoping to get this one done in the next week. I’ll keep you posted! Happy Knitting Nana

The Joy of Nana-hood

(do I need to say anything?)

There will be a return to knitting content soon…

Nana

Long Awaited

The big day finally arrived and I’m probably too tired to be coherent but I thought I’d do a quick post. Sylvia arrived today. Mom and baby are healthy and although it was a long couple of days, everyone is elated.

Isn't she beautiful (I may be predjudiced...)

Also, I did finish the blanket with plenty of time to spare and even had time to start on a sweater for her while waiting. That will be another post another time, but here is the blanket Based on the pattern Moonstone from Manos del Urugay knit in Classic Elite Sprout Without further ado, Happy knitting Nana

Nana-a-go-go

That’s me.

I feel like I’ve been on the go for several weeks now. Having some quiet time here in TX with DD1 while we await the birth of her daughter is a real blessing and necessity. I won’t be able to recap everything, but needless to say it has been a very busy couple of weeks.

My brother and Niece spent about a week visiting me and we did a quick weekend trip to WI so he could attend a friend’s wedding. We had a little extra time after arriving and he graciously took me to this shop where I enjoyed meeting the owner and checking out her shop. The night of the wedding I hung out in the hotel watched baseball on TV and knitted, mostly getting this going: (another pair of Noro Skinny Stripe socks)

Last week was mostly a normal schedule for me while my brother reacquainted himself with our area and found fun things to do with his daughter. On Weds we went to Stitch-n-Pitch with the Chicago White Sox (Sox 6; Angels 2). It was my first time at the new Sox stadium and we all had great fun, here are a few of the pictures from the game: Thursday Mom and Dad picked up my brother so they could visit with him for the rest of his trip and Friday I got in the car and drove the first leg of my trip to TX. I arrived on Saturday and installed myself and the kitties in the guest room / nursery at my daughters house. The kitties are still adjusting to meeting their “nephew” kitties. It’s been an interesting process to watch.

This is what Saucey and Tony have been doing mostly...

Since there is still a day or so before the baby is due, DD has taken me to some of her favorite places here in TX we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards (sorry no pic), the delightful Fort Worth Zoo where we enjoyed a very pleasant morning and saw several great animals as well as the flamingos on parade and we also visited Jennings Street Yarns , but mostly we have just been enjoying each other’s company. She’s as prepared as she can be for the baby’s arrival, so it’s just waiting time now. I’m nearly finished with the baby blanket (just two more octagons): So I’m about as prepared as a Nana can get. If I finish the last two octagons before she goes into labor, I still have a couple of pairs of socks I need to work on. Well hopefully the next post will be pics of my new granddaughter (with the finished blanket of course!) Happy knitting Nana

Quick

I have safely made it to TX where my daughter and SIL are waiting for the new baby to make her entrance. The kitties are adapting the best they can and we are all keeping busy with stuff to do until the birth "day" arrives. I have some pics to share and will do so very soon. Happy Knitting Nana

As Promised ...

I finished the cotton version of the Diamond Delight Vest. I give you Lakeshore:

Pattern: Diamond Delight Vest by Maureen Mason-Jamieson Yarn: Rowan Pima Cotton DK, colors; Blue Wash, Millet, Citronella, Bulrush, Skipper, Pampas, and Bran Size 5 and 3 needles (circular) This is the second time I’ve knit this pattern. I would definitely not recommend this as a project to be done in cotton. The miters and frequent color changes mean that there are tons of little ends to be woven in. I suspect I will be fighting the ends every time that this is washed in the future. (Not to mention what knitting 3 different projects in cotton simultaneously does to your hands) I love the way it turned out, but this is really a project to do in wool or other animal fibers if you like your woven-in ends to stay secure.

I’ve also been working on quickie shop sample which has diverted my attention this weekend from the baby blanket and other socks I have been knitting, but you know, when the boss asks, sometimes you really do drop everything and do what she wants. The pattern is the new Knitty Surprise pattern called Sunday Swing.

It is written to be knit in four different sizes and I found the pattern completely easy to memorize which makes knitting it pretty quick. The yarn is Footcrazy from Samantha in Stitches yarn a local dyer that we have begun carrying at the shop. Her color selections are wonderful. This color is called Gemtastic. That’s about all right now; there are a lot of fun things coming up this week so hopefully I’ll have a more to write about then. Happy Knitting! Nana

What’s Happening At Nana’s?

Each day that I put off posting the size of this post has grown. So, instead of making this a really wordy post, I decided to make it pictorial instead, so if your browser is slow, be patient…I had lots of pics on the camera, so I know I’ve been busy. Here’s a quick look at some of the things I’ve been up to:

I knit another octagon: And then started a heptagon? OOPs do you hear amphibians...

Sherry and I went to the Midwest Fiber & Folk Festival. I Did some knitting, bought some stuff, tried fried twinkies and fried milkyway bars, and found the best gift for my new granddaughter:

On Sunday, my brother and niece arrived at the downtown train station, so I went downtown and picked them up, I had a little extra time since the train was delayed, so I checked out some city sites, couldn't resist this shot of the "new" Willis tower (so touristy):

I started a new pair of socks (name that yarn!):

And am nearly finished with the vest (working on front band today):

If time cooperates over the weekend, I'll try to write a decent post about the acquisitions from the festival and my new sock, and hopefully there will be a finished shot of the vest.

Happy Knitting!

Nana

The Shape of Things to Come

Well my knitting is starting to “shape” up. I finished one Octagon and two squares for baby Sylvia’s blanket. The Sprout yarn is so soft and cuddly, but it is a beast to knit with! Thank goodness the shapes are knitted with alternating decrease rounds (it goes faster as I go). Here’s a peek: There will be more colors added before it’s done, but it’s a start! I also finished the back on the vest and started one of the fronts, no hurry on this project, but I’m to the point where I’m ready to have it off the needles! (no pics) And, last but not least, I finished the blue anklets, so I have at least one pair of socks knit for July (and a finished project to show)… see! Pattern: striped version of a basic sock pattern Yarn: Panda cotton in colors 2302/Baby Blues and 0511/Deep Water Size 2.5 mm needles (dpn)

I expect this to be a sort of busy week. Linda has gone off on a much deserved vacation and left me as lead at the shop during her absence. Most of the time we work together to take care of things, so that’s not too big of a deal, I just need to stay in communication with everybody.

There also will be a little extra cleaning and staying on top of housework because my big brother and niece are coming to visit on Sunday. I’m really looking forward to the visit.

Well, that’s what I’ve been up to… Happy Knitting!

Nana

I Am Loved

Seven years ago today I had the great fortune to marry a wonderful man. Since we couldn't celebrate together today, he sent this:(some close ups of the individual blooms)

I am very loved by a good man. I miss him a great deal. Hurry home honey!

Fiddle-Faddle

Or as Elizabeth Zimmerman refers to it in the Knitter's Almanac …”sheer fiddle-faddle” basically little bit’s of knitting done without a pattern or reference library, just for the joy of creating. When I had made what I deemed sufficient progress on my vest…

(I've actually knit about 5 more inches since I took this pic) I knit these just for a change of project and pace: (yes; I wrote down the "pattern" )

They will eventually (with some additional embellishments) become something like these:

Nice little doodads which attach to a bag or basket so that I can distinguish that object as belonging to me and me alone. Just some fun happy knitting to get me over a hump.

I hope you knit yourself something fun ... have a happy week!

Nana

Trivial Tuesday Stuff

Sadly there is no real knitting to report, slow progress is being made on the Lakeshore Vest and a little bit on the blue anklets, but I am otherwise not doing too much to take pictures of or post about. Instead I give you some trivial things.

Craft Workspace before and after... this could be contributing to the lack of knitting going on:

With some effort, some improvements have been made:

Ahhh.... planning space (still more work to be done, but having clear space was much needed!)

Saucey is feeling a little better, tomorrow is her last day of antibiotics. I think we'll try to go to the vet tomorrow to see if they can get the needed sample. She says:

"Enough with the paparazzi routine already, just let me rest"

and finally, six things...

Here’s a meme I grabbed from Karen's Blog Rules of the game:* List six unimportant things that make you happy;* Mention and link to the person who tagged you;* Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along, and comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged. (I’m with Karen that I won’t tag anyone, but please feel free to grab this meme if you wish!)

1. A purring kitty in my lap or on the bed next to me. 2. Opening packages and adding new merchandise to inventory at work (especially when it’s new yarn). 3. Phone calls from my hubby and/or kids. (Okay, I confess, this may actually be a VERY important thing) 4. The KIA Soul commercial (click on 'downloads' tab to see it) with the hamsters, so silly, I smile every time I see it. 5. Fresh fruit from the farmer's market. 6. Firework displays (the sight, not the sound).

Happy July!

Nana