Zeneedle...needleart as life

Persephone Obsession Abated

Thank you for your kind comments on Koigu Zetor. At the end of a special project, one that has been a part of daily life for several weeks, it's hard to get back into the swing of something new.  As it turned out, I found the perfect project to fill the need and it was Persephone.  There wasn't much time to knit this past weekend, but Persephone went everywhere I went, just.in.case. She grew by one repeat...a hard won repeat, as it turned out.  It was hard to stop thinking about her, or stop knitting, once I got going.

The first time I began (don't we all start our project more than once?)  I just couldn't see how the pattern worked, how the lace fit together and my brain was making all sorts of (wrong) assumptions!  I called Miriam in the off chance there was errata, but I knew the answer before she answered the phone as I'd seen her knitting from the chart a few days before.  She confirmed there was no errata, but kindly tried to think of what might be throwing me off.   I told her it was me, my brain hadn't kicked in and I would just start over to see if that was the reboot needed.  Indeed, it was...a fresh start had me on the right track and everything made sense the second time through.  Don't you just hate love when that happens?

Miriam's lace patterns are so interesting and entertaining (I love good knitting entertainment).  She doesn't just find a stitch pattern and put an edge on it, she thinks about the design and how patterns will mesh and work together.  Persephone is a fun knit because it isn't the same thing over and over and the design is interesting to do.  Too bad my pictures turned out so horribly as this does not show the depth of the colorway or the interesting pattern changes. I'll try to do better next time.

Judy's yarn is perfect for this project and adds another dimension of interest. The mix of brown tones with the grayed purple gives the color a very organic feel, which I wish you could see. (I'll try to do better.) The sheen, which is also hard to capture in pictures, enhances the color and design.  I love everything about Persephone and will enjoy knitting every stitch.

CeCe has grown only slightly since I got caught up in Persephone madness…but the rest of this week will be all about CeCe.   The main reason (beside the desire to wear her) is that yarn for a new project has arrived. I've enjoy wearing NBT the First very much and decided it was time to do a redo. NBT will make another great summer sweater.  Isn't that sleeve about as interesting as knitting gets? (kidding)

I often wear blue and brown together and I almost bought brown for a contrasting neck and sleeve bands, but I think one color will be less limiting.  I'm going to make this NBT more grrly with picot hems on sleeves, body and around the neck.  Unlike my first NBT there will be no design across the chest.  This shirt will be ready to go anywhere, with anything, all summer long.

The week I ordered the Calmer for Nothin' but a T I also printed off the pattern.  I'm so relieved as MagKnits is now history. (Yes, I know there are ways to get the patterns if you don't already have them.)  Alison said she'll republish NBT on her blog if the archives are not restored and Jody is adding some of the patterns to her new Knotions magazine, too.

I must give a shout out to Chris (and Chaos and Mayhem) for sending two fabulous CD mixes.  As far as I'm concerned they are near perfection.  You know just the right songs, (even the titles are perfect) and genre's that mix well...good work, Chris!  They have been the soundtrack to my daily life this week and I love them.

ZeKoigu Contentment

Lace knitting was one of the things that helped me through the winter (of my discontent as Cindy  calls it).  The only thing I wanted to knit was lace, and while there were days I could not knit, a shawl was always the main event. The lace addiction has continued and Zetor is the fourth shawl of the year. (I've grown fond of wearing lace and feel a little nekid without it.)

The colors below are listed in the order I knit them.  I started with P713 and knit about 26 rows, then knit in alternating rows with P200 and P713 for several more rows and then knit with only P200 alone.  The whole shawl was knit in that fashion.  If I had kept to the 26 row pattern and not over done the first three sections there would have been no need for ball number 6, but that very dark edge (only 4 rows) did make a nice finish (and the yarn was in the stash).  There are no complaints as the colors worked out beautifully.  Koigu is a perfect yarn for lace, whether you knit with one color or many, as the yarn is soft, stretchy, blocks well and has the best color ranges ever.

The Koigu stash was collected over the last 4 years in both internet shops and LYSs from my travels.  It's been fun to pick up a few favorite colors and see how they work with what's at home.  I will continue with this behavior as often as I can....Koigu is for collecting.

Zetor was a very easy shawl to knit as the repeat was only a few rows, but with the yarn coloways, it was pure entertainment to watch the colorful stitches dance across the needles.  Zetor has been even more fun to wear as it stops even non-knitters who must take a look at the yarn.  Finishing this shawl in time for spring weather, and being able to wear and enjoy it, has been a big boost for my mood.  It is a joyous, colorful shawl that I'll enjoy for many years. 

Pattern: Zetor Scarf (made into the size of a shawl)
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM 6 skeins, one each P713, P200, P206, P445, P401, P609.
Time to Knit: March 16, 2008 – April 8, 2008
Comments:  The plan was to knit Zetor in the style of Charlotte's Web with a few rows of one color, then a section of two colors blended in 2x2 rows and then another section of one color. Because of the density of the pattern more yarn was needed and every bit of each skein was used (except the first and last colorways).  It is very large at apx 80" across the top and 45" at the center.  So much for a small, summer shawl.

Final-l-l-ly!!!

Spring has finally graced us with her presence and brought us the most beautiful weekend we've had in months.  It was sunny, warm(ing) and breathtakingly wonderful to feel the sun and enjoy the out of doors.  Thank you, thank you, mother nature for this much needed respite from the cold and wet.

It was spectacular to be in the mountains Sunday morning with the piles of white snow (2 feet more this week), the bluest of blue skies and warming temperatures.  The skiers have started to abandon the slopes for fair weather pursuits, which meant the resorts were quiet, as was our favorite spot for breakfast, Silver Fork.

The weekend was busy with two wakes (a friend on Saturday and an aunt on Sunday) and other family obligations.  We did have time for a few pictures of the Zetor Shawl and if you come back tomorrow I'll share them with you then.

Let's Do it Again!

Are you sick of my lists?  It's become a habit tradition each Friday as it's an easy way to catch up with myself, get things off my chest and make a nice ending to the week.

1. Norma started the conversation, Sandy continued it, and a button was born.
2. For several months I've been carrying my own bags to grocery store.
3. After I purchased them it took several trips before I was able to remember to take them in with me.
4. It's now become a habit and they are so much nicer to carry than the plastic bags of old.
5. Sandy's bags are much prettier than mine.
6. A local farm (which was once a dairy) has started a food delivery service (mostly organic items).
7. It's been wonderful to have the weekly delivery of needed items right to the door.
8. By buying bulk at Costco and having regular items delivered, a trip to the small local grocery only happens once a week (if that) and it's usually for only a few items (bananas, apples and some veggies).
9. I do try to buy local, but it's not my main focus.
10. I go more for a good product and ease...I'm all about easy.

Ten On Tuesday Moved to Friday - Favorite Actors

1. We watch very few movies.
2. Consequently I know few actors by name or who is "in" at the moment.
3. Clive Owen comes to mind.
4. Helen Mirren does, too.
5. At one time I loved Kenneth Branagh and Kevin Costner.
6. I watch movies for the story line, plot or genre (Western), not the actor.
7. We're more into the Indie movies than mainstream Hollywood.
8. We get two Netflix movies a month and barely have time to watch them.
9. I'd rather listen to music.
10. This weeks sound track was Nirvana and Bob Dylan, with Miles Davis thrown in for good measure (and Lou Reed).

TMI Tuesday Friday (Thanks Stacey! Happy Birthday, btw!) I found this to be so funny and just had to "do it".

1. Your boyfriend/girlfriend cheats on you with your best friend, who are you (more) mad at?

BOTH!  They are adults and both are responsible for their own actions.  Both should have consideration for our relationship.  They are both betraying a trust and both should be shot.

2. Is there something someone could say to you that would cross a boundary of not being able to take back or forgive them? 

I believe you should forgive (for yourself), but that doesn't mean you should forget or like the person who does you harm.  Life's too short to be upset and angry over someone like that. Energy is best spent in positive ways. 

3. What non-sexual body part do you find the sexiest?

Oooo, I LOVE a good forearm, the inside of the arm is so-o, so-o sexy, so vulnerable.

4. Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery to have the perfect body?

Never.  Plain and simple...never.

5. Have you ever kissed someone of the same sex?

Yes.  Ann and I had a "thing" at Rhinebeck two years ago.

A list of 25 should be plenty.  Have a great weekend everyone.  We're heading for bare toes and sunshine ALL weekend long.

The End of Obsession

The obsession for ZeKoigu Zetor is over, at least the knitting obsession.  I really don't care for the expression "stick a fork in it."...but this thing IS (finally) DONE!  It took about 1 and half hours to bind off and it was a very happy moment when the last stitch came off the needle.  In retrospect, if the first two color sections had been smaller, there would have been no need for the sixth ball of yarn. The plan had been to make a small summer shoulder warmer, but the shawl grew to be HUGE and I'll be able to wrap right up in it.  Can't complain about that!  There is little time in the next couple of days for blocking, but she should be unfurling into her full glory by the weekend.  I'm so happy with ZeKoigu Zetor and I agree with many of you who said she looks like hydrangea flowers.

The Sock Mojo is still MIA and Stacey may decide to send out a search party in case it is lost in the red rocks of Southern Utah.  You notice it's Stacey sending out the search party, not me, I don't care if the Mojo returns right away. The lace Mojo is firmly in place and, for now, CeCe fills the need for lace and for the desire of new summer sweaters.  The body is finished and awaiting sleeves...from there everything should go quickly.   

For some reason I feel light and free…it must be the weight of Zetor, which is finally off my shoulders!  As soon as CeCe is done I'll start another shawl, but for now I don't want to get too carried away with projects…it's too overwhelming for my little brain.

Spotted, but not Returned

Rachel found my Sock Mojo wandering the hills of Northern Arizona, gave it a piece of her mind and sent it packing for home. However, I do believe it got as far as  Zion Park and decided to stay where it was warm and sunny (not that I blame it at all).  Both pair of socks sit, sadly, in the corner, and no one  pays them any attention.  Only the Mojo can save them now.  Rachel also confessed to feeling happy while sitting in a little snow storm, but snow for her is like sunshine to me, a rare occurrence, and so I don't begrudge her that moment of happiness. 

Monday night I was sure Zetor would be finished.  However, it has become a time sucking, yarn sucking entity that controls my life.  I can't put it down, can't stay away, can't stop working on it even though it is constantly faking me out.  How can the end be so near and yet, after hours of knitting, the bind off is no closer? Every time I look at the working ball of yarn it has grown so small that I know another will be needed and, sure enough, there is not enough yarn for the last four rows.

Thank goodness something suitable was hanging around the stash (new reason to stash large amounts of Koigu)...but, 4 rows are still IN PROCESS, which brings the skien count to SIX!  It wouldn't surprise me if the yarn ran out on the bind off row as this shawl eats it up so quickly.  At the rate it takes to knit across one row it might be Saturday or Sunday before the end arrives...(hopefully, I'm kidding!).  The thing that keeps me going is how pretty it is... it looks like flowers tossed into a blender or a full flower bed of glorious spring blossoms.

Hopefully the end won't be anti-climatic and she'll be shown off in her full glory with a great photo shoot. Thanks for hanging in there with me while I go through this bit of obsessive knitting.

"April is the Cruelest Month

...breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain."

Or perhaps snow?  Yes, it snowed yesterday morning and the dreary cold weather continues today and tomorrow.  The weather peoples promise a very warm and sunny weekend...and so we wait, and hope, that our day of sun will come.  The land holds forth the promise of the lilacs and other brightly colored flowers, while a spring like riot of color fills my lap and slides through my hands.  Zetor is nearing an ending and entering a new beginning...just like the earth (and yes, I am obsessed with this shawl).

For one brief shining moment the sun came out while Moxie and I walked yesterday afternoon.  It was still chilly, but it was so enjoyable to walk around and look for flowers. (We did not find any  tomatoes or lettuce.)  Our lilacs are not much farther along than Norma's and she's much farther north!  A few east facing jonquils have had enough sun to open and show their faces.  Jonquils are one of my favorite flowers and the pink hyacinths are especially pretty (they remind me of Zetor, of course!).

The one thing that never entered my head when I began knitting Zetor was the density of the fabric as compared to Charlotte's Web. Zetor's fabric is more substantial, more solid, and it eats up the yarn.  With Charlotte there were many partial balls of Koigu, but Zetor is taking every single bit of every single ball (except the first).  The number of rows for each section changes as the yarn runs out, sometimes mid-row, and yet the effect of mixed up colors has worked out well. Koigu has nice potential for projects that shade gradually. Five skeins of Koigu have gone into this shawl and the size should be just right for a summer shoulder warmer, not too small or two big.

The colors, starting from the neck and moving down are, P713, P200, P206, P445, and P401.  The colors have blended perfect, even better than I imagined, and it has been the bright spot of a dreary spring.  I'll be sorry to cast off the last stitch, but I am excited to wear this shawl and that's worth the wait...obsession continues.

Make It So

When the world around you remains gray and dreary...

...it is time to create your own world of color.

This is what it looked like Saturday morning as I left the house.  The world was black, white and gray, no color anywhere. Only a few lone flowers have come out of the ground as the heat hasn't been enough to bring out a profusion.  A few violets dot the landscape, and a daffodil has come forth here and there...it's sad to see so much gray and the week ahead looks as if it will continue.  The only thing to do is create my own world of color...time to take matters into my own hands and shop, knit and play in full living color.

A trip to the Three Wishes was the first thing on Saturday's agenda and it was the perfect place to start my color search.   Manos Silk Blend in a colorful and brilliant color combination caught my eye right away and it will become a shawl to brighten a gray day of next winter. The colors include a gray green and burnished gold that are out of my usual comfort zone.  I'm trying to step outside of that comfortable place more often as it can be interesting and enlightening.

The tulips bulbs that have been growing in my kitchen started to bloom at just at the right time, and the daffodils from the market brought in more color, the color of the missing sun, into my studio.  One must do what one can to create a happy, joyous world of color. Since the spring bulbs aren't coming as quickly as I'd like, I'll bring them in artificially..it's better than nothing.

The weekend fiber pursuits were spent in colorful ways, too.  This  beautiful silk/merino roving from Chasing Rainbows was predrafted and readied for spinning.  The colors are deep, luscious and rich and the hope is to create a single yarn that will show off that beauty.  Last, but certainly not least, the vibrant colors of spring really come through in the colors of the Zetor Koigu Shawl.  I have been completely obsessed by this project and color may be the real reason it's been my one and only.  The colors of spring flowers will soon be gracing my shoulders.

Saturday Sky

A picture of the road into Zion Park...it was such a beautiful day and I want to be back there again!

It's The Forty Things Again

Spring Cleaning

1. The Ten on Tuesday this week was "10 Things You'd Fix in Your Home".
2. That's easy…everything from the paint in would be replaced and/or renewed…everything.
3. Everything that isn't tacked down would be thrown out.
4. OK, that might be a little harsh, but I sure would like a dumpster (a big one) at the back door for a week, then I could easily toss out a bunch of junque.
5. Sunday, while driving home from So. Utah, I thought about the new summer clothes (still) sitting (nicely folded) on my studio junque room floor.
6. After thinking about them for 3 hours, the first thing I did when I arrived home was go to the clothes closet and start tossing.
7. Out went all my 90s clothes, old belts (does anyone wear belts?), and other unworn, ill fitting clothes and old bags (ugly old bags).
8. All my clothes, including the new summer bunch, now fit on one rack.
9. I love it as everything is in one spot and visible.
10. Now to tackle the sweater cupboard and all the leftover 80s clothes in the extra closet.

Put a Spin on It

1. This week I finished plying the Cormo/Cormo/Cormo-Angora from the Wooly Wonka Exotic Fiber Club.
2. Did you get that…it's a three-ply?
3. It turned out pretty well and looks even better after a good whacking about.
4. I want to dye it  (maybe blue) and then knit a hat for next fall.
5. All my bobbins are empty and ready for the summer of spinning.
6. It's hard to choose exactly what to do next as there has been some new fluff acquisitions.
7. Like the yummy Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks merino/silk I bought from Celia Quinn and the new Spirit Trail fiber.
   
8. One or both are destined to be shawls.
9. I love knitting and wearing lace.
10. It's fun to spin for lace, too.

In My Ear

1. This week all the music of my life is new/old.
2. The Cowboy Junkies have revisited the 20 year old Trinity Sessions.
3. If you don't know about the original Trinity Sessions you should.
4. The Revisited Edition is just as wonderful.
5. Old Gram Parson's/Flying Burrito Brother tracks were found in the Grateful Dead music vaults.
6. A two CD set has been released and it's marvelous.
7. Listening is like hearing Gram for the first time and like he was never gone.
8. He has such a look of innocence.
9. He wasn't, but he really was.
10. I still listened to Lou Reed, too.

The Process of Knitting

1. Yes, I am still about the process of knitting (and learning about MY processes).
2. Maybe, at heart, I'm a one project person.
3. I start several things....three or four, but enjoy the process on one in particular.
4. At the moment my favorite process is lace. 
5. CeCe and Zetor get the most attention and everything else feels like overwhelm.
6. It's the KISS process at work...don't you think? 
7. To much is just, well, too much.
8. But, that doesn't keep me from dreaming.
9. Zetor could be finished this weekend and then I'll feel like working on Persephone.
10. It's doubtful I'll feel like knitting a sock.

Have a good one!