Zeneedle...needleart as life

(Not) Smitten by Mittens

If only I liked mittens more. I've knit several pair, but only occasionally wear them. (The purple Latvian pair were a gift.) I do realize that mittens are warmer than gloves, for the most part, and they are certainly easier (and faster) to knit. In a snowball fight I'd much rather be wearing a pair of mittens for comfort, ease in forming the snowball and staying warm and dryer longer. But, when it comes right down to it, my fingers cry to be free, love the freedom to wiggle, and need to feel useful. Mittens seem a hindrance to all of that. Maybe I just haven't acquired the ability to wear them. Is it an acquired taste or do you like them (or not) from the get go?

There are so many beautiful patterns and one of my favorite books to thumb through, and drool over, is Selbuvotter by Terri Shea. I dream of knitting any one of the mitten patterns (and gloves, too) and have even purchased yarn. Hopefully when Terri is here next month for classes she can help me acquire a taste for mittens. Lately, Kirsten has also designed some great mittens and I love the look of them, but alas and alack I feel they wouldn't be worn. Perhaps you can share your thoughts on what it is that draws you to wearing mittens to help me see the light. Just why they are so popular?

Acer is now sporting buttons and made her debut on Tuesday. After I saw the way Lene attached buttons to her Kingscot, with a smaller button on the backside,I had to follow suit. This elegant dress making technique adds stability and longevity to the button area.  I've fallen head over heels (again) for Beaverslide yarn. It's amazingly soft and feels good against the skin, but it has the rugged, worsted look of a warm winter sweater.  I might make another Acer, but it's certain I'll be buying more Beaverslide.

Ruminating Again

There isn't any more knitting to show or talk about…you know it all as far as the knitting goes. Acer may be finished this weekend, but it's unlikely it would dry fast enough for a photo shoot.

TeresaC made the comment that she'd be trying to knit all 12 sweaters for MoDo in six months. I admit this crossed my mind as they'd all be done and I'd be free to do as I wished, plus have 12 new sweaters to wear. What's not to love?! However, (I keep reminding myself), this is about having fun (FUN!), not (necessarily) being competitive with anyone (including myself) and enjoying the process. Besides, Gray Mist alone could take a year.

The weather has been all over the place, bitter cold, then snow, then warm air and blue skies. So far, other than ice (which caused me to fall and bump my knee), the winter hasn't been too hard. There is a bit of haze and inversion coming in next week, but it remains to be seen if it will clamp down and stay. 

I must admit that my aversion to green has changed ever so slightly. It's not as strong as it once was and there are more greens I actually like. Not enough to wear, mind you (I'd look putrid in green), but enough that I don't recoil at the sight. Having a blog has opened my color horizons and just as you changed my mind about orange tones, you have been instrumental in advocating for green. The colors and textures of this Georgia O'Keeffe picture speak to me. She named it Blue and Green Music (love that!). Wouldn't it be a beautiful colorway for yarn or fiber?

Speaking of color, when I started this blog the color theme was pink (you're not surprised?). A couple of years later Kim made a fabulous new banner in a purple color theme and I've loved it. However, over the last year, my taste for purple has waned. It was never at the very top of my favorite colors list (red and blue take turns), but it was in my top 4, and now, it's relegated to "meh" status. I've been talking to Kim for quite awhile now about a new look for the blog. I love the red umbrella and didn't want that to change, but I did want something new and different, a fresher look. I'll be working my way through the color changes this weekend and adding the new banner Kim designed. It's going to be SO cool!

Friday This and That

The FO parade is over and now it's back to slogging away at WIPs and trying to get one UFO to mind its manners.  In other words, I seem to have run out of steam, nothing left to show or say on this Friday. This post will likely be disjointed and full of all the things I wanted to say all week but never had the chance.   First of all, THANK YOU for your lovely kudos, both here and on Ravelry, on the finishing flurry of scarves and the lovely Lady Day. The mornings have been very cool this week and the sweaters knit this past summer have now all had their work debut.  It's officially sweater weather. 

Typepad's email notification of comments stopped working on Wednesday and has been working sporadically since then. I'm not the best when it comes to answering comments, but it was disconcerting to find out there were comments on the post that did not come through and to be unable to answer or acknowledge them.  Thank you for taking time to comment on this blog. I appreciate it SO much.

The flowers are fading for the most part, but isn't this, the last of the hollyhocks, a great specimen?  You can click to see how iridescent it looks.

Did you realize that Carole has a new URL? She's moved her blog host so make sure you update your Bloglines or other RSS reader. It was Carole's idea to start the "10 Minutes A Day" spinning group.  My Spinning Mojo took a short trip with the Sock Mojo, but unlike the Sock Mojo the Spinning Mojo has returned.  The goal is to have my fingers ready for the spinning class with Judith MacKenzie McCuin at Rhinebeck.  This week I've spun for at least 10 minutes a day and hope to do more spinning this weekend.

Susan is having an Unbirthday Sale on all her lace patterns, including her new Heat Wave. Ever wonder what to do with that ONE skein of Brooks Farm you've had for years?  Well, Heat Wave is the answer. You must purchase on the blog post to get your 50% discount. How generous is that!?

Terry is running in the Race for the Cure tomorrow.  She could use a little help with fund raising, so go ahead and give her a dollar or two, please?

I sat down with the second Knotty Glove last night and look how much was accomplished!  This may be a glovely weekend with a full pair showing up by the time the weekend is over.

Woohoo!  Knit on!

Random Bits Instead of Lists

Saturday morning was a bit hazy, but as I drove past the school parking lot I saw white blossoming trees framing Mt. Olympus. I thought you'd like to see it, too.

  click

The wind is oft a precursor of a pending storm and this time of year it causes the flower petals to float from the trees like snowflakes.  This little egg was sitting in the dirt near my front door and it is proof the wind also causes havoc for the newly nesting birds.  From what information I could gather, the egg is from a house finch nest...poor little thing. They sing so beautifully and frequently from nearby trees, but yesterday morning they were loudly protesting the new snow.

Yes, new snow fell overnight.  Snowbird had 14" in 24 hours which necessitated the closing of Little Cottonwood Canyon for avalanche control.  Spring in Utah is crazy and this isn't unusual, but it is rather cruel of Mother Nature to send us this May Day "gift".  We can only hope this storm was daweena, the last snow of the year. The weekend ahead looks drrrreearrry (that's me grimacing as I type) and yes, I did say I wouldn't complain about the weather, but I didn't realize it would be this cold again.

Since the Sock Mojo has not seen fit to return (and why should it when it's likely in a warm and sunny place) I'm knitting scarves.  This is the Japanese Vines in Artyarn Ultra Merino 4 and I love both the pattern and the yarn.  The scarf is destined to be a gift which means it will now be my main knitting, side by side with the Tinkerbell Blue.

Cookie has been blamed by many for roping them into the Summer of Socks.  How crazy is it that I joined too and I'm not even knitting socks, don't want to knit socks?  The hope is that warmer weather (if we ever have any) will bring the Mojo home in time for the start of summer sock knitting, June 21st.

Last but not least, I have the honor of wishing CherylS a very Happy Birthday!

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.

Did and Didn't

This is the second picture I meant to post for Saturday Sky, but didn't (get it right).

This weekend there were so many things I needed to do, but didn't for one reason or another. There were things I did that were totally cool, and I'm going to share some of both with you.  The first thing was I didn't get enough sleep (like many of you), due in large part to insomnia, not the time change.

Another thing I didn't do was knit on either of the socks.  The picot cuff for Flickering Flames was knit a few days ago.  The Rattlers did get a little attention late last week, but that's all.  Both may have more attention this week because I DID finish the knitting on my EPS.

However, I didn't get all the hemming done...only the sleeves are finished, not the body.

I did knit on Aspen Grove, but didn't get very far as I had to frog it YET AGAIN! I did get everything back and track and it may be finished this week.

I did do some yarn shopping, but didn't enhance the stash.  I did hope to knit the next sweater from stash yarn, but the only yarn on hand is wool, which just didn't seem like the right thing to knit with spring looming.  This yarn is for the next sweater project and it did make me feel good to buy that pretty color.

 

We did make it to Snowbird for breakfast this weekend, but we didn't ski.  If ever there was a day we wish we could ski it was yesterday.  What a gorgeous day! This was the reason I didn't get the laundry finished. Guess what I'll be doing tonight.

Forty on Friday

1. Since I missed Ten on Tuesday I thought I'd take the list thing to the next level.
2. This is also a test to see if I can come up with 40 random things.
3. No, forty is not my age...I'm much older than that and my birthday is not this week but next.
4. My self-imposed 'on time' for work is 7:50am.  I make it 99% of the time.  The hours are actually 8:30am - 3:30pm.
5. Wednesday, after reading Teresa C's Tuesday post), I had to have a green tea latte (with soy).
6. Because of the detour to Starbucks, I was 5 minutes late.  It was worth it.
7. If the local coffee stop had green tea lattes I would have visited them instead.
8. I finished the tea while eating a snack of Greek yogurt and blackberries (with a few sunflower seeds tossed in for crunch).
9. Cheryl S surprised me at SnB with a gift of Barely Buzzed cheese.  It's a local brand and very unusual, totally lovely and I'm keeping it for myself (Smith was okay with that because he thought it was weird).
10. Sadly, Wednesday I fed the Rattlesnake Creek Sock to the frog pond.
11. The yarn was too thick for the pattern and knitting it was causing pain in my forearm.
12. A second sock was not on the horizon (because of afore mentioned pain) had the first (ever) been finished.
13. Must remember to listen to the niggling voice in my head when it says, early on, that the yarn isn't working for the pattern.
14. Another thinner yarn has been found and the sock restarted, plus I had to start the Fire socks. I just couldn't help myself.
15. It is the process. (You knew I'd throw that in somewhere, right?)
16. With four projects on the needles I'm feeling overwhelmed, but happy, too.
17. The yoke of my EPS is coming along well, but there is still a lot of finishing to do on the sweater.
18. I'm still hopeful it will be finished in time to wear on my birthday.
19. I'm totally crazy for Mim's Zephyros Shawl from the Wooly Wonka's Change of Season Lace Club.
20. It must wait it's turn in the queue, however. (Don't worry, mine will not be green.)
21. Carole started Aspen Grove a full week after I did and she's already finished.
22. I have at least another week of knitting ahead of me, as I'm sticking with EPS for now.
23. I'm a little behind and so, you heard it here last. Sign ups for the lottery to be in Scout's Swag Sock Club start on March 10th.
24. Jody is starting a new knitting ezine called Knotions. She is a fabulous knitter and has the goal in mind to help the rest of us learn more about being better knitters.
25. On the main page of Knotions, you'll find a survey. Make sure you take the time to let her know what you'd like to see in the zine.
26. The Knoted Blog will keep you up to date on what's new at Knotions, so make sure you subscribe to it, too.
27. That's all the PSAs I have for you today. (But, they were good PSAs don't you think?)
28. I have the distinct feeling spring is holding out on us (ALL of us across the country). 
29. I want to be warm (without the aid of wool) and feel the sun on my face.
30. Sprinter sucks (at least this year).
31. It would be nice if the wind chill would take a holiday. (It's been the worst this year.)
32. It would be nice if I could take a holiday, too. (Plans are in the works for a short getaway.)
33. I love Frank Zappa.
34. Just thought I'd throw that in because, as I write, KRCL is playing Trouble Every Day from Freak Out.
35. Oh and, I love Lou Reed, too.
36. One more PSA: You need to change your clocks to Daylight Savings Time this weekend.
37. Monday morning will suck and I'm a morning person.
38. You have until March 12th, 5pm MDT (I changed the end date) to enter the Blogiversary contest. 
39. I'll announce the winners on the 13th.
40. TGIF - Happy weekend everyone!!

Not a Post

Try as I might, nothing came to mind for todays post.  The last two weeks have been crazy busy and all the fun and good times have caught up with me...I've hit a wall.  You've already heard about my knitting (except the Rattlesnake Creek Socks which don't grow much), but are fun to knit when I get a chance.  You've seen how nice the weather has been and the last two days have been much the same (can it really be spring?).  You've heard me complained about my knitting setbacks and, well frankly, there isn't much else going on, at least not until tomorrow.  Come back then for the excitement, I don't think you'll be sorry. 

Today I have a few of my new favorite things to share. 

Blogfree Val told me about Alice Waters new cookbook, The Art of Simple Food, a couple of weeks ago.  She said all the right words about it and that made me buy it.  The recipes and ideas are simple, easy, basic and elegant....good food, organic food, sustainable food, and easy to do...it sounded like heaven.  I'll be trying my first recipe this weekend (if I can decide which one).

Devastator Double Bock!  We love our local brewery/political commentator. Every year they take something from the Utah political climate and name a beer after it, such as, Polygamy Porter (started it all), Evolution Amber Ale, 1st Amendment Lager and now Devastator (after the destruction of downtown SLC) by the "powers that be". Since it's 8% you must purchase it in the liquor store...but it's worth the trip!  You'll be devastated after just one (or two).

My new very pretty Sigg Bottle (pictures didn't work out, but you can see them with the link).  It is metal and reusable a million times.  It doesn't attract odor or emit unknown toxins like plastic can. They are stylish, cool and easy to carry around.  Bet you can't pick just one (I have two so far).

Anne's new Wooly Wonka shop, redesigned and built by the fabulous KimG is up and running! It's easy to navigate and full of tempting lovelies. Anne's yarn and roving are so beautiful and I love they organic colorways she produces.  Her first anniversary is on March 1st (a very good day) and she'll be giving prizes all month long. Check it out...you're going to love looking around and shopping there! 

New yarn must be included in any favorite post and this is my new favorite yarn...Manos Silk Blend in the colorway Violets. Mmmmm, if Spring wasn't on the door step I'd start a hat!

Oops...I Almost Forgot to Blog Today!

Mother Nature tried another fake out on Friday and Saturday by showing off how beautiful the blue sky of February can be.  However, it was still cold and hard to stay outdoors long enough to enjoy it.

Sunday we waited and waited for an approaching storm, portended by a stiff wind that made being outdoors even a short amount of time uncomfortable.  By the time the Super Bowl started, it was snowing heavily (finally!).  It seems every Monday morning we've had the commuter special snowstorm.  As it stands, even the weather people are sick of predicting more snow and have promised the storm coming on Wednesday will be our last for awhile.  We can only hope, eh?

The weekend was busy and didn't offer as much knitting time as I'd hoped to have. However, I came very, very close to finishing Spring Things.  The tropical punch color did help to warm my spirit and I can tell it's February!  When 5:00pm comes there is still daylight and I know within the next week the temperatures will start to rise. I'm keeping the faith.   

If It's Not One Thing...

If the sun hadn't come out in all its glory, if they day hadn't been deliciously warm, if my first full day out of the house hadn't been so fun, so nice, (including a new haircut), it may have been a pretty disastrous Saturday. 

click (see the snow blowing off the peaks?)
A snow covered park, with a fabulous view and lots of lovely sun seemed like a good spot for a photo shoot, but as it turns out, all the pictures were less than good.  It was nice to stand in the sun, feel it on my face, see the snow blowing off the mountain peaks, and enjoy the warmth of a beautiful day. For that alone, I will not complain about poor pictures. I also taught my first needlepoint class (something I've been doing for the last 13-14 years) since mid-December.  It was wonderful to see the students who were very happy to see me, too.

However, more disasters commenced once I returned home and sat to rest, relax and knit.   The Chevron scarf I thought would be crazy fun and perfect for PSIII,  just doesn't float my boat. It shall be frogged forthwith.  The Hot Flash STR will likely become a pair of Monkey Socks (or maybe Pomatomas) instead.

The beautiful new lace project I started became such a mess it had to be frogged (twice) and reknit.  Thankfully it is now back on track (because it was restarted on Sunday?).  I'm very excited about this project because the pattern and yarn were created by Susan.  She spun the yarn last year, but wasn't fond of the pinkish color (much to my delight).  Details to come.

As I was folding up my beloved Seaweed I found a hole caused by broken yarn. (I may remember catching it in the car door.)  Surely it can be fixed, but it does break my heart, as it's my favorite warm wrap and it was just 'one more thing' to furrow my brow.

After spending much of Saturday afternoon choosing patterns, coloring a few ideas, and starting the sleeve of EPS, it became apparent that my choices were less than good, in fact, they stunk.  Frogging ensued, planning will continue.

There are two flights of stairs in my house and, let me tell you, in my current state it is very difficult to navigate both at one time.  The best way to handle the problem is to stop off in the kitchen for a nice treat (green tea and dark chocolate anyone?) and then head up the second flight of stairs.  It's rather a nice way to go.

Sunday started out cloudy, became rainy in the late morning, and then turned into a beautiful day! The predicted bigass storm may produce less than thought or may fall apart!  Things just might be looking up.