tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313224162024-03-12T16:07:55.389-07:00Happy Rocks & Friendly FossilsA compendium of subjects and activities that interest me (i.e. rocks, fossils, geology, biology, mathematics, knitting, sewing)FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-59779103644287850282012-06-07T13:19:00.002-07:002012-06-07T13:19:50.260-07:00Back to it!I have been doing a lot of knitting since my last post to this blog. I plan to post some photos of completed projects soon.<br />
<br />
Also, in addition to knitting, I have been exploring weaving, particularly backstrap weaving. So far, I have been collecting the tools and setting aside some yarns to use for weaving. I have lots of leftover mercerized cotton which will be great for warp-faced weaving. Inkle weaving, similar in weave structure to backstrap weaving, is another area of weaving that I hope to try out. More on this later.<br />
<br />
For now, I'm just trying to get back into posting to this blog.<br />
<br />FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-32351687858537712512011-07-07T13:50:00.000-07:002011-07-07T13:56:39.722-07:00Knitting right along!I have been knitting throughout the spring and into the summer. Here are a few projects I have completed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RMx3olYFlNYe8sbrrz53XIe6li65__cnrwg4fWlN5Grw6AcN-ou4bGLikRhzPhWt5XO7pjRS6e5VdvScNyv1jOvvQTFxd09ynlQLYKfYiWCVtX6WpvrFTv_0mc20LEwvLhGpoQ/s1600/BuzzyBeeBabyBlanket.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RMx3olYFlNYe8sbrrz53XIe6li65__cnrwg4fWlN5Grw6AcN-ou4bGLikRhzPhWt5XO7pjRS6e5VdvScNyv1jOvvQTFxd09ynlQLYKfYiWCVtX6WpvrFTv_0mc20LEwvLhGpoQ/s320/BuzzyBeeBabyBlanket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626713154639230050" border="0" /></a><br />Warning, this is a photo intensive post!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buzzy Bee Baby Blanket in Berroco Weekend</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5869951650/" title="OrientalTop1 by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5869951650_8cef2f8d23.jpg" alt="OrientalTop1" height="500" width="314" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oriental Top in Sinfonia by Omega</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5869391531/" title="HeartbeatSweater1 by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/5869391531_aae0178dcf.jpg" alt="HeartbeatSweater1" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Heartbeat Sweater by Jill Vossburg in Berroco Linsey</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5811785314/" title="Tanzanite2 by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5811785314_516cef2d39.jpg" alt="Tanzanite2" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tanzanite by Norah Gaughan in WEBS Valley Yarns Longmeadow</span>FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-88271798981041730742011-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:002011-06-24T11:35:32.480-07:00Hot! Hot! Hot! and may I add dry!Here in Texas, we have been plagued all spring with wildfires. In west and northwest Texas, we have had little or no rain for about nine months. Combine no rain with triple digit temperatures every day for weeks, and high winds, and there is great potential for disaster. And, believe me, we are well acquainted with disaster this year. Every day in Lubbock County, there are reports of one or more homes that have burned. Grass fires break out almost every day burning structures, fences, crops, and forage for wildlife and livestock. We watch and pray for rain, and not a drop falls. Farmers planted their seeds knowing that unless we received rain, the only reason they were planting was to be able to qualify for a settlement on their crop insurance.<br /><br />We desperately need rain!FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-47251508016828443712011-06-24T11:16:00.000-07:002011-06-24T11:24:03.260-07:00Got to be a better way!Warning -- this is a rant!<br /><br />I have been shredding old financial records. I do this every summer when I am the only person in the office. It is a nasty job, uses lots of time, and the shredded material takes up way more space than the documents did in their original form. Yes, I understand that for security reasons, old financial records need to be destroyed, but there has to be a better way. A small pile of mostly biodegradable paper is shredded and placed into trash bags which not only take up way more space than the unshredded documents, but it goes to the landfill preserved in plastic trash bags which last an infinitely long time. Isn't there some other secure way to destroy sensitive documents?FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-28598426652607218952011-01-06T08:11:00.001-08:002011-01-06T09:09:05.597-08:00Finally Faith and MoreI have not been idle, sitting around eating bonbons, and watching TV. I have plenty of project photos to share what I have been knitting.<br /><br />Faith is finished and I have worn it many times. Love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5201805979/" title="FaithfulInBlue by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5201805979_e06168918a.jpg" width="351" height="500" alt="FaithfulInBlue" /></a><br /><br />And then, there are the sweaters for the grandchildren ...<br /><br />Turtle Crossing Sweater for oldest grandson, Joshua (age 6) -- I made up the pattern and used elements from the afghan square designed by Celeste Pinearo published in <span style="font-style:italic;">The Great American Afghan</span> and the turtle from Barbara Walker's third Treasury.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5324856080/" title="TurtleCrossingSweater by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5324856080_7e937eafb5.jpg" width="497" height="500" alt="TurtleCrossingSweater" /></a><br /><br />Fast and Faster Pullover for second grandson, Szachary (age 4) -- I designed the sweater.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5324856206/" title="FlamesSweater by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5324856206_c73d450a7c.jpg" width="500" height="356" alt="FlamesSweater" /></a><br /><br />Owlet Sweater for youngest grandson, Benjamin (age 2) -- I designed the sweater except for the owl cable.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5324855940/" title="OwletSweater by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5324855940_55d0f3b518.jpg" width="431" height="500" alt="OwletSweater" /></a><br /><br />Baby Katrina Ballerina Lace Layering Cardigan (downsized version of Carrol Feller's design) for granddaughter, Karalyn (age 9 mos.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5324856336/" title="BabyKatrinaBallerinaCardigan by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5324856336_64928bbfeb.jpg" width="500" height="418" alt="BabyKatrinaBallerinaCardigan" /></a><br /><br />And finally, a little cardigan I made for the expected granddaughter of a coworker. The design is original but the stitch patterns are from stitch dictionaries. I call it the "Sweatpea Cardigan."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20471520@N02/5201730739/" title="Sweetpea by kathypdp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5201730739_12e7858fe4.jpg" width="300" height="225" alt="Sweetpea" /></a>FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-56926144192250088142010-10-20T13:04:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:19:25.969-07:00Lots of Knitting, but no PhotosI have been knitting with abandon for what seems like months, but I have no pictures to post. <br /><br />My sweater was judged Best in Show for the knitting, crochet, tatting and weaving division of the Panhandle South Plains Fair last month. I was quite pleased. It was a design that I made up as I went. I started with a hemmed border, knitted a bi-color slipped stitch pattern throughout the body and sleeves to the underarms, then starting from the top, using Carol Sunday's Acorn Cardigan yoke modified to suit my yarn and gauge, I knitted a round yoke and joined the yoke to the body and sleeves using a 3-needle bindoff. Nothing was left but to add the ribbing to the neckline. I like it, and apparently, so did the fair judges. I also entered a pair of socks that received a second place ribbon.<br /><br />My faithless Faith cardigan is finished except for assembling and the neck trim. I think it is quite lovely.<br /><br />Currently on my needles is a baby sweater for my granddaughter. It is frustrating to knit because the pattern is very poorly written. The yarn is Dream in Color Smooshy in Punky Fuchsia. It is not at all the kind of color one thinks of in baby clothes, but I cannot picture my granddaughter in pastels. She is going to look great in strong, saturated colors. She has to be a bold, assertive little girl with three older brothers.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-56155459050383611822010-08-23T13:29:00.000-07:002010-08-23T13:38:22.491-07:00Faithless "Faith"Well, that reverse stockinette stitch in Faith was bugging me so much that I have frogged Faith. I did not frog the cuffs and peplum because I really like them and the sweater I will knit from the yarn will still incorporate those pieces. I just want to change the pattern stitches on the main body of the garment. Faith will never make it to the fair -- at least not this year.<br /><br />On a totally different subject -- on Saturday, I did a household task that should never be attempted in the heat of summer. I decided it was time to run the self-cleaning cycle on my oven. The cycle takes five hours to complete and heats up the kitchen something awful. I'm sure it is not a process that should be started during peak electrical usage hours. I will probably have to ransom my first-born child to pay my electric bill for August.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-24767526085452554802010-07-14T13:38:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:51:53.396-07:00Faith knittingFaith is going really well. I am above the armpits on the back. I think the sleeves will be different from the sleeves designed for the sweater. In my opinion, those balloon sleeves just don't seem to fit with the rest of the sweater design. I will start the sleeves in the same way as the peplum and make them close fitting from cuff to shoulder. I think I will be more pleased. The yarn seems to be working well for this design.<br /><br />I think I want to make another Faith-like sweater from a different yarn. I like the sweater shape very well, but I don't think that reverse stockinette as the main stitch for the body is the best choice. I think I will make one for my sister (who wants a black sweater) with a higher neckline, using stockinette stitch as the main stitch on the bodice and sleeves and using a delicate cable stitch that I like very much instead of the rows of eyelets on the front, sleeves and back. The cable stitch seems most like the gull stitch cable in the Barbara Walker books, but it was called the "lobster stitch" in an old <span style="font-style:italic;">Vogue Knitting</span> when I first encountered it in about 1980. The fabric and style modifications will make a more modest garment and a lovely difference in stitch patterns. -- at least these are my thoughts at this time --FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-32709791437501553722010-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:002010-07-09T12:37:16.096-07:00Started knitting for the fairToday, I started knitting on my entry in the "sweater" category at the Panhandle South Plains Fair. It is "Faith" (<span style="font-style:italic;">Heartfelt the Dark House</span>) by Kim Hargreaves. I am using Knit Picks Andean Treasure 100% alpaca yarn in Summer Sky (blue) for the garment. At this time, I do not plan to make any modifications except to make the sleeves more fitted. I would like to have made Erin from the same book; however, I only have 15 skeins (110 yds/50 gm) of the yarn and the color has been discontinued. A co-worker gave me 5 skeins for Christmas last year and I purchased 10 skeins. I have planned to knit a garment from the yarn before she retires next February so that she can see what I've made with the gifted yarn. <br /><br />I think this project will not take more than 3-3.5 weeks to complete. Then I need to work on my entry for the "vest" category, Meg Swansen's "Mimbres Vest." I have ordered the yarn from Schoolhouse Press.<br /><br />Last month, I began a major project -- doing my best to exercise and eat more intentionally. To start with, I joined a nearby Curves gym. So far, I am enjoying the program and feeling increased energy; although I don't believe I have lost more than a couple of pounds and maybe a couple of inches. There have been a few activities that have interfered with my getting a really good start on the program: VBS, and vacation. Nonetheless, I like being more mindful of my activity level and what I take into my body.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-59194261962782940832010-05-11T11:35:00.000-07:002010-07-09T12:19:35.483-07:00Photo: Mostly Just Right Wrap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21f0lF67JEp2FuqtgfbPHBOrUU60KGKs-aMHjkI1BdcvB0NT7BAOv6h17e2c3EXnJxdHeEPYtaTh1lPO59qAUdhzfHydI6uWs7HsAXxi0r2PTz8OZqQeJ2z7_yNvmCocdmWro0Q/s1600/LtGreenLacyCardigan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21f0lF67JEp2FuqtgfbPHBOrUU60KGKs-aMHjkI1BdcvB0NT7BAOv6h17e2c3EXnJxdHeEPYtaTh1lPO59qAUdhzfHydI6uWs7HsAXxi0r2PTz8OZqQeJ2z7_yNvmCocdmWro0Q/s320/LtGreenLacyCardigan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470083873024610274" /></a><br /><br />It has been about a year since I completed this sweater, and finally, I am able to post a photo of the completed cardigan. The fellow in the picture is not yet finished, but he's definitely a "keeper."FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-48193549886707556202010-05-07T12:40:00.000-07:002010-05-07T12:59:19.523-07:00Throw some modular into the mixAs if I were not already working on too many projects (all sweaters), I have started a modular cardigan, the Mola Jacket by Patricia Werner in Dazzling Knits. I am making one last attempt to make something with the bamboo yarn that I purchased more than a year ago. I went into the local yarn shop (no longer in business) and asked for some red yarn in a DK or lighter weight. The only yarn that even faintly resembled what I'd requested was the "no brand" bamboo in poppy, not really the yarn or color of red I had in mind, but I bought enough to make a simple top with 3/4 length sleeves. In the time since I purchased the yarn, I have attempted to knit and subsequently unknit three different garments. The yarn splits if you breathe and the stitches slip and slide around as if they are snakes in a pit. I will never, never, never buy 100% bamboo yarn again. Did you hear that? I said NEVER!<br /><br />Modular designs are interesting to knit and produce garments that are unlike standard knitted garments. The knitter must beware of the deceitful nature of modular knitting. It's easy to stay up way past bedtime, not with the "just one more row", the famous last words of the knitter of standard garments, but with the "just one more module" which leads inevitably to another and another and another. I started knitting this garment from the bamboo yarn so that I would discover split stitches sooner and have less to rip out to correct the mess. I had visions of taking my time, and working on the jacket a little at a time to keep the frustration level down. <br /><br />I should be able to post some "in progress" pictures soon. Until then, happy knitting!FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-33909461291394629342010-02-25T17:44:00.000-08:002010-02-25T17:52:30.928-08:00Socks for MomThe first picture is a pair of socks for my mom made from Knit Picks bare merino sock yarn kettle dyed with pink lemonade Kool Aide. These are plain cuff-down socks with foldover cuffs and eye-of-partridge heels. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5TOK4QuwdACwyYUWq5iigELqbNpeXgmCdyOQgUWGzLbFzkXTyTl8sTvD10R1vv1uQeUjsRs-em2v7Q6diuNpRxfpstUhJyrF57FuafKuEuZ6HBDZbFS2KnwN3Muj4hxctlM8ag/s1600-h/MomsAnklets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5TOK4QuwdACwyYUWq5iigELqbNpeXgmCdyOQgUWGzLbFzkXTyTl8sTvD10R1vv1uQeUjsRs-em2v7Q6diuNpRxfpstUhJyrF57FuafKuEuZ6HBDZbFS2KnwN3Muj4hxctlM8ag/s320/MomsAnklets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442362752496869586" /></a><br /><br />The second picture is a pair of socks for my mom made from Knit Picks Stroll sock yarn in the discontinued glacier color. The pattern is "Undulting Rib" from <span style="font-style:italic;">Favorite Socks</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUxOiZ4s2fEFpK3ddo9qJIKEU-hi-EqupaLRB2xNz1dPDd062qz6kIF-IuV7_Rq1dSz7NHe2131ntFpI6_oWjUNGl9HRw3YIi9XX9IzLw0dINkgugmoWddJGEDvWDh1vcybMUFg/s1600-h/UndulatingRibSocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUxOiZ4s2fEFpK3ddo9qJIKEU-hi-EqupaLRB2xNz1dPDd062qz6kIF-IuV7_Rq1dSz7NHe2131ntFpI6_oWjUNGl9HRw3YIi9XX9IzLw0dINkgugmoWddJGEDvWDh1vcybMUFg/s320/UndulatingRibSocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442362741366990450" /></a>FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-60274101551124613912010-02-24T09:57:00.000-08:002010-02-24T10:05:10.924-08:00Knitting like crazy, but nothing to showI have been knitting on several projects so far this year.<br /><br />Socks<br />2 pairs for my mother completed<br />1 pair for my mother-in-law completed<br />1 pair for my grandbaby due in April completed<br />1 pair for my grandbaby due in April half done<br /><br />Hat for husband from frogged and leftover sock yarns<br /><br />Cardigans<br />2 cardigans for me in the works<br /><br />In addition, I am working on a pieced receiving blanket for my new grandbaby and a game for my grandsons.<br /><br />I really do have some pictures of my mother's socks, which I will publish another day.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-23162531007932742982010-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:002010-01-12T08:59:44.103-08:00More photosFor Christmas, I made the Flowered Cardigan for my mother. The design is from Rebecca Lennox for Elmwood Yarn Shop. I used Knit Picks Swish DK superwash merino in amethyst heather on US 5 needles. My mother was pleased with her gift -- and -- best of all, it fits her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEEttMBYx802o6zJxhYxhU4iVUPHDVuJYQo-hmZ3VB1v0gS8X8dhinhJt27dht_jZ7jGHS_WGKnZl0sJFSyN6gdQxuceRMi-2orh2QeQCCFftYF_4qtT5xLcBLWhq5zeU2q2m3Q/s1600-h/FlowerCardigan2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEEttMBYx802o6zJxhYxhU4iVUPHDVuJYQo-hmZ3VB1v0gS8X8dhinhJt27dht_jZ7jGHS_WGKnZl0sJFSyN6gdQxuceRMi-2orh2QeQCCFftYF_4qtT5xLcBLWhq5zeU2q2m3Q/s320/FlowerCardigan2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425894404513555602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi8z03axPPIrWXD7uyfZII8bL9ZAzhe2Qn379a5Q8FIUpWHsx1E2yS9mVhpY-5VnIPzmpLo3lSUxvKydPmc1kOaddACIvJnuspMNH2ka_Jbv4BAy6PqlVXMyhsP9CCCzNuJNROA/s1600-h/FlowerCardigan1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi8z03axPPIrWXD7uyfZII8bL9ZAzhe2Qn379a5Q8FIUpWHsx1E2yS9mVhpY-5VnIPzmpLo3lSUxvKydPmc1kOaddACIvJnuspMNH2ka_Jbv4BAy6PqlVXMyhsP9CCCzNuJNROA/s320/FlowerCardigan1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425894803016543570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg342qr2lWeGFKmHs8KgYRox2yYyhmZ60CE-ZHZ_j-U7Fl0EmDwtVCUzOTtxk8Y5oXHPhrZUCpmHVg4pYkA_zUmgWJtOUvJccn4krIBpgLgRc4vrEz_DXa9GoWHodrcblxewkx-NA/s1600-h/ReversibleVest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg342qr2lWeGFKmHs8KgYRox2yYyhmZ60CE-ZHZ_j-U7Fl0EmDwtVCUzOTtxk8Y5oXHPhrZUCpmHVg4pYkA_zUmgWJtOUvJccn4krIBpgLgRc4vrEz_DXa9GoWHodrcblxewkx-NA/s320/ReversibleVest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425892143278963250" /></a><br /><br />The photo above, Reversible Vest from <em>Knit One Below</em>, received a first-place ribbon at the Panhandle South Plains Fair in September, 2009. It is made of two colors of sport weight Peace Fleece yarn, which when used together sort of remind me of pigeon feathers -- gray when viewed from a distance, but violet and green when viewed close up. I spit spliced the yarn to eliminate ends to weave in; however, I could not figure any way to avoid weaving in ends at the beginning and at the shoulders. So, my reversible vest is not reversible. The buttons that the I-cord is passed through are metal and partially overlaid with mother of pearl. I think they are perfect buttons for the garment. Alas, the vest is quite large, both too long and too big around for me or for my sister, so I will probably felt it. I am afraid that if I felt it, the loops for the buttons will not go over the buttons, so I am hesitating on felting.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-75254119818380906982010-01-07T13:47:00.000-08:002010-01-12T08:26:25.205-08:00Pictures, pictures, picturesI have lots of knitting project pictures to share.<br /><br />The Katrina Ballerina cardigan that I made for my daughter's birthday present is pictured below although it is not modeled by its recipient. Currently, the recipient is pregnant, a fact that my husband and I did not know until Christmas. After presenting us with three little grandsons (who are indeed wonderful), she is due to give birth to a girl-child in April. Now I have the perfect project in mind for some of those luscious leftovers of sock yarn -- little baby girl socks. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieds_hv193aRnShaRA6rXGQyU-sTiPExHCmuXpPaxmH2XFNFl7Bb8h5revysGzfyOkn49reraJ5-jYLg-rkJ0_9IBAztxoxaqCJk8_qNK0ZVADllcN0QjPCzvkQWmN3NHhgyRscA/s1600-h/KatrinaBallerina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieds_hv193aRnShaRA6rXGQyU-sTiPExHCmuXpPaxmH2XFNFl7Bb8h5revysGzfyOkn49reraJ5-jYLg-rkJ0_9IBAztxoxaqCJk8_qNK0ZVADllcN0QjPCzvkQWmN3NHhgyRscA/s320/KatrinaBallerina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424119772027460482" /></a><br /><br />Next project is the Triangle Scarf from Norah Gaughan's book <em>Knitting Nature</em>. It is made from yarn given to me as a prize by Chris Hanner (http://www.myfavoritethimble.com). The scarf was a gift for my sister.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i2xBMT6JShmMLnjcW8iYoqDX5r5KDagLSGPehCI9QSGT4fGYKXJ-lDiBoMNBYgavEr6wKxO1b8JdhbchMYAyakj9pxAYHdrdNhjNMo9A0o4WcJRaTohVJpr5DY8HMiDrAopzIQ/s1600-h/TriangleScarf1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i2xBMT6JShmMLnjcW8iYoqDX5r5KDagLSGPehCI9QSGT4fGYKXJ-lDiBoMNBYgavEr6wKxO1b8JdhbchMYAyakj9pxAYHdrdNhjNMo9A0o4WcJRaTohVJpr5DY8HMiDrAopzIQ/s320/TriangleScarf1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424121151153144082" /></a><br /><br /><br />I made the fingerless gloves "Musica" for my niece who is 15 years old and plays flute, violin and piano.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiBh4LLzBrf0PK2Ht1kS64R2hEJsGxe3pQAyYLB9tcw2Bnn93nKZJ2FM9nwF3h8fKIaw4hLtkQ3AAQfoZiKpmeSX8Sbn1KotYArQr6-c7OYavLH5YhirD2UW1NENBL47hnaeolw/s1600-h/100_0981.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiBh4LLzBrf0PK2Ht1kS64R2hEJsGxe3pQAyYLB9tcw2Bnn93nKZJ2FM9nwF3h8fKIaw4hLtkQ3AAQfoZiKpmeSX8Sbn1KotYArQr6-c7OYavLH5YhirD2UW1NENBL47hnaeolw/s200/100_0981.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424122549572929826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFx_mbUV3bwH8o6GRKyxUro6YeKpZ4-5dp3hbpLIw7hpyCx0UqQjKB96WAg3XeuWMbM51_pDlJB8pXZfueZOYGYtGEg0ck528Xt9hpiIMu2TaTcK9sXgztob1_AxSpNipR_w8OQ/s1600-h/100_0979.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFx_mbUV3bwH8o6GRKyxUro6YeKpZ4-5dp3hbpLIw7hpyCx0UqQjKB96WAg3XeuWMbM51_pDlJB8pXZfueZOYGYtGEg0ck528Xt9hpiIMu2TaTcK9sXgztob1_AxSpNipR_w8OQ/s200/100_0979.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424122539597194322" /></a><br /><br />That's enough for today. I'll post other pictures another day.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-65759397526567198412009-12-16T11:53:00.000-08:002009-12-16T12:04:11.968-08:00For your viewing pleasureI have been so inconsistent about publishing anything, especially photographs, on this blog. Yes, I have been very busy knitting my fingers to the bone -- Christmas knitting, you know. I do have some project pictures, but I have yet to post them.<br /><br />So .... Here are a few of my favorite Christmas photos (lifted from Google images).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktMOH30M-yLkNlwSz2ZhWNlux9-2RNq4MbrDTbJbbXZ7un7ocvi_O_RZyQ_Kziw3OGRGkeNudeHILRlmyk-eV1pKj39sDXZFLsVI5oh4QtdO3mbjVgcPUMNUvCbILXo88JSpQ_Q/s1600-h/PoppiesRed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktMOH30M-yLkNlwSz2ZhWNlux9-2RNq4MbrDTbJbbXZ7un7ocvi_O_RZyQ_Kziw3OGRGkeNudeHILRlmyk-eV1pKj39sDXZFLsVI5oh4QtdO3mbjVgcPUMNUvCbILXo88JSpQ_Q/s320/PoppiesRed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415926356620309810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PF8Ejsl70lI4tb0gVLz03qZdTAvY75M1fBiOK0GUq9KaHv4FCbGQeYG8_ClTZ9twyyTjp4Eqf8nNHOye2iXQ23CLc6h2lAnuDCEtGPQB9HMZOvHwPYbe25CgxtVuadCoHv55ig/s1600-h/Peppers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PF8Ejsl70lI4tb0gVLz03qZdTAvY75M1fBiOK0GUq9KaHv4FCbGQeYG8_ClTZ9twyyTjp4Eqf8nNHOye2iXQ23CLc6h2lAnuDCEtGPQB9HMZOvHwPYbe25CgxtVuadCoHv55ig/s320/Peppers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415926352202645586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66sLmvE1eh-dQ3oqm2BqX2lQxZElsStxMkabDz8kOIH_TibFU6siKRYND4BLyGJ7fJ5M4wl-dMWfChEGkY8oxEYExi-uHIpXs50P4fp-3MnHDgwvHP93eCmk_4_u626zaaTyUw/s1600-h/ChristmasCactus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA66sLmvE1eh-dQ3oqm2BqX2lQxZElsStxMkabDz8kOIH_TibFU6siKRYND4BLyGJ7fJ5M4wl-dMWfChEGkY8oxEYExi-uHIpXs50P4fp-3MnHDgwvHP93eCmk_4_u626zaaTyUw/s320/ChristmasCactus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415926343100127602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuO5tLoC5S5JZ-TlyaxEJJk2OnD1hkHlfpK5LAyAIkxJWjYRpwwFjj1wN-5w8zNUI1IUvzyjpsyqlQseZImu7O-rNmWIHWMkmQ61xkPTABV0HG2ujApNLmsCAxCNDnIpBoRjcNA/s1600-h/aloe_tn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuO5tLoC5S5JZ-TlyaxEJJk2OnD1hkHlfpK5LAyAIkxJWjYRpwwFjj1wN-5w8zNUI1IUvzyjpsyqlQseZImu7O-rNmWIHWMkmQ61xkPTABV0HG2ujApNLmsCAxCNDnIpBoRjcNA/s320/aloe_tn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415926339323152818" /></a>FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-15362192980556139362009-11-23T08:16:00.000-08:002009-11-23T08:25:42.242-08:00Much knitting but still no picturesI have completed a lot of knitting projects, but I seem to be unable to get pictures of my completed projects. Some projects have been photographed, but I haven't downloaded the photos from the camera. I don't know why I am so slow about posting photos.<br /><br />I have completed all the knitting for the Debbie Bliss animal scarves (bear, monkey and zebra). Now, I need to assemble the scarves. Also, I have completed one of the fingerless mits and started the second for my niece. They are black and white fingering weight yarn with music symbols on them. I have swatched for the flower cardigan for my mom's Christmas present. The swatch looks great. I think the sweater will be beautiful. The yarn is KnitPicks Swish DK in amethyst heather. It's a wonderful, rich purple, but when I look at it under the light in my living room, I could swear there is an orange "fuzz" on the surface. Odd, the tricks our eyes play on us!FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-15735919372332368712009-09-01T07:53:00.000-07:002009-09-01T08:09:04.628-07:00Still knitting after all these years!I continue to work on the Elektra and enjoy watching it grow. The Katrina Ballerina, on the other hand, is quite another matter. The knitting is not complicated, but it does not progress as rapidly as I would like. The yarn is not a pleasure to work with and is a contributing factor to the slow progress. <br /><br />Today is just a daily day, not spectacular in any way. Why is it that when we are in a period of "ordinary time," we long for celebration, for a change of venue, for excitement, for brass band days? Then, when we finally are on vacation, enjoying holidays, the celebratory seasons, we long for ordinary time, for routine, for predictability, for daily days? The human race is a curious species.<br /><br />My husband and I are looking forward to a week of vacation in the Portland, Oregon area in the latter part of October. I think it will be the perfect time of year to be in Oregon. Planning a trip that is not primarily to visit family is a foreign concept for us. We have rarely done that in our lives.<br /><br />Enjoy the ordinary time for the frantic, frenetic, frenzied days will come when rapidly approaching deadlines loom, and there seems never to be enough hours in the day.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-38896311369264430612009-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:002009-08-19T09:30:21.304-07:00Happy Birthday to Me!Today is my birthday, the 60th anniversary of my birth. I was born in Dallas, Texas at St. Paul Hospital, a Catholic hospital. Since I was born on a Friday morning in a Catholic hospital, my mother was served an entree of fish for dinner, which she refused to eat based on her grandmother's admonition that one should not eat fish right after giving birth. When the nurse in attendance assured her that the fish would not cause harm, my mother stuck with the "old wives tale" and continued to refuse to eat the fish. This is one of the family tales that has be told and retold throughout my life with very little embellishment, which is not always the case in my family. <br /><br />Most of the family stories I have heard in my lifetime have been embroidered with various embellishments depending on the story teller. My Aunt Norma (married to my father's eldest brother) once queried, "Why is it that your side of the family keeps telling tales about family members whether the subject of the tale is alive or dead?" My response was, "We see no need to let a good story die just because the main characters are dead. A good story is a good story."<br /><br />My current knitting projects are going well. The knitting has been uncomplicated, and, as the garments grow, I enjoy watching them develop into exactly what I had in mind when I started them. I suspect the Electra is telling me that it wants to live in my sister's closet; however, I am still trying to convince it that I would enjoy it more. The fact that my sister saw it last weekend and commented on how the colors in it are "her colors" does not help my case for keeping it for myself. I keep telling myself that if I do decide to give it to her, I can always make another one for myself. Decisions, decisions!FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-20398707337631532712009-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:12:10.495-07:00Knitting miles of stitchesI am currently working on two different cardigans, one for me and one for my daughter. The cardigan I am making for my daughter is the Katrina Ballerina Lace Layering Cardigan from No Two Snowflakes Alike (www.notwosnowflakesalike.com). It is a lovely top-down raglan with the top portion in stockinette with garter stitch borders and the lower portion or skirt in a simple lace pattern which resolves into a garter stitch edge. It is a lovely design which I think my daughter will enjoy wearing. I am making it from some DK weight mercerized cotton yarn that I purchased as a kit and decided to make something different with the yarn. My hands are "crying" from working with this yarn. I am hoping to finish the sweater in time to enter it into the South Plains Fair in September.<br /><br />The other cardigan I am making is Elektra by Twisted Sisters (from their book <em>Double Trouble</em>). It's a rather simple design to knit especially since I made a pullover from that same book and that pullover uses a similar process. The yarns I am using are all fingering weight sock yarns in cool colors with a strand of blue-black lace-weight yarn carried along with the sock yarn. The blue-black lace weight yarn has the affect of blending together the sock yarn colors. I am alternating bands of multi-colored sock yarn with bands of navy sock yarn. This yarn is a pleasure to knit, and the finished garment will be light weight and warm.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-91103612767582334382009-07-31T07:19:00.000-07:002009-07-31T07:51:16.463-07:00Tee Leaves PhotosI have been enjoying wearing my new top, the Tee Leaves top. It is comfortable and the fit is loose enough to be comfortable without being too baggy. If I were making this design again, and I probably will use the basic design again, I would make the armscye more shallow and that would make the sleeves not so wide at the underarm. This is the first garment that I have made that I put in bust darts, and I really like the fit. The top does not stand out or ride up at the lower front. I made the neck trim as a straight band that is basically a 2 by 2 ribbing except the middle rib is twisted and then attached the band when it was long enough to fit the neckline. One other thing that I did on this garment that I have never done before, I made the leaf edging to my hip and forearm measurements, made each piece into a ring, and picked up stitches for the garment from the straight edge of the border. I think it worked out well. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOUdHjJcBJpLYOw-AHMmYwMuOxBP1Fm67-GxtOhTtLgEWCoAXZTFijFH63LLRZHZ7pK7AVv67Q9030fkKLyASw_k4Yf8Q0_NOTie5e3ImMRecIFKGPFqidvjTwYdsSGYlnkW3pQ/s1600-h/TeeLeavesTop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOUdHjJcBJpLYOw-AHMmYwMuOxBP1Fm67-GxtOhTtLgEWCoAXZTFijFH63LLRZHZ7pK7AVv67Q9030fkKLyASw_k4Yf8Q0_NOTie5e3ImMRecIFKGPFqidvjTwYdsSGYlnkW3pQ/s320/TeeLeavesTop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364636762011022386" /></a>Tee Leaves top<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BwGiNNSbJaBuZPT2TGypxqFlKFf16zVjxWN8ETrEVouhCVeHTCYHwAAtUq983xBW6rqBiGKCPtz-IhPnRCPo2SyOlzG_koKDT7N0Ru8dmchWYarUcpWooqjPM-pJ9xw9Kvs-Bw/s1600-h/TeeLeavesEdge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BwGiNNSbJaBuZPT2TGypxqFlKFf16zVjxWN8ETrEVouhCVeHTCYHwAAtUq983xBW6rqBiGKCPtz-IhPnRCPo2SyOlzG_koKDT7N0Ru8dmchWYarUcpWooqjPM-pJ9xw9Kvs-Bw/s320/TeeLeavesEdge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364632092581326754" /></a>Detail of the leaf edging<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFYppxqlQS6-f928_WW-FgHx_d7KOhmbdBq_WaF2I0tBGH8093-dDvuwFXD4gA_j28BnS6wLYaWNA18Y38EEEnUSBmHQpBt5X0sJaE6YeXqPsdtoCrsBY0022tUtRCTI0WKnE0A/s1600-h/TeeLeavesNeckline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFYppxqlQS6-f928_WW-FgHx_d7KOhmbdBq_WaF2I0tBGH8093-dDvuwFXD4gA_j28BnS6wLYaWNA18Y38EEEnUSBmHQpBt5X0sJaE6YeXqPsdtoCrsBY0022tUtRCTI0WKnE0A/s320/TeeLeavesNeckline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364632443948815394" /></a>Detail of neckline trimFriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-74291610443963567082009-06-16T08:58:00.000-07:002009-06-16T09:03:47.439-07:00Tee Leaves -- a quick knitWell, my Tee Leaves top is working up very well indeed. I lack just a little bit at the shoulders/neckline, the neckline trim and the sleeves. I really think I will enjoy wearing this garment. My plans are to complete it this week and start over with my bamboo yarn. It will be another tee with the same measurements as the current project. The only difference I am planning at this time is to change the edging on the bottom and sleeves. I want to use the tilting ladders lace on it. Photos will be posted later.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-56708523593648246772009-06-05T08:26:00.000-07:002009-06-05T08:40:27.460-07:00Decision made!I have definitely decided to rip out the Ogee Tunic. I will photograph it first to show why it must be frogged. It is a case of a design and a yarn that are not compatible. The cables and the lace are invitations to split the yarn. Believe me when I tell you that 100% bamboo yarn does not need any excuse to split. When manipulating stitches with this yarn, the stitches become distorted because of the slipperiness of the yarn. I will definitely reuse the yarn. It was too expensive to abandon, although, I really would rather abandon it. I have a project in mind for it. Another reason not to like the yarn is that it has absolutely no body. It is so drapey that it hangs like a lifeless old dishrag.<br /><br />To assuage my guilt and to bolster my confidence, I have begun a simple tee using Elann Callista (50% viscose, 25% cotton, 25% linen). Now, this is a yarn that is more to my liking. It shows stitch definition wonderfully, has a bit of crispness to its texture, but is, at the same time, soft. It is a cohesive yarn, showing no tendency to split. For the most part, the knitting can be on "auto pilot," but there are a few details that will make it a pretty garment.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-60924763689895567342009-05-26T09:30:00.000-07:002009-05-26T09:41:29.824-07:00Ogee Tunic BluesI've ripped and frogged<br />And stitched lots of knitting.<br />This doggone yarn has me<br />Fuming and spitting.<br /><br />How can I deal with this yarn<br />That keeps splitting?<br />This ogee front<br />Will I ever finish knitting?<br /><br />I'm just not feeling the love for this yarn or design at this time. If I can just get finished with the front, I think the rest of the sweater will work out okay.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31322416.post-72252602997653953072009-05-19T14:22:00.000-07:002009-05-19T14:32:10.876-07:00Happily knitting along!I have been knitting Norah Gaughan's design, the Ogee Tunic, from <em>Knitting Nature</em>. Although the front of the sweater looks very complex with its meandering cables, it really is quite easy to follow the charts if one remembers to take one line at a time and carefully read the symbols. I am enjoying knitting the garment; however, I am not thrilled with my choice of yarn. The yarn is 100% bamboo, a heavy yarn with absolutely no body. My least favorite feature of the yarn is its structure. It has 14 strands (yes, I said 14 strands) with no twist, that is to say that the strands lie mostly parallel to each other much like embroidery floss. It is so difficult to avoid splitting the yarn.<br /><br />I will give a progress report soon.FriendlyFossilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11148370424199637882noreply@blogger.com0