This week saw the completion of a couple of projects. The sweater for my brother, modeled below by Hubby. My brother is 6 foot 5 inches and broad chested. Hubby is 5 foot 9 inches and much smaller around. The sweater will fit my brother just fine, Hubby just swims in it. Hubby says it is very comfy.
Hubby was heading to Toronto on Thursday. The sun was shining, I had just put the last button on so we ran outside for some photos in the sunshine. I managed to adjust all the setting except the white-balance. As a result the photos are an unmistakable blue.
I work very hard at choosing the right buttons. Buttons can make or break a garment. I think most commercially made clothes do not have enough buttons. As a result the front gapes. In this case, the buttons also had to be large enough for a large man's fingers. There are nine buttons on this sweater. Another detail I do is to put a smaller button on the inside band to support the outer button. The button reduces the stress on the knitted band and adds a layer of couture finishing.
It was also a relief to finally finish the afghan. I have been working on it since September. This is the first afghan I have ever knit. I always said it was too much a commitment for me. It took over 16 balls/skeins of yarn. This is equivalent to knitting two large sweaters.
With Hubby gone to Toronto and me still on vacation, I spent all day Friday with the afghan draped over me sewing the last 5 squares together and then to the previous 15. I picked up a gazillion stitches around the edges. It took 5 circular needles of varying lengths. I then started the I-cord edge and knit and knit and knit until I was ready to scream that I was never doing another I-cord edge and then it was done but not quite. There was still lots of ends to weave in. I had woven in ends as I went but there was still lots along the outer edge and the ones for the blocks just sewn on. Now it is done.
My friend C and I made a day trip to London on Wednesday. I had some things to do and she joined me for the drive. It was really a thrill for me to have company on the trip. We talked non-stop the whole way. We had a lovely lunch out and then went on a yarn crawl taking in Mary Maxim, Lens Mill Store and on the St. Thomas to the Little Red Mitten.
Now I don't need yarn. I set out on a quest for patterns. I had been searching Ravelry but still not finding what I wanted. I came home with a book on Christmas stockings and one for preemie babies. I am bored with the pattern I have been knitting for the baby hat and booties and wanted to change it up a bit.
I did break down in the Mary Maxim store and bought a ball of yarn. This one in Peach. I have been agonizing over what baby blanket to knit; what size and what colour to the point where I simply could not make a decision at all. I saw the sample in the store window and felt complete relief. I bought the giant ball, collected the free pattern and felt like letting go happy tears. I cast on Friday morning. Just like with knitting socks from pre-patterned yarn, I am endless amused as I knit. I forced myself to put it down and knit on something else. The baby blanket will be perfect hockey game knitting.
The green shawl is bigger. I also cast on for a wash cloth and it is half done. I promise a photo that is not blue next post.
This week I put away the left over yarn bits from completed projects and started gathering up the yarn, needles and patterns for the next set of projects. I want to cast them all on at once. Why I think I can knit on all of them at the exact same time I cannot explain. While I can multi-task like a professional, they have to be completely different tasks. I washed the floor and while it was drying so I could add the shine keeper product, I knit. At the same time I was doing the laundry. You can do other things between the loads. The shine keeper needs 1/2 hour to dry between coats and the floors needs two coats. I knit while it dryed. However you can only knit on one thing at a time.
It is a new year and I am still harboring the cold from 2015. This cold has been hanging around so long I am thinking of giving it a name. Something annoying; a name most people would make fun of like Poindexter. Poindexter is like a family member you didn't invite to your house. You can't say no to his staying with you as it would upset your mother. Now he has made himself at home and you can't get him to leave no matter what you say or do.
I woke up this morning and I have lost my voice. This is the latest manifestation of symptoms.
I like to take time off work between Christmas and New Year's. I do cleaning that needs to be done at least once a year; stuff my cleaning lady is not expected to do. I feel like I am putting my house in order before my busy season at work.
Poindexter is slowing me down. I can only do a little before I am coughing, sneezing and wanting to take a nap. The cold is only part of why I feel I can't get anything done.
One of the chores I planned was to clean the oven. It is a self-cleaning oven so really not that big of a deal to clean. However, from year to year, I cannot remember how to set the stove to the self-cleaning cycle. I need the instruction manual. Luckily I can remember where I keep it. It is in the cubby in the living room coffee table.
I opened the door to the cubby on Monday. Half the stuff avalanched out on the floor. Time to clean up the cubby. I sorted the assorted pieces and then started putting them in better places. Included in the cubby were maps and atlases. We have a separate place to store those but the space would not hold any more so time to clean up the map storage. This lead to wiping the dust off the other shelves in the storage unit.
In the cubby were computer and other assorted cables. I keep those in the basement. The basement ones seem to have gotten spread out so I found a clear plastic bin, rounded up the cables and then had to reorganize to free up space in the shelving in the basement for the bin.
There were various clipping I saved from newspapers and magasines and other assorted sources. I started a storage box for those some time ago and stored it in the bedroom closet. I retrieved it and added the cubby clippings. I grabbed an empty storage box for the floor protectors found in the cubby. This lead to combing the various drawers to collect all the other floor protectors stored there.
In between going upstairs and downstairs to deal with the assorted items in the cubby, I took breaks and worked on the squares for the afghan. Of course finishing one lead to blocking it and the other squares previously finished.
On one trip upstairs, I saw that the laundry basket was full, so down to the basement it went on a trip down with something else. I started the laundry and of course each trip down to move clothes from the washer to the dryer meant I moved stuff on that trip. This included moving left over yarn from the afghan back to its storage bin in the basement and gathering yarn for the next upcoming projects.
It took all day to deal with a small amount of stuff. In the end, the oven got cleaned - on Saturday. Now I have to put the instruction manual away. That could take another whole day!
While I have not yet finished all the cleaning chores I have assigned to myself, I have made some progress on the knitting front.
All 20 squares for the afghan are complete. The last 5 are blocked and waiting to be sewn together. They will also be sewn to the previous 15. Then the border has to be added. I still have not worked out how I will finish it but I am strongly leaning towards an I-cord edge.
I held a blocking party.
The cardigan is still in progress. It is partially assembled, the button band is done and I am waiting to get buttons to complete the buttonhole band. I want to be sure I make the button holes the right size. Button buying entails a trip to Fabricland in Windsor. I don't yet feel up to it. But once I have buttons I can finish the assembly and add the collar.
Cody's vest is done.
I used a basic vest pattern from the Patons pattern book "Back to Basics". I made some modifications. I raised the v-neck. Hubby tells me that most v-neck patterns have the V too low. He likes them higher up on the chest. I followed his advice. I hope Cody agrees. I also made the arm scye wider so the shoulders are narrower. I like vests to end at the shirt sleeve seam. I think when the vest edging hangs over the top of the arm it just screams "home-made". I am trying to achieve a hand-made couture look.
I also added a cable up the front. I modified a cable pattern from the Knitting Stitch Bible. I think the cable adds decorative interest but is still very manly. I hope Cody agrees.
The yarn is Cascade - The Heathers 220. The colour is 2429 - Ireland. I purchased the yarn in Heather's basement. Heather's mother used to have a yarn store in Windsor. I believe the store closed when she received an unsolicited offer to purchase the building. It was too good to turn down. The yarn went into storage including all the yarn that had been ordered for the next season. Heather set up shelving in her basement for yarn. If you know Heather, you can make an appointment to go to her house and shop. As space opens up on the shelves, more boxes come out of storage.
When I block sweaters, I like to layer the pieces. I lay out the first sleeve and pin the piece out to size. I then pin the second sleeve on top of the first sleeve as all the details are already worked out. The fronts get put on top of the back for the same reasons. It takes a little longer to dry, but once the sweater is completed it will be double thickness when drying anyway each time it is washed.
Setting up the blocking this way also means less time bent over the bed laying out pieces. I can also assure all pieces that should be the same size are in fact the same size.
Because of the drying time, I had time to complete another entry - something made from novelty yarn. Meet Harvey Hedgehog.
I am in love with this guy. So much so that he is currently sitting on my coffee table. I am not ready to put him away with the other finished entries.
I saw the pattern in the Mary Maxim catalog. The pattern is Tinsel Hedgehog by King Cole and was free with the purchase of Tinsel Chunky Yarn. I had to have it so the next time I was London [Ontario] I stopped at the store and bought yarn to get the pattern. Now I knew that I was going to only need one ball of yarn to make one hedgehog for the Fair. I just cannot figure out why I came home with two balls. Maybe Harvey needs a Harriet?
The pattern also requires a small amount of DK yarn for the face, ears and feet. I used some left-over yarn from my odds and ends bin. I chose beige. I was tempted to use a lovely green but settled on beige as it was more realistic. Why a polyester tinsel hedgehog that is only inspired by a real hedgehog and is not a realistic portrayal in the least must be beige to be more realistic is one of those confusing conundrums that makes me, me I guess.
Hubby and I like to go to the movies at this time of year. It is part of our holiday traditions. Once I finished the afghan squares, I was out of movie theatre knitting. I knit while waiting for the movie to start. The lights are only dim and there is usually enough light to see what I am knitting. I will also knit through the movie if the project is simple enough. Legs of socks are my usual choice but any plain knitting will do. So I cast on the Levity Shawl. The first part is just garter stitch with increases every row. I am using a DK cotton and linen blend. I thought it would make a lovely summer shawl. The yarn is discontinued and I bought a lot of it from the Mary Maxim clearance room in the Paris [Ontario] store. My original plan was to over-dye the yarn with indigo. I have not gotten around to that and it is a lovely green on its own.
I can't seem to get the white balance right on my camera. The photo looks blue. I think it is the yellow light from the lamp I used to add light for the photo. It is again a very dull gray day outside.
I think it is time for a nap. Maybe that will help encourage Poindexter to leave.
P.S. We saw Joy, Star Wars - The Force Awakens and Brooklyn. We enjoyed them all very much.
I am not fully over the cold. I am left with a post Christmas cough and hoarse voice. It was touch and go whether we headed to my mother's place for Christmas Eve. On the 23rd I was doing the analysis. Well enough to go or sick enough to stay home. The final decision was made the morning of the 24th. I was still not completely well but if I was still a student, my mother would have sent me off to school.
Mother's checklist:
- no fever - check
- no vomiting - check
- able to stand upright - check
- able to breathe through nose - check
- able to speak - half a check
I have been discussing white Christmases with my co-workers and friends. We all loved them as children. We are nostalgic about them but as we age or have to travel we prefer the green ones. White Christmases are only for those who get to stay home for the holidays. We had to travel and were grateful for the lack of snow this year.
We arrived mid afternoon. It is a long drive and we left later than I liked but given my state of health, no packing or other preparation was done in advance. We managed not to forget anything important.
I tried to stay out of the way once there so not to infect anyone. I had my brother try on his sweater. It fits so no ripping back. Cody (my niece's boyfriend) arrived and I held up the back of the vest to him and decided it would fit.
The light was poor and I am tired of my poor photos. I did not feel up to playing with the camera settings so no photos of knitwear. Today is still too dark for decent photos so we will have to wait for photos of the knitwear.
Last year my sister decided we should have a new tradition which was continued this year. 11 adults and one child went for Christmas Day brunch at the Pillar and Post.
My first cousin twice removed is 10 and 1/2 months old. I took one look at her and realized my dilemma was over. All the girl categories and some other children's categories are now taken care of. Her mother and I had a discussion of what sweater would suit. Machine washable but not necessarily machine dryable; outdoor sweater, any colour but white. By the time next fall rolls around she will be a toddler and growing fast enough to fit the 2-4 year old size. I will size generously to ensure the sweater has a chance of being worn.
The food was excellent and solved so many of my food issues I hope we go again next year. I can't eat gluten or dairy; I limit meat intake and try to minimize sugar intake. Planning a meal that includes feeding me can be difficult when you are not used to dealing with food issues. The buffet works for everyone. My sister rounds up as many family members as possible and makes the advance reservations.
The dessert buffet included a vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free dessert. I was so thrilled to be able to have any dessert for a change, I ate two! It was one too many mind you and I paid for it later.
Christmas Day consisted of getting up in the morning, going out to eat, taking an afternoon nap, eating again (Christmas Eve leftovers) then going to bed early. There was a bit of visiting included somewhere in there. My memory of it is a little hazy as a few glasses of wine were consumed. (No driving was involved after imbibing.)
I managed not fight with anyone. I did not make anyone cry. I hope I did not infect anyone. It was a successful holiday.
Just in case you came here for photos, I have included a few of my mother's back yard. Enjoy.
Just for fun - some photos of my mother's dog. I love my mother's optimism. She went out and acquired a puppy for her 80th birthday.
Hope your Holidays went well and were better than expected. Knitting photos next week I promise.
Hi everyone - This is "Hubby" (not my real name) writing tonight. The photo is Tony's sweater. It is not blocked, but it's basted together ready for Tony to try on at Christmas. Not sure I understand all that, but I trust readers will.
Mary Jane is not up to blogging tonight. She's a bit under the weather - lying on the sofa - coughing, sneezing, blowing.... and knitting, of course. So good hubby that I am, I'm blogging for the first time.
So - tonight's post will be brief - In fact, it's over.
Nite all.
All week long I write the next post in my head. My insights are brilliant. I am funny and endearing. The photos are spectacular and exactly capture what I am trying to say. The lighting is perfect and the colours true.
Then on Sunday I sit down at the dining room table and stare at my laptop. I can't remember a single thing. The topics explored in my head on Monday are gone. The the fabulous sentences and phrases are a ghost of a dream. You remember you had them but they have completely faded away. I am blank. Instead, I write the first thought that comes to mind. Usually something from the last 24 hours if I am lucky. The photos are whatever I can structure on Sunday morning. The lighting sucks and the colours are some exotic shade banned from the colour wheel.
So sit back and enjoy some poor photography while I explore what I can extract from the faint tendrils of my formerly brilliant insights.
Back in the spring I had a plan for the summer. I was going to visit a different town or village in the County every Friday. I was going to be a Tourist in my own backyard. The plan was to have lunch at a restaurant never tried before. I was going to leisurely explore the shops and uniqueness that makes up each community. Like so many plans that are just good intentions, it did not happen.
On Friday I had the opportunity to head on over to Amherstburg. I had a 3 o'clock appointment. I decided to go early and explore Amherstburg. It might be December but it was not too late to start the summer plan. The day was warm after all.
I had lunch here.
I greatly enjoyed the gumbo soup and spinach salad. The building was a bar back in 1836. The historical sign on the building said it was called Bullocks Tavern. I don't know if it has been a bar for all of its 179 years. I like to think beer has been continuously dispensed from this location with generation after generation hanging out at the same "local". The patrons telling some johnny come lately that, "My great great great grandfather drank here. It is a family tradition."
The windows overlook the Detroit River and I was able to watch the ships pass by. Amherstburg has a lovely water front park. I love the seasonal decorations on the fountain.
The hydrants along the waterfront reflect the military heritage of the Town origins.
I explored some shops, the waterfront and made note of some other shops and restaurants I want to check out on my next tourist day in Amherstburg.
I worked on my brother's sweater over lunch and later. I cast off the two fronts on Saturday.
Again a lousy photo. I just did not want to take the time to uncurl and pin out the fronts so you could see the full pieces. Trust me, once you've seen one front,
you have seen all plain raglan sleeve fronts. I felt my time was better spent assembling the next afghan strip.
Five more squares to go. I am starting to worry about how to finish this baby. It is at least 5 feet long. That is going to be a lot of stitches to pick up not to mention the estimated 4 feet width. If I knit a few rows all around the edge I may need some more circular needles. I am starting to contemplate doing an i-cord edge. Only pick up stitches then the i-cord finishes off the edge nicely. The one row is all bind off.
My office Christmas Party was last night. That is part of the reason for the late posting today. Of course, it would not be a party with out knitting so I cast on the sleeve and headed out the door.
Dinner was lovely. Hubby and I enjoyed the comedian entertainer. I even tipped him afterwards for not hassling me for knitting during his performance.
Years ago Hubby and I visited Halifax while the Halifax Busker Festival was on. For us, the Festival was a happy coincidence. We wandered about the City enjoying the bits of the performances we saw while exploring the sights.
Hubby wanted to go to the casino. I find gambling boring. I work hard for everything I have and to sit putting money in a machine with nothing to show for it afterwards (I am not a lucky person) is not my idea of entertainment. I would rather knit. Knitting is endlessly entertaining and at the end you have socks, a sweater or some other useful article. I found some seating outside the Casino where I could knit and be out of any possible rain while I waited.
Turns out I was sitting in one of the busker venues. I was the only one there. The performer refused to perform at the specified time as there was only me - knitting away. That was okay, I was simply putting in time and knitting. I did not expect or need any other entertainment. Eventually a few other people sat down and the performer began his routine. That is when the hassling began. He insulted me for crocheting. I said it was knitting. He acted insulted that I was not paying full attention to him. He said he was not a TV. I calmly said as I looked him straight in the eye I knit without looking at my needles.
Now if the comments had been part of a very funny comedy routine I would have been quite happy to go along with the jokes. I would be the one laughing loudest. After all, my knitting has been part of my own comedy schtick for years. The worst part of the whole sorry episode in Halifax? The guy was not funny.
1.
I think I am totally losing it. My only thought today was that it was supposed to be sunny and I could finally get a photo shoot with my Doodler. So while I waited and waited for the sun to come out I knit. I completely forgot I started the laundry and needed to go for groceries. I knit and kept checking the weather app. Yesterday it said today would be sunny all day. At six this morning it said it would be sunny at 8 AM. At 8 it was 9 AM. At 9 it said 10 AM. Finally at 11 this morning it said 2:00 PM.
2. The result of all that knitting - look almost another square!
3.
If I am not careful I am going to forget to cook dinner.
4. At 2:00 PM the sun was out and I met Hubby at Sadler's Pond for photo of the Doodler. It was blocked and just waiting until someone else could operate the camera. Hubby is not much of a photographer so I set the camera on automatic and let him loose.
5. Hubby doesn't understand the concept of straight horizons but it was a nice picture of the shawl.
6. Close ups
7. To take the photos, I took off my coat, put on the shawl and closed it with a shawl pin. My Hubby looked at it and said, "So, that is what that is for!". It is whale bone and I bought it as a souvenir of my trip to Iceland a few years ago.
8. A few photos of Sadler's Pond. I like reflections.
9. I attended a craft show yesterday and bought another knitting bag. All knitters need more than 3 dozen right?
10. Progress on the sweater for my brother. I am doing both fronts at the same time. I know it takes a little more time but mentally it seems faster.
11. My ass is not as bad looking as I thought it was.
12. It is amazing how much knitting, dinner prep and dishwasher unloading you can accomplish while waiting for photos to download.
13. Timbit hockey players are unbelievably adorable. Watching them play is a lot like watching Weebles on skates except they fall down - alot - but get right back up. I asked Hubby if the jerseys are deliberately made too big to increase the adorableness. Apparently they don't come any smaller. Timbits players were the entertainment between the first and second periods of the 73's game on Tuesday. It was a lot more fun to watch than the new vehicle driving on the ice featured at previous games. That would only have been fun if the vehicle slid into the boards. The blue team had a goalie and 6 players. All on the ice at once. The red team had 5 players. One red kid realized there was no goalie so he stood in the crease so now it was 6 on 4.
I had qualms about children used as entertainment for adults. After talking with some parents and friends of parents with Timbit players, the kids don't view themselves that way. They are just thrilled to bits to be on the same ice as the 73's.
They tried so hard to play hockey. They fell down if they skated hard. They fell down if they changed direction. They fell down if they touched the puck. They ran into each other and fell down. It was a joy to watch their enthusiasm for the game.
13. Essex played Lakeshore on Tuesday. It was a great game. The end result was in doubt until Essex won.
