Use It Before You Lose It

Party. Hard work done. Garage sale was a success. Reward for sore muscles and a job well done. The house is open to party until they come to evict me... open invitation.

In Honor of The Royal Wedding

Randy-honoring royalty. Fetching. Enough said.

John Sews!

I am blessed with the family I married. that was not a mistake. John and Roxanne are my BIL and SIL from Michigan. Their daughter Kim recently transferred to my neighborhood with her job at Trader Joe's.

So, BIL and SIL drove out to see her and spent a month at my house. That was a jam packed, hard working, whirlwind of fun- month. The best room mates I have ever had. Easy to wake up to every day. I miss them.

This is John sewing the placket along the electric pool cover that ripped last summer and remained torn until BIL tackled the big, back breaking job. This saved approximately 2k that Poolsafe would have charged me to repair it.

This is one job on a long list of deferred maintenance that John addressed, with the help of Roxanne and I. The list grew long, while one thing lead to another, as we discovered more neglected chores.

There are not enough thank yous in the world to express my gratitude. Shout out to the best in laws on earth. Bar none. THANK YOU!

Seeking Balance

I am a known knitter. I pursue it passionately enough that I suffer knitting related injuries to my upper body. I sleep in rigid wrist braces, I do warm up exercises with my hands and arms, and I knit through the pain, most days. Knitlete, as opposed to athlete.

It is a sedentary activity by definition. That is debatable based on my injuries and the heart-rate increase that surges through me as I experience the creative process of knitting. Most would argue that it is definitely not aerobic!

I have been turning to food and wine the past couple of years as a comfort and the pounds are creeping up. I have contemplated an exercise program many times while I nosh and watch episodes of the Biggest Loser. I would love to be on that show if they never revealed how much you weigh?! Is that too much to ask?

I used to go to the gym and have a trainer and do pool aerobics. I have always been big, but fit. Now, age and menopause have been factored into the equation. I decided to try to put fitness back on the to-do list. A 5k has been on my bucket list. So is a 10k. The future bucket list.

I saw a banner for the 20th run of the Encinitas 5k and mentioned it to my Breakfast Club (do you sense an eating theme here?) They got behind me in a big way and we all registered and Saturday it happened. We each ran/walked an individual race. I had a goal to finish ahead of the handicapped and set a baseline time to beat in the future. Karen wanted to make it through the course w/o falling and beat the man with a cane. Kathy wanted to run it. Ellen and Kathleen set a good pace and powered through.

Now, I am on line looking for the next one. 3-4 times a year is the pace I want to set, with a better time each race. I am trying to beat my self each time. Better than letting life beat me. I will knit on and walk toward the finish line. I am not able to do both unfortunately. I know some can- good for them. I should put that on my bucket list!

Easter Feaster

My soon to be ex thinks I party all of the time. I do love to set the table and put out a spread. This is a handful of the faithful friends and family that gather around my table every now and then. This happened to be the Easter Feast. It is always a collaborative effort when it comes to the feast. Heike is taking the photo- so I am actually in there. Rare shot. These are 15 very precious people. Thank you my fellow party animals. You make my world a better place and I am grateful.

When I Need An Escape

When I need to escape the voices in my head that contemplate despair, murder, suicide, love, loss and life in general; I read a book. I like to hold a book in my hand. I do not like to listen to a book. I do not have an electronic reader- so I cannot truly chime in on that debate. But, I can say- I love to read and I encourage you all to remember the thrill of escaping into a story in your head that is all yours. Your interpretation. It is second only to knitting for me. Books and Knitting= Peace....

Princess Promotes Handknits

I know there are shawl skeptics out there. Amongst my own knitting group of Knitwits, there are ladies that think they are unfashionable and difficult to wear. Well, take a look at Kate. I also need to point out that this is a variation on the Jane Eyre shawl featured on this very blog. I loved it when I saw it in the movie and I love it on Kate. Soon- I will love wearing my very own version. I will not look this hot. But I will wear it the same way. Long sleeved white T and jeans. Flats and a wig! She is gorgeous and she is promoting the knitting world by wearing this wrap. Carry on, Kate.

When I Need An Escape

When I need to escape the voices in my head that contemplate despair, murder, suicide, love, loss and life in general; I read a book. I like to hold a book in my hand. I do not like to listen to a book. I do not have an electronic reader- so I cannot truly chime in on that debate. But, I can say- I love to read and I encourage you all to remember the thrill of escaping into a story in your head that is all yours. Your interpretation. It is second only to knitting for me. Books and Knitting= Peace....

Princess Promotes Handknits

I know there are shawl skeptics out there. Amongst my own knitting group of Knitwits, there are ladies that think they are unfashionable and difficult to wear. Well, take a look at Kate. I also need to point out that this is a variation on the Jane Eyre shawl featured on this very blog. I loved it when I saw it in the movie and I love it on Kate. Soon- I will love wearing my very own version. I will not look this hot. But I will wear it the same way. Long sleeved white T and jeans. Flats and a wig! She is gorgeous and she is promoting the knitting world by wearing this wrap. Carry on, Kate.

Garage Sale Inspires Art

After a stunning garage sale last week- I saw this and thought about all of those old suitcases I sold! Keep your eyes open and think outside of the box (literally). Carry on seating?? Have a great day my friends.

Vogue Knitting Live!

Vogue Knitting Live!


Please click on this link and learn about Vogue knitting Live!
It is too close to us for the local knitters of San Diego to ignore.
This is the opportunity you have been waiting for. The Rock Stars of knitting will be in SoCal.
Let's get a team of Knitwits and GO!!!
Please think about it- I am going to make it happen for myself and will welcome some roommates.

A Trick We Knitters "Needle" To Know

Tutorial: Magic Loop

If you're looking for an alternate way to work small-circumference projects without having to turn to awkward double-points, then this tutorial is for you! This method of working in the round uses one long circular needle, ideally, one with a very flexible cable. It is very similar to working with two circular needles. However, many knitters prefer it to working with two needles because it eliminates the distracting loose ends of the second circular needle. Once you master this technique, it's a great solution when working on small-circumference projects.

Cast on or pick up the required number of stitches onto a 29-inch, or longer, circular needle. Slide the stitches to the cable portion of the needle. Pinch the cable in half as shown below; then pull to create a large loop. Arrange half the stitches on one needle tip and half on the other.

Step 1

Follow these three easy steps.

Step 1: The photo below shows how your stitches should look after you have distributed them on the two parts of the needle. The points of the needle and the "tail" from the cast-on row face to the right, and the cables are on your left.

Step 2

Step 2: The next step, as shown below, illustrates how to begin working your first round. Hold the needle in your left hand, and pull out the needle that holds the "tail" end; the stitches that were on the needle point are now resting on the cable. Begin working the stitches that are still on the opposite needle point as if you were working them on straight needles.

Step 3

Step 3: At the end of the row, simply turn the work around and reposition the stitches as shown. Once again, the needles are pointing to the right, and the cable loop is to the left.

Step 4

Continue to work in this manner until desired length is reached.

The example below shows how the work will appear on the needle as it gets longer.

Here is a Pattern to Delight the Kiddos

Kristen Cap & Sockies

This delightful duo features accent picot edging and contrasting yarns, creating eye-catching results.

Designs by Patti Pierce Stone

Sizes

Hat and socks instructions fit infant/toddler's sizes 0-3 (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18) months to fit infant's shoe size 1 (3, 4, 5, 8) Instructions are given for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. When only 1 number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Finished Measurement

Hat circumference: 13 1/2 (14 1/4, 15, 15 3/4, 16 1/2) inches

Materials

• Tahki • Stacy Charles Cotton Classic (DK weight; 100% mercerized cotton; 108 yds/50g per skein): 1 (2, 2, 2, 3) skeins lavender #3936 (MC) and 1 skein white #3001 (CC)
• Size 3 (3.25mm) 24-inch circular needle and spare needle (of any sort) or size needed to obtain gauge [socks]
• Size 4 (3.5mm) 29-inch (or longer) circular needle and spare needle (of any sort) [hat and socks]
• Size 6 (4mm) 29-inch (or longer) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge [hat]
• Size E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers, 1 in CC for beg of rnd

Gauge

Hat: 22 sts and 28 rnds = 4 inches/10cm in St st using size 6 needle.

Socks: 23 sts and 29 rnds = 4 inches/10cm in St st using size 3 needle.

To save time, take time to check gauge.

Special Technique

Provisional Cast-On: With crochet hook and waste yarn, make a chain several sts longer than desired cast on. With knitting needle and project yarn, pick up indicated number of sts in the "bumps" on back of chain. When indicated in pattern, "unzip" the crochet chain to free live sts.

Pattern Notes

The patterns for both the hat and the socks are written so that the project is knit on one circular needle using the magic-loop method. You can opt to work on double-pointed or 2 circular needles.

The socks are worked from the top down with a picot hem, semi-wrapped short-row heel and wedge toe.

When working the semi-wrapped short-row heel, slip first stitch of each row purlwise with yarn in back.

Hat

Picot Hem

Using Provisional Cast-On method, smaller hat needle and MC, cast on 72 (76, 80, 84, 88) sts; distribute sts as for magic-loop method; place marker for beg of rnd and join, being careful not to twist sts.

Knit 6 rnds.

Turning rnd: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, end yo, knit last st on rnd tog with first st on next rnd.

Knit 6 rnds.

Join hem: **Unzip waste yarn from approx 25 percent of Provisional Cast-On sts; slip live sts to spare needle the same size as main needle; holding the 2 needles parallel with RS of fabric facing and using larger needle and CC, *knit tog 1 st from each needle, yo; rep from * to last st on spare needle, then rep from ** until all cast-on sts are used up. Slip first st of next rnd to RH needle so that next rnd beg with yo -- 144 (152, 160, 168, 176) sts.

Next rnd: P2tog around, cut CC -- 72 (76, 80, 84, 88) sts.

Body

With MC and larger needle, knit every rnd until hat measures 2 (3, 3 1/4, 3 3/4, 3 3/4) inches from picot edge, or 2 (2 1/4, 2 1/2, 2 1/2, 2 3/4) inches short of desired length.

Crown

Note: On following rnd place markers following each dec.

Rnd 1 (0-3 months): [K12, k3tog, k12, k2tog] twice, k12, k2tog -- 65 sts.

Rnd 1 (3-6 months): K13, k3tog, [k13, k2tog] 4 times -- 70 sts.

Rnd 1 (6-9 months): [K14, k2tog] 5 times -- 75 sts.

Rnd 1 (9-12 months): [K14, k3tog] 4 times, k14, k2tog -- 75 sts.

Rnd 1 (12-18 months): [K15, k2tog, k15, k3tog] twice, k15, k3tog -- 80 sts.

Rnd 2: Knit.

Dec rnd: Slipping markers, *knit to 2 sts before marker, p2tog; rep from * around -- 60 (65, 70, 70, 75) sts.

Rep Dec rnd [every other rnd] 8 times, then every rnd until 20 sts rem.

Last rnd: K2tog around -- 10 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread tail through rem sts, and pull tight. Secure on WS.

Earflaps

Earflaps are worked flat over 12 sts on opposite sides of the hat.

With RS facing and using larger needle, count 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts to the left from center back of hat (at cast on tail). Place marker or piece of waste yarn, so the placement can be seen from the inside of the hat. Rep, working to the right from the center back marker. This notes the placement of the ear flaps.

Turn hat inside out.

With larger hat needle, beg at the left marker, pick up 12 sts in the back side of sts in the picot joining row, working toward the front of the hat. Attach MC.

Rows 1, 3, 5 (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 2 (RS): Knit to last 2 sts, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 4: K3, [yo, ssk, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 6: K3, [k2tog, yo, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 7: Rep Row 1.

Rows 8-13: Rep Rows 4-7, then Rows 4 and 5.

Row 14: K3, [k2tog, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 10 sts.

Row 15: Rep Row 1.

Row 16: K3, ssk, k2tog, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 8 sts.

Row 17: K2, p2tog, p2tog-tbl, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 6 sts.

Row 18: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 -- 4 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

With RS facing and using tapestry needle, thread tail through rem sts from right to left; secure to WS of edge.

Weave in all ends.

Make another earflap, beg at the marker on the opposite side of the hat.

Twisted Cord

Make 2

Cut 2 strands 3 yds long (or approx 6 times desired length). Fold in half, tie ends tog with a loose overhand knot and secure folded end to a stationary object.

Twist yarn until it begins to double back on itself. Fold in half again with both ends tog and allow to twist up on itself.

Cut to desired length (if necessary) and knot the ends to secure.

Sew 1 end to each earflap.

Crocheted Flower

Make 3

Rnd 1: With CC, ch 2. Work 9 sc in 2nd ch from hook; sl st in top of first sc to join. Cut CC.

Rnd 2: Attach MC in the top of any st, [ch 4, skip next st, sl st in the top of the next st] 4 times, ch 4, sl st in top of the first sl st to join.

Rnd 3: *3 hdc in next ch-4 sp, sl st in top of next sl st; rep from * around.

Cut MC. Weave in all ends. Sew 1 flower to top of hat and other 2 flowers to ends of cord.

Sockies

Picot Border

Using Provisional Cast-On method, smaller sock needle and MC, cast on 24 (26, 28, 32, 34) sts, distribute sts evenly as for magic-loop method (heel sts on first needle tip, instep sts on 2nd needle tip); place marker for beg of rnd and join, being careful not to twist sts.

Knit 4 rnds.

Turning rnd: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, end yo, knit last st on rnd tog with first st on next rnd.

Knit 4 rnds.

Join hem: **Unzip waste yarn from approx 25 percent of Provisional Cast-On sts; slip live sts to spare needle the same size as main needle; holding the 2 needles parallel with RS of fabric facing and using larger needle and CC, *knit tog 1 st from each needle, yo; rep from * to last st on dpn, then rep from ** until all cast on sts are used up. Slip first st of next rnd to RH needle so that next rnd beg with yo.

Next rnd: P2tog around, cut CC -- 24 (26, 28, 32, 34) sts.

Leg

With MC and larger needle, work in St st until piece measures 2 (2 1/4, 2 1/2, 2 3/4, 3) inches from picot edge or to desired length to top of heel. Cut MC.

Semi-Wrapped Short-Row Heel

Note: Short rows are worked back and forth on heel sts only.

Row 1: Join CC and knit across heel sts, turn.

Row 2: Sl 1, purl to last st, k1, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1, k10 (11, 12, 14, 15), turn.

Row 4: Sl 1, p8 (9, 10, 12, 13), k1, turn.

Row 5: Sl 1, k8 (9, 10, 12, 13), turn.

Row 6: Sl 1, p6 (7, 8, 10, 11), k1, turn.

Row 7: Sl 1, k6 (7, 8, 10, 11), turn.

Row 8: Sl 1, p4 (5, 6, 8, 9), k1, turn.

Continue with Heel Turn.

Sizes 9-12 & 12-18 months only

Row 9: Sl 1, k8 (9), turn.

Row 10: Sl 1, p6 (7), k1, turn.

Continue with Heel Turn.

Heel Turn

Row 1: Sl 1, k5 (6, 7, 7, 8); insert the tip of the LH needle into the purl bump at the edge of the RH previous row and k2tog-tbl with next st, turn.

Row 2: Sl 1, p6 (7, 8, 8, 9); insert the tip of the LH needle into the purl bump at the edge of the RH previous row and p2tog with next st, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1, k7 (8, 9, 9, 10); pick up the purl bump as before (this one, and all the rest, will be 2 rows down) and k2tog-tbl with next st, turn.

Row 4: Sl 1, p8 (9, 10, 10, 11); pick up the purl bump and p2tog, turn.

Row 5: Sl 1, k9 (10, 11, 11, 12); pick up the purl bump and k2tog-tbl; turn.

Continue in this manner until all heel sts have been worked.

Last heel row: Sl 1, knit across heel sts; pick up running thread between very first heel st and first instep st and place on LH needle; pick up the purl bump from the last st on the heel rnd (now 2 rows below) and place on LH needle; knit running thread and the purl bump tog tbl. Cut CC.

Joining rnd: With MC, knit across instep sts; with RH needle, pick up running thread between last instep st and first heel st; pick up the purl bump from the first heel st on the rnd (now 2 rows below) and place on RH needle; work running thread and the purl bump tog as ssk; knit across heel sts -- 26 (28, 30, 34, 36) sts distributed as follows: 12 (13, 14, 16, 17) instep sts; 14 (15, 16, 18, 19) heel/sole sts.

Foot

Work in St st until foot measures 4 (4 1/2, 5, 5 1/2, 6) inches from back of heel or 3/4 (3/4, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1/4) inches short of desired length. Cut MC.

Toe

Rnd 1: With CC, work both instep and sole sts as follows: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 -- 22 (24 26, 30, 32) sts.

Rnd 2: Knit around.

Rep Rnds 1 and 2 until 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) instep sts and 8 (9, 10, 10, 11) sole sts rem.

Last rnd: Instep sts: knit across; sole sts: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 -- 12 (14, 16, 16, 18) sts.

Weave toe sts tog using Kitchener st (see inset below).

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block as desired.

Kitchener Stitch This method of grafting with two needles is used for the toes of socks and flat seams. To graft the edges together and form an unbroken line of stockinette stitch, divide all stitches evenly onto two knitting needles -- one behind the other. Thread yarn into tapestry needle. Hold needles with wrong sides of fabric together and work from right to left as follows: Step 1: Insert tapestry needle into first stitch on front needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch, leaving stitch on knitting needle. Step 2: Insert tapestry needle into the first stitch on the back needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch and slip stitch off knitting needle. Step 3: Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on same (back) needle as if to knit, leaving stitch on knitting needle. Step 4: Insert tapestry needle into the first stitch on the front needle as if to knit. Draw yarn through stitch and slip stitch off knitting needle. Step 5: Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on same (front) needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch, leaving stitch on knitting needle. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until one stitch is left on each needle. Then, repeat Steps 2 and 4. Fasten off. Grafted stitches should be the same size as the adjacent knitted stitches.

Copyright © 2009 Tops & Toes, House of White Birches. All rights reserved

My Baby is 19 Today

My son is having a birthday! Love to you dude.