Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Flat

Klaralund sleeves are sewn together. I have to attach them to the body of the sweater. Rachel is on the ice forever, so I may just try it myself.

Back Lopi tote felted beautifully. It is the perfect shape, size and texture.

I started a cute little Yankee Knitter child's, sleeveless vest using some Schaefer, bright red, yummy, aran weight alpaca. The back is done and I have to cast on for the front. Lately I've been watching some old spy movies that are perfect for mindless knitting.

The house stuff is dragging because the weather has not been cooperating. Its been,muggy, stormy and plain yucky.

I have not done any sewing yet but ordered a nice dress and hopefully it will be OK for the Bar Mitzvah. My diet has its ups and downs.

Overall, I am making knitting progress, and just in one of those flat moods. This post is too boring to continue. Bye for now.
Wish for sunshine and blue skies.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Felting

Today is another day of waiting around for a contractor to appear. I just tossed the black lopi tote into the wash for felting. I have to finish seaming the Klaralund sleeves and then will need help with placing them properly on the body of the sweater. The shoulders flow into the V-neck. Clever construction, but I'm feeling spatially challenged. Rachel to the rescue.

Soon I have to start sewing the dress for the Bar Mitzvah. Hopefully my knitting motivation will spill over into my sewing life!

I have to fess up. I snitched a little PB last night. At least it was natural with no preservatives. Its so hard to change behaviors!
Maybe I should decide on a project that I pick up to work on when I get the urge to eat the wrong foods. Sabotaging myself is not a good thing. I'm going to give this some thought.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Elf Cap

I did return to Weight Watchers...one and a half days in. So far so good. Every minute that passes without snitching the Skippy is a good thing. Having the water bottle within reach is helping, as is aerobic gum chewing.

Last night I continued sewing together Klaralund and then scooted to Borders and bought "Simple Chic" by Jil Eaton. There are lots of cute, quick knits. In fact, I just finished the 'Elf Cap" using some purple Gedifra Donatella. Its adorable and took exactly one skein of the yarn using size 13 needles. Good use for stash yarn.

Back to the Black Lopi Tote and a cup of blueberry coffee, with non-fat H&H!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Assembly of the Noros

I did it! Rachel showed me her seaming technique and I completed the "Tista" sweater. She delivered it this morning to Eva's daddy who is also Rachel's coach. He absolutely loved it and could not wait to bring it home. It felt so good to finally complete a garment and have it so well received. My motivation is back. Tonight I've been sewing together my "Klaralund." I am a Noro fanatic.

The pups finally had a good time running around in the backyard. They've been restricted due to all the construction debris in the yard, as well as the horrible heat. They rediscovered all their favorite spots and smelled so good from sunshine and grass.

Tomorrow I hope to do some sewing, run a few errands and maybe consider officially rejoining WW.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Knitting progress

I actually finished knitting a baby sweater yesterday. Rachel offered to sew it together, or at least show me her technique. The "Tista" pattern is from a recent Noro book. I used Noro Blossom and Kureyon in combination. The colors are not typically used for a little person - beiges, browns, oranges, purples and specks of green, but this little girl is one classy child and her parents are very fashion savvy.

I also have a black Lopi tote going that will need to be felted. I comp'eted a Noro Kureyon, "Klaralund" sweater for myself in a pretty, vibrant blue colorway. Again, I need Rachel's assembly assistance.

Off to an afternoon barbecue.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

At Peace

Frank is at peace. His funeral was a wonderful celebration of his life. The day was glorious. The church was comfy, family and true friends paid tribute to a beautiful man. He was laid to rest in the church cemetary. Frank is less then a mile from his home so we can easily go visit him anytime....especially when we all need some fixing!

I'm in the mood to knit again.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

How ?

How do I adjust to a world without Frank? How does anybody? He passed away last night about 10PM. Frank gave that damn melanoma a brutal fight. Frank has never been weak. I just hope he did not hurt. That would be too unbearable. I'm so glad Stanley my white poodle pup was there for me to cuddle with. Animals know just the right thing to do. Stanley met Frank a few months ago and the two hit it off. This man was so absolutely wonderful in every way. Frank's family too...just amazing people. He really isn't gone and will always be in my heart.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Tough Week

Its been a chaotic, worrisome week. Finishing up the house repairs is always a pain. Everyone is on edge and wants to be done. One of the pups became ill with a severe GI bug which required two nights at the vet. Rachel is flying home from NC tomorrow. Hopefully that will not be too nuts for her. Frank is being kept comfortable.

This world needs to return to a simpler, less chaotic life with no gadgets..except of course knitting needles.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

It can't be happening

Frank went into hospice yesterday. They found more brain mets, no doubt the melanoma spreading rapidly. I can't pretend its not happening, it is. We all privately knew it would. Its too difficult to fathom. But, I have no choice. Frank will not turn the corner and come home now. I don't want him to hurt.

Back from Lake Placid. This competition in reality is definitely not a "championship event". It should be called a "Season Opener Critique," for all the teams planning to enter the qualifying events that could determine if they go to US Nationals in January. Judging is inconsistent, not all the teams compete at all the events, the new system is still in its infancy and rule changes are slapped on about 45 seconds before the teams skate. There are always emotional highs and lows and its awfully expensive to be put through this ringer. Despite it all, LP is a ritual and considered a requirement in the sport of ice dance...well I think its a sport??

Rachel went to NC for a change of scenery. Kevin is around, sort of...maybe skating, maybe going to visit his friend in MD. They both needed a break from skating and each other.

I went to Adirondack Yarns in LP. Saw Susan and marveled at how beautiful her shop is. A few of the moms and grandmoms frequented the shop during competition down time. I bought the Berrocco tank pattern that Rachel wanted.

Today Main Skein is hosting a charity knit out. I may go. It might be good for me.