Junebug

My Malabrigo Junebug mittens are complete. Love the top down construction. You can find the pattern at Yarngear. Thank you so much Meilynne for such a great pattern.

Afflicted

Sir-Crazy: refers to anyone that becomes restless from being stuck in one place too long.

Restless legs: characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.

Chain-Cast-on-er: the act of repeatedly beginning new projects in quick succession without nearing completion on any previous projects.


Whatever sort of “fever” it is, I can’t seem to stick with just one project.
In less than a weeks time.


I’ve cast-on 3 bags. One is finished.


I've cast-on and frogged and cast-on again for a pair of socks.
Then last night I cast-on another sock. Now there are 3, none are finished.


I've cast-on a pair of top down mittens. None are finished.

I’ve got two pairs of the Norwegian Devon Mittens. Neither is finished.




It may seem like I’m complaining but really I’m as happy as MacOban first thing in the morning when you roll out of bed, place your feet on the floor and head downstairs to fill his food dish. If I were resisting this urge to start new things I’d feel stifled and irritated working on larger projects that were of less interest.

SO rest assured that I am blissful in my affliction.

Mittens in June?

Can Mittens in May be extended to Mittens in June? I'm just having so much fun knitting mittens and although I've finished the 2 pairs required for the challenge I'm not ready to stop my mitten-knitten.

Get off the table Mabel

Yesterday was an ideal vacation day. Dad and The Boyfriend have gone to fishing camp this weekend, which is a whole story unto itself.
So I’ve moved in with Mum and the kittens for almost a week. Thursday night we watched a Rob Lowe miniseries for six hours. We agreed it was not the most spectacularly cast production ever, but yet we continued to watch hour after hour of it. While we watched, I finished up the 2nd pair of Mittens in May. The stitch pattern seemed simple enough but I think stopping and starting caused me to loose my place more than I would’ve liked.

Yesterday, after just 5 hours sleep we got up and got ready. Then it was off for a day of shopping. I got some black strapy sandals and an amazing replica of the Rockland Breakwater. I saw it and knew it was coming home with me. It might be a gift for someone else or we may keep it. I spent a lot of my hour school mornings-afternoons-evenings on The Breakwater.

The car was full by 3pm when we made our last stop at the new pet store and coffee house. Not to say that it was combined into one store, just that those were the last two stops on our shopping trip. More on the pet shop later. We headed home to check on the kittens before going to my Memere’s (grandmother) for dinner.

This is a momentous occasion. Let me explain, I have one of the best cooks in the world for a grandmother. You know, she uses the “real” ingredients, nothing low fat or sugar free (mind you, she’s nearing her eighth decade and fit as a fiddle). Memere loves everyone with food, always has. And we love her for it. Her chicken stew is world renowned. Growing up, every time I saw her, chicken stew was involved. So imagine her dismay 6 years ago when I explained that I wouldn’t eat anything with a face. She kept on cooking great deserts but couldn’t have her oldest granddaughter or grandson (as she calls The Boyfriend) over for a meal. For someone who loves you with food this is a big deal.

Fast forward to last night, my mother, my AP, my Memere and myself had dinner together. Memere planned a fantastic meal, deviled eggs, tomato and rice soup, American chop suey sans hamburger, and a delicious baked eggplant dish. Along with the banana rum and ice tea it couldn’t have been more perfect. We laughed and laughed until we cried. The atmosphere was just right and I felt a wonderful connect to the other women in my family. They tolerated my knitting and I joined in as we sang some of the songs from their childhood, including one about shaking my peaches.

Knitting to the Music of Life

Another weekend, another trip to Webs.
We went, we saw, we shopped.
Welcome to Mecca take 2
Whatever I call it, it was another fun filled trip to the yarn capital of New England.

We all piled into Title Pam’s van and hit the road early on Friday. Vans are loud. Did you realize this? We did not. In fact I think it surprised us all how limited the conversation was. Talk to the person next to you or ride in silence since music didn’t seem to be an option. The rain did not make for easy driving and we were all thankful for Pam’s quiet determination to get us to our destination. I did a little knitting on the 3rd pair of Mittens in May.

Upon arrival we did the roommate assignment. The kid in me had been thinking of this a grand adventure including a slumber party. If only we didn’t have to split up into separate rooms. We hit the mall and had a late dinner. Then back to the room for some refreshments and knitting. The atmosphere was not what I had expected. Instead of bonding and giggling we talked and were somewhat subdued. I am not complaining, merely stating the obvious…Miss Obvious here…”it’s hot in here!”

No seriously, it surprised me. The sociologist in me wonders why things did not go as I planned. I know we were all anxious and looking forward to the trip. I know that each of these women has a great personality and I would enjoy an evening with any one of them. But somehow, in a large group, after riding for 3 hours we were less than animated.

The only other group this large that I spend an extended period of time with is my maternal family. I have often seen an afternoon fall flat on its face as everyone gathers together with jubilation which crumbles piece by piece as each individual is forced to make compromises for “the group” sake and their personal preferences are overridden by the social pressure to comply or be left out. And as we are all fairly new friends (having known each other for fewer than 9 months and in some cases less than 2) I think we were all feeling the pressure. Based on family experience I find it’s best if we all have a clear expectation of what’s going to happen and do not deviate too far. That way we’re all prepared to make the necessary concessions and do not feel the disappointment when others do not wish to follow the same game plan we are. But enough scholarly analyzing, let’s talk yarn.

Breakfast was a quick event and then we made our way to Webs via Starbucks, a much appreciated detour on my part.

I’m filled with warmth as I recall the hours spent wondering through the isles of wool, alpaca, wool, cotton, alpaca, and more alpaca. I found a great joy in shopping with my companions as opposed to running off on my own as I typically do since I have very specific interests (alpaca) and limited time (about 3 hours). Heather and I discussed Malibrigo, always a favorite. Pam and I discovered a lovely yarn, Buckingham Baby Alpaca, and that we could easily share some Araucania Limari. I laughed as Kara gorged on sweater yarn (reassuring us that she wouldn’t have to buy yarn again for years), much the same as many of us had on our February trip. And best of all…the highlight of the day…I got to spend someone else’s money on yarn! Who knew this could be so much fun. Lisa and I searched high and low for the perfect content and colored yarns for her next two sweaters. I know I will enjoy watching their creation as if I were knitting them. I helped develop them and would not have made different selections had I been knitting for myself.

On the ride home I took the reins, and everyone’s Ipods. Knowing that we had another 3 hours with limited conversation and quiet a few of us were running on less than ideal quantities of sleep, I decided it would be best if I acted as DJ. I didn’t want Pam to be left driving a van full of sleeping people. Imposing my will and not allowing for any type of compromise may have been irritating to some but I pleased the driver which was my way of thanking her for leading us on our grand adventure. Because in the end it’s about enjoying yourself and knitting to the music of life.

Things I learned from this trip.

• Have clearly laid plans that everyone is aware of prior to departure


• Choose transportation that encourages inclusion not isolation


• Relax and have fun, do not worry too much about other’s happiness.

There is only so much wool

There is only so much wool and so many sheep that one person can look at before they all start to look the same. And then they lose all interest. We did enjoy watching the herding demonstration by 5 Border Collies and 8 sheep. They are amazing little dogs.

I did get some lovely green-yellow wool boucle yarn. I had the Clapotis in mind when I picked it up. My color pallet is usually purples and pinks but then I don’t wear purples and pinks so I tried to select a color that matched my wardrobe but was not necessarily the most visually pleasing.

Sunday we decided to take a ride to Mt. Chicora so The Boyfriend could run in the woods while I did some more knitting. From the beginning of the day it was clear to both of us that I belong where civilization is just a shout away. Much of the ten minute ride over dirt roads to the base of the mountain was spent with nervous alpaca impersonations. We are a pair of goofs, driving along with my complaints mixed in with The Boyfriend demonstration of what my last comment would sound like if I were an alpaca. Laughing ensued which made the woods tolerable for a few minutes until I saw another dilapidated cabin or field and resumed my commentary on the distasteful attributes of the woods.

While chilling in the woods, I worked on my mittens of course and listened to Craftlit podcasts. I finished up the Tulips. And you’ll be happy to know I walked through the woods for over an hour. The only wildlife I encountered was a tick which held on to my sock for dear life.

Tulip

I woke up bright and early this morning. Why can’t this ever happen during the week? Today is the NH Sheep & Wool Festival. I’ve been looking forward to this since last fall when we went to Wool Day at Canterbury Village. So like a kid on Christmas morning I snuck downstairs full of anticipation. I started the coffee, popped two toast into the toaster and then turned to pack the knitting bag. AHHHH! I don’t have any fun projects on the needles. My excitement turned to dread as I envisioned the car ride knitting on a plain stockinet pattern or worse yet, not knitting at all!

Side note: last night we went to see Iron Man and as I did not have any simple portable projects, I didn’t knit. I felt anxious through the whole movie. I couldn’t relax; my foot jiggled the whole time. I don’t know when I last sat still for that long without needles in my hands. Years…at least 2, maybe 3. Most people sneak popcorn into the theater, I sneak my needles.

Subsequently, I did not enjoy the movie. The Boyfriend thought it was the best superhero movie he’d ever seen. This makes me rather sad as I am a big sci-fi fan.
To prevent any sort of knitting withdrawal today, I’ve decided to cast on Tulips which are the Herringbone Mittens by Elli. These colors remind me of the blossoms in my garden. I am aware of the brightness of these mittens, and would probably not wear them myself. I think a little Miss LT should be the recipient. We shall see.
Now that I’ve resolved this knitting crisis I can continue getting ready to go visit the sheep and alpacas! The Boyfriend is slightly less excited to see them but I think it’s his tough exterior. Deep down it’s like Christmas for him too.

Love the floor

I’m a little concerned over how happy a freshly washed floor makes me. I spent the last hour vacuuming and then washing the floors, chores that I typically dread and find somewhat useless as the floors will inevitably get dirty again. But then I look down the hallway as the light is reflected off the wood and marvel at how pretty it is. Am I the only one who ever feels like this? I’ll be content for the next few days sitting on my couch eyeing my floor and wondering why it doesn’t always look this way. While intoxicated off the beauty of my floors my fingers will of course be nibbly working their magic on more yards and yards of yarn. And then my attention will shift to my finished project and I’ll be awed at how beautiful that is. Unlike the floor, the project will not become soiled or require that I retrace my steps thus making it seem more rewarding than washing the floors. And by this time the floors will have cat and boy footprints dulling the surface and causing me to forget how pretty and shinny they can be until some future point in time when I’m feeling motivated to clean up.

Also Mac likes the floors.

The washer is running, yup fixed in about 20 minutes. Turns out felt is not what the doctored ordered. The water pump was jammed solid with “lint” as the repairman put it. I will have to cave and use the mesh bags for nylons or pillowcases next time. The mice are nearly dry and are awaiting their stuffing and bells.

And the 1st mitten of the Mittens in May Challenge is nearing completion. It’s my own Norwegian design, a mix of geometric patterns, hearts and hopefully something that will resemble a Devon Rex. Photos coming soon.

Success!

It’s official. Thank you Mice! I hate you!
Are you confused?

First there is success in the fact that did in fact knit 2.11 miles in April.

Second, the mice were the bulk of that knitting. It’s always nice to knit a small project that allows me to express my loud interior. I love the bright colors, the more intense the better.

Third…55 mice is a lot, right? You’re thinking, that’s crazy to knit that many mice. I didn’t feel crazy when they were flying off the needles, I was truly enjoying it. But now the sewing begins. Let me tell you, sewing in that many ends is a miserable process. I’m about half way through sewing them up.

What’s going on now?
I’m alternating the sewing with knitting up a DVD player case for NAZ. It’s army green Lopi yarn with some charcoal black stripes. It should be nice once it’s felted.

Today I cast on Light Fantastic from Knit Simple. I thought this airy looking tunic out of a mohair blend (Kidsilk Haze was recommended, I substituted Sublime for it’s nylon in place of silk) So I thought this would be a lovely light garment. I’ve cast on 37 stitches of the 155 required and am already disenchanted with this yarn. Perhaps it’s better to knit than cast on.

I’m about 5” into Lutea Lace Shoulder Shell with the new yarn. Berroco Nostalgia is a very nice yarn and my tension is much better than the first attempt with Patons Grace.

What’s the future hold?
The rest of May to be exact.

In addition to more knitting, there will of course be more cat showing. Tomorrow Nessa and I head to Concord. Hopefully she’ll get some more points towards her Grand Champion title. It’s funny, I’ve been to enough shows to know that 80% of the time it’s just sitting around talking, eating greasy food and looking for the next caffeine hit, either water downed soda or palatable coffee. 10% of the time it’s grooming and running Nessa from point A to point B. And the other 10% is the excitement of sitting in the ring, watching my girl, and waiting to hear the judges opinions. Hoping to get that coveted Best of breed with the potential to get called back for a Final. Of course I’ll be knitting while I’m waiting for the excitement.

I’m thinking of taking a hint from Mrs. Z and taking on the Mittens in May Challenge. I’m seeing two pairs of Norwegian Mittens something like this or this. One for me and one for? I could use some of my stashed wool. This would also help get me back in the swing of knitting with two colors so that I could some day pick up the Ivy League Vest again with confidence.

I’m also thinking of tackling some lace. I would see this as the Mace Challenge. I could use some of my Peruvian alpaca yarn that came directly from Peru in The Colonel’s suitcase. I’m seeing the Clapotis.

Please help me decide...Mittens in May or Mace?